Spectroscopic investigation of size-dependent CO2 binding on cationic copper clusters: analysis of the CO2 asymmetric stretch.

Photofragmentation spectroscopy, combined with quantum chemical computations, was employed to investigate the position of the asymmetric CO2 stretch in cold, He-tagged Cun[CO2]+ (n = 1-10) and Cun[CO2][H2O]+ (n = 1-7) complexes. A blue shift in the band position was observed compared to the free CO2 molecule for Cun[CO2]+ complexes. Furthermore, this shift was found to exhibit a notable dependence on cluster size, progressively redshifting with increasing cluster size. The computations revealed that the CO2 binding energy is the highest for Cu+ and continuously decreases with increasing cluster size. This dependency could be explained by highlighting the role of polarization in electronic structure, according to energy decomposition analysis. The introduction of water to this complex amplified the redshift of the asymmetric stretch, showing a similar dependency on the cluster size as observed for Cun[CO2]+ complexes.

Anisotropic leaky-mode modulator for holographic video displays.

Every holographic video display is built on a spatial light modulator, which directs light by diffraction to form points in three-dimensional space. The modulators currently used for holographic video displays are challenging to use for several reasons: they have relatively low bandwidth, high cost, low diffraction angle, poor scalability, and the presence of quantization noise, unwanted diffractive orders and zero-order light. Here we present modulators for holographic video displays based on anisotropic leaky-mode couplers, which have the potential to address all of these challenges. These modulators can be fabricated simply, monolithically and at low cost. Additionally, these modulators are capable of new functionalities, such as wavelength division multiplexing for colour display. We demonstrate three enabling properties of particular interest-polarization rotation, enlarged angular diffraction, and frequency domain colour filtering-and suggest that this technology can be used as a platform for low-cost, high-performance holographic video displays.

Resection and replacement of the carotid artery in metastatic head and neck cancer: literature review and case report.

Metastases of advanced tumours of the oral cavity sometimes affect the cervical segments of the carotid arteries. The situation is worse in the 5-10% of cases in which the metastasis involves the common or internal carotid to such an extent that resection and replacement of the artery become necessary. Following clinical, CT/NM, and angiographic examinations, a surgical plan for the resection and reconstruction of the affected vascular segment is formulated. In preparing a treatment plan, emphasis must be placed on the expected quality of life, and careful consideration must be given to the extent of the operation.A survey of the international literature reveals that the reported mean 1-year complaint free survival rate after resection and reconstruction varies between 0 and 44%. In our experience, the wall of the carotid vessels is very resistant to tumour invasion in a large majority of patients. When radical surgery and reconstruction are carried out in the same session, does this increase the long-term cure rate and lengthen patient survival? A number of authors agree that radical interventions do not alter the survival indices significantly, but may improve the quality of life and regional control of the disease. The controversy over this topic is illustrated by means of a case report.

Quadruple cancer, including triple cancers in the head and neck region.

Multiple primary tumors are not rare: they are encountered in 3-5% of malignant tumors. They are particularly frequent in the head and neck [20]. They are most often met with secondary malignant tumors; triple tumors occur in only 0.5%, quadruple tumors in 0.3% of malignant tumors. The possibility of developing a second metachronous cancer 5 years after undergoing treatment of the initial head and neck cancer is approximately 22%. Multiple metachronous tumors often appear 3-4 years after the observation of the primary tumor, or even after 5-10 years in the case of laryngeal tumors. The frequency of multiple primary tumors in the head and neck region supports the "field cancerization" theory, according to which the inducing agents (primarily smoking and alcohol consumption) can initiate the tumorous degeneration at a number of sites in the oropharyngeal region. The authors report on a case in whom surgery for bladder tumor was followed 101 months later by tumor development in the region of the head and neck: 3 such tumors were treated within a period of 21 months. The histologic result on the bladder tumor was transitiocellular carcinoma, while the latter ones were squamous cell carcinomas. Three of the tumors were treated effectively (no local recurrence or metastasis developed), but the fourth led to the death of the patient. The literature on multiple tumors of the head and neck is reviewed, and possible etiologic factors are discussed. It is pointed out that, besides primary and secondary prevention, close observation of these patients is required, repeated panendoscopy of the upper aerodigestive tract and genetic examinations are recommended.

Autogenous bone versus beta-tricalcium phosphate graft alone for bilateral sinus elevations (2- and 3-dimensional computed tomographic, histologic, and histomorphometric evaluations): preliminary results.

The aim of this research was to compare 2 different graft materials, beta-tricalcium phosphate (Cerasorb) and autogenous bone, used in the same patient. Bilateral sinus grafting was performed on 4 selected patients; Cerasorb only was used on the experimental side, and autogenous bone only was used on the control side. In all 4 patients, the maxilla was atrophied to such an extent that the reconstruction included not only sinus grafting but also onlay plasty. The procedure was followed by implant placement 6 months later. In addition to routine panoramic radiographs, 2- and 3-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) examinations were performed pre- and postoperatively and after implantation. Information from CTs is necessary when alveolar bone atrophy is extensive, complications appear probable, and in difficult cases, when exact documentation is important. A total of 16 bone biopsies were taken at the time of implant placement. The histologic and histomorphometric results indicated that when the formation of new bone was slow, it was slow on both sides; when it was fast, then it was fast on both sides. Individual patient factors strongly influenced the fates of the various graft materials in the organism. Comparisons of the present results with the findings of other investigators demonstrated that beta-tricalcium phosphate is a satisfactory graft material, even without autogenous bone.

Possibilities of preventing osteoradionecrosis during complex therapy of tumors of the oral cavity.

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of tumors of the head and neck. Their successful treatment is one of the greatest challenges for physicians dealing with oncotherapy. An organic part of the complex therapy is preoperative or postoperative irradiation. Application of this is accompanied by a lower risk of recurrences, and by a higher proportion of cured patients. Unfortunately, irradiation also has a disadvantage: the development of osteoradionecrosis, a special form of osteomyelitis, in some patients (mainly in those cases where irradiation occurs after bone resection or after partial removal of the periosteum). Once the clinical picture of this irradiation complication has developed, its treatment is very difficult. A significant result or complete freedom from complaints can be attained only rarely. Attention must therefore be focussed primarily on prevention, and the oral surgeon, the oncoradiologist and the patient too can all do much to help prevent the occurrence of osteoradionecrosis. Through coupling of an up-to-date, functional surgical attitude with knowledge relating to modern radiology and radiation physics, the way may be opened to forestall this complication that is so difficult to cure.

Intra-arterial preoperative cytostatic treatment versus preoperative irradiation: A prospective, randomized study of lingual and sublingual carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: For several decades, both preoperative intra-arterial chemotherapy and preoperative irradiation have been accepted treatments for patients with tumors of the head and neck. Unfortunately, arguments have often been put forward in favor of one or other of the two methods, but without the performance of an objective, randomized investigation. To resolve this situation, the authors have carried out a multicenter, randomized prospective study of selected patients with a view to deciding which method affords better results in complex tumor therapy from the aspects of survival and postoperative quality of life. METHODS: One hundred thirty-one patients with operable sublingual or lingual squamous cell carcinoma in stages T2NXM0 to T4MXM0 were randomized into 2 groups: 1 group participated in preoperative chemotherapy with cisplatin and epirubicin (total doses: 200 mg cisplatin, 120 mg epirubicin) via the external carotid artery, whereas the other group received preoperative radiation therapy (46 grays). Following subsequent radical surgery, the patients received regular follow-up for 5 years. RESULTS: By the end of the 5 years, 95 of the 131 patients had conformed to the protocol. Of those 95, 47 had received preoperative chemotherapy and 48 preoperative irradiation. After 5 years, 18 of the 47 patients who received chemotherapy and 15 of the 48 patients who received irradiation were still alive and tumor free. A few more patients had died of recurrence or regional metastasis in the chemotherapy group (23 patients) than in the irradiation group (20 patients). Occurrence of a second carcinoma was 3 times as frequent in the irradiation group (9 patients) as in the chemotherapy group (3 patients). Overall, the survival rates were by-and-large the same for the two groups. Regarding postoperative quality of life, the chemotherapy group presented a more favorable picture. CONCLUSIONS: The long term survival results subsequent to preoperative intra-arterial chemotherapy or preoperative radiotherapy were practically the same. Regarding postoperative quality of life, patients who underwent intra-arterial chemotherapy appeared to be in a slightly more favorable situation. The authors consider it important to stress these findings, as they are not aware of a similar randomized study of patients with tumors of the oral cavity.

A new advanced surface modification technique--titanium oxide ceramic surface implants: the background and long-term results.

This paper discusses the background of advanced surface modification technologies and presents a new technique that forms a titanium oxide ceramic coating with relatively long-term clinical use. Three general techniques are used to modify surfaces: adding or removing material, or changing material already present. Surface properties can also be changed through laser or electron beam thermal treatment without adding or removing material. The new technique outlined in this paper describes producing a corrosion-resistant, 2000 A to 2500 A thick, coherent crystalline oxide ceramic layer on the surface of titanium implants. The layer is grown electrochemically from the bulk of the metal and modified by heat treatment. Compared with implants covered with other coatings, the improved properties of such oxide ceramic-coated implants include the advantages of higher external hardness and greater adherence between the titanium and the ceramic oxide coating. The virtually perfect insulation between the tissue and the metal prevents metal allergy. The coated implants were subjected to various physical and chemical tests and electron microscopy for a qualitative characterization. Finally, these implants (plates, screws for maxillofacial osteosynthesis, and dental root implants) were followed in surgical practice for 10 years. Tests demonstrated and the acquired experience confirmed the good properties of the titanium oxide ceramic-coated implants.

Use of Bioplant HTR synthetic bone to eliminate major jawbone defects: long-term human histological examinations.

This article describes the long-term follow-up of Bioplant HTR Synthetic bone (HTR: hard tissue replacement) in the human organism, as revealed by clinical, radiological and histological examinations and observations over a period of 5 years. Twenty-nine patients with lesions, 9 keratocysts, 16 radicular cysts, 3 traumatic cysts and 1 odontome were followed continuously during this period. All patients selected for follow-up had two criteria in common: the initial intervention had been performed at least 5 years previously; and the largest diameter of the bone defect was at least 2 cm. In all cases, when large bone defects were filled with HTR, the cavity was eventually filled with newly formed and remodelled bone. The process of ossification was relatively slow. In these cases, complete bony regeneration took up to 5 years. Ossification did not continue in the soft parts around the bone cavity. The histological pictures confirmed complete bone healing over the time.

[Effectiveness of intra-arterial chemotherapy in the management of intra-oral cancers and their lymphatic metastases]. / Az intraarterialis kemoterápia hatékonysága szájüregi rákok és nyirokcsomó-metasztázisaik komplex kezelése során.

The effect of complex therapy (intra-arterial chemotherapy and radical surgery) on primary tumours and their metastases was studied in 38 oral squamous cell cancer cases. The therapy had different effect on the primary tumours and their lymph node metastases. There was a close correlation between the number of metastatic lymph nodes and survival. The extension and the chemotherapeutic regression rate of metastatic lesions showed a significant correlation with patients' survival.

Ascorbic acid in cerebrospinal fluid - a possible protection against free radicals in the brain.

The function of ascorbic acid in living organisms is complex. Previous studies emphasize its protective role against harmful effect of free radicals, and its presence is necessary for the function of numerous enzymes. Ascorbic acid is a powerful reducing agent due to its dienol molecular structure, which is not present in the oxidized form, dehydroascorbic acid. The ratio of ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid might be a marker of oxidative-reductive processes. We measured and compared the level of ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid in the plasma of healthy persons and those of senile dementia patients, who represent pathological aging of the brain. In senile dementia patients, ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid levels were also measured in the cerebrospinal fluid. Concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. In the plasma of senile dementia patients, very low ascorbic acid levels were found (ca. 30% of the healthy control). In lumbar cerebrospinal fluid, the concentration of ascorbic acid is 2.7 times higher compared to that of the plasma level. After intravenous infusion of ascorbic acid, a slow but marked increase of the concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid was measured. Our results support an active transport process for ascorbic acid through the blood-CSF barrier. Ascorbic acid level might be an important factor representing the protection of the central nervous system against free radicals.

[A case of hygroma of the neck]. / Nyaki hygroma esete.

The authors describe a case of cervical cystic hygroma in a young adult. The histological diagnosis of an operation performed two years earlier was erroneous. In this context they describe the pathology, occurrence and therapy of the disease.

[Closure of cleft palate in adult patients, using a forearm flap with microvascular radial artery II]. / Szájpadhasadék zárása felnöttkorban, microvascularis arteria radialis alkarlebeny felhasználásával. II. Rész.

A clinical report on the utilization of the so called "Chinese Flap" first published in 1981 is presented by the authors. The basic principle of this method is the following: After closing the soft palate in three layers, a mucoperiosteal flap has been prepared from the palatal mucosa and rotated into the nasal cavity so to close nasally the defect in one layer. Than a pediculated fasciocutaneous flap containing both the radial artery and the two comitantes veins prepared from the forearm was sutured to the defect. The a radialis and the v. comitantes running forward and downward between the two layers of the soft palate passing the mandibular ramus and descending through a tunnel leading to the submandibular region were joined to the facial artery and veins and an anastomosis was established. The clinical experience with the "Chinese Flap" procedure showed good results. This method has been used in 12 cases so far and only one out of the 12 failed due to blood vessel developmental abnormalities.

The clinical use of aluminium oxide bioceramic implants for mandibular condyle replacement: a six year report.

In a 6-year period, six bilateral and five unilateral compact aluminium oxide ceramic condyle fixed with titanium screws were implanted. During the years following the operation, it was not necessary to remove any ceramic condyle. In only one case (rheumatic polyarthritis) was it necessary to reoperate on the patient because of bilateral reankylosis. Ceramics can be recommended in a wide field application because of the simplicity, uniformity, durability, and good tissue-enduring ability. The danger of postoperative ankylosis occurs only in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Application of compact aluminum oxide ceramic implants in maxillofacial surgery.

In a 4-year period, 40 compact aluminum oxide ceramic implants fixed with titanium plates and screws were used: 24 for the correction of mandibular defects, 9 for temporomandibular joint replacement, and 7 for augmentation of facial contour. During the 1 to 4 years following the operations, it was not necessary to remove any aluminum oxide joint or implant used for contour correction. In 5 of the 24 cases of mandibular reconstruction, however, it was necessary to remove the ceramic. In 3 cases, this was due to recurrence of the tumor, and in 2 cases the cause was dermal necrosis.

In vitro investigation of BK-218, a new oral and parenteral cephalosporin.

The antibacterial activity of BK-218 was similar to that of cefamandole when it was tested against several laboratory strains. The inhibiting effect of BK-218 was greater than that of cephalexin and cefoxitin on penicillin-binding proteins of Escherichia coli HB101. This result was in close correlation with the relative inhibition of radiolabeled glucosamine incorporation (greatest with BK-218) and with the lytic effect (most intensive with BK-218). BK-218 proved to be a good inhibitor for all five of the beta-lactamases that were investigated, although two enzymes (Enterobacter cloacae P99 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Cilote) hydrolyzed it to some extent.

Effect of aminoglycoside antibiotics on the autolytic enzyme of Streptomyces griseus.

The isolated cell wall of Streptomyces griseus 52-1 strain labelled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and containing wall-bound autolytic enzyme was lysed as a function of different cations. The autolysis was accelerated by aminoglycoside antibiotics (streptomycin and the structurally closely related neomycin) which have a polycationic character. Since this strain is a streptomycin producer it is suggested that streptomycin may have a regulatory function on autolysis.