This report describes a simple and efficient system for construction of recombinant pseudorabies (Aujeszky's disease) virus (PrV) which is based on the use of a unique restriction site inserted into the viral genome. This system enables the recovery of genetically modified viruses without screening or selection for a specific phenotype, since practically all mature viral particles obtained carry the foreign sequences. To demonstrate, we introduced the tumour suppressor protein-53 (p53) gene into two different intergenic locations of PrV: the ribonucleotide reductase (rr) gene and the promoter of a putative latency gene (PLAT), located at the inverted repeat (IR) region of the viral genome. As a first step, we engineered a unique EcoRI recognition site into the rr gene or into both copies of PLAT with the help of marker transfer using the bacterial lacZ gene. Then, in both cases viral DNAs were cut with the restriction endonuclease EcoRI followed by treatment with calf intestinal phosphatase and used for cotransfection into porcine kidney cells with a plasmid containing the p53 gene flanked by viral DNAs homologous to the target region. As a result of this process, in most of the experiments, we obtained recombinant viruses without the background of parental viruses. Here we show that this method can be used for directional insertion of exogenous sequences into either the unique or the IR region of the PrV chromosome. In principle, this system should be applicable to the construction of recombinant derivatives of any viruses having infectious DNA.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Changes of periprosthetic bone mineral density in cementless bicontact stem implantation; influence of different parameters--a prospective 4-year follow-up].

AIM: This prospective study describes the periprosthetic BMD (bone mineral density) after implantation of the cementless Bicontact stem over a period of 4 years. Additionally, the influence of several relevant parameters like age, sex, BMI (body mass index) and the influence of the stem-size on the periprosthetic BMD course were investigated. METHOD: Measurement of the periprosthetic BMD in 36 patients (15 female, 21 male) in a prospective longitudinal study over 4 years with DEXA (dual energy X Ray absorptiometry) of the proximal Gruen zones 1 and 7. RESULTS: We found a good precision of the method in vivo with a CV (coefficient of variation) of 1.04 %. There was a decline of the periprosthetic BMD at the whole proximal stem (ROI 0) of 20 % in the first 6 months. Afterwards there was a significant increase at the lateral stem (ROI 1) of 3.46 %, in contrast no significant change could be found medially, maybe as a result of a more lateral induction of power. The investigated parameters BMI, age and sex had no influence on the relative course of mineralisation. At stem sizes bigger than 15 the decline of BMD was significantly larger than at the stem sizes smaller than 15. CONCLUSION: DEXA is a sufficiently precise method to investigate periprosthetic BMD. The postoperative periprosthetic course of mineralisation and the extent of BMD loss in the first 6 months after the Bicontact stem is similar to other periprosthetic BMD courses of prosthesis with a similar design. The course of mineralisation in "smaller" stems is obviously more auspicious than the course of "bigger" stems.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Clinical introduction to aneurysmatic bone cysts].

The aneurysmal bone cyst is according to the description of Jaffe and Lichtenstein (1942) a histomorphological entity. It is a benign centric or eccentrically localized tumor like lesion with preference to the metaphysis. 75% of all aneurysmal bone cysts occur within the first two decades of life. On x-ray the diagnosis is not always clear. In differential diagnosis juvenile bone cyst, giant cell tumor, chondroblastoma, chondromyxoid fibroma, non ossifying fibroma, fibrous dysplasia and telangiectasic osteogenic sarcoma have to be considered. Final diagnosis requires histological evaluation. Curettage or resection with bone grafting is the predominant therapeutic procedure. Radiotherapy might cause malignant degradation and should only be used in elected cases. For propaedeutic evaluations of aneurysmal bone cysts 851 cases in world literature are reported.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Spontaneous occlusion of a thoracic duct fistula following leftsided shoulder girdle amputation].

Reference is made to the anatomy and variant courses of the thoracic duct, as well as to possibilities of surgical and conservative therapy. A chylous fistula developed in a 53-year old man after his left shoulder girdle had been amputated because of a recurrent low grade chondrosarcoma. Nineteen liters of chyle were excreted over a 5-week period. It was possible to achieve a spontaneous occlusion of the fistula by means of repeated punctures, compression bandages, and a low-fat diet.

Amputation, Surgical↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Transposition of the medial meniscus as an anterior cruciate ligament replacement in animal experiments].

In 24 rabbits the anterior cruciate ligament was resected and replaced with the medial meniscus. The posterior and middle part of the meniscus was dissected from the capsule. The anterior horn remained in biological fixation. The posterior horn was fixed with a wire under tension and placed in a drill hole through the lateral femoral condyle. After 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months the ligamentous replacement was examined. Colour and strength of the transplanted meniscus was related to tension of the cruciate ligament replacement. The transformation in ligamentous tissue could be shown histologically. According to tensile strength in the cruciate ligament fibrous cartilage tissue was replaced by parallel collagenous tissue. The intraarticular surface of the new ligament was covered with a layer of synovial cells. Boney insertion showed collagen fibers inserted in new bone formation. Metaplasia of fibrous cartilage tissue into ligamentous structures is possible under tensile strength. Autologous menisci should be preserved whenever possible. In the future allogenic menisci wight be used for cruciate ligament replacement.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Bone tumors and tumor-like changes in the neonatal period and in infancy].

Bone tumours and tumour-like lesions occurring in newborns and infants are described presenting 5 own cases and a literature review. Age specific features in diagnosis, therapy and prognosis are discussed. Due to the rarity of these diseases a centralized registry at a national level is recommended.

Bone Cysts↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Carbon band implants in animal experiments. Light and transmission electron microscopy studies of biocompatibility].

Part of the patella ligament was resected in rabbits and replaced by carbon fibre implants. After 1, 2, 3, 6 weeks, 3 and 12 months carbon implants with surrounding tissues as well as iliac lymph nodes were removed and examined by light- and transmission electron microscopy. Of special interest were the questions whether the carbon fibre implant, will be removed by phagocytosis and substituted by a new ligament or a adequate repair tissue? Our light- and transmission electron microscopic studies give no indication of successful removal of carbon fibres by phagocytosis. The carbon fibre implant was surrounded by dense connective tissue like a scar. In deep layers of the carbon implant was no vital dense or regular connective tissue, even not after 3 and 12 months. There is no replacement of the carbon fibre implant by a new ligament or tendon but a persistent foreign body reaction. With regard to these results it is very doubtful if good late results with ligament and tendon replacement by carbon fibre implants can be expected in patients.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Twelve ways to save time in critical care.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Critical Care↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Neurotrophins: a link between airway inflammation and airway smooth muscle contractility in asthma?

BACKGROUND: Bronchial asthma (BA) is characterized by a unique type of airway inflammation, epithelial cell damage and increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) contractility. The regulatory network between the immunological events and the neuronal control of ASM contractility remains to be defined. METHODS: Utilizing a well-characterized mouse model of airway inflammation and BA, we analyzed the production and function of neurotrophins in allergic asthma. To confirm these data in humans, segmental allergen provocation was performed in mild asthmatics. RESULTS: Allergen-induced airway inflammation was associated with increased local production of the neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in mice as well as in humans. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), NGF levels were increased 4- to 5-fold in men and mice 1 day after allergen provocation. The increase in BDNF was about 2-fold in both models. Treatment of mice with anti-NGF prevented development of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). In the human study group, NGF levels in BALF after allergen provocation were correlated significantly with baseline FEV1 levels. CONCLUSION: These data strongly suggest that neurotrophins serve as a link between airway inflammation and neuronal control of ASM constriction in BA.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Nerve growth factor induces airway hyperresponsiveness in mice.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicated an upregulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) production during allergic inflammation. However, the function of NGF in the lungs is currently poorly understood. It was suggested that NGF could play an important role in the pathophysiology of airway hyperresponsiveness. The regulatory network between immunological events and altered neuronal control of airway smooth muscle contractility remains to be defined. METHODS: NGF was delivered into the airways of mice either by nasal instillation or by genetic engineering. Airway reactivity was then measured by electrical field stimulation. RESULTS: Treatment of mice with NGF induced airway hyperresponsiveness to a similar extent as demonstrated in allergen-sensitized mice. NGF-transgenic mice, overexpressing NGF in Clara cells, were hyperreactive in comparison to wild-type mice. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that NGF by itself determines the induction of airway hyperresponsiveness in the absence of airway inflammation in mice.

Administration, Intranasal↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The influence of the calibration mode of a laser fluorescence device on caries detection.

The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of the calibration mode of a laser fluorescence measurement device on caries detection. While positioning the probe on an occlusal carious lesion or stained fissure using a clamp, the occlusal surface of each of 62 teeth was covered with a light-body silicone impression material to facilitate a reproducible probe position. Then, measurements of the occlusal lesions were performed after standard and individual calibration at four non-carious areas on the buccal surface of each tooth. Mean laser fluorescence values of the occlusal reading point following standard calibration were about 4-5 units higher compared to values measured after individual calibration. After 1 week, readings after both standard and individual calibration were not different from baseline values (p > 0.05). During individual calibration, a mean range of about 2 units could be observed when comparing the readings of the occlusal reading point with respect to the four different areas of each buccal surface. The present study indicates that laser fluorescence readings are dependent on the mode of calibration. Moreover, for individual calibration, the probe position has to be recorded carefully. It is suggested that the same mode of calibration should always be used, when employing laser fluorescence measurements for longitudinal caries monitoring.

Calibration↗