Deprecated: bp_before_xprofile_cover_image_settings_parse_args is deprecated since version 6.0.0! Use bp_before_members_cover_image_settings_parse_args instead. in /home/top4art.com/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5094
  • Silver James posted an update 12 hours, 53 minutes ago

    Introduction Despite major advancements in features and capabilities of the implantable pulse generator (IPG), real life longevity and cost-effectiveness studies to guide pain specialist to make the appropriate choice between rechargeable and non-rechargeable IPG are limited. Our study aims to compare the longevity and cost effectiveness of rechargeable vs. non-rechargeable IPG and SCS systems. Methods Data were collected for all SCS implants between 1994- 2018. The primary goal is to determine the IPG longevity, defined as the time interval between IPG implant and elective replacement due to IPG end of life (EOL). On the other hand, SCS system longevity was defined as the time between the SCS implant and its removal or revision for any reason other than IPG EOL. Kaplan Meyer and Log-rank tests were used to assess IPG and SCS system longevities. Cost analysis was performed for cost effectiveness. Results The median for IPG longevity was significantly higher for rechargeable SCS than the non-rechargeable SCS (7.20 years and 3.68 years, respectively). The median cost per day was similar for both IPGs with $13.90 and $13.81 for non-rechargeable and rechargeable, respectively. The median cost for SCS system was higher for the rechargeable ($60.70) when compared the non-rechargeable group ($31.38). Conclusions Rechargeable IPG had increased longevity compared to the non-rechargeable, yet there was no significant difference in the actual longevity due to premature revisions or explants between both SCS systems. Furthermore, non-rechargeable SCS systems were found to be the more cost-effective option when compared with rechargeable SCS systems.The possibility of ultraviolet (UV) photooxidation of cypermethrin generating more toxic intermediates or isomers demands that studies that look at the effects of cypermethrin and UV irradiation under a coexposure scenario be carried out. In this study, juvenile African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were exposed to 50 µg/L cypermethrin, 100 µg/L cypermethrin, UV, 50 µg/L cypermethrin + UV or 100 µg/L cypermethrin + UV, in a static renewal for 3 weeks. The control fish were maintained in uncontaminated water, and not exposed to UV radiation. After the exposure duration, the fish were killed, and the activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, protease, and lipase were determined in the liver or intestinal homogenates. Also, the histopathology of some sections of the intestine was performed. The results showed that the activities of the enzymes decreased significantly following exposure to cypermethrin while there was no change in the activities of the enzymes due to UV irradiation alone. The histopathological analyses indicated that exposure to cypermethrin caused alterations in the histoarchitecture of the fish such as severe erosion of the mucosa layer, faded lamina propria, and disintegration of the muscle layer. The exposure of fish to both cypermethrin and UV irradiation caused significant decrease in the activities of the enzymes. This could be an indication that UV irradiation has the tendency to potentiate cypermethrin-induced toxicity in fish.Objective To review the treatment and revaccination of neuroblastoma-associated opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome (OMAS) patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). Procedure Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for this retrospective study of patients with neuroblastoma-associated OMAS followed at MSK from 2000 to 2016. Results Fourteen patients (nine female) were 9-21 (median 17) months old at diagnosis of neuroblastoma and OMAS syndrome. They had stage 1 (n = 12), stage 2B, or intermediate-risk stage 4. Tumor histology was favorable in 11 patients, unfavorable in two, and unknown in one patient. No patient had amplified MYCN. All patients underwent tumor resection at diagnosis. Anti-neuroblastoma treatment was limited to chemotherapy in one patient. Overall survival is 100% at 3-16 (median 10) years. For OMAS, 13 patients received intravenous immune globulin (IVIg), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and rituximab, and one received ACTH and IVIg. Seven patients experienced OMAS relapse. For these relapses, five patients received low-dose cyclophosphamide and two received rituximab. The mean total OMAS treatment was 20-96 (median 48) months. Seven patients started rituximab ≤3 months from diagnosis and did not relapse. The other six experienced OMAS relapse. To date, six patients have been revaccinated at a minimum of 2 years after completion of OMAS therapy without OMAS recurrence. Conclusions Patients with neuroblastoma-associated OMAS had excellent overall survival. Early initiation of rituximab, IVIg, and ACTH may reduce risks of OMAS relapse. Revaccination can be resumed without exacerbation of OMAS. Further investigation with a larger cohort of patients is needed.Tissue engineering holds promise to replace damaged tissues for repair of vital organs in the human body. In cardiac repairs specifically, approaches are developed for intramyocardial delivery of cells and the epicardial delivery of tissue-engineered cardiac patches, providing benefit of cell localization and tissue structure, respectively. However, to improve cell retention and integration, there is a need for the intramyocardial delivery of functional tissues while preserving anisotropic muscle alignment. Here, a biodegradable z-wire scaffold that supports the scalable gel-free production of an array of functional cardiac tissues in a 384-well plate format is developed. The z-wire scaffold design supports cellular alignment, provides tunable mechanical support, and allows for tissue contraction. When the scaffold is imparted with magnetic properties, individual tissues can be assembled with macroscopic alignment under magnetic guidance. When used in combination with a customized surgical delivery tool, z-wire tissues can be injected directly into the myocardial wall, with controlled tissue orientation according to the injection path. learn more This modular tissue engineering approach, in combination with the use of smart scaffolds, can expand opportunity in functional tissue delivery.

Facebook Pagelike Widget

Who’s Online

Profile picture of Cash Mcclure
Profile picture of Scarborough Mollerup
Profile picture of McFarland Singh