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Esophageal epithelium generation, survivability of EEC on BMM-coated scaffolds, and engineering of unidirectional smooth muscle strands were successful in vitro. The hybrid approach of assembling individual tissue components in vitro using BMM-coated scaffolds and later amalgamating them to form composite tissue holds promises in the tissue engineering of complex organ systems.

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Vocal fold (VF) fibroblasts are the central subject of interest in fibrogenesis and wound healing after VF injury. Scar fibroblasts (SF) exhibit an aberrant production of several extracellular matrix (ECM) components which lead either to VF fibrosis or scarless wound healing. This study aimed to investigate the role of age at the time of injury on ECM production of SF. This is designed as an animal study. VF injury was established unilaterally in eight male Sprague-Dawley rats [3 months of age (n = 4), 11 months of age (n = 4)], while the other side was left intact. Three months after injury the larynges were excised and fibroblasts were extracted from VF [normal fibroblasts (NF)–scar fibroblasts (SF)] and cultured in vitro. After first passage, VF fibroblasts were plated in 24-well plates and levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen type I were determined enzymatically from supernatant after 24 and 72 h. Cultured SF from younger animals produced significantly higher levels of HA compared to NF fibroblasts from the same animals. HA concentrations of the older animals did not differ significantly between the NF and SF cultures, but the range in SF cultures was large. In contrast to previous studies, we found that even 3 months after VF injury cultured SF from young animals expressed higher levels of HA in comparison to SF from older animals. No difference in collagen levels were observed between the younger and older animals. Age of animals is an essential factor during VF healing and has to be considered for study design.

European Journal of Trauma Ab stractPurpose: This study analyzes the results of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of the lower extremity in children and possible complications of this method. Patients and Methods: The data of 47 pediatric patients (38 male, nine female, mean age 9.8 years, range 1-16 years) treated from 2001 to 2003 with ESIN of the lower leg at the and Regensburg, Germany, were reviewed. Children with isolated tibia fractures as well as children with fractures of tibia and fibula were included. In all children the implants were inserted antegrade followed by cast-free mobilization. Results: The majority (77%) of the children were operated on within 1 day after trauma. Mean duration of surgery was 58 min (range 20-140 min), mean hospital stay 8.9 days (range 2-20 days). Full weight bearing was achieved within 12 up to 87 days (mean 46 days) after trauma. Implants were removed after radiologically proven fracture consolidation (mean 188 days after implantation). Trauma-related complications (n = 7; 15%) were compartment syndrome necessitating fasciotomy in four patients; osteomyelitis, peroneus paresis and refracture were reported in one child each. Surgical complications were present in four children (9%): pseudarthrosis (inadequate implants), wound infection at the implantation site, implant dislocation (unstable fixation) and fracture dislocation (distal fracture) occurred in one child each. Finally, all fractures healed in good alignment. Conclusion: High-energy trauma of the lower leg is associated with a significant rate of trauma-related complications. Compliance with guidelines for indication and technique may prevent surgical complications.