Mouse Model for Pancreas Transplantation Using a Modified Cuff Technique.

Mouse models have several advantages in transplantation research, including easy handling, a variety of genetically well-defined strains, and the availability of the widest range of molecular probes and reagents to perform in vivo as well as in vitro studies. Based on our experience with various murine transplantation models, we developed a heterotopic pancreas transplantation model in mice with the intent to analyze mechanisms underlying severe ischemia reperfusion injury-associated early graft damage. In contrast to previously described techniques using suture techniques, herein we describe a new procedure using a non-suture cuff technique. In recent years, we have performed more than 300 pancreas transplantations in mice with an overall success rate of >90%, a success rate never described before in mouse pancreas transplantation. The backbone of this non-suture cuff technique for graft revascularization consists of two major steps: (I) pulling the recipient vessel over a polyethylene/polyamide cuff and fixing it with a circumferential ligature, and (II) placing the donor vessel over the everted recipient vessel and fixing it with a second circumferential ligature. The resultant continuity of the endothelial layer results in less thrombogenic lesions with high patency rates and, finally, high success rates. In this model, arterial anastomosis is achieved by pulling the abdominal aorta of the donor graft over the everted common carotid artery of the recipient animal. Venous drainage of the graft is achieved by pulling the portal vein of the graft over the everted external jugular vein of the recipient. This manuscript provides details and crucial steps of the organ recovery and organ implantation procedures, which will allow researchers with microsurgical skills to perform the transplantation successfully in their laboratories.

Optical feedback-enhanced photon entanglement from a biexciton cascade.

In a solid-state platform for quantum information science, the biexciton cascade is an important source of entangled photons. However, the entanglement is usually reduced considerably by the fine-structure splitting of the exciton levels. We show how to counteract this loss of entanglement by applying optical feedback. Substantial control and enhancement of photon entanglement can be achieved by coherently feeding back a part of the emitted signal, e.g., by a mirror, and by tuning the feedback phase and delay time. We present full quantum-mechanical calculations, which include the external photon mode continuum, and discuss the mechanisms leading to the above effects.

Tailoring magnetic dipole emission with plasmonic split-ring resonators.

We numerically explore the emission behavior of magnetic dipole emitters located next to resonant plasmonic split-ring resonators (SRRs), which are well known for their large magnetic moment at their fundamental resonance in the near infrared. Our results are compared to the situation for electric dipole emitters, where the SRR can be described by solely its electric dipole moment. We show that a similar approach in the case of magnetic dipole emitters is not sufficient, as the symmetry breaking due to the gap has to be taken into account. We demonstrate how retardation between the emitter and the SRR can be used as an additional degree of freedom to manipulate the emission spectrum. Our concept will pave the road towards efficient plasmonic antennas for magnetic dipole emitters.

Large-area 3D chiral plasmonic structures.

We manufacture large-area plasmonic structures featuring 3-dimensional chirality by colloidal nanohole lithography. By varying the polar rotating speed of the samples during gold evaporation, we can fabricate spiral-type ramp nanostructures. The optical properties show chiroptical resonances in the 100 to 400 THz frequency region (750 to 3000 nm), with circular dichroism values of up to 13%. Our method offers a simple low-cost manufacturing method of cm(2)-sized chiral plasmonic templates for chiroptical applications such as stereochemical enantiomer sensors.

Diagnosis and treatment of arthrosis of cervical articular facet joints in Scottish Deerhounds: 9 cases (1998-2002).

OBJECTIVE: To determine diagnostic features and efficacy of treatment of arthrosis of the cervical articular facet joints between C2 and C3 in Scottish Deerhounds. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 9 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records of affected dogs were reviewed. Diagnosis was confirmed by results of clinical examination (signs of severe pain from unilateral or bilateral flexion of the cervical vertebral column), radiography, myelography, and computed tomography. Treatment consisted of fluoroscopy-guided intra-articular injection of corticosteroids and lidocaine. RESULTS: Unilateral or bilateral arthrosis of the cervical facet joints between C2 and C3 was detected in all dogs. In 7 dogs, signs of pain were elicited by flexion of the side of the neck in which affected joints were detected radiographically. Two dogs had signs of pain during right lateral flexion, although bilateral lesions were detected. Five dogs had unilateral lesions, and 4 dogs had bilateral lesions; sclerosis and hypertrophy of the articular process were common. Two dogs had bridging of the articular space. Use of computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis. Myelography did not reveal abnormalities of the spinal cord or canal. After treatment, 8 dogs had rapid marked improvement of clinical signs, and 7 dogs remained free of clinical signs for > 4 months. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Arthrosis of the cervical facet joints in Scottish Deerhounds is a severely painful condition for which conventional radiography is a useful screening test. Intra-articular administration of corticosteroids and anesthetic is efficacious, long-lasting, and minimally invasive.

[Hypofractionated radiation therapy for the treatment of malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma in dogs and cats]. / Die hypofraktionierte Strahlentherapie zur Behandlung des malignen Melanoms und des Plattenepithelkarzinoms von Hund und Katze.

This study describes the experience with hypofractionated radiation therapy of squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma in dogs and cats. A total dose of 32-48 Gray (Gy) was delivered once a week in 8 Gy fractions. 34 animals in which a complete surgical excision was impossible were treated. There was no tumor detectable macroscopically in 14 patients at the beginning of radiation therapy. In 20 animals the median volume of the tumor was 9.9 cm3. The median survival times and the local tumor control of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral and nasal cavities and of the body are comparable to results which were reached with a Monday-Wednesday-Friday scheme. For the treatment of Melanoma the hypofractionated radiation therapy is first choice. There are no significant side effects. Late side effects did not occur. 88% of the owners are satisfied with this kind of treatment and would choose it again.

[10 years experience with denervation of the hip joint capsule for treatment of canine hip joint dysplasia and arthrosis]. / 10 Jahre Erfahrung mit der Denervation der Hüftgelenkkapsel zur Therapie der Hüftgelenkdysplasie und -arthrose des Hundes.

Denervation of the canine hip joint capsule is described as a surgical therapy method in the treatment of canine hip joint dysplasia and arthrosis. The goal of this operation is a removal of the pain immediately and a reactivation of the dynamic active component of the hip joint in moving the body forward. Simple removal of the periosteum of the craniolateral acetabulum edge destroys the rami articulares of the cranial glutaeal nerve and the rami articulares dorsalis of the sciatic nerve. Within 10 years now we performed the denervation of the canine hip joint capsule. Evaluation of the post operative clinical course in 269 cases revealed an impressive improvement of lameness due to pain relief in almost 92% of the cases.