Microparticles in stored red blood cells: an approach using flow cytometry and proteomic tools.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microparticles (MPs) are small phospholipid vesicles of less than 1 microm, shed in blood flow by various cell types. These MPs are involved in several biological processes and diseases. MPs have also been detected in blood products; however, their role in transfused patients is unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize those MPs in blood bank conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative and quantitative experiments using flow cytometry or proteomic techniques were performed on MPs derived from erythrocytes concentrates. In order to count MPs, they were either isolated by various centrifugation procedures or counted directly in erythrocyte concentrates. RESULTS: A 20-fold increase after 50 days of storage at 4 degrees C was observed (from 3370 +/- 1180 MPs/microl at day 5 to 64 850 +/- 37 800 MPs/microl at day 50). Proteomic analysis revealed changes of protein expression comparing MPs to erythrocyte membranes. Finally, the expression of Rh blood group antigens was shown on MPs generated during erythrocyte storage. CONCLUSIONS: Our work provides evidence that storage of red blood cell is associated with the generation of MPs characterized by particular proteomic profiles. These results contribute to fundamental knowledge of transfused blood products.

Long-term effect of low energy laser irradiation on infarction and reperfusion injury in the rat heart.

Low-energy laser irradiation (LELI) has been found to modulate biological processes. The present study investigated the effect of LELI on infarct size after chronic myocardial infarction (MI) and ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. The left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery was ligated in 83 rats to create MI or ischemia-reperfusion injury. The hearts of the laser-irradiated (LI) rats received irradiation after LAD coronary artery occlusion and 3 days post-MI. At 14, 21, and 45 days post-LAD coronary artery permanent occlusion, infarct sizes (percentage of left ventricular volume) in the non-laser-irradiated (NLI) rats were 52 +/- 12 (SD), 47 +/- 11, and 34 +/- 7%, respectively, whereas in the LI rats they were significantly lower, being 20 +/- 8, 15 +/- 6, and 10 +/- 4%, respectively. Left ventricular dilatation (LVD) in the chronic infarcted rats was significantly reduced (50-60%) in LI compared with NLI rats. LVD in the ischemia-reperfusion-injured LI rats was significantly reduced to a value that did not differ from intact normal noninfarcted rats. Laser irradiation caused a significant 2.2-fold elevation in the content of inducible heat shock proteins (specifically HSP70i) and 3.1-fold elevation in newly formed blood vessels in the heart compared with NLI rats. It is concluded that LELI caused a profound reduction in infarct size and LVD in the rat heart after chronic MI and caused complete reduction of LVD in ischemic-reperfused heart. This phenomenon may be partially explained by the cardioprotective effect of the HSP70i and enhanced angiogenesis in the myocardium after laser irradiation.

Attenuation of infarct size in rats and dogs after myocardial infarction by low-energy laser irradiation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the possibility that low-energy laser irradiation attenuates infarct size formation after induction of chronic myocardial infarction (MI) in small and large experimental animals. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laser irradiation was applied to the infarcted area of rats and dogs at various power densities (2.5 to 20 mW/cm(2)) after occlusion of the coronary artery. RESULTS: In infarcted laser-irradiated rats that received laser irradiation immediately and 3 days after MI at energy densities of 2.5, 6, and 20 mW/cm(2), there was a 14%, 62% (significant; P < 0.05), and 2.8% reduction of infarct size (14 days after MI) relative to non--laser-irradiated rats, respectively. In dogs, a 49% (significant; P < 0.01) reduction of infarct size was achieved. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that delivery of low-energy laser irradiation to infarcted myocardium in rats and dogs has a profound effect on the infarct size after MI.

Ventricular aneurysm repair: a new approach.

Repair of chronic left ventricular aneurysm or acute rupture of the heart after myocardial infarction is associated with technical difficulties and major morbidity and mortality. We describe a new endoventricular repair for both conditions. The repair consists of externally covering a Duran ring with Dacron and internally lining it with autologous pericardium. The modified ring is then sewn into the neck of the lesion. The technique is rapid, simple, and hemostatic. After repair of the chronic aneurysm, ventricular hemodynamics are improved during both diastole and systole. We have performed this technique in two patients with chronic aneurysm and one with subacute rupture.

Transoral missile removal from the anterior C1 region following transpharyngeal missile wound.

We present a successful treatment result in a rare case of low velocity missile transpharyngeal wound to the upper cervical area in a 33-year-old man. There are very few reports concerning related cases, with some disagreement regarding their treatment. The retained missile was successfully removed from the anterior region of the C1 vertebra through a transoral-transpharyngeal approach using the explosive transpharyngeal wound sustained. Neurological status and spine stability were not affected due to the missile's low velocity. The early soft-tissue debridement, missile removal, pharyngeal closure without wound drainage and broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage resulted in an uneventful postoperative course and good long-term outcome. Early surgery is important to prevent complications in such cases. However, the prophylactic tracheostomy, wound drainage and applying of a nasogastric tube could be left to the surgeon's judgment based on the individual patient's respiratory status, intraoperative findings and wound contamination/colonization.

Skull osteolysis after mild head trauma: case report.

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, there have been only two reported cases of patients with osteolytic skull lesions secondary to head trauma without concomitant skull fracture. METHODS: We present a case of skull bone lysis, not associated with skull fracture in a 20-year-old male, after mild head injury. During surgery, tumorous skull tissue of benign appearance was excised and primary cranioplasty was performed. RESULTS: The pathological examination showed an inflammatory reactive process within the bone lesion. Three years after surgery the patient was asymptomatic and studies did not show any new bone changes. CONCLUSIONS: The authors draw attention to this exceptionally rare condition, pointing out the necessity of surgical biopsy, contrary to some opinions.

Traumatic arteriovenous fistula. Case report and overview.

The difficulties in detecting vascular injuries associated with penetrating limb trauma are greater than generally appreciated. Any delay in diagnosis will compromise management and potentially may lead amputation. Traumatic arteriovenous fistulas (AV fistula) produce several profound pathophysiological and structural changes in the circulatory dynamic of the vessel associated with fistula. Most of the changes are reversible after surgery. However, in longstanding AV fistulas, irreversible degenerative changes occur in the arterial wall and result in dilation and thrombosis. This can make late closure technically difficult. This report presents a case of a femoral AV fistula persisting for three years durations.

Infected late false aneurysm of the superficial femoral artery. Case-report.

A 24-year-old Croatian soldier sustained a comminuted fracture of the femur and after stabilization with AO external fixation an infected late false aneurysm of the superficial femoral artery developed. The aneurysm was extirpated and the artery reconstructed using the saphenous vein.

Reconstruction of the popliteal artery after war injury.

During the war against Croatia in 1991-1992, 85 wounded with war injuries of major vessels in the extremities were admitted to the Department of Surgery, Osijek Clinical Hospital. These 85 included 13 (15.3%) wounded with injuries of the popliteal artery. In 12 cases an allograft was used as a substitute conduit. One early thrombosis and two infections occurred. Two amputations had to be performed because of massive soft tissue destruction and infection in the leg tissue. Our experience shows that an allograft is an acceptable choice for popliteal artery reconstruction in a highly contaminated war wound.

The reconstruction of major femoral vessels in a four-year-old girl wounded with shrapnel.

A four-year-old girl who sustained an explosive injury to the femoral artery and vein underwent vascular reconstruction. An allograft was used as a substitute conduit for both the artery and the vein. Eight months after reconstruction there was no pulse deficit and decrease in systolic blood pressure, nor were there any signs of venous obstruction.