Effects of human amniotic fluid on cartilage regeneration from free perichondrial grafts in rabbits.

After the chondrogenic potential of free grafts of perichondrium was shown in several experimental studies, perichondrium has been used to reconstruct cartilage tissue in various clinical situations. This study investigates the effects of human amniotic fluid on neochondrogenesis from free perichondrial grafts in a rabbit model. Since this fluid contains high concentrations of hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid-stimulating activator, growth factors, and extracellular matrix precursors during the second trimester, it may have a stimulating effect on neochondrogenesis. Perichondrial grafts, measuring 20 x 20 mm2 were obtained from the ears of 144 New Zealand young rabbits and were sutured over the paravertebral muscles. The rabbits were randomly divided into three groups with 48 rabbits per group. In group 1, 0.3 ml human amniotic fluid, and in group 2, 0.3 ml saline were injected underneath the perichondrial grafts. Group 3 formed the control group in which no treatment was given. Histologically, neochondrogenesis was evaluated in terms of cellular form and graft thickness at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after surgery. In group 1, the mature cartilage was generated quickly and the cartilage plate in this group was significantly thick and extensive when compared with groups 2 and 3 at 8 weeks ( p<0.05 ANOVA). In conclusion, our study shows that human amniotic fluid enhances neochondrogenesis from free perichondrial grafts. The rich content of hyaluronic acid and growth factors possibly participate in this result.     

Present status of undergraduate urological education in Turkey: is standardization necessary?

23 medical faculties exist in Turkey at the moment and 2 others are being established. Considering that all these faculties run their own programs independently, different education systems might effect the standard of doctors and health care. All of the new graduates in this country face a centralized examination for postgraduate posts in teaching hospitals or start an obligatory service under the authority of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. This necessitates standardization in medical education to provide equal facilities and opportunities to all young doctors. Questionnaires, replied to by the urology departments of medical faculties, reflect a wide range of teaching periods in urology with a broad spectrum of topics. Under these circumstances it is advisory to agree on both the time period and content of a standard urology program, as well as other subjects, for better health care and equal chances in centralized examinations.     

1H and 13C NMR determination of the hydroxy end-groups in poly(oxypropylene)s

¹H and ¹³C NMR signals of tri(propylene glycol) and of its benzoate and phenyl urethane were assigned by means of 1D and 2D NMR methods such as super-selective long-range INEPT, H-H COSY, H-C COSY and H-H-C RCT spectra. Both ¹H and ¹³C NMR were used as methods for the determination of primary and secondary hydroxy end-groups and of their degree of conversion. ¹³C NMR was found to be a reliable and universal method of end-group determination even for cases where ¹H NMR fails due to the presence of water in the sample or to the nature of the reactant. The results are applied to the analysis of poly(oxypropylene)s with two or three hydroxy end-groups and their derivatives.     

A fluid level in an acute extradural haematoma

We report a fluid level in an acute extradural haematoma developing after placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus. This fluid level was thought to be due to a mixture of blood and cerebrospinal fluid.     

Temporal Lobe Epileptogenesis and Epilepsy in the Developing Brain: Bridging the Gap Between the Laboratory and the Clinic. Progression, But in What Direction?

Summary:  The origins of human mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis are still not well understood. Hippocampal sclerosis and temporal lobe epileptogenesis involve a series of pathologies including hippocampal neuronal loss and gliosis, axonal reorganization, and maybe hippocampal neoneurogenesis. However, the causality of these events is unclear as well as their relation to the factors that may precipitate epileptogenesis. Significant differences between temporal lobe epileptogenesis in the adult and immature brain may require differential approaches. Hereditary factors also may participate in some cases of hippocampal sclerosis. The key point is to identify the significance of these age-dependent changes and to design preventive treatments. Novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis may include rational use of neuroprotective agents, hormonotherapy, immunizations, and immunotherapy.