Evaluation of fibrinogen self-assembly: role of its αC region.

Background: Exposure of cryptic, functional sites on fibrinogen upon its adsorption to hydrophobic surfaces of biomaterials has been linked to an inflammatory response and fibrosis. Such adsorption also induces ordered fibrinogen aggregation which is poorly understood.

Objective: To investigate hydrophobic surface-induced fibrinogen aggregation.

Decreased plasmin resistance by clots of a homophenotypic Aalpha R 16H fibrinogen (Kingsport, slower fibrinopeptide A than fibrinopeptide B release).

Reported evidence of a role in fibrinolysis by fibrinopeptide (Fp)B-dependent intermolecular fibrin polymerization contacts and of reversed FpA/FpB release sequence from fibrinogen Kingsport led us to investigate the fibrinolytic properties of Kingsport clots. Clot lysis was induced by either plasmin (pH 7.4) or by a mixture of plasminogen and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and measured by lysis time and by turbidity (350 nm) time course.

32P as an adjunct to standard therapy for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer: a randomized trial.

This prospective randomized trial was undertaken to determine the added efficacy of (32)P in treating locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer. Thirty patients with biopsy proven locally advanced unresectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas were assessable after receiving 5-fluorouracil and radiation therapy with or without (32)P, followed by gemcitabine. Intratumoral (32)P dose was determined by tumor size and volume and was administered at months 0, 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8.

Risk factors for recurrent hemorrhage after successful mesenteric arterial embolization.

The objective of this study was to describe the risk factors and to determine the outcomes after recurrent gastrointestinal hemorrhage after successful mesenteric arterial embolization A retrospective analysis was undertaken of a single-center experience with mesenteric arterial embolization performed for gastrointestinal hemorrhage over a 5-year period. Statistical analyses including Student's t test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare results. For the years 2001 through 2005, 36 patients (10 women; average age, 60.

TIPS versus peritoneovenous shunt in the treatment of medically intractable ascites: a prospective randomized trial.

Objective: We undertook a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing TIPS to peritoneovenous (PV) shunts in the treatment of medically intractable ascites to establish relative efficacy and morbidity, and thereby superiority, between these shunts.

Methods: Thirty-two patients were prospectively randomized to undergo TIPS or peritoneovenous (Denver) shunts. All patients had failed medical therapy.