Small Bowel Obstruction due to Mesodiverticular Band of Meckel's Diverticulum: A Case Report

Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital anomaly of the small intestine. Common complications related to a Meckel's diverticulum include haemorrhage, intestinal obstruction, and inflammation. Small bowel obstruction due to mesodiverticular band of Meckel's diverticulum is a rare complication. Herein, we report the diagnosis and management of a small bowel obstruction occurring due to mesodiverticular band of a Meckel's diverticulum

Semi-IPN Chitosan/PEG Microspheres and Films for Biomedical Applications: Characterization and Sustained Release Optimization

WOS: 000308847100016Micro drug carriers are one of the efficient methods for local or systemic cancer treatment. In this study, the aim was to prepare a novel semi-interpenetrated (semi-IPN) micro system by using biocompatible chitosan (CH) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Various combinations of the systems were prepared and loaded with a model chemotherapeutic drug, methotrexate (MTX), and the effects of composition on the properties and the release behavior of microspheres were examined. Also, the mechanical and thermal properties were examined on film forms of similar compositions. Increase in cross-linking caused a decrease in particle size of CH from 144 to 91 mu m, while the addition of PEG caused an increase up to 163 mu m. Elastic modulus values of the films first increased and then decreased parallel to PEG content. In vitro studies showed faster MTX release from semi-IPN CH-PEG microspheres as compared to pure CH ones. Promising results were obtained in the development of biodegradable drug vehicles

The relationship among acute-phase response proteins, cytokines and hormones in cachectic patients with colon cancer

Abstract Backgraund Acute-phase response proteins (APRP), cytokines and hormones have been claimed to be an independent prognostic factor of malignancies, however the basis for their association with prognosis remains unexplained. We suggest that in colon malignancies, as similar to pancreatic and lung cancers, changes in APRP are associated with angiogenesis. Methods C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, midkine, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin serum levels are studied in 126 colon cancer patients and 36 healthy subjects. Results We found statistically significant difference and correlations between two groups. We found significantly higher serum CRP, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, VEGF-A, VEGF-C and leptin concentrations in patients relative to controls (p Conclusions Cachexia in patients with colon cancers is associated with changes in APRP, cytokines and hormone concentrations. These biomarkers and cachexia together have a direct relationship with accelerated angiogenesis. This may lead to a connection between the outcomes in malignancies and the biomarkers.</p

The relationship among acute-phase response proteins, cytokines and hormones in cachectic patients with colon cancer

Backgraund: Acute-phase response proteins (APRP), cytokines and hormones have been claimed to be an independent prognostic factor of malignancies, however the basis for their association with prognosis remains unexplained. We suggest that in colon malignancies, as similar to pancreatic and lung cancers, changes in APRP are associated with angiogenesis

Preoperative Serum Il-6 Levels: Clinical Importance In Gastric Carcinoma With Lymph Node Metastasis

Aim: The interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathway is one of the mechanisms that link inflammation and angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the preoperative serum levels of IL-6 in gastric carcinoma with lymph node metastasis, and to correlate them with disease status. Method: A total of 100 patients who underwent gastrectomy were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of IL-6 were assessed enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histological findings included tumor size, depth of tumor invasion, lymph node (LN) metastasis, and TNM stage. Result: Increases in cancer invasion and staging are generally associated with increases in preoperative serum IL-6 levels. IL-6 levels were correlated with invasion depth (p<0.001), LN metastasis (p<0.001), and TNM stage. The presence of peritoneal seeding metastasis is associated with IL-6 levels (p<0.001). Conclusion: Preoperative serum IL-6 levels might be markers of tumor invasion, LN metastasis, and TNM stage. These results suggest that IL-6 levels are potential molecular markers that predict lymphatic involvement in gastric carcinoma

The communication between patient relatives and physicians in intensive care units

Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are often physically unable to communicate with their physicians. Thus, the sharing of information about the on-going treatment of the patients in ICUs is directly related to the communication attitudes governing a patient's relatives and the physician. This study aims to analyze the attitudes displayed by the relatives of patients and the physician with the purpose of determining the communication between the two parties