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The load capacity and static stiffness of the existing air hydrostatic guideways are relatively low, and the static performance of the air film is degraded when external forces are increased during the process. Therefore, this study considered an aerostatic guideway of an ultra-precision micromachine tool as the research object. Singleand double-row orifice structures were designed on the guideway, and linear, extended, and X-shaped pressureequalizing groove (PEG) structures with rectangular cross-sections were designed on the working surface of the guideway. By establishing a computational fluid dynamics model of the guideway air film, the pressure contour was obtained through simulation, and finally, the advantages of the double-row orifice structure were determined. Then, the influences of the structure, width, and depth of PEG and the diameter and number of orifices on the load capacity, stiffness, and air consumption were studied, which provided a theoretical basis for improving the load performance of the aerostatic guideway. The results showed that the design of the PEG effectively improved the load performance but increased the air consumption. The extended PEG exhibited the best load performance. When the eccentricity was large, the width of the PEG moderately increased, improving the load capacity and stiffness. While increasing the depth only improved the stiffness, it had little effect on the load capacity and air consumption. When the eccentricity was small, the diameter and number of orifices moderately increased. The experimental data were consistent with the simulation results, demonstrating the accuracy of the simulation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This video demonstrates robotic vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) for myomectomy. There are various routes for myomectomy. The vaginal route is preferred for hysterectomy as it eliminates abdominal incisions and is associated with shorter hospital stays, operative time and recovery1 and this can be assumed with myomectomy. However, visualization may be difficult with limited space. Robotic surgery offers enhanced visualization and precision. vNOTES myomectomy is previously described2 however traditional laparoscopic instruments offer limited motion which makes suturing difficult. Robotic vNOTES is used for hysterectomy, sacrocolpopexy and endometriosis resection.3,4,5,6 One study showed that for hysterectomy, there was no difference in operative time, admission length or postoperative pain between robotic and traditional vNOTES. This study proposed that robotic vNOTES was beneficial due to use of wristed instruments.3 Given advantages of vaginal and robotic surgery, the robotic vNOTES myomectomy technique was developed. Academic hospital. Positioning was dorsal lithotomy, steep Trendelenburg. A 28-year-old presented with pain and heavy periods. She had no significant history and had 3 prior vaginal deliveries. Imaging showed an 8cm posterior uterine fibroid and she desired fertility sparing, surgical management. A 3cm posterior colpotomy was made and an Alexis retractor with gel port was placed through the colpotomy. The Da Vinci robot was docked vaginally and myomectomy of an 8cm fibroid was performed. After the fibroid was detached, the myometrium was closed in layers. The robot was undocked and contained morcellation of the fibroid was performed using the ExCITE technique.7 The posterior colpotomy was closed. The patient was discharged home same day with 100cc blood loss. This video shows that robotic vNOTES is a feasible technique for myomectomy. It offers the benefits of minimally invasive vaginal surgery and the detail and precision of robotic surgery while maintaining quick post operative recovery and minimal blood loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, there were more and more studies on the function of inflammation in hypertension. CD68 mainly mediates the activation of cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway and participates in inflammatory responses. It has been studied the function of CD68 and IL-17 in hypertension, but it has not been reported whether it affected hypertension and vascular remodeling when macrophage CD68 expression inhibited. In this study, antisense-CD68 mice were used to study the effect and mechanism of angiotensin II-induced hypertensive vascular remodeling under specific suppression of macrophage CD68. MATERIALS AND METHODS: F ifty 8-weekold male antisense-CD681 and C57 mice were divided into control and experimental group (angiotensin II group, 1000 ng•kg-1•min-1). After infusion of angiotensin II for 28 days, hematoxylineosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to observe the remodel of vascular. The changes of aortic inflammatory factors were detected by Real-time PCR (RTPCR) and Western blotting. RESULTS: By specifically inhibiting the expression of macrophage CD68, macrophage infiltration was mitigated in Ang II-induced hypertensive vascular remodeling model mouse, which also down-regulated the expression of vascular tissue inflammatory factor and activation of vascular smooth muscle cell p65. CONCLUSIONS: CD68 regulates the Ang II-induced hypertensive vascular remodeling through mediating macrophage inflammatory factor release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Melatonin (MT) is a hormone mainly produced by the pineal gland. It may be involved in the regulation of nociception, the mechanisms of which remain unclear. In the present study, electrophysiological effects of MT on neurons were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cultured neurons were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats trigeminal ganglia (TG). The neuron was voltage clamped using the whole cell patch clamp technique. We recorded resting membrane potential, action potential threshold and number, action potential duration and GABA-activated inward currents in the presence of 0.01 μM, 10 μM MT, and in the absence of MT. RESULTS: In the presence of high concentration of MT, the spontaneous action potential disappeared and action potential threshold was significantly increased. GABA-activated inward currents were recorded and blocked by GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline, in the majority of TG neurons (91% 40/44). Continuous perfusion of MT could cause a decrease of GABA-activated currents. The inhibiting effect was dose-dependent and irreversible. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that MT has several electrophysiological effects on TG neurons, which may be involved in the peripheral mechanisms of orofacial pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of LINC00963 in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma and its underlying mechanisms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression level of LINC00963 in 48 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and paracancerous tissues were detected by quantitative Real- time (qRT-PCR). Survival analysis was carried out based on the expression level of LINC00963. The association between the expression level of LINC00963 and clinical characteristics of these subjects was analyzed by x2-test. The proliferation and cell cycle of HCC cells after transfection of LINC00963 overexpression plasmids were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULTS: The expression level of LINC00963 in HCC tissues was remarkably higher than that in paracancerous tissues, indicating a potential diagnostic significance of LINC00963. The progression- free survival of HCC patients suggested that the expression level of LINC00963 was remarkably associated with the tumor size and TNM stage, but not with age, gender, histological type and lymph node metastasis. Overexpression of LINC00963 significantly enhanced the proliferation ability of HepG2 and HCC cells and prolonged their G0/G1 phase. Furthermore, the PI3K/AKT expression was increased after overexpression of LINC00963, while AKT siRNA effectively reversed the prolonged G0/G1 phase caused by LINC00963 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: Our data revealed that LINC00963 was upregulated in HCC, which significantly extended the G0/G1 phase of HCC cells by activating PI3K/AKT pathway and promoting the proliferative ability of HCC cells. LINC00963 may be involved in the HCC development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To demonstrate safe identification of ureters in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis or severe adhesive disease using indocyanine green under near-infrared fluorescence on the robotic platform. Stepwise demonstration using narrated video footage. An academic tertiary care hospital. A 43-year-old G0 with stage IV endometriosis presented with chronic pelvic pain. Her surgical history is notable for two aborted hysterectomies due to severe adhesive disease, despite extensive lysis of adhesions. She desired surgical intervention. In cases of stage IV endometriosis, localizing the ureters can be challenging due to severe adhesive disease, surrounding fibrotic tissue, and distorted anatomy. Intravenous indocyanine green has previously been described to assist with resection of endometriosis.1-3 Alternatively, we describe a technique that allows for easier identification of ureters using indocyanine green (ICG) injection retrogradely in ureteral stents while visualized under near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF).4-5 1. Perform cystoscopy and place bilateral open-ended 5-French ureteral catheters. Inject indocyanine green retrogradely in each ureteral catheter, and place caps to seal the catheters to maximize ICG retention. 2. Once robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery is started, use NIRF to identify the ureter. The ureter will emit green fluorescence, whereas the surrounding tissue will not. 3. Once the ureter is identified, NIRF is intermittently used to safely follow the course of the ureter and perform ureterolysis, while excising endometriosis. The patient underwent robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, bilateral ureterolysis, low anterior bowel resection with primary anastomosis, and resection of endometriosis without intraoperative complications or ureteral injury. Her postoperative course was unremarkable. At her 3-week postoperative visit, pelvic pain had completely resolved. This case demonstrates the use of intra-ureteral ICG and NIRF to identify the ureters and perform ureterolysis in cases of deep infiltrative endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demonstrate tips for successful execution of robotic-assisted resection of large bladder trigone endometriosis nodule while preserving the ureters. Stepwise demonstration with narrated video footage. An academic-tertiary-care hospital. 36-year-old G0 with symptomatic full-thickness ill-defined nodule located in the posterior wall and trigone of the urinary bladder with anterior cul-de-sac endometriosis. Cystoscopy was first performed, and large mid-trigonal endometriosis nodule was noted to be extending within millimeters of the ureteral orifices. Bilateral ureteral orifices were identified, and double-J ureteral stents were sequentially guided up to the kidneys. The robotic instruments were docked, and inspection of the pelvic space conducted. The peritoneum lateral to the bladder bilaterally was incised to better define the edges of the bladder. Bilateral distal ureters were dissected out circumferentially and the dissection was carried distally. Flexible cystoscopy with Firefly technology was then utilized to define precise location and extent of the trigonal nodule in effort to minimize removal of uninvolved bladder tissue and preserve ureters. Using cystoscopic-guidance, the dissection was first carried through the serosal and muscular layers, and once the circumference of the nodule had been defined, we proceeded with the mucosal layer. The bladder lumen was entered, and the nodule meticulously excised to avoid injury to the intramural ureters as the dissection was carried distally. Bilateral ureters were preserved despite the close proximity to ureteral orifices and also maintain enough bladder tissue for bladder closure. Once resection was completed, running 3-0 V-loc sutures were utilized in 2-layer closure. Patient was discharged in one-day with Foley catheter and ureteral stents with minimal pain. Cystogram at 10 days postop was negative for leak and Foley catheter was removed. Robotic-assisted resection of bladder trigone endometriosis with cystoscopic guidance offers the most precise and delicate dissection of large bladder trigone endometriosis nodules, thus providing optimal bladder trigone and ureteral preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To demonstrate stepwise techniques for the successful use of the robotic-assisted transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopy surgery high uterosacral ligament suspension (RvNOTES-HUS) technique for pelvic organ prolapse with and without uterine preservation. Stepwise demonstration with narrated video footage (Canadian Task Force classification III). An academic tertiary care hospital. Case 1: 62-year-old G0P0 with a symptomatic stage Ⅱ anterior vaginal prolapse and Stage Ⅱ uterine prolapse. Preoperative vaginal length was measured at 9cm. Case 2: 42-year-old G3P2 with a symptomatic fibroid uterus with stage Ⅱ anterior vaginal prolapse and Stage Ⅱ uterine prolapse. Preoperative vaginal length was measured at 8cm. Since the approval of the robotic platforms in gynecologic surgery by the Food and Drug Administration in 20051, robotic assisted surgery has been proliferating in the treatment of benign gynecological diseases including sacrocolpopexy, hysterectomy, myomectomy and endometriosis resection2-5. In recent years, publications have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of traditional laparoscopic assisted high uterosacral ligament suspension for pelvic organ prolapse with long term follow up6-8. However, robotic assisted RvNOTES-HUS has yet to be investigated in a publication. Utilizing the RvNOTES-HUS technique with or without uterine preservation operations greatly reduces the difficulty of intraperitoneal suture for the surgeon and postoperative pain for the patient. Case 1: Procedure was successfully performed with a postoperative vaginal length of 8cm. Pain level was 4/10 in the first week, 2/10 in the second, 0/10 in the third. POP was stage 0. Case 2: Procedure was successfully performed with a postoperative vaginal length of 7cm. She had one day of post-operative pain. POP was stage 0. RvNOTES-HUS is a practical technique in women with uterine prolapse while choosing whether to preserve the uterus. This technique allows for the better exposure of the ureter, while the articulating robotic joints allow for increased precision of dissection and suturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To demonstrate novel techniques for the proper utilization of the Robotic assisted transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopy Surgery (NOTES) technique for safely surgical managing deeply infiltrated endometriosis (DIE) Stepwise demonstration with narrated video footage. An academic tertiary care hospital. A 38-year-old G3P3, NSVDx1 and CSx1 for twin pregnancy with severe chronic pelvic pain. Previous history of laparoscopic ablation of endometriosis 10 years ago. Adenomyosis, deeply infiltrated endometriosis and intrapelvic adhesions was demonstrated on the MRI. Robotic transvaginal NOTES hysterectomy has been demonstrated to be feasible and safe in the surgical management of benign gynecology disease compared to traditional NOTES hysterectomy; however, it can be technically challenging to perform, particularly in managing of additional deep infiltrated endometriosis removal surgery after hysterectomy. The research indicates that robotic vNOTES surgeries are feasible in complex benign gynecologic procedures such as endometriosis and sacrocolpopexy. The robotic wristed instruments with 3-D visualization resulting in delicate tissue dissection and uncomplicated suturing and knot typing, are constructive to surgeons for overcoming the cumbersome surgical techniques in transvaginal NOTES complete endometriosis removal. Integration of robotic transvaginal single site surgery and resection of DIE is an innovative alternative minimally invasive route that is more cosmetic and less pain. The procedure was successfully completed in approximately 200 minutes with an unevenly postoperative recovery. Patient was discharge home same day. Her pain level was 7/10 in first week, 5/10 in second week, 2/10 in third week. Pathology confirmation of adenomyosis, right ureteral, right uterine artery pedicle and rectal endometriosis involving muscularis propria. Robotic transvaginal NOTES for deeply invasive endometriosis is challenging but feasible in patients with parametrial and rectal involvement. The advantage of articulating instrumentation and 3-D visualization are especially pivotal in complex transvaginal NOTES surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To demonstrate tips and tricks for the successful use of single site laparoscopic surgery for myomectomy during pregnancy. Stepwise demonstration with narrated video footage. An academic tertiary care hospital. Our patient is a 39-year-old G1P0 with a symptomatic 12cm degenerating pedunculated fibroid refractory to conservative pain management. Recent literature has indicated that the majority of laparotomic myomectomies performed during pregnancy showed overall positive pregnancy outcomes and low complications. This indicates that myomectomy in pregnancy is safe and can be utilized in cases unresponsive to conservative management. However, cases in literature discussing the single-site techniques for laparoscopic myomectomy during pregnancy has been sparse. Utilizing laparoscopy in myomectomy during pregnancy, permits decreased postoperative pain, quicker recovery, and lowered risk of post-operative complications. Single site laparoscopic surgery also aids in improved patient cosmesis and can be utilized for the fibroid removal. Literature has demonstrated that laparoscopic single site is safe and feasible during all stages of pregnancy. Nevertheless, this approach may be challenging for unexperienced surgeons due to the lack of triangulation and crowding of instruments in single site laparotomy. Tips and Tricks: 1. Utilizing the open-Hasson-technique 2. Placing a suture in the fibroid stalk 3. Surgeon possessing expertise in single site surgery 4. Minimizing manipulation of the uterus 5. V-loc sutures 6. Placement of a 5 mm accessory port 7. Using gentle traction 8. Leaving a stump of more than 1 cm. The estimated blood loss was 50cc and the total operative time was 123 minutes. She had an unremarkable postoperative course, no medications were needed for pain management, and was discharged home on post-operative day 2. At 38 weeks, she successive delivered with elective cesarean delivery with no complications. Single incision laparoscopic surgery myomectomy is a practical technique in women refractive to conservative management. When performed by an experienced surgeon the patient can benefit from faster specimen removal and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To demonstrate stepwise techniques for the successful utilization of the single-site technique for safely performing transvaginal sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse. Stepwise demonstration with narrated video footage. An academic tertiary care hospital. The patient is a 69-year-old G2P2002 with a history of SVD x2 who presented with symptomatic stage II anterior vaginal prolapse (Aa +1) and stage II posterior vaginal prolapse (Ap -1). The preoperative vaginal length was measured at 9 cm. Laparoscopic transvaginal single-site sacrocolpopexy has been demonstrated to be feasible and safe in the surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse. However, retroperitoneal dissection or suturing/knot tying can be technically challenging to perform, especially in the event of an anatomical variation of a deeply angled S1 vertebra. Wristed robotic instrumentation may overcome some of these obstacles and result in easier suturing and knot tying. Integration of a robotic platform for sacrocolpopexy is a novel alternative minimally invasive approach that is more cosmetic, safer and effective. The procedure was successfully performed in approximately 227 minutes with a measured postoperative vaginal length of 7 cm. The patient's postoperative pelvic organ prolapse quantification was stage 0. Robotic-assisted transvaginal single-site sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse is feasible, effective, and safe in patients with pelvic organ prolapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wave drag reduction is important for the aerodynamic performance optimisation of supersonic cruise aircrafts, such as the supersonic civil transport and the supersonic cruise missile. In this paper a method of the supersonic wing-body wave drag optimisation, the wave drag co-optimisation based on far-field composite elements (CoFCE), is proposed based on class-shape-transformation (CST) parameterisation. Wave drag optimisation cases of a supersonic civil transport wing-body are presented, including the optimisation results and computation cost analyses. It is suggested that the supersonic wing-body wave drag can be significantly reduced by the proposed method with relatively small numbers of design parameter. In the optimisation case presented in this paper a 45% wave drag reduction is achieved. The wave drag optimised configuration also achieved significant lift to drag ratio improvements in small angles-of-attack supersonic cruise flight conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify the impact of diabetes on the final outcome (length of hospital stay and development of complications) in patients with severe multispace infections in the head and neck. Furthermore, it intends to characterize significant clinical features of these patients compared with nondiabetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 117 patients who received treatment for multispace infections of the head and neck region from 2007 through 2010 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Ninth Hospital. The study identified diabetic patients and compared them with nondiabetic patients. Demographics, etiology of infection, clinical parameters (time from first onset of symptoms to hospital admission, number of spaces affected, and distribution of involved spaces), and laboratory values (bacteriology, admission blood glucose level, admission white blood cell count, and percentage of neutrophils on admission) were analyzed for clinical significance. Statistical analyses of the results between groups were performed using the Student t test, [chi](2) test, variance analysis, logistic regression analysis, and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Admission blood glucose level was the only factor influencing the complications in multispace infections in the oral-maxillofacial region. Compared with nondiabetic patients, diabetics had infections that involved more spaces, longer hospital stays, and more frequent complications. Some diabetic patients died. The disease status (with or without diabetes) was associated with clinical outcomes (length of hospital stay and complications) in the therapy procedures. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies uncontrolled diabetes mellitus as an important indicator of clinical features and outcomes in treating multispace infections of the oral-maxillofacial region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of 2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid (ethephon) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the production of aroma volatile compounds, aroma-related enzyme activities, and the rate of respiration were investigated in two cultivars of oriental sweet melon [Cucumis melo var. makuwa Makino 'Caihong 7' (highly aromatic) and 'Tianbao' (less aromatic)] during storage at room temperature (approx. 23°C). Ethylene production and the rates of respiration in fruit were enhanced by ethephon treatment, while decreased by 1-MCP. Ethephon advanced the onset of the climacteric peak of ethylene evolution and CO2 production in 'Tianbao' fruit. Moreover, emission of the characteristic aroma compounds identified in both cultivars were dependent on ethylene, showing an increase in response to ethephon treatment, and a strong reduction in response to 1-MCP treatment. Volatile esters predominated in both cultivars, among which acetic esters were the most abundant. Ethephon appeared to result in a preferential regulation of the levels of esters and alcohols in oriental sweet melon. Different levels of esters, alcohols, and aldehydes had a combined effect on the diversity of flavours in both cultivars. Lipoxygenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and alcohol acyltransferase had a combined effect on the content and variety of aroma volatiles measured. The activities of these three enzymes showed positive regulation by ethylene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to discuss the application of mirror imaging and preshaped titanium plates in the treatment of unilateral malar and zygomatic arch fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Four patients with unilateral malar and zygomatic arch fractures were included in this study. All patients underwent preoperative CT scan. CT data were processed with Surgicase. Two 3D skull models were reconstructed using a rapid prototyping device. The first model was the original model obtained from CT scanning; the other model was obtained by mirroring the unaffected side onto the fractured side. Simulation surgery was performed on the first model. For the second model, titanium plates were shaped in advance and a resinous guide plate was created to guide surgical reduction. When using the resinous guide plates, 4 patients' fractures were reduced and fixed with preshaped titanium plates. The pre- and postoperative displacement of zygomatic markers were analyzed in Surgicase. RESULTS: According to the measurement of fracture displacements, the facial asymmetry of all 4 patients was greatly improved at the 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Mirror imaging and preshaped titanium plates are viable choices for the treatment of unilateral malar and zygomatic arch fractures. Combined use of these techniques can improve facial symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, electrochemical emission spectroscopy (EES, commonly referred to as electrochemical noise analysis, ENA) was used to analyze the effect of pressure on corrosion reactions in high-temperature aqueous systems. A model was applied to study the effect of pressure on the corrosion activities (and hence corrosion rate) of metals in high subcritical and supercritical aqueous systems (SCAS), where the corrosion activity is defined as the standard deviation of the noise in the coupling current between two identical specimens. On the basis of previous work under similar conditions, the corrosion activity is postulated to be proportional to the instantaneous corrosion rate. Emphasis is placed on the contributions from activation, system compressibility, and degree of dissociation of aggressive species. Experiments have been performed to estimate those contributions to the pressure dependence of electrochemical corrosion activity of Type 304 (UNS S30400) stainless steel and nickel in 0.01 m deaerated hydrochloric acid (HCI) at 350, 450, and 500°C. The model shows that the contribution to the pressure dependence of the reaction rate from activation is more important in high subcritical systems, while the degree of dissociation is more pronounced for supercritical systems. The study also demonstrates that the volume of activation of electrochemical corrosion of metals is pressuredependent at high subcritical and supercriticalfluid conditions, but that opposite pressure dependencies are observed with the volume of activation increasing with increasing pressure in subcritical systems while that in supercritical systems decreases with increasing pressure. The effect of pressure on the volume of aetivation of the corrosion of Type 304 stainless steel and nickel in 0.01 m HC1 at both subcritical and supercritical temperatures can be explained by the decreasing electrostrictive volume loss as the density (pressure) increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe corrosion damage occurs in high subcritical and supercritical aqueous systems (SCAS), and few materials can with-stand those harsh working conditions. In this study, two corrosion mechanisms, "chemical oxidation" (CO) and "electrochemical oxidation" (EO), have been postulated to describe the corrosion processes in SCAS, depending upon the density and dielectric constant of the systems. Electrochemical emission spectroscopy (EES) is used to differentiate between the two corrosion mechanisms, by postulating that only the electrochemical mechanism gives rise to spontaneous fluctuations in current and potential EES is used to measure the instantaneous electrochernical corrosion activity in SCAS based on the assumption that a proportional relationship exists between the electrochemical current noise and the corrosion current. Experiments on Type 304 (UNS S30400) stainless steel (SS) and titanium in water, 0.01 m hydrochloric acid (HCI), 0.01 m sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and in 0.01 m sodium hydroxide (NaOH) show that the electrochemical mechanism is the dominant corrosion mechanism when the temperature is below 350°C and that it becomes of progressively lower importance as the temperature increases above the critical temperature (Tc = 374.15°C). The energy of activation for electrochemical corrosion of Type 304 SS and titanium in 0.01 m HCI is estimated and the result shows that titanium is more corrosion-resistant than Type 304 SS at high subcritical temperatures. In addition, the dynamic polarization study performed on Type 304 SS and titanium also suggests that titanium is more corrosion resistant in 0.01 m HCI at supercritical temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe techniques for resection of a cornual heterotopic pregnancy. Demonstration of surgical technique with narrative video footage using two case examples. Academic medical center. A case of an 8-week cornual heterotopic pregnancy with successful delivery of the intrauterine pregnancy and a case of a cornual ectopic at 10 weeks. We demonstrate the use of a "purse string" technique using robotic assisted single incision laparoscopy to resect a cornual heterotopic with minimal blood loss using a 2-0 V-lock suture. Additionally, we review this similar technique with traditional single-site laparoscopic surgery. Resection of a cornual heterotopic pregnancy can be successful done using a "purse string" technique. This technique allows for minimal blood loss as well as minimal entry into the myometrium, which allows for minimal manipulation of the concurrent intrauterine pregnancy. Resection of cornual heterotopic pregnancy can be done using a "purse-string" surgical technique. This technique allows for minimal blood loss in cases where additional techniques for hemostasis cannot be used, such as injection of vasopressin and uterine artery ligation. We also demonstrate that this technique can be successful completed using either traditional or robotic assisted single incision laparoscopic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To demonstrate a novel "in-bag" ovarian cystectomy technique for a large adnexal mass in pregnancy. Stepwise demonstration with narrated video. An academic tertiary care hospital. The patient is a 26-year-old G1P0 at 7 weeks and 3 days gestation who presented to the ED with persistent left pelvic pain and diagnosed with a 16 × 10 × 12 cm dermoid cyst. She re-presented at 16 weeks and 3 days gestation with worsening pelvic pain and decision was made to proceed with surgical intervention. Laparoscopic transumbilical single-site surgery for the surgical management of adnexal masses in pregnancy has been demonstrated to be feasible and safe. However, single-site laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy can be very challenging in pregnancy, especially when the need for suturing arises. Exteriorizing the ovary and cyst after intraperitoneal drainage may allow for extracorporeal suturing that is faster and easier; however, it will increase the probability of spillage of cystic contents if it is not performed in a bag, which can then cause peritonitis in cases of dermoid cysts. A combination of in-bag and extracorporeal ovarian cystectomy is a novel alternative minimally invasive approach that is more cosmetic, safer, and effective. The procedure was successfully performed in approximately 110 minutes, and the fetal heart rate post-procedure was 128bpm via bedside transabdominal ultrasound. Estimated blood loss was 5 mL, and the patient was discharged the same day with an uneventful four-week post-op follow-up. Laparoscopic single site "in-bag" ovarian dermoid cystectomy is feasible, effective, and safe in pregnant patients with a large adnexal mass. This technique results in better stabilization of the ovarian cyst and reduction of cystic content spillage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of robotic assisted transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (R-vNOTES) hysterectomy when compared to traditional vNOTES (T-vNOTES) hysterectomy. A retrospective chart review. An academic tertiary setting. 114 patients with benign gynecologic indication for hysterectomy. T-vNOTES or R-vNOTES hysterectomy performed by a single minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon in the study period. The primary outcome of this study was surgical equivalence, measured principally by total operative time between T-vNOTES and R-vNOTES hysterectomy. Secondary operative outcomes measured included estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, reported postoperative pain levels, and number of conversions. 79 women underwent T-vNOTES hysterectomy and 35 women underwent R-vNOTES hysterectomy without differences in operative time (p =.37), estimated blood loss (p =.27), length of hospital stay (p =.06), or reported postoperative pain levels at weeks 1, 2, and 3 after surgery (p =.78, p =.36, p =.38, respectively). 6 patients underwent conversion in the T-vNOTES hysterectomy group compared to 0 in the R-vNOTES hysterectomy group; however, this was not statistically significantly different, and there were no conversions to laparotomy. Robotic vNOTES hysterectomy is a feasible approach to surgery when compared to traditional vNOTES hysterectomy and warrants further consideration as a skillset in a gynecologic surgeon's toolbox. Wristed instruments may allow surgeons unexperienced in single site laparoscopy to more quickly adopt vNOTES as a new technique when performing hysterectomy through a comparable minimally invasive approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]