Electrospun Magnetic Fibrillar Polystyrene Nanocomposites Reinforced with Nickel Nanoparticles

The morphology and thermal stability of bead‐free and uniform electrospun pure polystyrene (PS) and PS/Ni nanocomposite fibers are investigated by SEM and TGA/DSC. A higher thermal stability is observed after introducing the nanoparticles in the polymer fibers. FT‐IR analysis indicates a physical entanglement rather than chemical bonding between the nanoparticles and the polystyrene matrix. The nanoparticles still exhibit superparamagnetic properties even after dispersing in the polymer matrix, different from the reported enhanced coercivity as a result of the enlarged particle distance. However, the magnetic field required to saturate the magnetization is significantly reduced. A further oxidation is deduced after the high voltage electrospinning process.

     

Recurring themes during cataract assessment and surgery

The aim of this review was to discuss frequently encountered themes such as cataract surgery in presence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), dementia, Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery (ISBCS), discussing non-standard intraocular lens (IOL) options during consultation in the National Health Services (NHS) and the choice of the biometric formulae based on axial length. Individual groups of authors worked independently on each topic. We found that cataract surgery does improve visual acuity in AMD patients but the need for cataract surgery should be individualised. In patients with dementia, cataract surgery should be considered ‘sooner rather than later’ as progression may prevent individuals presenting for surgery. This should be planned after discussion of patients’ best interests with any carers; multifocal IOLs are not proven to be the best option in these patients. ISBCS gives comparable outcomes to delayed sequential surgeries with a low risk of bilateral endophthalmitis and it can be cost-saving and efficient. Patients are entitled to know all suitable IOL options that can improve their quality of life. Deliberately withholding this information or pressuring patients to choose a non-standard IOL is inappropriate. However, one should be mindful of the not spending inappropriate amounts of time discussing these in the NHS setting which may affect care of other NHS patients. Evidence suggests Hoffer Q, Haigis, Hill-RBF and Kane formulae for shorter eyes; Barrett Universal II (BU II), Holladay II, Haigis and Kane formulae for longer eyes and BU II, Hill-RBF and Kane formulae for medium axial length eyes.Subject terms: Health services, Outcomes research     

Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: a survey of 407 children

Introduction

Pyloromyotomy is the standard care for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The traditional approach for this procedure is a right upper quadrant transverse incision, although other “open” approaches, such as circumumbilical or periumbilical incision have been described. The more recent approach used is laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP), but experience feedback is still debated and its benefits remain unproven. The aim of this study was to make a review of all our LP procedures with an objective evaluation according to the literature.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all the LPs performed in one University Children’s Hospital between 1 January 1996, and 30 December 2015 was realized. Information regarding the patient’s status, intraoperative and postoperative data was analyzed.

Results

407 patients were included in this study. The mean operative time of the overall procedure was 24?±?13 min, which significantly increased with the length of the pyloric muscle (p?=?0.004) and significantly impacted the full feeding time (p?=?0.006). 3.4% required conversion to an open procedure during the LP. We observed a significant correlation between conversion for mucosal perforation and weight loss (p?=?0.04) and between conversion for mucosal perforation and preoperative weight (p?=?0.002). A redo procedure was indicated in 3.7%, for incomplete pyloromyotomy each time. The mean postoperative hospital length of stay for all procedures was 1.6?±?0.8 days. There were no inflammatory scars. None had incisional hernias or wound dehiscence.

Discussion

LP procedure appeared to be as quick as the open procedure. Our results were similar to others series for intraoperative complications. According to operative time, this technique does not have an impact on operative room utilization. Vomiting duration at presentation in HPS does not seem to have a significant impact on postoperative outcomes. LP procedure causes little pain during the postoperative period. No wound complications were registered.

     

Physical performance limitations among adult survivors of childhood brain tumors

BACKGROUND:

Young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors (BTs) may have late effects that compromise physical performance and everyday task participation. The objective of this study was to evaluate muscle strength, fitness, physical performance, and task participation among adult survivors of childhood BTs.

METHODS:

In‐home evaluations and interviews were conducted for 156 participants (54% men). Results on measures of muscle strength, fitness, physical performance, and participation were compared between BT survivors and members of a population‐based comparison group by using chi‐square statistics and 2‐sample t tests. Associations between late effects and physical performance and between physical performance and participation were evaluated in regression models.

RESULTS:

The median age of BT survivors was 22 years (range, 18‐58 years) at the time of the current evaluation, and they had survived for a median of 14.7 years (range, 6.5‐45.9 years) postdiagnosis. Survivors had lower estimates of grip strength (women, 24.7 ± 9.2 kg vs 31.5 ± 5.8 kg; men, 39.0 ± 12.2 kg vs 53.0 ± 10.1 kg), knee extension strength (women, 246.6 ± 95.5 Newtons [N] vs 331.5 ± 5.8 N; men, 304.7 ± 116.4 N vs 466.6 ± 92.1 N), and peak oxygen uptake (women, 25.1 ± 8.8 mL/kg per minute vs 31.3 ± 5.1 mL/kg per minute; men, 24.6 ± 9.5 mL/kg per minute vs 33.2 ± 3.4 mL/kg per minute) than members of the population‐based comparison group. Physical performance was lower among survivors and was associated with not living independently (odds ratio [OR], 5.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0‐12.2) and not attending college (OR, 2.3; 95% CI 1.2‐4.4).

CONCLUSIONS:

Muscle strength and fitness values among BT survivors were similar to those among individuals aged ≥60 years and were associated with physical performance limitations. Physical performance limitations were associated with poor outcomes in home and school environments. The current data indicated an opportunity for interventions targeted at improving long‐term physical function in this survivor population. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.     

Fatty acid,tocopherol composition and the antioxidant activity of the lipid extract from the sorghum grains growing in Algeria

The aim of this study was to examine the fatty acid and tocopherol composition and the antioxidant activity of the lipids fractions of two varieties of sorghum grains grown in Algeria. The results revealed that the total oil contents in the sorghum ranged from 11 to 13%. Gas chromatography analysis of the oils revealed that the dominant fatty acids found are palmitic, oleic and linoleic. The oils contain a significant amount of unsaturated fatty acids (>84%). Oils were also high in tocopherol, with a wide variation (between 174.82 and 325.33 mg/kg) but with δ-tocopherol predominating in the two oils. The lipid extracts were subjected to screening for their possible antioxidant activity by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, phosphomolybdenum complex and FRAP assays. In the first case, IC₅₀ values of the extracts were 15.4 and 22.6 mg/mL in the red and in the white sorghum, respectively. In the phosphomolybdenum complex and the FRAP assays the antioxidant capacity of the extracts ranged, respectively, between 0.21–0.13 μmol/g vitamin E equivalents and 0.030–0.027 mmol/g vitamin C equivalents. In the three systems, the antioxidant capacities of vitamin E and ascorbic acid were also determined in parallel experiments.     

Intrauterine umbilical cord hemorrhage with associated jejunal atresia captured by real-time ultrasound

The presence of unexplained umbilical cord ulceration and hemorrhage has been sporadically reported in fetuses with antenatally suggested intestinal atresia. This case report illustrates a patient with spontaneous intrauterine umbilical cord hemorrhage, captured by real-time ultrasonography, in the setting of jejunal atresia with volvulus of the distal jejunal segment.     

PET-CT in detection of meningeal metastasis in neuroblastoma

Neoplastic meningitis is being recognized with increasing frequency in patients with cancer: the common causes being adenocarcinomas originating from the lung, stomach, breast, ovary, malignant melanoma, leukemia, lymphoma, Ewings sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, retinoblastoma and primary CNS malignancies. Meningeal metastases, though rare can be seen in advanced stages of neuroblastoma. Recognition of meningeal metastases is crucial for successful diagnosis and prompt treatment of these patients. Here, we present two patients of neuroblastoma in whom positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) examination resulted in detection of meningeal metastases at diagnosis; thus, emphasizing the need of inclusion of brain imaging in PET-CT protocol in all cases of advanced neuroblastoma.