Electric Coagulation Research Articles

Evaluating the Efficacy of a Novel Hemostatic Powder Compared to Traditional Treatments in Non-Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Multicenter, Randomized Non-inferiority Study

Hemostatic powders have been rapidly developed and used to treat gastrointestinal bleeding. We aimed to investigate the non-inferiority of the newly developed hemostatic powder (CEGP-003) compared to conventional endoscopic treatments for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). This prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled trial was conducted at four referral institutions. We enrolled consecutive patients who underwent emergency endoscopy for NVUGIB. The patients were randomly assigned to either the CEGP-003 or the conventional treatment group. In the CEGP-003 group, the hemostatic powder was applied as a spray. Conventional endoscopic treatments included electrical coagulation and hemoclipping. Between November 2019 and June 2022, 218 patients were enrolled (CEGP-003, 108; conventional, 110). Initial hemostasis was achieved in 104 of 108 patients (96.3%) in the CEGP-003 group and 101 of 110 patients (91.8%) in the conventional treatment group. The CEGP-003 group exhibited a significantly higher re-bleeding rate than the conventional treatment group. Multivariate analysis that age, duodenum and middle 1/3 of stomach, and CEGP-003 use as the initial hemostatic treatment were independent risk factors for re-bleeding. No adverse events were associated with CEGP-003. CEGP-003 demonstrates promise as an initial endoscopic therapy for NVUGIB, however close monitoring is warranted due to the risk of re-bleeding (Cris.nih.go.kr, number: KCT0004655).

A rare case report of endobronchial neurofibroma treated with transbronchial endoscopic resection and literature review.

Endobronchial neurofibroma is an extremely rare neoplastic disease. The majority of endobronchial neurofibroma are symptomatic, but nonspecific. The treatment of endobronchial neurofibroma is controversial that surgery is previously considered to be the main option. With the development of bronchoscopic intervention, most endobronchial neurofibroma can be treated with transbronchial endoscopic resection with few complications. Here we reported a case of diagnosed endobronchial neurofibroma that was successfully resected with transbronchial electrical snaring and laser coagulation. Moreover, the relevant literature was reviewed to raise awareness of this disease. A 57-year-old man presented to our hospital with cough, sputum, and shortness of breath for 2 days. Physical examination was normal. Laboratory tests revealed moderately increased C-reactive protein. Chest computed tomography showed a 10 × 8 mm round, polypoid-shaped nodule located in the left main bronchus, which was heterogeneous after contrast enhancement. It demonstrated a smooth, round, hypervascularized neoplasma obstructing most of the lumen of the upper left main bronchus under bronchoscopy. The tumor was removed with electrical snaring and laser coagulation completely instead of surgical resection, without any complications. Pathologically, it was confirmed of endobronchial neurofibroma. Repeated bronchoscopy showed no recurrence of the tumor, and the procedure site healed with a little of fibrotic scar formation. Endobronchial neurofibroma is rare. Although the standard treatment for endobronchial neurofibroma is surgery, transbronchial endoscopic resection (electrical snaring and laser coagulation) is an applicable option, especially for those lesions strictly in the lumen.

The impact of different types of wastewaters on electrode passivation in electrical coagulation systems

Water is a crucial part of the production process when the company uses reaction or cooling water to create customized goods. It is therefore expected that some of the chemical components from the boats will be present in the water. Ensuring the safety of discharged water into rivers for human consumption is vital, as water supplies are limited and subject to cycles. Industrial wastewater sometimes includes higher concentrations of heavy metals like copper, lead, and other pollutants, whereas domestic wastewater usually has higher amounts of nitrogen and phosphate. Our previous strategy to dealing with these components involved adding chemicals and filtering them, but this method introduced additional compounds into the water sample. Science and technology have advanced alongside sewage treatment techniques. In this paper, we investigated the effects of electrical coagulation on water treatment in a rapidly industrializing environment. The effectiveness of electrical coagulation has been extensively studied, but less is known about how it impacts aquatic habitats and machinery. This work addresses the issue of equipment passivation in a number of potential methods that are related to an improvement in water quality.

Endoscopic Surgery for Congenital or Acquired Cataract Associated with Persistent Fetal Vasculature: A Case Series.

Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) is a congenital malformation caused by a failure in regression of the primary vitreous and hyaloid vessels. An abnormal PFV occurs in the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. Surgery for PFV carries the risk of retinal detachment. We report four cases of cataracts associated with PFV, in which our novel surgical technique with an intraocular endoscope was safely performed. Lensectomy and vitrectomy were performed in cases 1, 3, and 4, while lensectomy, vitrectomy, and intraocular lens implantation using an endoscope were performed in case 2. In all cases, after lens removal, a slit at the posterior lens capsule was created to avoid the retrolental fibrovascular membrane using underwater electric coagulation. Moreover, the endoscope was inserted, by which the intraocular region was observed to determine the treatment method for the fibrovascular membrane and vitreous stalk. No additional surgeries were required for complications before or after any of the surgeries. Using an endoscope during cataract surgery associated with PFV, observing the vitreous stalk at high magnification and ensuring safe treatment were possible. Endoscopic surgery could be considered an effective method for treating PFV-associated cataracts.

Thulium fiber laser vs. holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: results of a prospective randomized non-inferiority trial

PurposeHolmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) represents the current standard procedure for size-independent surgical therapy of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). With advent of the novel laser technology thulium fiber laser (TFL), we hypothesized that the functional outcome of TFL enucleation of the prostate (ThuFLEP) is non-inferior compared to HoLEP.MethodsFrom October 2021 to October 2022, 150 patients with BPO were recruited for the prospective randomized trial in accordance with CONSORT. Stratified randomization into the arms ThuFLEP (n = 74) or HoLEP (n = 76) was carried out. The primary endpoint was non-inferior international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and quality of life (QoL) at three months after treatment. Secondary endpoints were rates of complications, peak flow, residual urine and operation times.ResultsPreoperative characteristics showed no significant differences. Overall IPSS and QoL improved from 21 to 8 and 4 to 1.5, respectively, after three months of follow-up. No statistically significant differences between ThuFLEP and HoLEP were observed regarding median postoperative IPSS (8.5 vs. 7, p > 0.9), QoL (1 vs. 2, p = 0.6), residual urine (48 vs. 30ml, p = 0.065) and peak flow (19 vs. 17ml/s, p > 0.9). Similarly, safety profile was comparable with no statistically significant differences regarding rate of major complications (5.3 vs. 5.4%, p = 0.5), laser hemostasis time (3 vs. 2min, p = 0.2), use of additive electric coagulation (74 vs. 87%, p = 0.06) or electric coagulation time (8 vs. 8min, p = 0.4).ConclusionsIn this prospective, randomized trial ThuFLEP showed non-inferior results compared to HoLEP in terms of functional outcomes measured by IPSS and QoL as primary endpoint.Trial registration numberDRKS00032699 (18.09.2023, retrospectively registered).

Enhanced detoxification methods for the safe reuse of treated olive mill wastewater in irrigation

Olive Mill Wastewater (OMWW) is produced in large quantities and contains high levels of nutrients that can be reused for irrigation, reducing the demand for freshwater resources. However, OMWW is phytotoxic and expensive to treat, making it important to develop more cost-effective treatment methods. This study aims to investigate an integrated detoxification treatment sequence consisting of acid precipitation, Fenton oxidation, and electrical coagulation to safely reuse OMWW for barley germination. Raw, treated and diluted OMWW (25% and 50% OMWW) were tested. The results showed that raw and diluted OMWW suppressed seed germination at all concentrations, while diluted treated OMWW enhanced seed germination and plant growth. In addition, treated OMWW (acid precipitation treatment) at 25% dilution reported 0% phytotoxicity significantly improved plant growth, where plant fresh weight (FW) reached 123.33 mg. Moreover, α-amylase, lipase, and protease enzyme activity confirmed the superior enhancement of barley growth parameters, where the highest enzyme activity value recoded 0.870 mg maltose/g FW. The integrated treatments reduced detoxification by 97.90% for total phenolic, 98.37% for total flavonoids, and 99.18% for total tannins. Reductions of around 95.78%, 60.00%, and 78.90% in total organic carbon, electric conductivity, and total solids, respectively, were achieved. A significant decrease in heavy metals was observed with removal ratios 98.64%, 94.80%, 96.88%, and 95.72% for Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn, respectively. Seedling Vigor Index as an indicator of crop productivity was successfully predicted using neural network modeling. Therefore, the applied method can be used as a fertilizer to support plant growth and reduce fertilization costs.

Advances in haemostatic sponges: Characteristics and the underlying mechanisms for rapid haemostasis

In traumatized patients, the primary cause of mortality is uncontrollable continuous bleeding and unexpected intraoperative bleeding which is likely to increase the risk of complications and surgical failure. High expansion sponges are effective clinical practice for the treatment of wound bleeding (irregular/deep/narrow) that are caused by capillaries, veins and even arterioles as they possess a high liquid absorption ratio so can absorb blood platelets easily in comparison with traditional haemostasis treatments, which involve compression, ligation, or electrical coagulation etc. When in contact with blood, haemostatic sponges can cause platelet adhesion, aggregation, and thrombosis, preventing blood from flowing out from wounds, triggering the release of coagulation factors, causing the blood to form a stable polymerized fibre protein, forming blood clots, and achieving the goal of wound bleeding control. Haemostatic sponges are found in a variety of shapes and sizes. The aim of this review is to facilitate an overview of recent research around haemostatic sponge materials, products, and technology. This paper reviews the synthesis, properties, and characteristics of haemostatic sponges, together with the haemostasis mechanisms of haemostatic sponges (composite materials), such as chitosan, cellulose, gelatin, starch, graphene oxide, hyaluronic acid, alginate, polyethylene glycol, silk fibroin, synthetic polymers silver nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and silica nanoparticles. Also, this paper reviews commercial sponges and their properties. In addition to this, we discuss various in-vitro/in-vivo approaches for the evaluation of the effect of sponges on haemostasis.

An overview of the application of electrocoagulation for mine wastewater treatment.

One of the challenges of the twenty-first century is related to the discharge and disposal of mine effluents and wastewater resulting from mine dewatering, precipitation, and surface runoff in mines, especially acidic effluents that contain a variety of toxic and heavy metals and are the main sources of surface and groundwater pollution. Various physical, chemical, and biological methods have been developed and used to treat mine effluents. All proposed methods have their own disadvantages that make their use challenging. One of the new methods used for wastewater treatment is the electrical coagulation process, which has attracted the attention of researchers in recent years due to its advantages such as simplicity, environmental friendliness, and low cost. The present review focused on the applications of electrocoagulation for mine wastewater treatment as well as metals recovery. In addition, the main mechanisms, advantages, and weaknesses of electrocoagulation were reviewed.

Comparison of a Polysaccharide Hemostatic Powder and Conventional Therapy for Peptic Ulcer Bleeding

Hemostatic powders have been clinically used in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding. We investigated the non-inferiority of a polysaccharide hemostatic powder (PHP), compared with conventional endoscopic treatments, for peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB). This study was a prospective multicenter randomized open-label controlled trial at four referral institutions. We consecutively enrolled patients who had undergone emergency endoscopy for PUB. The patients were randomly assigned to either a PHP or conventional treatment group. In the PHP group, diluted epinephrine was injected, and the powder was applied as a spray. Conventional endoscopic treatment included the use of electrical coagulation or hemoclipping after injection of diluted epinephrine. Between July 2017 and May 2021, 216 patients were enrolled in this study (PHP group, 105; control group, 111). Initial hemostasis was achieved in 92 of 105 patients (87.6%) in the PHP group and 96 of 111 patients (86.5%) in the conventional treatment group. Re-bleeding did not differ between the two groups. In subgroup analysis, the initial hemostasis failure rate in the conventional treatment group was 13.6% for Forrest IIa cases; however, there was no initial hemostasis failure in the PHP group (P=0.023). Large ulcer size (≥15mm) and chronic kidney disease with dialysis were independent risk factors for re-bleeding at 30 days. No adverse events were associated with PHP use. PHP is not inferior to conventional treatments and could be of use in initial endoscopic treatment for PUB. Further studies are needed to confirm the re-bleeding rate of PHP (ClinicalTrials.gov 02717416).

Advances in Technologies for Boron Removal from Water: A Comprehensive Review.

Boron overabundance in aquatic environment raises severe concerns about the environment and human health because it is toxic to various crops and induces many human and animal diseases with long-term consequences. In response to the boron pollution of water resources and the difficulty of eliminating boron from water for production and living purposes, this article summarizes the progress in research on boron removal technology, addressing the following aspects: (1) the reasons for the difficulty of removing boron from water (boron chemistry); (2) ecological/biological toxicity and established regulations; (3) analysis of different existing processes (membrane processes, resin, adsorption, chemical precipitation, (electric) coagulation, extraction, and combined methods) in terms of their mechanisms, effectiveness, and limitations; (4) prospects for future studies and possible improvements in applicability and recyclability. The focus of this paper is thus to provide a comprehensive summary of reported deboronation processes to date, which will definitely identify directions for the development of boron removal technology in the future.

Influence of H2O and SO3 on fine particles coagulation for sintering flue gas after desulfurization in an alternating electric field.

Electric coagulation of fine particles has been studied in the simulated sintering flue gas after semi-dry desulfurization to quantify the influence of H2O and SO3. The electric coagulation platform has a DC charging zone and an AC coagulation zone. Fine particles were divided into different diameter intervals to deeply explore the impact of H2O and SO3, including less than 0.15μm (PM0.15), 0.15-0.5μm (PM0.15-0.5) and 0.5-1μm (PM0.5-1). The particle charge, mass fractions of fine particles, and the mean diameter are measured and compared under water and SO3 atmosphere. The experiments showed that the increasing AC voltage helps particles larger than 0.5μm to coagulate but has little effect on the rest particles without H2O or SO3. Both H2O and SO3 enhance the PM1.0 AC coagulation. When flue gas relative humidity went up from 20 to 80%, the charge per particle maximally increased by 120%, as well as the mass fraction of PM0.5-1, PM0.15-0.5, and PM0.15 decreased by 83.2%, 64.5%, and 66.6%, respectively. When the SO3 concentration rose up from 0ppm to 12.3ppm, the charge per particle maximally increased by 100%, as well as the mass fractions of PM0.5-1, PM0.15-0.5, and PM0.15 decreased by 54.5%, 28.6%, and 33.3%, respectively. The impact of water and sulfuric mist on the particle intervals was sequenced as: PM0.5-1 > PM0.15 > PM0.15-0.5. The influence on PM1.0 AC coagulation was sequenced as H2O > sulfuric mist > AC voltage. Through data regression, H2O had approximate linear correlation with the particle mass fractions while the impact of sulfuric mist was non-linear. The interparticle forces were calculated to analyze the dominant force of particle AC coagulation with water: liquid bridge force > Coulomb force > > van der Waals force. The liquid bridge force indicated that liquid film was form on the surface of fine particles when water or sulfuric mist was added into the system which was the main reason enhancing the AC coagulation.

Effect of androgen replacement therapy on mixed dry eye in a rabbit model

Objective: To explore the effect of androgen replacement therapy in a rabbit dry eye model characterized by androgen deficiency and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods: Thirty 6-month-old male Chinchilla rabbits were randomly divided into the treatment group, model group and control group, with 10 rabbits in each group. In the treatment and model groups, 2/3 of the meibomian gland openings were closed by cauterization with electric coagulation pen, and bilateral testes were removed. One gram gel containing 1% testosterone was applied for 28 days on the skin of rabbits in the treatment group since day 28 after the surgery. The model group and control group received transdermal petrolatum instead. Tear secretion, tear breakup time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, and serum free testosterone level were monitored throughout the study period. The globes and eyelids were collected for hematoxylin-eosin staining and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Conjunctival tissue was tested for the expression of miRNA-744-5p and interleukin-6. Meibum was collected for fatty acid analysis. Results: Animals presented with typical dry eye signs and androgen deficiency. After 28-day androgen replacement therapy, compared with the model group, the treatment group had a significantly higher tear secretion rate [(14.7±5.2) vs (10.3±3.6) mm, P=0.001], higher TBUT [(15.0±4.2) vs (10.2±3.6) s, P=0.003], lower fluorescein staining score [0 (0, 1) vs 2 (1, 4), P<0.001], and higher goblet cell density at conjunctival fornix (27.2±7.6 vs 10.7±4.8, P<0.001). Additionally, compared with the model group, the conjunctiva of the treatment group expressed a significantly lower level of miRNA-744-5p (1.67±0.24 vs 2.63±0.58, P<0.001) and interleukin-6 [2.38 (1.84, 4.61) vs 4.82 (3.99, 6.36), P=0.022]. Meanwhile, the treatment group showed significantly increased level of 16∶1, Δ9 fatty acid [(10.31±1.00)% vs (3.87±0.45)%, P<0.001] and iso-18∶0 fatty acid [(7.09±0.93)% vs (2.44±0.70)%, P<0.001], but decreased level of iso-26∶0 fatty acid [(5.72±1.07)% vs (8.02±0.65)%, P<0.001] in the meibum compared with the model group. Conclusion: Androgen replacement therapy can alleviate dry eye signs in rabbits presented with combined androgen deficiency and MGD.

Enhanced membrane fouling control and trace organic compounds removal during microfiltration by coupling coagulation and adsorption in an electric field

Coupling electric field, coagulation, and powdered activated carbon (PAC) adsorption in the microfiltration (MF) process was an effective strategy for membrane fouling alleviation and trace organic compounds (TrOCs) elimination. In the electric field, the surface charges of bovine serum albumin (BSA) molecules and kaolin particles distributed along the direction of the electric field and formed electric dipoles, which lowered electrostatic repulsion between BSA-BSA, BSA-kaolin, and kaolin-kaolin, resulting in enhanced particle aggregation and turbidity reduction. Electrophoretic migration also strengthened the interaction between particles and polyaluminum chloride (PACl). Protein removal showed a significant linear correlation with the transmembrane pressure (TMP), and the slope variation of the fitting curves reflected the role of the electric field in the BSA removal and membrane fouling control. Under the synergistic function of electric field, coagulation, and PAC adsorption, the MF system achieved an 80.7% reduction on membrane fouling, an average BSA removal of 76.4%, and TrOCs elimination of 65.3%–81.7%. Electrochemical oxidation was the main contributor to the TrOCs removal when 2.5 V voltage was applied, and could also prolong the service life of PAC.

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) with endosuturing compared with conventional technique using energy sources.

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the technique of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) with intra-corporeal endosuturing using simple sutures and basic surgical instruments and compare with TLH using electric coagulation equipment i.e. energy sources with regard to operative time, blood loss, postoperative stay and pain scores. A retrospective study was undertaken, in Max Super Specialty Hospital Saket, from June 2015 to May 2018, which included 586 cases of TLH (for benign gynecological conditions), of which 287 were performed using intra-corporeal endosuturing (Group 1) and 299 were performed using energy sources (Group 2). To avoid bias, baseline matching was done for body mass index (BMI), indications for surgery, size of uterus, previous abdominal surgeries and comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension after which there were 172 patients in each group. The mean age of patients was 48.24 ± 6.76 years. All operative outcomes including operative time (104.1 ± 22.6 vs 107.6 ± 32.6 mins, p=0.25), blood loss (78.9 ± 101.6 vs 99.7 ± 177.6 ml, p=0.19), pain score (2.5 ± 1.3 vs 2.7 ± 1.2, p=0.13) and post-operative stay (2.05 ± 0.2 vs 2.07 ± 0.3 days, p=0.36) were similar between the two groups. Uterine size was the major determinant of operative time and operative blood loss. TLH with intracorporeal endosuturing can be performed safely and gives results comparable with TLH performed using energy sources. Advancement in suturing devices can decrease operative time further and potentially make it easier and more acceptable.

Effect of endoscopic resection on short-term surgical outcomes of subsequent laparoscopic gastrectomy: a meta-analysis

BackgroundEndoscopic resection (ER) might affect subsequent laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) because of the electrical coagulation, but the effect remains controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to analyze the effect of ER on the short-term surgical outcomes of subsequent LG.Materials and methodsThe PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to find eligible studies published from inception to March 21, 2021. Short-term surgical outcomes were compared between the ER-LG group and the LG-only group. The registration ID of this current meta-analysis on PROSPERO is CRD42021238031.ResultsNine studies involving 3611 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The LG-only group had a higher T stage (T1-T2: OR=2.42, 95% CI=1.09 to 5.34, P=0.03; T3-T4: OR=0.41, 95% CI=0.19 to 0.91, P=0.03) than the ER-LG group. The ER-LG group showed a shorter operation time than the LG-only group (MD=−5.98, 95% CI=−10.99 to −0.97, P=0.02). However, no difference was found in operation time after subgroup analysis of propensity score matching studies. No significant difference was found in intraoperative blood loss, time to first oral feeding, or postoperative hospital stay between the ER-LG group and the LG-only group. And no significance was found in overall complications (OR=1.16, 95% CI=0.89 to 1.50, P=0.27), complications of grade ≥ II (OR=1.11, 95% CI=0.71 to 1.73, P=0.64), complications of grade ≥ III b (OR=1.47, 95% CI=0.49 to 4.43, P=0.49) between the ER-LG group and the LG-only group.ConclusionsER did not affect subsequent LG in terms of short-term outcomes, and the ER-LG group might have a shorter operation time than the LG-only group.

Numerical Simulation of the Development of a Powerful Convective Cloud Based on a Three-dimensional Model with Explicit Microphysics and Taking into Account Electrical Coagulation

This paper describes the calculation of electrical parameters in a three-dimensional mathematical model of a convective cloud with detailed consideration of thermodynamic, microphysical and electrical processes. The formation of electric charges occurs due to freezing of droplets and accretion processes of liquid and solid particles. The calculated values of volume charges are used to determine the potential of the electric field. A three-dimensional Poisson equation is solved for this purpose - at each step of numerical integration of the model’s system of equations. The values of the electric field strength in discrete cloud cells at each time step are also taken into account when adjusting the coefficients of gravitational coagulation of cloud particles using appropriate multipliers. Some results of calculations of microstructural parameters of the cloud at different stages of development are presented with and without taking into account the electrical coagulation of cloud particles.

Investigation of Electro-coagulation Process for Phosphate and Nitrate Removal From Sugarcane Wastewaters

Background: Highly-concentrated phosphate and nitrate anions from sugarcane wastewater are often discharged into public waters without standardized treatments. This study assessed the effects of electrical coagulation, initial pH and reaction time in the removal of phosphate and nitrate pollutants. Methods: We used aluminum electrodes to remove the pollutants at Hakhim Farabi Agricultural and Industrial complex, Khuzestan Province, Iran. A septic tank was used for collecting water samples followed by measuring the pH, and the concentrations of phosphate and nitrate in the samples. The pH was set at 5, 7, 9 or 11. Six aluminum electrodes were placed perpendicular to the water flow and were connected to power in a single-polar method. They were used to assess the effects of pH changes, electrical power at 10 and 30 volts and the water retention time at 15, 30, 45 or 60 min. on the efficiency of the pollutants’ removal. Results: The results indicated that under equal retention time and varying pH values, as voltage increased from 10 to 30, the phosphate and nitrate removal increased progressively. It was further demonstrated that the maximum phosphate removal efficiency was achieved at pH7, while it declined at higher pH levels. The highest possible nitrate removal efficiency was achieved under alkaline pH levels. The overall results showed that at every pH and voltage, the percentage of phosphate and nitrate removal increased over time. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that electro-coagulation process is an appropriate and efficient method to remove phosphate and nitrate pollutants from sugarcane wastewaters.

A journey of wastewater to clean hydrogen: A perspective

A journey of wastewater to clean hydrogen: A perspective

Parkinson's Disease as a Network Disorder

Network disorders of the basal ganglia may underlie the pathophysiology of movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and dystonia. The following models have been proposed to explain network disorders: (1) the firing rate model: an activity imbalance between the direct, indirect, and hyperdirect pathways induces changes in the mean firing rate of the output nuclei of the basal ganglia and causes hypokinetic or hyperkinetic movement disorders, (2) the firing pattern model: oscillatory and/or synchronized activity in the basal ganglia disturbs information processing in this area, resulting in motor symptoms and, (3) the dynamic activity model: abnormal neuronal modulations through the direct, indirect, and hyperdirect pathways disrupt the balance between movement-related inhibition and surrounding excitation in the output nuclei, which leads to motor symptoms. We present a critical analysis of these models in this review. Stereotactic surgery, which involves the application of high-frequency electrical stimulation (deep brain stimulation) or coagulation of a small area in the basal ganglia is an effective therapeutic strategy to treat movement disorders. We have also discussed the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of stereotactic surgery.

Endoscopic sphenopalatine artery electrocoagulation for refractory epistaxis: a clinical study

Background The electrical coagulation of sphenopalatine artery(SPA) under nasal endoscopy has gradually become an important surgical intervention for epistaxis Aim To investigate the effectiveness and complications of SPA electrocoagulation for epistaxis. Material and methods The clinical data of 47 patients undergoing SPA electrocoagulation were analyzed, retrospectively. Results Forty-seven patients were enrolled, with a male to female ratio of approximately 3:1. 11of 36 were under 45 years old, 25 of 36were 45 years old and above. Among female patients, one was under 45 years old, and the others were 45 years old and above, but there was no significant difference in gender composition between different age groups (χ 2 = 1.069, p = .301). All patients were unilateral epistaxis. The effective control rates of epistaxis within 24 h after surgery, early postoperative, and late postoperative were 100%, 100%, and 97.9%, respectively. There were 6 patients with complications, including 3 patients with nasal dryness and ecdysis on the affected side, 2 patients with numbness on upper lip, 1 patient with nasal adhesion and pus on affected side. Conclusion and significance Refractory epistaxis has no relationship with age and sex, SPA electrcoagulation can effectively control refractory epistaxis and is an effective surgical method.