Infections in primary total ankle replacement: Anterior approach versus lateral transfibular approach

Background

Total ankle replacement (TAR) represents an alternative to fusion for the treatment of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively assess the frequency of infections between TARs with anterior and lateral transfibular approach at 12-months follow-up.

A Novel Nomogram to Identify Candidates for Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection Among Patients with Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer Diagnosed with Magnetic Resonance Imaging-targeted and Systematic Biopsies

Background

Available models for predicting lymph node invasion (LNI) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) might not be applicable to men diagnosed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted biopsies.

Detection of mucus glycoconjugates in human conjunctiva by using the lectin colloidal gold technique in TEM. I. A quantitative study in normal subjects

We applied a specific cytochemical reaction to characterize the glycoconjugates produced by goblet and non-goblet epithelial cells of normal human conjunctiva. For this purpose we utilized the lectins, proteins of vegetal origin, which are extremely sensitive in binding glycosidic residues. In particular, we used WGA, PNA, SBA and ConA conjugated with colloidal gold as ultrastructural marker for Transmission Electron Microscopy. This technique allowed us also to perform a quantitative analysis, by counting colloidal gold particles present on mucus granules. In this way we analyzed the content both of goblet and non-goblet epithelial cells. In the former, WGA, PNA, SBA and ConA receptors, here reported in decreasing density, were present. In the latter WGA was always positive, SBA and PNA sometimes were negative, ConA was always negative. We speculate the different contribution to mucus production by these two sources may be important in evaluating tear film stability alterations occurring in those diseases in which non-goblet epithelial cell vesicles increase.     

The antero-posterior diameter of the lumbar dural sac does not predict sensory levels of spinal anesthesia for Cesarean delivery

PURPOSE: The lumbosacral cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume, as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, is a major determinant of the intrathecal spread of local anesthetics. Ultrasound imaging of the lumbar spine allows measurement of dural sac dimensions, which we hypothesize can be used to estimate CSF volume. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the dural sac antero-posterior diameter correlates with sensory levels of spinal anesthesia during elective Cesarean delivery (CD). METHODS: After Research Ethics Board approval and informed consent, a prospective observational study enrolled 41 patients scheduled for elective CD under spinal anesthesia. With ultrasound imaging (transverse approach, 2-5 MHz curved array probe), we measured the antero-posterior diameter of the lumbar dural sac (dural sac diameter, DSD). Spinal anesthesia was administered with 0.75% hyperbaric bupivacaine 1.6 mL, fentanyl 10 microg and morphine 100 microg, with the patient in the sitting position. Sensory block levels were assessed with ice and pinprick every five minutes until peak sensory levels (PSL) were attained. Spearman's rank correlation was used to correlate DSD with PSL and time to attain PSL. RESULTS: There were no significant correlations between DSD and PSL assessed with ice (P = 0.474) or pinprick (P = 0.583). Similarly, there was no significant correlation between DSD and time to reach PSL, and between DSD and patient demographics. CONCLUSION: The lumbar DSD, as determined by ultrasound, is not a predictor of spinal anesthesia spread. Further research is necessary to understand if ultrasound findings can be used to predict intrathecal spread of local anesthetics.     

Development and results of the Spanish registry of patients with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency

The Spanish registry of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency was founded in 1993 and became a member of the International Registry (AIR) in 1999. We describe the updating process following its incorporation into AIR and compare the data collected in the first period (1993–1999) and the second period (1999–2005), during which time patients were included exclusively by internet.The registry included 301 patients during period 1, 69% males and 46% had a history of smoking. Their mean age was 46 years (SD = 13) and 284 (94%) had the ZZ phenotype, 49% received augmentation therapy. During period 2, 161 new cases were included, 63% of whom were males with a mean age of 44 years (SD = 16). A total of 126 (78%) had the ZZ phenotype. Only 12% received augmentation therapy. A total of 462 different patients were included in both periods. Significant differences were observed in the number of cases with the SZ phenotype and the severity of FEV₁ impairment between the two periods.Implementation of an internet-based collection of data did not result in a lower rate of reporting to the registry. However, data from a significant number of patient included in period 1 could not be actualized in the new data base.     

Gastrointestinal Mechanisms Activated by Electrical Stimulation to Treat Motility Dysfunctions in the Digestive Tract: A Review

Studies performed to date have shown that electrical stimulation of the stomach and intestines can create or modulate motility functions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Therefore, electrical stimulation of GI organs may become a valuable alternative to medication and surgical approaches in the treatment of GI motor dysfunctions. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects induced by electrical stimulation of the gut wall are not totally understood, and such knowledge is important for further development of stimulation methods and devices. Presently, it is known that electrical stimulation of GI organs triggers complex reactions comprising excitatory and inhibitory responses of the excitable components performing or controlling motility in the GI tract. I present here a review of what is known of the mechanisms of GI organ stimulation.