After controlling for inclusion and exclusion criteria and assigning levels of evidence, 19 clinical studies were fully reviewed including those for demineralized bone matrix, recombinant human bone morphogenetic Liproxstatin-1 price protein 2 (rhBMP-2), beta-tricalcium phosphate, and
calcium sulfate.
Results. The most extensively studied of the lumbar fusion extenders is beta-tricalcium phosphate, especially with regard to its use in adolescent scoliosis correction. The use of rhBMP-2 and demineralized bone matrix is supported only by two and three clinical studies, respectively. Calcium sulfate and other miscellaneous extenders are not conclusively or consistently supported by available clinical studies.
Conclusion. Calcium phosphate is the most supported of the lumbar fusion extenders. rhBMP-2 and demineralized bone matrix are supported by smaller bodies of evidence. These formulations are supported by these initial studies but in some cases need to be better examined with regard to side effect profiles.”
“Immunological responses
in human intestinal allografts are poorly understood and accurate diagnosis of acute cellular rejection remains difficult. Here, human intestinal allografts were analyzed by multi-color NU7441 in vitro quantitative fluorescent immunohistochemical morphometry in order to monitor the clinical course of rejection. Morphometry gave two-dimensional plots based on size and circularity, and identified phenotypes of individual cells infiltrating
the allograft by fluorescent staining. Using this method, invariant TCRVa24+ NKT (iNKT) cells were observed in the intestinal allograft during rejection. Because these were not identified in the normal donor intestine before surgery, this finding was considered to be a signature of acute cellular rejection of the intestinal allograft. Infiltrating iNKT cells released IL-4 and IL-5, Th2-related cytokines that antagonize the Th1 responses that induce acute cellular rejection. Histological observation suggested eosinophilic enteritis in the mucosa with elevation of IL-4 and IL-5. In conclusion, iNKT cells were recruited to the intestine; however, because higher levels of selleck products IL-4 and IL-5 may contribute to eosinophilic enteritis, timely steroid administration is recommended for allograft injury due to enteritis, as well as acute cellular rejection.”
“C1-C2 instability or painful osteoarthritis are recognised indications for posterior atlanto-axial fixation. In the traditional trans-articular C1-C2 screw fixation, up to 20% of patients cannot have safe placement of bilateral screws in the event of a medially located vertebral artery and a straight screw trajectory in the sagittal plane. The more recently developed C1-C2 fixation technique with individual C1 lateral mass screws and converging C2 pars screws can be employed in case of a medially located vertebral artery and has comparable biomechanical strength.