Development of a Chronic Canine Ovariohysterectomy Model to Evaluate Vaginal Cuff Healing Using Two Closure Systems.

This study established a suitable animal model of ovariohysterectomy; characterized the course and pattern of vaginal healing after ovariohysterectomy; and compared healing obtained after closure of the vaginal cuff with a novel cuff-closure device (Zip-stitch® clips) and VICRYL sutures. This prospective, randomized, controlled, blinded animal study was conducted in 27 mongrel hounds according to an IACUC-approved protocol. Each animal underwent ovariohysterectomy followed by vaginal cuff closure with Zip-stitch or VICRYL.

The limited effectiveness of a home-based eccentric training for treatment of Achilles tendinopathy.

Purpose: Objective was to evaluate the outcome of a standardized heavy load eccentric training program in adults with chronic painful Achilles tendinopathy, and the presence of increased Colour Doppler activity in diseased and non-diseased adults. The hypothesis was that patient satisfaction would fall within the range of average satisfaction present in the literature (60 to 90%).

Methods: Twenty patients were instructed on a training program based on the Alfredson protocol of straight leg followed by bent knee heel drops and raises.

Perceptions of a tattooed college instructor.

128 undergraduates' perceptions of tattoos on a model described as a college instructor were assessed. They viewed one of four photographs of a tattooed or nontattooed female model. Students rated her on nine teaching-related characteristics.

Evaluation of a fibrin preparation containing tranexamic acid (Adhexil) in a rabbit uterine horn model of adhesions with and without bleeding and in a model with two surgical loci.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of a fibrin preparation supplemented with tranexamic acid (Adhexil) with that of established devices, and to determine whether its effect is limited to the site of application.

Design: Rabbit uterine horns were abraded in nonbleeding and bleeding variants of an established adhesions model. In a separate study, a sidewall excision with approximation of the abraded cecum was added.

Disorders of adhesions or adhesion-related disorder: monolithic entities or part of something bigger--CAPPS?

The purpose of this article is to review progress in the field of abdominopelvic adhesions and the validity of its two underlying assumptions: (1) The formation of adhesions results in infertility, bowel obstruction, or other complications. Reducing or avoiding adhesions will curb these sequelae. (2) "Adhesions" is a monolithic entity to be tackled without regard to any other condition.

Tattoos can harm perceptions: a study and suggestions.

Objective: Health researchers have claimed that perceptions toward a person with a tattoo are more negative than are perceptions toward nontattooed persons. However, support for this has been obtained almost completely by nonexperimental research.

Participants: In 2 experiments with 158 community college student participants, the authors found that tattoos harmed perceptions.

Influenza H2 haemagglutinin activates B cells via a MyD88-dependent pathway.

Influenza viruses are serious respiratory pathogens, responsible for half a million deaths each year. The viral surface haemagglutinin (HA) protein has been shown to be an important determinant of viral pathogenicity. HA is the virion attachment and fusion protein, and the major target for neutralizing antibodies; however, it is also involved in triggering innate responses that may have an important impact on the disease course.

T-cell receptor triggering is critically dependent on the dimensions of its peptide-MHC ligand.

The binding of a T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) to peptide antigen presented by major histocompatibility antigens (pMHC) on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) is a central event in adaptive immune responses. The mechanism by which TCR-pMHC ligation initiates signalling, a process termed TCR triggering, remains controversial. It has been proposed that TCR triggering is promoted by segregation at the T cell-APC interface of cell-surface molecules with small ectodomains (such as TCR-pMHC and accessory receptors) from molecules with large ectodomains (such as the receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases CD45 and CD148).

Next-generation hydrogel films as tissue sealants and adhesion barriers.

Background: The development of conveniently sprayed, tissue-adherent, inert hydrogel films has made possible the creation of novel products that can serve a dual function, as a surgical sealant to achieve immediate hemostasis, and as a barrier to prevent adhesion formation over time.

Methods: A sprayable, in situ formed absorbable hydrogel film was evaluated as a tissue sealant in a heparinized canine carotid artery graft model. PTFE grafts with leaking end-to-side anastomoses were treated with the synthetic sealant, and hemostasis was evaluated upon restoration of blood flow.

The effect of tranexamic acid in fibrin sealant on adhesion formation in the rat.

The objective of the research was to determine the effect of the type, dose, and volume of anti-fibrinolytic agents (tranexamic acid, aprotinin) added to fibrin formulations, on adhesion development. Adhesions were induced in 228 male rats by creating apposing parietal and visceral peritoneal defects. Animals were randomized to receive no treatment or a fibrin formulation containing aprotinin or tranexamic acid.