Electrochemical oxidation of diclofenac on CNT and M/CNT modified electrodes

Successful electrochemical oxidation of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug considered as an emerging pollutant, was investigated on CNT, Pt/CNT and Ru/CNT modified electrodes based on Carbon Toray in aqueous media.

Evaluation of the role of ultrasound machines as a source of nosocomial and cross-infection

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the potential role of ultrasonography probes and coupling gel for cross-infection in patients undergoing ultrasonography; to describe a cost-effective method of probe handling; and to emphasize the importance of position of the probes in the boxes.

METHODS

Cultures were taken from 43 probes used in different scanning regions. Cultures were also taken from probe boxes and coupling gel.

RESULTS

After abdominal scanning, cleaning with paper seems to be effective, but even wiping with alcohol is insufficient for inguinal and axillar regions. Before scanning of these areas is started, cleaning the inguinal and axillar regions with alcohol reduces the contamination risk. Placing the probes downward in boxes also increases the risk of contamination.

CONCLUSIONS

Wiping the probes with dry paper seems to be effective only for abdominal scanning; for inguinal and axillar scanning, cleaning the region with alcohol before scanning seems more appropriate. Placing the probes downward in boxes may also be a source of contamination.

Surface landmarks of brachial plexus: ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for supraclavicular approach with anatomical correlation

The present study is able to describe a certain line, under which brachial plexus (BP) lies underneath in the supraclavicular region. A line drawn between midpoint of the sternocleidomastoid muscle to the midpoint of the clavicle was considered for BP. Surface landmarks were evaluated by applying ultrasound (US) on 30 volunteers (15 female, 15 male). Axial and sagittal views of BP were taken and distances between skin and BP were measured. Coronal magnetic resonance (MR) sections were taken from 7 volunteers according to the second line after applying two fat capsules on each line. The sonographic views were seen at the same line. Mean distances from skin were found as 16.5+/-0.7 mm for male and 14.5+/-0.5 mm for female volunteers. MR images were obtained bilaterally, which were parallel and posterior from sonographic lines. Surface landmarks, as presented in this study, are simple to accomplish and are not dependent on structural variations as external jugular vein.

The effect of extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) on bone defects. An experimental study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on the formation of callus in bone defects created in rabbit radii. this study searches for an answer to whether ESWT may have a therapeutic effect on bone defects. A bone defect with a radius of 1 cm was created in both forelimbs of 20 rabbits. At the 7th, 14th, and 21st days ESWT treatment was applied to the forming callus in the right radius under fluoroscopic control. At the 6th and 12th weeks, the animals were sacrificed and callus analysis was performed by computerized scan, dual energy x-ray absorptiometer. Histological analyses were also performed. The results revealed that the average callus area in the right (ESWT applied) radial defect was greater in both groups and statistically significant at the 12th week (p < 0.05). There was no difference in bone density between defects. Histologically the callus area was greater on the right side (ESWT applied side) in both groups. However in the first group trabeculae were occupying less space on the right side. Granulation tissue areas and chondroid areas were greater on the right side. We conclude that ESWT has a disorganizing and dispersing rather than a direct osteoinductive effect on forming callus. This effect may play a therapeutic role in bone defects and in situations like callus lengthening where a greater amount of callus is necessary.

Age-specific PSA reference ranges in a group of non-urologic patients

Age-specific serum PSA reference ranges have recently been proposed to be more sensitive in young and more specific in elder patients. However, some conflicting results have been reported from different centers. In order to establish age-specific PSA reference ranges for our country, we measured the serum PSA levels of 400 healthy men over 40, between February 1995 and June 1996. Our study population consisted of men who had either PSA values lower than 4.0 ng/ml and normal digital rectal examination or negative prostatic biopsies taken for any reason. IMX assay was used for PSA determination in all patients. Mean PSA values and standard deviations for each age group were: 1.7+/-1.1 ng/ml for 40-49 years (n = 28), 2.0+/-1.2 ng/ml for 50-59 years (n = 110), 2.9+/-1.7 ng/ml for 60-69 years (n = 158) and 3.5+/-2.0 ng/ml for 70-79 years (n = 104). We conclude that further studies of larger series will lead us to standardize age-specific reference ranges in our country and, accordingly, we will be able to select the candidates for prostate biopsy more adequately.