Wound fluid collection volume correlates with ulcer size. Ulcer healing correlated with increased concentrations of TGFbeta(1), possibly reflecting increased fibrogenesis in the proliferating wound. Aside from this, there was a large variation in wound and serum cytokine levels that largely limits their usefulness as markers of healing.

the REACH Registry Investigators. JAMA 2010;304:1350-7.Conclusion: Patients with vascular events are those at highest risk for future cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke.Summary: Clinical trials of pharmacologic agents in patients with atherosclerosis often report event rates in placebo groups lower than projected (Bhatt DL, N Engl

Mesh placement significantly reduced the rate of postoperative incisional hernia after open AAA repair without increasing the rate of complications.

OAS carries a significant reintervention rate. In this study, 54% of reinterventions were directly related to laparotomy.

Conclusion:These data suggest that HGF functions as a pro-angiogenic factor in patients with ischaemic disease by recruitment of c-kit-, CD34-, CD146positive progenitor cells. The HGF-cMet pathway is a promising target to treat chronic ischaemic disease.Objective: Prosthetic grafts must resist thrombosis and intimal hyperplasia (IH) ideally by endothelialisation. We have developed a nanocomposite graft (POSS-NC), mechanically strong and biostable, which induces in situ endothelialisation. However, between implantation and development of complete endothelialisation there is a possible risk of thrombosis and IH on the bare patches. Nitric oxide (NO) has a complex powerful protective role and the aims of this study were to: i) incorporate NO donors and test the effects on platelet activity and coagulation; ii) test the synergistic effect of peptides-NO on accelerating endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) adhesion and endothelialisation. Method: POSS-NC-NO grafts were incorporated with SNAP, a NO donor. NO elution was tested using Griess assay. Platelet adhesion was measured after 120-minute incubation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thromboelastography using polymer-coated cups measured coagulation patterns. EPC adhesion on SNAP-incorporated peptide biofunctionalised-POSS-NC was measured under static conditions and endothelialisation of the material under pulsatile flow. Alamar-Blue assay determined cell adhesion/proliferation. Cell morphology was assessed with SEM, and endothelialisation by RT-PCR and immunostaining for CD31, vWF and eNOS. Results: The POSS-NO graft successfully eluted NO and significantly prevented platelet adhesion. Thrombo-elastography studies with SNAP showed a narrower maximum amplitude (related to clot strength) and longer time for initial fibrin formation. Peptides and NO synergistically enhanced EPC adhesion/proliferation. SEM, immunostaining and RT-PCR confirmed enhanced endothelialisation. Conclusion: This NO-eluting nanocomposite graft demonstrated enhanced antithrombogenic properties and greater efficiency for in situ endothelialisation from circulating EPC. This graft has the potential for accelerated spontaneous endothelialisation in addition to inherent resistance to thrombosis.Objective: To compare the basic proteomic composition of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) wall tissue in patients with non-ruptured and ruptured aneurysms. Method: A proteomic approach with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and mass spectrometry (MS) was used to identify differentially expressed proteins in AAA tissue from nine patients with non-ruptured and eight patients with ruptured AAA. Computerised image analysis was used to detect protein spots. Differentially expressed protein spots were in-gel digested and identified by liquid chromatography -tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Western blot analysis was used to confirm differential expression. Results: Seven differentially expressed proteins were detected among 745 protein spots, selecting spots whose average relative volumes differ...

Chylothorax is a well-recognised complication of oesophagectomy, occurring in around 3% of cases. If managed conservatively, the mortality rate can be over 50%. We describe our experience of managing a patient with a chylothorax following oesophagectomy, and the use of a blood patch (a novel technique) to overcome persistent leakage following re-operation. The authors feel that this technique has the potential for a wider application in the treatment of chyle leak, especially if combined with minimally invasive or radiological techniques.