Reference diameter and characteristics of the distal radial artery based on ultrasonographic assessment.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: While distal radial artery (DRA) access is increasingly being used for diagnostic coronary angiography, limited information is available regarding DRA size. We aimed to determine the DRA reference diameters of Korean patients and identify the predictors of DRA diameter < 2.3 mm. METHODS: The outer bilateral DRA diameters were assessed using a linear ultrasound probe in 1,162 consecutive patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography. The DRA diameter was measured by the perpendicular angle in the dorsum of the hand, and the average values were compared by sex. DRA diameter < 2.3 mm was defined as unsuitable for routine diagnostic coronary angiography using a 5 Fr introducer sheath. RESULTS: The mean DRA diameters were 2.31 ± 0.43 mm (right) and 2.35 ± 0.45 mm (left). The DRA was smaller in women than men (right: 2.15 ± 0.38 mm vs. 2.43 ± 0.44 mm, p < 0.001; left: 2.18 ± 0.39 mm vs. 2.47 ± 0.45 mm, p < 0.001). The DRA diameter was approximately 20% smaller than the radial artery diameter. A total of 630 (54.2%) and 574 (49.4%) patients had DRA diameter < 2.3 mm in the right and left hands, respectively. Female sex, low body mass index (BMI), and low body surface area (BSA) were significant predictors of DRA diameter < 2.3 mm. CONCLUSION: We provided reference DRA diameters for Korean patients. Approximately 50% of the studied patients had DRA diameter < 2.3 mm. Female sex, low BMI, and low BSA remained significant predictors of DRA diameter < 2.3 mm.

Objective assessment of facial laxity changes after monopolar radiofrequency treatment by using moiré topography.

Radiofrequency (RF) has been widely used as a noninvasive technique for skin tightening and rejuvenation. Moiré is a type of interference pattern corresponding to the shape of the face. We aimed to objectively evaluate the effect of RF on facial skin laxity using moiré. Ten subjects participated and were treated with a monopolar RF on the face. Clinical photographs and moiré images were obtained at the baseline and after treatment. The periorbital angle from the upper third of the face, zygomatic length ratio (L1/L2), angle from the middle third, perioral perpendicular length, and angle from the lower third were analyzed. After one session of RF treatment, the mean zygomatic length ratio (L1/L2) from the middle third of the face significantly increased in the 4th week (by 49.68%, P = .047). The L1/L2 ratio increased to nearly one, which were not significant after 8 weeks. The mean perioral perpendicular length decreased to 282.25 ± 84.069 pixels (px) after 4 weeks, and to 281.38 ± 76.03 px after 24 weeks; these differences were statistically significant. The parameters of zygomatic length ratio and perioral perpendicular length extracted from illuminated moiré images can be useful for objectively assessing various facial tightening treatments in clinical settings.

The potential of a natural biopolymeric flocculant, ε-poly-L-lysine, for harvesting Chlorella ellipsoidea and its sustainability perspectives for cost and toxicity.

The successful production of microalgal biomass requires the precise coordination of many different steps. Cell harvesting is a central process in all methods currently used for the production of microalgal biomass. Therefore, improving the harvesting process itself, and using a harvesting method that is compatible with adjacent steps, is necessary to prevent problems that may occur during downstream processing. This study examined the potential of the cationic biopolymer ε-poly-L-lysine (ε-PLL) for use in the harvest of microalgae (Chlorella ellipsoidea). The effects of ε-PLL concentration and mixing intensity on flocculation efficiency and operating costs were determined. We found that ε-PLL was not toxic to microalgal cells at concentrations of up to 25 mg/L, based on the photosystem II quantum yield. A recovery rate of 95% was achieved using 19 mg/L ε-PLL, and the estimated harvest cost was 20 US$/ton of harvested biomass. Moreover, ε-PLL displayed antimicrobial properties, leaving the harvested biomass intact and pure. Therefore, the use of ε-PLL-induced flocculation appears to be an attractive option when harvesting microalgal biomass for use as low- and high-value commodities for humans or animals.