Effects of ultraviolet rays and particulate matter on hair porosity in damaged hair.

BACKGROUND: With growing interest in hair health, researchers are exploring aspects beyond the surface qualities of hair, such as its porous inner structure. While previous studies have focused on the effects of treatments such as perming and hair dying on hair porosity, less emphasis has been paid to the effects of harmful environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) rays and particulate matter on the porous nature of hair. AIMS: The aim of this study was to bridge this gap by investigating how UV rays and particulate matter affect hair porosity in different ways. Our study could help elucidate how these external factors influence hair health and shed light on previously unknown aspects of hair porosity. METHODS: Hair tresses were bleached, cut into 1 cm-long sections, and stained with methylene blue. The sections were then irradiated with UV light or exposed to particulate matter. RESULTS: Bleached hair absorbed more methylene blue than normal hair. UV radiation-induced hair porosity occurred at 3 h after irradiation and increased with time. Particulate matter alone did not affect the porosity of the damaged hair; however, in combination with UV irradiation, it substantially increased hair porosity. CONCLUSION: Environmental challenges such as a depleted ozone layer and increasing pollution may increase hair porosity, which can be prevented by maintaining healthy hair.

Comparison of bronchial methylene blue staining and modified inflation-deflation method in identifying the intersegmental plane during lung segmentectomy.

Background: Identification of the intersegmental plane (ISP) is the critical step in lung segmentectomy because of the complicated anatomic variations. Bronchial methylene blue staining was developed by our team in 2015 and is now commonly used at our center, it could rapidly and accurately identify the ISP. In this study, we aimed to compare bronchial methylene blue staining with the modified inflation-deflation method in terms of their perioperative characteristics and to present our experience of the methylene blue method. Methods: From June 2020 to September 2021, the data of 112 patients with pulmonary ground-glass nodules who underwent segmentectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-two patients underwent bronchial methylene blue staining, and 50 patients underwent the modified inflation-deflation method. Results: Both methods could accurately identify the ISP. The time taken to clearly display the ISP (82.94±28.08 vs. 868.20±145.89 seconds; P<0.001) and the surgical duration (131.69±32.05 vs. 146.08±28.11 minutes; P=0.014) were significantly shorter in the bronchial methylene blue staining group than in the modified inflation-deflation group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the bleeding volume, drainage time, and length of postoperative hospital stay, as well as in most other perioperative characteristics. Conclusions: Compared with the modified inflation-deflation method, the bronchial methylene blue staining method can quickly display the ISP and shorten the surgical duration. This method is safe and feasible, can be widely applied during thoracoscopic anatomic segmentectomy.

Radial Oxygen Loss from Plant Roots-Methods.

In flooded soils, an efficient internal aeration system is essential for root growth and plant survival. Roots of many wetland species form barriers to restrict radial O2 loss (ROL) to the rhizosphere. The formation of such barriers greatly enhances longitudinal O2 diffusion from basal parts towards the root tip, and the barrier also impedes the entry of phytotoxic compounds produced in flooded soils into the root. Nevertheless, ROL from roots is an important source of O2 for rhizosphere oxygenation and the oxidation of toxic compounds. In this paper, we review the methodological aspects for the most widely used techniques for the qualitative visualization and quantitative determination of ROL from roots. Detailed methodological approaches, practical set-ups and examples of ROL from roots with or without barriers to ROL are included. This paper provides practical knowledge relevant to several disciplines, including plant-soil interactions, biogeochemistry and eco-physiological aspects of roots and soil biota.

Effects of metal or dissolving microneedles and its parameters of operation on the formation and closure of skin microchannels / 药学学报

To investigate the influence factors and effects of metal or dissolving microneedles on the formation and healing of skin microchannels, the pencil-shaped or conical stainless steel microneedles with different lengths, tip to tip space and base area, and the pencil-shaped dissolving microneedles with different tip to tip space were used. The microneedles were applied to the skin of epilatory mice and rats, and the effects of various microneedle parameters, application parameters, and animals on the microchannels were explored by the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and methylene blue staining. Visually observe the skin local irritation caused by the microneedles. The animal experiments were approved by the Animal Experiments Welfare and Ethical Committee of Zhejiang University of Technology. The application time of the microneedle should be maintained at 30 s or more. When the insertion forces were 2, 4, 8 N, and the TEWL initial values of the formed microchannels were 12.9, 33.0, 40.4 g·m-2·h-1, respectively. When the length of metal microneedle were 400, 600, 800 μm, and the TEWL initial values of the formed microchannels were 37.1, 40.4, 49.5 g·m-2·h-1, respectively. When the tip to tip space of metal microneedle were 400, 600, 800 μm, and the TEWL initial values of the formed microchannels were 33.2, 40.4, 55.8 g·m-2·h-1, respectively. When the base area of metal microneedle were 0.16, 0.35, 0.62 cm2, and the TEWL initial values of the formed microchannels were 35.1, 40.4, 67.1 g·m-2·h-1, respectively. The effects of conical and pencil-shaped microneedles are similar. When the tip to tip space of pencil shaped dissolving microneedle were 400, 600, 800 μm, and the TEWL initial values of the formed microchannels were 49.8, 60.5, 70.5 g·m-2·h-1, respectively. The TEWL baseline values of animal skins of different genders and series are different, but the tendency of microchannels formation and closure is similar. Visual inspection revealed that the slight erythema caused by the microneedles subsided within 24 h. Microneedles of different parameters have different effects on microchannels. The microchannels closed within 24 or 48 h, and the skin local irritation caused by microneedle was mild.

Effects of methylene-blue staining on the extent of pilonidal sinus excision.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the effects of methylene-blue staining (MBS) on the volume of specimens after excision of pilonidal sinuses. METHOD: This was a retrospective analysis of 135 excised specimens after pilonidal sinus (PS) surgery. All patients underwent procedures at the Department of Surgery of University Hospital Jena between 2000 and 2010. All specimens were measured in three dimensions. To calculate the volumes of excised specimens, we used a model of a hemi-ellipsoid. Demographic information (age, height, weight, body mass index, smoking status) were also obtained for all patients. RESULTS: Excised specimens with MBS had significantly larger volumes (p<0.001) as reflected in length (p=0.001), width (p=0.001), and depth (p=0.017) of the excised specimen compared with specimens that were not stained with methylene blue (MB). In addition, the volume was larger in subjects with a recurrent PS (p=0.021), which was predominantly the case in female subjects (p=0.025). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that excised specimens with MBS had significantly larger volumes of the excised specimen compared with specimens that were not stained with MB. MBS of a fistula system could enable such a system to be marked sufficiently, thereby facilitating complete resection of a PS.

Comparison of different diagnostic techniques for the detection of cryptosporidiosis in bovines.

AIM: Aim of the present study was to compare different methods, viz., Sheather's sugar flotation (SSF), Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN), Kinyoun's acid-fast method (KAF), safranin-methylene blue staining (SMB), and negative staining techniques such as nigrosin staining, light green staining, and malachite green staining for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in bovines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 455 fecal samples from bovines were collected from private, government farms and from the clinical cases presented to Department of Medicine, Veterinary College, Bengaluru. They were subjected for SSF, ZN, KAF, SMB and negative staining methods. RESULTS: Out of 455 animal fecal samples screened 5.71% were found positive for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. The species were identified as Cryptosporidium parvum in calves and Cryptosporidium andersoni in adults based on the morphological characterization and micrometry of the oocysts. CONCLUSIONS: Of all the techniques, fecal flotation with sheather's was found to be more specific and sensitive method for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Among the conventional staining methods, the SMB gives better differentiation between oocysts and yeast. Among the three negative staining methods, malachite green was found sensitive over the other methods.

Can image-enhanced cholangioscopy distinguish benign from malignant lesions in the biliary duct?

A new video peroral cholangioscopy (POCS) has been developed with high-quality digital imaging, and its clinical use has been reported. Additionally, direct peroral cholangioscopy (D-POCS) using an ultraslim endoscope has been proposed recently. To improve the diagnostic yield of POCS or D-POCS, image-enhanced endoscopy has been used in combination. Chromoendoscopy with methylene blue staining (ME), autofluorescence imaging (AFI), and narrow-band imaging (NBI) has been evaluated in biliary tract diseases. Observation of the mucosal structure and vessels is reportedly important for distinguishing non-neoplasms from neoplasms. Therefore, NBI is the most promising tool among image-enhanced endoscopies as it can enhance visualization of the mucosal structure and vessels simultaneously. There are currently few reports that have evaluated the utility of POCS or D-POCS based on pathological findings. Thus, endoscopic findings of the bile duct mucosa have not yet been fully established. At present, POCS-guided biopsy should be carried out.

Application of methylene blue staining in operation of intraspinal tumors / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the application value of preoperative methylene blue staining in locating for the operation of intraspi-nal tumors. Methods The clinical data of patients with intraspinal tumors from September 2010 to September 2012 in our hospital were ret-rospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into tag group and control group according to whether stained by methylene blue or not. The operation time( min) ,intraoperative hemorrhage,the rate of total resection of tumor,spinal instability rate,tumor recurrence rate,and reopera-tion rate of two groups were compared. Results The operation time of tag group was significantly shorter than that of the control group. The amount of intraoperative bleeding was significantly less than that of in control group, the differences were statistically significant(P<0. 05). The total resection rate of tumor was significantly higher than that in control group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0. 05). The spinal instability rate,tumor recurrence rate and operation rate of patients within 1 year in two groups were not significant. Conclusion The methylene blue method is simple and convenient,and provides favorable conditions for the operation,which reduces the operation time and intraoperative hemorrhage,increases the rate of complete tumor resection. There was no difference in recurrence rate,operation rate and the stability of the spine within 1 year compared to traditional method.

A simple method for demonstrating the giardia lamblia trophozoite.

INTRODUCTION: Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoan parasite of man. Only 2 stages i.e. the trophozoite and the cyst forms are observed in the life cycle of Giardia. The Giardia infection is acquired from drinking water or by eating food which is contaminated with cysts. The symptoms of the Giardia infection are foul smelling diarrhoea, flatulence, steatorrhoea, etc. Stool samples from the patients are examined for the detection of the motile trophozoites and cysts. As the trophozoites disintegrate rapidly, the stool sample should be observed within 15 minutes of its passage. Hence, we developed a staining method to stain the Giardia trophozoite permanently. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Smears of the stool samples were prepared and they were fixed with methanol. The staining was done by using a 1% methylene blue solution. RESULTS: All the 15 known Giardia lamblia trophozoite positive samples were also found to be positive by the Methylene blue staining. The Giardia lamblia cysts could not be stained by this method. 20 stool samples were used as negative controls. CONCLUSION: We developed the methylene blue staining for demonstrating the trophozoite of Giardia, which is a very simple permanent staining method. The slides can be kept for a permanent record.

Application of three-dimentional reconstruction technique and methylene blue staining in precise anatomic hepatectomy / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To evaluate three-dimentional (3D) reconstruction technique and methylene blue staining in precise anatomic hepatectomy.Methods The clinical data of 12 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were admitted to the Chinese PLA General Hospital from February 2009 to August 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.The 3D reconstruction of the liver tumor and intrahepatic vessels were done based on the computed tomography data and magnetic resonance imaging data.The portal vein supplying the tumor and its anatomic relationship with adjacent vessels were evaluated.Precise anatomic hepatectomy was performed guided by sustained methylene blue staining.Results The accurate rate of 3D model of the portal triad was 12/12.The shape of target segments observed after methylene blue staining was consistent with the results of 3D evaluation.Two patients received hemihepatectomy,3 received lobectomy,5 received monosegmentectomy or subsegmentectomy,2 received multisegmentectomy.The mean tumor diameter,operation time,blood loss,postoperative hospital stay and complication rate were 5.6cm (2.5-16.0 cm),(150±24)minutes,(236±25)ml,(10±3)days and 2/12,respectively.After a median follow-up of 14 months,tumor recurrence was found in 2 patients,and 1 of them died of tumor progression.Conclusions The 3D reconstruction may contribute to precise evaluation of the anatomic relationship between the tumor and its adjacent vessels.The 3D technique combined with sustained methylene blue staining may significantly improve the accuracy of anatomic hepatectomy.

Application of lasting methylene blue staining in precise hepatectomy / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical value of lasting methylene blue staining in precise hepatectomy.Methods The clinical data of 21 patients with liver cancer who received precise hepatectomy after methylene blue staining at General Hospital of PLA from February to August in 2009 were retrospectively analyzed.After the hepatic pedicle Was dissected,methylene blue WaS injected into the portal vein,and then the hepatic pedicle was ligated.Parenchymal division is initiated along the line of devascularization demarcated on Glisson capsule.Results The success rate of methylene blue staining Was 100%.Methylene blue retained in the parenchyma for(80±23)minutes.Right hepatectomy was performed on 2 patients,left hepatectomy on 1,right posterior lobectomy on 2,right anterior lobectomy on 3,left lateral lobectomy on 1,segmentectomy of segment Ⅷon 2,segmentectomy of segment Ⅶ on 3,segmentectomy of segment Ⅵ on 1,segmentectomy of segment Ⅳ on 2 and combined segmentectomy on 4.The mean volume of blood loss,incidence of postoperative complications and postoperative hospital stay were(236±6)ml,14%(3/21)and(12±3)days.Conclusions Ligation of hepatic pedicle after methylene blue injection has the advantages of high success rate and lasting staining of parenchyma of liver.Especially,this staining method contributes to improve the precision of hepatectomy by guiding the segment selection during parenchyma transection.

Clinical study of methylene blue staining technique for conventional aponeurotic cyst′s resection in wrist / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To explore the technical point of methylene blue staining for aponeurotic cyst′s resection in wrist for decrease the recurrence. Methods Fifty-six patients with aponeurotic cysts in wrist were divided into two groups, the control group: 33 patients accepted conventional aponeurotic cyst′s resection, the experimental group: 23 patients accepted the same operation along with methylene blue staining technique. Results In control group, 28 cases of aponeurotic cysts were ruptured in operation, rupture rate was 84.8%, recurrence was seen in 6 cases, recurrent rate was 18.2%. In experimental group, 17 cases of blue-stained aponeurotic cysts were ruptured in the operation, rupture rate was 73.9%. No recurrence was seen in this group. Recurrent rate in experimental group was significantly lower than that of control group (P0.05). Conclusions Methylene blue staining technique in the operation of aponeurotic cyst′s resection is helpful in confirming the base of cysts, completely removing cysts and reducing the recurrent rate.This method is both operable and feasible.