Safety and efficacy evaluation of a combined device using infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency and sublative radiofrequency applicators

OBJECTIVE: The combined infrared light and bipolar frequency and sublative radiofrequency dual handpiece device is intended for dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combined sublative radiofrequency and sublime applicators for the treatment of wrinkles. METHODS: Twenty subjects were recruited of whom 16 received the treatment and were followed up till 3 months. Each patient was treated once, first with the sublime applicator which used a combination of …published_or_final_versio

Efficiacy of a high-intensity focused ultrasound device for non-invasive body contouring

OBJECTIVE: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive technology for body contouring. HIFU is focused within the subcutaneous adipose tissue, causing coagulative necrosis and cell death. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a HIFU device for sculpting of the abdomen. METHODS: The system has a set focal depth of 1.3 cm. Twelve subjects with adipose thickness of no less than 2.5 cm who met the screening criteria were recruited. Each subject received one treatment to the abdomen. The total fluence used per site was 150-165 J/cm2 with a mean of 161 J/cm2. The waist circumference at iliac crest and the point of maximum circumference were recorded at baseline …published_or_final_versio

The efficacy of a microwave device for treating hyperhidrosis in Chinese

OBJECTIVE: Hyperhidrosis affects the quality of lives. A non-invasive, microwave device selectively heats the targeted region where the sweat gland resides. The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy and patient satisfaction after treatment. METHODS: Ten Chinese subjects with skin type III-IV with axillary hyperhidrosis were enrolled. Subjects were required to have a Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) score …published_or_final_versio

Non-invasive cryolipolysis for fat reduction in flanks in Chinese with a modified applicator

OBJECTIVE: To determine the patient satisfaction and clinical efficacy of a modified applicator with a cryolipolysis device (ZeltiqR) for fat reduction in the flanks in Chinese. METHODS: A total of 15 healthy adult subjects with clearly visible fat in the flanks that wish to have them reduced were recruited. All received a single free treatment. Parameters were pre-set at cooling intensity factor of 41.6 (-73 mW/cm2) for 60 minutes per site. The efficacy is determined by comparing measurements and comparing photographs taken at baseline, and 8 weeks and 12 weeks …published_or_final_versio

Successful Vaginal Delivery of a Pregnant Woman with Cantrell's Pentalogy

Cantrell's Pentalogy is a rare condition that consists of defects involving the abdominal wall, lower sternum, anterior diaphragm, pericardium, and heart. In the literature to date, pregnant women with Cantrell's Pentalogy have not been discussed. We performed successful vaginal delivery of a 23-yr-old nulliparous, primigravid woman who had been diagnosed with this condition. Diagnosis was based on cardiac catheterization, angiography, and echocardiogram, and abdominopelvic CT. Vaginal delivery may be an option for women with Cantrell's Pentalogy and may be attempted with caution

Paracrine Hedgehog Signaling Drives Metabolic Changes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) typically develop in cirrhosis, a condition characterized by Hedgehog (Hh) pathway activation and accumulation of Hh-responsive myofibroblasts (MF). Although Hh signaling generally regulates stromal-epithelial interactions that support epithelial viability, the role of Hh-dependent MF in hepatocarcinogenesis is unknown. Here we used human HCC samples, a mouse HCC model, and hepatoma cell/MF co-cultures to examine the hypothesis that Hh signaling modulates MF metabolism to generate fuels for neighboring malignant hepatocytes. The results identify a novel paracrine mechanism whereby malignant hepatocytes produce HH-ligands to stimulate glycolysis in neighboring MF, resulting in release of MF-derived lactate that the malignant hepatocytes use as an energy source. This discovery reveals new diagnostic and therapeutic targets that might be exploited to improve the outcomes of cirrhotic patients with HCC

Alcohol Activates the Hedgehog Pathway and Induces Related Procarcinogenic Processes in the Alcohol-Preferring Rat Model of Hepatocarcinogenesis

Alcohol consumption promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The responsible mechanisms are not well understood. Hepatocarcinogenesis increases with age and is enhanced by factors that impose a demand for liver regeneration. Because alcohol is hepatotoxic, habitual alcohol ingestion evokes a recurrent demand for hepatic regeneration. The alcohol-preferring (P) rat model mimics the level of alcohol consumption by humans who habitually abuse alcohol. Previously, we showed that habitual heavy alcohol ingestion amplified age-related hepatocarcinogenesis in P-rats, with over 80% of alcohol-consuming P rats developing HCCs after 18 months of alcohol exposure, compared to only 5% of water-drinking controls

Hedgehog Signaling Antagonist Promotes Regression of Both Liver Fibrosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Murine Model of Primary Liver Cancer

Chronic fibrosing liver injury is a major risk factor for hepatocarcinogenesis in humans. Mice with targeted deletion of Mdr2 (the murine ortholog of MDR3) develop chronic fibrosing liver injury. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) emerges spontaneously in such mice by 50–60 weeks of age, providing a model of fibrosis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. We used Mdr2−/− mice to investigate the hypothesis that activation of the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway promotes development of both liver fibrosis and HCC

A qualitative systematic review of anonymous/unspecified living kidney and liver donors’ perspectives

Objectives & background: Anonymous live organ donors or unspecified donors are individuals willing to be organ donors for any transplant recipient with whom they have no biological or antecedent emotional relationship. Despite excellent recipient outcomes and the potential to help address organ scarcity, controversy surrounds the unconditional act of gifting one’s organs to an unrelated recipient. This qualitative systematic review provides insights into the first-hand experiences, motivations, and challenges that unspecified donors face. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science database for qualitative literature regarding unspecified living donors’ motivations and experiences in liver and kidney transplantation. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted to generate themes and supportive subthemes. Results: 12 studies were included. The four major themes were (i) motivations, (ii) perception of risks, (iii) donor support, and (iv) benefits of donation. Unspecified donors demonstrated a deep sense of social responsibility but tended to underestimate health risks in favour of benefits for recipients. Despite the lack of emotional support from family and friends, the decision to donate was a resolute personal decision for donors. Majority benefitted emotionally and did not express regret. Conclusion: This qualitative review bridges the gap in literature on unspecified living donor psychology and provides a comprehensive understanding of the decision-making matrix and experiences of donors