The efficacy of topical sodium pentaborate formulation on hemorrhoid disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: The topical application of boron has been significantly associated with intensifying wound healing. Using 3% boric acid in deep wounds significantly contributes to wound healing and reduces the duration of hospitalization in the intensive care. The objective of this study was to assess the therapeutic impact of a topical gel containing sodium pentaborate pentahydrate on the management of wounds resulting from grade 1 to 3 hemorrhoids. Methods: In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, we applied a topical gel consisting of sodium pentaborate pentahydrate 3% on 206 eligible patients with the diagnosis of grade 1, 2, and 3 hemorrhoid diseases. Then patients were randomly allocated to two groups of sodium pentaborate pentahydrate or placebo gel with a ratio of 1:1 and received the allocated gel for four weeks. Patient hemorrhoid symptoms severity, hemorrhoid degree, and anoscopy findings were compared before and after the trial. Results: Before the intervention, symptom severity (p > 0.05) and anoscopy findings (p = 0.815) were similar between the two groups. Subsequent to the intervention, a majority of patients in the intervention group experienced a reduction in anal itching compared to the placebo group [adjusted mean difference (aMD) 95% CI: -1.98 (-2.2 to -1.8), p = 0.007]. Moreover, resting pain [aMD (95% CI): -1.37 (-1.6 to -1.1), p = 0.015], pain during defecation [aMD (95% CI): -2.19 (-2.4 to -2.0), p = 0.005], feeling a lump in the anus (aMD (95% CI): -0.71 (-1.2 to -0.2), p = 0.011), bleeding during defecation (41.7% vs. 66.9%, p = 0.027), and hemorrhoid degree (p < 0.001) in the intervention group was less than the placebo group. Conclusion: Our findings indicate the effectiveness of the study gel on hemorrhoid symptoms and anoscopy findings in patients.

Computational drug repurposing for primary hyperparathyroidism.

In hyperparathyroidism (hyperPTH), excessive amounts of PTH are secreted, interfering with calcium regulation in the body. Several drugs can control the disease's side effects, but none of them is an alternative treatment to surgery. Therefore, new drug candidates are necessary. In this study, three computationally repositioned drugs, DG 041, IMD 0354, and cucurbitacin I, are evaluated in an in vitro model of hyperPTH. First, we integrated publicly available transcriptomics datasets to propose drug candidates. Using 3D spheroids derived from a single primary hyperPTH patient, we assessed their in vitro efficacy. None of the proposed drugs affected the viability of healthy cell control (HEK293) or overactive parathyroid cells at the level of toxicity. This behavior was attributed to the non-cancerous nature of the parathyroid cells, establishing the hyperPTH disease model. Cucurbitacin I and IMD 0354 exhibited a slight inverse relationship between increased drug concentrations and cell viability, whereas DG 041 increased viability. Based on these results, further studies are needed on the mechanism of action of the repurposed drugs, including determining the effects of these drugs on cellular PTH synthesis and secretion and on the metabolic pathways that regulate PTH secretion.

A New Technique for Localization of Parathyroid Adenoma: Infrared Thermal Scanning of the Neck.

Many radiological techniques are used to locate the adenoma preoperatively in cases of primary hyperparathyroidism, but the location of many adenomas still cannot be detected. Since adenomas are hypervascular lesions, their temperature is high. Infrared thermal scanning can reveal local temperature differences in hypervascular lesions. The location of the adenoma could not be determined by preoperative radiological examinations in a 58-year-old male patient who was scheduled for surgery with the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. By infrared thermal scanning, a nearly 2°F higher temperature was measured in the inferior of the right thyroid lobe compared to the other perithyroidal regions. During the exploration, the adenoma was found at this point and removed. Infrared thermal scanning of the neck is promising as a new technique that can be used both preoperatively and intraoperatively to locate the adenoma in primary hyperparathyroidism cases.

The effect of the boron-based gel on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: A prospective, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic ulcers represent impaired healing capacity with high mortality in the elderly or patients with systemic disorders such as diabetes. Boron is an effective agent in wound healing by promoting cell migration and proliferation and reducing inflammation in the wound area. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a sodium pentaborate-based topical formulation compared to control on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted to apply randomly the topical sodium pentaborate 3% gel or topical conventional remedy (control) by patients diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers. The 171 eligible participants aged 18-75 years received the allocated medicines twice a day for a month with an allocation ratio of 3:1. Twenty-five days and two months after the end of the trial, participants were reinvestigated for their ulcer condition and any recurrence. Wagner's classification of diabetic foot ulcers was applied to this purpose (0-5). RESULTS: 161 participants (57 females, 104 males; mean age: 59.37) completed this study. After the intervention, most participants in the intervention group had a lower ulcer grade than the control group (adjusted mean difference (95% CI): - 0.91 (-1.1 to -0.73); p < 0.001). Moreover, most participants in the intervention group (n = 109 (90.8%)) were treated at a higher rate than the control group (n = 5 (12.2%)) after intervention (adjusted odds ratio (95% CI): 0.008 (0.002-0.029); p < 0.001). There was no case of recurrence in the intervention group while its rate was (n = 2 (40%)) in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that topical sodium pentaborate gel may help treat and decrease the grade of diabetic foot ulcers and prevent the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers.

Production of parathyroid-like cells from thyroid stem cells in co-culture environment.

BACKGROUND: Parathyroid-like cells were aimed to be developed using cells isolated from thyroid since their embryological origins are the same. METHOD: Activin A and sonic hedgehog (Shh) are the proteins used in differentiation (dif) medium. Parathyroid and thyroid cells were cultured in a 3-dimensional environment and divided into five groups: thyroid standard (st) medium, thyroid dif medium, parathyroid st medium, thyroid-parathyroid co-culture st medium, and thyroid-parathyroid co-culture dif medium. Throughout 28 days of incubation, groups were investigated by carrying out the live dead assay, confocal microscopy, real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and biochemical assays. RESULTS: Thyroid-parathyroid co-culture cells grown in dif medium exhibited upregulated expressions of parathormone (PTH) (5.1-fold), PTH1R (3.6-fold), calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) (8.8-fold), and loss of thyroid-specific thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) expression when compared to the thyroid st medium group. PTH secretion decreased by 35% in the parathyroid st medium group and 99.9% in the thyroid-parathyroid co-culture st medium group but decreased only 3.5% in the thyroid-parathyroid co-culture dif medium group on day 28. CONCLUSION: Using Activin A and Shh proteins, thyroid stem/progenitor cells were differentiated to parathyroid-like cells successfully in a co-culture environment. A potentially effective novel method for cell differenatiation is co-culture of cells having the same embryological origin.

Core Needle Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Thyroid Nodules.

BACKGROUND: Core needle biopsy (CNB) is a relatively new technique for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules, and there are currently no large clinical series available. CNB results from 3000 cases are presented in this article. METHODS: A spring-loaded 20-gauge needle was used for CNB under local anesthesia and ultrasonography guidance for 3000 patients with nodular goiter (584 males, 2416 females, mean age: 48.5). One physician performed all biopsy procedures without conducting on-site pathological examinations. RESULTS: There were non-diagnostic 22 (.7%), benign 2620 (87.4%), atypia of undetermined significance and/or, follicular lesion of undetermined significance 90 (3%), follicular neoplasms and/or suspicious for follicular neoplasm 53 (1.7%), suspicious for malignancy 160 (5.4%), and malignant 55 (1.8%) cases. The CNB procedure was repeated in 19 non-diagnostic cases, and 17 of these patients were benign and two had malignancy. Thyroidectomy was performed on patients who had malign CNB results. All final pathology reports, except for one, were malignant for the patients who had malignant CNB results. The specificity and the sensitivity of CNB were found to be 99.9% and 100%, respectively. There were no serious complications. CONCLUSION: In thyroid nodules, core needle biopsy is a highly sensitive, specific, and reliable method that could be performed by a single physician. It does not require on-site pathological analysis and has a low incidence of complications and non-diagnostic rates.

The Preventive Effects of Boron-Based Gel on Radiation Dermatitis in Patients Being Treated for Breast Cancer: A Phase III Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation dermatitis (RD) is a side effect of radiation therapy (RT) which is experienced by over 90% of patients being treated for breast cancer. The current clinical trial was conducted to measure the preventative effects of a boron-based gel on several different clinical outcomes (dermatitis, erythema, dry desquamation, and moist desquamation) after 25 radiotherapy sessions. METHODS: This research used a double-blind parallel-group design with a placebo control (n = 76) and randomized group (n = 181), with all participants being between 18 and 75 years old. Fifteen minutes before each radiotherapy, participants in the intervention group were given a gel containing 3% sodium pentaborate pentahydrate, while those in the placebo group received a gel with no chemical substance. Dermatitis, erythema, dry desquamation, and moist desquamation were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05), except for body mass index. After 14 days of treatment, dermatitis (98.7% vs. 9.9%; p < 0.001), erythema (96.1% vs. 12.2%; p < 0.001), dry desquamation (50% vs. 3.9%; p < 0.001), and moist desquamation (18.4% vs. 0.6%; p < 0.001) were much more common in the placebo group than the intervention group. To prevent dermatitis, erythema, dry desquamation, and moist desquamation in 1 patient, on average, 1.1 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-1.2), 1.2 (95% CI: 1.1-1.3), 2.2 (95% CI: 1.7-2.9), and 5.6 (95% CI: 3.8-11.0) patients need to be treated, respectively. CONCLUSION: The boron-based gel has a significant preventive effect on several categories of RD which might be used by clinicians in breast cancer.

HLA Class I Expression Changes in Different Types of Cultured Parathyroid Cells.

OBJECTIVES: Tissue-specific immunogenicity can be characterized by the determination of human leukocyte antigens (HLA). Parathyroid hyperplasia tissue cells are presumed to have the ability to lose HLA class I expression profile during cultivation, whereas healthy parathyroid cells are presumed to already express HLA class I molecules at low levels. However, there are conflicting results about the expression of HLA class I antigens. In this study, our aim was to evaluate different patterns of HLA class I expression in different parathyroid tissue cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parathyroid tissue cells were isolated enzymatically and cultured in vitro. Expression of HLA class I (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C) mRNA and protein levels were studied in 7 parathyroid adenomas and 9 parathyroid hyperplasia tissue samples by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses. RESULTS: HLA-A protein expression remained stable in parathyroid adenoma and hyperplasia tissue, but HLA-A mRNA expression decreased in adenoma tissue. In parathyroid hyperplasia tissue, HLA-B protein expression remained stable, although mRNA expres-sion levels decreased during cultivation. HLA-C mRNA expression was steady in parathyroid adenoma yet significantly decreased in hyperplasia tissue samples. HLA-C protein expression levels were below 30 pg for both types of parathyroid tissue during cultivation. CONCLUSIONS: HLA class I expression levels of para-thyroid hyperplasia and adenoma tissue were not found to be similar. Parathyroid hyperplasia tissue is the donor tissue for the treatment of permanent hypoparathyroidism. Therefore, expression patterns of HLA class I are directly relevant to the transplant process. In particular, the HLA region is highly polymorphic, and, as a consequence of this, heterogeneous correlations among HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C expression patterns of parathyroid tissue should be evaluated in detail before transplant for future studies.

Effects of soy-containing infant formulas on thyroid gland in rats.

BACKGROUND: Effects of soy-containing infant formulas on the thyroid gland is not clear. We aimed to evaluate the effects of infant formulas with different quantities of soy content on the functional and histopathological characteristics of the thyroid gland. METHODS: Twenty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 was fed with standard pellet rat food (8 g/day); group 2 soy-free infant formula (8 g/day); group 3 low-dose (1.12 g/100 mL) soy-containing formula (8 g/day), and group 4 high-dose (2.64 g/100 mL) soy-containing formula (8 g/day). Blood samples were collected from the subjects on day 0, 30, 60, and 90 to evaluate thyroid functions. All subjects were sacrificed on day 90. Thyroid glands were excised and examined histopathologically. RESULTS: Serum levels of free T3, free T4, TSH, anti-TPO, and anti-TG were significantly higher in Group 4 compared to other groups (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.001, P=0.002). No differences were found in the histopathological findings between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Infant formulas with high soy content induce hyperthyroidism with high TSH levels. High levels of anti-TPO and anti-TG suggest that observed changes might have occurred via inflammatory mechanism.

A novel method for providing scaffold: Decellularization of parathyroid capsule.

This study aimed to generate a novel biomatrix from the decellularized human parathyroid capsule using different methods and to compare the efficiency of decellularization in the means of cell removal, structural integrity and extracellular matrix preservation. The parathyroid capsules, which were carefully dissected from the parathyroid tissue, were randomly divided into four groups and then decellularized using three different protocols: freeze-thaw only, sodium dodecyl sulphate and Triton X-100 treatments after freeze-thawing. Quantitative DNA analysis, agarose gel electrophoresis, sulphated glycosaminoglycan assay, histological analysis, immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe the efficiency of parathyroid capsule decellularization and preservation of extracellular matrix components. Considering all the results, it can be said that only freeze-thawing is not an effective method in parathyroid capsule decellularization. When the tissue was treated with a detergent agent in addition to freeze-thawing, the amount of DNA decreased by 90% while sulphated glycosaminoglycan amount maintained 50% compared to untreated tissue. Comparing the effects of the two detergents on the preservation of extracellular matrix such as collagen and sulphated glycosaminoglycan, it was seen that the integrity of tissues treated with Triton X-100 was preserved more than tissues treated with sodium dodecyl sulphate. It is concluded that Triton X-100 treatment with freeze-thawing is the most suitable and effective method for decellularizing the human parathyroid capsule. The biomatrix obtained with this method can be applied in the transplantation of parathyroid tissue and other endocrine tissue types in the body.

Effects of glycerol and sodium pentaborate containing new formulation on sleeve gastrectomy model in rats.

PURPOSE: The development of cutting surface leakage and postoperative peritoneal adhesions (PPA) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are the most serious operative complications. We investigated the effectiveness of the newly developed glycerol and sodium pentaborate containing formulation on the prevention of these complications. METHODS: Sixteen Sprague Dawley rats (mean weight 310 ± 50 g, mean age 3 months old) were divided into two groups, consisting of eight rats in each. SG and a double-layer suture technique were performed for each group. In study group, there was the mixture of 2 mL 3% glycerol plus 3% sodium pentaborate formulation, and in the control group 2 mL 0.9% NaCl was injected into the peritoneal cavity. Rats were sacrificed after 30 days, then macroscopic adhesion grade scoring and histopathological evaluations were assessed. RESULTS: Macroscopic PPA scores in the control and study groups were 2.75 ± 0.16 and 1.50 ± 0.327, respectively (p = 0.004). Histopatologic fibrosis scores in the control and study groups were 0.87 ± 0.125 and 2.00 ± 0.26, respectively (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In SG operation model, glycerol plus sodium pentaborate compound decreased PPA formation and also increased stomach cut surface line fibrosis. This new formulation is hopeful for more safe SG operations.

Number of cells in parathyroid tissue in primary hyperparathyroidism cases and its relationship with serum calcium value.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between serum calcium (Ca) level to serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), phosphorus (P) levels and tissue properties of the parathyroid gland is unknown in primary hyperparathyroidism cases. Revealing this relationship may be useful for understanding the etiopathogenesis of primary hyperparathyroidism and determining the time of treatment. METHODS: Ninety patients (71 females, 19 males, age range; 27-73 years, average age; 46) who underwent single gland excision with the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism were studied. The patients were divided into 2 groups as serum Ca level <12 and serum Ca level ≥12. Age and sex of the patients, mean cell number of the gland, mean volume of the gland, serum levels of PTH, P, and histopathologic type of hyperplasia were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean cell number per cubic centimeter is 22.9 (10-220 range) million in all glands. Serum Ca level was <12 in 82 (91.1%) of the patients, and ≥12 in 8 (8.9%) cases. Mean cell number of the gland, mean volume of the gland, existence of cystic hyperplasia of the gland, serum levels of PTH and P were statistically significant between the 2 groups (P < .001, P < .001, P < .05, P < .001, P < .05 respectively). CONCLUSION: In primary hyperparathyroidism cases serum Ca level is not related to age and sex but directly related to proportionals to the cell number and volume of the gland and serum levels of PTH, inversely related to cystic hyperplasia and serum levels of P. Early surgical intervention should be planned since the serum Ca level will be high in large adenomas with a noncystic radiological appearance.

Xenotransplantation of Microencapsulated Parathyroid Cells as a Potential Treatment for Autoimmune-Related Hypoparathyroidism.

OBJECTIVES: Hypoparathyroidism occurs as a part of a complex autoimmune syndrome or iatrogenically after neck surgery. The disease presents many challenges, such as hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and low/undetectable parathormone levels. Allotrans - plantation of parathyroid tissue or cells has been reported as a promising option to overcome these effects. Transplantation of microencapsulated parathy - roid tissue or cells offers an immune escape, which particularly restores the parathyroid function for autoimmune-related hypoparathyroidism. So far, clinical and in vivo studies have demonstrated limited graft survival and instability for the available biocompatible materials. In addition, the transplant site, proper local isolation, and biocompatibility of materials are directly related to survival rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A microencapsulated parathy - roid xenotransplant model by using high guluronic acid-containing ultrapure alginate transplanted into rat omentum was tested in vivo for 1 year. RESULTS: After stability of empty microcapsules was ensured, parathyroid cells were microencapsulated and transplanted in rats, with results compared versus rats with naked (nonencapsulated) parathyroid cells (both groups followed for 64 weeks). Rats remained normocalcemic, and preinflammatory cytokine levels showed dramatic changes. Despite a delay posttransplant, parathormone levels increased significantly. All retrieved microencapsules elicited pericapsular fibrotic overgrowth; however, the fibrosis area was shown to be well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: The possible role of accumulation/cell infiltration of immune response remains to be elucidated. In conjunction with this, the use of nonencapsulated parathyroid cells was also positively correlated with survival rates. A similar evaluation using ultrapure alginate materials and omental transplantation may enable the future determination for the long-term effects of correction of parathor - mone insufficiency in patients with severe hypocalcemic responses and other endocrine diseases.

A New Imaging Technique for the Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer: Thyroidography.

Background: Microcalcifications are the most important diagnostic parameter for thyroid cancer. We developed a new imaging technique based on low dose X-rays that specifically reveal microcalcifications via a new software algorithm. Method: A prospective clinical trial was planned and 45 cases (37 women, 8 men, women/men: 4.6, age range: 17-68, mean age: 43) were included in the study. After total thyroidectomy with standard technique, the fresh thyroid tissues were integrated into the human neck simulator. Raw (DICOM) images were obtained for each tissue sample with a standard mammography device and transformed into new images (thyroidograms) by a new software algorithm. Preoperative ultrasonography (USG) images, DICOM images, and thyroidograms were evaluated in order to observe micro and macrocalcifications by the same experienced radiologist. Results: Twenty-four cases were malignant and 21 cases were benign after histopathologic evaluation. Microcalcification detection with the thyroidography was statistically significant for sensitivity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy (p < 0.05) but not for specificity (p > 0.05) compared to the USG and DICOM images for the malignant and also benign cases. Conclusion: This new imaging technique is hopeful for diagnosis of thyroid cancer according to microcalcification detection and may complement thyroid USG.

Effects of glycerol and sodium pentaborate containing new formulation on sleeve gastrectomy model in rats

ABSTRACT Purpose: The development of cutting surface leakage and postoperative peritoneal adhesions (PPA) after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are the most serious operative complications. We investigated the effectiveness of the newly developed glycerol and sodium pentaborate containing formulation on the prevention of these complications. Methods: Sixteen Sprague Dawley rats (mean weight 310 ± 50 g, mean age 3 months old) were divided into two groups, consisting of eight rats in each. SG and a double-layer suture technique were performed for each group. In study group, there was the mixture of 2 mL 3% glycerol plus 3% sodium pentaborate formulation, and in the control group 2 mL 0.9% NaCl was injected into the peritoneal cavity. Rats were sacrificed after 30 days, then macroscopic adhesion grade scoring and histopathological evaluations were assessed. Results: Macroscopic PPA scores in the control and study groups were 2.75 ± 0.16 and 1.50 ± 0.327, respectively (p = 0.004). Histopatologic fibrosis scores in the control and study groups were 0.87 ± 0.125 and 2.00 ± 0.26, respectively (p = 0.002). Conclusions: In SG operation model, glycerol plus sodium pentaborate compound decreased PPA formation and also increased stomach cut surface line fibrosis. This new formulation is hopeful for more safe SG operations.

Effects of Glycerol and Sodium Pentaborate Formulation on Prevention of Postoperative Peritoneal Adhesion Formation.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative peritoneal adhesions (PPA) are a serious problem for abdominal surgery. An effective remedy has not been found yet. New formulation of glycerol and sodium pentaborate may be able to solve the problem. METHOD: Female Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned into four equal groups. The adhesion model was created on the caecum anterior wall and covered with 2 ml 0.9% NaCl, 3% glycerol, 3% sodium pentaborate, and 3% glycerol plus 3% sodium pentaborate solutions in the groups, respectively. Two weeks later, the rats were sacrificed. PPA were graded macroscopically and microscopically. RESULTS: Total adhesion scores of the 3% glycerol + 3% sodium pentaborate group were statistically different from the other groups for macroscopic and also microscopic evaluations (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: 3% glycerol plus 3% sodium pentaborate as a new formulation has preventive effects on PPA with a synergistic mechanism.

Discharging a Patient Treated With Parathyroid Allotransplantation After Having Been Hospitalized for 3.5 Years With Permanent Hypoparathyroidism: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Parathyroid allotransplantation is one of the methods used in the treatment of permanent hypoparathyroidism. We present a patient who underwent continuous intravenous (IV) calcium replacement therapy because of permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-year-old woman who underwent a total thyroidectomy with a multinodular goiter developed hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia 1 week after discharge. The patient was started on daily oral calcitriol, magnesium effervescent, vitamin D, and IV calcium gluconate and was unable to be discharged because the IV calcium could not be stopped. After 3.5 years, 50×106 parathyroid cells were transplanted by injecting the cells into the left deltoid muscle of the patient. The immunosuppression of the patient, who used 20-mg methylprednisolone for the first month, was completely discontinued. RESULTS: No complications were observed in the patient after transplantation. The parenteral calcium replacement of the patient was progressively interrupted after transplantation. The patient's serum calcium level was 7.8 mg/dL and the PTH level was 6.9 pg/mL without IV calcium replacement at 12 weeks after transplantation, and the patient was discharged using oral ionized calcium. In the 10-week follow-up after discharge, the need for IV calcium was not observed in the patient. CONCLUSION: Parathyroid allotransplantation is a simple, fast, and cost-effective method that should be tried in patients with persistent hypoparathyroidism, especially those who have to take IV calcium replacement, because its cost is much cheaper than standard medical care, its morbidity is much more limited, and it increases the patient's quality of life.

Importance of HLA typing, PRA and DSA tests for successful parathyroid allotransplantation.

Parathyroid allotransplantation is increasingly practiced for patients who have permanent hypoparathyroidsm. Parathyroid allotransplantation success is varied, and no defined criteria about immunologic monitoring for pre-/post-transplantation follow-up. This study sought to evaluate the possible role of immunological tests. Four unrelated recipients and one living donor who have chronic kidney disease were evaluated for HLA-typing, PRA, CXM tests to conduct parathyroid allotransplantation. Parathyroid glands were obtained and resected from the donor, then cells were isolated and cryopreserved. Upon histologic examination, cells were cultivated and injected into muscle of four recipients. Recipient's were followed for parathormone and calcium levels for four years. PRA screening were monitored and de novo DSA was evaluated as well. In two of the recipients, allografts continued to be functional more than four years. In one recipient, allograft remained functional for two years and another recipient lost function after one year. Two out four were negative for de novo DSA and three out of four of the recipients remained negative for PRA. Neither HLA-matching nor de novo DSA positivity and PRA screenings seems significant for successfull parathyroid allotransplantation. This study has considerable potential for immunological monitoring of parathyroid allotransplantation.

Effects of boric acid-linked ampicillin on the rat intra-abdominal sepsis model.

The aim of this study was to determine efficiency of a new molecule that was obtained by linking boric acid with ampicillin in treating intra-abdominal infection.Following intraperitoneal E. coli injection totwenty-one female Wistar albino rats, group 1 was administered boron-linked ampicillin, group 2 was administered only ampicillin and group 3 was injected intraperitoneally with physiological serum. IL-6, and a white blood cell analysis was performed from the blood before and on the seventh day of treatment.No statistically significant difference in blood WBC levels after treatment was found among the groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the IL-6 values of group 2 and group 3 before and after the treatment (p=0.195 and 0.193, respectively); however, the reduction in the serum IL-6 values of group 1 was statistically significant (p=0.003).Boric acid-linked ampicillin is a more effective intra-abdominal infection treatment compared with ampicillin alone.