Native and recombinant human hepatocyte growth factors are highly potent promoters of DNA synthesis in both human and rat hepatocytes.

Human hepatocyte growth factor (hHGF) has recently been expressed as a recombinant polypeptide from Chinese hampster ovary cell transfectants. Using a primary rat hepatocyte bioassay, we have tested the biological activity of recombinant hHGF and compared it with native hHGF. Dose-response curves were almost identical, with half-maximal stimulation of DNA synthesis at 1-2 ng/ml (equivalent to approximately 10 pM).

The dorsalis pedis myofascial flap.

A modification of the dorsalis pedis artery island flap is presented. In this modification, the deep fascia of the dorsum of the foot with part or the whole of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle is used as a fascial or myofascial flap supplied by the dorsalis pedis artery and covered by a split-thickness skin graft. The purpose is to decrease the morbidity of the donor site, which is closed by direct sutures without skin grafting.

Primary hepatic malignancy: the role of liver transplantation.

Between January 1982 and April 1989, 134 patients with a suspected liver neoplasm were referred to the liver unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. In 105 (78 per cent), a primary hepatic neoplasm was histologically confirmed, and 47 patients (45 per cent) proved to have primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Twenty-nine orthotopic liver transplants were performed in 28 of these patients (27 per cent).

Vertical Silastic ring gastroplasty: a 6-year experience.

Vertical Silastic ring gastroplasty was carried out in 71 patients as treatment for morbid obesity. The mean excess weight loss at 6 months (59 patients) and 2 years (43 patients) was 48 per cent and 65 per cent respectively. Subsequently the weight stabilized around this level with 58 per cent of the excess weight lost at 5 years (14 patients) postgastroplasty.

Gastric banding in the treatment of morbid obesity.

Gastric banding was carried out in 30 patients as a treatment for morbid obesity. The mean excess weight lost at 3 months was 32.6 per cent (27 patients) and 69.

The free fascial forearm flap.

The unpleasant appearance of the donor site after harvesting a forearm flap limits its use in many centers. In this paper, the author records his experience with a modification of the standard fasciocutaneous forearm flap. Such modification involves the utilization of the fascial component of the flap sparing the skin of the forearm, which is closed as a longitudinal line.

[The question of use of glucose or fructose for parenteral feeding. Results of a comparative study].

Glucose and fluctose (400 g/24 h) were compared as sources of carbohydrate in parenteral nutrition in patients following major abdominal operations or following multiple injuries. Group A (n = 8) received glucose during the first 2 days and fructose for another 2 days thereafter. In group B (n = 8) the sequence of carbohydrate infusion was reversed (2 days' fructose follwed by 2 days' glucose).