¿Existe asociación del tiempo entre el urocultivo y la cirugía intrarrenal retrógrada y la tasa de síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica? / Does time elapsed between urine culture and retrograde intrarenal surgery affect the rate of systemic inflammatory response syndrome?

Objetivo: Identificar los factores preoperatorios e intraoperatorios que podrían causar el síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica (SRIS) tras la cirugía intrarrenal retrógrada (CRIR) y estudiar el efecto del tiempo de espera entre la fecha del urocultivo vesical preoperatorio (UCVP) y la fecha de la cirugía en el SRIS postoperatorio.Materiales y métodos: La población objetivo la constituyeron 467 pacientes intervenidos mediante CRIR entre enero de 2013 y junio de 2020. Se obtuvieron UCVP de todos los pacientes antes de la cirugía. En el postoperatorio, los pacientes recibieron seguimiento estrecho en busca de fiebre y otros signos de SRIS. Se realizaron análisis de regresión logística univariante y multivariante para revelar los factores predictivos de SRIS después de CRIR.Resultados: La cohorte completa del estudio estaba formada por 467 pacientes. La tasa de SRIS fue del 5,6%. En el análisis univariante, la tasa de diabetes mellitus, los antecedentes de infección urinaria recurrente, el tiempo quirúrgico y la carga litiásica fueron factores predictivos significativos de SRIS. Según el análisis multivariante, la tasa de antecedentes de infección urinaria recurrente, el tiempo quirúrgico y la carga litiásica eran factores predictivos estadísticamente significativos. El tiempo transcurrido entre la fecha de realización del UCVP y la fecha de la cirugía fue el mismo en el grupo con SRIS y en el grupo normal.Conclusión: El intervalo de tiempo entre la fecha de realización del UCVP y la fecha de la cirugía no es un factor influyente para el SRIS. Aclarar esta cuestión mediante estudios prospectivos puede ayudar a resolver este problema con el que los endourólogos se enfrentan con frecuencia en la práctica diaria. (AU)

Objective: To identify the preoperative and intraoperative factors that might cause systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) after retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), and to investigate the effect of time elapsed between the date of performing preoperative bladder urine culture (PBUC) and surgery date on postoperative SIRS.Materials and methods: Four hundred sixty-seven patients who had RIRS between January 2013 and June 2020 constituted the target population of this study. PBUC were obtained from all patients before undergoing surgery. Postoperatively, patients were closely monitored for fever and other signs of SIRS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to reveal the predictive factors for SIRS after RIRS.Results: The entire study cohort consisted of 467 patients. The rate of SIRS was 5.6%. In univariate analysis, the rate of diabetes mellitus, recurrent urinary tract infection history, surgical time, and stone burden were significant predictive factors for SIRS. In multivariate analysis, the rate of recurrent urinary tract infection history, surgical time and stone burden were observed to be statistically significant predictive factors. Time elapsed between the date of performing PBUC and surgery date was not different between the SIRS group and the normal group.Conclusion: We conclude that the time between the date of performing PBUC and surgery date is not an influential factor for SIRS. Clarifying this issue with prospective studies may be useful, as endourologists frequently encounter this situation in daily practice. (AU)

Modelo novedoso basado en los parámetros de la tomografía para predecir el éxito de la litotricia por ondas de choque en los cálculos ureterales de diferentes localizaciones / A novel model using computed tomography parameters to predict shock wave lithotripsy success in ureteral stones at different locations

ObjetivoIncorporar los parámetros basados en la tomografía computarizada sin contraste (TCSC) a las características de los cálculos y de los pacientes comúnmente asociadas con el éxito de la litotricia por ondas de choque (LEOCH) para evaluar la efectividad de este nuevo modelo en la predicción del éxito de LEOCH en cálculos ureterales únicos situados en diferentes localizaciones.Materiales y métodosSe revisaron retrospectivamente los datos de los pacientes tratados con LEOCH por un único cálculo ureteral entre enero de 2017 y enero de 2019. Los parámetros basados en la TCSC se evaluaron junto con los parámetros demográficos de los pacientes y las características de los cálculos. Los parámetros basados en TCSC incluyeron la presencia o ausencia de hidronefrosis, trabeculación de la grasa perirrenal, edema periureteral, diámetro del uréter proximal, grosor de la pared ureteral (GPU) en el sitio del cálculo ureteral. Se utilizó el método de regresión logística para desarrollar un modelo predictivo útil. Posteriormente, se utilizó la curva ROC para determinar los puntos de corte, y se desarrolló un sistema de puntuación para la predicción del éxito de LEOCH.ResultadosLa tasa libre de cálculos fue del 77,1% (267/346) en toda la cohorte. El análisis univariante reveló que la edad, el volumen de los cálculos, la densidad, la trabeculación perirrenal, el diámetro del uréter proximal y el GPU se asociaron con el éxito de la LEOCH. En el análisis multivariante, la localización del cálculo ureteral proximal, el volumen del cálculo, la densidad y el GPU fueron predictores independientes del éxito de la LEOCH. La fórmula utilizada en el análisis de regresión logística fue: 1/[1+exp {-8,856+0,008(volumen del cálculo)+0,002 (densidad del cálculo)+0,673 (GPU)+1026 (cálculo ureteral proximal)}]. Las puntuaciones de 0, 1, 2, 3 y 4 se asociaron con un 97,8%, 83,4%, 60,8%, 33,2% y 11,1% de éxito, respectivamente, en el modelo de predicción basado en estos parámetros.

ObjectiveTo combine non-contrast computerized tomography (NCCT)-based parameters with stone and patient characteristics that are already known to affect shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) success and assess this novel model's effectiveness in predicting SWL success for single ureteral stones in different locations.Materials and methodsData of patients treated by SWL for a single ureteral stone between January 2017 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic parameters of patients and stone characteristics were combined with NCCT-based parameters. NCCT-based parameters included the presence or absence of hydronephrosis, perinephric stranding, periureteral edema, diameter of the proximal ureter, ureteral wall thickness (UWT) at ureteral stone site. The logistic regression method was used for the development of a useful predictive model. Subsequently, the receiver operating curve was used to determine cut-off levels, and a scoring system was developed for prediction of SWL success.ResultsStone-free rate was 77,1% (267/346) in the entire cohort. Univariate analysis revealed that age, stone volume, density, perinephric stranding, diameter of proximal ureter, and UWT, were associated with SWL success. In multivariate analysis, proximal ureteral stone location, stone volume, density, and UWT were independent predictors of SWL success. The formula used during logistic regression analysis was: 1/[1+exp {-8.856+0.008(stone volume)+0.002 (stone density)+0.673 (UWT)+1026 (proximal ureteral stone)}]. The scores of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 were associated with 97,8%, 83,4%, 60,8%, 33,2% and 11,1% success rates, respectively, in the prediction model based on these parameters.ConclusionWe conclude that our model can facilitate decision-making for SWL treatment of ureteral stones in different locations (AU)

A novel model using computed tomography parameters to predict shock wave lithotripsy success in ureteral stones at different locations.

OBJECTIVE: To combine non-contrast computerized tomography (NCCT)-based parameters with stone and patient characteristics that are already known to affect shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) success and assess this novel model's effectiveness in predicting SWL success for single ureteral stones in different locations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of patients treated by SWL for a single ureteral stone between January 2017 and January 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic parameters of patients and stone characteristics were combined with NCCT-based parameters. NCCT-based parameters included the presence or absence of hydronephrosis, perinephric stranding, periureteral edema, diameter of the proximal ureter, ureteral wall thickness (UWT) at ureteral stone site. The logistic regression method was used for the development of a useful predictive model. Subsequently, the receiver operating curve was used to determine cut-off levels, and a scoring system was developed for prediction of SWL success. RESULTS: Stone-free rate was 77,1% (267/346) in the entire cohort. Univariate analysis revealed that age, stone volume, density, perinephric stranding, diameter of proximal ureter, and UWT, were associated with SWL success. In multivariate analysis, proximal ureteral stone location, stone volume, density, and UWT were independent predictors of SWL success. The formula used during logistic regression analysis was: 1/[1 + exp {-8.856 + 0.008 (stone volume) + 0.002 (stone density) + 0.673 (UWT) + 1026 (proximal ureteral stone)}]. The scores of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 were associated with 97,8%, 83,4%, 60,8%, 33,2% and 11,1% success rates, respectively, in the prediction model based on these parameters. CONCLUSION: We conclude that our model can facilitate decision-making for SWL treatment of ureteral stones in different locations.

Does time elapsed between urine culture and retrograde intrarenal surgery affect the rate of systemic inflammatory response syndrome?

OBJECTIVE: To identify the preoperative and intraoperative factors that might cause systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) after retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), and to investigate the effect of time elapsed between the date of performing preoperative bladder urine culture (PBUC) and surgery date on postoperative SIRS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred sixty-seven patients who had RIRS between January 2013 and June 2020 constituted the target population of this study. PBUC were obtained from all patients before undergoing surgery. Postoperatively, patients were closely monitored for fever and other signs of SIRS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to reveal the predictive factors for SIRS after RIRS. RESULTS: The entire study cohort consisted of 467 patients. The rate of SIRS was 5.6%. In univariate analysis, the rate of DM, recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) history, surgical time, and stone burden were significant predictive factors for SIRS. In multivariate analysis, the rate of recurrent UTI history, surgical time and stone burden were observed to be statistically significant predictive factors. Time elapsed between the date of performing PBUC and surgery date was not different between the SIRS group and the normal group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the time between the date of performing PBUC and surgery date is not an influential factor for SIRS. Clarifying this issue with prospective studies may be useful, as endourologists frequently encounter this situation in daily practice.

Salivary ß-galactosidase, halitosis parameters in periodontal health and disease, and their changes after periodontal treatment.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the salivary ß-galactosidase and Halimeter values (HMV), organoleptic scores (OLS) and Winkel tongue coating index (WTCI) in periodontal health and periodontitis (P), and also their changes after phase I periodontal therapy and tongue cleaning. METHODS: The participants were separated as follows: 25 P with halitosis (Group 1), 25 P without halitosis (Group 2) and 25 healthy controls (Group 3). Periodontal recordings, HMV, OLS and WTCI scores were recorded, and whole saliva ß-galactosidase levels were measured colorimetrically in the samples at baseline and 1 month after the therapy. RESULTS: The baseline values of HMV, OLS, WTCI and salivary ß-galactosidase levels were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant decrease in periodontal recordings, HMV, OLS, WTCI and salivary ß-galactosidase levels in all P patients by the therapy (P < 0.05). However, major reductions in halitosis measurements and saliva enzyme levels were observed in Group 1 after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that salivary ß-galactosidase was associated with halitosis parameters and phase I periodontal therapy played an important role to reduce this enzyme level and halitosis parameters in P.

La relación albúmina/globulina preoperatoria como factor pronóstico en pacientes con cáncer testicular / The role of preoperative albumin to globulin ratio in predicting prognosis in testicular cancer patients

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: La incidencia del cáncer testicular ha aumentado en los últimos años, pero gracias a las mejoras en el tratamiento las tasas de mortalidad han disminuido. Aunque las características primarias del tumor y los marcadores tumorales séricos son relevantes en términos de metástasis y recurrencia, su valor predictivo no es fiable. Por lo tanto, se requieren nuevos biomarcadores predictivos y pronósticos. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue investigar el rol del valor preoperatorio de la relación albúmina/globulina (RAG) en la predicción de la propagación a los ganglios linfáticos retroperitoneales (GLRP) y la metástasis a distancia, así como en el pronóstico del cáncer testicular. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Analizamos retrospectivamente los expedientes médicos de todos los pacientes que recibieron orquiectomía inguinal radical en nuestro hospital entre 2007 y 2018. La RAG se calculó mediante la ecuación: RAG = albúmina sérica/(proteína sérica total−albúmina sérica). El valor predictivo de la RAG para la propagación de los GLRP y la metástasis a distancia se evaluó mediante el análisis de las características operativas del receptor y su valor pronóstico se evaluó mediante el análisis de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier. RESULTADOS: Un total de 115 pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio, con una media de edad de 33,4±7,7 años. En el análisis multivariante se detectaron valores de la RAG inferiores a 1,47 y la presencia de invasión linfovascular como factores predictivos de la diseminación a los GLRP y la metástasis a distancia. El valor de la RAG de los pacientes fallecidos era significativamente menor que el de la RAG de los que seguían vivos: 1± 0,2 vs. 1,6± 0,3 (p = 0,001). En el análisis de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier el tiempo medio de supervivencia de los pacientes con mayor RAG (> 1,47) fue mayor que el de los pacientes con menor RAG (< 1,47). CONCLUSIONES: El valor preoperatorio de la RAG puede usarse como biomarcador para predecir la propagación a los GLRP y la metástasis a distancia y para el pronóstico del cáncer testicular

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In recent years, the incidence of testicular cancer has increased, but mortality rates have decreased thanks to the improvements in treatment. Although primary tumor characteristics and serum tumor markers are associated with metastasis and relapse, their predictive value is not reliable. Therefore, there is a need for new biomarkers that predict prognosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of preoperative albumin to globulin ratio (AGR) in predicting retroperitoneal lymph node (RPLN) involvement, distant metastasis and prognosis in testicular cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all patients that underwent radical inguinal orchiectomy at our hospital between 2007 and 2018. AGR was calculated using the equation: AGR=serum albumin/(serum total protein−serum albumin). The predictive value of AGR for RPLN involvement and distant metastasis was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis and its prognostic value was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients with a mean age of 33.4± 7.7 years were included in the study. In multivariate analysis, AGR less than 1.47 and the presence of lymphovascular invasion were detected as the factors predicting RPLN involvement and distant metastasis. The AGR of patients who had died was significantly lower than AGR of those who were alive, 1± 0.2 versus 1.6± 0.3 (P = .001). In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the mean survival of patients with higher AGR (> 1.47) was found longer than patients with lower AGR (< 1.47). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative AGR is a biomarker that may be used in predicting RPLN involvement, distant metastasis and prognosis in testicular cancer

The role of preoperative albumin to globulin ratio in predicting prognosis in testicular cancer patients. / La relación albúmina/globulina preoperatoria como factor pronóstico en pacientes con cáncer testicular.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In recent years, the incidence of testicular cancer has increased, but mortality rates have decreased thanks to the improvements in treatment. Although primary tumor characteristics and serum tumor markers are associated with metastasis and relapse, their predictive value is not reliable. Therefore, there is a need for new biomarkers that predict prognosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of preoperative albumin to globulin ratio (AGR) in predicting retroperitoneal lymph node (RPLN) involvement, distant metastasis and prognosis in testicular cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all patients that underwent radical inguinal orchiectomy at our hospital between 2007 and 2018. AGR was calculated using the equation: AGR=serum albumin/(serum total protein-serum albumin). The predictive value of AGR for RPLN involvement and distant metastasis was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis and its prognostic value was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients with a mean age of 33.4±7.7years were included in the study. In multivariate analysis, AGR less than 1.47 and the presence of lymphovascular invasion were detected as the factors predicting RPLN involvement and distant metastasis. The AGR of patients who had died was significantly lower than AGR of those who were alive, 1±0.2 versus 1.6±0.3 (P=.001). In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the mean survival of patients with higher AGR (>1.47) was found longer than patients with lower AGR (<1.47). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative AGR is a biomarker that may be used in predicting RPLN involvement, distant metastasis and prognosis in testicular cancer.

Stabilization and controlled release of micro-encapsulated hydrogen peroxide for wound treatment applications.

AIMS: Hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) disinfection applications are limited by its rapid inactivation. The aims of this study were to (i) micro-encapsulate H2 O2 in silica hydrogels to obtain controlled release up to 72 h, (ii) test hydrogel antimicrobial activity against four common pathogens and (iii) assess H2 O2 release kinetics and antimicrobial activity in 35-65% relative humidity and 37°C to approximate bandaged wound conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: Hydrogels were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen sorption porosimetry, Brunauer Emmet Teller analysis and the Barret-Joyner-Halenda method. Hydrogels formed at lower pH demonstrated increased surface area and decreased pore size, resulting in H2 O2 release lasting 72 h. Using agar well diffusion for antimicrobial activity, statistically significant zones of inhibition (as compared to controls) were seen for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomona aeruginiosa and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis. Activity remained for hydrogels aged for 72 h in humid, 37°C conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrogels can be synthesized to provide a continuous, controlled release of H2 O2 for up to 72 h. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Stable, controlled-release H2 O2 hydrogels have potential applications for wound treatment and disinfection of medical equipment, through bonding to bandages or materials such as catheter lumens.

Beyond the 'east-west' dichotomy: Global variation in cultural models of selfhood.

Markus and Kitayama's (1991) theory of independent and interdependent self-construals had a major influence on social, personality, and developmental psychology by highlighting the role of culture in psychological processes. However, research has relied excessively on contrasts between North American and East Asian samples, and commonly used self-report measures of independence and interdependence frequently fail to show predicted cultural differences. We revisited the conceptualization and measurement of independent and interdependent self-construals in 2 large-scale multinational surveys, using improved methods for cross-cultural research. We developed (Study 1: N = 2924 students in 16 nations) and validated across cultures (Study 2: N = 7279 adults from 55 cultural groups in 33 nations) a new 7-dimensional model of self-reported ways of being independent or interdependent. Patterns of global variation support some of Markus and Kitayama's predictions, but a simple contrast between independence and interdependence does not adequately capture the diverse models of selfhood that prevail in different world regions. Cultural groups emphasize different ways of being both independent and interdependent, depending on individualism-collectivism, national socioeconomic development, and religious heritage. Our 7-dimensional model will allow future researchers to test more accurately the implications of cultural models of selfhood for psychological processes in diverse ecocultural contexts. (PsycINFO Database Record

In vivo intraaneurysmal pressure measurements in experimental lateral wall aneurysms before and after onyx embolization.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to measure and compare the in vivo intraaneurysmal pressures of experimental lateral wall aneurysms, before and after onyx embolization. The data of this experiment will carry an important role in forming the scientific basis for the clinical endovascular applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five experimental lateral wall aneurysms were created by microsurgical techniques in 5 New Zealand rabbits' right common carotid arteries. Onyx embolization was applied to the aneurysms. Intraaneurysmal dome pressure and parent artery measurements before and after the procedure were recorded. RESULTS: The mean arterial pressure recording in parent artery was 69.2 +/- 2.588 mm Hg under anesthesia. Mean heart rate was 131 beats per minute. The values were in physiologic limits. Meanwhile, aneurysm intradomal pressure recording showed a mean value of 59.2 +/- 5.069 mm Hg. Although there was incomplete occlusion of the aneurysm, intradomal mean pressure was recorded to be 24.4 +/- 8.876 mm Hg. After complete occlusion by onyx, mean intradomal aneurysm pressure was found to be 1.8 +/- 0.836 mm Hg. DISCUSSION: This study is the first study reporting on intraaneurysmal pressure measurements before and after onyx embolization. The results in this experiment tend to show the adequate intraaneurysmal pressure control of onyx. This is important in the stabilization of the aneurysm to prevent rupture and rerupture. When compared with the findings of GDC coil, onyx embolization seems to be superior in intraaneurysmal pressure control. CONCLUSION: In this study, it has been shown that onyx embolization decreases the intradomal aneurysmal pressure effectively.

Widespread distribution and high prevalence of an alpha-proteobacterial symbiont in the tick Ixodes ricinus.

The tick Ixodes ricinus is responsible for the transmission of a number of bacterial, protozoan and viral diseases to humans and animals in Europe and Northern Africa. Female I. ricinus from England, Switzerland and Italy have been found to harbour an intracellular alpha-proteobacterium, designated IricES1, within the cells of the ovary. IricES1 is the only prokaryote known to exist within the mitochondria of any animal or multicellular organism. To further examine the distribution, prevalence and mode of transmission of IricES1, we performed polymerase chain reaction screening of I. ricinus adults from 12 countries across its geographic distribution, including tick colonies that have been maintained in the laboratory for varying periods of time. IricES1 was detected in 100% of field-collected female ticks from all countries examined (n = 128), while 44% of males were found to be infected (n = 108). Those males that are infected appear to harbour fewer bacteria than females. Sequencing of fragments of the 16S rRNA and gyrB genes revealed very low nucleotide diversity among various populations of IricES1. Transmission of IricES1 from engorged adult females to eggs was found to be 100% (n = 31). In tick colonies that had been maintained in the laboratory for several years, a relatively low prevalence was found in females (32%; n = 25). To our knowledge, IricES1 is the most widespread and highly prevalent of any tick-associated symbiont.

Seroepidemiology of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in wild mice captured in northern Turkey.

An expedition across the Asian part of the Black Sea coast and national parks of Northern Turkey was organized in the summer of 2001 to investigate the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), Lyme borreliosis agent, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, agent, in wild mice. A total of 65 Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus sylvaticus, Microtus epiroticus, Crocidura suaveolens and Mus macedonicus, were captured. Two out of 22 Apodemus sylvaticus specimens were seropositive for B. afzelii by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as confirmed by Western blotting, however cultures of skin and bladder samples from all small mammals in Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly's medium-II remained negative for B. burgdorferi s.l. All sera tested were negative for Anaplasma phagocytophilum by indirect immunofluorescent assay. The prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum is low in wild mice of the Asian part of Northern Turkey.

Syntheses and biological evaluation of indole-2 and 3-carboxamides: new selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors.

A series of indol-2 and 3-carboxamides were prepared and evaluated for their ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). Substitution on indol nitrogen with benzyl and p-fluorobenzyl group of indole-2 carboxamides 8, 10, 11 provides fairly active COX-2 enzyme inhibitors.

Outcome analysis of reoperations after lumbar discectomies: a report of 22 patients.

Our aim was to analyse causes for persistence of pain after lumbar discectomy and outcome of reoperations. Out of 37 reoperated patients, 22 with a minimum follow-up period of one year were included in this retrospective study concerning the years 1993 to 2000. All patients had previously undergone laminotomy and discectomy and fusion was not required during second operations. Outcome was evaluated according to the modified criteria of Kawabata et al. Overall incidence of reoperation was 6.5%. Reoperations were performed because of recurrent disc herniation in 9 patients, epidural fibrosis in 8, and de novo disc herniation at a different level in 5. Contrast enhanced computerized tomography was used in 17 patients and this might be the reason for misdiagnosis of recurrent disc herniation in the two patients with epidural fibrosis. In patients with de novo disc herniation, symptoms recurred earlier. In 20 patients, satisfactory relief of pain, as well as better outcome could be achieved (p<0.05), but no significant improvement in neurological deficits was observed. Excellent results were obtained more in patients with recurrent disc herniation and poor outcomes correlated with long (> 1 year) time intervals for onset of recurrent sciatica (p<0.05). However, patients with epidural fibrosis were also glad postoperatively for decreased pain severity. Only co-existence of epidural fibrosis and de novo disc herniation predicted an inferior outcome. Although recurrent disc herniation seemed to respond best to surgical treatment, we recommend reoperation when objective preoperative findings indicate the presence of surgically correctable compression regardless of its type.

Behçet's disease and diverticulosis.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystem disorder characterized by vasculitis. The aim of this report is to present a patient with BD and diverticular disease of the colon and discuss the possible association between BD and diverticulosis. To our knowledge, diverticular disease of the colon has not been previously reported in a patient with BD. We conclude that the significance of this association between BD and diverticulosis needs to be clarified.

Angiotensin converting enzyme gene polymorphism and activity in Turkish patients with essential hypertension.

Studies in various ethnic groups have shown contradictory evidence on the association of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/ deletion (I/D) polymorphism with essential hypertension. We conducted a case-control study in Samsun, Turkey, to examine the association between ACE genotype, ACE serum activity, and blood pressure. Serum ACE activity was measured and ACE I/D polymorphism performed in 165 hypertensive and 143 normotensive subjects. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR primers were flanking the polymorphic region in intron 16 of the ACE gene. The distribution of the DD, ID, and II ACE genotypes was 65, 77, and 23 in hypertensive patients and 42, 82, and 19 in normotensive subjects (P > .05). The estimated frequency of the insertion allele was 0.37 in hypertensive and 0.42 in normotensive subjects. Nevertheless, sensitivity analysis, based on positive family history and severity of hypertension, suggested that significant associations existed between more homogeneous groups of hypertensives and normotensives (P < .05). ACE genotype influenced ACE activity and the highest level was in DD genotype, being the lowest in II genotype. ACE serum levels were significantly higher in hypertensives as compared with normotensives (P < .01). A modest correlation was observed between blood pressure and ACE among hypertensive persons (r = 0.25, P < .05) and this did persist in multivariate analysis (P < .05 for systolic blood pressure and P < .005 for diastolic blood pressure). These data suggest that ACE DD genotype may have predisposing effects on severe hypertensives and cases with positive family history, and that ACE may be one of the independent factors on hypertension.

The value of cavernous body biopsy in evaluating of impotent men.

Rapid advances in the basic understanding of the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of penile erection have drastically changed the clinical approach to patients with erectile dysfunction. To evaluate the value of microscopic architecture of the corpora cavernosa, we examined cavernous body biopsies taken during penile prosthesis implants. We studied on 12 impotent patients 25 to 67 years old who underwent implantation of a penile prosthesis. The biopsy was stained with H&E (Hematoxylin and Eosin) for general architecture, Masson Trichrome for collagen distribution and EVG for elastic fibers. Except 3 cases no pathological changes were determined at H&E staining. At collagen staining, roughly increased collagen distribution was determined in all cases. There were no appreciable differences in distribution of elastic fibers. In conclusion our data demonstrate that cavernous body biopsy is of limited value to determine etiologic factors in patients with erectile dysfunction.

Spontaneous fragmentation of a double J stent.

A variety of indications have made the use of double J stents routine in urology. Minimal and moderate side effects of ureteral stent are common, when the indwelling time exceeds 6 weeks the incidence of severe complications, like fragmentation increase. We report a case of stent fragmentation after an indwelling period of 12 months. Despite the variety of complications the severity requires close monitoring of the patient.

Complement evasion by the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi grown in host-derived tissue co-cultures: role of fibronectin in complement-resistance.

The effectiveness of complement-mediated killing of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, in the presence of host-derived tissues was studied. Second and high passage forms of B. burgdorferi 297 isolate were grown in a LEW/N rat joint tissue co-culture system and in artificial BSK medium. Guinea pig complement and third week immune serum from hamsters with experimental Lyme disease were added to the cultures. Both high and low passage borrelia grown in BSK medium died and did not revive after 3 weeks incubation in BSK medium. However, 5-12% of tissue co-cultured borrelia survived the first complement-mediated lysis. Repeated re-growth and lysis cycles in tissue co-culture resulted in isolation of an 85% complement-resistant population of B. burgdorferi. Joint tissue culture supernatant collected on the third day of tissue culture, and fibronectin (25 micrograms/ml), also protected spirochetes from complement-mediated lysis in contrast to BSK or fresh co-culture medium. Complement-mediated lysis may not be an effective mechanism in eradication of borrelia, and the chronicity of Lyme disease may be due to resistance of B. burgdorferi variants to host immune defense mechanisms in the presence of host-derived tissues.