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Introduction The empty pelvis syndrome is a significant source of morbidity following pelvic exenteration surgery. It remains poorly defined with research in this field being heterogeneous and of low quality. Furthermore, there has been minimal engagement with patient representatives following pelvic exenteration with respect to the empty pelvic syndrome. ‘PelvEx—Beating the empty pelvis syndrome’ aims to engage both patient representatives and healthcare professionals to achieve an international consensus on a core outcome set, pathophysiology and mitigation of the empty pelvis syndrome.Methods and analysis A modified-Delphi approach will be followed with a three-stage study design. First, statements will be longlisted using a recent systematic review, healthcare professional event, patient and public engagement, and Delphi piloting. Second, statements will be shortlisted using up to three rounds of online modified Delphi. Third, statements will be confirmed and instruments for measurable statements selected using a virtual patient-representative consensus meeting, and finally a face-to-face healthcare professional consensus meeting.Ethics and dissemination The University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine ethics committee has approved this protocol, which is registered as a study with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative. Publication of this study will increase the potential for comparative research to further understanding and prevent the empty pelvis syndrome.Trial registration number NCT05683795.

Some nanomaterials including Fe 0 , Ag 0 , and ZnO are well known for their antibacterial effects. However, very few studies have examined antibacterial effects of nanohybrids. Given that metal oxides, mainly ZnO and TiO 2 , are known to increase mobility, surface area, and photocatalysis when combined with carbon-based nanomaterials, ZnO- and TiO 2 -conjugated carbon nanotube and graphene oxide nanohybrids were investigated for their antibacterial effects on Escherichia coli (DH5α, a multidrug-resistant coliform bacterium). Graphene-oxide (GO)-based nanohybrids (ZnO-GO and TiO 2 -GO) induced increased dispersion compared to carbon-nanotube (CNT)-based nanohybrids (ZnO-CNT and TiO 2 -CNT). Among the four types of nanohybrids, ZnO-conjugated nanohybrids exhibited a higher antibacterial property, resulting in the antibacterial effect (measured with growth inhibition of cells) in the order ZnO-GO > ZnO-CNT > TiO 2 -GO > TiO 2 -CNT. Among four possible antibacterial mechanisms (generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), physicochemical characteristics, the steric effect, and release of metal ions), a primary mechanism-ROS generation-was identified; whereas, physicochemical characteristics and the steric effect were part of contributing mechanisms. The increasing dispersion of TiO 2 /ZnO on GO may have contributed to the antibacterial effects due to increasing surface areas. Similarly, significant damages to E. coli cell membranes were found by the GO sheet with its sharp edges. Our results suggest that applying GO-based ZnO or TiO 2 could be an effective antibacterial method, especially for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the water., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Treating multidrug-resistant bacteria has been a challenging task, although the bacteria have been reported as a trace contaminant present in tap water. Given emerging issues on antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the present study investigated a novel treatment method in which ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are encapsulated in an alginate biopolymer solution to explore primary antibacterial mechanisms. The antibacterial effects of this technology on two model antibiotic-resistant bacteria (Escherichia coli DH5-α and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were found to be highly effective, with the removal rates of 98% and 88%, respectively, at the initial bacteria concentration of 10 8 CFU mL -1 over 6 h. The inactivation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by ZnO NP-alginate beads was improved by increasing the nanocomposite amount (4, 10, and 20 mg) and contact time. The primary mechanism involved the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ZnO NP-alginate beads were demonstrated to be highly promising for different applications in water treatment, especially for point-of-use in the perspectives of reusability, antibacterial property of ZnO, immobilizing NPs, and utilizing high surface area of NPs, with a slight release of zinc ions., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Since their advent a few decades ago, engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) have been extensively used in consumer products and industrial applications and their use is expected to continue at the rate of thousands of tons per year in the next decade. The widespread use of ENPs poses a potential risk of large scale environmental proliferation of ENPs which can impact and endanger environmental health and safety. Recent studies have shown that microbial biofilms can serve as an important biotic component for partitioning and perhaps storage of ENPs released into aqueous systems. Considering that biofilms can be one of the major sinks for ENPs in the environment, and that the field of biofilms itself is only three to four decades old, there is a recent and growing body of literature investigating the ENP-biofilm interactions. While looking at biofilms, it is imperative to consider the interactions of ENPs with the planktonic microbial cells inhabiting the bulk systems in the vicinity of surface-attached biofilms. In this review article, we attempt to establish the state of current knowledge regarding the interactions of ENPs with bacterial cells and biofilms, identifying key governing factors and interaction mechanisms, as well as prominent knowledge gaps. Since the context of ENP-biofilm interactions can be multifarious-ranging from ecological systems to water and wastewater treatment to dental/medically relevant biofilms- and includes devising novel strategies for biofilm control, we believe this review will serve an interdisciplinary audience. Finally, the article also touches upon the future directions that the research in the ENP-microbial cells/biofilm interactions could take. Continued research in this area is important to not only enhance our scientific knowledge and arsenal for biofilm control, but to also support environmental health while reaping the benefits of the 'nanomaterial revolution'., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Organic or inorganic stabilizers are often used for coating nanoparticles (NPs) in consumer products. However, upon release of stabilized NPs into the environment, uncertainty exists as to the antimicrobial properties of NPs due to stabilizers and the resultant bioaccumulation in organisms. This study investigates antibacterial effects and subsequent mechanisms of TiO 2 NPs on Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the presence and absence of stabilizers (CMC, PVP, and SiO 2 ) commonly used in consumer products. Compared with uncoated TiO 2 NPs, the presence of any stabilizers tested in this study increased toxicity of NPs and enhanced growth inhibition in E. coli. While the particle sizes of TiO 2 were smaller as the result of coating with PVP or CMC and appeared to contribute to E. coli cell damage, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was independent of stabilizer type. In fact, coating with PVP and CMC exerted ROS scavenging properties. In contrast, increased ROS production was observed at higher concentrations of TiO 2 and upon coating with SiO 2 . This impact of SiO 2 can be related to the formation of a TiOSi chemical bond. The results of the present study emphasize the importance of nanoparticle coating to their anti-bacterial activity and toxicity., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Phosphorus contamination is a global issue, and cost-effective remediation is sought for removing phosphorus from water. We applied a novel use of waste material called shotblast dust in a pilot-scale reactor to remove phosphorus from water. Results indicate that shotblast dust was effective in treating phosphorus-laden water with 132 kg of the material treating 568 liters of 220 μg/L total phosphorus (T-P) water on a daily basis, achieving approximately 60% removal of T-P in 7 days.

Metal oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) have been used for many purposes including water treatment, health, cosmetics, electronics, food packaging, and even food products. As their applications continue to expand, concerns have been mounting about the environmental fate and potential health risks of the nanoparticles in the environment. Based on the latest information, this review provides an overview of the factors that affect the fate, transformation and toxicity of MNPs. Emphasis is placed on the effects of various aquatic contaminants under various environmental conditions on the transformation of metal oxides and their transport kinetics - both in homogeneous and heterogeneous systems - and the effects of contaminants on the toxicity of MNPs. The presence of existing contaminants decreases bioavailability through hetero-aggregation, sorption, and/or complexation upon an interaction with MNPs. Contaminants also influence the fate and transport of MNPs and exhibit their synergistic toxic effects that contribute to the extent of the toxicity. This review will help regulators, engineers, and scientists in this field to understand the latest development on MNPs, their interactions with aquatic contaminants as well as the environmental dynamics of their fate and transformation. The knowledge gap and future research needs are also identified, and the challenges in assessing the environmental fate and transport of nanoparticles in heterogeneous systems are discussed., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Increased manufacture of TiO 2 nanoproducts has caused concern about the potential toxicity of these products to the environment and in public health. Identification and confirmation of the presence of TiO 2 nanoparticles derived from consumer products as opposed to industrial TiO 2 NPs warrant examination in exploring the significance of their release and resultant impacts on the environment. To this end, we examined the significance of the release of these particles and their toxic effect on the marine diatom algae Thalassiosira pseudonana. Our results indicate that nano-TiO 2 sunscreen and toothpaste exhibit more toxicity in comparison to industrial TiO 2 and inhibited the growth of the marine diatom T. pseudonana. This inhibition was proportional to the exposure time and concentrations of nano-TiO 2 . Our findings indicate a significant effect, and therefore, further research is warranted in evaluation and assessment of the toxicity of modified nano-TiO 2 derived from consumer products and their physicochemical properties.

Many consumer products containing ZnO have raised concern for safety in regard to environmental impact and the public health. Widely used sunscreens for protecting against UV and avoiding sunburns represent a great exposure to nano-ZnO, one of the ingredients commonly applied in sunscreens. Applying nanoproducts on beaches may release nanoparticles unintentionally into the ocean. Despite the accumulation of such nanoproducts in the ocean harming or being detrimental to critical marine organisms, few studies have investigated the release and potential toxicity of nanoparticles extracted from products and compared them with those from industrial-type nanoparticles. Results show that the cytotoxicity of both industrial- and sunscreen-derived nano-ZnO to the marine diatom algae, Thalassiosira pseudonana, increased as exposure increases over time, as measured by growth inhibition (%) of the algae at a constant concentration of nano-ZnO (10 mg/L). The extent of toxicity appeared to be higher from industrial-type nano-ZnO compared with sunscreen-extracted nano-ZnO, though the extent becomes similar when concentrations increase to 50 mg/L. On the other hand, at a fixed exposure time of 48 h, the cytotoxicity increases as concentrations increase with the higher toxicity shown from the industrial-type compared with sunscreen-induced nano-ZnO. Results indicate that while industrial-type nano-ZnO shows higher toxicity than sunscreen-derived nano-ZnO, the release and extent of toxicity from nano-ZnO extracted from sunscreen are not trivial and should be monitored for the development of safe manufacturing of nanomaterials-induced products.

In this work, a rigorous study is presented for the problem associated with a circular inclusion embedded in an infinite matrix in finite plane elastostatics where both the inclusion and matrix are comprised a harmonic material. The inclusion/matrix boundary is treated as a circumferentially inhomogeneous imperfect interface that is described by a linear spring-type imperfect interface model where in the tangential direction, the interface parameter is infinite in magnitude and in the normal direction, the interface parameter is finite in magnitude (the so-called non-slip interface condition). Through the repeated use of the technique of analytic continuation, the boundary value problem for four analytic functions is reduced to solve a single first-order linear ordinary differential equation with variable coefficients for a single analytic function defined within the inclusion. The unknown coefficients of said function are then found via various analyticity requirements. The method is illustrated, using a specific example of a particular class of inhomogeneous non-slip imperfect interface. The results from these calculations are then contrasted with the results from the homogeneous imperfect interface. These comparisons indicate that the circumferential variation of interface damage has a pronounced effect on the average boundary stress.

The production of nanomaterials (NMs) is expected to grow continuously, yet their transformation, transport, release mechanisms, and interactions with contaminants under environmental conditions remain poorly understood. Few studies have investigated the effects of contaminants on fate and transport of NMs, especially siloxanes that are widely found in products. It is hypothesized that the model contaminant, siloxane ( e.g. , 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDS)) may influence the mechanisms and transport kinetics of NMs under different release pathways. Sand column experiments were carried out under two different scenarios: the release from a mixed TMDS and nano-ZnO suspension (A) and the release of nano-ZnO from sand contaminated with TMDS (B). Results show that interparticle reactions are dominant in (A) and particle-porous interactions are responsible for blocking effects governing in (B). Insights, especially the kinetics of nano-ZnO from co-transport by a contaminant and from porous media preloaded with a contaminant, and environmental factors affecting the release and retention of nano-ZnO in saturated sand are unveiled. These two dominant transport mechanisms ( e.g. , interparticle reactions and blocking effects) were derived. This study indicates that the release of ZnO NPs is influenced by the presence of TMDS; the extent of mobility and their transport pathways depend on the pre-existence of TMDS in porous media.

Sludge generation during wastewater treatment is inevitable even with proper management and treatment. Yet proper handling and disposal of sludge are still challenging in terms of treatment cost, presence of recalcitrant contaminants of concern, sanitary issues, and public acceptance. Conventional disposal methods (i.e. landfilling, incineration) have created concerns in terms of legislative restrictions and community perception, incentivizing consideration of substitute sludge management options. Furthermore, with proper treatment, biosolids from sludge, rich in organic materials and nutrients, could be utilizable as fertilizer. Despite the challenges of dealing with sludge, no review has dealt with integrated source reduction and reuse as the best sustainable management practices for sludge treatment. In this review, we present two main approaches as potentially sustainable controls: (i) pretreatment for minimizing extensive sludge treatment, and (ii) recycling and reuse of residual sludge. Drawing on these approaches, we also suggest strategies for efficient pretreatment mechanisms and residual reuse, presenting ideas for prospective future research., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Global water shortages due to droughts and population growth have created increasing interest in water reuse and recycling and, concomitantly, development of effective water treatment processes. Pressured membrane processes, in particular reverse osmosis, have been adopted in water treatment industries and utilities despite the relatively high operational cost and energy consumption. However, emerging contaminants are present in reverse osmosis concentrate in higher concentrations than in the feed water, and have created challenges for treatment of the concentrate. Further, standards and guidelines for assessment and treatment of newly identified contaminants are currently lacking. Research is needed regarding the treatment and disposal of emerging contaminants of concern in reverse osmosis concentrate, in order to develop cost-effective methods for minimizing potential impacts on public health and the environment. This paper reviews treatment options for concentrate from membrane processes. Barriers to emerging treatment options are discussed and novel treatment processes are evaluated based on a literature review., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A review of the current literature is presented regarding the surgical management of full thickness rectal prolapse, comparing laparoscopic rectopexy with open abdominal operations and perineal procedures. Outcome measures include length of stay, short- and long-term outcomes and financial burdens. Current evidence suggests that laparoscopic rectopexy as treatment for full thickness rectal prolapse is a safe alternative to the other options.

Objectives: Determine the influence of age and sex and describe normative data on field expedient tests associated with power, balance, trunk stability, mobility, and functional movement in a military population., Methods: Participants (n = 247) completed a series of clinical and functional tests, including closed-chain ankle dorsiflexion (DF), Functional Movement Screen (FMS), Y-Balance Test Lower Quarter (YBT-LQ), Y-Balance Test Upper Quarter (YBT-UQ), single leg vertical jump (SLVJ), 6-m timed hop (6-m timed), and triple hop. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Analysis of variance tests were performed to compare the results based on sex and age (<30 years, >30 years)., Results: Service members demonstrated DF of 34.2 ± 6.1°, FMS composite score of 16.2 ± 2.2, YBT-LQ normalized composite score of 96.9 ± 8.6%, YBT-UQ normalized composite score of 87.6 ± 9.6%, SLVJ of 26.9 ± 8.6 cm, 6-m hop of 2.4 ± 0.5 seconds, and a triple hop of 390.9 ± 110.8 cm. Men performed greater than women (p < 0.05) on the YBT-LQ, YBT-UQ, SLVJ, 6-m timed, and triple hop. Those <30 years of age performed better than older participants (p < 0.05) on the DF, FMS, YBT-LQ, SLVJ, 6-m hop, and triple hop., Conclusions: Findings provide normative data on military members. Men performed better on power, balance, and trunk stability tests, whereas younger individuals performed better on power, balance, mobility, and functional movement., (Reprint & Copyright © 2014 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.)

Background: Locoregional recurrence of colonic cancer includes anastomotic recurrence, associated nodal masses, masses that involve the abdominal wall and pelvic masses. The aim of this study was to report the outcome of resection of such recurrences and to provide guidance on the management of this disease., Methods: Patients were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Data were obtained on demographics, surgical procedure, morbidity, histopathology and outcome. Univariable and multivariable analyses of factors influencing survival were performed using stepwise Cox logistic regression., Results: Forty-two patients (21 men; median age 61 (range 41-82) years) underwent resection of recurrent colonic cancer between 2003 and 2011. The median interval between resection of the primary and recurrent colonic tumour was 37·5 (interquartile range 7-91) months. The recurrences developed at the previous anastomosis (9 patients), elsewhere within the abdominal cavity or wall (8) and as discrete masses within the pelvic cavity (25). Eighteen of 42 patients underwent resection of hepatic or pulmonary metastases at some stage after resection of the primary tumour. Median survival was 29 months after R0 resection and 26 months after R1 resection of the recurrent tumour (P = 0·226). The survival benefit depended on the location of the recurrence (median survival after resection of recurrent disease: anastomotic 33 months, pelvic 26 months, abdominal 19 months; P = 0·010)., Conclusion: This study described a classification system, management algorithm and prognostic factors for recurrent colonic cancer. The distribution of disease influenced survival. Long-term survival was achieved, including a subset of patients with drop metastases and/or previous metastasectomy., (© 2013 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: There has been a steady increase in the number of centres that carry out resection of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). The aim of this review was to highlight the present management and suggest technical strategies that may improve survival and quality of life., Method: The review identified relevant studies from an electronic search of MEDLINE and PubMed databases between 1980 and 2011. References in published articles were also reviewed., Results: Surgical intervention offers the best hope to control LRRC but the proportion of patients offered this remains small. Certain contraindications previously considered to be absolute should now be thought of as relative., Conclusion: Awareness of the surgical options and a willingness to consider more aggressive options may result in more patients being considered for potentially curative resection., (© 2012 The Authors. Colorectal Disease © 2012 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Background: Locally recurrent rectal cancer relapses in the pelvis in up to 60 per cent of patients following resection. This study assessed the surgical and oncological outcomes of patients who underwent surgery for re-recurrent rectal cancer., Methods: Patients who underwent second-time resection of locally recurrent rectal cancer between 2001 and 2010 were eligible for inclusion. Data were collected on demographics, presentation of disease, preoperative staging imaging, adjuvant therapy, operative detail, histopathology and follow-up status (clinical and imaging) for the primary tumour, and first and second recurrences., Results: Thirty patients (of 56 discussed at the multidisciplinary meeting) underwent resection of re-recurrent rectal cancer. Postoperative morbidity occurred in nine patients but none died within 30 days. Negative resection margins (R0) were achieved in ten patients, microscopic margin positivity (R1) was evident in 15 and macroscopic involvement (R2) was found in five. Although no patient had distant metastatic disease, 22 had involvement of the pelvic side wall. One- and 3-year overall survival rates were 77 and 27 per cent respectively, with a median overall survival of 23 (range 3-78) months. An R0 resection conferred a survival benefit (median survival 32 (11-78) months versus 19 (6-33) months after R1 and 7 (3-10) months after R2 resection)., Conclusion: Surgical resection of re-recurrent rectal cancer had comparable surgical and oncological outcomes to initial recurrences in well selected patients., (Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Aim: The study aimed to determine current UK practice in the management of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC)., Method: An electronic based survey was sent to UK based Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland members to establish current management in this patient group. A total of 188 questionnaires were sent out to consultant surgeons in a total of 105 colorectal units., Results: Seventy-nine consultants from 69 units responded, giving an overall response rate from consultants of 42% and from colorectal units of 66%. In all, 688 patients were managed by multidisciplinary teams in the 12 months prior to the survey. Seventy-four (94% of responders) surgeons had experience of operating on patients with LRRC. Fifty-nine (74.6%) operated on one to three per year and four (5%) operated on more than 10 patients per year. Central and anterior recurrences were most commonly undertaken locally, with most complex recurrences being referred to a tertiary centre. Forty-seven (61%) surgeons worked to an algorithm., Conclusion: A small number of specialist units in the UK manage the full spectrum of LRRC but the majority of patients are managed in small volume centres. The survey provides a snapshot of current activity in the UK and may provide a stimulus for discussion about how to expand and improve the care of a technically challenging group of patients., (© 2012 The Authors. Colorectal Disease © 2012 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Aim: The study investigated whether experience gained during a UK laparoscopic colorectal fellowship enabled the fellow subsequently to train consultant colleagues in laparoscopic surgery., Method: In one unit a newly appointed post-laparoscopic fellowship consultant (PFC) mentored his other two colleagues. Prospectively collected data regarding surgical outcome were compared with those of the year preceding the PFC appointment., Results: In the preceding year 18.5% of 260 resections were attempted laparoscopically. This increased to 92.6% (of 270) in the year after (P < 0.0001). Respective conversion rates were 4.2% and 8.4% (P = 0.5524). In the first 6 months after PFC appointment, mentored consultants performed 23 supervised cases. In the second 6 months they carried out 58 procedures independently and trainees performed 38 supervised cases. There was no significant difference in anastomotic leakage and readmission and 30-day mortality rates between the pre- and post-PFC periods., Conclusion: A laparoscopic fellowship enables the PFC to mentor consultant colleagues safely and effectively., (© 2011 The Authors. Colorectal Disease © 2011 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Background: Several new techniques have been described for the management of anal fistulas. The anal fistula plug has received much attention. The button plug adaptation has been heralded for use in rectovaginal and ileal pouch-vaginal fistulas., Objective: The aim of this study was to report the long-term efficacy of the button plug in patients with such fistulas., Design: All women with ileal pouch-vaginal and rectovaginal fistulas secondary to Crohn's disease who underwent insertion of a novel button fistula plug between May 2008 and November 2009 were prospectively evaluated., Results: At long-term follow up of a median of 118 (interquartile range, 81.5-129.0) weeks, none of the 11 patients (0%) with ileal pouch-vaginal fistulas were considered to have healed, whereas 4 of the 9 patients (44%) with rectovaginal fistulas had healed. Each of these 4 patients whose treatment was successful were nonsmokers with an etiology of Crohn's disease and achieved complete closure of the fistula tract after one procedure, and none had been defunctioned. All repeat procedures failed., Conclusion: The button fistula plug may be an option for patients with Crohn's-related rectovaginal fistulas, albeit with the caveat of advising patients of a less than 50% success rate, but not for patients with ileal pouch-vaginal fistulas. Repeat attempts cannot be justified.

Novel indole-3-heterocycles were designed and synthesized and found to be potent CB1 receptor agonists. Starting from a microsomally unstable lead 1, a bioisostere approach replacing a piperazine amide was undertaken. This was found to be a good strategy for improving stability both in vitro and in vivo. This led to the discovery of 24, which had an increased duration of action in the mouse tail flick test in comparison to the lead 1., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To assess accuracy of CT colonography (CTC) in identifying synchronous lesions in patients with colorectal carcinoma., Methods: This study included 174 consecutive patients undergoing CTC as part of staging or primary investigation where a colorectal cancer was diagnosed between 2004 and 2007. Prone unenhanced and portal phase enhanced supine series with air or CO(2) distension were acquired using 4- or 16-slice CT (Toshiba) and read by 2D +/- 3D formats. Synchronous lesions were classified according to American College of Radiology's (ACR) polyp classification. Segmental gold standard was flexible sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy within 1 year and/or histology of colonic resection supplemented by follow-up. Nine patients without gold standard were excluded. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated on a per polyp, per patient and per segment basis and discrepancies analysed., Results: Direct comparable data were available for 764/990 colonic segments from 165 patients. Of 41 (C2-C4) synchronous lesions on "gold standard", 33 were correctly identified on virtual colonoscopy (VC), overall per polyp sensitivity was 80.5%, with detection rates of 20/24 C3 (83.3%) and 3/3 C4 (100%) with per patient and per segment specificity of 95.4% and 99.2%, respectively., Conclusion: CTC is an accurate technique to assess for significant synchronous lesions in patients with colorectal cancer and is applicable for total pre-operative colonic visualisation.

Introduction: Trials investigating colorectal cancer (CRC) chemoprophylaxis with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors have been discontinued because of adverse cardiovascular effects. Nevertheless, identification of patients where beneficial, chemo-prophylactic effects of COX-2 inhibitors outweigh side-effects may be possible; this study aimed to investigate whether such patient groups might exist., Method: The COX-2 status of viable epithelial and inflammatory cells in freshly disaggregated CRC and paired normal colonic samples was assessed by three-colour flow cytometry., Results: 21/31 (67.7%) CRCs expressed COX-2, with inflammatory cells positive in 19/31 (61.3%), epithelial cells in 12/31 (38.7%), and both positive in 10/31 (32.3%). 25/30 (83.33%) normal samples expressed COX-2, with epithelial cells positive in 18/30 (60%), inflammatory cells in 15/30 (50%) and both positive in 10/30 (33.3%). Strength of expression by CRC and normal was similar. More advanced cancers had higher expression rates (COX-2 in 12/13 (92.3%) with nodal disease vs 9/17 (52.9%) node-negative; P = 0.04)., Conclusion: Investigation of ex-vivo CRC cells by flow cytometry demonstrated COX-2 expression rates comparable to that previously reported. However, expression by paired live normal colon was significantly greater, suggesting that COX-2 may be expressed at higher rates in normal colonic cells in patients with CRC. Patients identified at resection as expressing COX-2 in normal colon may benefit from Coxib chemo-prophylaxis, thus potentially offering a refined approach to that adopted in the VICTOR trial.

The title compound, C23H23NO2SSi, at 100 K adopts a boat conformation which brings the C-H bond of an axial phenyl substituent into proximity [C...N = 3.376 (1) A] with the aziridine lone pair. The factors which favour this conformation for bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane systems are considered.

This article outlines a technique for the fabrication of metal posterior tooth blocks which have tooth-colored facings of acrylic resin or dental porcelain. The technique is applicable for all removable dental restorations but has special applicability for the chronic bruxing patient who has a natural dentition opposing the removable partial denture.

A method has been described to make a second set of complete dentures for a patient. The second set of dentures will reflect relined tissue contours, use of manufactured artificial teeth, and trial-packed, heat-processed denture bases. The new dentures are of equal quality to the original dentures.

This technique can be used to avoid the making of preliminary impressions for complete dentures in patients with abnormally small oral openings. With this method, the patient must have existing dentures, and the border extensions must be adequate to serve as individualized impression trays.

Three methods were used to obtain a ratio of the maxillary to the mandibular anterior teeth, with results of 1.29, 1.30, and 1.31. It can be concluded that a ratio of 1.30 is sufficient to determine the approximate width of the six maxillary anterior teeth when given the size of the mandibular natural anterior teeth. This ratio should be valid to select a maxillary denture mold of sufficient width mesiodistally to obtain a Class I canine relationship. However, the ratio may need a slight adjustment to compensate for the intentional disocclusion of the maxillary denture teeth with the natural mandibular teeth. In Fig. 1 the canine to canine measurement of the mandibular anterior teeth was 35 mm; when multiplied by a factor of 1.30, a maxillary measurement of 45.5 mm is obtained. The denture teeth were to be set with approximately 1 mm of horizontal overjet and 1 mm of vertical overlap (Fig. 2), therefore a slightly larger mold of 48.5 mm was chosen (Fig. 3). This maxillary mold produced a Class I canine relationship (Fig. 4). The 48.5 mm ratio of the chosen maxillary mold to the mandibular measurement of 35 mm yielded a ratio of 1.38. When this ratio of 1.38 is applied, the desired prosthetic mold is not always available. There is a range of acceptability above and below the desired ratio.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The posterior maxillary osteotomy is a versatile and useful treatment alternative for a variety of dentofacial conditions. Its place in the management of bilateral distal-extension removable partial denture construction has been described along with a report of treatment of a patient.

A technique has been described for the fabrication of full coverage restorations for existing removable partial dentures. This method requires that the patient be deprived of the removable prosthesis during the fabrication of the fixed replacement unit. Clearly, this may not always be possible or desirable, however, when it is possible, the end result outweighs the inconvenience to the patient.

All patients have loose nonkeratinized unattached mucosa in the anterior labial vestibule. The degree of possible distortion varies with each patient and with different recording techniques. Some distortion is possible in all patients. Common errors made when manipulating this tissue during impression procedures for complete dentures have been described. An effort to compensate for the errors in the finished denture will not correct them. Manipulation of the mucolabial fold must be done correctly during the border molding procedure. If not, the only recourse may be to reline the denture, and care should be taken not to repeat the errors.

It was hoped that it might be possible to establish some standard or starting point which could be used by future investigators to judge adequate levels of radiopacity of radiopaque denture-base materials. Aluminum and copper were used to define a suitable radiopacity scale. The scale was represented by two sets of specimens--one of regular outline and uniform thickness, the other of irregular shape and tapering thickness. Radiographs of the chest and abdominal regions of a cadaver were exposed, with the specimens placed on the film side and then on the opposite side of the cadaver. The results showed that it was more difficult to locate the beveled irregular specimens, that there was little difference between the chest and the abdomen with respect to ease of locating the same objects, and that the closer an object is to the film the easier it is to locate. For 95 per cent observability, an object should have a level of radiopacity at least equal to that produced by 0.20 mm. of copper.

This article describes three methods for fabricating stabilized occlusion rims for close interarch spaces. To utilize these methods, the dentist must anticipate the lack of space and request that the rims be fabricated by one of the methods outlined prior to the maxillomandibular relations appointment.

The average width of a natural maxillary central incisor is 8.92 mm. This value is determined from the results of three studies of natural dentitions. The average width of a mandibular central incisor is 5.5 mm. The average ratio produced by dividing the average maxillary central incisor width by the average mandibular incisor width is 1.62. The factor of 1.5 times the width of a mandibular central incisor produces a maxillary central incisor width that is too narrow. The width of a mandibular central incisor plus half the width of the mandibular lateral incisor also produces a maxillary central incisor width that is too narrow. There may be a tendency to undersize the maxillary prosthetic dentition. The ratio of 1.62 can be used to select the appropriate width for a missing maxillary central incisor when given the width of the mandibular central incisor. This ratio of 1.62 is also valuable to verify the dimension of a selected artificial maxillary central incisor when the patient complains that the tooth is too large. If substitutions or adjustments are made in the mold, the desired canine-to-canine measurement produced by the ratio range of 1.3 to 1.38 reported in Parts I and II of this study should be maintained.