Structure of CaPs coatings electrophoretically deposited on NiTi shape memory alloy

The surface of NiTi shape memory alloys applied as long-term implants has been modified by protective calcium phosphates (CaPs) coatings, with the objective of improving the biocompatibility of this material. The calcium phosphates such as hydroxyapatite Ca5(PO3)OH (HAP) and -tricalcium phosphate -Ca3(PO4)2 ( -TCP) were deposited by electrophoretic deposition. In order to improve the adhesion, the deposited samples were vacuumsintered at wide range of temperature from 500 C to 1000 C for 2 h. The studies revealed that applied sintering conditions did not change the structure of CaPs. The coatings consisted of HAP with hexagonal structure (P63=m) and -TCP with rhombohedral structure (R-3c). Changes in lattice parameters for CaPs coatings after deposition and sintering were refined by the Rietveld method

Influence of selected features of forests on forest landscape aesthetic value – example of SE Poland

The study was designed to examine the relationship between features of forests and the quality of forest landscapes, and to determine the strength of effect of the features in the aesthetic value of the landscape. The methodology applied to assess forest landscapes took into account the following features: forest site humidity, age of forest, terrain slope, site index of stands, species composition of the tree layer, under-story cover, colour and composition, mosaic-like, as well as horizontal structure of the tree stands. The study was conducted in temperate forests located in Central-Eastern Europe – more precisely – in south-eastern Poland. In the investigated area the dominating tree species are: Pinus sylvestris L., Abies alba Mill., Fagus sylvatica L. and Quercus L. They cover 42.2%, 20.8%, 20.4% and 6.5% of the total forest area, respectively. The findings show that nearly 1% of the area of the examined forests within the relevant territory are characterized with very high landscape value, over 67% with high, 31% with medium, and less than 0.5% with low landscape value. A strong relationship occurs between terrain slope vs. aesthetic quality of landscape as well as forest site humidity vs. aesthetic quality of landscape. Weak effect was observed for site index of stands vs. aesthetic quality of landscape, and moderate relationship was identified in the case of the remaining features. The findings show the strength of relationship between the features of forests and the aesthetic quality of landscapes, consequently providing a tool for forest managers to develop attractive forest landscapes in selected areas

Modified technique for laparoscopic running vesicourethral anastomosis

INTRODUCTION: A vesicourethral anastomosis is the most challenging and time-consuming step of radical prostatectomy. In 2003, van Velthoven introduced his own technique of connecting the bladder neck with the membranous urethra, which has remained the most popular method since. Despite being effective, this method is time consuming and is not free from the risk of complications. AIM: Here we describe our technique for laparoscopic vesicourethral anastomosis using a running suture as an alternative to the traditional approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The vesicourethral anastomosis is created using a running stitch placed first at the 5 o'clock position on the posterolateral aspect of the bladder outside-in and then through the urethra at the same location inside-out. Proceeding anticlockwise, the running suture is placed 5 times more through both the bladder neck and the urethra in a similar fashion until it meets the free end at the 5 o'clock position. A single knot is then tied outside the bladder. RESULTS: The anastomotic technique has been used in 28 patients with clinically organ confined prostate cancer. The mean anastomosis time was 9.53 min, the mean operative time was 155.20 min, the mean drain permanence was 2.71 days, and the mean catheterisation time was 17.28 days. Continence rate 3 months after surgery was 92.85%, and 100% at 6- and 12-month follow-up visits. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a safe, feasible and efficient technique for vesicourethral anastomosis. Further studies on a larger group of patients are needed to confirm our encouraging preliminary results

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with bladder neck preservation : positive surgical margin and urinary continence status

INTRODUCTION: Preservation of the bladder neck (BN) has been controversial, as limited excision of the bladder neck may result in incomplete resection of the disease. Moreover, the urinary continence rate may not be improved. AIM: To evaluate the effect of bladder neck sparing on urinary continence, and surgical margins status in prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with laparoscopic radical extraperitoneal prostatectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 295 consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic radical extraperitoneal prostatectomy for clinically localised prostate cancer in a single institution was performed. Positive surgical margin (SM(+)) and urinary continence status at 3, 6, and 12 months were evaluated. RESULTS: The distribution of SM(+) for pT2, pT3, and pT4a was 15.3% (27/176), 49.1% (58/118), and 100% (1/1), respectively. Overall, there were 55.61%, 80.61%, and 84.69% of men continent at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. However, when limiting the analysis to those who did not receive adjuvant radiotherapy within 12 months following surgery, urinary continence rates were 59.23%, 85.86%, and 90.21% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and pathological T stage were identified as significant predictors of positive surgical margins. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusions: Laparoscopic radical extraperitoneal prostatectomy with bladder neck preservation has been a safe procedure which has resulted in good functional outcome. We observed a relatively high incidence of positive surgical margins which could be attributed to a large number of extracapsular disease cases

Local administration of abciximab using a ClearWay RX infusion catheter in a patient with acute coronary syndrome caused by late in-stent thrombosis

We present a case of a 43 year-old male with a diagnosis of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome related to in-stent thrombosis successfully treated with intralesion administration of abciximab via a local drug delivery catheter and thrombectomy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Structure of TiN/hydroxyapatite multilayers deposited on surface of NiTi shape memory alloy

In order to improve a corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of NiTi shape memory alloys, the surface of the NiTi alloy was covered by protective layers. The paper presents results of the layers composed of titanium nitride and hydroxyapatite (HAp). The TiN layers were deposited using the glow discharge technique and then the bioactive hydroxyapatite layer was formed from simulated body fluids solution. The results of the structure studies and microscopic observations confirmed that on the surface of the NiTi alloy a thin titanium nitride layer 35-50 nm thick (depending on the glow discharge technique parameters) was obtained. The structure of the deposited layers was studied by means of the X-ray diffraction technique. Also, mechanical parameters of obtained layers were characterized using nanoindentation. On the top of the titanium nitride, a layer consisted of hydroxyapatite and NaCl was formed. Applied parameters of deposition process did not lead to decomposition of the NiTi parent phase (B2) to the equilibrium ones