In vivo biocompatibility and degradation studies of polyhydroxyoctanoate in the rat: a new sealant for the polyester arterial prosthesis.

The present study examined the biocompatibility and degradation properties of poly (beta-hydroxy octanoate) (PHO) as an impregnation substrate on arterial prostheses. PHO-impregnated polyester grafts sterilized by ethylene oxide (EO) or gamma (gamma) radiation, and polyester Dacron(R) prostheses impregnated with fluoropolymer, gelatin, or albumin were implanted subcutaneously in rats for periods ranging from 2 to 180 days. The biocompatibility was assessed by quantifying the alkaline and acid phosphatase secretion while performing histological studies at the tissue/prosthesis interface. The degradation was determined by chemical analysis of the EO and gamma-sterilized PHO after implantation using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Alkaline phosphatase activity by the sterilized PHO and by the gelatin and albumin grafts was significantly elevated early after implantation in contrast to that of the Dacron and fluoropolymer grafts that occurred later, at 7 and 5 days, respectively The peak of acid phosphatase activity for all of the grafts occurred between 5 and 10 days postimplantation, with the gamma-sterilized PHO grafts recording the greatest activity. Histological study revealed that the tissue incorporation into the graft wall was earlier and more complete for the Dacron and fluoropolymer grafts after 6 months than for the gelatin and albumin grafts, because the latter induced important inflammatory reactions during the resorption of the cross-linked protein substrates. The EO and gamma-sterilized PHO grafts exhibited a similar healing sequence characterized by the development of a collagenous tissue surrounding the prostheses. However, no infiltration of tissue into the graft wall was observed after 6 months, mainly because of the presence of the PHO. Degradation of the EO and gamma-sterilized PHO occurred preferentially by a hydrolytic mechanism as shown by a 30% molecular weight decrease after 6 months. In conclusion, PHO showed good biocompatibility in terms of enzyme activity and tissue reaction. Degradation was a slow, in vivo process controlled primarily by a random hydrolytic reaction and by a local enzymatic attack by macrophages and giant cells.     

The virgin, modified, human, umbilical vein graft: morphologic characteristics and mechanical properties

The authors used macrophotography, endoscopy, roentgenography, light microscopy, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy to assess the morphologic characteristics of 37 virgin, human, umbilical vein grafts. The specimens showed deep longitudinal folds (22%) and multiple transverse folds of the intimal surface (27%), irregularity of wall thickness (41%) and intimal breakdown exposing thrombogenic layers of the vein wall to blood (19%). The mechanical properties also studied were dynamic compliance, Young's modulus, breaking strength and breaking strain. The mean dynamic compliance was 6.44 X 10(-4) mm Hg-1 (SD = 2.02 X 10(-4) mm Hg-1, i.e., 31%), which is in agreement with results of others. The specimens showed great variability in Young's modulus, breaking strength and breaking strain. The structural deficiencies and variable mechanical properties of human umbilical vein grafts require investigation to determine their effect on patency rates due to increased thrombogenicity and thus to establish whether there are potential hazards associated with their use.     

Stripped veins for secondary vascular access in hemodialysis. Pathologic study of the grafts after surgical excision

The suitability of stripping vein homografts as AV fistulae for intermittent hemodialysis has been evaluated. Microscopic investigation of stored veins indicated the superiority of cryopreservation over refrigeration. A systematic study of 12 venous homograft fistulae surgically excised from hemodialysis patients revealed that the homograft walls are the sites of both connective tissue proliferation and of mural degeneration. It was also noted that the implants failed in the short term (less than 1 yr) mainly due to stenosis, in the medium term (1 yr-3 yrs) mainly due to aneurysmal dilatation and for a variety of reasons beyond 3 years. It was concluded that when suitably selected, handled and stored, stripping vein homografts are a viable alternative to treated human umbilical or bovine heterografts as blood access fistulae if no autograft is available.     

Bioaccumulation of selenium in birds at Kesterson Reservoir,California

This study was conducted to determine selenium (Se) concentrations in tissues of birds collected during the 1983–1985 nesting seasons at Kesterson Reservoir (an area receiving high-Se irrigation drainage water), compare them with birds from reference sites within California's Central Valley, and relate them to food-chain Se concentrations at the study sites. Within years, Se in livers of adult birds collected early and late in the nesting season changed significantly at both Kesterson and the primary reference site (Volta Wildlife Area). These changes were related to the length of time birds had been present at the study sites and the associated accumulation (at Kesterson) or depuration (at Volta) of Se. All species showed significant location differences, which were greatest in species that occurred at Kesterson throughout the year or fed more consistently within the reservoir. There were few species differences in Se for birds at the reference sites (where food-chain Se levels were normal [2 g/g, dry wt]). At Kesterson (where bird foods generally contained >50 g Se/g), species patterns varied by year, probably because of varying periods of residence and other factors. Se concentrations in kidneys and livers of American coots (Fulica americana) were significantly correlated (r=0.9845); Se concentrations in breast muscles and livers of juvenile ducks (Anas spp.) also were correlated (r=0.8280). Body weights of adult coots were negatively correlated with liver Se concentration. Lateseason resident breeding birds or pre-fledging juvenile birds reared at a site usually provided the best indication of sitespecific Se bioaccumulation.     

Pathologic features of surgically excised human umbilical vein grafts

This article describes the pathologic changes in 31 human umbilical vein grafts excised from 23 patients after implantations ranging from 24 hours to 5 years. Gross morphologic examination, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the umbilical vein grafts appeared to be fragile and easily delaminated. Bacteremic colonization on the luminal surface was present in the grafts removed because of infections but in two instances had extended into the wall. The presence of lipid on the surface and in the subintimal layer was observed in five grafts, three of which had been implanted for less than 1 month. We concluded that human umbilical vein grafts pathologically exhibit fragility, biodegradation, lipid accumulation, and bacterial colonization in infected cases, and these characteristics may adversely affect the durability and long-term success of the prosthesis.     

Comparison between a rapid glycohaemoglobin (HbA1c) immunoassay and other indices of glycaemic control

The aims of the study were to compare glycohaemoglobin (Hb_A1c) values measured by DCA (a benchtop analyzer primarily designed for within-clinic rapid Hb_A1c determination) to a reference Hb_A1c method and home blood glucose monitoring, and to explore the possibility of an uniform expression of data. A total of 103 blood samples and the corresponding mean capillary glucose values (4.4±1.2 tests/day) of the preceding 2 months were collected from 34 insulin-dependent diabetic adults. We measured the correlations and agreements using the residual plots method and regression equations between Hb_A1c measured by DCA and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and between DCA and capillary glucose values. A highly significant correlation (r ²=0.85,P<0.001) and an acceptable agreement (97% of values within 2 SD of the mean difference of 0.9%±0.4%) was found between DCA and HPLC values. The regression equation calculated on the first half of the cases was: DCA (%)=0.72 HPLC (%)+1.38. Of DCA values expressed in HPLC terms using this equation 87% fell within a clinically acceptable confidence interval when compared with measured HPLC data. A significant correlation (r ²=0.40,P<0.01) was found between DCA and capillary glucose values, and the regression equation was: DCA (%)=0.34 capillary glucose (mM)+4.44. Of glycaemic levels calculated from DCA values using this formula 82% fell within a clinically acceptable error range when compared with measured glycaemic values. We conclude that the three methods of assessment of diabetes control are well correlated and that it is possible, with a degree of precision acceptable for the clinical setting, to express all data in uniform units, e.g. mM of capillary glucose or percentage of HPLC-Hb_A1c, though a simple correspondence table based on our transfer equations may be clinically sufficient and more handy.     

The role of the parietal cortex in visual feature binding

When multiple objects are simultaneously present in a scene, the visual system must properly integrate the features associated with each object. It has been proposed that this "binding problem" is solved by selective attention to the locations of the objects [Treisman, A.M. & Gelade, E. (1980) Cogn. Psychol. 12, 97-136]. If spatial attention plays a role in feature integration, it should do so primarily when object location can serve as a binding cue. Using functional MRI (fMRI), we show that regions of the parietal cortex involved in spatial attention are more engaged in feature conjunction tasks than in single feature tasks when multiple objects are shown simultaneously at different locations but not when they are shown sequentially at the same location. These findings suggest that the spatial attention network of the parietal cortex is involved in feature binding but only when spatial information is available to resolve ambiguities about the relationships between object features.