Color Stability of Dry Earth Pigmented Maxillofacial Silicone A-2186 Subjected to Microwave Energy Exposure

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure spectrophotometrically the color stability of pigmented A-2186 silicone maxillofacial elastomer with 10% by volume of titanium white dry earth opacifier before and after exposure to microwave energy over a simulated 1.5-year period of microwave sterilization. Materials AND METHODS: A-2186 silicone elastomer opacified with titanium white dry earth pigment, pigmented with 5 cosmetic dry earth pigment colors [no pigment (control) group (Pc), red (Pr), yellow ochre (Py), burnt sienna (Po), and a mixture of Pr + Py + Po color group (P3)], was used in this study. Each of the 5 experimental groups consisted of 5 specimens. All specimens were placed in a 250 ml glass beaker filled with 150 ml of water (replenished for each microwave exposure). An exposure of 6 minutes was used 18 times (simulating 1.5 years of microwave sterilization with one 6 minute exposure monthly). Reflectance values were measured by spectrophotometer. Three- and two-way analyses of variance with repeated measures were performed for the color difference (DeltaE*) with the factors of group/color/months, and group/months, respectively. Means were compared by Tukey Honest Significant Difference (HSD) multiple range test calculated at the 0.05 level of significance using SPSS. RESULTS: The trained human eye can detect color changes (DeltaE*) greater than 1.0. Most DeltaE* values of the red pigment group at all intervals and the mixed pigment group at 15- and 18- month intervals increased significantly greater than 1.0 (p < 0.001) compared with the control group. Yellow and burnt sienna groups remained the most color stable over time with DeltaE* values below 0.35. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of color stability of red dry earth pigmented A-2186 silicone maxillofacial elastomers was clinically significant after 12-month exposure to microwave energy as compared with yellow, burnt sienna, and opacified A-2186 dry earth pigments.     

Investigations of a novel ferrocene-containing lipid by cyclic voltammetry and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy

A novel chiral redox-active ferrocene compound (FcVI) with amphiphilic properties has been synthesized. Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy (cryo-TEM) has been used to estimate the shape and size of the FcVI aggregates in solution. Uni- and multi-lamellar vesicles (between 40 and 300 nm in diameter) were observed in water. Large particles (of more than 1 μm in diameter) with a hexagonal fine structure were found in 50 mM aqueous Na₂SO₄ solution. Sonication transformed the latter into ‘rosette’-like structures. Cyclic voltammetry has been employed to investigate the electrochemical properties of FcVI. The amphiphile adsorbed on graphite electrodes and a reversible electrochemical behaviour, characteristic of ferrocene, was observed with redox potentials between 330 and 350 mV.     

Investigations on organ-specific metabolism and genotoxic effects of the urinary bladder carcinogen N-nitrosobutyl-3-carboxypropylamine (BCPN) and its analogs N-nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA) and N-nitrosobutyl-4-hydroxybutylamine (4-OH-NDBA)

N-Nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA) and its omega-oxidized metabolites N-nitrosobutyl-4-hydroxybutylamine (4-OH-NDBA) and N-nitrosobutyl-3-carboxypropylamine (BCPN) are potent urinary bladder carcinogens. To study putative organ specific activation of BCPN, its alpha-oxidation by liver and urinary bladder microsomal fractions was investigated in comparison to NDBA and 4-OH-NDBA. Additionally, induction of DNA single strand breaks (SSB) was monitored in hepatocytes and in a human lymphoblastoid cell line (Namalva) in the presence and absence of external metabolic activation, including N-nitroso-t-butyl-n-butylamine as a negative control. BCPN was alpha-hydroxylated and dealkylated at both alkyl chains in small rates (about 1 nmol x mg protein-1 x 60 min-1) by microsomes from rat liver and pig urinary bladder epithelium. NDBA and 4-OH-NDBA were dealkylated at similarly low rates by pig urinary bladder microsomes, in strong contrast to the high debutylation rates observed for rat liver microsomes. Correspondingly, SSB induction by NDBA and 4-OH-NDBA was observed in Namalva cells with NDBA and 4-OH-NDBA in the presence of PB-induced rat liver microsomes but not with urinary bladder microsomes or without external activation. BCPN did not induce DNA-damage in Namalva cells (with or without external activation) or in rat hepatocytes. Significant induction of sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and micronuclei, however, was observed in Namalva cells after incubation with NDBA and BCPN. Our data suggest activation of BCPN via alpha-oxidation in the urinary bladder, even though activation rate in-vitro is so low that a positive response is not detectable by several short-term tests.     

Superficial branch of the radial nerve piercing the brachioradialis tendon to become subcutaneous: an anatomical variation with clinical relevance.

We dissected 20 preserved Caucasian cadaveric upper limbs looking at the relation of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) to the brachioradialis tendon. SBRN emerged from deep to superficial position by piercing the brachioradialis tendon near its dorsal border in four limbs. The resulting dorsal tendinous band compressed the nerve and prevented longitudinal gliding movement during ulnar flexion. This is likely to increase the risk of chronic compression neuropathy (Wartenberg's syndrome). In two of these four limbs, there was a communication between the SBRN and lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm. No such communication was found in the remaining 16 forearms. This communication could contribute to the minimal area of sensory loss observed in Wartenberg's syndrome. We recommend that this anatomical anomaly is looked for and if present dealt with during surgical treatment of Wartenberg's syndrome, as it is likely to predispose to chronic compression neuropathy.     

Multidisciplinary approach in the long-term management of intrahepatic stones: Indian experience.

BACKGROUND: Intrahepatic stones, though common in East Asia, are uncommon in India. There is paucity of data from India regarding the treatment and long-term outcome of patients with intrahepatic stones. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of 35 patients with intrahepatic stones who had been treated surgically. Endoscopic biliary drainage had been used in patients who presented with acute cholangitis. Intraoperative stone clearance was confirmed by choledochoscopy and intraoperative cholangiography. Outcome of surgery, frequency and subsequent management of recurrent intrahepatic stones, and factors associated with stone recurrence and cholangitis were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-one (60%) patients had bilobar disease. Eight patients underwent hepatectomy and 16 hepatico-jejunostomy with access loop; 12 of these were jejuno-duodenal anastomoses. Postoperative morbidity was observed in 10 patients (29%). Recurrence of stones occurred in 12 patients (34%) and cholangitis in 9 patients (26%). Presence of bilobar disease and associated biliary strictures were associated with recurrent cholangitis (p< 0.05). Two patients (6%) required re-operation for recurrent cholangitis. Complete removal of recurrent stones using conventional endoscope was possible through jejuno-duodenostomy in all 5 cases who had this type of access loop construction. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment for intrahepatic stones depends on the site of involvement. Construction of a jejuno-duodenal access loop in patients with bilobar disease and intrahepatic strictures is helpful in facilitating postoperative stone clearance. A multidisciplinary approach is beneficial especially when the disease is bilobar and recurrent in type.     

Safety and efficacy of pimecrolimus cream 1% in the daily practice: Results of a patient self‐observation study in patients with atopic dermatitis

Background: Pimecrolimus cream 1% has proven to be well‐tolerated and effective in controlled clinical studies in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). In a 15‐week patient self‐observation study, safety and efficacy was investigated in the daily practice. Patients and methods: 3502 patients with AD (mean age 26.2 ± 18 years, 62% female) received pimecrolimus cream 1% from 810 physicians in the German Federal Republic.The severity of the disease was assessed at baseline, two times during the 15‐week observation period and at the end of treatment.Patients recorded daily the degree of erythema and pruritus. At the end of treatment, safety and efficacy were assessed by the physician based on patient's daily records and by the patient. Results: The percentage of patients with severe or massive AD decreased from 25% to 7%, whereas the percentage of patients without or with mild symptoms increased from 9% to 55%.The efficacy of treatment was rated by physicians as good or very good in 83.5% of cases and by 79% of patients.At baseline 35% of the patients were free of flares as compared to 75% at the end of therapy. Disease control was better in patients who followed the recommended treatment algorithm for pimecrolimus cream.Tolerability was mostly rated as good or very good. Conclusion: Treatment with pimecrolimus cream 1% for patients with AD is well‐tolerated and effective in daily practice.     

The myocardial performance index during low-dose dobutamine echocardiography in control subjects and patients with a recent myocardial infarction: a new index of left ventricular functional reserve?

BACKGROUND: Wall-motion analysis during low-dose dobutamine echocardiography (LDDE) is a semiquantitative measure of left ventricular contractile reserve after myocardial infarction (MI). The Doppler echocardiographic myocardial performance index (MPI) is a quantitative measure of combined left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. We sought to characterize the changes in MPI during LDDE in control subjects and patients with MI, and to describe the relation of these changes to changes in regional systolic function. METHODS: MPI was obtained at rest and during LDDE (10 microg/kg/min) in 25 healthy volunteers (group 1) and 50 patients with a recent MI. Patients were divided into two subsets; those with (n = 23; group 2A) and those without (n = 27; group 2B) a contractile reserve defined as an improvement of wall motion in more than two contiguous infarct-zone segments during LDDE. DeltaMPI was defined as the change from rest to LDDE. RESULTS: MPI decreased significantly during LDDE in groups 1 and 2A, whereas MPI increased in group 2B (DeltaMPI = 0.12 +/- 0.04 and 0.10 +/- 0.08 vs -0.03 +/- 0.08, P <.0001). On multivariate analysis, Deltawall-motion score index predicted DeltaMPI (beta = 0.65, P <.0001) independently of age, sex, and the dobutamine-induced change in heart rate and systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that the change in MPI during LDDE may provide a simple and quantitative measure of overall left ventricular functional reserve in patients with a recent MI.