An inexpensive ex-vivo porcine laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication training model.

BACKGROUND: We recently implemented the use of an ex-vivo porcine model to teach residents the fundamentals of performing a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. METHODS: Residents were trained using intact porcine esophagus, stomach, and spleen placed in a standard video-trainer. They were later asked to complete a survey containing a course evaluation. RESULTS: Sixteen residents (R1-R4) completed the survey. They agreed that (1) the exercise was a valuable use of their limited time, (2) repeating the exercise will be of additional benefit, (3) it will improve their ability to perform or assist in an actual case in the OR, and (4) the surgical principles learned using the model will transfer to other laparoscopic cases. Significant subjective improvements were reported in resident comfort level in assisting in or performing a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an inexpensive ex-vivo porcine training model increases resident comfort level in performing a Nissen fundoplication in the operating room.     

Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis: a clinician's reference to patient management

Bisphosphonates (BPs), as inhibitors of osteoclasts, are widely used in the management of metastatic bone disease and in the prevention of osteomalacia and osteoporosis. Recent cases of bone necrosis of the jaws have been associated with the use of bisphosphonate therapy. A case is presented of a patient with osteonecrosis of the maxilla with a history of long-term bisphosphonate therapy for metastatic breast cancer. The authors treated the patient and suggest appropriate patient management guidelines with reference to current knowledge. Although a definitive treatment for bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis has not yet been established, clinicians must be aware of the pharmacologic properties of several bisphosphonates currently available and their indications, susceptible risk factors in the development of osteonecrosis of the jaws, the clinical signs and symptoms, and recommendations for patient management, including prevention and early recognition. BPs, potent inhibitors of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, were first introduced more than 20 years ago. Since then, they have been used widely in the management of bone diseases, including hypercalcemia related to malignancy, myeloma-related bone disease, Paget's disease and osteoporosis. They have also been shown to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and inhibit angiogenesis. These additional features have made BPs useful in the treatment of metastatic disease, including breast and prostate cancer, resulting in a rise in the medical use of these drugs. However, recent reports suggest that BPs, particularly the nitrogen-containing BPs pamidronate (Aredia) and zoledronic acid (Zometa), both manufactured by Novartis of East Hanover, NJ, are capable of causing bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw (BON). With 2.5 million patients treated with pamidronate and/or zoledronate worldwide, BON occurs in about one per 10,000 treated patients (Novartis, unpublished data, 2004). Currently, the total number of reported cases associated with alendronate (Fosamax, Merck and Co. Inc., White-house Station, NJ) the most commonly prescribed oral bisphosphonate, is approximately 170 worldwide (C. Arsver, oral communication, March 2006). This corresponds to a spontaneous BON incidence of approximately 0.7 cases per 100,000-years exposure. However, there is insufficient data to determine why the osteonecrosis reported seems to particularly affect the jaw, with a slightly higher rate in the mandible than the maxilla. This report concerns the management of a patient with BON. Information provided includes: the pharmacologic properties of the several bisphosphonates currently available; the pathobiological mechanism; the clinical presentation of the oral lesions; and recommendations for the oral management of patients who have received BP therapy, with consideration of a preventative approach based on current knowledge.     

Mycotic Dermatitis in Domestic Fowl. A Case Report./Pilzdermatitis am Haushuhn. Ein Fallbericht

Summary: Two cases of mycotic dermatitis, probably caused by Aspergillus spec, are presented.
Zusammenfassung: Es werden zwei Fälle von Pilzdermatitis, wahrscheinlich hervorgerufen durch Aspergillus, vorgestellt     

Endoscopic drainage of a recurrent pancreatic pseudocyst

Pancreatic pseudocyst is a significant complication of both acute and chronic pancreatitis. Several methods of cyst drainage have been described. Endoscopic cystogastrostomy is a relatively new technique which is illustrated by the following case report, the first in the UK literature.     

Early prediction of outcome following head injury in children: an assessment of the value of Glasgow Coma Scale score trend and abnormal plantar and pupillary light reflexes.

A retrospective study of 95 children less than 15 years of age with significant head injury was made to assess the value of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score trend and plantar and pupillary light reflexes during the first 24 hours after injury, in predicting eventual outcome. GCS score trend or reflexes used alone were significantly correlated to outcome. There was also a statistically significant correlation when these parameters in combination were related to outcome. However, the clinical value of the combined use of GCS score trend and reflexes was only slightly greater than the use of GCS score trend alone.     

Genetic appraisal of congenital cataract

A total of 45 congenital cataract cases were studied for chromosomal aberrations and dermatoglyphic patterns. Whereas parents showed no marked differences, patients showed marked differences in different dermatoglyphic traits as compared to age-sex matched controls. Out of all the patients Rubella, hereditary and undetected actiology groups showed variations differently, SCE were seen in all cataracts irrespective of their aetiology as compared to controls.     

Differentiation of gut and hepatic first pass metabolism and secretion of saquinavir in ported rabbits

The current study was performed in intestinal and vascular access ported rabbits to quantify and differentiate the components of intestinal and hepatic first pass extraction (i.e., metabolism and secretion) of saquinavir (SQV) mediated by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and CYP3A. SQV was administered i.v. (1-5 mg/kg) or into the upper small intestine (USI) (5 mg/kg). The roles of intestinal and hepatic secretion by means of P-gp and/or metabolism by CYP3A on the first pass gastrointestinal extraction of SQV were differentiated by using N-(4-[2-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6,7-dimethoxy-2-isoquinolinyl)-ethyl]-phenyl)-9,10-dihydro-5-methoxy-9-oxo-4-acridine carboxamide (GF120918) (a P-gp inhibitor), midazolam (an inhibitor of CYP3A), or cyclosporine A (an inhibitor of P-gp and CYP3A). The bioavailability (BA) of SQV after USI dosing was 4%. In the presence of CYP3A and P-gp inhibitors, the BA of SQV increased 2- to 11-fold. Based on a relatively unchanged Cmax but prolonged Tmax and t(1/2), P-gp and CYP3A inhibition appeared to alter SQV disposition (i.e., enhanced oral bioavailability by diminishing SQV elimination and by increasing its net intestinal absorption). In conclusion, the current results substantiate the role of the liver and, for the first time, experimentally establish an important role for the intestine in the net absorption and disposition of SQV. The results also demonstrate that changes in SQV disposition due to the modulation of metabolism and secretion were important and may potentially have considerable implications on multiple drug therapeutic regimens used in the treatment of AIDS.