Efficacy and Safety of Ocriplasmin Use for Vitreomacular Adhesion and Its Predictive Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (sVMA) impedes visual acuity and quality. Ocriplasmin is a recombinant protease, which may be injected into the vitreous cavity to treat this condition, yet controversy remains with respect to its effectiveness and safety, particularly its patient selection standard. In this systematic review, the PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify studies published prior to August 2020 on the impact of ocriplasmin treatment on VMA release, macular hole (MH) closure, and/or related adverse events (AEs). Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs were calculated. Of 1,186 articles reviewed, 5 randomized controlled trials and 50 cohort studies were ultimately included, representing 4,159 patients. Ocriplasmin significantly increased the rate of VMA release (RR, 3.61; 95% CI, 1.99–6.53; 28 days after treatment) and MH closure (RR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.62–9.08; 28 days after treatment) and was associated with visual function improvement. No increased risk for overall AEs was seen in ocriplasmin treatment. The proportion of VMA release and MH closure in patients was 0.50 and 0.36, respectively. VMA release was more likely in patients with absence of epiretinal membrane (ERM). Patients with smaller MH diameter were more likely to achieve MH closure. Evidence from included studies suggests that ocriplasmin is a suitable and safe approach for treating sVMA. ERM and MH status are important factors when considering ocriplasmin treatment.

Synergistically complexation of phenol functionalized polymer induced in-situ microfiber formation for 3D printing of marine-based hydrogel

The design of 3D printable bio-based hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties and minimal chemical modification can open new opportunities in the field of biomedical applications. A facile and safe approach...

Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles: A Novel, Environment-Friendly, Economic, Safe Approach

Nanoparticles can be synthesised using a variety of methods. These approaches, on the other hand, are connected with the development of undesired byproducts that are both harmful and expensive. As a result, several attempts are being undertaken to develop unique, cost-effective, safe, and dependable "green" techniques for producing desirable nanoparticles. To develop a novel, environment-friendly, economic, safe approach to the synthesis of gold nanoparticles via the biological entity. Addition of aqueous gold chloride solution to the microwave-exposed aqueous extracellular Cassia tora leaf extract yielded poly shaped gold nanoparticles. The UV-vis. spectroscopic investigations are led to notice and affirm the formation of nanoparticles. FTIR studies are performed to affirm the role of a biomolecule in stabilizing the nanoparticles. X-beam diffraction study is utilized to affirm the crystalline nature of nanoparticles. The elemental characterization of the samples is regulated by EDX studies. The size and morphology of the synthesized nanoparticles are explored using HR-TEM analysis and FESEM. It is seen that the flavonoids which are separated during microwave warming of extracellular solution of the cassia tora leaves are liable for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles. The nanoparticle was noted to be well dispersed and polyshaped with a 20-60 nm range. The leaf extract based preparation of AuNP is more gainful since leaf is used instead of microorganism as many of the issues like pathogenicity, procedural maintenance of hygiene of cell culture and labor efforts can be overcome. The presence of flavonoids in the leaf was discovered by the examination of produced nanoparticles, suggesting that they may have fulfilled both reduction and stabilisation activities. The presented approach can be inferred to be cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and capable of manufacturing nanoparticles with desired physical and pharmacological properties.

Fibula Nail Outcomes in Soft Tissue Compromised Ankle Fractures

Background: To determine the clinical outcomes following fibula nail fixation and to identify the indication for the use of fibula nails in lower limb fractures. Methods: Retrospective study of adult patients from 2 major trauma centers (MTCs) and 9 trauma units (TUs) who underwent fibula nail fixation for AO/OTA 44 fractures between January 1, 2018, and October 31, 2020. Outcome measures included infection, metalwork complications, nonunion or malunion, time to union, and length of inpatient hospital stay. Results: Ninety-five patients were included, with a mean age of 66 years; 57.9% of patients were female. The average body mass index was 30. Sixty-nine patients (72.6%) sustained a Weber B and 24 (27.4%) sustained a Weber C fracture. In addition, 26.3% were open fractures and all patients had soft tissue compromise affecting the lateral malleolus. The calculated infection rate for fibula nail was 4.2% and metalwork complication rate was 5.2%. The nonunion and malunion rate was 8.4% and rate of removal of hardware was 2.1%. The average time to union was 12.5 weeks, and length of inpatient stay was 9.4 days (SD 10). Conclusion: This multicenter study demonstrates that use of a fibula nail appears to be a safe approach to treating patients who have a physiologically higher risk of surgery, poor skin condition, and a complex fracture pattern.

Minimally Invasive Robotic-Assisted Cystolithotomy in a Complicated Urinary Diversion: A Feasible and Safe Approach

Urinary diversion following radical cystectomy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy is the gold standard for the management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Urinary diversions are at an increased risk of urolithiasis as a result of various factors. Traditional surgical intervention has included open cystolithotomy which has given way to minimally invasive techniques as of late. We describe a case of a robotic-assisted cystolithotomy from a neobladder in a 54-year-old female patient with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. This is the first description of a robotic-assisted removal of a stone in an orthotopic neobladder. This approach has many advantages, especially in the removal of larger stones. Further study is needed to investigate the efficacy and success of this approach.

Nanoliposomal Topical Formulation for Increasing Safety and Combating Microbial Drug Resistance in Leprosy

Nanoliposomes were prepared using solvent injection method and topical spray using simple dispersion method. The particle size and % Entrapment Efficiency were found 18.01 ± 0.21 nm and 87.71 ± 0.12% respectively. TEM studies showed that the particles were in spherical shape. Drying time, volume per spray, area of film and dose uniformity were found to be 280 ± 0.002 sec, 0.16± 0.021 ml, 155.57 ± 0.012 cm2 and 0.15± 0.0012 ml respectively which showed good spraying conditions on the affected area. Stability study shows that dapsone and chaulmoogra oil loaded nanoliposomal topical spray was stable at accelerated condition up to 1 month. The present investigation provides a safe approach by improving the outer membrane permeability to combat microbial drug resistance and increasing safety in leprosy treatment.

Scanning ion-conductance microscope with modulation of the sample position along the Z-coordinate and separate Z-axial and lateral (X, Y) scanning

Scanning ion-conductance microscope with independent piezoscanners in the lateral scanning plane XY and Z axis was designed and tested. For precise, fast and safe approach of the nanopipette to the sample surface, a coarse approach system based on a piezoinertial mover was used. Measurements of test periodic polymer structures were carried out using nanopipettes with an inner pipette diameter of about 100-150 nm. The optimal geometric parameters of the nanopipette were found and the resolution of the method was estimated. To increase the stability and reproducibility of SICM images, the Z-modulation of the position of the substrate with the sample was realized using a bimorph piezomembrane.