Superficial Surface Research Articles

A comparative microbiological study of surface, aspirate and core tonsillar flora in chronic tonsillitis

Background: Chronic tonsillitis is most common condition which affects school going children. Improper use of antibiotic among the common population has led to many drug resistant organisms; therefore, it is necessary to study the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern before treating the patient with Chronic tonsillitis. Aim of the study is to determine whether fine-needle aspiration of tonsil, gives a representative picture of deep tonsil flora in chronic tonsillitis, as assessed by subsequent culture from the core of the resected tonsils, and to compare the findings of fine needle tonsils aspiration, with findings from a routine superficial tonsil surface swab. Methods: Study conducted at ENT department of Vinayaka mission medical college, Karaikal, Pondicherry over a period of 1year (June 2018 to May 2019). 77 patients were operated for chronic tonsillitis were included in the study. 3 swabs were collected from surface of tonsil. Tonsil aspiration was done using a 10-mL syringe with an18-gauge needle and swab from core of tonsil was collected for culture and sensitivity. Bacterial isolates were identified using standard methods and antibiotic susceptibility testing were done. Results: Group B hemolytic streptococcus, Streptococcus pneumonae and Staphlococcus aueus were the predominant microbes isolated in the aspirate and tonsil core tissue in outpatient population. Whereas Alpha hemolytic streptoccus and Group B hemolytic streptococcus were predominantly seen in tonsillar surface. Conclusions: Tonsil fine needle aspiration helps in diagnosis of Chronic tonsillitis and culture based antibiotic therapy. Due to which Tonsillectomy procedures can be avoided in Chronic tonsillitis patients.

Ultrasound appearance of peripheral nerves in the neck: vagus, hypoglossal and greater auricular.

Background and aimInformation in ultrasonography about reference values of nerves, particularly of those located in the neck is limited. The aim of the study is to demonstrate the feasibility of direct visualization of the vagus, hypoglossal and greater auricular nerves, testing the method on healthy volunteers and estimate the reference values for two perpendicular diameters and cross-sectional area (CSA).MethodsA prospective study was carried out on 21 healthy volunteers (12 women and 9 men), recording their demographic characteristics. A 13 MHz transducer was used on a Hitachi EUB-8500 machine. The vagus nerve was measured at the bifurcation of common carotid artery (CCA) and at the intersection of the internal jugular vein with omohyoid muscle. The hypoglossal nerve was identified as it crosses the posterolateral border of the mylohyoid muscle in the submandibular space. The auricular nerve was identified on the superficial surface of the sternocleidomastoid muscle at 1 cm from its posterior margin. The mean CSA on axial scans, nerve width and thickness were determined. The side-to-side and gender differences of the estimated reference values and their correlations with the weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated.ResultsThe mean ultrasound-estimated CSA was measured for the vagus nerve at CCA bifurcation (2.14 ± 0.79 on the left 2.86 ± 1.27 on the right), vagus nerve at the level of omohyoid muscle (2.10 ± 0.06 on the left and 2.43 ± 0.08 on the right), hypoglossal nerve (1.71 ± 0.08 on the left, 1.24 ± 0.06 on the right) and greater auricular nerve (0.90 ± 0.53 on the left and 0.79 ± 0.71 on the right). The vagus nerve was significantly larger on the right side compared to the left side. Larger hypoglossal nerve was observed in men compared to women. Significant correlations were observed between weight and CSA of the greater auricular nerve.ConclusionDirect visualization of the vagus, greater auricular nerve and hypoglossal nerves is feasible. Reference values for the size of the studied nerves at specific anatomic landmarks were established. Side, gender and body weight differences of the nerves CSA were noted.

Simulation Study on Gas Holdup of Large and Small Bubbles in a High Pressure Gas–Liquid Bubble Column

The computational fluid dynamics-population balance model (CFD-PBM) has been presented and used to evaluate the bubble behavior in a large-scale high pressure bubble column with an inner diameter of 300 mm and a height of 6600 mm. In the heterogeneous flow regime, bubbles can be divided into “large bubbles” and “small bubbles” by a critical bubble diameter dc. In this study, large and small bubbles were classified according to different slopes in the experiment only by the method of dynamic gas disengagement, the critical bubble diameter was determined to be 7 mm by the experimental results and the simulation values. In addition, the effects of superficial gas velocity, operating pressure, surface tension and viscosity on gas holdup of large and small bubbles in gas–liquid two-phase flow were investigated using a CFD-PBM coupling model. The results show that the gas holdup of small and large bubbles increases rapidly with the increase of superficial gas velocity. With the increase of pressure, the gas holdup of small bubbles increases significantly, and the gas holdup of large bubbles increase slightly. Under the same superficial gas velocity, the gas holdup of large bubbles increases with the decrease of viscosity and the decrease of surface tension, but the gas holdup of small bubbles increases significantly. The simulated values of the coupled model have a good agreement with the experimental values, which can be applied to the parameter estimation of the high pressure bubble column system.

Columnar keratopathy: An early manifestation of limbal stem cell deficiency

# Background/Purpose Stem cells of the corneal epithelium reside in the limbal palisades and associated limbal epithelial crypts. The limbus constitutes a barrier between the conjunctival and corneal phenotype of cells. When the limbal barrier is breached, stem cell deficiency (LSCD) results with conjunctivalisation of the cornea. The purpose of this study was to document an early manifestation of LSCD which is consistent and distinct across several causes of LSCD. # Methods Seventeen eyes of 11 consecutive patients with diverse known causes of LSCD were included. Patients were examined clinically with the slit lamp and fluorescein staining, and by in vivo confocal microscopy. All corneas were photographed with a slit lamp camera. Seven patients underwent in vivo confocal microscopy examination. # Results There were 6 males and 5 females. Six cases had bilateral involvement and the other 5 were unilateral. All patients showed predominantly superior loss of limbal anatomy with effacement of the palisades of Vogt, superficial vascularization encroaching on the peripheral cornea and alternating columns, 6–20 in number, of late fluorescein staining conjunctivalised and normal epithelium extending for a variable distance towards the corneal centre. These were related to prolonged contact lens wear, atopic keratoconjunctivitis, superficial ocular surface burns, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, rosacea keratoconjunctivitis, old trachoma and neurotrophic keratopathy. In vivo confocal microscopy confirmed features of LSCD. # Conclusion Alternating columns of conjunctivalized and normal epithelia encroaching on the cornea from the superior limbus is a distinct manifestation of early LSCD across a diverse range of causes. The reason for this manifestation is unclear but could be related to the random dysfunction or loss of the palisade architecture.

Laser Surface Treatment of Sintered Stainless Steels for Wear Resistance Enhancement

In the present study, sintered austenitic stainless steel type 316L was laser surface alloyed with Inconel 625 powder by the fibre optic laser. The Inconel 625 spheroidal powder of grain size 60-150 μm was introduced by the coaxial feeding head directly to the liquid metal, during laser surface alloying. The process parameters were selected to melt and fully dissolve alloying powder into the alloyed surface. As a result of laser alloying, the porosity of sintered stainless steel was eliminated, a uniform distribution of nickel and molybdenum in the entire alloyed zone was obtained. The alloyed surface shows fully austenitic microstructure of 17%Cr, 18%Ni, 3%Mo. The superficial hardness, microhardness and surface wear resistance were significantly improved in respect to an untreated substrate material. The presented technique of laser surface alloying can be easily applied for sintered austenitic stainless steel components where selected component surfaces require an improved surface performance.

Optical polarization technique—for enhancement of image quality—in speckle contrast-based perfusion imaging: A characterization study

Study of an optical polarization technique for enhancement of achievable image quality (contrast and imaging depth), in speckle contrast-based perfusion imaging modality, is reported. A linearly polarized optical beam is employed to interrogate tissue sample of interest. Light, which is diffusively reflected from tissue sub-surfaces, is selectively acquired while rejecting the specularly reflected light from tissue superficial surface. This selective detection of light is achieved by adoption of optical filtering technique where a linear optical polarizer is kept in front of optical detector (CCD-camera, in our case) at a particular configuration. Experiments were conducted in various samples including tissue-mimicking Agar-phantom and tissue sample (volunteer). Characterization studies of enhancement were carried out in various cases: (i) with variation in orientation of axis, covering entire range (0° to 90°), of polarizer (in the detection arm) with respect to polarization axis of incident (polarized) light and (ii) with blood vessel-mimicking targets being kept at various depths (0-4mm). Experimental results demonstrate that enhancement in image quality is characterized by orientation of axis of optical polarizer (with the best performance observed at 90°) relative to axis of polarization of incident light.

Applied anatomy of the compression of the proper plantar digital nerves of the medial great toe

Objective To identify the routes and branches of the proper plantar digital nerves(PPDN) in the medial of the great toe and its adjoining relationship among the surrounding fascia tissues and organs, which was expected to provide accurate localization of the nerve impingement and possible relevant of anatomical basis for the treatment of nerve entrapment in clinical utility. Methods From December, 2016 to January, 2019, a total of 54 formalin fixed feet were collected. Fifty of them were performed conventional anatomical procedure, the other 4 were prepared with sectional anatomical technique. The seats and branches of the PPDN in the medial of the great toe were observed; The width and thickness of the nerve were measured at the first metatarpophalangeal joint(FMPJ), along with its proximal and distal sides 0.5 cm. The origin and origin of fascia were observed by foot dissection. Masson staining was used to observe the tissue changes of the nerves in the FMPJ. Results The PPDN of the medial great toe run between the flexor pollicis longus tendon and the abductor pollicis tendon at the proximal, issued (4.21±0.12) final branches. And governed the sensation of the medial half of the great toe. The width of the nerve at the FMPJ was (3.50±0.09) mm, which was significantly increased compared with that of the near [(1.58±0.04) mm] and far [(1.56±0.03) mm] from the joint. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); The thickness of the nerve in the proximal segment was (0.83±0.04) mm, and that in the distal segment was (0.82±0.03) mm. Compared with that in the FMPJ [(0.67±0.02) mm], the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). A deep fascia was observed on the superficial surface of the PPDN at medial great toe, which was stretched between the tendon sheath of the flexor pollicis longus tendon and the tendon of the abductor pollicis muscle. Masson staining showed obvious proliferation of nerve outer membrane fibers at the metatarpophalangeal joint, the number of nerve fiber bundles increased, and obvious thickening of nerve fiber bundles and nerve fascia. Conclusion Long-term compression can lead to thickening of the epineurium and perineurium, and the superficial fascia is an important factor of thumb pain and numbness caused by the compression of the PPDN at medial of the great toe. Key words: Proper plantar digital nerves; Great toe; Nerve conformity; Foot; Applied anatomy

On the Treating of Lead Polluted Water: Flotation of Lead Colloidal Carbonate

The colloid flotation of lead carbonate in aqueous media is studied at pH 7. The flotation system consisted of five spargered flotation cells in a serial array. The flotation cells were operated under controlled conditions of superficial gas and liquid velocity, frother, and collector concentration. The measured variables were gas holdup, bubble size, superficial bubble surface flux, and lead recovery in the concentrate. The experimental data show that it is possible to separate up to 93% (w/w) of lead from the aqueous media when the superficial gas velocity is 0.8 cm/s and the superficial liquid velocity is 0.19 cm/s.&#x0D;

Proposed mechanism of action for a hydroconductive dressing, Drawtex, for the treatment of wounds: In vitro experiment and clinical evidence

Background. The mechanism of action of the Drawtex dressing is described as having three components: capillary, hydroconductive and electrostatic. Objective. To find a more complete explanation of Drawtex’s mechanism of action, from in vitro research and clinical observations. Method. Ten 1 A~ 1 cm sections of Drawtex dressing were cut off, and some trypan blue was dripped onto one side of each using a pipette. The pieces were then examined macroscopically and under a light microscope (LM), on all sides and surfaces (superficial and deep surfaces, as well as the edges), to assess fluid movement. Results. Three fibres (cotton, viscose and polyester) of different diameters and different directions were visible under the LM. Fluid could also be seen surrounding the fibres in which the trypan blue was absorbed. Macroscopic examination of Drawtex removed from sloughy wounds showed that slough was stuck to the dressing, and mechanical action also played a role. Conclusion. Based on our observations, the following explanation of the mechanism of action of the dressing seemed easier to grasp: ( i ) absorption within the fibres; ( ii ) absorption between the fibres resulting from the Venturi effect, diffusion gradient and buoyant forces; ( iii ) the effect of the diffusion gradient; ( iv ) evaporation; ( v ) dehydration; and ( vi ) adsorption and mechanical slough removal. The physics of fluid movement is complex, and likely not fully understood.

Estimation of Random Friction Forces on the Microbearing Cooperating Surfaces

Abstract Presented paper concerns a new mathematical form of stochastic theory of hydrodynamic friction forces occurring on the real cooperating surfaces in computer micro bearing fan and computer microbearing in hard disc driver HDD. This paper presents particularly a new-review of stochastic analytical considerations realized by the authors for friction forces estimation during hydrodynamic lubrication performed on the ground of the measurements of the gap height between two roughness surfaces. After numerous experimental measurements directly follows that the random unsymmetrical increments and decrements of the gap height of computer microbearings have important influence on the load carrying capacities and finally on the friction forces and wear of cooperating surfaces. The main topic demonstrates the influence of the variations of expectancy values and standard deviation of the computer microbearing gap height on the friction forces occurring in the HDD and microbearing fan. Moreover, it is observed the evident connection between the apparent dynamic viscosity and the features of the microbearing superficial surface. Hence after abovementioned remarks follows the corollary that the influence of the microbearing gap height stochastic variations connected with the surface roughness tend moreover indirect from the apparent viscosity into the friction forces variations. The synthetic, complex elaboration of obtained results indicates finally the influence of the random roughness in micro and nano level of microbearing surfaces on the friction forces distribution. A new results contained in this paper are obtained taking into account 3D variations of dynamic viscosity of the non-Newtonian lubricant, particularly variations crosswise the film thickness and influences of surface superficial layer features on the lubricant apparent viscosity.

Evaluation of fluences and surface characteristics in laser polishing SKD 11 tool steel

The work applied a continuous-wave laser beam from a multimode fiber laser to study the polishing effect. Three kinds of surface morphologies were acquired by fast-speed (FS) & lower-speed (LS) wire electrical discharge machining (EDM), and milling processing methods on SKD11 tool steel. Then influence of laser fluence on the polished surface characteristics was analyzed. The results showed that surface roughness parameters (Ra, Rz, Rt, and Sa) were significantly affected by this effect. With the increasing laser fluence, the polished surface underwent a comprehensive topographical evolution from superficial surface melting to surface over-melting. The improvements by FS-EDM, LS-EDM, and milling in roughness were 86.83, 90.70 and 86.07%, respectively. The corresponding laser fluences were 14.26 , 12.73 and 13.55 J/mm2, indicating that LS-EDM tool steel surface has the optimal polishing effect. The comparative statistical results of the bearing area curve, bidirectional reflectance distribution function, and power spectral density from the LS-EDM surfaces showed the optimal polishing results. In addition, all the pre-prepared surfaces could be polished to Ra < 0.5 μm using high polishing velocities. These findings signified that laser beam with top-hat distribution has a great potential for high-efficiency polishing of tool steel surfaces.

Wound protectors for improved exposure in open hernia repair

Achieving adequate surgical exposure is fundamental to good surgical practice. Traditionally, in the repair of ventral and open inguinal hernias, this has been accomplished with the aid of self-retaining retractors or by extending the incision length. We propose that using disposable wound protectors, surgical exposure will be improved for a given incision length in the repair of ventral and open inguinal hernias, compared to traditional methods. Through the use of an animal tissue model, we compared incisions of varying lengths and measured the dimensions of the exposure achieved with disposable wound protectors (Alexis™) and a Mollison self-retainer. We calculated the surface area and, therefore, exposure gained using the specified wound retraction devices and compared the results. The average superficial surface area of wound with a self-retainer compared to the small and extra-small disposable wound protector was 2.65cm2 vs 2.27cm2 (small) and 2.2cm2 (extra-small) for 2cm incision length, 3.6cm2 vs 4.93cm2 and 4.2cm2 for 3cm incision length, 5.19cm2 vs 8.25cm2 and 6.27cm2 for 4cm incision length, 6.17cm2 vs 12.25cm2 and 9.07cm2 for 5cm incision length, and 8.75cm2 vs 16.73cm2 and 10.78cm2 for 6cm incision length [p = 0.038 (small) and p = 0.049 (extra-small)]. Our results show a statistically significant increase in surface area of a wound for each incision length when a disposable wound protector was used for exposure, compared to a self-retainer. Our results demonstrate that the use of disposable wound protectors provides superior surgical exposure for a given incision length compared to traditional techniques in the repair of ventral and open inguinal hernia repairs.

Antimicrobial blue light inactivation of international clones of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli ST10, ST131 and ST648.

International clones of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli have been a leading cause of human and animal infections worldwide. Microbial inactivation by blue light has been proposed as an effective treatment for superficial infections and surface contamination. To evaluate the inactivation efficacy of blue light irradiation against high-risk multidrug-resistant strains of E. coli. Blue LED light (λ = 410 nm) was used to inactivate in vitro suspensions of colistin- broad-spectrum cephalosporin-, or carbapenem-resistant E. coli strains belonging to sequence types (STs) ST10, ST131 and ST648, carrying mcr-1, blaCTX-M or blaKPC-2 genes. Our results showed that all E. coli strains were susceptible to blue light irradiation, independently of antibiotic resistance and virulence profiles. In addition, blue light irradiation induced a strain-specific and dose-dependent bacterial effect. Our results support use of blue light as a promising antimicrobial option against MDR pathogens, including high-risk clones of E. coli displaying resistance to polymyxins or broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotics.

Effect of Chitosan pretreatment of the demineralized dentin surface on the durability of resin dentin bonding. An in vitro study

Abstract: the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pretreatment of the demineralized dentin surface with Chlorohexidine (CHX), Chitosan (Ch), riboflavin (RF) and Chitosan/riboflavin (RF) combination on the shear bond strength and short-term bond durability with total etch adhesives. Fifty sound extracted human permanent molars were used in this study. The teeth were embedded in plastic tube containers and a flat dentin surface was then prepared by grinding the occlusal enamel exposing superficial dentin surfaces. Specimens were etched for 15 sec with 35% phosphoric acid and were then randomly divided into five groups (10 teeth each), one control group and four experimental groups according to the surface pretreatment (Chlorohexidine, Chitosan, riboflavin and Chitosan/riboflavin combination). This is followed by application of total etch adhesive system and resin composite restoration. The resin composite samples were then divided to be stored either for 24 h or 6 months in distilled water at 37 C followed by shear bond strength testing using Instron Testing Machine. The data were analyzed using ANOVA test. The results revealed that, pretreatment of the demineralized dentin surface with CHX, Ch, RF, and Ch/RF 1:1 significantly improved the shear bond strength mean values at both 24 h and 6 months storage in distilled water compared to the control group. Within control group, significant reduction in shear bond strength mean values were found after 6 months storage in distilled water compared to the baseline measurements at 24 h. The immediate pretreatment of the demineralized dentin with collagen cross linkers could be safely recommended as an effective chairside procedure to improve shear bond strength of resin composite to dentin.

Tissue Regeneration of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Porous Gelatin Micro-Carriers by Long-Term Dynamic In Vitro Culture.

Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field which attracted much attention in recent years. One of the most important issue in tissue engineering is how to obtain high cell numbers and tissue regeneration while maintaining appropriate cellular characteristics in vitro for restoring damaged or dysfunctional body tissues and organs. These demands can be achieved by the use of three dimensional (3D) dynamic cultures of cells combined with cell-adhesive micro-carriers. In this study, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were cultured in a wave-bioreactor system for up to 100days, after seeding on Cultisphere-S porous gelatin micro-carriers. Cell counting was performed at the time points of 7, 12, 17, 31days and compared to those of hMSCs cultured under static condition. Higher growth and proliferation rates was achieved in wave-type dynamic culture, when cell culture continued to day 31. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) photographs, both live and dead and MTT assays were taken to confirm the survival and distribution of cells on porous gelatin micro-carrier surfaces. The results of histological stains such as hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, Alcian blue and Alizarin red S also showed improved proliferation and tissue regeneration of hMSCs on porous gelatin micro-carriers. The experimental results demonstrated the effect and importance of both micro-carriers and bioreactor in hMSC expansion on cell proliferation and migration as well as extracellular matrix formation on the superficial and pore surfaces of the porous gelatin micro-carriers, and then their inter-connections, leading to tissue regeneration.

A study on hydrogen absorption and dissolution in liquid lithium

Methods that plan to recover tritium from liquid lithium require intimate knowledge of the surface, sub-surface, and bulk chemistry associated with the interactions between hydrogen isotopes and lithium particles. Focusing on the lithium–lithium hydride system, previous studies have been able to determine concentrations associated with the liquidus curve, which separates the hydrogen dissolved in solution (known as the phase) from the hydrogen which precipitates out as lithium hydride (known as the phase). Knowledge of how these phases coexist in bulk melts is particularly important when the lithium is exposed to a hydrogen, deuterium, or tritium plasma, because they govern how quickly one can recover these isotopes in back-end processes for future lithium-walled fusion reactors. To this end, lithium samples were exposed to hydrogen plasmas in the Tungsten Fuzz Characterization of Nanofeatures (TUFCON) chamber at the University of Illinois. Each lithium sample was varied with respect to sample temperature, applied electrical bias, and length of sample exposure, and in each there coexisted a combination of the and phases. In all cases, two distinct absorption periods were observed during exposure. Similarly, two distinct desorption periods were observed during temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) scans. While similar desorption periods have been observed in the literature, changes in sample resistivity measured in the current study help to validate this behavior from a novel, condensed-phase perspective. The results of lithium exposures in TUFCON will be presented, along with a discussion on how the exposure conditions and phases affect recovery. Observations of superficial surface layers, and how they affect absorption and desorption, will be included in these discussions. How these results, along with the resultant marginally-enhanced dissolution behavior, can extend to tritium recycling efforts will also be explored.

EXPLORING THE INDOOR ENVIRONMENT OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS AND ITS ROLE IN THE CONSERVATION OF VALUABLE OBJECTS

This study is an attempt to monitor the indoor microclimate and the microbiological contamination of some indoor objects inside a wooden Orthodox church. Standard microbiological techniques were used for the isolation and identification of the fungi present in the dust of the superficial surface of the paintings chosen to be investigated for biodeterioration. Samples were taken from approximately 1 cm2 of the surface of the analysed paintings (cotton canvas, wood, on primer) using the cotton swab method. The cultures of fungus isolated from the studied paintings were identified based on their morphological and microbiological characteristics. The identity of isolates was established, based on the smear microscopic examination, using the lactophenol blue cotton staining procedure. Based on the morphological characteristics of conidiophores, the following fungal genera were determined to be present in the dust of the studied paintings: Streptomyces sp., Arthrographis sp., Beauveria sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Alternaria sp., Cladosporium sp., and Streptomyces sp. The current state of paintings, influenced in time by temperature, humidity, brightness, microbial contamination, and other factors, was investigated and mapped. The detailed analysis contributes to the conservation stage of the historic monument investigation, enhancing the existing data in the environments destined for the conservation of valuable objects. The continuous monitoring of the indoor microclimate, together with the maintaining of good hygiene, cleaning conditions and proper ventilation, could successfully contribute to the slowing down of painting degradation within the wooden church monument.

Unusual Variations in Path of Accessory Submandibular Salivary Gland Duct in Comparison with Main Submandibular Salivary Gland Duct

Introduction: The submandibular gland is located bilaterally in the submandibular triangle. The main submandibular duct or Wharton’s duct, runs with lingual nerve to open in the sublingual papilla at the side of frenulum of the tongue. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the unusual variations of accessory submandibular duct in comparison with main submandibular salivary gland duct. Material &amp; Methods: Nineteen cadavers were dissected to study the submandibular salivary duct. Results: 15.7% incidence of variations were observed. We found that one submandibular region was having unusual path of accessory duct, it emerged from superficial part of the gland and crossed the superficial surface of mylohyoid muscle and bifurcated into two branches. These bifurcated branches of duct pierced the mylohyoid muscle to pass between mylohyoid and hyoglossus muscle. One branch of bifurcated accessory duct opened through papilla in the floor of the mouth behind the lower incisor tooth and second branch of the bifurcated duct anastomosed with the main duct (Wharton’s duct) to open in sublingual papilla. Wharton’s duct of this side followed its normal path to open in the sublingual papilla. Two specimens of submandibular region was observed with duplication of submandibular duct in each submandibular gland. One was main duct and second was accessory duct. Both ducts emerged separately from the deep part of submandibular gland and ended independently into sublingual papilla. Conclusion: Reporting of these variations are important for diagnostic imaging, anatomical teaching and to help surgeons while operating in this region.

Utilisation du derme dorsal autologue en reconstruction lamellaire palpébrale postérieure en blépharopoïèse

Blepharopoiesis represents a double aesthetic and functional challenge. If anterior lamellar reconstruction is less discussed, the variety of posterior lamellar substitutes testifies that none is ideal. We report here our experience of the use of autologous dermal dermis as posterior lamellar substitutes in bilamellar blepharopoiesis. We performed a single-center retrospective observational study of seven patients undergoing blepharopoiesis using dorsal dermal autograft as posterior lamellar substitute. Between September 2011 and January 2017, seven patients aged of 80.9 years on average were cared for. The defect, affecting in 6 cases on 7 the lower eyelid, concerned almost three-quarter of the length of the eyelid. These defects followed the excision of basal cell carcinomas. Procedures performed under local anesthesia have simple follow-up without complications of the donor site. The superficial surface of the graft in contact with eyeball was covered in 2.4 months with a non-keratinized squamous epithelium like the conjunctiva. Two patients presented ocular functional signs during 2 months without keratitis. Two patients required a second correction procedure. The use of the dorsal dermis seems reliable, simple, fast, possible under local anesthesia and sedation, achievable in one operative time, outpatient, without temporary tarsorraphy. The graft is available in large quantities and its removal is not morbid. The good functional and esthetic results suggest that the autologous dermal dermis could represent the main alternative to palatal fibromucosa as a posterior lamellar substitute in old population.

Investigation of micron-sized fish-scale surface structures on tool steel surfaces using laser galvanometer scanning

Micronized structured surface exhibits excellent surface functions for surface science applications. However, the cost is high for fabricating, especially specialized structure surfaces. The work prepared the micron-sized fish-scale surface structures on rough DC 53 tool steel surfaces. CW (continuous wave) laser beam irradiation method was used from a scanning galvanometer in the filling scan mode. The surface morphology and structure before and after laser irradiation were analyzed by optical microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The elemental distribution of the structure was measured by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), with the chemical analyses detected by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The combination of the AES with XPS analysis was also developed by the ion sputtering with the depth etching. It is found that the fish-scale surface structures can be prepared using a crossover laser scanning method, and their formation is based on superficial surface melting achieved by laser irradiation. The XPS results showed that the oxide layer of the fish-scale surface was composed of FeO, Fe2O3 and SiO2. The AES and EDS results showed the high content of Si and O in the fish-scale surface structure boundary. The combination of AES and XPS results showed that the boundary of the fish scale was composed of SiO2. Laser fluence and scanning mode were the key factors in the preparation of micron-sized fish-scale surface structure. A laser fluence of 33.16 J/mm2 induced a well-defined fish-scale corrugated structure. At the scanning speed of 140 mm/s, the flow of material on the surface of the tool steel was gradually controlled, and the shape of the fish-scale structure tended to be obvious. The scanning method has a significant effect on the spacing of the fish scales on the surface. By adjusting the appropriate scanning pitch, a regular distribution of the fish scale surface structure can be obtained. It is indicated that the precipitation of SiO2 (inclusions) has a great potential for the structuring of the fish-scale surface on DC 53 tool steel.