Concentrations, properties, and health risk of PM 2.5 in the Tianjin City subway system

Abstract

A campaign was conducted to assess and compare the personal exposure in L3 of Tianjin subway, focusing on PM_2.5 levels, chemical compositions, morphology analysis, as well as the health risk of heavy metal in PM_2.5. The results indicated that the average concentration of the PM_2.5 was 151.43 μg/m³ inside the train of the subway during rush hours. PM_2.5 concentrations inside car under the ground are higher than those on the ground, and PM_2.5 concentrations on the platform are higher than those inside car. Regarding metal concentrations, the highest element in PM_2.5 samples was Fe; the level of which is 17.55 μg/m³. OC is a major component of PM_2.5 in Tianjin subway. Secondary organic carbon is the formation of gaseous organic pollutants in subway. SEM–EDX and TEM–EDX exhibit the presence of individual particle with a large metal content in the subway samples. For small Fe metal particles, iron oxide can be formed easily. With regard to their sources, Fe-containing particles are generated mainly from mechanical wear and friction processes at the rail–wheel–brake interfaces. The non-carcinogenic risk to metals Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb, and carcinogenic hazard of Cr and Ni were all below the acceptable level in L3 of Tianjin subway.

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Non-echoplanar diffusion weighted imaging in the detection of post-operative middle ear cholesteatoma: navigating beyond the pitfalls to find the pearl

Abstract

Non-echoplanar diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) has established itself as the modality of choice in detecting and localising post-operative middle ear cleft cholesteatoma. Despite its good diagnostic performance, there are recognised pitfalls in its radiological interpretation which both the radiologist and otologist should be aware of. Our article highlights the various pitfalls and provides guidance for improving radiological interpretation and navigating beyond many of the pitfalls. It is recommended radiological practice to interpret the diffusion weighted images together with the ADC map and supplement with the corresponding T1 weighted and T2 weighted images, all of which can contribute to and enhance lesion localisation and characterisation. ADC values are also helpful in improving specificity and confidence levels. Given the limitation in sensitivity in detecting small cholesteatoma less than 3 mm, serial monitoring with DWI over time is recommended to allow any small residual cholesteatoma pearls to grow and become large enough to be detected on DWI. Optimising image acquisition and discussing at a joint clinico-radiological meeting both foster good radiological interpretation to navigate beyond the pitfalls and ultimately good patient care.

Teaching Points

• Non-echoplanar DWI is the imaging of choice in detecting post-operative cholesteatoma.

• There are recognised pitfalls which may hinder accurate radiological interpretation.

• Interpret with the ADC map /values and T1W and T2W images.

• Serial DWI monitoring is of value in detection and characterisation.

• Optimising image acquisition and discussing at clinico-radiological meetings enhance radiological interpretation.

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Laparoscopic partial splenectomy for giant cyst using a radiofrequency-assisted device: a case report

Abstract

Background

Although radiofrequency-assisted devices have sometimes been used in partial splenectomy, this is not a common technique. This report describes the first case of laparoscopic partial splenectomy using an RF-assisted device (Coolinside) which allows both coagulation and transection of the parenchyma and eventually the protective coagulation of the remnant side.

Case presentation

A 27-year-old woman was found to have a giant hydatic cyst measuring 12.0 × 14.0 × 16.6 cm that mainly occupied the lower pole of the spleen and retroperitoneal space. The patient underwent a laparoscopic partial splenectomy using an RF-based device designed to accomplish both the coagulation and dissection of the splenic tissue. The estimated blood loss was less than 200 mL.

Conclusions

Even though RF ablation has traditionally been used for hepatic parenchymal transection, it seems equally suited to partial splenectomy. This device seems to provide good results, minimizing blood loss during partial splenectomy; however, randomized trials will be necessary to see if the results are superior to those of other techniques.

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4. Clinical decision making utility of contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasound (CE-IOUS) during hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM): The Uliis phase 2 study

Publication date: September 2016
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 42, Issue 9
Author(s): S. Evrard, G. Désolneux, M. Isambert, S. Mathoulin-Pélissier, C. Bellera, S. Hoppe, L. Caroline, B. Lortal, D. Derek, A. Bellanguez, A. Dupré, M. Rivoire, V. Catena, J. Palussière




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21. Total laparoscopic radical trachelectomy as a fertility sparing technique in early cervical cancer in a ‘Buddy’ operating institute: Demonstration of technique and review of outcomes

Publication date: September 2016
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 42, Issue 9
Author(s): E. Craig, A. McAvoy, H. Nagar, I. Harley, S. Dobbs




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12. The prognostic value of the lymph node ratio for resected pancreatic ductal carcinoma

Publication date: September 2016
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 42, Issue 9
Author(s): S. Aosasa, H. Abe, M. Nishikawa, M. Hoshikawa, T. Noro, S. Hiraki, Y. Kajiwara, T. Moriya, T. Yamasaki, E. Shinto, H. Tsujimoto, T. Tanimizu, H. Ueno, K. Hase, J. Yamamoto




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Effect of intraperitoneal chemotherapy and peritoneal lavage in positive peritoneal cytology in gastric cancer. Systematic review and meta-analysis

Publication date: September 2016
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 42, Issue 9
Author(s): F. Coccolini, F. Catena, O. Glehen, Y. Yonemura, P.H. Sugarbaker, P. Piso, M. Ceresoli, G. Montori, L. Ansaloni
IntroductionThe most common cause of tumour progression in advanced gastric cancer is peritoneal carcinosis (PC). The necessity to increase the survival in advanced diseases suggested to deliver the chemotherapy directly in the peritoneal cavity also in Cy+/PC− and to experiment the effect of massive peritoneal lavage to wash out the tumour cells. The aim of this study is to investigate the gain in term of survival and peritoneal recurrence rate of the intraperitoneal chemotherapy and/or peritoneal lavage in patients with Cy+/PC−.Material and methodsA systematic review with meta-analysis of trials about the effect of intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) and/or peritoneal lavage (PL) on positive cytology in gastric cancer without carcinosis.ResultsThree trials have been included (164 patients: 76 received surgery alone, 51 surgery + IPC and 37 surgery + IPC + PL). Two- and five-years survival is increased by IPC (RR = 1.62, RR = 3.10). 2 and 5 years survival is further increased by IPC + PL (RR = 2.33, RR = 6.19). Peritoneal recurrence is reduced by IPC (OR = 0.45) and by IPC + PL (OR = 0.13).ConclusionsTwo- and five-years overall survival in patients with free cancer cells without carcinosis is incremented by intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Peritoneal lavage further increases these survival rates and also it further decreases the peritoneal recurrence rate.



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8. Targeted next generation DNA deep sequencing of fine needle aspiration cytological material of suspected pancreatic lesions, is of added value for diagnosis and therapy selection

Publication date: September 2016
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 42, Issue 9
Author(s): B.G. Sibinga Mulder, J.S.D. Mieog, T. Van Wezel, A. Farina Sarasqueta, A.L. Vahrmeijer, R.J. Swijnenburg, B.A. Bonsing, H. Morreau




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17. Laparoscopic wedge resection for suspected large (≥5 cm) gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Publication date: September 2016
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 42, Issue 9
Author(s): B.K. Goh, C.Y. Khoo, A.K. Eng, W.H. Chan, M.C. Teo, A.Y. Chung, H.S. Ong, W.K. Wong




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Editorial Board

Publication date: September 2016
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 42, Issue 9





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2. The optimal cut-off value of the vascularity of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma based on prognostic differences

Publication date: September 2016
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 42, Issue 9
Author(s): Y. Yamamoto, T. Sugiura, Y. Okamura, T. Ito, R. Ashida, K. Ohgi, Y. Kato, K. Uesaka




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6. Two-stage hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases: A major pathologic response to chemotherapy is associated with longer survival

Publication date: September 2016
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 42, Issue 9
Author(s): F. Quenet, M.-H. Pissas




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10. Feasibility, safety, and oncologic validity of superior mesenteric artery first approach during open and laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy

Publication date: September 2016
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 42, Issue 9
Author(s): G. Zimmitti, A. Manzoni, P. Addeo, M. Garatti, A. Zaniboni, C. Codignola, P. Bachellier, E. Rosso




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Feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a physical exercise training program during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in individual patients with rectal cancer prior to major elective surgery

Publication date: September 2016
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 42, Issue 9
Author(s): A.F.J.M. Heldens, B.C. Bongers, J. de Vos-Geelen, N.L.U. van Meeteren, A.F. Lenssen
BackgroundDiverse fractions of patients with locally advanced resectable rectal cancer receive neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT). NACRT is known to decrease physical fitness, an undesirable side effect. This pilot aimed to determine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a supervised outpatient physical exercise training program during NACRT in these patients.MethodsWe included 13 out of 20 eligible patients (11 males, mean ± SD age: 59.1 ± 19.7 years) with rectal cancer who participated in the exercise training program during NACRT. Feasibility was determined by adherence and number of adverse events. Physical fitness was compared at baseline (B), after five (T1) and ten weeks (T2) of training, and eight weeks postoperatively (T3) using repeated-measures analysis of variance.ResultsNine patients (69.2%) completed the program without adverse events. Four patients dropped out. The program was feasible and safe, with a total attendance rate of 95.7%. Leg muscle strength (mean ± SD: 104.0 ± 32.3 versus 144.8 ± 45.6 kg; P < 0.001) and arm muscle strength (mean ± SD: 48.7 ± 13.8 kg versus 36.1 ± 11.0 kg, P = 0.002) increased significantly between B and T2, respectively. A slight, non-significant, increase in functional exercise capacity was found.ConclusionThis pilot demonstrated that a supervised outpatient physical exercise training program for individual patients with locally advanced resectable rectal cancer during NACRT is feasible for a large part of the patients, safe and seems able to prevent an often seen decline in physical fitness during NACRT. A larger study into the cost-effectiveness of this approach is warranted.



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15. TAMIS for rectal tumors: Advancements of a new approach

Publication date: September 2016
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 42, Issue 9
Author(s): D. Rega, D. Scala, U. Pace, A. Niglio, F. Ruffolo, M. Pannullo, C. Sassaroli, P. Delrio




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Clinical outcomes for patients with liver-limited metastatic colorectal cancer: Arguing the case for specialist hepatobiliary multidisciplinary assessment

Publication date: September 2016
Source:European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO), Volume 42, Issue 9
Author(s): K. Thillai, D. Repana, I. Korantzis, P. Kane, A. Prachalias, P. Ross
In patients with liver-limited metastatic colorectal cancer, hepatic resection can offer a significant survival benefit over systemic therapy alone. Specialist hepatobiliary multidisciplinary meetings are currently believed to provide the best forum to discuss the management for these patients.A retrospective analysis was undertaken of patients diagnosed with liver-limited metastatic colorectal cancer over 6 months within a cancer network in the United Kingdom. In addition, patients who were diagnosed but not referred to the hepatobiliary meeting were discussed within a virtual multi-disciplinary setting. Contributors were blinded and proposed management recorded.159 newly diagnosed patients with liver-limited metastatic colorectal cancer were identified. 68 (43%) were referred at initial diagnosis and 38 (24%) referred following systemic treatment. 35 (51%) who were discussed at baseline underwent a subsequent hepatectomy or radiofrequency ablation, as did 18 (47%) patients referred after chemotherapy. Of the remaining 53 (33%) patients not referred, imaging was available for 31 (58%). Decisions regarding potential liver-directed therapy were discussed within a multi-disciplinary setting. 13 (42%) were identified as resectable or potentially resectable and 11 (36%) may have been suitable for a clinical trial. In reality, none of these 31 patients (100%) underwent surgery or ablation.Whilst the majority of patients with liver-limited metastatic colorectal cancer were referred appropriately, this study demonstrates that a significant number with potentially resectable disease are not being discussed at specialist meetings. A review of all diagnosed cases would ensure that an increased number of patients are offered hepatic resection or ablation.



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The Malley Crossover Ambulance

Malley Industries is the first manufacturer in North America to create a state-of-the-art ambulance using the spacious RAM ProMaster. The new Malley Crossover Ambulance provides interior space comparable to more expensive modulars and has the capacity to accommodate a bariatric stretcher. Developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders and more than 1,000 paramedics, our innovative research and development team designed an ambulance that would: • Enhance safety and comfort • Improve access to patients and equipment • Maximize interior space

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Characterization and Selection of 3-(1-Naphthoyl)-Indole Derivative-Specific Alpaca VHH Antibodies Using a Phage Display Library

Monoclonal Antibodies in Immunodiagnosis and Immunotherapy Aug 2016, Vol. 35, No. 4: 231-234.


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Antihuman Cardiac Troponin I (hcTn I) Monoclonal Antibody

Monoclonal Antibodies in Immunodiagnosis and Immunotherapy Aug 2016, Vol. 35, No. 4: 236-236.


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Screening and Identification of Highly Specific MAbs for Discovering Novel Biomarkers of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells

Monoclonal Antibodies in Immunodiagnosis and Immunotherapy Aug 2016, Vol. 35, No. 4: 199-211.


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Monoclonal Antibodies DSHB-hGAPDH-2G7 and DSHB-hGAPDH-4B7 Against Human Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase

Monoclonal Antibodies in Immunodiagnosis and Immunotherapy Aug 2016, Vol. 35, No. 4: 235-235.


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Monoclonal Antibody Against Porcine Circovirus2 Cap Protein

Monoclonal Antibodies in Immunodiagnosis and Immunotherapy Aug 2016, Vol. 35, No. 4: 237-237.


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Body mass index and physical activity in early childhood are associated with atopic sensitization, atopic dermatitis and asthma in later childhood

The results of studies on the associations of childhood excessive weight/obesity and physical activity with atopic sensitization and atopic diseases are inconsistent. We studied the associations of anthropomet...

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Guidelines for preoperative investigations for elective surgery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital: effects on practices, outcomes, and costs

We endeavor to assess the impact of introduction of guidelines for preoperative investigations (PIs) on anesthetic practices and costs and compare their efficacy to current practices.

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A Retrospective Study of G-Tube Use in Japanese Patients Treated with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Hypopharyngeal Cancer

by Akihiro Homma, Hiromitsu Hatakeyama, Takatsugu Mizumachi, Satoshi Kano, Tomohiro Sakashita, Rinnosuke Kuramoto, Yuji Nakamaru, Rikiya Onimaru, Kazuhiko Tsuchiya, Daisuke Yoshida, Koichi Yasuda, Hiroki Shirato, Satoshi Fukuda

Objective

Late toxicity after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), such as dysphagia, in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck has received a good deal of attention recently. The gastrostomy tube (G-tube) dependence rate 1 year after CCRT was reported to be 16.7–42.9% in Western countries. We evaluated swallowing outcomes after CCRT in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) treated in our hospital and compared them with previous reports.

Methods

We reviewed 96 consecutive patients with a HPC treated by radiotherapy with intravenous or intra-arterial chemotherapy between 2006 and 2013 at Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.

Results

At 1 month after CCRT, 13 patients (13.7%) used a G-tube, whereas 5/91 (5.5%) and 4/81 (4.9%) used a G-tube at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Two patients used a G-tube at 12 and 24 months after CCRT (G-tube use rate: 2.8% at 12 months, and 3.2% at 24 months). The variables female, posterior wall primary, stage IV, ECOG performance status of 2, and smoking status were significantly associated with G-tube use at 12 months after CCRT, whereas the route of cisplatin administration was not related to G-tube use (p = 0.303).

Conclusions

The G-tube use rate up to 1year could be lower in Japanese patients than in Western patients according to previous reports. In particular, Japanese patients resume oral intake sooner than Western patients. Further study of the incidence of dysphagia after CCRT by ethnicity is required to clarify the differences in dysphagia after CCRT.

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Evaluation of the vascular protective effects of new oral anticoagulants in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation (PREFER-AF): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is known to be associated with several pathophysiological mechanisms including endothelial dysfunction of the heart and arterial vessels. Recent evidence suggests that new oral anticoa...

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Endovenous laser ablation versus mechanochemical ablation with ClariVein® in the management of superficial venous insufficiency (LAMA trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Endovenous thermal techniques, such as endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), are the recommended treatment for truncal varicose veins. However, a disadvantage of thermal techniques is that it requires the administ...

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Development of a novel strategy for fungal transformation based on a mutant locus conferring carboxin-resistance in Magnaporthe oryzae

The accurate manipulation of genomic integration of mutant alleles or fluorescent fusion-protein constructs is necessary for understanding of pathogenic mechanism of Magnaporthe oryzae. Recently, this can be achi...

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Capsule-bowl conversion triggered by a guest reaction

Chem. Commun., 2016, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C6CC06551A, Communication

Shitao Wang, Tomohisa Sawada, Makoto Fujita
A new M20L8 coordination capsule was synthesized. Owing to the structural flexibility and dynamic property, the capsule showed wide scope for guest encapsulation. Furthermore, unique capsule-bowl conversion occurred upon a...
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry

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New Orleans EMS receives donated active shooter kits

A grant funded by the city's oldest parade organization will provide body armor, ballistic helmets and trauma supplies for EMTs. (Photo/New Orleans EMS Foundation)

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End-inspiratory pause prolongation in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients: effects on gas exchange and mechanics

End-inspiratory pause (EIP) prolongation decreases dead space-to-tidal volume ratio (Vd/Vt) and PaCO2. We do not know the physiological benefits of this approach to improve respiratory system mechanics in acute r...

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Teamwork enables high level of early mobilization in critically ill patients

Early mobilization in critically ill patients has been shown to prevent bed-rest-associated morbidity. Reported reasons for not mobilizing patients, thereby excluding or delaying such intervention, are diverse...

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Johns Hopkins Scientists Track Metabolic Pathways to Find Drug Combinations for Pancreatic Cancer

Cancer researchers have long observed the value of treating patients with combinations of anti-cancer drugs that work better than single drug treatments. Now, in a new study using laboratory-grown cells and mice, Johns Hopkins scientists report that a method they used to track metabolic pathways heavily favored by cancer cells provides scientific evidence for combining anti-cancer drugs, including one in a nanoparticle format developed at Johns Hopkins, that specifically target those pathways.

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A Retrospective Study of G-Tube Use in Japanese Patients Treated with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Hypopharyngeal Cancer

by Akihiro Homma, Hiromitsu Hatakeyama, Takatsugu Mizumachi, Satoshi Kano, Tomohiro Sakashita, Rinnosuke Kuramoto, Yuji Nakamaru, Rikiya Onimaru, Kazuhiko Tsuchiya, Daisuke Yoshida, Koichi Yasuda, Hiroki Shirato, Satoshi Fukuda

Objective

Late toxicity after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), such as dysphagia, in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck has received a good deal of attention recently. The gastrostomy tube (G-tube) dependence rate 1 year after CCRT was reported to be 16.7–42.9% in Western countries. We evaluated swallowing outcomes after CCRT in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) treated in our hospital and compared them with previous reports.

Methods

We reviewed 96 consecutive patients with a HPC treated by radiotherapy with intravenous or intra-arterial chemotherapy between 2006 and 2013 at Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.

Results

At 1 month after CCRT, 13 patients (13.7%) used a G-tube, whereas 5/91 (5.5%) and 4/81 (4.9%) used a G-tube at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Two patients used a G-tube at 12 and 24 months after CCRT (G-tube use rate: 2.8% at 12 months, and 3.2% at 24 months). The variables female, posterior wall primary, stage IV, ECOG performance status of 2, and smoking status were significantly associated with G-tube use at 12 months after CCRT, whereas the route of cisplatin administration was not related to G-tube use (p = 0.303).

Conclusions

The G-tube use rate up to 1year could be lower in Japanese patients than in Western patients according to previous reports. In particular, Japanese patients resume oral intake sooner than Western patients. Further study of the incidence of dysphagia after CCRT by ethnicity is required to clarify the differences in dysphagia after CCRT.

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Neuromodulation of olfactory transformations

Publication date: October 2016
Source:Current Opinion in Neurobiology, Volume 40
Author(s): Christiane Linster, Thomas A Cleland
The olfactory bulb and piriform cortex are the best studied structures of the mammalian olfactory system and are heavily innervated by extrinsic neuromodulatory inputs. The state-dependent release of acetylcholine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and other neuromodulators into these olfactory structures alters a constellation of physiological parameters in neurons and synapses that together modify the computations performed on sensory signals. These modifications affect the specificity, detectability, discriminability, and other properties of odor representations and thereby govern perceptual performance. Whereas different neuromodulators have distinct cellular effects, and tend to be associated with nominally different functions, it also is clear that these purported functions overlap substantially, and that ad hoc hypotheses regarding the roles of particular neuromodulators may have reached the limits of their usefulness.



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Second-Line Treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: New Developments for Tumours Not Harbouring Targetable Oncogenic Driver Mutations

Abstract

Platinum-based doublet chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab is the standard of care for the initial management of advanced and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without a targetable molecular abnormality. However, the majority of patients with NSCLC will ultimately develop resistance to initial platinum-based chemotherapy, and many remain candidates for subsequent lines of therapy. Randomised trials over the past 10–15 years have established pemetrexed (non-squamous histology), docetaxel, erlotinib and gefitinib as approved second-line agents in NSCLC without targetable driver mutations or rearrangements. Trials comparing these agents with other chemotherapy, evaluating the addition of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) to chemotherapy or the addition of another targeted agent to erlotinib or gefitinib have all failed to demonstrate an improvement in overall survival for patients with NSCLC. In contrast, recent data comparing therapy with novel monoclonal antibodies against programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or PD ligand (PD-L1) pathway versus standard chemotherapy following platinum failure have demonstrated significant improvements in overall survival. Therapy with nivolumab or pembrolizumab would now be considered standard second-line therapy in patients without contraindication to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Atezolizumab also appears promising in this setting.

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Prosodic grouping at birth

Publication date: November 2016
Source:Brain and Language, Volume 162
Author(s): Nawal Abboub, Thierry Nazzi, Judit Gervain
Experience with spoken language starts prenatally, as hearing becomes operational during the second half of gestation. While maternal tissues filter out many aspects of speech, they readily transmit speech prosody and rhythm. These properties of the speech signal then play a central role in early language acquisition. In this study, we ask how the newborn brain uses variation in duration, pitch and intensity (the three acoustic cues that carry prosodic information in speech) to group sounds. In four near-infrared spectroscopy studies (NIRS), we demonstrate that perceptual biases governing how sound sequences are perceived and organized are present in newborns from monolingual and bilingual language backgrounds. Importantly, however, these prosodic biases are present only for acoustic patterns found in the prosody of their native languages. These findings advance our understanding of how prenatal language experience lays the foundations for language development.



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Cover 2: Editorial Board

Publication date: September 2016
Source:Brain and Language, Volume 160





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Cover 4: TOC/Barcode

Publication date: September 2016
Source:Brain and Language, Volume 160





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Uluckan et al. IL-17A causes local skin inflammation and accelerates bone loss

IBMS BoneKEy 13 doi: 10.1038/bonekey.2016.68

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Li et al. Post menopausal bone loss: could probiotics help?

IBMS BoneKEy 13 doi: 10.1038/bonekey.2016.67

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Mitchell et al. Genetic variants influence BMD from childhood through into adulthood

IBMS BoneKEy 13 doi: 10.1038/bonekey.2016.66

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Asymptotic behavior of Laplacian-energy-like invariant of the 3.6.24 lattice with various boundary conditions

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Comparison of preoperative MRI and intraoperative findings of posterior tibial tendon insufficiency

The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiological and surgical correlation between preoperative magnetic resonance images (MRI) and the intraoperative findings in patients with acquired adult flatf...

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Epidemiological and cost analysis of burn injuries admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary burn center

Burn injury is an emergency medical condition that rapidly develops as a result of tissue exposure to electrical, chemical or thermal energy. Therefore, its treatment usually begins at the emergency department...

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The experiences of balloon-expandable stent in symptomatic stenosis of middle cerebral artery

Stent placement for middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis remains a technical and clinical challenge. Our purpose was to assess the safety and feasibility of balloon-expandable stent (BES) for patients with sy...

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SNARE-mediated Fusion of Single Proteoliposomes with Tethered Supported Bilayers in a Microfluidic Flow Cell Monitored by Polarized TIRF Microscopy

Here, we present a protocol to detect single, SNARE-mediated fusion events between liposomes and supported bilayers in microfluidic channels using polarized TIRFM, with single molecule sensitivity and ~15 msec time resolution. Lipid and soluble cargo release can be detected simultaneously. Liposome size, lipid diffusivity, and fusion pore properties are measured.

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Pain and functional improvement effects of methylene blue injection on the soft tissue around fusion site after traumatic thoracolumbar fixation: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study

Publication date: November 2016
Source:Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, Volume 150
Author(s): Majid Reza Farrokhi, Hamed Yazdanpanah, Mehrnaz Gholami, Farnaz Farrokhi, Amir Reza Mesbahi
ObjectiveFractures of the thoracolumbar spine can cause pain, long-term reductions in quality of life (QOL), and neural deficits. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of methylene blue (MB) on preventing postoperative pain and improving QOL in patients with throracolumbar fractures undergoing posterior pedicle screw fixation.MethodsFifty patients underwent standard posterior pedicular screw fixation for stabilization of the thoracolumbar fractures: 25 received 1ml of MB solution at a concentration of 0.5% and 25 received normal saline on the soft tissue around fusion site. Primary outcomes were the control of pain, evaluated at 48h, 2 and 6 months after surgery with the use of a visual analog scale (VAS), and the improvement of QOL, assessed 2 and 6 months postoperatively by means of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire.ResultsThe mean VAS scores for pain were significantly lower in the MB group compared with the control group at 2 months (1.30±0.45 vs. 2.60±1.19, P<0.001) and 6 months (1.17±0.37 vs. 1.60±0.87; P=0.028) after treatment. At 2 months after the surgery, the mean ODI score was significantly lower in the MB-treated patients than the control group (20.4±10.92 vs. 34.8±15.11; P=0.001). The ODI score in the MB-treated patients was better than the control group at 6 months after the surgery (12.2±11.66 vs. 20.8±11.14; P=0.016).ConclusionA single dose of MB on the soft tissue around fusion site shows promising results in terms of safety, reduction of postoperative pain, and functional results when compared with placebo 6 months after surgery.



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Use of rapid prototyping drill template for the expansive open door laminoplasty: A cadaveric study

Publication date: November 2016
Source:Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, Volume 150
Author(s): Xin Rong, Beiyu Wang, Hua Chen, Chen Ding, Yuxiao Deng, Lipeng Ma, Yanzhao Ma, Hao Liu
ObjectiveTrough preparation is a technically demanding yet critical procedure for successful expansive open door laminoplasty (EOLP), requiring both proper position and appropriate bone removal. We aimed to use the specific rapid prototyping drill template to achieve such requirement.MethodsThe 3D model of the cadaveric cervical spine was reconstructed using the Mimics 17.0 and Geomagic Studio 12.0 software. The drilling template was designed in the 3-Matic software. The trough position was simulated at the medial margin of the facet joint. Two holders were designed on both sides. On the open side, the holder would just allow the drill penetrate the ventral cortex of the lamina. On the hinge side, the holder was designed to keep the ventral cortex of the lamina intact. One orthopedic resident performed the surgery using the rapid prototyping drill template on four cadavers (template group). A control group of four cadavers were operated upon without the use of the template.ResultsThe deviation of the final trough position from the simulated trough position was 0.18mm±0.51mm in the template group. All the troughs in the template group and 40% of the troughs in the control group were at the medial side of the facet joint. The complete hinge fracture rate was 5% in the template group, significantly lower than that (55%) in the control group (P=0.01).ConclusionThe rapid prototyping drill template could help the surgeon accomplish proper trough position and appropriate bone removal in EOLP on the cadaveric cervical spine.



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Impact of sacropelvic fixation on the development of postoperative sacroiliac joint pain following multilevel stabilization for degenerative spine disease

Publication date: November 2016
Source:Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, Volume 150
Author(s): T. Finger, S. Bayerl, M. Bertog, M. Czabanka, J. Woitzik, P. Vajkoczy
ObjectiveWe hypothesised, that the inclusion of the ilium for multilevel lumbosacral fusions reduces the incidence of postoperative sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain. The primary objective of this study was to compare the frequency of postoperative SIJ pain in patients undergoing multilevel stabilization with and without sacropelvic fixation for multilevel degenerative spine disease. In addition, we aimed at identifying factors that may predict the worsening or new onset of postoperative SIJ pain.MethodsA total of 63 patients with multisegmental fusion surgery with a minimum follow up of 12 months were evaluated. 34 patients received sacral fixation (SF group) and 29 patients received an additional sacropelvic fixation device (SPF group). Primary outcome parameters were changes in SIJ pain between the groups and the influence of pelvic parameters, the patient́s age, the patient́s body mass index (BMI) and the length of the stabilization on the SIJ pain.ResultsBetween the two surgical groups there were no differences concerning age (p=0.3), BMI (p=0.56), length of follow up (p=0.96), length of the construct (p=0.56). In total 31.7% of the patients had a worsening/new onset of SIJ pain after surgery. An additional fixation of the SIJ with iliac screws or iliosacral plate did not have an influence on the SIJ pain (p=0.67). Likewise, pelvic parameters were not predictive for the outcome of the SIJ pain. Only an increased preoperative BMI correlated with a higher chance of a new onset of SIJ pain (p=0.037).ConclusionIn our retrospective study there was no influence of a sacropelvic fixation techniques on the SIJ pain in patients with multilevel degenerative spine disease after multilevel stabilization surgeries. The patients' BMI is the only preoperative factor that correlated with a higher incidence to develop postoperative SIJ pain, independently of the implantation of a sacropelvic fixation device.



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