3,356 research outputs found
Endovenous laser ablation: the role of intraluminal blood
AbstractObjectiveIn this histological study, the role of the intraluminal blood during endovenous laser ablation was assessed.MethodsIn 12 goats, 24 lateral saphenous veins were treated with a 1500-nm diode laser. Four goats were treated in an anti-Trendelenburg position (group 1). The next four goats were treated in a Trendelenburg position (group 2) and the remaining four goats in the Trendelenburg position with additional injection of tumescent liquid (group 3). Postoperatively, the veins were removed after 1 week and sent for histological examination. We measured the number of perforations. Vein wall necrosis and the perivenous tissue destruction were quantified using a graded scale.ResultsThe âcalculated total vein wall destructionâ was significantly higher in the third group (81.83%), as compared with groups one (61.25%) (p < 0.001) and two (65.92%) (p < 0.001). All three groups showed a significant difference in the perivenous tissue destruction scale (p < 0.001) with the lowest score occurring in the third group. Vein wall perforations were significantly more frequent in groups one and two as compared with the third group (T-test respectively p < 0.001, p = 0.02).ConclusionA higher intraluminal blood volume results in reduced total vein wall destruction. Injection of tumescent liquid prevents the perivenous tissue destruction and minimises the number of perforations
Recent results from systematic parameterizations of Ginsparg-Wilson fermions
The Fixed Point Dirac Operator and Chirally Improved Fermions both use large
numbers of gauge paths and the full Dirac structure to approximate a solution
of the Ginsparg-Wilson equation. After a brief review of the two approaches we
present recent results for quenched QCD with pion masses down to 210 MeV. We
discuss the limits and advantages of approximate parameterizations and outline
future perspectives.Comment: Lattice2002(plenary). References and Fig. 5 updated. Final version
submitted to the proceeding
KĹrero Mai: Kaiako experiences of synchronous online teaching and learning in New Zealand
Online teaching and learning programmes allow Äkonga who live in isolated areas, or who
have differing learning requirements, to study by distance. Maintaining student engagement
in the online environment is an important aspect. This article explores how kaiako (teachers)
can engage their Äkonga (students) better in online environments. The article has a particular
emphasis on supporting MÄori learners, who represent 25% of the New Zealand school
population. Five kaiako were interviewed about their experience of teaching New Zealand
secondary school students online. The study found that the kaiako had some awareness of
bicultural values and practices, but lacked confidence in embedding it in their online
teaching, which was limited to synchronous timetabled sessions with some communication
by text and email. The time provided for online students was considerably less than for the
secondary students in traditional classrooms
Dual actions of osteoclastic-inhibition and osteogenic-stimulation through strontium-releasing bioactive nanoscale cement imply biomaterial-enabled osteoporosis therapy
Repair of defective hard-tissues in osteoporotic patients faces significantly challenges with limited therapeutic options. Although biomedical cements are considered promising materials for healthy bone repair, their uses for healing osteoporotic fracture are clinically limited. Herein, strontium-releasing-nanoscale cement was introduced to provide dual therapeutic-actions (pro-osteogenesis and anti-osteoclastogenesis), eventually for the regeneration of osteoporotic bone defect. The Sr-nanocement hardened from the Sr-doped nanoscale-glass particles was shown to release multiple ions including silicate, calcium and strontium at doses therapeutically relevant over time. When the Sr-nanocement was treated to pre-osteoblastic cells, the osteogenic mRNA level (Runx2, Opn, Bsp, Ocn), alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium deposition, and target luciferase reporter were stimulated with respect to the case with Sr-free-nanocement. When treated to pre-osteoclastic cells, the Sr-nanocement substantially reduced the osteoclastogenesis, such as osteoclastic mRNA level (Casr, Nfatc1, c-fos, Acp, Ctsk, Mmp-9), tartrate-resistant acid trap activity, and bone resorption capacity. In particular, the osteoclastic inhibition resulted in part from the interactive effect of osteoblasts which were activated by the Sr-nanocement, i.e., blockage of RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-ÎşB ligand) binding by enhanced osteoprotegerin and the deactivated Nfatc1. The Sr-nanocement, administered to an ovariectomized tibia defect (osteoporotic model) in rats, exhibited profound bone regenerative potential in cortical and surrounding trabecular area, including increased bone volume and density, enhanced production of osteopromotive proteins, and more populated osteoblasts, together with reduced signs of osteoclastic bone resorption. These results demonstrate that Sr-nanocement, with its dual effects of osteoclastic inhibition and osteogenic-stimulation, can be considered an effective nanotherapeutic implantable biomaterial platform for the treatment of osteoporotic bone defects
Extremely stable graphene electrodes doped with macromolecular acid
Although conventional p-type doping using small molecules on graphene decreases its sheet resistance (Rsh), it increases after exposure to ambient conditions, and this problem has been considered as the biggest impediment to practical application of graphene electrodes. Here, we report an extremely stable graphene electrode doped with macromolecular acid (perfluorinated polymeric sulfonic acid (PFSA)) as a p-type dopant. The PFSA doping on graphene provides not only ultra-high ambient stability for a very long time (> 64 days) but also high chemical/thermal stability, which have been unattainable by doping with conventional small-molecules. PFSA doping also greatly increases the surface potential (similar to 0.8 eV) of graphene, and reduces its Rsh by similar to 56%, which is very important for practical applications. High-efficiency phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes are fabricated with the PFSA-doped graphene anode (similar to 98.5 cd A(-1) without out-coupling structures). This work lays a solid platform for practical application of thermally-/chemically-/air-stable graphene electrodes in various optoelectronic devices
Topological crystalline insulator states in Pb(1-x)Sn(x)Se
Topological insulators are a novel class of quantum materials in which
time-reversal symmetry, relativistic (spin-orbit) effects and an inverted band
structure result in electronic metallic states on the surfaces of bulk
crystals. These helical states exhibit a Dirac-like energy dispersion across
the bulk bandgap, and they are topologically protected. Recent theoretical
proposals have suggested the existence of topological crystalline insulators, a
novel class of topological insulators in which crystalline symmetry replaces
the role of time-reversal symmetry in topological protection [1,2]. In this
study, we show that the narrow-gap semiconductor Pb(1-x)Sn(x)Se is a
topological crystalline insulator for x=0.23. Temperature-dependent
magnetotransport measurements and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy
demonstrate that the material undergoes a temperature-driven topological phase
transition from a trivial insulator to a topological crystalline insulator.
These experimental findings add a new class to the family of topological
insulators. We expect these results to be the beginning of both a considerable
body of additional research on topological crystalline insulators as well as
detailed studies of topological phase transitions.Comment: v2: published revised manuscript (6 pages, 3 figures) and
supplementary information (5 pages, 8 figures
Three dimensional porous scaffolds derived from collagen, elastin and fibrin proteins orchestrate adipose tissue regeneration
Current gold standard to treat soft tissue injuries caused by trauma and pathological condition are autografts and off the shelf fillers, but they have inherent weaknesses like donor site morbidity, immuno-compatibility and graft failure. To overcome these limitations, tissue-engineered polymers are seeded with stem cells to improve the potential to restore tissue function. However, their interaction with native tissue is poorly understood so far. To study these interactions and improve outcomes, we have fabricated scaffolds from natural polymers (collagen, fibrin and elastin) by custom-designed processes and their material properties such as surface morphology, swelling, wettability and chemical cross-linking ability were characterised. By using 3D scaffolds, we comprehensive assessed survival, proliferation and phenotype of adipose-derived stem cells in vitro. In vivo, scaffolds were seeded with adipose-derived stem cells and implanted in a rodent model, with X-ray microtomography, histology and immunohistochemistry as read-outs. Collagen-based materials showed higher cell adhesion and proliferation in vitro as well as higher adipogenic properties in vivo. In contrast, fibrin demonstrated poor cellular and adipogenesis properties but higher angiogenesis. Elastin formed the most porous scaffold, with cells displaying a non-aggregated morphology in vitro while in vivo elastin was the most degraded scaffold. These findings of how polymers present in the natural polymers mimicking ECM and seeded with stem cells affect adipogenesis in vitro and in vivo can open avenues to design 3D grafts for soft tissue repair
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