Could fluorescence-guided surgery be an efficient and sustainable option? A SICE (Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery) health technology assessment summary.

Background: Indocyanine green fluorescence vision is an upcoming technology in surgery. It can be used in three ways: angiographic and biliary tree visualization and lymphatic spreading studies. The present paper shows the most outstanding results from an health technology assessment study design, conducted on fluorescence-guided compared with standard vision surgery.

Prophylactic protocol for dental care in ligneous gingivitis due to severe plasminogen deficiency: Case report and review of literature.

Introduction: Severe plasminogen (PLG) deficiency causes ligneous conjunctivitis, a rare disease characterized by the growth of fibrin-rich pseudomembranes on mucosal surfaces; gums involvement leads to ligneous gingivitis (LG). Specific therapy for LG is not available yet. We report a prophylactic treatment with enoxaparin and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for invasive dental procedures in a patient with LG, and a review of literature on LG treatment.

Effect of preanalytical and analytical variables on the clinical utility of mean platelet volume.

Background: The study endpoint was to analyze the effect of preanalytical (time, temperature, anticoagulant) and analytical (imprecision, correlation between volume and platelet concentration) variables on mean platelet volume (MPV). A further aim was to calculate in an adult population the reference intervals using the Sysmex XE-5000 analyzer. A critical evaluation was also made of the clinical utility of these parameters.

Reticulocyte count and extended reticulocyte parameters by Mindray BC-6800: Reference intervals and comparison with Sysmex XE-5000.

Introduction: In this study, analytic performance (imprecision, carryover, time stability) and diagnostic efficiency of Mindray BC-6800 analyzer to quantify reticulocytes and extended reticulocyte parameters was evaluated. Moreover, reference intervals on adult population were determined. Results were compared with those obtained by Sysmex XE-5000 analyzer.

Laboratory diagnosis of anemia: are the old and new red cell parameters useful in classification and treatment, how?

Introduction: Anemia is a global problem affecting the population in both developing and developed countries, and there is a debate on which hemoglobin level limit should be used to define anemia in general population and particularly in the elderly. We present herein a laboratory approach to diagnosing the possible causes of anemia based on traditional and new erythroid parameters. In this article, we provide practical diagnostic algorithms that address to differential diagnosis of anemia.

Arterial hypertension and thyroid disorders: what is important to know in clinical practice?

This review describes the pathogenic mechanisms of blood pressure (BP) regulation and long-term control in thyroid disorders. Variations from the euthyroid status affect virtually all physiological systems but the effects on the cardiovascular system are particularly pronounced. Thyroid disorders induce several hemodynamic changes leading to elevated BP as a consequence of their interaction with endothelial function, vascular reactivity, renal hemodynamic and renin-angiotensin system.

Electroencephalography in patients with cirrhosis.

Background & Aims: Electroencephalography has not been completely quantified in patients with cirrhosis. We investigated the electroencephalogram (EEG) dynamics in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods: We performed closed-eye EEGs on 175 patients with cirrhosis (age, 55 ± 11 years; 24% Child-Pugh class A, 48% class B, and 285 class C), conducted clinical and psychometric assessments for hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and followed the patients for 1 year.

Minoxidil versus nitroglycerine: a prospective, double-blind, controlled trial in transcutaneous therapy for organic impotence.

Minoxidil (1 ml, 2% solution) has been tested against nitroglycerine (2.5 g, 10% ointment) and placebo in a prospective, double-blind controlled trial in transcutaneous therapy for organic impotence. A total of 116 patients participated in the study.

Minoxidil versus nitroglycerin: a prospective double-blind controlled trial in transcutaneous erection facilitation for organic impotence.

A new type of topically applied drug (minoxidil) to facilitate erection is presented. Minoxidil acts directly on arterial smooth muscles via relaxation. This drug (1 ml.