The Effects of Vasonatrin Peptide on Fat Graft Viability: An Experimental Study.

Vasonatrin peptide (VNP) is a synthetic peptide that possesses vasodilatory, natriuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The authors aimed to analyze the effects of VNP on fat graft survival. Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats are randomly divided into two groups of 10. Fat grafts are harvested from the right inguinal region. After preparation, fat grafts are placed to the interscapular region. The first group of rats were administered VNP after their fat injection, while the second group received tail-vein injections of an equal volume of sterile saline following their fat injection. Experiment and control groups are evaluated according to their level of degeneration of adipocytes, fat necrosis, vacuolization, cyst formation in adipocytes, fibrosis of the fat tissue, capillary density, and CD31 immunohistochemical staining. Degeneration, vacuolization, and cyst formation in adipocytes were lower in the experiment group. Increased capillary density in the experiment group was demonstrated by CD31 antibody staining and by counting capillary density under a microscope. The average percentage of change in weight of the fat grafts in the experiment group was lower than that in the control group. The results indicate that VNP has some beneficial effects on fat graft survival by multiple independent mechanisms that influence both local and systemic homeostasis.

Comparison of venous repair results using either arterial or vein grafts in a crush-avulsion injury model

Background/aim: Venous insufficiency after replantation or revascularization is one of the most common causes of limb loss in either the short or the long term. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a new technique to overcome venous insufficiency. Materials and Methods: A crush-avulsion type of injury was formed in the femoral veins of rats of 3 separate groups. In the control group, primary repair was applied to the damaged veins and the remaining 2 groups were repaired with either an arterial graft or a vein graft. The success rates of anastomosis were then compared. Results: In the control group the patency rate was 25% in the 2nd hour, 12.5% on the 2nd day, and 12.5% on the 10th day. The patency rate in the vein group was 87.5% in the 2nd hour, 50% on the 2nd day, and 37.5% on the 10th day, whereas the patency rates in the artery group were 100% in the 2nd hour, 87.5% on the 2nd day, and 75% on the 10th day. Conclusion: Microsurgery requires experience and patience. It can be considered that the use of arterial grafts for venous repair in replantation after crush-avulsion type amputations can increase the success rate of replantation.

Clinical and histopathological prognostic factors affecting the renal outcomes in childhood ANCA-associated vasculitis.

OBJECTIVE: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV) are very rare in childhood with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate renal prognostic factors in childhood AAV from the perspective of ANCA serotype, histopathological classification, and five-factor score (FFS). METHODS: Pediatric AAV patients from 11 referral centers in Turkey had been included to the study. The demographics, clinical findings, AAV subtypes, outcomes, and FFS were evaluated retrospectively. Kidney biopsies were classified histopathologically. RESULTS: Totally, 39 patients were enrolled in the study. Among all patients, 74.4% had renal involvement, 56.4% ear-throat-nose involvement, and 51.3% had musculoskeletal involvement. Proteinase 3 (PR3)-ANCA was positive in 48.7%, and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA was positive in 30.8%. 69.2% of patients had impaired renal function, and 28.2% had progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) during the follow-up. At the time of diagnosis, FFS was ≥ 2 in 53.8%. The most common histopathologic classifications were as follows: crescentic type in 40.7% and sclerotic type in 25.9%. Gastrointestinal and renal involvement, MPO-ANCA positivity, serum creatinine levels, and impaired renal function during the follow-up were significantly higher in patients with FFS ≥ 2, compared to patients with FFS < 2. Patients with FFS ≥ 2 had more common crescentic, mixed and sclerotic histopathologic findings in biopsies. By logistic regression analysis forward method, the strongest single-risk factor among all the parameters was the initial level of creatinine in patients with ESRD, compared to the other patients (p = 0,007). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the FFS, ANCA serology, and the creatinine levels may help to predict renal prognosis.

Beneficial effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza in the healing of burn wounds: an experimental study in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Burn healing is a complicated process and very few treatments can positively alter its effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM -Danshen), a traditional Chinese medicine, on burn wound healing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty rats were included in this study and divided into two groups. 3 × 2 cm wide burn areas were created in the dorsal skin of all the animals with thermal contact. Intraoral 1 ml/day saline and 1 g/kg/day SM were given in control and experiment groups, respectively. Fourteen days following the burn injury burn zones were evaluated with indocyanine green-SPY imaging device, and multiple samples were collected for histopathological evaluation. Standard photographs were taken for the evaluation of necrotic skin areas. RESULTS: Neovascularization was increased in the SM group when compared with the control group (p = 0.0406). SPY studies revealed a meaningful increase in the tissue perfusion in the SM group (p = 0.0286). The average amount of necrotic area in the control and experiment group on the postoperative 14th day was 71.6% (±16.51) and 42.5% (±10.64) respectively (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that SM can decrease the amount of necrosis in burn wounds by increasing tissue perfusion and neovascularization.

Low free and bioavailable testosterone levels may predict pathologically-proven high-risk prostate cancer: a prospective, clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive value of free and bioavailable testosterone levels on the detection of high-grade prostate cancer proven by histopathological examination of transrectal prostate biopsy specimens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 405 patients who underwent transrectal prostate biopsy due to high prostatic specific antigen (PSA) (>2.5 ng/mL) and/or abnormal findings at digital rectal examination were included in this study. Blood free and bioavailable testosterone levels were calculated by the formula recommended by International Society for the Study of the Aging Male (ISSAM). The patients were stratified according to the D'Amico classification based on PSA levels and histological outcomes of prostate biopsies as benign, low, intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer. Patients were also divided into five groups according to the percentage of cancerous cores. RESULTS: Prostate cancer was detected in 160 of 405 (39.5%) patients. Total, free and bioavailable testosterone levels did not differ significantly between the patients with benign or malign histology. However, mean free (6.2 vs. 5.2 ng/dL, p=0.02) and bioavailable (151 vs. 125 ng/dL, p=0.001) testosterone levels were found to be significantly different in men with low-intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between free, and bioavailable testosterone levels and percentage of cores with cancer (p=0.002 for free and p=0.016 for bioavailable testosterone, respectively). CONCLUSION: This prospective clinical study demonstrates that reduced levels of calculated blood free and bioavailable testosterone levels are associated with an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Based on these findings blood free and bioavailable testosterone levels may be be thought to be an adjunctive factor in the prediction of high-risk prostate cancer.

A huge ovarian mucinous cystadenoma causing virilization, preterm labor, and persistent supine hypotensive syndrome during pregnancy.

Mucinous cystadenoma (MC) of the ovary is an unilateral, multilocular cystic benign epithelial tumor. Supposed to be hormone responsive, MC reaches huge sizes during pregnancy. Aortocaval compression is common during pregnancy, especially when the pregnant woman is in the supine position. However, the compression recovers with a change in position. The authors report the first case of a huge mucinous cystadenoma of the ovary complicating pregnancy and causing virilization, premature labor, and persistent supine hypotensive syndrome.

Combination of ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning can minimise skin flap loss: experimental study.

OBJECTIVES: Ischaemic preconditioning and postconditioning, which consist of one or a series of short ischaemic events. This study aimed to determine the efficiency of post-conditioning a flap in the minimisation of flap loss after a preconditioned skin flap. METHODS: The rats were divided into five groups: sham group, control group, pre-con group, post-con group, and pre + post-con group. On postoperative days 3 and 7, the entire flaps along with the margins of necrosis were traced onto transparent sheets. The areas of intact skin and tissue were recorded. RESULTS: The flap necrosis area and percentage of necrosis were calculated for each animal. The necrotic area percentage of the control group was found to be significantly higher than those of the other groups on Days 3 and 7 (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). The necrotic area percentage of the pre-con group was significantly higher than the pre + post-con group on Day 7 (p = 0.01). VEGFR-3 expression was observed at a rate of more than 50% in the post-con group. The presence of a protective effect in the late period was separately investigated by immunohistochemical staining of VEGFR-3 in the proliferating vessels. The necrotic areas was reduced in the flaps of the pre-con, post-con, and pre + post-con groups and the combined preconditioning and postconditioning group has reduced necrotic area compared to preconditioning of the skin flap. CONCLUSION: The protective effect was observed on day 7 for combined ischaemic preconditioning and postconditioning. The presence of a protective effect in the late period was separately investigated by immunohistochemical staining of VEGFR-3 in the proliferating vessels.

Small Cell Carcinomas of the Bladder Highly Express Somatostatin Receptor Type 2A: Impact on Prognosis and Treatment--A Multicenter Study of Urooncology Society, Turkey.

Small cell carcinoma (SmCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder. Neuroendocrine carcinomas expressing somatostatin receptors (SSTR) in other viscera such as lung, pancreas, and gastrointestinal system respond to therapy with somatostatin analogs. In the present study, expressions of SSTRs 1 to 5 including type 2A are investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and their relationship with clinicopathologic factors was evaluated. Hundred primary bladder SmCC cases were collected from 12 centers in Turkey. Forty-three cases were pure SmCC. Other cases had mostly papillary urothelial carcinoma as a second component. The percentage of the SmCC component ranged from 5% to 100%. SSTR-2A expression was membranous, whereas the other receptors showed cytoplasmic staining. The percentages of positive cases for SSTR-1, SSTR-2A, SSTR-3, SSTR-4, and SSTR-5 were 4% (3/75), 61.4% (54/88), 2.4% (2/84), 24.4% (20/82), and 6.25% (5/80), respectively. The percentage of SmCC component was positively correlated with the percentage of SSTR-2A expression (P=0.003) while negatively correlated with patient age (P=0.032). SSTR-2A expression was correlated with survival as a bad prognostic factor (P=0.018). SSTR-1, SSTR-3, SSTR-4, and SSTR-5 expressions did not show any statistical significance with any parameter. In conclusion, although the limited number of cases with adequate term follow-up, SSTR-2A expression could be a prognostic factor and somatostatin analogs therapeutic candidate for SmCCs of the bladder as these tumors show high percentage of SSTR-2A expression.

A modified technique for real time ultrasound guided pediatric percutaneous renal biopsy: the angled tangential approach.

AIM: Pediatric renal biopsy may result in serious hemorrhagic complications, requiring additional diagnostic procedures, blood transfusion, vascular interventions, and prolongation of hospitalization. The aim of the present study was to propose the angled tangential approach technique for real-time ultrasound-guided pediatric percutaneous renal biopsy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 166 percutaneous biopsies from June 2004 to May 2009 was performed. Patients' medical records, pathology results, and complications were reviewed. RESULTS: No major complications were seen in the study group. The most frequently occurring minor complication was macroscopic hematuria, which occurred at the rate of 9.6%. Hematoma was detected in three cases and regressed spontaneously in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The angled tangential approach is a safe technique and an alternative option in pediatric percutaneous renal biopsies.

Comparison of the flap survival with ischemic preconditioning on different pedicles under varied ischemic intervals in a rat bilateral pedicled flap model.

The study was undertaken to search whether pedicle selection for ischemic preconditioning (IP) and duration of global ischemia applied after IP influenced efficacy of IP on flap viability in epigastric adipocutaneous island flap with bilateral pedicles in rat model. In total, 159 rats were divided into one control and three (primary, secondary, or bilateral pedicle) IP treatment groups. IP was performed on different pedicles by three cycles of 10 minutes of pedicle clamping and 10 minutes of release. After IP procedure secondary pedicle was ligated in all groups, and flaps were exposed to 0, 1, 2, 4, or 6 hours of global ischemia by clamping primary pedicle. In control groups, after the perfusion of bipedicled flaps for 1 hour, left pedicle was ligated and flaps were exposed to global ischemia as in IP groups. On day 5 post-surgery, tissue samples and topographic measurements were taken. No significant differences in semi-quantitative scorings of polymorphonuclear leukocytes infiltration, chronic inflammation, interstitial edema, neovascularization, VEGF, and CD105 expression levels among groups were found (P > 0.05). Percentages of necrosis were consistently smaller in IP groups compared to controls for the same duration of global ischemia, with exception of the no-ischemia. Area of necrosis was significantly smaller in primary IP group versus secondary IP group in the absence of global ischemia (P < 0.01). In the presence of global ischemia, both primary and secondary pedicle IP groups had significantly smaller percentage of necrosis than controls (P < 0.05) and there was no significant difference between primary and secondary IP groups (P > 0.05). Thus, IP performed on different pedicles may ameliorate flap survival in a comparable fashion, depending on the duration of global ischemia. Secondary pedicle IP was as effective as primary pedicle IP and may be feasible in free flap transfers.

Montelukast prevents testes against ischemia-reperfusion injury through suppression of iNOS expression.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the mechanism of a possible protective effect of montelukast against testicular ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-one adult male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups; sham + saline (S), sham + montelukast (M), I/R + S, I/R + S 30', I/R + M and I/R + M 30'. Saline or montelukast (10 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered 30 minutes prior to (S 30', M 30') and during detorsion (I/R + S, I/R + M) in the I/R groups. The I/R groups underwent 2 hours of ischemia followed by 4 hours (early-term) of reperfusion in unilateral testes. Half of the rats underwent 24 hours (late-term) of reperfusion to investigate long-term effects. Testicular tissue samples were examined for biochemical and histopathological parameters. Germ cell apoptosis was evaluated using apoptosis-activating factor 1 (Apaf-1). Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity was analyzed in late-term reperfusion groups. Spermatogenic functions were assessed for each testis based on the Johnsen criteria. RESULTS: Unilateral I/R caused a significant increase in serum TNF-α levels in the early-term group compared to the sham groups. Malondialdehyde levels and myeloperoxidase activity were found to be elevated in the I/R groups and accompanied with a significant decrease in glutathione levels when compared to the sham groups. I/R significantly increased iNOS activity and germ cell apoptosis compared to the sham groups. Montelukast treatment significantly reversed all of these parameters and achieved comparable results with the sham groups. Finally, spermatogenic indices were similar for the bilateral testes between all groups. CONCLUSION: Montelukast exerts protective effects against testicular I/R injury by inhibiting neutrophil activity, reversing the oxidative stress markers, decreasing iNOS activity and attenuating apoptosis.

Renal involvement in AA amyloidosis: clinical outcomes and survival.

BACKGROUND: The natural history of AA amyloidosis is typically progressive, leading to multiple organ failure and death. We analyzed the etiology as well as clinical and laboratory features of patients with biopsy-proven AA amyloidosis and evaluated the ultimate outcome. METHODS: Seventy-three patients (24 female; mean age 41.85±15.89 years) were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic, clinical and laboratory features were studied and the outcome was assessed. RESULTS: Familial Mediterranean Fever and tuberculosis were the most frequent causes of amyloidosis. Mean serum creatinine and proteinuria at diagnosis were 4.65±4.89 mg/dl and 8.04±6.09 g/day, respectively; and stage I, II, III, IV and V renal disease were present in 19.2%, 13.7%, 16.4%, 11%, and 39.7% of the patients, respectively. ESRD developed in 16 patients during the follow-up period. All of the ESRD patients started a dialysis programme. Thirty patients (41%) died during the follow-up period; median patient survival was 35.9±6.12 months. Old age, tuberculosis etiology, advanced renal disease and low serum albumin levels were associated with a worse prognosis. Serum albumin was a predictor of mortality in logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The ultimate outcome of the patients with AA amyloidosis is poor, possibly due to the late referral to the nephrology clinics. Early referral may be helpful to improve prognosis.

Renal sarcoidosis with normal serum vitamin D and refractory hypercalcemia.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disorder characterized by non-caseating epithelioid granulomas in multiple organs. Renal involvement may usually occur as granulomatous interstitial nephritis, but renal failure is uncommon. We report a case of renal-limited sarcoidosis diagnosed by renal biopsy, associated with abnormal calcium metabolism. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old Caucasian male presented with unexplained renal function impairment and hypercalcemia. The patient did not have any history of kidney disease, cough, skin rash, dysuria, hematuria or any other symptoms. Physical examination was unremarkable. Serum creatinine was 2.2 mg/dl and serum calcium was 11.5 mg/dl. Serum intact parathyroid hormone level (12 pg/mL) was decreased. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,alpha-25 vit D) and pre-proparathyroid hormone (PTHrP) levels and urinary calcium excretion were all in normal range. The renal biopsy showed severe interstitial nephritis with non-caseating granuloma. The patient was treated with prednisone with starting dose of 1 mg/kg. After 2 months of prednisone therapy, serum creatinine decreased. However, because of continued of hypercalcemia unresponsive to low calcium diet and prednisone, chloroquine was prescribed. Six months after the onset, the patient's serum creatinine is stable at 1.30 mg/dl, serum calcium is 10.8 mg/dl, and serum ACE and 1,alpha-25 vit D levels are in normal range. He does not have any signs of extra-renal relapse. CONCLUSION: The mechanisms of abnormal calcium metabolism in this patient with renal-limited sarcoidosis are unclear.

Occurrence of dysplasia and human papilloma virus typing in penile condylomas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of dysplasia as a preneoplastic change and high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in penile condylomas, which are common HPV-related lesions and considered a risk factor for penile cancer. METHODS: Histologic analysis was done of 58 consecutive penile condylomas with tissue diagnosis. An immunohistochemical panel that included stains for p53, Ki-67, and p16INK4a was also used. HPV typing was successfully performed in 43 lesions. Genotyping was accomplished through polymerase chain reaction and flow-through hybridization with an HPV GenoArray Diagnostic Test kit. RESULTS: Dysplasia was observed in 13 of the 58 condylomas (22%). High-risk HPV DNA was detected in 5 of 10 dysplastic lesions (50%) for which tissue blocks were available for study. High-risk HPV was not detected in the nondysplastic lesions (P<.001). Ki-67≥20% above the basal layer of epithelium and p53-positive immunostaining occurred more frequently in dysplastic lesions than in nondysplastic lesions; however, the difference was not statistically significance. Staining for p16INK4a was not helpful. CONCLUSION: Anogenital condylomas in men are usually treated using destructive methods or with medication. We suggest that at least a part of the lesion must be removed and sent for histopathologic examination. If the histologic result shows significant dysplastic alteration, the lesion should be further investigated to determine the subtype of infective virus, because 50% of such lesions are associated with high-risk HPV. When oncogenic pathogens are found, careful patient follow-up for recurrences and counseling for the patient and his sexual partner(s) may be warranted.

Duodenal biopsy for diagnosis of renal involvement in amyloidosis.

Amyloidosis results from extracellular deposition of a fibrillary protein in various organs, and renal biopsy is the best, but a complicated tool for diagnosis. Therefore, alternative biopsy sites have been proposed with varying degrees of sensitivity. We aimed to find the most appropriate biopsy site in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in whom renal biopsy is contraindicated or unavailable. 42 patients (29 male; mean age 46 ± 16 y) with CKD in whom amyloidosis was suspected as the underlying etiology on clinical grounds, but renal biopsy was not available (Group I), and 36 patients (25 male; mean age 40 ± 16 y) with CKD in whom renal biopsy revealed AA-amyloidosis (Group II) were investigated. Upper and lower gastrointestinal tract (GIT) endoscopies were performed and multiple biopsies from gingiva, esophagus, antrum, duodenum and rectum were obtained. In Group I, no amyloidosis was detected in gingival and GIT biopsies among 13 patients. In the remaining 29 patients AA-amyloidosis was detected in various sites with the following frequencies: duodenum 100%, rectum 83%, antrum 79%, esophagus 44% and gingiva 29%. In Group II, frequency of amyloid deposition was 97% in duodenum, 76% each in antrum and rectum, 59% in esophagus and 32% in gingival mucosa. In conclusion, duodenal biopsy is sensitive for diagnosing amyloidosis in CKD patients, and highly correlates with renal amyloidosis.

Effects of human Umbilical Cord Stem Cells and Granulocyte Colony- Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Nephrotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: Recently, stem cells have been used to facilitate healing in animal models of renal failure induced by acute ischemic and nephrotoxic damage. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been reported to stimulate stem cell mobilization from bone marrow and these cells may contribute to renal repair. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the effects of G-CSF and stem cell administration as monotherapy or in combination, and the relation of these effects with the duration of therapy, have been investigated in an experimental rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced nephrotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The fifty rats included in the study were distributed into 4 main groups, Group 1, 2, 3, and 4, and two subgroups for each group, except for Group 1. All rats received an intraperitoneal injection of CCl4. Then at 6 h, Groups 1, 2a, 3a, and 4a were administered saline, stem cells, G-CSF, and stem cell plus G-CSF, respectively. At 24 h, Groups 2b, 3b, and 4b were administered stem cells, G-CSF, and stem cell plus G-CSF, respectively. All animals were sacrificed 48 h after the CCl4 injections. Serum urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium levels were measured from blood samples. Tissue α-glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels were also measured from renal tissues. RESULTS: Serum urea was reduced in all groups when compared to Group 1, but the decrease was statistically significant only in Group 3b (P = 0.04). Serum creatinine and sodium levels were similar in all groups (P > 0.05). Tissue GST levels were lower in all groups, but the reduction was significant only in Group 4a, which was administered stem cells + G-CSF at 6 h (P = 0.01). Tubular degeneration and/or tubular dilatation were the most common pathologic changes, and their incidence was similar in all groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although both stem cell and G-CSF monotherapy led to damage reduction, the effect was not significant. However, the reduced damage by the combined use of stem cells and G-CSF, particularly during the early period, was statistically significant.

Tissue reaction of the rat urinary bladder to synthetic mesh materials.

The aim of this study was to assess urinary bladder histopathology induced by the sling materials tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), vypro mesh, and intravaginal slingplasty (IVS). Thirty rats were studied: sham-operated controls, TVT, vypro, and IVS groups. After laparotomy, a 0.5- "e 1-cm piece of mesh was implanted on the anterior bladder wall. The bladder was examined histopathologically after 12 weeks. Inflammation, foreign-body reaction, subserosal fibrosis, necrosis, and collagen deposition were graded. The Kruskal-Wallis and posthoc Dunn tests were used. The sham-operated rats showed no tissue reactions. The TVT, vypro, and IVS groups showed increased inflammation (p = 0.006, p = 0.031, p = 0.001), subserosal fibrosis (p = 0.0001), foreign-body reaction (p = 0.0001), and collagen deposition (p = 0.0001) as compared to sham. Inflammation was more intense in the IVS group as compared to the TVT and vypro groups (p = 0.041, p = 0.028). The bladder presented more increased inflammatory response to IVS than the other meshs. This may play a role in the ultimate outcomes or complications from slings.

Crohn's disease and secondary amyloidosis: early complication? A case report and review of the literature.

Secondary amyloidosis is a rare but serious complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), generally seen in Crohn's disease. At least 1% of patients with Crohn's disease develop amyloidosis. In the literature, the time lapse between the onset of Crohn's disease and the diagnosis of amyloidosis has been reported to range from one to 21 years. In most patients, proteinuria heralded the onset of renal involvement from amyloid and occurred from three to 15 years after Crohn's disease diagnosis. In this case, we estimate secondary amyloidosis occurred before Crohn's disease or early Crohn's disease complication, based on the fact that hypoalbuminaemia and proteinuria was detected approximately one year after the start of gastrointestinal complaints.

[The effect of debridement performed before capsular plication on biomechanical properties of the knee joint capsule: an experimental study in rabbits]. / Plikasyondan önce debridman uygulamasinin diz kapsülünün biyomekanik özelliklerine etkisi: tavsanda deneysel çalisma.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate early postoperative biomechanical changes in plicated joint capsules and to determine the effect of debridement to create a bleeding inner capsular surface on the healing process. METHODS: Fifty-four mature New Zealand white rabbits were used. Plication was performed in unilateral medial knee joint capsules of 48 rabbits either alone (n=24) or following debridement (n=24) to create a bleeding inner capsular surface. Six rabbits remained untreated for the control group. The operated knee joints were immobilized in flexion postoperatively. The rabbits from the two study groups were sacrificed in groups of six immediately after operation, in the first, second, and third weeks, of which five were evaluated in tensile tests and one was evaluated histologically. RESULTS: Compared to the controls, tensile strengths were significantly higher in both study groups until the third week (p<0.01), after which the difference became insignificant (p>0.05). The strength of the plicated capsules was significantly higher in the first week in both study groups than those measured in subsequent weeks (p<0.01), whereas similar tensile strengths were recorded in the second and third weeks (p>0.05). Compared to its absence, the use of debridement was associated with a significantly lower strength in the first week (p<0.01), but this difference was not observed afterwards (p>0.05). Histological findings were similar in the two study groups and were characterized by healing with increased fibrosis starting from the first week. CONCLUSION: A plicated capsule would not be weaker than an intact one. Our findings do not favor debridement for a more rapid and better healing process. Rather, it might have adverse effects on the biomechanical properties of the capsule.