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Double-segment Wilhelm Tell technique for anterior lumbar interbody fusion in unstable isthmic spondylolisthesis and adjacent segment discopathy.

The Wilhelm Tell technique is a novel instrumented anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) procedure using a specially designed composite carbon fibre cage and a single short-threaded cancellous screw that obliquely passes through the upper adjacent vertebral body, the interbody cage itself and through the lower adjacent vertebral body. This single-stage fusion method, which is in principle a combination of the Louis technique and modern cage surgery, is reported to have a lower rate of pseudoarthrosis formation than stand-alone cage techniques. In addition, it eliminates both the surgical trauma of paravertebral muscle retraction and the risk of neural damage by poorly located pedicular screws. This anterior approach allows decompression of neural structures within the anterior part of the spinal canal and the foraminal region. It is the purpose of this case report, to present the successful application of this novel technique in a 32-year-old woman who concurrently suffered from severe instability-related back pain from L4/5 isthmic spondylolisthesis and marked L5/S1 degenerative disc disease.

Adult↗

Diagnostic accuracy of heart rate-adjusted ST segments compared with standard ST-segment criteria.

We compared the accuracy of ST segment/heart rate (ST/HR) index with that of standard criteria (> or = 0.1 mV horizontal/downsloping ST depression 80 ms after the J point) in 121 patients who had undergone angiography (49 with > or = 1 lesion with > or = 50% stenosis) and 50 clinically normal subjects. All exercise tests used the Cornell protocol and computer measurements of maximal ST depression 80 ms after the J point. Thresholds with equal specificity to standard criteria were determined for ST/HR index using each of the 2 normal groups (those who were normal by angiography and those who were clinically normal). In using only patients who underwent angiography, we found that the ST/HR index had a sensitivity that was not significantly greater than that of standard criteria (standard criteria 51%, ST/HR index 59%; p = 0.21). However, the receiver-operating characteristic curve area increased from 64 +/- 4 to 68 +/- 4 (p < 0.02). When clinically normal subjects were used instead of patients without angiographic disease, there was a clearly discernible improvement in sensitivity of ST/HR index over standard criteria (standard criteria 51%, ST/HR index 69%; p < 0.05). The associated curve areas were 69 +/- 4 and 79 +/- 3 (p < 0.001). Therefore, accuracy of the ST/HR index was marginally better than standard criteria only in patients who underwent angiography. When clinically normal subjects were used, the accuracy of the ST/HR index was definitely better than standard criteria. We conclude that the demonstration of improved accuracy of the ST/HR index depends on the population being tested.

Adult↗

Segment polarity genes and cell patterning within the Drosophila body segment.

The formation of complex structures in any multicellular organism requires cooperative behaviour within cell populations. Genetic and molecular analysis of pattern formation in the Drosophila embryo is providing us with new insights into the cellular basis of this process, implicating a diversity of molecules, some familiar, others novel, in intercellular communication.

Animals↗

A beta-turn is present in the 392-411 segment of the human fibrinogen gamma-chain. Effects of structural changes in this segment on affinity to antibody 4A5.

The interaction between fibrinogen gamma-peptide 392-411, LTIGEGQQHHLGGAKQAGDV, and monoclonal antibody 4A5, an antibody with a high affinity for both for the peptide and native fibrinogen, is being studied as a model for peptide-antibody interaction. Two-dimensional NMR studies of the free peptide at pH 5.2 indicated the presence of a significant population, about 60%, of type II beta-turn, spanning residues Gln407-Asp410. At pH 2.7, little, if any, turn structure is present. The D-Ala409 analog, which, for steric reasons, would be expected to preserve the beta-turn, and the L-Ala409 analog, which would not be expected to have this conformational feature, were synthesized, and NMR studies confirmed the respective structural predictions. The affinity of the D-Ala analog for antibody 4A5 is even greater than that displayed by native gamma 392-411, while the affinity of the L-Ala analog is less than one-tenth that of the native peptide. Both conformational and steric effects involving residues 407-410 may be important in recognition by antibody 4A5. Since gamma 392-411 includes a platelet receptor binding locus of fibrinogen, and this and related peptides are inhibitors of platelet aggregation, the D-Ala409 and L-Ala409 analogs were tested for platelet binding. Neither of the analogs displays any measurable platelet binding, indicating that the recognition requirements for the platelet receptor differ considerably from those for antibody 4A5.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Amino acid sequences of alpha-helical segments from S-carboxymethylkerateine-A. Tryptic and chymotryptic peptides from a type-II segment.

1. Amino acid-sequence studies were done on a peptide of mol.wt. approx. 12500 that was isolated from the highly helical fragments obtained by partial chymotryptic digestion of the low-sulphur proteins (S-carboxymethylkerateine-A) from wool. 2. The peptides obtained by tryptic and chymotryptic digestion of this large peptide were separated by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose at pH8.5 with an (NH4)(2)CO(3) concentration gradient and, where necessary, purified further by paper electrophoresis. 3. Determination of the sequences of many of these peptides showed that a high proportion of the cationic residues occurs in pairs. 4. Although two of the four S-carboxymethylcysteine residues are located in what appears to be a non-helical region near the N-terminus the other two S-carboxymethylcysteine residues occur in or near sequences suggesting a helical conformation. 5. Some peptides were obtained, in low yields, that appeared to be homologues of more major ones. These suggest either homologies in the helical portions of the low-sulphur proteins or the presence of closely related amino acid sequences in helical regions of completely different origins. 6. A partial sequence of the complete peptide is proposed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Segment by segment linear ablation with an articulated bilimb catheter: initial experimental results.

Transcatheter radiofrequency (RF) ablation of atrial fibrillation or flutter requires the creation of linear lesions. However, conventional catheters are not predictably effective because of poor endocardial contact, and limited lesion size and penetration. The purpose of the study was to assess in the right atrium, the efficacy and safety of a new catheter designed to create long myocardial tissue lesions using RF energy. The main characteristics of this 8 Fr deflectable RF ablation catheter were: (1) a perpendicularly contacting articulated bilimb electrodes ensuring stable and firm endocardial firm contact; and (2) an irrigated planar interface. Three different electrode prototypes were tested. Fourteen anesthetized sheep weighing 61 +/- 7 kg underwent RF ablation in the right atrium using three incremental power levels (25 to 45, 50, 55 to 75 W) with the aim of creating fully transmural (FT) lesions, defined as continuous and complete epicardial and endocardial lesion imprints. The animals were euthanized 1 hour later for macroscopic and histologic examinations. Forty-three of the 80 right atrial lesions created, in smooth as well as in trabeculated areas, were FT. The percentage of FT lesions increased with the applied power from 37% with 25-45 W, to 49% with 50 W, and up to 86% for 55-75 W. In all but two cases, histologic examination showed no discontinuity between FT lesions produced by both limbs resulting in 19 coalescent linear lesions with an average size of 25 x 6 x 4 mm (length x width x depth). In situ bipolar electrograms after ablation in the FT group showed split potentials and/or a marked decrease in amplitude from 2.85 +/- 1.79 to 0.33 +/- 0.14 mV (P = 0.001) accompanied by near complete disappearance of unipolar electrograms. There was no perforation due to RF ablation. In conclusion, continuous and FT lesions can be achieved in various areas of sheep atria, including the trabecular right atrium, with a perpendicularly contacting bilimb electrode catheter. It represents a promising tool for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation and flutter.

Animals↗