Breast implant illness: a step forward in understanding this complex entity and the impact of social media

Introduction. The number of implant-related complaints is constantly rising, a phenomenon probably accentuated by the extensive use of social media by patients. Material and method. A group of signs and symptoms considered to be caused by mammary implants is known as “Breast Implant Illness”. This paper analyzes the increased number of posts by patients on social media in which they describe their symptoms, their disappointment with the decision of using breast implants, and the beneficial effects of explantation. The case of a patient with breast implants who visited our clinic is reported here. The patient complained of two palpable masses, located in the left axilla and in the superolateral quadrant of the left breast. The pathophysiological mechanism by which lymphadenopathy occurred after a long period of time remains uncertain. Discussion. A review of the literature was conducted to identify the underlying causes of implant-related complaints, allowing evaluation of the presence of local complications, cancer with large anaplastic cells, and autoimmune diseases. The possibility of a somatization effect has also been considered. Conclusions. Plastic surgeons must remain the best source of information, taking on the role of educating the patient in order to better understand this condition

Synthesis of Shape-Tailored WO3 Micro-/Nanocrystals and the Photocatalytic Activity of WO3/TiO2 Composites

A traditional semiconductor (WO3) was synthesized from different precursors via hydrothermal crystallization targeting the achievement of three different crystal shapes (nanoplates, nanorods and nanostars). The obtained WO3 microcrystals were analyzed by the means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). These methods contributed to the detailed analysis of the crystal morphology and structural features. The synthesized bare WO3 photocatalysts were totally inactive, while the P25/WO3 composites were efficient under UV light radiation. Furthermore, the maximum achieved activity was even higher than the bare P25's photocatalytic performance. A correlation was established between the shape of the WO3 crystallites and the observed photocatalytic activity registered during the degradation of different substrates by using P25/WO3 composites

Calcium regulates the PI3K-Akt pathway in stretched osteoblasts

AbstractMechanical loading plays a vital role in maintaining bone architecture. The process by which osteoblasts convert mechanical signals into biochemical responses leading to bone remodeling is not fully understood. The earliest cellular response detected in mechanically stimulated osteoblasts is an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). In this study, we used the clonal mouse osteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1 to show that uniaxial cyclic stretch induces: (1) an immediate increase in [Ca2+]i, and (2) the phosphorylation of critical osteoblast proteins that are implicated in cell proliferation, gene regulation, and cell survival. Our data suggest that cyclic stretch activates the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway including: PI3K, Akt, FKHR, and AFX. Moreover, cyclic stretch also causes the phosphorylation of stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Attenuation in the level of phosphorylation of these proteins was observed by stretching cells in Ca2+-free medium, using intra- (BAPTA-AM) and extracellular (BAPTA) calcium chelators, or gadolinium, suggesting that influx of extracellular calcium plays a significant role in the early response of osteoblasts to mechanical stimuli

Breast implant illness: a step forward in understanding this complex entity and the impact of social media

Introduction. The number of implant-related complaints is constantly rising, a phenomenon probably accentuated by the extensive use of social media by patients. Material and method. A group of signs and symptoms considered to be caused by mammary implants is known as “Breast Implant Illness”. This paper analyzes the increased number of posts by patients on social media in which they describe their symptoms, their disappointment with the decision of using breast implants, and the beneficial effects of explantation. The case of a patient with breast implants who visited our clinic is reported here. The patient complained of two palpable masses, located in the left axilla and in the superolateral quadrant of the left breast. The pathophysiological mechanism by which lymphadenopathy occurred after a long period of time remains uncertain. Discussion. A review of the literature was conducted to identify the underlying causes of implant-related complaints, allowing evaluation of the presence of local complications, cancer with large anaplastic cells, and autoimmune diseases. The possibility of a somatization effect has also been considered. Conclusions. Plastic surgeons must remain the best source of information, taking on the role of educating the patient in order to better understand this condition

Microscopic Enteritis; Clinical Features and Correlations with Symptoms

Aim: To assess the clinical characteristic of CD as well as correlation of symptoms and the degrees of intestinal mucosal lesions in Iranian children. Background: Microscopic Enteritis (Marsh 0-II) is associated with malabsorption. Patients and methods: From August 2005 to September 2009, 111 cases with malabsorption and classical gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated. Results: The mean (±SD) age of children with CD was 4.9±3.5 years (range, 6 month - 16 years) and the mean duration of symptoms was 8 ± 20.5 months. 50 cases (45%) were female and 61 cases (55%) were male. The most common clinical presentation was failure to thrive in 72%, chronic diarrhea in 65.8% and Iron deficiency anemia in 59.5%. Sensitivity of EMA was 100% in patients with Marsh IIIb and Marsh IIIc. EMA was also positive in 77% of cases with Marsh 0, 18% in Marsh I, 44% in Marsh II and 81.8% in patients with Marsh IIIa. Conclusion: Histopathology did not reflect the severity of gluten sensitivity. This would suggest that the degree of intestinal mucosal damage might not be a reliable prognostic factor. Significant symptoms can be present with minor histological change on biopsy

Adenovirus Encoding Human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-B Delivered to Alveolar Bone Defects Exhibits Safety and Biodistribution Profiles Favorable for Clinical Use

Abstract Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) gene therapy offers promise for tissue engineering of tooth-supporting alveolar bone defects. To date, limited information exists regarding the safety profile and systemic biodistribution of PDGF gene therapy vectors when delivered locally to periodontal osseous defects. The aim of this preclinical study was to determine the safety profile of adenovirus encoding the PDGF-B gene (AdPDGF-B) delivered in a collagen matrix to periodontal lesions. Standardized alveolar bone defects were created in rats, followed by delivery of matrix alone or containing AdPDGF-B at 5.5-108 or 5.5-109 plaque-forming units/ml. The regenerative response was confirmed histologically. Gross clinical observations, hematology, and blood chemistries were monitored to evaluate systemic involvement. Bioluminescence and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to assess vector biodistribution. No significant histopathological changes were noted during the investigation. Minor alterations in specific hematological and blood chemistries were seen; however, most parameters were within the normal range for all groups. Bioluminescence analysis revealed vector distribution at the axillary lymph nodes during the first 2 weeks with subsequent return to baseline levels. AdPDGF-B was well contained within the localized osseous defect area without viremia or distant organ involvement. These results indicate that AdPDGF-B delivered in a collagen matrix exhibits acceptable safety profiles for possible use in human clinical studies.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/78106/1/hum.2008.114.pd

CONSIDERATIONS ON PLANTS AND TECHNIQUES FOR OBTAINING BIO INSECTICIDES USED IN ORGANIC FARMING

The paper presents a few aspects regarding the development of organic agriculture in our country and abroad in the last years, the plants containing substances that can be used as organic insecticide, respectively the techniques and procedures used for obtaining these insecticides

ETHODOLOGY FOR ESTIMATING FUEL CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION NORMS (WORKING CAPACITY) BY POWER CLASSES, DEPENDING ON THE AGRICULTURAL WORK IN HILLY AREAS

The paper presents the results of researches conducted for determining a frame methodology for estimating fuel consumption and production norms, at national level, depending on the existing power sources, their power classes correlated with the existing surfaces at farmers and the agricultural works that need to be conducted in hilly areas in Romania, for the works of ploughing, harrowing and preparing the seedbed with rotating harrows.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE SPEED OF REVOLUTION OF A HAMMER MILL ON MISCANTHUS CHIPPINGS

Taking into consideration the fact that biomass is gradually replacing the existent energy resources, it is necessary to know the preparation process. The first step of this process takes place from the harvesting stage that can be done with or without cutting. High volume of biomass represents an impediment in its usage as a final product. It is necessary to transform it in pellets or briquettes. Thus, each stage of the preparation process was studied by researchers both for establishing the influence of biomass properties on the process as well as for designing the equipment used for preparation process. In this paper experimental research regarding the influence of the speed of revolution of a hammer mill on miscanthus chippings were done. The usage of hammer mills it happens in generally during the second stage of preparation process which refers to fine grinding process of vegetal biomass