Skin barrier function recovery after diamond microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a popular method for facial rejuvenation and is performed worldwide. Despite its extensive usage, there are few publications on skin barrier change after microdermabrasion and none concerning diamond microdermabrasion. Our object was to see changes in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration and erythema of the face following diamond microdermabrasion. Twenty-eight patients were included in this spilt face study. TEWL, stratum corneum hydration and the degree of erythema were measured from the right and left sides of the face (forehead and cheek) at baseline. One side of the face was treated with diamond microdermabrasion and the other side was left untreated. Measurements were taken right after the procedure and repeated at set time intervals. Diamond microdermabrasion was associated with a statistically significant increase in TEWL immediately after the procedure and at 24 h. However, on day 2, levels of TEWL were back to baseline. An increase in hydration and erythema was observed right after microdermabrasion, but both returned to baseline on day 1. The results show that skin barrier function of the forehead and cheek recovers within 2 days of diamond microdermabrasion. Diamond microdermabrasion performed on a weekly basis, as presently done, is expected to allow sufficient time for the damaged skin to recover its barrier function in most parts of the face.     

ON FOETUSES WITH CEPHALIC MALFORMA- TIONS, DELIVERED IN THE PEIPING UNION MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL FROM . JULY lST 1922-JAN. 1ST 1934

Department of Obstetnics and Gynecology. Peiping Cjzion Medical Co''lcge Jntto~ction and theorics of tn.onstrosih''. Monstrosities being un natural and infrequent arouse the curiosity of not only the professioMl class, but also of the laity. Attempts have been made by all types ot people to explain the cause of such productions. Quite a number of investigators have spent time studying various monsters, trying to come nearer to the truth of their etiology. In consequence there are many facts revealed about them, and many theories proposed.     

Spiral Computed Tomography Demonstration of Aorto-oesophageal Fistula from Fish-bone: Case Report

Lim, C. C. T. (2000). Clinical Radiology55, 976–977.     

Effects of Electrocautery on Transvenous Lead Insulation Materials

Introduction: Insulation defects are a leading cause of transvenous lead failure. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of electrocautery on transvenous lead insulation materials.
Methods: A preparation was done to simulate dissection of a transvenous lead from tissues. Radiofrequency energy was delivered using a standard cautery blade at outputs of 10, 20, and 30 W, for 3 and 6 seconds, using parallel and perpendicular blade orientations on leads with outermost insulations of silicone rubber, polyurethane, and silicone–polyurethane copolymer. Damage to each lead segment was classified after visual and microscopic analysis.
Results: Significant insulation damage occurred to almost all polyurethane leads. Full insulation breaches were observed with 30 W regardless of application duration with a parallel direction and with all power outputs with a perpendicular direction. Thermal insulation damage to copolymer insulation was similar to that of the polyurethane leads. In contrast, there was no thermal damage to silicone leads, regardless of the power output and duration of power delivery. However, mechanical insulation damage was observed to all silicone leads when at least 20 W was applied in a direction perpendicular to the lead.
Conclusions: Polyurethane (PU55D) and copolymer materials have low thermal stability and are highly susceptible to thermal damage during cautery. Implanting physicians should be aware of the lead insulation materials being used during implant procedures and their properties. The use of direct contact cautery on transvenous leads should be minimized to avoid damage to the lead, especially on leads with polyurethane or copolymer outer insulations.     

Pityriasis rubra pilaris in Singapore

Fourteen patients with pityriasis rubra pilaris seen between 1981 and 1989 were evaluated retrospectively. There were nine male and five female patients. There was a bimodal age of onset in early childhood and in adulthood. All the patients had either follicular hyperkeratosis or hyperkeratosis of the palms and soles. Nine patients had erythroderma. The classical forms, either in the children or in the adult patients, were more likely to recover. Several treatment modalities were used and these included steroids, Vitamin A, etretinate, retinoic acid and ultraviolet light (UBV). Nine patients had complete recovery. Four of these patients received only steroids, two cleared while on vitamin A, two cleared while on etretinate and one cleared with methotrexate.     

Anticoagulant prophylaxis to prevent asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis in hospitalized medical patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Summary.  Background:  The effect of anticoagulant prophylaxis on the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) should include an investigation of both clinical and subclinical DVT. We conducted a systematic review to determine whether anticoagulant prophylaxis reduces the risk of asymptomatic DVT compared to no prophylaxis in at-risk hospitalized medical patients. Methods:  MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched through March 2007 for randomized trials of anticoagulant prophylaxis for the prevention of asymptomatic DVT, assessed by venogram or ultrasound. We assessed four outcomes: all asymptomatic DVT, asymptomatic proximal DVT, major bleeding and mortality. Random effects meta-analyses were performed and results were expressed using relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results:  Four trials including 5516 patients were eligible. Our pooled analysis demonstrated that compared to placebo, anticoagulant prophylaxis was associated with a significantly lower risk of any asymptomatic DVT (RR 0.51; 95% CI 0.39–0.67) and asymptomatic proximal DVT (RR 0.45; 95% CI 0.31–0.65). Anticoagulant prophylaxis was associated with a significantly increased risk of major bleeding compared to placebo (RR 2.00; 95% CI 1.05–3.79). There was no significant difference in the pooled estimate for all-cause mortality. Anticoagulant prophylaxis conferred an absolute risk reduction of any DVT and proximal DVT of 2.6% and 1.8%, respectively, and was associated with a 0.5% absolute risk increase in major bleeding. Conclusions:  Anticoagulant prophylaxis is effective in preventing asymptomatic DVT in at-risk hospitalized medical patients but is associated with an increased bleeding risk. The therapeutic benefits of anticoagulant prophylaxis appear to outweigh the risks of bleeding.     

Percutaneous Retrieval of Dislodged Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Devices through the Transseptal Approach

Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is a promising treatment option in patients with atrial fibrillation who have a high risk of embolic stroke and are not eligible for chronic oral anticoagulation therapy. This procedure, however, can induce several complications. Device embolization can result in a serious situation, requiring immediate and safe device removal. We report two cases in which dislodged LAA occlusion devices were flitting in the left atrium or entrapped in the mitral valve leaflets and were successfully retrieved through a transseptal approach without complications.     

Reactive oxygen species in rats with chronic post-ischemia pain

Background: An emerging theme in the study of the pathophysiology of persistent pain is the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that the exogenous supply of antioxidant drugs during peri-reperfusion would attenuate pain induced by ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. We investigated the analgesic effects of three antioxidants administered during peri-reperfusion using an animal model of complex regional pain syndrome-type I consisting of chronic post-ischemia pain (CPIP) of the hind paw.
Methods: Application of a tight-fitting tourniquet for a period of 3 h produced CPIP in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Low-dose allopurinol (4 mg/kg), high-dose allopurinol (40 mg/kg), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 4000 U/kg), N -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME, 10 mg/kg), or SOD (4000 U/kg)+ l -NAME (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally just after tourniquet application and at 1 and 2 days after reperfusion for 3 days. The effects of antioxidants in rats were investigated using mechanical and cold stimuli. Each group consisted of seven rats.
Results: Allopurinol caused significant alleviation in mechanical and cold allodynia for a period of 4 weeks in rats with CPIP. Both SOD and l -NAME, which were used to investigate the roles of superoxide (O_2 ˙⁻) and nitric oxide (NO) in pain, also attenuated neuropathic-like pain symptoms in rats for 4 weeks.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that O_2 ˙⁻ and NO mediate IR injury-induced chronic pain, and that ROS scavengers administered during the peri-reperfusion period have long-term analgesic effects.