New Skin Flaps for Triangular Surgical Defects: Design, Assessment on Experimental Model, and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Most skin flaps are designed to repair circular surgical defects after skin tumor excisions, but few flaps have been described to reconstruct triangular defects. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe new skin flaps for triangular surgical defects using an innovative experimental model. METHODS: We tested new flap designs in an experimental pig skin model using a tension sensor to measure maximum tension and tension augmentation when the flap is performed in an area of increased basal tension. The results were compared with those from classic flaps. Finally, the new flaps were performed on a series of patients with triangular surgical defects. RESULTS: Six new flaps with adequate levels of tension were obtained and named after their morphology: spider crab, mantis, toy windmill, nautilus, origami bird, and clover. These new flaps were successfully performed on a series of 40 patients; among them, spider crab and mantis flaps showed a better response to basal tension augmentation. CONCLUSIONS: Six new flaps for triangular surgical defects were proposed and successfully performed in a series of 40 patients, using an experimental pig skin model and a tensiometer.

"The Accessory Ethmoidal Canal Does Not Necessarily Contain an Arterial Structure".

Introduction: The aim of our study is to describe the prevalence of the accessory ethmoidal artery in endonasal endoscopic cadaver dissections and to identify its intraorbital origin. Material and Methods: From 2018 to 2020, thirty-four nasal dissections were performed in seventeen adult cadaveric heads. We performed a complete ethmoidectomy to identify the ethmoidal canals. Then, we removed the bony canal and the lamina papiracea to verify the injected vessel and to confirm the vascular structure inside the canal. Results: We found the anterior ethmoidal canal (AEC) and the posterior ethmoidal canal (PEC) in 100% of nasal cavities (34/34). We identified 4 accessory ethmoidal canals (AcEC) in the 34 nasal fossae dissected (12%). All AEC contained an arterial vessel. The AcEC contained an arterial vascular structure in 2 cases, a neural structure in other specimen, and in the fourth case no structure could be verified. In 32 of 34 nasal cavities, the PEC contained an artery and only in 2 cases the PEC did not contain any vascular structure. In these specimens, we observed that the AcEC with an arterial vessel inside (6%) was closer to the posterior canal than the anterior canal. Conclusion: According to our findings, we can suggest that the presence of a canal does not necessarily imply the presence of an arterial vessel, and that presence of the accessory ethmoidal artery could be associated with the absence of posterior ethmoidal artery.

Determinación de insulina en bolsas multicapa de nutrición parenteral / Measurement of insulin in multilayer bags for parenteral nutrition

Introducción: es habitual adicionar insulina de acción rápida a las bolsas de nutrición parenteral (NP) para el manejo de la hiperglucemia. Sin embargo, la insulina puede adsorberse en las bolsas de NP debido a interacciones electroestáticas. Objetivo: determinar la estabilidad a 5 días y la influencia de la presencia de lípidos y de la concentración de insulina en las NP sobre la adsorción de insulina en las bolsas de NP. Método: se elaboraron 7 NP con el mismo volumen y con una composición semejante exceptuando la presencia de lípidos, los micronutrientes y la concentración de insulina. Se determinó la insulina mediante un inmunoensayo inmunométrico de electroquimioluminiscencia (ECLIA). Se tomaron muestras de 2 mL tras su preparación y en el día 5. Resultados: en el día 1, la pérdida media de insulina fue del 15,26 % (± 7,08) en las bolsas con lípidos y del 18,45 % (± 5,67) (p = 0,60) en las bolsas sin lípidos. El porcentaje de insulina perdido el día 5 en las NP con lípidos fue del 30,13 % (± 4,14) y en las NP sin lípidos del 44,71 % (± 12,94) (p = 0,052). No se observó correlación entre la cantidad de insulina adicionada a las bolsas de NP y el porcentaje perdido de insulina entre el día 1 (ρ = -0,407, p = 0,365), ni el día 5 (ρ = -0,295, p = 0,521). Conclusiones: hay un aumento de la adsorción de insulina en las bolsas de NP de etilenvinilacetato (EVA) con el paso del tiempo. La presencia de lípidos en las bolsas disminuye la adsorción. Son necesarios más estudios para demostrar cuáles son los factores asociados a la adsorción de insulina en las bolsas de EVA. (AU)

Introduction: it is common to add rapid-acting insulin to parenteral nutrition (NP) bags for the management of hyperglycemia. However, insulin can be adsorbed in NP bags due to electrostatic interactions. Objective: to determine the influence of the presence of lipids and of insulin concentration in NP bags on the adsorption of insulin in these bags, as well as its stability for 5 days. Method: seven NP bags were prepared with the same volume and with a similar composition except for the presence of lipids and micronutrients, and insulin concentration. Insulin was determined by electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. Samples of 2 mL were taken after preparation and on day 5. Results: on day 1, the mean loss of insulin was 15.26 % (± 7.08) in the bags with lipids and 18.45 % (± 5.67) (p = 0.60) in the bags without lipids. The percentage of insulin lost by day 5 in the PN bags with lipids was 30.13 % (± 4.14), and in the PN bags without lipids it was 44.71 % (± 12.94) (p = 0,052). No correlation was observed between the amount of insulin added to the PN bags and the percentage of insulin lost between day 1 (ρ = -0.407, p = 0.365) or day 5 (ρ = -0.295, p = 0.521). Conclusions: there is an increase in insulin adsorption in NP EVA bags over time. The presence of lipids in the bags decreases adsorption. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the factors associated with insulin adsorption in EVA bags. (AU)

The sternohyoid muscle flap for new dynamic facial reanimation technique: Anatomical study and clinical results.

BACKGROUND: Long-term facial nerve palsy has a highly negative impact on patients' quality of life. In 2016, Alam reported one case of facial reanimation with the sternohyoid muscle after publishing a preclinical study in 2013. Despite the potentially ideal characteristics of this muscle for reanimation of facial palsy, this technique is still not widely used. The objective of our description of cases was to present the clinical results obtained with the surgical procedure and the study on cadavers to confirm the anatomical findings. METHODS: This work describes the anatomical study of the vascular and nervous pedicle of the sternohyoid muscle compared with clinical results from a series of patients with long-term facial paralysis who underwent facial reanimation between June 2016 and September 2019, through the insertion of the sternohyoid muscle into the masseteric nerve. RESULTS: The anatomical study was conducted in eight human hemi-necks. In five cases (62%), the vascular pedicle was provided by the superior thyroid artery, and the entrance of the ansa cervicalis to the muscle was constant 1.8 cm from the distal insertion. This series included ten patients who underwent the surgery technique of facial reanimation using the sternohyoid muscle, with a 90% (n = 9) of reinnervation; 100% (n = 10) of flaps were viable, and none of the patients showed complications in the donor area. CONCLUSIONS: The sternohyoid muscle showed itself as a reliable muscle as a free flap in facial reanimation, and alternative to the gracilis flap. The surgical technique was safe, without any complications, with excellent excursion, recovery, and aesthetic results.

[Measurement of insulin in multilayer bags for parenteral nutrition]. / Determinación de insulina en bolsas multicapa de nutrición parenteral.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: it is common to add rapid-acting insulin to parenteral nutrition (NP) bags for the management of hyperglycemia. However, insulin can be adsorbed in NP bags due to electrostatic interactions. Objective: to determine the influence of the presence of lipids and of insulin concentration in NP bags on the adsorption of insulin in these bags, as well as its stability for 5 days. Method: seven NP bags were prepared with the same volume and with a similar composition except for the presence of lipids and micronutrients, and insulin concentration. Insulin was determined by electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. Samples of 2 mL were taken after preparation and on day 5. Results: on day 1, the mean loss of insulin was 15.26 % (± 7.08) in the bags with lipids and 18.45 % (± 5.67) (p = 0.60) in the bags without lipids. The percentage of insulin lost by day 5 in the PN bags with lipids was 30.13 % (± 4.14), and in the PN bags without lipids it was 44.71 % (± 12.94) (p = 0,052). No correlation was observed between the amount of insulin added to the PN bags and the percentage of insulin lost between day 1 (ρ = -0.407, p = 0.365) or day 5 (ρ = -0.295, p = 0.521). Conclusions: there is an increase in insulin adsorption in NP EVA bags over time. The presence of lipids in the bags decreases adsorption. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the factors associated with insulin adsorption in EVA bags.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: es habitual adicionar insulina de acción rápida a las bolsas de nutrición parenteral (NP) para el manejo de la hiperglucemia. Sin embargo, la insulina puede adsorberse en las bolsas de NP debido a interacciones electroestáticas. Objetivo: determinar la estabilidad a 5 días y la influencia de la presencia de lípidos y de la concentración de insulina en las NP sobre la adsorción de insulina en las bolsas de NP. Método: se elaboraron 7 NP con el mismo volumen y con una composición semejante exceptuando la presencia de lípidos, los micronutrientes y la concentración de insulina. Se determinó la insulina mediante un inmunoensayo inmunométrico de electroquimioluminiscencia (ECLIA). Se tomaron muestras de 2 mL tras su preparación y en el día 5. Resultados: en el día 1, la pérdida media de insulina fue del 15,26 % (± 7,08) en las bolsas con lípidos y del 18,45 % (± 5,67) (p = 0,60) en las bolsas sin lípidos. El porcentaje de insulina perdido el día 5 en las NP con lípidos fue del 30,13 % (± 4,14) y en las NP sin lípidos del 44,71 % (± 12,94) (p = 0,052). No se observó correlación entre la cantidad de insulina adicionada a las bolsas de NP y el porcentaje perdido de insulina entre el día 1 (ρ = -0,407, p = 0,365), ni el día 5 (ρ = -0,295, p = 0,521). Conclusiones: hay un aumento de la adsorción de insulina en las bolsas de NP de etilenvinilacetato (EVA) con el paso del tiempo. La presencia de lípidos en las bolsas disminuye la adsorción. Son necesarios más estudios para demostrar cuáles son los factores asociados a la adsorción de insulina en las bolsas de EVA.

Paediatric viral myocarditis successfully treated with interferon beta-1b and corticoids.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: In paediatrics, evidence regarding the treatment of viral myocarditis using interferon beta-1B is restricted to four children older than two years and there are no reported cases of infants. The objective was to describe the efficacy and safety of interferon beta-1B in two infants under one year of age with viral myocarditis. CASE SUMMARY: Two infants were admitted to the hospital presenting with respiratory symptoms. Echocardiogram showed myocardial damage. Parvovirus-B19 was detected using a PCR assay, and treatment with interferon beta-1B was initiated. Six months later, the cardiac function had recovered in both cases. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: This is the first published series of cases of infants less than 1 year of age with viral myocarditis treated with interferon beta-1B.

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa induced by d-penicillamine treated with cyclosporine and allopurinol.

Elastosis perforans serpiginosa (EPS) is a rare condition within the group of perforating dermatoses. It is characterized by the synthesis of anomalous elastic fibers that are eliminated through perforating channels (transepidermal elimination). It is classified into three subtypes. One of them is drug-induced by prolonged treatment with d-penicillamine. This drug is a heavy metal chelator used to treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cystinuria, and Wilson's disease. Years of treatment with d-penicillamine at high doses are required for developing EPS, with occasional slow regression after drug withdrawal. There is no established treatment for EPS, with described cases using various treatment options such as corticoids, retinoids, tazarotene, cryotherapy, imiquimod, photodynamic therapy, electrosurgery, and CO2 laser among others with inconsistent results. We present a case of EPS induced by d-penicillamine with favorable response to cyclosporine and allopurinol in a patient with a history of Wilson's disease since childhood. They maybe considered as possible therapeutic options not described so far for an entity with variable response to current treatments. We highlight the extensive involvement of the case with progression, despite the suspension of d-penicillamine and failure to previous treatments with photodynamic therapy and retinoids.

Papel diagnóstico de los marcadores tumorales / Diagnostic role of tumor markers

No disponible

Effect of Passive Ultrasonic Activation on Organic Tissue Dissolution from Simulated Grooves in Root Canals Using Sodium Hypochlorite with or without Surfactants and EDTA.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the porcine palatal mucosa dissolution from artificial grooves using a final rinse with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with or without a surfactant or ultrasonic activation (PUI). METHODS: The root canals of 130 human maxillary central incisors were chemomechanically prepared and the teeth split. A standardized longitudinal intracanal groove was created in 1 of the root halves. One hundred thirty porcine palatal mucosa samples were collected, adapted in order to fit into the grooves, and weighed. The reassembled specimens were randomly divided in 3 experimental groups (n = 40) based on their irrigation protocol (ie, positive pressure [PP] and PUI during 15 [PUI-15] or 30 seconds [PUI-30]) and divided in subgroups according to the NaOCl preparation used: Vista 6% plain (Vista Dental Products, Racine, WI) or Chlor-XTRA (Vista Dental Products) (containing surfactant). An EDTA intermediate rinse was included. Palatal mucosa weights were measured after the assays. The intergroup weight changes were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Complete dissolution did not occur in any sample. Chlor-XTRA subgroups were associated with increased weight reduction compared with Vista 6% plain subgroups; however, the differences were significant (P < .05) only for PP and PUI-15. PUI-30 increased weight reduction compared with PP for both hypochlorites and PUI-15 using Vista 6% plain (P < .05). PUI-30 with Vista 6% plain performed significantly better than PP with Chlor-XTRA (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of a surfactant to NaOCl and/or PUI activation increased palatal mucosa dissolution within artificial grooves in the root canal of incisor teeth. PUI agitation was often able to compensate for the absence of surfactants.

The Anterior Intercostal Artery Flap: Anatomical and Radiologic Study.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the anterior thorax is complex because of the presence of aesthetically important areas such as the breast, sternum, and upper abdomen. For this reason, a wide variety of pedicled perforator flaps have been described. The anterior intercostal perforator flap is one of these perforators flaps and is valuable for use in breast reconstruction surgery. METHODS: The location and characteristics of the anterior intercostal perforators were evaluated both anatomically and radiologically. The anatomical study was conducted in a set of 14 hemitrunk cadavers, and the radiologic study was performed retrospectively from a randomly selected set of images obtained from 30 female patients who underwent thoracic computed tomographic angiography for other health problems at the authors' institution during the year 2015. The findings were then compared. RESULTS: A total of 60 perforators in 14 hemitrunks were identified and mapped. Perforators were found in all hemithoraces. The lateral third donor location was the most reliable zone, containing larger and more numerous perforators compared with the other donor regions. According to the radiologic study, a total of 164 perforators in 30 computed tomographic angiographs were identified and mapped. Perforators were found in all thoraxes. CONCLUSIONS: The authors found that the intercostal perforator flap has a consistent vascularization. Computed tomographic angiography is less reliable than dissection in identifying the number of perforators. The authors' findings suggest that intercostal perforator flaps are reliable and consistent flaps for reconstruction of the upper trunk.

Identifying risk in the use of tumor markers to improve patient safety.

BACKGROUND: Tumor markers (TM) are a routine test that are not always used well, and can lead to unnecessary additional tests, which are not without risks for the patients. So, to implement appropriate strategies to improve the adequate use of TM and, therefore, improve patient safety, is required to analyze the use of TM, identifying risks and establishing if there are differences in their use as a function of their utility. METHODS: The study was a descriptive, longitudinal, retrospective and systematic study in the area covered by the University Hospital of Padua. In the follow-up 2-year study, 23,059 analytical requests of TM, corresponding to 14,728 patients, were analyzed. For the level of statistical significance it applies an approximation of the normal law (Z statistic) and χ2-test. RESULTS: Only 9196 requests (39.88%) out of a total of 23,059 on 5080 patients with neoplastic diseases have been classified as adecuate according to current guidelines. The number of requests per patient was variable (1.57±1.35). In patients with neoplastic diseases this increased to 1.80±1.68. The mean of number of TM per request was 2.4±1.73. The analysis showed an association between the number of requests and the type of marker used. CONCLUSIONS: The use of TM is variable, mainly of the follow-up markers, when they are used as screening. This inappropriate use, minimizes their utility favoring erroneous interpretations and increases the risk of damage to the patient. So it is essential to implement safe practices in the use of TM.

Impacto de la aplicación de un protocolo para el uso adecuado y seguro de marcadores tumorales / Impact of the implementation of a protocol for the adequate and safe use of tumor markers

Fundamento y objetivo: Los marcadores tumorales (MT) son pruebas accesibles para la actividad clínica. Su uso inadecuado puede provocar pruebas complementarias innecesarias para confirmar o refutar un resultado positivo. Tras 2 acontecimientos adversos por un uso incorrecto de MT, se implementó un protocolo para el uso adecuado y seguro de estos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el impacto de la implementación de dicho protocolo. Material y método: Estudio pre-postintervención. Se analizó el uso, durante un año, de peticiones de MT (antígeno carcinoembrionario, CA15.3, CA19.9, CA125) de pacientes no sometidos a revisión oncológica. Se implementó un protocolo, formándose a los facultativos según las recomendaciones del Grupo Europeo de Marcadores Tumorales, limitando su uso al seguimiento de la enfermedad y monitorización de tratamientos. Período estudiado: 2010-2014. Resultados: El número total de peticiones descendió un 50,81%, y el porcentaje de adecuación de los MT aumentó anualmente desde un 31,03 hasta un 77,91%. Conclusiones: La implantación de un protocolo del uso adecuado de MT contribuye a un uso seguro, evitando estudios no indicados y evitando pruebas complementarias innecesarias y lesivas para el paciente (AU)

Background and objetive: Improper clinical use of tumor markers (TM) may cause unnecessary additional studies to confirm or refute a positive result. After observing 2 adverse events due to a wrong use of TM, a protocol for improving their use was implemented. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the implementation of the protocol. Material and method: This was a pre-postintervention study, where analytical requests of carcinoembryonic antigen, CA15.3, CA19.9 and CA125 were analyzed during one year in patients not undergoing checking of neoplasia. A protocol was implemented and physicians were trained as recommended by the European Group on Tumor Markers, limiting its use to monitor the disease and its treatment. The study period was 2010-2014. Results: The total number of requests dropped 50.81% and the percentage of adequacy of TM increased, each year, from 31.03 to 77.91%. Conclusions: The implementation of a protocol for the proper use of TM contributes to a safer use, avoiding incorrect studies and unnecessary and harmful tests for the patient (AU)

[Impact of the implementation of a protocol for the adequate and safe use of tumor markers]. / Impacto de la aplicación de un protocolo para el uso adecuado y seguro de marcadores tumorales.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Improper clinical use of tumor markers (TM) may cause unnecessary additional studies to confirm or refute a positive result. After observing 2 adverse events due to a wrong use of TM, a protocol for improving their use was implemented. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the implementation of the protocol. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a pre-postintervention study, where analytical requests of carcinoembryonic antigen, CA15.3, CA19.9 and CA125 were analyzed during one year in patients not undergoing checking of neoplasia. A protocol was implemented and physicians were trained as recommended by the European Group on Tumor Markers, limiting its use to monitor the disease and its treatment. The study period was 2010-2014. RESULTS: The total number of requests dropped 50.81% and the percentage of adequacy of TM increased, each year, from 31.03 to 77.91%. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a protocol for the proper use of TM contributes to a safer use, avoiding incorrect studies and unnecessary and harmful tests for the patient.

Genetic transformation of grapevine cells using the minimal cassette technology: the need of 3'-end protection.

The use of minimal cassettes (linear DNA comprising promoter+open reading frame+terminator) for genetic transformation offers a means of transforming plant cells by biolistics without introducing unwanted sequences. However, a species-specific approach of the factors involved in successful transformation with this technology is advisable. Protection of the minimal cassette upstream promoter and downstream terminator may be necessary due to the nuclease activity of target plant material. Genetic transformation by biolistics followed by expression analysis was used to evaluate different DNA constructs in 110 Richter (Vitis sp.) cell suspensions. Our results suggest the importance of 3'-end cassette protection for successful protein expression using the minimal cassette technology.

Invasive cervical resorption Class III in a maxillary central incisor: diagnosis and follow-up by means of cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Invasive cervical resorption (ICR) is a type of external resorption that begins below the epithelial attachment. The etiology of ICR is mainly caused by trauma or orthodontic treatment. In many cases, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a very useful tool to achieve proper diagnosis. METHODS: This case presented with invasive cervical resorption class III (Heithersay) caused by trauma on tooth #9. CBCT was performed allowing observation of the extent of the lesion in the three spatial planes. RESULTS: Treatment was combined: surgical treatment to expose the resorptive defect and nonsurgical root canal therapy to remove the necrotic pulp and disinfect the root canal system; finally, the resorptive defect was filled up with resin ionomer (Geristore; Den-Mat Corporation, Santa Maria, CA). CONCLUSIONS: Follow up x-ray films showed healing of the periradicular tissues, and then a control CBCT was performed to assess the reliability of the conventional x-ray film; a small periapical lesion was observed in two of the CBCT sections.