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Cell-based therapy is considered a novel and potentially new strategy in regenerative medicine. But the efficacy of cell-based therapy has been limited by the poor survival of the transplanted cells in an ischaemic environment. The goal of the present study is to present a possibility to increase survival of the transplanted cardiomyocytes, by increasing the vascularization of the infarcted area. First, we injected endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to augment the vascular density in infarcted areas and to improve the benefit of a subsequent Tx of foetal cardiomyocytes. Serial echocardiography indeed showed significant improvement of the left ventricular function after application of EPC and a significant additive improvement after Tx of foetal cardiomyocytes. In contrast, repetitive EPC transplantation as a control group did not show an additional improvement after the second transplantation. Histologically, cells could be readily detected after Tx by BrdU-staining for EPC and by carboxy-fluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-staining for foetal cardiomyocytes. Staining for CD31 revealed a significant increase in vessel density in the infarction area compared with medium controls, possibly contributing to the benefit of transplanted foetal cardiomyocytes. Notably, a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells was observed in cell-transplanted hearts accompanied by an increase in proliferation, collagen content and neutrophil infiltration, suggesting an active remodelling concomitant with sustained inflammatory processes. In conclusion, repetitive Tx of different cell types after myocardial infarction in rat hearts significantly improved left ventricular function and could represent a feasible option to enhance the benefit of cell therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Thanks to its high primary stability, the concept of threaded cups has gained wide acceptance. The aim of this study is to report the long-term results of the Wagner conical screw cup. Between January 1993 and December 1994, 212 conical screw cup were implanted; 118 implants were clinically and radiographically followed up after a mean of 12.1 years. The Merle d’Aubigné score improved from a preoperative mean of 8.8 to 16.6 postoperatively. Four revisions were performed for heterotopic ossification. Three revisions were done to treat deep infection. Two isolated cup revisions and three more complete total hip joint revisions were required due to aseptic loosening. The overall survival rate at 12 years in this study was 93.2% (110/118); for aseptic loosening alone it was 95.8% (113/118). The Wagner conical screw cup by yields very good long-term results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]