Pathological Skin Picking: Phenomenology and Associations With Emotions, Self-Esteem, Body Image, and Subjective Physical Well-Being.

Pathological skin picking (PSP) refers to the repetitive manipulation of the skin causing wounds, scars, emotional distress, and social impairment. Skin picking disorder was first recognized as a distinct disorder in the DSM-5 and is still understudied in terms of phenomenology, etiology, and associated consequences. However, the body-related pathology suggests that the relation to the own body might be a crucial factor in PSP.

[Surface disinfection in the context of infection prevention in intensive care units].

The highest proportion of nosocomial infections occurs on intensive care units (ICU) and infections with multiresistant pathogens are an ever increasing problem. Preventative measures should consist of a bundle of different measures including measures that address a specific problem and standard hygiene measures that are relevant in all areas. Specific measures in ICUs primarily aim at the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia, blood vessel catheter associated infections and nosocomial urinary tract infections.

[Pulsed radiofrequency ablation using perfused needle applicators in an in vitro trial on bovine liver].

Intermittent energy application seems to have positive effects in achieving necrotic zones. We analyzed different pulse periods (PPs) to optimize this method. A radiofrequency alternating current was delivered via a triple-needle applicator (3 cm distance of each needle) introduced into freshly procured bovine liver.

Glucose-permeable interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels for corneal implant applications: a pilot study.

Epithelialization of a keratoprosthesis requires that the implant material be sufficiently permeable to glucose. We have developed a poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(acrylic acid) (PEG/PAA) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel that can provide adequate passage of glucose from the aqueous humor to the epithelium in vivo. A series of PEG/PAA IPNs with varying PEG macromonomer molecular weights were synthesized and evaluated through swelling studies to determine their water content and diffusion experiments to assess their permeability to glucose.

[Prolonged survival through combined treatment with radiofrequency ablation/ethanol instillation compared with radiofrequency ablation alone in the VX2 rabbit liver tumour model].

Unlabelled: Combination of radiofrequency ablation (RFA)/ethanol instillation (EI) leads to higher survival rates compared to single RFA for the treatment of VX2 liver tumours in a rabbit tumour model.

Introduction: To improve the outcome and survival rates of RFA in treatment of liver tumours, a comparative study of RFA with or without EI was performed.

Material And Methods: We implanted a single tumour in the liver of 46 rabbits.

Radiofrequency ablation using perfused needle electrodes - study of intermittent and continuous triple needle application ex vivo.

To increase necrotic zones, bovine livers were treated by means of three parallel-oriented radiofrequency ablation (RFA) needles spaced at 3 cm using a puncture guide. The triple application was varied as a continuous and intermittent energy application compared to a single needle applicator. In all three study arms the applied energy (60 W) and the perfusion rate (240 ml/h) were kept constant.

Radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors: how to enlarge the necrotic zones?

In an attempt to increase necrotic zones in liver tissue by radiofrequency ablation fresh bovine liver was coagulated by means of a needle electrode continuously perfused with NaCl solution. Power output (60 W) and application time (15 min) were kept constant while the perfusion was varied in terms of saline concentration (0.9, 5.

Hepatic transit time of an echo enhancer: an indicator of metastatic spread to the liver.

Objective: Can sonographic measurements of the transit time of an echo enhancer from the hepatic artery to the hepatic vein discriminate between patients with and without liver metastases?

Method: The hepatic transit time (hepatic artery to hepatic vein delay) of an echo enhancer (Optison) was measured in pulse inversion mode on the basis of time intensity curves (TIC) in patients with gastrointestinal tumours with proven liver metastases and in patients without liver metastases.

Results: Sixty-four patients (46 males, 18 females, mean age 61 +/- 13 years) were admitted to the study. Fourteen patients had metastatic growth in the liver with a primary tumour in situ (group A).

Percutaneous US-guided radiofrequency ablation with perfused needle applicators: improved survival with the VX2 tumor model in rabbits.

Purpose: To evaluate survival, metastases, tumor necrosis, and prediction of local recurrence after percutaneous ultrasonographically (US) guided radiofrequency (RF) thermal ablation with electrodes perfused continuously with isotonic saline.

Materials And Methods: VX2 liver tumors were implanted in 31 rabbits according to a standardized protocol. After 21 days, 16 animals were treated percutaneously with RF ablation.

Activation of tumor-specific T lymphocytes by radio-frequency ablation of the VX2 hepatoma in rabbits.

Radio-frequency ablation (RFA) is used as a minimally invasive treatment for inoperable hepatic tumors. Immunological reactions secondary to RFA may play a role in the observed tumor control. In our study, the VX2 carcinoma was implanted into the liver of rabbits.

Relationship between microsatellite instability, response and survival in palliative patients with colorectal cancer undergoing first-line chemotherapy.

Background And Aims: The aim of this work was to investigate the relationship between microsatellite instability (MSI), treatment response and survival in palliative patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) undergoing first-line treatment with weekly 24-hour infusion (24-h inf.) of high-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (FA).

Patients And Methods: Tumour material from the colorectal primary carcinomas was analysed for 43 patients.

[Detection of liver metastases--comparison of contrast--enhanced ultrasound using first versus second generation contrast agents].

Aim: To compare detection rates for liver metastases for conventional ultrasound, US using tissue harmonic imaging (THI), echo-enhanced pulse inversion harmonic imaging using Optison and Levovist.

Method: In 73 patients with histologically proven gastrointestinal tumors spiral CT (S-CT), conventional US, US in the THI-mode, echo-enhanced ultrasound in the portal venous phase (ECI Optison ) and in the liver specific late phase (ECI Levovist) were performed and reviewed by blinded readers.

Results: 73 patients (25 female, 48 male, age 63 +/- 11) were included.

Radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma with a saline solution perfusion device: a pilot study.

Purpose: The majority of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cannot be treated with surgery. This study evaluated the treatment of patients with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with use of needle applicators perfused with isotonic saline solution.

Materials And Methods: Twenty patients with a maximum of three HCCs as large as 60 mm and a contraindication to partial liver resection or orthotopic liver transplantation were enrolled in the study.

[Technique of inclusion in epoxy resin for alternative photonic and ultrastructural examination (author's transl)].

Fragmentation of the samples in small blocks for electron microscopy fail to allow topographic study. Therefore a method fod embedding large blocks in epon is detailed here. It provides large semi-thin sections for photomic examination and, after making a "mesa", ultrathin for ultrastructural study.