Comparative evaluation of morphometric and intravital measurements of the intraorbital portion of the optic nerve and of the distance from the posterior pole of the eyeball to the common tendinous ring

The paper describes results of comparative assessment of morphometric and in vivo measurements of the intraorbital part of the optic nerve and the distance from the posterior pole of the eye ball to the muscular tendon ring. It is shown that the method of ultrasound scanning is accurate enough and may be used for measuring the length of the intraorbital part of the optic nerve and the distance from the posterior pole of the eye ball to the muscular tendon ring in each concrete case.     

In vitro cytotoxicity of some medicinal plants from Georgian Amaryllidaceae

Using an ethnomedical data approach, some Georgian plants, which are used in Georgian traditional medicine for cancer or non-cancer diseases, were collected and evaluated for cytotoxic activity. The cytotoxic effect of the methanol extracts of species from the genera Galanthus and Leucojum was evaluated in vitro on three human cell lines (Hela, ephitheloid cervix carcinoma; HCT-116, colon carcinoma; HL-60, acute myeloid leukaemia). Cell type cytotoxic specificity was observed for some extracts. Overall, the HCT-116 cells were much more sensitive to most of the extracts than were the other cell lines. Plants that showed pronounced cytotoxic activity will be further evaluated for the possible isolation of active antitumour compounds.     

The investigation of EEG specificity in epileptic children during Depakine therapy

Background: Antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy in epileptic children can be optimized via an anticipation of AED efficacy during early stages of therapy. We hypothesize that the comprehensive electroencephalography (EEG) evaluation can determine AED efficacy in epileptic children. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the alteration of characteristics of interictal EEG during the AED therapy. Methods: Forty-three children aged 3–9 were investigated. EEGs were recorded three times: prior to valproic acid-Depakine (Dep) monotherapy and twice under the Dep therapy (at three and six/eight months). Baseline EEG was analyzed for quantitative characteristics of interictal EEG, such as absolute values of the power (AVP) spectra and EEG topography/brain mapping. The study involved epileptiform EEG and clinical condition assessments. Results: Dep decreased AVP spectra in a low-frequency range, suppressed spontaneous epileptic discharge, and spike-wave complex 3/s. Dep partially decreased spikes-polyspikes, sharp waves, and generalized paroxysmal bursts during functional trials. Dep did not diminish rhythmic monomorphic theta-waves (RMT) of tempo-parietal localization observed by brain mapping. The presence of RMT correlated with the reocurrence of seizures if Dep was withdrawn. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the presence of RMT with tempo-parietal localization on the interictal EEG can anticipate reocurrence of seizures if Dep dose will be reduced or withdrawn. The efficacy of the AED therapy can be revealed via reduction of low-frequency waves and suppression of epileptiform EEG elements parallel to clinical improvement. Thus, optimal treatment strategies can be tailored based on the evaluation of background EEG characteristics using spectral analysis, EEG mapping, and the quantitative EEG approach.     

Percutaneous Intraductal Radiofrequency Ablation is a Safe Treatment for Malignant Biliary Obstruction: Feasibility and Early Results

Purpose

Previous clinical studies have shown the safety and efficacy of this novel radiofrequency ablation catheter when used for endoscopic palliative procedures. We report a retrospective study with the results of first in man percutaneous intraductal radiofrequency ablation in patients with malignant biliary obstruction.

Methods

Thirty-nine patients with inoperable malignant biliary obstruction were included. These patients underwent intraductal biliary radiofrequency ablation of their malignant biliary strictures following external biliary decompression with an internal-external biliary drainage. Following ablation, they had a metal stent inserted.

Results

Following this intervention, there were no 30-day mortality, hemorrhage, bile duct perforation, bile leak, or pancreatitis. Of the 39 patients, 28 are alive and 10 patients are dead with a median survival of 89.5 (range 14–260) days and median stent patency of 84.5 (range 14–260) days. One patient was lost to follow-up. All but one patient had their stent patent at the time of last follow-up or death. One patient with stent blockage at 42 days postprocedure underwent percutaneous transhepatic drain insertion and restenting. Among the patients who are alive (n = 28) the median stent patency was 92 (range 14–260) days, whereas the patients who died (n = 10) had a median stent patency of 62.5 (range 38–210) days.

Conclusions

In this group of patients, it appears that this new approach is feasible and safe. Efficacy remains to be proven in future, randomized, prospective studies.     

Novel Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation of Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus: Safety and Feasibility

Purpose

We report our experience of the safety of partial recanalization of the portal vein using a novel endovascular radiofrequency (RF) catheter for portal vein tumor thrombosis.

Methods

Six patients with liver cancer and tumor thrombus in the portal vein underwent percutaneous intravascular radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using an endovascular bipolar RF device. A 0.035-inch guidewire was introduced into a tributary of the portal vein and through which a 5G guide catheter was introduced into the main portal vein. After manipulation of the guide catheter over the thrombus under digital subtraction angiography, the endovascular RF device was inserted and activated around the thrombus.

Results

There were no observed technique specific complications, such as hemorrhage, vessel perforation, or infection. Post-RFA portography showed partial recanalization of portal vein.

Conclusions

RFA of portal vein tumor thrombus in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is technically feasible and warrants further investigation to assess efficacy compared with current recanalization techniques.     

Image-Guided Percutaneous Pancreatic Duct Drainage: A 10-Year Observational Study

PurposeTo study the safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of percutaneous pancreatic duct drainage (PPDD) for treating pancreatic duct (PD) obstruction.Materials and MethodsThis prospective observational cohort study included 73 patients with PD obstruction between December 2010 and June 2020. Patients underwent PPDD under ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance, computed tomography (CT) and fluoroscopy guidance, or CT guidance only. They were categorized into 2 groups: nonmalignant (26 patients with PD obstruction due to acute and chronic pancreatitis or postoperative stricture) and malignant (47 patients with pancreatic head and ampullary tumors).ResultsThe overall technical success rate was 98.6% (72/73). No major complications were encountered; however, severe weakness, lack of appetite, and tachycardia were observed in 4.1% (3/73) of patients, managed with intravenous resuscitation. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that diagnosis type (pancreatic head tumor: P = .049; odds ratio = 1.95 [1.11–2.25], and chronic pancreatitis: P = .048; odds ratio = 6.25 [1.74–22.22]) was associated with mortality. The median survival time was 16.3 months. Moreover, 15.1% (11/73) of the patients were alive 4 years after the PPDD procedure, and the mean overall survival time of nonmalignant and malignant patients was 35.1 and 21.4 months, respectively.ConclusionsImage-guided PPDD appears to be feasible and safe and provides a valuable therapeutic option for managing patients with PD obstruction.     

Hetero-chain polymers based on natural amino acids. Synthesis of polyamides from Nα, Nε-bis(trimethylsilyl)lysine alkyl esters

High-molecular-weight polyamides based on the natural amino acid lysine were synthesized by condensation of N^α, N^ε-bis(trimethylsilyl)lysine alkyl esters ( 1a–c ) with derivatives of aromatic dicarboxylic acids ( 2a–c ). The best results were obtained with diacyl dichlorides. However, in the case of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid derivatives, preference should be given to their active diesters. The properties of the resulting polyamides were shown to be determined, to a considerable degree, by the nature of the reaction medium. Polyamides with free carboxyl groups, capable of further polymeranalogous conversions, were obtained by means of saponification of the side chain alkyl ester groups. The substituted phenols, resulting from the polycondensation of 1a–c with active diesters, could be used for the synthesis of polyamides with active ester groups in the side chains.