1,610 research outputs found
Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Thymus: A Two-Case Report
A large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the thymus is a very rare malignant tumor that has a very poor prognosis. The detailed clinical features of LCNEC are still unknown, including the long term prognoses and the definitive modalities of the treatment for LCNEC of the thymus. We are reporting 2 cases of an enlarged LCNEC of the thymus, both of which were diagnosed and treated by surgical resection followed by postoperative adjuvant chemoradiation therapy. Although recurrences and metastases of the LCNEC were noticed 1 and 4 years postoperatively for each case, aggressive surgical resection and adjuvant chemoradiation therapy may be helpful for a patient's long term survival
Parameter-robust linear quadratic Gaussian technique for multi-agent slung load transportation
This paper copes with parameter-robust controller design for transportation system by multiple unmanned aerial vehicles. The transportation is designed in the form of string connection. Minimal state-space realization of slung-load dynamics is obtained by Newtonian approach with spherical coordinates. Linear quadratic Gaussian / loop transfer recovery (LQG/LTR) is implemented to control the position and attitude of all the vehicles and payloads. The controller's robustness against variation of payload mass is improved using parameter-robust linear quadratic Gaussian (PRLQG) method. Numerical simulations are conducted with several transportation cases. The result verifies that LQG/LTR shows fast performance while PRLQG has its strong point in robustness against system variation
Guided bone regeneration with beta-tricalcium phosphate and poly L-lactide-co-glycolide-co-epsilon-caprolactone membrane in partial defects of canine humerus
This study was performed to evaluate the effect of beta-tricalcium phosphate and poly L-lactide-co-glycolide-co-epsilon-caprolactone (TCP/PLGC) membrane in the repair of partial bone defects in canine proximal humerus. Three adult mixed-breed dogs were used during the experimental period. The length of the defect was quarter of the full length of humerus, and width of the defect was quarter of middle diameter of the lateral aspect of humerus. The humeri of each dog were divided into treatment (TCP/PLGC) and control groups. The defect was covered with TCP/PLGC membrane in treatment group. To evaluate regeneration of the bone, computerized tomography (CT) and histopathologic examination were performed. The radiopaque lines were appeared at the original defect sites in TCP/PLGC group but below the original site in control at 4th week. Radiopacity and thickness of the defect sites, and radiopaque lines were more increased at 8th week than those of 4th week. Histopathologic findings revealed fibrous connective tissue migration into the defect and the migration inhibited the structure of new cortex to be placed in the original level in control whereas new cortex growth was found in the level of original line in TCP/PLGC group. However, the new cortical bone in the TCP/PLGC group was thinner and less organized than the adjacent intact cortex, and the amount of new cancellous bones were also scanty. The result suggested that TCP/PLGC membrane is a good guided bone regeneration material to restore the original morphology of humerus in partial defect
Cerebellar vermian hypoplasia in a Cocker Spaniel
An eight-week-old female Cocker Spaniel was presented with ataxia, dysmetria and intention tremor. At 16 weeks, the clinical signs did not progress. Investigation including imaging studies of the skull and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were performed. The computed tomography revealed a cyst-like dilation at the level of the fourth ventricle associated with vermal defect in the cerebellum. After euthanasia, a cerebellar hypoplasia with vermal defect was identified on necropsy. A polymerase chain reaction amplification of cerebellar tissue revealed the absence of an in utero parvoviral infection. Therefore, the cerebellar hypoplasia in this puppy was consistent with diagnosis of primary cerebellar malformation comparable to Dandy-Walker syndrome in humans
Kaempferol inhibits ILâ1βâinduced proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts and the production of COXâ2, PGE2 and MMPs
Inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cyclooxygenase (COX)â2 released from rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) are involved in the destruction of both articular bone and cartilage. Kaempferol has been reported to act as an antioxidant and antiâinflammatory agent by inhibiting nitric oxide synthase and COX enzymes. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of kaempferol on the interleukinâ1β (ILâ1β)âinduced proliferation of RASFs and the production of MMPs, COX and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by RASFs. The proliferation of the RASFs stimulated with ILâ1β and treated with/without kaempferol was evaluated by CCKâ8 assay. The expression of MMPs, TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitorâ1 (TIMPâ1), COXs, PGE2 and that of intracellular MAPK signaling molecules, including pâERK, pâp38, pâJNK and nuclear factorâÎşB (NFâÎşB) was examined by immunoblotting or semiâquantitative reverse transcriptionâpolymerase chain reaction (RTâPCR) and ELISA under the conditions described above. Kaempferol inhibited the proliferation of both unstimulated and ILâ1βâstimulated RASFs, as well as the mRNA and protein expression of MMPâ1, MMP-3, COXâ2 and PGE2 induced by ILâ1β. Kaempferol also inhibited the phosphorylation of ERKâ1/2, p38 and JNK, as well as the activation of NFâÎşB induced by ILâ1β. These results indicate that kaempferol inhibits synovial fibroblast proliferation, as well as the production of and MMPs, COXâ2 and PGE2, which is involved in articular inflammation and destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our data suggest that kaempferol may be a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of RA
Treatment of Verruca Vulgaris in Both External Auditory Canals Using Bleomycin Injections
Verruca vulgaris is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Verruca in the external auditory canal (EAC) has rarely been reported. A previous case report introduced surgical excision as a treatment for verruca in the EAC. We present a case of verruca vulgaris in both EACs that was successfully treated with an intralesional bleomycin injection. A 32-year-old male patient presented with ear fullness and palpable lumps in both EACs. Both of his canals were filled with multiple pinkish, papillomatous masses. Verruca vulgaris was confirmed by skin biopsy. An otolaryngologist referred this patient and recommended surgical excision. However, we performed intralesional bleomycin injections for treatment. Twice intralesional bleomycin injections at one-month intervals had excellent results without recurrence, ulceration or scar formation. This result indicates that bleomycin injections may prove to be an effective first-line treatment of verruca in the EAC
Delivery of bone morphogenetic protein-2 and substance P using graphene oxide for bone regeneration
- âŚ