Emerging Applications of Liquid Crystals Based on Nanotechnology

Diverse functionalities of liquid crystals (LCs) offer enormous opportunities for their potential use in advanced mobile and smart displays, as well as novel non-display applications. Here, we present snapshots of the research carried out on emerging applications of LCs ranging from electronics to holography and self-powered systems. In addition, we will show our recent results focused on the development of new LC applications, such as programmable transistors, a transparent and active-type two-dimensional optical array and self-powered display systems based on LCs, and will briefly discuss their novel concepts and basic operating principles. Our research will give insights not only into comprehensively understanding technical and scientific applications of LCs, but also developing new discoveries of other LC-based devices.     

Forehead abscess caused by Klebsiella oxytoca with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes

Klebsiella is an opportunistic pathogen that is known to cause septicemia, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, hepatobiliary tract infections, and soft tissue infections in patients who have severe underlying diseases or are under immunosuppression. Most Klebsiella species found are Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Klebsiella oxytoca is rarely cultured in humans. We report a case of a 48-year-old man presenting with a soft fluctuating mass on his forehead. The lesion was an abscess, and percutaneous drainage yielded pus from which K. oxytoca was isolated. Parenteral levofloxacin was administrated leading to resolution of infection signs. Because of the rarity of the pathogen, evaluation for underlying illnesses was done, and the patient was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This is the first report of a patient with previously undiagnosed diabetes who was found with an extraorbital abscess caused by K. oxytoca, which we present with a review of diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment.     

Co-development of autoimmune hepatitis and Sj?gren's syndrome triggered by the administration of herbal medicines

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been reported in association with Sjögren''s syndrome (SS). Drug-induced AIH has been rarely reported. A rare case of the co-development of AIH and SS in a 53-year-old woman after the consumption of herbal medicines is described. After admission, the patient complained of dryness in her mouth, and she was subsequently diagnosed with SS, which had not been detected previously. The patient''s bilirubin and aminotransferase levels initially decreased following conservative management; however, they later began to progressively increase. A diagnosis of AIH was made based on the scoring system proposed by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group. The patient was administered a combination of prednisolone and azathioprine, and the results of follow-up liver-function tests were found to be within the normal range. This is an unusual case of AIH and SS triggered simultaneously by the administration of herbal medicines.     

Is closed-suction drainage necessary after intradural primary spinal cord tumor surgery?

Purpose

The efficacy of closed-suction drainage in primary intradural spinal cord tumor surgery has not been addressed. We investigated whether closed-suction drainage is essential after primary intradural spinal cord tumor surgery.

Methods

From January 2003 to October 2011, 169 consecutive patients with primary intradural spinal cord tumors operated by a single surgeon were selected. Closed-suction drainage was inserted in patients before August 2007, but was not used after August 2007. After removal of tumor and meticulous hemostasis, the opened dura was closed and made watertight using 4-0 silk with interrupt suture and 1.0 cm³ of surgical glue was applied in common. Closed-suction drainage was inserted below the muscular fascia in 75 patients (group I, M:F = 39:36; 46.20 ± 15.63 years) and was not inserted in 94 patients (group II, M:F = 46:48; 51.05 ± 14.89 years).

Results

Neurological deficit precluding ambulation did not occur in all patients. Between group I and II, there were no significant differences in body mass index (22.75 ± 3.16 vs. 23.51 ± 3.22 kg/m²; p = 0.13), laminectomy level (2.45 ± 1.46 vs. 2.33 ± 1.91; p = 0.65), operation time (260.65 ± 109.08 vs. 231.52 ± 90.08 min; p = 0.06), estimated intraoperative blood loss (456.93 ± 406.62 vs. 383.94 ± 257.25 cm³; p = 0.18), and hospital stay period (9.25 ± 5.01 vs. 9.35 ± 5.75 days; p = 0.91). Two patients in group I underwent revision surgery due to wound problems, while revision surgery was not performed in group II (p = 0.20).

Conclusion

Closed-suction drainage may not be essential after primary intradural spinal cord tumor surgery.