Surface studies of coarse-grained and nanostructured titanium implants.

The results of XPS measurements of nanostructured Ti (ns-Ti) prepared with a help of severe plastic deformation (SPD) have been presented. We have measured XPS spectra of core levels (Ti 2p, O 1s, C 1s, F 1s) and valence bands before and after treatment of ns-Ti-implants in HF. The obtained data have been compared with XPS measurements of untreated and acid treated coarse-grained Ti (cg-Ti). According to these measurements the surface composition has not practically been changed by reduction of grains size of Ti-implants. It has been found that the surface of both types of implants is covered with thick TiO2 layer. The acid treatment reduces the surface contamination of ns-Ti and cg-Ti by hydrocarbons and induces better passivation and formation of more thick TiO2 layer. It has been shown that severe plastic deformation not only improves mechanical properties but also preserves corrosion stability of Ti-implants.

Elements and factors involved in tissue-specific and embryonic expression of the liver transcription factor LFB1 in Xenopus laevis.

LFB1 (HNF1) is a tissue-specific transcription factor found in the livers, stomachs, intestines, and kidneys of vertebrates. By analyzing the promoter of the Xenopus LFB1 gene, we identified potential autoregulation by LFB1 and regulation by HNF4, a transcription factor with a tissue distribution similar to that of LFB1. Injection of LFB1 promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase constructs into Xenopus eggs revealed embryonic activation that is restricted to the region of the developing larvae expressing endogeneous LFB1. Proper embryonic activation was also observed with a rat LFB1 promoter. Deletion analysis of the Xenopus and rat promoters revealed that in both promoters embryonic activation is absolutely dependnet on the presence of an element that contains CCNCTCTC as the core consensus sequence. Since this element is recognized by the maternal factor OZ-1 previously described by N. Ovsenek, A. M. Zorn, and P. A. Krieg (Development 115:649-655, 1992), we might have identified the main constituents of a hierarchy that leads via LFB1 to the activation of tissue-specific genes during embryogenesis.

Developmental regulation and tissue distribution of the liver transcription factor LFB1 (HNF1) in Xenopus laevis.

The transcription factor LFB1 (HNF1) was initially identified as a regulator of liver-specific gene expression in mammals. It interacts with the promoter element HP1, which is functionally conserved between mammals and amphibians, suggesting that a homologous factor, XLFB1, also exists in Xenopus laevis. To study the role of LFB1 in early development, we isolated two groups of cDNAs coding for this factor from a Xenopus liver cDNA library by using a rat LFB1 cDNA probe. A comparison of the primary structures of the Xenopus and mammalian proteins shows that the myosin-like dimerization helix, the POU-A-related domain, the homeo-domain-related region, and the serine/threonine-rich activation domain are conserved between X. laevis and mammals, suggesting that all these features typical for LFB1 are essential for function. Using monoclonal antibodies, we demonstrate that XLFB1 is present not only in the liver but also in the stomach, intestine, colon, and kidney. In an analysis of the expression of XLFB1 in the developing Xenopus embryo, XLFB1 transcripts appear at the gastrula stage. The XLFB1 protein can be identified in regions of the embryo in which the liver diverticulum, stomach, gut, and pronephros are localized. The early appearance of XLFB1 expression during embryogenesis suggests that the tissue-specific transcription factor XLFB1 is involved in the determination and/or differentiation of specific cell types during organogenesis.

Regulation and function of the tissue-specific transcription factor HNF1 alpha (LFB1) during Xenopus development.

We review the data available on the structure, developmental appearance and embryonic regulation of the tissue-specific transcription factor HNF1 alpha (LFB1) in Xenopus. The expression of the HNF1 alpha gene starts early in embryogenesis shortly after mid-blastula transition and the protein accumulates in the region of the embryo where liver, pronephros and gut--tissues that contain HNF1 alpha in the adult--are developing. The cofactor DCoH, known to stabilize dimer formation of HNF1 alpha, is present as a maternal factor in the egg and has a partially distinct tissue distribution compared to HNF1 alpha. This implies that DCoH does not only modulate HNF1 alpha dimerization but may also cooperate with other transcription factors. By injecting HNF1 alpha promoter CAT constructs into fertilized Xenopus eggs we obtained activation of the injected gene restricted to the region of the developing larvae expressing endogenous HNF1 alpha. Deletion analysis allowed to define the OZ-element that is essential for embryonic activation. This element also occurs in other promoters activated at mid-blastula transition in the embryo and interacts with the maternal factor OZ-1. As the HNF1 alpha promoter also contains functional binding sites for HNF4 and HNF1, we postulate that all of these transcription factors contribute to the cascade leading to proper embryonic activation of the HNF1 alpha gene.

Genomic structure of the Xenopus laevis liver transcription factor LFB1.

Liver factor B1 [LFB1, also called hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (HNF1)] is a tissue-specific vertebrate transcription factor that is present in the liver, intestine, stomach and kidney. The LFB1 protein contains an unusual homeobox that is characterized by an insertion of 21 amino acids (aa) not found in any other homeodomain protein. We have isolated and characterized the genomic sequences encoding the LFB1 of Xenopus laevis. By comparing the genomic sequences with the cDNA clones, we could identify nine exons. In general, the position of the introns is identical to the one previously found in the rat. However, the C-terminal activation domain of LFB1 contains, in each species, an exon that is split in two in the other species. The homeobox of the X. laevis LFB1 contains an intron at exactly the position where the 21 aa typical for LFB1 are inserted. This is in agreement with the structure found in the rat gene and supports the notion that the LFB1 homeobox evolved separately from the other genes encoding homeodomain proteins.

An application of MIB antibody to the retrospective study of melanomas of oral mucosa and facial skin.

A new monoclonal antibody prepared against a fragment of Ki-67 antigen MIB, from Dianova, was applied for investigation of malignant melanomas of facial skin (25 cases) and the oral cavity (25 cases), which were routinely embedded in paraffin. The values of the Ki-67 index (expressed as a percentage of positive nuclei) were correlated with TNM characteristics of tumors and patient survival. Significant correlation was found between the Ki-67 index and the level of lymph node involvement (N value), the presence of distant metastases and the time of patient survival. A positive relationship between the Ki-67 value and tumor size was also observed although it lacked statistical significance.

Value of oculomyodynamometry in traumatic diplopia. Direct ocular muscle force measurements.

In 21 patients with traumatic diplopia, oculomyodynamometry (OMD) was used to examine the force of the extrinsic ocular muscles. In nine patients with blow-out fracture of the orbit, the greatest impairment in the active force and function of the incarcerated muscle was found in linear fractures. In 12 cases of traumatic paresis of the cranial nerves, OMD enabled the degree of paresis of particular extraocular muscles to be assessed, was helpful in establishing a correct diagnosis as well as prognosis for the restoration of function of the affected muscles, and provided data useful in planning the operative procedure.

Significance of P-53 antigen in malignant melanomas and naevi of the head and neck area.

DO-7 antibody against p-53 antigen was applied for investigation of melanomas of facial skin (25 cases), oral cavity (17 cases), eye (18 cases) and naevi (25 cases). The p-53 index value (% of p-53 positive cells) was correlated with the thickness of the tumour, the presence of metastases and survival time. The difference in p-53 index between naevi and melanomas was statistically significant (p < < 0.01). A significant correlation was found between the p-53 index value and the thickness of the tumour, the presence of metastases and follow-up for patients with skin, oral and ocular melanomas. The possible diagnostic and prognostic significance of p-53 antigen in melanomas and naevi of the head and neck area is discussed.

Primary malignant melanoma of the oral cavity. A review of 20 cases.

Twenty patients with primary malignant melanoma of the oral cavity have been described. They formed 3.9 percent of the total number of patients with malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity. The upper gingiva was most commonly affected. In this series, there were 14 male patients and 6 female patients who ranged in age from 26 to 80 years (average 58 years). The first symptom of melanoma was hyperpigmentation of the mucosa in 10 patients, tumor in 7, and pain in 3 edentulous patients with prostheses. Radical surgery was performed in 13 patients, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 9 cases. Only 1 patient survived 9 years. The remaining 12 died 11 to 18 months after radical treatment. Palliative therapy was applied in three patients, two patients were treated symptomatically, and two patients refused treatment. Early detection of melanoma is an indication for radical treatment and may increase the survival rate of patients with this disease, which is still very low.

CD-44: a marker of metastases of head and neck melanomas.

Specimens of 38 melanomas of the oral cavity and facial skin and 23 lymph nodes with melanoma metastases were stained immunohistochemically for the presence of variants 5, 6, 7 and 8 of CD-44 antigen. A positive reaction was observed only for variant 7-8 in primary melanomas as well as in lymph nodes with metastases from melanoma. The CD-44 score (percentage of CD-44 positive cells chi intensity of reaction) correlated with metastatic behaviour of tumours and was greater in metastatic lymph nodes than in primary tumours.

Radical excision of huge angioma of face, with reconstruction: case report.

We present a case of a massive angioma of the face treated by radical excision and subsequent reconstruction. At present the patient feeds normally, she speaks well, and she is taking a post-graduate course in mining engineering.

Lacrimal drainage system obstruction: management and results obtained in 70 patients.

Causes and types of acquired obstruction of the lacrimal drainage system are discussed in 70 patients, as well as the results of their surgical treatment. Obstruction of the lacrimal drainage pathway, according to frequency, was due to: trauma (mainly naso-orbital and LeFort II fractures), post-inflammatory stenosis of the nasolacrimal duct, tumours and latrogenic injuries of the naso-lacrimal drainage system often following Caldwell-Luc operations of the maxillary sinus. The ages of patients ranged from 3-70 years. Canalicular obstruction was diagnosed in 9 (12.9%), obstruction of the lacrimal sac in 2 (2.8%), while obstruction of the naso-lacrimal duct in 50 (71.4%) patients, including 3 bilaterally. And in 9 (12.9%) patients, injury to the lacrimal system following excision of tumours of the eyelids and the medial canthal region occurred. In patients with canalicular obstruction intubation of the canaliculi was carried out and both ends of the drain were inserted into the nasal cavity for 6 months via a dacryocystorhinostomy. Total recovery was obtained in 44.5%. In lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct obstruction Dupuy-Dutemp's dacryocystorhinostomy was performed and 90.4% of the patients recovered. When fibrosis or extensive damage of the lacrimal sac had occurred, wide anastomosis with the nasal duct was indicated. After tumour excision, the lacrimal pathways were reconstructed by conjunctivo-rhinostomy, conjunctivo-sinusostomy or conjunctivo-dacryocystorhinostomy. In 40% of the patients who underwent conjunctivo-dacryocystorhinostomy a successful outcome ensued.

The effect of lidocaine on growth of cells of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The effect of lidocaine on the growth rate of human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck area was investigated in tissue culture. As growth parameters, the mean cell area, the total cell area, the field area and the total number of cells have been measured by digital image analysis. The carcinoma's two cell types--round and spindle--were recorded separately to verify different patterns of alteration. All parameters did not decrease significantly when lidocaine was given as a single dose prior to the culture. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) at day 6, 9 and 12 in culture was found when lidocaine (7 micrograms ml-1) was added to the culture medium.

Marcus Gunn Jaw-Winking Phenomenon: management and results of treatment in 19 patients.

From 1980-1995, 19 patients displaying the Marcus Gunn Phenomenon (MGP) were treated in the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland. Sixteen patients were operated on according to the Neuhaus method, in one case bilaterally. In three patients, the upper eyelid, after partial transsection of the levator muscle, was suspended from the frontal muscle on autogenous temporal fascia strips. At postoperative follow-up, the width and symmetry of the palpebral fissures were evaluated as well as persistent symptoms of synkinetic eyelid movement. In 13 (68.4%) patients, proper width and symmetry of the palpebral fissures were obtained, whereas in the remaining six (36.1%) marked improvement and decreased asymmetry of palpebral fissures were achieved. Pathological synkinesis disappeared totally in 16 (84.2%) of the patients on operated.

Actinomycotic osteomyelitis of the mandible: review of 15 cases.

The authors have analysed 15 cases of actinomycotic osteomyelitis of the mandible. Primary actinomycotic inflammation of the mandible was diagnosed in nine patients, secondary in six patients (following fracture or resection of the mandible). The diagnosis was established on the basis of the clinical examination confirmed by bacteriological and/or histopathological tests. The basic method of treatment was antibiotic therapy of long duration. Surgical treatment was performed in all patients. Twelve of fifteen patients who had received the therapy and proved asymptomatic for 1 year to 23 years were recognized to be cured of the disease. In three patients, a single recurrence of the disease was observed after 1.5-2 months.

Squamous cell carcinoma arising in an odontogenic cyst. Report of three cases.

Primary intraosseous carcinoma of the jaws is an uncommon lesion. The majority of these develop in preexisting odontogenic cysts. Three cases of primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinomas of the mandible and maxilla, with evidence of origin in the odontogenic cysts are described. The recent literature on carcinomas arising in jaws cysts is reviewed.

Comparison of the DNA content in recurrent and nonrecurrent basaliomas of the face.

The ploidy status of 5 recurrent and 7 nonrecurrent basaliomas was investigated using a CAS 200 image analyser. All recurrent basaliomas were aneuploid in contrast to nonrecurrent ones representing the euploid status. The percentage of cells in S phase in recurrent basaliomas was twice as high as in nonrecurrent ones. The authors conclude that aneuploidy in primary tumour can be a warning signal for recurrences and these patients should undergo special control.

[Our experience with surgical treatment of post-traumatic diplopia]. / Wlasne doswiadczenia w chirurgicznym leczeniu pourazowej diplopii.

On the basis of analysis of patients with posttraumatic diplopia pathomechanism, diagnostic procedure, methods of surgical treatment and its results were discussed. In the group of 1196 patients with injuries of the organ of vision posttraumatic diplopia was diagnosed in 536 (44.8%) patients, of which 331 (61.8%) underwent surgery. In this group recovery was obtained in 182 (55.0%) patients, while in remaining marked improvement was stated. Lack of knowledge in this field among specialists was pointed out and was confirmed by mistakes in diagnostics and methods of treatment. These factors markedly worsen final results of proper treatment.

[Personal experience and the results of surgical treatment of blepharoptosis]. / Wlasne doswiadczenia i wyniki operacyjnego leczenia opadniecia górnej powieki.

UNLABELLED: The authors discuss the indications for the operation, the surgical technique and results obtained in 92 patients who have been operated for ptosis (109 operations) by the modified method of Berke and Neuhaus. From the experience of the authors it appears that the best approach is a subciliary one especially in congenital ptosis. The Neuhaus method showed to be successful in patients with ptosis connected with the "jaw-winking" Marcus-Gunn phenomenon; in these patients one obtained the elevation of the upper lid and liquidation of the synkinesis. RESULTS: in congenital unilateral ptosis very good result was achieved in 63 p.c., a good one in 32.3 p.c., a poor one in 4.8 p.c. In bilateral ptosis very good result could be achieved in 36.8 p.c., a good one in 52.5 p.c. and a poor one in 10.6 p.c. of cases. Insufficiency of the lid closure as a principal complication of operation was seen in 6 patients (6.5 p.c.) without any consecutive pathological changes in the eye.

[Diagnosis and results of treatment of blow-out fracture of the orbital floor]. / Rozpoznawanie i wyniki leczenia rozprezajacego zlamania dna oczodolu.

In the last 20 years, 273 patients with blow-out fracture of the orbital floor were treated. Surgery was performed in 242 of them (88.6%). The typical features of this type of fracture as well as the methods and results of treatment are presented. Criteria of the recovery were disappearance of diplopia and decrease of enophthalmos.