Laparoscopic ICG-guided RALPPS procedure for HCC on cirrhosis with 3D reconstruction implementation: a case report

We present a fully laparoscopic partial RALPPS (radiofrequency-assisted liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy) on a cirrhotic 71-year...     

Radiographic Analysis of Graft Dimensional Changes in Transcrestal Maxillary Sinus Augmentation: A Retrospective Study

Background. The maxillary sinus lift is a popular and predictable technique associated with implant-supported rehabilitation of the severely atrophic maxilla. The aim of the present retrospective study was to investigate the effectiveness of transcrestal maxillary sinus augmentation and the graft resorption pattern using different heterologous bone substitutes. Methods. A total of 75 sinus-grafting procedures were performed and 89 implants were placed in 66 patients, 24 males and 42 females, with mean age 67.9 ± 10.64 years (range 43–84 years). Nineteen subjects were smokers. The mean follow-up period was 93.33 ± 54.71 months (range 14–240 months). Clinical and radiographical evaluations were performed. Graft height and width were measured at baseline and at the latest follow-up. Results. Mesiodistal and vertical resorption averaged 9.3 ± 20.7% (standard deviation), and 5.04 ± 9.9% of the postoperative size, respectively, considering the graft as the unit. Linear regression analysis showed that graft resorption in both the vertical and the mesiodistal dimension is independent of the follow-up time. Conversely, there was a trend for greater resorption when increasing the postoperative graft size, in both vertical (p = 0.001) and horizontal (p = 0.007) dimensions. When grouping the dimensional changes by graft particle size (only small (<300 μm) particles, combination of small and medium (>500 μm)/large (>1000 μm) particles, and only medium/large particles), there was a trend for greater resorption associated with smaller particles, but it was not significant; neither in the mesiodistal nor in the vertical dimension (p = 0.17 and p = 0.25, respectively). No implant was lost during the observation period. In conclusion, the transcrestal technique for maxillary sinus augmentation documented a high level of predictability. The low clinical morbidity and the contextual dental implant positioning is clinically useful in relation to a significant reduction of the time required for implant restoration, a consistent decrease of the number of surgical phases, and a cost-effectiveness approach for the rehabilitation. The graft resorption pattern in all cases was compatible with persistent implant protection and support.     

Primary cardiac T-cell lymphoma

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL), defined as a lymphoma clinically mimicking cardiac disease, with the bulk of the tumor located intrapericardially, is extremely rare in immunocompetent patients. Clinical manifestations vary depending on sites of involvement in the heart and include chest pain, arrhythmias, pericardial effusion, and heart failure. Diagnosis is often difficult and may require invasive procedures; in some cases, diagnosis is not made until autopsy. Histologically, nearly all cases of PCL reported thus far have been of B-cell origin. In this report, we describe a case of PCL of T-cell origin in an adult immunocompetent patient, the second reported in the literature to the best of our knowledge, and provide a brief overview of the features of previously published PCL cases.     

Smart Drugs and Synthetic Androgens for Cognitive and Physical Enhancement: Revolving Doors of Cosmetic Neurology

Cognitive enhancement can be defined as the use of drugs and/or other means with the aim to improve the cognitive functions of healthy subjects in particular memory, attention, creativity and intelligence in the absence of any medical indication. Currently, it represents one of the most debated topics in the neuroscience community. Human beings always wanted to use substances to improve their cognitive functions, from the use of hallucinogens in ancient civilizations in an attempt to allow them to better communicate with their gods, to the widespread use of caffeine under various forms (energy drinks, tablets, etc.), to the more recent development of drugs such as stimulants and glutamate activators. In the last ten years, increasing attention has been given to the use of cognitive enhancers, but up to now there is still only a limited amount of information concerning the use, effect and functioning of cognitive enhancement in daily life on healthy subjects. The first aim of this paper was to review current trends in the misuse of smart drugs (also known as Nootropics) presently available on the market focusing in detail on methylphenidate, trying to evaluate the potential risk in healthy individuals, especially teenagers and young adults. Moreover, the authors have explored the issue of cognitive enhancement compared to the use of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) in sports. Finally, a brief overview of the ethical considerations surrounding human enhancement has been examined.     

Osteitis condensans ilii: prevalence and characteristics of a neglected mimic of sacroiliitis

Clinical Rheumatology - Osteitis condensans ilii (OCI) is a benign condition characterised by triangular sclerosis of the iliac bone which may mimic radiographic sacroiliitis. Prevalence is...     

Altered thyroid and adrenal function in children born at term and preterm, small for gestational age

Intrauterine growth retardation may permanently influence the endocrine system by affecting its programming during development. The aim of this study was to evaluate thyroid and adrenal function together with insulin sensitivity in a group of children born small for gestational age (SGA). Forty SGA children (mean age, 6.7 +/- 1.7 yr) and 35 children born appropriate for gestational age (mean age, 6.5 +/- 2.2 yr) were selected for the study. TSH, free T4, free T3 (fT3), rT3, antithyroid antibodies, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were assessed. Insulin sensitivity was evaluated with the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). A thyroid ultrasound was also performed in the SGA children. We found that TSH was significantly higher in SGA than in children born appropriate for gestational age [2.9 +/- 1.1 vs. 1.7 +/- 0.7 microU/ml (mIU/liter); P < 0.001]; furthermore, eight SGA children (20%), seven born preterm and one at term, had TSH levels above the upper limit of normality. fT3 was also higher in SGA children (4.2 +/- 0.4 vs. 3.6 +/- 0.6 pg/ml; 6.4 +/- 0.6 vs. 5.5 +/- 0.9 pmol/liter; P < 0.0001), whereas no difference was found for free T4, rT3, and the fT3/rT3 ratio. Urinary iodine was normal, and antithyroid antibodies were absent. Thyroid ultrasound showed a normal echographic pattern with a normal volume in SGA children. Serum cortisol was similar in both groups, whereas DHEAS was significantly lower in SGA subjects (43 +/- 18 vs. 65 +/- 50 microg/dl; 1.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.7 +/- 1.3 micromol/liter; P < 0.05). There was no difference in insulin sensitivity between the two groups. Birth length and birth weight were the main determinants of TSH and DHEAS serum levels, respectively. In conclusion, functional thyroid and adrenal changes have been found in children who suffered from intrauterine growth retardation. A larger survey with an appropriate follow-up is, however, required to confirm these findings and to assess their natural evolution.     

Electrochemical and optoelectronic properties of terthiophene- and bithiophene-based polybenzofulvene derivatives

The electrochemical behavior of some polybenzofulvene derivatives bearing bithiophene (BT) or terthiophene (TT) side chains was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Very interestingly, the presence of unsubstituted terminal thiophene moieties allowed poly-6-BT-BF3k and poly-6-TT-BF3k to be cross-linked by electrochemical procedures. Conductive films were obtained by electrodeposition from solutions of these polymers onto electrode surfaces through the formation of covalent cross-linking due to dimerization (i.e. electrochemical oxidation) of the BT or TT side chains. The films showed electrochromic features and switched from yellow-orange (neutral) to green (positively charged) by switching the potential, and were stable to tenths of cycles, without degradation in the wet state in the electrolyte solution. Finally, the thin film obtained by electrodeposition of poly-6-TT-BF3k on a indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrate showed in the neutral state a significantly red-shifted photoluminescence (PL) emission (∼40 nm red-shifted with respect to that of the corresponding film obtained by casting procedures), which was consistent with the presence of more conjugated moieties produced by the oxidative dimerization of the TT side chains. The innovative architecture and the easy preparation could lead to a broad range of applications in optoelectronics and bioelectronics for these cross-linked hybrid materials based on π-stacked polybenzofulvene backbones bearing oligothiophene side chains.

The electrochemical behavior of some polybenzofulvene derivatives bearing bithiophene (BT) or terthiophene (TT) side chains was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and cross-linked materials were obtained by dimerization of the BT or TT side chains.