Public perception of "scarless" surgery : a critical analysis of the literature

Evidence relating to the perception and view of patients and physicians on natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) was scrutinized. A comprehensive literature search was performed through PubMed. A total of 18 studies were included in the analysis. Patients demonstrated interest in scarless surgery, with a preference for LESS over NOTES. Safety and efficacy remain the key factors in the decision-making process of patients. With more information about the safety and reproducibility of LESS and NOTES, and with improved educational efforts, patients and physicians alike may feel more comfortable in widespread application of scarless surgery.(undefined

Constructing Fe2O3/TiO2 core-shell photoelectrodes for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting

In this study, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) was utilized to co-axially modify hydrothermally grown Fe2O3 nanorod arrays by depositing a TiO2 overlayer to create Fe2O3/TiO2 core-shell photoelectrodes. Comprehensive structural (XRD, SEM, TEM) and compositional (XPS) analyses were performed to understand the effects of the TiO2 shell on the PEC activities of the Fe2O3 core. It was revealed that the heterojunction structure formed between TiO2 and Fe2O3, significantly improved the separation efficiency of photo-induced charge carriers and the oxygen evolution kinetics. A maximum photocurrent density of similar to 900 mu A cm(-2) at 0.6 V vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE) was obtained for the Fe2O3/TiO2 photoelectrodes, which was 5 and 18 times higher when compared to that of hydrothermally synthesized Fe2O3 and PECVD synthesized TiO2 electrodes, respectively. Moreover, the Fe2O3/TiO2 core-shell nanorod arrays displayed superior stability for PEC water splitting. During 5000 s PEC measurements, a steady decrease of the photocurrent was observed, mainly attributed to the evolution of oxygen bubbles adsorbed on the working electrodes. This observation was verified by the complete recovery of the PEC performance demonstrated for a second 5000 s PEC measurement carried out after a brief time interval (10 min) that allowed the electrode surface to regenerate

Design of multi-layered TiO2-Fe2O3 photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting: patterning effects on photocurrent density

We report the effect of patterning on photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting performance. Oxide-oxide heterostructures based on horizontal and vertical heterojunctions were fabricated on transparent conductive oxide glass by sequential plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of individual metal oxide. Featured masks were employed to enable three-dimensional patternings of stripes and cross-bars structures formed by Fe2O3 and TiO2 layers. PEC measurement was carried out by a three-electrode cell. It was found that double layered TiO2//Fe2O3: FTO showed a decrease in PEC performance when compared with single Fe2O3: FTO layer, whereas triple-layered Fe2O3//TiO2//Fe2O3: FTO (both patterned and unpatterned samples) displayed enhanced photocurrent density. The results show that the existence of multiple phase boundaries does not always add up to PEC enhancement observed in single heterojunction

Laparoscopic vs Percutaneous Cryoablation for the Small Renal Mass: 15-Year Experience at a Single Center

Objective To analyze our 15-year experience with small renal masses ablation and present oncologic and functional outcomes of laparoscopic cryoablation (LCA) and percutaneous cryoablation (PCA). Materials and Methods We identified patients who underwent LCA (n = 275) or PCA (n = 137) for small renal masses between 1997 and 2012. Differences in overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed using a log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard ratios model was used to determine factors that predicted OS. Fit proportional hazard risk ratios were also calculated to determine if there were any factors that affected tumor recurrence. Results Tumor sizes were equal between the 2 groups; however, tumors in the PCA group were more complex. The overall (7.27% and 7.29%) and major complications (0.7% and 3.6%) were similar. The estimated probability of 5-year OS for LCA and PCA was 89% and 82%, respectively. The estimated probability of the 5-year RFS for LCA and PCA was 79% and 80%, respectively. Heart disease (hazard ratio, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-3.41; P =.001) and history of disease recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.60-3.86; P =.001; P <.0001) were predictors of death. The median follow-up time for the LCA group (4.41 years [1.67-6.91 years]) was longer than the PCA group (3.15 years [1.37-4.08 years]; P =.0001). Conclusion We found no significant difference in OS or RFS at 5 years between the 2 groups. Tumor size and anterior location affected local recurrence rates, and these factors should be taken into consideration when choosing the appropriate treatment plan. RENAL nephrometry score or type of cryoablation was not associated with tumor recurrence