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Various Procedures (various + procedure)
Selected AbstractsProduction of Chromium-Doped ,-Al2O3 Whiskers Via Vapor Liquid Solid DepositionJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 1 2006Carmen Cerecedo The prime objective of this work is to demonstrate that chromium-doped alumina fibers could, for the first time, be obtained via vapor liquid solid (VLS) deposition. Various procedures are described and discussed in the text. The mechanism for effective doping is also discussed, and the resulting fibers are analyzed. A modification of the basic VLS deposition process was investigated with the aim of producing doped ,-Al2O3 (,-alumina or corundum) whiskers. Chromium-doped (ruby) corundum whiskers were obtained by the introduction of Cr3+ in gas form within the argon flow used to attain inert furnace atmospheres. Various procedures are described and discussed in the text, using different chromium compounds, and the mechanism of effective doping is also discussed in each case. [source] Carbon Dioxide Laser Endoscopic Diverticulotomy Versus Open Diverticulectomy for Zenker's Diverticulum ,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 3 2004C. W. David Chang MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis To compare open and CO2 laser,assisted endoscopic surgical management of Zenker's diverticulum. Study Design A retrospective review of 49 consecutive surgically treated patients with Zenker's diverticulum was conducted. Methods Patients' records were reviewed and analyzed for patient age and sex, size of diverticulum, incision time (time recorded from start of incision to surgical completion of case), length of hospital stay, complications, and follow-up management. A postoperative questionnaire inquiring about swallow function was conducted by mail or telephone. Swallow function was assessed on a four-point scale. Results Various procedures performed included endoscopic CO2 laser,assisted diverticulotomy (n = 24) and open diverticulectomy with cricopharyngeal myotomy (n = 28). The average incision time of laser endoscopic cases (47 min) was significantly shorter (P < .001) than that of open diverticulectomy cases (170 min). Length of hospital stay did not significantly vary between the two groups. Five patients (21%) initially treated with laser endoscopic diverticulotomy demonstrated symptomatic persistent Zenker's diverticulum; three underwent repeat operation. No open cases required repeat operation. One endoscopic case was aborted secondary to esophageal injury from placement of the endoscope. Postoperative fever was seen in two (8%) endoscopic cases and four (14%) open approach cases. No major complications (recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, mediastinitis, or death) were encountered. More than 90% of respondents in each treatment group reported normal or near-normal swallow function. Conclusion Laser endoscopic management is a reasonable and safe method for surgical treatment of Zenker's diverticulum in comparison with the open technique. Employment of the endoscopic approach reduces operative time and the complexity of postoperative care. Practitioners should be aware that the endoscopic approach may result in a higher failure rate. [source] Laparoscopic obesity surgery in an Asian Institute: A 10-year prospective study with review of literatureASIAN JOURNAL OF ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY, Issue 2 2009Wei-Jei Lee Abstract Objective: Obesity surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity and leads to dramatic improvement in related co-morbidities. The aim of this study was to present the long-term results of a prospective trial studying the efficacy of laparoscopic obesity surgery in a group of oriental patients. Method: From April 1998 to March 2009, 2385 patients who underwent obesity surgery in a single bariatric center in Asia were recruited. Various procedures have been adopted so far, including laparoscopic vertical banded gastric partition in 652 patients (27.3%), laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) in 1228 patients (51.5%), laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in 226 patients (9.5%), laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in 128 patients (5.4%), gastric balloon in 68 patients (2.8%) and laparoscopic revision surgery in 83 patients (3.5%). We evaluated the clinical data and effect of obesity surgery on different procedures. Results: Overall, the major complication rate and mortality were 1.5% and 0.12%. There was an increase of surgical risk in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic revision surgery patients. The mean total weight loss for the population was 28.1%, 33.9%, 21.3% 18.7% and 17.4% at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 years after surgery, respectively. LGB had a better weight loss (30.1%) than that of the restrictive-type procedures (20.9%) at 5 years after surgery. After surgery, most of the obesity-associated co-morbidities were resolved or improved in these patients. Conclusion: Laparoscopic obesity surgery resulted in significant and sustained weight loss in morbidly obese Asian patients with resolution of associated co-morbidities. LGB had a better result in weight reduction than other restrictive procedures. [source] Oral Isotretinoin as Part of the Treatment of Cutaneous AgingDERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 7 2000Enrique Hernandez-Perez MD Background. A number of drugs have been used to prevent aging changes. However, studies of oral isotretinoin, the commonly used acne drug, as an antiaging drug are lacking. Objective. To determine improvement in cutaneous aging utilizing oral isotretinoin combined with different procedures of facial rejuvenation. Methods. Sixty patients ranging in age from 35 to 65 years, in whom additional modalities of rejuvenation were also used, were randomly assigned to receive treatment with oral isotretinoin (10,20 mg three times a week for 2 months, group A). Their results were compared with 60 patients who had undergone the same surgical procedures but with no oral isotretinoin (group B). Results. All patients treated with oral isotretinoin noted improvement in wrinkles, thickness and color of the skin, size of pores, skin elasticity, tone, and reduction in pigmented lesions and mottled hyperpigmentation. A statistically significant difference was found in the improvement of group A (Wilcoxon test <0.01). Using minimal amounts of this drug, the side effects were practically negligible. Conclusion. Utilizing various procedures with oral isotretinoin allowed us to improve the effects of cutaneous aging. Our results using isotretinoin in these cases have been satisfactory. We believe that this is one of the first reports of the use of oral isotretinoin in intrinsic and photoaged skin. [source] REVIEW: Behavioural assessment of drug reinforcement and addictive features in rodents: an overviewADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Carles Sanchis-Segura ABSTRACT Some psychoactive drugs are abused because of their ability to act as reinforcers. As a consequence behavioural patterns (such as drug-seeking/drug-taking behaviours) are promoted that ensure further drug consumption. After prolonged drug self-administration, some individuals lose control over their behaviour so that these drug-seeking/taking behaviours become compulsive, pervading almost all life activities and precipitating the loss of social compatibility. Thus, the syndrome of addictive behaviour is qualitatively different from controlled drug consumption. Drug-induced reinforcement can be assessed directly in laboratory animals by either operant or non-operant self-administration methods, by classical conditioning-based paradigms such as conditioned place preference or sign tracking, by facilitation of intracranial electric self-stimulation, or, alternatively by drug-induced memory enhancement. In contrast, addiction cannot be modelled in animals, at least as a whole, within the constraints of the laboratory. However, various procedures have been proposed as possible rodent analogues of addiction's major elements including compulsive drug seeking, relapse, loss of control/impulsivity, and continued drug consumption despite negative consequences. This review provides an extensive overview and a critical evaluation of the methods currently used for studying drug-induced reinforcement as well as specific features of addictive behaviour. In addition, comic strips that illustrate behavioural methods used in the drug abuse field are provided given for free download under http://www.zi-mannheim/psychopharmacology.de [source] Long-Term Effectiveness of Operative Procedures for Stanford Type A Aortic DissectionsJOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 3 2004Rudolf Driever Methods: From 1990 to 1999, 50 patients (32 men (64.07%); 18 women, (36.0%); mean age 57.4 ± 11.1 years) underwent operation for ascending aortic dissection. Surgical strategies included aortic root replacement with a composite graft (21/50; 42.0%), valve replacement with supracoronary ascending aortic graft (3/50, 6%), and valve preservation or repair (26/50; 52.0%). Results: Overall hospital mortality rate was 18.0%. Follow-up was completed for 47 patients (94.0%) and ranged from 1 month to 10.5 years (mean 28.8 months). Actuarial survival for patients discharged from the hospital was 84% at 1 year, 75% at 5 years, and 66% at 10 years. There was no significant difference between the various procedures regarding mortality, neurological complications, long-term survival, and proximal reoperations. The ascending aorta alone was replaced in 8 of 50 patients (16%), ascending and hemiarch in 30 of 50 patients (60%), and arch and proximal descending aorta in 12 of 50 patients (24%). Hospital mortality (11.5%, 20.0%, and 16.7%, respectively; p > 0.05) and 5- and 10-year survival (p > 0.05) were not statistically dependent on the extension of the resection distally. Residual distal dissection was not associated with a decrease in late survival. With regard to emergency surgery (36/50) there was no significant difference in hospital mortality (p > 0.05) and 5-year survival (p > 0.05) between those who had undergone coronary angiography (19/36; 52.8%) on the day of surgery with those who had not (17/36; 47.2%). Conclusions: Preservation or repair of the aortic valve can be recommended in the majority of patients with type A dissection. Distal extension of the resection does not increase surgical risk. Residual distal dissection does not decrease late survival. Preoperative coronary angiography may not affect survival in patients undergoing emergency surgery. (J Card Surg 2004;19:240-245) [source] A systematic review on the clinical diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumorsJOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Marco Scarpa MD Abstract Background The aim of this work was to assess the prevalence of symptoms of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and the diagnostic yield of clinical procedures for its diagnosis. Methods Medical databases were consulted between 1998 and 2006 for potentially relevant publications. All studies dealing with the clinical presentation of GIST and related diagnostic procedures were included. Two researchers worked independently on the study selection, quality assessment, data extraction, and analysis phases of the study. Results Forty-six observational studies were included with a total of 4,534 patients. Gastrointestinal bleeding was the most common clinical presentation. Twenty studies provided adequate information on the diagnostic yield of various procedures. The pooled diagnostic yield of endoscopy,+,mucosal biopsy and of intestinal contrast radiography was 33.8% (0,100%) and 35.1% (11,100%), respectively, while that of EUS and that of EUS-FNA was 68.7% (40,100%) and 84.0% (73.8,100%), respectively. Abdominal CT scan and MRI had similar pooled diagnostic yields: 73.6% (34.8,100%), and 91.7% (75,100%), respectively. Conclusion Endoscopy,+,mucosal biopsy should be reserved to patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. EUS-FNA provides direct visualization of the neoplasm and adequate samples for molecular diagnosis. EUS, abdominal CT and MRI may be considered valid alternatives whenever EUS-FNA is unavailable or a cytological diagnosis is unnecessary. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:384,392. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Processed porcine collagen tubulization versus conventional suturing in peripheral nerve reconstruction: An experimental study in rabbitsMICROSURGERY, Issue 3 2001Guda C.M. Heijke M.D. In peripheral nerve reconstruction, various procedures are used. One of the procedures that received the most interest in the past decade is the tubulization technique for small nerve gaps. A disadvantage in the use of non-biodegradable tubes is that the material often has to be removed owing to its mechanical properties. Some investigators, in exploring the use of collagen tubes, being a natural biodegradable material, found either allogenicity or xenogenicity and immune responses that may inhibit nerve regeneration. Processed porcine collagen (PPC) is a new inert and biodegradable material that has a favorable effect on wound healing, as demonstrated by experiments on other tissues. The aim of our study was to compare the healing of nerve sutures with PPC tubes with conventional end-to-end sutures. In our experiments, we reconstructed the saphenous nerves of 27 rabbits. In series 1 (n = 12) and 2 (n = 12), PPC tubes were slid over an end-to-end nerve suture without or with a 10-mm nerve gap, respectively. In series 3 (n = 12), conventional suturing was performed in the collateral saphenous nerves of the animals of series 1. Epineurial suturing was performed. Three other non-operated saphenous nerves served as controls. The healing was studied after 3, 6, and 12 months in sections stained by monoclonal antibodies and by conventional histologic staining. Morphometric analysis of the regenerating axons was done by using confocal scanning laser microscopy (CLSM). Data analysis was carried out using a software program especially developed for this purpose. All results were evaluated statistically. Our results showed that during the healing period in the distal nerve stump, the number of axons of the PPC procedure with a 10-mm gap was significantly higher than that in the procedure without a gap. At 12 months, the mean number of axons of all procedures was significantly lower than in the non-operated nerve, and the mean axon diameter in all distal stumps did not differ significantly from that of the non-operated nerve. In the distal nerve stump, the ratio of total axon area to total fascicle area in the PPC procedure with a gap was significantly higher than that in the conventional suturing procedure. After 12 months, there was no significant difference between the percentages of axon outgrowth of the PPC procedure without a gap, the conventional suturing procedure, and the non-operated nerve (100%). The percentage of axon outgrowth in PPC with a gap was significantly higher than in the other procedures. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 21:84,95 2001 [source] Corrected local polynomial estimation in varying-coefficient models with measurement errorsTHE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF STATISTICS, Issue 3 2006Jinhong You Abstract The authors study a varying-coefficient regression model in which some of the covariates are measured with additive errors. They find that the usual local linear estimator (LLE) of the coefficient functions is biased and that the usual correction for attenuation fails to work. They propose a corrected LLE and show that it is consistent and asymptotically normal, and they also construct a consistent estimator for the model error variance. They then extend the generalized likelihood technique to develop a goodness of fit test for the model. They evaluate these various procedures through simulation studies and use them to analyze data from the Framingham Heart Study. Estimation polynomiale locale corrigée dans les modèles à coefficients variables comportant des erreurs de mesure Les auteurs s'intéressent à un modèle de régression à coefficients variables dont certaines cova-riables sont entachées d'erreurs additives. Ils montrent que l'estimateur localement linéaire (ELL) usuel des coefficients fonctionnels est biaisé et que le facteur de correction habituel du phénomène d'atténuation est inefficace. Ils proposent une version corrigée de l'ELL qui s'avère convergente et asymptotiquement normale; ils suggèrent aussi une estimation convergente de la variance du terme d'erreur du modèle. Une adaptation de la technique de vraisemblance généralisée leur permet en outre d'élaborer un test d'adéquation du modèle. Ils évaluent ces diverses procédures par voie de simulation et s'en servent pour analyser des données issues de l'étude Framingham sur les risques cardiométaboliques. [source] Survival of very small macropod pouch young followingshort-term isolation from the pouch at various environmental temperaturesANIMAL CONSERVATION, Issue 4 2002David A. Taggart There is considerable interest in the use of assisted breeding techniques as a component of conservation programmes for a variety of macropods threatened with extinction. While cross-fostering is being conducted in some programmes in captivity, little is known about the best techniques for carrying this procedure out from wild populations. In this study we compare the success of various procedures for isolating small tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) and brush-tailed rock wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) pouch young (0.4 g,410 g) for short periods (6 hours) as a first step towards establishing a methodology for recruiting endangered macropod pouch young directly from the wild for foster-rearing in captivity. Pouch temperature and humidity were determined. Pouch young from females in experimental groups were weighed, measured and then isolated, at 30°C, 27°C or 23°C, and 100% humidity. After isolation the weight of pouch young maintained at 30°C and 27°C had declined significantly (2,17% of body weight), whereas those held at 23°C and 100% humidity lost less than 0.5% of body weight. All young were reattached to the active teat of their mother following pouch isolation and their survival and growth monitored. Pouch young from the control group and those isolated at 23°C and 100% humidity survived and grew at normal rates. Only the largest pouch young maintained in isolation at either 30°C or 27°C survived to day 7 following reattachment. Data indicated that the proportion of weight lost by pouch young as a result of isolation decreased with increasing size and age of the pouch young. These trials indicate that it would be possible to harvest very small macropod pouch young from a species in the wild with a very high probability that they would survive short-term isolation from the pouch and reattachment to the teat. The use of this procedure in combination with cross-fostering techniques will allow small pouch young from threatened macropod species to be recruited directly from the wild into captivity, for captive breeding or to improve genetic diversity in captive colonies. It should also act to reactivate diapause embryos in these animals and hence may accelerate breeding in wild-based mothers. [source] Anatomy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve related to inguinal ligament, adjacent bony landmarks, and femoral arteryCLINICAL ANATOMY, Issue 8 2008Porames Doklamyai Abstract Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) generally emerges from the pelvis behind the inguinal ligament (IL) to the thigh. Because of its proximity to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and hip joint, the LFCN is prone to injuries during various procedures. Anatomy of this nerve is highly variable among studies. Moreover, measurement data regarding its branches including the differences between genders and sides are still lacking. This study was, therefore, done to clarify these issues. Eighty-five thighs from 43 cadavers of both genders were dissected at the inguinal region. Distances from each branch of the LFCN to palpable landmarks: the ASIS, pubic tubercle (PT) and femoral artery (FA) were measured along the IL. Up to four branches of the LFCN were found; however, the single trunk was the most common form (>65%). The common site of this pattern on the IL was within 2 cm medial to the ASIS but could be present at over 6 cm. The distances in case of bifurcation were mostly comparable to those of the single trunk. In contrast, the values varied considerably in the cases with three or more branches (three cases). Regarding side and gender, asymmetry in the branching pattern was found in one fourth of specimens. However, only some minor differences between genders or sides in the measurement data were seen. These findings suggest that asymmetry and multiple branches of the LFCN should be concerned. The measurement data are also useful for localizing the LFCN with higher accuracy. Clin. Anat. 21:769,774, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Dog model for study of supracrestal bone apposition around partially inserted implantsCLINICAL ORAL IMPLANTS RESEARCH, Issue 5 2002Ann-Marie Roos-Jansåker Abstract: A dog model for study of supracrestal bone growth around partially inserted implants is described. The mandibular premolar teeth (P1, P2, P3 and P4) were extracted on both sides of the mandible in four dogs. At a surgical exposure 12 weeks later, two 10 mm titanium implants were partially inserted on each side, 15 mm apart, in the areas of the P1 and the P3 so that five threads protruded from the bone crest. A titanium mesh was fastened to the coronal aspect of the two fixtures and covered with an ePTFE membrane. Thus, a space for potential bone formation was created between the two implants. The surgical flaps were coronally positioned and secured with vertical mattress sutures. After 12 weeks of healing, biopsy specimens were retrieved and examined histologically. In three of the four dogs under study, the partially inserted implants had integrated and the intended large wound spaces had been created around the noninserted parts of the implants. However, bone was not formed around the protruding implants. Accordingly, this experimental model may prove useful for future studies on the use of various procedures that hypothetically may enhance bone formation. [source] Transanal endoscopic microsurgery , lessons from a single UK centre seriesCOLORECTAL DISEASE, Issue 6 2002G. M. Lloyd Abstract Objectives Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), a minimally invasive technique has been employed in the excision of benign and selected malignant rectal tumours since 1983. We present a single surgeon's series of 102 procedures. Patients and methods A retrospective case note review of 102 procedures performed over a 6-year period between 1996 and 2001. Results One hundred and two TEM procedures were performed on 100 patients. 68 for adenomas, 19 potentially curative excisions for carcinoma, 13 palliative procedures for advanced carcinoma and 2 for solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS). Four adenomas recurred and were successfully treated by various procedures. None went on to develop malignancy, or a further recurrence. Of the cancers, six T1 and 10 T2 were excised with curative intent. Three T3 cancers were excised before endorectal ultrasound was available in the unit and went on to have definitive procedures. One T1 and two T2 carcinomas were not completely histologically excised. These patients were offered definitive procedure and there have been no recurrences. 11 patients underwent palliative TEM procedures, 2 went on to have a recurrence of symptoms. Both underwent a successful second TEM procedure. Conclusions Although longer term follow up is still required, TEM appears to be an effective method of excising benign tumours and T1 carcinomas of the rectum. The role of TEM in the treatment of T2 carcinomas is, as yet, unclear and needs further evaluation although the results of our series and others are encouraging. [source] | |||||||||||||