[The idopathic granulomatous mastitis. A rare entity in our departments practice]

Introduction: Two cases of idiopathic granolomatous mastitis were diagnosed by histological examination in our Surgical Department in 2017. The idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is a rare, benign inflammatory laesion of the breast which can mimic malignancy in it's clinical appearance. We would like to draw attention to this differential diagnostic problem based on the cases of our Surgery Department.

Effects of caffeine and phosphodiesterase inhibitors on activation of neonatal T lymphocytes

Caffeine and selective PDE inhibitors are widely used in clinical management of preterm and term neonates. However, little is known about how these compounds interact with the neonatal adaptive immune system. We aimed to describe the effects of caffeine, milrinone and sildenafil on the activation and cytokine production of T cells from umbilical cord blood (UCB) compared to adult peripheral blood (APB). We isolated mononuclear cells from 10 APB and 6 UCB samples. We assessed intracellular cytokine production (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17) of stimulated CD4 cells and parameters of calcium influx and ROS production following treatment with caffeine, milrinone, sildenafil, dbcAMP or a specific A2A receptor antagonist, ZM241385 using flow cytometry. In ABP, only ZM241385 caused a 1.14-fold increase in calcium influx, while all compounds increased calcium influx in UCB. This effect was more pronounced in case of caffeine (1.41-fold) and dbcAMP (1.3-fold) compared to milrinone (1.22-fold), sildenafil (1.23-fold) or ZM241385 (1.23-fold). Intracellular levels of the studied cytokines were unaffected by the applied compounds in both APB and UCB samples. Caffeine increases calcium influx upon activation in neonatal T lymphocytes to a larger extent than milrinone or sildenafil. This effect appears to be mediated primarily via increased cAMP levels rather than A2A receptor inhibition. Overall, the application of caffeine, sildenafil or milrinone does not appear to have immunosuppressive effects on neonatal T cells.

Distinct cytokine patterns may regulate the severity of neonatal asphyxia-an observational study

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammation and a systemic inflammatory reaction are important features of perinatal asphyxia. Neuroinflammation may have dual aspects being a hindrance, but also a significant help in the recovery of the CNS. We aimed to assess intracellular cytokine levels of T-lymphocytes and plasma cytokine levels in moderate and severe asphyxia in order to identify players of the inflammatory response that may influence patient outcome.

METHODS

We analyzed the data of 28 term neonates requiring moderate systemic hypothermia in a single-center observational study. Blood samples were collected between 3 and 6 h of life, at 24 h, 72 h, 1 week, and 1 month of life. Neonates were divided into a moderate (n = 17) and a severe (n = 11) group based on neuroradiological and amplitude-integrated EEG characteristics. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assessed with flow cytometry. Cytokine plasma levels were measured using Bioplex immunoassays. Components of the kynurenine pathway were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

The prevalence and extravasation of IL-1b + CD4 cells were higher in severe than in moderate asphyxia at 6 h. Based on Receiver operator curve analysis, the assessment of the prevalence of CD4+ IL-1β+ and CD4+ IL-1β+ CD49d+ cells at 6 h appears to be able to predict the severity of the insult at an early stage in asphyxia. Intracellular levels of TNF-α in CD4 cells were increased at all time points compared to 6 h in both groups. At 1 month, intracellular levels of TNF-α were higher in the severe group. Plasma IL-6 levels were higher at 1 week in the severe group and decreased by 1 month in the moderate group. Intracellular levels of IL-6 peaked at 24 h in both groups. Intracellular TGF-β levels were increased from 24 h onwards in the moderate group.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-1β and IL-6 appear to play a key role in the early events of the inflammatory response, while TNF-α seems to be responsible for prolonged neuroinflammation, potentially contributing to a worse outcome. The assessment of the prevalence of CD4+ IL-1β+ and CD4+ IL-1β+ CD49d+ cells at 6 h appears to be able to predict the severity of the insult at an early stage in asphyxia.

Use of JAR-Based Analysis for Improvement of Product Acceptance: A Case Study on Flavored Kefirs

A common question of dairy product developments is the possible success of the new product. Several publications reported successful results using just-about-right (JAR) scales; although there is some debate about their advantages/disadvantages. This study highlights the limitations and opportunities of JAR scales and penalty analysis of fruit flavored kefirs. The first question is whether penalty analysis results help to improve the product and thus its overall liking (OAL)? The second question is what happens to those who rated the products "ideal" (JAR) before product development when evaluating the new products? Fruit flavored live-flora stirred-type kefir samples were formulated and evaluated by 92 consumers before and after the JAR-based product development. The OAL of two products significantly increased after product development. A new visualization tool is introduced, which shows what happens to those who rated the attribute as JAR but the attribute has been modified. A general product development scheme is also introduced for JAR-based kefir product development.

Folic acid content and antioxidant activity of different types of beers available in Hungarian retail

In this study 40 Hungarian retail beers were evaluated for folic acid content, antioxidant profile and physicochemical parameters. The physicochemical parameters, folic acid content and antioxidant activity of alcohol-free beers were the lowest. Folic acid content of beers aged with sour cherries showed high values, more than 0.4 mg/l and an alcohol-free beer-based mixed drink made with lemon juice contained more than 0.2 mg/l of folic acid. Dark beers and beers aged with sour cherries had the highest antioxidant activity probably owing to their high extract content, components released from the fruits and special malts. These results highlight the possibility of achieving adequate folic acid and relevant antioxidant intake without excessive alcohol and energy consumption by selecting appropriate beer types.

[Minimal invasive esophageal resection with anastomosis on the neck [McKeown]. Our experiences after 20 cases]

OBJECTIVE

Esophageal resection is a traumatic intervention usually performed on patients with poor condition, resulting high mortality and morbidity. To improve the high incidence of complications, minimal invasive interventions were introduced. The results of the thoracoscopically and laparoscopically performed esophageal resection (McKeown) was investigated after 20 cases and the technical details of the surgical intervention are presented.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

20 thoracoscopic esophageal resection with laparoscopic gastric tube formation (sec. Akiyama) preparing the esophago-gastric anastomosis on the neck were performed in our department in the last four years. 1 patient with stricture and the other 19 patients with esophageal cancer were operated on, among them11 had T4 stage. 17 patient received neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy because of advanced disease. Regular follow up examinations were performed in the oncological outpatient department.

RESULTS

8 patients are alive after a mean follow up period of 25 months, 2 of them are treated oncologically because of recurrent disease. 19 patients were extubated within 12 hours after the intervention and the time spent in the intensive care unit were reduced to 1 or 2 days. The mean duration of the intervention was 320 minutes. Thoracoscopic dissection was performed in 8 patients without ventilation of the right lung using double lumen tracheal tube, among them 3 patients developed pneumonia in the postoperative period. The remaining 12 patients were operated with ventilated right lung, among them one patient developed pneumonia. One patient was converted because of injury of the thoracic aorta, after urgent thoracotomy we managed to suture the aortic wall. 1 patient died in 30 days after the operation, caused by leakage of the anastomosis, resulting mediastinitis and esophago-tracheal fistula. In two patients re-thoracoscopy and ligation of the thoracic duct was performed because of chylothorax refractory for conservative treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our observation the minimal invasive esophageal resection resulted in comparable oncological results with relevant reduction of mortality and morbidity compared to the open procedure. After procedures performed with ventilated lung further reduction of pulmonary complication was found. In case of tumors infiltrating the tracheal or the aortic wall, thoracotomy should be considered to explore the thoracic cavity and to carry out the dissection, if it is possible. Our results should be reinforced because of low number of patients.

[Proctocolectomy with J pouch. Ileo-anal anastomosis performed with PPH stapler. Our experiences after 88 cases]

AIM

Ulcerative colitis (CU) or Familiar Polyposis (FAP) can be the indication for proctocolectomy reconstructed with J pouch. The complete removal of the colon mucosa is essential regarding the late complications and at the same time the atraumatic surgical technique is very important concerning on the long term functional results. Both aspects seems to be answered by the stapled ileo-anal anastomosis using a "procedure for prolaps and haemorrhoids (PPH)" stapler applied by us since 2000.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

117 proctocolectomies reconstructed with J pouch and ileo-anal anastomosis were performed in our department between March 1990 and September 2016 indicated by CU or by FAP. In the first time period the ileo-anal anastomosis was sutured by hand (29 cases) and since 2000 the PPH stapler was applied as a routine (88 patients). Deviating ileostomy was performed in most cases of us. The data of the 117 patients were collected from the database of our hospital, 45 of them were interviewed personally and another 31 patients were contacted by phone, so 76 patients (65%) were eligible for follow-up. Frequency of stool, use of loperamid, level of incontinence (Wexner score) and perianal dermatitis were detected. The mean follow-up time was 18.6 years in the hand-sewn anastomosis group and 7.6 years in the PPH group.

RESULTS

In the hand-sewn anastomosis group in 4/29 cases (13.8%) the removal of the pouch with definite ileostomy were necessary (2 pouchitis, 1 pouch necrosis, 1 recidiv rectum cancer); the mean stool frequency was 4.3 per day; the Wexner incontinence score was 8.5 and 2/15 patients (13.3%) live with ileostomy caused by incontinence. In the PPH stapled ileo-anal anastomosis group in 4/88 cases (4.5%) were the pouch removed (caused by pouchitis), the mean stool frequency was 4.0 per day; the Wexner score was 7.6 and 4/61 patients (6.6%) live with ileostomy caused by incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our experience the ileo-anal anastomosis performed by PPH stapler is technically feasible, seems to be effective concerning on the complete removal of the rectal mucosa and we observed better functional results compared with the hand-sewn anastomosis. Our data should be confirmed because of the low patients' volume.

[Our metabolic surgical activity, 2010-2016]

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of morbid obesity and its co-morbidities - first of all diabetes type 2 - increased dramatically in the last decades. As the conservative ways of treatment (diet, training, etc.) in most cases does not lead to effective and long term weight loss, there is an increasing need for the metabolic surgical interventions.

METHOD

During the last 6 and half years 514 laparoscopic RouxY gastric bypass (LRYGB) and 54 laparoscopic gastric sleeve resection (LGSR) were performed in our department. The data of random selected 40 patients after primary LRYGB and 15 patients after sleeve resection were collected. The applied criteria of the indication for surgery, the routine examinations and treatments before and after the intervention, the results and the type and the rate of the complications will be presented.

RESULTS

According to our experience both procedures are long term effective for weight loss and for the resolution of co-morbidities, and can be performed with low risk of complications. After LRYGB more effective weight loss (extra weight loss 88% vs. 68%) and higher rate of resolution of diabetes type 2, hypertension and gastro-esophageal reflux were found compared to sleeve resection.

CONCLUSION

Based on our results we prefer LRYGB. Gastric sleeve resection is indicated by us, when there is no way - or only with high risk - to perform gastric bypass, taking into consideration of course the individual requirements of the patients.

Real time kinetic flow cytometry measurements of cellular parameter changes evoked by nanosecond pulsed electric field

Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) is a novel method to increase cell proliferation rate. The phenomenon is based on the microporation of cellular organelles and membranes. However, we have limited information on the effects of nsPEF on cell physiology. Several studies have attempted to describe the effects of this process, however no real time measurements have been conducted to date. In this study we designed a model system which allows the measurement of cellular processes before, during and after nsPEF treatment in real time. The system employs a Vabrema Mitoplicator(TM) nsPEF field generating instrument connected to a BD Accuri C6 cytometer with a silicon tube led through a peristaltic pump. This model system was applied to observe the effects of nsPEF in mammalian C6 glioblastoma (C6 glioma) and HEK-293 cell lines. Viability (using DRAQ7 dye), intracellular calcium levels (using Fluo-4 dye) and scatter characteristics were measured in a kinetic manner. Data were analyzed using the FACSKin software. The viability and morphology of the investigated cells was not altered upon nsPEF treatment. The response of HEK-293 cells to ionomycin as positive control was significantly lower in the nsPEF treated samples compared to non-treated cells. This difference was not observed in C6 cells. FSC and SSC values were not altered significantly by the nsPEF treatment. Our results indicate that this model system is capable of reliably investigating the effects of nsPEF on cellular processes in real time. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

Prevalence of Regulatory T-Cell Subtypes in Preeclampsia

PROBLEM

The prevalence of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is lower in preeclampsia (PE) compared with healthy pregnancy (HP). However, the proportion of recently described Treg subtypes has not been investigated.

METHOD

Peripheral blood samples of 19 PE and 21 HP women in the third trimester were evaluated using flow cytometry for the prevalence of activated T cells and naive, effector, thymic, extrathymic, and exhausted Tregs.

RESULTS

The prevalence of activated T cells and exhausted Tregs was higher in PE than in HP. The prevalence of the functionally most active effector Tregs is decreased, while naive Tregs appear to be unaffected in PE compared with HP. No difference was detected between Tregs according to their origin (thymic or extrathymic).

CONCLUSION

The combination of lower effector Treg and higher exhausted Treg prevalence may account for the decrease in the functionality of Tregs in PE.

Coherences of instrumental and sensory characteristics: case study on cherry tomatoes

The aim of this study was to investigate 6 cherry tomato varieties in terms of morphological, instrumental, and sensory attributes. Hungarian cherry tomato landraces have not been investigated in comparison with new commercial varieties for these traits. Parameters investigated were water-soluble antioxidant capacity (FRAP, DPPH, and TEAC), and total polyphenol, vitamin C, β-carotene, lycopene, total soluble solids, and acid contents. Colorimetric measurements as well as sensory analyses were conducted. It was concluded that varied antioxidant assays should be used in parallel to overcome the selectivity of any 1 method. Total phenolic content significantly contributed to results of antioxidant assays for the investigated varieties. The sensory profiles of the 6 cherry tomato varieties have been created. The differences between the products based on the 18 attributes were analyzed by Tukey post hoc test. The biplot of the principal component analysis showed that the sensory panel could discriminate the samples along the principal components. No correlation was found between colorimetric data a* and b* measured from pulp and lycopene, but a negative connection of β-carotene and hue was noted. Total polyphenol content showed correlations with colorimetric results, except for b*. The influence of tomato skin color on color perception is significant as in the present study instrumental data measured from pulp did not match that of the panelists evaluating intact fruit. Instrumental results of sugar content were supported by the ratings of the sensory panel.

Relevance of novel inflammatory markers in stroke-induced immunosuppression

BACKGROUND

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has a biphasic effect on the peripheral immune system. The initial inflammatory response is followed by systemic immunosuppression, referred to as stroke-induced immunosuppression (SIIS), leading to severe complications in stroke patients. We aimed to identify an inflammatory marker that best represents this biphasic immunological response after AIS.

METHODS

We investigated the alteration of CRP, WBC, neutrophil count, suPAR levels, CD4+ CD25high Tregs, CD64+ and CD177+ neutrophils and monocytes in 12 acute ischemic stroke patients free of infection within 6 hours and one week after the insult. As controls, 14 age-matched healthy individuals were included.

RESULTS

CRP, WBC and neutrophil count values were comparable in stroke patients within 6 hours and controls, however, they were elevated in stroke one week after the insult. suPAR levels were higher in both stroke groups compared to controls. The prevalence of CD64+ neutrophils was higher in stroke patients within 6 hours than in controls and it decreased in stroke one week after the insult below the level in controls (5.95 [5.41-8.75] % vs. 32.38 [9.21-43.93] % vs. 4.06 [1.73-6.77] %, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our pilot study identified that the prevalence of CD64+ neutrophils may reflect a biphasic alteration of the immune response following AIS. Since its level decreases below baseline after one week of the CNS insult in stroke patients without infection, it might serve as a reliable candidate to identify the developing inflammatory response due to infection after stroke in the future.