A dynamic distention protocol for whole-organ bladder decellularization: histological and biomechanical characterization of the acellular matrix.

A combined physical-chemical protocol for whole full-thickness bladder decellularization is proposed, based on organ cyclic distention through repeated infusion/withdrawal of the decellularization agents through the urethra. The dynamic decellularization was intended to enhance cell removal efficiency, facilitating the delivery of detergents within the inner layers of the tissue and the removal of cell debris. The use of mild chemical detergents (hypotonic solution and non-ionic detergent) was employed to limit adverse effects upon matrix 3D ultrastructure. Inspection of the presence of residual DNA and RNA was carried out on decellularized matrices to verify effective cell removal. Histological investigation was focused on assessing the retention of adequate structural and functional components that regulate the biomechanical behaviour of the acellular tissue. Biomechanical properties were evaluated through uniaxial tensile loading tests of tissue strips and through ex vivo filling cystometry to evaluate the whole-organ mechanical response to a physiological-like loading state. According to our results, a dynamic decellularization protocol of 17 h duration with a 5 ml/min detergent infusion flow rate revealed higher DNA removal efficiency than standard static decellularization, resulting in residual DNA content < 50 ng/mg dry tissue weight. Furthermore, the collagen network and elastic fibres distribution were preserved in the acellular ECM, which exhibited suitable biomechanical properties in the perspective of its future use as an implant for bladder augmentation.

Surgical management of canine refractory retrobulbar abscesses: six cases.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical presentation, surgical treatment and outcomes of dogs with retrobulbar abscesses refractory to intra-oral lancing and antibiotics. METHODS: Medical records from January 2006 through September 2014 were reviewed and dogs with retrobulbar abscesses failing treatment with antibiotics and intra-oral lancing were included. Clinicopathologic, imaging and surgical details were extracted from the medical records. Referring veterinarians and owners were interviewed via telephone for follow-up data. RESULTS: A total of six dogs were included in the study. The most common clinical signs were pain upon opening of the mouth, exophthalmos and prolapsed nictitans. Computed tomography was performed in five dogs, ultrasound in four and magnetic resonance imaging in one. Imaging identified an abscess in all dogs, with a suspected foreign body in four dogs. Surgical approach was a modified lateral orbitotomy in five dogs. No foreign body was identified during surgery in all dog. All dogs surviving to discharge did not have recurrence of clinical signs (follow-up time range: 27 to 95 months). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dogs with retrobulbar abscesses refractory to standard therapy can experience long-term resolution of clinical signs with surgical treatment, most commonly via a modified lateral orbitotomy.

Steroids as part of combination treatment: the future for the management of macular edema?

Diabetic macular edema (DME), defined as a retinal thickening involving or approaching the center of the macula, plays a major role in vision loss related to diabetic retinopathy. This article presents an in-depth analysis of therapeutic perspectives on DME by means of an approach based on combination therapy with steroids. Corticosteroid drugs have been demonstrated to both inhibit the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the VEGF gene, and to have antiinflammatory properties. A treatment algorithm is provided regarding the management of DME. While grid laser photocoagulation remains the first-line therapy for focal vasogenic DME, diffuse DME can be effectively treated by means of intravitreal injections of corticosteroids. Recalcitrant DME can also be managed beneficially with intravitreal steroids. The management of DME is complex, and often multiple treatment approaches are needed. Each form of DME should be properly classified and specifically treated. The combination treatment has still an important role in the combined treatment options for DME.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) in retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP).

PURPOSE: To verify the utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for diagnosing retinal angiomatous proliferations (RAP) in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Multiple cross-sections were taken with OCT from 41 eyes of 39 consecutive patients with AMD and RAP. The presence and the location of the angiomatous complexes had already been documented by fluorescein angiography (FA) and high-speed confocal indocyanine green videoangiography (ICGA). RESULTS: RAP was detectable by OCT scans in all 41 eyes, appearing as a focal hyper-reflecting area in the neuroretinal layers; it was frequently located close to the inner surface of the retinal pigment epithelium (29 eyes [70.7%]). All eyes had either no or only a low-reflecting OCT signal surrounding the RAP, caused by serous intraretinal edema. Only 13 eyes (31.7%), however, had large serous retinal detachment (SRD). OCT detected pigment epithelium detachment in 31 eyes (75.6%), but none had underlying choroidal neovascularization. CONCLUSIONS: OCT findings confirm the intraretinal localization of the RAP which are always associated with impressive exudative phenomena. OCT is therefore a useful diagnostic tool, adding information to FA and high-speed ICGA. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2002; 12: 467-72).

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiomatous prolifieration (RAP) in retinal.

PURPOSE: To verify the utility of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for diagnosing retinal angiomatous proliferations (RAP) in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Multiple cross-sections were taken with OCT from 41 eyes of 39 consecutive patients with AMD and RAP. The presence and the location of the angiomatous complexes had already been documented by fluorescein angiography (FA) and high-speed confocal indocyanine green videoangiography (ICGA). RESULTS: RAP was detectable by OCT scans in all 41 eyes, appearing as a focal hyper-reflecting area in the neuroretinal layers; it was frequently located close to the inner surface of the retinal pigment epithelium (29 eyes [70. 7%]). All eyes had either no or only a low-reflecting OCTsignal surrounding the RAP, caused by serous intraretinal edema. Only 13 eyes (31.7%), however, had large serous retinal detachment (SRD). OCT detected pigment epithelium detachment in 31 eyes (75.6%), but none had underlying choroidal neovascularization. CONCLUSIONS: OCT findings confirm the intraretinal localization of the RAP which are always associated with impressive exudative phenomena. OCT is therefore a useful diagnostic tool, adding information to FA and high-speed ICGA.