Publications by authors named "Charles Benjamin Neff"
Objective: To evaluate the structural and molecular changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) during the process of intervertebral disc degeneration, using animal model.
Methods: Wistar rats underwent intervertebral disc degeneration through 20-gauge needle puncture, and 360° rotation applied for 30 sec, representing the degenerated group, while control group was not submitted to this procedure. Histological parameters and expression of extracellular matrix molecules were evaluated in the 15(th) and 28(th) days after degenerative induction.
Purpose: To study the functional behavior of the allograft with immunosuppression of pancreatic islets in the spleen.
Methods: Five groups of 10 Mongrel dogs were used: Group A (control) underwent biochemical tests; Group B underwent total pancreatectomy; Group C underwent total pancreatectomy and pancreatic islet autotransplant in the spleen; Group D underwent pancreatic islet allograft in the spleen without immunosuppressive therapy; Group E underwent pancreatic islet allograft in the spleen and immunosuppression with cyclosporine. All of the animals with grafts received pancreatic islets prepared by the mechanical-enzymatic method - stationary collagenase digestion and purification with dextran discontinuous density gradient, implanted in the spleen.
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly sustained cardiac rhythm disturbance. Surgical ablation techniques were developed involving the left atrium only and modifications of the maze procedure in ablating both atria.
Objective: The aim of this study was to compare, in patients with permanent AF, the efficacy of uniatrial versus biatrial radiofrequency ablation procedure in the treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation in patients with associated cardiac disease.