Safety and Efficacy Comparison of Embospheres and Gelfoam Particles in Bronchial Artery Embolization for Massive Hemoptysis.

Objective: The objective of this research study was to compare the safety and efficacy of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) using Embospheres alone versus Embospheres combined with gelfoam particles in patients with massive hemoptysis. Methods: A total of 127 patients with tuberculous massive hemoptysis who were scheduled to undergo BAE were recruited and divided into two groups: Embosphere group (E group, n = 57) and Embosphere combined with gelfoam particles group (E + G group, n = 70). Technical and clinical success were assessed after BAE surgery, and mortality, untoward reactions, and risk factors for clinical failure were recorded during follow-up. Results: The technical success rate was 92.99% in the E group and 97.14% in the E + G group (P = .272), with similar 1-year mortality rates of 1.76% and 2.86%, respectively (P = .684). However, the E group exhibited a lower clinical success rate compared to the E + G group (85.96% vs. 97.14%), and this difference was statistically significant (P = .020). The untoward reactions showed no statistically significant difference (all P > .05). Univariate analysis revealed that four factors were statistically significant: age (P = .028), presence of pulmonary cavity (P = .001), diabetes (P = .005), and a single use of Embosphere embolization (P = .020). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that embolization with Embosphere alone was a risk factor for clinical treatment failure (P = .025). Conclusion: The combination of Embosphere with gelfoam particles can significantly improve the hemostatic effect of BAE without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions.

Alvogyl and absorbable gelatin sponge as palatal wound dressings following epithelialized free gingival graft harvest: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized controlled trial compares for the first time effects of Alvogyl versus absorbable gelatin sponge as palatal wound dressings on postoperative pain, amount of analgesic consumption, post-surgical bleeding, and wound re-epithelization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following sample size calculation, 36 systemically healthy patients requiring palatal mucosal graft harvesting were randomized to receive Alvogyl (intervention group, 18 patients) or absorbable gelatin sponge (control group, 18 patients) palatal dressings. Patient-reported VAS pain scores over 2 weeks were defined as primary outcome. Post-surgical bleeding, number of analgesics consumed, and complete re-epithelialization of the palatal wound for up to 5 weeks were defined as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Although significantly higher VAS pain scores were reported in the control as compared with the intervention group up to 12 days post-surgically (from (median [range]) 8.5 [2-10] to 1 [0-2] and from 6 [0-10] to 0 [0-2] respectively), with higher analgesics consumption (from 2 [1-3] to 1 [0-3] and from 1 [0-3] to 0 [0-2] tablets respectively), a multivariate regression analysis considering age, gender, graft width/length, tissue thickness, analgesics intake, and dressing type demonstrated no statistically significant effect of any factor, including dressing type on VAS pain scores. At 4 weeks, 22.2% of patients in the intervention group versus 11.1% in the control group demonstrated complete re-epithelization of their palatal engraftment site, before complete re-epithelization in both groups at 5 weeks. No post-surgical bleeding was reported with both dressings. CONCLUSIONS: Within the study's limitations, results suggest Alvogyl as a practical palatal surgical dressing, comparable with absorbable gelatin sponge in cost, pain reduction, hemostasis, and re-epithelization properties. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03402321 CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Alvogyl could present a novel palatal wound dressing material, comparable with gelatin sponge.

Change in Perfusion Angiography During Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Predicts Short-Term Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively assess perfusion reductions occurring in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using 2D perfusion angiography and to evaluate the relationships between various 2D perfusion angiography parameter changes and short-term tumor response. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. This prospective study included 172 patients (144 men and 28 women; mean [± SD] age, 65.4 ± 10.2 years) who underwent TACE for HCC between November 2015 and November 2017. Two-dimensional perfusion angiography was performed before and after TACE. Pre- and postprocedural CT images were also reviewed. Index lesions were defined as all discrete lesions 1.5 cm or larger. The tumor response was assessed using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Periprocedural 2D perfusion angiography parameters, including the arrival time, time to peak, wash-in rate, width, AUC, and mean transit time, were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Correlations between 2D perfusion angiography parameter changes and objective tumor response were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS. A total of 187 lesions meeting the inclusion criteria were identified in 172 patients. All analyzed 2D perfusion angiography parameters were significantly different after versus before TACE (p < 0.001). A significant relationship between periprocedural change in AUC and short-term tumor response was found (odds ratio, 1.535; 95% CI, 1.314-1.793; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION. Two-dimensional perfusion angiography could objectively quantify perfusion reductions and predict short-term tumor response to TACE in patients with HCC.

Current Trends in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Transarterial Embolization: Variability in Technical Aspects.

PURPOSE: While transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a mainstay of treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), technical aspects have varied considerably in the literature. These variations lead to heterogeneity and make meaningful comparisons between articles difficult. The goal of this survey was to report international embolization practices for the treatment of HCC in an effort to understand current treatment strategies as a first step toward technique standardization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anonymous 18 question online survey, evaluating technical aspects of TACE, was distributed via e-mail to practicing members of the five largest interventional radiology societies in Chinese and English. A total of 1160 responses were obtained from 62 countries. RESULTS: Between regions, there were significant statistical differences in nearly all responses, including the amount of ethiodol oil used for cTACE (p = < 0.001). Practitioners most commonly used greater than 7.5 ml of ethiodol oil (240/506, 47.4%) and most did not utilize a specific mixing method (249/505, 49.3%). Particles utilized varied by geographical region (p = < 0.001), spherical embolic particles were slightly favored (363/757, 47.9%), followed closely by gelatin-based or sponge particles (279/680, 36.8%). Gelfoam was used almost exclusively in Japan and Korea (79/82 responses). LC/DC beads were the most commonly used drug-eluting bead (DEB) (450/742, 60.6%), with the most common size of DEB being 100-300 µm (354/690, 51.3%, p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Technical aspects of transarterial embolization for HCC vary significantly by geographical location.

Ultraselective conventional transarterial chemoembolization: When and how?

Ultraselective conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE), defined as cTACE at the most distal portion of the subsubsegmental hepatic artery, is mainly performed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ≤5 cm. Distal advancement of a microcatheter enables injection of a larger volume of iodized oil into the portal vein in the limited area under non-physiological hemodynamics. As a result, the reversed portal flow into the tumor through the drainage route of the tumor that occurs when the hepatic artery is embolized is temporarily blocked. By adding gelatin sponge slurry embolization, both the hepatic artery and portal vein are embolized and not only complete necrosis of can be achieved. Ultraselective cTACE can cure small HCCs including less hypervascular tumor portions and replace surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation in selected patients.

Five-year outcome of conventional and drug-eluting transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Currently, no standard of care or therapies have been established for patients with advanced HCC. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of conventional transarterial chemoembolization using gelatin sponges or microspheres plus lipiodol-doxorubicin (cTACE) and TACE with doxorubicin-loaded drug eluting beads (DEB-TACE). METHODS: This retrospective study included 273 patients who received cTACE (n = 201) or DEB-TACE. Tumor response, survival, and adverse events were evaluated over a 5-year follow-up period. RESULTS: During 5-year follow-up, a greater percentage of patients treated with cTACE died than those treated with DEB-TACE (76.1% vs. 66.7%) (P = 0.045). At the last evaluation, all surviving patients had disease progression and no differences were seen between treatment groups. However, the time to disease progression differed between groups; median time to disease progression was 11.0 months for cTACE and 16.0 months for DEB-TACE (P = 0.019). The median survival time was 37 months in both treatment groups. No significant differences were observed between cTACE and DEB-TACE therapies in subgroups of patients with BCLC stage A or stage B + C either in survival time or time to disease progression (P values > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in survival status or disease progression between cTACE and DEB-TACE in patient subgroups with either tumor number > 5 or with the sum of the diameter of largest five HCC tumors being > 7 cm. CONCLUSIONS: DEB-TACE demonstrates greater long-term benefits than cTACE in treating treatment-naïve patients with HCC. Results of this long-term study support the use of DEB-TACE in treating HCC.

Transarterial chemoembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A comparison of the efficacy and safety of 2 embolic agents.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of 2 different embolic agents, namely gelatin sponge particle (GSP) and Lipiodol, for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).We retrospectively reviewed 87 consecutive patients with unresectable HCC who underwent Lipiodol TACE with lobaplatin and 87 consecutive patients with unresectable HCC who underwent GSP TACE with lobaplatin between January 2013 and June 2017 in our institution as the initial treatment. Both groups were compared considering the clinical and laboratory outcomes and imaging findings before and after TACE. Tumor response and adverse events were also evaluated.There was significant difference in the rate of complete and overall response between the groups (P = .029 and .001, respectively), specifically when the tumor size was >5 cm (P = .001). The disease control rate was significantly better in the GSP group than in the Lipiodol group (94.3% vs. 86.4%, P = .011). The response differences in higher stages were significant between the 2 groups (P = .035 and .007, respectively). The grades of adverse events were also significantly different between the groups (P = .000).GSP-as an embolic agent in TACE for HCC-could significantly increase the rate of tumor response 1 month after treatment, especially in large tumors, without any significant increase in severe adverse events, when compared to Lipiodol.

Povidone iodine soaked gelfoam for the treatment of recalcitrant otomycosis - Our experiences at a tertiary care teaching hospital of eastern India.

INTRODUCTION: Otomycosis is a common clinical condition seen in outpatient department of otorhinolaryngology. The treatment of the otomycosis is also very simple. However, sometime it is difficult to treat otomycosis along with mastoid cavity, chronic suppurative otitis media, immunocompromised patient, etc. with conventional treatment, called recalcitrant otomycosis. Here, we describe a technique of treatment for recalcitrant otomycosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective observational study/clinical trial carried out on 44 patients of recalcitrant otomycosis. They are divided into two groups, each of 22. One group treated with routine clotrimazole topical eardrops whereas other group treated with povidone iodine soaked gelfoam, placed in the external auditory canal. RESULTS: There was no significance difference according to the age (P=0.134), gender (P=0.760) and causative agents (P=0.750) between treatment groups. The resolution of the symptoms showed statistically significant on itching (P=0.0001), otorrhoea (P=0.0033), fullness (P=0.0432) and earache (P=0.0259), whereas no statistical significant on hearing loss (P=0.0683), when treating with povidone iodine soaked gelfoam as compared to routine (clotrimazole) treatment. Resolution of signs like canal wall erythema (P=0.0045), tragal tenderness (P=0.0012) and congestion of tympanic membrane (P=0.0088) is statistically significant when comparing clotrimazole with povidone iodine. Apart from these, we did not reveal any adverse effects from the study populations treated with povidone iodine soaked gelfoam. CONCLUSION: Use of the povidone iodine soaked gelfoam at the external auditory canal in recalcitrant otomycosis is an effective and well-tolerated treatment.

LED Phototherapy with Gelatin Sponge Promotes Wound Healing in Mice.

Tiny but highly efficient, a light-emitting diode (LED) can power a therapy device, such as a phototherapy device, and, at the same time, decrease the device's size requirements. In this study, a LED phototherapy device was designed to investigate the possible impact on wound healing using a mouse model and a cell line exposed to red and blue light. To enhance wound phototherapy, a gelatin sponge was fabricated. Results showed that the red and blue lights promoted cell growth and wound healing, while the blue light with a gelatin sponge protected the wound from infection in the early stages of wound healing. The LED phototherapy device combined with the gelatin sponge, therefore, has potential significance in clinical application for wound healing.

Feasibility and Safety of Repeated Transarterial Chemoembolization Using Miriplatin-Lipiodol Suspension for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

AIM: To retrospectively evaluate the feasibility and safety of repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) three or more times using miriplatin-lipiodol (M-LPD) suspension (repeated M-LPD TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients who underwent repeated M-LPD TACE were examined. Total dose of miriplatin, lipiodol and porous gelatin sponge particles and adverse events of the first and last M-LPD TACE were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean±standard deviation (SD) of the total number of M-LPD TACE per patient was 3.7±1.1. The mean±SD dose of total miriplatin, lipiodol and porous gelatin sponge particles per patient was 303±103 mg, 21±7.3 ml and 84±57 mg, respectively. There were no significant differences in any adverse events between the first and last M-LPD TACE. CONCLUSION: Repeated M-LPD TACE for HCC is feasible and safe in selected patients.

Prevention of lymphocele by using gelatin-thrombin matrix as a tissue sealant after pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients with gynecologic cancers: a prospective randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomized controlled pilot study aimed to find whether gelatin-thrombin matrix used as a tissue sealant (FloSeal) can prevent the occurrence of pelvic lymphocele in patients with gynecologic cancer who has undergone pelvic lymphadenectomy. METHODS: Each patient, who undergo a laparotomic pelvic lymph node dissection on both sides, was randomly assigned for FloSeal application on 1 side of the pelvis. The other side of the pelvis without any product application being the control side. The amount of lymph drainage at each side of the pelvis was measured for 3 days, and computed tomography scans were obtained 7 days and 6 months after surgery for detection of pelvic lymphocele. RESULTS: Among 37 cases, the median amount of lymph drainage was significantly decreased in the hemi-pelvis treated with FloSeal compared to the control hemi-pelvis (p=0.025). The occurrence of lymphocele was considerably reduced in treated hemi-pelvis (8/37, 21.6%) compared with control hemi-pelvis (12/37, 32.4%) after 7 post-operative days (p=0.219), and more decreased in the treated hemi-pelvis (5/37, 13.5%) compared with control hemi-pelvis (9/37, 24.3%) after postoperative 6 months (p=0.344). CONCLUSION: The application of FloSeal as a tissue sealant in lymph nodes resected tissues can reduce the incidence of pelvic lymphocele in gynecologic cancer patients. A large randomized controlled study could confirm these preliminary results.

Plasma micoRNA-122 as a predictive marker for treatment response following transarterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Circulating microRNA (miR)-122 has recently been investigated as a potential biomarker of various hepatic diseases, such as chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the association between plasma miR-122 levels and the treatment outcomes following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in HCC patients. METHODS: We included 177 HCC patients treated with TACE in the study; TACE refractoriness and liver transplantation-free survival were evaluated during follow up. Pretreatment plasma miR-122 levels were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Relative quantification of miR-122 expression (fold change) was determined using the 2(-ΔΔCt) method. MiR-16 was used as an internal control for the normalization of miRNA data. RESULTS: During the mean follow up of 22.4 (range, 1-79) months, 112 (69.5%) patients exhibited TACE refractoriness. Multivariate analyses showed that tumor number (hazard ratio [HR], 2.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43-4.41; P = 0.001) and tumor size (HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.62-4.32; P = 0.000) can independently predict overall TACE refractoriness. High miR-122 expression (> 100) was associated with early TACE refractoriness (within 1 year; HR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.12-6.86; P = 0.028), together with tumor number (HR, 22.73; 95% CI, 2.74-188.66; P = 0.004) and tumor size (HR, 4.90; 95% CI, 1.99-12.06; P = 0.001). Univariate analyses showed that high miR-122 expression tends to be associated with poor liver transplantation-free survival (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.95-2.11; P = 0.085). However, it was statistically insignificant in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: High expression levels of plasma miR-122 are associated with early TACE refractoriness in HCC patients treated with TACE.

Development and evaluation of silver sulfadiazine loaded microsponge based gel for partial thickness (second degree) burn wounds.

Silver sulfadiazine has been frequently used as an antibacterial agent for topical treatment of partial thickness burn wounds. In this study, we present the preparation of silver sulfadiazine microsponges by w/o/w emulsion solvent evaporation method. Formulation variables were optimized by using 32 factorial design. The optimized microsponges were characterized by FTIR, DSC, PXRD, particle size analysis, SEM analysis and mercury intrusion porosimetry studies. Viscosity, texture analysis and ex vivo drug deposition study of optimized microsponge loaded gel were also evaluated. The safety of the optimized gel was assessed by MTT assay using epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT) and mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH-3T3) cell lines. In vitro antibacterial studies were carried out to compare the antibacterial inhibitory efficiency of the optimized gel against the commercial product. The efficacy of the optimized gel was evaluated by the partial thickness (second degree) burn wound model in mice. Optimized microsponge loaded gel enhanced the drug retaining capacity in the skin layers, by 3 fold higher to that of a commercial product. The antibacterial inhibitory efficiency of optimized gel was similar to the commercial product against the Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Optimized gel showed reduced frequency of application, no skin irritation, low cytotoxicity on dermal cell lines and enhanced wound contraction.

Embolización portal hepática preoperatoria con lipiodol y gelatina absorbible / Preoperative hepatic portal vein embolisation with lipiodol and absorbable gelatin

Objetivo: Describir los resultados de la embolización portal hepática (EPH) preoperatoria con lipiodol y gelatina absorbible para generar hipertrofia hepática y permitir la hepatectomía derecha en pacientes con tumores hepáticos e hígado remanente futuro insuficiente. Materiales y métodos: Entre marzo de 2002 y abril de 2014, en 18 pacientes candidatos a hepatectomía derecha se realizó EPH con lipiodol y esponja de gelatina absorbible mezclada con contraste yodado. La estimación de los volúmenes hepáticos preembolización se hizo por tomografía computada con contraste endovenoso. Los pacientes fueron abordados mediante punción percutánea bajo guía ecográfica, seguida de angiografía. El control de la hipertrofia con estimación del volumen se realizó a la cuarta semana posembolización y el seguimiento se llevó a cabo ambulatoriamente o mediante historia clínica. Resultados: La mediana de edad fue de 58 años (relación hombre/mujer de 1:0,8) y el volumen hepático total estimado (mediana) de 1587,75 cm³. La estimación previa del volumen hepático y su relación con la porción futura remanente pre-EPH fue de 19,9%, mientras que el promedio absoluto de crecimiento del parénquima hepático remanente futuro pos-EPH se encontró entre los 306,2 y 475,2 cm³, con un 43,5% de aumento. La mediana de incremento de la relación volumen hepático total y la porción remanente pos-EPH fue de 8,5% (p< 0,001). Como complicaciones, se registró un hematoma y una necrosis aséptica. Conclusión: La EPH con lipiodol y esponja de gelatina absorbible es un procedimiento seguro y efectivo, que surge como alternativa a otros materiales de embolización.

Objective: To evaluate outcomes of preoperative hepatic portal vein embolisation with lipiodol and absorbable gelatin in order to generate liver hypertrophy and enable right hepatectomy in selected patients with liver tumours and future insufficient residual liver. Materials and methods: Portal vein embolisation (PVE) with lipiodol and absorbable gelatin sponge mixed with iodine based contrast was performed in 18 patient candidates for right hepatectomy between March 2002 and April 2014. The preembolisation liver volume evaluations were performed by computed tomography with intravenous contrast. Patients underwent an ultrasound-guided percutaneous puncture, followed by angiography. The controls of hypertrophy and volume estimation were performed in the 4 th week after portal embolisation. The patients were followed-up on an outpatient basis or by using their medical records. Results: The median age was 58 years, with a 1:0.8 male: female ratio. The total estimated liver volume, excluding the tumour, of all patients evaluated prior to surgery was 1587.75 cm³ (median). The previous estimated liver volume and its relation to the future remaining portion before PVE was 19.9%. The absolute median growth of future residual liver parenchyma post-PVE was 306.2 to 475.2 cm³, being an increase of 43.5%, and the mean growth of liver volume and remaining portion ratio post-PVE was 8.5% (P<.001). Complications were one haematoma and one aseptic necrosis. Conclusión: The selection of patients is of paramount importance, and PVE with lipiodol and absorbable gelatin in our environment is a safe and effective procedure.

Superselective Conventional Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Rationale, Technique, and Outcome.

Conventional transarterial chemoembolization with ethiodized oil and gelatin sponge (GS) particles is a standard technique for hepatocellular carcinoma. Ethiodized oil can temporarily block tumor sinusoids, portal venules, hepatic sinusoids, and arterial microcommunications. By adding GS embolization, strong ischemic effects not only on the tumor but also on the surrounding liver parenchyma can be achieved. Superselective conventional transarterial chemoembolization is mainly indicated for patients with Child-Pugh scores of 5-8, tumors ≤ 7 cm, and ≤ 5 lesions. According to a Japanese nationwide survey, the 5-year survival rate of patients with Child-Pugh class A and a single tumor was 52%.

Oral Surgical Procedures Performed Safely in Patients With Head and Neck Arteriovenous Malformations: A Retrospective Case Series of 12 Patients.

PURPOSE: This case series describes patients with head and neck arteriovenous malformations who underwent oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures combined with interventional radiology techniques to minimize blood loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients underwent femoral cerebral angiography to visualize the extent of vascular malformation. Before the surgical procedures, surgical sites were devascularized by direct injection of hemostatic or embolic agents. Direct puncture sclerotherapy at the base of surgical sites was performed using Surgiflo or n-butylcyanoacrylate glue. Surgical procedures were carried out in routine fashion. A hemostatic packing of FloSeal, Gelfoam, and Avitene was adapted to the surgical sites. RESULTS: Direct puncture sclerotherapy with Surgiflo or n-butylcyanoacrylate glue resulted in minimal blood loss intraoperatively. Local application of the FloSeal, Gelfoam, and Avitene packing sustained hemostasis and produced excellent healing postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Patients with arteriovenous malformations can safely undergo routine oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures with minimal blood loss when appropriate endovascular techniques and local hemostatic measures are used by the interventional radiologist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Can microcatheters be cleaned for reuse after NBCA embolization? Cleaning technique with gelatin sponge particles.

PURPOSE: To study a new technique for cleaning microcatheters for reuse after NBCA embolization ("NBCA"), and to evaluate the clinical reusability of microcatheters that were cleaned with gelatin sponge particles after NBCA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four cleaning solution flushes for microcatheters after NBCA injection-5 % glucose ("glucose") only, Lipiodol-glucose, gelatin sponge particles ("gelatin")-glucose, and Lipiodol-gelatin-glucose-were examined experimentally. These solutions were evaluated by performing three examinations: a microcatheter resistance test based on the time taken to pass water through the microcatheter, a microcatheter resistance test based on the ease of insertion of a microguidewire, and observations of the inner surfaces of the cylinders after NBCA. Microcatheters that had already been used in NBCA were cleaned using this new technique and then applied in 20 clinical sessions (19 patients). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in water passage time between the controls and the groups that received a gelatin flush. In the resistance test based on the insertion of a microguidewire, groups that received a gelatin flush showed significantly less resistance than the groups that did not receive a gelatin flush. Observations of the inner surfaces of the cylinders indicated that cleaning with gelatin can lead to inner surfaces that are almost indistinguishable from control surfaces in terms of cleanliness. All clinical procedures involving Lipiodol-gelatin-glucose flushes were performed without any technical difficulties or complications. CONCLUSIONS: Applying the new cleaning technique utilizing gelatin sponge particles to microcatheters after NBCA ensures that they are clean enough to be reused.

The effect of hemostatic agents and tissue adhesive on injured peripheral nerve healing in rats - Part I. Electrophysiological study.

BACKGROUND: In the practice of maxillofacial surgery, bleeding and nerve injury have common problems. In the control of bleeding, hemostatic agents and tissue adhesives have been frequently used. The effect of these hemostatic agents and tissue adhesives on the injured neural tissues has not been known. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of hemostatic agents and tissue adhesive on injured nerve tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-two rats randomly divided into seven groups: Control, Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose (ORC), Gelatine Sponge (GS), Bovine Collagen (BC), Ankaferd BloodStopper (ABS), Glutaraldehyde Surgical Adhesive (BioGlue®) and N-butil-2 cyanoacrylate (Glubran®2). The left sciatic nerves were crushed and surrounded by hemostatic agents and tissue adhesives. At the end of 12 weeks, the surgical site was reopened and electrophysiological recordings were performed. RESULTS: In the ORC, GS, and BC groups, the compound action potential (CAP) values were lower compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Although the values of CAP in the ABS group were higher than in the control group while CAP values in the BioGlue and Glubran®2 groups were lower than the control group, there was no statistical significance between the experimental and control groups (p > 0.05). In the ORC, BC, GS, and Glubran®2 groups, the nerve conduction velocities (NCV) values were lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). In the ABS and BioGlue groups, NCV values were lower compared to the control group but no significant differences were found (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence that ABS is the most suitable hemostatic agent due to its favorable effect on the healing of injured neural tissues. BioGlue is also a suitable surgical agent with no adverse effects.

Traditional Chinese medicine herbal mixture LQ arrests FUCCI-expressing HeLa cells in G0/G1 phase in 2D plastic, 2.5D Matrigel, and 3D Gelfoam culture visualized with FUCCI imaging.

We used the fluorescence ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator (FUCCI) to monitor cell cycle arrest after treatment of FUCCI-expressing HeLa cells (FUCCI-HeLa) with a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal mixture LQ, previously shown to have anti-tumor and anti-metastatic activity in mouse models. Paclitaxel was used as the positive control. In 2D monolayer culture, the untreated control had approximately 45% of the cells in S/G2/M phase. In contrast, the LQ-treated cells (9 mg/ml) were mostly in the G0/G1 (>90%) after 72 hours. After treatment with paclitaxel (0.01 µm), for 72 hours, 95% of the cells were in S/G2/M. In 2.5D Matrigel culture, the colonies in the untreated control group had 40% of the cells in S/G2/M. LQ arrested the cells in G0/G1 after 72 hours. Paclitaxel arrested almost all the cells in S/G2/M after 72 hours. In 3D Gelfoam culture, the untreated control culture had approximately 45% of cells in G2/M. In contrast, the LQ-treated cells were mostly in G0/G1 phase (>80%) after 72 hours treatment. Paclitaxel resulted in 90% of the cells arrested in S/G2/M after 72 hours. The present report suggests the non-toxic LQ has potential to maintain cancers in a quiescent state for long periods of time.