Separate Vials Research Articles

Management of epithelial precancerous conditions and lesions in the stomach (MAPS II): European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group (EHMSG), European Society of Pathology (ESP), and Sociedade Portuguesa de Endoscopia Digestiva (SPED) guideline update 2019.

Patients with chronic atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia (IM) are at risk for gastric adenocarcinoma. This underscores the importance of diagnosis and risk stratification for these patients. High definition endoscopy with chromoendoscopy (CE) is better than high definition white-light endoscopy alone for this purpose. Virtual CE can guide biopsies for staging atrophic and metaplastic changes and can target neoplastic lesions. Biopsies should be taken from at least two topographic sites (antrum and corpus) and labelled in two separate vials. For patients with mild to moderate atrophy restricted to the antrum there is no evidence to recommend surveillance. In patients with IM at a single location but with a family history of gastric cancer, incomplete IM, or persistent Helicobacter pylori gastritis, endoscopic surveillance with CE and guided biopsies may be considered in 3 years. Patients with advanced stages of atrophic gastritis should be followed up with a high quality endoscopy every 3 years. In patients with dysplasia, in the absence of an endoscopically defined lesion, immediate high quality endoscopic reassessment with CE is recommended. Patients with an endoscopically visible lesion harboring low or high grade dysplasia or carcinoma should undergo staging and treatment. H. pylori eradication heals nonatrophic chronic gastritis, may lead to regression of atrophic gastritis, and reduces the risk of gastric cancer in patients with these conditions, and it is recommended. H. pylori eradication is also recommended for patients with neoplasia after endoscopic therapy. In intermediate to high risk regions, identification and surveillance of patients with precancerous gastric conditions is cost-effective.

Effect of Preservation in Formalin and Alcohol on the Growth Rate Estimates of Larval Northern Pike

AbstractBody length measurements and growth rate (GR) analysis are important steps in research on the ecology of early development stages of fish. In order to obtain accurate results, the lengths of field‐collected and preserved larvae must be corrected for shrinkage. Northern Pike Esox lucius larvae were kept in the laboratory in freshwater conditions (300‐L tank; temperature = 16°C), where they were fed six times a day ad libitum with aquaculture feed. Every 3 d over a period of 30 d, a subsample of approximately 30 larvae was collected, measured, and placed in separate vials in 96% alcohol and 4% formalin. All of the larvae (8.8–34 mm SL; n = 276) were measured again after 90 d of preservation. The shrinkage ranged from 0% to 11.6%, averaging 3.42% in alcohol (n = 134) and 3.74% in formalin (n = 139). The difference was not statistically significant. In both preservatives, the relative shrinkage (%) was higher for small fish than for large fish. The length correction for 8–34‐mm SL fish in both alcohol and formalin should be done by adding 0.7 mm to the length measured after preservation. Shrinkage did not affect fish GRs estimated based on linear regression fitted to size‐at‐age data (0.645 mm/d for unpreserved larvae and 0.650 mm/d for preserved larvae). In the opposite case, when growth was estimated as mean GR between hatching and sampling, the shrinkage effect was significant: the mean GR was 0.604 mm/d for unpreserved larvae and 0.558 mm/d for preserved larvae. The presented shrinkage correction formula allows for obtaining accurate length and GR data for larval Northern Pike that should lead to conclusions that credibly support undertaking appropriate management strategies.

Solubility and water sorption of novel atraumatic restorative treatment materials: A In vitro Study

Objectives: The objective is to determine the solubility (SL) and sorption of novel atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) materials in deionized water or artificial saliva. Materials and Methods: Two compositions of newly developed ART materials were prepared. Individual compositions were prepared separately and placed in 100% humidity at ambient temperature for 24 h. Each was stored in separate vials, either 7 ml of deionized or artificial saliva at ambient temperature for 1, 7, 14, or 28 days. The sorption (S%) and SL% were then determined. Student's t-test was employed to assess the significance level of the differences observed. Results: After 1 day, the mean values for water sorption of the ART-I were 12.1% and ART-II were 16.8% in deionized water (P = 0.01). However, the mean water sorption in artificial saliva for ART-1 was 15.3% and that for ART-II was 18.5% (P = 0.05). The mean SL of ART-I and ART-II was 7.4% and 7.2%, respectively, in deionized water (P = 0.66), and in artificial saliva, it was 7.0% and 6.0%, respectively (P = 0.19). Conclusions: We conclude that water sorption potential of ART-II is more in artificial saliva and SL potential of ART-I was more in deionized water.

Dependence of micronuclei assay on the depth of absorbed dose.

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the dependence of micronuclei response on the depth of absorbed dose. One of the most common cytogenetic methods used for radiation dosimetry is micronuclei (MN). Being less complex and faster than other methods are two remarkable advantages of the MN method which make it suitable for monitoring of population. In biological dosimetry based on the micronuclei method, the investigation into the dependence of response on the depth in which dose is absorbed is significant, though has received less attention so far. Blood samples were poured in separate vials to be irradiated at different depths using a linear accelerator system. According to the results, MN, as a function of the absorbed dose, had the best fitness with the linear-quadratic model at all depths. Furthermore, the results showed the dependence of MN response on the depth of absorbed dose. For doses up to 2Gy, the maximum difference from the reference depth of 1.5cm was related to the depth of 10cm; however, by increasing the absorbed dose, the response associated with the depth of 20cm showed the maximum deviation from the reference depth. Consequently, it is necessary to apply a correction factor to the biological dosimetry. The correction factor is dependent on the depth and the absorbed dose.

Reproducibility of a commercially available subgingival plaque sampling strategy and analysis strategy with oligonucleotide probes

Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the intra-test agreement of pooled samples from the deepest periodontal pocket of each quadrant with a commercially available test kit based on hybridization of 16S rRNA.Material and methods: Plaque samples of 50 patients with generalized severe chronic periodontitis before therapy were pooled in two separate vials in order to detect and compare counts of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola. Cohen’s κ and interclass correlation coefficients were calculated to judge intra-test agreement.Results: Cohen’s κ for detection and counts of Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola showed a perfect agreement. Porphyromonas ginigivalis was identified in both tests with a substantial agreement, whereas detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans varied in eight patients resulting in a good agreement. Possible confounding factors could not be identified statistically.Conclusion: Test results of the commercial 16S rRNA test are perfectly reproducible regarding detection of red complex pathogens. Intra-test agreement concerning detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was less favorable.Clinical relevance: Detection of certain periodontal pathogens may alter the treatment and lead to prescription of antibiotics parallel to mechanical debridement. It is quite important not to use antibiotics excessively. Thus, the basis for decision-making in favor of antibiotics should be solid.

Computers predict molecules’ scents from their structures

A team of researchers and volunteers from across the globe have trained computers to predict the way a molecule will smell based on its structure. The feat may help scientists unravel the still-mysterious relationship between molecular structure and odor perception (Science 2017, DOI: 10.1126/science.aal2014). This achievement in machine learning could also be a boon to the fragrance industry, saving time and money that would otherwise be spent on laborious human sniff testing. It even suggests that computers might one day identify molecules by their odor. To tackle the complex and poorly understood phenomenon of olfaction, an international team led by Pablo Meyer at IBM and Leslie B. Voshall and Andreas Keller at Rockefeller University devised a crowdsourced project, the DREAM Olfaction Prediction Challenge. They assembled a huge set of human odor perception data by arranging for 49 people to sniff 476 molecules in separate vials. These human sniffers categorized each

0176 Environmental persistence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, porcine delta corona virus, and transmissible gastroenteritis in feed ingredients

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), porcine delta corona virus (PDCoV), and transmissible gastroenteritis (TGEV) are major threats to swine production. Investigations of recent outbreaks confirmed that contaminated feed plays a role in virus transmission. This risk makes it necessary to evaluate the survival of such viruses in various feed ingredients. The objective of our experiment was to characterize the inactivation of PEDV, PDCoV, and TGEV in various feed and ingredient matrices. To determine differences in virus survival, 5-g samples of complete feed, spray-dried porcine plasma, meat meal, meat and bone meal, blood meal, corn, soybean meal, and low, medium, and high oil dried distillers grains with solubles were weighed into separate scintillation vials. These samples were inoculated with 1 mL of PEDV, PDCoV, or TGEV and incubated at room temperature for up to 56 d. At each time point, surviving virus was eluted and the supernatant was inoculated into vero-81 cells for PEDV, or swine testicular cells for PDCoV and TGEV. Cells were observed daily for 10 d for cytopathic effects, and this information was used to calculate a median tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) using the Karber method. Inactivation kinetics were determined using the Weibull model. A delta value was estimated from the model, indicating the time necessary to reduce virus concentration by 1 log. This delta value was then compared across ingredients using the mixed procedure of SAS, and correlations between ingredient proximate analysis data and delta values were determined. Results showed that soybean meal had the greatest delta value (7.50 d) for PEDV compared with other ingredients (P < 0.06). Likewise, PDCoV (42.04 d) and TGEV (42.00 d) delta values were highest in soybean meal (P < 0.001). There was a moderate positive correlation between moisture and the delta value for PDCoV (r = 0.49, P = 0.01) and TGEV (r = 0.41, P = 0.02). There was also a moderate negative correlation between lipid content and the delta value for TGEV (r = −0.51, P = 0.01), suggesting that TGEV is less stable in ingredients with greater lipid content compared with ingredients with less lipid content. In conclusion, these results indicate that the first log reduction of PDCoV and TGEV takes the greatest amount of time in soybean meal and it appears to be the result of greater moisture content.

The Effect of Storing Temperature and Duration on Urinary Hydration Markers.

The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the effects of storage temperature, duration, and the urinary sediment on urinary hydration markers. Thirty-six human urine samples were analyzed fresh and then the remaining sample was separated into 24 separate vials, six in each of the following four temperatures: 22 °C, 7 °C, -20 °C, and -80 °C. Two of each sample stored in any given temperature, were analyzed after 1, 2, and 7 days either following vortexing or centrifugation. Each urine sample was analyzed for osmolality (UOsm), urine specific gravity (USG), and urine color (UC). UOsm was stable at 22 °C, for 1 day (+5-9 mmol∙kg-1, p > .05) and at 7 °C, UOsm up to 7 days (+8-8 mmol∙kg-1, p > .05). At -20 and -80 °C, UOsm decreased after 1, 2, and 7 days (9-61 mmol∙kg-1, p < .05). Vortexing the sample before analysis further decreased only UOsm in the -20 °C and -80 °C storage. USG remained stable up to 7 days when samples were stored in 22 °C or 7 °C (p > .05) but declined significantly when stored in -20 °C, and -80 °C (p < .001). UC was not stable in any of the storing conditions for 1, 2, and 7 days. In conclusion, these data indicate that urine specimens analyzed for UOsm or USG remained stable in refrigerated (7 °C) environment for up to 7 days, and in room temperature for 1 day. However, freezing (-20 and -80 °C) samples significantly decreased the values of hydration markers.

Polymicrobial biofilm formation byCandida albicans, Actinomyces naeslundii, andStreptococcus mutansisCandida albicansstrain and medium dependent

Oral biofilms comprise of extracellular polysaccharides and polymicrobial microorganisms. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of polymicrobial interactions of Candida albicans, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Streptococcus mutans on biofilm formation with the hypotheses that biofilm biomass and metabolic activity are both C. albicans strain and growth medium dependent. To study monospecific biofilms, C. albicans, A. naeslundii, and S. mutans were inoculated into artificial saliva medium (ASM) and RPMI-1640 in separate vials, whereas to study polymicrobial biofilm formation, the inoculum containing microorganisms was prepared in the same vial prior inoculation into a 96-well plate followed by 72 hours incubation. Finally, biofilm biomass and metabolic activity were measured using crystal violet and XTT assays, respectively. Our results showed variability of monospecies and polymicrobial biofilm biomass between C. albicans strains and growth medium. Based on cut-offs, out of 32, seven RPMI-grown biofilms had high biofilm biomass (HBB), whereas, in ASM-grown biofilms, 14 out of 32 were HBB. Of the 32 biofilms grown in RPMI-1640, 21 were high metabolic activity (HMA), whereas in ASM, there was no biofilm had HMA. Significant differences were observed between ASM and RPMI-grown biofilms with respect to metabolic activity (P <01). In conclusion, biofilm biomass and metabolic activity were both C. albicans strain and growth medium dependent.

Profile of MIBI Liquid Phase Radiopharmaceutical for Myocardial Imaging

The 99m Tc-MIBI radiopharmaceutical has been used in nuclear medicine in Indonesia for myocardial imaging . BATAN researchers have mastered the technology to manufacture MIBI as a liophylized kit. A reformulation of MIBI radiopharmaceutical has been conducted to improve the stability of the kit especially in the liquid-phase kit. Basically, radiopharmaceuticals in liquid form are not different from the dry kit. However in the manufactur ing of liquid - phase kit, l yophilization process was not done. To improve the stability of liquid kit, a r eformulat ion of the components was conducted by using two separate vials (Formulation 2) and the characteristics were compared with the one-vial formulation (Formulation 1) . The MIBI Formulation 2 consists of two vials , v ial A containing 0.06 mg of SnCl 2 2H 2 O and 2.6 mg Sodium Citrate 2H 2 O and vial B containing 0.5 mg of [Cu(MIBI) 4 ]BF 4 , 1 mg of cysteine hydrochloride , and 20 mg of mannitol. The purpose s of this study were to determine the stability of two different formulations of MIBI as a liquid -phase kit, to compare their stability in different storage condition such as in refrigerator and freezer, and to compare the ratio of activities attained between target and nontarget organs after injection to animal model . As a diagnostic agent, MIBI was reconstituted with Technetium-99m as radionuclide tracer to 99m Tc-MIBI labeled compound. The radiochemical purity of 99m Tc-MIBI was determined by chromatography method using alumina thin-layer chromatography paper as the stationary phase and ethanol 95% as the mobile phase. The results showed MIBI F ormulation 2 has a higher stability than F ormulation 1 . Formulation 2 also maintained a 96 . 68% radio chemical purity under 52-day storage and attained a target-to- nontarget activity ratio of 8.22 . Received: 04 October 2014 ; Revised: 10 November 2015 ; Accepted: 25 November 2015

Use of individual containers for prostate biopsy samples: Do we gain diagnostic performance?

ObjectiveProstate cores from transrectal biopsies are usually sent in separate vials for pathological processing. Although this is a common practice, there are controversial studies on its usefulness.We wanted to compare the rate of prostate cancer diagnosis between processing samples in 2 containers and processing them in individual containers to see if there are differences. Our secondary objective was to check the rate of diagnosis of various tumor subtypes in each of the 2 groups. Material and methodsA retrospective observational study was conducted of 2601 cases of prostate biopsies. Ten cores were extracted in each biopsy. We divided the sample into 2 groups: biopsies sent in 2 containers to the department of pathology (left and right lobes) or sent in 10 (one for each cylinder), according to the different criteria used in our center in the past.We then classified the cases according to the absence of neoplasia, insignificant tumor (involvement of just 1 cylinder, <5%, Gleason score <7), Gleason 6 or Gleason ≥7. A bivariate statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared test. ResultsA total of 1777 participants were included in the 2-container group, and 824 were included in the 10-container group. We diagnosed a rate of 32.4% of cancers in the 2-container group and 40% in the 10-container group, a difference that was statistically significant (P<0.001).The insignificant carcinomas were diagnosed more often in the 2-container group than in the 10-container group (6.4% vs. 4.3%, respectively; P=0.03). Samples with a Gleason score of 6 were diagnosed more often in the 10-container group than in the 2-container group (11.9% vs. 8.1%, respectively; P=0.002). The same occurred with the Gleason score ≥7 (23.8% in the 10-container group vs. 17.9% in the 2-container group; P<0.001). ConclusionsWe diagnosed more prostate cancers when sending biopsied cores in individual containers. Once the procedure was conducted, we also observed in our series a reduction in the diagnoses of insignificant carcinoma to the detriment of an increased diagnosis of not insignificant carcinomas.

Uso de contenedores individuales para las muestras obtenidas en biopsia prostática: ¿ganamos en rendimiento diagnóstico?

ObjectiveProstate cores from transrectal biopsies are usually sent in separate vials for pathological processing. Although this is a common practice, there are controversial studies on its usefulness.We wanted to compare the rate of prostate cancer diagnosis between processing samples in 2 containers and processing them in individual containers to see if there are differences. Our secondary objective was to check the rate of diagnosis of various tumour subtypes in each of the 2 groups. Material and methodsA retrospective observational study was conducted of 2,601 cases of prostate biopsies. Ten cores were extracted in each biopsy. We divided the sample into 2 groups: biopsies sent in 2 containers to the department of pathology (left and right lobes) or sent in 10 (one for each cylinder), according to the different criteria used in our centre in the past.We then classified the cases according to the absence of neoplasia, insignificant tumour (involvement of just 1 cylinder, <5%, Gleason score<7), Gleason 6 or Gleason≥7. A bivariate statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared test. ResultsA total of 1,777 participants were included in the 2-container group, and 824 were included in the 10-container group. We diagnosed a rate of 32.4% of cancers in the 2-container group and 40% in the 10-container group, a difference that was statistically significant (P<.001).The insignificant carcinomas were diagnosed more often in the 2-container group than in the 10-container group (6.4% vs. 4.3%, respectively; P=.03). Samples with a Gleason score of 6 were diagnosed more often in the 10-container group than in the 2-container group (11.9% vs. 8.1%, respectively; P=.002). The same occurred with the Gleason score≥7 (23.8% in the 10-container group vs. 17.9% in the 2-container group; P<.001). ConclusionsWe diagnosed more prostate cancers when sending biopsied cores in individual containers. Once the procedure was conducted, we also observed in our series a reduction in the diagnoses of insignificant carcinoma to the detriment of an increased diagnosis of not insignificant carcinomas.

A hospital based prospective study of vitamin D deficiency in a selected group of apparently healthy children one to five years of age

Objective: To study the presence of vitamin D deficiency in a selected group of apparently healthy children 1-5 years of age Method: A hospital based prospective cross-sectional study was carried out at the Sri Guru Ramdas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SGRDIMSR), Amritsar on a selected group of apparently healthy children of age group 1 to 5 years, attending the paediatrics outpatient department for minor ailments or immunization from December 2012 to June 2014. Venous samples from these children were collected in two separate red topped vials (with clot activator), one for vitamin D and the other for alkaline phosphatase and calcium. These vials were sent to the Biochemistry Department of SGRDIMSR hospital. Data so obtained was statistically analysed. Results : Out of a total of 100 apparently healthy children, 78 were found to be deficient in Vitamin D. Vitamin D levels were tested by the Direct ELISA method. Vitamin D deficiency was found most commonly in the age group 4–5 years. Gender wise, 79.4% of boys and 75.7% of girls were found to be vitamin D deficient. Of breast fed children 76.6% were found deficient in vitamin D. Of the children who spent less than 30 minutes per day in the sun 73.1% were vitamin D deficient. Most (80%) cases of vitamin D deficiency were found in the upper middle class. Urban population was found to be more deficient in vitamin D as compared to rural. Fifty four percent of the children with vitamin D deficiency were of wheatish complexion. Dietary insufficiency was found in 67% of the children, of whom 82% were found to be vitamin D deficient. Clinical features of vitamin D deficiency found in our study were frontal bossing, parietal bone prominences, widening of wrist epiphyses and pot belly. Conclusion: In the selected group of apparently healthy children 1-5 years of age vitamin D deficiency was found in 78%. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2015; 44(3): 158-162

A diff erent approach to chest tube drainage after cardiac surgery: A study on the usage of a single versus separate drain vials

Background: Pericardial and pleural space drainage and decompression is crucial after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and adequacy of chest tubes that are connected to single closed underwater drainage system compared to two separate closed drainage systems.

An Analysis of 3 Common CardioGen-82 82Rb Infusion System Injection Methods and Their Impact on Clinical Volume and Image Counts.

In the wake of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall, many clinics have had to reduce their examination volumes to meet the new generator volume usage requirements. This review tests 3 common infusion methods and how they affect patient dose, generator volume usage, image counts, and generator volume limits. Three common configurations of the (82)Rb infusion system settings--standard 50-mL, volume-limiting, and bolus methods--were tested to determine how they affect patient dose, generator volume, and image counts. Each injection configuration was tested daily for the duration of 3 consecutive generators by injection into separate vials. Each injection configuration was also infused into a beaker and imaged to determine the impact of image counts for each method. The total estimated volumes for multiple examination and quality assurance clinical situations were simulated to observe the use of each method relative to the new FDA volume alert and expiration limits. Vial tests confirmed that the bolus method used the least amount of volume per infusion and stayed the most consistent throughout the life of the generator. The bolus method also produced a lower patient dose after approximately 10 d of use. The beaker tests in the scanner showed that the standard 50-mL method produced the greatest number of total counts for the flow and uptake images. On the basis of the estimated total volume simulations, the bolus method allowed for the most examinations over the life of the generator while staying within the new FDA limits. All 3 methods for augmenting the (82)Rb infusion system produced different outcomes for patient dose, image counts, and total generator volume use. The standard 50-mL method ensured the maximum amount of counts available for imaging throughout the life of the generator. The bolus method provided a consistent and predictable amount of volume use. The volume-limiting method fell somewhere in the middle of volume predictability and count preservation.

Mixing compatibilities of Aspergillus and American cockroach allergens with other high-protease fungal and insect extracts

BackgroundRecent studies have shown that Alternaria and German cockroach allergens can be degraded by endogenous proteases from other insect and fungal extracts when combined for immunotherapy, but data supporting the compatibilities of other high-protease products in comparable mixtures have not been reported. ObjectiveTo assess the stabilities and compatibilities of Aspergillus fumigatus and American cockroach allergens after mixing with protease-rich extracts from other insects or fungi at concentrations similar to those recommended for subcutaneous immunotherapy. MethodsMixtures containing A fumigatus, American cockroach, and other fungal or insect extracts were evaluated by quantitative (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) and qualitative (immunoblotting) methods. Test mixtures and control samples at 10% to 50% glycerin concentrations were analyzed after storage for up to 12 months at 2°C to 8°C. ResultsModerate to high recoveries of Aspergillus extract activities were retained in control samples and extract mixtures under all conditions examined. American cockroach extract controls were partly degraded at 10% to 25% glycerin, and cockroach allergen compatibilities were decreased significantly in mixtures with several fungal extracts at 25% glycerin. Mixing with other insects did not compromise the stability of American cockroach allergens at 25% to 50% glycerin. ConclusionAspergillus extracts exhibited favorable stabilities after mixing with other high-protease products. American cockroach extract potencies were unstable in less than 50% glycerin, even in the absence of other protease-containing allergens, and were destabilized in mixtures with several fungal extracts. Addition of fungal and insect extracts to separate treatment vials or preparation of fungal–insect mixtures at elevated glycerin concentrations might be necessary to produce compatible patient formulations for allergen immunotherapy injections.

High Resolution Magic Angle Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (HRMAS) in Intact Sentinel Node Biopsy from Breast Cancer Patients: A New Diagnostic Tool!

Introduction: The extent of axillary lymph node involvement is one of the most important prognostic markers in patients of breast cancer. However, axillary dissection is associated with significant morbidity. The intra-operative sentinel node biopsy (SNB) provides a basis for omitting the routine axillary clearance however; use of in-house frozen section histopathology is required in order to substitute later. We report the use of in vitro high resolution magic angle proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HRMAS) for assessing the axillary nodal status with increased sensitivity. Methods: Freshly removed axillary lymph nodes (n=17) obtained during sentinel node biopsy from 17 different patients were bisected. One segment of the bisected node was snap frozen and transported to HRMAS laboratory and was blindly subjected to 400 MHz high resolution magic angle proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The other portion was sent for frozen section biopsy. The tissues specimens used for HRMAS analysis and remaining portion of bisected node were then formalin fixed, paraffin embedded and sent for histo-pathological examination in separate vials. The metabolic profiles of these nodes were correlated with the routine histo-pathogical findings. Results: On histo-pathological examination, 7 nodes were found to be positive for metastasis were as 10 nodes were negative. The spectra of nodes (n=7) found to be positive for malignant cells were exclusively dominated by signals from choline, choline containing compounds and lactate in the spectral region of 3.2 ppm and 4.12 ppm respectively. Overall the sensitivity and specificity of HRMAS in the present study was 100%. Conclusion: Metastatic and non-involved lymph nodes in breast cancer can be accurately distinguished based on its metabolic profile. The technique of high resolution magic angle proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy can be utilized in enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of sentinel node biopsy and may replace frozen section histopathology

A Different Approach to Chest Tube Drainage after Cardiac Surgery: A Study on the Usage of a Single versus Separate Drain Vials

Background: Pericardial and pleural space drainage and decompression is crucial after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency and adequacy of chest tubes that are connected to single closed underwater drainage system compared to two separate closed drainage systems. Methods: One hundred patients that underwent cardiac surgery were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to chest tube status. In Group 1 (n=50), two chest tubes were connected to a single closed underwater drainage vials. In Group 2 (n=50), the tubes were connected to two separate closed underwater drainage vials. Results: The mean age of patients was 63±7.26 years. Fifty-six of them were female. Age, gender and risk factors were similar between groups. In Group 1, forty-three patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery, four patients underwent aortic valve surgery, and three patients underwent mitral valve surgery. In Group 2, forty-six patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery, three patients underwent aortic valve surgery, and one patient underwent mitral valve surgery. Groups were evaluated for the drainage quantity from the chest tubes every 12 hours. The need for blood transfusion, rate of a reoperation due to bleeding, duration of postoperative stay in intensive care unit, length of hospitalization, chest tube removal time and the rate of mortality were also registered. No meaningful difference was found between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: In cardiac surgery, using a single closed underwater drainage system would be sufficient for postoperative follow-up. It provides better mobilization of the patients and decreases the cost of overused thorax drain vials.

Preparation of superhydrophobic and transparent micro-nano hybrid coatings from polymethylhydroxysiloxane and silica ormosil aerogels

Abstract Superhydrophobic and transparent polymethylhydroxysiloxane (PMHOS)/silica ormosil aerogel hybrids were prepared successfully by mixing of PMHOS with various weight percentages of silica ormosil aerogels (as synthesized from methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) precursors) in separate seal perfume glass vials. The hybrids were spin coated on glass substrate at 1000 rpm for 60 seconds and used for further analysis. The surface morphology and chemical compositions of the hybrids were analyzed by high resolution scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force spectroscopy, adsorption and desorption isotherm, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The transparency, thermal decomposition and static contact angle (SCA) of each sample were measured by UV-Visible spectrophotometer, TGA and drop shape analysis system, respectively. The spin coated substrates showed good superhydrophobic properties, thermal stability as well as transparency on the glass substrates.

Immunogenicity and safety of AS03A-adjuvanted H5N1 influenza vaccine prepared from bulk antigen after stockpiling for 4 years

BackgroundStockpiling vaccine for deployment in the event of an influenza pandemic is an important mitigation strategy. A necessary aspect of stockpiling is to determine the shelf-life of the stored vaccine. MethodsIn this Phase II, open-label study we assessed the immunogenicity and safety of H5N1 A/Indonesia/5/2005 vaccine adjuvanted with AS03A. The AS03A-H5N1 vaccine was prepared from bulk antigen that had been stored for 4 years, and adjuvant that had been stored for 2.5 years. Both the antigen and adjuvant were filled in separate multi-dose vials within 4 months of use, and on the day of vaccination, the contents of antigen and adjuvant vials were mixed. Seventy-eight adults aged 18–64 years were scheduled to receive two doses of hemagglutinin-antigen (3.75μg) given 21 days apart. Antibody responses were assessed by hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) assay according to age (18–30 years, 31–40 years, 41–50 years, and 51–64 years). Reactogenicity was assessed for 7 days after each vaccination, and safety was assessed for 385 days post-vaccination (NCT01416571). ResultsThe vaccine was immunogenic. Twenty-one days after the second dose of vaccine in the overall population, the HI seroconversion rate and seroprotection rate (SPR; titer ≥1:40) was 96.0% and 98.7%, respectively. At Day 182 after vaccination, the SPR was 76.7% in the overall population. Injection site pain was the most frequent solicited adverse event (91.0%), and no safety concerns were raised. ConclusionThe immunogenicity and safety observed with AS03A-H5N1 vaccine formulated with bulk antigen which had been stockpiled before vialing and administration was consistent with that previously observed with newly manufactured AS03A-H5N1 vaccine. This suggests that stockpiling bulk antigen for 4 years does not compromise the immunogenicity or reactogenicity of the vaccine.