bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinguishing between primary central nervous system lymphoma and glioblastoma using [18F]fluoromisonidazole and [18F]FDG PET
Authors: Uchinomura Satoshi , Mitamura Katsuya , Norikane Takashi , Yamamoto Yuka , Oishi Akihiro , Hatakeyama Tetsuhiro , Miyake Keisuke , Nishiyama Yoshihiro
Published: December 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of [18F]fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) and 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) PET to discriminate primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) from glioblastoma.

Methods

FMISO and FDG PET/CT scans before therapy obtained in 13 patients with PCNSL and in 62 patients with glioblastoma were retrospectively reviewed. PET results were evaluated by visual and semiquantitative analysis. For semiquantitative analysis, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) for tumor (T) and the mean SUV for normal contralateral hemisphere (N) were calculated, and the tumor-to-normal (T/N) ratio was determined. The performance in discriminating PCNSL and glioblastoma was evaluated using a receiver-operating characteristics analysis. Area-under-the-curve (AUC) values for the discrimination were calculated.

Results

On visual analysis, 54% of PCNSL and 89% of glioblastoma showed positive on FMISO PET. All patients with PCNSL and glioblastoma were FDG positive. FMISO T/N ratio in PCNSL (mean ± SD = 1.80 ± 0.59) was significantly lower than that in glioblastoma (mean ± SD = 2.75 ± 0.84) (P < 0.001). FDG T/N ratio in PCNSL (mean ± SD = 3.01 ± 1.11) was significantly higher than that in glioblastoma (mean ± SD = 1.77 ± 0.79) (P < 0.001). For discrimination of patients with PCNSL from glioblastoma, the AUC values for the FMISO T/N ratio, FDG T/N ratio and combination of the two parameters were 0.833, 0.825 and 0.900, respectively.

Conclusion

FMISO PET is as helpful for differentiating PCNSL from glioblastoma as FDG PET.
Effect of Bayesian penalty likelihood algorithm on 18F-FDG PET/CT image of lymphoma
Authors: Wang Yongtao , Lin Lejun , Quan Wei , Li Jinyu , Li Weilong
Published: December 2021

Objective

Recently, a new Bayesian penalty likelihood (BPL) reconstruction algorithm has been applied in PET, which is expected to provide better image resolution than the widely used ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM). The purpose of this study is to compare the differences between these two algorithms in terms of image quality and effects on clinical diagnostics and quantification of lymphoma.

Methods

A total of 246 FDG-positive lesions in 70 patients with lymphoma were retrospectively analyzed by using BPL and OSEM + time-of-flight + point spread function algorithms. Visual analysis was used to evaluate the effects of different reconstruction algorithms on clinical image quality and diagnostic certainty. Quantitative analysis was used to compare the differences between pathology and lesion size.

Results

There were significant differences in lesion-related SUVmax, total-lesion-glycolysis (TLG), and signal-to-background ratio (SBR) (P < 0.01). The variation Δ SUVmax% and Δ SBR% caused by the two reconstruction algorithms were negatively correlated with tumor diameter, while Δ MTV% and Δ TLG% were positively correlated with tumor diameter. In the grouped analysis based on pathology, there were significant differences in lesion SUVmax, lesion SUVmean, and SBR. In non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (diffuse large B cells and follicular lymphoma), diversities were significantly found in SUVmax, SUVmean, SBR, and TLG of the lesions (P < 0.05). According to the grouped analysis based on lesion size, for lesions smaller than 1 cm and 2 cm, there was a significant difference in SUVmean, SUVmax, SBR, and MTV, but not in lesions larger than or equal to 2 cm (P > 0.05), and the liver background SUVmean (P > 0.05) remained unchanged.

Conclusion

BPL reconstruction algorithm could effectively improve clinical image quality and diagnostic certainty. In quantitative analysis, there were no significant differences among different pathological groups, but there were significant diversities in lesion sizes. Especially for small lesions, lesion SUVmax increased and SBR was significantly improved, which may better assist in the diagnosis of small lesions of lymphoma.
Patient selection for heart transplant: balancing risk
Authors: Mantha Aditya , Lee Ramon O. , Wolfson Aaron M.
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review

Heart failure incidence continues to rise despite a relatively static number of available donor hearts. Selecting an appropriate heart transplant candidate requires evaluation of numerous factors to balance patient benefit while maximizing the utility of scarce donor hearts. Recent research has provided new insights into refining recipient risk assessment, providing additional tools to further define and balance risk when considering heart transplantation.

Recent findings

Recent publications have developed models to assist in risk stratifying potential heart transplant recipients based on cardiac and noncardiac factors. These studies provide additional tools to assist clinicians in balancing individual risk and benefit of heart transplantation in the context of a limited donor organ supply.

The primary goal of heart transplantation is to improve survival and maximize quality of life. To meet this goal, a careful assessment of patient-specific risks is essential. The optimal approach to patient selection relies on integrating recent prognostication models with a multifactorial assessment of established clinical characteristics, comorbidities and psychosocial factors.
Noninvasive biomarkers in heart transplant: 2020–2021 year in review
Authors: Qian Xiaoxiao , Shah Palak , Agbor-Enoh Sean
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review

Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB), the current gold standard for cardiac allograft monitoring is invasive, may have a low sensitivity and is associated with significant variability in histopathologic interpretation. Fortunately, on-going research is identifying noninvasive biomarkers that address some of these limitations. This review provides an update on noninvasive blood-based methods for rejection surveillance and diagnosis in heart transplantation.

Recent findings

Recent studies highlight good test performance to detect acute rejection for donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) and microRNAs (miR). dd-cfDNA is sensitive, nonspecific, and has a high negative predictive value for acute cellular and antibody-mediated rejection. Clinical utility trials are being planned to test its role as a rule-out test for acute rejection as compared to the EMB. miRs may have an added advantage as it may phenotype the subtypes of rejection alleviating the need for an EMB or permitting the initiation of targeted therapy while awaiting the results of the EMB.

In this review, we discuss recent advances in the field of noninvasive biomarkers to detect allograft rejection after heart transplant. We provide a perspective of additional studies needed to prove their clinical utility and bring these biomarkers to widescale clinical use.
Standardization of in-vitro methods for determination of antimicrobial properties of essential oils
Authors: Rasooli Iraj , Saderi Horieh , MohammadSalehi Reza , Dadashi Masoud , Owlia Parviz
Published: December 2021

Essential oils (EOs) have been recognized as well tolerated substances with great commercial value that finds applications in traditional medicine. This study systematically reviews various methods published from 2016 to 2020 that were employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of essential oils. The main question was, ‘What are the most reliable in-vitro methods to determine MIC and MBC of EOs’? The reported outputs of the search terms for the colony-forming unit (CFU), MIC, MBC, and the zone of inhibition (ZOI) were used to assess the methods.121 studies reported ‘Antibacterial’, 90 ‘Antifungal’, 110 ‘Antimicrobial’, 71 ‘ZOI’, 17 ‘CFU’, and 35 ‘MIC and MBC’. Forty-seven studies were selected according to the criteria for analysis in this review. This review indicated that each study requires its appropriate method. The antimicrobial efficacy of herbal extracts or EOs was not comparable to those of the antibiotics. The use of standard microbial strains is essential when clinical strains are included in the research. Based on the contents and analysis of the published articles, it is clear that designing antimicrobial experiments using EOs would produce more reliable results than those of the extracts. Based on the literature review and our experience, we suggest parameters to consider while determining antimicrobial properties of essential oils.
Nurse Educators’ Gentle Hands
Authors: Lewis Tricia A.
Published: December 2021

As COVID-19 placed unprecedented demands on healthcare systems across the country, nurses were deployed to care for severely ill patients in acute and intensive care units at rates never imagined. Especially challenging for nursing staff was being witness to patients’ deaths daily. This article describes the implementation and outcomes of an innovative initiative entitled Gentle Hands, in which a nurse educator team performed postmortem care for unit nurses during a COVID-19 hospital surge.
The Role of Human U Three Protein 14a as a Predictor for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Microwave Ablation
Authors: Abdelkhalek Elhefni Mariam M. , Abd El Moety Amr A. , Baddour Nahed M. , El Sayed Salem Perihan
Published: December 2021

Background:

Human U three protein 14a (hUTP14a) is a nucleolar protein which promotes carcinogenesis by causing degradation of the tumor suppressor protein, p53.

Aims:

This study aimed to investigate hUTP14a expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its value as a predictor for HCC recurrence after treatment with microwave ablation (MWA).

Materials and Methods:

The hUTP14a expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry on ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy material from the tumor and the surrounding cirrhotic nontumor tissues. The relation between hUTP14a expression and clinic-pathologic variables was analyzed.

Results:

Nuclear hUTP14a showed significant high expression in HCC tumor tissue compared with corresponding nontumor tissue (P<0.001). Tumoral hUTP14a expression was significantly higher in patients who experienced recurrence than those who were recurrence-free after MWA (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

We concluded that, hUTP14a has an oncogenic potential, as it is highly expressed in HCC tissues compared with surrounding nontumor cirrhotic tissues. Moreover, nuclear hUTP14a could be used as a promising prognostic biomarker for prediction of HCC recurrence after treatment with MWA.
Molecular Characterization of Metanephric Adenoma, Epithelial Wilms Tumor, and Overlap Lesions: An Integrated Whole-exome and Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Pan Chin-Chen , Tseng Chih-En , Kuroda Naoto , Yano Mitsutake , Yasuda Masanori , Nagashima Yoji , Yeh Yi-Chen , Wang Yu-Chao , Chang Yen-Hwa , Epstein Jonathan I.
Published: December 2021

Metanephric adenoma (MA) and Wilms tumor (WT) represent 2 prototypes of primary renal neoplasms closely resembling embryonal renal tubules. Tumors with overlapping features may occur, requiring differential diagnoses between the 2. Evidence of divergent oncogenic pathways has been reported, suggesting that MA is driven by BRAF mutation while most WT is of the BRAF wild-type. We collected 4 MA cases, 3 cases of monophasic epithelial WT, and 1 overlap metanephric tumor that contains both conventional MA and high-grade components similar to epithelial WT. Whole-exome sequencing and whole transcriptome sequencing were performed to discover mutations, somatic copy number variation, and differential expression. The findings were compared with those of WT of the TARGET database (WT-TARGET). BRAF V600E mutation was detected in all MAs as well as the overlap tumor but was undetectable in all epithelial WTs and WT-TARGET. The overlap tumor showed an additional pathogenic mutation of SETD2. Three frequent gene mutations observed in WT-TARGET were not common in epithelial WT, in which the mutations appeared sporadic. The profiles of recurrent copy number variations were all different among MA, epithelial WT, and WT-TARGET. Differential expression and unsupervised hierarchical cluster analyses revealed distinct clusters of the 3 categories. Remarkably, the overlap tumor coclustered with MA, separated from epithelial WT and WT-TARGET. The distinctiveness of MA and WT were demonstrated corresponding to BRAF-mutated and non–BRAF-mutated pathways from the molecular perspective. BRAF assay has diagnostic implication for overlap tumors.
IDH1/2 Mutations in Patients With Diffuse Gliomas: A Single Centre Retrospective Massively Parallel Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Sporikova Zuzana , Slavkovsky Rastislav , Tuckova Lucie , Kalita Ondrej , Megova Houdova Magdalena , Ehrmann Jiri , Hajduch Marian , Hrabalek Lumir , Vaverka Miroslav
Published: December 2021

Patients below 55 years were genetically studied because the prevalence of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) decreases in older patients and on grounds of cost-effectiveness, as suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016. The aim of our study was to use novel massively parallel sequencing (MPS) approaches to examine rare variants of IDH1/2 in Czech diffuse astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors (gliomas) patients below 55 years of age who had been immunohistochemically (IHC) diagnosed as IDH1 R132H negative. The IHC IDH1 status (wild type or mutant) of 275 tissue samples was analyzed using antibodies against the IDH1 R132H protein. Sixty-three samples of 55 years old patients with IHC IDH1 WT status were genotyped using two different MPS technologies to detect rare IDH1 and IDH2 variants. The tiered IHC (60 positive) and molecular (10 positive) approach thus revealed that 70 of the 275 samples (25%) bore IDH1/IDH2 mutations. The combined molecular and IHC approach thus revealed that 70 of the 275 samples (25%) considered in the study bore IDH1/IDH2 mutations. IHC detection of the IDH1 R132H variant should be routinely complemented with MPS to detect rare IDH1/2 variants in glioma patients below 55 years of age with negative IHC result of IDH R132H variant.
p40/PD-L1 and TTF1/PD-L1 Immunohistochemical Double Staining Contributes to Intraindividual Variability Associated With PD-L1 Staining Interpretation in Lung Cancer Samples
Authors: Campelos Sofia , Polónia António , Caramelo Ana , Curado Mónica , Eloy Catarina
Published: December 2021

The important developments achieved in recent years with a consequent paradigm shift in the treatment of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including the latest immune checkpoint inhibitors, have led to an increasing need to optimize the scarce material usually available in the diagnosis of these tumors. In this sense, this study intends to evaluate the performance of double immunohistochemistry (IHC) in comparison to simple IHC for programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) evaluation with 22C3 clone for selection to therapy with pembrolizumab. For that, 38 histologic samples of NSCLC small biopsies sent to our laboratory were selected. Double IHC were performed with the doublets TTF1/PD-L1 and p40/PD-L1, after all the usual diagnostic routine and molecular study was performed. The slides were interpreted by 2 independent pathologists and the results obtained were compared with each other and with the results obtained at diagnosis. A perfect agreement was observed when comparing the immunoexpression of TTF1 and p40 in double IHC in relation to single IHC. Although the agreement was substantial in the analysis of the positive/negative PD-L1 IHC (81.6% to 92.1%; κ=0.610 to 0.829) and in the analysis of the 50% cut-off (86.8% to 89.5%; κ=0.704 to 0.759), it fell short of the expected and desirable agreement for a biomarker such as PD-L1, since this result will have a major role in the institution of a treatment. In conclusion, this small series does not allow us to recommend this methodology for the evaluation of the PD-L1 biomarker in double staining IHC with the 22C3 clone for therapy selection.
The Expressions of CD30 and CD123 of Mastocytosis in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Ching-Fen , Hsu Chih-Yi
Published: December 2021

Mastocytosis is a rare disease with a low incidence in Asia-Pacific populations. CD30 and CD123 may have potential prognostic and therapeutic value, but the results are inconsistent. Because racial disparities may exist, we aim to evaluate the expressions of CD30 and CD123 in a series of mastocytosis cases in Taiwan. Twelve patients with systemic and 7 with cutaneous forms of mastocytosis were studied. The expressions of CD30 and CD123 were correlated with the clinical features of the patients. Eighty-three percent (10/12) of patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM) had an associated hematological neoplasm. Four of the SM patients had both “B” and “C” findings, and they had a median survival time of 0.9 months. CD30 expression was positive in 50% (6/12) of SM cases and 100% (6/6) of cutaneous mastocytosis cases. CD123 was expressed focally or weakly in only 2 SM-associated hematological neoplasm cases. The distribution of mastocytosis subtypes and the expression of CD30 and CD123 in Taiwan differed from those reported in North America and Europe. However, mastocytosis, especially indolent forms, is easily overlooked as its heterogeneous and nonspecific clinical manifestations. A high index of suspicion and improved diagnostic methods can be helpful.
Hepatic Secondary Syphilis Can Cause a Variety of Histologic Patterns and May Be Negative for Treponeme Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Malvar Grace , Cardona Diana , Pezhouh Maryam K. , Adeyi Oyedele A. , Chatterjee Deyali , Deisch Jeremy K. , Lamps Laura W. , Misdraji Joseph , Stueck Ashley E. , Voltaggio Lysandra , Gonzalez Raul S.
Published: December 2021

The rate of syphilis in the United States has been increasing steadily in the past decade, but it remains an uncommon diagnosis in tissue biopsies. Most of the pathology literature on hepatic syphilis consists of older series or case reports. This study aimed to systematically characterize the histologic spectrum of hepatic syphilis in a contemporary cohort. Clinicopathologic features of 14 hepatic syphilis cases between 2012 and 2018 were analyzed to characterize the broad spectrum of histologic changes. Thirteen patients were men (age range: 19 to 59 y); 6 had known human immunodeficiency virus, 7 were men known to have sex with men, and no patient had known prior syphilis. Hepatic syphilis was the primary clinical suspicion in only 1 patient. Common symptoms included jaundice, rash, and abdominal pain. Thirteen had elevated transaminases, and 12 had elevated alkaline phosphatase. Pathologic changes were grouped into 5 histologic patterns: biliary-pattern injury (n=5), acute hepatitis (n=4), autoimmune hepatitis-like (n=1), fibroinflammatory mass-forming lesion (n=2), and no particular pattern (n=2). Nearly all showed portal and lobular lymphocytes and plasma cells; 12 had prominent histiocytes/Kupffer cells, 9 had ductular reaction, and 7 had duct inflammation. Occasional focal findings included dropout (n=7), phlebitis (n=7), and loose granulomata (n=5). Treponeme immunohistochemistry was positive in 10 and negative in 4, though treatment was given before biopsy in 3 of those 4. Thirteen patients had rapid plasma reagin testing either before or after biopsy, with 1:64 or higher titer. All patients who received treatment recovered. Hepatic syphilis is rare but likely underrecognized. It exhibits a variety of histologic appearances and therefore should be considered in several hepatic differential diagnoses, especially in men who have sex with men. Kupffer cells, granulomata, and phlebitis may suggest the diagnosis regardless of predominant histologic pattern. Negative treponeme immunohistochemical staining does not exclude the diagnosis, including in untreated patients.
Metatypical Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma
Authors: Mathew Elizabath P. , Todorovic Emilija , Truong Tra , Dickson Brendan C. , Enepekides Danny , Poon Ian , Weinreb Ilan
Published: December 2021

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a malignant salivary gland neoplasm, commonly involving the major and minor salivary glands. Adenoid cystic carcinoma arising in the skull base region is considerably less common and is characterized by aggressive clinical behavior, perineural invasion, and intracranial extension. Classically, these tumors are composed of ductal and myoepithelial cells, arranged as tubules and cribriform structures, as well as in a solid pattern when higher in grade. The distinctive molecular findings in this tumor are the gene fusions involving the MYB/MYBL1 and NFIB genes. Squamous differentiation, trabecular, and macrocystic growth patterns are exceedingly rare in these tumors and when present can cause significant diagnostic challenges. Squamous differentiation, in particular, is considered by many to be an exclusion criterion for adenoid cystic carcinoma outside of cases with high-grade transformation. In addition, a similar-appearing tumor with squamous differentiation, namely human papillomavirus–related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma, has recently been defined, further complicating this differential diagnosis. Recently, we have come across 3 cases of adenoid cystic carcinomas involving the sinonasal tract and skull base having extensive interconnecting trabecular growth, macrocysts, and squamous differentiation, yet demonstrating the signature fusions involving MYB-NFIB and MYBL1-NFIB by RNA sequencing. In this article, we describe the clinical, histomorphologic, and imaging findings of these cases and propose the appellation “metatypical adenoid cystic carcinoma” for this uncommon variant morphology.
The Observational Gait Scale Can Help Determine the GMFCS Level in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Zapata Karina A. , Rushing Charter L. , Delgado Mauricio R. , Jo Chanhee
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate the association between the Observational Gait Scale (OGS) and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) in walking children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods:

The charts of 512 children with CP GMFCS levels I to IV were reviewed for the OGS score and GMFCS level at their initial visit.

Results:

The OGS score decreased with increasing GMFCS levels. The average OGS for GMFCS level I was 13.1 (2.8), level II was 11.3 (2.7), level III was 7.7 (2.7), and level IV was 6.1 (2.0). A significant negative relationship was seen between the OGS and the GMFCS. In particular, each GMFCS level was different across all levels in a pairwise comparison. In addition, multivariate modeling analysis confirmed that the association between the OGS and the GMFCS was still valid, after adjusting for age and gender.

Conclusions:

The OGS is a quick tool to rate gait and help confirm a child's GMFCS level.
Mobility Analysis of AmpuTees (MAAT 7)
Authors: England Dwiesha L. , Miller Taavy A. , Stevens Phillip M. , Campbell James H. , Wurdeman Shane R.
Published: December 2021

Objective

The aim of the study was to establish normative values of lower limb amputation mobility across primary etiologies based on age and amputation level.

Design

This study is a cross-sectional observational analysis of outcomes. A total of 11,995 lower limb prosthesis users were included in the analysis. Participants were grouped by etiology into four categories: cancer, congenital, trauma, and diabetes/dysvascular. Mobility was assessed by using the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility.

Results

Mobility across seven age groups for the four etiologies was established for both above-the-knee amputation and below-the-knee amputation. Differences were found between age groups for individuals: above-the-knee amputation: cancer (χ2 (6) = 40.97, P < 0.001), congenital (χ2 (3) = 9.41, P = 0.024), trauma (χ2 (6) = 18.89, P = 0.004), and dysvascular (χ2 (5) = 39.73, P < 0.001; below-the-knee amputation: cancer (χ2 (6) = 29.77, P < 0.001), trauma (χ2 (6) = 28.22, P < 0.001), and dysvascular (χ2 (6) = 144.66, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The awareness of differences across amputation etiologies extending across the lifespan of ages can assist the goal-setting process as part of prosthetic rehabilitation. In addition, refined normative values provide the ability to benchmark new and innovative changes in clinical practice.
Use of the Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Protocol to Improve Function of the Predominant Arm on a Patient With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Antoniadou Eleftheria , Vassilopoulou Panagiota , Marini Katerina , Patouha Maria , Tsoukanelis Spiros , Panagea Evgenia , Panagiotopoulos Elias
Published: December 2021

In this case study, an off label modified constraint induced movement therapy protocol was applied in a 28-year male patient with incomplete tetraplegia C5 American Spinal Cord Injury Association D as a facilitator to enhance predominant upper arm function and regain important activities of daily living. The patient was ambulatory for short distances with arm crutches but could not perform important activities of daily living because of the involvement of his right arm, autonomy, and function were impaired. A 10-wk protocol of modified constraint induced movement therapy was performed, with two daily sessions for 30 mins each, a sling was used to constrain the less affected arm, and exercises of the predominant hand were performed. Spasticity was managed with botulinum toxin injections. After 5 wks, the patient was able to use a spoon, perform intermittent catheterization, dress upper body, and use the right arm to feed himself. The protocol was concluded without further amelioration. The modified constraint induced movement therapy is also a valuable facilitator for incomplete tetraplegia.
Robotic Walking to Mitigate Bone Mineral Density Decline and Adverse Body Composition in Individuals With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Shackleton Claire , Evans Robert , West Sacha , Derman Wayne , Albertus Yumna
Published: December 2021

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine whether 24 wks of robotic locomotor training or activity-based training was sufficient time to induce bone mineral density and body composition changes in individuals with spinal cord injury. This study reports the secondary analysis of a randomized pilot trial.

Design

Participants with chronic motor incomplete tetraplegia (N = 16) were recruited. Interventions involved 60-min sessions, 3× per week, over 24 wks. Robotic locomotor training involved walking in the Ekso GT suit. Activity-based training involved a combination of resistance, cardiovascular, and weight-bearing exercise.

Results

Hip bone mineral density was maintained during robotic locomotor training; however, it was significantly reduced (P = 0.04, effect size = 0.86) during activity-based training by 0.03 (−0.29 to 0.23) g/cm2 after intervention. Both interventions improved arm fat-free soft tissue mass, but neither group experienced changes in leg fat-free soft tissue mass. The activity-based training group had a significant decrease in visceral adipose tissue (P = 0.04, effect size = 0.72) and gynoid fat mass (P = 0.01, effect size = 0.62).

Conclusions

Twenty-four weeks of robotic locomotor training is possibly a sufficient duration to prevent the progressive decline of bone mineral density usually occurring in this population. A longitudinal period of activity-based training serves as an effective rehabilitation strategy to reduce indices of fat mass in individuals with spinal cord injury.
Music Upper Limb Therapy–Integrated Provides a Feasible Enriched Environment and Reduces Post-stroke Depression
Authors: Palumbo Anna , Aluru Viswanath , Battaglia Jessica , Geller Daniel , Turry Alan , Ross Marc , Cristian Adrian , Balagula Caitlin , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Khatri Latika , Chao Moses V. , Froemke Robert C. , Urbanek Jacek K. , Raghavan Preeti
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study’s aims were to refine Music Upper Limb Therapy–Integrated (MULT-I) to create a feasible enriched environment for stroke rehabilitation and compare its biologic and behavioral effects with that of a home exercise program (HEP).

Design

This was a randomized mixed-methods study of 30 adults with post-stroke hemiparesis. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and oxytocin levels measured biologic effects, and upper limb function, disability, quality of life, and emotional well-being were assessed as behavioral outcomes. Participant experiences were explored using semistructured interviews.

Results

MULT-I participants showed reduced depression from preintervention to postintervention as compared with HEP participants. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels significantly increased for MULT-I participants but decreased for HEP participants, with a significant difference between groups after excluding those with post-stroke depression. MULT-I participants additionally improved quality of life and self-perceived physical strength, mobility, activity, participation, and recovery from preintervention to postintervention. HEP participants improved upper limb function. Qualitatively, MULT-I provided psychosocial support and enjoyment, whereas HEP supported self-management of rehabilitation.

Conclusions

Implementation of a music-enriched environment is feasible, reduces post-stroke depression, and may enhance the neural environment for recovery via increases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Self-management of rehabilitation through an HEP may further improve upper limb function.
Introductory Resident-Led Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Case-Based Ultrasound Workshop for Medical Students
Authors: Nussbaum Ryan P. , Chu Samuel K.
Published: December 2021

The core clinical ultrasound milestones for medical students in the United States do not cover the majority of clinical topics pertinent to the specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation. In addition, one of the major barriers to teaching physical medicine and rehabilitation residents ultrasound is a lack of instructors with sufficient experience. A solution to both of these problems is the establishment of a resident-led case-based ultrasound workshop for medical students that introduces them to the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. This novel workshop involved 30 medical students and 9 resident instructors. The students participated in five hands-on interactive physical medicine and rehabilitation clinical cases where each student had 5 mins per case to scan. A program evaluation survey showed that the workshop achieved the objectives of increasing medical student confidence in describing the role of a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician and physical medicine and rehabilitation patient populations as well as confidence using ultrasound for evaluating the peripheral nervous system and musculoskeletal system. Resident instructors endorsed that the workshop was beneficial for improving their physical medicine and rehabilitation ultrasound teaching skills and also increased their interest for contributing to future workshops. The intention of this project is to reproduce similar initiatives in physical medicine and rehabilitation residency training programs across the United States.
Microsurgical Techniques and Postoperative Outcomes After Total and Subtotal Nasal Reconstruction
Authors: Gasteratos Konstantinos , Spyropoulou Georgia-Alexandra , Chaiyasate Kongkrit , Siotos Charalampos , Vlachopoulos Nikolaos , Friedstat Jonathan
Published: December 2021

Background

Multiple microsurgical techniques for nasal reconstruction have been described in the literature. Given the gaps in the literature regarding evidence-based reviews for total and subtotal nasal reconstruction using microsurgical techniques, the purpose of this study was to provide a thorough presentation of the most popular microvascular techniques and their outcomes (functional and aesthetic) for total or subtotal nasal defects.

Methods

A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library on free flap techniques for restoration of nasectomy defects. The keywords were “nasal reconstruction,” “nose,” “nasectomy,” “rhinectomy,” and “microvascular.” Inclusion criteria for analysis in the study were the largest clinical case series published in English within the past 15 years with more than 8 patients.

Studies were analyzed for patient demographics, etiology of nasal loss, surgical approaches to reconstruction, outcomes, and complications. The current study was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews and conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.

Results

The initial search yielded 302 results. Eleven articles with a total of 232 patients met the inclusion criteria. The radial (n = 85) and ulnar forearm flaps (n = 20), auricular helical rim (n = 87), and anterolateral thigh flap (n = 30) were the most commonly reported free flaps in nasal reconstruction. The main etiologic factors were malignancy and trauma. The most common complication was partial flap necrosis.

Conclusions

The auricular helical and radial forearm flaps represent the most used free flaps for total and/or subtotal nasal defects with satisfactory patient outcomes.
Back to the Beginning
Authors: Fairchild Berry , Cepeda Alfredo , Maiorino Eric , Shah Manish N. , Sandberg David I. , Fletcher Stephen A. , Nguyen Phuong D. , Greives Matthew R.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Myelomeningoceles are formed by prenatal failure of neural tube closure and can cause hydrocephalus, motor abnormalities, and developmental delay. Although small defects are amenable to primary closure, larger defects often require complex reconstruction. Our goal was to identify factors associated with postoperative soft tissue complications and develop a systematic approach for myelomeningocele closure.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed at the Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital from January 2013 to January 2019. Patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision/Tenth Revision, codes for myelomeningocele. Cohorts were stratified by reconstruction type and defect location. Primary outcomes were incidence of complications including cerebrospinal fluid leak, superficial and deep infection, and wound dehiscence. In addition, we developed an algorithm to standardize closure approach for patients with myelomeningoceles.

Results

A total of 172 patients with myelomeningocele were identified with 73 patients undergoing postnatal repair. Overall, 72% of defects were >5 cm. Defects were in the lumbar (9%), sacral (8%), and junctional (83%) regions. Overall, 30.1% patients underwent lumbar myofascial repair with 39.7% requiring fasciocutaneous flaps. Larger defects (>5 cm) were more likely to be closed with complex fasciocutaneous flaps (82.8% vs 66.0%, P = 0.11). No significant differences were observed in complication rates.

Conclusions

In this series, patients with larger myelomeningoceles appear to benefit from complex flap closure. We propose a 5-layer closure for patients with myelomeningocele including the routine use of a myofascial layer. Cutaneous closure technique should be tailored based on specific defect characteristics as outlined in our algorithm. This approach streamlines myelomeningocele repair while optimizing outcomes and decreasing downstream complications.
Failed Acellular Nerve Allografts
Authors: Thomson Calum , Schneider Joel Mark , Pohl Ute , Power Dominic M.
Published: December 2021

Background

Acellular nerve allograft (ANA) occupies an increasingly prominent role in the treatment of peripheral nerve reconstruction. There is demonstrable efficacy; however, some grafts fail to support axonal regrowth and the reasons for this are unclear. This study examines the ANA experience in a specialized peripheral nerve surgery department to discuss the clinical and histological findings in failed cases.

Method

Failed ANA grafts were identified from a prospective database using Medical Research Council Classification (MRCC) S3 and M3 as thresholds for success. Cases in which ANA grafting was indicated for nerve related pain and dysesthesia but where no subjective improvement in symptoms occurred were also included. Patients requiring revision surgery after ANA grafting were also considered failures. Cases were then examined in conjunction with a literature review to identify possible mechanisms of failure, including detailed histological analysis in 2 cases.

Results

Eight failed procedures were identified from a database of 99 separate allograft records on 74 patients. This included procedures for 2 tibial nerves, 2 superficial radial nerves, 2 median nerves, 1 digital nerve and a lateral cord brachial plexus injury (male/female, 5:3; age range, 24–54 years). Allograft length range 25 to 120 mm. One postoperative infection was identified. Histological findings in 2 cases included adequate vascularization of allograft material without subsequent axonal regeneration, a reduction of large myelinated fibers proximal to a tibial nerve allograft in the setting of a chronic injury, and a preference for small rather than large fiber regeneration.

Conclusions

This article reports instances of ANA graft failure in a variety of contexts, for which the primary reasons for failure remain unclear. The etiology is likely to be multifactorial with both patient, graft and surgeon factors contributing to failure. Further clinical and histological analysis of ANA failures will improve our understanding of the mechanisms of graft failure.
A Novel Method for Quantitative Three-Dimensional Analysis of Zygomatico-Maxillary Complex Symmetry
Authors: de Kort W.W.B. , van Hout W.M.M.T. , ten Harkel T.C. , van Cann E.M. , Rosenberg A.J.W.P.
Published: December 2021

Objective:

To develop a reliable and accurate method to quantify the symmetry of the zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC).

Methods:

Virtual three-dimensional models were created from 53 computed-tomography scans: 15 healthy cases without maxillofacial disorders and 38 patients with ZMC fractures requiring surgical treatment.

Asymmetry of the ZMC was measured using a mirroring and surface-based matching technique that uses the anterior cranial fossa as reference to determine the symmetrical position of the ZMC. The measure for ZMC asymmetry was defined as mean surface distance (MSD) between the ZMC-surface and the symmetrical position.

Reliability of the method was tested in the 15 healthy cases. Inter-and intra-observer correlation coefficients (Ce) and variabilities were assessed. Accuracy was assessed by comparing ZMC asymmetry between healthy and ZMC fracture cases, and by assessing correlation of ZMC fracture severity with ZMC asymmetry.

Results:

The average MSD of the 15 healthy cases was 1.40 ± 0.54 mm and the average MSD of the 38 ZMC fracture cases was 2.69 ± 0.95 mm (P < 0.01). Zygomaticomaxillary complex asymmetry correlated with fracture severity (P = 0.01). Intra-rater CC was 0.97 with an intra-rater variability of 0.09 ± 0.11 mm. Inter-rater Ce was 0.95 with an inter-rater variability of 0.12 ± 0.13 mm.

Conclusions:

Our method is reliable and accurate for quantitative three-dimensional analysis of ZMC-symmetry. It takes into account asymmetry caused by the shape of the ZMC as well as asymmetry caused by the position of the ZMC.

Clinical relevance:

This method is useful for the evaluation of ZMC asymmetry associated with congenital and acquired disorders of craniofacial skeleton, for surgical planning and for evaluation of postoperative results.
Autoresuscitation of Poloxamer 188 in Pigs With Traumatic Severe Hemorrhage
Authors: Martini Wenjun Z. , Xia Hui , Terrazas Irasema , Dubick Michael A.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Poloxamer 188 (P188) is a copolymer surfactant with plasma membrane stabilizing action. This study investigated the effects of P188 on blood volume and coagulation in pigs after traumatic hemorrhage and hypotensive resuscitation.

Methods:

Femur fracture was performed in 17 anesthetized pigs, followed by hemorrhage of 55% of estimated blood volume and a 10 min shock period. Afterwards, pigs were randomized to be resuscitated with either normal saline (n = 9, 4 mL/kg, NS group) or P188 (n = 8, 1.33 mL/kg at 150 mg/mL, plus 2.67 mL NS/kg, P188 group). Pigs were monitored for 2 h or until death. Hemodynamics were recorded and blood samples were taken at baseline (BL), after hemorrhage, shock, resuscitation, and at 2 h for blood and coagulation analysis using Rotem®.

Results:

All but one pig in each group survived to 2 h. Femur fracture and hemorrhage reduced mean arterial pressure to half of the BL and elevated heart rate to double of the BL (both P < 0.05). Resuscitation with NS or P188 did not return these measurements to BL. Compared to NS, resuscitation with P188 resulted in a smaller reduction of blood volume (76 ± 3% in P188 and 60 ± 2% in NS); higher base excess (3.3 ± 0.9 vs. 0.5 ± 0.9 mM); and lower hematocrit (24 ± 1 vs. 28 ± 1%) and Ca++ (24 ± 1 vs. 28 ± 1 mM). Resuscitation with P188 prolonged aPTT (43 ± 12 vs. 22 ± 3 s, all P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Following traumatic hemorrhage and hypotensive resuscitation, P188 improved circulation volume and base deficit, but induced slower clotting initiation in pigs. Thus, P188 may have limited benefit as an initial small volume resuscitation adjunct following hemorrhage.
Inhibition of the Interaction of TREM-1 and eCIRP Attenuates Inflammation and Improves Survival in Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion
Authors: Borjas Timothy , Jacob Asha , Yen HaoTing , Patel Vihas , Coppa Gene F. , Aziz Monowar , Wang Ping
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) has important implications in sepsis and inflammation and is a novel receptor for extracellular cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (eCIRP). We hypothesize that the inhibition of TREM-1 via its interaction with eCIRP by novel peptide inhibitor M3 or knockout gene will attenuate the inflammation and injury associated with severe hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R).

Methods:

Wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 and TREM-1-/- mice underwent 60 min of 70% hepatic ischemia, with 24 h of reperfusion. Additionally, WT mice underwent hepatic I/R and were treated with M3 (10 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle (normal saline) at the start of reperfusion. Blood and ischemic liver tissues were collected, and analysis was performed using enzymatic assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and pathohistology techniques. For survival surgery, mice additionally underwent resection of non-ischemic lobes of the liver and survival was monitored for 10 days.

Results:

There was an increase in serum levels of tissue markers including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase as well as cytokine levels (IL-6) and histological scoring of hematoxylin and eosin sections in WT I/R mice. These markers decreased substantially in TREM-1-/- mice. Additionally, neutrophil infiltration markers and markers of local inflammation (myeloperoxidase, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, cyclooxygenase-2) were attenuated in TREM-1-/- mice. Similarly, we show a significant decrease in injury and inflammation markers with M3 treatment. Additionally, we demonstrate decreased apoptosis with TREM-1 inhibition. Finally, M3 treatment improved the survival rate from 42% to 75% after hepatic I/R.

Conclusion:

TREM-1 is an important eCIRP receptor in the inflammatory response of hepatic I/R, and deficiency of TREM-1 via knockout gene or peptide inhibition attenuated liver injury and inflammation, and improved survival. Inhibition of the TREM-1 and eCIRP interaction in hepatic I/R may have important therapeutic potential.
Cardiogenic Shock Complicating ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: An 18-Year Analysis of Temporal Trends, Epidemiology, Management, and Outcomes
Authors: Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Dewaswala Nakeya , Sundaragiri Pranathi R. , Bhopalwala Huzefa M. , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Doshi Rajkumar , Miller P. Elliott , Bell Malcolm R. , Singh Mandeep
Published: December 2021

Background:

There are limited data on the temporal trends, incidence, and outcomes of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction-cardiogenic shock (STEMI-CS).

Methods:

Adult (>18 years) STEMI-CS admissions were identified using the National Inpatient Sample (2000–2017) and classified by tertiles of admission year (2000–2005, 2006–2011, 2012–2017). Outcomes of interest included temporal trends, acute organ failure, cardiac procedures, in-hospital mortality, hospitalization costs, and length of stay.

Results:

In ∼4.3 million STEMI admissions, CS was noted in 368,820 (8.5%). STEMI-CS incidence increased from 5.8% in 2000 to 13.0% in 2017 (patient and hospital characteristics adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.45 [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.40–2.49]; P < 0.001). Multiorgan failure increased from 55.5% (2000–2005) to 74.3% (2012–2017). Between 2000 and 2017, coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention use increased from 58.8% to 80.1% and 38.6% to 70.6%, whereas coronary artery bypass grafting decreased from 14.9% to 10.4% (all P < 0.001). Over the study period, the use of intra-aortic balloon pump (40.6%–37.6%) decreased, and both percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (0%–12.9%) and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (0%–2.8%) increased (all P < 0.001). In hospital mortality decreased from 49.6% in 2000 to 32.7% in 2017 (aOR 0.29 [95% CI 0.28–0.31]; P < 0.001). During the 18-year period, hospital lengths of stay decreased, hospitalization costs increased and use of durable left ventricular assist device /cardiac transplantation remained stable (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

In the United States, incidence of CS in STEMI has increased 2.5-fold between 2000 and 2017, while in-hospital mortality has decreased during the study period. Use of coronary angiography and PCI increased during the study period.
Older patients’ and their caregivers’ understanding of advanced care planning
Authors: Kozlov Elissa , Llaneza Danielle H. , Trevino Kelly
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review

The aim of this study was to review the recent literature (2019–2021) on older patients’ and their caregivers’ understanding of advance care planning.

Recent findings

Recent studies highlight the continued gaps in knowledge about advance care planning for older adults with cancer and their caregivers both domestically and abroad. The recent literature also revealed that there is a lack of research methodology to assess knowledge of advance care planning reliably and validly in older adults with cancer and their caregivers given the lack of uniform scales to measure knowledge of advance care planning.

Older adults with cancer are at an elevated risk of death from their illness, and it is essential they understand how advance care planning can improve their quality of life, facilitate goal congruent care and ultimately decrease medical expenditures at end of life. In order to engage in a process such as advance care planning, patients must know what it is and how it can be helpful to them. The lack of understanding about advance care planning presents a significant barrier to patients engaging in the process. Public health campaigns to increase advance care planning knowledge are needed to ensure that older adults with cancer and their caregivers understand how this service can be helpful to them as they approach end of life.