Popliteal Vein Entrapment as a Rare Form of Popliteal Entrapment Syndrome.

Popliteal entrapment syndrome (PES) describes a cluster of symptoms related to the compression of the neurovascular bundle in the popliteal fossa, most commonly involving the popliteal artery. In approximately 10-15% of the cases of popliteal entrapment syndrome, the popliteal vein is compressed. Symptoms of popliteal vein entrapment can mimic venous insufficiency or deep venous thrombosis, causing the diagnosis to be missed or delayed. Diagnosis of popliteal vein entrapment can be done with duplex imaging with flexion and extension maneuvers; however, venography is the gold standard for diagnosis. While popliteal vein entrapment is commonly associated with younger individuals, it may also be an underdiagnosed condition in older patients. We describe two cases of successful diagnosis and treatment of late-onset presentation of popliteal vein entrapment.

Human Muscle Inspired Anisotropic and Dynamic Metal Ion-Coordinated Mechanically Robust, Stretchable and Swelling-Resistant Hydrogels for Underwater Motion Sensing and Flexible Supercapacitor Application.

Mechanically robust and anisotropic conductive hydrogels have emerged as crucial components in the field of flexible electronic devices, since they possess high mechanical properties and intelligent sensing capabilities. However, the hydrogels often swell on exposure to aqueous medium because of their hydrophilicity, which compromises their mechanical properties. Additionally, the hydrogels' isotropic polymeric networks demonstrate isotropic ion transport, which significantly diminishes the sensing capabilities of electrical devices based on hydrogels. These factors greatly limit their use in flexible and wearable sensors. In this study, we have developed poly(acrylamide-co-maleic acid-co-butyl acrylate) based anisotropic hydrogels by prestretching and drying, followed by ionic cross-linking to fix the alignment. The anisotropic arrangement of the polymer network resulted in significant improvements in mechanical performance and electrical conductivity along the prestretching direction. This anisotropic hydrogel combines hydrophobic and metal ion-ligand interactions, enhancing the maximum tensile strength up to 11 MPa along the prestretching direction, about 3 times higher than in the perpendicular direction. The optimized 200% prestretched hydrogel exhibited high tensile strength (7 MPa), flexibility (fracture strain 370%), high toughness (16 MJ m-3) and antiswelling behavior in water (equilibrium swelling ratio 2% after 15 days). alongside higher conductivity (3 times higher) and strain sensing ability (4 times higher gauge factor) along the prestretching direction. The hydrogel demonstrated efficient and stable underwater sensing for underwater communication and to monitor human limb position and movement. The anisotropic hydrogel electrolyte-based flexible supercapacitor exhibited 117 Fg-1 specific capacitance at 0.5 Ag-1, and maximum energy density 5.85 Whkg-1, significantly higher than the corresponding values for the isotropic hydrogel-based device (88 F g-1 and 4.4 Whkg-1, respectively). This hydrogel mimics the structural design of unidirectionally oriented muscle fibers, showing better direction dependent functional properties than the corresponding isotropic hydrogel. The anti-swelling ability and retention of mechanical and conductive properties of these hydrogels in aqueous environment suggest long-term usage capability of these functional materials.

The Role of the Swollen State in Cell Proliferation.

Cell swelling is known to be involved in various stages of the growth of plant cells and microorganisms but in mammalian cells how crucial a swollen state is for determining the fate of the cellular proliferation remains unclear. Recent evidence has increased our understanding of how the loss of the cell surface interactions with the extracellular matrix at early mitosis decreases the membrane tension triggering curvature changes in the plasma membrane and the activation of the sodium/hydrogen (Na +/H +) exchanger (NHE1) that drives osmotic swelling. Such a swollen state is temporary, but it is critical to alter essential membrane biophysical parameters that are required to activate Ca2 + channels and modulate the opening of K + channels involved in setting the membrane potential. A decreased membrane potential across the mitotic cell membrane enhances the clustering of Ras proteins involved in the Ca2 + and cytoskeleton-driven events that lead to cell rounding. Changes in the external mechanical and osmotic forces also have an impact on the lipid composition of the plasma membrane during mitosis.

Swelling problems in immobilized filler: an improvement method and comparative study of the effect of different fillers on biotrickling filters.

Immobilized fillers have been increasingly utilized in biotrickling filters (BTFs) due to their positive impact on shock load resistance and recovery performance. However, due to the inherent characteristics of its immobilized carrier, the immobilized filler is prone to swelling during the long-term operation of the system, resulting in increased pressure drop. Polyurethane (PU) sponge was used as the cross-linked skeleton of immobilized filler and compared with direct emulsified cross-linked immobilized filler for treating ethylbenzene gas. In the early stage, both fillers can maintain good performance despite changes in the inlet concentration and short-term stagnation. However, on the 107th day of operation, the immobilized filler experienced swelling, and the pressure drop sharply increased to 137.2 Pa, while the PU immobilized filler was still able to maintain a low-pressure drop level. The results of the microbial diversity analysis revealed that the microbial community structure of PU immobilized fillers remained relatively stable when responding to the fluctuations in operating conditions. PU sponges as the skeleton can effectively prolong the service life of the immobilized filler and improve the performance of the biotrickling filter.

Synovial Hemangioma: An Overlooked Cause of Chronic Knee Pain in Children.

Introduction: Synovial hemangioma of the knee is a benign vascular malformation that is often misdiagnosed due to its non-specific symptoms. Case Report: We present a case involving a 7-year-old male child with chronic knee pain and swelling in the left knee, which remained undiagnosed for over 3 years. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a synovial vascular malformation. Surgical excision of the lesion and partial synovectomy were performed, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of synovial hemangioma. After 18 months of follow-up, there were no signs of recurrence or recurrent joint effusion. Conclusion: Synovial hemangioma of the knee, although uncommon, should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of chronic knee pain and swelling. En-bloc excision is the treatment of choice to prevent recurrence, yielding good clinical outcomes.

Peculiar Presentation: Dirofilariasis Unveiled in the Temporalis Muscle of a Teenager.

Introduction: Dirofilariasis, a parasitic infection typically affecting animals, occasionally presents in humans, transmitted through mosquito bites. This article explores an unusual case of dirofilariasis affecting the temporalis muscle, a rare occurrence. With 40 identified Dirofilaria species, human infections are primarily attributed to Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis, causing pulmonary and subcutaneous lesions. While deep tissue infections are exceptionally rare, we present a unique case in a 15-year-old girl. Case Report: The patient exhibited a 3-month history of a slowly growing swelling in the left temporal region, accompanied by intermittent pain and limited jaw movement. Initial differential diagnoses included benign tumors, cysts, or abscesses. Ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic mass, leading to surgical excisional biopsy. Histopathological examination confirmed Dirofilaria, prompting a combination of antiparasitic medication and surgical intervention. Discussion: Dirofilariasis in deep tissues, especially muscles, is uncommon. Diagnosis challenges arise due to its rarity and similarity to other conditions. Imaging may not be specific, necessitating histopathological examination. Treatment involves antiparasitic medications like ivermectin, supplemented with surgery in specific cases. Our patient's favorable outcome underscores the importance of early recognition and a multidisciplinary approach for effective management.

Non-recurrent Laryngeal Nerve - A Rare Anatomical Anomaly that Increases the Risk of Nerve Injury during Thyroidectomy.

Introduction: Nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN), a rare anatomical variation of recurrent laryngeal nerve, is a branch of the vagus nerve (Morais M, Capela-Costa J, Matos-Lima L, Costa-Maia J (2015) Nonrecurrent Laryngeal Nerve and Associated Anatomical Variations: The Art of Prediction. Eur Thyroid J 4(4):234-238). On the right side, the prevalence of NRLN is 0.3-0.8%, while on the left side, it is extremely rare with a prevalence of 0.004%. Case-Report: A female in her twenties presented with thyroid swelling for 3 years with an ultrasound neck showing a TIRADS IV lesion in the left thyroid lobe. Contrast-enhanced tomography of the neck reported a lesion in the left thyroid lobe causing mass effect in the form of contralateral deviation of trachea and splaying of bilateral common carotid arteries from its common origin - probability of thyroid neoplasm along with aberrant right subclavian artery with a retroesophageal course was noted. Intraoperatively, the right laryngeal nerve was identified near its entry point in right cricothyroid joint and was traced laterally and was found to be nonrecurrent lying superior to inferior thyroid artery. Total thyroidectomy was done preserving the left recurrent laryngeal nerve and right non recurrent laryngeal nerve. Conclusion: NRLN should be suspected in cases with vascular anomalies based on preoperative imaging. Meticulous dissection during thyroid surgery for identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve or NRLN is still considered to be the precise approach to avoid nerve injury.

Rare case of Lingual Nerve Schwannoma Presenting as Submandibular Area Swelling with Parapharyngeal Extension.

Schwannoma is a rare benign encapsulated nerve sheath tumor which originates from Schwann cells. Generally, schwannoma arising from lingual nerve involves the oral tongue and tongue base in the oral cavity. We report a rare case of lingual nerve schwannoma in a 16-year-old girl with complaint of right-side submandibular swelling for last 4-5 years. A diagnosis was established based on computed tomography (CT scan) and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). CT scan showed tumor involving right submandibular region and superiorly reaching up to parapharyngeal space without any intraoral swelling. She underwent excision under general anesthesia (transcervical approach) without any complication. Per operatively, the tumor was found eccentrically placed with relation to the lingual nerve and lingual nerve fibers were splayed over the tumor. The final histopathological results confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma.

IS Intra-masseteric Dexamethasone Better than Intra-deltoid Injection in Reducing Post-operative Sequelae Following Impacted Third Molar Surgery?: A Randomized Clinical Study.

Aim: The post-operative sequelae of third molar surgical extractions need to be controlled in order to reduce patient morbidity. Dexamethasone is a well-researched drug which has established its merit as an anti-inflammatory agent. The aim of this randomized clinical study was to compare the patient-centric outcomes after pre-emptive intramuscular injection of dexamethasone into the masseter and deltoid, respectively. Materials and Methods: The outcomes measured were pain, facial swelling and mouth-opening postoperatively on Day 1, 3 and 7. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 received an intra-oral injection of 8 mg of dexamethasone into the masseter muscle and a placebo injection of distilled-water into the deltoid muscle 2 h before surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar. Group 2 received an intra-oral placebo injection of distilled-water into masseter muscle and an 8 mg injection of dexamethasone into deltoid muscle. Results: On comparison, Group 1 patients experienced statistically significant less pain (VAS score on day 1, 3, and 7), facial swelling (day 1, 3), and restricted mouth-opening (day 1, 3). Conclusion: The study concluded that pre-emptive dexamethasone injection, at masseter or deltoid, is helpful in reducing post-operative sequelae of mandibular third molar extraction. However, the immediate post-operative outcomes were found to be better mitigated when the injection was administered locally into masseter muscle.

Revealing Enigma in Parotid Gland: Venolymphoma-A Rare Case Report.

Venolymphoma (VL) is a benign condition of oral cavity, but it is misdiagnosed as pleomorphic adenoma. Exact diagnosis can be made only after histopathological examination. In this report the author has presented a case of a 45-year-old male patient with VL of right parotid which was operated. The treatment indicated was complete excision of the lesion, which showed an excellent prognosis with low recurrence rate.

Evaluation of Efficacy of Aqua Titan Patch in Postoperative Sequelae After Lower Third Molar Surgery: A Prospective Study.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of aqua titan patch in postoperative sequelae after mandibular third molar surgery. Material and Methods: A total of 20 patients were selected and divided into two groups, Group A was evaluated by using Aqua titan patch with oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory analgesics while Group B was only provided with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory analgesics. Results: There were total 20 subjects, with 4 males and 16 females. Pain was evaluated after surgical removal, where significant reduction was observed on 5 and 7th postoperative day in study group with p value 0.004 and 0.013, respectively. Reduction in swelling was observed to be statistically highly significant (p values = 0.000) in study group on 5 and 7th postoperative days. Beneficial results were obtained in study group where mouth opening was statistically significant with p value 0.002 on 5th and 0.049 on 7th postoperative day. For postoperative neurosensory deficit, mean values were constant and difference was found to be statistically insignificant with p value 0.13. Conclusion: Postoperative local application of aqua titan patch in study group provided beneficial effects in terms of reduction in pain, swelling and maximum mouth opening as compared to the control group.

Stem Growth and Dehydration Responses of Mediterranean Tree Species to Atmospheric and Soil Drought.

Stem growth responses to soil and atmospheric drought are critical to forecasting the tree carbon sink strength. Yet, responses of drought-prone forests remain uncertain despite global aridification trends. Stem diameter variations at an hourly resolution were monitored in five Mediterranean tree species from a mesic and a xeric site for 6 and 12 years. Stem growth and dehydration responses to soil (REW) and atmospheric (VPD) drought were explored at different timescales. Annually, growth was determined by the number of growing days and hours. Seasonally, growth was bimodal (autumn growth ≈ 8%-18% of annual growth), varying among species and sites across the hydrometeorological space, while dehydration consistently responded to REW. Sub-daily, substantial growth occurred during daytime, with nighttime-to-daytime ratios ranging between 1.2 and 3.5 (Arbutus unedo ≈ Quercus faginea < Quercus ilex < Pinus halepensis in the mesic site, and Juniperus thurifera < P. halepensis in the xeric site). Overall, time windows favourable for growth were limited by soil (rather than atmospheric) drought, modulating annual and seasonal growth in Mediterranean species, and stems maintained non-negligible growth during daytime. These patterns contrast with observations from wetter or cooler biomes, demonstrating the growth plasticity of drought-prone species to more arid climate conditions.

A Comprehensive Review of Nanogel-Based Drug Delivery Systems.

Polymers can be crosslinked chemically or physically to create three-dimensional hydrogel particles with sub-micron dimensions, known as nanogels. Their customizable size, ease of manufacture, expansion potential, bio-integration, water affinity, and reactivity to various stimuli, including temperature, pH, light, and biological agents, provide them with considerable advantages over conventional drug delivery techniques. Nanogels possess properties of both hydrogels and nanoparticles and can be categorized into nanohydrogels and nano-organogels. These systems exhibit exceptional drug-loading capability, stability, biological consistency, and environmental responsiveness. Their hallmark lies in their swelling behavior, enabling substantial water absorption while maintaining structural integrity. Preparation methods involve polymer precursors or heterogeneous polymerization of monomers. Nanogels are promising for various drug administration techniques, including local anesthetics, vaccines, and transdermal drug delivery, due to their ability to encapsulate multiple bioactive ingredients, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and stability.

Non-traumatic Myositis Ossificans Mimicking Infected Hip in Children: Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature.

We present two pediatric cases of nontraumatic myositis ossificans (MO), which initially mimicked infections, leading to unnecessary treatments. The first case involves an 11-year-old boy with acute left hip pain and swelling, misdiagnosed as a hip joint infection and treated with antibiotics before histology confirmed MO. The second case is a two-year-old girl who presented with limping and restricted hip movement, initially suspected to have septic arthritis. Following MRI and clinical reassessment, her condition was diagnosed as MO. Both cases highlight the challenges of diagnosing MO in children and underscore the importance of including it in differential diagnoses for suspected infections.

DEVELOPMENT AND IN VITRO - IN VIVO EVALUATION OF OCULAR INSERT CONTAINING KETOROLAC TROMETHAMINE AND MOXIFLOXACIN HYDROCHLORIDE.

PURPOSE: Conjunctivitis is a common eye disorder that causes swelling and inflammation of the conjunctiva. Topical dosage form containing antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for the treatment and in order to overcome problems of conventional dosage forms the present study aims to develop an ocular insert containing Moxifloxacin HCl and Ketorolac Tromethamine. METHODS: Insert was prepared by a solvent casting method by taking different polymers PVA, PVP K 30, and a combination of both as film-forming polymer, and glycerol as a plasticizer and characterized by various parameters like thickness, folding endurance, pH, swelling index, drug content, mechanical properties, in vitro and in-vivo release study. RESULTS: The Formulation prepared by a combination of both polymers demonstrated significantly improved properties including % Elongation, tensile strength, swelling index, drug content and drug release compared to the formulation made with single polymer. The In vitro release data indicated that the batch R8 exhibited sustain release of drug (85 % release in 10 hr) and following the Higuchi model for release kinetics. In vivo, study in rabbit eyes revealed the sustained release of the drug up to 16 hr with a good correlation between in vitro and in vivo release data. CONCLUSION: From the study, it can be concluded that the developed ocular insert can be a promising formulation for rational therapy of conjunctivitis.

Disseminated Gonococcal Disease Presenting As Achilles Tenosynovitis: Story of a Diagnostic Challenge.

The Disseminated Gonococcal Disease (DGI) presents with varying signs and symptoms such as arthralgias and skin lesions to less commonly tenosynovitis posing a diagnostic challenge. In this case, a 64-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a 2-day history of flu-like symptoms, burning with urination, left ankle pain, erythema, and swelling. He met Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria and was treated for presumed viral syndrome with supportive care. Blood cultures later grew Neisseria gonorrhoeae. He was called back to the hospital and treated with IV ceftriaxone and oral doxycycline. Further questioning following his treatment revealed a social history significant for recent unprotected receptive oral intercourse with a male partner. This case highlights the importance of early risk stratification and a higher index of suspicion in keeping DGI in the differential diagnosis of tenosynovitis with fever.

Association between hypo-osmotic swelling test-induced tail swelling patterns and sperm quality.

Aim: The current sperm selection procedure for intracytoplasmic sperm injection has limited ability to detect structural and functional abnormalities of the spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the degree of sperm tail swelling observed during hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) may predict sperm quality.Materials & methods: Sixty semen samples were collected from men investigated for couple infertility. For each sample, sperm parameters, HOST and sperm chromatin status were evaluated. The relationship between the different HOST-induced tail swelling patterns ('a' to 'g') and sperm quality was evaluated.Results: The HOST significantly correlated with higher sperm motility and vitality, and with better morphology and nuclear quality. The HOST grades 'b' and 'c' were associated with better motility (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and morphology (grade 'b', p < 0.001). While grade 'd' was associated with better motility and count (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Our results show that the pattern of sperm tail swelling is linked to sperm functional integrity. HOST grades 'b' and 'd' were associated with better sperm quality, suggesting their preferential use during routine sperm selection for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the degree of sperm tail swelling observed during hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) may predict sperm quality. Sixty semen samples collected from men investigated for couple infertility were assessed for sperm parameters, HOST swelling patterns ('a' to 'g') and sperm nuclear quality. The HOST value significantly correlated with better sperm motility, vitality, morphology and nuclear quality. The HOST grades 'b' and 'c' were associated with better motility and morphology, and grade 'd' with higher motility and count. These data could provide a basis for the development of a simple, safe and efficient method for sperm selection during intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Study of mechanical and electrical properties through positron annihilation spectroscopy for ethylene-propylene-diene rubber biocomposites with treated wheat husk fibers.

The positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) spectroscopy characteristics of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer rubber (EPDM) composites reinforced with treated wheat husk fibers (WHFs) were investigated for the first time. PAL spectroscopy is employed to study the free volume of polymers. The use of lignocellulosic materials as reinforcement in polymeric composites has gained attention due to their low cost, availability, and eco-friendliness. In this study, the impact of the loading concentration on the interfacial adhesion between the EPDM matrix and WHFs is quantified, along with the evaluation of swelling measurement and tensile properties. Additionally, the nanoscopic properties derived from PAL spectroscopy correlate with the composites' macroscopic properties. In addition, the dielectric properties of the investigated samples have been studied, and their conductivity has been calculated. To determine the conduction mechanism within these samples and how it is affected by the addition of WHF, the change in electrical conductivity with the frequency of the external electric field applied to the samples was studied, and from this, the conduction mechanism was determined, and the barrier height value was calculated. The experimental results provide insights into the relationship between the structure and properties of EPDM-WHF biocomposites, offering valuable knowledge for developing sustainable and high-performance materials.

Systematic Investigation on the Swelling Response and Oil Resistance of NBR Using the Prediction Models Determined by the Modified Flory-Huggins Interaction Parameter.

The equilibrium swelling test was employed to determine the swelling response of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) with various acrylonitrile (ACN) contents, and the three-dimensional solubility parameter (HSP) and modified Flory-Huggins interaction parameter (χHSP) were used to establish the prediction model of the oil-resistant property. The results indicate that the energy difference (Ra) between NBR and solvents calculated by HSP values can be correlated with the swelling response qualitatively with an inversed "S-shape", and high swelling response occurs at Ra < 8 MPa1/2 for NBR. For the purpose of establishing the prediction model, the new modified χHSP value has been calculated and fitted with the swelling response using exponential and logarithmic fittings, respectively. Two prediction models considering all the possible influencing factors have been obtained to determine the swelling response and oil resistance of NBR-based rubber products in bio-fuels, represented by the bio-diesel and IRM 903 test oil in this work. The swelling response of NBR can be evaluated precisely, and high swelling regions can be predicted and avoided in the new emerging fuels through the prediction models. Thus, the oil resistance of NBR-based rubber products, such as seals, holes and gaskets can be well predicted now.

Common Mitochondrial Targets of Curcumin and Cinnamic Acid, the Membrane-Active Natural Phenolic Compounds.

Background: Research has shown the multiple actions of curcumin on different cell systems, including enzymes and mitochondria. The detected effects of curcumin on mitochondria are diverse, ranging from protective to toxic. Objectives: In this present work, the influence of curcumin, as well as cinnamic acid, which is a microbial metabolite and a possible product of the microbial breakdown of curcumin, on isolated mitochondria, was investigated. Methods: Membrane potential, swelling, respiration, and calcium retention capacity were studied using selective electrodes, fluorescence and spectral methods. Results: It was found that curcumin at low concentrations (10-20 µM) activated the opening of the calcium-dependent permeability transition pore (mPTP) and decreased the calcium retention capacity and threshold concentrations necessary for the mPTP opening. Moreover, curcumin caused a concentration-dependent stepwise decrease in the membrane potential, accompanied by the activation of respiration and a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation, which indicates that curcumin is a typical mitochondrial uncoupler. The uncoupling effect strongly depended on the concentration of curcumin, which also increased, stepwise, from weak uncoupling at 25 µM to complete uncoupling at 75-100 µM. Cinnamic acid had similar effects, with the exception of the depolarizing effect, at concentrations that were an order of magnitude higher. Conclusions: Presumably, the uncoupling action of curcumin is a priming event that modulates any energy- and redox-dependent mitochondrial functions, from positive stimulation to toxic disorder. This effect can also underlie the curcumin-induced changes in different cellular processes and be achieved by targeted delivery of curcumin to certain cells, bypassing the microbiota.