Purpose Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) remains a major complication of diabetes mellitus and is a leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations. Biomarkers are used to predict disease prognosis and guide treatment decisions. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic utility of three systemic inflammation and nutrition-based biomarkers HALP score, CRP/Albumin ratio, and CALLY index in predicting the major amputation risk among patients with DFU. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 252 DFU patients who underwent surgical debridement and/or amputation between January 2018 and December 2023. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Patients were grouped based on surgical intervention (minor vs. major amputation). The HALP score, CRP/Albumin ratio, and CALLY index were calculated from admission laboratory values. Cut-off values were determined using ROC analysis. Results Major amputation was performed in 19% of the patients. The HALP score was significantly lower, while the CRP/Albumin ratio was higher, and the CALLY index was lower in the major amputation group (p < 0.001 for all). The optimal cut-off values to predict major amputation were 19.96 for HALP (AUC = 0.750), 2.29 for CRP/Albumin (AUC = 0.853), and 0.71 for CALLY (AUC = 0.830). All three markers demonstrated significant correlations with markers of infection, inflammation, and ulcer severity. Conclusion The HALP score, CRP/Albumin ratio, and CALLY index are easily accessible prognostic tools that may assist clinicians in identifying DFU patients at higher risk for major amputation. Integration of these biomarkers into routine patient monitoring can improve risk assessment and guide timely surgical decision-making.

Background and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to calculate HALP and modified HALP scores for patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis (AC) and to determine the predictive utility of these scores for surgical timing and morbidity in patients who underwent surgery for AC. Materials and Methods: This study included data from 641 patients who underwent surgery for AC between January 2010 and May 2023. The HALP score was calculated using the formula hemoglobin (g/L) × albumin (g/L) × lymphocyte (10⁹/L)/platelets (10⁹/L). The modified HALP score was calculated using the formula hemoglobin (g/L) × albumin (g/L) × lymphocyte (10⁹/L) × platelets (10⁹/L). Results: The mean HALP score was 46.81, and the mean modified HALP score was 2,758,401.21. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was successfully completed in 582 (90.8%) patients. When examining the relationship between HALP and modified HALP scores and the procedure type, a statistically significant difference was found in the distribution of median HALP and modified HALP scores between the LC and laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy (LTOC) groups. For patients with a HALP score < 34.43 and modified HALP score < 2,077,019, the likelihood of conversion to open surgery increased, with a sensitivity of 65.5% vs. 58.8% and a specificity of 66.1% vs. 59.3%. In patients who underwent surgery, there was a significant difference in the LTOC between the HALP score and modified HALP score cut-off groups (p < 0.001 and, p = 0.007). Conclusions: Evaluation of the HALP score is a promising and valuable assessment method for designing appropriate treatment and management strategies for patients with AC.

Beyond the Primary Tumor: Malignancy Risk and Evaluation Strategies for 18F-FDG PET/CT-Detected Incidentalomas - Molecular Imaging and Radionuclide Therapy

Section Purpose Peripheral artery disease is a prevalent and debilitating condition, with infrainguinal occlusive disease often leading to critical limb-threatening ischemia. Although surgical revascularization via infrainguinal bypass remains a cornerstone of treatment, postoperative complications and graft failure pose substantial risks, particularly in patients with comorbid conditions. Chronic liver disease, even in subclinical forms, may adversely affect surgical outcomes. This study investigates the prognostic utility of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium (MELD-Na) and Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) scores in predicting postoperative complications and mortality in peripheral artery disease patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass surgery. AbstractSection Methods A retrospective review was conducted on 98 peripheral artery disease patients who underwent elective infrainguinal bypass surgery between December 2018 and December 2022. Preoperative MELD-Na and APRI scores were calculated based on laboratory values. Patients were followed for two years postoperatively, and data on graft patency, reintervention, complications, and mortality were analyzed. AbstractSection Results Higher MELD-Na scores (> 15) were significantly associated with increased rates of bypass occlusion (52.6%), reintervention (57.9%), pulmonary complications (31.6%), and mortality (47.4%) (p <.05). Logistic regression analysis confirmed MELD-Na > 15 as a strong independent predictor of adverse outcomes. In contrast, APRI scores showed no significant association with prognosis or mortality. AbstractSection Conclusion The MELD-Na score may serve as a valuable tool for predicting surgical outcomes in PAD patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass, even in the absence of known liver disease. Incorporating MELD-Na into preoperative risk assessment could aid in identifying high-risk individuals and optimizing treatment strategies. APRI, however, lacks similar predictive value in this patient population.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of Dermalix on anastomotic healing in a rat model of ischemic colon anastomosis. Methods: Forty rats were divided into three groups: negative control (n = 10), control (n = 15), and experimental (n = 15). Only laparotomy was performed in the negative control group. In the control group, ischemia and end-to-end colon anastomosis were performed, while in the experimental group, Dermalix was applied circumferentially around the anastomosis. On postoperative day 7, anastomotic segments were evaluated for burst pressure, adhesion, and histopathological parameters. Results: Abscess formation related to anastomotic leakage occurred in two rats in the control group and in one rat in the experimental group. Mean burst pressure was 134.7 mmHg in the control group and 194.7 mmHg in the experimental group (p = 0.005). No significant differences were observed in inflammation, epithelial regeneration, or granulation tissue formation. Neovascularization (p < 0.001) and collagenization (p = 0.032) were significantly higher in the Dermalix group. There was no significant difference in adhesion or foreign body reaction. Conclusion: Dermalix improved key histological and mechanical indicators of anastomotic healing under ischemic conditions, providing preliminary evidence of its potential as a bioactive adjunct. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings and assess clinical relevance.