Carbocysteine as Adjuvant Therapy in Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Patients without Underlying Chronic Conditions: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: This study aims to systematically examine the existing evidence regarding the clinical benefits of carbocysteine as an adjunctive treatment in acute bronchopulmonary and otorhinological processes. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: An electronic search was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, and the European Clinical Trial Register, with the search dated to May 2023. Bibliographic references from other literature reviews and meta-analyses were also reviewed. The search was limited to randomized clinical trials published in any language and year. It was completed by cross-checking the references of the located articles. Methods: Inclusion criteria covered studies assessing systemic or inhaled carbocysteine, regardless of dosing regimen. Concomitant medication use was acceptable if balanced between intervention and control groups. Authors independently extracted data, resolving disagreements through consensus. Methodological quality assessment relied on critical reading of each study. Dichotomous variables were analyzed using odds ratio (OR), and a final effect size was calculated. Statistical significance was established when confidence intervals did not cross the neutral value. Heterogeneity was assessed via the X2 test and I2 index. Results: Out of 318 initially identified studies, 4 met inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis for poor general condition yielded an OR of 0.45 in favor of intervention, p = 0.013, with non-significant heterogeneity. Cough events showed a percentage of 15.8% for carbocysteine vs. 27.2% for placebo. On the seventh day, expectoration rates were 18.37% for carbocysteinevs 33.3% for placebo. Conclusions: The observed clinical benefits align with carbocysteine’s mucoactive and muco-regulatory properties, complemented by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Carbocysteine stands out among mucolytic agents. In the context of persistent infectious diseases, the study emphasizes the need for further exploration of carbocysteine’s therapeutic potential as an adjunctive treatment for acute respiratory infections. These findings underscore its significance in the evolving landscape of respiratory healthcare.

Capsule endoscopy in pediatrics: A 10-years journey

Video capsule endoscopy(CE) for evaluation the esophagus(ECE), small bowel(SBCE) and the colon(CCE) is particularly useful in pediatrics, because this imaging modality does not require ionizing radiation, deep sedation or general anesthesia. The risk of capsule retention appears to be dependent on indication rather than age and parallels the adult experience by indication, making SBCE a relatively safe procedure with a significant diagnostic yield. The newest indication, assessment of mucosal change, greatly enhances and expands its potential benefit. The diagnostic role of CE extends beyond the SB. The use of ECE also may enhance our knowledge of esophageal disease and assist patient care. Colon CCE is a novel minimally invasive and painless endoscopic technique allowing exploration of the colon without need for sedation, rectal intubation and gas insufflation. The limited data on ECE and CCE in pediatrics does not yet allow the same conclusions regarding efficacy; however, both appear to provide safe methods to assess and monitor mucosal change in their respective areas with little discomfort. Moreover, although experience has been limited, the patency capsule may help lessen the potential of capsule retention; and newly researched protocols for bowel cleaning may further enhance CE's diagnostic yield. However, further research is needed to optimize the use of the various CE procedures in pediatric populations.

Kounis syndrome:a clinical entity penetrating from pediatrics to geriatrics

1 Introduction Kounis syndrome constitutes a coronary hypersensitivity disorder defined by the association of an anaphylactoid,anaphylactic,allergic or hypersensitivity reaction with an acute coronary syndrome,in a physiopathological context involving various interrelated and interacting inflammatory cells,such as mast-cells,eosinophils and platelets.[1,2]Similar entities to Kounis syndrome might involve cerebral and mesenteric arteries.

Hand Hygiene Compliance in the Prevention of Nosocomial Infections in the Neonatal Unit of the National University Teaching Hospital of Cotonou

Objective: Despite the presence of hand washing material and the training given to medical staff regarding hygiene measures and health care procedures in October 2015, the prevalence of nosocomial infections in the neonatal unit of the National University Teaching Hospital of Cotonou (CNHU-Cotonou) was estimated at 8% in January 2016. To determine the factors that contribute to these infections, this study assessed medical staff compliance with hand hygiene measures and procedures. Method: This research was a cross-sectional and observational study conducted from February 15 to March 31, 2016 through direct and cautious observation of 47 members of the medical and paramedical staff. The study variables were hand washing before entering the neonatal unit and before entering each treatment room, hand washing before and after seeing each patient, compliance with hand washing steps, the use of hydroalcoholic solutions and adhering to the ban on mobile phone use inside the treatment room. Results: Only 15% of the medical staff followed all of the rules and measures governing hand hygiene. The result showed that 76.6% of them did not wash their hands before entering the unit;32% washed their hands before each care session;95.7% washed their hands after each care session;and 85% did not comply with the hand washing steps. Only 21.3% of the personnel used hydroalcoholic solution, and only 85% of the personnel adhered to the ban on mobile phone use within the treatment room. Conclusion: Compliance with hand hygiene measures is insufficient. These low compliance rates facilitate the occurrence of nosocomial infections. Nosocomial infections could be prevented by identifying the reasons that medical personnel do not wash their hands and by implementing a program for education/awareness on hygiene measures based on an analysis of errors and care procedures and sustained by regular evaluations.

One step minilaparotomy-assisted transmesenteric portal vein recanalization combined with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement: A novel surgical proposal in pediatrics

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS) placement is a standard procedure for the treatment of portal hypertension complications. When this conventional approach is not feasible, alternative procedures for systemic diversion of portal blood have been proposed. A one-step interventional approach, combining minilaparotomy-assisted transmesenteric(MAT) antegrade portal recanalization and TIPS, is described in an adolescent with recurrent esophageal varice bleeding and portal cavernoma(PC). A 16-yearold girl was admitted to our Unit because of repeated bleeding episodes over a short period of time due to esophageal varices in the context of a PC. A portal vein recanalization through an ileocolic vein isolation with the MAT approach followed by TIPS during the same session was performed. In the case of failed portal recanalization, this approach, would also be useful for varice endovascular embolization. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Treatment consisting of propanolol, enoxaparin and a proton pump inhibitor was prescribed after the procedure. One month post-op, contrast enhanced computed tomography confirmed the patency of the portal and intrahepatic stent grafts. No residual peritoneal fluid was detected nor opacification of the large varices. Endoscopy showed good improvement of the varices. Doppler ultrasound confirmed the accelerated flow in the portal stent and hepatopetal flow inside the intrahepatic portal branches. Three months post-op, TIPS maintained its hourglass shape despite a slight expansion. Portal hypertension and life threatening conditions related to PC would benefit from one-step portal recanalization. MAT-TIPS is feasible and safe for the treatment of PC even in children. This minimally invasive procedure avoids or delays surgical treatment or re-transplantation when necessary in pediatric patients.

Comparative Analysis of Community-Based Management of Anemia in Children before and during the COVID Pandemic

Introduction: In low-income countries, severe anemia represents a significant risk of mortality. It is generally the consequence of a lack of correct community-based management of mild and moderate anemia and its etiologies. Our study aimed to evaluate the community practice in confronting anemia by mothers of children aged 0 - 5 years old before and during the COVID-19 period. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in two phases at the pediatric ward of the regional hospital of Ngaoundere in Cameroon;before the period of the COVID-19 pandemic from December 2018 to May 2019 and during the pandemic period from December 2020 to May 2021. It was a volunteer sample. Were included in this study all mothers of children aged 0 - 5 years present in the pediatric ward at the time of the survey who agreed to freely answer our questionnaire. Results: Of the 152 mothers surveyed in the “Before COVID-19” group, 69% went to a health facility when they suspected their children were anemic, 20% gave grenadine juice (Red colored soda), 7% went to marabous, 2% bought street medicines and 2% used other home-made potions. Of the 92 mothers included in the “During COVID-19” group, the majority did not go to a health facility: 36% gave grenadine juice and other potions, 26% went to marabouts, 23% bought medicines from the street and only 13% went to a health facility;2% did nothing. The average Group rank is not statistically significantly different between the before and during the COVID-19 periods (p = 0.89). Conclusion: Community behavior and practice in confronting anemia deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the majority of mothers resorting to non-effective out-of-hospital solutions. The consequence can be an increase in infant mortality. While waiting for the end of the pandemic, it is judicious and urgent to review the whole health system in Africa and especially in countries with limited resources. We propose developing multiple advanced strategies to promote community visits to prevent anemia and to develop anticipatory management of anemia as well as all the main child-killing pathologies.

Measles in a Neonatal Unit during Epidemic Period in 2011

The incident of the measles has diminished in the last decades thanks to the widespread use of the vaccine in The United States and Europe. Nevertheless, recently we are seeing new epidemics of measles due to the lack of coverage in some social areas. Measles during pregnancy is associated with high maternal morbidity and mortality, being a frequent cause of abortion in preterm deliveries. We report two cases of measles attended in the Unit of Neonatology held coinciding with the epidemic lived in this area during the last year.

Gaseous metabolites as therapeutic targets in ulcerative colitis

Diet therapies are currently under-utilised in optimising clinical outcomes for patients with active ulcerative colitis(UC).Furthermore,existing dietary therapies are framed by poorly defined mechanistic targets to warrant its success.There is good evidence to suggest that microbial production of gaseous metabolites,hydrogen sulfide(H2S)and nitric oxide(NO)are implicated in the development of mucosal inflammation in UC.On a cellular level,exposure of the colonic epithelium to excessive concentrations of these gases are shown to promote functional defects described in UC.Hence,targeting bacterial production of these gases could provide an opportunity to formulate new dietary therapies in UC.Despite the paucity of evidence,there is epidemiological and clinical data to support the concept of reducing mucosal inflammation in UC via dietary strategies that reduce H2S.Several dietary components,namely sulphurcontaining amino acids and inorganic sulphur have been shown to be influential in enhancing colonic H2S production.More recent data suggests increasing the supply of readily fermentable fibre as an effective strategy for H2S reduction.Conversely,very little is known regarding how diet alters microbial production of NO.Hence,the current evidence suggest that a whole diet approach is needed.Finally,biomarkers for assessing changes in microbial gaseous metabolites in response to dietary interventions are very much required.In conclusion,this review identifies a great need for high quality randomised-controlled trials to demonstrate the efficacy of a sulphide-reducing dietary therapy for patients with active UC.

Gradual Bedside Reduction of Gastroschisis in a Resource Constrained Setting: Preliminary Results from 32 Cases

Introduction: Gastroschisis is one of the neonatal pathologies with bad prognosis in developing countries due to a lack of equipment. We aim to report one way of managing this malformation that could be practised everywhere, constituting an alternative approach to surgery in poor areas. Patients and Methods: This observational and descriptive study included newborn babies with gastroschisis who underwent gradual bedside reduction at the Paediatric Surgery Department of the Yaounde Central Hospital. Results: Our cohort was constituted by 32 newborn babies with a mean age of 18.12 hours on admission. The Lefort type 2 was the most frequent in 81.25% of cases. The mean time for oral feeding after complete reduction was 17.4 days and the duration of hospital stay was 24.91 days. Survival rates were at 40.63%, with a residual hernia after healing in 38.46% of cases. Conclusion: Despite the high rate of mortality, gradual reduction of gastroschisis at the bedside seems to be an opportunity for resource constrained areas and can be an alternative solution to surgery.

More than Meets the Eye: A Qualitative Investigation of the Complex Weight History Constructions of Brazilian Women Who Underwent Bariatric Surgery

Most studies on bariatric surgery identify personal factors such as“non-compliance”to lifestyle changes as the cause of weight gain and subsequent inability to lose weight.Prior qualitative studies suggest that weight loss patients have complicated relationships with both self and weight,with significant emotional and psychological implications.But how do patients themselves understand the trajectories of their weight gain as related to intrinsic versus extrinsic factors?A qualitative analysis examined the aspects involved in the construction of higher body weight from the perspectives and life experiences of Brazilian women who underwent bariatric surgery,considering that Brazil has previously been reported as a highly anti-fat society.Individual,semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirty women(15 aged 33-59 and 15 aged 63-72).Data were analyzed identifying the regular,expressive,and meaningful significance units identified through the interviews.Although it was expected that different life events were reported as crucial to the perceived aetiology of individual weight gain stories,the participants reported that the emotional aspects had more impact.The extremely high value attached to having a particular body weight negatively influenced the participants’concept of identity and harmed their interactions and understanding of what it meant to be fully loved and accepted.Most of the participants underscored the importance of food in women’s lived experiences and explanations of weight gain.Despite this somatic response being dysfunctionally directed to food,this mechanism seemed to be vital to keeping them alive and engaged in the world.Finally,the participants faced layered vulnerabilities,which decreased their opportunities to access resources aimed at better body weight management.Broad approaches that consider emotional and physical care strategies must be proposed to this population.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip: What has changed in the last 20 years?

Developmental dysplasia of the hip(DDH) describes the spectrum of structural abnormalities that involve the growing hip. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical to provide the best possible functional outcome. Persistence of hip dysplasia into adolescence and adulthood may result in abnormal gait, decreased strength and increased rate of degenerative hip and knee joint disease. Despite efforts to recognize and treat all cases of DDH soon after birth, diagnosis is delayed in some children, and outcomes deteriorate with increasing delay of presentation. Different screening programs for DDH were implicated. The suspicion is raised based on a physical examination soon after birth. Radiography and ultrasonography are used to confirm the diagnosis. The role of other imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging, is still undetermined; however, extensive research is underway on this subject. Treatment depends on the age of the patient and the reducibility of the hip joint. At an early age and up to 6 mo, the main treatment is an abduction brace like the Pavlik harness. If this fails, closed reduction and spica casting is usually done. After the age of 18 mo, treatment usually consists of open reduction and hip reconstruction surgery. Various treatment protocols have been proposed. We summarize the current practice for detection and treatment of DDH, emphasizing updates in screening and treatment during the last two decades.

Role of surgery in severe ulcerative colitis in the era of medical rescue therapy

Despite the growing use of medical salvage therapy,colectomy has remained a cornerstone in managing acute severe ulcerative colitis(ASC) both in children and in adults.Colectomy should be regarded as a life saving procedure in ASC,and must be seriously considered in any steroid-refractory patient.However,colectomy is not a cure for the disease but rather the substitution of a large problem with smaller problems,including fecal incontinence,pouchitis,irritable pouch syndrome,cuffitis,anastomotic ulcer and stenosis,missed or de-novo Crohn's disease and,in young females,reduced fecundity.This notion has led to the widespread practice of offering medical salvage therapy before colectomy in most patients without surgical abdomen or toxic megacolon.Medical salvage therapies which have proved effective in the clinical trial setting include cyclosporine,tacrolimus and infliximab,which seem equally effective in the short term.Validated predictive rules can identify a subset of patients who will eventually fail corticosteroid therapy after only 3-5 d of steroid therapy with an accuracy of 85%-95%.This accuracy is sufficiently high for initiat-ing medical therapy,but usually not colectomy,early in the admission without delaying colectomy if required.This approach has reduced the colectomy rate in ASC from 30%-70% in the past to 10%-20% nowadays,and the mortality rate from over 70% in the 1930s to about 1%.In general,restorative proctocolectomy(ileoanal pouch or ileal pouch-anal anastomosis),especially the J-pouch,is preferred over straight pullthrough(ileo-anal) or ileo-rectal anastomosis,which may still be considered in young females concerned about infertility.Colectomy in the acute severe colitis setting,is usually performed in three steps due to the severity of the inflammation,concurrent steroid treatment and the generally reduced clinical condition.The first surgical step involves colectomy and constructing an ileal stoma,the second-constructing the pouch and the third-closing the stoma.This review focuses on the role of surgical treatment in ulcerative colitis in the era of medical rescue therapy.

Long-term follow-up of distal intestinal obstruction syndrome in cystic fibrosis

AIM: To investigate the long-term follow-up of distal intestinal obstruction syndrome(DIOS) in Israeli cystic fibrosis(CF) patients.METHODS: This is a multi-center,comparative,retrospective study in which we reviewed the medical records of all CF patients from three major CF centers in Israel who were treated in the period from 1980 to 2012.Patients diagnosed with DIOS were defined as the study group.The patients were diagnosed with DIOS based on their clinical presentation and typical findings on either abdominal X-ray or computerized tomography scan.For the control group,CF patients with no DIOS were matched to the patients in the study group for age,sex,and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator(CFTR) mutations.For both groups,the collected data included age,sex,CFTR genotype,weight,height,and body mass index.Clinical data included respiratory function tests in the last five years prior to the study,respiratory function test immediately before and after the DIOS event,number of hospitalizations,sputum culture results,and CFrelated conditions diagnosed according to the CF clinical practice guidelines.In the study group,data on the DIOS treatment and tendency for DIOS recurrence were also analyzed.RESULTS: The medical charts for a total of 350 CF patients were reviewed.Of the 350 CF patients,26(7.4%) were diagnosed with DIOS.The control group included 31 CF patients with no DIOS diagnosis.The mean follow-up period was 21.6 ± 8.2 years.The total of DIOS episodes in the follow-up period was 60.The distribution of DIOS episodes was as follows: 6/26(23.1%) study patients had one episode of DIOS intheir lifetime,7/26(26.9%) had two episodes,7/26(26.9%) had three episodes,and 6/26(23.1%) had four or more episodes.Compared to the control group,DIOS patients had a significantly higher incidence of meconium ileus in the past(65.4% vs 0%,respectively,P < 0.02),more Aspergillus spp.colonization(34.6% vs 3.2%,respectively,P < 0.02),and a higher number of hospitalizations due to respiratory exacerbations(8.6 vs 6.2 mean total hospitalizations per follow-up period,respectively,P < 0.02).No other significant differences were found between the control and study groups.The conservative treatment of DIOS,which mainly includes hydration and stool softeners,was successful in 82% of the episodes.The survival rate was similar for both groups.CONCLUSION: CF patients with DIOS suffer from recurrent hospitalizations and airway pathogen acquisition.Although recurrence of DIOS is common,conservative treatment is successful in most patients.

There is no association between K469E ICAM-1 gene polymorphism and biliary atresia

AIM: To determine whether there was an association between inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) gene polymorphism and biliary atresia (BA), and to investigate the relationship between serum soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1)and clinical outcome in BA patients after surgical treatment.METHODS: Eighty-three BA patients and 115 normal controls were genotyped. K469EICAM-1 polymorphism was analyzed using PCR assay. Serum sICAM-1 was determined using ELISA method from 72 BA patients. In order to evaluate the association between these variables and their clinical outcome, the patients were categorized into two groups:patients without jaundice and those with persistent jaundice.RESULTS: There were no significant differences between BA patients and controls in terms of gender, K469E ICAM-1genotypes, and alleles. The proportion of patients having serum sICAM-1 ≥3 500 ng/mL in persistent jaundice group was significantly higher than that in the other group. In addition, there was no association between K469EICAM-1polymorphism and the status of jaundice in BA patients after Kasai operation.CONCLUSION: ICAM-1 possibly plays an important and active role in the disease progression. However, the process is not associated with genetic variation of K469EICAM-1 polymorphism.

Pediatric primary urolithiasis: Symptoms, medical management and prevention strategies

In the past few decades pediatric urolithiasis has become more frequent. The reason for this increase is not completely clear but has been attributed to changes in climate, nutritional habits and possibly other environmental factors. Although less frequent than adult stone disease, urolithiasis in the pediatric age group is also related to significant morbidity, particularly since stones tend to recur, and, thus, should not be underestimated. Most children with idiopathic stone disease have an underlying metabolic abnormality substantiating the importance of metabolic evaluation already following initial diagnosis of urolithiasis. Identification of the metabolic abnormality allows for more specific prescription of non pharmacological and pharmacological interventions aimed at preventing recurrent stone formation. A better understanding of the causes of kidney stone disease will provide better strategies for stone prevention in children.

Rituximab for troublesome cases of childhood nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome(NS) is the most common glomerular disease of childhood. Steroid-dependent and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome present challenges in their pharmaceutical management; patients may need several immunosuppressive medication for optimum control, each of which medication has its own safety profile. Rituximab(RTX) is a monoclonal antibody that targets B cells and has been used successfully for management of lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. Recent clinical studies showed that rituximab may be an efficacious and safe alternative for the treatment of complicated nephrotic syndrome. In this review article, we aim to review the efficacy and safety of RTX therapy in nephrotic syndrome. We reviewed the literature pertaining to this topic by searching for relevant studies on Pub Med and Medline using specific keywords. The initial search yielded 452 articles. These articles were then examined to ensure their relevance to the topic of research. We focused on multicenter randomized controlled trials with relatively large numbers of patients. A total of 29 articles were finally identified and will be summarized in this review. The majority of clinical studies of RTX in complicated pediatric NS showed that rituximab is effective in approximately 80% of patients with steroid-dependent NS, as it decreases the number of relapses and steroid dosage. However, RTX is less effective at achieving remission in steroid-resistant NS. RTX use was generally safe, and most side effects were transient and infusion-related. More randomized, double-blinded clinical studies are needed to assess the role of RTX in children with nephrotic syndrome.

Mechanisms of altered bone remodeling in children with type 1 diabetes

Bone loss associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)begins at the onset of the disease,already in childhood,determining a lower bone mass peak and hence a greater risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life.The mechanisms underlying diabetic bone fragility are not yet completely understood.Hyperglycemia and insulin deficiency can affect the bone cells functions,as well as the bone marrow fat,thus impairing the bone strength,geometry,and microarchitecture.Several factors,like insulin and growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1,can control bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell commitment,and the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin and Wnt-b catenin pathways can impair bone turnover.Some myokines may have a key role in regulating metabolic control and improving bone mass in T1DM subjects.The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying altered bone remodeling in children affected by T1DM.

An overlap syndrome involving autoimmune hepatitis and systemic lupus erythematosus in childhood

We report a 12 years old female patient with an overlap syndrome involving autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The patient presented with jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, malaise, polyarthralgia, arthritis and butterfly rash on the face. Laboratory tests revealed severe liver dysfunction, Coombs positive hemolytic anemia and a positive ANA/anti-dsDNA test. Renal biopsy showed class IIA kidney disease, while liver biopsy showed chronic hepatitis with severe in? ammatory activity. The patient satisfi ed the international criteria for both SLE and AIH. Clinical symptoms and laboratory findings of SLE improved with high dose treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprine, however, remission of the liver disease could not be achieved. Repeat biopsy of the liver after three years of therapy revealed ongoing chronic hepatitis with high level of in? ammatory activity. The present case indicates that children with liver dysfunction and SLE should be investigated for AIH. There is much diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma in patients with AIH-SLE overlap syndrome.

Transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy in children: Clinical and surgical outcomes

The aim of this paper is to present and describe tran-sumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy in chil-dren, focusing on its technical aspects and clinical andsurgical outcomes. The surgical charts of all patientsaged between 0 and 14 years treated with transumbili-cal laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy admitted tothe authors' institution from January 2009 to Septem-ber 2013 with a diagnosis of suspected appendicitis fol-lowing clinical, laboratory and ultrasound findings werereviewed. Operating time, intraoperative findings, needfor conversion or for additional trocars, and surgicacomplications were reported. During the study period,120 patients aged between 6 and 14 years(mean age:9.9 years), 73 females(61%) and 47 males(39%),were treated with transumbilical laparoscopic-assistedappendectomy. There were 37 cases of hyperemicappendicitis(subserosal and retrocecal), 74 cases ofphlegmonous appendicitis and 9 cases of perforatedgangrenous appendicitis. It was not possible to estab-lish a correlation between grade of appendicitis andmean operating time(P > 0.05). Eleven cases(9%)needed the use of one additional trocar, while 8 pa-tients(6%) required conversion to the standard laparo-scopic technique with the use of two additional trocars. No patient was converted to the open technique. Tran-sumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy is a safe technique in children and it could be used by surgeons who want to approach other minimally invasive tech-niques.

Molecular identity, expression and functional analysis of interleukin-1α and its isoforms in rat testis

Interleukin-1α (IL-1α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that has also been found to act as a paracrine mediator involved in the regulation of testicular functions. The present review provides an overview of the role of IL 1α in testicular physiology. Bioactive IL-1α isolated from adult rat testis was found to consist of three distinct immunoreactive protein species with apparent sizes of 45, 24 and 19 kDa. These isoforms showed bioactivity in a thymocyte proliferation and steroidogenesis assays with different biopotencies. The background of the molecular heterogeneity and processing, secretion and regulation of the isoforms of testicular IL-1α are discussed. All three isoforms have been found to be secreted into the testis tubular lumen and interstitial space. We have provided evidence that IL-1α is a paracrine factor that may be of importance in, e.g., the regulation of Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Pathophysiologically, testicular IL-1α may contribute to testicular relapse of acute lymphocytic leukemia in boys.