Digital Leg Volume Quantification: Precision Assessment of a Novel Workflow Based on Single Capture Three-dimensional Whole-Body Surface Imaging

Journal of Digital Imaging - Whole-body three-dimensional surface imaging (3DSI) offers the ability to monitor morphologic changes in multiple areas without the need to individually scan every...     

Plasma PCSK9 levels and sepsis severity: an early assessment in the emergency department

Clinical and Experimental Medicine - The aim of the study is to evaluate the prognostic value of early PCSK9 levels in non-intubated septic patients admitted to the emergency department. This...     

Novel optimized biopolymer-based nanoparticles for nose-to-brain delivery in the treatment of depressive diseases

A valid option to bypass the obstacle represented by the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in brain delivery is the use of the unconventional intranasal route of administration. The treatment of depressive diseases, resulting from the depletion of a neurotransmitter in the inter-synaptic space, such as serotonin, is indirectly treated using molecules that can permeate the BBB unlike the latter. In the present article, a set of nanovectors were produced using a mucoadhesive biopolymer, i.e. alginate (Alg). Optimizing the reaction, polymeric nanoparticles having diameter of 30–70 nm were produced, and water stable multi-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized (MWCNT-COOH)/Alg complexes were obtained. These nanovectors were loaded with serotonin, evaluating drug loading/release. By means of Raman microscopy, the cellular internalization of the (MWCNT-COOH)/Alg complex was demonstrated. A complete biocompatibility on neuronal cells was proved for the whole set of nanovectors. Finally, a method of self-administration was tested, which involves the use of a household apparatus, such as an aerosol machine, observing a fine particulate, able to deliver the nanovectors through the nose.

A valid option to bypass the obstacle represented by the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in brain delivery is the use of the unconventional intranasal route of administration.     

Reconstruction of a complex pelvic perineal defect with pedicled anterolateral thigh flap combined with bilateral lotus petal flap: A case report

Reconstructing extensive perineal defects represents a challenge, and reconstructive choice requires a careful physical assessment of previous radiotherapy, pre‐existing scars, the presence of stomas, and the availability of donor sites. We report a case of a patient affected by an anal carcinoma who underwent a pelvic exenteration and bilateral inguinal iliac obturator lymph node dissection. We performed a pedicled anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) combined with bilateral lotus petal flaps (LPF) to reconstruct the pelvic–perineal area. The result was good, and no major post‐operative complications were reported. Bilateral LPF, combined with a pedicled ALT, may represent a valid option in pelvic–perineal reconstruction following a wide oncological resection. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:154–157, 2015.