Erythropoietin requires endothelial nitric oxide synthase to counteract TNF-[alpha]-induced microcirculatory dysfunction in murine striated muscle.

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate whether erythropoietin (EPO) treatment may exert nonhematopoietic endothelial protection against TNF-[alpha]-induced microvascular inflammation and to determine the involvement of the nitric oxide (NO)-producing enzyme isoforms endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Murine dorsal skinfold chambers of wild-type (WT) animals were topically stimulated with TNF-[alpha] after pretreatment with epoetin beta (1,000 IU/kg body weight i.p.

A new technique for gluteal lifting using deepithelialized dermal flaps.

Background: Gluteal ptosis may result from sagging of redundant skin and fat below the infragluteal fold. The correction of gluteal ptosis and the definition of gluteal prominence can be obtained by several gluteal lifting techniques. We present a new technique to correct gluteal ptosis using deepithelialized dermal flaps.

A case-matched controlled study on high-voltage electrical injuries vs thermal burns.

The aim of this study was to provide an increased level of evidence on surgical management of high-tension electrical injuries compared with thermal burns using a case-controlled study design. Sixty-eight patients (64 males, 4 females, aged 33.7 +/- 13 years) with high-tension electrical burns were matched for age, gender, and burnt extent with a cohort of patients sustaining thermal burns.

Changes in bacterial isolates from burn wounds and their antibiograms: a 20-year study (1986-2005).

Background: Our aim is to elucidate shifts in the bacterial spectrum colonising burn wounds and corresponding antibiotic susceptibilities during a 20-year study period.

Methods: Microbiological results from burn patients collected between 1986 and 2005 were analysed retrospectively.

Results: Staphylococcus aureus was isolated most frequently (20.

Functional results of angular-stable plate fixation in displaced proximal humeral fractures.

Introduction: The availability of angular-stable plate/screw systems led to a euphoric use of these implants for the treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures. The high implant costs seem to be justified by a potentially improved outcome.

Patients And Methods: Thirty one patients (20 female, 11 male, mean age: 62+/-16 years) with two-, three- and four-part proximal humerus fractures (Neer classification) were operated using the proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS).

Leptin increases extracellular matrix mineralization of human osteoblasts from heterotopic ossification and normal bone.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the pathologic formation of bone in soft tissue. The exact pathomechanism is unknown but probably involves a disturbed osteoblast differentiation. Leptin, known as the obesity gene, may regulate normal osteoblast function in vitro.

Cbfa-1 (Runx-2) and osteocalcin expression by human osteoblasts in heparin osteoporosis in vitro.

Heparin may cause adverse effects on bone formation following long-term application. The exact pathomechanism is unclear, but in vitro data suggest an impaired osteoblast function. The transcription axis of Cbfa-1 (Runx-2) and osteocalcin is crucial in maintaining an equilibrium of bone formation and resorption in vivo.

Bacterial decontamination of surgical wounds treated with Lavasept.

In a prospective randomized controlled double-blind study in 50 acutely injured patients, bacterially contaminated type 2-4 soft tissue wounds were treated with moist dressings of 0.2% Lavasept (fractionated polyhexamethylenbiguanide and macrogolum 4000) solution (n=28) in comparison with Ringer solution (n=22). Standardized swabs were taken on days 0, 2, 8 and 15 and investigated for microorganisms.

A comparative analysis of phenotype expression in human osteoblasts from heterotopic ossification and normal bone.

Background And Aims: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathological bone formation process in which ectopic bone is formed in soft tissue. The formation of bone depends on the expression of the osteoblast phenotype. Earlier studies have shown conflicting results on the expression of phenotype markers of cells originating from HO and normal bone.

Influence of brain injury on early posttraumatic bone metabolism.

Background: Various clinical studies and observations demonstrate enhanced osteogenesis in patients sustaining traumatic brain injury. It is presumed that the induction of this process starts early after trauma. The purpose of our study was to investigate humoral markers of bone metabolism during the early posttraumatic period, with special regard to traumatic brain injury.

Abdominal compartment syndrome after liver transplantation.

The abdominal compartment syndrome is a well-known complication after abdominal trauma and is increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor for renal failure and mortality after adult orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). We present a case report of a young patient who presented with acute liver failure complicated by an acute pancreatitis. The patient developed an acute abdominal compartment syndrome after OLT.

Acute amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity following lung resection.

Amiodarone-induced pulmonary toxicity has been described mostly in patients receiving large doses of the drug over prolonged periods. In this report, we describe the early onset of acute pulmonary toxicity leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome after a short course of amiodarone treatment following middle-lobe non-small-cell lung cancer resection.

Contrast-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography for visualization of ectopic varices.

We report the case of a 62-year-old male with portal hypertension and recurrent bleeding refractory to surgical intervention from varices in a sigmoid stoma. Although stomal varices were detected neither by physical examination, stomal endoscopy, nor duplex sonography, contrast-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography of the portal vein and its collateral branches demonstrated their presence. Surgical revisions of the stoma failed to prevent bleeding, but implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic shunt successfully prevented recurrent hemorrhage.

Stapled vs excision hemorrhoidectomy: long-term results of a prospective randomized trial.

Hypothesis: Stapled hemorrhoidectomy offers several advantages over excision hemorrhoidectomy, including reduced postoperative pain, a reduced hospital stay, and an earlier recovery time. Furthermore, stapled hemorrhoidectomy is associated with lower hemorrhoidal recurrence on long-term follow-up.

Design: A randomized prospective trial.