-
Cryobiology May 2024Some synthetic polymers can be used at low concentrations to reduce the toxicity of conventional cryoprotectant agents. In this study we investigated whether the...
Some synthetic polymers can be used at low concentrations to reduce the toxicity of conventional cryoprotectant agents. In this study we investigated whether the addition of synthetic polymers to a conventional cryoprotectant solution would improve the cryopreservation of bovine ovarian tissue. Freshly collected ovaries from ten adult crossbred cows were incised using a scalpel in the frontal section. From each cow, ovarian cortical slices of 1 mm thickness were divided into 30 fragments of 3 × 3 mm, of which 10 served as fresh controls, 10 were vitrified with conventional cryoprotectant agents (2.93 M glycerol, 27 % w/v; 4.35 M ethylene glycol, 27 % w/v), and 10 were vitrified using the same cryoprotectant agents in addition to synthetic polymers (0.2 % PVP K-12, 0.2 % SuperCool X-1000 ™ w/v and 0.4 % SuperCool Z-1000 ™ w/v). After warming, histology was used to assess follicular quantity and integrity, while in vitro culture of mechanically isolated follicles encapsulated in an alginate matrix was performed for 15 days to assess their growth and hormonal production. Vitrified ovarian tissues presented abnormal morphology, a higher percentage of atretic follicles, and their isolated follicles had lower survival rates and lower frequency of antrum formation during in vitro culture compared to those from fresh tissue. At the end of culture, the follicles that had been cryopreserved produced less estradiol and progesterone than the fresh ones. The addition of synthetic polymers during tissue vitrification did not modify any of these parameters. We conclude that, under the conditions of this study, the use of this combination of synthetic polymers for tissue vitrification did not enhance the preservation of the morphological or functional integrity of bovine ovarian follicles.
PubMed: 38782296
DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2024.104911 -
Cureus Apr 2024Needlestick injuries (NSIs) represent a significant occupational health risk in healthcare settings. These injuries, caused by contaminated sharps such as needles,...
INTRODUCTION
Needlestick injuries (NSIs) represent a significant occupational health risk in healthcare settings. These injuries, caused by contaminated sharps such as needles, vials, and scalpel blades, can lead to percutaneous exposure to infectious materials. Despite the severity of NSIs, they often go unreported, highlighting a critical gap in occupational safety protocols.
AIMS
This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of NSIs among healthcare workers (HCWs) by sex, profession, and working areas. It also sought to explore the underlying reasons for these injuries and the factors contributing to their underreporting.
METHODOLOGY
Adhering to the RECORD guidelines (Reporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely Collected Data), this record-based study involved a retrospective analysis of reported NSIs. Data were collected from voluntary reports by HCWs who experienced NSIs or exposure to potentially infectious materials such as blood and body fluids. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 16 (Released 2007; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York) and Microsoft Excel 2010 (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington).
RESULTS
Data from 142 participants indicated a higher proportion of females experiencing NSIs compared to males, with rates of 57.7% pre-COVID and 60.6% during COVID. There were notable shifts in NSI rates across professions, with increases observed among staff nurses and ward attendants/helpers. Analysis of injury circumstances revealed a decrease in sampling procedure-related injuries but an increase during intravenous procedures and biomedical waste segregation. Injuries occurring on the right-hand index finger decreased from 52.1% pre-COVID to 31% during COVID, while those on the left-hand index finger increased from 19.7% pre-COVID to 39.4% during COVID. Statistically significant associations were found between the injury site and the place of occurrence (p=0.021). Healthcare professionals commonly cleansed the site with disinfectants and used personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, with increased PPE usage noted during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings emphasize the evolving dynamics of NSIs among HCWs and underscore the importance of tailored preventive measures during pandemics.
PubMed: 38765417
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58448 -
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral... Jul 2024A small fraction of oral lichenoid conditions (OLC) have potential for malignant transformation. Distinguishing OLCs from other oral potentially malignant disorders...
OBJECTIVE
A small fraction of oral lichenoid conditions (OLC) have potential for malignant transformation. Distinguishing OLCs from other oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) can help prevent unnecessary concern or testing, but accurate identification by nonexpert clinicians is challenging due to overlapping clinical features. In this study, the authors developed a 'cytomics-on-a-chip' tool and integrated predictive model for aiding the identification of OLCs.
STUDY DESIGN
All study subjects underwent both scalpel biopsy for histopathology and brush cytology. A predictive model and OLC Index comprising clinical, demographic, and cytologic features was generated to discriminate between subjects with lichenoid (OLC+) (N = 94) and nonlichenoid (OLC-) (N = 237) histologic features in a population with OPMDs.
RESULTS
The OLC Index discriminated OLC+ and OLC- subjects with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.76. Diagnostic accuracy of the OLC Index was not significantly different from expert clinician impressions, with AUC of 0.81 (P = .0704). Percent agreement was comparable across all raters, with 83.4% between expert clinicians and histopathology, 78.3% between OLC Index and expert clinician, and 77.3% between OLC Index and histopathology.
CONCLUSIONS
The cytomics-on-a-chip tool and integrated diagnostic model have the potential to facilitate both the triage and diagnosis of patients presenting with OPMDs and OLCs.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Diagnosis, Differential; Lichen Planus, Oral; Biopsy; Aged; Risk Assessment; Precancerous Conditions; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; Adult; Mouth Neoplasms
PubMed: 38755071
DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2024.04.003 -
Cureus Apr 2024Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, is a rare congenital anomaly of the oral cavity that not only causes difficulties in breastfeeding and teeth cleaning but also...
Ankyloglossia, also known as tongue-tie, is a rare congenital anomaly of the oral cavity that not only causes difficulties in breastfeeding and teeth cleaning but also causes difficulty in speech articulation. Our patient faced difficulty in freely moving his tongue because of the short lingual frenulum wherein laser lingual frenectomy was indicated. The patient was treated successfully with a soft tissue diode laser having a wavelength of 445 nanometers. The use of a low-wavelength diode laser becomes relatively complimentary to standard scalpel surgery because of patient consolation, offers a blood-free area, reduces inflammation and edema, and is less damaging to thermal tissues.
PubMed: 38752065
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58319 -
Cureus Apr 2024Background Gingival pigmentation (GP), characterized by the presence of melanin in the gingival tissues, is a common aesthetic concern in dental practice. While it poses...
Background Gingival pigmentation (GP), characterized by the presence of melanin in the gingival tissues, is a common aesthetic concern in dental practice. While it poses no inherent health risks, the visible discoloration may cause psychological distress for individuals seeking optimal dental aesthetics. Understanding the efficacy of various methods is essential for refining treatment strategies and enhancing patient satisfaction in the realm of gingival depigmentation (GD). Aim The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of scalpel and microneedling (MN) with ascorbic acid in the treatment of GD. Materials and methods Sixteen patients who had a complaint of GP were included in the study, of whom eight were allocated for depigmentation with a scalpel, and the other eight patients were treated with the MN technique with ascorbic acid. Postoperative wound healing scores were evaluated on the first and seventh days, respectively. The intensity of depigmentation was assessed at baseline, in the first month, and at the end of the third month, respectively. Results The mean Dummett-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) score at baseline was 2.65±0.16 and 2.61±0.17 in the surgical and microneedling groups with ascorbic acid, respectively. The mean DOPI score at the end of the third month was 1.67±0.39 and 0.87±0.17 in the scalpel and MN with ascorbic acid groups, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the scalpel and MN with ascorbic acid groups at the end of the first and third months, respectively, where MN with ascorbic acid showed aesthetically pleasing outcomes. Patients treated with the scalpel technique showed incomplete healing and ulceration on the first and seventh days after the procedure when compared to the MN technique with ascorbic acid. The healing index scores were statistically significant in the MN with ascorbic acid group. Conclusion The MN technique with ascorbic acid is a successful technique for treating GD. It showed aesthetically gratifying outcomes when compared to the conventional surgical technique.
PubMed: 38752063
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58285 -
Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2024In recent research, the expansion in the use of Mg alloys for biomedical applications has been approached by modifying their surfaces in conjunction with micro-arc...
In recent research, the expansion in the use of Mg alloys for biomedical applications has been approached by modifying their surfaces in conjunction with micro-arc oxidation (MAO) techniques which enhance their abrasion and corrosion resistance. In this study, combining laser texturing and MAO techniques to produce the dense ceramic coatings with microstructures. On the surface of the AZ31 Mg alloy, a micro-raised annulus array texture has been designed in order to increase the surface friction under liquid lubrication and to improve the operator's grip when holding the tool. For this work, the micro-morphology of the coatings was characterised, and the friction properties of the commonly used scalpel shank material 316 L, the untextured surface and the textured surface were comparatively analysed against disposable surgical gloves. The results show that the Laser-MAO ceramic coating grows homogenous, the porosity decreases from 14.3% to 7.8%, and the morphology after friction indicates that the coating has good wear resistance. More specifically, the average coefficient of friction (COF) of the three types of gloves coated with Laser-MAO ceramic was higher than that of the 316 L and MAO ceramic coatings under the action of the annulus-integrated texture under the lubrication conditions of physiological saline and defatted sheep blood, which achieved the goal of increasing friction for the purpose of helping to prevent the problem of tool slippage from the hand.
PubMed: 38751864
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1397050 -
Journal of Hospital Medicine May 2024
PubMed: 38751233
DOI: 10.1002/jhm.13410 -
International Ophthalmology May 2024The pigtail was used to create an opening at the lower punctal site in grade 0 stenosis with insertion of self-retaining tube and Mitomycin C (MMC). (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The pigtail was used to create an opening at the lower punctal site in grade 0 stenosis with insertion of self-retaining tube and Mitomycin C (MMC).
METHODS
The patients with acquired lower punctal stenosis (grade 0) were divided randomly into equal groups, Group A: were treated with pigtail and MMC 0.02% and Group B: were treated with pigtail alone. The pigtail was inserted through the upper punctum until its tip reached the occluded punctum, this site was incised with a scalpel (No. 11). A self-retaining bicanalicular tube was then placed.
RESULTS
Results of 36 eyes from 26 patients were included. No differences were observed between both groups regarding epiphora score, FDD test and punctal size preoperatively. The postoperative epiphora score, there were significant differences at 1 month (P = 0.035), 3 months (P = 0.005), and 6 months after removal (P < 0.001). The FDD test, there were significant differences at 6 months (P = 0.045), 1 month (P = 0.021), 3 months (P = 0.012), and 6 months post tube removal (P = 0.005). The punctal size, both groups differed at 1 month (P = 0.045), 3 months (P = 0.03), and 6 months post tube removal (P = 0.005). Only one case (5.5%) at each group showed extrusion of the tube.
CONCLUSION
The pigtail probe, bicanalicular stent and MMC can be an effective method in treatment of severe punctal stenosis.
Topics: Humans; Mitomycin; Male; Female; Lacrimal Duct Obstruction; Middle Aged; Intubation; Aged; Treatment Outcome; Dacryocystorhinostomy; Lacrimal Apparatus; Adult; Follow-Up Studies; Stents; Prospective Studies; Alkylating Agents
PubMed: 38744721
DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03146-1 -
The Surgeon : Journal of the Royal... May 2024This study aims to shed light on the profound ramifications of the military conflict that started in April 2023 on surgical practice in Sudan.
BACKGROUND
This study aims to shed light on the profound ramifications of the military conflict that started in April 2023 on surgical practice in Sudan.
METHODS
This is a survey-based study. The survey link was disseminated to Sudanese medical practitioners via various social media (WhatsApp, Telegram, X (previously twitter) and Facebook) channels. We included only responses from medical practitioners working in the surgical specialities.
RESULTS
A total of 90 responses have been collected. All participants were working in surgical service provision institutes. Sixty per cent of the responses were from the age group 25-35 years old, and two-thirds of the total cohort either left Sudan or was internally displaced because of the conflict. Moreover, 51% are no longer practising because they had to flee the conflict area (75%) or because the hospital is out of service (20%). There was a significant drop in the average number of emergency and elective lists.
CONCLUSION
The military conflict affected Sudan's already strained health system. There was a significant drop in the average number of emergency and elective lists with surgeons out of practice because they had to flee the conflict area and hospitals were out of service.
PubMed: 38744575
DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2024.04.015 -
Swiss Dental Journal Feb 2024A papilloma is a benign tumor arising from an epithelial surface. Mostly a papilloma appears as an asymptomatic intraoral lesion and is often associated with the human... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
A papilloma is a benign tumor arising from an epithelial surface. Mostly a papilloma appears as an asymptomatic intraoral lesion and is often associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV). In this case report two similar, verrucous papules, sessile bilateral on the back of the tongue, were surgically removed in a 65-year-old male patient. Thereby two different methods of treatment were compared. On the right side of the back of the tongue, excision by scalpel, as the gold standard treatment modality, was performed. On the left side a surgical removal by a CO2 laser was performed. In a photothermal procedure, without direct contact to the tissue, the laser beam is cutting through the mucosa. Secondary wound healing can take place. Both methods were compared in relation to their application, wound healing, quality of the biopsy and morbidity. Postoperative less discomfort and a slightly faster wound healing could be seen after scalpel removal. The histopathological examination was comparable for both methods.
Topics: Humans; Male; Aged; Lasers, Gas; Tongue Neoplasms; Papilloma; Laser Therapy; Wound Healing
PubMed: 38739046
DOI: 10.61872/sdj-2024-04-02