Glomus tumor in the lung parenchyma.

Glomus tumors are uncommon lesions of glomus cell origin with ultrastructural and immunohistochemical features of smooth muscle. In the majority of the cases reported in the literature glomus tumors are benign, but there are some rare cases in which they demonstrate aggressive and malignant clinical and histological features. Glomangiosarcomas of the lung are extremely rare malignant tumors, because of the fact that glomus bodies are rare or absent.

Protein binding capacity in vitro changes metabolism of substrates and influences the predictability of metabolic pathways in vivo.

Unlabelled: Large numbers of lipophilic molecules are attached to fractions of serum protein, e.g. albumin, in vivo.

New non-woven polyurethane-based biomaterials for the cultivation of hepatocytes: expression of differentiated functions.

A new non-woven polyetherurethane support suitable to host cultured hepatocytes has been developed. Prior to its use in bioreactors and artificial liver devices, the biocompatibility of this new material was investigated. The experiments have shown that the survival and functionality of hepatocytes entrapped in the non-woven polymer were longer than that of monolayer cultured hepatocytes, under serum-free culture conditions.

A new bioassay including a small scale hepatocyte bioreactor for hepato-mediated toxicity testing in a target cell line.

New approaches for in vitro testing of hepato-mediated toxicity are undertaken to offer alternatives to in vivo animal testing. The described bioassay for hepato-mediated toxicity testing is based on a small scale hepatocyte-bioreactor with pig hepatocytes connected to a silicon sensor based microphysiometer system for monitoring of the extracellular acidification rate (EAR) of cells and the microphysiometer alone. EAR represents the metabolic activity of tested cells (hepatocytes and ZR 751 cells) under the influence of perfused media, compared to controls, which were set to 100%.

Evidence-based medicine: lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS).

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) was developed as a means of surgical treatment for severe pulmonary emphysema. To date, various studies have been designed to explain the mechanisms involved in pathophysiological changes after treatment, to define criteria for patient selection, to identify the surgical technique of choice and to propose appropriate follow-up care. Preliminary results of follow-up studies (up to five years) have already been published, indicating improved pulmonary function and quality of life after surgical treatment.