Local formation of varved sediments in a karstic collapse depression of Lake Banyoles (NE Spain)

Banyoles is the largest and deepest lake of karstic-tectonic origin in the Iberian Peninsula. The lake comprises several circular sub-basins characteri- zed by different oxygenation conditions at their hypolimnions. The multiproxy analysis of a > 5 m long sediment core combined with high resolution seis- mic stratigraphy (3.5 kHz pinger and multi-frequency Chirp surveys), allow a precise reconstruction of the evolution of a karstic depression (named B3) until present times. Local meromictic conditions in this sub-basin have been conducive to deposition and preservation of ca. 85 cm of varved sediments since the late 19th century. The onset of these conditions is likely related to lake waters eutrophication caused by increasing farming activities in the wa- tershed. Increasing clastic input and organic productivity during the second half of the 20th century have also been recorded within the laminated sedi- ments, revealing an intensification of human impact and warmer water tem- peratures.

Local pain and spreading hyperalgesia induced by intramuscular injection of nerve growth factor are not reduced by local anesthesia of the muscle

Injections with local anesthesia for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes are common clinical practice. This double-blind placebo controlled study explores the rational of local anesthetic blocks for the detection of muscle pain as the primary generator in spreading hyperalgesic conditions.

[Local treatment of chronic skin wounds in a Swiss out-patient wound centre 2010]

In Switzerland around 30,000 patients suffer from chronic skin wounds. Appropriate topical wound care along with treatment of the causes of the wounds enables to heal a lot of these patients and to avoid secondary disease such as infections. Thereby, the final goal of wound care is stable reepithelisation. Based on experience with chronic leg ulcers mainly in our out-patient wound centre, we give a survey of the wound dressings we actually use and discuss their wound-phase adapted application. Furthermore, we address the two tissue engineering products reimbursed in Switzerland, Apligraf and EpiDex, as well as the biological matrix product Oasis. The crucial question, which treatment options will be offered in future to the wound patients by our health regulatory and insurance systems, is open to debate.

Tactile sensibility of single-tooth implants and natural teeth under local anesthesia of the natural antagonistic teeth

The term osseoperception describes the capability of developing a subtle tactile sensibility over dental implants. The present clinical study aims at clarifying the question of how far tactile sensibility is to be attributed to the periodontium of the natural opposing tooth of the implant.

Molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Switzerland: sampling only invasive isolates does not allow a representative description of the local diversity of clones

We conducted a molecular study of MRSA isolated in Swiss hospitals, including the first five consecutive isolates recovered from blood cultures and the first ten isolates recovered from other sites in newly identified carriers. Among 73 MRSA isolates, 44 different double locus sequence typing (DLST) types and 32 spa types were observed. Most isolates belonged to the NewYork/Japan, the UK-EMRSA-15, the South German and the Berlin clones. In a country with a low to moderate MRSA incidence, inclusion of non-invasive isolates allowed a more accurate description of the diversity.

Local targeting of malignant gliomas by the diffusible peptidic vector 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1-glutaric acid-4,7,10-triacetic acid-substance p

PURPOSE: Malignant glial brain tumors consistently overexpress neurokinin type 1 receptors. In classic seed-based brachytherapy, one to several rigid (125)I seeds are inserted, mainly for the treatment of small low-grade gliomas. The complex geometry of rapidly proliferating high-grade gliomas requires a diffusible system targeting tumor-associated surface structures to saturate the tumor, including its margins. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We developed a new targeting vector by conjugating the chelator 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1-glutaric acid-4,7,10-triacetic acid to Arg(1) of substance P, generating a radiopharmaceutical with a molecular weight of 1,806 Da and an IC(50) of 0.88 +/- 0.34 nmol/L. Cell biological studies were done with glioblastoma cell lines. neurokinin type-1 receptor (NK1R) autoradiography was done with 58 tumor biopsies. For labeling, (90)Y was mostly used. To reduce the "cross-fire effect" in critically located tumors, (177)Lut and (213)Bi were used instead. In a pilot study, we assessed feasibility, biodistribution, and early and long-term toxicity following i.t. injection of radiolabeled 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1-glutaric acid-4,7,10-triacetic acid substance P in 14 glioblastoma and six glioma patients of WHO grades 2 to 3. RESULTS: Autoradiography disclosed overexpression of NK1R in 55 of 58 gliomas of WHO grades 2 to 4. Internalization of the peptidic vector was found to be specific. Clinically, the radiopharmeutical was distributed according to tumor geometry. Only transient toxicity was seen as symptomatic radiogenic edema in one patient (observation period, 7-66 months). Disease stabilization and/or improved neurologic status was observed in 13 of 20 patients. Secondary resection disclosed widespread radiation necrosis with improved demarcation. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted radiotherapy using diffusible peptidic vectors represents an innovative strategy for local control of malignant gliomas, which will be further assessed as a neoadjuvant approach.

Local resection of metanephric adenoma with kidney preservation

Metanephric adenoma (MA) is a rare renal neoplasm present at any age. Usually, a total nephrectomy is performed. Some successful partial nephrectomies or selective tumor resections are described in adults but not in children. We present here the case of a 15-month-old boy, the youngest patient yet to be reported with an MA. We performed a local resection of the tumor. Today, 2 1/2 years after surgery, we can document a favorable clinical course and normal ultrasound findings in the follow-up of the operated kidney. This case gives further evidence that organ-sparing resection of MA is feasible in selected cases. A close clinical and ultrasound follow-up is mandatory for this approach.