Transcaval invasion of right atrium by thymoma: resection via transient cava-pulmonary shunt

Transcaval extension of the thymoma to the right atrium has very rarely been reported, and cardiopulmonary bypass is recommended for successful resection. An invasive thymoma with intravascular invasion of the superior vena cava, and the left innominate vein extending into the right atrium was presented. Intra-atrial extension was resected through a transient external shunt from the inferior vena cava to the main pulmonary artery. We discussed the feasibility of this surgical technique and possible advantages of cardiopulmonary bypass avoidance.     

Active surveillance is superior to radical nephrectomy and equivalent to partial nephrectomy for preserving renal function in patients with small renal masses: Results from the DISSRM registry

Purpose

We compared renal function outcomes among patients in the surveillance and intervention arms of the DISSRM registry.

异基因造血干细胞移植受者代谢综合征的发生情况

异基因造血干细胞移植（hematopoieticcelltransplantation,HCT）后代谢综合征的发生主要由预处理导致的神经激素系统紊乱、血管内皮损伤、移植物的免疫和炎症作用以及继发的移植物抗宿主病及其治疗等引起。对代谢综合征及其组分（糖尿病、高血压、血脂紊乱等）的筛查可以尽早地调整治疗策略,控制危险因素的发生,进而降低远期的心血管疾病的发生率和致死率。为此,美国的研究人员回顾性分析了86例异基因HCT受者代谢综合征的发生情况,并与代谢综合征在普通人群中的流行情况进行比较。     

Influence of smoking on interleukin-1beta level, oxidant status and antioxidant status in gingival crevicular fluid from chronic periodontitis patients before and after periodontal treatment

Toker H, Akp?nar A, Ayd?n H, Poyraz O. Influence of smoking on interleukin‐1beta level, oxidant status and antioxidant status in gingival crevicular fluid from chronic periodontitis patients before and after periodontal treatment. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 572–577. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of smoking on the relationship between interleukin‐1 (IL‐1β) and oxidation in patients with periodontitis and response to nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Material and Methods: Data were obtained from 30 patients with generalized chronic periodontitis (15 smokers and 15 nonsmokers) and from 10 periodontally healthy controls. IL‐1β level, total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were recorded in gingival crevicular fluid. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival and plaque indices and bleeding on probing were also measured. The gingival crevicular fluid and clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and 6 wk after periodontal treatment. Results: The study showed statistically significant improvement of clinical parameters in both smokers and nonsmokers after periodontal treatment. Moreover, the baseline IL‐1β levels were significantly higher in smokers compared with nonsmokers (p < 0.05). After periodontal treatment, the IL‐1β levels were significantly reduced in both smokers and nonsmokers (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in TOS and TAS between periodontitis patients and healthy controls at baseline and 6 wk after periodontal treatment. The level of IL‐1β in gingival crevicular fluid was positively correlated with TOS in both smokers and nonsmokers. Conclusions: Periodontal treatment improved the clinical parameters in both smokers and nonsmokers. The results confirm that periodontal therapy has an effect on IL‐1β levels in gingival crevicular fluid, but not on TOS and TAS.     

Effects of polyols on the quality characteristics of sucrose-free milk chocolate produced in a ball mill

Sucrose-free milk chocolates containing different types of bulk (isomalt, xylitol and maltitol) and high intensity (Stevia) sweeteners were produced by using a ball mill. The main quality characteristics of the formulated chocolates were evaluated and compared with those of the conventional sample containing sucrose. The Casson model was the best fitting model for the rheological data. Casson viscosity and Casson yield stress were significantly affected by the type of bulking agent in chocolates formulated with xylitol (p < 0.05). However xylitol notably improved the overall acceptability according to the sensory analysis results. Chocolates containing the sucrose replacers demonstrated lower T_onset values and higher enthalpy than the control sample. Sucrose-free chocolates illustrated a higher degree of particle agglomeration. Bulk sweeteners meanwhile seem to have high potential for milk chocolate production with low calorie values by using the ball mill technique. Industrial applications: the production of sucrose-free chocolates with conventional methods requires a lot of time and energy. Recently, using alternative methods for chocolate production has been raising interest in many small industries. This study proposed a ball mill method for the preparation of sucrose-free milk chocolates with physiochemical properties almost ranging in the standard limit defined for chocolate. Although using the ball mill method presents a more cost-effective technique for chocolate production and provides shorter processing times for small chocolate industries, it seems to be less efficient in evaporating moisture than the conventional processing. Challenges are still ahead for upgrading this alternative technique to be efficient in evaporating more moisture during operation ending in a high quality product.

Sucrose-free milk chocolates containing different types of bulk (isomalt, xylitol and maltitol) and high intensity (Stevia) sweeteners were produced by using a ball mill.