Central venous access ports in the interventional radiology suite - one-centre experience.

PURPOSE: Central venous access ports (CVAP) are widely used to provide long-term vascular access for the delivery of chemotherapeutic medications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and complications following CVAP implantation in the interventional radiology suite. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 937 oncology patients who underwent CVAP implantation between January 2009 and June 2017. Information regarding patient characteristics, operative data, and procedural outcomes was collected and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 937 patients scheduled for CVAP were included in the final analysis. Initial success was achieved in 930 patients (99.3%), and overall completion was achieved in 933 patients (99.6%). There were 63 complications overall. Among these, 19 (2.0%) occurred during the intra- and perioperative period and 44 were late complications (4.7%). No CVAP-related mortalities were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis in the present study revealed that the CVAP is a safe and effective route for long-term administration of chemotherapy with an overall complication rate of 6.7% throughout the entire device duration. The CVAP implantation procedure carried out in the interventional radiology suite provides an advantage in the management of procedural, vascular and catheter-related complications.

Parkinsonism in Inherited Metabolic Disorders: Key Considerations and Major Features.

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder manifesting as reduced facilitation of voluntary movements. Extensive research over recent decades has expanded our insights into the pathogenesis of the disease, where PD is indicated to result from multifactorial etiological factors involving environmental contributions in genetically predisposed individuals. There has been considerable interest in the association between neurological manifestations in PD and in inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs), which are genetic disorders characterized by a deficient activity in the pathways of intermediary metabolism leading to multiple-system manifestations. In addition to the parallel in various clinical features, there is increasing evidence for the notion that genetic mutations underlying IMDs may increase the risk of PD development. This review highlights the recent advances in parkinsonism in patients with IMDs, with the primary objective to improve the understanding of the overlapping pathogenic pathways and clinical presentations in both disorders. We discuss the genetic convergence and disruptions in biochemical mechanisms which may point to clues surrounding pathogenesis-targeted treatment and other promising therapeutic strategies in the future.

Clinical manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: key considerations and major features.

BACKGROUND: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) presents a wide spectrum of manifestations from the common respiratory symptoms to infrequent neurological and cardiac complications. The challenge in diagnosis and management makes the rapidly progressive disorder one of the most challenging dilemmas in clinical medicine. METHOD: An extensive electronic literature search was done using multiple databases (e.g. PubMed) from January 2007 to August 2017 to gather information on the etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, and current treatment management plan of GPA. The language used was English. Search items included 'Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis symptoms,' 'Wegener's Granulomatosis,' and 'Treatment of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis' for the databases. Inclusion criteria consisted of published articles in the English language which reported on the clinical manifestations of GPA, as well as on the treatment of the disease. Exclusion criteria included articles that: (1) did not specifically report on GPA vasculitis but also focused on discussion of other vasculitis such as MPA or Churg-Strauss; (2) reported on treatment/symptoms of GPA prior to 2007. RESULT: This review provides an overview of work undertaken in key areas of GPA research, including its complex multifactorial etiology, clinical manifestations, treatment strategies, and treatment-related adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Major advances in the understanding and treatment of GPA over recent decades have contributed to the notable decline in morbidity and mortality of patients. The ultimate goal is an improved prognosis through outcome measures which assesses the disease control with minimal adverse effects of intensive immunosuppressive regimens, an integral part of the clinical approach to improve the quality of life of GPA patients.

Effect of the main process parameters on the mechanical strength of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) in ultrasonic micro-moulding process.

Ultrasonic micro-moulding technology was used to process high performance polymer polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) due to investigate mechanical and chemical characteristics of manufacturing parts. Both the processing window and dependence between the main input parameters, in this case amplitude, plunger velocity and ultrasonic exposure time and their influence on the mechanical properties were appointed. The experiments showed that each available amplitude level (58 µm, 52.2 µm, 46.4 µm, 40.6 µm) are suitable to produce specimens characterised by high mechanical strength but only when combined with the appropriate values of the rest of the parameters. The parameter, which influenced the most on the part degradation is the ultrasonic vibration time. Samples from the combination of parameters, where the amplitude and velocity had the highest value but time of sonication is one of the lowest are less exposed for degradation. Cavitation bubbles makes polymer falling apart which decreases mechanical strength of the manufacturing parts. Degradation was observed via FTIR analysis even if it was not visually visible. Finally, the model as a tool for selecting the appropriate values for the input process parameters when using the novel ultrasonic micro-moulding technology required to produce PPSU parts characterised by their high mechanical strength was developed.