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Cureus Oct 2023Massive localized lymphedema (MLL) is an emerging clinical phenomenon predominantly observed in morbidly obese individuals. It presents both diagnostic and therapeutic...
Massive localized lymphedema (MLL) is an emerging clinical phenomenon predominantly observed in morbidly obese individuals. It presents both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to clinicians due to its characterization by large, pendulous masses in the abdomen or thigh. MLL may resemble malignant conditions, such as liposarcoma, leading to unnecessary invasive interventions. This study presents two case studies: a 74-year-old male who succumbed to postoperative complications and a 56-year-old female who experienced successful recovery. These cases highlight the urgent need for robust diagnostic criteria and evidence-based management approaches for MLL. In addition, further research exploring the pathogenesis, risk factors, and potential connections among MLL, hypothyroidism, and angiosarcoma is essential.
PubMed: 38021692
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47092 -
Translational Andrology and Urology Dec 2019A mild increase in testicular and epididymal temperatures in men, bulls and rams (pendulous scrotum) inhibits spermatogenesis and increases the percentage of sperm with...
BACKGROUND
A mild increase in testicular and epididymal temperatures in men, bulls and rams (pendulous scrotum) inhibits spermatogenesis and increases the percentage of sperm with an abnormal morphology. However, the stages of spermatogenesis that are most sensitive to a mild increase in testicular temperature in men are unknown. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of a mild induced increase in testicular and epididymal temperature (i.e., testicular temperature maintained below the core body temperature) on sperm morphology in humans depending on the physiological time of spermatogenesis and epididymal transit.
METHODS
Five healthy volunteers were enrolled in an experimental study in which testicular and epididymal temperatures were increased by maintaining the testes in a supra-scrotal position with a specially designed underwear worn 15±1 h a day for 120 consecutive days. Semen collection was scheduled on specific days depending on spermatogenic stages and epididymal transit.
RESULTS
Sperm morphology and the multiple anomalies index (MAI) were analysed before, during and after heating. This mild induced increase in testicular and epididymal temperatures resulted in a significant rise in the percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa on day 34 of heating, which remained elevated throughout the heating period and persisted until 45 days after cessation of heating. The MAI was significantly increased on day 20 throughout the heating period and persisted 45 days after cessation of heating. An increase in the percentage of anomalies in the sperm head, acrosome or tail occurred on days 34 and/or 45 of heating. Abnormal sperm morphology and MAI reverted to control values 73 days after cessation of heating.
CONCLUSIONS
A mild sustained increase in testicular and epididymal temperature in man leads morphological abnormalities in spermatozoa mainly due to an impairment of spermiogenesis and meiosis.
PubMed: 32038961
DOI: 10.21037/tau.2019.11.18 -
World Journal of Urology Dec 2019To evaluate contemporary outcomes of urethroplasty employing a pedicled skin flap for isolated pendulous urethral strictures.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate contemporary outcomes of urethroplasty employing a pedicled skin flap for isolated pendulous urethral strictures.
SUBJECTS/PATIENTS
Inclusion of males > 18 years of age with isolated pendulous urethral strictures treated between 1996 and 2012.
RESULTS
A total of 81 patients with isolated pendulous urethral stricture were identified. Twenty-eight patients underwent repair with a pedicled skin flap during the study period. The median age of the patients treated with a pedicled skin flap was 47 years old (range 21-74). The etiology of the strictures was considered to be idiopathic in 10 patients (35.7%), iatrogenic in 9 patients (32.1%), as a complication of prior hypospadias repair in 6 patients (21.4%), infectious in 2 patients (7.1%), and traumatic in 1 patient (3.6%). The median follow-up was 27 months (range 1-214). Urethroplasty success was noted in 19/21 patients (90.5%). Urethral stricture recurrence occurred in 2 of the 21 patients (9.5%).
CONCLUSIONS
The pedicled skin flap repair for pendulous urethral strictures remains a durable and safe technique in patients without LS.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cohort Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Skin Transplantation; Surgical Flaps; Treatment Outcome; Urethral Stricture; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male; Young Adult
PubMed: 30824984
DOI: 10.1007/s00345-019-02699-6 -
ZooKeys 2022A new giant species is described from New South Wales, Australia. differs from described Australian species and is most similar to (Pallas, 1788), Izuka, 1912, and...
A new giant species is described from New South Wales, Australia. differs from described Australian species and is most similar to (Pallas, 1788), Izuka, 1912, and Ehlers, 1868. The unique combination of features that characterizes the new species is irregular articulated prostomial appendages; antennae reaching back beyond chaetiger 4; branchiae starting at chaetiger 10, initially button-shaped and distinctly longer than notopodial cirri where best developed; dorsal fleshy knobs on anterior chaetal lobes; notopodial cirri pendulous, abrupt tapering from inflated bases; bidentate compound falcigerous chaetae with both teeth directed laterally, distal tooth much shorter than proximal tooth in median and posterior chaetigers; and dark bidentate subacicular hooks starting at chaetiger 58, tapering to a small head with both teeth directed distally, and proximal tooth much larger than minute and spur-like distal tooth. This new species lives in sandy sediments in coastal waters 1-8 m deep. It is highly mobile and not easy to collect, which may explain why it was not described before.
PubMed: 36761804
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1118.86448 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2022The bias stability performance of accelerometers is essential for an inertial navigation system. The traditional pendulous accelerometer usually has a flexible...
The bias stability performance of accelerometers is essential for an inertial navigation system. The traditional pendulous accelerometer usually has a flexible connection structure, which could limit the long-term bias stability. Here, based on the main technologies employed in previous space missions of our group, we developed a terrestrial triaxial navigation-compatible accelerometer. Because there is no mechanical connection between the inertial test mass and the frame, the bias performance relies on the stability of the equivalent electrostatic spring, where further sources are analyzed to get the optimal electrostatic force scheme. To investigate the bias stability under different ranges, the vertical and horizontal measurement ranges are designed at 5 g and ±10 mg, respectively. A low-noise high-voltage levitation scheme is adopted to extend the vertical measurement range from sub-mg to more than earth's 1-g gravity. Finally, the experimental validation results show that the 24-h bias stability of vertical and two horizontal directions come to 13.8 μg, 0.84 μg, and 0.77 μg, respectively.
PubMed: 36365801
DOI: 10.3390/s22218102 -
Advances in Radiation Oncology 2021This study aimed to compare thermoplastic mask with bra in terms of setup reproducibility and immobilization of pendulous breasts during radiation therapy (RT).
Comparing Accuracy of Thermoplastic Mask versus Commercial Bra for the Immobilization of Pendulous Breast During Radiation Therapy Treatment: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to compare thermoplastic mask with bra in terms of setup reproducibility and immobilization of pendulous breasts during radiation therapy (RT).
METHODS AND MATERIALS
Forty-two female patients with breast cancer treated with either intensity modulated RT or 3-dimensional conformal RT were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 21 benefited from thermoplastic mask immobilization and 21 used a bra. Setup accuracy was evaluated using consecutive cone beam computed tomography/electronic portal imaging device sessions over the first 3 days before treatment (systematic setting), followed by weekly cone beam computed tomography/electronic portal imaging device (random settings), and compared with the reference image to calculate the corresponding translational shift (setup error) in the 3 planes. Average absolute shift values in both systematic and random settings were compared between the 2 groups. Accuracy was analyzed by comparing the percentage of pooled settings within ±0.05 and ±0.1 cm of the reference image.
RESULTS
Compared with a bra, use of the mask was associated with a smaller longitudinal shift in systematic settings (difference in mean: 0.27 cm; = .027; Mann-Whitney test) and a lesser lateral shift in random setting (difference in mean: 0.19 cm; = .005; Mann-Whitney test). In the pooled systematic settings, the mask performed relatively better than the bra in the lateral and longitudinal planes, with no statistical significance. In pooled random settings, mask showed greater accuracy than bra in the lateral plane with 86.0% versus 58.9% accuracy at ±0.5 cm ( < .001) and 48.8% versus 21.7% accuracy at ±0.1 cm ( < .001), respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of radiodermatitis between the 2 groups. However, a hypofractionation regimen was associated with a lower incidence of radiodermatitis, and the severity of skin reactions was positively correlated with treatment dose (unstandardized regression coefficient: B = .001; correlation coefficient: = .571; < .001).
CONCLUSIONS
Masks provide superior reproducibility compared with commercially available bras.
PubMed: 33665487
DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2020.09.025 -
Indian Journal of Dermatology,... 2019Melasma is a common acquired hyperpigmentary disorder of the sun exposed skin, especially the face. The pathogenesis is unclear but interplay between genetic factors,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Melasma is a common acquired hyperpigmentary disorder of the sun exposed skin, especially the face. The pathogenesis is unclear but interplay between genetic factors, hormones and ultraviolet radiation is important. We have evaluated the histological characteristics of melasma and compared the findings with adjacent normal skin.
METHODS
Skin biopsies were taken from both melasma and the surrounding perilesional normal skin in 50 Indian women. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Fontana-Masson and Verhoeff-Van Gieson stains.
RESULTS
Biopsy from melasma showed significant epidermal atrophy, basal cell hyperpigmentation and solar elastosis when compared with the perilesional skin. We found that the proportion of pendulous melanocytes was significantly higher in the lesional biopsy compared with the perilesional biopsy (76% vs 42%, P < 0.001). Similarly, pigmentary incontinence and features of solar elastosis were significantly higher in the lesional skin compared with the perilesional skin.
CONCLUSION
The characteristic histopathological features such as epidermal atrophy, basal cell hyperpigmentation and solar elastosis suggest the role of chronic sun exposure in the pathogenesis of melasma. Presence of pendulous melanocytes is a characteristic feature of melasma. The presence of pendulous melanocytes may have prognostic implications in melasma.
Topics: Adult; Atrophy; Biopsy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Epidermis; Facial Dermatoses; Female; Humans; Melanocytes; Melanosis; Middle Aged; Sunlight; Young Adult
PubMed: 30516167
DOI: 10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_866_17 -
Shear Wave Elastography in Assessing Spongiofibrosis of Urethral Stricture: Is It Clinically Useful?Academic Radiology Mar 2024To compare urethral stricture shear wave elastography (SWE) with normal areas and assess its association with other explanatory variables.
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES
To compare urethral stricture shear wave elastography (SWE) with normal areas and assess its association with other explanatory variables.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
we recruited all men with urethral stricture disease referred to our center between December 2021 and July 2023. Patients underwent SWE and elasticity in the stricture area, and one and three centimeters distant from the stricture were measured. Gathered data were analyzed using Freidman and post hoc analysis, correlation methods, student t-tests, and one-way ANOVA.
RESULTS
22 patients were recruited for our study. Spongiofibrosis was significantly higher in the stricture area relative to the one-centimeter-distant adjacent area (p < .0005), in the one-centimeter-distant compared to the three-centimeter-distant area (p = .002), and in the stricture area relative to the three-centimeter-distant area (p < .0005). There was no association between elasticity ratio and patient age or stricture location. Likewise, there was no difference in elasticity ratios between bulbar and pendulous strictures (p = 0.19) or among different etiologies of urethral strictures (p = 0.76).
CONCLUSION
There is a significant difference in elasticity between the urethral stricture area and other parts of the corpus spongiosum. Normal areas closer to strictures are stiffer. The elasticity ratio is unrelated to patient age or prior internal urethromies. Neither stricture locations nor distinct urethral stricture etiologies differed in elasticity ratios.
PubMed: 38508938
DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2024.01.048 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2022Tropical vines and lianas have evolved mechanisms to avoid mechanical damage during their climbing life histories. We explore the mechanical properties and stem...
Tropical vines and lianas have evolved mechanisms to avoid mechanical damage during their climbing life histories. We explore the mechanical properties and stem development of a tropical climber that develops trellises in tropical rain forest canopies. We measured the young stems of (Apocynaceae) that construct complex trellises self-supporting shoots, attached stems, and unattached pendulous stems. The results suggest that, in this species, there is a size (stem diameter) and developmental threshold at which plant shoots will make the developmental transition from stiff young shoots to later flexible stem properties. Shoots that do not find a support remain stiff, becoming pendulous and retaining numerous leaves. The formation of a second TYPE II (lianoid) wood is triggered by attachment, guaranteeing increased flexibility of light-structured shoots that transition from self-supporting searchers to inter-connected net-like trellis components. The results suggest that this species shows a "hard-wired" development that limits self-supporting growth among the slender stems that make up a liana trellis. The strategy is linked to a stem-twining climbing mode and promotes a rapid transition to flexible trellis elements in cluttered densely branched tropical forest habitats. These are situations that are prone to mechanical perturbation wind action, tree falls, and branch movements. The findings suggest that some twining lianas are mechanically fine-tuned to produce trellises in specific habitats. Trellis building is carried out by young shoots that can perform very different functions subtle development changes to ensure a safe space occupation of the liana canopy.
PubMed: 36600917
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1016195 -
Heliyon Feb 2021Camelpox is a wide-spread infectious viral disease of camelids. An outbreak of camelpox was reported in 15 adult male dromedary camels aged between 10 to 16 years of an...
Camelpox is a wide-spread infectious viral disease of camelids. An outbreak of camelpox was reported in 15 adult male dromedary camels aged between 10 to 16 years of an organized herd in winter season. The infected camels showed clinical signs of fever, anorexia, lachrymation, pendulous lips, excessive salivation and pock lesions on the skin of head, neck, mouth, lips, extremities, thigh, abdomen, scrotum and inguinal region. Mortalities were recorded in three infected camels after 10-12 days of infection and showed systemic pox lesions characterized by vesicles, papules, ulcerations and raised pock lesions in the mucous membranes of the mouth, tongue, tracheal mucosa, lung, abomasum and liver. Histopathology study revealed characteristic pox lesions with intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies in tongue. Lung showed lesion of interstitial pneumonia ( 2) and bronchointerstitial pneumonia ( 1). Liver showed infiltration of mononuclear cells around central veins and degenerative changes of hepatocytes. The abomasum and intestine showed ulcerations, marked capillary congestion and areas of lymphocyte infiltration in mucosa and submucosa. The presence of camelpox virus (CMLV) was confirmed in viral DNA isolated from formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues of tongue, lung, abomasum, liver, heart and intestine of infected camels by gene PCR. The sequencing of viral DNAs showed phylogenetic relatedness with other CMLV isolates from India and other countries. Thus, our study confirmed the rare severe form of systemic camelpox outbreak in adult male dromedary camels hence future attention should be given for studies on virulence, strain identification and molecular epidemiology of CMLV for planning of effective preventive and control strategies.
PubMed: 33598582
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06186