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In this study, the ultrastructure of the oocytes of 6 types of scleractinian corals was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, histological and ultrastructural analyses were performed to improve our understanding of the organelles involved in coral oocyte formation. In all 6 stony coral species, the microvilli were tubular and directly grew from the surface of the oocyte membrane; yolk bodies, lipid granules, and cortical alveoli accounted for most of the volume inside the oocytes, suggesting that they are associated with energy storage and buoyancy. Clear differences were observed in the size of yolk bodies and lipid granules in the oocytes of the 6 stony coral species, which occupied approximately 55%–80% of the inner space of the oocytes. Galaxea fascicularis exhibited the largest lipid granule volume, but the oocytes contained only an average number of 12.45 lipid granules per unit area. Only Montipora incrassata oocytes contained symbiotic algae. The smallest size and proportion of lipid granules in M. incrassata oocytes may be attributed to the presence of symbiotic algae and large yolk bodies, which may help oocytes produce energy and function as a nutritional source. This study is crucial for improving the understanding of the basic biology of coral reproduction, and the ensuing datasets is critical for conservation-oriented studies seeking to cryopreserve corals during these times of dramatic global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We compared the preliminary outcomes of cervical fusion performed using radiolucent cages containing either cancellous bone or hydroxyapatite graft. From July 2004 to June 2006, 45 consecutive patients presented with a total of 109 levels of degenerative disc disease between the C2 and C7 levels. Each patient underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for each affected cervical disc. The retrospective analysis of the cage fillers was divided into group 1 (23 patients with 56 affected cervical levels) who received cages packed with cancellous bone marrow, and group 2 (22 patients with 53 affected cervical levels) who received cages packed with hydroxyapatite graft. Bone marrow was harvested from the anterior iliac crest. The Prolo scale was used to assess both the economic and functional status postoperatively. The Yates’ correction to test independence in a contingency was used to compare the fusion rate of both groups post-operatively at day 1 and at 1, 3 and 6 month follow-up. At a mean follow-up of 12 months, the fusion rates observed in groups 1 and 2, respectively, were 21.4% and 13.2% after 1month, 76.8% and 64.2% after 3 months, and 98.2% and 96.2% after 6 months. Functional and economic status were better in group 2, with a statistical significance (p<0.05) observed at the 3-month follow-up. Although hydroxyapatite graft is an osteoconductive, rather than osteoinductive, material, when used as a cage filler it is a safe and efficient substitute for cancellous bone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Spinal osteomyelitis and epidural abscess are complicated medical conditions. Diagnosis is often delayed because of cormorbidity. The time of instrumentation is still controversial. However, there is no doubting the indication of spinal hardware implantation when spinal fusion is needed. Long segment osteomyelitis and extended epidural abscess are rare. The treatment is challenging for neurosurgeons. We report a case of extended epidural abscesses and long segments of osteomyelitis. Methods: One-stage meticulous debridement, anterior cervical corpectomies, and spinal fusion with mesh cage and titanium plate were performed on the patient. Hyperbaric oxygenation and 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics were prescribed as adjuvant therapy. Results: Both clinical presentations and imaging studies showed a good response to the treatment. The patient returned to his life 3 months later. Conclusions: This case illustrates that spinal instrumentation is not an absolute contraindication in the presence of epidural abscesses and vertebral osteomyelitis. Combined surgical debridement at a critical level, with adjuvant antibiotics and hyperbaric oxygenation, is a safe and effective therapy in those with neurologic deficits, spinal instability, and extended epidural abscess. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective The aim of this study was to identify key anatomic landmarks useful in gaining access to the anteromedial temporal region via the corridor formed by the inferior orbital fissure (IOF), the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve (V1), and the maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve (V2) via an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). Methods An anatomic dissection of 6 cadaver heads was performed to confirm the feasibility and applicability of an EEA for accessing the anteromedial temporal region. Results After middle turbinectomy, the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus was opened, the orbital apex was exposed, and the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus was removed, in sequence. The IOF and the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) were then identified. After opening the foramen rotundum (FR) and removing the bony structure between the FR, V2 was transposed downward. The orbital muscle of Müller was removed. The PPF was mobilized downward exposing the greater wing of the sphenoid bone (GWS). The GWS between V1 and V2 was drilled, therefore exposing the temporal dura. With blunt dissection, the medial temporal dura was peeled away from the cavernous sinus to increase access to the anteromedial temporal region. Conclusions The anteromedial temporal fossa was exposed by drilling the V1-V2 triangle corridor via an EEA. Endoscopic endonasal exposure of the anteromedial temporal fossa is feasible and requires limited endonasal work. This approach may be considered as an alternate surgical corridor to the temporomesial lobe that offers the advantages of a direct route with less temporal lobe retraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cage-type cubic mesoporous silicas FDU-12 functionalized with a tunable content of carboxylic acid (–COOH) groups, ranging from 0 to 50 mol% based on silica, were used for immobilization of lysozyme. The particle size of –COOH functionalized FDU-12 was highly dependent on the relative amount of carboxyethylsilanetriol sodium salt (CES) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in the reaction mixture. The particle size was around 200 nm for the materials prepared with the CES/(TEOS + CES) molar ratio of 20%–30%. The combination of –COOH functionalization and nanoscale dimension significantly enhanced the lysozyme adsorption capacity of the prepared materials. A remarkably high adsorption capacity of 895 mg g −1 at 37 °C (pH 9.6) was attained with the FDU-12 nanostructure functionalized with 30 mol% of –COOH groups. Meanwhile, the structural stability of lysozyme was unaltered after immobilization. A very low leaching rate was observed, indicating that protein molecules were tightly adsorbed onto the –COOH functionalized FDU-12 nanostructures due to the strong electrostatic interactions between the adsorbent and the lysozyme molecule. The zeta potentials of the materials also correspond well to their adsorption capacities observed. The enzymatic activity of the immobilized lysozyme was also examined as a function of the –COOH contents present on the mesopore surface of the materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]