Further prospective

studies should investigate more deeply the correlation between type of closure and the development of a compartment syndrome.”
“Background: Few studies have addressed small airway (SA) histopathological changes and their possible role in the remodeling process in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. Objectives: To study morphological, morphometrical and immunohistochemical features of SA in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (usual interstitial pneumonia, UIP) and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). Methods: We analyzed SA pathology in lung biopsies from 29 patients with UIP and 8 with NSIP. Biopsies were compared with lung tissue from 13 patients with constrictive bronchiolitis (CB) as positive controls and 10 normal autopsied control lungs. We semi-quantitatively analyzed SA structure, inflammation, architectural features and the bronchiolar epithelial immunohistochemical expression check details of TGF-beta, MMP-2, 7, 9, and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1, 2). Results: Compared to controls, patients with UIP, NSIP and CB presented increased bronchiolar inflammation, peribronchiolar

inflammation and fibrosis and decreased luminal areas. UIP patients had thicker walls due to an increase in most airway compartments. LB-100 NSIP patients presented increased epithelial areas, whereas patients with CB had larger inner wall areas. All of the groups studied presented increased bronchiolar expression of MMP-7 and PARP inhibitor MMP-9, compared to the controls. Conclusion: We conclude that SAs are pathologically altered and may take part in the lung-remodeling process in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Objective: To characterize current practices of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) among endourologists in relation to practice

setting, experience, and fellowship training.

Methods: An Internet survey was administered to active Endourological Society members. Responses were grouped based on demographic information pertaining to setting of practice, number of years practiced, and fellowship training in endourology. PCNL technique details were evaluated and compared by each group. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.

Results: Two hundred ninety-three completed responses of 2000 were received. There was a significant difference in the experience level among respondents (p < 0.001), with a relatively greater proportion being 11-20 years in practice. The majority of respondents were academic urologists (74%), with 18% being within a group-based private practice. Seventy-seven percent of respondents obtained their own access while 19% had access by interventional radiologists. Sixty-two percent were endourology fellowship trained, and fellows were significantly more likely to obtain their own access (82% vs 71%, p=0.022).