A Versatile Nanovaccine Enhancement Strategy Based on Suction-Inspired Physical Therapy.

Vaccine technology is effective in preventing and treating diseases, including cancers and viruses. The efficiency of vaccines can be improved by increasing the dosage and frequency of injections, but it would bring an extra burden to people. Therefore, it is necessary to develop vaccine-boosting techniques with negligible side effects. Herein, we reported a cupping-inspired noninvasive suction therapy that could enhance the efficacy of cancer/SARS-CoV-2 nanovaccines. Negative pressure caused mechanical immunogenic cell death and released endogenous adjuvants. This created a subcutaneous niche that would recruit and activate antigen-presenting cells. Based on this universal central mechanism, suction therapy was successfully applied in a variety of nanovaccine models, which include prophylactic/therapeutic tumor nanovaccine, photothermal therapy induced in situ tumor nanovaccine, and SARS-CoV-2 nanovaccine. As a well-established physical therapy method, suction therapy may usher in an era of noninvasive and high-safety auxiliary strategies when combined with vaccines.

Forced inspiratory suction and swallow tool (FISST): an automation of Valsalva maneuver variants for therapeutic interventions.

INTRODUCTION: The Valsalva maneuver and its modifications have been utilized across several conditions in medicine; however, there have been difficulties in its application. Thus, at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, we designed and patented an affordable and accessible device that mimics Valsalva called "Forced Inspiratory Suction and Swallow Tool (FISST). AREAS COVERED: In this review, we discuss the premise for the design of FISST, based on applications of the law of conservation energy, the continuity equation, and Bernoulli's principle. We then detail the mechanism by which FISST stimulates hiccup cessation by increasing negative inspiratory pressure when drinking through the apparatus, causing diaphragmatic contraction and disruption of the hiccup reflex. We then detail the efficacy and future applications of FISST in addressing other pathologies. EXPERT OPINION: FISST has been used to address hiccups by utilizing its reverse-Valsalva effect to increase parasympathetic stimulation by increasing vagal tone. In a prospective study that we conducted on a cohort of 249 hiccup subjects worldwide, this tool achieved 92% effectiveness. Additionally, several cases, including a published case report, have found FISST successful in terminating supraventricular tachycardias (SVT). FISST may be further utilized in diagnosing or addressing various upper airway pathologies and should be explored further.

Turbulence in surgical suction heads as detected by MRI.

BACKGROUND: Blood loss is common during surgical procedures, especially in open cardiac surgery. Allogenic blood transfusion is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Blood conservation programs in cardiac surgery recommend re-transfusion of shed blood directly or after processing, as this decreases transfusion rates of allogenic blood. But aspiration of blood from the wound area is often associated with increased hemolysis, due to flow induced forces, mainly through development of turbulence. METHODS: We evaluated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a qualitative tool for detection of turbulence. MRI is sensitive to flow; this study uses velocity-compensated T1-weighted 3D MRI for turbulence detection in four geometrically different cardiotomy suction heads under comparable flow conditions (0-1250 mL/min). RESULTS: Our standard control suction head Model A showed pronounced signs of turbulence at all flow rates measured, while turbulence was only detectable in our modified Models 1-3 at higher flow rates (Models 1 and 3) or not at all (Model 2). CONCLUSIONS: The comparison of flow performance of surgical suction heads with different geometries via acceleration-sensitized 3D MRI revealed significant differences in turbulence development between our standard control Model A and the modified alternatives (Models 1-3). As flow conditions during measurement have been comparable, the specific geometry of the respective suction heads must have been the main factor responsible. The underlying mechanisms and causative factors can only be speculated about, but as other investigations have shown, hemolytic activity is positively associated with degree of turbulence. The turbulence data measured in this study correlate with data from other investigations about hemolysis induced by surgical suction heads. The experimental MRI technique used showed added value for further elucidating the underlying physical phenomena causing blood damage due to non-physiological flow.

Rare presentation and retrograde diagnosis of total colonic aganglionosis in a female infant: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Total colonic aganglionosis is an extremely rare variant of Hirschsprung's disease, which is predominant in males and can be seen in 1:50,000 live births. The presented case not only depicts a rare case, but also unusual clinical, laboratory, and instrumental data. CASE PRESENTATION: A 2-day-old Caucasian female newborn was transferred to our hospital from maternity. The initial presentation was reverse peristalsis, abdominal distention, and inability to pass stool. Fever had started before the patient was transferred. Hirschsprung's disease was suspected, and tests such as contrast enema and rectal suction biopsy were done. Before enterostomy, the management of the disease included fluid resuscitation, colonic irrigation, antibiotic administration, enteral feeding, and supportive therapy. During ileostomy operation, no transition zone was visualized and full-thickness biopsy samples were retrieved from the rectum and descending colon. After surgical intervention, status significantly improved-defervescence and weight gain most importantly improved. CONCLUSION: It is well known that diagnosis of total colonic aganglionosis may be delayed for months or even years since the transition zone may not be visible and rectal suction biopsy, unlike full-thickness biopsy, is not always reliable. It might be more prudent not to be derailed because of negative radiography and rectal suction biopsy. Also, doctors should be more suspicious of the disease if signs and symptoms are starting to be consistent with Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis, despite biopsy and radiology results.

Benthic jellyfish act as suction pumps to facilitate release of interstitial porewater.

Upside-down jellyfish, genus Cassiopea (Péron and Lesueur, 1809), are found in shallow coastal habitats in tropical and subtropical regions circumglobally. These animals have previously been demonstrated to produce flow both in the water column as a feeding current, and in the interstitial porewater, where they liberate porewater at rates averaging 2.46 mL h-1. Since porewater in Cassiopea habitat can be nutrient-rich, this is a potential source of nutrient enrichment in these ecosystems. This study experimentally determines that porewater release by Cassiopea sp. jellyfish is due to suction pumping, and not the Bernoulli effect. This suggests porewater release is directly coupled to bell pulsation rate, and unlike vertical jet flux, should be unaffected by population density. In addition, we show that bell pulsation rate is positively correlated with temperature, and negatively correlated with animal size. As such, we would predict an increase in the release of nutrient-rich porewater during the warm summer months. Furthermore, we show that, at our field site in Lido Key, Florida, at the northernmost limit of Cassiopea range, population densities decline during the winter, increasing seasonal differences in porewater release.

Ex vivo evaluation of a novel cell salvage device to recover canine erythrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of a cell salvage device to recover canine erythrocytes by direct aspiration of diluted packed red blood cells (pRBC) and saline rinse from blood-soaked surgical swabs. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twelve recently expired units of canine pRBC. METHODS: pRBC units donated from a pet blood bank (after quality analysis) were diluted with anticoagulant, divided into two equal aliquots, and subsequently harvested by direct suction (Su), or soaked into swabs, saline-rinsed and suctioned (Sw). The volume of product, manual packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell mass (rbcM) were measured and compared before and after salvaging. The rbcM recovery was recorded as percentage ([rbcM post salvage]/[rbcM presalvage]x100). Statistical analysis of all measured values was performed (significance p < .05). RESULTS: No difference was detected between pre- and post-salvage PCV or mean rise of PCV for either group. The volume of salvaged blood was 143 ml (SD ± 2.89 ml; Su) and 139.83 ml (SD ± 3.30 ml; Sw), p < .001. The average rbcM recovered was 88.43% (Su) and 84.74%. (Sw) averaged 84.74% (p = .015). Blood type and order of processing did not influence recovery. CONCLUSION: The tested cell saver device reliably salvages canine blood in this ex vivo setting. Cell salvage via direct suction produces higher volumes of salvaged blood than rinsing blood-soaked swabs and salvaging the flush. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Washing blood-saturated surgical swabs results in a high harvest of red blood cells. The authors recommend it as an adjunct to direct suction to maximize erythrocyte recovery.

A New Evaluation Q-Factor to Be Calculated for Suction Geometries as a Basis for Smooth Suction in the Operating Field to Ensure the Highest Possible Blood Integrity for Retransfusion Systems.

Blood hemolysis caused by mechanical impact is a serious problem in medicine. In addition to the heart-lung machine (artificial surfaces, flow irritating connection points) which contributes to hemolysis, blood suction and surgical suction devices are influencing factors. Goal of our research is to develop best flow optimizing suction geometry that represents the best compromise between all influencing effects. Based on data that negative pressure and turbulence have a negative impact on blood components, 27 surgical suction tips have been examined for acoustic stress and negative pressure behavior. Furthermore, a dimensionless factor Q was introduced to assess the overall performance of the suction tips investigated.

Novel suction-based in vivo cutaneous DNA transfection platform.

This work reports a suction-based cutaneous delivery method for in vivo DNA transfection. Following intradermal Mantoux injection of plasmid DNA in a rat model, a moderate negative pressure is applied to the injection site, a technique similar to Chinese báguàn and Middle Eastern hijama cupping therapies. Strong GFP expression was demonstrated with pEGFP-N1 plasmids where fluorescence was observed as early as 1 hour after dosing. Modeling indicates a strong correlation between focal strain/stress and expression patterns. The absence of visible and/or histological tissue injury contrasts with current in vivo transfection systems such as electroporation. Specific utility was demonstrated with a synthetic SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccine, which generated host humoral immune response in rats with notable antibody production. This method enables an easy-to-use, cost-effective, and highly scalable platform for both laboratorial transfection needs and clinical applications for nucleic acid­based therapeutics and vaccines.

Functional morphology of the suckers and teeth of the medicinal leech Hirudo verbana Carena, 1820 (Annelida; Clitellata; Hirudinida): A scanning electron microscope study.

In this study, the triple jaws and suckers of the leeches belonging to the Hirudo verbana Carena, 1820 (Annelida; Clitellata; Hirudinida) were examined using the stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In H. verbana, suckers are seen on the first annulus and last annulus of the body. The mouth opens in the center of the front suction cup, and behind this opening is a movable triple jaw apparatus with many teeth. The posterior sucker disc consists of the last seven body segments and lacks an opening. The shape of the jaw is trignatous. The pharynx is equally located around of the three muscular jaws. The jaws are muscular covered with cuticle and carry a row of teeth arranged at the tip. In this study, it was determined that secretory canal holes were identified between the teeth. The results show that the size of teeth determines long-term bleeding so revealing the structure and working mechanism of the teeth has importance for medicinal leeches. At the same time, the difference of teeth and jaw structures of leeches may be a criterion in the classification of medicinal leeches.

Chinese herbal medicine for subfertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterised by both metabolic and reproductive disorders, and affects 5% to 15% of women of reproductive age. Different western medicines have been proposed for PCOS-related subfertility, such as oral contraceptives, insulin sensitisers and laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD). Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) have also been used for subfertility caused by PCOS for decades, and are expected to become an alternative treatment for subfertile women with PCOS. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for subfertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and six other databases, from inception to 2 June 2020. In addition, we searched three trials registries, the reference lists of included trials and contacted experts in the field to locate trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CHM versus placebo, no treatment or conventional (western) therapies for the treatment of subfertile women with PCOS. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened trials for inclusion, assessed the risk of bias in included studies and extracted data. We contacted primary study authors for additional information. We conducted meta-analyses. We used the odds ratios (ORs) to report dichotomous data, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methods. MAIN RESULTS: We included eight RCTs with 609 participants. The comparisons in the included trials were as follows: CHM versus clomiphene, CHM plus clomiphene versus clomiphene (with or without ethinyloestradiol cyproterone acetate (EE/CPA)), CHM plus follicle aspiration plus ovulation induction versus follicle aspiration plus ovulation induction alone, and CHM plus laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) versus LOD alone. The overall certainty of the evidence for most comparisons was very low. None of the included studies reported the primary outcome, live birth rate. Most studies reported the secondary outcomes, and only one study reported data on adverse events. In trials that compared CHM to clomiphene (with or without LOD in both study arms), we are uncertain of the effect of CHM on pregnancy rates (odds ratio (OR) 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63 to 3.19; I2 = 28%; 3 studies, 140 participants; very low certainty evidence). Results suggest that if the chance of pregnancy following clomiphene is assumed to be 21.5%, the chance following CHM would vary between 14.7% and 46.7%. No study reported data on adverse events. When CHM plus clomiphene was compared to clomiphene (with or without EE/CPA), there was low certainty evidence of a higher pregnancy rate in the CHM plus clomiphene group (OR 3.06, 95% CI 2.05 to 4.55; I2 = 10%; 6 studies, 470 participants; low certainty evidence). Results suggest that if the chance of pregnancy following clomiphene is assumed to be 31.5%, the chance following CHM plus clomiphene would vary between 48.5% and 67.7%. No data were reported on adverse events. In trials that compared CHM plus follicle aspiration and ovulation induction to follicle aspiration and ovulation induction alone, we are uncertain of the effect of CHM on pregnancy rates (OR 1.62, 95% CI 0.46 to 5.68; 1 study, 44 women; very low certainty evidence). Results suggest that if the chance of pregnancy following follicle aspiration and ovulation induction is assumed to be 29.2%, the chance following CHM with follicle aspiration and ovulation induction would vary between 15.9% and 70%. Reported adverse events included severe luteinised unruptured follicle syndrome (LUFS) (Peto OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.06 to 6.14; 1 study, 44 women; very low certainty evidence), ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) (Peto OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.00 to 8.19; 1 study, 44 women; very low certainty evidence) or multiple pregnancy (Peto OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.06 to 6.14; 1 study, 44 women; very low certainty evidence). These results suggest that if the chances of LUFS, OHSS, and multiple pregnancy following follicle aspiration and ovulation induction are assumed to be 8.3%, 4.2%, and 8.3% respectively, the chances following CHM with follicle aspiration and ovulation induction would be 0.5% to 35.8%, 0% to 26.3% and 0.5% to 35.8% respectively.  In trials that compared CHM plus LOD to LOD alone, we are uncertain if CHM improves pregnancy rates (OR 3.50, 95% CI 0.72 to 17.09; 1 study, 30 women; very low certainty evidence). Results suggest that if the chance of pregnancy following LOD is assumed to be 40%, the chance following CHM with LOD would vary between 32.4% and 91.9%. No data were reported on adverse events. We are uncertain of the results in the comparison groups for all outcomes. The certainty of the evidence for all other comparisons and outcomes was very low. The main limitations in the evidence were failure to report live birth or adverse events, failure to describe study methods in adequate detail and imprecision due to very low event rates and wide CIs. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to support the use of CHM for subfertile women with PCOS. No data are available on live birth. We are uncertain of the effect of CHM on pregnancy rates for there is no consistent evidence to indicate that CHM influences fertility outcomes. However, we find that the addition of CHM to clomiphene may improve pregnancy rates, but there is very limited, low certainty evidence for this outcome. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence on adverse effects to indicate whether CHM is safe. In the future, well-designed, carefully conducted RCTs are needed, with a particular focus on the live birth rate and other safety indexes.

Ventosaterapia no alívio da dor cervical em costureiras do sul catarinense / Cupping therapy in the relief of cervical pain in seamstresses from southern Santa Catarina / Terapia con ventosa para aliviar el dolor cervical en costureras del sur de Santa Catarina

Objetivo:identificar os efeitos do método de ventosaterapia no alívio da dor cervical em costureiras de uma confecção do segmento vestuário jeans, na região carbonífera do sul catarinense. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo e longitudinal, realizado no segundo semestre de 2019, com a utilização da ventosaterapia durante oito semanas consecutivas em costureiras de uma empresa da linha têxtil no ramo do jeans, entre 40 e 50 anos, que apresentam cervicalgia. Foi utilizado a escala visual analógica para avaliação da dor.Resultados: aamostra foi composta por mulheres com média de 44,75 ± 3,58 anos, que 100% relataram dores antes da ventosaterapia, sendo 75% na cervical e 37,5% sentia essas dores diariamente. Após ventosaterapia, 50% não apresentou dores, 87,5% relatou não atrapalhar nas atividades diárias. Conclusão: foi observado a redução significativa na dor das costureiras, após utilização de terapia com ventosas.

Objective: to identify the effects of the cupping therapy method in the relief of cervical pain in seamstresses of a clothing industry in the jeans industry, in the carboniferous region of southern Santa Catarina. Method: a quantitative and longitudinal study, carried out in the second semester of 2019, with the use of cupping therapy for eight consecutive weeks in seamstresses of a textile company in the jeans industry, between 40 and 50 years old, who have neck pain. The visual analogue scale was used to assess pain. Results: the sample consisted of women with an average of 44.75 ± 3.58 years, of which 100% reported pain before cupping therapy, 75% in the cervical and 37.5% experienced these pains daily. After cupping therapy, 50% had no pain, 87.5% reported no disturbance on their daily activities. Conclusion: a significant reduction in the pain of the seamstresses was observed, after the use of cupping therapy.

Objetivo: Identificar los efectos dela terapia comventosaen el alivio del dolor de cuello en costureras de una confección en el segmento de ropa de mezclilla, en la región carbonífera del sur de Santa Catarina.Método: se trata de un estudio cuantitativo y longitudinal, realizado en el segundo semestre de 2019, con el uso de la eólica durante ocho semanas consecutivas en costureras de una empresa de línea textil de la industria del jeans, de entre 40 y 50 años, que presentan dolor de cuello. La escala analógica visual se utilizó para evaluar el dolor. Resultados: la muestra estuvo conformada por mujeres con un promedio de 44,75 ± 3,58 años, que el 100% refirió dolor antes de la eólica, el 75% en la cervical y el 37,5% sintió estos dolores diariamente. Después de la terapia de viento, el50% no tuvo dolor, el 87,5% informó que no le molestaban las actividades diarias. Conclusión: se observó una reducción significativa del dolor de las costureras, luego del uso de la terapia con ventosa.

Factors Affecting the Efficacy of Suction Curettage Using an Arthroscopic Shaver for Bromhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Suction-curettage using an arthroscopic shaver is the most effective surgical treatment for bromhidrosis; however, information regarding the procedure is limited. This study investigated the factors that affect the efficacy of suction-curettage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data for 215 patients (430 axillae) with bromhidrosis treated with suction-curettage using an arthroscopic shaver between 2011 and 2019. RESULTS: Excellent or good efficacy with improved malodor was achieved in 418 axillae (97.21%). Secondary suction-curettage was performed for 11 (2.56%), with excellent results. Efficacy and need for secondary suction-curettage were not associated with age, sex, shaving time, and tumescent infiltration use. Complications were observed in 52 (12.09%) axillae, including hematoma or seroma, epidermis decortication, skin necrosis, and infections; 10 (2.33%) required local debridement for wounds. Complications showed a significant difference with respect to age (p < .001). Pain scores on postoperative Day 2 were significantly lower for patients treated using tumescent infiltration than those for the others (1.65 ± 0.84 vs 4.57 ± 1.16; p < .001). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that 7 to 15 minutes of suction curettage using an arthroscopic shaver is sufficient to achieve good efficacy for bromhidrosis with few complications. Older age was a risk factor for complications, and tumescent infiltration use achieved good postoperative pain control. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: II.

Effects of transfusion load and suction pressure on renal function in intraoperative salvage autotransfusion.

Although some investigations have been performed to determine the effects of transfusion load and suction pressure on renal function during intraoperative salvage autotransfusion, the precise threshold is still undetermined. A total of 625 patients undergoing surgery with the Continuous AutoTransfusion System (CATSplus) were enrolled and divided into groups according to the utilized suction pressure and transfusion volume. Plasma free hemoglobin (FHB) and creatinine clearance (CCr) were assayed to indicate the renal function. Both 0.03 MPa suction (≥4-unit load) and >5 units transfusion changed the levels of FHB and CCr significantly when measured 24 h post-operation compared to pre-operation. Under 0.02 MPa suction (≥4-unit load), the alteration of FHB and CCr returned to normal after 24 h. Under 3 units transfusion, the levels of FHB and CCr at 6 and 12 h post-operation changed significantly compared to pre-operation (P<0.05 or P<0.01, respectively), and this alteration could be restored to normal at 72 h post-operation. After an exhaustive investigation, less than 4 units transfusion and less than 0.03 MPa suction pressure are recommended for intraoperative salvage autotransfusion.

Effectiveness of dermabrasion plus 5-fluorouracil vs suction blister in treating vitiligo: A comparative study.

Vitiligo is a prevalent destructive melanocyte skin disease that negatively affects the patients' life in terms of self-esteem. Suction blister and dermabrasion plus 5-fluorouracil are effective treatments for vitiligo. The present study was conducted to compare the outcomes of these two techniques. The present clinical trial was conducted on 36 patients with persistent refractory vitiligo which defined as the lack of any new or progressed lesion during the previous year as well as no responding to conventional therapies of vitiligo including topical treatments and phototherapy. Individuals with two vitiligo patches, with similar baseline Vitiligo Area Severity Index (VASI) scores were randomly allocated to dermabrasion plus 5-fluorouracil or suction blister treatments. VASI and repigmentation scores were measured and compared at the baseline, four, and 12 weeks after performing the procedures. Both of the approaches accompanied with significant improvement in both entities of VASI and repigmentation scores (P value < .05) at the end of the study, besides the trend of VASI and repigmentation scores between the two groups revealed insignificant difference (P > .05). The short-term follow-up of the patients was the limitation of this study. The present findings suggested that both surgical techniques of dermabrasion plus 5-fluorouracil and suction blister posed acceptable outcomes within 12-week follow-up.

Endotracheal suction interventions in mechanically ventilated children: An integrative review to inform evidence-based practice.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review and critically appraise the evidence for paediatric endotracheal suction interventions. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search for studies was undertaken in the electronic databases CENTRAL, Medline, EMBASE, and EBSCO CINAHL from 2003. STUDY SELECTION: Included studies assessed suction interventions in children (≤18 ys old) receiving mechanical ventilation. The primary outcome was defined a priori as duration of mechanical ventilation. Secondary outcomes included adverse events and measures of gas exchange and lung mechanics. DATA EXTRACTION: Data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. Study methodological quality was assessed using Cochrane's risk of bias tool for randomised trials or the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Overall assessment of the certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations criteria. RESULTS: Overall 17 studies involving 1618 children and more than 21,834 suction episodes were included in the review. The most common intervention theme was suction system (five studies; 29%). All included trials were at unclear or high risk of performance bias due to the inability to blind interventionists. Current evidence suggests that closed suction may maintain arterial saturations, normal saline leads to significant transient desaturation, and lung recruitment applied after suction offers short-term oxygenation benefit. LIMITATIONS: Lack of randomised controlled trials, inconsistencies in populations and interventions across studies, and imprecision and risk of bias in included studies precluded data pooling to provide an estimate of interventions effect. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this integrative review, there is insufficient high-quality evidence to guide practice around suction interventions in mechanically ventilated children.

Effects of transfusion load and suction pressure on renal function in intraoperative salvage autotransfusion

Although some investigations have been performed to determine the effects of transfusion load and suction pressure on renal function during intraoperative salvage autotransfusion, the precise threshold is still undetermined. A total of 625 patients undergoing surgery with the Continuous AutoTransfusion System (CATSplus) were enrolled and divided into groups according to the utilized suction pressure and transfusion volume. Plasma free hemoglobin (FHB) and creatinine clearance (CCr) were assayed to indicate the renal function. Both 0.03 MPa suction (≥4-unit load) and >5 units transfusion changed the levels of FHB and CCr significantly when measured 24 h post-operation compared to pre-operation. Under 0.02 MPa suction (≥4-unit load), the alteration of FHB and CCr returned to normal after 24 h. Under 3 units transfusion, the levels of FHB and CCr at 6 and 12 h post-operation changed significantly compared to pre-operation (P<0.05 or P<0.01, respectively), and this alteration could be restored to normal at 72 h post-operation. After an exhaustive investigation, less than 4 units transfusion and less than 0.03 MPa suction pressure are recommended for intraoperative salvage autotransfusion.

Expertise, experience, and excellence. Twenty years of patient involvement in health technology assessment at NICE: an evolving story.

From its inception in 1999, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) committed to including the expertise, experiences, and perspectives of lay people, patients and carers, and patient organizations in its health technology assessments (HTAs). This is our story of patient involvement in HTA: from early methods designed for use when assessing medicines, widening to address the different requirements of HTAs for interventional procedures, medical technologies, and diagnostic technologies. We also chart the evolution and development of all our patient involvement methods over the past 20 years through regular evaluation and by responding to external challenge. However, we know that processes and methods alone are not enough. Through case studies we demonstrate the value of patient involvement in HTA and highlight the unique perspectives and experiences that patients bring to HTA committees. Finally, we discuss the underpinning principles and commitments that have made NICE a world leader in delivering meaningful and legitimate patient involvement.

Negative-Pressure Suction Cannula for Treatment of Lactational Residual Milk Cavity: A Case Series Study.

Background: Several Chinese mothers experience problems related to their breasts during breastfeeding and are referred to hospitals for treatment after a massage by a "cuirushi." Some of these patients develop large breast abscesses. Notably, the treatment of residual milk cavities is difficult after pus aspiration. Lactational residual milk cavities in the breast hinder effortless breastfeeding, but no solution has been reported thus far. This study aims to explore the use of a simple and minimally invasive method for treating lactational residual milk cavities and enabling mothers to breastfeed effortlessly. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 28 patients with lactational residual milk cavities treated using negative-pressure suction cannula and drainage at our department from December 2016 to May 2019. The success rate, safety, and feasibility of this technique are summarized. Results: Among the 28 patients, the first catheterization was successful in 7 (25%) patients, the second in 13 (46.4%) patients, and the third or subsequent catheterizations in 8 (28.6%) patients. The intubation time was <10 days in 3 patients, between 10 and 20 days in 12 patients, and >20 days in 13 patients. During and after treatment, 21 patients (75%) continued breastfeeding with the affected breast. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided negative-pressure suction cannula is a new method to treat lactational residual milk cavities that may remain after initial therapy for lactational breast abscess. The treatment of lactational residual milk cavities offers significant advantages in supporting mothers during breastfeeding.

Noncultured epidermal suspensions obtained from partial-thickness epidermal cuts and suction blister roofs for vitiligo treatment: A prospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The treatment options for vitiligo are either nonsurgical, including medical treatments and phototherapy, or surgical, including autologous transplantation methods. Noncultured epidermal suspension transplantation is indicated for the treatment of stable vitiligo not responding to either medical treatment or phototherapy. Variable results have been reported for the various techniques used for the preparation of this suspension. AIM: To compare the outcome between suction blister roof grafts and partial-thickness epidermal cuts for the preparation of noncultured epidermal suspensions for the treatment of stable vitiligo. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty patients with localized stable vitiligo lesions resistant to conventional therapy were included in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups for treatment with noncultured epidermal suspension grafting. The suspensions in groups I and II were obtained from suction blister roofs and partial-thickness epidermal cuts, respectively. Repigmentation grade, color match with the surrounding skin, and any side effects were compared between the groups. RESULTS: In group I, complete repigmentation was achieved in 6 cases while repigmentation was considered excellent in 8 cases; very good, 4 cases; and no response, 2 cases. In group II, complete repigmentation was achieved in 4 cases, and repigmentation was considered excellent in 16 cases. The color of the repigmented area matched the normal surrounding skin in 70% of the cases in group I and 40% of the cases in group II. CONCLUSION: Both techniques yielded comparable repigmentation results with advantages and disadvantages of both techniques.