Phosphatidylethanolamine Induces an Antifibrotic Phenotype in Normal Human Lung Fibroblasts and Ameliorates Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in Mice.

Lung surfactant is a complex mixture of phospholipids and specific proteins but its role in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung diseases is not established. Herein, we analyzed the effects of three representative phospholipid components, that is, dipalmitoilphosphatidylcoline (DPPC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), on collagen expression, apoptosis and Ca signaling in normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF) and probed their effect in an experimental model of lung fibrosis. Collagen expression was measured with RT-PCR, apoptosis was measured by using either the APOPercentage assay kit (Biocolor Ltd.

Neonatal Intestinal Obstruction Syndrome.

Neonatal intestinal obstruction is caused by an anatomical abnormality that produces bowel movement failure. Intestinal obstruction presents with three classic clinical signs: vomiting, abdominal distention, and failure to pass meconium. Intestinal obstruction is one of the most common causes for admitting a pediatric patient to the pediatric surgery unit in his or her first weeks of postnatal life.

Transplantation of a horseshoe kidney from a living donor: Case report, long term outcome and donor safety.

Introduction: The use of a horseshoe kidney in renal transplant remains controversial, when it is found in the evaluation of a living donor, anatomical, surgical and ethical issues are involved.

Presentation Of Case: An uncomplicated horseshoe kidney was detected in a 51-year-old woman who was the only suitable donor for her 30-year-old son. Kidneys were fused in the inferior pole and no vascular or urinary abnormalities were detected during imaging evaluation.

One, two, or three ports in laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has been compared with 3- or 4-port LC. To our knowledge, there are no studies comparing the 3-, 2-, and 1-port techniques. Patients were randomized into 3 groups: LC 1-port using SILS, LC 2-port using a laparoscope with a working channel, and LC 3-port using the standard ports.

[A new laparoscopic simulator].

Background: Simulators are effective devices for the development of certain skills needed in laparoscopic surgery. Bench models with laparoscopy equipment, virtual reality and mirror boxes have been used; however, they have limitations such as the need for laparoscopy equipment, high cost or a considerable mismatch with reality.

Methods: We undertook this study to test a simulator as a training device that allows the acquisition of eye-hand coordination and two-dimensional spatial orientation without the need of laparoscopic equipment.