Endonasal endoscopic resection of suprasellar craniopharyngioma: A retrospective single-center case series

IntroductionEndoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has recently been proposed as an option for resection of primary and recurrent suprasellar craniopharyngioma. However, surgical outcome has not yet been fully evaluated, especially in regards to recurrent cases.MethodsWe analysed our institution (Sir Charles Gairdner University Hospital, Perth, Australia) case-series retrospectively. There were 16 patients operated through an endonasal endoscopic approach from February 2014 to February 2019 for suprasellar craniopharyngiomas. There were 14 primary, and two recurrent lesions. Extent of resection, complications, visual and endocrinological outcomes are presented.ResultsMean age of the patients was 42.9 ± 19.3 years old, with 56% female. The most common clinical symptoms were headaches (9 patients, 56%) and bi-temporal hemianopsia (9 patients, 56%), followed by unilateral optic neuropathy (5 cases, 31%), memory loss (1 case, 6%), hydrocephalus (1 case, 6%), delayed growth and puberty (1 case, 6%), and secondary amenorrhoea (1 case, 6%). Only two cases (12%) initially presented with normal visual function. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 10/16 patients (62.5%), with subtotal resection (STR) in the remainder. Visual symptoms improved in 13/16 patients (81%) and remained unchanged in 3/16 patients (19%). Most common complications included new endocrinological deficit in nine patients (56%), mostly diabetes insipidus, and cerebrospinal fluid leak requiring a new intervention in three patients (19%). There was one mortality case (complicated meningitis, stroke and vasospasm). Mean follow-up time was 22.05 ± 14 months and three patients (19%) had a recurrence of the disease during this period and were referred for radiation therapy.ConclusionEndonasal endoscopic approach is a safe and effective surgical option for both primary and recurrent suprasellar craniopharyngiomas.     

Edward Zigler's legacy in the study of persons with intellectual disability: the developmental approach and the advent of a more rigorous and compassionate science

Edward Zigler transformed the science and humanity of the work with persons with intellectual disability. The developmental approach is Ed's great contribution to the field of intellectual disability as it both led to more conceptually compelling and methodologically rigorous science and provided an alternative to the Zeitgeist of segregation, defect, and pathology that had prevailed for decades. In an entirely unique way, the developmental approach allowed a seamless integration of increasingly precise science with concern for the “whole child” and their family. Thus, Ed's legacy led to a discipline in which scholarship and compassion prevail hand in hand as the integrity of science and of the person are mutually informative and interdependent.     

Review of policies,data, and interventions to improve maternal nutrition in Afghanistan

Malnutrition contributes to direct and indirect causes of maternal mortality, which is particularly high in Afghanistan. Women's nutritional status before, during, and after pregnancy affects their own well‐being and mortality risk and their children's health outcomes. Though maternal nutrition interventions have documented positive impact on select child health outcomes, there are limited data regarding the effects of maternal nutrition interventions on maternal health outcomes globally. This scoping review maps policies, data, and interventions aiming to address poor maternal nutrition outcomes in Afghanistan. We used broad search categories and approaches including database and website searches, hand searches of reference lists from relevant articles, policy and programme document requests, and key informant interviews. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed by type of source document, such as studies with measures related to maternal nutrition, relevant policies and strategies, and programmatic research or evaluation by a third party with explicit interventions targeting maternal nutrition. We abstracted documents systematically, summarized content, and synthesized data. We included 20 policies and strategies, 29 data reports, and nine intervention evaluations. The availability of maternal nutrition intervention data and the inclusion of nutrition indicators, such as minimum dietary diversity, have increased substantially since 2013, yet few nutrition evaluations and population surveys include maternal outcomes as primary or even secondary outcomes. There is little evidence on the effectiveness of interventions that target maternal nutrition in Afghanistan. Policies and strategies more recently have shifted towards multisectoral efforts and specifically target nutrition needs of adolescent girls and women of reproductive age. This scoping review presents evidence from more than 10 years of efforts to improve the maternal nutrition status of Afghan women. We recommend a combination of investments in measuring maternal nutrition indicators and improving maternal nutrition knowledge and behaviours.     

Endoscopic endonasal transclival approach to the ventral brainstem: Radiologic,anatomic feasibility and nuances,surgical limitations and future directions

The endoscopic endonasal transclival approach (EETA) is less invasive than traditional open approaches; however, there is currently limited data on the pre-operative features that may predict success of the EETA. Surgical landmarks and exposure of the EETA and expanded EETA are assessed. We retrospectively measured multiple anatomic features in 154 adult dry skulls, 22 C1 and C2 dry bone vertebrae, and 500 paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) scans. We also dissected 13 formalin-fixed, silicone-injected adult cadaveric heads. Relevant qualitative and quantitative data were obtained with CT (n = 10) and cadaveric dissection (n = 13). They are expressed as mean (SD), as appropriate and compared with unpaired t tests. Categorical variables were compared with χ² tests. We determined the prevalence of clival and sphenoid sinus anatomic variations and assessed potential exposure of the craniovertebral region, based on the relative position of the nasal bone tip, posterior point of the hard palate, and their relation to the position of C1 and C2. Depending on anatomic features, EETA should allow visualization of the ventral brainstem. The mean (SD) dimensions of the surgical window for EETA were 43.2 (5.1) × 18.3 (1.1) mm, in the craniocaudad and horizontal dimensions, respectively. The craniocaudad dimension enlarged to 60.2 (4.7) mm with expanded EETA. The EETA allowed satisfactory exposure for odontoid and C1 anterior arch resection (expanded EETA) in all specimens, regardless of the orientation of the palate. The combination of preoperative radiographic assessment and intraoperative considerations allows safe and effective application and facilitate selection of the most appropriate approach.     

The ABA intervention for improving breastfeeding initiation and continuation: Feasibility study results

The UK has low breastfeeding rates, with socioeconomic disparities. The Assets‐based feeding help Before and After birth (ABA) intervention was designed to be inclusive and improve infant feeding behaviours. ABA is underpinned by the behaviour change wheel and offers an assets‐based approach focusing on positive capabilities of individuals and communities, including use of a Genogram. This study aimed to investigate feasibility of intervention delivery within a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Nulliparous women ≥16 years, (n = 103) from two English sites were recruited and randomised to either intervention or usual care. The intervention – delivered through face‐to‐face, telephone and text message by trained Infant Feeding Helpers (IFHs) – ran from 30‐weeks' gestation until 5‐months postnatal. Outcomes included recruitment rates and follow‐up at 3‐days, 8‐weeks and 6‐months postnatal, with collection of future full trial outcomes via questionnaires. A mixed‐methods process evaluation included qualitative interviews with 30 women, 13 IFHs and 17 maternity providers; IFH contact logs; and fidelity checking of antenatal contact recordings. This study successfully recruited women, including teenagers, from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas; postnatal follow‐up rates were 68.0%, 85.4% and 80.6% at 3‐days, 8‐weeks and 6‐months respectively. Breastfeeding at 8‐weeks was obtained for 95.1% using routine data for non‐responders. It was possible to recruit and train peer supporters to deliver the intervention with adequate fidelity. The ABA intervention was acceptable to women, IFHs and maternity services. There was minimal contamination and no evidence of intervention‐related harm. In conclusion, the intervention is feasible to deliver within an RCT, and a definitive trial required.     

多裂肌间隙入路与经皮入路联合伤椎置钉治疗无神经损伤的胸腰段椎体骨折的对比研究

目的 探讨多裂肌间隙入路和经皮入路分别联合伤椎置钉治疗无神经损伤胸腰段椎体骨折的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析苏州大学附属第一医院2015年1月-2018年1月采用多裂肌间隙入路和经皮入路分别联合伤椎置钉治疗无神经损伤的胸腰段椎体骨折的52例患者的临床资料。经多裂肌间隙入路患者25例(A组),男19例、女6例,年龄35~67 (49.84±9.11)岁;经皮入路患者27例(B组),男20例、女7例,年龄21~66(48.44±11.02)岁。比较两组患者一般资料,以及手术出血量、手术时间、术后镇痛药物使用率、术后下地时间及术后住院时间;手术前后不同时间点的腰背部疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS);比较两组手术前、术后下地前及术后12个月时伤椎前缘高度比值和矢状位Cobb角变化。结果 两组患者一般资料比较差异均无统计学意义(P值均＞0.05)。均顺利完成手术,术后随访12个月。A组的手术时间、术后下地时间分别为120(90,136)min、2(1,3)d,均短于B组的144(110,220)min、4(2,5)d,差异均有统计学意义(P值均＜0.05);A组术后使用镇痛药物例数(2例)少于B组(15例),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);两组患者手术出血量、术后住院时间差异均无统计学意义(P值均＞0.05)。两组患者术后VAS评分均较术前有明显改善,差异均有统计学意义(P值均＜0.01);A、B组间术前、术后12个月VAS评分比较,差异均无统计学意义(P值均＞0.05),但术后第3天VAS评分比较,A组低于B组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。两组患者术后下地前及术后12个月伤椎前缘高度比值、矢状面Cobb角较术前改善明显,差异均有统计学意义(P值均＜0.05),但两组间同时间点伤椎前缘高度比值和矢状面Cobb角比较差异均无统计学意义(P值均＞0.05)。结论 多裂肌间隙入路和经皮入路分别联合伤椎置钉治疗无神经损伤的胸腰段椎体骨折均取得良好疗效,在改善骨折畸形及远期腰背部疼痛上无明显差异,但经皮入路手术时间更长、术后短期腰背部疼痛更严重、下地时间更晚,相较于多裂肌间隙入路手术并不具有明显优势。     

Significance of the simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach for prevention of postoperative CSF leak after surgery for lateral skull base meningioma

Lateral skull base meningiomas, particularly sphenoorbital meningiomas, sometimes extend extremely widely into adjacent structures including the paranasal sinuses. For endonasal skull base reconstruction using a vascularized nasoseptal flap for prevention of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, the simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach was applied for resection of these extensive tumors. We performed a retrospective review of four patients treated with the simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach for resection of lateral skull base meningiomas. Preoperative characteristics, tumor extent, extent of resection, complications, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. The tumor extended into the paranasal sinus, infratemporal fossa, and pterygopalatine fossa in all patients. Extracranial extension into the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure was detected in two and three patients, respectively. In one patient without extension into the cavernous sinus and superior orbital fissure, gross total resection was achieved, whereas in the other three patients, subtotal resection was performed, and small residual masses of the tumor remained in the cavernous sinus or superior orbital fissure to minimize the risk of postoperative ocular nerve damage. No patients experienced postoperative CSF leak. The simultaneous combined transcranial and endoscopic endonasal approach is useful for a subgroup of patients with lateral skull base meningiomas for prevention of postoperative CSF leak. Particularly in recurrent cases in which vascularized flaps from the transcranial side are likely unavailable due to prior tumor resection, this combined approach is worth considering depending on tumor extension into the paranasal sinus.     

腹腔镜下中间入路与侧方入路右半结肠癌根治术的术中、术后情况比较

目的:探讨腹腔镜下中间入路右半结肠癌根治术的临床疗效及并发症。方法:回顾性分析在2015年6月1日至2018年6月1日期间由中国人民解放军第967医院普外科收治的82例右半结肠癌患者临床资料，45例患者接受腹腔镜中间入路右半结肠癌根治术，为中间入路组，37例患者接受腹腔镜侧方入路右半结肠癌根治术，为侧方入路组；对比两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、清扫淋巴结数量、中转开腹率、术后肠功能恢复时间、术后住院时间及术后并发症等临床指标，评价分析腹腔镜下中间入路右半结肠癌根治术的优越性。结果:中间入路组手术时间、术中出血量、淋巴结清扫数量、中转开腹率与侧方入路组相比差异显著，均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）；但中间入路组在术后肠功能恢复时间、术后住院时间及术后并发症发生情况等方面与侧方入路组相比无统计学差异（P＞0.05）。结论:采用腹腔镜下中间入路右半结肠癌根治术能缩短手术时间、减少术中出血量、减少中转开腹率、增加清扫淋巴结个数，近期治疗效果满意，值得在临床中应用并推广。