Sulfate radical-based oxidation of an alcohol ethoxylate (Brij30®) by the PS/UV-C process.

In this study, sulfate radical-based oxidation of an alcohol ethoxylate (AE) was explored by the persulfate (PS)/UV-C process. Poly(oxyethylene)(4)laurylether, commercially known as Brij30®, was used as a model AE. PS/UV-C oxidation of aqueous Brij30® (8-20 mg/L) was performed at initial PS concentrations varying between 0.50 and 6.50 mM and at initial pH values of 3.0 and 6.0. Results indicated that an increase in both initial PS and Brij30® concentrations did not have a significant effect on Brij30® removal efficiency and that Brij30® abatements of more than 90% could be achieved after 60 min of treatment time. Total organic carbon (TOC) removals were significantly improved with increasing initial PS concentrations for both initial pH values. On the other hand, an increase in initial Brij30® concentration had a negative effect on mineralization. By employing the competitive kinetic method, the second-order reaction rate coefficient of Brij30® with the sulfate radical (SO4 •-) was determined as 1.62 × 109 ± 3.5 × 107 M-1s-1. The second-order reaction rate constant of TOC, originating from Brij30® and reaction intermediates, was found to be 9.09 × 105 ± 2.91 × 105 M-1s-1 and 1.13 × 106 ± 0.46 × 106 M-1s-1 for pH values of 6.0 and 3.0, respectively. Toxicity of PS/UV-C treated aqueous Brij30® solutions towards Vibrio fischeri was also investigated to determine the possible toxic behavior of oxidation products.

Lung ultrasound and computed tomographic findings in pregnant woman with COVID-19.

Imaging modalities play a crucial role in the management of suspected COVID-19 patients. Before reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results are positive, 60-93% of patients have positive chest computed tomographic (CT) findings consistent with COVID-19. We report a case of positive lung ultrasound findings consistent with COVID-19 in a woman with an initially negative RT-PCR result. The lung ultrasound-imaging findings were present between the negative and subsequent positive RT-PCR tests and correlated with CT findings. The point-of-care lung-ultrasound examination was easy to perform and, as such, could play an important role in the triage of women with suspected COVID-19. The neonatal swabs, cord blood and placental swab RT-PCR tests were negative for SARS-CoV-2, a finding consistent with the published literature suggesting no vertical transmission of this virus in pregnant women. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Do adipofascial flaps affect the mechanical properties of a repaired tendon? A biomechanical rat model study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vascularized and non-vascularized fascial flaps on tendon healing, specifically the maximum strain, maximum stress, elasticity and resistance of the repaired tendon. Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: Group 1 - primary repair; Group 2 - vascularized pedicled fascial graft; Group 3 - non-vascularized free fascial graft. The rats were euthanized after 2 weeks and 40mm-long samples were taken from the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle. To evaluate the mechanical properties of the tendons, maximum load, maximum deformation, energy stored until yield point and stiffness on the load-deformation curve were measured. Based on this mechanical testing, the best group in terms of tissue strength and quality was the primary repair group. When the samples were examined individually, the two samples with the highest breaking force after the control group were in the pedicled graft group. The worst results overall were in the free graft group. We believe that if the blood flow is preserved for the fascial flap in the pedicled graft group, the tendon's breaking force would be higher.

Association between C-reactive protein, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and the burden of apical periodontitis: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Endodontic originated chronic apical periodontitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease of periapical tissue. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as an inflammatory marker and hemogram indexes provide valuable information to clinicians for diagnosis, screening and follow-up of various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate AP in terms of its association with hemogram indices and hsCRP levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study includes 104 patients with AP and 40 participants as the control group. 160 teeth were diagnosed as AP through digital radiographic images and scored with respect to Periapical Index (PAI) scoring. Afterwards, patients were categorized into 3 grades in accordance with both the number and the severity of AP. AP grade 0 was considered for the control group with regard to a new scoring system. Patients with only one tooth involved with AP with a PAI score of 3 or 4 were categorized as an AP Grade 1, when a patient had more than one tooth with a PAI score of 3 or 4 he was classified as an AP Grade 2 and a patient with at least one tooth scored as a PAI 5 was rated as an AP Grade 3. Hemograms and hsCRP levels were measured for each individual to establish a correlation with inflammatory markers. RESULTS: The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels of patients with AP Grade 3 were significantly higher than all other AP grades (p < .05). hsCRP levels in patients with an AP Grade 2 and 3 were higher than both AP Grade 0 and 1 (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: hsCRP levels of patients were reliable predictive indicators for AP severity in correlation with the new proposed scoring system for AP.

The evaluation of palatal bone thickness for implant insertion with cone beam computed tomography.

The palate is an alternative anchoring site for orthodontic implants and screws. The use of osseointegrated implants in the intermaxillary suture has recently been described as a fast, effective, and low-cost technique for patients with atrophy of the maxillae. The aim of this study was to use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the thickness of the bone surrounding the intermaxillary suture in relation to the insertion of osseointegrated implants. CBCT images of 144 patients (72 males, 72 females) aged 35-86 years were evaluated. The vertical bone height of the intermaxillary suture was measured using coronal and sagittal Images 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm posterior to the incisive foramen. The mean bone thicknesses from the anterior to the posterior region were 5.59, 4.38, 3.91, 3.95, and 3.94 mm, respectively. Bone thickness was significantly different among the five anteroposterior areas of the suture, but there were no significant differences between males and females, or among age groups. The highest part of the intermaxillary suture was in the anterior region. Three-dimensional imaging is recommended to accurately identify palate bone thickness for implant placement.

Surface anatomy and anatomical planes in the adult turkish population.

Surface anatomy and anatomical planes are widely used in education and clinical practice. The planes are largely derived from cadaveric studies and their projections on the skin show discrepancies between and within anatomical reference textbooks. In this study, we reassessed the accuracy of common thoracic and abdominopelvic anatomical planes using computed tomography (CT) imaging in the live adult Turkish population. After patients with distorting pathologies had been excluded, CT images of 150 supine patients at the end tidal inspiration were analyzed. Sternal angle, transpyloric, subcostal, supracristal and pubic crest planes and their relationships to anatomical structures were established by dual consensus. The tracheal bifurcation, azygos vein/superior vena cava (SVC) junction and pulmonary bifurcation were usually below the sternal angle while the concavity of the aortic arch was generally within the plane. The tip of the tenth rib, the superior mesenteric artery and the portal vein were usually within the transpyloric plane while the renal hila and the fundus of the gallbladder were below it. The inferior mesenteric artery was below the subcostal plane and the aortic bifurcation was below the supracristal plane in most adults. Projectional surface anatomy is fundamental to medical education and clinical practice. Modern cross-sectional imaging techniques allow large groups of live patients to be examined. Classic textbook information regarding anatomy needs to be reviewed and updated using the data gathered from these recent studies, taking ethnic differences into consideration.

Effectiveness of a multidimensional approach for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in 11 adult intensive care units from 10 cities of Turkey: findings of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) multidimensional approach on the reduction of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in adult patients hospitalized in 11 intensive care units (ICUs), from 10 hospitals, members of the INICC, in 10 cities of Turkey. METHODS: A prospective active before-after surveillance study was conducted to determine the effect of the INICC multidimensional approach in the VAP rate. The study was divided into two phases. In phase 1, active prospective surveillance of VAP was conducted using the definitions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Health Safety Network, and the INICC methods. In phase 2, we implemented the multidimensional approach for VAP. The INICC multidimensional approach included the following measures: (1) bundle of infection control interventions, (2) education, (3) outcome surveillance, (4) process surveillance, (5) feedback of VAP rates, and (6) performance feedback of infection control practices. We compared the rates of VAP obtained in each phase. A time series analysis was performed to assess the impact of our approach. RESULTS: In phase 1, we recorded 2,376 mechanical ventilator (MV)-days, and in phase 2, after implementing the multidimensional approach, we recorded 28,181 MV-days. The rate of VAP was 31.14 per 1,000 MV-days during phase 1, and 16.82 per 1,000 MV-days during phase 2, amounting to a 46 % VAP rate reduction (RR, 0.54; 95 % CI, 0.42-0.7; P value, 0.0001.) CONCLUSIONS: The INICC multidimensional approach was associated with a significant reduction in the VAP rate in these adult ICUs of Turkey.

Delayed presentation of a traumatic diaphragmatic rupture with intrapericardial herniation.

Thoracic and abdominal blunt traumas are the major causes of diaphragmatic rupture. These ruptures may be recognized at the time of the initial trauma, but are diagnosed months or even years later during the workup for related symptoms. We present herein a patient who suffered from abdominal pain and dyspnea years after a motor vehicle accident. A chest computed tomography (CT) demonstrated diaphragmatic rupture with intrapericardial herniation of intraabdominal organs. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis. In this report, we describe our management of this unusual diaphragmatic rupture.

Paranasal sinus barotrauma in sports self-contained underwater breathing apparatus divers.

OBJECTIVE: TO evaluate potential pre-dive parameters in relation to paranasal sinus barotrauma in sports self-contained underwater breathing apparatus divers. STUDY DESIGN: The pre-dive and follow-up records of 46 healthy sports self-contained underwater breathing apparatus divers were analysed. METHODS: In the routine pre-dive examination of diving candidates with no symptoms of rhino-sinus disease, rhinoscopy, sinus radiography and nasal endoscopy indicated no signs of rhinitis and/or sinusitis. Any signs of paranasal sinus barotrauma were noted, and several parameters were evaluated in relation to occurrence of barotrauma. RESULTS: Of the studied parameters, a history of sinusitis and of middle-ear barotrauma was significantly more frequent in divers in the barotrauma group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In divers undergoing a routine pre-dive examination, paranasal sinus barotrauma was not related to sex, alcohol consumption, smoking, decongestant use, mild nasal septal deviation, or inability to perform the Valsalva or Toynbee manoeuvres. However, divers with a history of sinusitis or middle-ear barotrauma may be more prone to paranasal sinus barotrauma. A more detailed pre-dive examination may be useful for such individuals.

Reversible ototoxic effect of azithromycin and clarithromycin on transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions in guinea pigs.

The possible cochlear toxicity of systemically applied macrolides--erythromycin (ER), azithromycin (AZ) and clarithromycin(CL)--was investigated in guinea pigs by measuring transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs). A single dose of 125 mg/kg intravenous (i.v.) ER caused no change in TEOAEs in guinea pigs (p>0.05), whereas AZ (45 mg/kg orally) and CL (75 mg/kg i.v.) reversibly reduced the emission response (p<0.05). The reversible reduction of TEOAE responses due to AZ and CL, which is in accordance with the clinical picture of AZ and CL ototoxicity, could likely be attributable to the transient dysfunction of outer hair cells. The present study reveals that at least one ototoxic effect of AZ and CL is on the inner ear. The results may also encourage planning clinical researches on TEOAE monitoring in patients receiving high doses of AZ or CL.

Nebulized surfactant as a treatment choice for otitis media with effusion: an experimental study in the rabbit.

Exogenous surfactant can improve eustachian tube function in experimentally induced otitis media with effusion (OME). Performing tympanometric recordings, the efficacy of inhaled nebulized surfactant, as compared with inhaled nebulized physiological saline was investigated, for the treatment of OME experimentally induced in the rabbit by intrabullar inoculation of heat-killed Streptococcus pneumoniae. In addition, the histological changes in middle ears after the treatment were investigated in order to establish whether the pathological findings correlated with the results. Middle-ear pressure values before, and after, treatment were analyzed by the Wilcoxon statistical method, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the post-treatment values between groups. In all ears with OME in the affected animals, which were treated with nebulized surfactant inhalation, a positively significant (p<0.05) increase of pressure more than 20 daPa was recorded. In the control group, after inhalation of nebulized physiological saline, there was no positive increase in the affected middle-ear pressures; on the contrary, more negative pressure changes were recorded. In the histological evaluation, middle-ear epithelia and sub-epithelial space were normal in surfactant-treated ears with OME, whereas mucosal thickening with an oedematous sub-epithelial space containing occasional inflammatory cells and increases in connective tissue and vascularity, and effusions on the epithelial surface were present in the ears with OME in the control group. The significant improvement in the negative middle-ear pressure after nebulized surfactant treatment and the histological findings shown in our study can support the theory that surface-active agents are of importance in eustachian tube function even under pathologic conditions, such as OME.

Controlled release of terbinafine hydrochloride from pH sensitive poly(acrylamide/maleic acid) hydrogels.

Adsorption and controlled release of terbinafine hydrochloride (TER-HCl) to and from pH sensitive poly(acrylamide/maleic acid) (P(AAm/MA)) hydrogels were investigated. P(AAm/MA) hydrogels were prepared by irradiating the ternary mixtures of AAm/MA/and water by gamma-rays at ambient temperature. Antifungal drug, TER-HCl containing hydrogels, at different drug to polymer ratios, was prepared by direct adsorption method. The influence of MA content in the gel on the adsorption capacities of hydrogel and the effect of pH on the releasing behavior of TER-HCl from gel matrix were investigated. Terbinafine adsorption capacity of hydrogels are found to increase from 2 to 38 mg TER-HCl per g dry gel with increasing amount of MA in the gel system. In vitro drug release studies in different buffer solutions show that the basic parameters affecting the drug release behavior of hydrogel are the pH of the solution and MA content of hydrogel.

Use of the nine-step inflation/deflation test as a predictor of middle ear barotrauma in sports scuba divers.

Middle ear (ME) barotrauma, the most common disorder encountered in diving, results from inadequate pressure equilibration between the ME and the ambient environment. Eustachian tube function plays a key role in the pathogenesis of barotrauma. This study was designed to investigate the predictive value and efficiency of tympanometric tests of Eustachian tube function (Valsalva test, Toynbee test and nine-step inflation/deflation test) in predicting ME barotrauma in 44 ears of 22 sports scuba divers who had normal audiometry, tympanometry and otorhinolaryngological examination without previous history of ear disease. The divers were counselled to refer to the investigators if any symptoms occurred during and/or after diving. All symptomatic ears were examined within 24 hours of diving by one investigator who was unaware of the pre-symptomatic test results. Decision matrix analysis was applied to the results of Eustachian tube function tests for predicting ears with barotrauma. Values were also evaluated for a battery of tests by 'Lax' (positive on A, B or C) and 'Strict' (positive on A, B and C) criteria. The nine-step test was found to be the most efficient (93%) test with highest predictive values (PPV 83%; NPV 95%), whereas the Valsalva and Toynbee tests were unreliable in predicting barotrauma, whereas the Valsalva and Toynbee tests were unreliable in predicting barotrauma (PPV of the Valsalva and Toynbee tests were 0% and 25% respectively). Combining the nine-step and Toynbee tests into a two-test battery in a strict approach increased the PPV (100%). It appears that the nine-step inflation/deflation test is a reliable method of predicting ME barotrauma sufferers, especially when applied with the Toynbee test. The nine-step test may have value in the evaluation of Eustachian tube function of sports scuba diving candidates after routine otorhinolaryngological, audiological and tympanometric evaluation.

McCune-Albright syndrome with fibrous dysplasia of the paranasal sinuses.

We report a 19-year old female patient with the McCune-Albright syndrome, which is a rare disease consisting of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia (FD) of bone associated with brown pigmented areas of the skin and several endocrine dysfunctions. The patient had FD involving the paranasal sinuses, the middle turbinate and the skull. The endocrine dysfunction of the patient concerns both growth hormone and prolactin hypersecretion. Because the patient had no major symptoms, neither surgical nor medical treatment was applied. Five-year follow-up revealed no complication and enlargement of the lesion.

Phlebectasia of left anterior jugular vein.

We present a rare case of unilateral phlebectasia of the anterior jugular vein in a 56-year-old male patient whose complaint is a neck swelling that appears during talking. Although in this age group the most common cause of such a mass in the anterior aspect of the neck increasing in size during any type of straining or Valsalva manoeuvre is a laryngocele, phlebectasia of the anterior jugular vein should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography are the most useful and non-invasive methods to use for the investigation. Treatment should be conservative.