Observation on the effect of modified buffy coat centrifugal canning method on improving the quality of platelet concentrates / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To evaluate the quality of platelet concentrates (PCs) prepared by traditional and modified buffy coat centrifugal canning methods, and to explore the effect of modified buffy coat centrifugal canning method on improving the quality of PCs. 【Methods】 The buffy coat centrifugal canning methods was divided into traditional group and modified group. In the traditional group, the buffy coat component bag and empty bag were directly combined layer by layer and vertically canned for light centrifugation. In the modified group, a foam spacer was added between the buffy coat component bag and the empty bag for light centrifugation layer by layer. The effects of the two groups of centrifugal canning methods on the preparation quality of PCs were observed. 【Results】 The platelet content in PCs prepared by the modified buffy coat centrifugal canning method was significantly higher than that in the traditional group, and the mixed amount of red blood cells was lower than that in the traditional group (P0.05), the qualified rates of platelet content and mixed red blood cell in the modified group were higher than those in the traditional group (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The modified centrifugal canning method with buffy coat can improve the quality of PCs, which is convenient and cheap, and is worth popularizing.

Evaluation of the protective effect of foam dressings on intraoperative acquired pressure injuries based on propensity score matching / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To evaluate the protective effect of foam dressing in preventing intraoperative acquired pressure injury (IAPI), and to provide reference basis for prevention and treatment of IAPI during clinical operation.Methods:The clinical data of 455 surgical patients admitted to Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University from October 2020 to January 2021 were retrospectively collected. According to whether foam dressing was used at the compression site during operation, the patients were divided into dressing group (101 cases) and control group (354 cases). The two groups were matched with age, body mass index, preoperative Braden and cerebrovascular disease as covariates, and were finally divided into 89 patients in the dressing group and 162 patients in the control group. Logistic regression analysis and stratified analysis were used to comprehensively evaluate the actual effect of foam dressing on the occurrence of IAPI in the surgical patients.Results:Among the 251 patients, there were 14 (15.7%) cases with IAPI in the dressing group and 13 (8.0%) cases in the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant ( χ2=3.41, P>0.05). Among the patients in the prone position, compared to the control group, the dressing group can effectively reduce the risk of IAPI in surgical patients by 77% ( OR=0.23, 95% CI 0.05-0.98, P<0.05). There was no interaction between foam dressing and intraoperative surgical characteristics ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Foam dressing plays a protective role in preventing the occurrence of IAPI in patients undergoing surgery in the prone position. There was no significant protective effect of intraoperative foam dressing in patients with other surgical characteristics.

Benchmarking of different microbes for their biosurfactants antifungal action against plant pathogens

The biotic stress caused by phytopathogens (bacteria, fungus, yeast and insect pests) is a primary factor in yield loss of plants. Biocontrol agents and their active compounds are used to manage such plant pathogens. Here, in our study, we screened four bacterial isolates identified as Bacillus cereus, B. anthracis, B. velezensis and Serratia marcescens after morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization (16s rDNA sequencing) for production of biosurfactant by foam forming activity, oil spreading tests and emulsification activity. Highest foam stability (75 min) and maximum emulsification activity E24% (75%) was observed by B. velezensis strain. Among all the four isolates, Bacillus velezensis strain produced maximum biosurfactant (0.349±0.004 g/50 mL). Biosurfactant of all the four bacterial isolates were checked for fungal inhibiton on PDA plate(s). Bacillus velezensis showed comparatively the highest percent inhibition 58.82, 88.15, 78.45,72.68, 83.96, 75.47, 68.07 and 88.44% against Colletotrichum falcatum, Fusarium oxysporum f sp. ciceri, Helminthosporium maydis, F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Aspergillus niger, Mucor sp., Helminthosporium oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani, respectively. Bacillus velezensis biosurfactant among all the four bacterial isolates was found to be most effective against the tested phytopathogens

OUTCOME OF ULTRASOUND GUIDED FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF VARICOSE VEINS

Varicose veins are one associated aspect of evolution that humans could have happily lived without. It's almost certainly the price we pay for the two-legged erect posture. Though we have achieved cure for various diseases, till now no reliable cure has been found for venous insufficiency.The gold standard for treating chronic venous insufficiency has been surgery. The surgeon dealing with varicose veins has always had to strike a balance between an aesthetically pleasing outcome and a low rate of recurrence and complications. Sclerotherapy, which was first used over 150 years ago, is still the most efficient method for permanently removing pathologically swollen as well as cosmetically unpleasant but otherwise normal veins.Foam sclerotherapy, in which the sclerosant is mixed with air or physiological gases, is more effective than direct injection of sclerosants, because the agent's contact with the endothelium is prolonged by the air in the foam. The use of foam sclerotherapy for big veins has reduced recurrence rates. Large-scale researches have demonstrated the safety of foam sclerotherapy. Foam sclerotherapy has a recurrence rate that is comparable to surgery. The efficacy of foam sclerotherapy has been variable as per different studies across different institutions

Effect of dynamic cupping therapy vs. vibrating foam roller on pain, range of motion, function, and quality of life in elderly with subacute and chronic osteoarthritis of knee: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a frequent degenerative disease of joints. The prevalence is approximately 28% among the Indian elderly. Recently complementary and alternative medicine therapies have been used in managing pain and disability. Dynamic cupping therapy is one of the forms used nowadays. Foam rolling and vibration therapy is also a popular intervention in musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and low back pain. Nowadays, these two have been combined for the development of vibrating foam rollers. Objectives: This research aimed to compare the result of dynamic cupping therapy to that of a vibrating foam roller on pain, range of motion, function, and quality of life in elderly with sub-acute and chronic KOA. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out on 45 subjects with subacute to chronic KOA who were given thrice a week sessions for 4 weeks’ intervention. Through the randomized method, subjects were divided into a conventional group, dynamic cupping group and vibrating foam roller group outcome measures Numeric Pain Rating Scale, knee range of motion, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), and brief Older People's Quality of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL-brief) were used. Results: Wilcoxon rank test revealed a pre-post difference in all three groups with significant P-values which were <0.05 and heterogeneously favored different outcome measures used. Kruskal–Wallis test revealed no difference between the groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that dynamic cupping therapy and vibration foam roller protocols used for the management of KOA are equally effective.

Perfil de IL-6 e TNF na Formação de Células Espumosas: Um Método Aprimorado Usando a Sonda de Isotiocianato de Fluoresceína (FITC) / Profile of IL-6 and TNF in Foam Cell Formation: An Improved Method Using Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC) Probe

Resumo Fundamento A formação de células espumosas ocorre devido ao aumento em lipoproteína plasmática de baixa densidade (LDL) e desregulação da inflamação, sendo importante para o desenvolvimento da aterosclerose. Objetivo Avaliar o perfil do fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α) e da interleucina-6 (IL-6) no método de formação da célula espumosa existente, otimizando esse protocolo. Métodos A LDL foi isolada, oxidada e marcada com sonda de isotiocianato de fluoresceína (FITC). As células espumosas foram geradas de célula derivada de monócitos humanos THP-1 e incubadas na ausência (controle) ou presença de FITC-ox-LDL (10, 50, 100, 150 ou 200 μg/mL), por 12, 24, 48 ou 72 horas. A FITC-ox-LDL na célula foi quantificada por microscopia. O ensaio de imunoabsorção enzimática foi avaliado para quantificar a IL-6 e o TNF-α, com um p <0,05 considerado significativo. Resultados Todas as concentrações de FITC-ox-LDL testadas apresentaram fluorescência mais alta em comparação com o controle, demonstrando maior acúmulo de lipoproteínas nas células. Quanto mais alta a concentração de FITC-ox-LDL, maior a produção de TNF-α e IL-6. A produção de IL-6 pelas células espumosas foi detectada até o valor de 150 µg/mL da LDL máxima de estímulo. Concentrações acima de 50 μg/mL de LDL estimularam maior liberação de TNF-α comparado ao controle. Conclusões Nosso modelo contribui para o entendimento da liberação de IL-6 e TNF-α em resposta a várias concentrações de ox-LDL usando o método otimizado para a formação de células espumosas.

Abstract Background The formation of foam cells occurs due to the increase in low-density plasma lipoprotein (LDL) and dysregulation of inflammation, which is important for the development of atherosclerosis. Objective To evaluate the profile of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the existing foam cell formation method, optimizing this protocol. Methods The LDL was isolated, oxidized, and labeled with a Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) probe. Foam cells were generated from THP-1 human monocyte-derived cells and incubated in the absence (control) or presence of FITC-ox-LDL (10, 50, 100, 150, or 200 μg/mL), for 12, 24, 48, or 72 hours. The accumulated FITC-ox-LDL in the cell was quantified by microscopy. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was evaluated to quantify the IL-6 and TNF-α, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results All the FITC-ox-LDL concentrations tested showed a higher fluorescence when compared to the control, showing a greater accumulation of lipoprotein in cells. The higher the concentration of FITC-ox-LDL, the greater the production of TNF-α and IL-6. The production of IL-6 by foam cells was detected up to the value of 150 µg/mL of the maximum stimulus for LDL. Concentrations above 50 μg/mL LDL stimulated greater release of TNF-α compared to control. Conclusions Our model contributes to the understanding of the release of IL-6 and TNF-α in response to different concentrations of ox-LDL, using an optimized method for the formation of foam cells.

Plug it, fill it and forget it!

Background: Management of posterior scleral perforation is commonly done with cryotherapy/laser or scleral patch graft depending on the size of perforation. However, for large perforations, the availability of donor sclera is always an issue. To overcome this problem, we tried using absorbable gelatin sponge to plug the perforation as an alternative. Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of gelatin foam as an alternative to scleral patch graft in cases with perforation of posterior sclera. Synopsis: Here we report the case of a 27?year?old male, who sustained penetrating injury to right eye with two metallic intraocular foreign bodies with visual acuity of hand movement close to face. Primary wound repair was done, followed by retrieval of the first piece of metallic foreign body that measured 11X3mm in size. The second foreign body visualized at posterior pole adjascent to the disc was removed using Machemar forceps and it measured 10X3 mmin size. Leakage of PFCL at the site confirmed a posterior scleral perforation. Cryotherapy was avoided due to its proximity to optic nerve head, and donor sclera was not readily available at that moment. We managed the case by plugging the defect with absorbable gelatin foam, followed by silicone oil injection into the vitreous cavity. Post operative outcome was good with restoration of anatomical integrity of the globe along with improvement in visual acuity upto 6/18. Highlights: Gelatin foam being absorbable and inciting less reaction aids in sealing the perforation and maintenance of globe contour with the advantage being readily available, cost?effective and it can be left in situ without the need for additional surgery for its removal. This would be of use in situations where the donor sclera is not readily available, and thus can be a potential alternative. However, further studies with larger sample size need to be done to evaluate and compare its effectiveness over donor scleral grafts

Rapamycin and Paclitaxel Affect Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells-Derived Foam Cells Viability and Proliferation

Abstract Introduction: Drug-eluting stents (DES) coated with rapamycin or paclitaxel as antiproliferative substances significantly reduced the incidence of clinical restenosis and had fewer side effects after percutaneous coronary intervention. However, DES coated with rapamycin or paclitaxel still cause restenosis due to abnormal tissue growth which remained a therapeutic problem, particularly in certain subgroups, possibly due to drug concentrations. This study examined the impact of different concentrations of rapamycin and paclitaxel on cytokine, cell viability and proliferation in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC)-derived foam cells. Methods: The foam cell model was established in vitro by incubating HASMC with 20 µg/mL oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) for 48 hours. Subsequently, foam cells were treated with different concentrations (0.01 µg/mL, 0.1 µg/mL, 0.5 µg/mL, 1 µg/mL, 5 µg/mL and 10 µg/mL) of rapamycin or paclitaxel for 48 hours, to measure cytokine, cell viability and proliferation by ELISA and MTT, respectively. Finally, viability and proliferation were measured by MTT after the foam cells were treated with 1 µg/mL rapamycin or paclitaxel combined with cytokine antibody for 48 hours. Results: After incubation of HASMC with ox-LDL, the ratios of cholesterol ester and total cholesterol increased significantly (55.29%) (P<0.01). Lipid staining with Oil Red O showed many lipid vacuoles and red dye particles in the cells. Meanwhile, cell viability and proliferation significantly increased compared with the control. This indicated that HASMC had been transformed into foam cells (P<0.01) while rapamycin or paclitaxel concentrations ≥0.1 µg/mL can significantly decrease the foam cell proliferation (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and 1 µg/mL of rapamycin or paclitaxel appeared the most effective concentration. As for cytokines, rapamycin or paclitaxel concentrations ≥1 ug/mL could significantly increase the level of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 (P<0.05 or P<0.01), which was enhanced with the increase of drug concentration. However, rapamycin or paclitaxel concentrations ≥1 µg/mL could significantly reduce the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-35 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) (P<0.05 or P<0.01), which decreased with the increase of drug concentration. In addition, rapamycin or paclitaxel combined with anti-IL-1β, anti-IL-6, anti- TNF-α or anti-IL-35 had no significant effect on foam cell proliferation compared to the drug alone. However, rapamycin or paclitaxel combined with anti-IL-10 or anti-TGF-β can significantly enhance foam cell proliferation (P<0.01). In addition, there was no difference in the effects of the same concentrations of rapamycin and paclitaxel on foam cells. Conclusion: Although rapamycin or paclitaxel can reduce foam cell proliferation, too high or too low concentrations could decrease effectiveness. In particular, a high dose can induce foam cells to increase inflammatory cytokines secretion, reduce anti-inflammatory cytokines secretion, and thus affect the inhibiting proliferation. For rapamycin- and paclitaxel-eluting stents, this conclusion may explain the clinical observation of in-stent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. DES coated with an appropriate concentration of rapamycin or paclitaxel may, at least to some extent, contribute significantly to reducing incidence of late in-stent restenosis.

Optimization of preparation technology of baicalin lipid nano foam aerosol / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To optimize the pr eparation technology of the baicalin lipid nano foam aerosol （BC-LN-FA）. METHODS Baicalin lipid nanoparticle （BC-LN）and BC-LN-FA were prepared by the thin film dispersion method and homogeneous emulsification method ，respectively，using baicalin （BC） as the model drug. The preparation technology was optimized by Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology using particle size and encapsulation efficiency （EE）as indexes ，with dosage ， emulsifier dosage ，co-emulsifier dosage and homogenization time as factors. The morphology ，particle size ，polymerdispersity index（PDI），EE，the viscosity ，the foam dissolution rate and in vitro transdermal release of BC-LN-FA were characterized. RESULTS The optimal technology included 25 mg BC ，40 mg emulsifier （mass ratio of stearic acid-soybean lecithin-glycerol was 1∶1∶1），30 mg co-emulsifier （mass ratio of octadecanol-lactic acid was 1∶1），homogenization time of 20 min. Results of 3 times of validation tests showed that particle size of prepared BC-LN-FA was （151.70±2.40）nm，EE was （68.62±1.16）％；the deviation of them from the predicted value （particle size of 150.80 nm，EE of 67.02％）were 0.60％ and 2.39％ respectively. The BC-LN-FA prepared by the optimal process was light yellow opalescence ，uniform in particle size and round-like in shape. The viscosity，the foam dissolution rate ，the content of BC and PDI were （122.92±5.09）mPa·s，（65.32±3.22）％，（7.01±0.12）％ and（0.199±0.006），respectively. At 48 h，the cumulative release rates of BC-LN-FA in phosphate buffer saline （PBS）at pH 7.4， 6.8，5.0 were（54.12±2.69）％，（57.85±4.25）％ and（59.47±1.83）％，respectively；those of free BC in PBS at pH 7.4 was only （15.04±1.43）％. CONCLUSIONS The optimized technology is stable and feasible. Prepared BC-LN-FA has a uniform particle size，high digestion rate and certain viscosity.

Experimental study on the relationship between foam pressure difference and foam stability / 生物医学工程学杂志

Foam stability affects the efficacy and incidence of side effects of foam sclerotherapy. Exploring the relationship between foam pressure difference and foam stability can provide ideas and basis for obtaining more stable foam. In the experiment, sodium cod liver oleate foam was selected, and poloxamer 188 (concentration of 0%, 4%, 8%, 12%) was added to realize the change of foam pressure. By using the self-written program to process the foam pictures, the foam pressure difference and the relationship between the foam stability indicators (water separation rate curve, half-life) and the foam pressure difference were obtained. The results showed that at first the foam pressure increased with the increase of the concentration, and then it decreased with the increase of the concentration and reached a peak at the concentration of 4%. The foam pressure difference decreases continuously with the increase of decay time. When the additive concentration is low, the foam average pressure difference increases. And if the additive concentration is too high, the foam average pressure difference decreases. The smaller the foam pressure difference is, the better the foam stability is. This paper lays a foundation for the research on the stability of foam hardener.

Application of foam dressing combined with adhesive penile hood after circumcision in children / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of applying foam dressing combined with self-made adhesive penile hood fixation in children after circumcision.Methods:A total of 101 cases of children who received circumcision from January to December 2020 in the urology department of the People′s Hospital of Xuancheng City were selected. The patients were randomly divided into experimental group (50 cases) and control group (51 cases). In the experimental group, the incision was wound with foam dressing combined with the self-made adhesive penile hood fixation method, while in the control group, the incision was wound with the conventional sterile gauze dressing combined with the simple plastic basket fixation method.The postoperative incision bleeding, prepuce edema, incision pain, incidence of complications and the satisfaction of the children′s family members on postoperative dressing and fixation were compared between the two groups.Results:The incidence of prepuce edema in the experimental group was 88.00% (44/50), 12.00% (6/50), 0, which in the control group was 43.14% (22/51), 45.10% (23/51), 11.76% (6/51), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z= -4.80, P<0.05). In the experimental group, pain score at 24 hours after operation and at the time of dressing change were 3.50 ± 1.04, 2.48 ± 0.54, respectively, which were lower than that of the control group 5.31 ± 1.36 and 7.12 ± 0.97, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( t=7.53, 29.66, all P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative infection and urinary retention in the experimental group were 0 and 2.00% (1/50), respectively, which were lower than 7.84% (4/51) and 7.84% (4/51) in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (Fisher′s exact probability method, P<0.05). The degree of family satisfaction in the experimental group was 96.00% (48/50), which was higher than that in the control group (78.43%, 40/51), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=6.95, P<0.05). Conclusions:The application of foam dressing combined with pasting penile hood after circumcision can reduce the degree of foreskin edema, pain and the incidence of complications, and improve the satisfaction of the children′s family members.

Selective Separation and Preconcentration of Caffeine from Natural and Pharmaceutical Products using New Polyurethane Foams

Abstract Two polyurethane foam-based sorbents (PUF) were synthesized by imprinting and grafting techniques and examined for selective separation and preconcentration of caffeine (CAF) in some pharmaceutical products and in black tea. Molecularly imprinted PUF was synthesized based on hydrogen-bonding interactions between CAF and alizarin yellow G (AYG) and subsequent polymerization into PUF. The static experiments indicated optimum sorption conditions at pH=6.5 and 5.5 for imprinted PUF (AY-IPUF) and grafted PUF (AY-GPUF), respectively. In the online experiments, the suitable preconcentration time was found to be 40 and 20s for (AY-IPUF) and (AY-GPUF), respectively, at a flow rate of 1.75 mL.min-1. Desorption of CAF has been affected by passing 500 µL of 0.05, 0.01 mol.L−1 HCl eluent onto (AY-IPUF) and (AY-GPUF), respectively. The online methods have provided satisfactory enrichment factors of 8.4 and 10.5 for (AY-IPUF) and (AY-GPUF), respectively. The time consumed for preconcentartion, elution and determination steps was 1.48 and 1.05 min, thus, the throughput was 42 and 57 h-1, for (AY-IPUF) and (AY-GPUF), respectively. The developed sorbents were studied for the determination of CAF in pharmaceutical samples which will be helpful to minimize caffeinism. Finally, in silico bioactivity, ADMET and drug-likeness predictive computational studies of caffeine were also carried out

Verruciform xanthoma associated with lichen planus

Verruciform xanthoma (VX) is a rare benign lesion of unknown etiology, with a rough or papillary aspect, painless, sessile, well-defined, most lesions do not exceed 2 cm in their largest diameter, the degree of keratinization of the surface influences color, varying white to red, affecting mainly the gingiva and alveolar mucosa, and can also be seen in skin and genital. Herein, we present a report a clinical case of oral verruciform xanthoma in the buccal mucosa associated with the lichen planus lesion, as well as the morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the lesion. The clinical diagnostic hypothesis of oral lichen planus of the white reticular lesions on the buccal mucosa and on the tongue was confirmed by histopathology before a subepithelial connective tissue exhibiting intense inflammatory infiltrate in a predominantly lymphocytic band. In contrast, the hypothesis of the verrucous lesion in the left buccal mucosa was leukoplakia, with histopathological evidence showing exophytic and digitiform proliferations with parakeratin plugs between the papillary projections. Subepithelial connective tissue was characterized by macrophages with foamy cytoplasm (xanthoma cells). An immunohistochemical examination was performed, showing positivity for CD68, a macrophage marker, in addition to testing by Schiff's periodic acid (PAS) with diastasis, which was detected the presence of lipids inside these macrophages. The patient is free of recurrences of verruciform xanthoma and is being monitored due to the presence of lesions of oral lichen planus.

Xantoma del hueso temporal. A propósito de n caso

Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 53 años de edad, quien presentó por un año tinnitus de frecuencia mixta en el oído izquierdo y abruptamente desarrollo cuadro de sordera súbita ipsilateral. Recibió tratamiento con corticoides por vía oral, además de infiltraciones intratimpánicas. En las evaluaciones por imágenes de tomografía y resonancia magnética con contraste, se detecta tumoración sólida de bordes bien definidos a nivel de la unión entre la porción petrosa y escamosa del hueso temporal izquierdo. Para definir el diagnóstico se realizó exéresis de la lesión por mastoidectomía a demanda; el estudio anátomo-patológico reveló xantoma de hueso temporal. Debido a que el lugar de presentación es inusual se reporta el caso y se realiza una revisión del tema.

SUMMARY We present the case of a 53-year-old female patient who presented with one-year history of mixed frequency tinnitus of the left ear and sudden development of unilateral deafness. She received treatment with oral steroids plus intratympanic infiltrations. Imaging studies using CT-Scan and MRI disclosed a solid tumor of well-defined borders in the union of the petrosal and squamous portions of the left temporal bone. A mastoidectomy was performed, the anatomopathological studies revealed a xanthoma of the temporal bone. A literature review was performed.

Avaliação do tratamento recorrente de fístulas anais com plasma rico em plaquetas / Assessment of recurrent anal fistulas treatment with platelet-rich plasma

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of recurrent anal fistulas can lead to numerous complications, including fecal incontinence. Therefore, sphincter preserving techniques are gaining more popularity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in the patients with recurrent cryptoglandular anal fistulas. METHODS: A cohort of 18 patients with anal fistulas was enrolled into a preliminary and prospective trial. They were divided into two groups consisting of eight and ten patients respectively. PRP was injected locally in all patients, however in the group II it was applied after 7 days drainage of fistulas with polyurethane foam or negative pressure wound therapy. On average, three doses of PRP were administered, but with the opportunity to double the number of applications if it was clinically justified. The patients were evaluated in an out-patient department after fortnight and then in 1, 6, and 12 months following the last PRP application. RESULTS: Anal fistulas were closed in 4 (50%) patients from the group I and in 7 (70%) patients form the group II. Although, the difference between both groups was not statistically significant, PRP therapy should be preceded with fistulous tract drainage in all patients. Summarizing, that successful result was achieved in 11 (60%) patients from the entire group of 18 participants. CONCLUSION: The rate of recurrent cryptoglandular anal fistulas closure reaching 60%, after topical treatment with PRP, exceeds the results of other sphincter-saving methods of treatment. Therefore, it might become a novel method of anal fistulas therapy.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O tratamento cirúrgico de fístulas anais recorrentes pode levar a inúmeras complicações, incluindo incontinência fecal. Portanto, as técnicas de preservação do esfíncter estão ganhando mais popularidade. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da terapia de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) nos pacientes com fístulas anais criptoglandulares recorrentes. MÉTODOS: Uma coorte de 18 pacientes com fístulas anais foi inscrita em ensaio preliminar e prospectivo. Eles foram divididos em dois grupos compostos por 8 e 10 pacientes, respectivamente. PRP foi injetado localmente em todos os pacientes, porém no grupo II foi aplicado espuma de poliuretano ou terapia de feridas por pressão negativa após 7 dias de drenagem de fístulas. Em média, foram administradas três doses de PRP, mas com a oportunidade de dobrar o número de aplicações se fosse clinicamente justificado. Os pacientes foram avaliados em ambulatório após quinze dias e depois em 1, 6 e 12 meses após a última aplicação do PRP. RESULTADOS: As fístulas anais foram fechadas em 4 (50%) pacientes do grupo I e em 7 (70%) pacientes do grupo II. Embora a diferença entre ambos os grupos não tenha sido estatisticamente significante, a terapia PRP deve ser precedida de drenagem do trato fístulo em todos os pacientes. Resumindo, esse resultado bem-sucedido foi alcançado em 11 (60%) pacientes de todo o grupo de 18 participantes. CONCLUSÃO: A taxa de fechamento recorrente de fístulas anais criptoglandulares chegando a 60%, após tratamento tópico com PRP, excede os resultados de outros métodos de tratamento que preservam o esfíncter. Portanto, pode se tornar um novo método de terapia das fístulas anais.

An in vitro model mimicking the complement system to favor directed phagocytosis of unwanted cells

BACKGROUND: Opsonization, is the molecular mechanism by which target molecules promote interactions with phagocyte cell surface receptors to remove unwanted cells by induced phagocytosis. We designed an in vitro system to demonstrate that this procedure could be driven to eliminate adipocytes, using peptides mimicking regions of the complement protein C3b to promote opsonization and enhance phagocytosis. Two cell lines were used: (1) THP-1 monocytes differentiated to macrophages, expressing the C3b opsonin receptor CR1 in charge of the removal of unwanted coated complexes; (2) 3T3-L1 fibroblasts differentiated to adipocytes, expressing AQP7, to evaluate the potential of peptides to stimulate opsonization. (3) A co-culture of the two cell lines to demonstrate that phagocytosis could be driven to cell withdrawal with high efficiency and specificity. RESULTS: An array of peptides were designed and chemically synthesized p3691 and p3931 joined bound to the CR1 receptor activating phagocytosis (p < 0.033) while p3727 joined the AQP7 protein (p < 0.001) suggesting that opsonization of adipocytes could occur. In the co-culture system p3980 and p3981 increased lipid uptake to 91.2% and 89.0%, respectively, as an indicator of potential adipocyte phagocytosis. CONCLUSIONS: This in vitro model could help understand the receptor­ligand interaction in the withdrawal of unwanted macromolecules in vivo. The adipocyte-phagocytosis discussed may help to control obesity, since peptides of C3b stimulated the CR1 receptor, promoting opsonisation and phagocytosis of lipidcontaining structures, and recognition of AQP7 in the differentiated adipocytes, favored the phagocytic activity of macrophages, robustly supported by the co-culture strategy.

Craft Brewery Wastewater Treatment: a Fixed-Bed Single-Batch Reactor with Intermittent Aeration to Remove COD and TN

Abstract This study evaluated an intermittently aerated, fixed-bed, single-batch reactor, with mini BioBob© as biofilm media support, as an alternative treatment of craft brewery wastewater. In order to remove chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total nitrogen (TN), seven conditions were performed in a central composite experimental design (CCD) with different aeration times (1, 2 and 3 h in a 4 h cycle) and hydraulic retention times (HRT) (12, 16 and 20 h). The results showed that the removal of COD and TN were positively affected by increased aeration time and HRT. The condition that presented the best quality effluent was Condition No. 1 (20 h HRT and 3 h aeration), with 209 ± 28 mg COD L-1; 3.00 ± 0.15 mg TKN L-1 ; and 0.67 ± 0.11 mg NO3-N L-1. Kinetic assays showed that the highest values for the substrate removal rate constant, kCOD = 0.1774 h-1 were obtained with the longest aeration time (3 h). The most probable number (MPN) test showed a higher concentration of denitrifying bacteria (heterotrophic), 3.3 x 106, than for AOB and NOB bacteria (autotrophic), which were 4.9 x 103 and 2.7 x 103, respectively. Moreover, it was possible to verify that correcting the influent alkalinity with 7.14 mg CaCO3 for each 1 mg of TKN resulted in better process efficiency. It was concluded that COD and TN can be removed from craft brewery wastewater using an intermittently aerated, fixed-bed, single-batch reactor with mini Biobob© as biofilm media support.

A prospective clinical study of endoscopic foam sclerotherapy combined with rubber band ligation in the treatment of grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids (with video) / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To evaluate the safety and long-term effectiveness of endoscopic foam sclerotherapy (FS) combined with endoscopic rubber band ligation (ERBL)in the treatment of grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids.Methods:Consecutive patients diagnosed as having grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ internal hemorrhoids in Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January to December 2020 were prospectively enrolled in the study, and randomly divided into ERBL group and FS combined with ERBL group. The 24 h visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and 1-week degree of bleeding were evaluated after the treatment. After follow-up of 6 months, the effectiveness of treatment was evaluated.Results:A total of 84 patients with age of 54.4±7.9 years were enrolled, 57.1% (48/84) males, and 73.8% (62/84)grade Ⅱ internal hemorrhoids. Forty-three patients were assigned to the ERBL group and 41 to the FS combined with ERBL group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in baseline data ( P>0.05). In the FS combined with ERBL group, the mean amount of polidocanol foam was 13.8±2.5 mL, the mean number of injection site was 4.7±1.2, and the median scores of VAS was 0 (0, 3), which was significantly lower than that of ERBL group [2 (0, 4), Z=-2.116, P=0.034]. The bleeding rate 1 week after treatment in the ERBL and FS combined with ERBL group were 20.9% (9/43) and 29.3% (12/41), respectively, and mild bleeding was the main symptom. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the bleeding degree ( U=807.0, P=0.378). After 6 months of follow-up, the total effective rates in the ERBL group and the FS combined with ERBL group were 81.4% (35/43) and 90.2% (37/41), respectively ( U=684.5, P=0.044). Conclusion:FS combined with ERBL can effectively relieve post-treatment perianal pain, and improve the long-term effectiveness.

Polydocanol percutaneous sclerotherapy for the treatment of giant venular malformation of the lips and cheeks in adults / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To investigate the clinical effect of polidocanol sclerotherapy in the treatment of giant venular malformations of the lips and cheeks in adults.@*Methods@# From September 2019 to September 2020, 5 patients with huge venular malformations of the lips and cheeks (4 males, 1 female) admitted to Xuzhou Central Hospital were included in the study. All the patients were treated with local injection of polidocanol foam scleroagent, and all patients were followed up with a 3-week treatment course. If the clinical symptoms were not alleviated and the MRI examination showed that > 25% of the lesion remained, or it relapsed again after symptoms are stable, the patient needed to be treated again. The endpoints of treatment were: ①subsidence of clinical symptoms and MRI showing residual lesions < 25% in size; ②continuous treatment for 4 times without relief or aggravation of symptoms; ③a discontinuation of treatment. @* Results@#All 5 patients successfully completed the treatment and were injected 2 to 4 times during treatment. The curative effect was evaluated according to the Achauer standard, including grade Ⅰcurative effects in 1 patient, grade Ⅱ in 2 patients, grade Ⅲ in 2 patients. Among them, one patient suffered from erosion and bleeding in the lesion before the operation, and the symptoms were significantly improved postoperatively. No serious side effects were found except skin pigmentation in 1 case. @*Conclusion@#Local injection of polidocanol foam scleroagent is a safe and effective treatment method for adult giant venular malformations of the lips and cheeks, and it has a hemostatic effect on spontaneous bleeding invenular malformations.