Objective. To determine the efficacy of an SIS-based patch and plug scaffold to facilitate anular defect closure and anular functional Nirogacestat ic50 recovery after anulotomy and partial discectomy.
Summary of Background Data. The incidence of reherniation following discectomy remains high and mechanical means of anular closure have met with limited success. SIS is a naturally occurring
collagen-based material, which acts as a resorbable scaffold in vivo that promotes soft tissue regeneration.
Methods. Twelve sheep underwent retroperitoneal exposure of the lumbar spine. Three levels were assigned to either: no additional procedure, box anulotomy alone, or box anulotomy followed by placement of an SIS “”patch and plug”" anchored by titanium bone screws. At 26 weeks after surgery, 18 motion segments underwent pressure-volume testing to assess the competency of the anulus.
High resolution MRI images were taken of the remaining 18 segments. Undecalcified histology was conducted on all specimens.
Results. Radiographs, MRI images, and histology indicate that there was an exuberant tissue response at SIS-treated levels. New tissue formation in SIS-treated specimens was integrated well with the native anulus, but did not resemble the organization of native anulus. The extent of anular closure was substantial enough to allow the disc a functional recovery to a mean 66% of its capacity to develop internal pressure. MRI images indicate that SIS-treated levels did not maintain signal intensity comparable to exposure-only (intact) levels, but SIS-treated discs were statistically significantly SB203580 order higher than anulotomy-only levels.
Conclusion. SIS-treated discs were better able to maintain hydration and resulted in a functional recovery relative to anulotomy alone levels. The SIS patch and plug reduced the cascade of functional degeneration that an intervertebral disc undergoes following anulotomy.”
“Gastrointestinal CCI-779 molecular weight stromal tumours (GIST), despite being rare, pose a relevant
medical problem from the viewpoint of diagnosis and management. GIST are fragile, liable to metastasise and often located in delicate structures. Surgical options, therefore, are limited. In the last decade and improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the disease has resulted in novel modes of treatment. The introduction of systemic tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy with imatimb has significantly improved the outcome of the disease and prolonged the survival of GIST patients. For many patients the acute threat of a deadly cancer has been transformed into a manageable chronic condition. Drug safety, tolerabillity and compliance, subjects of concern in all long-term therapies , have proven to be acceptable for the tyros me kinase inhibitor imatinib. The present paper provides a compact overview of the epidemiology pathophysiology and morphology of GIST, with special reference to the underlying molecular biology.