Presepsin: gelsolin ratio, as a promising marker of sepsis-related organ dysfunction: a prospective observational study.

Introduction: We aimed to facilitate the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis-related organ dysfunction through analyzing presepsin (PSEP) and gelsolin (GSN) levels along with a novel marker, the presepsin:gelsolin (PSEP:GSN) ratio.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from septic patients at the intensive care unit (ICU) at three time points (T1-3): T1: within 12 h after admission; T2: second day morning; T3: third day morning. Sampling points for non-septic ICU patients were T1 and T3.

Comparison of VividTrac, King Vision and Macintosh laryngoscopes in normal and difficult airways during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation among novices.

Introduction: Early endotracheal intubation improves neurological outcomes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, although cardiopulmonary resuscitation is initially carried out by personnel with limited experience in a significant proportion of cases. Videolaryngoscopes might decrease the number of attempts and time needed, especially among novices. We sought to compare videolaryngoscopes with direct laryngoscopes in simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation scenarios.

Changes of para-, meta- and ortho-tyrosine over time in burned patients.

Purpose: Serious burn injury leads to oxidative stress resulting in production of meta- and ortho-tyrosine, while para-tyrosine is the physiological isoform. Our aim was to investigate the metabolism of these tyrosine isoforms following major burn injury.

Methods: Fifteen patients requiring intensive care were followed for 5 consecutive days after major burn injury.

Comparison of the perioperative time courses of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its inhibitor (TIMP-1) during carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Background: Our aim was to compare the perioperative time courses of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its inhibitor (TIMP-1) in during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS).

Methods: In our prospective study, twenty-five patients who were scheduled to undergo CAS were enrolled. We used a matched, historical CEA group as controls.

Cost-effectiveness of anesthesia maintained with sevoflurane or propofol with and without additional monitoring: a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

Background: We compared cost-effectiveness of anesthesia maintained with sevoflurane or propofol with and without additional monitoring, in the clinical setting of ear-nose-throat surgery.

Methods: One hundred twenty adult patients were randomized to four groups. In groups SEVO and SEVO+ anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane, in group SEVO+ with additional bispectral index (BIS) and train-of-four (TOF) monitoring.

Comparison of VividTrac®, Airtraq®, King Vision®, Macintosh Laryngoscope and a Custom-Made Videolaryngoscope for difficult and normal airways in mannequins by novices.

Background: Direct laryngoscopy remains the gold standard for endotracheal intubation and is preferred by experienced operators. However, an increasing number of reports currently support videolaryngoscopy, particularly for novice users. The widespread use of videolaryngoscopy may be limited due to financial limitations, especially in low-income countries.

Perioperative time course of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), its tissue inhibitor TIMP-1 & S100B protein in carotid surgery.

Background & Objectives: Ischaemic stroke is a life burdening disease for which carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is considered a gold standard intervention. Pro-inflammatory markers like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) and S-100 Beta (S100B) may have a role in the early inflammation and cognitive decline following CEA. This study was aimed to describe the perioperative time courses and correlations between of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and S100B following CEA.

Time courses of changes of para-, meta-, and ortho-tyrosine in septic patients: A pilot study.

Objectives: Sepsis is associated with oxidative stress. Due to oxidative stress, three tyrosine isoforms, para-, meta-, and ortho-tyrosine (p-, m-, and o-Tyr), can be formed non-enzymatically in smaller amounts. p-Tyr is mainly formed physiologically in the kidneys through the activity of the phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme.

The effect of Na-selenite treatment on the oxidative stress-antioxidants balance of multiple organ failure.

Purpose: Our study tested the hypothesis that sodium (Na)-selenite expression treatment can reduce oxidative stress and increase plasma antioxidants, whereas modulating white blood cell antigen expression in severe sepsis. Selenite is a well known cofactor of glutathione peroxidases and other antioxidant enzymes; therefore, one may expect an antioxidant effect of treatment.

Materials: We randomized 40 severe septic patients into treatment and control groups.

Intracranial volume inversely correlates with serum 25(OH)D level in healthy young women.

Objectives: Vitamin D is important in normal brain development. In animals low vitamin D level is associated with brain morphological alterations including enlargement of the brain. Whether a similar association exists in humans is unknown.

Comparison and evaluation of seven different bench-top flow cytometers with a modified six-plexed mycotoxin kit.

Many bench-top flow cytometers (b-FCs) are compatible with microsphere-based multiplexed assays. Disciplines implementing b-FCs-based assays are expanding; they include monitoring and validating food quality. A multiplexed platform protocol was evaluated for poly-mycotoxin assays, which is compatible with a variety of b-FC models.

Microparticles and acute renal dysfunction in septic patients.

Purpose: The role of microparticles (MPs) in the pathogenesis of sepsis is not completely elucidated. We aimed to assess changes in the number of MPs during severe sepsis to follow the effect of sepsis-related organ failures, particularly renal impairment, an independent mortality factor of sepsis.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-seven severe septic patients and 20 controls were enrolled.

Activated platelet-derived microparticle numbers are elevated in patients with severe fungal (Candida albicans) sepsis.

Background: The treatment of severe sepsis highly depends on the identification of bacteria or fungi from blood and/or other body materials. Although widely available blood culturing and risk assessment scores are not completely reliable, current guidelines do not recommend the wide empirical use of antifungal medications based on questionable benefit or possible side-effects. We aimed to test whether platelet-derived microparticle (MP) measurements can improve the early detection of the infective agent behind sepsis.

Comparison of oxidative stress & leukocyte activation in patients with severe sepsis & burn injury.

Background & Objectives: We evaluated pro- and anti-oxidant disturbances in sepsis and non-sepsis burn patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Adhesion molecules and inflammation markers on leukocytes were also analyzed. We hypothesized that oxidative stress and leukocyte activation markers can lead to the severity of sepsis.

Dynamic changes of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in severe sepsis.

Purpose: Little is known about the dynamic changes of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) in sepsis. Our aim was therefore to investigate the time course of MMPs and their inhibitors in patients experiencing severe sepsis.

Methods: Our prospective controlled analysis included 38 patients with severe sepsis.

Platelet aggregation in severe sepsis.

Severe sepsis and multiple organ distress syndrome remain a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for intensive therapy. Platelet activating factor forms a bridge between inflammation and clot formation. Our study surveys the effect of severe sepsis on platelet function and focuses on spontaneous aggregation in severely ill patients.