Handlebar hernias are very rare and arise following a sudden force from a handle-like object impacting a focal area of the abdomen, which results in a disruption of the underlying abdominal muscle and fascia w...
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Πέμπτη 30 Μαρτίου 2017
Motorbike-handlebar hernia - a rare traumatic abdominal wall hernia: a case report and review of the literature
Prognostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with cutaneous angiosarcoma: A retrospective study of 18 cases
Abstract
Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma with rapid growth and poor prognosis. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 18 patients with CAS who underwent 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) at the initial visit to the Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Hospital from September 2006 to March 2016. In the univariate survival analysis, patients with high standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the primary tumor showed significantly poorer prognosis than those with low SUVmax. Early assessment of prognosis using PET/CT may predict patient survival and is useful in the selection of therapeutic strategies.
http://ift.tt/2oFBEMJ
Serum levels of genomic DNA of α1(I) collagen are elevated in scleroderma patients
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that various nucleic acids are present in human sera, and attracted attention for their potential as novel disease markers in many human diseases. In this study, we tried to evaluate the possibility that DNA and RNA of collagens exist in human sera, and determined whether their serum levels can be useful biomarkers in scleroderma patients. The RNA or DNA of collagens were purified from sera, and detected by polymerase chain reaction or quantitated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Among approximately 18 360 bases of full-length α1(I) collagen DNA, various regions were detected by polymerase chain reaction in human sera. However, α2(I) collagen DNA, α1(I) collagen RNA or α2(I) collagen RNA were not detectable. α1(I) Collagen DNA in sera was quantitative using our method. The levels of serum α1(I) collagen DNA were significantly increased in scleroderma patients compared with healthy control subjects or systemic lupus erythematosus patients. According to the receiver–operator curve analysis, serum α1(I) collagen DNA levels were shown to be effective as a diagnostic marker of scleroderma. Furthermore, when we determined the association of serum α1(I) collagen DNA levels with clinical/laboratory features in scleroderma patients, those with elevated α1(I) collagen DNA levels showed significantly higher prevalence of pitting scars/ulcers. In summary, elevation of serum α1(I) collagen DNA levels in scleroderma patients may be useful as the diagnostic marker, reflecting the presence of vasculopathy.
http://ift.tt/2nRoFdz
Impact of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α agents on serum levels of KL-6 and surfactant protein-D in patients with psoriasis
Abstract
We longitudinally examined the influence of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α treatment on serum levels of KL-6 and surfactant protein-D (SP-D). The study group comprised 22 patients with psoriasis treated with infliximab or adalimumab and with no history of interstitial lung disease (ILD). KL-6 and SP-D levels were measured in serum samples. Twelve of the 22 patients (55%) showed at least a 20% increase in KL-6 levels compared with baseline. Of these 12 patients, none exhibited any signs of ILD on chest computed tomography and nine who showed an increase in KL-6 levels (75%) showed at least a 20% increase in SP-D levels. Some patients showed simultaneous increases in KL-6 and SP-D levels after treatment with anti-TNF-α agents. Although these patients may have undetectable or subtle alveolar damage, careful observation is needed.
http://ift.tt/2nRnKKc
Understanding patient and physician perceptions of male androgenetic alopecia treatments in Asia–Pacific and Latin America
Abstract
This survey aimed to explore patient and physician attitudes towards male androgenetic alopecia (AGA), satisfaction with currently available male AGA treatments and investigate the factors affecting treatment choice. The survey was carried out in five countries (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Mexico and Brazil) between November and December 2015 using a standard market research methodology. Questionnaires were completed by patients with male AGA or hair loss/thinning and practicing physicians who were responsible for prescribing AGA treatment. In total, 835 patients and 338 physicians completed the questionnaire. Overall, 37.6% of patients reported satisfaction with the treatments they had used. The highest patient satisfaction was reported for 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (53.9% of patients satisfied). In all countries, physicians were more likely than patients to think that male AGA has a major impact on patient confidence (89.3% vs 70.4%, respectively). There was agreement by physicians and patients that male AGA patients who are involved in their treatment decisions have better outcomes. Patients who were satisfied with AGA treatments were more likely to have the level of involvement they desired in treatment decisions (69.1% of satisfied patients) than dissatisfied patients (56.4% of dissatisfied patients). This survey provides valuable insights into the attitudes of patients and physicians in Asia and Latin America about male AGA and its treatments. The survey identified areas of disconnect between physicians and patients regarding the impact of male AGA, treatment consultations and the importance of treatment attributes. It also highlights the need for physicians to spend sufficient time with patients discussing AGA treatment approaches.
http://ift.tt/2oFfJFp
Motorbike-handlebar hernia - a rare traumatic abdominal wall hernia: a case report and review of the literature
Handlebar hernias are very rare and arise following a sudden force from a handle-like object impacting a focal area of the abdomen, which results in a disruption of the underlying abdominal muscle and fascia w...
http://ift.tt/2ohLI2n
Binaural Interaction Effects of 30-50 Hz Auditory Steady State Responses.
http://ift.tt/2npDOji
Salvage Islet Auto Transplantation After Relaparatomy.
Background: To assess feasibility, safety and metabolic outcome of islet auto transplantation (IAT) in patients undergoing completion pancreatectomy because of sepsis or bleeding following pancreatic surgery. Methods: From November 2008 to October 2016, 22 patients were candidates to salvage IAT during emergency relaparotomy because of postpancreatectomy sepsis (n=11) or bleeding (n=11). Feasibility, efficacy, and safety of salvage IAT were compared to those documented in a cohort of 36 patients who were candidate to simultaneous IAT during nonemergency preemptive completion pancreatectomy through the pancreaticoduodenectomy. Results: The percentage of candidates that received the infusion of islets was significantly lower in salvage IAT than simultaneous IAT (59.1% vs 88.9%; p=0.008), mainly due to a higher rate of inadequate islet preparations. Even if microbial contamination of islet preparation was significantly higher in candidates to salvage IAT than in those to simultaneous IAT (78.9% vs 20%, p
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http://ift.tt/2mUAuk8
Is Auditory Synaptopathy a Result of Drug-Induced Hearing Loss?
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Marketing in Audiology: Multi-layered strategy needed to reach every stratum of patients
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Association of atopy phenotypes with new development of asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in school-aged children
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Author(s): Eun Lee, Si Hyeon Lee, Young-Ho Kim, Hyun-Ju Cho, Jisun Yoon, Song-I. Yang, Young-Ho Jung, Hyung Young Kim, Ju-Hee Seo, Ji-Won Kwon, Hyo-Bin Kim, So Yeon Lee, Ho-Jang Kwon, Soo-Jong Hong
BackgroundAlthough previous studies have investigated the association between atopy phenotypes and allergic diseases, atopy characterizations in association with the development of allergic diseases remain poorly understood.ObjectiveTo identify atopy phenotypes in school-age children and to evaluate the association between atopy phenotypes and allergic diseases.MethodsWe enrolled 616 children with atopy defined as 1 or more positive allergen responses on skin prick tests and 665 children without atopy from the Children's Health and Environmental Research (CHEER) study. All children were followed up for 4 years at 2-year intervals. Atopy phenotypes were classified using latent class analysis.ResultsFour atopy phenotypes were characterized: later sensitization to indoor allergens (cluster 1); multiple early sensitization (cluster 2); early sensitization to outdoor allergens, especially Alternaria, and later sensitization to indoor allergens, including Aspergillus (cluster 3); and early sensitization to indoor allergens and later sensitization to outdoor allergens (cluster 4). New cases of asthma during follow-up were increased in clusters 2 and 3 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.76 and 4.25, respectively). The risk of new-onset bronchial hyperresponsiveness was highest in cluster 3 (aOR, 5.03). Clusters 2 and 4 had an increased risk of allergic rhinitis (aOR, 7.21 and 2.37, respectively).ConclusionIdentification of atopy phenotypes facilitates prediction of the development of asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in school-age children. Our study suggests prevention of additional sensitization is required to modify the progression of allergic diseases.
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Hyper–immunoglobulin E-like syndrome in a patient with multiple genetic mutations
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Author(s): Ayobami T. Akenroye, Melissa Iammatteo, Gabriele S. de Vos
http://ift.tt/2nC90wC
Association between atopic manifestations and eosinophilic esophagitis
Publication date: Available online 30 March 2017
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Author(s): Jesús González-Cervera, Ángel Arias, Olga Redondo-González, María M. Cano-Mollinedo, Ingrid Terreehorst, Alfredo J. Lucendo
BackgroundEosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has repeatedly been associated with atopic manifestations, which are reported more frequently in these patients than in the general population.ObjectiveTo systematically assess the evidence and strength of the associations between EoE and atopy.MethodsWe performed a systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases for case-control studies comparing the frequency of atopic diatheses among patients with EoE and control subjects representing the general population without EoE. Using random-effects meta-analyses, we calculated summary estimates, including 95% confidence intervals (CIs), for bronchial asthma, atopic rhinitis, and eczema. Publication bias risks were assessed by means of funnel plot analysis and specific statistical tests.ResultsOf the 2,954 references identified, data were collected from 21 studies, including a total of 53,542 patients with EoE and 54,759 controls. The criteria for defining a diagnosis of atopy in patients with EoE or controls was not structurally considered in most of the studies. Overall, allergic rhinitis was significantly more common among patients with EoE compared with control subjects (odds ratio [OR], 5.09; 95% CI, 2.91–8.90; I2 = 86.7%) as were bronchial asthma (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.96–4.62; I2 = 84.5%) and eczema (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.87–4.34; I2 = 57.1%). Food allergies and other atopic conditions were also assessed. No significant publication bias was found for studies dealing with allergic rhinitis and eczema in EoE.ConclusionsDespite pointing to a significant association between atopy and EoE, most of the studies provided no normalized diagnostic criteria for atopy. Further research should provide clear and standardized definitions of such conditions.Trial http://ift.tt/2nC1Mc7 Trial Identifier: CRD42016036161.
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Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test for Children (CARATKids)
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Author(s): Rita Amaral, Ana C. Carneiro, Gustavo Wandalsen, João A. Fonseca, Dirceu Sole
BackgroundThe Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test for Children (CARATKids) assesses asthma and allergic rhinitis control in children younger than 12 years.ObjectiveTo validate the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CARATKids and to define the cutoff values for identifying uncontrolled disease.MethodsChildren aged 6 to 12 years with asthma and allergic rhinitis were studied (n = 102). CARATKids, childhood Asthma Control Test (cACT), total nasal symptom score (TNSS), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were obtained at baseline and after 4 to 6 weeks. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, responsiveness, and validity of the Brazilian CARATKids were assessed according to the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurements Instruments checklist. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was evaluated using distribution and anchor methods. Spearman correlations were used to compare CARATKids scores with external measures of control. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to establish cutoff values.ResultsFifty children completed both visits. The Cronbach α and intraclass correlation coefficient of CARATKids were 0.81 and 0.85, respectively. The Guyatt responsiveness index was −1.34, and within-patient change in clinically unstable patients (n = 31) was significant (P = .02). As for cross-sectional and longitudinal validity, correlation coefficients ranged from 0.58 to 0.77 (P < .001) and 0.30 to 0.57 (P < .05), respectively. The estimated MCID for CARATKids was 3. The optimal cutoffs (sensitivity and specificity) to exclude uncontrolled and controlled disease were 3 or less (97% and 67%) and 6 or greater (56% and 96%), respectively.ConclusionCARATKids is a reliable and valid tool to assess asthma and allergic rhinitis control in Brazilian children. A score of 6 or higher on CARATKids identifies uncontrolled disease, and a score of 3 or lower excludes poor disease control.
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Groundwater quality in Ghaziabad district, Uttar Pradesh, India: Multivariate and health risk assessment
Publication date: July 2017
Source:Chemosphere, Volume 179
Author(s): Mayuri Chabukdhara, Sanjay Kumar Gupta, Yatharth Kotecha, Arvind K. Nema
This study aimed to assess the quality of groundwater and potential health risk due to ingestion of heavy metals in the peri-urban and urban-industrial clusters of Ghaziabad district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Furthermore, the study aimed to evaluate heavy metals sources and their pollution level using multivariate analysis and fuzzy comprehensive assessment (FCA), respectively. Multivariate analysis using principle component analysis (PCA) showed mixed origin for Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe, and Ni, natural source for Cu and Mn and anthropogenic source for Cr. Among all the metals, Pb, Cd, Fe and Ni were above the safe limits of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and World Health Organization (WHO) except Ni. Health risk in terms of hazard quotient (HQ) showed that the HQ values for children were higher than the safe level (HQ = 1) for Pb (2.4) and Cd (2.1) in pre-monsoon while in post-monsoon the value exceeded only for Pb (HQ = 1.23). The health risks of heavy metals for the adults were well within safe limits. The finding of this study indicates potential health risks to the children due to chronic exposure to contaminated groundwater in the region. Based on FCA, groundwater pollution could be categorized as quite high in the peri-urban region, and absolutely high in the urban region of Ghaziabad district. This study showed that different approaches are required for the integrated assessment of the groundwater pollution, and provides a scientific basis for the strategic future planning and comprehensive management.
Graphical abstract
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Improving light extraction in light-emitting diodes using zinc-tin-oxide layers
Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Volume 710
Author(s): T.G. Kim, D.S. Shin, K.-Y. Jung, A.N. Kadam, J. Park
In this study, we report on the synthesis and applications of zinc-tin-oxide (ZTO) as a light extraction layer for GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LED). The ZTO layers formed on top of an LED epi-structure with a variable Sn-ratio, which was deposited by the spin coating method. The transmission spectra of the ZTO layers with Zn to Sn ratios of 1:1 (ZTO-I) and 1:5 (ZTO-II) exhibited optical transmittances of 98% and 88% in the visible region, respectively. The electroluminescence (EL) and light power-current-voltage (L-I-V) measurements show that double ZTO layers consisting of various Zn to Sn ratios led to enhanced light extraction from blue LEDs. The improvement of light extraction in the LEDs can be attributed to the gradually reduced refractive index of the ZTO layers, which enlarges the photon escape cone and minimizes the Fresnel refraction loss at the interface between air and GaN.
http://ift.tt/2ohhk8h
Interfacial reactions in the Au/Sn-xZn/Cu sandwich couples
Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Volume 710
Author(s): Yee-Wen Yen, Chung-Yung Lin, Gita Novian Hermana, Pei-Yu Chen, Yi-Pin Wu
The interfacial reactions in the Au/Sn-Zn/Cu sandwich couples were investigated. The Sn-xZn/Cu couples were reflowed at 270 °C for 1 h and then clamped together over an Au foil. These Au/Sn-Zn/Cu sandwich couples were aged at 160 °C for various periods of time. The AuSn, AuSn2, and AuSn4 phases were formed at the Sn-1Zn/Au interface when the Au/Sn-1 wt% Zn/Cu sandwich couple was aged for 20 h, the Cu6Sn5 phase was also observed between Au-Sn intermetallic compounds (IMCs) and solder. This result revealed that Cu atoms rapidly diffused through the Sn-1Zn solder to form Cu-Zn IMC on the Au side. The Au-Sn IMCs, Au-Zn IMCs, and an Au-Sn-Zn ternary metastable phase were formed at the interface in the Sn-5Zn/Au and Sn-9 wt% Zn/Au couple. When Zn contents were more than 20 wt%, only the Au-Zn IMCs, AuZn, Au3Zn7, and AuZn3 phase were formed at the Sn-xZn/Au interface. On the Cu side, when the Sn-Zn/Cu couple was reflowed at 270 °C for 1 h, the result indicated that the (Cu, Zn)6Sn5, (Cu, Sn)Zn phases were found at the Sn-1 wt.% Zn/Cu interface, the Cu5Zn8 phase was found at the Sn-5Zn/Cu interface and the (Cu, Sn)5Zn8, (Cu, Sn)Zn5 phases were found at the Sn-xZn/Cu interfaces (x = 9, 20 and 40 wt%). After 1000-h aging, the CuZn and Cu6Sn5 phases were formed at the Sn-1Zn/Cu interface, and only the Cu5Zn8 phase was observed at the Sn-(5 to 40) wt% Zn/Cu interfaces. The results indicated that no Au-Cu ordered phases were observed at both Au and Cu sides, and IMC formation in the Au/(Sn-xZn)/Cu sandwich couple strongly depended on the Zn concentration effect in the Sn-xZn alloys.
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Trace elements in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded in mainland Portugal: Bioaccumulation and tissue distribution
Publication date: July 2017
Source:Chemosphere, Volume 179
Author(s): Lídia Nicolau, Sílvia S. Monteiro, Andreia T. Pereira, Ana Marçalo, Marisa Ferreira, Jordi Torres, José Vingada, Catarina Eira
Pollution is among the most significant threats that endanger sea turtles worldwide. Waters off the Portuguese mainland are acknowledged as important feeding grounds for juvenile loggerheads. However, there is no data on trace element concentrations in marine turtles occurring in these waters. We present the first assessment of trace element concentrations in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) occurring off the coast of mainland Portugal. Also, we compare our results with those from other areas and discuss parameters that may affect element concentrations. Trace element concentrations (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, Se, Zn) were determined in kidney, liver and muscle samples from 38 loggerheads stranded between 2011 and 2013. As was the only element with higher concentrations in muscle (14.78 μg g−1 ww) than in liver or kidney. Considering non-essential elements, Cd presented the highest concentrations in kidney (34.67 μg g−1) and liver (5.03 μg g−1). Only a weak positive link was found between renal Cd and turtle size. Inter-elemental correlations were observed in both liver and kidney tissues. Hepatic Hg values (0.30 ± 0.03 μg g−1) were higher than values reported in loggerheads in the Canary Islands but lower than in Mediterranean loggerheads. Cd concentrations in the present study were only exceeded by values found in turtles from the Pacific. Although many endogenous and exogenous parameters related with complex life cycle changes and wide geographic range may influence trace element accumulation, the concentrations of Cd are probably related to the importance of crustaceans in loggerhead diet in the Portuguese coast.
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Selective fluorescence sensors and photocatalysis of four new luminescent coordination complexes
Publication date: 5 August 2017
Source:Journal of Molecular Structure, Volume 1141
Author(s): Jun Wang, Chuan-Ti Li, Chao Bai, Huai-Ming Hu, Gang-Lin Xue
Four new complexes, [Cd(ox)0.5(nim)(2,2'-bipy)]n (1), [Cd(nim)2]n (2), [Cd(nim)2(H2O)2]n (3), and [Zn(nim)2(H2O)2]∙H2O (4) (Hnim = 4-nitroimidazolate, H2ox = oxalic acid and 2,2'-bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine) have been prepared. 1–3 exhibit 2D grid networks, while complex 4 shows mononuclear structure. The photoluminescent sensing of nitrobenzene indicates that the synthesized complexes 1 and 4 are potential candidates for detecting these nitroaromatic species. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activities of 1–4 were also discussed, in which exhibit efficient catalytic activity for the degradation of methylene violet (MV).
Graphical abstract
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A new application of anaerobic rotating biological contactor reactor for heavy metal removal under sulfate reducing condition
Publication date: 1 August 2017
Source:Chemical Engineering Journal, Volume 321
Author(s): M. Gopi Kiran, Kannan Pakshirajan, Gopal Das
This study evaluated the performance of a continuously operated laboratory scale anaerobic rotating biological contactor (An-RBC) reactor at 24h and 48h residence time (RT) for heavy metal removal from synthetic wastewater under sulfate reducing condition. A maximum removal of Cu(II) (97%) followed by Cd(II) (90%) and more than 77% removal in case of the other metals, viz Pb(II), Fe(III), Zn(II) and Ni(II) were obtained for a maximum inlet metal concentration in the range 50–175mg/L at 48h RT. Metal loading rates greater than 3.64mg/L·h in case of Cu(II) and 1.87mg/L·h, in case of Fe(III), Pb(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) are toxic and inhibitory to SRB activity and are therefore, detrimental to the performance of the An-RBC reactor. The metal removal values were slightly reduced at 24h RT and the heavy metal removal was in the order: Cu>Cd>Pb>Fe>Zn>Ni at both the RTs. Sulfate removal results further confirmed that the heavy metal removal is due to sulfide generation in the reactor system. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images clearly revealed the immobilized sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) onto the support material. Hence, this study demonstrated an excellent potential of the An-RBC reactor for treating metal containing wastewater even at high inlet concentration.
Graphical abstract
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Significantly enhancing back contact adhesion and improving stability of Cu2(Zn,Cd)Sn(S,Se)4 solar cell by a rational carbon doping strategy
Publication date: 5 July 2017
Source:Journal of Alloys and Compounds, Volume 710
Author(s): Lei Meng, Bin Yao, Yongfeng Li, Zhanhui Ding, Zhenyu Xiao, Kaisi Liu, Gang Wang
The back contact adhesion is the important factor of the microstructural performance which can determine the optoelectronic properties of the kesterite-based solar cells. Here, we present a rational and effective strategy to significantly enhance the back contact adhesion of Cu2(Zn,Cd)Sn(S,Se)4 (CZCTSSe) absorber layers by insetting the appropriate thickness carbon-doping CZCTS thin films. We chose the oleylamine as the carbon-doping reagent which can generate a small amount of carbon in the annealing process. The suitable thickness carbon-doping CZCTS films can significantly change the crystal growth mechanism of CZCTSSe absorber layers, and eliminate the holes in the back contact. The efficiency of CZCTSSe solar cells fabricated by insetting the appropriate thickness carbon-doping CZCTS films is above 7%, and shows the excellent repeatability and long-term air stability compared with the control devices.
Graphical abstract
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Zn–Mn alloy coatings from acidic chloride bath: Effect of deposition conditions on the Zn–Mn electrodeposition-morphological and structural characterization
Publication date: 15 July 2017
Source:Applied Surface Science, Volume 410
Author(s): N. Loukil, M. Feki
Zn–Mn alloy electrodeposition on steel electrode in chloride bath was investigated using cyclic voltammetric, chronopotentiometric and chronoamperometric techniques. Cyclic voltammetries (CV) reveal a deep understanding of electrochemical behaviors of each metal Zn, Mn, proton discharge and Zn–Mn co-deposition.The electrochemical results show that with increasing Mn2+ ions concentration in the electrolytic bath, Mn2+ reduction occurs at lower over-potential leading to an enhancement of Mn content into the Zn–Mn deposits. A dimensionless graph model was used to analyze the effect of Mn2+ ions concentration on Zn–Mn nucleation process. It was found that the nucleation process is not extremely affected by Mn2+ concentration. Nevertheless, it significantly depends on the applied potential.Several parameters such as Mn2+ ions concentration, current density and stirring were investigated with regard to the Mn content into the final Zn–Mn coatings. It was found that the Mn content increases with increasing the applied current density jimp and Mn2+ ions concentration in the electrolytic bath. However, stirring of the solution decreases the Mn content in the Zn–Mn coatings. The phase structure and surface morphology of Zn–Mn deposits are characterized by means of X-ray diffraction analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), respectively. The Zn–Mn deposited at low current density is tri-phasic and consisting of η-Zn, ζ-MnZn13 and hexagonal close packed ε-Zn–Mn. An increase in current density leads to a transition from crystalline to amorphous structure, arising from the hydroxide inclusions in the Zn–Mn coating at high current density.
Graphical abstract
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Comprehensive assessment of heavy metal pollution in topsoil of historical urban park on an example of the Planty Park in Krakow (Poland)
Publication date: July 2017
Source:Chemosphere, Volume 179
Author(s): Michał Gąsiorek, Joanna Kowalska, Ryszard Mazurek, Marek Pająk
The Historic Centre of Krakow is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and includes the Main Market Square, which is surrounded by the historical Planty Park. Soils in the Planty Park are an example of a green area in an urban environment that is particularly exposed to heavy metal-rich pollution. To assess the relative content of heavy metals and evaluate the sources of the contamination, pollution indices were used: Enrichment Factor (EF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Nemerow Pollution Index (PINemerow), Potential Ecological Risk (RI), and Contamination Security Index (CSI). Pollution indices were calculated on the base of both reference and local geochemical backgrounds. Sources of heavy metals in soils of Planty Park are related to its historic role as a metallurgy centre, as well as the more recent urban and industrial development of Krakow centre and neighbouring areas. It is concluded that increased accumulation of heavy metals is an effect of growing numbers of emission sources. The variation of each element may not unambiguously reflect the natural or anthropogenic effect on the Planty Park soil cover. In general, the present and historical emission of pollutants and heavy metal-rich contamination has led to a mixed origin of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Moreover, it can be assumed that the content of Cr and Ni is derived from natural sources. Furthermore, a comparison of the quality of the Planty Park topsoil with the heavy metal content assessment in other urban parks in the world has been presented.
Graphical abstract
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Metal(loid) speciation and size fractionation in sediment pore water depth profiles examined with a new meso profiling system
Publication date: July 2017
Source:Chemosphere, Volume 179
Author(s): Henning Schroeder, Anne-Lena Fabricius, Dennis Ecker, Thomas A. Ternes, Lars Duester
In an exemplary incubation study with an anaerobic sediment sampled at an oxbow of the river Lahn in Germany (50°18′56.87″N; 7°37′41.25″E) and contaminated by former mining activity, a novel meso profiling and sampling system (messy) is presented. Messy enables a low invasive, automated sampling of pore water profiles across the sediment water interface (SWI), down to ∼20 cm depth with a spacial resolution of 1 cm. In parallel to the pore water sampling it measures physicochemical sediment parameters such as redox potential and pH value. In an incubation experiment of 151 days the ability of the setup was proven to address several different aspects relevant for fresh water and marine sediment studies: (i) The influence of mechanical disturbance and oxygen induced acidification on the mobility of 13 metals and metalloids (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sb, U, V, Zn) was quantified based on 11 profiles. The analytes were quantified by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Three groups of elements were identified with respect to the release into the pore water and the overlying water under different experimental conditions. (ii) The capability to investigate the impacts of changing physicochemical sediment properties on arsenic and antimony (III/V) speciation is shown. (iii) An approach to obtain information on size fractionation effects and to address the colloidal pore water fractions (0.45 μm–16 μm) was successfully conducted for the elements Ag, As, Cu, Fe and Mn.
http://ift.tt/2nC2rKE
A New Technique for Conchal Cartilage Harvest.
| Related Articles |
A New Technique for Conchal Cartilage Harvest.
Arch Plast Surg. 2017 Mar;44(2):166-169
Authors: Kim JY, Yang HJ, Jeong JW
Abstract
The goal of auricular cartilage harvest is to obtain a sufficient amount for reconstruction and to minimize the change in ear shape. The cartilage can be harvested by a posterior or anterior approach, and each method has advantages and disadvantages. The posterior approach presents the advantage of scar concealment, but there are limits to the amount of cymba cartilage that may be harvested. In contrast, the anterior approach may cause a noticeable scar. However, as cartilage is collected, the anterior approach provides a view that facilitates the preservation ear structure. In addition, it is possible to obtain a greater amount of cartilage. From January 2014 to December 2015, we harvested auricular cartilage graft material in 17 patients. To prevent the development of trapdoor scars or linear scar contracture, short incisions were made on the superior border of the cymba and cavum. Two small and narrow incisions were made, resulting in suboptimal exposure of the surgical site, which heightens the potential for damaging the cartilage when using existing tools. To minimize this, the authors used a newly invented ball-type elevator. All patients recovered without complications after surgery and reported satisfaction with the shape of the ear.
PMID: 28352607 [PubMed]
http://ift.tt/2ofy8Mz
Is it really useful the Harmonic scalpel in axillary dissection for locally advanced breast cancer? A case series.
| Related Articles |
Is it really useful the Harmonic scalpel in axillary dissection for locally advanced breast cancer? A case series.
G Chir. 2016 Nov-Dec;37(6):262-265
Authors: Militello G, De Marco P, Falco N, Kabhuli K, Mascolino A, Licari L, Tutino R, Cocorullo G, Gulotta G
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The seroma is one of the most common complications in the axillary lymph nodal dissection (different surgical approaches have been tried to reduce the seroma incidence). In our study we evaluate the outcome of patients using or not the ultrasonic scalpel (Harmonic scalpel) according to a standardized surgical technique.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2011 to December 2015 120 patients underwent axillary dissection for breast cancer. Patients were divided in two groups: patients belonging to the first group underwent Harmonic scalpel dissection and patients belonging to the second group underwent classical dissection. Each group consisted of 60 patients. Quadrantectomy (QUAD) was performed in 54 patients, 66 women underwent mastectomy. In all patients axillary dissection included the I, II and III level. We compared two groups in terms of: time of surgery, hematoma, drainage volume, days of sealing drainage, seroma formation, number of post-seroma aspirations, upper limb lymphedema, wound infections, post-operative pain.
RESULTS: Statistically significant results were obtained in terms of the total volume of the breast and axillary drainage in the two techniques. There were no significant differences in the two samples in terms of operative time incidence of seroma, post-operative hematoma, wound infection, and lymphedema of the upper limb.
CONCLUSION: The small number of cases did not allow us to reach definitive conclusions. The use of Harmonic scalpel seems to show smaller incidence of seroma and reduction of the amount of both breast and axillary drainages. Further studies are needed to define the real advantage in terms of cost benefit of using these devices in the axillary surgery.
PMID: 28350973 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2onHZNt
27° CONGRESSO CHIRURGIA DELL'APPARATO DIGERENTE.
| Related Articles |
27° CONGRESSO CHIRURGIA DELL'APPARATO DIGERENTE.
G Chir. 2016 Nov-Dec;37(6):285
Authors: Di Matteo G
PMID: 28350979 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2onOBve
Unilateral Failure in Microvascular Bilateral Breast Reconstruction Salvaged by Flap Transfer to the Contralateral Breast.
| Related Articles |
Unilateral Failure in Microvascular Bilateral Breast Reconstruction Salvaged by Flap Transfer to the Contralateral Breast.
Arch Plast Surg. 2017 Mar;44(2):173-174
Authors: Saito T, Tomita K, Maeda D, Hosokawa K, Yano K
PMID: 28352609 [PubMed]
http://ift.tt/2onM6sW
"Exp Ther Med"[jour]; +67 new citations
67 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:
These pubmed results were generated on 2017/03/30
PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.
http://ift.tt/2ofyHGb
Topical hemostasis in laparoscopic surgery.
| Related Articles |
Topical hemostasis in laparoscopic surgery.
G Chir. 2016 Nov-Dec;37(6):266-270
Authors: Vecchio R, Catalano R, Basile F, Spataro C, Caputo M, Intagliata E
Abstract
A major goal during any surgical intervention is minimization of blood loss, which reduces the need for blood transfusion. In open surgery, the possibility for the surgeon to use the hands directly in contact with the bleeding tissues for hemostasis, makes mechanical methods, such as compression, ligatures or sutures, important to achieve proper hemostasis. In laparoscopic surgery, where the intervention is performed by means of small incisions through which the surgeon's hand cannot directly achieve the tissues, the problem of hemostasis is critical and needs more attention. Either in open or in laparoscopic surgery, significant bleeding during surgery is controlled through vessel ligation, suturing, and electrocautery. Topical hemostatic agents are useful adjuncts to surgical hemostasis for controlling non-specific bleeding. The introduction of different devices and topical agents has made possible to perform more complex interventions also in laparoscopy. The Authors discuss about the type, the field of application, the side effects of the hemostatic devices and of the topical hemostatic agents.
PMID: 28350974 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2onUf0H
An Innovative Scalp-Dyeing Technique with Gentian Violet Solution During Follicular Unit Extraction for White-Haired Follicular Units.
| Related Articles |
An Innovative Scalp-Dyeing Technique with Gentian Violet Solution During Follicular Unit Extraction for White-Haired Follicular Units.
Arch Plast Surg. 2017 Mar;44(2):170-172
Authors: Moon MS, Choi JP
Abstract
There exist some restrictions and difficulties in performing follicular unit extraction (FUE) in white-haired patients, for several reasons. In this paper, we introduce a novel technique for visualizing white hair during the punching procedure and graft preparation in FUE for white-haired patients. In white-haired older male patients, we dyed the surrounding scalp skin purple with a gentian violet solution-stained toothpick. Our method has several advantages: surgeons can easily focus on the center of the follicular unit and rapidly perform punching, they can recognize the condition of the harvested follicular units during FUE, and the hair transplant team can secure a clear view for trimming and loading into the implanter. We suggest that scalp dyeing in difficult FUE procedures, especially in patients with white hair, may be a simple method that provides a good visualization for donor site harvesting and for microdissection.
PMID: 28352608 [PubMed]
http://ift.tt/2onOyQ4
"Exp Ther Med"[jour]; +67 new citations
67 new pubmed citations were retrieved for your search. Click on the search hyperlink below to display the complete search results:
These pubmed results were generated on 2017/03/30
PubMed comprises more than millions of citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites.
http://ift.tt/2onvcdX
Prof. Antonio Petrassi.
| Related Articles |
Prof. Antonio Petrassi.
G Chir. 2016 Nov-Dec;37(6):286
Authors: Di Matteo G
PMID: 28350980 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2ofuan7
XIX CONGRESSO MULTIDISCIPLINARE - Ricerca Scientifica ed Innovazione Tecnologica Etica e Sostenibilità.
| Related Articles |
XIX CONGRESSO MULTIDISCIPLINARE - Ricerca Scientifica ed Innovazione Tecnologica Etica e Sostenibilità.
G Chir. 2016 Nov-Dec;37(6):284
Authors: Di Matteo G
PMID: 28350978 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2onOYWN
Small bowel obstruction caused by Anisakis and Meckel's diverticulum: a rare case.
| Related Articles |
Small bowel obstruction caused by Anisakis and Meckel's diverticulum: a rare case.
G Chir. 2016 Nov-Dec;37(6):281-283
Authors: Carbotta G, Laforgia R, Milella M, Sederino MG, Minafra M, Fortarezza F, Piscitelli D, Palasciano N
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Anisakiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the ingestion of raw fish contaminated by larval nematodes of Anisakis species. Intestinal or extraintestinal manifestations are rated to > 4% and >1% respectively.
PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 61-year old patient was admitted to our General Surgical and Emergency Unit because of sudden abdominal pain, vomit and constipation. He had eaten raw fish 3 days before admission. Laboratory data showed high levels of WBC and PCR. CT scanning showed "dilation of jejunum and ileum loops, thickening of the terminal ileum and cecum and signs of inflammation of the intestinal wall and mesentery". The following emergency surgical procedure was performed: laparotomy with evidence of obstruction of the small bowels, a giant Meckel's diverticulum, resection of terminal ileum and cecum and ileocolonic anastomosis. At the microscopic examination, the intestinal wall appeared occupied by a transmural inflammatory infiltrate, mainly eosinophilic, edema and nematode larvae, referable to Anisakis, surrounded by necrotic-inflammatory material. Moreover, there was evidence of giant a Meckel's diverticulum.
DISCUSSION: Normally, enteric anisakiasis exhibits leukocytosis with eosinophilia and high CRP levels. There are cases of successful medical treatment and other cases of endoscopic treatment avoiding surgical procedure. In our case, enteric Anisakias had not been taken into consideration at the moment of the operation and only histopathology could reveal Anisakis larvae inside the intestinal wall.
CONCLUSION: Our surgical approach is considered in literature as the best one for this clinical presentation. Those patients need to be better studied and more attention should be paid to their history.
PMID: 28350977 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2onCEpz
Neuroendocrine tumor of the common bile duct: case report.
| Related Articles |
Neuroendocrine tumor of the common bile duct: case report.
G Chir. 2016 Nov-Dec;37(6):275-280
Authors: Raspanti C, Falco N, Silvestri V, Rotolo G, Bonventre S, Gulotta G
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are a very heterogeneous group of neoplasms; in recent years we have seen an increase in their incidence (3.65 /100.000/year). They can be associated with hereditary endocrine syndromes (MEN, Von Hippel Lindau); they can occur at any age and the incidence is slightly higher in men than women. The aetiology of the neuroendocrine tumors is unclear; in most cases, inflammation of the bile ducts may be the underlying cause and for this reason, the initial patient's evaluation should be focused on the different aspects concerning the oncological one and the possible sequelae of the biliary obstructions that can evolve in biliary sepsis. All neuroendocrine tumors have malignant potential. The most frequent sites of extrahepatic biliary NETs are the common hepatic duct and the distal common bile duct (19.2%), followed by the middle of the common bile duct (17.9%), the cystic duct (16.7%), and the proximal common bile duct (11.5%). We can divide them into: well-differentiated and poorly differentiated. Considering the clinical features, neuroendocrine tumors can be divided into functional and non-functional. As regards the staging, we distinguish localized, regional and metastatic tumors. Tumors derived from the bile duct are difficult to diagnose preoperatively, mainly because of its low incidence and difficult diagnostic process. However since cholangiocarcinomas account for about 80% of all primary biliary tumors, it is important to think about other options despite their low frequency when a patient presents with abnormal characteristics. The most sensitive immunohistochemical markers are expressing neuron-specific enolase, synaptophisin and chromogranin A. Liver function tests, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin are often high. Sometimes an anemia can appear in the presence of a chronic disease or in patients with more advanced disease. It is known that the measurement of chromogranin A is useful for the preoperative diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors. Chromogranin A is elevated in 90% of neuroendocrine tumors of the intestine, and the levels correlate with tumor burden and the possibility of recurrence and, therefore, chromogranin A can be an effective biological marker for preoperative diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors. Bile endocrine tumors remain silent until metastasizing or growing into neighboring organs, because of its uncommon diagnosis in early stages due to its low incidence, absence of serum markers and lack of symptoms related to the hormonal pattern. Preoperative diagnosis of common bile duct carcinoma is extremely difficult, because it is foretold by non-specific symptoms that include pain or discomfort in the right upper quadrant level and weight loss. A 51- year-old woman presented a jaundice and severe bile duct dilatation. The enhanced CT scan showed a mass, approximately 15 mm in diameter, in the distal common biliary duct. The MRI and ERCP confirmed the mass. Cromogranin A value was negative. The diagnosis of well differentiated endocrine tumor of the biliary tract was done after its surgical resection was performed. The postoperative period was uneventful. Extrahepatic biliary NETs are rare, and extrahepatic bile ducts reportedly account for only 0.32% of primary NET sites. The prognosis for NET of the bile duct appears to be poor.
PMID: 28350976 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2mS8u0t
Long lasting postoperative ileus after surgery for intestinal obstruction due to left paraduodenal hernia (LPDH). Case report.
| Related Articles |
Long lasting postoperative ileus after surgery for intestinal obstruction due to left paraduodenal hernia (LPDH). Case report.
G Chir. 2016 Nov-Dec;37(6):271-274
Authors: Volpi A, Ialongo P, Panebianco A, Lozito R, Prestera A, Laforgia R, Punzo C, Palasciano N
Abstract
Left paraduodenal hernia is a rare congenital anomaly which arises from an error of rotation of the midgut; sometimes can be responsible for intestinal occlusion, that require surgery. In many cases of literature a prompt diagnosis and therapy reduced morbidity and mortality and almost all patients were discharged on 4th or 5th postoperative day (POD). We report a case of a 59 years old patient who underwent surgery for intestinal obstruction due to a massive left paraduodeneal hernia, that had a very long period (20 days) of postoperative ileus.
PMID: 28350975 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2onGNJS
Open sphincter-preserving surgery of extraperitoneal rectal cancer without primary stoma and Fast Track Protocol.
| Related Articles |
Open sphincter-preserving surgery of extraperitoneal rectal cancer without primary stoma and Fast Track Protocol.
G Chir. 2016 Nov-Dec;37(6):257-261
Authors: Pappalardo G, Coiro S, De Lucia F, Giannella A, Ruffolo F, Frattaroli FM
Abstract
AIM: Fast track protocol (FTP) showed to improve perioperative care. The study aims to evaluate the impact of the FTP in the open extraperitoneal rectal cancer (ERC) surgical treatment without a primary derivative stoma (DS) and the QoL in patients with or without a secondary DS.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: 50 patients affected by ERC were enrolled and operated on with open low anterior resection without a primary DS. They were randomized in two groups: one was treated perioperativelly in the traditional way (group T), the other using a modif ed FTP (group FT). A QoL questionnaire was administered prior to discharge and at 1-month follow-up.
RESULTS: Five courses (10%) were complicated by anastomotic leakage: 3 (12%) in the FT group (2 minor and 1 maior) and 2 (8%) in the T group (1 minor and 1 maior) (p=n.s.). All the maiors and one minor were treated with a DS. Patients of the group FTP were considered dischargeable earlier that those of group T (p<0.05). Patients with DS had a significantly lower QoL score (p<0.0001).
CONCLUSION: FTP with minor modifications is feasible and safe in the ERC open surgery without using a DS. Better results were obtained without increasing complication rate. A secondary DS impacts detrimentally on QoL.
PMID: 28350972 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2onvbGV
Early discharge after total thyroidectomy: a retrospective feasibility study.
| Related Articles |
Early discharge after total thyroidectomy: a retrospective feasibility study.
G Chir. 2016 Nov-Dec;37(6):250-256
Authors: Tartaglia F, Giuliani A, Sorrenti S, Tromba L, Carbotta S, Maturo A, Carbotta G, De Anna L, Merola R, Livadoti G, Pelle F, Ulisse S
Abstract
AIM: The continued hospitalization after total thyroidectomy is often due to the onset of hypocalcemic complications more than 24 hours after surgery. So it would be important to predict which patients will not develop the hypocalcemic complication to discharge them early. This was the aim of our study.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our retrospective study was conducted on 327 consecutive thyroidectomized patients, operated on for benign and malignant diseases. We evaluated the values of preoperative serum calcium levels (Cal0) and of the first postoperative day (Cal1) and two new variables were calculated (dCal and dCaln). The same thing was made on a subgroup of 111 patients in whom also parathiroyd hormone (PTH) values were detected. Statistical analysis was performed with the goal of determining if we could establish a safe criterion for discharge at 24 hours after surgery and if there is a correlation between suitability for discharge and diagnosis.
RESULTS: As to discharge, the predictive power of the discriminant function applied was significant both on the total of patients and in the subgroup of 111 patients, but it was clinically unacceptable because it would expose us to a 21% to 27% error rate. It is not possible to identify a threshold, below which to consider patients surely dischargeable. The diagnosis does not appear correlated with the suitability for discharge.
CONCLUSION: On the basis of serum calcium and PTH levels in the first postoperative day, it is impossible to predict which patients can be discharged 24 hours after surgery without incurring in hypocalcemic complications.
PMID: 28350971 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2onZRaX
Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) and elderly population: prognostic evaluation in acute secondary peritonitis.
| Related Articles |
Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) and elderly population: prognostic evaluation in acute secondary peritonitis.
G Chir. 2016 Nov-Dec;37(6):243-249
Authors: Salamone G, Licari L, Falco N, Augello G, Tutino R, Campanella S, Guercio G, Gulotta G
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Acute Secondary Peritonitis due to abdominal visceral perforation is characterized by high mortality and morbidity risk. Risk stratification allows prognosis prediction to adopt the best surgical treatment and clinical care support therapy. In Western countries elderly people represent a significant percentage of population Aim. Evaluation of Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) and consideration upon old people.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study on 104 patients admitted and operated for "Acute Secondary Peritonitis due to visceral perforation". MPI was scored. In our study we want to demonstrate efficacy of MPI and the possibility to consider older age an independent prognostic factor.
RESULTS: Mortality was 25.96%. Greatest sensitivity and specificity for the MPI score as a predictor of mortality was at the score of 20. MPI score of <16 had 0.15 times lower risk of mortality compared to patients with MPI score 17 - 21 and 0.61 lower than patients with MPI >22. Patients with MPI score 17-21 had 0.46 times lower risk of mortality compared to patients with MPI score >21. In the group of patients with MPI score of >20 the mortality rate was 48.5% for patients older than 80 years old and 12.1% for younger patients (p < 0.005); in the group with MPI score of < 20 mortality rate was respectively 8.4% and 1.4% (p < 0.005).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Data confirm the accuracy of the test. MPI score and age over 80 years old resulted independent predictors of mortality at multivariate analysis.
PMID: 28350970 [PubMed - in process]
http://ift.tt/2onNmw8
The Optimal Color of Background Sheets for Microsurgery.
| Related Articles |
The Optimal Color of Background Sheets for Microsurgery.
Arch Plast Surg. 2017 Mar;44(2):175-176
Authors: Kiuchi T, Ishii N, Tani Y, Masaoka K, Suzuki A, Kishi K
PMID: 28352610 [PubMed]
http://ift.tt/2onM8B4
Autologous Fat Grafting as a Last Resort for Unsustainable Pain in a Woman with Multiple Osteochondromas.
| Related Articles |
Autologous Fat Grafting as a Last Resort for Unsustainable Pain in a Woman with Multiple Osteochondromas.
Arch Plast Surg. 2017 Mar;44(2):162-165
Authors: Negenborn VL, Moerman E, Ham SJ
Abstract
Multiple osteochondromas (MO) is characterized by the formation of osteochondromas throughout the entire body. Although the evidence regarding its pathogenesis is well understood, no curative treatment for the disorder is available. Patients can be treated symptomatically by surgical removal of painful osteochondromas. Unfortunately, some patients still suffer from severe pain, even after surgery. We report on a case concerning a 48-year-old woman with a history of MO who presented with persistent pain after surgical removal of a symptomatic osteochondroma of the left scapula and multiple symptomatic osteochondromas of the left foot and trochanteric region. Several interventions to reduce the pain did not have any lasting effect. Subsequently, she was treated with autologous fat grafting (AFG). After each session she was pain-free for at least one year and reported only partial recurrence of the pain. This is the first case report describing AFG for the treatment of pain after both surgical removal of an osteochondroma and symptomatic osteochondromas in a patient suffering MO with promising results. The treatment is more effective and clearly continues to remain active longer than injection therapy or pain medication. Future studies are necessary to confirm our results.
PMID: 28352606 [PubMed]
http://ift.tt/2nOCxFD
Photo Epilation with Intense Pulsed Light for Thinning of Anterior Hairline after Hairline Correction Surgery in East Asians.
| Related Articles |
Photo Epilation with Intense Pulsed Light for Thinning of Anterior Hairline after Hairline Correction Surgery in East Asians.
Arch Plast Surg. 2017 Mar;44(2):157-161
Authors: Park JH, Lee SY, You SH, Kim NR
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Thin hairs are critical to achieve natural result in female hairline correction surgery. However, there are few studies on the usefulness of hair thinning by intense pulsed light (IPL) after hairline correction surgery in East Asian females.
METHODS: Hair thinning using IPL was performed in 54 women who had complained about thick hairs along the frontal hairline after hairline correction surgery. Patient mean age was 31.2 years old and patients were an average of 2.1 years post-hairline correction surgery. Initial treatment used 10 J, while second and third sessions were conducted with 10 to 15 J according to responsiveness to treatment.
RESULTS: Mean thickness of individual hairs assessed before the procedure was 78.86 µm. The mean number of procedures was 1.6 per patient. Forty of 54 subjects (74%) achieved satisfactory hair thinning with only one procedure from 78.01 to 66.14 µm after treatment. The measured thickness was 66.43 µm at the end of the first year in patients who were satisfied after one procedure. Thirteen cases achieved satisfactory hair thinning after two sessions. Mean thickness was 74.44 µm and 67.51 µm, before and after the second session. One case required a third session with 15J, thinning from 89.00 to 66.50 µm.
CONCLUSIONS: Hair thinning by IPL is a very useful method to provide a natural look after hairline correction surgery in East Asians, who have naturally thick hair.
PMID: 28352605 [PubMed]
http://ift.tt/2ofzerq
Osseointegrated Finger Prostheses Using a Tripod Titanium Mini-Plate.
| Related Articles |
Osseointegrated Finger Prostheses Using a Tripod Titanium Mini-Plate.
Arch Plast Surg. 2017 Mar;44(2):150-156
Authors: Manrique OJ, Ciudad P, Doscher M, Lo Torto F, Liebling R, Galan R
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Digital amputation is a common upper extremity injury and can cause significant impairment in hand function, as well as psychosocial stigma. Currently, the gold standard for the reconstruction of such injuries involves autologous reconstruction. However, when this or other autologous options are not available, prosthetic reconstruction can provide a functionally and aesthetically viable alternative. This study describes a novel technique, known as a tripod titanium mini-plate, for osseointegrated digit prostheses, and reviews the outcomes in a set of consecutive patients.
METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent 2-stage prosthetic reconstruction of digit amputations was performed. Demographic information, occupation, mechanism of injury, number of amputated fingers, and level of amputation were reviewed. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Q-DASH) scale and a visual analog scale (VAS) score, respectively. In addition, complications during the postoperative period were recorded.
RESULTS: Seven patients were included in this study. Their average age was 29 years. Five patients had single-digit amputations and 2 patients had multiple-digit amputations. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were assessed using the Q-DASH score (average, 10.4) and VAS score (average, 9.1), respectively. One episode of mild cellulitis was seen at 24 months of follow-up. However, it was treated successfully with oral antibiotics. No other complications were reported.
CONCLUSIONS: When autologous reconstruction is not suitable for digit reconstruction, prosthetic osseointegrated reconstruction can provide good aesthetic and functional results. However, larger series with longer-term follow-up are required in order to rule out the possibility of other complications.
PMID: 28352604 [PubMed]
http://ift.tt/2oflHAa
Evaluation of the Effects of Photobiomodulation on Bone Healing in Healthy and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats
Photomedicine and Laser Surgery , Vol. 0, No. 0.
http://ift.tt/2onFPxu
Structural laterality is associated with cognitive and mood outcomes: An assessment of 105 healthy aged volunteers
Publication date: June 2017
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 153
Author(s): M. Esteves, P. Marques, R. Magalhães, T.C. Castanho, J.M. Soares, A. Almeida, N.C. Santos, N. Sousa, H. Leite-Almeida
The human brain presents multiple asymmetries that dynamically change throughout life. These phenomena have been associated with cognitive impairments and psychiatric disorders although possible associations with specific patterns of cognitive aging are yet to be determined. We have therefore mapped and quantified morphological asymmetries in a heterogeneous and aged population (65.2±8.0 years old, 52 male and 53 female) to explore potential associations between the asymmetries in specific brain regions and cognitive performance. The sample was characterized in a battery of neuropsychological tests and in terms of brain structural asymmetries using a ROI-based approach. A substantial number of brain areas presented some degree of asymmetry. Such biases survived a stringent statistical correction and were largely confirmed in a voxel-based analysis. In specific brain areas, like the thalamus and insula, asymmetry was correlated with cognition and mood descriptors as the Stroop words/colors test or depressive mood scale, respectively. Curiously in the latter, the association was independent of its left/right direction. Altogether, results reveal that asymmetry is widespread in the aged brain and that area-specific biases (degree and direction) associate with the functional profile of the individual.
Graphical abstract
http://ift.tt/2nG4hf6
Editorial Board and Contents
Publication date: April 2017
Source:Trends in Immunology, Volume 38, Issue 4
http://ift.tt/2npgIJQ
A Retrospective Evaluation of Partial Glossectomy for Early Tongue Cancer Using a Carbon Dioxide Laser
Photomedicine and Laser Surgery , Vol. 0, No. 0.
http://ift.tt/2oflOfg
Extended hybrid-space SENSE for EPI: Off-resonance and eddy current corrected joint interleaved blip-up/down reconstruction
Source:NeuroImage, Volume 153
Author(s): Benjamin Zahneisen, Murat Aksoy, Julian Maclaren, Christian Wuerslin, Roland Bammer
IntroductionGeometric distortions along the phase encode direction caused by off-resonant spins are still a major issue in EPI based functional and diffusion imaging. If the off-resonance map is known it is possible to correct for distortions. Most correction methods operate as a post-processing step on the reconstructed magnitude images.Theory and methodsHere, we present an algebraic reconstruction method (hybrid-space SENSE) that incorporates a physics based model of off-resonances, phase inconsistencies between k-space segments, and T2*-decay during the acquisition. The method can be used to perform a joint reconstruction of interleaved acquisitions with normal (blip-up) and inverted (blip-down) phase encode direction which results in reduced g-factor penalty.ResultsA joint blip-up/down simultaneous multi slice (SMS) reconstruction for SMS-factor 4 in combination with twofold in-plane acceleration leads to a factor of two decrease in maximum g-factor penalty while providing off-resonance and eddy-current corrected images.ConclusionWe provide an algebraic framework for reconstructing diffusion weighted EPI data that in addition to the general applicability of hybrid-space SENSE to 2D-EPI, SMS-EPI and 3D-EPI with arbitrary k-space coverage along z, allows for a modeling of arbitrary spatio-temporal effects during the acquisition period like off-resonances, phase inconsistencies and T2*-decay. The most immediate benefit is a reduction in g-factor penalty if an interleaved blip-up/down acquisition strategy is chosen which facilitates eddy current estimation and ensures no loss in k-space encoding in regions with strong off-resonance gradients.
http://ift.tt/2nGmvNB
Specific immediate early gene expression induced by high doses of salicylate in the cochlear nucleus and inferior colliculus of the rat
Paula Santos, Lilian Eslaine Costa Mendes da Silva, Ricardo Maurício Leão
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:155-61
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nBRHM7
Human Papillomavirus and students in Brazil: an assessment of knowledge of a common infection – preliminary report
João Cesar Frizzo Burlamaqui, Ana Carolina Cassanti, Gabriela Bastos Borim, Edward Damrose, Luisa Lina Villa, Leonardo Silva
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:120-5
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nBTP6C
Ethics in the twenty first century otolaryngology
Charles W. Cummings
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:119
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUJ0Q0
Characteristics of 419 patients with acquired middle ear cholesteatoma
Letícia Petersen Schmidt Rosito, Maurício Noschang Lopes da Silva, Fábio André Selaimen, Yuri Petermann Jung, Marcos Guilherme Tibes Pauletti, Larissa Petermann Jung, Luiza Alexi Freitas, Sady Selaimen da Costa
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:126-31
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUIi5l
Feasibility of ossicular chain reconstruction with resin cement
Fernando de Andrade Quintanilha Ribeiro, Yumi Tamaoki, Gabriel Wynne Cabral
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:132-6
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nC2ndP
Effect of conductive hearing loss on central auditory function
Arash Bayat, Mohammad Farhadi, Hesam Emamdjomeh, Nader Saki, Golshan Mirmomeni, Fakher Rahim
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:137-41
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUKlXh
Temporal processing and long‐latency auditory evoked potential in stutterers
Raquel Prestes, Adriana Neves de Andrade, Renata Beatriz Fernandes Santos, Andrea Tortosa Marangoni, Ana Maria Schiefer, Daniela Gil
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:142-6
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nBKkEx
Assessment of hearing threshold in adults with hearing loss using an automated system of cortical auditory evoked potential detection
Alessandra Spada Durante, Margarita Bernal Wieselberg, Nayara Roque, Sheila Carvalho, Beatriz Pucci, Nicolly Gudayol, Kátia de Almeida
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:147-54
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUuNCF
Intrasphenoid septations inserted into the internal carotid arteries: a frequent and risky relationship in transsphenoidal surgeries
Clauder Oliveira Ramalho, Horacio Armando Marenco, Francisco de Assis Vaz Guimarães Filho, Marcos Devanir Silva da Costa, Bruno Fernandes de Oliveira Santos, Rodrigo de Paula Santos, Samuel Tau Zymberg
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:162-7
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUIgdJ
Effects of ozone therapy on facial nerve regeneration
Isa Ozbay, Ilker Ital, Cuneyt Kucur, Raziye Akcılar, Aysenur Deger, Savas Aktas, Fatih Oghan
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:168-75
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nC3wCl
Primary laryngeal aspergillosis in the immunocompetent state: a clinical update
Mainak Dutta, Arijit Jotdar, Sohag Kundu, Bhaskar Ghosh, Subrata Mukhopadhyay
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:228-34
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nBUlS8
Speech perception in noise in the elderly: interactions between cognitive performance, depressive symptoms, and education
Laura Maria Araújo de Carvalho, Elisiane Crestani de Miranda Gonsalez, Maria Cecília Martineli Iorio
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:195-200
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nBZkCo
Hearing loss in congenital Zika virus
Viroj Wiwanitkit
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:239
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nC3t9D
Evaluation of electrocardiographic parameters in patients with hearing loss genotyped for the connexin 26 gene (GJB2) mutations
Agnieszka Sanecka, Elzbieta Katarzyna Biernacka, Magdalena Sosna, Malgorzata Mueller‐Malesinska, Rafal Ploski, Henryk Skarzynski, Ryszard Piotrowicz
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:176-82
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUAl07
Surgical treatment of choanal atresia with transnasal endoscopic approach with stentless single side‐hinged flap technique: 5 year retrospective analysis
Carmelo Saraniti, Manuela Santangelo, Pietro Salvago
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:183-9
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nC3uud
Effect of sublingual immunotherapy on platelet activity in children with allergic rhinitis
Yanqiu Chen, Lifeng Zhou, Yan Yang
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:190-4
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUyGYw
Surveillance of bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA associated with chronic suppurative otitis media
Sibanarayan Rath, Saumya Ranjan Das, Rabindra Nath Padhy
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:201-6
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUOtpZ
Tracheostomy in childhood: review of the literature on complications and mortality over the last three decades
Ana Paula Ligoski Dal'Astra, Ariane Vieira Quirino, Juliana Alves de Sousa Caixêta, Melissa Ameloti Gomes Avelino
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:207-14
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nBZj1o
Position statement of the Brazilian Academy of Rhinology on the use of antihistamines, antileukotrienes, and oral corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammatory sinonasal diseases
Olavo de Godoy Mion, João Ferreira de Mello, Daniel Lorena Dutra, Nilvano Alves de Andrade, Washington Luiz de Cerqueira Almeida, Wilma Teresinha Anselmo‐Lima, Leonardo Lopes Balsalobre Filho, Jair de Carvalho e Castro, Roberto Eustáquio dos Santos Guimarães, Marcus Miranda Lessa, Sérgio Fabrício Maniglia, Roberto Campos Meireles, Márcio Nakanishi, Shirley Shizue Nagata Pignatari, Renato Roithmann, Fabrizio Ricci Romano, Rodrigo de Paula Santos, Marco César Jorge dos Santos, Edwin Tamashiro
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:215-27
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUvMTh
Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy or oculopharyngeal distal myopathy: case report
Marilia Yuri Maeda, Tais Yuri Hashimoto, Isabella Christina Oliveira Neto, Luciano Rodrigues Neves
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:235-8
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUqTK8
Human Papillomavirus and students in Brazil: an assessment of knowledge of a common infection – preliminary report
João Cesar Frizzo Burlamaqui, Ana Carolina Cassanti, Gabriela Bastos Borim, Edward Damrose, Luisa Lina Villa, Leonardo Silva
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:120-5
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nBTP6C
Ethics in the twenty first century otolaryngology
Charles W. Cummings
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:119
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUJ0Q0
Characteristics of 419 patients with acquired middle ear cholesteatoma
Letícia Petersen Schmidt Rosito, Maurício Noschang Lopes da Silva, Fábio André Selaimen, Yuri Petermann Jung, Marcos Guilherme Tibes Pauletti, Larissa Petermann Jung, Luiza Alexi Freitas, Sady Selaimen da Costa
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:126-31
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUIi5l
Feasibility of ossicular chain reconstruction with resin cement
Fernando de Andrade Quintanilha Ribeiro, Yumi Tamaoki, Gabriel Wynne Cabral
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:132-6
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nC2ndP
Effect of conductive hearing loss on central auditory function
Arash Bayat, Mohammad Farhadi, Hesam Emamdjomeh, Nader Saki, Golshan Mirmomeni, Fakher Rahim
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:137-41
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUKlXh
Temporal processing and long‐latency auditory evoked potential in stutterers
Raquel Prestes, Adriana Neves de Andrade, Renata Beatriz Fernandes Santos, Andrea Tortosa Marangoni, Ana Maria Schiefer, Daniela Gil
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:142-6
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nBKkEx
Assessment of hearing threshold in adults with hearing loss using an automated system of cortical auditory evoked potential detection
Alessandra Spada Durante, Margarita Bernal Wieselberg, Nayara Roque, Sheila Carvalho, Beatriz Pucci, Nicolly Gudayol, Kátia de Almeida
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:147-54
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUuNCF
Specific immediate early gene expression induced by high doses of salicylate in the cochlear nucleus and inferior colliculus of the rat
Paula Santos, Lilian Eslaine Costa Mendes da Silva, Ricardo Maurício Leão
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:155-61
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nBRHM7
Intrasphenoid septations inserted into the internal carotid arteries: a frequent and risky relationship in transsphenoidal surgeries
Clauder Oliveira Ramalho, Horacio Armando Marenco, Francisco de Assis Vaz Guimarães Filho, Marcos Devanir Silva da Costa, Bruno Fernandes de Oliveira Santos, Rodrigo de Paula Santos, Samuel Tau Zymberg
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:162-7
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUIgdJ
Effects of ozone therapy on facial nerve regeneration
Isa Ozbay, Ilker Ital, Cuneyt Kucur, Raziye Akcılar, Aysenur Deger, Savas Aktas, Fatih Oghan
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:168-75
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nC3wCl
Evaluation of electrocardiographic parameters in patients with hearing loss genotyped for the connexin 26 gene (GJB2) mutations
Agnieszka Sanecka, Elzbieta Katarzyna Biernacka, Magdalena Sosna, Malgorzata Mueller‐Malesinska, Rafal Ploski, Henryk Skarzynski, Ryszard Piotrowicz
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:176-82
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUAl07
Surgical treatment of choanal atresia with transnasal endoscopic approach with stentless single side‐hinged flap technique: 5 year retrospective analysis
Carmelo Saraniti, Manuela Santangelo, Pietro Salvago
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:183-9
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nC3uud
Effect of sublingual immunotherapy on platelet activity in children with allergic rhinitis
Yanqiu Chen, Lifeng Zhou, Yan Yang
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:190-4
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUyGYw
Speech perception in noise in the elderly: interactions between cognitive performance, depressive symptoms, and education
Laura Maria Araújo de Carvalho, Elisiane Crestani de Miranda Gonsalez, Maria Cecília Martineli Iorio
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:195-200
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nBZkCo
Surveillance of bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MRSA associated with chronic suppurative otitis media
Sibanarayan Rath, Saumya Ranjan Das, Rabindra Nath Padhy
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:201-6
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUOtpZ
Tracheostomy in childhood: review of the literature on complications and mortality over the last three decades
Ana Paula Ligoski Dal'Astra, Ariane Vieira Quirino, Juliana Alves de Sousa Caixêta, Melissa Ameloti Gomes Avelino
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:207-14
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nBZj1o
Position statement of the Brazilian Academy of Rhinology on the use of antihistamines, antileukotrienes, and oral corticosteroids in the treatment of inflammatory sinonasal diseases
Olavo de Godoy Mion, João Ferreira de Mello, Daniel Lorena Dutra, Nilvano Alves de Andrade, Washington Luiz de Cerqueira Almeida, Wilma Teresinha Anselmo‐Lima, Leonardo Lopes Balsalobre Filho, Jair de Carvalho e Castro, Roberto Eustáquio dos Santos Guimarães, Marcus Miranda Lessa, Sérgio Fabrício Maniglia, Roberto Campos Meireles, Márcio Nakanishi, Shirley Shizue Nagata Pignatari, Renato Roithmann, Fabrizio Ricci Romano, Rodrigo de Paula Santos, Marco César Jorge dos Santos, Edwin Tamashiro
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:215-27
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUvMTh
Primary laryngeal aspergillosis in the immunocompetent state: a clinical update
Mainak Dutta, Arijit Jotdar, Sohag Kundu, Bhaskar Ghosh, Subrata Mukhopadhyay
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:228-34
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nBUlS8
Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy or oculopharyngeal distal myopathy: case report
Marilia Yuri Maeda, Tais Yuri Hashimoto, Isabella Christina Oliveira Neto, Luciano Rodrigues Neves
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:235-8
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2mUqTK8
Hearing loss in congenital Zika virus
Viroj Wiwanitkit
Braz J Otorhinolaryngol.2017;83:239
Resumo - Texto Completo - PDF
http://ift.tt/2nC3t9D
Intra- and inter-individual variability in the mechanical properties of the human skin from in vivo measurements on 20 volunteers
Background/purpose:
The mechanical properties and behavior of the human skin in vivo are of medical importance, particularly to surgeons who have to consider the skin extension capabilities in the preparation of surgical acts. Variable data can be found in literature that result from diverse kinds of tests (in vivo, ex vivo, and postmortem) performed with different instruments.
Methods
This paper presents the results of in vivo measurements performed on a cohort of 20 healthy volunteers with an ultralight homemade uniaxial extensometer. Different anatomical zones were explored under different directions of solicitation in order to document inter- and intra-individual variability as well as skin anisotropy.
Results
The experimental data obtained are fitted with a phenomenological exponential model allowing the identification of three parameters characteristic of the tested skin behavior. These parameters can be related to the concept of skin extensibility used by surgeons.
Conclusion
The inter- and intra-variability observed on that cohort confirms the need for a patient-specific approach based on the in vivo measurement of the mechanical behavior of the human skin of interest. Even the direction of higher skin stiffness is found to be individual-dependent. The capability of the extensometer used in this study to fulfill such measurement needs is also demonstrated.
http://ift.tt/2nlif2M
Bioaccumulation of gadolinium in freshwater bivalves
Abstract
In this study, the presence of anthropogenic gadolinium (Gd) was evaluated in rivers, close to wastewater treatment plant outputs. Then, one site was selected for in situ experiments to assess the bioaccumulation of Gd in the digestive gland and in the gills of two bivalves (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis and Corbicula fluminea). For both organisms, the results suggested that the bioaccumulation of Gd can be observed when organisms are exposed in a geogenic and anthropogenic Gd mixture. In order to observe if Gd can bioaccumulate in tissues of bivalves when the ion is only present as the main anthropogenic speciation of Gd, i.e., Gd-contrast agents (Gd-CAs), the gadoteric acid was used for a laboratory experiment. In this case, the presence of Gd was clearly detected in a significant amount in the digestive glands of D. rostriformis bugensis and C. fluminea while low concentrations are measured in the gills. For the first time, these results clearly showed that Gd can bioaccumulate in bivalve tissues even when it is only present as Gd-CAs. Biochemical activities were measured in the digestive gland and in the gills of the bivalves to assess the effects of Gd-CA bioaccumulation. No significant variations were observed in the gills. Concerning the digestive gland, after 7 days of exposure at 10 μg L−1 of Gd as Gd-CA speciation, GST activity in D. rostriformis bugensis and lipid hydroperoxide and mitochondrial electron transfer system in C. fluminea had increased. The results suggest an acclimation of the organisms to the presence of Gd-CAs in the medium within less than 21 days.
http://ift.tt/2ofcKaE
Antibacterial mode of action of violacein from Chromobacterium violaceum UTM5 against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Abstract
Violacein, violet pigment produced by Chromobacterium violaceum, has attracted much attention recently due to its pharmacological properties including antibacterial activity. The present study investigated possible antibacterial mode of action of violacein from C. violaceum UTM5 against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains. Violet fraction was obtained by cultivating C. violaceum UTM5 in liquid pineapple waste medium, extracted, and fractionated using ethyl acetate and vacuum liquid chromatography technique. Violacein was quantified as major compound in violet fraction using HPLC analysis. Violet fraction displayed bacteriostatic activity against S. aureus ATCC 29213 and methicillin-resistant S. aureus ATCC 43300 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.9 μg/mL. Fluorescence dyes for membrane damage and scanning electron microscopic analysis confirmed the inhibitory effect by disruption on membrane integrity, morphological alternations, and rupture of the cell membranes of both strains. Transmission electron microscopic analysis showed membrane damage, mesosome formation, and leakage of intracellular constituents of both bacterial strains. Mode of action of violet fraction on the cell membrane integrity of both strains was shown by release of protein, K+, and extracellular adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) with 110.5 μg/mL, 2.34 μg/mL, and 87.24 ng/μL, respectively, at 48 h of incubation. Violet fraction was toxic to human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and human fetal lung fibroblast (IMR90) cell lines with LC50 value of 0.998 ± 0.058 and 0.387 ± 0.002 μg/mL, respectively. Thus, violet fraction showed a strong antibacterial property by disrupting the membrane integrity of S. aureus and MRSA strains. This is the first report on the possible mode of antibacterial action of violet fraction from C. violaceum UTM5 on S. aureus and MRSA strains.
http://ift.tt/2oeVMsu
Integration of coagulation and adsorption for removal of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) precursors from biologically treated municipal wastewater
Abstract
This study investigated the N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) formation potential of various dissolved organic matter (DOM) fractions in biologically treated municipal wastewater by UF fractionation, XAD-8 resin adsorption isolation, and excitation and emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy. Removal of various NDMA precursor fractions was also analyzed to evaluate the efficiency of traditional water treatment processes (coagulation, adsorption, and coagulation-adsorption). Results showed that NDMA were mainly formed by low molecular weight (MW) fractions (<30 kDa) and hydrophilic fractions (HiS) in biologically treated municipal wastewater. Integrated coagulation-adsorption treatments showed the highest reduction capacity for NDMA formation potential (57%), followed by isolated adsorption treatment (50%) and isolated coagulation treatment (28%). The powdered activated carbon (PAC) adsorption process could reduce the high MW precursors (>30 kDa) by 48%, which was higher than other treatments. In contrast, the highest uptake (66%) of low MW precursors (<30 kDa) was achieved by the coagulation-adsorption process. All treatments preferentially removed the hydrophobic acids (HoA) fraction compared to other fractions. Coagulation could remove more fulvic acid-like substances and adsorption could remove more microbial by-products and aromatic proteins.
http://ift.tt/2ofesIS
The potential DNA toxic changes among workers exposed to antimony trioxide
Abstract
Occupational exposure to antimony has gained much interest when specific toxic effects were noticed among workers processing antimony. Thus, the aim of the present work was to investigate the potential DNA oxidative damage occurring among Egyptian workers occupationally exposed to antimony trioxide. The study was conducted on 25 subjects exposed to antimony trioxide while working in the polymerization process of polyester in Misrayon and Polyester Fiber Company, KafrEldawwar, Beheira, Egypt. Urinary antimony levels were assessed using inductive coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and considered as a biological exposure index. DNA damage and total oxidant capacity (TOC) were assessed using ELISA. DNA damage was detected in the form of increased apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites among antimony trioxide-exposed workers compared to control subjects, but it could not be explained by oxidative mechanisms due to lack of significant correlation between DNA damage and measured TOC. Antimony trioxide might have a genotoxic impact on occupationally exposed workers which could not be attributed to oxidative stress in the studied cases.
http://ift.tt/2mTBC7m
Synthesis and photocatalytic performance of reduced graphene oxide–TiO 2 nanocomposites for orange II degradation under UV light irradiation
Abstract
To enhance the photocatalytic activity of TiO2, reduced graphene oxide–TiO2 (RGO–TiO2) composites with sandwich-like structure were synthesized using a simple solvothermal method. The morphology, crystalline information, and structural property of the photocatalyst were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performances of the RGO–TiO2 composites were evaluated by the degradation of orange II (AO7) in water under UV light irradiation. The results showed that the RGO–TiO2 composites exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity than TiO2 and that the removal efficiency of AO7 could reach above 95% only after 20 min of UV light irradiation under the optimum condition. The improved photocatalytic activity might be attributed to the improved charge transfer and significant separation of the photoinduced electrons and holes in the presence of a two-dimensional graphene network. The results of recycling experiments show that RGO–TiO2 composites have a high photostability, which is expected in the practical application. Radical trapping experiments indicated that ·OH plays a crucial role in the process of AO7 degradation.
http://ift.tt/2nzHyzL
Response of low-molecular-weight organic acids in mangrove root exudates to exposure of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Abstract
Low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) represent an important component of root exudates. They play a pivotal role in the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments as they influence PAH bioavailability and degrader colonization. This study examined variations of LMWOAs in mangrove root exudates (Aegiceras corniculatum and Kandelia obovata) after exposure in phenanthrene and pyrene solution for 7 and 40 days, respectively. After 7 days of treatment, total root exudates and six types of LMWOA in root exudates from both mangrove species were enhanced. The largest increase was found in oxalic acid, i.e., the dominant component in determined LMWOAs. Coupled with the enhancement in LMWOA exudation rates, root metabolism intensities, measured as the dehydrogenase activity, increased. In contrast, after 40 days of exposure, the exudation rate of total LMWOAs had dropped markedly in PAH-contaminated groups compared to the control, indicating that PAHs negatively impacted root metabolism and activities due to their toxicity. The largest decrease was also found in oxalic acid, suggesting that the biological reactions related with oxalic acid are vulnerable under PAH stresses.
http://ift.tt/2nkpbgm
Impact of highway traffic and the acoustic screen on the content and spatial distribution of heavy metals in soils
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed intensification of road traffic and, with it, the amount of substances emitted by vehicles. Such emissions need to be monitored for public health purposes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the highway traffic on the total content and bioavailability of Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Cr and Pb in nearby soils as well as influence of an acoustic screen on spatial distribution of the metals. The material included 40 soil samples collected from 15 research points located 5, 10, 25 and 50 m away from the road acoustic screen and from 4 points between the screen and the highway. Additionally, 5 research points were located next to the metal barrier. Selected physicochemical properties of soils were determined: soil texture, soil pH, TOC and CaCO3 content. The total content of heavy metals in the soils was determined by AAS after digestion in aqua regia and bioavailable forms in 1 M diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. The research found low impact of the highway traffic on the content of heavy metals in soils; however, due to a very short period of this potential impact (5 years), the moderately polluted category of geo-accumulation index of cadmium and high bioavailability of lead indicate the need of repeating the research within the next several years. Furthermore, the road acoustic screen significantly influenced spatial distribution of the metals in soils.
http://ift.tt/2nBzUFb
A two-stage fuzzy chance-constrained water management model
Abstract
In this study, an inexact two-stage fuzzy gradient chance-constrained programming (ITSFGP) method is developed and applied to the water resources management in the Heshui River Basin, Jiangxi Province, China. The optimization model is established by incorporating interval programming, two-stage stochastic programming, and fuzzy gradient chance-constrained programming within an optimization framework. The hybrid model can address uncertainties represented as fuzzy sets, probability distributions, and interval numbers. It can effectively tackle the interactions between pre-regulated economic targets and the associated environmental penalties attributed to water allocation schemes and reflect the tradeoffs between economic revenues and system-failure risk. Furthermore, uncertainties associated with the decision makers' preferences are considered in decision-making processes. The obtained results can provide decision support for the local sustainable economic development and water resources allocation strategies under multiple uncertainties.
http://ift.tt/2nzvDSp
Rosmarinus officinalis L. ameliorates titanium dioxide nanoparticles and induced some toxic effects in rats’ blood
Abstract
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been widely used as a white pigment in food and drugs. The most important route of human exposure to TiO2 is through food and drug products containing TiO2 additives. This study investigates the efficacy of an oral traditional use of rosemary extract in ameliorating some toxic effects induced on blood of TiO2 NP-intoxicated rats. Rats were given rosemary extract via intragastric administration 1 h before the intragastric administration of 100 mg/kg/day TiO2 NPs (10 nm) for 60 days. TiO2 NPs significantly increased serum cholesterol, glucose, and triglyceride levels of rats. They also induced significant oxidative stress and inflammatory and caused DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes. The rosemary extract appears to have a significant protective effect by lowering glucose level properties, restoring the lipid profile and showing an antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antigenotoxic properties against TiO2 NPs toxicity. In conclusion, this study gives an encouraging scientific basis for consumers of rosemary leaves to keep on with this culinary habit.
http://ift.tt/2nkDnpx
Comparison of two modified coal ash ferric-carbon micro-electrolysis ceramic media for pretreatment of tetracycline wastewater
Abstract
Application of modified sintering ferric-carbon ceramics (SFC) and sintering-free ferric-carbon ceramics (SFFC) based on coal ash and scrap iron for pretreatment of tetracycline (TET) wastewater was investigated in this article. Physical property, morphological character, toxic metal leaching content, and crystal component were studied to explore the application possibility of novel ceramics in micro-electrolysis reactors. The influences of operating conditions including influent pH, hydraulic retention time (HRT), and air-water ratio (A/W) on the removal of tetracycline were studied. The results showed that SFC and SFFC were suitable for application in micro-electrolysis reactors. The optimum conditions of SFC reactor were pH of 3, HRT of 7 h, and A/W of 10. For SFFC reactor, the optimum conditions were pH of 2, HRT of 7 h, and A/W of 15. In general, the TET removal efficiency of SFC reactor was better than that of SFFC reactor. However, the harden resistance of SFFC was better than that of SFC. Furthermore, the biodegradability of TET wastewater was improved greatly after micro-electrolysis pretreatment for both SFC and SFFC reactors.
http://ift.tt/2mTAl0o
Resistance to thyrotropin
Publication date: Available online 30 March 2017
Source:Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Author(s): Helmut Grasberger, Samuel Refetoff
Resistance to thyrotropin (RTSH) is broadly defined as reduced sensitivity of thyroid follicle cells to stimulation by biologically active TSH due to genetic defects. Affected individuals have elevated serum TSH in the absence of goiter, with the severity ranging from nongoitrous isolated hyperthyrotropinemia to severe congenital hypothyroidism with thyroid hypoplasia. Conceptually, defects leading to RTSH impair both aspects of TSH-mediated action, namely thyroid hormone synthesis and gland growth. These include inactivating mutations in the genes encoding the TSH receptor and the PAX8 transcription factor. A common third cause has been genetically mapped to a locus on chromosome 15, but the underlying pathophysiology has not yet been elucidated. This review provides a succinct overview of currently defined causes of nonsyndromic RTSH, their differential diagnoses (autoimmune; partial iodine organification defects; syndromic forms of RTSH) and implications for the clinical approach to patients with RTSH.
http://ift.tt/2mUuw2M
Cardiovascular alterations in adult GH deficiency
Publication date: Available online 30 March 2017
Source:Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism
Author(s): Carolina Di Somma, Elisabetta Scarano, Silvia Savastano, Maria Cristina Savanelli, Rosario Pivonello, Annamaria Colao
There is a growing body of evidence indicating that patients with adult GH deficiency (GHD) are characterized by a cluster of traditional and emerging cardiovascular risk factors and markers, which can significantly increase their cardiovascular morbidity and mortality possibly linked to aberrations in GH status. Patients with adult GHD present multiple different cardiovascular abnormalities. In addition, cardiovascular risk in adult GHD is increased due to altered body composition, abnormal lipid profile, insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism. Cardiovascular risk factors can be reversed, at least partially, after GH replacement. However, evidence on the effects of GH replacement on cardiovascular events and mortality is too limited in adult GHD patients. Aim of this review is to provide an at-a-glance overview of the role of the GH/IGF-I on the cardiovascular system and the state of art of the effects of GH replacement on cardiovascular system.
http://ift.tt/2ofsDxa
Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia masquerading as ovarian cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis, ascites, and elevated cancer antigen 125
Source:Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy
Author(s): Patrick Eulitt, Denise Fabian, Crystal Kelly, Jessica Hemminger, Basem M. William
http://ift.tt/2nBFcAh
Hypochlorous acid gel technology—Its impact on postprocedure treatment and scar prevention
Summary
Background
A pre-and postprocedure regime aimed at prevention of infection, reduction of inflammation and risk of scarring, is to enable optimal outcomes.
Objectives
The role of a hypochlorous acid containing spray and translucent scar gel formulation that combines modified silicon oil with hypochlorous acid, was explored for pre- and postprocedure treatment and scar management.
Methods
For this purpose a literature review was conducted to explore the value of the technology used in pre-and postprocedural regimes. A panel of dermatologists and plastic surgeons who practice in the United States discussed the summarized search results, taking into account their current clinical practice. A nominal group process for consensus was used, followed by online reviews of the manuscript.
Results
Based on panel discussions, consensus was reached regarding clinical recommendations given for postprocedure treatment and scar management. The hypochlorous acid products are produced with electrolysis and are classified among biocidal substances. The technology has demonstrated efficacy and safety for pre-and postprocedure use. The safety of hypochlorous solution use demonstrated to be comparable to that of standard local antiseptics. Small studies demonstrated better results with the scar gel compared to silicone gel regarding the appearance of hypertrophic and keloid scars, relief of associated pruritus and pain.
Conclusions
A postprocedure regime using this technology, aimed at preventing infection, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing is proposed to have benefits over current regimes as it appears to be effective, safe, and well tolerated.
http://ift.tt/2nBLFey
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