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Purpose: Aim of this study was to analyse feasibility, safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic transperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP) approach to inguinal hernias in the emergency setting, with a longer follow-up than the studies present in literature. Methods: We retrospectively analysed all patients who underwent emergency TAPP hernia repair in San Marco Hospital (Zingonia, Italy), from September 2010 to June 2020. A prospectively collected database of 685 consecutive TAPP hernia repair was reviewed. Feasibility and safety were evaluated through operative time, conversion rate, perioperative mortality, morbidity and prosthesis infection rate. Effectiveness was assessed by recurrence and complication rate, acute (during admission) and chronic (during follow-up) pain by Visual Analogic Scale (VAS), and recovery to normal activity in a long-term follow-up (mean period 1718 days). Results: The final study group included 47 patients. The mean age was 59.6 years (range 22–89), 29 patients were male and 18 were female. The mean operation time was 64 min. Two cases were converted to open approach (4%). In four cases bowel resection became necessary (8.5%). Appendicectomy and omentectomy occurred once and twice, respectively (2% and 4%), and orchiectomy was required in two patients (4%). Seroma was the only postoperative complication that we registered in four patients. During a mean follow-up period of 1718 days, there was no recurrence of the hernia or other complications. Five patients referred mild occasional groin pain (VAS < 3), with quick relief without taking any pain killers. Conclusion: TAPP approach is a safe, feasible and effective therapeutic option for groin hernias in emergency setting. No recurrence or severe complications were reported in over 4 years of follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cultural Heritage (CH) represents a fundamental societal, ethical and economical resource, and a driver for education and social inclusion. An extensive physico-chemical characterization of the combined TC-PNs-NSF system clarified that the fluid is partially free to diffuse through the network, but also interacts with the gel walls; during the cleaning, the dynamics of the fluid at the gel-artifact interface are controlled by the osmotic balance among the interconnected pores of the gel. Moving to different types of artistic substrates, a paper by Mirabile et al. provides a critical overview and expansion on the use of two novel methodologies for the removal of pressure sensitive tapes (PSTs), which employ different cleaning fluids loaded into retentive gels [[8]]. [Extracted from the article]

Microbial colonization has a relevant impact on the deterioration of stone materials with consequences ranging from esthetic to physical and chemical changes. Avoiding microbial growth on cultural stones therefore represents a crucial aspect for their long-term conservation. The antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively investigated in recent years, showing that they could be successfully applied as bactericidal coatings on surfaces of different materials. In this work, we investigated the ability of AgNPs grafted to Serena stone surfaces to inhibit bacterial viability. A silane derivative, which is commonly used for stone consolidation, and Bacillus subtilis were chosen as the grafting agent and the target bacterium, respectively. Results show that functionalized AgNPs bind to stone surface exhibiting a cluster disposition that is not affected by washing treatments. The antibacterial tests on stone samples revealed a 50 to 80 % reduction in cell viability, with the most effective AgNP concentration of 6.7 μg/cm. To our knowledge, this is the first report on antimicrobial activity of AgNPs applied to a stone surface. The results suggest that AgNPs could be successfully used in the inhibition of microbial colonization of stone artworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of laser ablation in conservation of paper artifacts of cultural interest is under investigation since the second half of nineties. However, the works carried out on the topic are relatively a few as compared with those dedicated to stone, metal and painted artworks. Furthermore, in the latter cases, widespread applications have been successfully carried out, whereas laser cleaning of aged paper is still far from the conservation practice. There are serious risks to produce short- and/or long-term chemical alterations and/or mechanical damages at relatively low fluences. Here, we report a systematic investigation on laser removal of mold growths from prepared and naturally aged paper samples. Fundamental wavelength and second harmonic of QS Nd:YAG laser are tested and compared through optical and spectroscopic characterizations. This allowed defining optimized irradiation conditions and foreseeing further improvements from pulse duration optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaline earth metal hydroxide nanoparticles dispersions have demonstrated to be efficient for the preservation of cellulose-based artifacts, providing a stable neutral environment and, if in excess, turning into mild alkaline species. New formulations tailored for specific conservation issues have been recently obtained via a solvothermal reaction, starting from bulk metal, and short chain alcohols. Using this synthetic procedure, stable, and high concentrated calcium hydroxide nanoparticles dispersions can be obtained. The characterization of nanoparticles was carried out by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction and showed that the dispersed systems are particularly suitable for the application on porous substrates. In a direct application of this technology, acidic paper and canvas samples were artificially aged after deacidification using calcium hydroxide nanoparticles dispersed in short chain alcohols. Cellulose viscosimetric polymerization degree (DPv), cellulose pyrolysis temperature, and samples' pH were evaluated upon the aging and in terms of protective action arising from the applied treatment. In particular, determinations of DPv clearly showed that the degradation of acidic paper and canvas samples proceeds at higher rates with respect to deacidified samples. These evidences were also confirmed by the thermogravimetric analysis of samples, in which the benefits due to the deacidification treatments are measured in terms of pyrolysis temperature of cellulose. These new formulations of nanoparticles dispersions expand the palette of available tools for the conservation of cellulose-based works of art, such as easel paintings, and manuscripts, potentially opening the way for the intervention on parchment and leather, whose preservation is a particularly challenging task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium hydroxide nanoparticles are effective components for the consolidation treatment of immovable works of art, such as carbonate stone and wall paintings that exhibit both surface and structural degradation. Several formulations have been recently developed, with different characteristics (dispersing solvent, particle size distribution and particle structure), which are expected to result in different long-term consolidating properties. In this contribution, the carbonation of a commercial Ca(OH) nanoparticle formulation (Nanorestore) was characterized through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Nanoparticle films were laid on KBr pellets and stored at room temperature under controlled relative humidity and CO pressure. FTIR analysis was used to quantitatively detect the formation of calcium carbonate. Fitting of the experimental data allowed the description of the mechanism of carbonate nucleation and growth. The compatibility of the Nanorestore formulation for wall painting consolidation was assessed through optical and electron microscopy, colorimetry and water absorption capillarity measurements. The formulation's effectiveness in consolidating powdering painted layers was assessed through application on site and on detached samples of Mesoamerican wall paintings belonging to the pre-Columbian archaeological sites of Ixcaquixtla and Calakmul (Mexico). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Genus and species level analysis is the best way to characterize alterations in the human gut microbiota that are associated with obesity, because the clustering of obese and lean microbiotas increases with the taxonomic depth of the analysis. Bifidobacterium genus members have been associated with a lean status, whereas different Lactobacillus species are associated both with a lean and an obese status.Objectives and methods:We analyzed the fecal concentrations of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Methanobrevibacter smithii, the genus Lactobacillus, five other Lactobacillus species previously linked with lean or obese populations, Escherichia coli and Bifidobacterium animalis in 263 individuals, including 134 obese, 38 overweight, 76 lean and 15 anorexic subjects to test for the correlation between bacterial concentration and body mass index (BMI). Of these subjects, 137 were used in our previous study.Findings:Firmicutes were found in >98.5%, Bacteroidetes in 67%, M. smithii in 64%, E. coli in 51%, Lactobacillus species between 17 and 25% and B. animalis in 11% of individuals. The fecal concentration of Lactobacillus reuteri was positively correlated with BMI (coefficient=0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.12-0.58; P=0.02) in agreement with what was reported for Lactobacillus sakei. As reported, B. animalis (coefficient=−0.84; 95% CI −1.61 to −0.07; P=0.03) and M. smithii (coefficient=−0.43, 95% CI −0.90 to 0.05; P=0.08) were negatively associated with the BMI. Unexpectedly, E. coli was found here for the first time to negatively correlate with the BMI (coefficient=−1.05; 95% CI −1.60 to −0.50; P<0.001).Conclusion:Our findings confirm the specificity of the obese microbiota and emphasize the correlation between the concentration of certain Lactobacillus species and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Elderly patients presenting to Emergency Departments (ED) have complex health problems and often undergo adverse outcomes after an ED visit. In Canadian ED, the Identification of Seniors At Risk (ISAR) is useful in screening for these aspects. This study evaluated the predictive validity of ISAR for elderly patients presenting to Italian ED. METHODS: Prospective observational study of a cohort of 200 elderly patients presenting to two urban ED in Ancona (Italy). Identifiers and triage, clinical and social data were collected, and the ISAR was administered. The following single outcomes were considered: early (30-day) and late (6-month) ED revisit, frequent ED return, hospital admission, and functional decline. Composite outcomes were: [1] death, long-term care (LTC) placement, functional decline; [2] the same as [1] plus any ED revisit or hospitalization. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: ISAR was positive for 141 (70.5%) subjects, who had high comorbidity, disability and cognitive impairment. ISAR-positive patients had an OR of 4.77 (95% CI, 2.19-10.42) to undergo composite outcome [1] and of 3.46 (95% CI, 1.68-7.15) to experience composite outcome [2]. ISAR also predicted ED revisit and frequent use, hospitalization and functional decline at 6 months. ISAR was also an independent predictor of 6-month mortality (Hazard Ratio 6.9, 95% CI 1.65-29, p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: ISAR can be used as a screening test to identify Italian elderly ED patients who have an increased 6-month risk of death, LTC placement, functional decline, ED revisit, or hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Protein and/or energy malnutrition is common in hospitalized older patients and is associated with poor outcomes. Among recommended nutritional screening tools, contrasting data exist about the usefulness of the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF). We evaluated whether the MNA-SF, alone or integrated with serum albumin levels, is a reliable predictor of functional decline in older patients. METHODS: We studied 275 elderly patients (mean age 76.5, 60.7% males) admitted to an acute medical ward of a tertiary-care teaching hospital over a 12-month period. In this observational study, we evaluated nutritional status, with the MNA-SF alone or integrated with albumin. Data were collected at admission and related to laboratory and geriatric assessment features, and length of stay (LOS). Functional decline (defined as a loss >or=10% in terms of Barthel Index score at discharge compared with 2 weeks before admission) was considered as outcome. RESULTS: The MNA-SF estimated 46% patients at risk of malnutrition. These subjects had worse clinical features (lower total cholesterol and albumin levels), longer LOS (13.3 vs 11.2 days, p=0.014) and considerable functional decline (OR 4.25, 95% CI 1.83-9.9, p=0.001). Integrating the MNA-SF with albumin values, we obtained an effective instrument to detect older inpatients with protein-energy malnutrition, at higher risk of undergoing functional decline (OR 16.19, 95% CI 4.68-56.03, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The MNA-SF is a useful screening tool for hospitalized elders at risk of malnutrition. It is associated with poor clinical outcomes and is able to predict functional decline. Together with hypoalbuminemia, it better identifies patients with true protein-energy malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic interest of Hector Battifora mesothelial antigen-1 (HBME-1), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV (DPP4) in thyroid fine-needle aspirates obtained from 200 resected thyroid lesions (55 colloid nodules, 54 follicular adenomas, 59 papillary cancers, and 32 follicular carcinomas). Hector Battifora mesothelial antigen-1 or TPO expression (% positive cells) and DPP4 staining score (12-point scale) were evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted and optimal cutoff values for diagnosing malignancy were determined. The TPO ROC curve was consistently higher than the HBME-1 ROC curve. The TPO curve was also higher than the DPP4 curve with regard to sensitivity, but dipped below the DPP4 curve with regard to specificity. Using a cutoff value of <80% positive cells for TPO, >10% positive cells for HBME-1, and staining score > or =1 for DPP4, sensitivity to specificity ratios were 98-83% for TPO, 90-60% for HBME-1, and 88-80% for DPP4. Two particularly interesting findings of this study were the low negative likelihood ratio of TPO (0.02) allowing highly reliable exclusion of malignancy and the 100% specificity of DPP4 staining scores=12. Due to poor performance on follicular lesions, HBME-1 showed no advantage over TPO or DPP4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elderly are an ever increasing population in overcrowded emergency departments (EDs) in many countries. They have multiple health problems and consume more time and resources than younger patients. They are more frequently admitted and experience adverse outcomes after they are discharged from the ED. These frail patients could require specific skills, instruments and organisational models of emergency care in order to look after their complex needs. As such, several approaches have been tried and tested to improve emergency care for them. This article analyses the epidemiological load and problems faced when confronted with elder ED patients. We critically review organisational models, clinical approaches and methodologies in order to reduce ED physicians' difficulties and to improve quality of care and outcomes for elder patients. Triage, clinical assessment and discharge are identified as critical moments during an emergency care process, and interesting and useful instruments are proposed as possible solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimsTo compare the effect of classic Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) and JPEG2000 compression algorithms on detection of diabetic retinopathy (DR) lesions.MethodsIn total, 45 colour fundus photographs obtained with a digital nonmydriatic fundus camera were saved in uncompressed Tagged Interchanged Files Format (TIFF) format (1.26 MB). They were graded jointly by two retinal specialists at a 1 month interval for soft exudates, hard exudates, macular oedema, newvessels, intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMA), and retinal haemorrhages and/or microaneurysms. They were compressed to 118, 58, 41, and 27 KB by both algorithms and 24 KB by classic JPEG, placed in random order and graded again jointly by the two retina specialists. Subjective image quality was graded, and sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and kappa statistic were calculated for all lesions at all compression ratios.ResultsCompression to 118 KB showed no effect on image quality and kappa values were high (0.94–1). Image degradation became important at 27 KB for both algorithms. At high compression levels, IRMA and HMA detection were most affected with JPEG2000 performing slightly better than classic JPEG.ConclusionPerformance of classic JPEG and JPEG2000 algorithms is equivalent when compressing digital images of DR lesions from 1.26 MB to 118 KB and 58 KB. Higher compression ratios show slightly better results with JPEG2000 compression, but may be insufficient for screening purposes.Eye (2007) 21, 487–493. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6702238; published online 3 February 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preservation of waterlogged wooden artifacts, and in particular ancient wrecks, is a challenge in cultural heritage conservation. Samples, from the Swedish warship Vasa, are under investigation in order to develop innovative methods for wood de-acidification and preservation. The Vasa represents a unique case in the study of ancient wrecks. In the past four years the problem of the acidity of wood emerged as a strong threat to its conservation. The production of sulphuric acid inside the ship wood might be the cause of both chemical damage through the acid hydrolysis of cellulose, and of physical damage of the wood’s pore structure, due to the crystallization of sulphate minerals in the wood pores. In this paper we show that wood acidity can be neutralized by the application of nanoparticles of alkaline-earth carbonates and/or hydroxides. The treatment provides an alkaline reservoir inside the wood. Nanoparticles absorbed in the wood from an alcoholic dispersion adhere to the wood wall and release hydroxyl ions leading to the wood neutralization. Oak and pine samples from the Vasa wreck were characterized and treated with alkaline magnesium or calcium nanoparticle dispersions in non-aqueous solvents. De-acidification was monitored by pH changes and thermal analysis, and all the treated samples were submitted to thermal artificial ageing in order to demonstrate the efficacy of the method. The results obtained opened a new perspective in wood conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE:To describe the relations between foveal avascular zone (FAZ) size and outline in patients presenting diabetic retinopathy. METHODS:110 high-quality fluorescein angiograms from 110 diabetics were chosen from our digital retinal image databank. Patients with significant media opacities, macular scars, macular hard exsudates, high ametropia, and associated macular pathology were excluded. Both FAZ perimeter and surface area were measured with image analysis software. FAZ outline was graded according to ETDRS report Number 11 (from 0=normal to 4=capillary outline completely destroyed). Data were compared to that of 31 healthy controls. FAZ surface in diabetics was compared to that of controls and FAZ surface was compared to FAZ grade, FAZ perimeter and retinopathy stage in diabetics. Quantitative variables were compared using the U-test of Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis test and correlations between quantitative variables were estimated with the Spearmann coefficient. RESULTS:All patients presented diabetic retinopathy (54 BDR, 30 PPDR, 26 PDR). FAZ size was larger in diabetics than controls (P<0.001). In diabetics, FAZ size increased with FAZ grade (P

Methods.We report a preoperative neuropsychological evaluation for ten adult patients with aqueductal stenosis, and compare the results of this group with a normal pressure hydrocephalus group.Findings.For executive functions, aqueductal stenosis patients failed on isolated tests and results were heterogeneous; the normal pressure hydrocephalus group was more impaired, except for tasks which required memory processing. Memory deficits in aqueductal stenosis group are qualitatively dissimilar and more homogeneous and severe, despite the younger age, than in the normal pressure hydrocephalus group.Interpretation.These findings indicate that neuropsychological deficits of patients with aqueductal stenosis are linked with fornix damage and frontal dysfunction. In the normal pressure hydrocephalus group, deficits could be linked with a prefrontal lobe disconnection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequent in patients with essential hypertension (EH); a likely common pathogenetic pathway could be a reduced ability of arteriolar vascular smooth muscle (VSM) to relax. Increasing intracellular levels of cGMP reduce the contractile status of VSM; on the contrary, type 5 cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE5, codified by PDE5A gene) regulates cGMP levels through its clearance. The PDE5A gene represents a good candidate for the intermediate phenotype EH/ED: genetic variants of the PDE5A may predispose to EH and ED and could affect the local and systemic response to sildenafil administration. Thus, a functionally relevant portion of PDE5 5'-flanking promoter region was analyzed by PCR and direct sequencing in patients with EH and idiopathic ED. The sequences obtained showed a T/G polymorphism at position-1142, near an AP1 regulatory element, that was not apparently associated with the intermediate phenotype. We also studied the relationship between this polymorphism and the effects of oral sildenafil on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in men with ED. Sildenafil caused a significant decrease of BP, but had no effects on HR; statistical analysis showed no differences in BP and HR variations among PDE5A genotypes. In conclusion, our data showed no correlations of a novel polymorphism of the PDE5A promoter gene with the intermediate phenotype EH/ED and the BP and HR response to sildenafil administration. Further studies are necessary to define the role of this polymorphism and to study the genetic predisposition for EH with ED.International Journal of Impotence Research (2004) 16, 412-417. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901246 Published online 3 June 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP), procalcitonin (PCT), and troponin I (Tn I) concentrations during and after coronary artery surgery in patients with or without cardiovascular complications.Design and Setting: Prospective, comparative study of 12 months in the cardiovascular intensive care unit in a university hospital.Patients: 60 adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with the off-pump technique.Measurements and Results: Plasma NT-pro-BNP, PCT, and Tn I levels were measured before and immediately after the end of operation and on PODs 1, and 2 and 3. We defined complicated postoperative course as myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, and death occurring after the fourth postoperative hour. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve cutoff values were used to assess the ability of the three markers to predict future cardiac events. The area under ROC curve (AUC) using NT-pro-BNP to detect a cardiovascular complicated course was 0.780 at the preoperative time and 0.850 at the end of surgery. A preoperative NT-pro-BNP value of 397 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 76%, specificity of 67%, and accuracy of 74% for predicting a subsequent cardiovascular complication. An immediate postoperative NT-pro-BNP value of 430 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 77%, and accuracy of 76%. Patients with preoperative NT-pro-BNP levels less than 275 pg/ml had an excellent postoperative prognosis. Other two markers were less appropriate.Conclusions: NT-pro-BNP levels measured before and immediately after off-pump coronary artery bypass seem to be predictive of postoperative cardiac events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to investigate nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) applications to porous materials widely employed in artistic and historical monuments and largely studied in the Cultural Heritage conservation field, with the aim of studying structural variations induced in the porous matrix by the application of strengthening and water-repellent agents. Carrara marble and Candoglia marble samples, both in the native state and after treatment, were studied and data from relaxation time measurements were compared. Results collected on treated samples are reported and explained in terms of the relation between spin-lattice relaxation time and the structure of the porous materials. Traditional techniques were employed in addition to NMR analysis on marble samples for the evaluation of the preservative performances of three agents generally employed in the restoration yards. Comparative images showing untreated samples with the treated ones were obtained suggesting very useful applications for the determination of treatment effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) score and to identify other prognosis factors in severe, multiple trauma in children. Design: Retrospective study over a 9-year period. Setting: A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in a University Hospital. Patients and participants: One hundred and thirty-three traumatized children, 8.6 years (8 months–16 years), were reviewed. Interventions: None. Measurements and results: Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), New ISS (NISS), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, and PRISM were calculated. The areas under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC Az) curves, were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The mortality rate was 25.6%. PRISM performed well for discrimination between survivors and non-survivors. Az PRISM 0.9387 (0.029) was not different from Az GCS score 0.9451 (0.027) (P=0.568), but was significantly different from Az ISS 0.756 (0.052) (P<0.001), Az NISS 0.7606 (0.051) (P<0.001), and Az PTS 0.8244 (0.047) (P=0.016). Death was significantly associated with head trauma (P=0.014), PRISM >35, PTS <5, GCS <7, and ISS or NISS >32 (P<0.00001). PRISM >35 (P=0.001) and GCS <7 (P=0.003) were independent risk factors of death. Conclusions: PRISM is a reliable tool for evaluating the prognosis of multiple, severely traumatized children. Its relative simplicity and the fact that it is extremely widespread as a general prognosis score in PICUs represent other arguments for its use. Due to the leading influence of head trauma on mortality, GCS, a score even simpler than PRISM, showed identical accuracy regarding survival prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidation kinetics of H2 and H2 + 100 ppm CO were investigated on Pt, Ru and Pt–Ru electrocatalysts supported on a high-surface area carbon powder. The atomic ratios of Pt to Ru were 3, 1 and 0.33. XRD, TEM, EDS and XPS were used to characterize the electrocatalysts. When alloyed with ruthenium, a decrease in mean particle size and a modification of the platinum electronic structure were identified. Impedance measurements in H2SO4, at open circuit potential, indicated different mechanisms for hydrogen oxidation on Pt/C (Tafel–Volmer path) and Pt–Ru/C (Heyrowsky–Volmer path). These mechanisms also occur in the presence of CO. Best performances, both in H2 and H2 + CO, were achieved by the catalyst with the ratio Pt/Ru = 1. This is due to a compromise between the number of free sites and the presence of adsorbed water on the catalyst. For CO tolerance, an intrinsic mechanism not involving CO electroxidation was proposed. This mechanism derives from changes in the electronic structure of platinum when alloyed with ruthenium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Qualitas Plantarum et Materiae Vegetabiles is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Deals with a study which assessed the prognostic value of tubular lesions and expression of cell adhesion molecules. Methodology used in the study; Results and conclusion.

A correction to the article "Cardiovascular Effects of Sildenafil in Hypertensive Men With Erectile Dysfunction and Different Alleles of Type 5 cGMP-Specific Phosphodiesterase (PDE5)" that was published in the 2004 issue is presented.