Complications and great escapes: equipment and techniques.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: McPherson R
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4232426 | biostudies-other | 2014 Dec
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
Similar Datasets
Project description:This paper presents a simple three-dimensional (3D) fabrication method based on soft lithography techniques and laminated object manufacturing. The method can create 3D structures that have undercuts with general machines for mass production and laboratory scale prototyping. The minimum layer thickness of the method is at least 4 µm and bonding strength between layers is over 330 kPa. The performance reaches conventional fabrication techniques used for two-dimensionally (2D)-designed microfluidic devices. We fabricated some 3D structures, i.e., fractal structures, spiral structures, and a channel-in-channel structure, in microfluidic channels and demonstrated 3D microfluidics. The fabrication method can be achieved with a simple black light for bio-molecule detection; thus, it is useful for not only lab-scale rapid prototyping, but also for commercial manufacturing.
| S-EPMC6190096 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Comparative studies on antennal sensillar equipment in insects are largely lacking, despite their potential to provide insights into both ecological and phylogenetic relationships. Here we present the first comparative study on antennal morphology and sensillar equipment in female Cynipoidea (Hymenoptera), a large and diverse group of wasps, with special reference to the so-called gall-wasps (Cynipidae). A SEM analysis was conducted on 51 species from all extant cynipoid families and all cynipid tribes, and spanning all known life-histories in the superfamily (gall-inducers, gall-inquilines, and non-gall associated parasitoids). The generally filiform, rarely clavate, antennal flagellum of Cynipoidea harbours overall 12 types of sensilla: s. placoidea (SP), two types of s. coeloconica (SCo-A, SCo-B), s. campaniformia (SCa), s. basiconica (SB), five types of s. trichoidea (ST-A, B, C, D, E), large disc sensilla (LDS) and large volcano sensilla (LVS). We found a great variability in sensillar equipment both among and within lineages. However, few traits seem to be unique to specific cynipid tribes. Paraulacini are, for example, distinctive in having apical LVS; Pediaspidini are unique in having ?3 rows of SP, each including 6-8 sensilla per flagellomere, and up to 7 SCo-A in a single flagellomere; Eschatocerini have by far the largest SCo-A. Overall, our data preliminarily suggest a tendency to decreased numbers of SP rows per flagellomere and increased relative size of SCo-A during cynipoid evolution. Furthermore, SCo-A size seems to be higher in species inducing galls in trees than in those inducing galls in herbs. On the other hand, ST seem to be more abundant on the antennae of herb-gallers than wood-gallers. The antennal morphology and sensillar equipment in Cynipoidea are the complex results of different interacting pressures that need further investigations to be clarified.
| S-EPMC4087010 | biostudies-literature
Project description:In this contribution, we explore the potential of atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques for developing new semiconductor metal oxide composites. Specifically, we investigate the functionalization of multi-wall trititanate nanotubes, H2Ti3O7 NTs (sample T1) with zinc oxide employing two different ALD approaches: vapor phase metalation (VPM) using diethylzinc (Zn(C2H5)2, DEZ) as a unique ALD precursor, and multiple pulsed vapor phase infiltration (MPI) using DEZ and water as precursors. We obtained two different types of tubular H2Ti3O7 species containing ZnO in their structures. Multi-wall trititanate nanotubes with ZnO intercalated inside the tube wall sheets were the main products from the VPM infiltration (sample T2). On the other hand, MPI (sample T3) principally leads to single-wall nanotubes with a ZnO hierarchical bi-modal functionalization, thin film coating, and surface decorated with ZnO particles. The products were mainly characterized by electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. An initial evaluation of the optical characteristics of the products demonstrated that they behaved as semiconductors. The IR study revealed the role of water, endogenous and/or exogenous, in determining the structure and properties of the products. The results confirm that ALD is a versatile tool, promising for developing tailor-made semiconductor materials.
| S-EPMC8032785 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) initially emerged as a therapeutic option for high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Advancement in technologies since the first era of TAVRs, experience from previous obstacles, and lessons learned from complications have allowed the evolution of this procedure to the current state. This review focuses on the updates on the most current devices, complications, and outcomes of TAVR.
| S-EPMC6090012 | biostudies-other
Project description:Importance:Intraoperative adequacy check of biopsy samples can lead to a higher biopsy yield rate, and subsequent genomic analysis can provide patients with valuable prognostic information. Objectives:To examine the yield rates for transscleral and transvitreal fine-needle aspiration biopsies of small uveal melanoma less than 3.6 mm in apical height and to discuss techniques that would maximize yield rates and minimize complications. Design, Setting, and Participants:A retrospective, consecutive observational case series was conducted from January 29, 2013, to May 23, 2017, at Retina Consultants of Houston and Houston Methodist Hospital among 44 patients with uveal melanoma of the ciliary body or choroid. Interventions or Exposures:Fine-needle aspiration biopsy and intraoperative histopathologic analysis prior to iodine 125 brachytherapy. Main Outcomes and Measures:Tumor locations and dimensions were identified by histopathologic analysis and B-scan ultrasonography. Either transscleral or transvitreal biopsy was performed for tumors anterior to the equator and posterior to the equator, respectively. Biopsy specimens were checked for adequacy intraoperatively. Specimens were examined using hematoxylin-eosin, double immunostain with human melanoma black 45 and Ki67, and gene expression profile. Results:A total of 44 patients were included in the study, with a mean (SD) age of 63.3 (12.7) years (21 men [47.7%]; 23 women [52.3%]). Median tumor height was 2.7 mm (interquartile range, 2.3- 2.9 mm). Forty of 44 biopsy samples (90.9%; 95% CI, 82.4%-99.4%) yielded adequate cells for gene expression profile analysis. Transscleral and transvitreal yield rates were 11 of 11 (100%) and 29 of 33 (87.9%), respectively. Most localized vitreous hemorrhages were resolved by 3 months. There was a moderate association between localized vitreous hemorrhage and transvitreal biopsy method, for which the phi value was -0.526 (95% CI, -0.712 to -0.157; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance:These findings suggest intraoperative adequacy evaluation of fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimens leads to high yield and is more informative for patients.
| S-EPMC5876837 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundRotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction. More recently, there has been a renewed interest in understanding the subscapularis tears. There are multiple articles in the literature showing the short term results of isolated subscapularis tendon repair. However, the midterm and long term outcome studies for arthroscopic subscapularis repair are few. This study evaluates the functional outcome after arthroscopic subscapularis repair.Materials and methodsThe records of 35 patients who underwent an arthroscopic subscapularis repair between May 2008 and June 2012 were included in this retrospective study. The records of all patients were reviewed. There were 22 males and 13 female patients with mean age of 58.2 years (range 41-72 years). All patients had a complete history, physical examination, and radiographs of their shoulders. Visual analogue scale (VAS), range of movements, power of cuff muscles, and modified University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score were assessed.ResultsThe mean followup was 2.8 years (range 2-4 year). Functional outcome after arthroscopic subscapularis repair has an excellent outcome as analysed by clinical outcome, VAS score and UCLA score. Results were analyzed and had statistically significant values. The VAS for pain improved significantly (P < 0.001), and the mean modified UCLA score improved significantly (P < 0.001) from 14.24 ± 4.72 preoperatively to 33.15 ± 2.29 at 2 years postoperative. According to the UCLA system, there were 22 excellent, 11 good, and 2 fair results. Around 95% of patients returned to their usual work after surgery.ConclusionAt a median followup of 2 years, 95% of patients had a good to excellent result after an arthroscopic subscapularis tendon repair. We conclude that the midterm results show that arthroscopic subscapularis repair remains a good option for the treatment of patients with subscapularis tendon repair.
| S-EPMC4885299 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Despite the vast array of techniques available to modern-day chemists, structural misassignments still occur. These misassignments are often only realized upon attempted synthesis, when the spectra of synthesized products do not match previously reported spectra. This was the case with marine natural product cereoanhydride. The originally proposed 7-membered ring anhydride (1) was shown to be incorrect, although a likely precursor to the correct structure (2) in both its laboratory synthesis and biosynthesis. Herein, in addition to showing how NMR computations could have been used to arrive at the correct structure, we show that the conversion of 1 to 2 is indeed energetically viable, and we highlight complications in predicting NMR chemical shifts for molecules with acidic protons.
| S-EPMC5484121 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesTo investigate factors predictive of postoperative recurrence and complications in patients undergoing urethroplasty for stricture repair at a single center.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of 108 men who underwent urethroplasty for urethral stricture disease (USD) at a single center from 2016 to 2020. Demographic data, comorbidities, stricture history including etiology and prior treatments, patient-reported symptoms, and outcomes data were collected for analysis. Data were analyzed in aggregate, then, stratified by type of urethroplasty performed. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression, and intergroup comparisons were completed using STATA, with an alpha value of 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%.ResultsThe median age of our patients was 58 years (interquartile range: 42-69; range: 29-83), with a median stricture length of 2.0 cm (interquartile range: 1.0-4.5; range: 0.5-10). The most common stricture etiology was iatrogenic (n = 33, 31%) and the most common urethroplasty was anterior anastomotic urethroplasty (n = 38, 35%), followed by buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty (n = 35, 32%). Twenty-four patients (22%) had stricture recurrence. Within the aggregate data, recurrence was significantly predicted by obesity (BMI > 30) (Odds Ratio [OR] 3.2, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.06-10), and the presence of postoperative complications (OR 6.3, CI: 1.9-21). The presence of any postoperative complications within 90 days was significantly predicted by stricture length ≥ 5 cm (OR 3.5, CI 1.09-12) and recurrence (OR 6.0, CI 1.7-21).ConclusionDespite serving as the most definitive treatment for urethral stricture management, stricture recurrence and postoperative complications are not uncommon after urethroplasty. Obesity and stricture length negatively impact outcomes while a penile stricture location is associated with a lower recurrence rate, though this is not statistically significant.
| S-EPMC8988843 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionThe essence of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is biventricular (BiV) pacing, which involves implanting pacing leads in both the right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV). Unlike traditional RV pacing, many hurdles lie ahead of successful LV lead implantation.Methods and resultsIn this review, we first highlight the importance of optimizing the patient and the tools. Next, we describe the CRT tools developed over several decades, to facilitate successful implantation. Thereafter, we provide a streamlined step-by-step summary of the basic BiV implantation procedure. Lastly, we discuss some commonly encountered challenges during implantation and the techniques to tackle them.ConclusionA systematic approach to every step of the implantation process can reduce procedure time, decrease patient exposure to radiation and contrast, and minimize complications. The use of right tools and techniques can enable all implanters to become more successful with BiV implantation.
| S-EPMC7894320 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundLeakage of rectal anastomoses is one of the most important and feared complications in colorectal surgery. Apart from patient-specific risk factors, technical aspects may influence the occurrence of anastomotic complications. This study investigated whether using single-stapling techniques (SST) instead of the double-stapling technique (DST) for minimal-invasive rectal anastomosis is associated with a lower rate of anastomotic complications.MethodsA retrospective review of 272 patients who received a minimally invasive stapled rectal anastomosis (3-16 cm from the anal verge) at our institution from 2015 to 2020 was performed. In 131 patients, rectal anastomosis was created by SST (SST group), while 141 patients received a rectal anastomosis with crossing stapler lines (DST group). The impact of the anastomotic technique on patient outcomes was determined by uni- and multivariate analyses.ResultsOverall anastomotic leakage rate was 6%. Patients with SST anastomoses had a lower leakage rate than patients with DST anastomoses (3% vs. 9% in the DST group, p = 0.045). The rate of anastomotic stenosis was lower in the SST group than in the DST group (1% vs. 6%, p = 0.037). Overall morbidity and mortality did not differ between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that single-stapling techniques significantly reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage (OR 3.5 [1.0-11.5], p = 0.043).ConclusionThe use of SST for rectal anastomosis may help to reduce anastomotic complications. This finding should be confirmed by a randomized controlled trial.
| S-EPMC9262801 | biostudies-literature