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During angiogenesis, anastomosing capillary sprouts align to form complex three-dimensional networks of new blood vessels. Using an endothelial cell spheroid model that was developed to study endothelial cell differentiation processes, we have devised a novel collagen gel-based three-dimensional in vitro angiogenesis assay. In this assay, cell number-defined, gel-embedded endothelial cell spheroids act as a cellular delivery device, which serves as a focal starting point for the sprouting of lumenized capillary-like structures that can be induced to form complex anastomosing networks. Formation of capillary anastomoses is associated with tensional remodeling of the collagen matrix and directional sprouting of outgrowing capillaries towards each other. To analyze whether directional sprouting is dependent on cytokine gradients or on endothelial cell-derived tractional forces transduced through the extracellular matrix, we designed a matrix tension generator that enables the application of defined tensional forces on the extracellular matrix. Using this matrix tension generator, causal evidence is presented that tensional forces on a fibrillar extracellular matrix such as type I collagen, but not fibrin, are sufficient to guide directional outgrowth of endothelial cells. RGD peptides but not control RAD peptides disrupted the integrity of sprouting capillary-like structures and induced detachment of outgrowing endothelial cells cultured on top of collagen gels, but did not inhibit primary outgrowth of endothelial cells. The data establish the endothelial cell spheroid-based three-dimensional angiogenesis technique as a standardized, highly reproducible quantitative assay for in vitro angiogenesis studies and demonstrate that integrin-dependent matrix tensional forces control directional capillary sprouting and network formation.

It will be admitted that a cure of retrodeviations of the uterus is seldom, if ever, accomplished by the ordinary methods of treatment and that they demand more careful consideration than is usually accorded them. The routine plan of inserting a pessary and dismissing the case from further attention is an error, unfortunately, too often committed. The pessary can only be regarded as a splint which is serviceable as an aid to other measures in bringing about the desired result, but nothing more and will accomplish very little unaided. It may be true that all such displacements of the uterus do not require surgical intervention for their cure, but when structural changes have taken place in the walls of the organ nothing else will yield a prompt and satisfactory result. A pessary might be worn throughout the lifetime of these patients and even if it maintained the uterus in a

Prolapse of the kidney may cause or maintain disease of the female pelvic organs by interfering with the return circulation from the pelvis and producing pelvic congestion. This may be brought about chiefly in two ways:The renal artery being less yielding than the other structures constituting the renal pedicle, dragging upon it by the kidney crowds the aorta over against the vena cava and distorts that great channel of return circulation when it is the right kidney that is prolapsed.When the displaced kidney reaches a certain point in its descent it is situated immediately in front of the ovarian vein as it ascends to empty into the vena cava just below the renal vein on the right or into the left renal vein on the left side. Hence, pressure backward upon the kidney, as from corsets, or clothing at the waist, or from accumulation of gas or feces

That so many modifications of this operation have been made since it was originally attempted by Hahn in 1881 is the best evidence of the necessity of correcting prolapse of the kidney by permanent fixation, despite the opposition to operative interference in some quarters by those who favor belts and corsets. It suggests also the possible inefficiency of many of these procedures. Almost every well-known surgeon has some special technic of his own, but few of them have many followers. It is my purpose in submitting here a technic of my own, which I have employed now for nearly three years and have found uniformly successful, to point out some of the causes of failure with this operation and show how it may be made successful and satisfactory.The inadequacy of belts or corsets or any other form of external support when the kidney has descended below the border of the

For some years past the surgical tendency of the gynecologist has completely overshadowed the rational treatment of diseases of the uterine appendages, and may be regarded as a confession of inability to cure; for it can no more be claimed that ablation of organs so important to the female economy is a cure of the morbid process, than amputation of a limb is a cure of the injured or diseased member.General surgery has passed this stage of wholesale sacrifice of useful members, and to-day the saving of an injured limb is more creditable to the surgeon than a skillfully performed amputation. Gynecology must soon pass this stage also, for the limit of extreme pelvic surgery has been reached and the sad plight of the woman (?) who has survived the removal of her ovaries, tubes and uterus is beginning to be realized. I venture to predict that the gynecologist who

Zusammenfassung An 27 Patienten aus einem chronischen Hämodialyse-Programm wurden Zusammenhänge zwischen der Beeinflußbarkeit einer renoparenchymalen Hypertonie und der Aktivität und Reagibilität des Renin-Angiotensin-Systems untersucht. Eine starke Stimulation der Renin-Sekretion stellen unter normalen Umständen eine durch Hämodialyse bedingte isotone Dehydratation mit Plasmavolumenverminderung und eine orthostatische Belastung dar. Unter den Patienten mit chronischer Nephropathie fand sich eine erhaltene Reagibilität des Renin-Angiotensin-Systems nur dann, wenn eine schwer beherrschbare Hypertension vorlag. Die Resultate stützen die Beobachtung, daß es unter Hämodialyse zur Entstehung ciner Hypertonie oder Acceleration eines bereits vorliegenden Hochdruckleidens kommen kann und weisen auf eine Betciligung des Renin-Angiotensin-Systems an diesem Geschehen hin.

An accurate prediction of final pathological stage is essential for proper patient selection to determine who will experience maximum benefit from radical prostatectomy. In this context, the Partin tables represent one of the most widely used statistical prediction tools.

It is my purpose to submit to my colleagues, both in gynecological and general practice, some of the fruits of my observations and to suggest some improvements in technique, the outcome of personal experience, which will, I hope, prove useful. Progressive men are ever ready to improve their methods, hence suggestions are always acceptable. We may all learn something from each other; some detail that one may lose sight of may be suggested by another's methods. The general practitioner often does excellent work in our line, and we may gain some points from him. I shall hope, therefore, to have a full discussion of the subject from that side of the house also.It is easy enough to be clean in every-day gynecological work. It is either a matter of taste or habit. Yet, you know very well, cleanliness is one of those good habits for which some never acquire

Zusammenfassung: Die Wirkung von Coffein und Theophyllin auf den Strmungswiderstand und das Autoregulationsverhalten der Nierengefe wurde am Prparat der isolierten, knstlich perfundierten Rattenniere untersucht. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen: