A Passive Noise Attenuation Earplug Designed to Minimise Unwanted Air Turbine Driven High-Speed Dental Drill Noise.

INTRODUCTION: Air turbine dental drill noise contains high-frequency components that are of concern for patients and dental staff. Meanwhile, verbal communication between the dentist and patient is essential. Conventional active noise-cancelling headphones are ineffective for dental drill noise and simply suppress all sound and hinder communication. METHOD: A compact passive earplug device was designed specifically to attenuate broadband high-frequency noise ranges from 5 to 8 kHz employing an array of quarter wavelength (QW) resonators. This device was 3D printed and tested against white noise to enhance the objectivity of analysis, using a calibrated ear and cheek simulator to effectively measure its performance. RESULTS: The results showed that the resonators produced an average reduction of 27 dB across the targeted frequency range. When compared with two proprietary passive earplugs, this developed passive device prototype was able to attenuate an average of 9 dB more across the target frequency range whilst delivering louder speech signals of 14 dB more. The results also show that using an array of resonators exhibits an accumulated effect of individual resonator performance. CONCLUSIONS: This low-cost passive device could have a place in the dental clinic to reduce unwanted drill noise equivalent to the white noise high frequency spectra tested.

A comparison of two intravesical bladder instillations for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a chronic pain condition associated with injury to the glycosoaminoglycan (GAG) layer. We aimed to prospectively evaluate iAluRil® with multi-centre tertiary urogynaecology collaboration. We hypothesised that iAluRil® (a GAG therapy) would demonstrate equivalent symptom, pain and QOL scores compared to DMSO controls. STUDY DESIGN: iAluRil® was administered for 7 instillations over 3 months in 34 women over 6 sites. 18 historical DMSO controls were matched 2:1. At baseline and 3 months post treatment validated questionnaires were collected. RESULTS: Both iAluRil® and DMSO were associated with statistically significant improvements in IC/BPS specific questionnaire scores. iAluRil® showed statistically significant improvements in pain, symptoms, and QOL. 45 % of iAluRil® recipients had a greater than 50 % reduction in pain score as represented by the VAS. DMSO was also effective in improving measures of IC/BPS with statistically significant decreases in ICSI and ICPI. There was no statistically significant difference in the size of the effect between DMSO and IAluRil®. CONCLUSIONS: iAluRil® is well tolerated and associated with significant improvements in pain and symptom scores. Almost half of refractory BPS will have a 50 % decrease in pain score at three months post treatment. This effect size is similar to DMSO.

Retrospective evaluation of COX-2 expression, histological and clinical factors as prognostic indicators in dogs with renal cell carcinomas undergoing nephrectomy.

Limited veterinary literature is available regarding prognostic markers for canine renal cell carcinoma (CRCC). We retrospectively evaluated COX-2 expression, histological and clinical features associated with prognosis of CRCC. Sixty-four cases post-nephrectomy were included, 54 had histopathological assessment and 30 had COX-2 immunostaining performed. Eight dogs (13%) had metastatic disease at initial diagnosis. Twenty-seven dogs (42%) received adjuvant therapy after nephrectomy. On univariate analysis, COX-2 expression, mitotic index (MI), histologic type, vascular invasion, neoplastic invasiveness and metastasis at diagnosis were significantly associated with overall median survival time (MST). COX-2 score (COX-2 score > 3 MST 420 days versus 1176 days if COX-2 score <3; P = 0.011) and MI (MI > 30 MST 120 days versus 540 days for MI < 30; P = 0.003) were the only variables associated with CRCC outcome on multivariate analysis. The addition of MI and COX-2 immunostaining to standard histopathological evaluation would help predicting outcome in CRCC patients.

Changes in the serum proteome of canine lymphoma identified by electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

The serum proteome of canine lymphoma was characterised by one dimensional (1D) serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) on agarose gels, two dimensional (2D) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS). Results were compared with serum proteome data collected previously from the sera of healthy dogs. Twenty-one dogs with high grade multicentric lymphoma had significantly elevated quantities of α2 globulins on 1D SPE. Further separation of the serum proteins was performed on three dogs using a 2D PAGE system. Thirty-six different proteins were identified in 38 bands submitted for MS. Most of the proteins were the same as those previously identified in the sera of healthy dogs. Haptoglobin was identified in the sera of all three dogs with lymphoma and could account for the increased levels of α2 globulins. α2 Macroglobulin, α-antichymotrypsin and inter-α-trypsin inhibitor were also present in dogs with lymphoma. Clusterin, an anti-apoptotic protein, was identified in the serum of one dog with lymphoma. Kininogen, which is present in the sera of healthy dogs, was absent in all three dogs with lymphoma. The 2D electrophoresis technique identified alterations in the serum proteome of dogs with lymphoma and supported previous findings that canine lymphoma has an inflammatory component.

Characterisation of the normal canine serum proteome using a novel electrophoretic technique combined with mass spectrometry.

One dimensional (1D) serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) on agarose gels is a frequently used diagnostic tool for canine diseases; however, little is known regarding the precise composition of the different protein fractions in normal or diseased animals. In this study, to analyse the canine serum proteome in more detail, conventional 1D SPE was combined with second dimension (2D) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), followed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS). One dimensional SPE was performed on the sera of 17 healthy dogs to establish normal reference ranges for the albumin and globulin sub-fractions. Two representative serum samples from healthy dogs were further separated using a novel method of 2D PAGE, leading to the generation of 26 distinct bands across the six main sub-fractions, which were subjected to MS analysis. Thirty-two proteins were identified, most of which were found in both dogs. Twenty proteins belonged specifically to the species Canis lupus familiaris, with the remaining 12 proteins belonging to other mammalian species, likely reflecting incomplete sequencing knowledge of canine proteins. Two dimensional electrophoresis and MS allowed identification of canine serum albumin precursor, serpin peptidase inhibitor, kininogen-1, vitamin D binding protein, haemopexin, complement C4 and a variety of immunoglobulin class molecules, along with localisation of these proteins within serum protein subfractions.

Non-newtonian and flow pulsatility effects in simulation models of a stented intracranial aneurysm.

Three models of different stent designs implanted in a cerebral aneurysm, originating from the Virtual Intracranial Stenting Challenge '07, are meshed and the flow characteristics simulated using commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software in order to investigate the effects of non-Newtonian viscosity and pulsatile flow. Conventional mass inflow and wall shear stress (WSS) output are used as a means of comparing the CFD simulations. In addition, a WSS distribution is presented, which clearly discriminates in favour of the stent design identified by other groups. It is concluded that non-Newtonian and pulsatile effects are important to include in order to avoid underestimating wss, to understand dynamic flow effects, and to discriminate more effectively between stent designs.

Multi-scale interaction of particulate flow and the artery wall.

We discuss, from the perspective of basic science, the physical and biological processes which underlie atherosclerotic (plaque) initiation at the vascular endothelium, identifying the widely separated spatial and temporal scales which participate. We draw on current, related models of vessel wall evolution, paying particular attention to the role of particulate flow (blood is not a continuum fluid), and proceed to propose, then validate all the key components in a multiply-coupled, multi-scale modeling strategy (in qualitative terms only, note). Eventually, this strategy should lead to a quantitative, patient-specific understanding of the coupling between particulate flow and the endothelial state.

Successful intravascular ultrasound thrombolysis of dural sinus thrombosis with pre-existing subarachnoid and intraparenchymal hemorrhages.

A case of cerebral venous thrombosis with intraparenchymal and subarachnoid hemorrhages was initially treated unsuccessfully with mechanical and pharmacologic thrombolysis using intrathrombus tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and angioplasty, and later successfully treated with an intravascular ultrasound tPA infusion catheter. This new microcatheter allowed direct infusion of tPA while using local therapeutic intravascular ultrasound to increase the thrombolytic effect. Flow was quickly restored. Our patient recovered from coma to discharge home without worsening of existing hemorrhages.

Modelling the interaction of haemodynamics and the artery wall: current status and future prospects.

Clinical research has historically focused on the two main strategies of in vivo and in vitro experimentation. The concept of applying scientific theory to direct clinical applications is relatively recent. In this paper we focus on the interaction of wall shear stress with the endothelium and discuss how 'state of the art' computer modelling techniques can provide valuable data to aid understanding. Such data may be used to inform experiment and further, may help identify the key features of this complex system. Current emphasis is on coupling haemodynamics with models of biological phenomena to test hypotheses or predict the likely outcome of a disease or an intervention. New technologies to enable the integration of models of different types, levels of complexity and scales, are being developed. As will be discussed, the ultimate goal is the translation of this technology to the clinical arena.

Genome complexity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia is revealed by array-based comparative genomic hybridization.

Chromosomal abnormalities are important for the classification and risk stratification of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, approximately 30% of childhood and 50% of adult patients lack abnormalities with clinical relevance. Here, we describe the use of array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) to identify copy number alterations (CNA) in 58 ALL patients. CNA were identified in 83% of cases, and most frequently involved chromosomes 21 (n=42), 9 (n=21), 6 (n=16), 12 (n=11), 15 (n=11), 8 (n=10) and 17 (n=10). Deletions of 6q (del(6q)) were heterogeneous in size, in agreement with previous data, demonstrating the sensitivity of aCGH to measure CNA. Although 9p deletions showed considerable variability in both the extent and location, all encompassed the CDKN2A locus. Six patients showed del(12p), with a common region encompassing the ETV6 gene. Complex CNA were observed involving chromosomes 6 (n=2), 15 (n=2) and 21 (n=11) with multiple regions of loss and gain along each chromosome. Chromosome 21 CNA shared a common region of gain, with associated subtelomeric deletions. Other recurrent findings included dim(13q), dim(16q) and enh(17q). This is the first report of genome-wide detection of CNA in ALL patients using aCGH, and it has demonstrated a higher level of karyotype complexity than anticipated from conventional cytogenetic analysis.

Alginate as a source of dietary fiber.

Alginate, an algal polysaccharide, is widely used in the food industry as a stabilizer, or as a thickening or emulsifying agent. As an indigestible polysaccharide, alginate may also be viewed as a source of dietary fiber. Previous work has suggested that dietary fibres may protect against the onset and continuation of a number of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. This article aims to examine what is currently understood about the fiber-like activities of alginate, particularly its effects on intestinal absorption and the colon, and therefore aims to gauge the potential use of alginate as a dietary supplement for the maintenance of normal health, or the alleviation of certain cardiovascular or gastrointestinal diseases.

Effects of stents under asymmetric inflow conditions.

Patient-to-patient variations in artery geometry may determine their susceptibility to stenosis formation. These geometrical variations can be linked to variations in flow characteristics such as wall shear stress through stents, which increases the risk of restenosis. This paper considers computer models of stents in non-symmetric flows and their effects on flow characteristics at the wall. This is a fresh approach from the point of view of identifying a stent design whose performance is insensitive to asymmetric flow. Measures of dissipated energy and power are introduced in order to discriminate between competing designs of stents.

A comparison of bladder neck movement and elevation after tension-free vaginal tape and colposuspension.

OBJECTIVE: To compare elevation and movement of the bladder neck after tension-free vaginal tape and open Burch colposuspension, using transperineal ultrasound. DESIGN: Pospective, non-randomised study using pre- and post-operative transperineal ultrasound of the bladder neck. SETTING: Tertiary referral urogynaecology unit at a London teaching hospital. SAMPLE: Thirty consecutive women who underwent tension-free vaginal tape or colposuspension for primary genuine stress incontinence between March 1998 and June 1999. METHODS: Women underwent transperineal ultrasound of the bladder neck prior to and three to four weeks after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bladder neck elevation, angle and movement in relation to the pubic symphysis. RESULTS: For both tension-free vaginal tape and colposuspension the post-operative bladder neck angles at rest and valsalva were more acute than pre-operatively. The post-operative linear movement on valsalva was less than pre-operatively. For colposuspension the rotational movement on valsalva was significantly less post-operatively, but for tension-free vaginal tape there was only a trend towards less post-operative rotational movement. Post-operative angles and movement were significantly less for colposuspension. The resting bladder neck position was elevated significantly more by colposuspension. CONCLUSION: Both tension-free vaginal tape and colposuspension decrease bladder neck angles at rest and valsalva, linear movement on valsalva and elevate the bladder neck. The colposuspension causes significantly more change than the tension-free vaginal tape. This suggests the mechanism of continence for the tension-free vaginal tape is less dependent on bladder neck change than the colposuspension.

Can uroflowmetry patterns in women be reliably interpreted?

Our aim was to investigate the proposition that uroflowmetry patterns can be reliably interpreted and correspond with specific urodynamic diagnoses. Uroflowmetry traces from 129 women with diagnoses of either genuine stress incontinence or detrusor instability were interpreted by four physicians with a minimum of 6 months experience in urogynecology. To test intraobserver variability, the traces were classified a second time 8 weeks later. Inter- and intraobserver variability was calculated by kappa analysis. There was marked intra- and interobserver variability in classification of traces, but no evidence of a correlation between urodynamic diagnosis and uroflowmetry pattern. Neither peak flow, total voided volume nor rate of acceleration of flow correlated with diagnosis. Although flow rates are important in predicting possible problems following surgery for stress incontinence, there is no evidence that flow patterns can be used as a screening test for specific urodynamic diagnoses.

In vivo absorption, metabolism, and urinary excretion of alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes in experimental animals. Relevance to the development of cardiovascular diseases by the dietary ingestion of thermally stressed polyunsaturate-rich culinary oils.

Thermal stressing of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)- rich culinary oils according to routine frying or cooking practices generates high levels of cytotoxic aldehydic products (predominantly trans-2-alkenals, trans,trans-alka-2,4-dienals, cis,trans-alka-2, 4-dienals, and n-alkanals), species arising from the fragmentation of conjugated hydroperoxydiene precursors. In this investigation we demonstrate that typical trans-2-alkenal compounds known to be produced from the thermally induced autoxidation of PUFAs are readily absorbed from the gut into the systemic circulation in vivo, metabolized (primarily via the addition of glutathione across their electrophilic carbon-carbon double bonds), and excreted in the urine as C-3 mercapturate conjugates in rats. Since such aldehydic products are damaging to human health, the results obtained from our investigations indicate that the dietary ingestion of thermally, autoxidatively stressed PUFA-rich culinary oils promotes the induction, development, and progression of cardiovascular diseases.

Feminine and masculine personnas in performance.

Abstract Sade Huron is a self-confessed Lesbian drag artist. In this article she discusses how her performance character, the highly glamorized Tutu L'Amour, came into existence. She considers the role of Cabaret within her work, its importance historically for gay performers as a vehicle for raising issues concerned with sexuality. Sade goes on to explain that her performance looks at the complexities that surround the notion of gender, in particular femininity, and how she paradoxically presents Tutu L'Amour as a ludicrous parody of her own sex and an affirmation of 'glamorous femininity.' She introduces Elvis as a butch dyke icon to challenge the idea of binary opposites within gender, i.e., the masculine and the feminine. Lastly she looks at how these issues are received by different audiences.