Investigating the Shelf Life of Benzoyl Peroxide Coated Nozzles for Bone Cement Application

Two-solution bone cements (TSBC) were developed to address the limitations of current powder-liquid bone cements, however are characterized by a limited shelf life due to spontaneous free radical polymerization. As a solution to pre-polymerization concerns, the initiator benzoyl peroxide (BPO) was removed from the cement solution and incorporated into a thin film coating within the static mixing nozzle, allowing the BPO to integrate with the TSBC as it is mixed for use. Only short-term storage of BPO-coated nozzles and the subsequent effects on bone cement properties is known. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of time, temperature and light exposure on the thermal characteristics and flexural mechanical properties of BPO-coated nozzle bone cements for a longer period of approximately twelve months. It was hypothesized that with increased time, temperature, and light exposure, the properties of cements made with BPO-coated nozzles would deteriorate. Results revealed a general reduction in thermal and mechanical properties of cements in comparison to standard TSBC and commercial cements. Nozzles stored beyond four months were found to be no longer viable. It was determined that storage time has an effect on cement properties, but effects of storage conditions on cement properties were inconclusive. High variability in test results, most likely due to the inconsistent thin film coating and unpredictable BPO release, indicated that significant improvements must be made to the nozzle coating method. Benzoyl peroxide coated nozzles have the potential to serve as improved alternatives to traditional bone cements, however further investigation into the preparation and shelf life of coated nozzles is required

Skin grafting for penile skin loss

Penile skin grafting is an effective technique for managing skin deficiency resulting from a variety of causes. A thorough understanding of penile anatomy and the pathophysiology of the underlying condition being treated are essential. We provide an overview of penile anatomy as well as the pathophysiology of conditions that may lead to penile skin deficiency, as a result of either the underlying condition or its management. The conditions discussed include lichen sclerosus, buried penis, hidradenitis suppurativa, lymphedema, necrotizing fasciitis, cancer, and trauma. We also discuss surgical technique for penile skin grafting with an emphasis on technical considerations unique to the penis. Finally, we review the available literature on penile skin grafting

Molecular characterization of plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma and the impact on treatment implications

Bladder cancer researchers and clinicians have increasingly viewed tumor biology through the lens of genomic and molecular alterations, drastically improving our knowledge of the underlying disease biology. This understanding has led to significant advances in treatment options that allow implementation of a personalized approach to cancer treatment. Large-scale genomic studies initially focused on the most common forms of bladder cancer. However, as genomic and molecular technologies become more widespread and are applied to less common variant histologies, we are gaining additional insight into the unique molecular and genomic characteristics driving the biology of variant histologies of bladder cancer. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge of molecular alterations underlying the distinct tumor biology of plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma and how these alterations may impact treatment options