Nonpenetrating, arcuate-legged clip reconstruction of the rat uterine horn

Superactive β-galactosidase inclusion bodies

Bacterial inclusion bodies (IBs) were historically considered one of the major obstacles in protein production through recombinant DNA techniques and conceived as amorphous deposits formed by passive and rather unspecific structures of unfolded proteins aggregates. Subsequent studies demonstrated that IBs contained an important quantity of active protein. In this work, we proved that recombinant β-galactosidase inclusion bodies (IB_β-Gal) are functional aggregates. Moreover, they exhibit particular features distinct to the soluble version of the enzyme. The particulate enzyme was highly active against lactose in physiological and in acid pH and also retained its activity upon a pre-incubation at high temperature. IB_β-Gal washing or dilution induced the spontaneous release of active enzymes from the supramolecular aggregates. Along this process, we observed a continuous change in the values of several kinetic parameters, including specific activity and Michaelis-Menten constant, measured in the IB_β-Gal suspensions. Simultaneously, IB_β-Gal turned into a more heterogeneous population where smaller particles appeared. The released protein exhibited secondary structure features more similar to those of the soluble species than to the aggregated enzyme. Concluding, IB_β-Gal represents a reservoir and packed source of highly active and stable enzyme.

Vascular closure staples reduce intimal hyperplasia in prosthesis implantation

BACKGROUND

Vascular surgery, like the various other surgical specialities, has seen an increasing demand toward faster and more minimally invasive procedures. One such need is to create a reliable vascular anastomosis that is faster, easier and less damaging to the tissue. The vascular closure staples (VCS*) device provides such characteristics but, to date, no studies have investigated its effectiveness in reducing intimal hyperplasia when used for vascular prosthesis implantation. The present study evaluated its effectiveness compared with suturing of a graft in vascular prosthesis implantation.

METHODS

Twelve female Merino sheep underwent gelatin sealed Dacron patch graft implantation into the left and right common carotid artery. Grafts were randomly allocated so that one carotid artery and graft was anastomosed using sutures and the other with VCS*. The two techniques were compared for operation time, clip/suture numbers and blood loss during the implantation procedure. After a 4-week period, the sheep were killed and the grafts were harvested for intimal hyperplasia (IH) assessment.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in the amount of IH seen in the VCS* group (mean +/- SD: 0.278 +/- 0.079 mm2/mm) when compared with the sutured group (0.575 +/- 0.331 mm2/mm) (P < 0.05). There was also significant reduction in anastomosis time (mean +/- SD: 14 +/- 4.4 min) and fewer points of contact (23 +/- 1.4) using the VCS* compared with suturing (22 +/- 3.2 min, P < 0.01; 27 +/- 3.3, P < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In this model, the VCS* shows several distinct advantages over suturing with significant time saving at operation and, most importantly, the reduction of IH seen at 1 month.

Improved combined laparoscopic and minilaparotomy technique to allow for reversal of extensive tubal sterilization

We assessed the efficacy of combined laparoscopic and minilaparotomy for outpatient microsurgical reversal of extensive tubal sterilization in 11 women undergoing the procedure and followed for a mean of 24.7 months. All patients desired reversal of extensive tubal sterilization, and had 4 cm or less of the longer oviduct remaining. The mean operating time was 110 minutes, and the mean total cost was $5067. There were no major complications. Two women were treated for uncomplicated cystitis within 1 month of surgery. Five (45%) of 11 women delivered viable infants; one patient had two ectopic pregnancies. These preliminary data suggest that outpatient combined laparoscopy and minilaparotomy may be effective in patients who desire restoration of fertility after extensive tubal sterilization.