Management of facial paralysis following treatment of neurosurgical tumours

The purpose of this study is to present our experience on improving the quality of life of patients with facial paralysis due to an operated intracranial tumour, by performing minimally invasive static reanimation procedures. We reviewed the clinical information pertaining to neurosurgical patients with facial paralysis that underwent static reanimation. The study included 11 patients with complete facial nerve paralysis of all nerve branches, that reported different primary complaints upon presentation. The performed procedures consisted of gold plate insertion into the superior eyelid, inferior eyelid ectropion correction or suture suspension. The functional results were favourable in all cases and the resulting appearance was acceptable. The choice of the different techniques used is discussed. Good outcomes are possible using static reanimation with an adequate adaptation of the techniques to the main patient complaint

Human adult dental pulp CD117/c-kit-positive networks of stromal cells

Dental pulp tissue was collected from 6 healthy adult patients, prior to prosthetic treatments, in order to evaluate the in situ phenotype of dental pulp stromal cells and compare with that of dental pulp stem cells. A CD34–/CD44+/CD105–/CD117+/CD146–/nestin– phenotype of stromal cells in the dental pulp core was found. Cells with a similar phenotype, but CD44–, were found in the cell richzone. Dental pulp stromal networks (DPSNs) were found CD117+/CD44+ in the pulp core, but CD117+/CD44– in the cell rich zone. The c-kit-positive DPSNs were contacting pulp nerves and were, in this regard only, comparable to interstitial Cajal cells. Stromal signalling in dental pulp needs further evaluation, in normal tissue as well as a possible cause of persisting pain after endodontic treatment

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH AGRO-TOURISM FOR THE CONSOLIDATION OF AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Designed as a necessary association between people and nature, as a new way of development that can support the human progress in time, sustainable development can be seen as a harmonization of interests between present and future generations.Therefore, in order to respond to present needs without compromising the capacity of future generations to meet their own needs, sustainable development planning must be understood as a process unfolding at three different levels: economical - by increasing the exploration and the exploitation of resources, environmental - by avoiding environmental degradation, and social - through jobs growth, traditional crafts, agro-tourism and by strengthening the cultural identity of local communities.These levels are closely linked with the different problems agriculture and environmental are facing; so, in order to have aproper development/performance, a soundmanagement and suitable solutions, we need a national legislative framework that is harmonized with international rules; this condition must be regarded as the first/prerequisite step to be takenfor a sustainable development in the future

Tims and maldi tof of endohedral 99mTc@C60 metallofullerene

Mass spectral studies (both TIMS – thermal ionization and MALDI TOF – matrixassisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry) of the endohedral metallofullerenes, 99mTc@C60 and 99mTc@C70, provided detailed structural and reactivity information about these unusual species. MS experiment revealed that both fullerenes and endohedral metallofullerenes fragment by multiple C2 loss. However, a difference in the terminal fragmentation products was observed for metallofullerene relative to C60, suggesting that the encapsulation metal strongly impacts the fragmentation product. Singly charged cations of the metallofullerenes (M@Cn + ) were completely unreactive in the gas phase with oxygenated compounds such as ethylene oxide: however, the corresponding neutral species appear to react readily with oxygenated species. Collisional dissociation of the ionized endohedral fullerenes listed above revealed multiple C2 loss (either as sequential C2 loss or larger C2n eliminations) to generate similar terminal fragmentation products, which might be predicted due to the similar ionic radii of the encapsulated metals. The observed ionization energies of endohedral molecules were, 5.1 ± 0.1 eV and 5.3 ± 0.1 eV, respectively.Physical chemistry 2006 : 8th international conference on fundamental and applied aspects of physical chemistry; Belgrade (Serbia); 26-29 September 200

Seismic Technology Adapted to Analyzing and Developing Geothermal Systems Below Surface-Exposed High-Velocity Rocks - Final Report

The objective of our research was to develop and demonstrate seismic data acquisition and data processing technologies that allow geothermal prospects below high-velocity rock outcrops to be evaluated. To do this, we acquired a 3-component seismic test line across an area of exposed high-velocity rocks in Brewster County, Texas, where there is high heat flow and surface conditions mimic those found at numerous geothermal prospects. Seismic contractors have not succeeded in creating good-quality seismic data in this area for companies who have acquired data for oil and gas exploitation purposes. Our test profile traversed an area where high-velocity rocks and low-velocity sediment were exposed on the surface in alternating patterns that repeated along the test line. We verified that these surface conditions cause non-ending reverberations of Love waves, Rayleigh waves, and shallow critical refractions to travel across the earth surface between the boundaries of the fast-velocity and slow-velocity material exposed on the surface. These reverberating surface waves form the high level of noise in this area that does not allow reflections from deep interfaces to be seen and utilized. Our data acquisition method of deploying a box array of closely spaced geophones allowed us to recognize and evaluate these surface-wave noise modes regardless of the azimuth direction to the surface anomaly that backscattered the waves and caused them to return to the test-line profile. With this knowledge of the surface-wave noise, we were able to process these test-line data to create P-P and SH-SH images that were superior to those produced by a skilled seismic data processing contractor. Compared to the P-P data acquired along the test line, the SH-SH data provided a better detection of faults and could be used to trace these faults upward to the boundaries of exposed surface rocks. We expanded our comparison of the relative value of S-wave and P-wave seismic data for geothermal applications by inserting into this report a small part of the interpretation we have done with 3C3D data across Wister geothermal field in the Imperial Valley of California. This interpretation shows that P-SV data reveal faults (and by inference, also fractures) that cannot be easily, or confidently, seen with P-P data, and that the combination of P-P and P-SV data allows VP/VS velocity ratios to be estimated across a targeted reservoir interval to show where an interval has more sandstone (the preferred reservoir facies). The conclusion reached from this investigation is that S-wave seismic technology can be invaluable to geothermal operators. Thus we developed a strong interest in understanding the direct-S modes produced by vertical-force sources, particularly vertical vibrators, because if it can be demonstrated that direct-S modes produced by vertical-force sources can be used as effectively as the direct-S modes produced by horizontal-force sources, geothermal operators can acquire direct-S data across many more prospect areas than can be done with horizontal-force sources, which presently are limited to horizontal vibrators. We include some of our preliminary work in evaluating direct-S modes produced by vertical-force sources.Bureau of Economic Geolog

In-beam fast-timing measurements in 103,105,107Cd

Fast-timing measurements were performed recently in the region of the medium-mass 103,105,107Cd isotopes, produced in fusion evaporation reactions. Emitted gamma-rays were detected by eight HPGe and five LaBr3:Ce detectors working in coincidence. Results on new and re-evaluated half-lives are discussed within a systematic of transition rates. The $7/2_1^+$ states in 103,105,107Cd are interpreted as arising from a single-particle excitation. The half-life analysis of the $11/2_1^-$ states in 103,105,107Cd shows no change in the single-particle transition strength as a function of the neutron number

Immune checkpoint inhibitor associated vitiligo and its impact on survival in patients with metastatic melanoma: an Italian Melanoma Intergroup study

Background: Checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma can lead to self-immune side-effects such as vitiligo-like depigmentation (VLD). Beyond the reported association with favorable prognosis, there are limited data regarding VLD patient features and their echo on the therapeutic outcomes. Methods: To assess the association between VLD and a series of clinical and biological features as well as therapeutic outcomes, we built an observational cohort study by recruiting patients who developed VLD during checkpoint inhibitors. Results: A total of 148 patients from 15 centers (101 men, median age 66 years, BRAF mutated 23%, M1c 42%, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status 0/1 99%, normal lactate dehydrogenase 74%) were enrolled. VLD was induced by ipilimumab, programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors, and their combination in 32%, 56%, and 12%, respectively. The median onset was 26 weeks and it was associated with other skin and nonskin toxicities in 27% and 28%, respectively. After 3 years of VLD onset, 52% (95% confidence interval 39% to 63%) were progression free and 82% (95% confidence interval 70% to 89%) were still alive. The overall response rate was 73% with 26% complete response. Univariable analysis indicated that BRAF V600 mutation was associated with a better overall survival (P = 0.028), while in multivariable analysis a longer progression-free survival was associated with BRAF V600 (P = 0.093), female sex (P = 0.008), and M stage other than 1a (P = 0.024). When VLD occurred, there was a significant decrease of white blood cell (WBC) count (P = 0.05) and derived WBC-to-lymphocytes ratio (dWLR; P = 0.003). A lower monocyte count (P = 0.02) and dWLR (P = 0.01) were also reported in responder patients. Conclusions: Among VLD population, some features might help to identify patients with an effective response to immunotherapy, allowing clinicians to make more appropriate choices in terms of therapeutic options and duration

To Professor Petar Pfendt, In calidum, et plurium retributivus memoriae: FTIR-ATR analysis of post stamps of the Principality of Serbia issued in 1866 and 1868 and their forgeries

In order to further define the potential use of FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, as a non-destructive and reliable technique, for the analysis of the characteristics of post stamps, certified originals of the Principality of Serbia stamps (“Prince Michael issues”) issued in 1866 and 1868 as well as their forgeries were ana­lyzed. Spectra enabling the comparison of the paper, dye and glue of stamps of so-called “Vienna issues”, having denominations of 10 (orange-yellow), 20 (pink) and 40 para (blue) and “Belgrade issues” (1 para-green and 2 para-reddish brown), as well as 24 expert-certified forgeries, were taken. It was shown that the applied technology was, in most of the cases, a fast and suitable technique for establishing clear differences between the spectral characteristics of the paper and dye used for the original stamps, and forgeries that were most probably made decades after the printing of the genuine stamps. The differences between print­ings of the same issues of the genuine stamps were also elaborated. It is pro­posed, for the first time in philatelic history, the possibility that “Vienna issues” stamps may have been printed on two different papers, and, having in mind the technology of printing in the 19th century, potentially, not even at the same time or in the same printing house

Influence of Higenamine on Exercise Performance of Recreational Female Athletes: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Trial

The aim of this study was to determine the ergogenic effects and the safety profile of a one-component higenamine supplement in female recreational athletes. Twelve recreational female basketball players (age 29–41 years, oxygen consumption (VO2max) > 30 ml⋅kg–1⋅min–1, with training > 5 h wk–1) were randomized either to the higenamine group, or to the placebo group for 3 weeks. In order to determine ergogenic effects and safety profile of higenamine administration, we assessed the following variables before and after 3 weeks of supplementation: anthropometric parameters, resting metabolic rate (RMR), exercise testing variables, serum free fatty acids (FFAs), blood pressure, enzyme activity, urea, lipid profile, and complete blood count. There were no differences between groups in anthropometric parameters, including basal metabolic rate (BMR), RMR and body fat [p = 0.706 (Cohen’s d 0.223), p = 0.169 (Cohen’s d 0.857), and p = 0.223 (Cohen’s d 0.750), respectively], FFAs [0.43 ± 0.03 vs. 0.54 ± 0.23, p = 0.206 (Cohen’s d 0.540)], neither significant differences in cardiopulmonary parameters after the intervention period. Furthermore, all measured outcome variables in the safety assessment were not significant, with values remaining stable during the intervention period for participants in both groups. This is the first study to document the effects and the safety profile of higenamine-based dietary supplements at a specified dose in female recreational athletes. Our data indicate that 21-day of supplementation with 75 mg higenamine would not result in improving cardiopulmonary exercise fitness and weight loss in female recreational athletes. Moreover, supplementation with 75 mg higenamine is safe and well-tolerated in younger recreational female athletes