Current status and future prospects for cultured limbal tissue transplants in Australia and New Zealand

Cultured limbal tissue transplants have become widely used over the last decade as a treatment for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). While the number of patients afflicted with LSCD in Australia and New Zealand is considered to be relatively low, the impact of this disease on quality of life is so severe that the potential efficacy of cultured transplants has necessitated investigation. We presently review the basic biology and experimental strategies associated with the use of cultured limbal tissue transplants in Australia and New Zealand. In doing so, we aim to encourage informed discussion on the issues required to advance the use of cultured limbal transplants in Australia and New Zealand. Moreover, we propose that a collaborative network could be established to maintain access to the technology in conjunction with a number of other existing and emerging treatments for eye diseases.     

Atrial septal defects: Magnetic resonance and computed tomography appearances

Atrial septal defects are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography is the first‐line imaging modality, but MR and CT imaging can provide complimentary information, especially for the detection of associated anomalies and for assessing changes in the pulmonary vasculature. The aim of this pictorial essay is to review the spectrum of atrial septal defects, with particular reference to their cross‐sectional imaging appearances and issues pertaining to management.     

Introductory comment

Objectives Injectable poly‐l ‐lactic acid (PLLA; Sculptra^®) is widely used throughout Europe and the USA to restore volume in depressed areas of the face by stimulating neocollagenesis. Injectable PLLA was previously marketed as New‐Fill™, which was often injected incorrectly and at too high a concentration, resulting in some physicians losing confidence in this product. Today, Sculptra^® is still regarded with a degree of scepticism by some physicians, due to direct or indirect experience with New‐Fill. Sculptra^®, both in formulation and use, is vastly superior to New‐Fill and clinical experience with this product dispels the myths associated with the earlier types of injectable PLLA. Results PLLA is a very safe, biodegradable compound that has been used in a wide range of medical devices for the last 30 years. In injectable form a good safety profile has been proven; however, when the device is overconcentrated, localized overstimulation of the fibroblasts can result in the formation of small lumps (subcutaneous papules), which are non‐pathological but nevertheless palpable by the patient. Physicians must also be trained in the injection of this device, as incorrect injection technique can cause device‐related adverse events. Conclusion New product guidelines have ensured that problems with PLLA concentration have been countered, and tried and tested injection techniques have been shown to ameliorate device‐related adverse events, both of which are dispelling the myths associated with modern injectable PLLA.     

The distribution of porcine pancreatic beta-cells at ages 5, 12 and 24 weeks

Jay TR, Heald KA, Carless NJ, Topham DE, Downing R. The distribution of porcine pancreatic beta-cells at ages 5, 12 and 24 weeks. Xenotransplantation 1999; 6: 131-140. ©Munksgaard, Copenhagen Islet transplantation is a potential treatment for diabetes mellitus and porcine pancreata may provide a readily available source of islets. The size, number and distribution of islets within the pancreas may influence the choice of age of donor for xenotransplantation. Samples (n = 3 per age group) from the dorsal and ventral pancreas of 5-, 12- and 24-week-old hybrid pigs were fixed in formal saline, processed in paraffin wax and stained with an avidin/biotin immunohistochemical kit for insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide. The arrangement of endocrine cells within the pancreata were studied and mean diameter of β-cell groups were measured (from insulin stained sections) in 1 mm² grid areas (n = 10 per section) and collated into groups according to size. Percentage volume density of β-cells in relation to the whole pancreas was calculated and also the distribution of β-cell groups, according to their size, within the total β-cell mass. There were differences in the frequency and arrangement of endocrine cells within islets at the different ages studied. β-Cell groups < 50 µm in diameter occupied 70 to 80% of the total β-cell mass at 5 weeks but, as the age of the pig increased, larger cell groups were more abundant. However, the percentage volume density of β-cells within the total pancreas did not change as the pancreas matured.This study shows that the endocrine porcine pancreas was maturing and its structure changed between the ages of 5 and 24 weeks. The relevance of these findings may have implications on the isolation and function of islets if young pigs are to be used as donors for transplantation as a treatment for diabetes mellitus.     

Endoscopist's view of the future role of the gastroenterologist in digestive oncology

Improvement in digestive oncology will require the creation of multidisciplinary teams. Expert gastroenterologists who are super‐specializing in digestive oncology (onco‐gastroenterologists) should be in the center of such highly qualified teams. To fulfill this role the onco‐gastroenterologist will need adequate training in all aspects of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic activities related to digestive cancer. This article reflects the spectrum of expertise that will be necessary to guarantee optimal service.