Effect of brightness and contrast variation for detectability of root resorption lesions in digital intraoral radiographs

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the performance of periapical radiography assessed under different radiographic brightness and contrast variations in the detection of simulated internal (IRR) and external (ERR) root resorption lesions. Additionally, observers' preferences related to image quality for these diagnostic tasks were evaluated.

Methods

Thirty single-root teeth were divided into two groups (n = 15): IRR, in which lesions were simulated using mechanical and biochemical processes; and ERR, in which cavities standardized with drills of different sizes were performed on the root surfaces. Digital radiographs were obtained and subsequently adjusted in 4 additional combinations, resulting in 5 brightness/contrast variations (V1–V5). Five radiologists evaluated the radiographs. The observers' preference on the image quality was also recorded.

Results

For both conditions, there were no differences in the accuracy and specificity between the five brightness/contrast variations (p > 0.05), but the sensitivity for ERR was significantly lower in V4 (+ 15% brightness/−15% contrast) in the large size (p < 0.05). The observers classified V2 (− 15% brightness/+15% contrast) as the "best" image quality for IRR and ERR evaluation.

Conclusions

For IRR and ERR lesions, brightness and contrast variation does not affect the diagnostic performance of digital intraoral radiography within the tested range. The observers prefer images with a reasonable decrease in brightness and increase in contrast.

Clinical relevance

Brightness and contrast enhancement tools are commonly applied in digital radiographic assessment. The use of these tools for detection of root resorptions can be applied according to the observer preference without influence on diagnostic accuracy.

https://ift.tt/2G46aNY

Efficacy of chlorhexidine rinses after periodontal or implant surgery: a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Biofilm management and infection control are essential after periodontal and implant surgery. In this context, chlorhexidine (CHX) mouth-rinses are frequently recommended post-surgically. Despite its common use and many studies in this field, a systematic evaluation of the benefits after periodontal or implant surgery is—surprisingly—still missing.

Objectives

To evaluate the benefits of chlorhexidine rinsing after periodontal or implant surgery in terms of plaque and inflammation reduction potential. Furthermore, to screen whether the concentration changes or additives in CHX solutions reduce side effects associated with its use.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature search was performed for clinical trials, which compared CHX rinsing after periodontal or implant surgery with rinsing using placebo, non-staining formulations, or solutions with reduced concentrations of the active compound. Four databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane) were searched up to June 2018. Two reviewers independently identified and screened the literature.

Results

From 691 titles identified, only eleven publications met the inclusion criteria and were finally included. Mainly early publications assessed the benefits of CHX over placebo rinsing, whereas more recent publications focused more on the evaluation of new formulations with regard to effectiveness and side effects. The use of CHX after surgery showed in general significant reduction in plaque (means of 29–86% after 1 week) and bleeding (up to 73%) as compared to placebo. No consensus, however, was found regarding the most beneficial CHX formulation avoiding side effects.

Conclusion

Chlorhexidine rinsing helps to reduce biofilm formation and gingival inflammation after surgery. However, no additional reduction of periodontal probing depth over any given placebo or control solution could be found irrespective of whether CHX was used or not. The use of additives such as antidiscoloration systems (ADS) or herbal extracts may reduce side effects while retaining efficacy.

Clinical relevance

Within the limitations of this review, it can be concluded that CHX may represent a valuable chemo-preventive tool immediately after surgery, during the time period in which oral hygiene capacity is compromised. To reduce the side effects of CHX and maintain comparable clinical effects, rinsing with less concentrated formulations (e.g., 0.12%) showed the most promising results so far.

https://ift.tt/2rlbwKy

Direct and Collateral Alterations of Functional Cortical Circuits in a Rat Model of Subcortical Band Heterotopia

Abstract

Subcortical band heterotopia (SBH), also known as double-cortex syndrome, is a neuronal migration disorder characterized by an accumulation of neurons in a heterotopic band below the normotopic cortex. The majority of patients with SBH have mild to moderate intellectual disability and intractable epilepsy. However, it is still not clear how cortical networks are organized in SBH patients and how this abnormal organization contributes to improper brain function. In this study, cortical networks were investigated in the barrel cortex in an animal model of SBH induced by in utero knockdown of Dcx, main causative gene of this condition in human patients. When the SBH was localized below the Barrel Field (BF), layer (L) four projection to correctly positioned L2/3 pyramidal cells was weakened due to lower connectivity. Conversely, when the SBH was below an adjacent cortical region, the excitatory L4 to L2/3 projection was stronger due to increased L4 neuron excitability, synaptic strength and excitation/inhibition ratio of L4 to L2/3 connection. We propose that these developmental alterations contribute to the spectrum of clinical dysfunctions reported in patients with SBH.

https://ift.tt/2G467Si

Recycled gypsum board acted as a mineral swelling agent for improving thermal conductivity characteristics in manufacturing of green lightweight building brick

Abstract

Lightweight building bricks manufactured from non-hazardous residues incorporating mineral foaming agents have been successfully developed over past two decades. Very little information is available on recycling and reutilization of construction and demolition waste used as the pore foaming agent in manufacturing lightweight brick. In this research, the mineral swelling agent was gypsum board recycled from construction and demolition waste. The mineral swelling agent effect on the characteristics of green lightweight building materials sintered from drinking water purification (DWP) sludge was investigated. Green lightweight building materials were contained up to 50% (wt%) mineral swelling agent and fired at a temperature ranged between 950 °C and 1050 °C. The experimental results indicated that lightweight building materials have successfully sintered between 1000 °C and 1020 °C and added up to 40% (wt%) recycled gypsum board. The sintered building materials have the characteristics of relatively high compressive strength, low bulk density, and thermal conductivity that were in compliance with relevant Taiwan criteria for application in lightweight building materials. To further consider the eco-friendly and environmental safety of lightweight building materials, the recycled gypsum board can act as a good mineral swelling agent, but can also enhance the chemical stabilization and reduce the metals leachability of lightweight materials based on acidic neutralization capacity (ANC) analysis results. To estimate the carbon dioxide emission in manufacturing and transportation of lightweight materials that sintered this experimental conditions, the estimated carbon dioxide reduction rates were approximately 28.6% and 16.7%, respectively, as a result of the energy saving. Experimental results have confirmed that the feasibility of recycled gypsum board used as a swelling agent and good potential for construction works in green lightweight building materials.

https://ift.tt/2E6VAmw

Intracerebroventricular administration of sulfated CCK octapeptide induces anxiety‐like behavior in goldfish

Abstract

Sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK‐8s) is involved in feeding regulation as an anorexigenic neuropeptide in vertebrates. In rodents, intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of CCK‐8s has been shown to affect not only feeding behavior, but also psychomotor activity. However, there is still no information regarding the psychophysiological effects of CCK‐8s in goldfish. Therefore, we examined the effect of synthetic goldfish (gf) CCK‐8s on psychomotor activity in this species. ICV administration of gfCCK‐8s at 0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 pmol/g body weight (BW) did not affect swimming distance (locomotor activity). Since intact goldfish prefer the lower to the upper area of a tank, we used this as a preference test (upper/lower test) for assessing anxiety‐like behavior. ICV administration of gfCCK‐8s at 2.5 pmol/g BW shortened the time spent in the upper area. The action of gfCCK‐8s mimicked that of FG‐7142 (the central‐type benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist, an anxiogenic agent) at 5 and 10 pmol/g BW. The anxiogenic‐like effect of gfCCK‐8s was abolished by treatment with the CCK receptor antagonist proglumide at 50 pmol/g BW. We also investigated the localization of CCK/gastrin‐like immunoreactivity in the goldfish brain. CCK/gastrin‐like immunoreactivity was observed in the anxiety‐related regions (the nucleus habenularis and the interpeduncular nucleus). These data indicate that gfCCK‐8s potently affects psychomotor activity in goldfish, and exerts an anxiogenic‐like effect via the CCK receptor‐signaling pathway.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

https://ift.tt/2RMcevG

Electrophysiological Properties of Identified Oxytocin and Vasopressin Neurons

Abstract

To understand the contribution of intrinsic membrane properties to the different firing patterns of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) neurons in vivo, in vitro studies are needed, where stable intracellular recordings can be made. Combining immunochemistry for OT and VP and intracellular dye injections allows characterization of identified OT and VP neurons, and several differences between the two cell types have emerged. These include a greater transient K⁺ current that delays spiking to stimulus onset, and a higher Na⁺ current density leading to greater spike amplitude and a more stable spike threshold, in VP neurons. VP neurons also show a greater incidence of both fast and slow Ca²⁺‐dependent depolarizing afterpotentials, the latter of which summate to plateau potentials and contribute to phasic bursting. In contrast, OT neurons exhibit a sustained outwardly rectifying potential (SOR), and a consequent depolarizing rebound potential, not found in VP neurons. The SOR makes OT neurons more susceptible to spontaneous inhibitory synaptic inputs and correlates with a longer period of spike frequency adaptation in these neurons. While both types exhibit prominent Ca²⁺‐dependent afterhyperpolarizing potentials (AHPs) that limit firing rate and contribute to bursting patterns, Ca²⁺‐dependent AHPs in OT neurons selectively show significant increases during pregnancy and lactation. In OT, but not VP neurons, AHPs are highly dependent on the constitutive presence of the second messenger, phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate, which permissively gates N‐type channels that contribute the Ca²⁺ during spike trains that activates the AHP. In contrast to the intrinsic properties supporting phasic bursting in VP neurons, the synchronous bursting of OT neurons has only been demonstrated in vitro in cultured hypothalamic explants and is completely dependent on synaptic transmission. Additional differences in Ca²⁺ channel expression between the two neurosecretory terminal types suggests these channels are also critical players in the differential release of OT and VP during repetitive spiking, in addition to their importance to the potentials controlling firing patterns.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

https://ift.tt/2Qe8CpE

Both the Filler Amount and Columellar Elasticity Are Important in Injection Rhinoplasty in the Columella

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2RFPbmi

Patient‐Centered Oncology or Population‐Centered Oncology—Which Do We Want, and Which Tradeoffs Are We Willing To Accept?

https://ift.tt/2PokAHS

Bisphenol S exposure affects gene expression related to intestinal glucose absorption and glucose metabolism in mice

Abstract

Bisphenol S, an industrial chemical, has raised concerns for both human and ecosystem health. Yet, health hazards posed by bisphenol S (BPS) exposure remain poorly studied. Compared to all tissues, the intestine and the liver are among the most affected by environmental endocrine disruptors. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular effect of BPS on gene expression implicated in the control of glucose metabolism in the intestine (apelin and its receptor APJ, SGLT1, GLUT2) and in the liver (glycogenolysis and/or gluconeogenesis key enzymes (glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)) and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-α and IL-1β)). BPS at 25, 50, and 100 μg/kg was administered to mice in water drink for 10 weeks. In the duodenum, BPS exposure reduces significantly mRNA expression of sodium glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), apelin, and APJ mRNA. In the liver, BPS exposure increases the expression of G6Pase and PEPCK, but does not affect pro-inflammatory markers. These data suggest that alteration of apelinergic system and glucose transporters expression could contribute to a disruption of intestinal glucose absorption, and that BPS stimulates glycogenolysis and/or gluconeogenesis in the liver. Collectively, we reveal that BPS heightens the risk of metabolic syndrome.

https://ift.tt/2rqUXg0

Retraction: Visual evaluation of train-of-four and double burst stimulation, fade at various currents, using a rubber band. Saitoh Y, Nakazawa K, Makita K, et al.

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2G1qcJ2

The effect of pectoral block type II on persistent pain: Follow up of a randomised trial and hypotheses for further analyses

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2rqJ8Xw

Targeting the affective component of pain with ketamine: A tool to improve the postoperative experience?

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2rnx7lB

Prediction of bilateral cerebral oxygen desaturation from a single sensor in adult cardiac surgery

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2G1q6Ba

Uterine tilt for caesarean section

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2roj8fb

Continuous haemodynamic effects of left tilting and supine positions during Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia with a noninvasive cardiac output monitor system

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2GgiI55

Low-dose ketamine infusion reduces postoperative hydromorphone requirements in opioid-tolerant patients following spinal fusion: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND The current opioid epidemic highlights the urgent need for effective adjuvant therapies to complement postoperative opioid analgesia. Intra-operative ketamine infusion has been shown to reduce postoperative opioid consumption and improve pain control in opioid-tolerant patients after spinal fusion surgery. Its efficacy for opioid-naïve patients, however, remains controversial. OBJECTIVE We hypothesised that low-dose ketamine infusion after major spinal surgery reduces opioid requirements in opioid-tolerant patients, but not in opioid-naïve patients. DESIGN Randomised placebo-controlled study. SETTING Single-centre, tertiary care hospital, November 2012 until November 2014. PATIENTS A total of 129 patients were classified as either opioid-tolerant (daily use of opioid medications during 2 weeks preceding the surgery) or opioid-naïve group, then randomised to receive either ketamine or placebo; there were thus four groups of patients. All patients received intravenous hydromorphone patient-controlled analgesia postoperatively. INTERVENTION Patients in the ketamine groups received a ketamine infusion (bolus 0.2 mg kg−1 over 30 min followed by 0.12 mg kg−1 h−1 for 24 h). Patients in the placebo groups received 0.9% saline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was opioid consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcome was numerical pain scores during the first 24 h and central nervous system side effects. RESULTS Postoperative hydromorphone consumption was significantly reduced in the opioid-tolerant ketamine group, compared with the opioid-tolerant placebo group [0.007 (95% CI 0.006 to 0.008) versus 0.011 (95% CI 0.010 to 0.011) mg kg−1 h−1, Bonferroni corrected P 

https://ift.tt/2rqLjtU

Assessing the effect of dexmedetomidine in patients with pre-eclampsia

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2rqL3eq

Reply to: fluid therapy for critical haemorrhage during elective noncardiac surgery

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2G1pNq0

Effects of a single subanaesthetic dose of ketamine on pain and mood after laparoscopic bariatric surgery: A randomised double-blind placebo controlled study

BACKGROUND When administered as a continuous infusion, ketamine is known to be a potent analgesic and general anaesthetic. Recent studies suggest that a single low-dose administration of ketamine can provide a long-lasting effect on mood, but its effects when given in the postoperative period have not been studied. OBJECTIVE We hypothesised that a single low-dose administration of ketamine after bariatric surgery can improve pain and mood scores in the immediate postoperative period. DESIGN We performed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to compare a single subanaesthetic dose of ketamine (0.4 mg kg−1) with a normal saline placebo in the postanaesthesia care unit after laparoscopic gastric bypass and gastrectomy. SETTING Single-centre, tertiary care hospital, October 2014 to January 2018. PATIENTS A total of 100 patients were randomised into the ketamine and saline groups. INTERVENTION Patients in the ketamine group received a single dose of ketamine infusion (0.4 mg kg−1) in the postanaesthesia care unit. Patients in the placebo groups received 0.9% saline. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the visual analogue pain score. A secondary outcome was performance on the short-form McGill's Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). RESULTS There were no significant differences in visual analogue pain scores between groups (group-by-time interaction P = 0.966; marginal group effect P = 0.137). However, scores on the affective scale of SF-MPQ (secondary outcome) significantly decreased in the ketamine group as early as postoperative day (POD) 2 [mean difference = −2.2 (95% bootstrap CI −2.9 to 1.6), Bonferroni adjusted P 

https://ift.tt/2rqLdm2

Cerebral oximetry monitoring. To guide physiology, avert catastrophe or both?

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2GcNqMq

Shared decision-making for postoperative analgesia: A semistructured qualitative study

BACKGROUND Shared decision-making (SDM) and decision-support tools have attracted broad support in healthcare as they improve medical decision-making. Experts disagree on how these can help patients evaluate their present situation and possible outcomes of therapy, and how they might reduce decisional conflict. Little is known about their implementation, especially in anaesthesiology. OBJECTIVE To obtain a more fundamental understanding of pre-operative SDM and evaluate the use of a decision-support tool for postoperative analgesia after major thoracic and abdominal surgery. DESIGN A qualitative study with semistructured, in-depth interviews of patients and professionals. SETTING Patient recruitment took place at the Radboud University Medical Centre in Nijmegen and the Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital in Nijmegen, a nonacademic teaching centre. Professionals of the Radboud University Medical Centre were invited to participate in the interviews. PARTICIPANTS Interviews were performed with 10 individual patients and two focus groups both consisting of eight different professionals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES To gain insight into the provision of pre-operative information, decision-making processes and the clarity and usability of a prototype decision-support tool. RESULTS Professionals seemed to provide their patients with information directed towards the application of epidural analgesia, providing little attention to its negative effects. For many patients, the information was not tailored to their needs. Patients' involvement in decision-making was minimal, but they did not feel a need for more involvement. They were positive about the decision-support tool, although they indicated that it would not have influenced their treatment decision. Professionals expressed their doubt about the capacity of their patients to fully understand the decisions involved and about the clinical usability of the decision-support tool, because patients might misinterpret the information provided. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that both patients and professionals did not adhere to some 'self-evident' principles of SDM when postoperative analgesia after major thoracic and abdominal surgery was discussed.

https://ift.tt/2rqL7uG

Ketamine stakes in 2018: Right doses, good choices

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2G0oQ0P

Reply to: fluid therapy for critical haemorrhage during elective noncardiac surgery

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2rxsllH

Short- and long-term impact of remifentanil on thermal detection and pain thresholds after cardiac surgery: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND The clinical relevance of the suggested hyperalgesic effects of remifentanil is still unclear, especially in the long term. OBJECTIVE The current study evaluated the impact of remifentanil on thermal thresholds 3 days and 12 months after surgery, measured with Quantitative Sensory Testing. DESIGN A single-blind, randomised controlled trial. SETTING A tertiary care teaching hospital in The Netherlands, from 2014 to 2016. PATIENTS A total of 126 patients aged between 18 and 85 years, undergoing cardiothoracic surgery via sternotomy (coronary artery bypass grafts and/or valve replacement) were included. Exclusion criteria were BMI above 35 kg m−2, history of cardiac surgery, chronic pain conditions, neurological conditions, allergy to opioids or paracetamol, language barrier and pregnancy. INTERVENTIONS Patients were allocated randomly to receive intra-operatively either a continuous remifentanil infusion or intermittent intra-operative fentanyl as needed in addition to standardised anaesthesia with propofol and intermittent intravenous fentanyl at predetermined time points. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Warm and cold detection and pain thresholds 3 days and 12 months after surgery. In addition the use of remifentanil, presence of postoperative chronic pain, age, opioid consumption and pre-operative quality of life were tested as a predictor for altered pain sensitivity 12 months after surgery. RESULTS Both warm and cold detection, and pain thresholds, were not significantly different between the remifentanil and fentanyl groups 3 days and 12 months after surgery (P > 0.05). No significant predictors for altered pain sensitivity were identified. CONCLUSION Earlier reports of increased pain sensitivity 1 year after the use of remifentanil could not be confirmed in this randomised study using Quantitative Sensory Testing. This indicates that remifentanil plays a minor role in the development of chronic thoracic pain. Still, the relatively high incidence of chronic thoracic pain and its accompanying impact on quality of life remain challenging problems. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered at EudraCT (ref: 2013-000201-23) and ClinicalTrials.gov (https://ift.tt/2Mq69Sn).

https://ift.tt/2rqL4Pw

Bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks vs. infraorbital and palatine nerve blocks in cleft lip and palate repair: A double-blind, randomised study

BACKGROUND Cleft defects are common craniofacial malformations which require early surgical repair. These patients are at high risk of postoperative airway obstruction and respiratory failure. Cleft surgery may require high doses of opioids which may contribute to these complications. OBJECTIVES To compare the effectiveness of proximal and distal approaches to blocking the maxillary nerve in patients undergoing cleft lip or cleft palate surgery. DESIGN Randomised, controlled and double-blind study. SETTING The current study was carried out in Guwahati (Assam, India) between April 2014 and June 2014. PATIENTS A total of 114 patients older than 6 months who underwent cleft lip or cleft palate surgery were included. Exclusion criteria included coagulation disorders, peripheral neuropathy or chronic pain syndrome, infection in the puncture site, allergy to local anaesthetics, lack of consent and language problems or other barriers that could impede the assessment of postoperative pain. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: proximal group (bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve blocks) and distal group (bilateral infraorbital nerve blocks for cleft lip repair and bilateral greater and lesser palatine nerve blocks and nasopalatine nerve block for cleft palate surgery). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients requiring extra doses of opioids. Secondary endpoints included pain scores, respiratory and nerve block-related complications during the first 24 h. RESULTS In the intra-operative period, there was a significant reduction of nalbuphine consumption in the proximal group (9.1 vs. 25.4%, P = 0.02). The percentage of patients requiring intra-operative fentanyl was lower in the proximal group (16.4 vs. 30.5%, P = 0.07). There were no differences in either postoperative pain scores or in postoperative complications. No technical failure or block-related complications were reported. CONCLUSION Bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block is an effective and safe alternative to the traditional peripheral nerve blocks for cleft lip and cleft palate surgery, in a mixed paediatric and adult population.

https://ift.tt/2G59594

Fluid therapy for critical haemorrhage during elective noncardiac surgery

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2rpSzGp

Efficacy of axillary versus infraclavicular brachial plexus block in preventing tourniquet pain: A randomised trial

BACKGROUND Axillary and infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks are commonly used for upper limb surgery. Clinicians require information on the relative benefits of each to make a rational selection for specific patients and procedures. OBJECTIVES The main objective of the study was to compare axillary and infraclavicular brachial plexus block in terms of the incidence and severity of tourniquet pain. DESIGN Single blinded, randomised trial. SETTING University affiliated hospital, level-1 trauma centre. PATIENTS Age more than 18 years, ASAI-III patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery distal to the elbow, with an anticipated tourniquet duration of more than 45 min were recruited. INTERVENTIONS Patients underwent either ultrasound guided axillary brachial plexus block or infraclavicular block (ICB). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence of tourniquet pain (onset, severity, associated haemodynamic changes) and block characteristics (block performance/onset times, distribution, incidence of adverse events, patient satisfaction) were recorded. RESULTS Eighty two patients (40 in the axillary block and 42 in the ICB group) were recruited. The incidence (5/36 and 3/35; P = 0.71), onset time (73.0 ± 14.8 and 86.6 ± 5.7 min; P = 0.18) and severity (mild/moderate; 4/1 and 1/2; P = 0.51) of tourniquet pain were similar in the two groups. The incidence of paraesthesia during block performance, and block performance time were greater in the axillary block group (P = 0.0054 and 0.012, respectively). The volume of local anaesthetic administered was greater in the ICB group (P 

https://ift.tt/2G2I1XT

Incidence of peri-operative paediatric cardiac arrest and the influence of a specialised paediatric anaesthesia team: Retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Peri-operative critical events are still a major problem in paediatric anaesthesia care. Access to more experienced healthcare teams might reduce the adverse event rate and improve outcomes. OBJECTIVE The current study analysed incidences of peri-operative paediatric cardiac arrest before and after implementation of a specialised paediatric anaesthesia team and training programme. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study with before-and-after analysis. SETTING Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany. PATIENTS A total of 36 243 paediatric anaesthetics (0 to 18 years) were administered between 2008 and 2016. INTERVENTION Implementation of a specialised paediatric anaesthesia team and training programme occurred in 2014 This included hands-on supervised training in all fields of paediatric anaesthesia, double staffing for critical paediatric cases and a 24/7 emergency team. A logistic regression analysis with risk factors (age, ASA physical status, emergency) was used to evaluate the impact of implementation of the specialised paediatric anaesthesia team. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Incidences of peri-operative paediatric cardiac arrest and anaesthesia-attributable cardiac arrest before and after the intervention. RESULTS Twelve of 25 paediatric cardiac arrests were classified as anaesthesia-attributable. The incidence of overall peri-operative paediatric cardiac arrest was 8.1/10 000 (95% CI 5.2 to 12.7) in the period 2008 to 2013 and decreased to 4.6/10 000 (95% CI 2.1 to 10.2) in 2014 to 2016. Likewise, the incidence of anaesthesia-attributable cardiac arrest was lower after 2013 [1.6/10 000 (95% CI 0.3 to 5.7) vs. 4.3/10 000 (95% CI 2.3 to 7.9)]. Using logistic regression, children anaesthetised after 2013 had nearly a 70% lower probability of anaesthesia-attributable cardiac arrest (odds ratio 0.306, 95% CI 0.067 to 1.397; P = 0.1263). For anaesthesia-attributable cardiac arrest, young age was the most contributory risk factor, whereas in overall paediatric cardiac arrest, ASA physical statuses 3 to 5 played a more important role. CONCLUSION In this study on incidences of peri-operative paediatric cardiac arrest from a European tertiary care university hospital, implementation of a specialised paediatric anaesthesia team and training programme was associated with lower incidences of peri-operative paediatric cardiac arrest and a reduced probability of anaesthesia-attributable cardiac arrest.

https://ift.tt/2G0oNlF

Reply to: prediction of bilateral cerebral oxygen desaturation from a single sensor in adult cardiac surgery

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2rqKNfs

Genetic profiling of basal cell carcinomas detects postzygotic mosaicism in basal cell naevus syndrome

Summary

Basal cell naevus syndrome (BCNS) is associated with germline mutations in the PTCH1 gene. Postzygotic mosaicism can also cause BCNS. Here we describe two patients, one with multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and one with clinical BCNS, who had no PTCH1 mutation in DNA extracted from blood. In both patients, we performed genetic analysis on different BCCs, revealing the presence of a shared PTCH1 mutation in all tumours. Our findings show that in patients with symptoms of BCNS and initial absence of a PTCH1 mutation in blood, genetic profiling of BCCs can detect postzygotic mosaicism.

https://ift.tt/2QinG5N

Issue Information

https://ift.tt/2E9v0tl

Looking back to move forward

https://ift.tt/2QHw3ag

Randomized phase II trial of the prophylactic use of celecoxib for the prevention of oxaliplatin-related peripheral vascular pain in Capeox (YCOG1205)

Abstract

Purpose

Capeox is widely used as an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen of colorectal cancer that does not require central vein catheter insertion. However, oxaliplatin-related vascular pain with peripheral administration is a major adverse event. We assessed the preventive effect of Celecoxib on oxaliplatin-related vascular pain.

Methods

A multicenter study of the Yokohama Clinical Oncology Group (YCOG) in Japan. This study was an open label, randomized non-comparative phase II study between Capeox without Celecoxib (C+ Group) and with it (C− group). The primary endpoint was the appearance frequency of grade ≥ 2 vascular pain according to the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS).

Results

Between October 2012 and February 2014, 81 patients were recruited to this study and randomly divided into 2 groups: 38 patients in the C− group and 39 patients in the C+ group. Four cases were excluded at the analysis stage because they had not received the allocated intervention. The rate of grade ≥ 2 vascular pain was 55.3% in the C− group and 53.8% in the C+ group (p = 1.000).

Conclusions

Celecoxib was unable to prevent oxaliplatin-related vascular pain in this study. However, it may be able to decrease the vascular pain that patients already have.

https://ift.tt/2AY8Gzp

Concentrations and chemical fractions of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb at ten metallurgical sites in China

Abstract

Metal pollution in urban soils due to smelting and electroplating has become a severe problem in China. In this study, the concentration, chemical fraction, and leaching behavior of typical metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in soil samples from ten metallurgical sites were studied. The results show that some of the soils were polluted with Cu and most were heavily polluted with multiple metals, especially Zn, Cd, and Pb. The average concentration of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb was 498, 4145, 89, and 5091 mg/kg, respectively. Chemical fractionation revealed that Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were mainly present in the acid-soluble fraction in polluted soils, but predominated in the residual fraction in unpolluted soils, demonstrating that allogenic metals in the soils were mostly present in the more labile fractions. Toxicity characteristic leaching procedure results were in agreement with the chemical fractionation study, indicating that the higher the total metal content, the higher the leachability, mobility, bioavailability, and potential toxicity to the environment, especially groundwater. Use of chemical fractionation results instead of total metal concentrations would provide better insight into the distribution and binding forms of metals for better assessment of their mobility and bioavailability. The study would provide much more important information for developing better remediation strategies for contaminated sites.

https://ift.tt/2SzwctS

CT-based dose recalculations in head and neck cancer radiotherapy: comparison of daily dose recalculations to less time-consuming approaches

Abstract

Background

The goal of this study was to investigate if daily dose recalculations are necessary or if less time-consuming approaches can be used to identify dose differences to the planned dose in patients with head and neck cancers (H&N).

Methods

For 12 H&N patients treated with helical tomotherapy, daily dose calculations were performed retrospectively. Four different summation doses (SuDo) were calculated: DayDo (daily dose calculation), MVCTx2, MVCTx5, and MVCTx10 (dose calculations every second, fifth, and tenth fraction). Dose recalculations were depicted on the last contoured mega voltage CT (MVCT). The DayDo was compared to the planned dose and to the less time-consuming SuDo scenarios. The doses were assessed for the planning target volume (PTV) and the organs at risk (OARs): mandible (mand), spinal cord (SC), spinal cord +5 mm (SC+5 mm), parotid glands (PG).

Results

The ipsilateral PG, contralateral PG, and PTV volume decreased by −22.5% (range: −34.8 to 5.2%), −19.5% (−31.5 to 15.8%), and −2.6% (−16.7 to 0.2%), respectively. There was a significant median mean dose (Dmean) dose difference for DayDo compared to the planned dose for PG total of 1.9 Gy (−3.3 to 7.3 Gy). But less time-consuming SuDo compared to DayDo showed statistically significant but not clinically relevant (<2%) dose differences for several organs. Hence the small dose difference to the gold standard (DayDo), we recommend dose recalculations every fifth MVCT in order to identify the occurrence of dose differences compared to the planned dose.

Conclusion

Daily dose calculations are the most precise to assess dose differences between actual and planned dose. Dose recalculations on every fifth MVCT (i. e., weekly control CTs) are an applicable and time-saving way of identifying patients with significant dose differences compared to the planned dose.

https://ift.tt/2E4yiOj

Environmental temperature and air humidity and prevalence of maxillary sinus retention cysts: possible relationships (preliminary study)

Abstract

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of maxillary sinus retention cysts (MSRCs) and to evaluate the effects of mean temperature and mean air humidity on the prevalence of MSRCs in two cities in Turkey.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted in Antalya and Erzurum, two cities with different air humidities and temperatures in Turkey. Panoramic images of patients who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Akdeniz University and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ataturk University for diagnostic purposes were evaluated. A total of 4800 panoramic images were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 27.03 ± 6.48 years. The prevalence of MSRCs was analyzed according to sex, mean temperature, and mean air humidity. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Among the 4800 panoramic images evaluated, 228 indicated the presence of MSRCs. MSRCs were found significantly more frequently in males than in females. The prevalence was 3% in Antalya and 6.5% in Erzurum, with a total prevalence of 4.8%. While there was a significant correlation between the total amount of cysts and monthly mean air humidity in Erzurum, the correlation effect size was very low.

Conclusions

The total prevalence of MSRCs was 4.8%. There were no correlations between the frequency of MSRCs and the mean air humidity or mean temperature.

https://ift.tt/2QFUG7g

Expression of Insulinoma-Associated Protein 1 (INSM1) and Orthopedia Homeobox (OTP) in Tumors with Neuroendocrine Differentiation at Rare Sites

Abstract

Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) and orthopedia homeobox (OTP) are transcription factors that play a critical role in neuroendocrine (NE) and neuroepithelial cell development. INSM1 has been identified in multiple tumors of NE or neuroepithelial origin, whereas OTP expression has been mainly studied in NE tumors of pulmonary origin. Expression of OTP appears to correlate with poorer prognosis in pulmonary carcinoids; however, its expression patterns in other NE/neuroepithelial tumors need further investigation. Here, we assessed the diagnostic utility of INSM1 and OTP in tumors with NE differentiation at relatively uncommon sites including prostate, breast, and tumors of gynecologic origin. Thirty-two formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cases were used to construct a tissue microarray. Immunohistochemistry for INSM1 and OTP was performed and scored semi-quantitatively. INSM1 was diffusely expressed in 60% of gynecologic tumors, 71.4% of mammary carcinoma, and 25% of prostate adenocarcinoma with NE differentiation. Diffuse expression of OTP was detected in 50% of prostate adenocarcinoma with NE differentiation and 100% neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ovary. Immunostain for achaete-scute homolog 1, chromogranin, synaptophysin, and CD56 supported the NE and/or neuroepithelial differentiation of the tumors. In summary, INSM1 is expressed in most of the tumors with NE and neuroepithelial differentiation in this study, confirming the diagnostic utility of INSM1 as a novel and sensitive marker of NE/neuroepithelial differentiation. The expression of OTP in some NE tumors outside of lung expands the spectrum of tumors that may express this biomarker and should be considered when working up a NE tumor of unknown primary site.

https://ift.tt/2E21vt4

Application of carotenoid to alleviate the oxidative stress caused by phenanthrene in wheat

Abstract

It is reported that the accumulated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can cause wheat leaf chlorosis, and we identified that carotenoid (Car) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are the two most active factors in antioxidant system in the previous study. Herein, we applied Car as an exogenous chemical added to alleviate the toxicity triggered by phenanthrene (a model PAH) in wheat seedlings. In the exogenous Car addition groups, we found that the leaf number would grow three, and the relative biomass and the relative root length of 20 mg L⁻¹ Car added would take positive changes that increased by 171.35% and 108.08% of the phenanthrene-treated group at day 9, respectively. Under the subcellular structure, vacuole would be clear and clean, chloroplast and mitochondria shapes turned normal in the exogenous Car addition groups, and their osmophilic particle densities were much lower than the phenanthrene-treated group. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll concentrations also recovered after Car was added in the phenanthrene treatments for 9 days. The activity of SOD, another active factor, also decreased when Car was added, and the values dropped to 16.54 and 24.61 U g⁻¹ for the 10 and 20 mg L⁻¹ Car addition groups, respectively. Like the SOD activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations of the two Car addition groups decreased to 26.50% and 26.87% of the phenanthrene treatment. The relative concentrations of 5 kinds of amino acids (valine, alanine, proline, aspartic acid, and lysine) recovered significantly, and the principal component analysis suggested that amino acid concentrations were in recovery progress when Car was added in phenanthrene treatments. Therefore, it is concluded that Car is an effective PAH toxicity relief. Our result offers a new way to improve the plant resistance to PAH pollution in the environment.

Graphical abstract

https://ift.tt/2EhA1kj

Study of Anti-PD-1 Antibody SHR-1210 Plus Nimotuzumab in the Treatment of Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Condition:   Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Intervention:   Drug: Nimotuzumab + SHR-1210
Sponsor:   The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University
Not yet recruiting

https://ift.tt/2EiiWGG

Urbanization impact on residential energy consumption in China: the roles of income, urbanization level, and urban density

Abstract

This paper investigated the impact of urbanization on residential energy consumption (REC) in China by taking cognizance of the levels of income, urbanization and urban density. Threshold analyses were employed to investigate the nonlinear relationships based on the STIRPAT (Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology) framework using a balanced panel dataset of 29 provinces of China over the period of 1998–2014. The common correlated effects mean group estimator (CCEMG) was used to address time-series cross-section (TSCS) issues. The results confirmed the existence of the nonlinear relationship between urbanization and REC in China. The impact of urbanization on REC varied at different economic development levels and urbanization levels. Specifically, urbanization decreased REC at the stage that per capita disposable income of urban residents (PDI) less than 2615 USD, while it increased REC at the stage that PDI higher than 2615 USD. Similarly, urbanization decreased REC at the stage that urbanization rate lower than 55.31% and increased REC after urbanization rate exceeded 55.31%. This study did not find evidence to support the urban environmental transition theory, indicating there was still no region in China had stepped into the win-win stage of urbanization and energy consumption. Furthermore, the nonlinear impact of urban density on REC was estimated and the results indicated that urban density exerted a positive effect on REC when urban density was lower than 808 inhabitants per square kilometer, while it was no longer relevant to REC after that threshold point. Based on these results, the corresponding countermeasures and suggestions to achieve low-carbon urbanization were put forward.

https://ift.tt/2UljNLF

Isolation and identification of endogenous RFRP1 and RFRP3 in the mouse hypothalamus

Abstract

Although RFamide‐related peptide (RFRP) preproprotein sequence is known in mice, until now the molecular structure of the mature, functional peptides processed from the target precursor molecule has not been determined. In the present study we purified endogenous RFRP1 and RFRP3 peptides from mouse hypothalamic tissue extracts using immunoaffinity column conjugated with specific antibodies against the mouse C‐terminus of RFRP‐1 and RFRP‐3. Employing liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) we demonstrated, that RFRP1 consists of 15 and RFRP3 of 10 amino acid residues (ANKVPHSAANLPLRF‐NH₂ and SHFPSLPQRF‐NH₂, respectively). To investigate the distribution of RFRPs in the mouse central nervous system (CNS), we performed immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of the brain sections collected from wild‐type (WT) and Rfrp knock‐out (Rfrp KO) animals. This data together with gene expression in multiple tissues provides strong confidence that RFRP‐immunoreactive (RFRP‐ir) neuronal cells are localized in the dorsomedial (DMH) and between DMH and the ventromedial (VMH) hypothalamic nuclei. The identification of RFRP1 and RFRP3 peptides and the IHC visualization of targeting RFRPs neurons in the mice brain provide the basis for the investigations into a functional biology of RFRPs.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

https://ift.tt/2AVkiTZ

Synthesis and applications of nano-TiO 2 : a review

Abstract

TiO₂-based nanomaterials have attracted prodigious attention as a photocatalysts in numerous fields of applications. In this thematic issue, the mechanism behind the photocatalytic activity of nano-TiO₂ as well as the critical properties have been reviewed in details. The synthesis routes and the variables that affect the size and crystallinity of nano-TiO₂ have also been discussed in detail. Moreover, a newly emerged class of color TiO₂, TiO₂ in aerogel form, nanotubes form, doped and undoped form, and other forms of TiO₂ have been discussed in details. Photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications and the type of nano-TiO₂ that is more suitable for these applications have been discussed in this review.

https://ift.tt/2Um0TUP

The protective effects of Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) scale collagen hydrolysate against oxidative stress induced by tributyltin in HepG2 cells

Abstract

Oxidative stress is regarded as one of the most important factors associated with many diseases, such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and diabetes. Various chemicals are released into the environment, causing environmental pollution. Importantly, many of them may cause damage to organisms through oxidative stress. In this work, we investigated the possible protective effects of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) scale collagen hydrolysate (TSCH) (molecular weight approximately 4 kDa) against tributyltin (TBT)-induced oxidative stress in vitro. The results showed that pretreatment with TSCH protected against decreases in cell viability and changes in cell morphology in HepG2 cells exposed to TBT. Treatment with TSCH reduced the TBT-induced elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with TSCH increased glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Moreover, TSCH decreased the expression of the proapoptotic protein Bax, reducing apoptosis. These results suggest that the protective mechanism of TSCH may be associated with its ability to scavenge MDA, increase antioxidant enzyme activity and downregulate the expression of Bax.

https://ift.tt/2AXkRww

ERBB2 Status in HER2 -Equivocal Breast Cancers by FISH and ASCO-CAP Guidelines

This study examines HER2 ISH-equivocal breast cancers to asses 2013/2014 American Society of Clinical Oncology and College of American Pathologists guidelines in determining HER2-positive or HER2-negative breast cancers and false-positive results.

https://ift.tt/2RFlLVE

Increased risk of incident thyroid diseases in people with psoriatic disease: A cohort study

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Shu-Hui Wang, Jui Wang, Yu-Sheng Lin, Tao-Hsin Tung, Ching-Chi Chi

Abstract

Background

The association between psoriasis and thyroid diseases was unclear.

Objective

To examine the risk of thyroid diseases in psoriasis patients.

Methods

We used Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database to conduct a nationwide cohort study. We examined the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for incident thyroid diseases in relation to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Results

We identified 13,266 patients with psoriatic arthritis (psoriasis arthritis group), 149,576 with psoriasis alone (psoriasis group), and 162,842 nonpsoriatic controls. When compared to nonpsoriatic controls, the psoriasis arthritis and psoriasis groups had an increased risk of incident hyperthyroidism (adjusted HR: 1.32 (95% CI 1.07-1.65) and 1.22 (95% CI 1.11-1.33), respectively) and Grave's disease (adjusted HR: 1.38 (95% CI 1.07-1.79) and 1.26 (95% CI 1.13-1.41), respectively). Both groups had an increased risk of incident hypothyroidism (adjusted HR: 1.74 (95% CI1.34-2.27) and 1.38 (95% CI 1.23-1.56), respectively) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (adjusted HR: 2.09 (95% CI 1.34-3.24) and 1.47 (95% CI 1.18-1.82), respectively).

Limitations

Lack of data on psoriasis severity.

Conclusion

People with psoriatic disease are associated with increased incident thyroid diseases including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, Grave's disease, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Endocrinological consultation may be considered when psoriasis patients present with thyroid symptoms.

https://ift.tt/2PohNib

Correction

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s):

https://ift.tt/2PrIOBq

Segmental phenol-Croton oil chemical peels for treatment of periorbital or perioral rhytides

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Kachiu C. Lee, J. Barton Sterling, Carlos G. Wambier, Seaver L. Soon, Marina Landau, Peter Rullan, Harold J. Brody., International Peeling Society (IPS)

https://ift.tt/2zLOy3F

Patient Comfort and Expectations for Total Body Skin Exams: A Cross-Sectional Study

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Trissa McClatchey Connors, Pooja Reddy, Emma Weiss, Jaden Kohn, Melinda Liu, Harry Dao

https://ift.tt/2zIVWNu

Correction

Publication date: Available online 6 December 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s):

https://ift.tt/2zMKCja

Correction

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s):

https://ift.tt/2Plw3rP

Correction

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s):

https://ift.tt/2zKrYbT

Comment on ‘‘Folliculitis decalvans: Effectiveness of therapies and prognostic factors in a multicenter series of 60 patients with long-term follow-up’’

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Noureddine Litaiem, Asma Toumi, Faten Zeglaoui

https://ift.tt/2zKHdBm

REPLY to JAAD-D-18-01922: ‘‘Folliculitis decalvans: Effectiveness of therapies and prognostic factors in a multicenter series of 60 patients with long-term follow-up’’

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Laura Miguel-Gómez, David Saceda-Corralo, Sergio Vañó-Galván

https://ift.tt/2PieFEt

“Vitiligo and major depressive disorder: a bidirectional population-based cohort study”

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Isabelle A. Vallerand, Ryan T. Lewinson, Laurie M. Parsons, Jori Hardin, Richard M. Haber, Mark W. Lowerison, Cheryl Barnabe, Scott B. Patten

Abstract

Background

Vitiligo patients often report their mental health has an impact on their skin. However, it is unknown as to whether a common mental disorder such as major depressive disorder (MDD) can also precipitate the onset of vitiligo.

Objective

Evaluate a bidirectional relationship between MDD and vitiligo using The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database.

Methods

Incident MDD and referent cohorts were followed until the development of vitiligo. Additionally, incident vitiligo and referent cohorts were followed until the development of MDD. Cox proportional-hazards models were used, adjusting for numerous covariates.

Results

In adjusted models, MDD patients (n=405,397) were at a 64% increased risk of vitiligo (HR=1.64, 95%CI: 1.43-1.87, p<0.0001) compared to the referent cohort (n=5,739,048). This risk was decreased in patients using antidepressants. Compared to the referent cohort (n=6,137,696), patients with vitiligo (n= 7,104) that were <30 years of age at diagnosis had a higher risk of developing MDD than patients >30 years (HR=1.31; 95%CI: 1.14-1.50, p<0.0001 vs. HR=1.22; 95%CI: 1.08-1.37, p=0.001).

Limitations

This study did not evaluate the severity of MDD or vitiligo on outcome development.

Conclusion

These results highlight the burden of depression in patients with vitiligo and support the possible existence of pathophysiological connections between these two conditions.

https://ift.tt/2Pk9l3q

Eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy: a retrospective cohort of 37 patients from an Italian center

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2018

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Vieri Grandi, Roberto Maglie, Emiliano Antiga, Margherita Vannucchi, Chiara Delfino, Irene Lastrucci, Susanna Gunnella, Stefania Ciolli, Lavinia Quintarelli, Daniela Massi, Marzia Caproni, Nicola Pimpinelli

https://ift.tt/2zLO9OH

Two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance method for wettability determination of tight sand

Publication date: Available online 5 December 2018

Source: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Author(s): Can Liang, Lizhi Xiao, Cancan Zhou, Yan Zhang, Guangzhi Liao, Zijian Jia

Abstract

The wettability of reservoir rocks is important for oil recovery and reserve calculations. However, current methods for evaluating the wettability of rocks are time-consuming and expensive. Previous work has shown that low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a potentially useful and non-invasive technique for rock wettability determination. However, for rocks with strong internal magnetic field gradients, the current method is less efficient. In this study, the bipolar pulsed field gradient (PFG)-Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) pulse sequence was applied to the study of rock wettability. This method can suppress the effect of the internal magnetic field gradient in rocks and accurately extract wettability information. The diffusion-transverse relaxation time (D-T₂) method was employed to quantitatively estimate the wettability of rocks. Results of Amott wettability tests and NMR T₁-T₂ maps were combined to provide a more complete wettability characterization of tight sand. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the new method for characterizing wettability. The proposed method and workflow is of significance to the development of oil fields.

https://ift.tt/2REhHou

Pesticides in three rural rivers in Guangzhou, China: spatiotemporal distribution and ecological risk

Abstract

Frequent and widespread pesticide use is a major concern for both human and environmental health. The aim of this study was to screen for 19 pesticides in rural rivers in Guangzhou, China, evaluating the potential impact of detected pesticides on the local ecosystem. Sampling was performed in rural rivers in three environment types: agricultural, industrial, and unpolluted, with sampling of water and sediments in both wet and dry seasons. A total of 11 pesticides were detected overall and their spatiotemporal distribution in water and ecological risk were assessed. Five pesticides were detected at concentrations above 100 ng L⁻¹, with the highest concentration pesticides being dimethoate (1318 ng L⁻¹) in surface water and quinalphos (328 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (dw)) in sediments. The most commonly detected pesticides were chlorpyrifos, acetochlor, and butachlor with detection frequencies of 50–57% and 29–43%, in water and sediments, respectively. Samples from the agricultural rural river contained the most pesticides and at higher concentrations, as compared to industrial and unpolluted areas, especially during the wet season. Ecotoxicological risk assessment through Risk Quotients (RQs) showed that chlorpyrifos and fenvalerate pose high ecological risks in water and therefore, reduction of the source input of these pesticides is essential.

https://ift.tt/2QdjNPz

Efficacy of laser surgery versus radiotherapy for treatment of glottic carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Laser surgery and radiotherapy are the two most common ways to treat glottic carcinomas, which is more efficacious and remains controversial. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify relevant studies of laser surgery versus radiotherapy in patients with glottic carcinomas through April 2017. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to evaluate heterogeneity. Eighteen studies were selected, which included 2480 patients. Patients who had laser surgery had higher rates of laryngeal preservation (OR 3.852; 95% CI 1.922–7.721) and overall survival (OR 1.388; 95% CI 1.063–1.811) versus who had radiotherapy. No significant differences were observed between laser surgery and radiotherapy on local control (OR 1.186; 95% CI 0.759–1.854), recurrence (OR 0.758; 95% CI 0.445–1.289), or disease-specific survival (OR 1.597; 95% CI 0.887–2.876). There were clinical benefits for patients with glottic carcinoma after laser surgery compared with radiotherapy with respect to survival and laryngeal preservation.

https://ift.tt/2SzaWED

Comparative toxicity of a food additive TiO 2 , a bulk TiO 2 , and a nano-sized P25 to a model organism the nematode C. elegans

Abstract

To help fill the knowledge gap regarding the potential human health impacts of food pigment TiO₂, a comparative toxicity study was performed on a food-grade TiO₂ (f-TiO₂), a bulk TiO₂ (b-TiO₂), and a nano-sized TiO₂ (Degussa P25), and in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Acute phototoxicity and chronic toxicity effects including reproduction, lifespan, and vulval integrity were evaluated. The f-TiO₂, b-TiO₂, and P25 had a primary particle size (size range) of 149 (53–308) nm, 129 (64–259) nm, and 26 (11–52) nm, respectively. P25 showed the greatest phototoxicity with a 24-h LC50 of 6.0 mg/L (95% CI 5.95, 6.3), followed by the f-TiO₂ (LC50 = 6.55 mg/L (95% CI 6.35, 6.75)), and b-TiO₂ was the least toxic. All three TiO₂ (1–10 mg/L) induced concentration-dependent effects on the worm's reproduction, with a reduction in brood size by 8.5 to 34%. They all caused a reduction of worm lifespan, accompanied by an increased frequency of age-associated vulval integrity defects (Avid). The impact on lifespan and Avid phenotype was more notable for P25 than the f-TiO₂ or b-TiO₂. Ingestion and accumulation of TiO₂ particles in the worm intestine was observed for all three materials by light microscopy. These findings demonstrate that the food pigment TiO₂ induces toxicity effects in the worm and further studies are needed to elucidate the human health implication of such toxicities.

https://ift.tt/2BStRoa

PRS Video Plus: Response Refinements in Upper Blepharoplasty The Five-Step Technique

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2PnO0pR

Refinements in Upper Blepharoplasty: The Five-Step Technique

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2zEJluD

A response to letter PRS-D-18-01390 by Professor Kun Hwang, Comments on “Microanatomy of sensory nerves in the upper eyelid: A cadaveric anatomical study.”

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2Pp3vxA

Facial Volumization. An Anatomic Approach.

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2zJoExG

“Evaluation of Acellular Dermal Matrix Efficacy in Prosthesis-Based Breast Reconstruction.”

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2PnemZ8

The Scar Book: Formation, Mitigation, Rehabilitation, and Prevention.

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2zEJfDh

Arterial Vascularization of the Mandibular Condyle

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2PneqIm

Suggested Refinements in Reply to “A New Composite Eyeball-Periorbital Transplantation Model in Humans: An Anatomical Study in Preparation for Eyeball Transplantation”

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2zJtESS

Comments on “Arterial Vascularization of the Mandibular Condyle and Fractures of the Condyle”

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2PnehEO

Reply: “High-pressure Injection of Heparinized Saline for Reversing Refractory Intraoperative Phenylephrine-induced Venous Vasospasm”

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2zLkzJ9

Changing the Dialogue on Plastic Surgery: A Visual Representation of the Twitterverse

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2Pne4S2

“Letter to the Editor: Fournier Gangrene Association of Mortality with the Complete Blood Count Parameters.”

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2zLY3Qy

Changing the Dialogue of Plastic Surgery: A Visual Representation of the Twitterverse

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2PndZOe

High-pressure Injection of Heparinized Saline for Reversing Refractory Intraoperative Phenylephrine-induced Venous Vasospasm

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2zMrSAB

The external jugular vein anastomosis under the sternocleidomastoid muscle technique for head and neck reconstruction

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2Pn7wT8

Response to Letter to the Editor: “Sentinel lymph node positivity in thin melanomas the ‘vertical route’ is traced”

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2zEIY3d

Sentinel lymph node positivity in thin melanomas: the «vertical route» is traced

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2PkOL2Q

Reply: The external jugular vein anastomosis under the sternocleidomastoid muscle technique for head and neck reconstruction

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2zEIUR1

Letter to the editor: Fournier Gangrene Association of Mortality with the Complete Blood Count Parameters

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2PndJ1I

Comments on “Microanatomy of sensory nerves in the upper eyelid: A cadaveric anatomical study”

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2zEINoz