Comparing the Efficacy of a Microperforated Titanium Membrane for Guided Bone Regeneration with an Existing Mesh Retainer in Dog Mandibles

Acute-type lateral ridge defects (25 mm × 6 mm × 5 mm) were bilaterally created in the mandibles of four dogs (two defects per animal). The defects were reconstructed with particulate autologous bone and covered with a microperforated titanium membrane (Ti-honeycomb membrane, TiHM) or an existing conventional titanium mesh as control. The samples were dissected after 16 weeks postoperatively and processed for radiographic, histologic, and histomorphometric analyses. Regenerated tissue and bone volume were significantly larger in the TiHM group than in the control group (p = 0.05; p = 0.049). In contrast, bone mineral density was similar between the two groups. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that the regenerated bone area and calcific osseous area were larger in the TiHM group than in the control group; however, the differences were not significant. The efficacy of TiHM was generally satisfactory with the potential to become a standard tool for the GBR procedure; however, early membrane exposure will be a major problem to overcome.     

Endoscopic imaging modalities for diagnosing the invasion depth of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review

Esophagus - Endoscopic diagnosis of the invasion depth of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an important determinant of the treatment strategy. The three endoscopic imaging...     

Repeated talaporfin sodium photodynamic therapy for esophageal cancer: safety and efficacy

Esophagus - Talaporfin sodium photodynamic therapy (tPDT) is an effective salvage treatment for local failure after chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer. Repeated tPDT could also be indicated...     

Hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia preceded by a hemophagocytic syndrome-like state

A 21-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for acute hepatitis of unknown cause. His liver function improved with rest, but worsened 2 months later. He developed a high fever and pancytopenia. The serum level of cytokines including TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-6, and M-CSF was elevated, and hemophagocytes were seen in bone marrow. These findings suggested a hemophagocytic syndrome-like state. With prednisolone, gamma-globulin, and G-CSF, the high fever disappeared and the patient's liver function gradually recovered. However, the severe pancytopenia persisted. The bone marrow became acellular with a small number of hemophagocytes, and hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia was diagnosed. After immunosuppressive therapy with ATG, CyA and G-CSF was started, and the patient showed hematopoietic reconstitution. The bone marrow CD4+/CD8+ lymphocyte ratio recovered to within the normal range, and the serum cytokines including TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma decreased. The increase in serum cytokines, particularly TNF-alpha and INF-gamma, as well as the presence of activated T cells associated with the preceding hemophagocytic syndrome-like state may have predisposed this patient to aplastic anemia.     

Barium peritonitis

A case of generalized peritonitis, secondary to a perforation of the rectosigmoid colon during barium-enema roentgenography, is presented. The patient required immediate surgical intervention with the prime importance of the treatment being removal of as much of the contaminating materials as possible. This was done successfully with irrigation and wiping, using urokinase solution. Peritoneal lavage with urokinase solution was also carried out in the early postoperative period. Fluid replacement with careful monitoring of fluid and electrolyte balance is essential before, during, and after the surgical procedure. Adequate antibiotic therapy and careful respiratory and nutritional support are also important.     

Perforation and Tumor Formation of the Intestine in Primary Amyloidosis

We report a case of primary amyloidosis with repeated bowel perforations. This patient also had localized amyloid deposition creating a tumorous region mimicking malignancy in the rectum. Perforation of the intestine is common in systemic amyloidosis. The ischemic change due to amyloid infiltration into the vessel wall may lead to perforation of the affected bowel. Amyloid tumors occur more often in localized amyloid than in systemic amyloidosis. Macroscopically, it is difficult to distinguish amyloid tumor of the intestine from neoplasia.