Effectiveness of inhaled hypertonic saline application for sputum induction to improve Mycobacterium tuberculosis identification in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift - This study assessed the effectiveness and diagnostic significance of hypertonic saline sputum induction for improving Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) detection....     

Comparing the Efficacy of a Microperforated Titanium Membrane for Guided Bone Regeneration with an Existing Mesh Retainer in Dog Mandibles

Acute-type lateral ridge defects (25 mm × 6 mm × 5 mm) were bilaterally created in the mandibles of four dogs (two defects per animal). The defects were reconstructed with particulate autologous bone and covered with a microperforated titanium membrane (Ti-honeycomb membrane, TiHM) or an existing conventional titanium mesh as control. The samples were dissected after 16 weeks postoperatively and processed for radiographic, histologic, and histomorphometric analyses. Regenerated tissue and bone volume were significantly larger in the TiHM group than in the control group (p = 0.05; p = 0.049). In contrast, bone mineral density was similar between the two groups. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that the regenerated bone area and calcific osseous area were larger in the TiHM group than in the control group; however, the differences were not significant. The efficacy of TiHM was generally satisfactory with the potential to become a standard tool for the GBR procedure; however, early membrane exposure will be a major problem to overcome.     

Influence of laparoscopy-aided gastrostomy on gastroesophageal reflux in neurologically impaired patients using multichannel intraluminal impedance pH measurements

Esophagus - Development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) after gastrostomy remains debatable. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether laparoscopy-aided gastrostomy (LAG) influence...     

Impact of vascular abnormality on contrast-enhanced CT and high C-reactive protein levels on postoperative pancreatic hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy: A multi-institutional,retrospective analysis of 590 consecutive cases

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the efficacy of CT findings and perioperative characteristics to predict post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH): a critical complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy.MethodsThe records of 590 consecutive patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy at three institutes between 2012 and 2018 were included. The presence of a vascular wall abnormality or ascites with high density (vascular abnormality) on postoperative day (POD) 5–10 contrast-enhanced CT (early CT), perioperative characteristics, and any PPH or pseudoaneurysm formation (PPH events) were analyzed through a multivariate analysis.ResultsPPH events occurred in 48 out of 590 patients (8%). The vascular abnormality on early CT and the C-reactive protein (CRP) value on POD 3 were independent risk factors for PPH events after POD5 (vascular abnormality: odds ratio 6.42, p = 0.001; CRP on POD 3: odds ratio 1.17, p = 0.016). The sensitivity of vascular abnormality for PPH events was 24% (7/29), and the positive predictive value was 30% (7/23). The combination of vascular abnormality and a high CRP value (≥15.5 mg/dL) on postoperative day 3 had a higher positive predictive value of 64% (7/11) than the vascular abnormality alone. None of the seven PPH events that occurred more than one month after surgery were foreseen via early CT.ConclusionThe combination of vascular abnormality and high CRP value was associated with increasing risk of PPH events after pancreaticoduodenectomy, but the low sensitivity of early CT must be noted as an important shortcoming. The normal findings on early CT could not eliminate the risk of late PPH.     

Influence of Modified Epoxy Resins on Peroxide Curing,Mechanical Properties and Adhesion of SBR,NBR and XNBR to Silver Wires—Part II: Application of Carboxy-Containing Peroxy Oligomer (CPO)

This research was aimed at verifying the effect of carboxy-containing peroxy oligomer (CPO) addition on the possibility of rubber crosslinking and a subsequent adhesion of the modified rubber to silver wires. Three commonly industrially used rubbers were selected for the study: styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) and carboxylated acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (XNBR), together with carboxy-containing peroxy oligomer (CPO). An improvement in the adhesion of rubbers to silver wires was observed when applying the oligomeric peroxide with functional groups, with no deterioration of mechanical properties of the vulcanizates. Crosslinking synergy between dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and the modifier could hardly be observed. Nevertheless, the studies demonstrated, that to a small extent, even the CPO itself can crosslink NBR and especially XNBR, resulting in a material of notable elasticity and adhesion to silver wires.     

Usability and acceptability by a younger and older user group regarding a mobile robot-supported gait rehabilitation system

The aim of the study was to identify differences regarding usability, acceptability, and barriers of usage of a robot-supported gait rehabilitation system between a younger and older group of patients with gait impairments. A mobile robot-supported gait rehabilitation prototype was tested on a group of geriatric patients aged 60 and above, and on a group of young patients aged 59 and below in a clinical setting during five therapy sessions. The involved therapists received 2 days training with the system and could test it profoundly. Data on usability, acceptability, and barriers to system usage were collected with questionnaires and structured interviews with the patients. The robotic system received overall moderate usability and good acceptability ratings; it was rated as clearly structured, practical, and safe. Analyses identified a few barriers, such as time-intensive setup of the system or tight leg shells, which can be minimized with regular training and system adaptations. Differences between the two user groups could be revealed and will be used for future investigation. This study showed the potential of the mobile robot-supported system for gait rehabilitation, but also pointed out further need for action. Efficacy studies are the next step in the evaluation process.     

Analysis of ultrastructural synaptic apparatus in parietal neurocortical and midbrain neurons in animals with experimental mild craniocerebral injury prior to and following magneto-laser therapy

Background

Magnetic laser therapy is widely used in general medicine in a complex treatment of many diseases. This is due to its unique and versatile biological properties; it which activates intracellular metabolic processes and expedites the repair of damaged tissues. Magnetic laser therapy is an important area of modern theoretical and clinical physiotherapy; It is used in the treatment of dermatological, general surgical, endocrinological, and dental diseases; pain syndromes; and other conditions.

Objectives

Our objective is to assess the therapeutic efficacy of magnetic laser therapy in experimental mild traumatic brain injury in rabbits.

Material and Methods

We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of magnetic laser therapy in experimental mild traumatic brain injury in 20 rabbits based on an analysis of ultrastructure of synaptic apparatus of neurons in the parietal and midbrain regions. Magnetic transcranial laser influence exercised by our developed method.

Results

The course of magnetic laser therapy led to statistically significant changes in quantitative characteristics of the ultrastructural components in the synaptic apparatus of neurons that express the activation of compensatory processes and restoration of structural and functional integrity of the synaptic apparatus of neurons in experimental mild traumatic brain injury.     

Significance of occlusal force for dietary fibre and vitamin intakes in independently living 70-year-old Japanese: from SONIC Study

Objectives

The number of teeth has frequently been used as an indicator of oral health in investigations of food intake; however, this measure does not represent the efficacy of the masticatory performance. Masticatory performance may be more important for food selection and avoidance than number of remaining teeth. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of occlusal force with habitual dietary intakes in independently living older Japanese.

Methods

The study population was 757 community-dwelling people aged 69–71 years old. Bilateral maximal occlusal force in the intercuspal position was measured with pressure-sensitive sheets. Removable denture wearers kept their dentures in place during the measurements. Dietary habits during the preceding month were assessed using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire that measures consumption frequencies of selected food commonly consumed and calculates energy-adjusted dietary intakes. Linear trends of food and nutrient intakes with decreasing occlusal force were tested after adjusting for gender and socioeconomic factors.

Results

After adjusting for socioeconomic status and the number of remaining teeth, decline of occlusal force was significantly associated with lower intakes of vegetables, vitamins A, C, B₆, folate, and dietary fibre (P for trend < 0.05). In contrast, number of teeth was significantly associated only with calcium and zinc, controlling for occlusal force.

Conclusions

It is concluded that occlusal force was significantly associated with intakes of vitamins and dietary fibre rather than number of remaining teeth in independently living older Japanese.