Early stages of trachea healing process: (immuno/lectin) histochemical monitoring of selected markers and adhesion/growth-regulatory endogenous lectins.

Tracheotomy may be associated with numerous acute and chronic complications including extensive formation of granulation tissue. The emerging functional versatility of the adhesion/growth-regulatory galectins prompted us to perform a histochemical study of wound healing using rat trachea as model. By using non-cross-reactive antibodies and the labelled tissue lectins we addressed the issue of the presence and regulation of galectin reactivity during trachea wound healing. Beside localization of high-molecular-weight keratin, wide-spectrum cytokeratin, keratins 10 and 14, α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, fibronectin, and Sox-2, galectins -1, -2, and -3 and their reactivity profiles were measured in frozen sections of wounded and control trachea specimens 7, 14, and 28 days after trauma. A clear trend for decreased galectin-1 presence and increased reactivity for galectin-1 was revealed from day 7 to day 28. Sox-2-positive cells were present after seven days and found in the wound bed. Interestingly, several similarities were observed in comparison to skin wound healing including regulation of galectin-1 parameters.

[Low-dose corticosteroids and septic shock]. / Nízke dávky kortikoidov a septický sok.

INTRODUCTION: Severe sepsis is currently reported the commonest cause of deaths in non-surgical emergency department patients. The aim of the study was to establish degree of complicance with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the severe sepsis treatment, as a part of the "Surviving sepsis campaign". Furthermore, the authors aimed to assess success rates of corticosteroid administration, its effects on circulatory stabilization and to assess the healthcare professionals' awareness of the campaign. METHODOLOGY: The patients were assigned to three study groups (n = 103). The following parametres were assessed: complicance with the "resuscitation and management package", death rate and hydrocortisone administration. An anonymous questionnaire for the medical specialists in individual FNLP Kosice clinics was created. RESULTS: In the assessed group, the death rate decreased by 15.61% (p < 0.05) in 2006, compared to 2004. Administration of corticosteroids increased by 49.2% in 2006, compared to 2004, while the time interval between the onset of the septic shock symptoms and the catecholamine administration decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: Considering the reduction in the time interval between the onset of the septic shock symptoms and the catecholamine administration, and considering its established positive effects on circulation, it may be concluded that administration of low-dose hydrocortisone in the septic shock treatment is substantiated.