Expression of Xenopus XlSALL4 during limb development and regeneration.

The multi-C2H2 zinc-finger domain containing transcriptional regulators of the spalt (SAL) family plays important developmental regulatory roles. In a competitive subtractive hybridization screen of genes expressed in Xenopus laevis hindlimb regeneration blastemas, we identified a SAL family member that, by phylogenetic analysis, falls in the same clade as human SALL4 and have designated it as XlSALL4. Mutations of human SALL4 have been linked to Okihiro syndrome, which includes preaxial (anterior) limb defects.

Regenerative capacity and the developing immune system.

Many components of the vertebrate immune system have evolved with dual, interrelated functions of both protecting injured tissues from infection and providing for tissue maintenance and repair of injuries. The capacity for organ regeneration, prominent among invertebrates and certain phylogenically primitive vertebrates, is poorly developed in mammals. We have proposed that evolution of the mammalian immune system has produced inflammatory cellular interactions at sites of injury which have optimized tissue defense and facilitated tissue repair, but that these improvements included concomitant loss of regenerative capacity.

A novel high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging microscopy coil as an alternative to the multislice computed tomography in postoperative imaging of orbital fractures and computer-based volume measurement.

Background: Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) has been the modality of choice for postoperative detailed imaging of orbital trauma. Unfortunately, it involves extensive exposition of the lens to radiation, especially when taking multiple readings. Also, it holds beam hardening effects and limited imaging (delineation) of the reconstruction material.

[Small fragment screws vs. plate osteosynthesis in condylar head fractures].

Aims: This prospective study evaluates the outcome after osteosynthesis of condylar head fractures using 1.7 mm small fragment screws (2/2000 ff), which were selected according to a previous biomechanical trial to optimize condylar head traumatology. Clinical and functional results were compared to a group of fractures fixed mainly by mini- and microplates (1993-2000) and to a control group after conservative therapy with early functional training.

Evaluation of reconstructed orbital wall fractures: high-resolution MRI using a microscopy surface coil versus 16-slice MSCT.

We evaluated high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MR) using a 47-mm microscopy surface coil in comparison to 16-slice multislice CT (MSCT) for postsurgical imaging of reconstructed orbital walls. Twenty-five patients with 27 internal orbital wall fractures were imaged prospectively after reconstruction with resorbable polydioxanone sulfate (PDS) sheets. Coronal high-quality T1- and T2-weighted MR images were obtained with an in-plane resolution of 350 microm within a measure time of 6-7 min for each sequence.

Interference of Uzara glycosides in assays of digitalis glycosides.

Objective: Presentation of a case report and pharmacokinetic investigation in healthy volunteers on the potential interference between cardiac glycosides and glycosides of Uzara, a herbal antidiarrheal preparation.

Methods: Pharmacokinetic pilot investigation of apparent digitoxin and digoxin serum concentrations in 4 healthy volunteers after single-dose administration of 30 drops Uzara (approximately 1.5 ml approximately = 22 mg glycosides).

[Cine MRI of the temporomandibular joint in comparison to static MRI and axiography].

Purpose: To evaluate Cine MRI (cMRI) of the temporomandibular joint in comparison to static MRI (sMRI) and axiography.

Materials And Methods: In a prospective study with 57 healthy volunteers as well as 33 patients after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) surgery or with severe joint dysfunction, we measured the mobility of both condyle and disc as well as the sagittal angle of condylar inclination with sMRI and cMRI. Measurements and image analysis were performed by a radiologist and a maxillofacial surgeon in consensus.

[Stability of osteosyntheses for condylar head fractures in the clinic and biomechanical simulation].

Background: Fractures of the condylar head are traditionally managed by closed techniques, despite a considerable rate of dysfunctional problems. PDS pin osteosynthesis (presented by Rasse 1992) via a preauricular approach failed to become established as a standard procedure due to a lack of stability. Alternatively, mini- or microplating, as performed in our patients (101 condylar head fractures between 1993 and 2000), showed high-grade limitations of translatory movements in about 30% due to scarification after loosening of osteosynthesis materials.

Recurrent leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata after hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy during combined hormone replacement therapy.

Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata is a rare disease characterised by the occurrence of multiple smooth muscle cells building up tumour nodules within the peritoneal cavity. Approximately 50 cases of this disease have been reported in the world literature. To our knowledge, this is the first case reporting the recurrence of leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata during combined hormone replacement therapy after hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and six laparotomies because of recurrence of the disease.

Effects of fluoride on Xenopus embryo development.

Fluoride was first associated with fetal malformation shortly after water fluoridation was initiated in the 1940s. Since many chemicals can interact directly with the embryo to cause malformation, the effects of fluoride on embryonic and fetal development were investigated. The effects of sodium fluoride on the development of frog embryos were studied under conditions described by the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus (FETAX), a screening assay for teratogens.

[Differential and common characteristics of patients with atypical facial pain and craniomandibular dysfunction].

Background: Craniomandibular disorders (CMD) and atypical facial pain (AFP) represent a clinical challenge. Whereas CMD patients respond to somatic approaches, somatization should be strictly avoided in AFP. The aim of this study was to establish prognostic criteria to identify an aggravated risk of a chronic course in CMD and AFP.

Identification of genes expressed during Xenopus laevis limb regeneration by using subtractive hybridization.

Suppression polymerase chain reaction-based subtractive hybridization was used to identify genes that are expressed during Xenopus laevis hindlimb regeneration. Subtractions were done by using RNAs extracted from the regeneration-competent stage (stage 53) and regeneration-incompetent stage (stage 59) of limb development. Forward and reverse subtractions were done between stage 53 7-day blastema and stage 53 contralateral limb (competent stage), stage 59 7-day pseudoblastema and stage 59 contralateral limb (incompetent stage), and stage 53 7-day blastema and stage 59 7-day pseudoblastema.

Regeneration or scarring: an immunologic perspective.

Complete regeneration of complex tissues and organs is usually precluded by fibrotic reactions that lead to scarring. Fish, salamanders, and larval anurans are among the few vertebrates capable of regenerating lost appendages, and this process seems to recapitulate ontogenic development of the structure in most respects. Recent work has revealed a capacity for excellent regeneration in certain mammalian tissues: embryonic or fetal skin and the ear of the MRL mouse.

[Psychic and somatic findings in jaw or facial pain of unclear origin. Comparison of patients with severe and mild symptoms].

Background: Both for medical and dental specialists, patients with facial arthromyalgia (FAM) and acute or chronic atypical facial pain (AFP) often represent a clinical challenge. Only few empirical studies address the possible interaction between facial pain and increased psychosocial stress with a thereby heightened risk for a chronic course of disease.

Objective: To evaluate whether FAM or AFP - patients initially presenting with high vs.

Evaluation of the developmental toxicity of crocetin on Xenopus.

Crocetin, a carotenoid isolated from the spice saffron, has been found to be effective in treating certain types of cancer treatable with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). ATRA, however, is a potent teratogen, and the possibility that crocetin may also be a teratogen becomes an important medical issue. The teratogenic potential of crocetin and ATRA were evaluated in frog (Xenopus) embryos.

[Surgical vs. conservative therapy of diacapitular and high condylar fractures with dislocation. A comparison between MRI and axiography].

Aims: At present the discussion about the correct management of high condylar and diacapitular fractures has been reopened. The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the role of condylar mobility, disk mobility, and vertical dimension regarding the postoperative functional outcome after open reduction and osteosynthesis compared to nonsurgical treatment.

Methods: Since 1993 a total of 130 high condylar and diacapitular fractures have been treated by open reduction and osteosynthesis.

Human truncated Smad 6 (Smad 6s) inhibits the BMP pathway in Xenopus laevis.

A previously identified truncated form of the human Smad 6 gene containing a unique 12 amino acid motif at its N-terminus was studied. We have named this truncated form of the gene Smad 6s, for 'short-form', to distinguish it from the full-length form (Smad 6fl). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry revealed that Smad 6s has a unique pattern of expression in human coronary tissue and is upregulated in diseased heart tissue.

Lacrimal gland ductal cyst abscess.

Purpose: To describe a case of lacrimal gland ductal cyst complicated by secondary infection.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 51-year-old woman presented acutely with an enlarging, painful mass in the superotemporal fornix.

Posterior fixation suture augmentation of full-tendon vertical rectus muscle transposition for abducens palsy.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of augmenting full-tendon vertical rectus transpositions with posterior fixation sutures in patients with complete or near-complete lateral rectus palsy.

Methods: Transposition of the vertical recti to the lateral rectus muscle was performed in seven patients with unilateral lateral rectus palsy (the mean angle of preoperative horizontal deviation in primary gaze was 36.7 prism diopters (delta); range, 25-62delta of esotropia).

[Position and mobility of the articular disk after surgical management of diacapitular and high condylar dislocation fractures of the temporomandibular joint].

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of traumatized temporomandibular joints (TMJ) usually focuses on disc position, defining regular joint function by normal, excentric or displaced disc position. So far, there are only few reports regarding disc position after open reduction of diacapitular or high condylar fractures of the TMJ with dislocation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of the disc as regards postoperative functional outcome by electronic axiographic recordings of condylar movements and MRI, displacement of the disc and lesions of TMJ soft tissues being frequent in this type of mandibular fractures.

Giant cell arteritis update.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic disorder characterized by vasculitis involving medium and large arteries. GCA is an ophthalmologic and systemic emergency, because devastating consequences, such as blindness and death, can occur without treatment. With prompt recognition and appropriate treatment, complications are almost always preventable.

[Significance of profile prognosis in implant management of the atrophic maxilla].

Postoperative cosmetic results in soft tissue after combined surgical and prosthetic treatment of the extremely atrophic edentulous maxilla by maxillary advancement, sinus lift, and insertion of enosseous implants are rarely considered during preoperative planning. In a prospective study that began in 1993 in 23 patients, the treatment concept was determined by a medical rapid prototyping model and video imaging to predict the soft tissue profile, taking into consideration the appearance of the front teeth. In eight patients, the surgical and/or the prosthetic concept was modified according to the treatment plan decided on with the patient.

Intracameral muramyl dipeptide-induced paracellular permeability associated with decreased glutamate transporter and gamma -glutamyltranspeptidase activities.

Muramyl dipeptide (MDP) (N -acetylmuramyl- L -alanyl- D - isoglutamine) was injected intracamerally to test if MDP applied to the aqueous side of the blood-aqueous barrier would increase paracellular permeability in association with diminished uptake of glutamate. The symptoms of anterior uveitis, i.e.

[New aspects for indications of surgical management of intra-articular and high temporomandibular dislocation fractures].

Conservative treatment of TMJ condylar fractures (groups V and VI according to Spiessl and Schroll 1972) often shows poor clinical results. This follow-up study was designed to objectify the benefits of an operative procedure by electronic computer-assisted recording of condylar movements. Sixty-three individuals with a total of 77 condylar fractures (42 diacapitular fractures, 35 high condylar process fractures) underwent surgery over a preauricular approach.