Interventional radiology for treatment of bone metastases.

Therapeutic advances in oncology have led to longer survival in many forms of cancer, including those complicated by bone metastases. When a bone metastasis is painful or when there is a risk of fracture, interventional radiology procedures can be carried out for pain control and/or stabilisation. All of these techniques can be performed under local anaesthesia. Cementoplasty and vertebroplasty are stabilisation procedures consisting in the percutaneous injection of acrylic cement into a lytic bone lesion. The effect on pain can be explained by the consolidation of weakened, fractured or pre-fractured bone, but also to a lesser extent by the toxic, chemical and thermal effect of the cement. Tumour ablation techniques include alcoholisation or thermal ablation (by heat with radiofrequency and microwave or cold by cryoablation). Percutaneous thermal ablation of bone tumours is most often performed as a palliative measure resulting in a significant and lasting reduction in symptoms. Radiofrequency ablation consists in placing needles through which an electrical current passes. Microwave ablation acts by causing very high frequency vibrations of water molecules. Cryoablation releases argon gas at the tip of the needle, forming an "ice ball" effectively destroying tumour cells. Any of these techniques can be combined to radiation therapy, performed before or after radiation. Finally, tumour embolisation can have a goal of pain control, or preparation of surgery to reduce the risk of peroperative haemorrhage.

Examination of the influence of cedar fragrance on cognitive function and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in Alzheimer type dementia.

We examined whether symptoms of dementia are improved by olfactory nerve stimulation in Alzheimer type dementia patients. First, a stick-type olfactory identification ability test was performed in patients with Alzheimer type dementia, to select patients without olfactory dysfunctions. Then, these patients were randomly assigned into the intervention (n = 19) and the control groups (n = 17). To evaluate the effects of olfactory nerve stimulation, we exposed the intervention group to a disinfecting ethanol with added aroma extracts from ceder and the control group to the ethanol without the added aroma extracts. Each group underwent the intervention for 8 weeks, cognitive and behavioral functions were evaluated before and after treatments using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), the Japanese version of Zarit Caregiver Burden interview (J-ZBI), and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog). A significant improvement was observed in the NPI score and J-ZBI in the intervention group compared to the control group at 4 and 8 weeks. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the score of ADAS-cog. Exposure to cedar fragrance improved behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in Alzheimer type dementia and may reduce the burden of nursing care. In addition to its effectiveness, the procedure is simple and minimally invasive and would be a valuable non-pharmaceutical treatment.

Vein of Marshall ethanol infusion for persistent atrial fibrillation: VENUS and MARS clinical trial design.

BACKGROUND: Although pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is effective in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), its success rates in persistent AF are suboptimal. Ablation strategies to improve outcomes including additional lesions beyond PVI have not consistently shown benefit. Recurrence as perimitral flutter (PMF) is a common form of ablation failure. The vein of Marshall (VOM) contains myocardial connections and abundant sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation implicated in the genesis and maintenance of AF, and is anatomically co-localized with the mitral isthmus, the ablation target of PMF. VOM ethanol infusion is effective in targeting these arrhythmia substrates. OBJECTIVE: To test the safety and efficacy of VOM ethanol infusion when added to PVI in patients undergoing either de novo ablation of persistent AF or after a previous ablation failure. STUDY DESIGN: VENUS-AF and MARS-AF are prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trials. VENUS-AF will enroll patients undergoing their first catheter ablation of persistent AF. MARS-AF will enroll patients undergoing ablation after previous ablation failure(s). Patients (n = 405) will be randomized to PVI alone or in combination with VOM ethanol infusion. The primary endpoints include procedural safety and freedom from AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) of more than 30 seconds on 30-day continuous event monitors at 6 and 12 months after randomization procedure (single-procedure success), off antiarrhythmic drugs. Key secondary endpoints include AF burden, freedom from AF/AT after repeat procedures and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The VENUS-AF and MARS-AF will determine the safety and potential rhythm control benefit of VOM ethanol infusion when added to PVI in patients with persistent AF undergoing de novo or repeat ablation, respectively.

Efficacy and safety of a novel topical agent for gallstone dissolution: 2-methoxy-6-methylpyridine.

BACKGROUND: Although methyl-tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is the only clinical topical agent for gallstone dissolution, its use is limited by its side effects mostly arising from a relatively low boiling point (55 °C). In this study, we developed the gallstone-dissolving compound containing an aromatic moiety, named 2-methoxy-6-methylpyridine (MMP) with higher boiling point (156 °C), and compared its effectiveness and toxicities with MTBE. METHODS: The dissolubility of MTBE and MMP in vitro was determined by placing human gallstones in glass containers with either solvent and, then, measuring their dry weights. Their dissolubility in vivo was determined by comparing the weights of solvent-treated gallstones and control (dimethyl sulfoxide)-treated gallstones, after directly injecting each solvent into the gallbladder in hamster models with cholesterol and pigmented gallstones. RESULTS: In the in vitro dissolution test, MMP demonstrated statistically higher dissolubility than did MTBE for cholesterol and pigmented gallstones (88.2% vs. 65.7%, 50.8% vs. 29.0%, respectively; P < 0.05). In the in vivo experiments, MMP exhibited 59.0% and 54.3% dissolubility for cholesterol and pigmented gallstones, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of MTBE (50.0% and 32.0%, respectively; P < 0.05). The immunohistochemical stains of gallbladder specimens obtained from the MMP-treated hamsters demonstrated that MMP did not significantly increase the expression of cleaved caspase 9 or significantly decrease the expression of proliferation cell nuclear antigen. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that MMP has better potential than does MTBE in dissolving gallstones, especially pigmented gallstones, while resulting in lesser toxicities.

Avaliação dos compostos bioativos de diferentes extratos das folhas e sementes de moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam) / Evaluation of bioactive compounds of different extracts of moringa seed and leaves (Moringa oleifera Lam)

A moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam) é uma hortaliça arbórea que apresenta uma grande versatilidade, sendo cultivada em vários países. No presente estudo, foi avaliado o teor de compostos bioativos de diferentes extratos das folhas e sementes e da mistura folhas e sementes (F+S) de moringa. Os extratos foram obtidos com água destilada e com os solventes acetona, metanol e etanol nas concentrações de 40% e 80%. Os extratos da junção de F+S de moringa extraídos com acetona a 80% apresentaram maior teor de compostos fenólicos (1.715,7 mg EAG/100g de resíduo em base seca), quando comparado aos extratos de folhas e sementes (1.479,7 mg EAG/100g de resíduo em base seca e 326,1mg QCA/100g de resíduo em base seca, respectivamente). Os solventes etanol e acetona foram os que apresentaram maior capacidade de extração de compostos fenólicos totais e flavonoides totais, nos resíduos estudados. Os resíduos de moringa demonstraram potencial para serem utilizados como fonte natural de compostos bioativos.

Gastroprotective Effect of Zingerone on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats.

Background and objectives: Zingerone is an ingredient of ginger (Zingiber officinale) with different pharmacological activities. Several studies have investigated the effect of zingerone on various gastrointestinal diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea. This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of zingerone on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Materials and Methods: Gastric ulcers were induced by ethanol (96%, 5 mL/kg, po) in male wistar rats and zingerone (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was administrated orally. Normal saline and ranitidine were used as negative and positive control, respectively. In this study, the number and length of ulcers, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in stomach tissues were determined. Results: The findings showed that the mean number and length of gastric ulcers were significantly lower in zingerone-received groups than ethanol group (P < 0.05). The level of malondialdehyde was decreased in the stomach of zingerone groups (P < 0.05) compared to the ethanol group. In addition, zingerone treatment prevented the decrease of nitric oxide level by ethanol in the stomach tissue. Conclusions: The present study showed that zingerone has a protective effect on the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer, which may be due to its free radical scavenging activity.

Efficacy of a Fatty Acids Dietary Supplement in a Polyethylene Glycol-Induced Mouse Model of Retinal Degeneration.

Current knowledge of the benefits of nutrition supplements for eye pathologies is based largely on the use of appropriate animal models, together with defined dietary supplementation. Here, C57BL6 mice were subretinally injected with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-400, an established model of retinal degeneration with a dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD)-like phenotype, an eye pathology that lacks treatment. In response to PEG-400, markers of the complement system, angiogenesis, inflammation, gliosis, and macrophage infiltration were upregulated in both retinas and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroids, whereas dietary supplementation with a mixture based on fatty acids counteracted their upregulation. Major effects include a reduction of inflammation, in both retinas and RPE/choroids, and an inhibition of macrophage infiltration in the choroid, yet not in the retina, suggesting a targeted action through the choroidal vasculature. Histological analysis revealed a thinning of the outer nuclear layer (ONL), together with dysregulation of the epithelium layer in response to PEG-400. In addition, immunohistofluorescence demonstrated Müller cell gliosis and macrophage infiltration into subretinal tissues supporting the molecular findings. Reduced ONL thickness, gliosis, and macrophage infiltration were counteracted by the diet supplement. The present data suggest that fatty acids may represent a useful form of diet supplementation to prevent or limit the progression of dry AMD.

Efeito da Astrocaryum aculeatum (Tucumã) na toxicidade da Doxorrubicina: modelo experimental in vivo / Effect of Astrocaryum aculeatum (tucumã) on doxorubicin toxicity: in vivo experimental model

Resumo Objetivo Obter o óleo do Astrocaryum aculeatum (A.a) e avaliar a genotoxidade/antigenotoxidade pelo teste do micronúcleo em células do sangue periférico. Métodos O óleo da A.a foi obtido por prensagem hidráulica. Os animais foram camundongos Swiss, machos e saudáveis com 6-7 semanas de idade, 6 por grupo. Teste genotóxico e antigenotóxico as concentrações foram de 500, 1.000 e 2.000 mg/kg por 0,5 mL (via oral), seguidas ou não de injeção intraperitoneal de doxorrubicina (0,3mL - 15 mg/kg por peso corporal), além do grupo negativo (água) e dimetilsufóxido (600 µL). As amostras de sangue periférico foram coletadas 24h e 48h após o tratamento. Resultados Houve redução estatisticamente significativa na frequência de micronúcleos em células policromáticas que variou de 34,72% à 38,19% para os tratamentos de 24h, e de 63,70 à 66,12% para os de 48h. Conclusão O óleo fixo do tucumã apresentou potencial antigenotóxico para as concentrações em tratamentos agudos.

Abstract Objective To obtain the oil of Astrocaryum aculeatum (A.a), and evaluate its genotoxicity/antigenotoxicity activities using the micronucleus test in peripheral blood cells. Methods The oil of Astrocaryum aculeatum was obtained by hydraulic pressing. The animals used were healthy Swiss male mice, at 6-7 weeks of age; there were six per group. The genotoxic and antigenotoxic activity of concentrations were 500, 1,000 and 2,000 mg/kg per 0.5 mL (oral), followed or not followed by intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin (0.3 mL-15 mg/kg by body weight), in addition to a negative group (water) and dimethyl sulfoxide (600 μL). Peripheral blood samples were collected 24h and 48h after treatment. Results A statistically significant reduction was identified in the frequency of micronuclei in polychromatic cells ranging from 34.72% to 38.19% for 24-hour treatments, and from 63.70% to 66.12% for 48 hour. Conclusion The fixed oil of tucumã presented antigenotoxic potential for the concentrations used in acute treatments.

Skin absorption of actinides: influence of solvents or chelates on skin penetration ex vivo.

PURPOSE: To evaluate skin penetration and retention of americium (Am) and plutonium (Pu), in different chemical forms relevant to the nuclear industry and to treatment by chelation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Percutaneous penetration of different Am and Pu forms were evaluated using viable pig skin with the Franz cell diffusion system. The behavior of the complex Pu-tributyl phosphate (Pu-TBP), Am or Pu complexed to the chelator Diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was assessed. Radioactivity was measured in skin and receiver compartments. Three approaches were used to visualize activity in skin including the recent iQID technique for quantification. RESULTS: Transfer of Am was 24-fold greater than Pu and Pu-TBP complex penetration was enhanced by 500-fold. Actinide-DTPA transfer was greater than the Am or Pu alone (17-fold and 148-fold, respectively). The stratum corneum retained the majority of activity in all cases and both DMSO and TBP enhanced skin retention of Am and Pu, respectively. Histological and bioimaging data confirmed these results and the iQID camera allowed the quantification of skin activity. CONCLUSIONS: Skin penetration and fixation profiles are different depending on the chemical actinide form. Altered behavior of Pu-TBP and actinide-DTPA complexes reinforces the need to address decontamination protocols.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Glycerin Suppositories During Phototherapy in Premature Neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if glycerin suppositories were effective in reducing total duration of phototherapy in premature neonates. We hypothesized that glycerin suppositories would have no effect on phototherapy duration or total serum bilirubin levels. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled double-blinded trial. SETTING: Level IV NICU. PARTICIPANTS: Neonates born between 30 weeks, 0 days and 34 weeks, 6 days gestational age who developed physiologic hyperbilirubinemia needing phototherapy. METHODS: Neonates were randomized to the no-suppository group or to the suppository group. Neonates were randomized to receive glycerin suppositories every 8 hours while under phototherapy or to a sham group. The primary outcome was total hours of phototherapy. Secondary outcomes included peak total serum bilirubin levels, time from start to discontinuation of phototherapy, rate of decline in bilirubin levels, repeat episodes of phototherapy, and number of stools while the neonates received phototherapy. RESULTS: A total of 39 neonates were assigned to the no-suppository group and 40 to the suppository group. Withholding suppositories was not inferior to providing suppositories. The total hours of phototherapy were not longer (i.e., noninferior) among neonates not provided suppositories (61 ± 53 hours) than among those given suppositories (72 ± 49 hours). There were no differences in peak bilirubin levels, rate of bilirubin decline, or repeat episodes of phototherapy. CONCLUSION: Routine use of glycerin suppositories among preterm neonates who receive phototherapy does not affect bilirubin levels or phototherapy duration.

Comparison of solvent-wetted and kneaded l-sulpiride-loaded solid dispersions: Powder characterization and in vivo evaluation.

The purpose of this study was to compare the powder properties, solubility, dissolution and oral absorption of solvent-wetted (SWSD) and kneaded (KNSD) l-sulpiride-loaded solid dispersions. The SWSD and KNSD were prepared with silicon dioxide, sodium laurylsulfate and D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) using a spray dryer and high shear mixer, respectively. Their powder properties, solubility, dissolution and oral absorption were assessed compared to l-sulpiride powder. The drug in SWSD was in the amorphous state; however, in KNSD, it existed in the crystalline state. The SWSD with a drug/sodium laurylsulphate/TPGS/silicon dioxide ratio of 5/1/2/12 gave the higher drug solubility and dissolution compared to the KNSD with the same composition. The oral absorption of drug in the SWSD was 1.4 fold higher than the KNSD and 3.0 fold higher than the l-sulpiride powder (p<0.05) owing to better solubility and reduced crystallinity. Furthermore, the SWSD at the half dose was bioequivalent of commercial l-sulpiride-loaded product in rats. Thus, the SWSD with more improved oral absorption would be recommended as an alternative for the l-sulpiride-loaded oral administration.

CT-Guided, Ethanol Sympatholysis for Primary Axillary-Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

PURPOSE: Primary hyperhidrosis is an excessive sweating due to an overactive sympathetic system. Our objective was to test the feasibility and provide early data on the safety/efficacy of CT-guided sympatholysis, for primary hyperhidrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine consecutive patients with axillary-palmar hyperhidrosis were treated between 2013 and 2015. CT-guided sympathetic block was performed in the outpatients at T-2, T-3, and T-4, bilaterally using alcohol under local anesthesia. Immediate postprocedure CT was obtained to assess the complications as per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4. Technical success and clinical success were recorded. Primary and secondary efficacy were assessed by phone and clinical visits; mean follow-up was 12 months (6-26 months). Descriptive statistics was used to report the outcomes. RESULTS: One procedure was aborted due to eyelid ptosis after lidocaine injection. All other eight patients (5:3, F:M) (median age 32) had immediate cessation of sweating. Two major complications (pneumothorax, one requiring a chest tube) occurred. Two patients recurred with unilateral and one with bilateral symptoms. One of the unilateral recurrence and the bilateral recurrence patients was retreated successfully. Median follow-up was 1 year. No cases of Horner's or compensatory hyperhidrosis were observed. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided EtOH sympatholysis for axillary/palmar primary hyperhidrosis is feasible. Technical failure rate was 11 %. Primary and secondary efficacy are 75 and 94 %, respectively, to a median follow-up of 1 year. Risk profile appears favorable. Despite a small sample size, results confirm feasibility and encourage a larger study.

Studies on effects of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) and Andrographis lineata nees (Family: Acanthaceae) extracts against two mosquitoes Culex quinquefasciatus (Say.) and Aedes aegypti (Linn.).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the studies on effects of Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) (Burm.f.) and Andrographis lineata (A. lineata) nees (Family: Acanthaceae) extracts against two mosquitoes Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus) (Say.) and Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) (Linn.). METHODS: The aqueous and petroleum ether extracts of two plant species, A. paniculata and A. lineate were examined against the larvae of A. aegypti (L.) and Cx. quinquefasciatus with gradually increasing concentration ie. from 50 to 200 ppm of solvent extracts and to test their activity in combination with each other. RESULTS: In a 24 h bioassay experiment with plant extracts, highest mortalities were recorded at 200 ppm of concentrations for leaves of A. lineta and A. paniculata individually. For combination effect, only 150 ppm of the mixture of solvent extracts of petroleum ether: aqueous (1:1) extracts showed 100% mortality after 24 h of exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that, insecticides of plant combination is ecofriend and has better larvicidal activity compared to individual extracts.

Inhaled toluene can modulate the effects of anesthetics on the middle-ear acoustic reflex.

Toluene (Tol) is an organic solvent widely used in the industry. It is also abused as an inhaled solvent, and can have deleterious effects on hearing. Recently, it was demonstrated that Tol has both anticholinergic and antiglutamatergic effects, and that it also inhibits voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels. This paper describes a study of the effects of inhaled Tol on rats anesthetized with isoflurane, pentobarbital, or a mixture of ketamine/xylazine. Hearing was tested using distortion product oto-acoustic emissions (DPOAEs) associated with a contralateral noise to evaluate contraction of the middle-ear muscles. This allowed us to assess the interactions between the effects of Tol and anesthesia on the central nervous system (CNS). Although both anesthetics and Tol are known to inhibit the middle-ear acoustic reflex, our data indicated that inhaled Tol counterbalances the effects of anesthetic in a dose-dependent manner. In other terms, Tol can increase the amplitude of the middle-ear reflex in anesthetized rats, whatever the nature of the anesthetic used. This indicates that inhaling Tol (a Ca(2+)-channel-blocking drug) modifies the potency of anesthesia, and thereby the amplitude of the middle-ear reflex.

Antimicrobial efficacy of oral topical agents on microorganisms associated with radiated head and neck cancer patients: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: A variety of oral topical agents have been used for prevention and management of radiotherapy-induced adverse effects. The antimicrobial nature of some of the commonly used agents is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial efficacies of various oral topical agents on common microorganisms associated with radiated head and neck cancer patients. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Seven commonly used topical oral agents-0.12% chlorhexidine with alcohol, 0.12% chlorhexidine without alcohol, baking soda-salt rinse, 0.4% stannous fluoride gel, 0.63% stannous fluoride rinse, calcium phosphate mouthrinse, and acemannan hydrogel (aloe vera) rinse-were evaluated in vitro for their antimicrobial efficacies against four common microorganisms. A combination of baking soda-salt rinse and 0.4% stannous fluoride gel was evaluated as the eighth agent. The microorganisms used were Staphylococcus aureus, group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. An ELISA reader was used to measure the turbidity of microbial culture wells and optical density (OD) values for each of the 960 wells recorded. Mean OD values were rank ordered based on their turbidity. One-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD post hoc analysis was used to study differences in OD values (P < .05). RESULTS: Mean OD values classified for topical agents from lowest to highest were chlorhexidine with alcohol, chlorhexidine without alcohol, baking soda- salt, calcium phosphate rinse, and the combination of baking soda-salt and stannous fluoride gel. Mean OD values classified for microorganisms from lowest to highest were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, group B Streptococcus, and Candida albicans. CONCLUSION: A significant difference among the antimicrobial efficacies of topical agents was evident for each of four microorganisms (P < .05). There was also a significant difference among the antimicrobial efficacies of the same topical agent on the four microorganisms tested (P < .05).

Treatment of unicameral bone cyst: surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: There is a variety of treatment modalities for unicameral bone cysts, with variable outcomes reported in the literature. Although good initial outcomes have been reported, the success rate has often changed with longer-term follow-up. We introduce a novel, minimally invasive treatment method and compare its clinical outcomes with those of other methods of treatment of this lesion. METHODS: From February 1994 to April 2008, forty patients with a unicameral bone cyst were treated with one of four techniques: serial percutaneous steroid and autogenous bone-marrow injection (Group 1, nine patients); open curettage and grafting with a calcium sulfate bone substitute either without instrumentation (Group 2, twelve patients) or with internal instrumentation (Group 3, seven patients); or minimally invasive curettage, ethanol cauterization, disruption of the cystic boundary, insertion of a synthetic calcium sulfate bone-graft substitute, and placement of a cannulated screw to provide drainage (Group 4, twelve patients). Success was defined as radiographic evidence of a healed cyst or of a healed cyst with some defect according to the modified Neer classification, and failure was defined as a persistent or recurrent cyst that needed additional treatment. Patients who sustained a fracture during treatment were also considered to have had a failure. The outcome parameters included the radiographically determined healing rate, the time to solid union, and the total number of procedures needed. RESULTS: The follow-up time ranged from eighteen to eighty-four months. Group-4 patients had the highest radiographically determined healing rate. Healing was seen in eleven of the twelve patients in that group compared with three of the nine in Group 1, eight of the twelve in Group 2, and six of the seven in Group 3. Group-4 patients also had the shortest mean time to union: 3.7 ± 2.3 months compared with 23.4 ± 14.9, 12.2 ± 8.5, and 6.6 ± 4.3 months in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This new minimally invasive method achieved a favorable outcome, with a higher radiographically determined healing rate and a shorter time to union. Thus, it can be considered an option for initial treatment of unicameral bone cysts.

Effectiveness of wound cleansing treatments on maggot (Diptera, Calliphoridae) mortality.

Myiasis is defined as an infestation of the organs and/or tissues of human and other animals by fly maggots. Fly species that normally breed in meat or carrion (Diptera: Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae) may become involved in cutaneous myiasis by colonizing preexisting wounds. Reports of human wound myiasis contracted in hospitals and nursing homes, especially when patients are chronically ill or bed-ridden, are not uncommon across North America and often result in cases of neglect and civil litigation. Based on a case history dealing with this latter situation and circumstances surrounding the treatment of maggot infestation, we designed an experiment to assess the effectiveness of wound cleansing solutions on maggot mortality. Treatments, consisting of four commonly used cleaning solutions (isopropyl alcohol, Dakin's solution, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide) and a control (deionized water), were applied to experimental units (n=5), with each unit consisting of groups of actively feeding Lucilia sericata maggots (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Every 24h, treatments were applied and mortality was assessed for the duration of the study (14 days). Total mean mortality increased over the duration of the experiment, with an initial large increase (10-25%) after the first treatment application, followed by a gradual increase over the remainder of the study. General differences among treatments indicated greatest mean total mortality for Dakin's solution (sodium hypochlorite) (46%), followed by isopropyl alcohol (42%), Betadine (37%), hydrogen peroxide (33%) and lowest mortality for the control (25%); however, no statistically significant differences were observed among treatments and no treatment resulted in 100% maggot mortality. Traditional wound cleansing solutions may not be sufficient for maggot infestations of pre-existing wounds and supplemental treatments may be necessary to effectively treat cases of wound myiasis.

Biomimetic dentin desensitizer based on nano-structured bioactive glass.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the ability of a novel sol-gel bioactive glass, in conjunction with appropriate carrier vehicles, to reduce dentinal fluid flow, with an eye toward reducing dentinal hypersensitivity. METHODS: Experiments were conducted to measure the reduction in tubule fluid flow after treatment of cut tooth surfaces with sol-gel bioactive glass particles in several carrier vehicles. Surfaces were also examined after exposure to brushing and acidic solutions. A non-bioactive particulate glass was compared. RESULTS: Tubular occlusion produced by the bioactive glass was observed via SEM and a sustained reduction in hydrodynamic conductance was measured after exposure to various fluids and brushing. CONCLUSIONS: This new material may be used with the tested carriers to significantly and durably reduce tubule fluid flow, ultimately resulting in reduced dentinal hypersensitivity.

Diethylene glycol in health products sold over-the-counter and imported from Asian countries.

Diethylene glycol (DEG), a chemical that has been implicated in multiple medication-associated mass poisonings, can result in renal and neurological toxicity if ingested. Three previous such mass poisonings implicated Chinese manufacturers as the origin of contaminated ingredients. No literature exists on potential DEG or triethylene glycol (TEG), a related compound, contamination of health products imported from Asian countries to the USA. Our primary objective was to quantitatively assess the amount of DEG present in a convenience sampling of these health products. The study's secondary objectives were to: (1) evaluate for, and quantify TEG levels in these samples; (2) compare DEG and TEG levels in these products directly to levels in medications implicated in previous similar mass poisonings; and (3) to estimate DEG dose (in mg/kg) based on the manufacturer's instructions and compare these values to toxic doses from past mass poisonings and the literature. A quantitative assessment of DEG and TEG was performed in a convenience sampling of over-the-counter health products imported from Asian countries. Results were converted to volume to volume (v/v) % and compared with DEG levels in medications implicated in previous mass poisonings. Estimated doses (based on the manufacturer's instructions) of each product with detectable levels of DEG for a 70 kg adult were compared to toxic doses of DEG reported in the literature. Seventeen of 85 (20%) samples were not able to be analyzed for DEG or TEG due to technical reasons. Fifteen of 68 (22%) samples successfully tested had detectable levels of DEG (mean, 18.8 µg/ml; range, 0.791-110.1 µg/ml; and volume to volume (v/v) range, 0.00007-0.01%). Two of 68 (3%) samples had TEG levels of 12.8 and 20.2 µg/ml or 0.0012% and 0.0018% TEG v/v. The product with the highest DEG% by v/v was 810 times less than the product involved in the Panama DEG mass poisoning (8.1%). The lowest reported toxic dose from a past DEG mass poisoning (14 mg/kg) was more than 150 times higher than the highest daily dose estimated in our study (0.09 mg/kg). Sixty-eight of 85 (80%) samples were able to be successfully analyzed for DEG and TEG. DEG and TEG were detectable in 15/68 (22%) and 2/68 (3%) samples, respectively. Based on current standards, these levels probably do not represent an acute public health threat. Additional research focusing on why DEG is found in these products and on the minimum amount of DEG needed to result in toxicity is needed.

Prophylactic isopropyl alcohol inhalation and intravenous ondansetron versus ondansetron alone in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in high-risk patients.

Patients identified as high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are often treated prophylactically with intravenous (IV) ondansetron and an additional agent. Limited options exist for a second agent with no adverse effects. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if combining the prophylactic inhalation of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) vapors, an agent with no adverse effects, with IV ondansetron would be more effective than IV ondansetron alone in the prevention of PONV in high-risk patients. A total of 76 patients at high risk for PONV were randomized into control (n = 38) and experimental (n = 38) groups. All patients received IV ondansetron before emergence from general anesthesia. In addition, the experimental group inhaled IPA vapors before induction. Severity of PONV was measured using a 0 to 10 verbal numeric rating scale. Other measured variables included time to onset and incidence of PONV, 24-hour composite nausea score, and satisfaction with nausea control. No significant differences in demographics, surgical or anesthesia time, number of risk factors, severity or incidence of PONV, or satisfaction scores were noted. Prophylactic inhalation of IPA vapors in combination with IV ondansetron was no more efficacious than IV ondansetron alone in the prevention of PONV in a high-risk population.