Stereotactic Radiotherapy of the Resection Cavity of Brain Metastases vs. Post-operative Whole-brain Radiotherapy

Condition:   Brain Metastases, Adult
Interventions:   Radiation: post-operative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS);   Radiation: Whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT)
Sponsors:   Juergen Debus;   Heidelberg University
Not yet recruiting - verified September 2017

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An Exploratory Clinical Study of Apatinib for the 2nd Treatment of Esophageal Cancer or Esophageal and Gastric

Conditions:   Esophagus Cancer, Stage III;   Esophageal Gastric Cardia Type Metaplasia;   Esophagus Cancer, Stage IV
Intervention:   Drug: Apatinib
Sponsor:   Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital
Recruiting - verified July 2017

http://ift.tt/2yjx0JP

Dactylitis in sarcoidosis

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Non-stick properties of thin-film coatings on dental-restorative instruments

The non-stick properties of thin-film coatings on dental-restorative instruments were investigated by static contact-angle measurement using dental filler resin as well as by scanning electron microscopy of the amount of sticking dental restorative material. Furthermore, using a customized dipping measurement set-up, non-stick properties were evaluated by measuring force-by-time when the instrument was pulled out of restorative material. Minor improvements in non-stick properties were obtained with commercial diamond-like carbon and commercial polytetrafluoroethylene-based coatings. Major improvements were obtained with an in-house fabricated superhydrophobic coating prepared by a multistep process consisting of surface microstructuring by etching in hydrogen fluoride (HF): hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) (1:1; vol/vol), atomic layer deposition of a 7 nm coating of aluminium oxide and titanium oxide, and a self-assembled monolayer of fluorinated organosilicon. Superhydrophobic coatings provide a possible future solution to prevent unwanted adnerence of composite restorative material to dental instruments.

http://ift.tt/2jCx1p2

Atenolol treatment for severe Infantile Hemangiomas: a single-centre prospective study

Abstract

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common benign vascular tumors of infancy with an incidence of 4-5% ¹. The majority of IHs are self-limited, though in approximately 10% of patients, when their lesions compromise vital and sensory functions or cause disfigurement, medical treatment is warranted ^2,3. Τhe most exciting development in the treatment for IHs over the last decade has been the discovery of propranolol's effects during the proliferative phase of the hemangioma cycle ⁴.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Exome sequencing identifies a TCF4 mutation in a Chinese pedigree with symmetrical acral keratoderma

Abstract

Background

Symmetrical acral keratoderma (SAK) is a rare skin disorder and its pathogenesis and inheritability are unknown.

Objectives

To investigate the inheritance and pathogenesis of SAK.

Methods

Four SAK cases occurred in a four-generation Chinese family. Exome sequencing identified SNPs with potential SAK related mutations, and a potentially responsible gene (Transcription factor 4, TCF4) was identified. TCF4 was then sequenced in all 11 family members and pedigree analysis was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry evaluated TCF4 expression in skin lesions. The gene mutation was investigated in human keratinocytes for keratin related protein expression.

Results

A novel heterozygous missense mutation, c.85C>A (p.Pro29Thr) was found in TCF4. The mutation showed autosomal dominant inheritance and perfectly cosegregated with the SAK phenotype in all family members. In skin lesions TCF4 was present in the cytoplasm and membranes of the basal layer, the stratum spinosum, and the stratum granulosum of the epidermis. The mutant TCF4 induced overexpression of differentiation markers including KRT1, KRT14, loricrin and involucrin.

Conclusions

A SAK related gene mutation in TCF4 may function through transcriptional regulation of keratin.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Tonsillectomy-Comparative Study of Various Techniques and Changing Trend

Abstract

Tonsillectomy is a major surgical procedure in terms of volume in the general otolaryngological practice. It is a 3000-year-old surgical operation, referred in Hindu medicine. There has been a conceptual change in the indications and surgical technique in the last 40 years. A comparative study between the various methods of tonsillectomy was done. The study was carried out in the single institutional set up by the same surgeon but using different techniques. The study aimed at comparing the intra-operative factors (blood loss, time taken for surgery), postoperative results (pain, bleeding, dehydration, time taken for complete healing), and other complications like vomiting and hospitalization time between different groups of surgical methods. This study was done in 2500 patients undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoid removal in a period of 35 years (1979–2013). The majority of the patients (approximately 41%) in the first half of this period underwent cold steel tonsillectomy whereas 39% underwent microdebrider assisted tonsillectomy. Microdebrider assisted tonsil surgery was done as day care procedure in 90%. In 21% of the patients, other methods viz coblation, radio frequency and laser were used. Microdebrider intracapsular tonsillectomy is associated with lower mortality and morbidity as compared to cold steel, coblation, electrodissection, laser and radio frequency.

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