Comparison between laparoscopy and laparotomy in the surgical re-staging of granulosa cell tumors of the ovary.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of laparoscopic (LPS) and laparotomic (LPT) re-staging in patients with incompletely surgically staged ovarian granulosa cell tumors (OGCT). METHODS: We conducted a medical chart retrospective analysis of all patients with sex cord stromal tumors (SCSTs) who were managed in our division between March 1994 and March 2017. After a complete review of surgical and pathological notes, patients with incomplete staging were restaged according to the FIGO guidelines. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package version 20.0 for Windows (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, Illinois). RESULTS: Out of a total of 170 patients SCSTs, 84 patients (49,5%) received primary surgery that included a hysterectomy; 86 patients (50,5%) underwent fertility-sparing surgery. Eighty-one patients (48%) with diagnosis of OGCT were incompletely surgically staged at another institution. We evaluated our results in terms of laparoscopic approach (56 patients) and open treatment (25 patients). Among the IA patient's group, 1 was upstaged to IIB stage and 2 to IIIB; among patients with IC stage, 1 was upstaged to IIA, 2 to IIB and 1 to IIIB stage. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given to the upstaged patients with final stage IIB-IIIC. No statistically significant difference between laparoscopy and open-surgery was detected in terms of upstaged patients after second surgery (p = 0,36). CONCLUSION: According to our series, laparoscopic restaging compared to the open approach seems to be a feasible and efficient technique to complete surgical staging in patients with GCTs incorrectly staged. Surgical restaging seems to upstage a considerable number of OGCT, mainly in the initial stage IC group of patients. However, the impact of restaging on final outcome and survival remains to be demonstrated.

Non-invasive identification of synthetic organic pigments in contemporary art paints by visible-excited spectrofluorimetry and visible reflectance spectroscopy.

The non-destructive, in-situ identification of synthetic organic pigments employed in contemporary painting still represents a challenge. In the present study, a non-invasive analytical method based on spectrofluorimetry and visible reflectance spectroscopy was developed to this aim and applied to a considerable number of synthetic organic pigments belonging to the main chemical classes and sold by different manufacturers. In order to discriminate among them, the collected data were processed by a multivariate statistical approach, using principal component analysis (PCA). Moreover, the Kubelka-Munk correction for self-absorption of fluorescence emission was successfully applied to identify pigments in binary mixtures. This approach was finally exploited to recognise the organic pigments used by the artist in a contemporary painting.

Carbon nanotubes as nanovectors for intracellular delivery of laronidase in Mucopolysaccharidosis type I.

The immobilization of proteins on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been widely reported mainly for the preparation of sensors while the conjugation of enzymes for therapeutic purposes has scarcely been considered. Herein we report, to the best of our knowledge, the first example of intracellular delivery of a therapeutic enzyme by means of CNTs, retaining its activity. Mucopolysaccharidosis I is a rare genetic disease characterized by the deficiency or absence of the activity of the α-l-iduronidase (IDUA) enzyme. We evaluated the capacity of the recombinant form of the human IDUA enzyme, laronidase (Aldurazyme®), conjugated with CNTs to be internalized by fibroblasts from subjects affected with Mucopolysaccharidosis type I and the capacity of the enzyme to retain its activity after internalization. The enzyme was successfully delivered into the lysosomal space and the enzymatic activity of the conjugate was preserved after internalization up to 48 hours. This paves the way towards the use of such a kind of construct for therapeutic applications.

Biliary dilatation in the presence of a periampullary duodenal diverticulum.

OBJECTIVE: Periampullary diverticulum (PAD) often presents as an incidental CT finding. Its significance and its effect on biliary dilation are unclear. The aim of our study was to determine if the presence of a PAD is associated with abnormal dilation of the common bile duct (CBD). METHODS: Patients with PAD were retrospectively identified from the radiology database from November 2011 to November 2012 and those with known pancreaticobiliary pathology were excluded, except patients with cholelithiasis and prior cholecystectomy. A total of 150 patients with PAD were selected as well as a control group of 150 patients with no PAD. Data with respect to demographics, PAD size and location, ductal diameter, previous cholecystectomy and liver function tests were collected. To compare the groups, the Student's t-test and χ(2) analysis were used where appropriate. RESULTS: The male : female ratio was 1 : 1.2 with a median average of 71 years in the PAD group. There was no statistical difference in the CBD measurement (at the pre-ampulla and pancreatic head, and distal to confluence) between the PAD and control groups (4.8, 6.9 and 6.8 mm for the PAD group; 4.7, 6.8 and 6.4 mm for the control group; p = 0.5, 0.7 and 0.3). Also, no difference was observed in the right and left intrahepatic biliary ducts (2.7, 2.7 mm for the PAD group; 2.5, 2.6 mm for the control group; p = 0.2, 0.6). There was a significantly higher incidence of cholecystectomy history (23% vs 8.7%, p < 0.01) and cholelithiasis (22% vs 11%, p < 0.01) in the PAD group, and no difference in the liver function tests. Subgroup analysis of small vs large PAD (<20 mm, ≥20 mm) did not show a difference in the CBD and intrahepatic biliary duct measurements. When comparing cholecystectomy vs non-cholecystectomy groups, CBD measurements were significantly higher in the cholecystectomy group. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that PAD on its own does not lead to abnormal CBD dilatation. However, increased incidence of cholelithiasis and cholecystectomy was noted in the presence of PAD. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: PAD on its own does not cause CBD dilatation.

Clostridium difficile infection in liver transplant recipients: a retrospective study of rates, risk factors and outcomes.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) occurs in 3-7% of liver transplant recipients (LTR). However, few data exist on the recent epidemiology, predictors and outcomes of CDI in LTR. A cohort study was performed including LTR from 2000 to 2010 at a tertiary care hospital in Detroit. CDI was defined as diarrhea with a stool C. difficile positive test. Data analyzed included demographics, comorbidities, length of stay (LOS), severity of CDI, rates of recurrence (<12 weeks), relapse (<4 weeks) and overall mortality. Predictors of CDI were calculated using Cox proportional hazard model; 970 LTR were followed for years. Overall prevalence of CDI was 18.9%. Incidence of CDI within 1 year of transplant was 12.4%. Severe CDI occurred in 29.1%. CDI recurrence and relapse rates were 16.9% and 9.7%, respectively. Independent predictors of CDI were year of transplant (hazard ratio [HR] 1.137, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.22; p < 0.001), white race (105/162 whites, HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.03-2.1; p = 0.035), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.045, p = 0.003) and LOS (HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.005-1.02, p < 0.001). Significant mortality was observed among LTR with CDI compared to those without CDI (p = 0.003). We concluded that CDI is common among LTR and is associated with higher mortality.

Challenges and opportunities in polymer technology applied to veterinary medicine.

An important frontier in the administration of therapeutic drugs to veterinary species is the use of different polymers as drug delivery platforms. The usefulness of polymers as platforms for the administration of pharmaceutical and agricultural agents has been clearly recognized in the recent decades. The chemical versatility of polymers and the wide range of developed controlled-release strategies enhance the possibilities for the formulation of active molecules. In particular, the veterinary area offers opportunities for the development of novel controlled-release drug delivery technologies adapted to livestock or companion animal health needs. In some cases, it also allows to improve profitability in meat production or to meet the safety criteria related to drug residues. A number of factors affect the selection of polymers and subsequent properties of the controlled-release drug delivery system. However, their selection also dictates the release kinetics of the drug from the delivery system. Such choices are therefore crucial as they affect the success and potential of the delivery system for achieving the therapeutic goals of the veterinarian. It is the intention of this review to give an overview of the most relevant polymers, which are used or have been tested as drug delivery release rate modifiers in the veterinary field. The article highlights some recent developments focusing on their advantages and applications and analyzes the future direction of the scientific and technological advancements in this area.

Bio-preservation of ground beef meat by Enterococcus faecalis CECT7121.

Meat and particularly ground beef is frequently associated with Food Poisoning episodes and breeches in Food Safety. The main goal of this research was to evaluate the bactericide effect of the probiotic Enterococcus faecalis CECT7121, against different pathogens as: Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens and Listeria monocytogenes, inoculated in ground beef meat. Three studies were performed to evaluate the inhibition of E. faecalis CECT7121 on ground beef meat samples inoculated with pathogens: Study I: Samples (100 g meat) were inoculated with pathogens (10(3) CFU/g)) and E. faecalis CECT7121 (10(4) CFU/g) simultaneously. Study II: Samples were inoculated with E. faecalis CECT7121 24 h before the pathogens. Study III: E. faecalis CECT7121were inoculated 24 h after pathogens. The viable counts were performed at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h post-inoculation. The simultaneous inoculation of E. faecalis CECT7121 with E. coli O157:H7 strains resulted in the absence of viable counts of bacteria at 72 h post-treatment. However, when the probiotic was added 24 h before and 24 h after the pathogen E. coli O157:H7, viable cells were not detected at 24 h and 48 h post-treatment, respectively. Consistently, neither S. aureus nor Cl. perfringens viable bacteria were detected at 48 h in whole assays when inoculated with E. faecalis CECT7121. The same trend than described before was obtained after applying the 3 models assayed for L. monocytogenes. The current assays demonstrated the bactericide activity of E. faecalis CECT7121 strain on bacterial pathogens in ground beef meat.

Bio-preservation of ground beef meat by Enterococcus faecalis CECT7121

Meat and particularly ground beef is frequently associated with Food Poisoning episodes and breeches in Food Safety. The main goal of this research was to evaluate the bactericide effect of the probiotic Enterococcus faecalis CECT7121, against different pathogens as: Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens and Listeria monocytogenes, inoculated in ground beef meat. Three studies were performed to evaluate the inhibition of E. faecalis CECT7121 on ground beef meat samples inoculated with pathogens: Study I: Samples (100 g meat) were inoculated with pathogens (10³ CFU/g)) and E. faecalis CECT7121 (10(4) CFU/g) simultaneously. Study II: Samples were inoculated with E. faecalis CECT7121 24 h before the pathogens. Study III: E. faecalis CECT7121were inoculated 24 h after pathogens. The viable counts were performed at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h post-inoculation. The simultaneous inoculation of E. faecalis CECT7121 with E. coli O157:H7 strains resulted in the absence of viable counts of bacteria at 72 h post-treatment. However, when the probiotic was added 24 h before and 24 h after the pathogen E. coli O157:H7, viable cells were not detected at 24 h and 48 h post-treatment, respectively. Consistently, neither S. aureus nor Cl. perfringens viable bacteria were detected at 48 h in whole assays when inoculated with E. faecalis CECT7121. The same trend than described before was obtained after applying the 3 models assayed for L. monocytogenes. The current assays demonstrated the bactericide activity of E. faecalis CECT7121 strain on bacterial pathogens in ground beef meat.

High-level resistance to gentamicin: genetic transfer between Enterococcus faecalis isolated from food of animal origin and human microbiota.

AIMS: To investigate the in vivo gene transfer of high-level gentamicin resistance (HLRG) from Enterococcus faecalis isolated from the food of animal origin to a human isolate, using a mouse model of intestinally colonized human microbiota. METHODS AND RESULTS: In vitro study: The presence of plasmids involved in HLRG coding was investigated. After the conjugation experiment, the recipient strain, Ent. faecalis JH2-SS, acquired a plasmid responsible for HLRG [minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) >800 µg ml(-1) ], in a similar position to the donor cells. In vivo study: Seven BALB/c mice were dosed with ceftriaxone (400 mg kg(-1) ) and then inoculated with a dilution of 1/100 of human faeces (HFc). After 72 h, Ent. faecalis JH2-SS (recipient) was inoculated and then, after a further 72 h, the animals were given Ent. faecalis CS19, isolated from the food of animal origin, involved in HLRG (donor). The presence of transconjugant strains in HFc was subsequently recorded on a daily basis until the end of the experiment. The clonal relationship between Ent. faecalis and Escherichia coli in faeces was assessed by RAPD-PCR. Both the in vitro and in vivo studies showed that the receptor strain acquired a plasmid responsible for HLRG (MICs >800 µg ml(-1) ), which migrated with a similar relative mobility value. Transconjugant strains were detected from 24 h after the donor strain inoculation and persisted until the end of the experiment. CONCLUSIONS: The in vivo gene transfer of HLRG from Ent. faecalis strains, isolated from the food of animal origin, to human microbiota has been demonstrated in a mouse model. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The complexity found on the therapeutic responses of invasive infectious diseases caused by Ent. faecalis facilitates the assessment of food of animal origin as a resistant pathogen reservoir. In addition, this study may contribute to the understanding of antimicrobials' resistance gene transfer between Ent. faecalis strains from food and human GI tract.

Albendazole sulphoxide kinetic disposition after treatment with different formulations in dogs.

New therapeutic strategies based on the search of alternative formulations of albendazole (ABZ) and albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) are under current development to optimize posology and antiparasite efficacy in dogs. In an incomplete block design, nine dogs were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6). Treatments were carried out in two phases as follows. Phase I: Group I (treatment A), animals received ABZ at 25 mg/kg of conventional formulation. Group II (treatment B), dogs received 25 mg/kg of a modified poloxamer-ABZ formulation. Group III (treatment C), animals were treated with ABZSO in equimolar amount to ABZ doses. After 21 days of wash-out period the experiment was repeated (Phase II). Blood samples were collected over 24 h and subsequently analysed by high performance liquid chromatography. ABZSO and ABZSO(2) were the analytes recovered in plasma. Significant higher (P < 0.001) ABZSO area under the concentration-time curve (+500%) and C(max) (+487%) values were obtained for the treatment C in comparison with treatments A and B. However, no statistical differences on pharmacokinetic parameters were found between formulations A and B. In conclusion, the enhanced plasma concentration profile obtained for the ABZSO formulation used in treatment C may contribute to optimize the anthelmintic control in dogs.

Enrofloxacin-based therapeutic strategy for the prevention of endometritis in susceptible mares.

Enrofloxacin (EFX) is often used empirically to prevent uterine infections in mares in order to improve efficiency on Commercial Embryo Transfer Farms. This study investigated the uterine distribution of EFX and its metabolite ciprofloxacin (CFX) in mares and assessed the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of EFX against various common pathogens as a basis for establishing a rational dosing schedule. Plasma and uterine pharmacokinetic (PK) studies were performed in two groups (n = 5) of healthy mares following intravenous (i.v.) administration of EFX at either 2.5 and at 5 mg/kg bodyweight. Plasma and endometrial tissue samples, taken before for up to 48 h after treatment were analysed by Reverse Phase HPLC. MIC values for wild strains of Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (beta-haemolytic streptococci) ranged from 0.25-2 and 1.5-3.0 microg/mL respectively. In terms of tissue distribution, the sum of the endometrial concentrations of the parent drug (EFX) and its active metabolite (CFX) (in terms of AUC), exceeded those in plasma by 249% and 941% following administration of EFX at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg respectively. After i.v. treatment with EFX at 5 mg/kg, endometrial concentrations of EFX and CFX above the MIC value were detected for 36-48 and 22-43 h posttreatment for Gram-negative and -positive isolates respectively. Concentrations above MIC were maintained for much shorter periods at the lower (2.5 mg/kg) treatment dose. Based on these results, a conventional dose (5 mg/kg) of EFX given prebreeding followed by two further doses at 36-48 h postbreeding are proposed as a rational strategy for using of EFX as a preventative therapy against a variety of common bacterial strains associated with equine endometritis.

Assessment of the in vitro efficacy of the novel antimicrobial peptide CECT7121 against human Gram-positive bacteria from serious infections refractory to treatment.

BACKGROUND: Resistant Gram-positive bacteria are causing increasing concern in clinical practice. This work investigated the efficacy of AP-CECT7121 (an antimicrobial peptide isolated from an environmental strain of Enterococcus faecalis CECT7121) against various pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria. METHODS: Strains were isolated from intensive care unit patients unresponsive to standard antibiotic treatments. Inhibitory activity of AP-CECT7121 was assessed using the agar-well diffusion method. The most resistant isolates from each species screened (Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis,Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium difficile) were further examined in time-killing curve studies. RESULTS: These bactericidal kinetic experiments demonstrated a rapid killing effect with no viable bacteria being detected within 30 and 90 min for enterococcal and streptococcal strains and 180 min for community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus and C. perfringens: viable counts for C. difficile were threefold decreased after 90 min. CONCLUSIONS: AP-CECT7121 may provide a novel strategy for treating potentially fatal clinical infections in hospitalized patients.

Flubendazole and ivermectin in vitro combination therapy produces a marked effect on Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and metacestodes.

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of the flubendazole (FLBZ) and ivermectin (IVM) combination against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and metacestodes. Protoscoleces and groups of ten peritoneal cysts obtained from BALB/c mice were incubated with the two drugs, either separately or in combination, at the following final concentrations: 10 microg/mL FLBZ, 1 microg/mL FLBZ, 1 microg/mL IVM, 10 microg/mL FLBZ + 1 microg/mL IVM, and 1 microg/mL FLBZ + 1 microg/mL IVM. The maximum protoscolicidal effect was found with the combination 10 microg/mL FLBZ + 1 microg/mL IMV. After 1 day of incubation, the presence of numerous blebs in the tegument of protoscoleces was observed. Ultrastructural studies revealed that the primary site of damage was the tegument of the parasite. The effect of the two drugs on hydatid cysts obtained from mice was more rapidly detected in cysts treated with the combination of FLBZ + IVM than when drugs were used separately. Ultrastructural studies revealed that the germinal layer of treated cysts lost the multicellular structure feature and underwent considerable degenerative changes after in vitro treatment. The outcomes obtained demonstrated the favorable effect of the combination of FLBZ and IVM against E. granulosus.

In vitro efficacy of the novel peptide CECT7121 against bacteria isolated from mastitic dairy cattle.

AIMS: To evaluate the in vitro bactericidal activity of the novel antimicrobial peptide (AP) CECT7121 against Gram-positive bacteria from mastitic dairy cattle. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 15 Staphylococcus aureus, 10 Streptococcus dysgalactiae, 7 Strep. uberis, 1 Strep. agalactiae strains were isolated from 33 different mastitic dairy cattle, sourced from two dairies in Tandil-Argentina. Isolates from each of the bacterial species screened which developed the lowest inhibition zones in response to the peptide, were further evaluated in a series of time-killing curve studies. No survivors were detected in whole strains (from the three Streptococcal species isolated) within 120 min of incubation in presence of the peptide. The Staph. aureus isolates were less sensitive but, nevertheless, a drop in viable counts to below the detection limit was achieved for all the test strains by the final postincubation sampling point at 180 min. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated the in vitro efficacy of the AP-CECT7121 against a variety strains of Gram positives isolated from mastitic dairy cattle. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: There is urgent global interest in the development of natural alternatives for the control and prevention of mastitis. Confirmation of the in vitro activity of the novel AP-CECT7121 against Gram-positive isolates encourages further research.

Pattern of ivermectin (sheep) and doramectin (cattle) residues in muscular tissue from various anatomical locations.

This trial reports comparative drug residual concentrations in muscular tissue obtained from various anatomical locations after subcutaneous administration of ivermectin (IVM) to sheep and topical treatment with doramectin (DRM) to calves at recommended therapeutic dose rates. Seven muscle samples from different anatomical locations (rhomboideus, supraspinatus, semitendinosus, gluteus medius, longissimus dorsi thoracis, intercostales and diaphragma) were collected at several post-treatment sampling times. Samples were frozen at-20 degrees C until analyzed by HPLC. The highest IVM residual concentrations in muscular tissue from the different locations were found at 15 days post-treatment in sheep. Although the highest IVM mean concentrations were measured at 15 (16.8 +/- 5.17 ng g(-1)) and 20 (10.5 +/- 4.06 ng g(-1)) days post-administration in the intercostales muscles, at 30 days post-administration, the IVM concentration in this location was similar to that measured in the rhomboideus and diaphragma muscles. DRM residual concentrations were quantified in muscular tissue from all anatomical locations after topical administration to calves. Maximum residue level was observed at 10 days post-treatment in all anatomical sites. The diaphragma muscle showed the highest DRM residue levels at 2 (22.0 +/- 4.35 ng g(-1)), 5 (45.2 +/- 3.78 ng g(-1)) and 10 (57.9 +/- 9.57 ng g(-1)) days post-treatment in calves. These results demonstrated that the pattern of residue depletion from muscular tissue may differ according to its anatomical locations and/or physiological role. This should be considered in implementing residue control strategies in meat safety assurance for human consumption.

Update on treatment of lysosomal storage diseases.

Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a large group of disorders caused by a deficiency of specific enzymes responsible for the degradation of substances present in lysosomes. In the past few years, treatments for LSDs were non specific and could only cope with signs and symptoms of the diseases. A successful therapeutic approach to LSDs should instead address to the underlying causes of the diseases, thus helping the degradation of the accumulated metabolites in the various organs, and at the same time preventing their further deposition. One way is to see to an available source of the deficient enzyme: bone marrow transplantation, enzyme replacement therapy and gene therapy are based on this rationale. The purpose of substrate reduction therapy is to down regulate the formation of the lysosomal substance to a rate at which the residual enzyme activity can catabolize the stored and de novo produced lysosomal substrate. Chemical chaperone therapy is based on small molecules able to bind and stabilize the misfolded enzymes. This paper offers a historical overview on the therapeutic strategies for LSDs.

Virtual angioscopy by means of three-dimensional rotational angiography of the aortoiliac arteries.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report the different findings that can be visualised with virtual angioscopy starting from rotational angiography (RA) and three-dimensional (3D) image processing (3DRA) in the evaluation of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven patients showing an occlusive or aneurysmal disease of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries underwent intraarterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) equipped with the RA function and a 3D workstation. We found that 3DRA is able to generate images of the examined vessels with a very effective 3D appearance; furthermore, it is able to create images of the lumen and wall of the vessel through two different modalities: endoviews and cross sections. The possibility of matching high-density structures (i.e. calcified plaques and stents) to standard 3D reconstructions of the examined arteries was applied. RESULTS: Different aspects of the arteries can be demonstrated in the angioscopic elaborations: the normal and stenotic lumen, artery bifurcations, the collateral vessel origins and the severity and extensions of atheromatous calcifications and their relationships to the vessel wall. Virtual angioscopy is able to visualise some devices (catheters, stents) introduced during diagnostic and interventional procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The constant technological evolution of diagnostic imaging is offering new image-processing techniques, providing new types of previously unexplored information. We present a summary of the different radiological findings that can be demonstrated with this new imaging technique.

Endovascular treatment of endoleaks after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: personal experience.

PURPOSE: This paper describes the different endovascular treatments (cuffs, endografts and embolisation) available for types I, II and III endoleaks occurring after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to June 2006, 134 patients (118 men, 16 women; mean age 75.1 years) underwent EVAR. Ten patients (7%) developed significant endoleaks requiring endovascular treatment. RESULTS: Five endoleaks were type I, two were type II and three were type III. Of the five type I endoleaks, four were proximal and one was distal. The proximal endoleaks were treated by cuff deployment, whereas the distal endoleak was treated with a bifurcated graft. Of the two patients with type II endoleak, one was treated by translumbar puncture and coil embolisation, and the other was treated by superselective embolisation of the lumbar feeding vessel with nonresorbable particles. Of the three patients with type III endoleak, two were treated by deploying an aortouniiliac endograft inside the bifurcated graft and the other by implanting a cuff to restore continuity between the graft body and the contralateral limb. Endovascular treatment was successful in 6/10 cases, whereas three cases required surgical conversion. One patient did not undergo surgery owing to poor general condition. CONCLUSIONS: The reported incidence of endoleaks after EVAR is 10%-20%. Significant endoleaks should be treated promptly. Endovascular treatment can be done with different techniques, but success in not constant due to adverse anatomical conditions and technical difficulties.

Biocompatibility evaluation of surface-treated AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel in human cell cultures.

The effects of AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel, tested in untreated state or subjected to glow-discharge nitriding (at 10 or 20 hPa) and nitriding + post-oxidizing treatments, on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were evaluated. All the treated samples showed a better corrosion resistance in PBS and higher surface hardness in comparison with the untreated alloy. In HUVEC put in contact for 72 h with the sample types, proliferation and apoptosis decreased and increased, respectively, in the presence of the nitrided + post-oxidized samples, while only slight differences in cytokine (TNF-alpha, IL-6, and TGF-beta1) release were registered. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) increased in HUVEC incubated with all the treated samples, while vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin increased in the presence of all the sample types. PBMC incubated for 48 h with the samples showed a decrease in proliferation and an increase in apoptosis in the presence of the untreated samples and the nitrided + post-oxidized ones. All the sample types induced a remarkable increase in TNF-alpha and IL-6 release in PBMC culture medium, while only the untreated sample and the nitrided at 10 hPa induced an increase in ICAM-1 expression. In HUVEC cocultured with PBMC, previously put in contact with the treated AISI 316L samples, increased levels of ICAM-1 were detected. In HUVEC coincubated with the culture medium of PBMC, previously put in contact with the samples under study, a noteworthy increase in ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin levels was always registered, with the exception of VCAM-1, which was not affected by the untreated sample. In conclusion, even if the treated samples do not show a marked increase in biocompatibility in comparison with the untreated alloy, their higher corrosion resistance may suggest a better performance as the contact with physiological environment becomes longer.