Odour measurement - factors affecting olfactometry panel performance

1996 ◽  
Vol 34 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 549-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. Bliss ◽  
T. J. Schulz ◽  
T. Senger ◽  
R. B. Kaye

To identify factors affecting olfactometry panel performance in the measurement of environmental odours, a data bank of odour threshold measurements including 923 individual panel tests on environmental odours and 145 tests on standards were analysed statistically. There is an evident decrease in olfactory sensitivity to environmental odours with age. The group threshold tends to be one step lower for a 25 year increase in average age of panel members for Type I odours (piggery, feedlot, landfill and mushroom composting) and for 36 years increase for Type II odours (sewage and industrial coke works). The threshold for N-butanol tends to be 1 step lower for an increase of 15 years in age. People who are over 40 years old exhibited a greater variation than younger people. Although there was a minor gender difference in the sensitivity to butanol standard, it was not statistically significant (mean natural logarithm butanol threshold was 3.65 for males and 3.84 for females). Similar minor differences were exhibited in Confidence Index (CI), 1.72 for females (std. dev. 0.73) and 1.81 for males (std. dev. 0.77). Using “guess and correct” as criterion to determine individual thresholds in the forced choice olfactometry, the mean natural logarithm of ppb butanol is 1.365 lower than that for “certain and correct”. The standard deviation for “guess” and “certain” criteria were 1.093 and 0.911 respectively. The “certainty” criterion gave a better repeatability than the “guess” criterion.

Author(s):  
Rafique Umer Harvitkar ◽  
Abhijit Joshi

Abstract Introduction Laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) has almost completely replaced the open procedure performed for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatus hernia (HH). Several studies have suggested that long-term results with surgery for GERD are better than a medical line of management. In this retrospective study, we outline our experience with LF over 10 years. Also, we analyze the factors that would help us in better patient selection, thereby positively affecting the outcomes of surgery. Patients and Methods In this retrospective study, we identified 27 patients (14 females and 13 males) operated upon by a single surgeon from 2010 to 2020 at our institution. Out of these, 25 patients (12 females and 13 males) had GERD with type I HH and 2 (both females) had type II HH without GERD. The age range was 24 to 75 years. All patients had undergone oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD scopy). A total of 25 patients had various degrees of esophagitis. Two patients had no esophagitis. These patients were analyzed for age, sex, symptoms, preoperative evaluation, exact procedure performed (Nissen’s vs. Toupet’s vs. cruroplasty + gastropexy), morbidity/mortality, and functional outcomes. They were also reviewed to examine the length of stay, length of procedure, complications, and recurrent symptoms on follow-up. Symptoms were assessed objectively with a score for six classical GERD symptoms preoperatively and on follow-up at 1-, 4- and 6-weeks postsurgery. Further evaluation was performed after 6 months and then annually for 2 years. Results 14 females (53%) and 13 males (48%) with a diagnosis of GERD (with type I HH) and type II HH were operated upon. The mean age was 46 years (24–75 years) and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 27 (18–32). The range of duration of the preoperative symptoms was 6 months to 2 years. The average operating time dropped from 130 minutes for the first 12 cases to 90 minutes for the last 15 cases. The mean hospital stay was 3 days (range: 2–4 days). In the immediate postoperative period, 72% (n = 18) of the patients reported improvement in the GERD symptoms, while 2 (8%) patients described heartburn (grade I, mild, daily) and 1 (4%) patient described bloating (grade I, daily). A total of 5 patients (20%) reported mild dysphagia to solids in the first 2 postoperative weeks. These symptoms settled down after 2 to 5 weeks of postoperative proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and by adjusting consistency of oral feeds. There was no conversion to open, and we observed no perioperative mortality. There were no patients who underwent redo surgeries in the series. Conclusion LF is a safe and highly effective procedure for a patient with symptoms of GERD, and it gives long-term relief from the symptoms. Stringent selection criteria are necessary to optimize the results of surgery. Experience is associated with a significant reduction of operating time.


1998 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusuf Ersşahin ◽  
Saffet Mutluer ◽  
Sevgül Kocaman ◽  
Eren Demirtasş

Object. The authors reviewed and analyzed information on 74 patients with split spinal cord malformations (SSCMs) treated between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 1996 at their institution with the aim of defining and classifying the malformations according to the method of Pang, et al. Methods. Computerized tomography myelography was superior to other radiological tools in defining the type of SSCM. There were 46 girls (62%) and 28 boys (38%) ranging in age from less than 1 day to 12 years (mean 33.08 months). The mean age (43.2 months) of the patients who exhibited neurological deficits and orthopedic deformities was significantly older than those (8.2 months) without deficits (p = 0.003). Fifty-two patients had a single Type I and 18 patients a single Type II SSCM; four patients had composite SSCMs. Sixty-two patients had at least one associated spinal lesion that could lead to spinal cord tethering. After surgery, the majority of the patients remained stable and clinical improvement was observed in 18 patients. Conclusions. The classification of SSCMs proposed by Pang, et al., will eliminate the current chaos in terminology. In all SSCMs, either a rigid or a fibrous septum was found to transfix the spinal cord. There was at least one unrelated lesion that caused tethering of the spinal cord in 85% of the patients. The risk of neurological deficits resulting from SSCMs increases with the age of the patient; therefore, all patients should be surgically treated when diagnosed, especially before the development of orthopedic and neurological manifestations.


Author(s):  
Jere Häyrynen ◽  
Maija Kärkkäinen ◽  
Aulikki Kononoff ◽  
Leena Arstila ◽  
Pia Elfving ◽  
...  

AbstractThe aim of the study was to describe automated immunoassays for autoantibodies to homocitrulline or citrulline containing telopeptides of type I and II collagen in various disease categories in an early arthritis series.Serum samples were collected from 142 patients over 16 years of age with newly diagnosed inflammatory joint disease. All samples were analyzed with an automated inhibition chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) using four different peptide pairs, each consisting of a biotinylated antigen and an inhibiting peptide. Assays were performed with an IDS-iSYS analyzer. Autoantibodies binding to homocitrulline and citrulline containing C-telopeptides of type I (HTELO-I, TELO-I) and type II collagens (HTELO-II, TELO-II) were analyzed.The mean ratio of HTELO-I inhibition in seropositive and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was 3.07 (95% CI 1.41–11.60), p=0.003, and in seropositive and seronegative undifferentiated arthritis (UA) 4.90 (1.85–14.49), p<0.001. The respective mean ratios in seropositive and seronegative RA and UA were in TELO-I 8.72 (3.68–58.01), p<0.001 and 3.13 (1.49–6.16), p=0.008, in HTELO-II 7.57 (3.18–56.60), p<0.001 and 2.97 (1.23–6.69), p=0.037, and in TELO-II 3.01 (1.30–9.51), p=0.002 and 3.64 (1.86–7.65), p=0.008. In reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and unspecified spondyloarthritis the inhibition levels were similar to those observed in seronegative RA or UA.Autoantibodies binding to homocitrulline or citrulline containing telopeptides of type I and II collagen did not differ significantly. They were highest among patients with seropositive disease and they differentiated seropositive and seronegative arthritis.


CJEM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (S1) ◽  
pp. S79
Author(s):  
H. Ali Khan ◽  
K. Gushulak ◽  
M. Columbus ◽  
I.G. Stiell ◽  
J.W. Yan

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is an increasingly prevalent chronic condition that is usually managed in an outpatient setting. However, the emergency department (ED) plays a crucial role in the management of diabetic patients, particularly for those who are presenting with newly diagnosed diabetes. Little research has been done to characterize the population of patients presenting to the ED with hyperglycemia with no previous diagnosis of diabetes. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology, treatment, and outcomes of patients who were newly diagnosed with diabetes in the ED and to compare those with newly diagnosed type I versus type II diabetes. Methods: A one-year health records review of newly diagnosed diabetes patients ≥18 years presenting to one of four tertiary care EDs was conducted. All patients with a discharge diagnosis of hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome were screened, but only those who did not have a previous history of diabetes were included. Trained research personnel collected data on patient characteristics, management, disposition, and outcome. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data where appropriate. Results: Of 645 patients presenting with hyperglycemia in the study period, 112 (17.4%) were newly diagnosed diabetes patients. Of these patients, 30 (26.8%) were later diagnosed with type I diabetes and 82 (73.2%) were diagnosed with type II diabetes. For the newly diagnosed type I patients the mean (SD) age was 27.6 (9.9) and the mean (SD) age for type II patients was 52.4 (14.1). Of all the new onset patients, 26.8% were diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis. The percentage of patients diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis was higher in type I than type II (63.3% vs 13.4%; P&lt;0.01). A total of 49 (43.8%) patients were admitted to the hospital, and more patients with type I were admitted compared to those with type II (66.7% vs 35.4 %; P&lt;0.01). Conclusion: Limited research has been done to describe patients newly diagnosed with diabetes in the ED. Patients with type I were found to be more likely to present to the ED with serious symptoms requiring admission to hospital. Our findings demonstrate that the ED may have a strong potential role for improving diabetic care, by providing future opportunities for education and follow-up in the ED to reduce complications, particularly in type I.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Alejandro Tomasello ◽  
David Hernandez ◽  
Laura Ludovica Gramegna ◽  
Sonia Aixut ◽  
Roger Barranco Pons ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEThe goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a new noncompletely occlusive net-assisted remodeling technique in which the Cascade net device is used for temporary bridging of intracranial aneurysms.METHODSBetween July 2018 and May 2019, patients underwent coil embolization with the Cascade net device within 4 centers in Europe. Analysis of angiographic (modified Raymond-Roy classification [MRRC]) and clinical outcomes data was conducted immediately following treatment and at the 6-month follow-up.RESULTSFifteen patients were included in the study (mean age 58 ± 13 years, 11/15 [73.3%] female). Ten patients had unruptured aneurysms, and 5 presented with ruptured aneurysms with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage. The mean aneurysm dome length was 6.27 ± 2.33 mm and the mean neck width was 3.64 ± 1.19 mm. Immediately postprocedure, MRRC type I (complete obliteration) was achieved in 11 patients (73.3%), whereas a type II (residual neck) was achieved in 4 patients (26.7%). Follow-up examination was performed in 7/15 patients and showed stabilization of aneurysm closure with no thromboembolic complications and only 1 patient with an increased MRRC score (from I to II) due to coil compression.CONCLUSIONSInitial experience shows that the use of a new noncompletely occlusive net-assisted remodeling technique with the Cascade net device may be safe and effective for endovascular coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2S) ◽  
pp. 153-159
Author(s):  
E. S. Pirogova ◽  
O. L. Fabrikantov ◽  
S. I. Nikolashin

Purpose: to study the structure of the swelling lens, the dependence of its anatomical parameters on the nucleus sizes and density, patients’ age.Patients and methods. 52 patients with intumescent mature cataract were examined. All patients underwent phacoemulsification with a two-stage continuous circular capsulorhexis. After the 2–2.5 mm capsulorhexis had been created, the liquid lenticular masses were removed from the anterior and posterior lens compartment with the aspiration/irrigation system. Visually we determined the size of the nucleus, its color and density according to Buratto’s classification.Results. When performing this work 4 types of the swelling lens structure were revealed. Type I — a small emerging white nucleus with large amount of liquid lenticular masses in the anterior and posterior lens compartment, II degree of density according to Buratto’s classification. The mean age was 49.09 ± 3.19 years old. The related ophthalmic diseases accounted for 36.4%. Type II — a large white nucleus with the presence of liquefied lenticular masses in the anterior and posterior lens compartment. III degree of density according to Buratto’s classification. The mean age was 71.00 ± 1.92 years old. Associated diseases — 84.6%. Type III — a large brown nucleus with the presence of liquefied lenticular masses in the anterior and posterior lens compartment. IV degree of density according to Buratto’s classification. The mean age was 75.84 ± 1.46 years old. Associated diseases — 100%. Type IV — a small, very dense, brown nucleus with liquid lenticular masses. V degree of density according to Buratto’s classification. The mean age was 77.33 ± 2.49 years old. Associated diseases — 100%.Conclusion. 4 types of lens structure in intumescent cataract were described depending on the nucleus size, density, the amount of the lenticular masses. By means of UBM method, it was shown that intumescent cataract is accompanied with the alterations of the ocular anterior segment parameters, which depend on the type of lens structure. It was revealed that the types of swelling lens structure are directly connected to the patients’ age: mean age of patients with type I — 49.09 ± 3.19 years old, with type II — 71.00 ± 1.92, with type III — 75.84 ± 1.46, with type IV — 77.33 ± 2.49 years old. 


1992 ◽  
Vol 262 (4) ◽  
pp. E464-E466 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Armanini ◽  
I. Karbowiak ◽  
M. Scali ◽  
E. Orlandini ◽  
V. Zampollo ◽  
...  

Plasma cortisol and aldosterone levels and number of related receptors in mononuclear leukocytes were measured in 49 healthy aged subjects (62-97 yr) and in 21 adult controls (21-50 yr). In all subjects, in addition, lymphocyte subsets were determined as an index of corticosteroid action. The mean number of type I and type II receptors was significantly lower in aged subjects than in controls (respectively, 198 +/- 96 and 272 +/- 97 receptors/cell for type I, and 1,794 +/- 803 and 3,339 +/- 918 for type II receptors). Plasma aldosterone and cortisol and lymphocyte subsets were not different in the two groups. All of the parameters were also tested for correlation, and a significant inverse correlation was found between age and type I and type II receptors when all subjects were plotted and between aged and CD4 and age and CD4/CD8 in the aged group. These data show that aged subjects have reductions of corticosteroid receptors that are not associated with increase of related steroids and that this situation probably represents a concomitant of the normal aging process.


Author(s):  
Jinwu Wang ◽  
Leyi Cai ◽  
Linzhen Xie ◽  
Hua Chen ◽  
Xiaoshan Guo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Femoral head fractures are uncommon injuries. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of femoral head fracture is the preferred treatment for most patients. There are several surgical approaches and treatments for this difficult fracture. However, the optimal surgical approach for the treatment of femoral head fracture remains controversial. Meanwhile, the operation is difficult and the complications are numerous. We prospectively reviewed patients with femoral head fractures managed surgically through the 3D printing-based Ganz approach to define a better approach with the least morbidity. Patients and methods Between 2012 and 2017, a total of 17 patients were included in this study. An exact 1:1 3D printing model of the injured hip side was fabricated for each patient and simulated surgery was finished preoperative. The surgical approach was performed as described by Ganz. Functional assessment was performed using the modified Merle d’Aubigne scores. The reduction of the fracture was evaluated according to Matta’s criteria. The incidence of complications, such as heterotopic ossification (HO) and avascular necrosis (AVN), and the need for additional surgery were also documented. Results Twelve of 17 patients (four females and eight males) were available for 2 years follow-up. The mean follow-up was 35 months (25–48 months). Average age for the 12 patients was 39.9 ± 12.2 years. According to the Pipkin classification, four patients were type I fracture, three patients were type II fracture, and five patients were type IV fracture. The mean operative time was 124.2 ± 22.1 min, and the estimated blood loss was 437.5 ± 113.1 ml. According to Merle d’ Aubigne scores, excellent results were achieved in six of the 12 patients; four good and two poor results occurred in the rest of the patients. On the radiograph evaluation, fracture reduction was defined as anatomical in eight patients, and imperfect in four. Most patients had good outcomes and satisfactory hip function at last follow-up. Almost all great trochanteric osteectomy healed uneventfully. One patient developed symptomatic AVN of the femoral head and underwent THA at 3 years. After THA, she regained a good hip function with the ability to return to work and almost no reduction in sports activities. Heterotopic ossification was found in four cases (type I-1, type II-2, and type III-1). Conclusions The 3D printing-based Ganz approach provides a safe and reliable approach and satisfactory results of treatment in femoral head fractures. Using 3D printed model for the fracture of the femoral head, the fracture can be viewed in every direction to provide an accurate description of fracture characteristics, which contributes to make a reasonable surgical plan for patients. In addition, the 3D printing-based Ganz approach can obtain excellent surgical exposure and protection of the femoral head blood supply, reduce the operation time and intraoperative blood loss, make the precise osteotomy, anatomically fix the intra-articular fragments, and effectively reduce postoperative complications. Trial registration We register our research at http://www.researchregistry.com. The Unique Identifying Number (UIN) from the Research Registry of the study is researchregistry4847.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (14) ◽  
pp. 3586-3593
Author(s):  
Miranda J. Rogers ◽  
Makoto Kondo ◽  
Kyungsook Kim ◽  
Teruo Okano ◽  
Travis G. Maak

Background: Patients with hip pathology, such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or hip dysplasia, are known to sustain chondral delamination injuries identifiable during hip arthroscopy, with an incidence of 44% to 75%. There are studies focused on understanding acetabular chondral flap viability, but there is a dearth of research regarding the viability of femoral head cartilage overlying the cam deformity in FAI. Purpose: To describe the viability and immunohistochemistry staining patterns of femoral head cartilage in the setting of FAI. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Between September 2018 and August 2019, a single surgeon prospectively collected full-thickness femoral cartilage from cam deformities in 14 patients with FAI undergoing osteoplasty. Samples were assessed for viability and underwent immunohistochemistry staining for collagen type I, collagen type II, and aggrecan. Results: The data set included 14 patients. Twelve samples were assessed for viability and 14 for immunohistochemistry straining. The mean patient age was 34.1 years, and the mean body mass index was 24.69. Mean ± SD chondrocyte viability per patient was 52% ± 11%. At the time of cell isolation, 8 of the 12 patients had viability >50%, with a maximum of 68.2%. This viability increased after a primary culture period, varying from 9 to 13 days, with 10 of 12 samples having viability >90%. The viability mean after the culture period was 94.54% ± 4.89%. Harvested cartilage showed expressions of type I cartilage, type II collagen, and aggrecan in a pattern that is predictable for native cartilage. Conclusion: These data reveal that the cartilage in femoral head cartilage overlying cam deformity—much like that from acetabular chondral flaps—not only has baseline viability >50% (51.99% ± 10.83%) but the ability to increase in viability >90% after a culture period. There may be a role for use of femoral head cartilage as autograft to repair full-thickness cartilage defects of the acetabulum and femoral head, either at the time of osteochondroplasty or after a period of cell culture to improve cell viability. Clinical Relevance: A dearth of information is available regarding the viability of femoral head cartilage. This study provides insight into the cartilage viability and response to culture.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 232596711986343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raffy Mirzayan ◽  
Michael A. Stone ◽  
Michael Batech ◽  
Daniel C. Acevedo ◽  
Anshuman Singh

Background:Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have been used in the treatment of shoulders with massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs). Despite clinical improvement, correlation of clinical findings with ADM integrity on imaging has not been investigated.Hypothesis:The pain in shoulders with MRCTs is partially due to bone-to-bone contact between the tuberosity and acromion. Coverage of the tuberosity with an intact graft or a graft that is torn in a way that the tuberosity remains covered will act as an interpositional tissue, preventing bone-to-bone contact and leading to clinical improvement.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Between 2006 and 2016, a total of 25 shoulders with MRCTs underwent a procedure with an ADM. Pre- and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) results, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Hamada grade, and Goutallier classification were reviewed. A postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained in 22 (88%) shoulders. The status of the graft was divided into the following categories: type I, intact graft; type II, graft tear with tuberosity covered; and type III, graft tear with tuberosity uncovered (bare).Results:The mean patient age was 61 years (range, 49-73 years), and the mean follow-up was 25.6 months (range, 10-80 months). Mean length from surgery to postoperative MRI was 13.9 months (range, 6-80 months). The graft was torn in 59% (13/22 shoulders). Significant improvements were found in VAS and ASES scores (7 vs 0.7 and 32.6 vs 91.2, respectively; P < .01) for type I grafts and in VAS and ASES scores (8.1 vs 1.3 and 26.3 vs 84.6, respectively; P < .01) for type II grafts. No difference was found in postoperative VAS and ASES (0.7 vs 1.3 and 91.2 vs 84.6, respectively; P = .8) between type I and type II grafts. No improvement was seen in VAS (7.3 vs 5.7; P = .2) or ASES (30.6 vs 37.2; P = .5) for type III grafts.Conclusion:MRI appearance of the graft has a significant impact on functional outcomes. Patients with an intact graft or a graft tear leaving the tuberosity covered have lower pain and higher functional scores than those in whom the torn graft leaves the tuberosity uncovered.


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