Project description:As endoscopic ear surgery is evolving day by day there is a constant need for improvisation in terms of instrumentation, visualization and clear bloodless surgical field. The applications of Ahila's Diathermy Round Knife for Endoscopic Ear Surgery are presented. The development of Ahila's diathermy round knife will prevent shifting to two handed ear surgery or the need for Endo holders. This new instrument is a game changer in endoscopic ear surgery creating a clean incision and bloodless field to operate. Surgical Instruments represent a major financial asset to the healthcare facility. Careful attention to care, handling and sterilization is essential to avoid costly replacements, enhance patient and surgeon satisfaction, reduce costs and delays in the Operating room and enhance patient safety. Ahila's round diathermy knife may facilitate the performance of surgery and advance the art of Endoscopic surgery to a higher level.
Project description:The World Health Organization/International Union of Immunological Societies (WHO/IUIS) Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee was established in 1986 by leading allergists to standardize names given to proteins that cause IgE-mediated reactions in humans. The Sub-Committee's objective is to assign unique names to allergens based on a critical analysis of confidentially submitted biochemical and clinical data from researchers, often prior to publication to preserve consistency. The Sub-Committee maintains and revises the database as the understanding of allergens evolves. This report summarizes recent developments that led to updates in classification of cockroach group 1 and 5 allergens to animal as well as environmental and occupational allergens. Interestingly, routes, doses, and frequency of exposure often affects allergenicity as does the biochemical properties of the proteins and similarity to self and other proteins. Information required by the Sub-Committee now is more extensive than previously as technology has improved. Identification of new allergens requires identification of the amino acid sequence and physical characteristics of the protein as well as demonstration of IgE binding from subjects verified by described clinical histories, proof of the presence of the protein in relevant exposure substances, and demonstration of biological activity (skin prick tests, activation of basophils, or mast cells). Names are assigned based on taxonomy with the abbreviation of genus and species and assignment of a number, which reflects the priority of discovery, but more often now, the relationships with homologous proteins in related species.
Project description:PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to develop intra-ocular diathermy forceps and test them on perfused porcine cadaver eyes. METHODS:We designed two types of 23-gauge intra-ocular bipolar diathermy forceps by modifying commercially available membrane peeling forceps. In the first type, the emitting electrode is connected to one-half of the core and the return electrode to the other half, with one jaw of the forceps attached to each half. In the second type, the emitting electrode is attached to the core and both jaws of the forceps, and the return electrode to the surrounding tube. We compared the new diathermy forceps to conventional intra-ocular diathermy, on perfused porcine cadaver eyes. First-order retinal artery and vein closure was confirmed both by a perfusion study and by histology of the treated vessels. RESULTS:Type 1 diathermy forceps closed retinal arteries and veins more successfully (five of five and five of five successful treatments, respectively) than Type 2 diathermy forceps (five of five and four of five, respectively) and conventional diathermy (three of five and four of five, respectively). Less energy was used with Type 1 compared to Type 2 and conventional for artery closure (1.5 ± 0.0 versus 4.6 ± 3.3 versus 2.1 ± 0.8 joules, respectively) and vein closure (1.5 ± 0.0 versus 5.4 ± 4.6 versus 2.4 ± 0.8 joules, respectively). Histology of the treated vessels confirmed the perfusion study results. CONCLUSION:We designed two types of a new multifunctional intra-ocular instrument with the ability to peel membranes and to grasp, compress and coagulate retinal blood vessels. Both types pose operational advantages compared to current conventional intra-ocular diathermy.
Project description:The sialylated glyconjugates (SGC) are found in abundance on the surface of brain cells, where they form a dense array of glycans mediating cell/cell and cell/protein recognition in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Metabolic genetic blocks in processing and catabolism of SGC result in development of severe storage disorders, dominated by CNS involvement including marked neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, the pathophysiological mechanisms of which are still discussed. SGC patterns in the brain are cell and organelle-specific, dynamic and maintained by highly coordinated processes of their biosynthesis, trafficking, processing and catabolism. The changes in the composition of SGC during development and aging of the brain cannot be explained based solely on the regulation of the SGC-synthesizing enzymes, sialyltransferases, suggesting that neuraminidases (sialidases) hydrolysing the removal of terminal sialic acid residues also play an essential role. In the current review we summarize the roles of three mammalian neuraminidases: neuraminidase 1, neuraminidase 3 and neuraminidase 4 in processing brain SGC. Emerging data demonstrate that these enzymes with different, yet overlapping expression patterns, intracellular localization and substrate specificity play essential roles in the physiology of the CNS.
Project description:Motion blur in images is usually modeled as the convolution of a point spread function (PSF) and the original image represented as pixel intensities. The knife-edge function can be used to model various types of motion-blurs, and hence it allows for the construction of a PSF and accurate estimation of the degradation function without knowledge of the specific degradation model. This paper addresses the problem of image restoration using a knife-edge function and optimal window Wiener filtering. In the proposed method, we first calculate the motion-blur parameters and construct the optimal window. Then, we use the detected knife-edge function to obtain the system degradation function. Finally, we perform Wiener filtering to obtain the restored image. Experiments show that the restored image has improved resolution and contrast parameters with clear details and no discernible ringing effects.
Project description:Abstract Background Inadequate visualization during upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common problem. The BioVac direct suction device is designed to enhance endoscopic suction to improve visualization. We initiated a randomized clinical trial to determine the efficacy of this device (NCT02150941). Aims In this report, we present the results of a feasibility analysis. Methods Between July 2014 and June 2016, patients admitted to two academic hospitals undergoing endoscopy for UGIB with suspicion of active bleeding (ie. fresh blood hematemesis, hemodynamic instability, acute drop in hemoglobin) were invited to participate. EGD was performed and patients where the source of bleeding was not found due to poor visualization after 5 minutes were randomized to BioVac or standard endoscopy suction. Due to the difference in suctioning power, a placebo was not possible. Instead, the procedure was recorded and assessed by a blinded outcome assessor. The procedure was otherwise performed at the discretion of the endoscopist without input from the study staff. The primary outcome was whether the bleeding source was found. Secondary outcomes included the mucosa visualization score, endoscopic therapy, need for repeat endoscopy within 7 days, rebleeding, and 30-day mortality. Results Over 24 months, a total of 70 subjects were recruited. 60 subjects were excluded due to the source of bleeding being found within the first 5 minutes or there being no blood in the upper GI tract. Of the 10 subjects randomized, 7 were assigned to standard endoscopy suction and 3 to BioVac. The mean (SD) age was 68.3 (13.4) and 30% were females. 60% presented with fresh blood hematemesis, 30% had a history of cirrhosis, 50% bled as an inpatient, and 60% had an ASA score of ≥4. The source of bleeding was found in 66% in the BioVac group and 71% among the controls. The mean (SD) mucosal visualization score was 15.3 (2.6) for BioVac and 7.7 (3.3) for controls although there was no difference in the application of endoscopy therapy (33% in both groups). 33% in the BioVac group and 83% in the control group required a repeat endoscopy within 7 days. No patients rebleed or died in the BioVac group compared to 3 who rebleed and 4 who died in the control. Conclusions Study feasibility is hampered by low recruitment and high exclusion rates. A multi-centre approach to increase recruitment and the development of a better clinical prediction tool for active bleeding are required. Funding Agencies Vantage Endoscopy
Project description:BackgroundSuction drainage is commonly applied after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to reduce hematoma, swelling and to favor surgical wound healing. However, its efficacy remains controversial; thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate drainage efficiency in the management of postoperative bleeding in TKA and UKA.MethodsThe cohort comprised 134 clinical records of patients affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent either TKA or UKA. All the patients were subdivided into 2 groups: the first one with drainage and the second one without drainage (respectively 61 and 73 patients). For each group, hemoglobin levels in the preoperative, first, second and third postoperative day were collected. Postoperative complications such as swelling, bleeding from the surgical wound or the need for blood transfusion, were also recorded.ResultsOur results did not show any significant difference of hemoglobin levels in the first (p = 0.715), second (p = 0.203) and third post-operative day (p = 0.467) between the two groups. Moreover, no significant correlation between knee swelling or transfusion rate and the drainage was observed (p = 0.703 and p = 0.662 respectively). Besides, a significant correlation was found between bleeding from the surgical wound and the absence of drainage (p = 0.006).ConclusionsThe study demonstrates how the routine use of suction drainage does not provide substantial benefits in the postoperative blood loss management after TKA or UKA.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04508101 , 09/08/2020, Retrospectively registered LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.
Project description:ObjectivesThis study aimed to objectively evaluate the water-jet-functioned electrosurgical knife injection performances in a desktop experiment.MethodsFive types of water-jet-functioned electrosurgical knives, including two injection styles of sheath-type (A: DualKnife J, KD-655L; B: FlushKnife, DK2620-J-B20S; C: Splash M-Knife, DN-D2718B; D: ISSEN, SN1650-20) and tip-type (E: ORISE ProKnife, M00519361) were evaluated. These knives were compared with an injection needle (Control: SuperGrip 25G) as a control. The injection speed under constant pressure and the injection efficiency for each knife against prepared porcine stomach mucosa were evaluated. The additional clear gel injections using an injection needle were observed using an indigo blue-colored gel to evaluate the difference between the locations of water-jet holes.ResultsFour types of knives, except for A, showed significantly higher water-jet speeds (A: 0.79 ± 0.03 g/20 s, B: 2.56 ± 0.05 g/20 s, C: 3.09 ± 0.06 g/20 s, D: 2.86 ± 0.05 g/20 s, and E: 1.79 ± 0.03 g/20 s) compared to that of the control (1.21 ± 0.03 g/20 s). Meanwhile, significantly higher efficacy of injection was found in the tip-type water-jet function knife, second to the injection needle (Control: 37.2% ± 35.5%, A: 20.9% ± 20.2%, B: 1.1% ± 2.2%, C: 6.2% ± 12.6%, D: 12.5% ± 15.6%, and E: 33.3% ± 32.2%). An additional injection experiment revealed that the injection with a piercing tip into the gel could achieve sufficient additional injection inside the stacked clear gel.ConclusionsThe tip-type water-jet function electrosurgical knife is preferable for effective submucosal injection during endoscopic treatments.
Project description:The function of peripheral nociceptors is frequently tuned by the action of G protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) that are expressed in them, which contribute to pain alteration. Expanding new information on such GPRs and predicting their potential outcomes can help to construct new analgesic strategies based on their modulations. In this context, we attempted to present a new GPR not yet acknowledged for its pain association. Gpr83 exhibits relatively high expressions in the peripheral nervous system compared to other tissues when we mined and reconstructed Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) metadata, which we confirmed using immunohistochemistry on murine dorsal root ganglia (DRG). When Gpr83 expression was silenced in DRG, neuronal and behavioral nociception were all downregulated. Pathologic pain in hind paw inflammation and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy were also alleviated by this Gpr83 knockdown. Dependent on exposure time, the application of a known endogenous Gpr83 ligand PEN showed differential effects on nociceptor responses in vitro. Localized PEN administration mitigated pain in vivo, probably following Gq/11-involved GPR downregulation caused by the relatively constant exposure. Collectively, this study suggests that Gpr83 action contributes to the tuning of peripheral pain sensitivity and thus indicates that Gpr83 can be among the potential GPR targets for pain modulation.