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It is important for the surgeon to determine the position of the CI electrode array during and after its placement within the cochlea. Most preferably, this should be within the scala tympani to obtain the best audiological outcome. Thus, misplacement into the scala vestibuli or tip fold-over should be prevented. Since there are different ways to ensure proper positioning of the electrode array within the scala tympani (e.g., intraoperative radiography, electrophysiological recordings), our study was aimed at detecting intraoperative electrophysiologic characteristics to better understand the mechanisms of those electrode tip fold-overs. In a multi-centric, retrospective case–control series, patients with a postoperatively by radiography detected tip fold-over in perimodiolar electrodes were included. The point of fold-over (i.e., the electrode position) was determined and the intraoperative Auto-NRT recordings were analysed and evaluated. Four patients were found to have an electrode tip fold-over (out of 85 implantees). Significant changes of the Auto-NRT recordings were not detected. All tip fold-overs occurred in the most apical part of the electrodes. Cochlear implantation for hearing impaired patients plays a decisive role in modern auditory rehabilitation. Perimodiolar electrode arrays may fold over during the insertion and, hence, could have a negative impact on audiological outcome. Characteristic electrophysiologic changes to possibly predict this were not found in our series.

In response to climate change, there is a need to adopt more resilient cropping systems for increased productivity. In this study, three corn (Zea mays L.)-based rotations—continuous corn (CC), corn–soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.; CS), and corn–soybean–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; CSW), where all residues were retained on the field after harvest—were selected to study their effects on soil properties at three managed sites in Wisconsin—Arlington, Lancaster, and Marshfield. Soil core samples were collected at four depths (0 to 10, 10 to 20, 20 to 40, and 40 to 60 cm) in 2011. In 2013 and 2015, soil core samples were collected at the two top depths. Soil water retention (WR), plant available water (PAW), bulk density (BD), soil carbon (C), soil nitrogen (N), and C/N ratio were evaluated. Water retention was determined from 0 to 10 and 10 to 20 cm depths at five different matric potentials (Ψ = 0, −5, −10, −33, and −1,500 kPa). There was a significant location × depth interaction across soil properties, which could be associated with differences in management among locations. Averaged across location, CC and CSW rotations had greater water content and PAW across WR tensions than CS rotation at 0 to 10 cm depth, while no differences existed at 10 to 20 cm depth. Crop rotations had similar BD across locations and depths (1.37 to 1.41 g cm−3). A significant three-way location × depth × rotation interaction for C and N amount was affected with generally higher C and N amount in CSW rotation at Lancaster and smaller differences among crop rotations at Arlington and Marshfield. Observed low soil C/N ratio values (

Hintergrund Bisphosphonate (BP) werden seit vielen Jahren sehr wirksam in der Therapie der schweren Osteoporose sowie in der Therapie maligner Grunderkrankungen, v. a. bei Knochenmetastasen, angewandt. Im Jahr 2003 wurde erstmals ein moglicher Zusammenhang zwischen einer Bisphosphonat-Therapie und dem Auftreten von Osteonekrosen des Kieferbereichs beschrieben. Bei der Bisphosphonat-assoziierten Kiefernekrose („bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws“, BRONJ) handelt es sich um ein auserst schwer therapierbares Krankheitsbild. In manchen Fallen ist der Allgemeinzustand der Patienten durch das maligne Grundleiden so stark beeintrachtigt, dass nur minimal-invasive Eingriffe moglich sind. Histopathologisch liegt eine akute bis chronische, sequestrierende Osteomyelitis vor, die verschiedene Areale des Kiefers betrifft und ausgedehnte Knochenresektionen notwendig machen kann. Aus diesem Grund kann diese Erkrankung teilweise mutilierend sein, nachhaltig Funktion und Asthetik des orofazialen Systems beeintrachtigen und damit deutlich die Lebensqualitat der Patienten vermindern. Ausloser der BRONJ sind zum Grosteil Zahnextraktionen ohne lokalplastische Deckung der Knochenwunde, ebenso ist eine Entstehung durch Mikrotraumata (z. B. Prothesendruckstellen) moglich.

Nach ablativer Tumorchirurgie in der Gynakologie haben plastisch rekonstruktive Verfahren das Ziel, reseziertes Gewebe asthetisch-kosmetisch ansprechend wiederherzustellen. Dank des freien mikrovaskularen Gewebetransfers konnen auch sehr grose Defekte geschlossen werden. Eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Transplantate finden dabei Anwendung. Neben dem Latissimus-dorsi- und dem transversalen Rectus-abdominis-Muskellappen haben inzwischen Perforatorlappen wesentliche Bedeutung. Hier kommen zum Einsatz, z. B. der DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator)-, der SIEA („superficial inferior epigastric artery“)- oder der SGAP („superior gluteal artery perforator“)-Lappen. Bei ihnen besteht eine geringe Entnahmemorbiditat, da nur Haut-, Unterhaut- und Fettgewebe mit dem dazugehorenden Gefasstiel entnommen werden. Die Wahl des Transplantates und der Zeitpunkt der Rekonstruktion sollte sich nach dem onkologischen Konzept richten, das individuell fur jede Patientin zu erstellen ist. Zur Optimierung dieser Behandlungstechniken und der Indikationsliste fur den mikrovaskularen Gewebetransfer ist eine interdisziplinare Kooperation mehr als sinnvoll. Hierdurch kann ein Optimum an Astetik, Funktion und Lebensqualitat erreicht werden.

The DiGeorge syndrome/velocardiofacial syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal microdeletion syndrome. Partial deletion of chromosome 22q11 may lead to symptoms including facial dysmorphy, hypoparathyroidism, thymic aplasia, congenital heart disease, developmental retardation, and disturbance of speech development. According to the literature, 9% of patients have cleft palate, an additional 5% have a submucosal cleft, and a total of 32% show velopharyngeal insufficiency. We studied 64 children with a cleft, or with delayed speech development and a submucosal or occult cleft, for the presence of the 22q11deletion using fluorescent in situ hybridisation. Five patients had the 22q11 deletion. We conclude that patients presenting with nasal speech and additional anomalies should all be studied for the presence of submucosal or occult clefting and for the presence of the DiGeorge syndrome/velocardiofacial syndrome.

Hintergrund. Das Tissue engineering autologer Mundschleimhaut stellt in der Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie eine wesentliche Bereicherung fur verschiedene Indikationen dar. Neben der praprothetischen Chirurgie und der Pralaminierung fasziokutaner Lappen ist die interdisziplinare Zusammenarbeit bei urologischen Rekonstruktionen bestehender Hypo- und Epispadien eine Hauptindikation fur den Einsatz gezuchteter Mundschleimhaut.

Computer-assisted surgery has found frequent application in oncological and reconstructive surgery of the maxillofacial region. For those indications, important features are a high degree of mobility of the patient's head during navigation for a comfortable surgical handling and a high precision of the non-invasive referencing for a good surgical outcome. Common methods of reference-giving, such as applying surface skin markers or using anatomical landmarks, have not been proved accurate enough. Furthermore, a head frame is also inapplicable for complex surgical procedures and its use is reserved for computer-assisted endoscopy. In this study, the accuracy of various types of tooth borne reforming tools was assessed under experimental and clinical condition. Using individually manufactured dental mini-plastic splints and impression trays, we developed different methods for simultaneous dynamic patient tracking and non-invasive reference-giving in an experimental setting and in patients. The acquisition of CT data sets was aided by mini-titanium screws with center drive as fiducial markers, whereas for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), oil-containing capsules used as markers proved very useful. Each CT data set was recorded 10 times in the lab. In clinical application landmarks were traced repeatedly. Applying mini-plastic splints marked by titanium screws, we achieved a high accuracy of less than 1.0 mm deviation, which is comparable to that achieved via an invasive approach. The experimentally determined accuracy that includes all potential sources of error (CT-data acquisition, process of reference-giving and dynamic tracking) amounts to 0.68±0.63 mm. The studied system configuration proved to offer a sufficient accuracy for indications in the field of maxillofacial surgery. The method will further profit by improving the stability of the construction and specific adaptation of the program software. However, difficulties in drill and instrument calibration are further sources of error. Limitations arise in edentulous patients where the demanded accuracy can only be achieved by invasively inserted bone markers.

European corn borer (ECB; Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner), is a major pest of corn (Zea mays L.) in North America. Recently, seed companies have begun to offer control of this pest by introducing synthetic genes derived from Bacillus thuringiensis spp. kurstaki (Bt) into the corn genome. Our objectives were to compare the yield of Bt hybrids with adapted high yielding non-Bt hybrids, and to evaluate Bt hybrid yield under economically significant ECB infestation. Experiments were established in the field at three locations in 1995 and one location during 1996. Three groups of corn hybrids were evaluated : transformed hybrids with the Bt gene, closely related isoline hybrids without the Bt gene, and standard high yielding hybrids adapted to these locations. ECB infestation treatments consisted of natural infestation, inoculation four times during the growing season, and insecticide application resulting in an ECB free treatment. Grain yield of Bt corn hybrids was not affected by ECB. Yield of isoline hybrids was 10% lower than both standard and Bt hybrids regardless of ECB treatment. Yield of Bt hybrids was 4 to 8% greater than standard hybrids when inoculated with ECB. However, yield of Bt hybrids was 8% less than standard hybrids when an insecticide was applied. Meld of initial Bt hybrid introductions was equivalent to or better than standard hybrids, except in environments with low ECB.

Background This study was performed to evaluate the capacity of oral and intravenous (i.v.) iron administration during autologous blood donation (ABD) to improve the efficacy of ABD and to prevent the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in patients without iron deficiency who are undergoing major elective surgery for which a minimum of 3 autologous units have been ordered. Study design and methods One hundred twenty-three patients were enrolled in an open-labeled, randomized, controlled trial and assigned to three treatment groups: patients in Group 1 received 3 x 100 mg of Fe2+ per day given orally for 5 weeks before operation; patients in Group 2 received 200 mg of Fe3+ given intravenously after each donation combined with initial i.v. iron supplementation in patients with hemoglobin under 15 g per dL; and patients in Group 3 were in the control group that received no iron medication. A modest ABD program involving weekly phlebotomy and threshold hemoglobin values for donation of 11.5 g per dL in women and 12.0 g per dL in men was performed. Results Ninety patients, 15 women and 15 men in each of the three groups, completed the study. The mean net red cell production during ABD was no higher (p>0.2) in the iron-treated groups (Group 1: 473 +/- 178 mL; Group 2: 436 +/- 170 mL; Group 3 (controls): 397 +/- 174 mL). The mean number of autologous units donated per patient did not differ (p>0.7) among the groups (Group 1: 3.1 +/- 0.6; Group 2: 2.9 +/- 0.7; Group 3: 3.0 +/- 0.7). The proportion of patients who needed allogeneic blood transfusion showed no significant (p>0.4) advantage for iron treatment, (Group 1: 7%; Group 2: 20%; Group 3: 10%). Conclusion In non-iron-deficient patients undergoing modest ABD without erythropoietin therapy, neither oral nor i.v. application of iron during the preoperative period enhances the success of preoperative ABD.

BACKGROUND The efficacy of fibrinolytic therapy is limited by the small surface area of the clot that is available for the binding of the thrombolytic agent, such as tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA). We hypothesized that exposure of the clot to ultrasound during thrombolytic treatment could enhance lysis through perturbation of the thrombus, which would expose additional fibrin binding sites for t-PA. METHODS AND RESULTS Whole human blood clots containing radiolabeled fibrinogen were incubated in vitro for 200 minutes with Tris-albumin buffer containing t-PA at concentrations ranging from 3 to 3,000 IU/ml. In paired experiments, one of the clots also was exposed to intermittent ultrasound (1 MHz, 1.75 W/cm2) throughout the experiment. The ultrasound was delivered as a 2-second exposure followed by a 2-second rest interval. The overall difference in mean clot lysis between thrombi receiving ultrasound and those receiving no ultrasound was significant (p less than 0.001) at all concentrations of t-PA. For clots incubated with t-PA at a concentration of 300 IU/ml, ultrasound increased the percent lysis at 200 minutes from 42 +/- 5% (mean +/- SEM) to 64 +/- 10%. In six paired experiments in a rabbit jugular vein thrombosis model, rabbits received 1 mg t-PA alone or t-PA and intermittent ultrasound (1 MHz, 1.75 W/cm2) for 200 minutes. For rabbits receiving ultrasound and t-PA, lysis was 55 +/- 11% at 100 minutes compared with 30 +/- 12% for rabbits receiving only t-PA. Lysis was 6 +/- 10% for rabbits (n = 4) receiving ultrasound alone. No evidence for tissue damage was noted in rabbits exposed to intermittent ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS Exposure of whole blood clots in vitro to intermittent ultrasound combined with t-PA caused a significant enhancement of thrombolysis compared with t-PA alone. Intermittent ultrasound also showed a trend toward enhancement of t-PA-induced clot lysis in an animal thrombosis model. These data suggest that noninvasive intermittent ultrasound may be a useful adjunct to thrombolytic therapy.

Fragestellung: Die Rekonstruktion des weichen Gaumens nach Tumorablation stellt aufgrund der dynamischen Struktur des Gaumensegels eine grose Herausforderung fur die plastische Chirurgie dar. Defekte im Gaumensegel verursachen eine velopharyngeale Dysfunktion, welche zu nasaler Sprache und Reflux von Flussigkeit bei der Nahrungsaufnahme fuhrt. Beides sind schwerwiegende Umstande, die die betroffenen Tumorpatienten sozial isolieren. Es soll eine einfache neue Technik zum Verschluss kleiner Defekte im Gaumensegel beschrieben werden. Patient und Methode: Bei einer 45-jahrigen Patientin wurde ein mukoepidermoides Karzinom auf der linken Seite des Gaumens entfernt. Nach primarem Wundverschluss verblieben 2 oronasale Fisteln, die mit einem Palatinallappens gedeckt wurden. Erneut kam es zu einer Fistel und es wurde die Rekonstruktion mit einem Muskellappen aus der Halsmuskulatur durchgefuhrt. Nach Inzision in der Rachenhinterwand wurde der vordere Bauch des M. longus capitis freigelegt und an seinem Ursprung abgetrennt. Die nasale Schicht im Gaumensegel wurde durch Umschlagen von oraler Schleimhaut gebildet und der Muskellappen durch einen Tunnel im Gaumensegel in den Defekt gefuhrt und vernaht. Drei Monate spater wurde der Muskelstiel durchtrennt. Ergebnisse: Postoperativer Verlauf und Wundheilung waren ohne Komplikationen. Der Defekt im Gaumensegel wurde vollstandig verschlossen. Vorubergehend traten Schluckschmerzen und Halssteifigkeit auf. Nach Durchtrennung des Muskelstiels waren weder Hyper- noch Hyponasalitat zu beobachten, noch traten Schluckstorungen auf. Schlussfolgerung: Zur Vermeidung langerer Operationszeiten kann mit dem lokalen Lappen aus der Halsmuskulatur eine sichere Rekonstruktion des Gaumensegels erzielt werden. Der Lappen ist gut durchblutet, wird in der unmittelbaren Umgebung gehoben und hat keine wesentliche Entnahmemorbiditat.

In Cambodia, spina bifida is rare, but frontoethmoidal meningoencephalocoeles (MECs) are common. Mean life expectancy for patients with congenital MECs may be

Inherited deficiencies of protein S, an inhibitor of the coagulation system, are now recognized as occurring at least twice as frequently as antithrombin III deficiency in patients with venous thrombosis. Protein S is present in plasma in a complexed form, which is inactive, and in a free of functional form. Free protein S combines with activated protein C to inhibit factors V and VIII. This report describes the evaluation of a family with recurrent deep venous thrombosis and superficial thrombophlebitis. Levels of antithrombin III and protein C as well as plasminogen were normal. The levels of total protein S, which includes the value for the free and complexed forms of protein S, were also normal. However, the free protein S levels were greatly reduced in all symptomatic members who were studied. This report illustrates the importance of obtaining measurement of free protein S levels in patients who are suspected of having inherited venous thrombotic disorders. (J VASC SURG 1990;12:541-4.)

Carbonization Process Processing of Crude Tar Tar Acids Tar Bases Solvent Naphtha Naphthalene Topped Tar Creosote Pitch Roofing Pitch Keywords: coal tar and derivatives; carbonization process

We report the case of a 53-year-old patient suffering from severe hemophilia A showing six different blood group antibodies (anti-c, -Cw, -Jkb, -E, -Lea -Kpa). The decision to replace his left kneeendoprosthesis was made in September 1993. Having multiple erythrocyte antibodies he cannot be transfused with allogenic blood; on the other hand, a large intraoperative blood loss could be expected due to severe hemophilia. An intensified regimen for preoperative autologous blood donation including oral and intravenous iron supplementation, application of recombinant human erythropoietin, and cryopreservation of packed red cells was performed. The patient reached a predeposit of 23 units of autologous packed red cells and 20 units of autologous fresh frozen plasma. Surgery took place in February 1994. Estimated peri-operative blood loss was about 11 liters; the patient received autologous blood exclusively: 13 units of packed red cells and 20 units of fresh frozen plasma. Acute intraoperative hemodilution was performed yielding 2×500 ml of autologous blood; 2,200 ml of autologous packed red cells could be retransfused after intraoperative salvage. This case report shows the enormous possibilities of an intensified regimen in autologous blood donation using recombinant erythropoietin and intravenous iron supplementation.

In oral surgery the transplantation of tissue engineered mucosa is used more frequently. The conventional single cell suspension culture method (SCSM) involves murine feeder cells and foetal calf serum. The explant technique (ET) has been used as alternative culture procedure. Aim was to study the efficacy of the ET and the SCSM without feeder cells to grow primary cultures and to test the effects of donor age, of extracellular matrix proteins (ECMP), and of autogenous serum on cell growth in explant cultures. These factors were assessed in cultures of 58 patients overall. In 48 cultures of 12 patients primary cell growth was compared between the ET and the SCSM. Eighteen of 24 cultures were established with the ET whereas only 3 of 24 were established with the SCSM. To test the influence of donor age on cell multiplication, the proliferation rate (DNA synthesis measured by bromodeoxyuridine uptake) and the overall growth (DNA content) was determined in cultures of five young and five old donors. In cultures from old donors (mean age 56 years) proliferation was lower but more sustained relative to the cultures from the young donors (mean age 25 years). In old donors overall in vitro cell growth was only 2/3 of that in young donors. In cultures of 20 donors the influence on cell adhesion and growth of the ECMP fibronectin and laminin was assessed by planimetry. While ECMP augmented explant adhesion, these substances did not enhance keratinocyte growth significantly. Comparing the influence of autogenous and foetal calf serum on cell growth no differences were observed in all cultures of the six donors. In conclusion, the ET without additional ECMP coating and with autogenous instead of foetal calf serum are now used to culture gingival keratinocytes for tissue engineering mucosa grafts. Consequently xenogenous components are avoided, being a considerable advantage.

Three corn hybrids harvested as whole-plant silage were evaluated in three separate feeding trials with lactating dairy cows. In trial 1, 24 multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square with 28-d periods. Treatments were conventional (Pioneer 3563) and leafy (Mycogen TMF 106) corn silage hybrids, each planted at low (59,000 plants/ha) and high (79,000 plants/ha) plant populations. There were no milk production differences between treatments. Total-tract digestibility of dietary starch was higher for leafy compared with conventional corn hybrids. In trial 2, 26 multiparous Holstein cows were assigned randomly to diets containing either conventional (48% forage diet) or brown-midrib (60% forage diet) corn silage in a crossover design with 8-wk periods. Milk yield was lower, but milk fat percentage and yield were higher, for the high-forage diet containing brown-midrib corn silage. In trial 3, 24 multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square with 28-d periods. Treatments were corn silage at two concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (Garst 8751, 39.2% NDF; Cargill 3677, 32.8% NDF) each fed in normal- (53% of dry matter) and high- (61 to 67% of dry matter) forage diets. Milk production was not different between corn hybrids. Increased concentrate supplementation increased DMI and milk production. There were minimal benefits to the feeding of leafy or low-fiber corn silage hybrids. Feeding brown-midrib corn silage in a high-forage diet increased milk fat percentage and yield compared with conventional corn silage fed in a normal-forage diet.

SUMMARYThe neutral glycolipid fraction from mouse-propagated,Schistosoma mansoniadult worms has been investigated as to its chromatographic and antigenic properties, and whether it fulfills the serodiagnostic antigen requirements of sensitivity and specificity in the detection of schistosomiasis. Serological analyses were performed by thin-layer chromatography immunostaining and ELISA. In the acute-phase form of mouse schistosomiasis, the kinetics of development of neutral glycolipid-specific antibody levels was correlated with the intensity of the initial infection and the response was dominated by IgG, as represented by the subclass IgG1. With the experimental animal helminthiases screened, glycolipid antigenicity fulfilled the fundamental traits for a serodiagnostic reagent. In the chronic-phase form of human schistosomiasis mansoni, neutral glycolipid-specific antibody levels were not correlated with the intensity of infection, as estimated from the faecal content of parasite eggs, whilst the isotypic response was dominated by IgM and IgG, the latter represented primarily by IgG1 and secondarily by IgG3. With other human helminthiases, glycolipid antigenicity was incomplete, in that, the specificity was only partially fulfilled. The reason for this incomplete specificity has been clarified, in part, by the detection of cryptic schistosomiasis infections in the cohorts of African patient sera examined.

Bei 240 Verstorbenen beiderlei Geschlechts im Alter von 19–88 Jahren wurde nach Ausschlus klinisch manifester Knochenerkrankungen die Struktur der Spongiosa und die ausere Form des 3. und 5. Lendenwirbelkorpers (LWK) in Abhangigkeit von Lebensalter und Mechanik quantitativ-morphometrisch untersucht. Die Auswertung erfolgte an Rontgenbildern 100 μ dicker Knochengrosflachenschliffe mit Hilfe des Leitz-Textur-Analyse-Systems. Die Struktur der Querschnittsflache der Wirbelkorper wurde einerseits insgesamt, andererseits nach Unterteilung in gleich grose, horizontale Rechtecke jeweils in Funfteln analysiert. Die ausere Form wurde durch die Messung der jeweils grosten und kleinsten Hohe bzw. Breite sowie den daraus berechneten Differenzen dieser Hohen und Breiten erfast.

Metoclopramide, a dopaminergic antagonist, has consistently elevated plasma aldosterone levels in vivo. To determine whether this was a direct action of metoclopramide on adrenal steroidogenesis, we examined the response of collagenase-dispersed rat adrenal glomerulosa cells to metoclopramide in vitro. The effect of increasing concentrations of metoclopramide (3 X 10(-10) to 3 X 10(-4) M) on basal as well as angiotensin II (2.4 X 10(-10) to 2.4 X 10(-8) M)-, ACTH (3.5 X 10(-11) M)- and potassium (5.9 meq/liter)-stimulated aldosterone production was evaluated. Metoclopramide caused a dose-related decrease in basal and stimulated aldosterone production (P less than 0.01). In addition, metoclopramide also blocked basal and stimulated corticosterone production (P less than 0.01). This was not due to an irreversible toxic effect, since glomerulosa cells preincubated with 3 X 10(-4) M metoclopramide excluded trypan blue dye and responded to ACTH stimulation. Sodium metabisulfite, an antioxidant present in the metoclopramide preparation, did not contribute to the metoclopramide effect. These results indicate that metoclopramide is an aldosterone antagonist in vitro, contrary to reported data obtained in vivo. Thus, metoclopramide may be a partial dopaminergic agonist: in vitro where dopamine levels are negligible, it is an agonist, whereas in vivo where dopamine concentrations are greater, it is an antagonist.

A sulfated, proline-rich glycoprotein (gpCDI, apparent molecular weight 200,000 in column chromatography and 150,000 in SDS-PAGE) was isolated from cultured renal collecting duct epithelium by centrifugation, Triton X100 extraction and DEAE-cellulose ion exchange chromatography. A DEAE-cellulose ion exchange chromatography fraction with the enriched gpCDI was used for immunization of guinea pigs. The antiserum was prepared for antigen localization by indirect immunofluorescence in collecting duct cell cultures and in tissue sections of neonatal and adult rabbit kidneys. In the cultured collecting duct epithelium, antibody staining of the epithelium and structures of the extracellular matrix was age dependent. Cultures of dedifferentiated collecting duct monolayers revealed positive reaction in the cytoplasm. In neonatal and adult rabbit kidneys, the antibody was localized in the entire collecting duct system but not in the collecting duct ampullae of the newborn kidney. Staining of the cytoplasm was found only in medullary collecting ducts of the neonatal kidney; other portions revealed staining mostly at the basal circumference of the tubule and at the luminal cell borders. Apart from collecting ducts, no other tubular segments were reactive. The cortical and the medullary interstitium contained fluorescent fibres which were concentrated around vascular structures. A possible relation between gpCDI and collagenous compounds is discussed. Bowman's capsule reacted positively, whereas staining of the mesangial matrix was weak. The localization of the antigen, as revealed by indirect immunofluorescence, suggests that gpCDI occurs both in intracellular and extracellular (interstitial) location. Two main points are emphasized: Firstly, gpCDI is considered an important constituent in different stages of collecting duct development, and secondly, the staining pattern of the antibody varies with the different portions of both young and adult kidney collecting ducts; this staining heterogeneity may correspond with the known regional differences of collecting duct functions.

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate whether quality of life (QoL), as measured by the SF36 and the Quality of Life Interview (QoLI), is predictive of relapse for patients with schizophrenia. Methods Using data from a multicenter cohort study conducted in France, Germany, and the United-Kingdom (EuroSC), we performed Cox proportional-hazards models to estimate the associations between QoL at baseline and the occurrence of relapse over a 24-month period, with adjustment for age; gender; positive, negative and general psychopathology PANSS factors; functioning (GAF); medication; side-effects; and compliance measures. Results Our sample consisted of 1,024 patients; 540 (53%) had at least one period of relapse, and 484 (47%) had no relapse. QoL levels were the most important features predicting relapse. We found that a higher level of QoL predicts a lower rate of relapse at 24 months: HR = 0.82 (0.74; 0.91), p Conclusions QoL, as assessed by the SF36, is an independent predictor of relapse at a 24-month follow-up in schizophrenia. This finding may have implications for future use of the QoL in psychiatry. Moreover, our findings may support the development and monitoring of complementary therapeutic approaches, such as ‘recovery-oriented’ combined with traditional mental health cares to prevent relapse.