Local Application of BMP-2 Specific Plasmids in Fibrin Glue does not Promote Implant Fixation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>BMP-2 is known to accelerate fracture healing and might also enhance osseointegration and implant fixation. Application of recombinant BMP-2 has a time-limited effect. Therefore, a gene transfer approach with a steady production of BMP-2 appears to be attractive. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of locally applied BMP-2 plasmids on the bone-implant integration in a non-weight bearing rabbit tibia model using a comparatively new non-viral copolymer-protected gene vector (COPROG).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sixty rabbits were divided into 4 groups. All of them received nailing of both tibiae. The verum group had the nails inserted with the COPROG vector and BMP-2 plasmids using fibrin glue as a carrier. Controls were a group with fibrin glue only and a blank group. After 28 and 56 days, these three groups were sacrificed and one tibia was randomly chosen for biomechanical testing, while the other tibia underwent histomorphometrical examination. In a fourth group, a reporter-gene was incorporated in the fibrin glue instead of the BMP-2 formula to prove that transfection was successful.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Implant fixation strength was significantly lower after 28 and 56 days in the verum group. Histomorphometry supported the findings after 28 days, showing less bone-implant contact.</p> <p>In the fourth group, successful transfection could be confirmed by detection of the reporter-gene in 20 of 22 tibiae. But, also systemic reporter-gene expression was found in heterotopic locations, showing an undesired spreading of the locally applied gene formula.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our results underline the transfecting capability of this vector and support the idea that BMP-2 might diminish osseointegration. Further studies are necessary to specify the exact mechanisms and the systemic effects.</p

Comparative analyses of the complete genome sequences of Pierce's disease and citrus variegated chlorosis strains of Xylella fastidiosa

Xylella fastidiosa is a xylem-dwelling, insect-transmitted, gamma-proteobacterium that causes diseases in many plants, including grapevine, citrus, periwinkle, almond, oleander, and coffee. X. fastidiosa has an unusually broad host range, has an extensive geographical distribution throughout the American continent, and induces diverse disease phenotypes. Previous molecular analyses indicated three distinct groups of X.fastidiosa isolates that were expected to be genetically divergent. Here we report the genome sequence of X. fastidiosa (Temecula strain), isolated from a naturally infected grapevine with Pierce's disease (PD) in a wine-grape-growing region of California. Comparative analyses with a previously sequenced X.fastidiosa strain responsible for citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) revealed that 98% of the PD X.fastidiosa Temecula genes are shared with the CVC X. fastidiosa strain 9a5c genes. Furthermore, the average amino acid identity of the open reading frames in the strains is 95.7%. Genomic differences are limited to phage-associated chromosomal rearrangements and deletions that also account for the strain-specific genes present in each genome. Genomic islands, one in each genome, were identified, and their presence in other X.fastidiosa strains was analyzed. We conclude that these two organisms have identical metabolic functions and are likely to use a common set of genes in plant colonization and pathogenesis, permitting convergence of functional genomic strategies.18531018102

A case report of uterine inversion after home delivery

Puerperal acute uterine inversion is a rare obstetric condition observed as a serious complication during the third stage of labor. Reported as one of the causes of postpartum haemorrhage, it commonly requires quick diagnosis and surgical treatment in order to reduce morbidity and lethality. The authors describe a case of uterine inversion with hypovolemic shock after home birth, brought to Hospital Leonor Mendes de Barros. The purpose of this article is to describe a case of acute uterine inversion and its management and a review of aetiology, predictive and risk factors, diagnosis and treatment

Desvelando o cotidiano dos cuidadores informais de idosos Revelando el cotidiano de los cuidadores informales de ancianos Unveiling the routine of informal caregivers for the elderly

Este artigo objetivou descrever como os cuidadores informais de idosos interpretam e constroem o seu cotidiano. Estudo qualitativo, descritivo-exploratório, tendo como orientação teórico-metodológica, a dialética. O instrumento de coleta de dados foi a entrevista individual, com cinco cuidadores de idosos dependentes em domicílios de um Programa Saúde da Família, em Montes Claros Minas Gerais. Resultados evidenciaram situações adversas enfrentadas pelos cuidadores relacionadas ao sofrimento e sacrifícios na prestação dos cuidados e a falta de assistência para atender as necessidades do ser cuidado e do ser cuidador. Porém, exercem o cuidar com amor, carinho e dedicação, utilizando a fé e a espiritualidade como busca do equilíbrio biopsicossocial. Recomenda-se que esses profissionais tenham um olhar respeitoso e cooperativo ao trabalho desses cuidadores.<br>El propósito del presente artículo ha sido describir cómo los cuidadores informales de ancianos interpretan y construyen su rutina. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio, con orientación teórico-metodológica. La recogida de datos se realizó mediante entrevistas individuales a cinco cuidadores de personas mayores dependientes que viven en domicilios incluidos en un Programa de Salud de la Familia de Montes Claros, Estado de Minas Gerais. Los resultados revelan que los cuidadores enfrentan situaciones hostiles que tienen que ver con sufrimiento y sacrificios en la prestación de los cuidados y con la falta de asistencia para atender a las necesidades del anciano y del cuidador. Pero, ejercen su tarea con amor, cariño y dedicación y, a través de la fe y de la espiritualidad, buscan su equilibrio biopsicosocial. Se aconseja que el trabajo de estos profesionales sea considerado com respecto y cooperación.<br>This article intends to describe how the informal caregivers interpret and build their daily routine. It is a qualitative study using dialectics as the theoretical-methodological framework. The instrument for data colection was individual interviews with five caregivers for elderly in homes in the Family Health Program, in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The results demonstrated adverse situations faced by caregivers in terms of suffering and sacrifice in providing care and a lack of support meeting the needs of the caregivers and those receiving care. However, they provided care with love and dedication using faith and spirituality in search of bio-psychosocial balance. It is recommended that health workers should have a respectful and cooperative approach to the work of these informal caregivers for the elderly