MMP-9 mediated Syndecan-4 shedding correlates with osteoarthritis severity.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease inducing the degradation of the articular cartilage. Syndecan-4 (Sdc4) is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, expressed under inflammatory conditions and by chondrocytes during OA. Little is known about Sdc4 shedding and its regulation in OA. Therefore, we investigated the regulation of Sdc4 shedding and underlying shedding mechanisms under OA conditions. DESIGN: Articular cartilage, serum, synovial fluid and synovial membrane from OA patients with different radiological severity were analyzed. ELISA, RT-qPCR and IHC for Sdc4, MMP-2 and -9 were performed. MMP inhibitors and siRNA were evaluated for their effect on Sdc4 shedding by ELISA and on IL-1 signaling by western blot (pERK/ERK). RESULTS: Shed Sdc4 was increased in synovial fluid of OA patients, but not in the serum and is a good predictor (AUC = 0.72) for OA severity with a sensitivity of 67.5% and specificity 65.2%. MMP-9, but not MMP-2, was increased in cartilage and synovial membrane at mRNA levels and in the synovial fluid at protein levels. Shed Sdc4 correlated with the amount of MMP-9 in synovial fluid. Further, the inhibition and knock-down of MMP-9 decreased the amount of shed Sdc4 in vitro. Increased Sdc4 shedding resulted in less phosphorylation of ERK upon IL-1ß stimulation. CONCLUSION: Shed Sdc4 might be a good prognostic biomarker for OA mediated cartilage degradation. MMP-9 seems to be the relevant sheddase for Sdc4 under OA conditions, desensitizing chondrocytes towards IL-1 signaling.

Targeting ß-catenin dependent Wnt signaling via peptidomimetic inhibitors in murine chondrocytes and OA cartilage.

OBJECTIVE: The canonical Wnt signaling pathway has been shown to be involved in regulating chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation during Osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to test the therapeutic potential of two stapled peptide canonical Wnt inhibitors - SAH-Bcl9 and StAx-35R - in preventing Wnt induced cartilage changes in OA. METHODS: Primary neonatal murine chondrocytes and cartilage explants from OA patients undergoing total joint replacement for knee OA, were used for microscopy to determine matrix and cell penetrating capacity of fluorescein isothiocyanate FITC-tagged SAH-Bcl9 and StAx-35R peptides. T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF/LEF) reporter assays were used to monitor the inhibition of Wnt3a induced ß-catenin signaling by each peptide. Changes in chondrocyte phenotypic marker gene expression were analyzed by qRT PCR. RESULTS: Both peptides localized intercellular in primary murine chondrocytes and cartilage explants. They inhibited Wnt3a induced TCF/LEF promoter activity in primary murine chondrocytes. Both inhibitors did not rescue Wnt3a altered expression of chondrocyte phenotypic genes (Sox9, Col2a1, Acan) and hypertrophy marker gene (Col10a1) at high doses (100 ng/ml). Upon application of 10 ng/ml Wnt3a, StAx-35R partially reversed the Wnt effect on Sox9 and Col2a1 gene expression. Both peptides, however, reversed the downregulation of SOX9 and aggrecan (ACAN), and decrease of COL10A1 gene expression in preserved human OA cartilage explants. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that blockade of canonical Wnt signaling might be a therapeutic strategy to treat early OA cases and protect further cartilage degradation by preventing chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation.

[Functional and Morphological Microstructural Changes in SD-OCT in Long-Term Treatment for Neovascular AMD with Ranibizumab - Monotherapy Versus Combination Therapy with PDT]. / Funktionelle und morphologische mikrostrukturelle Veränderungen in der SD-OCT bei der Langzeitbehandlung der neovaskulären AMD mit Ranibizumab-Monotherapie versus Kombinationstherapie mit PDT.

Background: Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy is the gold standard in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). In recent literature, the benefit of additional photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been debated. The aim of our study was to compare the functional and structural effects of long-term combination therapy with PDT plus ranibizumab with monotherapy with ranibizumab. Material and Methods: In a retrospective study, patients suffering from nAMD were followed up for at least 42 months. Patients were assigned to group A (monotherapy with ranibizumab according to pro re nata [PRN]) or group B (combination therapy with one-time PDT plus ranibizumab according to PRN). The best-corrected visual acuity (BVCA) was evaluated at the starting and end points, together with central retinal thickness (CRT), maximal retinal thickness (MRT) and the maximal diameter of the base of the subretinal plaque in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), at the first measurement and at the end point. Results: Group A consisted of 21 eyes (17 patients) and group B consisted of 12 eyes (11 patients). The average follow-up from starting to end point was 64 months and 47 months, from the first measurement of SD-OCT to the end point. Within this period, patients in group A received 19 ± 14 intravitreal injections, and patients in group B received 22 ± 10 intravitreal injections. BCVA at the starting point was 0.31 ± 0.26 in group A and 0.31 ± 0.17 in group B. At the end point, BCVA in group A was 0.29 ± 0.25 (p = 0.405), and in group B 0.25 ± 0.20 (p = 0.142). CRT decreased in group A by 72 ± 178 µm (p = 0.024) and group B by 28 ± 98 (p = 0.1335). MRT decreased in group A by 25 ± 135 µm (p = 0.166) and in group B by 2 ± 118 µm (p = 0.421). The base of the subretinal plaque increased in group A by 32 ± 1468 µm (p = 0.242) and in group B by 748 ± 1024 (p = 0.025). Conclusion: In a long-term follow-up of 5.3 years, patients with nAMD in both groups exhibited good stabilisation of visual acuity. In both groups, retinal thickness decreased and the base of the subretinal plaque increased. With respect to SD-OCT morphological criteria, patients in group A (monotherapy) responded slightly better to therapy than patients in group B (combination group).

[Materials/Biomaterials in Clinical Practice - a Short Review and Current Trends]. / Werkstoffe/Biomaterialien in der interventionellen und operativen Medizin ­ eine kurze Übersicht und aktuelle Trends.

Biomaterials play a major role in interventional medicine and surgery. However, the development of biomaterials is still in its early phases in spite of the huge progress made within the last decades. On the one hand, this is because our knowledge of the molecular and cellular processes associated with biomaterials is still increasing exponentially. On the other hand, a wide variety of advanced materials with highly interesting properties is being developed currently. This review provides a short introduction into the variety of materials in use as well as their application in interventional medicine and surgery. Also the importance of biomaterials for tissue engineering in the field of regenerative medicine and the functionalisation of biomaterials, including sterilisation methods are discussed. For the future, an even broader interdisciplinary scientific collaboration is necessary in order to develop novel biomaterials and facilitate their translation into clinical practice.

[Comparison of Functional and Morphological Outcome after Aflibercept or Ranibizumab in Chronic Recurrent Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration]. / Aflibercept vs. Ranibizumab ­ funktionelle und morphologische Ergebnisse bei mit Ranibizumab vorbehandelter, chronisch-rezidivierender neovaskulärer altersabhängiger Makuladegeneration.

Background: To assess functional and morphological outcomes in patients with chronic recurrent neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) previously treated with ranibizumab, who were either switched from ranibizumab to aflibercept or received further ranibizumab injections. Methods: Retrospective analysis of eyes with recurrent nAMD previously treated with ranibizumab. On recurrence of the macular oedema, patients had received either 3 injections of aflibercept (2.0 mg) or ranibizumab (0.5 mg) at 4 week intervals. Patients were examined before the first injection and four weeks after the last injection. The main outcome measures included change in visual acuity (VA) in logMAR, subfoveal central retinal thickness (CRT), subretinal fluid (SRF) and height of pigment epithelial detachment (PED height), as well as the maximum height of macular subretinal fluid (SRF max) and of macular pigment epithelial detachment (PED height max) in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Changes in VA and OCT were compared between the two groups to investigate differences in the therapeutic effects of aflibercept and ranibizumab. Results: 60 eyes of 55 patients were included. The aflibercept group (n = 30) and the ranibizumab group (n = 30) showed no statistically significant differences in mean age (p = 0.813), number of prior injections of ranibizumab (p = 0.127) or time since last injection (p = 0.523). Mean VA logMAR improved in both groups, though only in the ranibizumab group was the difference significant (0.50 ± 0.33 to 0.44 ± 0.29 logMAR; p = 0.013; Table 1). CRT decreased in the aflibercept (p = 0.133) and ranibizumab groups (p = 0.043). PED height was reduced in both groups (aflibercept p = 0.068; ranibizumab p = 0.241). SRF, SRF max and PED height max showed statistically significant decreases in both groups. Comparison of the aflibercept and the ranibizumab groups showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups in change in VA logMAR (p = 0.680), CRT (p = 0.882), SRF (p = 0.871), PED height (p = 0.524), SRF max (p = 0.940) or PED height max (p = 0.762). Conclusions: Aflibercept and ranibizumab were similarly effective in improving visual acuity and morphological parameters of patients with recurrent nAMD after four months. There were no statistically significant differences in the therapeutic effects of the two drugs.

[Morphologic Patterns on Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) as a Prognostic Indicator in Treatment of Macular Edema Due to Retinal Vein Occlusion]. / Morphologische Kriterien in der hochauflösenden optischen Kohärenztomografie (SD-OCT) als prognostischer Faktor der Behandlung des Makulaödems bei retinalen venösen Verschlüssen.

BACKGROUND: SD-OCT is an important tool in the diagnosis of macular oedema (ME) due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Its high resolution makes it possible to distinguish various morphological characteristics and differences. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between morphological patterns and the development of visual acuity (VA) after intravitreal treatment of ME due to RVO. METHODS: 81 patients on intravitreal treatment (dexamethasone: n = 53/ranibizumab: n = 28) due to ME associated with branch and central retinal vein occlusion ( BRVO: n = 38/CRVO: n = 43) were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative SD-OCT images were analysed by vitreous adhesion, epiretinal membranes, foveal contour, height of intraretinal cystoid spaces, inner and outer segment integrity and presence of subretinal fluid. The influence of these patterns on VA improvement was analysed. RESULTS: In almost every morphological pattern, the data were highly variable. Therapy was effective, with a medium gain in VA of 9.51 letters ETDRS (dexamethasone: 9.62 letters/ranibizumab: 9.29 letters). The improvement in VA in patients with small intraretinal cystoid spaces (thickness ≤ 250 µm) was 19.44 letters ETDRS, compared to 7.23 letters ETDRS in patients with confluent cystoid spaces (p = 0.009). Patients with a convex fovea exhibited more pronounced reduction in central retinal thickness (CRT) (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Analysis of OCT has concentrated on demonstrating oedema and CRT. Our data indicate that detailed OCT morphology and the size of intraretinal cystoid spaces offer important information about VA prognosis after intravitreal therapy in ME due to RVO.

[Therapeutic Options in Vitreomacular Traction With or Without a Macular Hole]. / Therapie der vitreomakulären Traktion mit und ohne Makulaforamen.

Treatment is usually indicated for symptomatic vitreomacular traction (VMT) with or without a full thickness macular hole (FTMH) and without spontaneous resolution. Ultrastructural parameters are evaluated by SD-OCT, in order to classify the vitreoretinal interface and to estimate the success rate of treatment. The resolution rate after therapy with intravitreal Jetrea® (Ocriplasmin) is high (up to 70 %) in patients with symptomatic focal vitreomacular traction (≤ 1500 µm) with or without a macular hole (≤ 250 µm) and with no epiretinal membrane (ERM), but depends on the exact baseline analysis. All other patients with idiopathic traction retinopathy should be treated by minimal invasive pars plana vitrectomy (MIVI). Vitreoretinal surgery effectively removes traction and gives a high closure rate of a full thickness macular hole (FTMH, 90 to 100 %). It is now a very safe procedure with few side effects. Despite a low risk profile (cataract, retinal tear etc.) the indication for surgery needs to take the safety profile into account. Therefore vitrectomy is only indicated in symptomatic patients complaining of blurred vision, VA reduction and metamorphopsia. Vitrectomy is also indicated in patients whose treatment by pharmacologic vitreolysis has failed.

[Morphological Characteristics in SD-OCT and Fundus Autofluorescence in Different Ischaemic Retinopathies - Characterisation of a New, Temporary Hyperreflective Band]. / Morphologische Charakteristika im hochauflösenden OCT und in der Fundusautofluoreszenz bei verschiedenen ischämischen Retinopathien - Beschreibung einer zusätzlichen, temporären hyperreflektiven Bande.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in the neurosensory retinal morphology secondary to acute retinal ischaemic conditions. The observations were documented by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT, Heidelberg Engineering) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging. In addition, the occurrence of an additional hyperrefelctive band in the outer corneal layers is described. This observation was made during the evaluation of OCT images of patients with an acute loss of vision due to retinal ischaemia. PATIENTS/METHOD: SD-OCT images and FAF were used to observe the retinal structure of 26 subjects (36 to 96 years) with acute monocular visual impairment due to central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO), branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (AION) or impending central retinal vein occlusion were included. The main focus of attention was set on the transition of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) to outer plexiform layer (OPL). Furthermore measurements of the retinal thickness at the fovea, parafoveal and within the retinal layers were acquired and compared to corresponding points of the non-affected eyes. SD-OCT images were acquired with a combined SD-OCT and scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO) imaging system using a linear cross hair scan and a 6 line radial scan of 6 mm length (ART mode on; average of 20 frames). RESULTS: SD-OCT revealed an additional highly reflective band located within the OPL. Morphological characteristics of this hyperdense band were a decreasing intensity with distance from the fovea, partially segmental occurrence and manifestation limited in time. FAF showed areas of increased and decreased signal intensity within the vessel arcade at the posterior pole. The regions of decreased FAF corresponded to perivenous regions and resemble the "frosted branches" sign seen in fluorescein angiography in patients with ocular ischaemia. CONCLUSIONS: The additional hyperreflective band observed in SD-OCT could represent a marker for retinal ischaemia in subjects without the presence of a complete vascular occlusion. The mid retinal localisation of the band within the OPL is situated at the locus of transition from retinal to choroidal oxygen supply where oxygen diffusion is weakest. Histopathologically the observed structure could represent activated microglial tissue induced by the hypoxia driven upregulation of inflammatory molecules aimed at ischaemia repair.

Long-term effects of doping with anabolic steroids during adolescence on physical and mental health.

BACKGROUND: Systematic doping programs like in the GDR were applied in adolescent competitive athletes to induce supramaximal athletic performance. The substances had adverse somatic and psychological effects. The psychological development of the young athletes was impaired and they suffered in adulthood from long-term effects and secondary diseases even years after the doping period. METHOD: The study compared three groups: competitive athletes with doping (I), competitive athletes without doping (II) and persons with no sports activities (III). Somatic and psychological diseases were analyzed to identify the adverse effects of doping in the most vulnerable phase of development in adolescence. Participants were asked to supply a patient history and completed a questionnaire with standardized psychological tests. RESULTS: The doping cohort had a higher rate of somatic diseases, psychological disorders and social and professional difficulties. The differences were gender-specific with males more often having impaired liver function, depression, tumors and difficulties associated with the workplace . The doping group reported more emotional and physical neglect during childhood. They proved to be less optimistic but more pessimistic, to perceive less social support and to be more depressive. The study identified less extraversion and more neuroticism. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurred in a small number of participants in the doping group. Doping is associated with psychiatric variables. Predictors were the subscale identifying feelings of the Toronto alexithymia scale 20 (TAS-20), the sense of coherence and the Beck depression inventory 2 (BDI-II) and the Beck depression inventory (BDI). CONCLUSION: Physical and psychosocial effects imply correlation with the application of doping substances but might not only be due to the side effects of these substances but also caused by the system, which exerts great psychological pressure and stress during adolescence, a highly vulnerable phase.

[Update on metal-on-metal hip joints]. / Update Metall-Metall-Gleitpaarungen.

Increasing data are available describing risk factors for the development of local and systemic adverse events following operations using metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants. The prevalence and clinical relevance of metal-associated problems are, however, still under debate. They can be influenced by type and position of implant as well as patient-specific factors. Patients with small MoM heads (maximum diameter 32 mm) and subgroups of resurfacing arthroplasty can achieve good long-term survival. The use of large head MoM implants (diameters greater than 36 mm), however, is currently not advised due to the unsatisfactory results.

[Transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy and Brilliant Peel (BP)-assisted ILM peeling in patients with macular holes]. / Transkonjunktivale nahtlose Pars-plana-Vitrektomie und Brilliant-Blau-G-assistiertes ILM-Peeling bei Patienten mit Makulaforamen.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the visual and anatomic outcome after 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy and Brilliant Peel (BP)-assisted ILM peeling in patients with macular holes. METHODS: In a consecutive retrospective study in 41 eyes of 41 patients with macular holes a standardised 23-G transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy with ILM-peeling and gas tamponade was performed. All patients underwent preoperative measurements of visual acuity (VA), the maximum hole diameter, basis, height, and intraretinal changes using high resolution optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT; Spectralis; Heidelberg Engineering). Main outcome measures included visual acuity 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery and the closure rate. We also evaluated photoreceptor inner/outer segment (IS/OS) integrity as seen in SD-OCT for correlation with visual outcomes after macular hole surgery. RESULTS: At baseline the mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.2 (0.77 logMAR). BCVA improved significantly to 0.4 (0.46 logMAR) after 1 month, to 0.44 (0.41 logMAR) after 3 months and to 0.58 (0.28 logMAR) after 6 months, respectively. A closure rate of 95.1 % was achieved. The morphological parameter photoreceptor IS/OS integrity was measured semiquantitatively and showed a positive correlation to BCVA. CONCLUSION: Transconjunctival sutureless pars plana vitrectomy and Brilliant Peel (BP)-assisted ILM peeling in patients with macular holes is a very safe procedure and leads to good functional and anatomic results. The integrity of the IS/OS segment is a good predictive parameter for BCVA improvement after macular hole surgery.

[Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome (VMTS)]. / Vitreomakuläres Traktionssyndrom (VMTS).

In vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMTS) an anomalous posterior vitreous detachment (APVD) with persistant symptomatic vitreoretinal adhesion is seen. The adhesion leads to a thickened macula, to macular oedema and a reduction of BCVA. Modern imaging techniques like spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) allow a detailed imaging of the retinal microstructure and the vitreoretinal interface. Vitreomacular adhesions and their effect on the retina can be visualised. Until now, the treatment option for VMTS was and is vitreoretinal surgery. In studies pharmacological vitreolysis has shown a therapeutic effect in patients with symptomatic adhesion and traction. The results of these studies represent an important step towards a pharmacological treatment of VMTS.

[Allergic reactions as differential diagnosis for periprosthetic infection]. / Allergische Reaktionen als Differenzialdiagnose zur periprothetischen Infektion.

Metallic orthopedic devices are composed of elements known to be skin sensitizers in the general population and metal-on-metal hip prostheses in particular have the theoretical advantage of producing less abrasive wear than metal-on-polyethylene prostheses. However, there is concern about the possibility of hypersensitivity reactions with typical elicitors, such as nickel, chromium or cobalt. These materials are also used for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and may elicit an immune response the role of which is still unclear in the outcome of arthroplasty. The immune response is dominated by perivascular T and B lymphocyte tissue infiltration around the hip replacement. The infiltrates are mostly surrounded by so-called high endothelial venules. This reaction is associated with periprosthetic osteolysis and aseptic loosening of the prostheses. The differentiation of hypersensitivity and low-grade infection is initially a diagnosis by exclusion using aspiration cultures. The final diagnosis is only resolved by histological investigation of synovial tissue. A close cooperation between orthopedic surgeons, pathologists and microbiologists is necessary to diagnose specific cellular differences in hypersensitivity and infection in tissue investigations.

[Vitreomacular interface and posterior vitreomacular adhesion in exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD): an OCT-based comparative study]. / Vitreomakuläre Grenzfläche und posteriore vitreomakuläre Adhäsion bei exsudativer altersabhängiger Makuladegeneration (AMD): Eine OCT-basierte Vergleichsstudie.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate posterior vitreomacular adhesion as a risk factor for choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The vitreoretinal interface was examined using spectralis optical coherence tomography (Spectralis-OCT, Heidelberg Engineering). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective observational case series 375 consecutive eyes of 375 patients (age 51-90 years) were examined with spectralis OCT and fluorescein angiography (Spectralis-HRA, Heidelberg Engineering). Vitreomacular adhesion was defined when a posterior hyaloid line attached to the inner retinal surface was seen in OCT. In 202 patients with exudative AMD the incidence of posterior vitreomacular adhesion was compared to 173 control eyes (72 with non-exudative AMD and 101 eyes without retinal alterations). RESULTS: We found posterior vitreomacular adhesions in 151 patients (40.27 %). In the control group 53 patients (30.6 %) showed vitreomacular adhesions compared to 98 patients (48.5 %) with exudative AMD. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). The location of vitreomacular adhesion was observed over the area of the CNV in 87 patients (88 %) with exudative AMD. CONCLUSIONS: Spectralis OCT allows a detailed examination of the vitreomacular interface. The frequency of posterior vitreomacular adhesion is significantly increased in eyes with CNV in AMD. Chronic vitreomacular traction may be a risk factor for the development of exudative AMD.

[Effect of low-dose PDT on perfusion of the choriocapillaris in cCSCR : An OCT-angiography-based study]. / Effekt der "low-dose PDT" auf die choriokapilläre Perfusion bei cCRCS : Eine OCT-Angiographie-gestützte Studie.

BACKGROUND: In patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSCR) it is assumed that low-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) induces short-term hypoperfusion of the choriocapillaris, which leads to long-term choroidal vascular remodeling and subsequent reduction of vascular hyperpermeability and leakage; however, it remains unclear whether the hypoperfusion completely returns to normal. The main aim of the retrospective study was to analyze the choroidal flow signal after treatment with low-dose PDT by optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT­A). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study 16 eyes with a total of 19 treated areas were included. Aside from visual acuity and metamorphopsia checks, all patients underwent enhanced depth imaging-OCT (EDI-OCT) and OCT­A in the areas treated with low-dose PDT. In the present study, the flow signal in the choriocapillaris and choroidal thickness were measured retrospectively both in the PDT-treated area and in a non-treated reference area located in close proximity with similar eccentricity to the center of the fovea. RESULTS: The study found a mean reduction of 33% (p < 0.001) of the choroidal flow signal in the treated area compared to the reference area and an average decrease in choroidal thickness of 71 µm (p = 0.001). In the long term 7 out of 10 patients suffered from metamorphopsia despite the low-dose PDT; however, visual acuity was improved in almost half of the patients by the treatment. CONCLUSION: Using OCT­A it could be shown that at the choriocapillaris level, hypoperfusion persists in spite of low-dose PDT. Thus, the choroidal vascular remodeling is not able to completely compensate for the hypoperfusion induced by thrombosis.

[Culture and susceptibility testing of mycobacteria with VersaTREK]. / La culture et l'antibiogramme de mycobactéries sur automate VersaTREK.

OBJECTIVES: Our laboratory of microbiology use the VersaTREK/ESP Culture System II for the isolation of mycobacteria. In this study, we evaluate this system for the analysis carried out between April 2009 and March 2010. METHOD: The Myco bottles are supplemented with growth supplements and an antimicrobial agent solution prior to inoculation with the specimen. The technology of the VersaTREK/ESP Culture System II is based on the detection of headspace pressure changes within a sealed bottle. It monitors changes in either gas production or gas consumption due to microbial growth. A special algorithm has been developed for detection of very slow growing mycobacteria. The bottles are incubated during 42 days. Meanwhile a solid medium is inoculated too. All specimen types can be analysed with this system. RESULTS: Compared to solid culture, the time needed for detection of positive cultures was significantly shorter for the VersaTREK with a good recovery rate. For isolates recovered in both systems, mean time of detection is respectively 19.1 and 35.6 days for liquid and solid cultures. Mycobacteria identification may be determined using nucleic acid probs directly in Myco VersaTREK or in the solid medium. The susceptibility test of Mycobacteria tuberculosis complex is obtained between six and 13 days for rifampin, isoniazid, ethambutol, streptomycin and pyrasinamide. CONCLUSION: This system offers a faster diagnosis and is an alternative to other instruments using liquid culture.

[The use in routine of mass spectrometry in a hospital microbiology laboratory]. / Bilan de l'utilisation en routine de la spectrométrie de masse dans un laboratoire hospitalier de microbiologie.

OBJECTIVES: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has recently been introduced in diagnostic microbiology laboratories for the identification of microorganisms. The mass fingerprint obtained by analyzing the ribosomal proteins and proteins associated with membranes is compared to spectra and superspectra of database. Microbiological Laboratory of Mulhouse acquired this system 1 year ago. METHOD: The MALDI-TOF MS analyses of all strains were performed on Axima(®) (Shimadzu), data analysis with Saramis(®) software (Anagnostec) and integration with SirWeb(®) software (I2A society). RESULTS: Rapidly, laboratory technicians and biologists are able to turn the system after a few days of training. The data prospectively gathered in the present study demonstrated that MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry identification is an efficient method included fastidious bacteria. Exactly 98.8 % of 10,000 isolates were identified in genus and species levels. Use of identification techniques was seldom necessary for a few clinical relevant isolates. The database is in constant evolution. The superspectra contain characteristic signals of genus, species allowing reliable microorganism identifications with high confidence. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our results show that MALDI-TOF MS is a fast and reliable technique for identification of most bacterial strains routinely isolated in a clinical microbiology. Identification and susceptibility testing with a single cell colony are more often possible. The simple tests, such as Gram staining and oxidase and catalase tests are usually performed in our laboratory.

[The third compartment in knee endoprosthetics: from denervation to replacement, which therapy is correct?]. / Das dritte Kompartiment bei der Knieendoprothetik : Von Denervierung bis Ersatz, welche Therapie ist die richtige?

Involvement of the patellofemoral compartment is common in osteoarthritis of the knee but to date there is no consensus as to the most appropriate approach concerning the patella. Both general non-selective resurfacing as well as selective or secondary resurfacing are currently accepted. However, despite abundant studies on the subject no clear conclusions can be drawn from the available evidence. There are arguments in favour of either approach. Accordingly, no strong evidence can be found to support peripatellar denervation. With the advent of new diagnostic modalities for the assessment of knee osteoarthritis, such as single photon emission computed tomography/CT (SPECT/CT), a more selective approach to patellar resurfacing with a potentially improved outcome might become possible.

[Total knee replacement with ceramic femoral components: a national prospective multicenter study of clinical and radiological outcomes]. / Knieendoprothetik mit keramischen Femurkomponenten: Nationale prospektive Multicenterstudie zum klinischen und radiologischen Outcome.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this prospective multicenter study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of an unconstrained bicondylar total knee prosthesis with a new ceramic femoral component made of BIOLOX® delta. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty patients underwent cemented total knee arthroplasty in three hospitals/centers. Clinical and radiological evaluations were undertaken preoperatively and at 3 as well as 12 months postoperatively using the HSS, WOMAC, and SF-36 scores. RESULTS: During 12 months follow-up three patients had to undergo revision surgery due to non-implant-related reasons (infection, periprosthetic fracture, and retropatellar replacement). The mean preoperative HSS score amounted to 56.2±11.0 points. At 3 and 12 months follow-up the mean HSS score was 75.5±11.5 and 83.6±10.9 points, respectively. Therefore, HSS and WOMAC scores improved significantly from preoperative values at both postoperative evaluations. The first significant improvement of SF-36 score was seen after 12 months. Radiolucent lines around the femoral ceramic components were found in one case. CONCLUSION: Subsequent long-term studies must be carried out in order to clarify the potential benefits of ceramic femoral components and confirm the good early clinical result. Moreover, the specific material properties of ceramic implants must be considered during implantation.

[Early emulsification of silicone oil (2000 cs) in minimally invasive transconjunctival vitreoretinal surgery]. / Frühe Emulsifikation des 2000er-Silikonöls nach minimalinvasiver transkonjunktivaler vitreoretinaler Chirurgie.

BACKGROUND: The highly purified polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with a viscosity of 5000 centistokes (cs) is the preferred silicone oil endotamponade in vitreoretinal surgery (20 gauge) and shows high stability. In contrast in transconjunctival minimally invasive surgery (23 gauge) the application of 5000 cs. silicone oil shows substantial disadvantages because of time-consuming and difficult application procedure due to the small lumen of the used surgical equipment. Consequently silicone oils with lower viscosity like the 2000 cs silicone oil are being increasingly used in transconjunctival surgery. PATIENTS: We present two cases of early emulsification of the 2000 cs silicone oil (Siluron 2000 ©, Fluoron, Neu-Ulm, Germany) consisting of highly purified PDMS in the course of minimally invasive transconjunctival vitreoretinal surgery. In both cases 23 gauge vitrectomy with application of 2000 cs silicone oil was performed without any complication. The first case is a 34-year-old female with proliferative diabetic retinopathy who had already experienced several vitreoretinal operations. The present indication for vitrectomy was a persistent macular hole and vitreous haemorrhage. The second case is a 55-year-old pseudophakic patient with a retinal detachment after vitrectomy with gas endotamponade following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. RESULTS: In the first case emulsification of silicone oil was seen on the second postoperative day. In the second case emulsification was discovered two weeks postoperatively. In both cases high intraocular pressure did not occur. CONCLUSION: With emerging performance of minimally invasive vitrectomy techniques the use of silicone oil with low viscosity in patients with conceivable endurance of the endotamponade appears to be beneficial. Up to now 10 patients have undergone 23 gauge vitrectomy with application of 2000 cs silicone oil without any complications in our clinic. In contrast, two cases demonstrated early emulsification of the 2000 cs silicone oil. To the best of our knowledge this complication has not been described before.