Discrete Riccati equation solutions: Distributed algorithms

In this paper new distributed algorithms for the solution of the discrete Riccati equation are introduced. The algorithms are used to provide robust and computational efficient solutions to the discrete Riccati equation. The proposed distributed algorithms are theoretically interesting and computationally attractive

Isolated orbital fibrous dysplasia associated with ipsilateral keratoconus

Introduction: Fibrous dysplasia is a primary orbital bone tumor, described as a benign disorder in which proliferation of fibrous tissue and osteoid replaces and distorts the bone from which it derives. Unilateral keratoconus is a rare entity. Herein, we report a case of an extensive ethmoidal fibrous dysplasia associated with ipsilateral keratoconus, and review the literature on the subject. Materials and methods: A 22-year-old man presented with left painless proptosis evolving over 10 years. There was associated ipsilateral epiphora and gradual visual loss. On examination his visual acuity was 20/20 OD and CF OS. His left globe was displaced lateraly 12mm, with 9mm of proptosis. The extraocular movements were normal. Left nasolacrimal duct obstruction was noted. Clinical signs of keratoconus were present only in the left cornea. High resolution corneal topography confirmed unilateral keratoconus and a CT scan showed an ovoid mass with a well defined sclerotic margin arising from the left ethmoid sinus and invading the orbit. Results: The patient underwent resection of the lesion via a modified Lynch incision. Complete regression of proptosis was observed immediately after surgery. Histopathological examination revealed irregular trabeculae of woven bone in different levels of maturation in a moderately cellular fibrous matrix without nuclear atypia. Trabeculae were without osteoblastic rimming or osteoclastic resorption. There has been no recurrence over a 2-year follow-up period. Conclusion: To our knowledge, the coexistence of unilateral isolated craniofacial fibrous dysplasia with ipsilateral keratoconus has not been reported so far. Copyright © 2010 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc

Discrete Riccati equation solutions: Distributed algorithms

In this paper new distributed algorithms for the solution of the discrete Riccati equation are introduced. The algorithms are used to provide robust and computational efficient solutions to the discrete Riccati equation. The proposed distributed algorithms are theoretically interesting and computationally attractive.</p

Donor&apos;s site evaluation after restoration with autografts or synthetic plugs in rabbits

Aim: To investigate donor site&apos;s area histological and immunohistochemical knee cartilage appearances after resurfacing iatrogenic defects with biosynthetic plugs orautografts. Methods: Thirty New Zealand White rabbits were used in this study. A full-thickness cylindrical defect of 4.5 mm (diameter) × 7 mm (depth) was created with a hand drill in the femoral groove of every animal. In Group A (n = 10) the defect of the donor site was repaired with a biosynthetic osteochondral plug, in Group B (n = 10) with an osteochondral autograft, while in Group C (control group of 10) rabbits were left untreated. Results: Twenty-four weeks postoperatively, smooth articular cartilage was found macroscopically in some trocleas&apos; surfaces; in all others, an articular surface with discontinuities was observed. Twenty-eight out of 30 animals were found with predominantly viable chondrocytes leaving the remaining two -which were found only in the control group- with partially viable chondrocytes. However, histology revealed many statistical differences between the groups as far as the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) categories are concerned. Immunofluoresence also revealed the presence of collagen II in all specimens of Group B, whereas in Group A collagen II was found in less specimens. In Group C collagen II was not found. Conclusion: The matrix, cell distribution, subchondral bone and cartilage mineralization ICRS categories showed statistically differences between the three groups. Group A was second, while group B received the best scores; the control group got the worst ICRS scores in these categories. So, the donor site area, when repairing osteochondral lesions with autografting systems, is better amended with osteochondral autograft rather than bone graft substitute implant. © 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Current opinions on a rare, but potentially curable neoplasm

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) share a unique genetic identity, functional behavior, and clinical course. Compared with tumors of the exocrine pancreas, they are rare and show a different biologic behavior and prognosis. On the basis of data from recent studies, all PNETs, outside of small insulinomas, should be considered potentially malignant and treated accordingly. Untreated tumors have a high possibility to grow locally into adjacent structures or spread to distant organs. Although surgical excision irrespective of tumor functioning or nonfunctioning state remains the cornerstone of therapy, providing the best disease-free and survival rates to date, the understanding of the genetic nature of the disease yields new &apos;targets&apos; to consider in drug development. The aim of this review is to summarize all recent advances of genetic research and new drug development in terms of PNETs, especially their genetic identity and subsequent alterations leading to the development of near or total malignant activity, and the new medical treatment strategies of this potentially curable disease on the basis of therapeutical agents acting, where possible, at the genetic level. © 2014 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams &amp; Wilkins

N-acetylcysteine ameliorates liver injury in a rat model of intestinal ischemia reperfusion

Background N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant with direct and indirect antioxidant actions used in the clinical setting. Oxidative stress is known to play a pivotal role in the intestinal ischemia reperfusion (IIR). Therefore, we studied the effect of different pretreatment regimens with NAC on the IIR injury in rats. Materials and methods Thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups. In group sham, only laparotomy was performed. Group control underwent IIR without NAC. In the other groups, NAC was administered intraperitoneally with different regimens: 150 mg/kg before ischemia (NAC 150), 300 mg/kg before ischemia (NAC 300), and 150 mg/kg before ischemia plus 150 mg/kg 5 min before reperfusion (NAC 150 + 150). Measurements in tissues and blood were conducted at 4 h of reperfusion following exsanguination. Results Histological score of the liver was significantly improved in NAC 300 compared with control (1.7 ± 0.5 versus 2.9 ± 1.1, respectively, P = 0.05). In addition, NAC treatment significantly reduced liver transaminases in all groups of treatment, mostly in group NAC 300. Plasma malondialdehyde levels were lower with NAC treatment, although not statistically significant. Lung glutathione peroxidase was significantly increased in group NAC 300 (P = 0.04), while the other oxidation biomarkers showed no significant differences. Conclusions NAC exerts a significant protective role in liver injury following IIR, which seems to be independent of an intestinal protective effect. Additional administration of NAC before reperfusion was of no further benefit. The most effective regimen among the compared regimens was that of 300 mg/kg before ischemia. © 2016 Elsevier Inc