Effects of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) on fish body and scale shape in natural waters.

Background: In recent years, there are growing concerns about pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) in natural ecosystems. These compounds have been found in natural waters and in fish tissues worldwide. Regarding their growing distribution and abundance, it is becoming clear that traditionally used risk assessment methodologies and ecotoxicological studies have limitations in several respects.

Kinetics of inflammatory markers following cancer-related bowel and liver resection.

Background: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was originally described as a cytokine that inhibits migration of macrophages at the site of inflammation. Subsequently it was also identified as a stress-induced hormone released from the anterior pituitary lobe in response to some pro-inflammatory stimuli like endotoxins and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α).

Aim: To compare postoperative changes in serum MIF levels of patients undergoing bowel and liver resections.

A comparison of the antimicrobial property of lidocaine/prilocaine cream (EMLA) and an alcohol-based disinfectant on intact human skin flora.

Background: The application of EMLA cream is indicated for topical anesthesia of the skin in connection with IV cannulation. Recently, we described that EMLA cream has an antibacterial effect in vitro.

Methods: The impact of the local anesthetic lidocaine/prilocaine cream (EMLA) on intact human skin flora was compared to that of an alcohol-based skin disinfectant (Skinsept Pur).