Nucleation at liquid ∣ liquid interfaces: electrodeposition without electrodes

A model has been developed for diffusion controlled electrodeposition of metallic particles at the interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions. A rate law was derived for the case where no preferential nucleation sites are present. Palladium particles were deposited at the water ∣ 1,2-dichloroethane interface by reduction of aqueous ammonium palladate using butylferrocene in the organic phase as electron donor. Experimental results were in good agreement with the theoretical model derived. The potential dependence of the nucleation rate was found to follow a classical exponential law.     

Efficacy of a Church-Based,Culturally Tailored Program to Promote Completion of Advance Directives Among Asian Americans

Having an Advance Directive (AD) can help to guide medical decision-making. Asian Americans (AA) are less likely than White Americans to complete an AD. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a church-based intervention to increase knowledge and behavior change related to AD among Chinese and Vietnamese Americans. This study utilized a single group pre- and post-intervention design with 174 participants from 4 churches. Domain assessed: demographics; AD-related knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and intentions; AD completion; and conversations with a healthcare proxy. Data were analyzed using Chi square and multiple logistic regression techniques. We observed significant increases in participants’ AD-related knowledge, intentions, and a gain in supportive beliefs and attitudes about AD, resulting in 71.8 % AD completion, and 25.0 % having had a proxy conversation. Providing culturally-tailored intervention and step-by-step guidance can help to achieve significant changes in AD related knowledge and behavior in AA church goers.     

One-stage laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy: an alternative to the conventional approach?

PURPOSE: There is significant concern in the current literature over the safety of laparoscopic techniques in removal of the entire colon and rectum. The purpose of this study was to examine the results of a one-stage laparoscopic-assisted restorative proctocolectomy in patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis in a single institution experience. METHODS: All patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted one-stage restorative proctocolectomy (29 mucosal ulcerative colitis; 3 familial adenomatous polyposis) over a 24-month period were followed up prospectively for short-term and long-term complications and functional outcome. RESULTS: There were 32 patients (17 males), with a median age of 32 years (range, 16-29 years). There were no conversions to open surgery. There were two intraoperative complications, an inconsequential rectal perforation during mobilization and one staple line misfire. There were 11 postoperative complications: 3 obstruction/ileus, 2 pouchitis, 2 wound infections, 2 strictures, 1 pelvic abscess, and 1 pouch leak (at the top of the "J"). Three patients required reoperation (1 temporary ileostomy, 1 lysis of adhesions, and 1 transpouch drainage). The median number of bowel movements was seven per day (range, 2-15). CONCLUSION: A one-stage laparoscopic-assisted restorative proctocolectomy can be performed effectively and safely. Given that techniques in laparoscopic large-bowel surgery are still evolving rapidly, the role of this operation in the surgical treatment of patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis is likely to expand in the near future.     

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with concurrent gastric adenocarcinoma: case report and literature review

The simultaneous occurrence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and gastric carcinoma is rare. The present case report describes a 61-year-old man with DLBCL at the ileocaecal junction with several metastatic lymph nodes and concurrent gastric intramucosal adenocarcinoma. Both tumours, together with the enlarged lymph nodes, were successfully removed by surgery. At 1 month postoperatively, the patient received chemotherapy consisting of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vindesine, epirubicin hydrochloride and dexamethasone; he responded well to treatment. Reports published in the literature between January 2006 and March 2011 of other cases of DLBCL combined with concurrent non-haematological malignancies in immunocompetent patients were reviewed. The identification of common factors is important for clarification of the mechanisms of lymphomagenesis and carcinogenesis, as well as the creation of preventive and therapeutic strategies. Such cases highlight the need routinely to perform preoperative imaging studies to exclude other synchronous tumours and, if possible, to biopsy any such masses in order to offer timely and appropriate therapy.     

Helicobacter pylori infection and gastroduodenal diseases in Vietnam: a cross-sectional,hospital-based study

Background

There is very small occurrence of adenocarcinoma in the small bowel. We present a case of primary duodenal adenocarcinoma and discuss the findings of the case diagnostic modalities, current knowledge on the molecular biology behind small bowel neoplasms and treatment options.

Case

The patient had a history of iron deficiency anemia and occult bleeding with extensive workup consisting of upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, upper gastrointestinal series with small bowel follow through and push enteroscopy. Due to persistent abdominal pain and iron deficiency anemia the patient underwent push enteroscopy which revealed adenocarcinoma of the duodenum. The patient underwent en-bloc duodenectomy which revealed T3N1M0 adenocarcinoma of the 4th portion of the duodenum.

Conclusions

Primary duodenal carcinoma, although rare should be considered in the differential diagnosis of occult gastrointestinal bleeding when evaluation of the lower and upper GI tract is unremarkable. We discuss the current evaluation and management of this small bowel neoplasm.