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Background: The aim of this study was to introduce a novel technique for gasless, laparoendoscopic, single-site (GLESS) myomectomy and to evaluate its feasibility and safety. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed at a hospital from Sep 2017 to Nov 2018. 15 patients with symptomatic subserosal or intramural myomas underwent GLESS myomectomy. Results: The mean age and body mass index were 41.73 ± 8.58 years and 22.72 ± 2.27 kg/m2, respectively. 5 patients had a history of abdominal surgery, including four caesarean deliveries and one myomectomy. The mean operative duration, blood loss volume, time to specimen removal, time of bowel activity and postoperative hospitalization duration were 156.47 ± 62.19 min, 57.33 ± 72.35 ml, 29.87 ± 13.6 min, 27.67 ± 10.06 h, and 3.4 ± 0.74 days, respectively. The operation was successful in all patients, there were no surgical or wound complications in any patient, and the histopathological result was leiomyoma in all 15 patients. Conclusion: The procedure is feasible and safe in selected patients with symptomatic myomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burnia is a suturless repair for inguinal hernias in girls. It is performed under laparoscopy by grabbing the sac, inverting it into the peritoneal cavity, and cauterizing. The aim of this study is to report our experience with single-site laparoscopic burnia (BURNIA) and compare them with open repair (OPEN). Methods: With IRB approval, pediatric female patients younger than 18 years of age who underwent inguinal hernia repair between January 2015 and December 2017 were enrolled. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups, BURNIA and OPEN. Results: 198 patients were included. In BURNIA, 49 patients underwent bilateral repairs, and 50 patients underwent 51 unilateral repairs (one patient had metachronous contralateral hernia). In OPEN, 27 patients underwent bilateral repairs, and 72 patients underwent 77 unilateral repairs (five patients had metachronous contralateral hernias). The mean age of BURNIA was similar to OPEN for bilateral repairs (49.1 ± 36.6 vs. 43.7 ± 26.4 months, p = 0.46), but significantly older for unilateral repairs (54.6 ± 29.8 vs. 29.0 ± 31.4, p < 0.01). The mean operation time of BUNIA was similar to OPEN for bilateral repairs (24.2 ± 7.6 vs. 22.4 ± 8.6 min, p = 0.35), but significantly longer for unilateral repairs (19.2 ± 7.0 vs, 13.6 ± 8.8 min, p < 0.01). The mean follow-up duration of BURNIA was significantly shorter than OPEN for bilateral and unilateral repairs, respectively (32.5 ± 8.8 vs. 45.4 ± 4.8 months, p < 0.01) (30.2 ± 8.8 vs. 39.1 ± 9.6 months, p < 0.01). No conversion was required in BURNIA. There were no complications and no recurrence in all patients. Conclusions: Single-site laparoscopic burnia is technically feasible, and as safe and effective as open inguinal hernia repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present review covers the outline of the application of photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy to understand the photocatalytic reactions on the bulk semiconducting materials and highly dispersed metal oxide single-site heterogeneous catalysts at their working states. The first part focuses on the applications of PL spectroscopy to elucidate the surface active sites and surface band structures of the inorganic and organic bulk semiconducting photocatalysts at their working states. The second part describes the applications of in situ PL spectroscopy to elucidate the surface active sites of the highly dispersed metal oxide single-site heterogeneous catalysts and their roles in photocatalytic reactions at the molecular level. The last part is a brief conclusion and future direction of PL studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Single Port Orifice Robotic Technology (SPORT) Surgical System by Titan Medical Inc. is designed to overcome the inherent challenges of minimally invasive single-access procedures. The aim of this preclinical study was to evaluate the feasibility of various digestive surgery procedures using this novel surgical robotic platform.Methods: A total of 12 minimally invasive procedures were performed on six pigs (5 cholecystectomies, 3 Nissen fundoplications, 1 splenectomy and 1 hepatic pedicle dissection) and on one human cadaver (1 cholecystectomy and 1 Nissen fundoplication), by four laparoscopic surgeons. The usability of the device was assessed by means of the modified objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) score that was calculated and analyzed by two independent observers on the recorded videos. Surgeon feedback and recommendations were systematically recorded.Results: All procedures were successfully completed with the SPORT system. In general, surgeons reported to appreciate the intuitive interface and controls, the high-resolution 3D imaging, the dexterity of the end-effectors, and the ergonomic open control platform. Some features requiring optimization were also identified. The modified OSATS score demonstrated a learning curve effect for all device-related tasks.Conclusions: A variety of abdominal procedures could be safely completed with the current SPORT prototype, in the preclinical setting. This preliminary feasibility experience is promising and encourages further development of single-port robotically assisted surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of active sites and phases in heterogeneous catalysts and the understanding of the reaction mechanism remain highly challenging. In most catalysts, the existence of a multitude of surface species, which are dynamic in relation to reaction conditions, presents a challenge of distinguishing those that are involved in the catalytic cycle from those which are spectators. The emergence of the field of single-site catalysts potentially eliminates these issues, although it can be argued that these systems remain dynamic and that multiple speciation, each a candidate for the active site, often remains a consideration. A perspective on how X-ray spectroscopy and characterization tools in general, can be used to correlate the number of active sites and the rate of their formation, in single-site and redox catalyst systems, is presented. The importance of observing proportionality between spectra features and the reaction rate, to differentiate between active sites and spectator species is discussed. Performing characterisation under catalyticly relevant conditions on structures that are demonstrably representative of actual catalysts is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Silicalite-1 supported CrOx is highly active and stable for the ethane dehydrogenation with CO2, whose ethylene yield reached 37.8%, and only 9.5% of its initial activity was lost after 6 h, which can be attributed to the formation of single-site CrOx moieties embedded in the framework vacancy defects of zeolite. The strong interaction with silicalite-1 surface as well as the geometry isolation effect may account for the excellent activity and stability of single-site CrOx moieties.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Silicalite-1 supported CrOx is highly active and stable for the ethane dehydrogenation with CO2, whose ethylene yield reached 37.8%, and only 9.5% of its initial activity was lost after 6 h, which can be attributed to the formation of single-site CrOx moieties embedded in the framework vacancy defects of zeolite. The strong interaction with silicalite-1 surface as well as the geometry isolation effect may account for the excellent activity and stability of single-site CrOx moieties.Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There have been numerous surgical procedures for inguinal hernia in children, and recently the novel technique of single-site laparoscopic procedure was introduced. This study aimed to analyze the safety and efficacy of single-site laparoscopic hernia repair in a large number of children, while compared with the traditional open surgery.Methods: From January 2012 to June 2015, we performed transumbilical single-site laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (TSLPEC) in 1583 patients, including bilateral hernia in 135 cases, and unilateral hernia in 1448 cases (left side in 582, right side in 866). From January 2007 to January 2010, we performed open inguinal hernia repair in 355 patients, including bilateral hernia in 52 cases, and unilateral hernia in 303 cases. Operating time, recurrence rate, incidence of contralateral hernia, and prevalence of contralateral patent processus vaginalis (cPPV) were recorded and compared.Results: A total of 1583 patients underwent TSLPEC, without conversion to open surgery. For unilateral repair, the average operating time in TSLPEC group was shorter than open repair group (19.3 ± 6.1 vs. 28.0 ± 8.9, p < 0.05), and it was much shorter than open repair group for bilateral repair (26.2 ± 9.5 vs. 49.8 ± 12.9, P p < 0). The left hernia had higher prevalence of cPPV than right hernia (48.1% vs. 38.5%, p < 0.05). The wound recovered well with good cosmetic appearance in TSLPEC group. Hernia recurrence occurred in seven cases (0.4%) of TSLPEC group, and six cases (1.7%) of open repair group ( p < 00.05). No contralateral hernia developed in TSLPEC group, while 17 cased (5.6%) had contralateral hernia in open repair group ( p < 00.05).Conclusions: TSLPEC is an effective and safe procedure for inguinal hernias with lots of advantages, including short operating time, simultaneous management of cPPV, excellent cosmetic appearance, low incidence of contralateral hernia, and low recurrence rate. This procedure could be recommended as a routine treatment for inguinal hernias in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiport laparoscopy is the gold-standard approach for cholecystectomy, and single-port laparoscopy has been developed to further reduce its invasiveness. A specific robotic single-port platform (da Vinci single-site, Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) has been released in 2011, which could technically facilitate single-site cholecystectomy. Current data show its feasibility; however, detailed short- and long-term analyses of costs and comparisons relative to multiport laparoscopy are not available to date.Methods: Patients who underwent robotic single-site cholecystectomy for benign, clinically noninflammatory disease between 2011 and 2015 were matched for disease, age, gender, BMI, ASA classification, diagnosis, and elapsed year of surgery to a cohort of multiport cholecystectomies. Demographic, perioperative, and long-term data were collected retrospectively and analyzed. Perioperative and long-term costs including re-operations due to the primary procedure until February 2017 were compared across both cohorts.Results: 99 patients who underwent robotic single-site cholecystectomy were matched to 99 patients with multiport cholecystectomy. A higher rate of outpatient procedures in the robotic cohort (31.3 vs. 17.2%, p = 0.0305) was found, and demographic parameters and perioperative clinical outcomes were similar. Perioperative costs were significantly higher for the robotic single-site patients (6158.0 vs. 4288.0 USD, p < 0.0001). With similar follow-up times of 59.0 and 58.9 months, respectively (p = 0.9552), significantly more patients of the robotic Single-Site cohort underwent follow-up surgery (7.1 vs. 0.0%, p = 0.0140), and follow-up costs were significantly higher for the robotic cohort (694.7 vs. 0.0 USD, p = 0.0145).Conclusion: With similar early postoperative clinical results and a higher rate of re-operations, perioperative and long-term costs are significantly higher with robotic Single-Site cholecystectomy compared with multiport cholecystectomy. Considering the unclear clinical value of robotic single-site cholecystectomy and the significant short- and long-term costs, a call for further research and a debate as to who should bear the costs beyond the ones of the gold-standard treatment appear reasonable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Robot-assisted rectal surgery is gaining popularity, and robotic single-site surgery is also being explored clinically. We report our initial experience with robotic transanal total mesorectal excision (R-taTME) and radical proctectomy using the robotic single-site plus one-port (R-SSPO) technique for low rectal surgery. Methods: Between July 2015 and March 2016, 15 consecutive patients with ultra-low rectal lesions underwent R-taTME followed by radical proctectomy using the R-SSPO technique by a single surgeon. The clinical and pathological results were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The median operative time was 473 (range, 335-569) min, and the estimated blood loss was 33 (range, 30-50) mL. The median number of lymph nodes harvested was 12 (range, 8-18). The median distal resection margin was 1.4 (range, 0.4-3.5) cm, and all patients had clear circumferential resection margins. We encountered a left ureteric transection intraoperatively in one patient, and another patient required reoperation for postoperative adhesive intestinal obstruction. There was no 30-day mortality. Conclusion: R-taTME followed by radical proctectomy using the R-SSPO technique for patients with low rectal lesions is technically feasible and safe without compromising oncologic outcomes. However, there were considerable limitations and a steep learning curve using current robotic technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of mini-laparoscopic instruments in combination with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) instruments for the performance of oncological urological surgery. Methods: Thirty-five patients underwent oncological hybrid LESS either mini-laparoscopic-assisted LESS partial nephrectomy (LESS-PN, n = 12) or mini-laparoscopic-assisted LESS radical nephrectomy (LESS-RN, n = 23). Perioperative data were prospectively collected. The patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) was used for the evaluation of the cosmetic outcome. Results: Mean tumor size treated by LESS-PNs was 28.8 (IQR 20.5-37.3) mm. Average operative time and blood loss were 123 (IQR 112.5-145) min and 158.3 (IQR 100-200) ml, respectively. Renal artery clamping took place in seven cases. LESS-RN was performed in cases with a mean tumor size of 60 (IQR 48-71.5) mm. The average operative time was 116.8 (IQR 100-130) min. Average blood loss was 137 (IQR 100-150) ml. Complications were limited to grade II according to Clavien classification. The oncological outcome, including midterm results, was directly comparable to the literature. Patients reported low pain scores and high satisfaction in terms of postoperative scarring. The POSAS scores confirmed the excellent cosmetic outcome of hybrid LESS. Conclusion: The combination of mini-laparoscopic and LESS instrumentation as routine equipment of oncological surgery provided an efficient option for urologic surgery. The combination of mini-laparoscopic and LESS instruments improves the intraoperative ergonomics of LESS-PN and LESS-RN. The provided surgical and oncological outcome compares favorably to the LESS and conventional laparoscopic literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Randomized studies could not demonstrate significant outcome benefit after single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared to classic four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). The new robotic single-site platform might offer potential benefits on local inflammation and postoperative pain due to its technological advantages. This prospective randomized double-blind trial compared the short-term outcomes between single-incision robotic cholecystectomy (SIRC) and CLC.Methods: Two groups of 30 eligible patients were randomized for SIRC or CLC. During the first postoperative week, patients and study monitors were blinded to the type of procedure performed by four dressing tapes applied on the abdomen. Pain was assessed at 6 h and on day 1, 7 and 30 after surgery, along with a 1-10 cosmetic score.Results: No significant difference in postoperative pain occurred in the two groups at any time point nor for any of the abdominal sites. Nineteen (63 %) SIRC patients reported early postoperative pain in extra-umbilical sites. Intraoperative complications which might influence postoperative pain, such as minor bleeding and bile spillage, were similar in both groups and no conversions occurred. The cosmetic score 1 month postoperatively was higher for SIRC (p < 0.001). Two SIRC patients had wound infection, one of which developed an incisional hernia.Conclusions: SIRC does not offer any significant reduction of postoperative pain compared to CLC. SIRC patients unaware of their type of operation still report pain in extra-umbilical sites like after CLC. The cosmetic advantage of SIRC should be balanced against an increased risk of incisional hernias and higher costs.Trial Registration Number: ACTRN12614000119695 ( http://www.anzctr.org.au ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery has been developed with the objective to reduce surgical trauma, decrease associated surgical stress and to improve cosmetic outcome. However, concerns have been raised regarding the risk of trocar-site hernia following this approach. Previous meta-analyses have suggested a trend toward higher hernia rates, but have failed to demonstrate a significant difference between single-incision and conventional laparoscopic surgery.Method: Medline, AMED, CINAHL and CENTRAL were searched up to May 2014. Randomized controlled trials comparing single-incision and conventional laparoscopic surgery were considered for inclusion. Studies with patients aged less than 18 years and those reporting on robotic surgery were disregarded. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to measure the comparative risk of trocar-site hernia following single-incision and conventional laparoscopic surgery.Results: Nineteen randomized trials encompassing 1705 patients were included. Trocar-site hernia occurred in 2.2% of patients in the single-incision group and in 0.7% of patients in the conventional laparoscopic surgery group (odds ratio 2.26, 95% confidence interval 1.00-5.08, p = 0.05). Sensitivity analysis of quality randomized trials validated the outcome estimates of the primary analysis. There was no heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 0%) and no evidence of publication bias.Conclusion: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery involving entry into the peritoneal cavity through the umbilicus is associated with a slightly higher risk of trocar-site hernia than conventional laparoscopy. Its effect on long-term morbidity and quality of life is a matter for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of our study is to report our initial clinical experience with robotically assisted single-site transabdominal preperitoneal (RASS-TAPP) hernia repair, to verify the safety and efficacy of the procedure and to describe the surgical procedure. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing RASS-TAPP at our institution from March 2013 through December 2013. Data regarding patient demographics, type and location of hernia, operative time and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: Fourty five hernias were repaired in 34 patients (30M, 4F) by a single surgeon. The mean age was 49.3 years and mean BMI was 26.5. 31 lateral defects, 13 medial defects and 1 femoral defect were repaired. Three patients presented with recurrent hernias and nine had bilateral defects. The mean operative time for all cases was 80.5 min and for all unilateral hernias 69 min. Considering just the unilateral hernias without any additional procedures, operative time was 63 min. The mean follow-up time was 5.5 months. There has been one superficial surgical site infection, but no observed clinical recurrence or neuralgia to date. Conclusion: Robotically assisted single-site transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair is safe and effective. The absence of clinical evidence of recurrence or neuralgia is encouraging and should promote further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the introduction of a new platform, robotic single-site cholecystectomy (RSSC) has been reported as feasible and safe for selected cases. In parallel, the development of real-time near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography using indocyanine green (ICG) has been seen as a help during the dissection, even if the data are still preliminary. The study purpose is to report our experience with ICG RSSC and compare the outcomes to standard RSSC. Methods: From February 2011 to December 2011, 44 selected patients underwent RSSC for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Among them, 23 (52.3 %) were included in an experimental protocol using the ICG, and the remainder (47.7 %) underwent standard RSSC. There was no randomization. The endpoints were the perioperative outcomes. This is a prospective study, approved by our local Ethics Committee. Results: There were no differences in terms of patients' characteristics, except that there were more male patients in the ICG group (47.8 vs. 9.5 %; p = 0.008). Regarding the surgical data, the overall operative time was shorter for the ICG group, especially for patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≤25 (−24 min) but without reaching statistical significance ( p = 0.06). For BMI >25, no differences were observed. Otherwise, there were no differences in terms of conversion, complications, or length of stay between both groups. Conclusions: A RSSC with a real-time near-infrared fluorescent cholangiography can be performed safely. In addition, for selected patients with a low BMI, ICG could shorten the operative time during RSSC. Larger studies are still required before drawing definitive conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary and incisional hernia can be repaired by multitrocar laparoscopy. Single-access laparoscopy (SAL) recently gained interest to decrease the invasiveness and to reduce the abdominal trauma, besides improved cosmetic results. The authors report first 50 patients who consulted for primary and incisional hernia and treated by SAL prosthetic repair. Patients and methods: Between December 2009 and March 2012, 50 patients (24 females, 26 males) were submitted to SAL for primary (23) and incisional hernia (27). Mean age was 49.1 ± 15.1 years (17-75), and mean body mass index 29.7 ± 5.7 kg/m (19-44.1). A total of 26 primary and 30 incisional hernias were treated. The technique consisted in implied the use of an 11-mm trocar for 10-mm scope, curved reusable instruments without trocars, and dualface prosthesis fixed by tacks without transfascial closures. Results: No conversion to open surgery nor addition of one or more trocars was necessary. Mean perioperative hernia sizes were 7.0 ± 5.0 cm (2-24) in length and 6.0 ± 3.4 cm (1-16) in width, for a surface of 55.0 ± 64.6 cm (2.8-268.2). Mean prosthesis size used was 188.1 ± 113.4 cm (56.2-505.6). Mean laparoscopic time was 60.2 ± 32.8 min (26-153), and mean final scar length was 21.2 ± 4.5 mm (13-35). Mean hospital stay was 2.2 ± 1.2 days (1-8). Perioperative complications were registered in 4 patients and minor early complications in 13 patients of each group. After a mean follow-up of 16.1 ± 8.8 months (4-34), 2 late complications were observed in one patient of each group. Conclusion: Primary and incisional hernia can safely be treated by SAL prosthetic repair, but a learning curve is unavoidable. Thanks to this approach, in patients with primary hernia, only a small scar is finally visible, and in patients who proved to be prone to develop incisional hernia, the number of fascial incisions can be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The field of laparoscopy has undergone several changes to improve the morbidity and cosmesis of laparoscopic surgery. The robotic single-site surgery is the inevitable hybridization of robotic technology with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery. Methods: Perioperative information of 12 robotic single-site hysterectomies (R-SSH) were collected to evaluate the surgical feasibility and the possible influence of the body mass index (BMI) and the uterine weight on operative times. Results: The mean operative time was 85 ± 33 min (range, 355 to 149 min), the mean docking time was 9 ± 3 min, and the mean console time was 76 ± 33 min. The mean blood loss was 80 ± 18 mL, and the median weight of resected uteri was 220 ± 45 g. No serious postoperative complications occurred. The CUSUM learning curve was observed to consist of two different phases: phase 1 (the initial 6 cases) and phase 2 (the last 6 cases) with significant reduction in operative and console time observed between the two phases. For BMI, no correlation was found with operative times, console times, and docking times, and no correlation was found between uterine weight and operative time. Conclusions: This series, identifying two different phases of the learning curve and suggesting that the initial learning phase for the procedure can be achieved after six cases, confirms the feasibility and safety of a robotic approach for single-site hysterectomy. However, the limits of this study mainly rely on the limited casuistic and short follow-up, although the preliminary results appear promising. Larger series and prospective studies comparing R-SSH hysterectomy with standard robotic multiport hysterectomy are necessary to define properly the role of this innovative surgical technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this work was to study the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of single-incision robotic cholecystectomy using a novel platform from Intuitive Surgical. Methods: All operations were performed by the same surgeon. Parameters assessed included patient history, indication for surgery, operation time, complication rate, conversion rate, robot-related issues, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, and time to return to work. All patients were followed for a 2-month period postoperatively. Results: Forty-five patients (22 women, 23 men) underwent single-incision robotic cholecystectomy from March 1 to July 15, 2011. There were no conversions to either conventional laparoscopy or laparotomy, although in three cases a second trocar was used. There were no major complications apart from a single case of postoperative hemorrhage. Average patient age was 47 ± 12 years (range = 27-80 years) and average BMI was 30 kg/m (mean = 28.8 ± 4 kg/m, range = 18.4-46.7 kg/m). The primary indication for surgery was gallstones. The mean operation time (skin-to-skin) was 84.5 ± 25.5 min (range = 51-175 min), docking time was 5.8 ± 1.5 min (range = 4-11 min), and console time (net surgical time) was 43 ± 21.9 min (range = 21-121 min). Intraoperative blood loss was negligible. There were no collisions between the robotic arms and no other robot-related problems. Average postoperative length of stay was less than 24 h. The mean Visual Analog Pain Scale Score 6 h after the operation was 2.2 ± 1.51 (range = 0-6) and patients returned to normal activities in 4.48 ± 2.3 days (range = 1-9 days). Conclusions: Single-Site is a new platform offering a potentially more stable and reliable environment to perform single-port cholecystectomy. Both simple and complicated cholecystectomies can be performed with safety. The technique is possible in patients with a high BMI. The induction of pneumoperitoneum using the new port and the docking process require additional training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic thyroidectomy via thoracic/breast approach is an acceptable and successful technique in Asia. This technique has the advantage of better cosmesis compared with open or even video-assisted thyroidectomy. Unfortunately, because of the need for three separate ports, conventional endoscopic thyroidectomy usually involves significantly more tissue dissection, and thus more injury to patients, limiting the popularity of this technique. We herein present 35 cases of trans-areola single-site endoscopic thyroidectomy (TASSET), which was first performed in 2009. Methods: Thirty-five patients who underwent TASSET for thyroid nodules from September 2009 to March 2011 were evaluated. The surgical outcomes of the surgery were retrospectively analyzed, including conversion, operative time, estimated blood loss, complications, length of stay, and patient satisfaction. Results: Thirty-one of the 35 patients (88.5%) underwent successful TASSET, with subtotal lobectomy being the most common procedure. Median operative time for the surgery was 153.65 min (range 100-190 min). Estimated blood loss ranged from 20 to 40 mL. Length of postoperative stay ranged from 2 to 4 days (average 2.5 days). Visual analog scale scores were 0 to 4 without administration of analgesics. The complication rate was low (8.6%) and included one case of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy, one case of subcutaneous seroma, and one case of tracheal injury. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcome after mean follow-up of 8 months. Conclusions: TASSET is feasible and safe, with great cosmetic benefits and less injury than other procedures. It may become an alternative procedure for treatment of patients with benign thyroid tumors, especially those with strong desire for cervical cosmesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various Ti-oxide based photocatalysts such as the highly dispersed Ti-oxide species within zeolite frameworks, TiO2 nano-particles hybridized with hydrophobic zeolite adsorbents as well as visible light responsive TiO2 thin films have been successfully prepared. Characterization studies at the molecular level, such as X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and photoluminescence (PL), revealed that the highly dispersed Ti-oxide species within the nano-spaces of zeolites possess a tetrahedral coordination and that they demonstrate unique and high performance for the photocatalytic decomposition of NOx and the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 with H2O. A high photocatalytic reactivity for the TiO2 semiconducting photocatalysts could be achieved by blending them with hydrophobic siliceous zeolites which was equal to the performance of TiO2 deposited with expensive Pt particles. The role of the siliceous zeolites can be described as a so-called “catch and release effect of organic compounds”, i.e., (i) the condensation of the reactants within the hydrophobic cavities of zeolites and; (ii) the efficient diffusion of the reactant onto the TiO2 photocatalytic sites. Furthermore, a novel photocatalytic system which can convert abundant solar energy into renewable H2 energy by the decomposition of H2O into H2 and O2 can also be achieved by using visible light responsive TiO2 thin film photocatalysts prepared by a RF-magnetron sputtering deposition method. The conversion efficiency of solar energy into H2 energy may be estimated at ca. 0.1% from the initial rate of H2 evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]