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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Razor blade surgery: use of the Castroviejo blade breaker and holder.

BACKGROUND: To remove skin lesions, many dermatologists use the razor blade which may be manipulated with or without the aid of an instrument. However, the techniques previously described employ the use of an entire razor blade. OBJECTIVE: To outline a technique that is easily performed with better control of the blade and with more precise cutting than by holding the blade by hand. This report reviews the merits of razor blade use in cutaneous surgery as well as the advantages of using the Castroviejo razor blade breaker. METHODS: The method for cutting double-edged razor blades and holding the sections with a Castroviejo blade breaker is described as well as a basic guide for selecting blade size for performing shave biopsies and shave excisions. CONCLUSIONS: Using the Castroviejo razor blade breaker and holder with cut razor blades is safe and allows better control and more precise cutting than using a complete double-edged blade alone.

Biopsy↗
PubMed1994

Occurrence of domoic acid in Washington state razor clams (Siliqua patula) during 1991-1993.

The presence of domoic acid in aquatic species was reported for the first time in the United States in the late summer of 1991 in Monterey Bay, California. By October of 1991, domoic acid was found in razor clams (Siliqua patula) and in the viscera of Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) along the coasts of Washington and Oregon. In response to this outbreak, the National Marine Fisheries Service, in cooperation with the Washington State Department of Fisheries began analysis of Washington State razor clams for the period from November 1991 to June 1993. This survey indicated that domoic acid levels in the edible portion of the razor clams peaked in December of 1991 (average of all Washington state coastal sites: 106 ppm) and followed a slow decline to the present day low levels (< 5 ppm). Sixteen months after the maximum level, domoic acid has not completely disappeared from the razor clams from the Washington State beaches. Unlike mussels (Mytilus edulis), where the toxin is found only in the viscera, domoic acid distributes itself throughout the various body parts of the razor clam. The highest concentration occurs in the foot or "digger" and the lowest in the siphon or "neck." The concentration of domoic acid in the razor clam foot reached a high of 230 ppm.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Rigor development and meat quality of large and small broilers and the use of Allo-Kramer shear, needle puncture, and razor blade shear to measure texture.

In each of 2 trials, 75 female and 75 male broilers of different sizes (large and small) were obtained from a commercial grower and were commercially processed. Breast fillets were deboned at 0.25, 1.5, 3, 6, and 24 h postmortem (total n = 15 per treatment per time point). Muscle pH and L* value were determined for each deboning time. Breast fillets were subjected to texture analysis using Allo-Kramer (10-blade), needle puncture (2 mm diameter), or razor blade shear (8.9 mm wide) methods. Allo-Kramer tests were performed on a strip (40 x 20 x 7 mm); needle puncture and razor blade shear were performed on intact muscles. Body size and sex had no effect on rigor development or color as indicated by no significant difference in breast muscle pH, R-value, or L* value. Allo-Kramer and razor blade tests exhibited significant shear value differences among samples deboned early (<1.5 h) and late (>6 h) PM. Allo-Kramer shear and razor blade tests performed similarly for differentiating breast meat of different toughness though Allo-Kramer shear force and razor blade energy were only moderately correlated (r = 0.72). Although both instrumental tests were performed in the same approximate area on each breast, it is possible that variation within the breast would have caused this marginal correlation. Although further studies would be necessary to compare the performance of both tests for assessing poultry meat toughness, the proposed razor blade test has the advantage of requiring no sample preparation (i.e., cutting a strip of constant dimensions) other than cooking.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Deep shave excision of macular melanocytic nevi with the razor blade biopsy technique.

BACKGROUND: Shave excision is an established surgical method for removing benign skin lesions for cosmetic and functional reasons. Usually superficial shave excision is performed with a common scalpel blade for the removal of papular nevi. However, there is little known about deep shave excision of macular melanocytic nevi with the razor blade technique. OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the cosmetic outcome of deep shave excision of macular melanocytic nevi with the razor blade technique. Moreover, its potency for sufficient removal of these lesions was investigated. METHODS: Within routine skin cancer screening 45 outpatients with a total of 77 macular melanocytic nevi were prospectively recruited. Deep shave excisions of these lesions were performed with a double-edged razor blade followed by chemical hemostasis. Histologically all specimens were processed and evaluated in a routine manner. After 6 months the physician and patients evaluated the shave sites for cosmetic outcome with a score graded from 1 to 4 (1 = excellent; 2 = good; 3 = moderate; 4 = poor). RESULTS: Histologically 88% (68 of 77) of the melanocytic lesions were described as completely excised and 60% (46 of 77) were diagnosed as atypical melanocytic nevi; 12% (9 of 77) of the nevi were incompletely excised on the depth. On average, the deep margin of the specimens (n = 77) was 0.5 mm (range 0-1.8 mm) and the lateral margin was 2 mm (range 0.3-8.2 mm). After 6 months 56 shave sites could be reassessed. We observed mild hypopigmentation in 52% (29 of 56), hyperpigmentation in 32% (18 of 56), and erythema in 23% (13 of 56). Recurrent nevi occurred in 13% (7 of 56). The evaluation of the cosmetic outcome by the patients (mean score 1.7) achieved better results than the evaluation by the physician (mean score 2.5). The cosmetic results showed no significant (P >.05) differences in various anatomic sites. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm that deep razor blade excision presents a highly useful and inexpensive method for the removal of macular melanocytic nevi that yields adequate specimens for pathologic interpretation. We consider that shave excision with the razor blade technique is potentially much less scarring than full-thickness scalpel excisions of nevi. In particular, this is of great significance for patients with multiple nevi, such as dysplastic nevi syndrome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

The razor blade biopsy technique. Introduction of the adaptor-designed shave biopsy instrument.

BACKGROUND: Several years ago, the razor blade was introduced as an alternative device for performing the shave removal and/or biopsy of skin lesions. Though inexpensive and readily available, the razor blade is somewhat cumbersome to use and poses a risk for accidental injury to the practitioner. OBJECTIVE: We describe a modification of the razor blade shave biopsy procedure utilizing an innovative adaptor design. METHODS: A comparison of the adaptor-designed shave biopsy instrument to the standard razor blade device is made. RESULTS: The modifications implemented in the adaptor design serve to enhance the comfort of performing biopsies, minimize accidental injury, help save time, and provide for a more professional appearing way in which to obtain skin specimens. CONCLUSION: The new adaptor design helps to facilitate the safe and effective use of the razor blade in dermatologic practice.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2004

Characterization of a domoic acid binding site from Pacific razor clam.

The Pacific razor clam, Siliqua patula, is known to retain domoic acid, a water-soluble glutamate receptor agonist produced by diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia. The mechanism by which razor clams tolerate high levels of the toxin, domoic acid, in their tissues while still retaining normal nerve function is unknown. In our study, a domoic acid binding site was solubilized from razor clam siphon using a combination of Triton X-100 and digitonin. In a Scatchard analysis using [3H]kainic acid, the partially-purified membrane showed two distinct receptor sites, a high affinity, low capacity site with a KD (mean +/- S.E.) of 28 +/- 9.4 nM and a maximal binding capacity of 12 +/- 3.8 pmol/mg protein and a low affinity, high capacity site with a mM affinity for radiolabeled kainic acid, the latter site which was lost upon solubilization. Competition experiments showed that the rank order potency for competitive ligands in displacing [3H]kainate binding from the membrane-bound receptors was quisqualate > ibotenate > iodowillardiine = AMPA = fluorowillardiine > domoate > kainate > L-glutamate. At high micromolar concentrations, NBQX, NMDA and ATPA showed little or no ability to displace [3H]kainate. In contrast, Scatchard analysis using [3H]glutamate showed linearity, indicating the presence of a single binding site with a KD and Bmax of 500 +/- 50 nM and 14 +/- 0.8 pmol/mg protein, respectively. These results suggest that razor clam siphon contains both a high and low affinity receptor site for kainic acid and may contain more than one subtype of glutamate receptor, thereby allowing the clam to function normally in a marine environment that often contains high concentrations of domoic acid.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[The feasibility of the razor-blade shave technique in the diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant skin lesions on the face].

The razor-blade shave technique uses a slightly-curved classic razor blade to shave and remove the exophytic part of a skin lesion and part of the intradermal structure down to the stratum papillare. It can then be sent for pathology investigations. This treatment is curative for many benign skin conditions. The cosmetic result ofthe razor-blade technique is superior to that of surgical excision. The razor-blade technique is useful as a biopsy instrument in the diagnosis of skin rumours of unknown nature, especially in keratoacanthomas. The technique is very easy and cheap. However, if the skin lesion is a suspected malignant melanoma, traditional surgical excision should be performed. The shave technique is not suitable for malignant skin tumours.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2026

The composition of the periostracum in the razor clam Sinonovacula constricta and the mantle's response to sulfide.

The razor clam Sinonovacula constricta inhabits sulfide-rich intertidal sediments and exhibits remarkable tolerance to this toxicant, yet the role of its periostracum in sulfide adaptation remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the composition and structure of the periostracum proteins, and the response of the mantle to sulfide stress. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that the periostracum is approximately 10&#xa0;&#x3bc;m thick and contains 1.43&#xa0;wt% sulfur, and proteomic analysis further confirmed the presence of organic sulfur (Cys/Met-rich proteins), suggesting its involvement in sulfur deposition. Using LC-MS/MS, we identified 77 high-confidence proteins from the periostracum, which were classified into six functional categories: enzymes, framework proteins, immune-related proteins, calcium ion-related proteins, other proteins, and proteins with unknown functions. Phylogenetic analyses of representative proteins revealed bivalve-specific evolutionary patterns, with several proteins exclusively present in Bivalvia, such as Unknown protein 2 and 7, which possess signal peptides and low-complexity domains. For the sulfide exposure experiment, razor clams were subjected to three Na2S concentrations (0, 10, and 100&#xa0;&#x3bc;M). qPCR analysis showed that, compared with the control group, Chitin-binding protein 3 and Tyrosinase were significantly upregulated in the mantle, peaking in the 100&#xa0;&#x3bc;M group at 48&#xa0;h (5677.84-fold and 157.20-fold, respectively), whereas Collagen and Cadherin 3 were generally suppressed. This study represents one of the most comprehensive proteomic profiles of the razor clam periostracum and highlights the mantle's potential role in sulfide tolerance, offering insights for sulfur-tolerant aquaculture breeding and bioremediation applications.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Camouflage of self-inflicted razor blade incision scars with carbon dioxide laser resurfacing and thin skin grafting.

BACKGROUND: Self-cutting using a razor blade is a type of self-mutilating behavior that leaves permanent and socially unacceptable scars with unique patterns, particularly on the upper extremities and anterior chest wall. These scars are easily recognized in the community and become a source of lifelong guilt, shame, and regret for the self-mutilators. In the presented clinical study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of carbon dioxide laser resurfacing and thin skin grafting in camouflaging self-inflicted razor blade incision scars. METHODS: A total of 26 anatomical sites (11 upper arm, 11 forearm, and four anterior chest) of 16 white male patients, whose ages ranged from 20 to 41 years (mean, 23.8 years), were treated between February of 2001 and August of 2003. Detailed psychiatric evaluation preoperatively; informing the patient that the procedure is a "camouflage" operation; trimming hypertrophic scars down to intact skin level; intralesional corticosteroid injection to hypertrophic scars; carbon dioxide laser resurfacing as a single unit; thin (0.2 to 0.3 mm) skin grafting; compressive dressing for 15 days; use of tubular bandage; and protection from sunlight for at least 6 months constituted the key points of the procedure. RESULTS: The scars were successfully camouflaged and converted to a socially acceptable appearance similar to a burn scar. Partial graft loss in one case and hyperpigmentation in another case were the complications. No new hypertrophic scar developed. CONCLUSIONS: The carbon dioxide laser resurfacing and thin skin grafting method is effective in camouflaging self-inflicted razor blade incision scars.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Mercury content in tinned molluscs (mussel, cockle, variegated scallop, and razor shell) normally consumed in Spain, 2005.

Concentrations of mercury were determined for tinned molluscs (Mollusca, Bivalvia), i.e., mussels (Mytilus spp.), cockles (Cerastoderma edule), variegated scallops (Chlamys varia), and razor shells (Ensis spp.), consumed in Spain. A total of 220 samples were analyzed: 120 mussels, 40 cockles, 24 variegated scallops, and 36 razor shells. Samples were obtained weekly from markets in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands) over a period of 12 months. All observed concentrations of mercury were below the maximum permitted for human consumption (0.5 mg/kg) as defined by European Community Decision 93/ 351/CE. Mercury concentrations were 27.28 +/- 12.43 microg/kg for mussels, 66.59 +/- 23.53 microg/kg for cockles, 33.68 +/- 15.76 microg/kg for variegated scallops, and 21.26 +/- 12.24 microg/kg for razor shells. To evaluate the importance of mercury as a food contaminant, the percentage ingested daily, the weight of mercury in the diet, and the calculated percentage of this metal in the diet contributed by reference species were estimated.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[The tangential excision of razor graft for the giant congenital naevi in children].

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutical effect of the tangential excision of razor graft for the spacious giant congenital naevi in children. METHODS: The surface layer of the giant naevi, mainly razor graft, was excised tangentially using electrical dermatome. Then the left naevi was removed by dermabrasion. RESULTS: The satisfactory effects were obtained in 9 of 16 cases. The colour of operative area approached the normal skin, occasionally with scattered pigmentation and hypertrophic scars. In 6 cases, the colour appeared lighter than before. One case relapsed after half a year. CONCLUSIONS: The congenital giant naevi in children could be treated using the tangential excision of razor graft. The short-term results might be expected.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

A critical comparison of the freehand razor-blade dissection method according to Wilson with an in situ sectioning method for rat fetuses.

Two methods of dissecting rat fetuses are compared: the generally well-known freehand razor-blade dissection method according to Wilson and an in situ sectioning method (ISM). For this purpose the substance EGYT 1978 was used, which induces--inter alia--cardiovascular anomalies. Thirty-nine gravid rats were given either the test drug (EGYT 1978, 400 mg/kg body weight) or the vehicle orally from the 6th to the 15th day of gestation. The fetuses were assigned randomly to either dissection group. Both methods of examination revealed approximately the same number of anomalies per organ system. A comparison of the types of anomaly found showed, however, relevant differences in the nature of the changes revealed by the two methods. The in situ sectioning method was clearly superior to the freehand razor-blade dissection method for the detection of discrete anomalies of the cardiovascular system. We therefore recommend the in situ sectioning method as the method of choice for examining small fetuses from teratological experiments.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[The dynamics of injuries caused by thrown, razor-sharp shurikens].

In 10 tests, the linear velocity and rotation frequency of a thrown, pointed, razor-sharp shuriken were investigated using a high-speed camera. The linear velocity (5.1-9.87 m/s) and rotation frequency (0-4.46 m/s) determine the impact (0.91-3.6 nm) of this Asiatic weapon. An impact of 3.6 Nm is sufficient to cause a penetration depth of more than 3.5 cm within the regio ossis temporalis, the regio collis lateralis and the regio intercostalis. Legally, the use of this new generation of pointed, razor-sharp shurikens should be prohibited as "sports" apparatus.

Acceleration↗
PubMed2002

First confirmation of human diarrhoeic poisonings by okadaic acid esters after ingestion of razor clams (Solen marginatus) and green crabs (Carcinus maenas) in Aveiro lagoon, Portugal and detection of okadaic acid esters in phytoplankton.

A new outbreak of human diarrhoeic poisonings (DSP) with esters of okadaic acid (OA) was confirmed after ingestion of razor clams (Solen marginatus) harvested at Aveiro lagoon (NW Portugal) in the summer of 2001. Accumulation of marine toxins in second order consumers was investigated in the edible parts of a shellfish predator abundant at Aveiro lagoon, the green crab Carcinus maenas. Okadaic acid was found, also in a predominant esterified form. Levels in edible parts (comprising mainly viscera) surpassed 16microg/100g. We suggest that one patient may have developed profuse diarrhoea after ingestion of a large number of green crabs contaminated with okadaic acid esters. At least 32microg OA/100g were found in a remaining sample of its meal. Domoic acid was also found but under the allowable level in force in USA of 30microg/g crab viscera. In cooked crabs, significant losses of domoic acid were found and it is not suspected to have contributed to the poisoning event, although being a vector for this toxin. The low percentage of free okadaic acid found is in accordance with a predation predominantly on benthonic shellfish (razor clams, clams and common cockle) rather than on rock mussels. These last ones present usually higher percentages of free okadaic acid. Okadaic acid was confirmed with full-scan mass spectra either in plankton and mussel extracts. Okadaic acid esters were also found in plankton extracts. Percentages between 40-60% of esterified OA were found in samples freshly extracted. Ester's percentage diminished drastically if after sonication the extract was kept at room temperature. The major part of the esters was water-soluble.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Hepatitis C virus infection in institutionalized psychiatric patients: possible role of transmission by razor sharing.

The objective of this study was to determine if HCV can be transmitted from patient to patient in psychiatric institutions and to determine possible routes of infection. We did a cross-sectional survey of 196 Japanese psychiatric patients tested for HCV and HBV markers and 400 age- and sex-matched controls. Anti-HCV was detected in 10.2% and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen was detected in 44.4% of the patients, a significantly higher prevalence than found among matched controls. A multiple regression logistic analysis was used to identify risk factors that could indicate the route of infection by HCV. Duration of hospitalization, age, razor sharing, and history of surgery proved to be statistically significant independent risk factors associated with positive anti-HCV results [odds ratio (OR), 4.00; 95% confidence interval (CI), CI, 1.74-9.19; OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.27-1.3.77; OR, 4.90; 95% CI, 1.29-18.86; OR, 3.35; 95% CI, 0.997-11.3, respectively]. These observations suggest that razor sharing played an important role in the spread of the HCV infection in the institutionalized psychiatric patients we studied.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Use of genetically engineered mice in drug discovery and development: wielding Occam's razor to prune the product portfolio.

Genetically engineered mice (GEMs) that either overexpress (transgenic) or lack (gene-targeted, or "knock-out") genes are used increasingly in industry to investigate molecular mechanisms of disease, to evaluate innovative therapeutic targets, and to screen agents for efficacy and/or toxicity. High throughput GEM construction in drug discovery and development (DDD) serves two main purposes: to test whether a given gene participates in a disease condition, or to determine the function(s) of a protein that is encoded by an expressed sequence tag (EST, an mRNA fragment for a previously uncharacterized protein). In some instances, phenotypes induced by such novel GEMs also may yield clues regarding potential target organs and toxic effects of potential therapeutic molecules. The battery of tests used in phenotypic analysis of GEMs varies between companies, but the goal is to define one or more easily measured endpoints that can be used to monitor the disease course--especially during in vivo treatment with novel drug candidates. In many DDD projects, overt phenotypes are subtle or absent even in GEMs in which high-level expression or total ablation of an engineered gene can be confirmed. This outcome presents a major quandary for biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms: given the significant expense and labor required to generate GEMs, what should be done with "negative" constructs? The 14th century philosophical principle known as Occam's razor-that the simplest explanation for a phenomenon is likely the truth-provides a reasonable basis for pruning potential therapeutic molecules and targets. In the context of DDD, Occam's razor may be construed to mean that correctly engineered GEMs lacking obvious functional or structural phenotypes have none because the affected gene is not uniquely essential to normal homeostasis or disease progression. Thus, a "negative" GEM construct suggests that the gene under investigation encodes a ligand or target molecule without significant therapeutic potential. This interpretation indicates that, at least in a market-driven industrial setting, such "negative" projects should be pruned aggressively so that resources may be redirected to more promising DDD ventures.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Fetal razor: an aid for scalp sampling.

Scalp sampling to evaluate fetal acid-base status was introduced 20 years ago. In most instances, adequate samples may be obtained without difficulty. Occasionally, however, a region of scalp free of hair cannot be found. As a result, the sample either diffuses along the hairs that are present or clots. Although a "fetal razor" has been incorporated into the kits that are utilized to apply pO2 electrodes to the fetal scalp, none has been devised for routine fetal scalp sampling. We report the modification of a single or double-edged razor for this specific purpose.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗