Retraction notice to "Recent advancements of spinel ferrite based binary nanocomposite photocatalysts in wastewater treatment"[Chemosphere 274 (2021) 129734].

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal). .

Retraction notice to "Modified poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanomembranes for dye removal from water - A review" [Chemosphere 322 (2023) 138152].

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal). .

Biomass waste as an alternative source of carbon and silicon-based absorbents for CO2 capturing application.

The production of low-cost solid adsorbents for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture has gained massive consideration. Biomass wastes are preferred as precursors for synthesis of CO2 solid adsorbents, due to their high CO2 adsorption efficiency, and ease of scalable low-cost production. This review particularly focuses on waste biomass-derived adsorbents with their CO2 adsorption performances. Specifically, studies related to carbon (biochar and activated carbon) and silicon (silicates and geopolymers)-based adsorbents were summarized. The impact of experimental parameters including nature of biomass, synthesis route, carbonization temperature and type of activation methods on the CO2 adsorption capacities of biomass-derived pure carbon and silicon-based adsorbents were evaluated. The development of various enhancement strategies on biomass-derived adsorbents for CO2 capture and their responsible factors that impact adsorbent's CO2 capture proficiency were also reviewed. The possible CO2 adsorption mechanisms on the adsorbent's surface were highlighted. The challenges and research gaps identified in this research area have also been emphasized, which will help as further research prospects.

Recent developments on graphene and its derivatives based electrochemical sensors for determinations of food contaminants.

The sensing of food contaminants is essential to prevent their adverse health effects on the consumers. Electrochemical sensors are promising in the determination of electroactive analytes including food pollutants, biomolecules etc. Graphene nanomaterials offer many benefits as electrode material in a sensing device. To further improve the analytical performance, doped graphene or derivatives of graphene such as reduced graphene oxide and their nanocomposites were explored as electrode materials. Herein, the advancements in graphene and its derivatives-based electrochemical sensors for analysis of food pollutants were summarized. Determinations of both organic (food colourants, pesticides, drugs, etc.) and inorganic pollutants (metal cations and anions) were considered. The influencing factors including nature of electrode materials and food pollutants, pH, electroactive surface area etc., on the sensing performances of modified electrodes were highlighted. The results of pollutant detection in food samples by the graphene-based electrode have also been outlined. Lastly, conclusions and current challenges in effective real sample detection were presented.

Long-term Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Prior Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

BACKGROUND Patients with a prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) may have a need for repeat revascularization, which is typically attempted first via percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of either a bypass graft or native vessel. Long-term outcomes of native vessel compared to graft PCI after CABG have not yet been explored in a large institution study. METHODS Patients with history of prior CABG who underwent PCI at our institution during 2010-2018 were included. Baseline characteristics and long-term outcomes of up to 5 years were compared between native vessel and bypass graft PCI groups. Cox regression was used to adjust for significant covariates in estimation of risk and calculation of hazard ratios. RESULTS During the study, 4,251 patients with a prior CABG underwent PCI. Native vessel PCI represented 67.1% (n=2,851) of the cohort. After adjusting for significant covariates, bypass graft PCI compared to native vessel PCI had a higher risk of overall mortality (HR 1.15; 95% CI, 1.04-1.29; p<0.05), all-cause readmission (HR 1.16; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3; p<0.05), readmission for PCI (HR 1.25; 95% CI, 1.13-1.38; p<0.05), readmission for heart failure (HR 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06-1.26; p<0.05), and composite of myocardial infarction and revascularization (HR 1.23; 95% CI, 1.12-1.35; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with prior CABG, bypass graft PCI compared to native vessel PCI was associated with higher risk of adverse long-term outcomes.

Halides and oxyhalides-based photocatalysts for abatement of organic water contaminants - An overview.

Recently, halides (silver halides, AgX; perosvkite halides, ABX3) and oxyhalides (bismuth oxyhalides, BiOX) based nanomaterials are noticeable photocatalysts in the degradation of organic water pollutants. Therefore, we review the recent reports to explore improvement strategies adopted in AgX, ABX3 and BiOX (X = Cl, Br and I)-based photocatalysts in water pollution remediation. Herein, the photocatalytic degradation performances of each type of these photocatalysts were discussed. Strategies such as tailoring the morphology, crystallographic facet exposure, surface area, band structure, and creation of surface defects to improve photocatalytic activities of pure halides and BiOCl photocatalysts are emphasized. Other strategies like metal ion and/or non-metal doping and construction of composites, adopted in these photocatalysts were also reviewed. Furthermore, the way of production of active radicals by these photocatalysts under ultraviolet/visible light source is highlighted. The deciding factors such as structure of pollutant, light sources and other parameters on the photocatalytic performances of these materials were also explored. Based on this literature survey, the need of further research on AgX, ABX3 and BiOX-based photocatalysts were suggested. This review might be beneficial for researchers who are working in halides and oxyhalides-based photocatalysis for water treatment.

Recent progress in green and biopolymer based photocatalysts for the abatement of aquatic pollutants.

Enormous research studies on the abatement of anthropogenic aquatic pollutants including organic dyes, pesticides, cosmetics, antibiotics and inorganic species by using varieties of semiconductor photocatalysts have been reported in recent decades. Besides, many of these photocatalysts suffer in real applications owing to their high production cost and low stability. In many cases, the photocatalysts themselves are being considered as secondary pollutants. To eliminate these drawbacks, the green synthesized photocatalysts and the use of biopolymers as photocatalyst supports are considered in recent years. In this context, recent developments in green synthesized metals, metal oxides, other metal compounds, and carbon based photocatalysts in water purification are critically reviewed. Furthermore, the pivotal role of biopolymers including chitin, chitosan, cellulose, natural gum, hydroxyapatite, alginate in photocatalytic removal of aquatic pollutants is comprehensively reviewed. The presence of functional groups, electron trapping ability, biocompatibility, natural occurrence, and low production cost are the major reasons for using biopolymers in photocatalysis. Finally, the summary and conclusion are presented along with existing challenges in this research area.

Machinability of Zirconia Toughened Mica Glass Ceramics for Dental Restorations / Usinabilidade de cerâmica de vidro de mica temperada com zircônia para restaurações dentárias

Objective: For a dental material to be machinable for CAD/CAM technology, it must offer convenient machining, under a given set of cutting conditions. Quantitative evaluation of machinability has been assessed in literature through various parameters such as tool wear, penetration rates, surface roughness, cutting force and power. A machinable ceramic will typically demonstrate a higher tool penetration rate with signs of reduced diamond tool wear and edge chipping. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the feasibility of machining an experimental ceramic, 20 wt.% zirconia reinforced mica glass ceramics (G20Z) for indirect dental restorations and compare the tool penetration rates of G20Z to commercially available dental ceramics, Presintered Zirconia (PSZ) and IPS emax CAD. Material and Methods: Precursors of base glass (SiO2 -Al2O3 -K2O -MgO-B2O3 -F) were melted at 15000C for 2 h in a platinum crucible and quenched in deionised water. The glass frit was ball milled with 20 wt. % YSZ (G20Z) and subject to two stage heat treatment in a muffle furnace. Specimens of G20Z (12 X 2 mm) were evaluated for their feasibility of machining under varying spindle speed, depth of cut, and feed rates. Influence of depth of cut, spindle speed and feed rate (vc=8000-16000 rpm, d=0.4-0.8 mm, f=0.1- 0.3 mm/tooth) on cutting forces, material response, surface roughness and tool wear were investigated. Tool penetration rates, tool wear and margin chipping were also evaluated and compared with Pre-sintered Zirconia (PSZ) and e.max CAD in a custom dental milling surveyor at 30,000 rpm with a load of 0.98 N under water lubrication for 6 min. Tool penetration rates were calculated as the ratio of length of cut and milling time with a measuring microscope and scanning electron microscope was used for tool wear and edge chipping. ANOVA and Tukey Kramer tests were used for statistically comparing the means of each group. Results: Spindle speed and feed rate play a significant role in influencing surface roughness, thrust force, cutting forces and tool wear. Penetration rates of G20Z (0.32 ±0.12 mm/min) was significantly greater than PSZ (0.26 ±0.06 mm/min) and IPS e.max CAD (0.21 ±0.05 mm/min). SEM observations reveal tool abrasion and edge chipping regardless of the ceramic type. Conclusion: High spindle speeds delivers low cutting forces with an average surface roughness of 1.61 µm, with abrasive wear of the tool insert and brittle fracture of zirconia mica glass ceramic composites. G20Z with its machinable nature demonstrates greater tool penetration rates than PSZ and IPS e.max CAD. Tool wear and edge chipping is seen in all the investigated ceramics. (AU)

Objetivo: Para que um material odontológico seja usinável para a tecnologia CAD / CAM, ele deve oferecer uma usinagem conveniente, sob um determinado conjunto de condições de corte. A avaliação quantitativa da usinabilidade tem sido avaliada na literatura por meio de vários parâmetros, como desgaste da ferramenta, taxas de penetração, rugosidade da superfície, força de corte e potência. Uma cerâmica usinável normalmente demonstrará uma maior taxa de penetração da ferramenta com sinais de desgaste reduzido da ferramenta de diamante e lascamento da borda. O objetivo deste estudo in vitro foi avaliar a viabilidade da usinagem de uma cerâmica experimental, 20% em peso de cerâmica de vidro de mica reforçada com zircônia (G20Z) para restaurações dentárias indiretas e comparar as taxas de penetração da ferramenta de G20Z com as cerâmicas dentais comercialmente disponíveis, Zircônia Presinterizada (PSZ) e IPS emax CAD. Material e Métodos: Precursores de vidro base (SiO2-Al2O3-K2O -MgO-B2O3 -F) foram fundidos a 15000C por 2 h em um cadinho de platina e temperados em água deionizada. A frita de vidro foi moída com 20% em peso de YSZ (G20Z) e submetida a tratamento térmico em duas fases em mufla. Amostras de G20Z (12 x 2 mm) foram avaliadas quanto à sua viabilidade de usinagem sob variação de velocidade do fuso, profundidade de corte e taxas de avanço. A influência da profundidade de corte, velocidade do fuso e taxa de avanço (vc = 8000-16000 rpm, d = 0,4-0,8 mm, f = 0,1- 0,3 mm / dente) nas forças de corte, resposta do material, rugosidade da superfície e desgaste da ferramenta foram investigadas. As taxas de penetração da ferramenta, o desgaste da ferramenta e o lascamento da margem também foram avaliados e comparados com Zircônia pré-sinterizada (PSZ) e e.max CAD em um topógrafo de fresamento dentário personalizado a 30.000 rpm com uma carga de 0,98 N de lubrificação subaquática por 6 min. As taxas de penetração da ferramenta foram calculadas como a razão entre o comprimento de corte e o tempo de fresamento com um microscópio de medição e um microscópio eletrônico de varredura foi usado para o desgaste da ferramenta e lascamento da borda. Os testes ANOVA e Tukey Kramer foram usados para comparar estatisticamente as médias de cada grupo. Resultados: a velocidade do fuso e a taxa de avanço desempenham um papel significativo em influenciar a rugosidade da superfície, força de impulso, forças de corte e desgaste da ferramenta. As taxas de penetração de G20Z (0,32 ± 0,12 mm / min) foram significativamente maiores do que PSZ (0,26 ± 0,06 mm / min) e IPS e.max CAD (0,21 ± 0,05 mm / min). As observações do SEM revelam a abrasão da ferramenta e o lascamento da borda, independentemente do tipo de cerâmica. Conclusão: As altas velocidades do fuso proporcionam baixas forças de corte com uma rugosidade superficial média de 1,61 µm, com desgaste abrasivo do inserto da ferramenta e fratura frágil de compósitos de cerâmica de vidro de zircônia. G20Z com sua natureza usinável demonstra maiores taxas de penetração da ferramenta do que PSZ e IPS e.max CAD. O desgaste da ferramenta e o lascamento da borda são vistos em todas as cerâmicas investigadas. (AU)

Outcomes of Heart Failure Admissions Under Observation Versus Short Inpatient Stay.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure (HF) are admitted either under observation (OBS) or inpatient stays; however, there is little data on whether this designation reflects the clinical status of a patient, with significant logistical and financial implications. We sought to compare the outcomes of patients with HF admitted OBS versus inpatient stay (≤2 days; INPT). METHODS AND RESULTS: From January 1, 2008 to September 30, 2015, our multisite health system saw 21 339 unique patients totaling 52 493 hospital admissions with a primary diagnosis of HF. Patients were excluded if they underwent cardiac surgery (n=611), heart transplantation (n=187), or left ventricular assist device insertion (n=198), or if they died during hospitalization (n=1839). Of the remaining 50 654 discharges, 2 groups were identified: INPT group and OBS group. Outcomes were HF readmission, all-cause readmission, and all-cause mortality within 1 year of discharge. Hazard ratios were computed using the Andersen-Gill method in the Cox proportional-hazards model. A total of 8709 admissions (17%) occurred in the INPT group and 2648 admissions (5%) occurred in the OBS group. HF readmission rate at 1 year was 55.3% in INPT versus 66.5% in OBS (hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.80; P<0.01). All-cause readmission rate at 1 year was 70.7% in INPT versus 82.5% in OBS (hazard ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.78; P<0.01). All-cause mortality at 1 year occurred in 25.2% of INPT versus 24.2% of OBS (hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.12; P=0.46). CONCLUSIONS: HF admissions designated INPTs were associated with lower readmission rates and equivalent mortality to those designated OBS.

Effect of an Outer Sleeve on an Inflatable Balloon Tamp in Terms of Height Restoration Under Simulated Physiological Load.

STUDY DESIGN: An in vitro biomechanical study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an optional sleeve on height restoration and compare it with the fracture reduction achieved by a commercially available inflatable bone tamp under simulated physiological load (110 N). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Loss of reduction after bone tamp deflation before cement injection still remains a concern. The optional sleeve surrounds the bone tamp to help maintain height during the kyphoplasty procedure while filling the created cavity with bone cement on the contralateral side. METHODS: Eighteen osteoporotic vertebral bodies (VBs) (T11-L4) were alternately assigned to 1 of the 2 treatment groups: group A: KYPHON (Kyphon Inc.) and group B: AFFIRM with sleeve (Globus Medical Inc.). The VBs were compressed axially at a rate of 5 mm/min until compressed to 40% of the initial anterior height. The fractured VBs then underwent kyphoplasty with cement augmentation while still maintaining load (110 N). The augmented VBs were then recompressed and anterior VB height (mm) and wedge angle (degrees) were measured initially after mechanically creating an anterior wedge fracture, and after repairing the compression fracture. The effect of kyphoplasty on vertebral height, kyphotic angle, cement volumes, and inflation pressures were compared between the treatment groups. Failure load (N) data were compared between intact and repaired VBs. RESULTS: Average percentage of lost VB height restored in group A was 30%, compared with 56% for group B. The mean changes in wedge angle were similar to those of vertebral height measurements. No significant difference in mean inflation pressures (group A: 175±37 psi; group B: 160±36 psi) were found between the 2 groups. Average percentage increase in failure load was 241% and 212% in groups A and B, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Some height restoration was observed using the commercially available bone tamp in fractured VBs under simulated physiological load. The use of an outer sleeve significantly enhanced height restoration compared with the inflatable bone tamp alone.

An In Vitro Evaluation of Fracture Reduction Achieved by Inflatable Bone Tamps Under Simulated Physiological Load.

STUDY DESIGN: An in vitro biomechanical study. OBJECTIVE: To determine the fracture reduction achieved by a novel inflatable bone tamp under simulated physiological load. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previous biomechanical studies have showed that kyphoplasty allows near-total restoration of lost vertebral height in unloaded conditions and partial height restoration under simulated physiological loads. Clinically, loss of reduction has been observed after bone tamp deflation, before cement injection. The present study evaluated fracture reduction achieved by an inflatable bone tamp during kyphoplasty while maintaining physiological load. Comparison to commercially available inflatable bone tamp was also performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen osteoporotic vertebral bodies (T11-L4) were alternately assigned to one of the 2 treatment groups: group A-AFFIRM (Algea Thearpies, a division of Globus Medical Inc., Audubon, PA); and group B-KYPHON (Kyphon Inc., Sunnyvale, CA). The vertebral bodies were compressed axially on an MTS Bionix 858 machine at a rate of 5 mm/min until compressed to 40% of the initial anterior height. Load versus displacement was recorded. The fractured VBs then underwent kyphoplasty with cement augmentation. The augmented vertebral bodies were then recompressed and anterior vertebral body height (mm) and wedge angle (degrees) was measured initially, after mechanically creating an anterior wedge fracture, and after repairing the compression fracture. Each vertebral body was subjected to 111 N load to simulate in vivo physiological loading during inflation and cement augmentation. The vertebral height, wedge angle, cement volume, and inflation pressures were compared between the treatment groups using an unpaired t test (P<0.05). Failure loads were compared between intact and repaired VBs using a paired t test (P<0.05). RESULTS: Average lost height restored in group A was 29%, and 30% in group B compared to the compressed state. Similar trends were observed in the mean changes of vertebral body wedge angle in both the groups. No significant difference in mean inflation pressures (group A 182±33 psi; group B 175±37 psi) were found between the 2 groups. Average percentage increase in failure load was 218% and 241% for groups A and B, respectively. Mean injected cement volume was 6.65±0.65 and 6.73±0.41 mL for groups A and B, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Some height restoration was observed using the 2 bone tamps in fractured vertebral bodies under simulated physiological load. The fracture reduction achieved by the 2 inflatable bone tamps was equivalent. No significant difference between mean inflation pressures and failure load was demonstrated between the 2 groups.

Evaluation of anti-allergic and anti-anaphylactic activity of ethanolic extract of Zizyphus jujuba fruits in rodents

The present study reports the anti-allergic activity of ethanolic extract of Zizyphus jujuba Mill., Rhamnaceae, and its possible mode of action. The effect of extract of Z. jujuba at different doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg, orally) was simulated on studied animal models of asthma and allergy: a) milk induced eosinophilia and leukocytosis; b) compound 48/80 induced mast cell degranulation; and, c) active and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. In addition, extract of Z. jujuba's effect on sensitized guinea pig ileum (ex vivo) and tracheal chain preparations (in vitro) were investigated.Treatment with extract of Z. jujuba at all doses significantly: prevented the milk-induced eosinophilia and compound 48/80 induced degranulation of mesenteric mast cells; decreased passive cutaneous and active anaphylactic reactions. In addition, extract of Z. jujuba inhibited acetylcholine as well as histamine induced tracheal chain contraction, and also antigen induced contraction of sensitized guinea pig ileum (Shultz-Dale inhibition test). Furthermore, it exhibited also free radicals scavenging activity (in vitro). The observed anti-allergic and anti-anaphylactic activity of extract of Z. jujuba may be largely through the stabilization of mast cells by the membrane presence of phytoconstituents (steroidal saponins and flavonoids).

Sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors associated with attrition in a prospective study of cardiovascular prevention: the Heart Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation study.

PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with attrition in a longitudinal study of cardiovascular prevention. METHODS: Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables potentially associated with attrition were investigated in 1841 subjects enrolled in the southwestern Pennsylvania Heart Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation study. Attrition was defined as study withdrawal, loss to follow-up, or missing 50% or more of study visits. RESULTS: Over 4 years of follow-up, 291 subjects (15.8%) met criteria for attrition. In multivariable regression models, factors that were independently associated with attrition were black race (odds ratio [OR], 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55-3.16; P < .001), younger age (OR per 5-year increment, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.79-0.99; P < .05), male gender (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.27-2.54; P < .05), no health insurance (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.20-3.47; P < .05), obesity (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.07-3.02; P < .05), CES-D depression score 16 or higher (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.29-3.19; P < .05), and higher ongoing life events questionnaire score (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04-1.13; P < .001). Having a spouse/partner participating in the study was associated with lower odds of attrition (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37-0.97; P < .05). A synergistic interaction was identified between black race and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Attrition over 4 years was influenced by sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological factors that can be readily identified at study entry. Recruitment and retention strategies targeting these factors may improve participant follow-up in longitudinal cardiovascular prevention studies.

Abnormal branching pattern of the axillary artery and its clinical significance / Patrón de ramificación anormal de la arteria axilar y su significado clínico

The increasing use of invasive diagnostic and interventional procedures in cardiovascular diseases makes it important that the type and frequency of vascular variations are well documented and understood. Sound knowledge of neurovascular variations is important for surgeons who remove axillary lymph nodes, to anesthesiologists, and orthopedic surgeons, considering the frequency of procedures done in this region. An unusual variation in the branching pattern of axillary artery was observed on the left side of a 60 year old female cadaver. In the present case the course and distribution of the first and second part of the axillary artery were normal. But a rare case of unusual origin of subscapular, anterior and posterior circumflex humeral, profunda brachii artery and ulnar collateral arteries from a common trunk were found on the left side during routine dissection. This common trunk was found arising from the third part of the axillary artery and at its commencement it was found passing between the two roots of the median nerve. Cases with this kind of variations should be examined or operated carefully during surgical or electrophysiological procedures.

El incremento del uso de diagnósticos invasivos y procedimientos de intervención en las enfermedades cardiovasculares hace que sea importante que el tipo y la frecuencia de las variaciones vasculares estén bien documentados y entendidos. Un buen conocimiento de las variaciones neurovasculares es importante para los cirujanos que extirpan linfonodos axilares, para anestesiólogos y cirujanos ortopédicos, considerando la frecuencia de los procedimientos realizados en esta región. Una inusual variación en el patrón de ramificación de la arteria axilar se observó en el lado izquierdo de un cadáver de sexo femenino de 60 años de edad. En el presente caso, el curso y la distribución de la primera y segunda parte de la arteria axilar fueron normales. Sin embargo, fue encontrado en el lado izquierdo, durante la disección de rutina, un caso raro, de origen inusual, de las arterias subescapular cirunflejas humerales anterior y posterior, braquial profunda y arterias colaterales ulnares desde un tronco común. Este tronco común se encontró derivado de la tercera parte de la arteria axilar y en su comienzo se comprobó que pasaba entre las dos raíces del nervio mediano. Los casos con este tipo de variaciones deben ser examinados u operados cuidadosamente durante procedimientos quirúrgicos o electro fisiológicos.

Abnormal branching pattern of the axillary artery and its clinical significance.

SUMMARY: The increasing use of invasive diagnostic and interventional procedures in cardiovascular diseases makes it importantthat the type and frequency of vascular variations are well documented and understood. Sound knowledge of neurovascular variations isimportant for surgeons who remove axillary lymph nodes, to anesthesiologists, and orthopedic surgeons, considering the frequency ofprocedures done in this region. An unusual variation in the branching pattern of axillary artery was observed on the left side of a 60 year oldfemale cadaver. In the present case the course and distribution of the first and second part of the axillary artery were normal. But a rare caseof unusual origin of subscapular, anterior and posterior circumflex humeral, profunda brachii artery and ulnar collateral arteries from acommon trunk were found on the left side during routine dissection. This common trunk was found arising from the third part of the axillaryartery and at its commencement it was found passing between the two roots of the median nerve. Cases with this kind of variations shouldbe examined or operated carefully during surgical or electrophysiological procedures.

Variation in the Origin of Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: A Case Report / Variación en el Origen del Músculo Esternocleidomastoideo: Reporte de Caso

A rare case of additional slip in the origin of the clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle was found during our routine dissection, on both sides of the neck in an elderly male cadaver. However, on both side of the same muscle no such additional slip of origin was found at the sternal head of the sternocleidomastoid near its origin nor at its insertion of the muscle.

Durante una disección de rutina, fue encontrado un raro caso de un fascículo adicional en el origen de la cabeza clavicular del músculo esternocleidomastoideo, en ambos lados del cuello, en un cadáver de un anciano de sexo masculino. Sin embargo, en ambos lados, no se encontró un fascículo adicional en el origen de la cabeza esternal ni en la inserción del músculo esternocleidomastoideo.

Ectopic Thyroid Tissue With a Rare Vascular Variation / Tejido Tiroideo Ectópico con una Rara Variación Vascular

Awareness of the variations and anomalous existence of some structures serve as useful guide for both in studies of human anatomy and in clinical practice today. Identification of ectopic thyroid tissue and variations in origin, number and course of the branches of the superior thyroid artery are of significant practical importance for the general, vascular surgeons and radiologist. Angiographic images with such vascular patterns may lead to confusion in interpretation. The relations of these vessels with the other structures are important for accurate diagnostic and invasive techniques and to prevent further complications during surgical interventions. In our routine dissections with the purpose of preparation of the teaching and museum specimens, it was observed that in one of the elderly male cadaver showed median thyroid tissue at a site other than in its usual pretracheal region. It was situated in the median plane extending from the hyoid bone to the front of cricoid cartilage. Normal thyroid gland in the pretracheal region was absent. Added to this rare anomaly a vascular anomaly was found in the same ectopic thyroid tissue. Solely the superior thyroid arteries supplied this median thyroid tissue. The inferior thyroid arteries were found to be absent on both sides supplying this median thyroid tissue.

Conocer la existencia de variaciones y anomalías de algunas estructuras, sirve usualmente como guía para estudios de anatomía humana y práctica clínica. La identificación de tejido tiroideo ectópico y variaciones en origen, número y curso de ramas de la arteria tiroidea superior son, por lo general, de importancia práctica significativa para cirujanos vasculares y radiólogos. Imágenes angiográficas con tales patrones vasculares pueden llevar a confusión en su interpretación. La relación de estos vasos con otras estructuras son importantes en un diagnóstico acucioso, en técnicas invasivas y para prevenir complicaciones durante intervenciones quirúrgicas. En una disección de rutina, con el propósito de preparar piezas anatómicas de museo para la enseñanza, se observó en un cadáver de sexo masculino, tejido tiroideo mediano en un sitio diferente a la región pretraqueal. Estaba situado en el plano mediano extendiéndose desde el hueso hiodes a la parte anterior del cartflago cricoides. La glándula tiroides normal en la región pretraqueal estuvo ausente. Agregada a estainusual variación, una rara anomalía vascular fue encontrada en el mismo tejido tiroideo ectópico, sólo las arterias tiroideas superiores irrigaban este tejido tiroideo mediano. No se encontraron arterias tiroideas inferiores irrigando este tejido.

Variations in the branching pattern of the aortic arch in three Trinidadians / Variaciones en los Patrones de Ramificación Del arco Aórtico en Tres Tinitenses

In routine anatomical dissections for the purpose of preparation of teaching and museum specimens, it was observed that three cadavers of elderly Trinidadian males (of African descent) showed uncommon origin and variations in the number of branches of the aortic arch.

En disecciones de rutina con el propósito de preparar la enseñanza así como especímenes de museo, se observó que tres cadáveres de hombres mayores trinitenses (de descendencia africana) mostraban un origen poco común y variaciones en el número de ramas del arco aórtico.

Variations in the branching pattern of the aortic arch in three Trinidadians.

In routine anatomical dissections for the purpose of preparation of teaching and museum specimens, it was observed that three cadavers of elderly Trinidadian males (of African descent) showed uncommon origin and variations in the number of branches of the aortic arch.

Evaluation of wound healing activity of Vanda roxburghii R.Br(Orchidacea): a preclinical study in a rat model.

The extract of Vanda roxburghii was administered topically to rats at a dose of 150mgkg(-1) day(- 1) for 10 days and was studied for its effect on wound healing, using the excision wound model. A 60 per cent reduction in wound diameter was observed in the test group rats receiving the extract compared to controls (48 per cent). Significant increases in wet and dry granulation tissue weights (P < .001), hydroxyproline (P < .001), and hexosamine (P < .003) contents were detected. An increase in protein content was also detected in the test group (P > .05, ns). These findings are consistent with wound healing at cellular levels. The pro-healing action may be attributed either to increased collagen deposition or to better alignment and maturation or both. The test wounds (extract-treated wounds) were, on average, fully healed by the 13th day, whereas the control group healed, on average, by the 20th day. These data suggest that the extract of Vanda roxburghii administered topically has wound-healing potential in rats.