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Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης

Monday, November 15, 2021

Facile synthesis of novel Bi(0)-SBA-15 adsorbents by an improved impregnation reduction method for highly efficient capture of iodine gas

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J Hazard Mater. 2021 Nov 7;424(Pt C):127678. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127678. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Development of high efficient adsorbents to capture iodine is of great significance for the active development of nuclear power. Herein, Bi0-SBA-15 was firstly synthesized and applied for capture of iodine gas. Bi0-SBA-15 materials were prepared by an improved impregnation reduction method. The benefit of this method was that the Bi0 nano particles with flocculent and spherical morphologies were loaded on the surface of SBA-15, which provide abundant active sites for iodine and improve the utilization rate of active sites, so as to attain a record high capture capacity (up to 925 mg/g within 60 min) and high stablitiy (91.2%) at 200 °C. The results demonstrated that the loading of Bi0 on the surface showed a significant impact on the structure of Bi0-SBA-15 and did greatly enhance the iodine capture. Furthermore, the high iodine capture capacity mainly derived from the chemical adsorption in the stable form of BiI3. The obtained Bi0-SBA-15 materials exhibited excellent aqueous and irradiation stability. Thus, the results indicated that the new and highly efficient Bi0-SBA-15 was a potential radioactive iodine gas capture material.

PMID:34775310 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127678

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Reconstruction of fingertip defects with the anterograde homodigital neuroarterial island flap under local anesthesia

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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Oct 22:S1748-6815(21)00486-1. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.09.045. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:34774444 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjps.2021.09.045

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A reverse form of Linburg-Comstock variation with comments on its etiology and demonstration of interactive 3D portable document format

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Surg Radiol Anat. 2021 Nov 13. doi: 10.1007/s00276-021-02858-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Two most common variations of flexor pollicis longus include its accessory head and its connection with the flexor digitorum profundus of the index (Linburg-Comstock variation). In addition, while three-dimensional (3D) screening has widely been used in anatomical education, its use as reporting tool in anatomical research is still limited. The objective of this study is to report a previously unrecognized form of the accessory head of flexor pollicis longus, discuss the potential etiology of Linburg-Comstock variation, and pilot the 3D scanning of a large-scale anatomical structure.

METHODS: An unusual tendon slip was discovered during a routine dissection in the anterior compartment of the right forearm of a 54-year-old male cadaver. A 3D scanner was used to capture the surface topography of the specimen and an interactive portable document format (PDF) was created.

RESULTS: An anomalous tendon was found originating from the lateral aspect of the flexor digitorum profundus muscle. This variant tendon then inserted onto the medial surface of the flexor pollicis longus tendon before entering the carpal tunnel. The variation resembles a reverse form of Linburg-Comstock variation, because pulling this variant tendon resulted in simultaneous flexion of the interphalangeal joint of thumb.

CONCLUSION: Surgeons should be aware of the rev erse Linburg-Comstock variation, because it may not be detectable by the conventional provocative testing. Linburg-Comstock variation may be classified as an anatomical variant or a secondarily acquired condition depending on its type. Our demonstration of interactive 3D-PDF file highlights its potential use for delivering anatomical information in future cadaveric studies.

PMID:34775526 | DOI:10.1007/s00276-021-02858-8

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Localization of the neuropeptide manserin in rat dorsal root ganglia: Involvement in nociceptive function

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Via histochem

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Acta Histochem. 2021 Nov 11;123(8):151812. doi: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151812. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Manserin, a neuropeptide discovered in the rat brain, is distributed in the spiral ganglion of the inner ear and carotid body, suggesting it is also localized in another neuron cluster. In this study, we examined manserin's localization in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord of adult Wistar rats using immunohistochemical analyses. The DRG consists of neuro filament (NF) 200-positive large cells and two types of small cells (calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-positive peptidergic neurons and isolectin B4 (IB4)-positive non-peptidergic neurons). Manserin was localized in some of the small cells. Fluorescence double immunostaining showed that manserin-positive cells corresponded to some of the CGRP-positive cells. The DRG comprises pseudo-unipolar cells that receive sensory information from the skin and viscera and project to each layer of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Manserin was localized in the CGRP-positive layer I and II outer, but not in the IB4-positive layer II inner. These results suggest manserin is localized in CGRP-positive cells in the DRG, projects to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and is secreted with other neuropeptides, such as CGRP, to participate in nociceptive function.

PMID:34775224 | DOI:10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151812

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Salivary HPV Persistence Following Treatment of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2021 Nov 14:34894211055606. doi: 10.1177/00034894211055606. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the persistence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection following treatment of HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV + OPSCC).

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken at The Ottawa Hospital (Ottawa, ON, Canada), a tertiary academic hospital and regional cancer center. Adult patients who were diagnosed wi th HPV + OPSCC between the years of 2014 and 2016 and treated with curative intent, and who were alive and willing to consent were eligible for inclusion. A saliva assay was used to test for the presence of HPV DNA in a random sample of patients. qPCR was used to amplify DNA from saliva samples.

RESULTS: Saliva samples were obtained from 69 patients previously treated with HPV + OPSCC. All patients had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. 5 patients tested positive for HPV: 2 were positive for HPV-16, 2 for HPV-18, and 1 "other" HPV type. No patient in our study cohort had suffered recurrence post-treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to demonstrate the prevalence of persistent oncogenic HPV DNA in saliva following treatment for HPV + OPSCC. This prevalence appears to be low, despite the fact that persistent HPV infection is a precursor for the development of HPV + OPSCC. This finding raises questions about what factors influence the clearance or persistence of H PV DNA in saliva after treatment for HPV + OPSCC, and may add to our understanding about the longitudinal effects of HPV infection in these cancers.

PMID:34775815 | DOI:10.1177/00034894211055606

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Chronic Rhinosinusitis Outcomes of Patients With Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease Treated With Budesonide Irrigations: A Case Series

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Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2021 Nov 14:34894211054948. doi: 10.1177/00034894211054948. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pathophysiology-targeting treatments exist for aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) through aspirin desensitization and biologics, such as dupilumab. With increasing attention paid to these treatments, which may be associated with significant side effects and/or cost, there is little description of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) response to treatment with intranasal corticosteroids and saline irrigations in AERD.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of intranasal budesonide irrigations for the treatment of CRSwNP in AERD.

METHODS: This is an observational study of 14 AERD patients presenting to a rhinology clinic for CRS who were treated with twice daily high volume, low pressure irrigations with 240 mL of saline to which a 0.5 mg/2 mL respule of budesonide was added. All participants completed a 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) at enrollment and at follow up 1 to 6 months later. Polyp scores were also calculated at each time point.

RESULTS: SNOT-22 scores ranged from 26 to 98 (median: 40.5) at enrollment and 3 to 85 (median: 38.5) at follow-up. Polyp scores ranged from 2 to 6 (median: 4) at enrollment at 0 to 6 (median: 2) at follow-up. Over the treatment period, change in SNOT-22 score ranged from -38 to 16 (median: -18) and change in polyp score ranged from -2 to 0 (medi an: -0.5). Approximately 57% of participants experienced at least 1 minimal clinically important difference in SNOT-22 score and 21% of participants had a SNOT-22 score <20 at follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Medical management with intranasal corticosteroids and saline irrigations alone leads to significant improvement in sinonasal symptomatology in a subset of AERD.

PMID:34775833 | DOI:10.1177/00034894211054948

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Evaluation of tumor response three months after concomitant chemoradiotherapy with high dose rate brachytherapy as a definitive treatment modality for locally advanced cervical cancer

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Bull Cancer. 2021 Nov 11:S0007-4551(21)00394-5. doi: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2021.08.012. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Radiotherapy remains an essential part of the management of locally advanced cervical cancer. Post-treatment surveillance allows for tumor response assessment and early detection of progressive prosecutions or local recurrences that may benefit from salvage treatment. The objective of this work is to assess the effectiveness of this therapeutic modality.

MATERIALS METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 69 patients treated with concomitant radiation chemotherapy followed by high dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy. The tumor response was assessed by gynecologic physical examination at three months after the end of treatment.

RESULTS: Median age of patients is 54.9 years (33-78 years). The most common histological type is squamous cell carcinoma (89.9%). The average dose received during external r adiotherapy is 52.2Gy (46-60Gy). The average dose received during brachytherapy is 27.5Gy (18-28Gy). Three months after completion of treatment, 95.6% of patients had complete tumor remission, and only 4.4% had a tumor residue of 1cm.

CONCLUSION: Radiation chemotherapy with brachytherapy allows for improved short-term local control in cervical cancer.

PMID:34776119 | DOI:10.1016/j.bulcan.2021.08.012

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Ramadan fasting during treatment with external beam radiotherapy

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Bull Cancer. 2021 Nov 11:S0007-4551(21)00304-0. doi: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2021.05.010. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Many Muslim cancer patients insist on fasting during the month of Ramadan, even during treatment. The purpose of this observational study is to study the practice of fasting, in patients receiving external radiation therapy.

METHODS: Our study was conducted during the month of Ramadan 1441 (2018) in the radiotherapy department of Ibn Rochd University Hospital of Casablanca. We included all patients who received external radiotherapy during this period. We thus collected the characteristics of patients, disease and treatment modalities. After an interview, with a pre-established questionnaire, we were able to establish the observance of the fast.

RESULTS: We collected a total of 209 patients. The most frequently represented locations were breast cancer followed by gynecological cancers in 35.4% and 18.7% respectively. All our patients were fasting Ramadan before the diagnosis of cancer, however, only 39.2% were fasting during the treatment by radiotherapy, and just 40% of patients have discussed the possibility of fasting with their oncologist. In multivariate analysis, the stage of the disease was the only factor related to the fasting status of our patients.

DISCUSSION: Even under treatment, many of our patients fast during the month of Ramadan. Further studies are needed to evaluate the tolerance of fasting in order to better answer the question "can I fast?".

PMID:34776116 | DOI:10.1016/j.bulcan.20 21.05.010

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Moxetumomab pasudotox-Third line in Hairy cell leukemia

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Bull Cancer. 2021 Nov 11:S0007-4551(21)00378-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2021.07.011. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:34776118 | DOI:10.1016/j.bulcan.2021.07.011

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Medicinal plants used by patients to fight cancer

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Bull Cancer. 2021 Nov 11:S0007-4551(21)00441-0. doi: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2021.09.017. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cancer is among the deadliest diseases in the world, especially in developed countries where modern treatments are not available to everyone. In North Africa, and especially in Algeria, few herbal treatments against cancer have been documented despite the richness of flora in these countries. This research aim to documents the medicinal plants used by patient to fight cancer in the northwest of Algeria. Data were collected through ethnobotanical surveys engaging 211 cancer patients in hospitals (departments of medical oncology) in two of the largest provinces in northwest Algeria (Tiaret and Tlemcen). The data were organized into usage reports (UR), while the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) was calculated to evaluate agreement among informants. The patients investigated were mainly women, of middle age (41-50 years) and i lliterate. In total, 53 medicinal plants used against several types of cancer have been identified. These plants are dominated by Lamiaceae, Apiaceae and Rosaceae. The leaves and powder of plants are most often used in traditional preparations often mixed with honey. The plants most often cited in the survey were Aristolochia longa, Aquilaria malaccensis, Ephedra alata subsp. alenda, while the most often treated cancer were breast, cervical, colorectal and stomach. 23 plants are not known as a treatment against cancers in North Africa, while 25 plants already known as treatment for cancer were cited here to treat specific new types of this disease.

PMID:34776117 | DOI:10.1016/j.bulcan.2021.09.017

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Differences between radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis and chronic obstructive parotitis

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Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Nov 11:S0901-5027(21)00391-X. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2021.11.003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to clarify the differences in the diagnosis and treatment outcomes between radioactive iodine-induced sialadenitis (RAIS) and chronic obstructive parotitis (COP). The study cohort comprised 47 consecutive patients diagnosed with RAIS and 50 patients with COP. All patients were treated by interventional endoscopy. Clinical, sia lography, and endoscopy characteristics and treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups. Compared with the COP group, the RAIS group included more females (male:female ratio 1:8.4 vs 1:2.1; P = 0.011) and had a younger onset age (42 vs 50 years; P = 0.001) and shorter disease duration prior to hospital visit (5.4 vs 34.8 months; P < 0.001). In the RAIS group, sialography revealed obliteration of the main duct (20.4% vs 0%; P < 0.001), non-visualization of the main gland (23.7% vs 0%; P < 0.001), and incomplete contrast filling of the main gland (19.4% vs 6.4%; P = 0.008), which were scarcely observed in the COP group. Endoscopy revealed a higher percentage of duct atresia in RAIS compared to COP (20.4% vs 0%; P < 0.001). During follow-up, a higher percentage of RAIS patients had duct atresia and gland atrophy (49.5% vs 1.1%, P < 0.001). Compared with COP, RAIS more commonly involves younger females and has a shorter disease duration. Atresia of the main du ct and atrophy of the gland parenchyma occur more often despite the use of interventional endoscopy.

PMID:34776313 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijom.2021.11.003

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