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Cardiovascular and Interventional... Jun 2024Demonstrating the safety and efficacy of percutaneous irreversible electroporation (IRE) for the treatment of lymph node metastases.
PURPOSE
Demonstrating the safety and efficacy of percutaneous irreversible electroporation (IRE) for the treatment of lymph node metastases.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An IRB-approved, single-center retrospective review was performed on patients with lymph node metastases gastrointestinal, and genitourinary primary cancers. Primary objective safety was evaluated by assessing complications graded according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification, and efficacy was determined by tumor response on follow-up imaging and local progression-free survival (LPFS). Secondary outcome measures were technical success (complete ablation with an adequate ablative margin > 5 mm), length of hospital stay and distant progression-free survival (DPFS).
RESULTS
Nineteen patients underwent percutaneous IRE between June 2018 and February 2023 for lymph node metastases, close to critical structures, such as vasculature, bowel, or nerves. The technical success was achieved in all cases. Complications occurred in four patients (21.1%), including two self-limiting grade 1 hematomas, a grade 1 abdominal pain, and grade 2 nerve pain treated with medication. Seventeen patients were hospitalized overnight, one patient stayed two nights and another patient stayed fourteen nights. Median follow-up was 25.5 months. Median time to local progression was 24.1 months (95% CI: 0-52.8) with 1-, 2-, and 5-year LPFS of 57.9%, 57.9% and 20.7%, respectively. Median time to distant progression was 4.3 months (95% CI: 0.3-8.3) with 1-, 2-, and 5-year DPFS of 31.6%, 13.2% and 13.2%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
IRE is a safe and effective minimally-invasive treatment for lymph node metastases in locations, where temperature dependent ablation may be contraindicated. Care should be taken when employing IRE near nerves.
PubMed: 38943032
DOI: 10.1007/s00270-024-03795-w -
Clinical Oral Investigations Jun 2024Increasing evidence indicates that the thickness of periodontal soft tissues plays an important role in various clinical scenarios, thus pointing to the need of further...
OBJECTIVES
Increasing evidence indicates that the thickness of periodontal soft tissues plays an important role in various clinical scenarios, thus pointing to the need of further clinical research in this area. Aim of the present study was to assess gingival thickness at the mandibular incisors by translucency judgement with two different probes and to validate if these methods are comparable and applicable as diagnostic tools.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 200 participants were included; gingival tissue thickness was measured by judging probe translucency at both central mandibular incisors, mid-facially on the buccal aspect of each tooth using a standard periodontal probe and a set of color-coded probe, each with a different color at the tip, i.e. Colorvue Biotype Probe (CBP). Frequencies and relative frequencies were calculated for probe visibility. Agreement between the standard periodontal probe and the CBP was evaluated via the kappa statistic.
RESULTS
When the periodontal probe was visible, the frequency of CBP being visible was very high. Kappa statistic for the agreement between the standard periodontal probe and the CBP was 0.198 (71.5% agreement; p-value < 0.001) for tooth 41 and 0.311 (74.0% agreement; p-value < 0.001) for tooth 31, indicating a positive association of the two methods.
CONCLUSIONS
An agreement that reached 74% was estimated between the standard periodontal probe and the color-coded probe at central mandibular incisors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the context of the present study, the two methods of evaluating gingival thickness seem to produce comparable measurements with a substantial agreement. However, in the 1/4 of the cases, the visibility of the color-coded probe could not assist in the categorization of the gingival phenotype.
Topics: Humans; Incisor; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Gingiva; Male; Mandible; Adult; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38942966
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-024-05672-9 -
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Jun 2024Accurate diagnostic and serology assays are required for the continued management of the COVID-19 pandemic yet spike protein mutations and intellectual property concerns...
Accurate diagnostic and serology assays are required for the continued management of the COVID-19 pandemic yet spike protein mutations and intellectual property concerns with antigens and antibodies used in various test kits render comparability assessments difficult. As the use of common, well-characterized reagents can help address this lack of standardization, the National Research Council Canada has produced two protein reference materials (RMs) for use in SARS-CoV-2 serology assays: biotinylated human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 RM, ACE2-1, and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.4/5 spike protein RM, OMIC-1. Reference values were assigned through a combination of amino acid analysis via isotope dilution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry following acid hydrolysis, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry at 280 nm. Vial-to-vial homogeneity was established using UV-Vis measurements, and protein oligomeric status, monitored by size exclusion liquid chromatography (LC-SEC), was used to evaluate transportation, storage, and freeze-thaw stabilities. The molar protein concentration in ACE2-1 was 25.3 ± 1.7 µmol L (k = 2, 95% CI) and consisted almost exclusively (98%) of monomeric ACE2, while OMIC-1 contained 5.4 ± 0.5 µmol L (k = 2) spike protein in a mostly (82%) trimeric form. Glycoprotein molar mass determination by LC-SEC with multi-angle light scattering detection facilitated calculation of corresponding mass concentrations. To confirm protein functionality, the binding of OMIC-1 to immobilized ACE2-1 was investigated with surface plasmon resonance and the resulting dissociation constant, K ~ 4.4 nM, was consistent with literature values.
PubMed: 38942955
DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05413-7 -
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA Jun 2024Ultrasonography (US) has become an essential tool for guiding botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections in facial muscles, enhancing precision and safety. This narrative... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Ultrasonography (US) has become an essential tool for guiding botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections in facial muscles, enhancing precision and safety. This narrative review explores the role of US in BoNT administration, particularly in complex anatomical regions, highlighting its impact on treatment customization, real-time visualization, and complication reduction.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library for articles published from January 2018 to December 2023. Search terms included "Botulinum neurotoxin," "facial anatomy," "ultrasonography guided injection," and "facial muscle sonoanatomy." Studies focusing on US-guided BoNT injections in facial muscles were included. Data extraction and synthesis were performed independently by two reviewers, focusing on study design, ultrasonography techniques, outcomes, and conclusions.
RESULTS
The review found that US guidance significantly enhances the precision of BoNT injections by providing real-time visualization of facial muscles and blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of adverse events. US enables tailored injection strategies, ensuring symmetrical facial expressions and minimizing over-treatment. The technique also offers immediate feedback, allowing for on-the-spot adjustments to improve treatment efficacy and safety. However, the review identified limitations, including potential selection bias and variability in US techniques across different studies.
CONCLUSION
US guidance for BoNT injections into facial muscles offers substantial benefits in terms of precision, safety, and treatment customization. Despite the identified limitations, the integration of US into clinical practice is poised to enhance patient outcomes in aesthetic and therapeutic procedures. Further research is needed to standardize US techniques and broaden the inclusivity of studies to validate these findings comprehensively.
PubMed: 38942935
DOI: 10.1007/s00276-024-03429-3 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus L.) populations have declined in North America. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently classified the...
Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus L.) populations have declined in North America. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently classified the species as endangered, sparking public concern and conservation efforts. Our approach to conservation is through cryopreservation of germinal cells and tissue. The goal of this study was to develop a cryopreservation protocol for monarch spermatozoa to ensure successful long-term storage. Cryopreserved sperm cells would provide a reserve of monarch germplasm, which could be utilized in the event of population loss. In this study, sperm cell bundles collected from male monarch butterflies were cryopreserved in a cryoprotective medium and stored in liquid nitrogen. To determine the post-cryopreservation sperm cell viability, a subsample of preserved sperm bundles were thawed rapidly, and their viability was qualified using a sperm live/dead stain. We are presenting a protocol to preserve and store genetic material and viable sperm bundles of the monarch butterfly. To date, this is the first report of successful cryopreservation of monarch germplasm which sets the foundation for cryostorage and could be extensible to other vulnerable lepidopterans.
Topics: Butterflies; Cryopreservation; Animals; Male; Spermatozoa; Conservation of Natural Resources; Endangered Species; Cell Survival; Cryoprotective Agents
PubMed: 38942916
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65624-x -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Cryptography is crucial in protecting sensitive information and ensuring secure transactions in a time when data security and privacy are major concerns. Traditional...
Cryptography is crucial in protecting sensitive information and ensuring secure transactions in a time when data security and privacy are major concerns. Traditional cryptography techniques, which depend on mathematical algorithms and secret keys, have historically protected against data breaches and illegal access. With the advent of quantum computers, traditional cryptography techniques are at risk. In this work, we present a cryptography idea using logical phi-bits, which are classical analogues of quantum bits (qubits) and are supported by driven acoustic metamaterials. The state of phi-bits displays superpositions similar to quantum bits, with complex amplitudes and phases. We present a representation of the state vector of single and multi-phi-bit systems. The state vector of multiple phi-bits system lies in a complex exponentially scaling Hilbert space and is used to encode information or messages. By changing the driving conditions of the metamaterial, the information can be encrypted with exceptional security and efficiency. We illustrate experimentally the practicality and effectiveness of encoding and encryption of a message using a 5 phi-bits system and emphasize the scalability of this approach to an N phi-bits system with the same processing time.
PubMed: 38942907
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65800-z -
British Dental Journal Jun 2024This case presents clinical techniques and materials that may be applied in the management of internal tunnelling root resorption, a rare condition which has little...
This case presents clinical techniques and materials that may be applied in the management of internal tunnelling root resorption, a rare condition which has little published literature.A 25-year-old woman was referred to a specialist centre by her general dental practitioner following an incidental finding of a radiographic radiolucency, suggestive of root resorption associated with tooth 21. A provisional diagnosis of external cervical resorption was made, and following cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), a definitive diagnosis of internal tunnelling root resorption given. Non-surgical endodontic treatment was completed using continuous wave compaction with a calcium-silicate based sealer. No further intervention has been required.A summary of the histology, aetiology, prevalence, diagnosis, management and prognosis of internal tunnelling root resorption is provided. The benefits of CBCT for diagnosing and managing internal tunnelling resorption defects and using continuous wave compaction with a calcium-silicate based sealer, compared to cold obturation techniques, are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Root Resorption; Female; Adult; Incisor; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Root Canal Filling Materials; Silicates; Calcium Compounds; Maxilla; Root Canal Therapy
PubMed: 38942857
DOI: 10.1038/s41415-024-7504-7 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024Dihydroxyacetone is the most desired product in glycerol oxidation reaction because of its highest added value and large market demand among all possible oxidation...
Dihydroxyacetone is the most desired product in glycerol oxidation reaction because of its highest added value and large market demand among all possible oxidation products. However, selectively oxidative secondary hydroxyl groups of glycerol for highly efficient dihydroxyacetone production still poses a challenge. In this study, we engineer the surface of BiVO by introducing bismuth-rich domains and oxygen vacancies (Bi-rich BiVO) to systematically modulate the surface adsorption of secondary hydroxyl groups and enhance photo-induced charge separation for photoelectrochemical glycerol oxidation into dihydroxyacetone conversion. As a result, the Bi-rich BiVO increases the glycerol oxidation photocurrent density of BiVO from 1.42 to 4.26 mA cm at 1.23 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode under AM 1.5 G illumination, as well as the dihydroxyacetone selectivity from 54.0% to 80.3%, finally achieving a dihydroxyacetone production rate of 361.9 mmol m h that outperforms all reported values. The surface atom customization opens a way to regulate the solar-driven organic transformation pathway toward a carbon chain-balanced product.
PubMed: 38942757
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49662-7 -
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry Jun 2024While the presence of a ferrule has been reported to be essential for post-and-core restorations, many extensively damaged teeth lack complete ferrules. The outcome of...
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
While the presence of a ferrule has been reported to be essential for post-and-core restorations, many extensively damaged teeth lack complete ferrules. The outcome of post-and-core restorations for these teeth remains uncertain.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to assess the outcome of cast alloy post-and-cores and knife-edged crowns for the restoration of teeth lacking complete ferrules.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A total of 106 participants with endodontically treated teeth with 2 or fewer walls with ferrules who had received cast precious metal alloy post-and-cores along with knife-edged crowns between 2013 and 2022 were recalled for a clinical examination. The minimum follow-up time was 5 months after restoration, and restoration failure and the periodontal status difference between restored teeth and reference teeth were determined. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to obtain success curves. The influence of age, sex, jaw position, tooth type, and antagonistic dentition upon the success function was analyzed with the log-rank or Breslow test (α=.05).
RESULTS
A total of 100 participants with 130 restorations were studied. The success rate of the restorations was 93.85% in a mean ±standard deviation period of 48.3 ±26.1 months. The estimated 5-year cumulative success probability was 91.61%. No significant effect on the success of restorations was found regarding age, sex, jaw position, tooth type, or antagonistic dentition (P>.05). The main failure types were post debonding, root fracture, and apical periodontitis. No statistical difference in tooth mobility (Z=-1.265, P=.206) was found between the restored and the reference teeth, but the plaque index and calculus index of the restored teeth were significantly lower than of the reference teeth (Z=-7.216, P<.001; Z=-7.044, P<.001). Teeth that had received cast post-and-cores and knife-edged crowns were found to have no significant correlation with periodontal disease (χ²=1.131, P=.288) or bleeding on probing (χ²=3.436, P=.064).
CONCLUSIONS
The clinical outcomes for the restoration of teeth with 2 or fewer walls with ferrules using cast precious metal alloy post-and-cores and knife-edged crowns were favorable, exhibiting a high 5-year cumulative success probability and no increased periodontal health risk.
PubMed: 38942716
DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2024.05.015 -
Brachytherapy Jun 2024To protect the rectum and bladder from high dose exposure, the Japanese guidelines for managing uterine cervical carcinoma recommend pelvic irradiation with central...
Role of the gel spacer in safely delivering whole pelvic radiation therapy without central shielding in computed tomography-based image-guided adaptive brachytherapy for uterine cervical cancer patients.
BACKGROUND
To protect the rectum and bladder from high dose exposure, the Japanese guidelines for managing uterine cervical carcinoma recommend pelvic irradiation with central shielding (CS). Conversely, the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) and the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) guidelines recommend delivering ≥85 Gy to high-risk clinical target volume D (CTV D). In this study, we investigated whether a gel spacer can enable the safe delivery of the ESTRO/ABS-recommended doses to the target while observing dose constraints for the OARs without using CS in external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty patients who received definitive radiation therapy without CS and were treated by brachytherapy with a gel spacer between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The cumulative doses of EBRT and brachytherapy treatment outcomes and incidence of adverse events were also examined.
RESULTS
The median cumulative CTV D, rectum D, and bladder D were 86.6 Gy, 62.9 Gy, and 72.0 Gy, respectively. The 2-year local control rate was 95%. There were no CTCAE ≥Grade 3 late gastrointestinal or genitourinary adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of gel spacer can enable ESTRO/ABS-recommended dose constraints even without using CS in EBRT, with favorable outcomes and low adverse event rates.
PubMed: 38942713
DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2024.05.007