Paper-Based Detection Device for Alzheimer’s Disease—Detecting β-amyloid Peptides (1–42) in Human Plasma

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is frequently missed or delayed in clinical practice. To remedy this situation, we developed a screening, paper-based (P-ELISA) platform to detect β-amyloid peptide 1–42 (Aβ42) and provide rapid results using a small volume, easily accessible plasma sample instead of cerebrospinal fluid. The protocol outlined herein only requires 3 μL of sample per well and a short operating time (i.e., only 90 min). The detection limit of Aβ42 is 63.04 pg/mL in a buffer system. This P-ELISA-based approach can be used for early, preclinical stage AD screening, including screening for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD. It may also be used for treatment and stage monitoring purposes. The implementation of this approach may provide tremendous impact for an afflicted population and may well prompt additional and expanded efforts in both academic and commercial communities.

Purification of Polybutylene Terephthalate by Oligomer Removal Using a Compressed CO2 Antisolvent

In this study, the cyclic oligomers in the highly chemically resistant polyester polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) were effectively removed using a compressed CO2 antisolvent technique in which 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) was used as the solvent. In addition to the oligomers, tetrahydrofuran was completely removed because of its low molecular weight and liquid state. The effects of the operating variables, including temperature, pressure, and the PBT concentration in HFIP, on the degree of removal of the oligomers were systematically studied using experimental design and the response surface methodology. The most appropriate operating conditions for the purification of PBT were 8.3 MPa and 23.4 °C when using 4.5 wt % PBT in HFIP. Under these conditions, the cyclic trimers and dimers could be removed by up to 81.4% and 95.7%, respectively, in a very short operating time.

Laparoscopic Treatment of Hydrocele of the Canal of Nuck in Pediatric Patients

Introduction Hydrocele of the canal of Nuck (HCN) causes an inguinal swelling in pediatric females similar to that observed in case of inguinal hernia. HCN should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hernia in such children. Although laparoscopic operations have been reported in several cases for the treatment of HCN in adults, they have not been reported for the treatment in pediatrics. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic intracorporeal hydrocelectomy with high ligation as a treatment for HCN in pediatrics. Materials and Methods I retrospectively reviewed the charts of 26 pediatric females aged ≤10 years who underwent laparoscopic hydrocelectomy with high ligation at Damsoyu Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea from September 2012 to December 2016. Results The mean age was 3.31 (1–10) years. HCN was on the right in 11 patients and on the left in 15. The presenting symptom in all cases was inguinal swelling. HCN was of the hourglass type inside the inguinal canal in 17 patients and in the abdominal cavity outside the inguinal canal in 9. All patients were treated with laparoscopic hydrocelectomy with high ligation. The mean operating time was 17.8 minute (15–30). The wounds were scarcely visible immediately after surgery. There were no postoperative complications and no recurrences on follow-up. Conclusion Laparoscopic intracorporeal hydrocelectomy with high ligation is effective for HCN in pediatrics owing to its short operating time, excellent cosmesis, and no recurrence.

TWO-LEVEL PLASTIC OF THE PELVIC BOTTOM IN SURGICAL TREATMENT OF RECTOCELE

AIM. Improvement of treatment results in patients with the rectocele using of a two-level plastic of a pelvic bottom. METHODS. The plastic to a rectocele was carried out from the combined transvaginal and transrectal approach and consisted in sacrospinal-cardinal ligament, the colporrhaphy added transrectal «11 hours» with a mucopexy on height to 5 cm from the dental line. RESULTS. The remote results of treatment were tracked in terms from 12 months till 5 years after operation (a median of 3,5 years). In the studied group the «good» result was noted at 37 (75,5 %) patients, «satisfactory» and «unsatisfactory» - at 11 (22,4%) and 1 (2,0%) patients, respectively. Recurrence of a disease was taped at only 1 patient (2 %). CONCLUSION. The two-level pelvic plastic with the combined vaginal and transrectal access is associated with short operating time of 50 min., intraoperative blood loss about 150 ml and low perioperative morbidity.

HEMIARTHROPLASTY IN FOUR-PART DISPLACED FRACTURES

The hemiarthroplasty is the choice of election in the four-part humeral fracture when the glenoid surface is good. It is a relative easy procedure with a short operating time and can be revised to a total shoulder arthroplasty later if necessary. For hemiarthroplasty there are used unconstrained prostheses which are designed to closely replicate the normal anatomy. The general idea is to replace the avascular humeral head with a metal ball in condition of normal glenoid surface.

PLASTIBELL CIRCUMCISION

Design: Prospective Study. Setting: Different hospitals as a day care surgery.Period: March 2005 up to March 2012. Patients and Methods: Plastibell circumcision in infantsand children’s up to the age of 7 years was conducted using Plastibell device in different hospitalsas a day care surgery. Results: In Plastibell method, local edema was minor complication thendelayed separation of the ring, infection, mild bleeding after plastibell separation, respectivelyand no major complication was noted. Conclusion: Plastibell device circumcision preventsthe most serious complications like bleeding, infection etc. It is fast and ensures excellentcosmoses and it takes short operating time.

Panniculectomy Combined with Bariatric Surgery by Laparotomy: An Analysis of 325 Cases

Surgical treatment of obese patients is much debated in the literature because of the significant intraoperative risks related to comorbidities presented by this type of patients. Recent literature suggests that panniculectomy should follow bariatric surgery after the patient’s weight loss has been stabilized. However, when performed by laparotomy, bariatric surgery can be combined with panniculectomy. This paper presents the analysis of 325 cases of patients undergoing abdominal panniculectomy combined with bariatric surgery. The study highlights the risks, complications, and benefits of the combined procedure and describes a standardized technique for excision of a large abdominal panniculus in a short operating time.