External vs endoscopic approach for inverted papilloma of the sino-nasal cavities: a retrospective study of 136 cases

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic removal, with or without external technique, can be performed in a majority of inverted papilloma cases. This method has subsequent recurrence rates that are comparable to those of more aggressive external techniques and it is more cost efficient with less morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the clinical outcomes of our 21-year experience (1986-2006) in treating inverted papillomas using different treatment modalities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patients were divided into a conventional surgery group (CSG) and an endoscopic surgery group (ESG) and were staged according to the system developed by Krouse. A retrospective assessment was performed. RESULTS: The recurrence rates were 4.3% in ESG and 9.5% in CSG. There was no significant difference in the recurrence rates according to the treatment modality used and the Krouse stage in the two groups. Mean operation time was 72.93+/-18.51 min in the ESG and 112.02+/-56.52 min in the CSG. Mean period of hospital stay was 4.66+/-1.75 days in the ESG and 9.54+/-4.79 days in the CSG. The complication rate was 3.2% in the ESG and 33.3% in the CSG. There was a significant difference in the operation time, length of hospital stay, and complication rate in the two groups.     

Mutations in IFT80 cause SRPS Type IV. Report of two families and review

We report novel causative mutations in the IFT80 gene identified in four fetuses from two unrelated families with Beemer‐Langer syndrome (BLS) or BLS‐like phenotypes. We discuss the implication of the IFT80 gene in ciliopathies, and its diagnostic value for BLS among other SRPS.     

Immunization with immune complexes: Characterization of monoclonal antibodies against a TSH-antibody complex

Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) to human thyrotropin (hTSH) were prepared by immunization of mice and rats according to different procedures. We have previously demonstrated that a specific antigenic region on the surface of the hTSH molecule was highly immunogenic; in order to produce specific MAb to weakly immunogenic regions of hTSH, we immunized mice and rats with a complex composed of hTSH and an anti-β hTSH MAb 27 directed against the highly immunogenic region. Monoclonal antibodies elicited by this immunization procedure were highly specific and a high percentage was found complementary to the MAb 27 used in the immunogen. We did not search for anti-MAb 27 antibodies, however one hybridoma produced antibody that preferentially reacted with the immune complex. This antibody, called 515, is an IgG₁ that binds the complex with 100-fold greater affinity than it does to the anti-β hTSH MAb 27 alone. This enhancement was also observed with the Fab fragment of the MAb suggesting that the epitope recognized by this anti-complex MAb is displayed in a very different way when hTSH is bound to the first MAb.     

Etiology of preoperative anemia in patients undergoing scheduled cardiac surgery

PURPOSE: Ten percent of our cardiac surgical patients have preoperative anemia. Anemia diagnosed before scheduled cardiac surgery is a strong predictor of the need for homologous blood transfusion (RBC) perioperatively but the cause of this preoperative anemia is not known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the etiology of preoperative anemia. METHODS: Seventy-five consecutive anemic cardiosurgical patients (Hb = < 120 g x L(-1) the day before surgery) were studied prospectively. All had multiple diagnostic blood tests done in the preoperative period to diagnose the cause of the anemia and subsequently underwent non-emergency cardiac surgery. Anesthesia and RBC transfusion were standardized according to the protocol. Data in respect to operation, RBC and other blood product transfusion during operation and hospital stay were recorded. RESULTS: Hospital-acquired anemia was present in 37.3% of anemic patients (hemoglobin decrease during hospitalization before surgery > or =9 g x l(-1)). The second most common diagnosis was iron deficiency anemia (29.3% patients) followed by anemia of chronic renal disease (10.7% patients). When coronary angiography was performed close to operation time, patients had a higher decrease in hemoglobin concentration during hospitalization --suggesting that blood loss during angiography was, in part, responsible for anemia. Seventy-five percent of anemic patients were transfused with RBC perioperatively compared with our overall transfusion rate of 30% of cardiac surgery patients. CONCLUSIONS: In the majority of patients, preoperative anemia is potentially preventable. Investigation and treatment of anemia before cardiac surgery should be a priority in preparing the patient for surgery.     

Macro and micro thermal investigation of nanoarchitectonics-based coatings on cotton fabric using new quaternized starch

Implementation of a new cationizing reagent and its incorporation onto the backbone of starch was performed successfully, confirmed from the remarkable micro- and macro anti-flammable properties. The morphologies and localized compositional analysis of the modified starch-based LBL coatings on the cotton surface were carried out using LV-SEM and EDX: highly uniform coating layers and uptake of solution species for intermediate implant reagent concentrations were confirmed. The subject samples were further analyzed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), microcombustion experiments (MCC), flame testing (VFT) and afterburn measurements. The peak range of the degradation was highly improved from the lower range to the higher range (329.92–394.48 °C), together with significant mass residue for TBAB-0.7–17.02%. Moreover, a significant decrease in the absolute heat loss (THR ∼ 30%), heat dissipation competence (HRC ∼ 27.86%), and peak heat output (PHRR ∼ 23%) was achieved for a TBAB loading of ∼0.7 g. The results were further confirmed from the increase in the limiting oxygen index (LOI) to a higher rate of ∼23.2, improved structural integrity and higher quality of char obtained in the VFT and after-burn analysis.

Schematic diagram of the cationization of starch, LBL layering and resistance against flame.     

Purified extract from Clematis mandshurica prevents adenoviral-TRAIL induced apoptosis on rat articular chondrocytes

Since TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) is one of several apoptotic stimuli on articular chondrocytes, the modulation of the mechanism mediated by TRAIL could be considered as a novel strategy for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies demonstrated that Clematis mandshurica prevents staurosporin-induced apoptosis in articular chondrocytes. This study was undertaken to examine whether Clematis mandshurica could prevent TRAIL-induced apoptosis in articular chondrocytes. Our data show that Clematis mandshurica prevents adenoviral TRAIL (Ad-TRAIL)-induced apoptosis in primary cultured articular chondrocytes. Clematis mandshurica prevents Ad-TRAIL-induced down-regulation of 14-3-3 and phosphorylated Akt. In addition, Clematis mandshurica treatment prevents the Ad-TRAIL-induced reduction of the interactions between 14-3-3 with phospho-ser112-Bad and phospho-ser136-Bad, and BcL-xL with phospho-ser155-Bad. A better understanding of the mechanism underlying inhibition of apoptosis in OA chondrocytes by Clematis mandshurica might lead to the development of a new therapeutic strategy for OA.     

PVP联合PKP结合药物治疗多节段骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折

目的 探讨椎体成形术（PVP）联合经皮椎体后凸成形术（PKP）治疗多节段老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折（OVCF）的疗效。方法 30例（108椎）OVCF患者行PVP+PKP术,术后给予鲑鱼降钙素、活性维生素D和钙剂治疗（治疗组）。20例（62椎）患者给予卧床休息3月,鲑鱼降钙素、活性维生素D和钙剂治疗（对照组）。两组患者分别于0w、24w和48w测股骨颈和胸腰椎骨密度。应用视觉模拟疼痛评分（VAS）对患者疼痛进行评价。结果 术后0周、24周和48周,两组患者股骨颈和胸腰椎多节段胸腰椎骨密度值,差异无统计学意义。术前、术后0w、24w和48w治疗组患者VAS评分明显降低,较对照组患者VAS评分具有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 应用PVP联合PKP治疗多节段（OVCF）能有效缓解疼痛,是一种简单、安全有效的方法。     

Spontaneous alternation and habituation in Purkinje cell degeneration mutant mice

Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd) mutant mice were found to be as active as normal mice in a T-maze. The pcd mutants, contrary to normal mice, did not alternate spontaneously in either a 2-trial or a 4-trial test. Results are discussed in terms of a role for the cerebellum in behavioral inhibition and visuo-spatial organization.