Does using artificial intelligence assistance accelerate skill decay and hinder skill development without performers' awareness?

Artificial intelligence in the workplace is becoming increasingly common. These tools are sometimes used to aid users in performing their task, for example, when an artificial intelligence tool assists a radiologist in their search for abnormalities in radiographic images. The use of artificial intelligence brings a wealth of benefits, such as increasing the efficiency and efficacy of performance. However, little research has been conducted to determine how the use of artificial intelligence assistants might affect the user's cognitive skills. In this theoretical perspective, we discuss how artificial intelligence assistants might accelerate skill decay among experts and hinder skill acquisition among learners. Further, we discuss how AI assistants might also prevent experts and learners from recognizing these deleterious effects. We then discuss the types of questions: use-inspired basic cognitive researchers, applied researchers, and computer science researchers should seek to answer. We conclude that multidisciplinary research from use-inspired basic cognitive research, domain-specific applied research, and technical research (e.g., human factors research, computer science research) is needed to (a) understand these potential consequences, (b) design artificial intelligence systems to mitigate these impacts, and (c) develop training and use protocols to prevent negative impacts on users' cognitive skills. Only by answering these questions from multidisciplinary perspectives can we harness the benefits of artificial intelligence in the workplace while preventing negative impacts on users' cognitive skills.

Predictive value of triglyceride/glucose index for cardiac outcomes in non-diabetic renal transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Insulin resistance (IR) is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) is a reliable marker of IR. No study has examined the impact of the TyG index on major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in RTRs. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the TyG index for MACCEs in RTRs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Non-diabetic patients undergoing renal transplantation were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to MACCE development. The cut-off value of the TyG index for MACCE was conducted. RESULTS: The mean age of 522 patients was 41 (31-51) years, and 349 (66.9%) were male. During the 5.4-year follow-up, 84 (16%) MACCE were recorded. TyG index was significantly higher in the group that developed MACCE (p < 0,001). Cox regression analysis revealed that TyG index [HR: 3.297 (1.228-8.855), p = 0.018], left ventricle ejection fraction [HR: 0.934 (0.900-0.968), p < 0.001], cadaveric transplantation [HR: 8.886 (4.764-16.576), p < 0.001], graft survey [HR: 0.608 (0.542-0.682), p < 0.001)], and smoking [HR: 1.965 (1.117-3.456), p = 0.019] were independent predictors of MACCEs in nondiabetic RTRs. CONCLUSION: TyG index is an independent predictor of MACCEs in non-diabetic RTRs. The widespread use of the TyG index may positively affect long-term treatment costs and survival.

Predator: Predicting the Impact of Cancer Somatic Mutations on Protein-Protein Interactions.

Since many biological processes are governed by protein-protein interactions, understanding which mutations lead to a disruption in these interactions is profoundly important for cancer research. Most of the existing methods focus on the stability of the protein without considering the specific effects of a mutation on its interactions with other proteins. Here, we focus on somatic mutations that appear on the interface regions of the protein and predict the interactions that would be affected by a mutation of interest. We build an ensemble model, Predator, that classifies the interface mutations as disruptive or nondisruptive based on the predicted effects of mutations on specific protein-protein interactions. We show that Predator outperforms existing approaches in literature in terms of prediction accuracy. We then apply Predator on various TCGA cancer cohorts and perform comprehensive analysis at cohort level, patient level, and gene level in determining the genes whose interface mutations tend to yield a disruption in its interactions. The predictions obtained by Predator shed light on interesting patterns on several genes for each cohort regarding their potential as cancer drivers. Our analyses further reveal that the identified genes and their frequently disrupted partners exhibit patterns of mutually exclusivity across cancer cohorts under study.

miR-223 Exerts Translational Control of Proatherogenic Genes in Macrophages.

BACKGROUND: A significant burden of atherosclerotic disease is driven by inflammation. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important factors driving and protecting from atherosclerosis. miR-223 regulates cholesterol metabolism and inflammation via targeting both cholesterol biosynthesis pathway and NFkB signaling pathways; however, its role in atherosclerosis has not been investigated. We hypothesize that miR-223 globally regulates core inflammatory pathways in macrophages in response to inflammatory and atherogenic stimuli thus limiting the progression of atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Loss of miR-223 in macrophages decreases Abca1 gene and protein expression as well as cholesterol efflux to apoA1 (Apolipoprotein A1) and enhances proinflammatory gene expression. In contrast, overexpression of miR-223 promotes the efflux of cholesterol and macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. These beneficial effects of miR-223 are dependent on its target gene, the transcription factor Sp3. Consistent with the antiatherogenic effects of miR-223 in vitro, mice receiving miR223-/- bone marrow exhibit increased plaque size, lipid content, and circulating inflammatory cytokines (ie, IL-1ß). Deficiency of miR-223 in bone marrow-derived cells also results in an increase in circulating pro-atherogenic cells (total monocytes and neutrophils) compared with control mice. Furthermore, the expression of miR-223 target gene (Sp3) and pro-inflammatory marker (Il-6) are enhanced whereas the expression of Abca1 and anti-inflammatory marker (Retnla) are reduced in aortic arches from mice lacking miR-223 in bone marrow-derived cells. In mice fed a high-cholesterol diet and in humans with unstable carotid atherosclerosis, the expression of miR-223 is increased. To further understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of miR-223 on atherosclerosis in vivo, we characterized global RNA translation profile of macrophages isolated from mice receiving wild-type or miR223-/- bone marrow. Using ribosome profiling, we reveal a notable upregulation of inflammatory signaling and lipid metabolism at the translation level but less significant at the transcription level. Analysis of upregulated genes at the translation level reveal an enrichment of miR-223-binding sites, confirming that miR-223 exerts significant changes in target genes in atherogenic macrophages via altering their translation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that miR-223 can protect against atherosclerosis by acting as a global regulator of RNA translation of cholesterol efflux and inflammation pathways.

Graft and Patient Survival in Kidney Transplant Recipients Over the Age of Sixty-Five.

INTRODUCTION: Elderly patients have increased morbidity and mortality compared to younger patients due to existing comorbid diseases and chronic immunosuppression. Therefore, the option of kidney transplantation for renal replacement therapy in elderly patients is still being controversial. Our aim in this study was to evaluate graft function, graft and patient survival, and associated factors in kidney transplant recipients over 65 years of age, at 11 years of follow-up. METHODS: The study included 53 patients aged 65-76 years, out of a total of 1319 patients who underwent live kidney transplantation in the Organ Transplant Center of Acibadem International Hospital between October 2010 and July 2021. Demographic characteristics and creatinine values were recorded. Graft survival rates and patient survival rates at one, three, and five years were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients, 14 female, 39 male, aged 65-76 years were included in the study. The follow-up period of the patients was 7-125 months. During the follow-up, 20 patients died. Graft loss occurred in two of 20 patients who died, and 18 patients died with working grafts. Graft loss developed in two of the 33 surviving patients. In the whole group, one-, three-, and five-year patient survival rates were 94%, 81%, and 76%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results emphasize that kidney transplantation is a viable treatment option in elderly patients who have been well evaluated before kidney transplantation.

Long-Term Outcomes of Left versus Right Laparoscopic Living Donor Nephrectomy with Multiple Renal Arteries.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the long-term graft outcomes of left-versus-right donor nephrectomy with multiple renal arteries (MRAs), and therefore creating a reference for the expansion of the potential living kidney donor pool. METHODS: Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy cases between May 2010 and October 2020 were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. The data relating to donor and recipient demographics, surgical and anatomical characteristics, recipient, and graft status were retrieved and compared using nonparametric statistical methods and multivariate regression. Analyses were fit for survival factors. RESULTS: A total of 1,009 recipients were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study with their donors. 16.7% of the donors had been discovered to have more than one renal artery supplying the donated kidney. The acute rejection rate was 12.8%. Death-censored graft survival at postoperative year 5 for single renal artery (SRA) transplants was 89.6%, 89.5% for left-sided MRAs, and 88.2% for right-sided ones. CONCLUSIONS: Both right donor nephrectomy and left donor nephrectomy are safe procedures with no significant negatively impacted rates for neither survival nor complications of the recipients in the long-term, compared to SRA ones.

Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes of Standard and Transvaginal Kidney Extraction in Laparoscopic Living Donor Nephrectomy.

Background: A limited number of publications are available in the literature regarding laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy with vaginal extraction (LLDN-VE) for kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to compare long-term recipient outcomes of standard laparoscopic living donor nephrectomy (S-LLDN) and LLDN-VE. Methods: A total of 652 patients [119 LLDN-VE (18.3%) and 533 S-LLDN (81.7%)] were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. The data related to donor and recipient demographics, surgical and anatomical characteristics, and recipient and graft status were retrieved and compared using nonparametric statistical methods. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were applied to compute survival according to the surgical technique. Results: The mean follow-up duration was 73.0 ± 25.4 months for S-LLDN and 69.8 ± 20.4 months for LLDN-VE recipients. The main determinants of long-term outcomes were the serum creatinine (SCr) levels, death-censored graft survival, and recipient survival at the end of the post-op 5th year. LLDN-VE recipients' discharge SCr was found to be statistically lower (P = .049) than S-LLDN patients. Graft survival rates censored for death were 93.8% for the S-LLDN and 93.3% for the LLDN-VE recipients. Cox regression analysis showed significance for younger donor age (P = .010) with the application of 17 parameters, indicating better graft survival outcomes for kidney recipients with younger donors. Conclusions: Compared with the standard method, the long-term results of LLDN-VE are in accordance with or could even be more advantageous than S-LLDN in certain aspects. LLDN-VE appears to be a feasible, safe, and cosmetically superior approach with no negative postoperative sexual or morbid effects on the donor.

Proteomic Analysis of Kidney Preservation Solutions Prior to Renal Transplantation.

One of the main issues in kidney transplantation is the optimal functional preservation of the organ until its transplantation into the appropriate recipient. Despite intensive efforts, the functional preservation period remains limited to hours. During this time, as a result of cellular injury, various proteins, peptides, and other molecules are released by the organ into the preservation medium. In this study, we used proteomic techniques to analyze the protein profiles of preservation solutions in which organs had been preserved prior to their transplantation. Samples were obtained from the preservation solutions of 25 deceased donor kidneys scheduled for transplantation. The protein profiles of the solutions were analyzed using 2D gel electrophoresis/MALDI-TOF and LC-MS/MS. We identified and quantified 206 proteins and peptides belonging to 139 different groups. Of these, 111 proteins groups were belonging to kidney tissues. This study used proteomic techniques to analyze the protein profiles of organ preservation solutions. These findings will contribute to the development of improved preservation solutions to effectively protect organs for transplantation.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Live Donor Nephrectomy: A Comparison of Conventional and Transvaginal Routes for Kidney Extraction.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic approach has become the standard procedure for living donor nephrectomy in many transplant centers. Because the conventional approach results in cosmetic problems and pain during laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy, transvaginal extraction of an intact kidney has been recently introduced as a minimally invasive technique. Here, we aimed to investigate whether transvaginal extraction of an intact kidney during laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy is associated with decreased postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, and morphine consumption. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective data analysis included a total of 27 female donors who underwent laparoscopic removal of a single kidney for living donor nephrectomy through conventional or transvaginal route. Data collected included age, body mass index, ASA scores, histocompatibility, additional medical disorders, peri- and postoperative complications, postoperative pain scores with visual analogue pain scores (VAS), length of postoperative stay, morphine consumption, degree of nausea and vomiting, level of sedation, and pruritus. RESULTS: No significant differences between the transvaginal and conventional groups were observed in VAS scores and morphine consumption at postoperative 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Although not reaching statistical significance, according to analysis of morphine consumption, there was a trend toward decreasing analgesic requirements in the transvaginal group at postoperative 12 and 24 hours. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of degree of nausea or vomiting, or length of postoperative hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that with a more desirable cosmetic result, transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-assisted living donor nephrectomy (TVNALDN) is a suitable new minimally invasive laparoscopic technique associated with reduced postoperative pain and analgesic requirements in select women.

Ultrasound/Laparoscopic Camera-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Renal Transplant Donors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The most common treatment modality for postoperative pain relief following laparoscopic surgery is multimodal, using nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID), opioids, and infiltration of local anesthetics. Because NSAIDs are nephrotoxic, local infiltration does not relieve deep tissue pain, and opioids have an adverse effects profile including pruritus, nausea, vomiting, oversedation, apnea, and decreased gastrointestinal motility. Therefore, the use of a regional analgesic technique can lead to an improved quality of recovery. The aim of this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effect of TAP block on postoperative verbal analog scale (VAS) scores and total morphine requirements in the first 24 hours after laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After obtaining approval from the hospital ethics committee and written informed consent from the patients, 49 ASA I-II patients undergoing laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, aged 18 years or over, were included in this prospective, randomized, controlled study. In this clinical trial patients were divided into 2 groups: TAP block group (group T) and placebo group (group P). The demographic variables, pain scores, morphine consumption, level of sedation, presence of postoperative nausea, vomiting, pruritus, and average length of postoperative stay were reviewed. RESULTS: The pain scores were significantly lower after TAP block with bupivacaine at most but not all time points. Patients receiving the TAP block with bupivacaine required less morphine up to 24 hours after surgery compared with the saline group. CONCLUSIONS: USG-guided TAP block as part of a balanced analgesia regimen is of benefit in reducing postoperative pain and morphine consumption after laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

The effect of melatonin on bacterial translocation following ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Acute mesenteric ischemia is a life-threatening vascular emergency resulting in tissue destruction due to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Melatonin, the primary hormone of the pineal gland, is a powerful scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including the hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals, as well as singlet oxygen, and nitric oxide. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether melatonin prevents harmful effects of superior mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion on intestinal tissues in rats. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into three groups, each having 10 animals. In group I, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was isolated but not occluded. In group II and group III, the SMA was occluded immediately distal to the aorta for 60 minutes. After that, the clamp was removed and the reperfusion period began. In group III, 30 minutes before the start of reperfusion, 10 mg/kg melatonin was administered intraperitonally. All animals were sacrified 24 hours after reperfusion. Tissue samples were collected to evaluate the I/R-induced intestinal injury and bacterial translocation (BT). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde levels and in the incidence of bacterial translocation in group II, along with a decrease in glutathione levels. These investigated parameters were found to be normalized in melatonin treated animals (group III). CONCLUSION: We conclude that melatonin prevents bacterial translocation while precluding the harmful effects of ischemia/reperfusion injury on intestinal tissues in a rat model of superior mesenteric artery occlusion.

Transvaginal route for kidney extraction in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare conventional laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy with transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-assisted living-donor nephrectomy in terms of feasibility and reproducibility. METHODS: A total of 115 consecutive female patients who underwent laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy (n=70) or transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-assisted living-donor nephrectomy (n=45) were included and compared in terms of operative characteristics, as well as donor and recipient outcomes. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy and transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-assisted living-donor nephrectomy groups in terms of mean duration of warm and cold ischemia, operation time, length of hospital stay, arterial anastomoses, visual analog scale pain scores, serum creatinine levels, and receiver outcomes, whereas a significantly higher number of venous anastomoses was noted in the laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy group than in the transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-assisted living-donor nephrectomy group (P=.029). CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery-assisted living-donor nephrectomy seems to be a feasible and reproducible alternative to conventional laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy in female donors provided the viability of the vagina as an organ retrieval route.

Laparoendoscopic single-site donor nephrectomy: a single-center initial experience.

BACKGROUND: This study presents our initial experience with laparoendoscopic single-site donor nephrectomy. Ten patients (8 females, 2 males; mean age 45.3 ± 13.2 years) underwent LESS-DN. MATERIAL/METHODS: Transumbilical laparoscopic donor nephrectomy was performed using an SILS™ port. Standard laparoscopic instruments and a 30-degree angled camera were used during the surgery. We evaluated the following parameters: warm and cold ischemia time, duration of the operation, amount of blood loss during the operation, duration of hospitalization, creatinine level, and visual analogue scale score for pain at discharge. RESULTS: The means for duration of operation, warm ischemia time, and duration of hospitalization were 140 min, 194 s, and 1.4 days, respectively. Intraoperative and/or postoperative complications were not observed. Low pain score and cosmetic advantage were remarkable. All recipients had functional grafts. The results of our initial experience with LESS-DN appeared to be positive. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies on the LESS-DN technique with larger series conducted in different centers are needed.

Desmoid tumor in puerperium period: a case report.

Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare tumors classified as deep fibromatoses taking origin from fascial or musculoaponeurotic structures. With pregnancy and surgical scars considered in the etiology, most anterior abdominal wall DTs occur in women in their reproductive years, especially during a pregnancy or post-partum. Herein, we present development of DT in a female patient in the post-partum period following cesarean delivery, which manifested itself with a growing mass in anterior abdominal wall. In our case, possibility of hematoma most probably located beneath the fascia was considered initially as a complication of cesarean section based on ultrasonographic examination and location of the lesion, while upon lack of either spontaneous regression with eventual diminish in size or resolve of symptoms within six weeks, further investigation via MRI and tru-cut biopsy revealed the diagnosis of abdominal DT. Radical tumor extirpation with resection of an adequate margin of surrounding normal tissue was applied, and the post-operative period was uneventful.

Total laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in situs inversus totalis: a case report.

Situs inversus totalis is a rare anomaly characterized by the total inversion of all abdominal and thoracic organs. For the first time, we report a case of a donor nephrectomy in a patient with situs inversus totalis, completed with a full laparoscopic approach. At the time of this writing, the donor and the recipient are doing well after 6 month's follow-up. Our experience shows that patients with situs inversus totalis may be eligible candidates for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy, provided that detailed preoperative imaging studies as well as precise preoperative planning are performed before the transplant.

Cystic pancreatic lymphangioma.

Lymphangioma of the pancreas is a rare benign tumor of lymphatic origin. Retroperitoneal lymphangiomas account for 1% of all lymphangiomas. Herein, we report a case of cystic pancreatic lymphangioma diagnosed in 34 year-old female patient who was hospitalized for a slight pain in the epigastrium and vomiting. Radiological imaging revealed a large multiloculated cystic abdominal mass with enhancing septations involving the upper retroperitoneum. During the laparoscopic surgery, a well circumscribed polycystic tumor was completely excised preserving the pancreatic duct. The patient made a complete recovery and is disease-free 12 months postoperatively.

Evaluation of intraoperative parathormone measurement for predicting successful surgery in patients undergoing subtotal/total parathyroidectomy due to secondary hyperparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive value of intraoperative parathormone measurement addressing successful surgical resection in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: The study included 42 consecutive patients operated on between May 2006 and July 2008. Patients were grouped according to successful surgery (Group 1, n = 36) and persistent postoperative hyperparathyroidism (Group 2, n = 6). Serum phosphorus (P), total calcium (tCa), ionized calcium (iCa), intact parathormone (iPTH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were drawn preoperatively and intraoperatively upon 15 minutes after completion of resection (iPTH(15)). The rate of decrease of pith detected by iPTH(15) compared to preoperative values was calculated (iPTH(%)). RESULTS: Preoperative P, tCa, iCa, iPTH, and ALP were comparable. Subtotal parathyroidectomy (sPx) (n = 27) and total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (tPx) (n = 15) were performed. Mean iPTH(15) value, iPTH(%) rates were 145.9 +/- 12.3 pg/mL, % 91.6 +/- 0.7, and 522.5 +/- 85.4 pg/mL, % 75.1 +/- 2.0 (P = ,001) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean serum tCa and iCa at POD#1 in Group 1 were 7.6 +/- 0.1 mg/dL, 0.910 +/- 0.4 mmol/L, and Group 2 were 8.3 +/- 0.3 mg/dL, 1.050 +/- 0.4 mmol/L (P < .05), respectively. ALP levels were similar. CONCLUSION: iPTH(15) value and iPTH(%) rate accurately predicts the completeness of resection in secondary hyperparathyroidism. The rate of decrease in serum iPTH detected intraoperatively compared to preoperative baseline levels exceeding 90% in sPx, 95% in tPx, accurately predicts the success of surgery. Postoperative normocalcemia without calcium replacement would raise a suspicion about completeness of surgical resection.

Use of smooth muscle plasty after intersphincteric rectal resection to replace a partially resected internal anal sphincter: long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: Patients with very low rectal cancer were treated by intersphincteric rectal resection employing partial internal anal sphincter resection. They then underwent smooth muscle plasty to restore internal anal sphincter function. We assessed the functional and oncological outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were selected if their biopsies revealed well-differentiated or moderately well-differentiated very low rectal tumors with distal tumor margins that permitted preservation of part of the internal anal sphincter. Functional results after closing the loop ileostomy were assessed by use of a standardized questionnaire. Continence was evaluated by use of the Kirwan score. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients with T2 to T3 very low rectal carcinomas underwent intersphincteric rectal resection and smooth muscle plasty that extended into the anal canal. All received neoadjuvant treatment. Postoperative morbidity was 38.3%. There were 46 R0 resections based on frozen section analysis; one patient achieved an R0 resection after reexcision of a positive distal margin on the frozen section. The median follow-up period was 67.2 months. One patient had local recurrence. The five-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 85% and 82%, respectively. Six months, one year, and two years after intersphincteric rectal resection, 80%, 87%, and 89%, respectively, had good continence (Kirwan I and II). Evacuation difficulty was detected in two patients with colonic S-pouches. CONCLUSION: Providing neodjuvant treatment and preserving at least half of the functional internal anal sphincter mass produces acceptable oncological and functional outcomes in patients undergoing intersphincteric rectal resection for very low rectal cancer. However, whether smooth muscle plasty further improves postoperative continence should be tested by further studies.

Evaluation of gadolinium pre-treatment with or without splenectomy in the setting of renal ischemia reperfusion injury in rats.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to investigate gadolinium chloride (Gd) pre-treatment with/without splenectomy (Splx) in the setting of renal ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under anesthesia, male Wistar albino rats with or without splenectomized (Splx) were right nephrectomized and subjected to 45 min of renal pedicle occlusion followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Gadolinium chloride (10 mg kg(-1)) or saline was administered 24 hours prior to ischemia via penile vein. Right nephrectomy and intravenous saline administration was performed in the control group. At the end of the reperfusion period, following decapitation, kidney samples were taken for histological examination or determination of renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Na(+)-K(+) ATPase activities. Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), TNF-alpha, and IL-1 beta were assayed in the serum samples. RESULTS: Ischemia/reperfusion caused significant increases in the serum TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, BUN, creatinine, AST, ALT, LDH, and tissue MDA levels and MPO activity, while either Gd pre-treatment or Splx decreased these parameters significantly. On the other hand, IR induced a decrease in the tissue GSH, and Na(+)-K(+) ATPase activity was restored by both gadolinium and Splx. Furthermore, histopathological alterations induced by IR were also reversed. CONCLUSION: The extent of renal IR injury depends on the pro-inflammatory cytokine response. Gd pre-treatment decreases macrophage-derived cytokine secretion and thereby effectively limits the extent of renal IR injury in rats similar to Splx. Further studies needed to define an optimal way of decreasing macrophage-derived cytokine release due to the clinical limitations of Gd.

Predictors of hypocalcemia occurring after a total/near total thyroidectomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of early postoperative hypocalcemia after a total/near total thyroidectomy in order to select patients for prompt treatment to prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia. METHODS: Patients with hypocalcemia within 24 h of surgery were identified as Group I and normocalcemic patients as Group II. The perioperative serum total calcium (tCa, ionized calcium (iCa) and intact parathormone (iPTH) were measured perioperatively. Skin closure (SC) was accepted as the reference time point. Data are expressed as the mean +/- SEM. RESULTS: The study included 73 patients. Hypocalcemia (Group I) was detected in 40 patients (54%) within the first 24 h postoperatively. Symptomatic hypocalcemia was detected in 40% of the patients in Group I. Intact parathormone values at 10 min of SC were significantly lower in Group I (P = 0.001). IPTH measurement at 10 min of SC showing a >/=30% decrease had a 92.3% sensitivity and 92.6% specificity in predicting hypocalcemia after a total/near total thyroidectomy. The postoperative day 15 mean tCa, iCa, and iPTH values were similar in both groups of patients. The mean iPTH level was 16.79 +/- 2.5 pg/dl at 10 min after SC in patients who developed symptomatic hypocalcemia. CONCLUSIONS: Intact parathormone measurement 10 min after SC is helpful to predict early postoperative hypocalcemia. An IPTH decrease >/=30% at this time point estimates the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia.