Challenging Cases of Aortic Prosthesis Dysfunction, the Importance of Multimodality Imaging, a Case Series

ECG-gated multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is a promising complementary technique for evaluation of cardiac native and prosthetic structures. MDCT is able to provide a broader coverage with faster scan acquisition times that yield higher spatial and temporal resolution for cardiac structures whose quality may be affected by artifacts on ultrasound. We report a case series about the most challenging complications occurring after prosthetic aortic valve implantation in four patients: pannus, paravalvular leak, prosthesis’ misfolding and subaortic membrane reformation. In all the cases, enhanced MDCT using a retrospective protocol provided accurate 3D morphoanatomic information about cardiac and extracardiac structures, improving and speeding up the correct diagnosis and treatment planning. Integrated imaging, in particular with MDCT, is now the present, and it will increasingly be the future in the assessment of cardiac structural pathology.

Polymyxin B1 within the E. coli cell envelope: insights from molecular dynamics simulations

Polymyxins are used as last-resort antibiotics, where other treatments have been ineffectual due to antibiotic resistance. However, resistance to polymyxins has also been now reported, therefore it is instructive to characterise at the molecular level, the mechanisms of action of polymyxins. Here we review insights into these mechanisms from molecular dynamics simulations and discuss the utility of simulations as a complementary technique to experimental methodologies.

Corrosion of brass subjected to cast-off cooking oil blended with diesel

With the aim of leaving a smaller ecological footprint and to develop fuels which will change the energy needs of the future in a sustainable manner, the present study aims at investigating the corrosion phenomenon of brass using biodiesel fuel from cast-off cooking oil (CCO) in various blending ratios with commercial diesel (5 %, 10 % and 20 %) on brass. The mechanism of corrosion of brass in biodiesel has not been adequately investigated, and in the literature there is still a drop in the knowledge of the corrosion of brass from which many diesel engine parts are made. The corrosion rate of brass has been evaluated by mass loss and electrochemical methods. As a complementary technique, conductivity was monitored before and after each test. Surface morphology was examined by optical microscope. The surface morphology of brass samples in NaCl was coated in dark deposits that indicated corrosion. Some pitting was found in O99, and no significant change was found in oil-diesel blends. There is a positive correlation between the corrosivity and conductivity of the test media. The wettability studies also assisted in determining the non-corrosive nature of biodiesel.

Determining the Effectiveness of Different Reconstruction Method and Mandibular Implants for Fracture in the Mandible

Introduction: Every year, many people suffer from mandibular defects due to various reasons such as trauma or malignant tumors. Various techniques for reconstructing mandibular defects have always been considered by surgeons and maxillofacial specialists to select the best option and achieve the desired results for the patient. In this study, various articles and their techniques for reconstruction of mandibular defects were reviewed and their results were reported. Materials and Methods: The present study is a systematic review study in which the keywords implants, mandibular, trauma, reconstruction of the desired articles in two databases pubmed and science direct from January 1, 2010 to August 31, 2018 And were selected and then examined. Results: 33 articles met the inclusion criteria on which the final review was performed. 17 articles were clinical studies, 9 articles were case reports and 7 articles were reviews. In these 33 studies, various techniques were examined, including the use of free vascularized fibular flap, the use of computer software, and the prototyping technique. Conclusion: Among the existing methods, the use of free vascularized fibular flap has been approved as a widely used and reliable method in various studies, and many researchers believe that this technique is the gold standard for the reconstruction of mandibular defects. The use of computer software was also used as a complementary technique to improve surgical outcomes.

3D printing of brachycephalic and dolichocephalic canine skulls and mandibles: a complement to traditional osteotechnique

This paper aimed at reporting the creation of brachycephalic and dolichocephalic 3D synthetic anatomical models of canine heads (3D SAMCH) as a complementary technique to traditional osteotechnique using Computed Tomography (CT) images in volumetric reconstruction. The study was carried out in three stages, namely: a) preparation of canine heads in natura; b) creation of digital files of canine heads using CT; and c) 3D printing of synthetic anatomical models of canine heads. As a result, two 3D SAMCH were produced due to rarer availability in Animal Anatomy laboratories collections; the important representation of the cribriform plate was possible, but a remarkable defect presented was the teeth. It concluded that the digital files creation through CT scanner allows a fine representation of canine heads if considered pros and cons regarding the use of synthetic models instead of natural bones.

Gluten Assessment in Beers: Comparison by Different Commercial ELISA Kits and Evaluation of NIR Analysis as a Complementary Technique

Traditionally, beers are made with gluten-containing cereals. It is crucial to have rapid analytical methodologies that allow gluten content control of the beers for celiac consumers. We assess the content of gluten in 65 conventional and 41 gluten-free labeled beers commercialized in Europe and compare the results in a subgroup of 71 beers with three ELISA kits. This research allows gathering information on the potential complementary utility of NIR analysis applied to gluten analysis of gluten-free beers in terms of time saving. Results obtained with the ELISA technique identified competitive R5 to be the most sensitive in detecting the prolamins, by eliciting a higher number of beers containing gluten above 20 mg/kg. The gluten content in conventional beers tested increased with the presence of wheat as raw material and with the use of ale-type yeasts. By using competitive R5, 3 out of the 41 gluten-free labeled beers appeared to contain gluten above 20 mg/kg, and conversely, 15 out of 65 of the conventional beers showed a gluten content below this threshold. According to our approaches, NIR did not achieve a suitable correlation with ELISA results, neither for gluten quantification nor for discrimination, and therefore, it cannot be proposed as a complementary technique.

Drawing technique in understanding the meaning of adolescent pregnancy

Objective: to investigate the meanings of adolescents about pregnancy. Method: qualitative study of ethnographic aspect, performed with eight pregnant teenagers. The data collection technique was the narrative interview, which was subjected to thematic analysis, and drawing as a complementary technique. The study was initiated after approval by the Ethics Committee with CAAE number 00554512.0.0000.5346. Results: the use of the drawing produced meanings of the bodily changes, which were of reflection about their silhouette, timidity in representing themselves in a drawing and satisfaction with the corporal alterations caused by the pregnancy. In the representations, they were alone, only one included the partner. Conclusion: the drawing allows a more communicative and participatory position during the interviews. Thereby, it recognizes the relevance of using this technique in data collection work with anthropological approach.

Visualization and characterization of metallo-aggregates using multi-photon microscopy

Multi-photon microscopy can be an excellent complementary technique for the characterization of nano-aggregates containing metallic photosensitizers with multi-photon emission properties.