Assessment of Blood Volume in Liposuction Fluids Using Colorimetry.

OBJECTIVE: The possibility of using a color contrast method to evaluate blood loss during liposuction was assessed. A color chart of blood-lipid content associated with different blood volumes was developed. METHODS: Three color cards with different concentrations of blood were developed based on clinical parameters. The color cards were used to evaluate the volume of blood present in liposuction solutions obtained from 60 clinical liposuction patients. The red blood cell count also was evaluated for each patient. The data obtained using each evaluation method were compared and statistically analyzed to determine the most accurate calculation formula. RESULTS: The red blood cell counts were compared to the color card results. The paired t test results for the calculated values for the 3:1, 2:1, and 1:1 color cards and the red blood cell count values were comparable (44.3 ± 22.1 ml vs. 53.6 ± 25.0 ml, t = 10.5; 45.4 ± 19.0 ml vs. 55.2 ± 20.7 ml, t = 18.1; 41.9 ± 25.6 ml vs. 52.8 ± 28.3 ml, t = 14.0). The P values were < 0.05, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant. The average standard error of the mean was 0.90, 0.54, and 0.77, respectively. Sixty samples were evaluated in a scatter diagram using the two detection methods. Trend analysis revealed that the two results demonstrated a linear increase (y = 5.6 + 1.1x), R2 = 0.989, indicating that the two inspection methods were highly correlated with only small errors. CONCLUSION: The colorimetric card protocol developed in this study could quickly, accurately, and conveniently calculate blood volumes in liposuction fluids, which has considerable clinical significance. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266 .

Total Auricular Reconstruction Using a Single Extended Postauricular Flap Without Skin Grafting in Two Stages: Experiences of 106 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Postauricular fascial flap with skin grafting is popular as a solution in total auricular reconstruction, which might result in visible scars and mismatched color, especially in Asian people. Other methods using an expanded postauricular flap to avoid skin grafting often require three or more operations, which increases suffering for patients. This work aims to introduce a modified technique for auricular reconstruction using a single expanded postauricular flap without skin grafting in a two-stage operation. METHODS: An 80-ml kidney-shaped expander was implanted in the mastoid area as the first-stage operation after preoperative evaluation. After a gradual expansion period and a 2-month rest time, the flap achieved the appropriate size and thickness. In the second stage, a three-layer cartilage framework was fabricated and inserted into the pocket through an incision at the remnant ear, and the earlobe and tragus were rebuilt simultaneously. RESULTS: From September 2013 to October 2017, 106 microtia patients were selected for auricular reconstruction applying this method in our hospital. Patients were followed up to 6 months to 4 years. Most of them (93.4%) were satisfied with the reconstructed ears, especially with respect to suitable color and invisible scars. Complications of expander exposure or framework exposure happened in three cases, and all of them finally got a satisfactory result. CONCLUSION: A single large expanded postauricular flap without a skin graft is an effective and efficient technique for auricular reconstruction with satisfying results. It can reconstruct an exquisite ear without a skin graft and can be finished in only two stages of operations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

DOA Estimation for Underwater Wideband Weak Targets Based on Coherent Signal Subspace and Compressed Sensing.

Direction of arrival (DOA) estimation is the basis for underwater target localization and tracking using towed line array sonar devices. A method of DOA estimation for underwater wideband weak targets based on coherent signal subspace (CSS) processing and compressed sensing (CS) theory is proposed. Under the CSS processing framework, wideband frequency focusing is accompanied by a two-sided correlation transformation, allowing the DOA of underwater wideband targets to be estimated based on the spatial sparsity of the targets and the compressed sensing reconstruction algorithm. Through analysis and processing of simulation data and marine trial data, it is shown that this method can accomplish the DOA estimation of underwater wideband weak targets. Results also show that this method can considerably improve the spatial spectrum of weak target signals, enhancing the ability to detect them. It can solve the problems of low directional resolution and unreliable weak-target detection in traditional beamforming technology. Compared with the conventional minimum variance distortionless response beamformers (MVDR), this method has many advantages, such as higher directional resolution, wider detection range, fewer required snapshots and more accurate detection for weak targets.

Degradation Mechanism of Aflatoxin M1 by Recombinant Catalase from Bacillus pumilusE-1-1-1: Food Applications in Milk and Beer.

A bacteria capable of degrading aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) was isolated from African elephant manure. It was identified as Bacillus pumilus by 16s rDNA sequencing and named B. pumilusE-1-1-1. Compared with physical and chemical methods, biological methods have attracted much attention due to their advantages, such as thorough detoxification, high specificity, and environmental friendliness. This work aimed to study the effects of a recombinant catalase (rCAT) from B. pumilusE-1-1-1 on the degradation of AFM1 in pattern solution. The degradation mechanism was further explored and applied to milk and beer. Kinetic Momentum and Virtual Machine Maximum values for rCAT toward AFM1 were 4.1 µg/mL and 2.5 µg/mL/min, respectively. The rCAT-mediated AFM1 degradation product was identified as C15H14O3. Molecular docking simulations suggested that hydrogen and pi bonds played major roles in the steadiness of AFM1-rCAT. In other work, compared with identical density of AFM1, survival rates of Hep-G2 cells incubated with catalase-produced AFM1 degradation products increased by about 3 times. In addition, degradation rates in lager beer and milk were 31.3% and 47.2%, respectively. Therefore, CAT may be a prospective substitute to decrease AFM1 contamination in pattern solution, milk, and beer, thereby minimizing its influence on human health.

Effects of eugenol on physicochemical properties of sturgeon skin collagen-chitosan composite membrane.

In this study, a series of collagen-chitosan-eugenol (CO-CS-Eu) flow-casting composite films were prepared using collagen from sturgeon skin, chitosan, and eugenol. The physicochemical properties, mechanical properties, microstructure, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the composite membranes were investigated by various characterization techniques. The findings revealed that the inclusion of eugenol augmented the thickness of the film, darkened its color, reduced the transparency, and enhanced the ultraviolet light-blocking capabilities, with the physicochemical properties of the CO-CS-0.25%Eu film being notably favorable. Eugenol generates increasingly intricate matrices that disperse within the system, thereby modifying the optical properties of the material. Furthermore, the tensile strength of the film decreased from 70.97 to 20.32 MPa, indicating that eugenol enhances the fluidity and ductility of the film. Added eugenol also exhibited structural impact by loosening the film cross-section and decreasing its density. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results revealed the occurrence of several intermolecular interactions among collagen, chitosan, and eugenol. Moreover, the incorporation of eugenol bolstered the antioxidant and antimicrobial capabilities of the composite film. This is primarily attributed to the abundant phenolic/hydroxyl groups present in eugenol, which can react with free radicals by forming phenoxy groups and neutralizing hydroxyl groups. Consequently, inclusion of eugenol substantially enhances the freshness retention performance of the composite film. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: ● The CO-CS-Eu film utilizes collagen from sturgeon skin, improving the use of sturgeon resources.● Different concentrations of eugenol altered its synergistic effect with chitosan.● The CO-CS-Eu film is composed of natural products with safe and edible properties.

Campylobacter fetus-induced primary psoas abscess in patient with gouty arthritis: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Campylobacter fetus is rare pathogen with high mortality rate in immunosuppressive hosts. This study aimed to summarize clinical and pathological presentation of C fetus induced psoas abscess. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 66-year-old male patient with long medical history of poorly-controlled gouty arthritis and steroid intake complained of a severe low back pain. Physical examination showed tenderness in his psoas. DIAGNOSES: The patient underwent puncture biopsy to the lesion in the psoas under ultrasound guidance. The lesion was indicated as abscess by pathological examination, and its pathogen was indicated as C fetus by the next generation sequencing. INTERVENTIONS: Meropenem 1 g q8.h were administered intravenously for 10 days. Then the antibiotic treatment was switched to amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium 0.375g q.8.h and levofloxacin 0.5g q.d oral administration when discharge. OUTCOMES: The patient's fever and low back pain improved and infectious parameters declined. He was discharged in good general condition with advice for further monitoring and therapy. In the first month follow-up, the patient did not report recurrence or aggravation of his symptoms. LESSONS: C fetus should be noticed in immunosuppressive patient with exposure to livestock who present with rare systematic or local invasive infection. We advocated the meropenem for the first-line treatment against C fetus.

Use of a Novel Sanitizer To Inactivate Salmonella Typhimurium and Spoilage Microorganisms during Flume Washing of Diced Tomatoes.

ABSTRACT: As demand for fresh-cut produce increases, minimizing the risk of salmonellosis becomes critical for the produce industry. Sanitizers are routinely used during commercial flume washing of fresh-cut produce to minimize cross-contamination from the wash water. This study assessed the efficacy of a novel sanitizer blend consisting of peracetic acid (PAA; OxypHresh 15) with a sulfuric acid-surfactant (SS) antimicrobial (PAA-SS; ProduceShield Plus) against Salmonella during simulated commercial washing of diced tomatoes. Triplicate 9.1-kg batches of Roma tomatoes were dip inoculated in a two-strain avirulent Salmonella cocktail (Salmonella Typhimurium LT2 and MHM112) to achieve 5 to 6 log CFU per tomato and air dried for 2 h. After mechanical dicing, the tomatoes were washed in a pilot-scale processing line for 60 s with or without an added organic load in 90 ppm of PAA-SS (pH 1.8), SS at pH 1.8, 90 ppm of PAA, 5 or 10 ppm of free chlorine or sanitizer-free water as the control. Overall, PAA-SS (1.75 ± 0.75 log CFU/g) was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) more effective than water (0.69 ± 0.42 log CFU/g), chlorine (0.35 ± 0.36 log CFU/g), or SS (0.36 ± 0.19 log CFU/g) in reducing Salmonella. After washing for 20 s, PAA-SS was the only sanitizer to show a significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction (1.93 ±0.59 log CFU/g) in Salmonella. All wash water samples were negative for Salmonella, except for 5 and 10 ppm of chlorine and the water control. Using PAA-SS with an organic load, yeast and mold populations were below the limit of detection (1.40 log CFU/g) and significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower on diced tomatoes after 14 days of refrigerated storage compared with the other treatments (8.37 ± 0.08 log CFU/g), with SS at pH 1.8 (3.91 ± 0.93 log CFU/g) most effective against yeast and mold in the absence of an organic load. On the basis of these findings, the safety and shelf life of commercially washed diced tomatoes can be improved with PAA-SS.

Study on repairing canine mandibular defect with porous Mg-Sr alloy combined with Mg-Sr alloy membrane.

To discuss the feasibility of the application of porous Mg-Sr alloy combined with Mg-Sr alloy membrane in the repair of mandibular defects in dogs. The second and third mandibular premolars on both sides were extracted from six dogs. The model of mandible buccal fenestration bone defects were prepared after the sockets healed. Twelve bone defects were randomly divided into groups A and B, then Mg-Sr alloy was implanted in bone defects of group A and covered by Mg-Sr alloy membrane while Mg-Sr alloy was implanted in bone defects of group B and covered by mineralized collagen membrane. Bone defects observed on cone beam computed tomographic images and comparing the gray value of the two groups after 4, 8 and 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the healing of bone defects were evaluated by gross observation, X-ray microscopes and histological observation of hard tissue. Bone defects in each group were repaired. At 8 and 12 weeks, the gray value of group A was higher than that of group B (P < 0.05). At 12 weeks, the bone volume fraction of group A was higher than that of group B (P < 0.05). The newly woven bone in group A is thick and arranged staggered, which was better than that of group B. Porous Mg-Sr alloy combined with Mg-Sr alloy membrane could further promote the repair of mandibular defects, and obtain good osteogenic effect.

Ozone Degradation of Prometryn in Ruditapes philippinarum: Response Surface Methodology Optimization and Toxicity Assessment.

ABSTRACT: This study optimized the method for ozone (O3) degradation of prometryn in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum and evaluated toxicity changes during ozone degradation. The gas chromatography method for the detection of prometryn was appropriately improved. The linear range was 5 to 500 ng/mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9964. The addition concentration of prometryn was 0.025 to 0.100 mg/kg, the recovery was 77.97 to 85.00%, the relative standard deviation (n = 6) was 2.36 to 7.86%, and the limit of detection was 0.3 µg/kg. Using the central composite design in two experiments, ozone as gas and ozone dissolved in water, the effect of degradation rate was studied on three variables: ozone concentration, temperature, and exposure time. Ozone as gas and ozone dissolved in water have the same degradation effect on prometryn. The O3 concentration was 4.2 mg/L, the temperature was 40°C, the exposure time was 10 min, and the maximum degradation rate was 89.94 and 89.69% for the two experiments, respectively. In addition, the toxicity of ozone degradation products was evaluated using buffalo rat liver cells. After ozone treatment for 30 min, the toxicity of the ozone degradation products was reduced to 52.15% compared with that of prometryn itself. The toxicity of the ozone degradation products increased slightly when the ozonation time was prolonged; the toxicity at 180 min was greater than that of the parent compound prometryn. Overall, the application of ozone degradation of pesticide residues is a promising new technology. This study determined better degradation conditions for prometryn in R. philippinarum and also provided a theoretical basis for the widespread use of ozone technology in the future.

Degradation of prometryn in Ruditapes philippinarum using ozonation: Influencing factors, degradation mechanism, pathway and toxicity assessment.

In recent years, prometryn was utilized as watergrass remover in the aquaculture industry, resulting in the accumulated residual in the aquatic products. The present study focuses on the ozone degradation of prometryn in the Ruditapes philippinarum. The ozone concentration in water increased along with the injection time (60min). The contents of hydroxyl (·OH) and superoxide (O2·-) radicals increased along with the ozone injection time. The effects of temperature, pH, prometryn initial concentration and ozone concentration on the removal efficiency of prometryn were evaluated. The maximum removal efficiency of 86.12% was obtained under the conditions of pH 7, prometryn initial concentration 0.05 mg/kg and the ozone concentration 4.2 mg/L at 28 °C for 30 min. Ion chromatography (IC) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy results show that the S and N atoms in the outer layer of the triazine ring during the prometryn degradation process were oxidized and removed. A total of 30 intermediate compounds were identified using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Combined with the IC and FT-IR results, three possible degradation pathways of prometryn were proposed. The prometryn was finally degraded into some small molecules with reduced toxicity by 63.16% for 120 min ozonization treatment. Overall, our work provides a novel approach for prometryn degradation in Ruditapes philippinarum, which can be extended for removing the residues of agricultural and veterinary drugs in other aquatic products.

Content and health risk assessment of heavy metals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in fish from Songhua Lake (Jilin City), China.

Levels of heavy metals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in fishes sampled in Jilin Songhua Lake, China. Concentrations and congener profiles of these contaminants varied by fish type. The highest concentrations of Zn, Cu, Mn, and Cd were found in three omnivorous fish (Carassius carassius, Hypomesus olidus, and Hemiculter leucisculus). The highest concentrations of Ni, Cr, and Hg were found in Silurus asotus and Hemibarbus maculatus which are two kinds of carnivorous fish. The minimum total concentration of the seven PBDEs of fish was 0.093 ng/g wet weight (ww) in Ctenopharyngodon idellus, while the maximum, 0.342 ng/g ww, was detected in Aristichthys nobilis. Of all the congeners, BDE 28 and 47 were dominant. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of these metals and PBDEs via consuming the fishes was estimated to be 1.159-10.121 µg/kg bw/day and 0.046-0.597 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. The total hazard quotients (THQs) of both types of pollutants were far below 1, indicating that the health risks of these pollutants were low for the people who consumed the fish species from the Songhua Lake.

Reconstruction of Microtia Using a Single Expanded Postauricular Flap without Skin Grafting: Experience of 683 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Auricular reconstruction of congenital microtia patients is a huge challenge for plastic surgeons worldwide. Current techniques usually use a retroauricular fascial flap with skin grafting, often proving to be color mismatched, complex, and with visible scarring. An uncomplicated strategy that results in minimal scarring and a good color match is still required, especially for Asian patients. In the present work, the authors developed a modified technique for auricular reconstruction using a single expanded flap combined with a cartilage framework. METHODS: Auricular reconstruction was performed in three stages. In the first stage, an 80-ml kidney-shaped expander was inserted in the mastoid region. A gradual expansion period of approximately 2 to 3 months was implemented until the flap achieved an appropriate area, thickness, and softness. In the second stage, the expander was removed and a modified three-layer cartilage framework was inserted into the pocket through the same incision. In the third stage, the reconstructed ear underwent further refinements, including reconstruction of the earlobe and tragus. RESULTS: From January of 2012 to January of 2017, 683 microtia patients (a total of 738 ears) were selected for auricular reconstruction using this technique. The patients were followed up for between 3 months and 2 years. Six hundred forty-two patients were satisfied with the final results regarding the size, shape, projection, symmetry, and clarity of outline. Surgery-related complications occurred in 20 patients. CONCLUSION: Auricular reconstruction using a single expanded flap combined with a modified three-layer cartilage framework is an effective and efficient technique for microtia reconstruction with satisfying medium-term results. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.