Large intradiploic arachnoid cyst of the skull in child-a case report and new terminology proposition.

We present a rare finding of the arachnoid matter invaginating into the base of middle cranial fossa and creating an abnormal space. Presented entity was incidentally found in head CT scan of 12-year-old male. Based on the radiological characteristics in CT scans and MR images, the diagnosis of intradiploic arachnoid cyst (AC) was suggested. After surgical intervention and histopathological analysis of the specimen, the diagnosis was confirmed. We assume this is the first description of large intrasphenoid AC without any traumatic or iatrogenic cause. The literature provides many different terms for the phenomenon. We are proposing the term intradiploic arachnoid diverticulum as the more accurate for capturing the essence of the phenomenon. It provides clear differentiation of the entities from classical arachnoid cysts since they are of different anatomical localization (intradural vs. extradural) and etiopathogenesis. Management with arachnoid diverticulum is not yet established, but observation with serial imaging studies should be recommended as primary management in case of asymptomatic cyst. When cyst is symptomatic, surgical treatment may be required.

Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue at nanostructured ZnO thin films.

The photocatalytic degradation of the wastewater dye pollutant methylene blue (MB) at ZnO nanostructured porous thin films, deposited by direct current reactive magnetron sputtering on Si substrates, was studied. It was observed that over 4 photocatalytic cycles (0.3 mg · l-1MB solution, 540 minUV irradiation), the rate constantkof MB degradation decreased by ∼50%, varying in the range (1.54 ÷ 0.78) · 10-9(mol·l-1·min-1). For a deeper analysis of the photodegradation mechanism, detailed information on the nanostructured ZnO surface morphology and local surface and subsurface chemistry (nonstoichiometry) were obtained by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as complementary analytical methods. The SEM studies revealed that at the surface of the nanostructured ZnO thin films a coral reef structure containing polycrystalline coral dendrites is present, and that, after the photocatalytic experiments, the sizes of individual crystallites increased, varying in the range 43 ÷ 76 nm for the longer axis, and in the range 28 ÷ 58 nm for the shorter axis. In turn, the XPS studies showed a slight non-stoichiometry, mainly defined by the relative [O]/[Zn] concentration of ca. 1.4, whereas [C]/[Zn] was ca. 1.2, both before and after the photocatalytic experiments. This phenomenon was directly related to the presence of superficial ZnO lattice oxygen atoms that can participate in the oxidation of the adsorbed MB molecules, as well as to the presence of surface hydroxyl groups acting as hole-acceptors to produce OH· radicals, which can be responsible for the generation of superoxide ions. In addition, after experiments, the XPS measurements revealed the presence of carboxyl and carbonyl functional groups, ascribable to the oxidation by-products formed during the photodegradation of MB.

Nationwide clinico-epidemiological treatment analysis of adult patients with tumors of cerebellopontine angle and internal acoustic meatus in Poland during 2011-2020.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to report the epidemiologic characteristics of tumors of the cerebellopontine angle (CPAT) and internal acoustic meatus in adult Polish population throughout the second decade of XXI century and to analyze their treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients with cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and internal acoustic meatus tumors diagnosed in Poland in 2011-2020 was performed. Data recorded in the National Health Fund (NHF) database were analyzed. International Classification of Diseases codes (ICD-9 and ICD-10) were used to identify study group patients and treatment procedures. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2020 6,173 Polish adult patients were diagnosed with cerebellopontine angle and internal acoustic meatus tumors. The average incidence in Poland is 1.99 per 100,000 residents/year. It mostly affects women (61.64%), and the average age of patients is 53.78 years. The incidence has steadily increased over the past decade. Treatment has changed significantly over the years, with a definite increase in the number of patients treated with radiotherapy (from 0.54 to 19.34%), and a decrease in surgical therapies (from 41.67 to 6.8%). The most common symptoms were vertigo and/or dizziness (43.48%) and sensorineural hearing loss (39.58%). 4.65% of patients suffered from sudden deafness, in this group of patients the risk of CPAT detection was the highest (6.25 / 1000 patients). CONCLUSIONS: The total incidence of CPAT and demographic characteristics of patients were comparable to other studies. Our study demonstrated the increased number of patients are being treated with radiotherapy and fewer with microsurgery. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an uncommon manifestation of CPAT but proper diagnosis should be undertaken because the risk of diagnosis such tumors is greater in this group.

Sinus tympani revisited for planning retrofacial approach-radiologic study in pneumatized temporal bones and its surgical implications.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Retrofacial approach (RFA) is an access route to sinus tympani (ST) and it is used in cholesteatoma surgery, especially when type C ST is encountered. It may also be used to gain an access to stapedius muscle to assess the evoked stapedius reflex threshold. The primary object of this study was to evaluate the morphology of sinus tympani and its relationship to facial nerve (FN) and posterior semicircular canal (PSC) in context of planning retrofacial approach in pneumatized temporal bones. METHODS: CBCT of 130 adults were reviewed. The type of sinus tympani was assessed according to Marchioni's classification. Width of entrance to sinus tympani (STW), depth of ST (STD), distance between the posterior semicircular canal and facial nerve (F-PSC), distance between the latter plane to the floor of ST at the right angle (P-ST) were measured at level of round window (RW) and pyramidal ridge (PR). RESULTS: All of the bones were well-aerated and classified in Dexian Tan pneumatization group 3 or 4. Type B of ST is dominant (70.8%) in adult population with no history of inflammatory otologic diseases, followed by type C (22.7%) and then type A (6.5%). The depth of ST (STD) presented significant deviations (ANOVA, p < 0.05) among all three types. STW reaches greater values on the level of PR. F-PSC does not correlate with type of ST. In over 75% of examined type C sinus tympani the distance P-ST was less than 1 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The qualitative classification of the sinus tympani into types A, B and C, introduced by Marchioni is justified by statistically significant differences of depth between individual types of tympanic sinuses. The STW distance reaches greater values inferiorly-it may suggest that RFA should be performed in infero-superior manner rather than opposite direction. Preoperative assessment of temporal bones CT scans gives very important information about size of sinus tympani and distance between FN and PSC.

Analysis of tympanic sinus shape for purposes of intraoperative hearing monitoring: a microCT study.

PURPOSE: Sinus tympani is the space in the retrotympanum, with variable morphology. Computed tomography is a common tool to investigate sinus tympani anatomy. During cochlear implantation or tympanoplasty, electrocochleography can be used for hearing monitoring. In such a surgical strategy the electrode is placed in the round window's region throughout posterior tympanotomy. Common accessible needle-shaped electrodes using is difficult in achieving intraoperative stabilization. The aim of the study is to assess the dimensions and shape of sinus tympani, basing on the micro computed tomography scans for purposes of establishing the possible new electrocochleography electrode shape. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen fresh frozen cadaveric temporal bones were dissected. MicroCT measurements included the depth and the width of sinus tympani, width of facial canal with stapedius muscle chamber. Obtained data were analyzed statistically with the use of RStudio 1.3.959 software. RESULTS: The highest average width of sinus tympani amounted for 2.68 mm, depth measured at the round window plane for 3.19 mm. Width of facial canal with stapedius muscle chamber highest average values at the round window plane- 3.32 mm. The lowest average minimum and maximum values were calculated at the 1 mm above the round window plane. The highest average posterior tympanotomy width was 2.91 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The shape of the tympanic sinus is like a trough with the narrowest and deepest dimensions in the middle part. The ST shape and dimensions should be taken into account in constructing the ECochG electrode, designed for optimal placement through posterior tympanotomy approach.

Synthesis and characterization of Gd2O3: Er3+, Yb3+doped with Mg2+, Li+ions-effect on the photoluminescence and biological applications.

Gd2O3:1% Er3+, 18% Yb3+,x% Mg2+(x = 0; 2.5; 4; 5; 6; 8;10; 20; 25; 50) and Gd2O3:1% Er3+, 18% Yb3+, 2,5% Mg2+,y% Li+(y = 0.5-2.5) nanoparticles were synthesized by homogenous precipitation method and calcined at 900 °C for 3 h in air atmosphere. Powder x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and photoluminescence techniques were employed to characterize the obtained nanoparticles. We observed a 8-fold increase in red luminescence for samples suspended in DMSO solution for 2.5% of Mg2+doping. The x-ray analysis shows that for the concentration of 2.5% Mg, the size of the crystallites in the NPs is the largest, which is mainly responsible for the increase in the intensity of the upconversion luminescence. But the addition of Li+ions did not improve the luminescence of the upconversion due to decreasing of crystallites size of the NPs. Synthesized nanomaterials with very effective upconverting luminescence, can act as luminescent markers inin vivoimaging. The cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles was evaluated on the 4T1 cell line for the first time.

Detailed Analysis of the Space between the Semicircular Canals for the Purpose of Direct Bone Conduction Stimulation of the Inner Ear.

INTRODUCTION: Until recently, all locations for bone conduction (BC) stimulator described in the literature were situated outside of the real otic capsule. In recent studies 2 new sites for the BC titanium implant were proposed to directly stimulate the cochlea from the closest possible distance, which was the bone forming the ampulla of the lateral semicircular canal (SC) and the bone between the superior and lateral SC. They proved to be the most efficient in terms of transmission of vibratory energy into the inner ear and could be introduced in the field of BC hearing rehabilitation. To the best of our knowledge the anatomy of the space between SC has not been studied so far. However, screwing the BC implant into the proposed new locations directly at the otic capsule and drilling the bone near the SC cast doubt on the safety of this procedure. In this study we aimed to present a detailed analysis of the anatomy of the otic capsule, especially as regards the space between the SC that seems to be safer. METHODS: Sixteen fresh frozen cadaveric temporal bones scanned with micro-computed tomography and analyzed using the multiplanar reconstruction option. The anatomy of the space between the SC was analyzed in detail for the purpose of direct BC stimulation of the inner ear. RESULTS: At least 3 mm of bony tissue is available above the bony space between the crura of the superior SC above the lateral SC, where the new location for the titanium BC implant is proposed. As regards the limitations of the length of screw the BC implant to be screwed, the smallest distance is at least 4 mm of bone thickness. CONCLUSIONS: The bone between the crura of the superior SC is the best placement to screw the BC implant directly to the otic capsule. The implant direction should be parallel to the plane of the lateral SC. This location, the direction, and the limitation of the screw length of the BC implant to a maximum of 7 mm present the lowest potential risk of damage to the inner ear.

Enhancement of mechanical properties of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays due to N+ ion irradiation.

In this work we apply N+ ion irradiation on vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) arrays in order to increase the number of connections and joints in the CNT network. The ions energy was 50 keV and fluence 5 × 1017 ions cm-2. The film was 160 µm thick. SEM images revealed the ion irradiation altered the carbon bonding and created a sponge-like, brittle structure at the surface of the film, with the ion irradiation damage region extending ∼4 µm in depth. TEM images showed the brittle structure consists of amorphous carbon forming between nanotubes. The significant enhancement of mechanical properties of the irradiated sample studied by the cyclic nanoindentation with a flat punch indenter was observed. Irradiation on the VACNT film made the structure stiffer, resulted in a higher percentage recovery, and reduced the energy dissipation under compression. The results are encouraging for further studies which will lead to create a class of materials-ion-irradiated VACNT films-which after further research may find application in storage or harvesting energy at the micro/nanoscale.

Unmodified Rose Bengal photosensitizer conjugated with NaYF4:Yb,Er upconverting nanoparticles for efficient photodynamic therapy.

In photodynamic therapy (PDT), photosensitizer (PS) molecules are irradiated by light to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), the presence of which subsequently leads to cell death. At present, the modality is limited to the treatment of skin diseases because of the low tissue penetration of visible or ultraviolet light required for producing ROS. To increase tissue penetration and extend the therapeutic possibilities of PDT to the treatment of deep-seated cancer, rare-earth doped nanoparticles capable of up-converting infrared to visible light are investigated. These up-converting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are conjugated with PS molecules to efficiently generate ROS. In this work, we employ hexagonal ß-NaYF4:Yb3 + ,Er3 + as UCNPs and Rose Bengal (RB) as PS molecules and demonstrate efficient in vitro PDT using this nanoformulation. Covalent bonding of the RB molecules is accomplished without their functionalization-an approach which is expected to increase the efficiency of ROS generation by 30%. Spectroscopic studies reveal that our approach results in UCNP surface fully covered with RB molecules. The energy transfer from UCNPs to RB is predominantly non-radiative as evidenced by luminescence lifetime measurements. As a result, ROS are generated as efficiently as under visible light illumination. The in vitro PDT is tested on murine breast 4T1 cancer cells incubated with 250 µg ml-1 of the nanoparticles and irradiated with NIR light under power density of 2 W cm-2 for 10 minutes. After 24 hours, the cell viability decreased to 33% demonstrating a very good treatment efficiency. These results are expected to simplify the protocols for preparation of the PDT agents and lead to improved therapeutic effects.

Structural, optical and magnetic properties of Y3-0.02-xEr0.02Yb x Al5O12 (0 < x < 0.20) nanocrystals: effect of Yb content.

The paramagnetic Y3-0.02-x Er0.02Yb x Al5O12 (x = 0.02, 0.06, 0.10, 0.12, 0.18, 0.20) nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized by the microwave-induced solution combustion method. The XRD, TEM and SEM techniques were applied to determine the NCs' structures and sizes. The XRD patterns confirmed that the NCs have for the most part a regular structure of the Y3Al5O12 (YAG) phase. The changes of the distance between donor Yb3+ (sensitizer) and acceptor Er3+ (activator) were realized by changing the donor's concentration with a constant amount of acceptor. Under 980 nm excitation, at room temperature, the NCs exhibited strong red emission near 660 and 675 nm, and green upconversion emission at 550 nm, corresponding to the intra 4f transitions of Er3+ (4F9/2, 2H11/2, 4S3/2) â†’ Er3+ (4I15/2). The strongest emission was observed in a sample containing 18% Yb3+ ions. The red and green emission intensities are respectively about 5 and 12 times higher as compared to NCs doped with 2% of Yb3+. In order to prove that the main factor responsible for the increase of the upconversion luminescence efficiency is reduction of the distance between Yb3+ and Er3+, we examined, for the first time the influence of hydrostatic pressure on luminescence and luminescence decay time of the radiative transitions inside donor ion. The decrease of both luminescence intensity and luminescence decay times, with increasing hydrostatic pressure was observed. After applying hydrostatic pressure to samples with e.g. 2% and 6% Yb3+, the distance between the donor and acceptor decreases. However, for higher concentrations of the donor, this distance is smaller, and this leads to the effective energy transfer to Er3+ ions. With increasing pressure, the maximum intensity of near infrared emission is observed at 1029, 1038 and 1047 nm, what corresponds to 2F5/2 â†’ 2F7/2 transition of Yb3+.

Ti2C MXene Modified with Ceramic Oxide and Noble Metal Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Morphostructural Properties, and High Photocatalytic Activity.

Among two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene, a new family of 2D anisotropic carbides and nitrides of early transition metals (MXenes) is very interesting because of the potential applications in electronics, medicine, and photocatalysis. In this paper, preparation, morphostructural characterization, band gaps determination, and salicylic acid photodegradation ability of Ti2C MXene and six nanocomposites consisting of the MXene modified by TiO2, Ag2O, Ag, PdO, Pd, and Au are reported. It was confirmed using electron diffraction studies, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission microscopy that metals and metal oxides occur on the MXene flakes as nanoparticles in a shape of spots. The band gaps determined experimentally using Tauc's method are placed in the region of 0.90-1.31 eV. In recent years, the method of photocatalytic decomposition of pollutants using semiconductor photocatalysts and UV-vis energy has become increasingly important. The MXene based nanocomposites revealed high activity in the salicylic acid (SA) photodegradation reaction (86.1-97.1% of degraded SA after 3 h, concentration of SA initial solution 100 µM, the circulation rate of the SA solution 0.875 cm3/min). The interfacial charge transfer mechanism and the role of the metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles in the photocatalytic activity of the MXene based nanocomposites are presented and discussed.

The radioanatomical assessment of the Körner's septum.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Körner's septum (KS) is a developmental remnant formed at the junction of mastoid and temporal squama, representing the persistence of the petrosquamosal suture. During mastoid surgery, it could be taken as a false medial wall of the antrum so that the deeper cells might not be explored. The aim of the study was to assess a Körner's septum prevalence and to analyze its topography. METHODS: The study was performed on 80 sets of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of temporal bone (41 male, 39 female, 160 temporal bones). Körner's septum was identified and its thickness was measured on axial sections at three points: at the level of superior semicircular canal (SCC), at the level of head of malleus (HM) and at the level of tympanic sinus (TS). RESULTS: KS was encountered at least in one point of measurements in 50 out of 80 sets of CBCT images (62.5%). The average thickness at the level of SCC was 0.87 ± 0.34 mm, at the level of HM was 0.99 ± 0.37 mm and at the level of TS was 0.52 ± 0.17 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Körner's septum is a common structure in the temporal bone-air cell complex. It is more often encountered in men. In half of the patients, it occurs bilaterally. However, in most of the cases it is incomplete with anterior and superior portions being the most constant.

Single-step synthesis of Er3+ and Yb3+ ions doped molybdate/Gd2O3 core-shell nanoparticles for biomedical imaging.

Nanostructures as color-tunable luminescent markers have become major, promising tools for bioimaging and biosensing. In this paper separated molybdate/Gd2O3 doped rare earth ions (erbium, Er3+ and ytterbium, Yb3+) core-shell nanoparticles (NPs), were fabricated by a one-step homogeneous precipitation process. Emission properties were studied by cathodo- and photoluminescence. Scanning electron and transmission electron microscopes were used to visualize and determine the size and shape of the NPs. Spherical NPs were obtained. Their core-shell structures were confirmed by x-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy measurements. We postulated that the molybdate rich core is formed due to high segregation coefficient of the Mo ion during the precipitation. The calcination process resulted in crystallization of δ/ξ (core/shell) NP doped Er and Yb ions, where δ-gadolinium molybdates and ξ-molybdates or gadolinium oxide. We confirmed two different upconversion mechanisms. In the presence of molybdenum ions, in the core of the NPs, Yb3+-[Formula: see text] (∣2F7/2, 3T2〉) dimers were formed. As a result of a two 980 nm photon absorption by the dimer, we observed enhanced green luminescence in the upconversion process. However, for the shell formed by the Gd2O3:Er, Yb NPs (without the Mo ions), the typical energy transfer upconversion takes place, which results in red luminescence. We demonstrated that the NPs were transported into cytosol of the HeLa and astrocytes cells by endocytosis. The core-shell NPs are sensitive sensors for the environment prevailing inside (shorter luminescence decay) and outside (longer luminescence decay) of the tested cells. The toxicity of the NPs was examined using MTT assay.

Submicron Colloidosomes of Tunable Size and Wall Thickness.

We present a simple method for the fabrication of colloidal capsules of different sizes ranging from below 100 nm up to one micron. The capsules are produced by self-assembling 5 nm gold nanoparticles at the interface of oil-in-water emulsion droplets. The size of the capsules is regulated by tuning the wetting properties of the nanoparticles by changing either the composition of their ligand shell or the composition of the oil phase. The modified wettability affects not only the size but also the thickness of capsule walls. The wall can be thin if it is made of a single layer of the nanoparticles or thick when composed of multilayers. The durability of such capsules is quite high, although it can be improved by chemical cross-linking with UV light. Such capsules have low permeability, so they can store a molecular cargo and then release it on demand.

Spin splitting anisotropy in single diluted magnetic nanowire heterostructures.

We study the impact of the nanowire shape anisotropy on the spin splitting of excitonic photoluminescence. The experiments are performed on individual ZnMnTe/ZnMgTe core/shell nanowires as well as on ZnTe/ZnMgTe core/shell nanowires containing optically active magnetic CdMnTe insertions. When the magnetic field is oriented parallel to the nanowire axis, the spin splitting is several times larger than for the perpendicular field. We interpret this pronounced anisotropy as an effect of mixing of valence band states arising from the strain present in the core/shell geometry. This interpretation is further supported by theoretical calculations which allow to reproduce experimental results.

All-wurtzite (In,Ga)As-(Ga,Mn)As core-shell nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy.

Structural and magnetic properties of (In,Ga)As-(Ga,Mn)As core-shell nanowires grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs(111)B substrate with gold catalyst have been investigated. (In,Ga)As core nanowires were grown at high temperature (500 °C) whereas (Ga,Mn)As shells were deposited on the {11̅00} side facets of the cores at much lower temperature (220 °C). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy images and high spectral resolution Raman scattering data show that both the cores and the shells of the nanowires have wurtzite crystalline structure. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy observations show smooth (Ga,Mn)As shells containing 5% of Mn epitaxially deposited on (In,Ga)As cores containing about 10% of In without any misfit dislocations at the core-shell interface. With the In content in the (In,Ga)As cores larger than 5% the (In,Ga)As lattice parameter is higher than that of (Ga,Mn)As and the shell is in the tensile strain state. Elaborated magnetic studies indicate the presence of ferromagnetic coupling in (Ga,Mn)As shells at the temperatures in excess of 33 K. This coupling is maintained only in separated mesoscopic volumes resulting in an overall superparamagnetic behavior which gets blocked below ∼ 17 K.

The incidence of genitourinary and gastrointestinal complications in open and endoscopic gynecologic cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of genitourinary and intestinal tract injuries in an effort to identify which factors might predispose a patient to developing one of these surgical complications. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the charts of gynecologic cancer patients who were treated at a single medical institution from January 2002 to February 2011. The following study variables were noted for evaluation: age, BMI, cancer origin, disease recurrence, a history of pelvic surgery, surgery type, operative approach and injury classification (genitourinary or gastrointestinal). RESULTS: In our group of 1,618 patients, a total of 47 (2.9%) gastrointestinal and 18 (1.1%) genitourinary tract injuries were encountered. There were no intraoperative-related deaths but 2 patients expired 1 month after surgery. Logistic regression indicated that surgery type, undergoing an open procedure, cancerous involvement of the bowel or genitourinary tract and a history of pelvic surgery were significant predictors of operative injury occurrence [χ(2) (28) = 167.22; p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: We ascertained a relatively low incidence of gastrointestinal and genitourinary complications. Nevertheless, undergoing an open procedure, a history of pelvic surgery and surgical involvement of the bowel or genitourinary tract were predictive of an increased risk for these aforementioned injuries.