Histological and scanning electron microscopic alterations in ileal conduit depending on the time factor

Five ileal conduit biopsies, taken after 1-7 years, were examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The total height of the lamina mucosa decreased from 700 to 275 microns. The height of the villi diminished from 550 to 50 microns; the depth of the crypts increased from 130 to 244 microns and the villus-crypt index changed from 4.2 to 0.2. Signs of chronic inflammation could be observed. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the number of microvilli per cell was markedly reduced. There was a varied picture of different stages of atrophy. After 3 years microvilli could no longer be observed. In view of the prolonged urinary contamination time, it appears to be imperative to check neobladders with regard to possible carcinoma induction.     

Polyglactin 910 implants in muscle revision surgery for the reconstruction of physiologic limits in Tenon's capsule

Iatrogenic damage to the orbital fascial system during strabismus surgery may lead to adherences with resulting problems of motility. To prevent new adherences in revisional surgery, several materials were tried, with varying degrees of success. The authors tested Polyglactin 910, popular as a suture material in strabismus surgery, in the form of a net. The material is hydrolytically soluble. Since the tissue response is finished before dissolution of the implant, it seemed that Polyglactin would be a suitable barrier to the formation of adhesions in Tenon's capsule. The implant was applied in 11 patients, some of whom had already undergone several strabismus operations and had adhesions at the surgical site. In one case the implant was used in a primary procedure. In one patient revisional surgery was needed four weeks after surgery because of overeffect, and this provided an opportunity to investigate the implanted area histologically.     

Einsatz von Bone-morphogenetic Protein-7 (BMP-7) in der Behandlung von Pseudarthrosen der oberen und unteren Extremität

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are bone growth factors, which regulate bone formation during fetal development and bone repair after injury in postfetal life. Since 1992 BMP-7 has been produced by recombinant technique (rhBMP-7). Numerous animal models and clinical trials have shown that rhBMP-7 can induce de novo bone formation in segmental defects of bones and in cases of nonunion. Since 2001 rhBMP-7 has been approved for treatment of tibial nonunion in Europe. The effect of rhBMP-7 is comparable to the clinical and radiological results achieved with bone autografts. The problem of donor site morbidity (which occurs in up to 20% of all cases) is eliminated by the use of BMP-7. Long-term results and experience in clinical practice are not yet available.     

Evaluation of four elastomeric interocclusal recording materials

Background: The fabrication of dental prosthesis requires the transfer of interocclusal records from patient's mouth to semiadjustable articulators using different kinds of recording media. Any inaccuracy in these interocclusal records leads to occlusal errors in the final prosthesis. This study was conducted to evaluate the dimensional changes occurring in the interocclusal recording material over a given period of time and the material's resistance to compression during the cast mounting on the articulator.     

(S)-emopamil, a novel calcium and serotonin antagonist for the treatment of cerebrovascular disorders. 1st communication: pharmacological profile

(S)-Emopamil ((2S)-2-isopropyl-5-(methylphenethylamino)-2-phenylvaleronitril e hydrochloride) is a novel compound of the phenylalkylamine group of calcium antagonists. (S)-Emopamil was tested in comparison to verapamil and gallopamil for calcium and serotonin antagonism and for cerebroprotective activity in acute hypoxia/ischemia. In receptor binding studies with (S)-3H-devapamil, (S)-emopamil exhibited distinct affinity to the verapamil binding site of the calcium channel. In rat cerebrocortical membranes, its affinity (Ki = 38 nmol/l) equalled that of verapamil and gallopamil (Ki = 49 and 27 nmol/l, respectively), whereas it was somewhat weaker in guinea pig skeletal muscle membranes. Comparing (S)-emopamil to its (R)-enantiomer, there was no clear stereoselectivity. Additionally, (S)-emopamil showed very high affinity to the cerebral serotonin S2 receptor; its Ki value (4.4 nmol/l) for 3H-ketanserin displacement being substantially lower than that of verapamil and gallopamil (Ki = 177 and 242 nmol/l, respectively). This feature is clearly stereoselective; (S)-emopamil's affinity was distinctly higher than that of the (R)-enantiomer (Ki = 58 nmol/l). The functional significance of (S)-emopamil's receptor affinity was tested in rat aortic strips. (S)-Emopamil's serotonin antagonistic efficacy (EC50 = 4.5 nmol/l) was an order of magnitude higher than that of verapamil and gallopamil. (S)-Emopamil has a less potent calcium antagonistic effect (EC50 = 270 nmol/l) on the aorta than verapamil and gallopamil (EC50 = 35 and 14 nmol/l, respectively). In isolated electrically driven (1 Hz) left atria of guinea pigs, (S)-emopamil inhibited contractile force at a much higher concentration (EC50 = 29 mumol/l) than verapamil and gallopamil (EC50 = 1.1 and 0.19 mumol/l, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)