Recognition of Bio-Structural Anisotropy by Polarization Resolved Imaging

In this paper, we develop a simple technique to identify material texture from far, by using polarization-resolved imaging. Such a technique can be easily implemented into industrial environments, where fast and cheap sensors are required. The technique has been applied to both isotropic references (Teflon bar) and anisotropic samples (wood). By studying the radiance of the samples illuminated by linearly polarized light, different and specific behaviours are identified for both isotropic and anisotropic samples, in terms of multipolar emission and linear dichroism, from which fibre orientation can be resolved.

Modern approaches to endoscopic hysterectomy

The new method of radical uterine surgery combining endoscopic approachand minilaparotomy is represented. 105 operative invasions on the uterus were performed using this method. Characteristic features of the surgical method, which was elaborated, are minimum blood loss and tissue injury, simple technique, low requirement of analgetics, fast rehabilitation of patients activity and capacity for work, using common equipments and materials.

Endoscopy in the preservation and restoration of reproductive function

The new method of radical uterine surgery combining endoscopic approachand minilaparotomy is represented. 105 operative invasions on the uterus were performed using this method. Characteristic features of the surgical method, which was elaborated, are minimum blood loss and tissue injury, simple technique, low requirement of analgetics, fast rehabilitation of patients activity and capacity for work, using common equipments and materials.

Avkobling og transformasjon: Meditasjonsretreater på Dharma Mountain mellom popularisering og religiøst fellesskap

While meditation has undeniably become a part of popular culture, the term encompasses a wide variety of practices and conceptualizations on the religious-secular spectrum. In this paper, I explore how this wide scope is dealt with at meditation retreats offered at the Norwegian center Dharma Mountain. The place is built around the Norwegian guru Vasant Swaha and serves as a meeting place for his disciples, the sangha. At the same time, the Dharma Mountain group takes part in the wider popular meditation field with retreats tailored toward the preferences of an often guru-critical mainstream audience. Based on ethnographical material, I compare two meditation techniques, vipassana and Dynamic Meditation, and how they are introduced, legitimized, and performed at a newcomer weekend in the first and a summer retreat with Vasant Swaha in the second case. I show that while instructors introduce vipassana as a generic and simple technique, they mark Dynamic Meditation as a specifically composed method and thus integrate it with Swaha’s background in the Osho movement and the therapeutic outlook of his retreats. My findings point to the flexibility of the concept of meditation and how this helps organizers to address different audiences. Under the umbrella of meditation, Dharma Mountain incorporates a range of conceptualizations, from self-help to spiritual awakening, and different social forms, from costumer relations to religious community, in one and the same place.

Simple technique of distal leg perfusion during heart transplant in patients with preoperative veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support

Direct heart transplant from veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support is challenging. Continuation of postoperative VA-ECMO support may be required in the setting of primary graft dysfunction or severe vasoplegia. We describe a simple technique to perfuse the ipsilateral leg of an arterial ECMO cannula during heart transplant while the ECMO circuit is turned off but maintaining the arterial cannula and distal perfusion catheter in place. This technique minimizes the number of intraoperative procedures with a minimal risk of leg ischemia, and provides a smooth transition to postoperative VA-ECMO support if necessary.

Ultrasonic Synthesis of Nanochitosan and Its Size Effects on Turbidity Removal and Dealkalization in Wastewater Treatment

A detailed study on the synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles under ultrasonication is reported in this paper. By using this simple technique, chitosan particles in nanometer range can be easily prepared without using any harmful and expensive chemicals. The results show that increasing the ultrasonic irradiation time and ultrasonic wave amplitude are the key factors for producing discrete chitosan nanoparticles with narrow particle size distribution. The resulting nanoparticles show superior turbidity removal efficiency (75.4%) and dealkalization (58.3%) in wastewater treatment than the bulk chitosan solid (35.4% and 11.1%, respectively), thus offering an eco-friendly and promising approach for treating wastewater via the coagulation/flocculation process.

Sheathless use of Supera stent minimizes access complications in antegrade femoral puncture: Technical note with case series

Antegrade femoral puncture (AFP) is the preferred strategy to treat lower limb obstructive disease. However, the presence of vascular calcification may be associated with procedure related adverse events, impairing endovascular device strategies. We describe a case series of superficial femoral and popliteal artery treatments by Supera stent implantation using a simple technique to significantly minimize the dimension of the antegrade femoral puncture from 6 to 4 French (Fr). All antegrade femoral punctures, crossing femoro-popliteal lesion and predilation were made with 4 Fr introducer. After preparation the Supera stent was navigated in sheathless fashion via 0.018-inch guidewire. Postdilation and final control were made replacing the 4 Fr introducer via the same guidewire. A good final result was achieved. Patients were discharged early without any complications. This minimally invasive technique in cases of infrainguinal peripheral artery disease could be feasible and effective for minimizing the risk of complications in patients with critical limb ischemia.

Olfactory Sensory Neuron: Immunohistochemical Markers, Technique of Flat-Mounted Mucosa and Cell Count

A classification of olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) markers, a simple and robust technique of immunostaining on flat-mounted olfactory epithelium (OE) and a reliable quantification of the density of mature and immature OSNs are three crucial tools to study the pathophysiology of olfactory dysfunction. Using the rat model, we first categorized the main OSN markers by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on cross sections of OE. The OSN markers were divided into 3 groups: mature OSNs (OMP), immature OSNs (Tuj-1, DCX, OLIG2) and both (N-cadherin, LHX2, PGP9.5). The subcellular localization of each marker was also described. Tuj-1, OMP, DCX, PGP9.5 and N-cadherin were selected for immunostaining on flat-mounted OE because of their staining of OSN dendrites. We were able to successfully label OE with all the 5 markers using a simple technique for flat-mounted OE. In addition, this technique allowed the first mapping of the OE directly on the ethmoid turbinates. Finally, we quantified the mature (OMP+, Tuj-1-), immature (OMP-, Tuj-1+), transitory (OMP+, Tuj-1+) and total OSN density which were respectively 42080 ± 11820, 49384 ± 7134, 14448 ± 5865 and 105912 ± 13899 per mm2 (mean ± SD). The transitory population was quantified for the first time.

Smart distalization of the upper arch with an easy, efficient and no-compliance procedure

In conventional Class II treatment, distalisation of the maxillary arch usually requires multiple phases of tooth movement during which anchorage loss can occur. In order to solve this issue, a rational and simple technique has been developed. Instead of using intraoral distalisers along with palatal mini-implants, Ni-Ti superelastic loops are used to obtain molar distalisation while buccal interradicular miniscrews (BIM), preferably placed between the roots of upper premolars, supply the necessary anchorage. Once the distalisation of molars and second premolars is performed, miniscrews are placed between the roots of first molars and second premolars after removing the previous miniscrews. Elastic chains or tie-backs, which go from the new miniscrews to the hooks of a 0.019×0.025-inch stainless-steel archwire, produce the retraction of incisors, canines and first premolars with optimal control of anchorage. Clinical cases are shown to illustrate the technique.