Visualisation of drug distribution in skin using correlative optical spectroscopy and mass spectrometry imaging.

A correlative methodology for label-free chemical imaging of soft tissue has been developed, combining non-linear optical spectroscopies and mass spectrometry to achieve sub-micron spatial resolution and critically improved drug detection sensitivity. The approach was applied to visualise the kinetics of drug reservoir formation within human skin following in vitro topical treatment with a commercial diclofenac gel. Non-destructive optical spectroscopic techniques, namely stimulated Raman scattering, second harmonic generation and two photon fluorescence microscopies, were used to provide chemical and structural contrast.

Oro-palatal dysplasia Bettex-Graf--a new syndrome.

Four cases of an until now undescribed syndrome have been observed in Berne in the last 40 years. All four cases are members of the same family and have occurred in three consecutive generations. They present with a U-shaped palatal cleft, microstomia, hypoplasia of the mandibula and a partial anodontia.

Chondroclasts in osteoneogenesis.

Allogenic, demineralized bone powder (DBP) was implanted into rat rectus abdominis muscle to induce osteoneogenesis. The main induction steps are invasion of the implant by host mesenchyme cells, differentiation of cartilage, invasion by blood capillaries or angiogenesis, differentiation of osteoblasts and bone marrow. The result is the formation of a cancellous ossicle.

Use of cultured keratinocytes in the treatment of severe burns.

A 6 1/2-year-old child was admitted to the emergency ward for third degree burn injuries representing 40% of body surface. Shock therapy was first applied. After débridement and in a series of operating sessions hands were grafted with full-thickness skin and most other wounds were covered with mesh grafts.