American journal of rhinology & allergy
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Am J Rhinol Allergy · Jan 2011
Detection of bacteria in normal adult nasal cavity based on polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis.
This study investigated the bacterial diversity in a normal adult nasal cavity using polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene fragments and compared the results with those of a culture-based method. ⋯ Compared with the previous culture-based method, PCR-DGGE can detect much more diversity of bacteria in the nasal cavity.
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Am J Rhinol Allergy · Jan 2011
Comparative StudyHigh-definition imaging in endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.
The transsphenoidal approach to sellar lesions has evolved enormously since its first description in the early 20th century. Endoscopic surgical strategies have become an integral part of the surgical armamentarium. More recently, high-definition (HD) digital cameras with better image resolution were introduced, although their value for the surgical procedure remains equivocal. The purpose of this study was to compare the image quality of a standard-definition (SD) camera with a new HD camera. ⋯ HD imaging in endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery accounts for significantly better identification of anatomic structures in comparison with SD images. Additionally, the subjective impression of video quality is significantly better in HD. This improved intraoperative orientation by better digital image quality might contribute to reduce the gap in intraoperative visual accuracy between microsurgery and endoscopy in pituitary surgery.