Changing Concepts of Neuroanatomy Teaching in Medical Education

Background: Anatomy teaching is often described as foundational in the education of physicians, but in recent years there has been increasing pressure on teachers of neuroanatomy to justify its place in the curriculum. Summary: This article examines theoretical assumptions that have traditionally influenced the neuroanatomy curriculum and explains how evolution of thought in the field of medical education has led to a shift in how the pedagogy of neuroanatomy is conceptualized. Conclusions: The widespread adoption of competency-based education, the emphasis on outcome-based objectives, patient- and learner-centered approaches, and a renewed interest in humanistic aspects of medical education have all contributed to a changing educational milieu. These changes have led to a number of curricular innovations. However, questions remain as to what should be taught to medical learners, and how best to teach it.     

Denial in the first days of acute stroke

Denial is a disorder of self-awareness that is frequent after acute stroke, with potential negative influence in the care of patients. The aim of this study was to describe the presence and correlates of denial in acute stroke. We assessed denial in a sample of 180 consecutive acute stroke patients (≤4 days) and in a control group of 50 acute coronary patients using the Denial of Illness Scale (DIS). 41% (74) acute stroke patients (mean DIS score=4.1, SD=2.2, range 0 to 10) and 24% (12) acute coronary patients (mean DIS score=3.2, SD=1.5, range 0 to 10) presented denial (χ²=4.19, p=.04; U=3405.50, p=.01). Denial was more frequent and severe in patients with lower educational level (χ² = 5.04, p=.04; U=2110.50; p=.01), neglect (χ² = 21.38, p=.00; U=1130.50; p=.00), cognitive impairment (χ² = 6.27, p=.02; U=1181.50; p=.01) and after hemispherical lesions (χ² =4.68, p=.05; U=1982.50; p=.04). In logistic regression low educational level, neglect and cognitive impairment were independent factors predicting denial in stroke patients (R²= 21%). Patients with denial can express depressive symptoms. Patients with denial had a worse outcome at discharge (χ² =4.91, p=.04; U=2918.00; p=.03). Denial is a frequent phenomenon after acute stroke. We propose that there is a multifactorial model for the emergence of denial, lower educational as a predisposing condition, and acute stroke due to hemisphere lesion and causing neglect and cognitive impairment as precipitating events. All these factors limit patients’ assessment of their condition and body functions.     

Alternative Therapies for the Treatment of Chronic Prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a prevalent disease for which there is no standardized therapy. Traditional treatments have included antibiotics, α-blockers, and anti-inflammatories, but those have not proven to be efficacious therapies through many clinical trials. Alternative therapies, such as phytotherapy, acupuncture, and pelvic floor physical therapy, have grown in popularity for the treatment of CP/CPPS. As clinicians continue to explore these alternative therapies, there is an accumulation of strong evidence demonstrating the success of these alternative therapies.     

Cranial epidural empyema with osteomyelitis caused by actinomyces, CT, and MRI appearance

Actinomycosis is an uncommon cause of intracranial infection. Epidural empyema represents about 6% of CNS actinomycotic lesions. A case of an epidural empyema with parietal bone osteomyelitis caused by Actinomyces israelii is presented. Relevant neuroimaging features were bone erosions and a multiloculated collection with annular contrast enhancing on CT. Postoperative MRI revealed extensive involvement of the neighbor dura, falx, and subdural space. MRI was crucial to follow-up the response to antibiotic treatment.     

Pharmacokinetics of Oxaliplatin During Open Versus Laparoscopically Assisted Heated Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC): An Experimental Study

Background

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is being evaluated for patients with minimal residual or no residual disease after primary surgery and chemotherapy for stage III ovarian carcinoma. The technical feasibility of the laparoscopic approach for HIPEC has been demonstrated in a previous study. An experimental study on the porcine model was carried out to compare oxaliplatin pharmacokinetics during a laparoscopic-assisted procedure versus the coliseum technique for HIPEC.

Methods

Adult pigs received an HIPEC procedure that was based on 460 mg/m² of oxaliplatin over 30 minutes with a perfusate heated at 41°C to 43°C. The HIPEC drains were placed in the upper and lower quadrants of the abdomen. Peritoneal fluid and blood samples were collected every 10 minutes during the procedure, and the pharmacokinetics of oxaliplatin was studied.

Results

Two groups of 10 adult pigs were studied. All the procedures were successfully completed with an adequate intra-abdominal temperature and distribution. No major technical problems were encountered. At the end of the HIPEC, 41.5% of the molecule was absorbed in the laparoscopic group compared with 33.4% in the laparotomy group (P = .0543). Peritoneal oxaliplatin half-life (T_½) was significantly faster in the laparoscopic procedure (median, 37.5 vs. 59.3 minutes, P = .02). The area under the curve ratio of peritoneal to plasma reflects a more important oxaliplatin crossing through the peritoneal barrier in the laparoscopic procedure (ratio, 16.4 in the closed procedure vs. 28.1 in the open one; P = .03).

Conclusions

This study confirms the technical feasibility and reliability of the laparoscopic approach for HIPEC, and it extends knowledge concerning peritoneal drug absorption. Oxaliplatin absorption is far higher with laparoscopy in terms of time course in peritoneal perfusion. Clinical application in selected patients may be expected after further experimental investigation designed to define the adequate drug dosage.

     

Body composition and physical activity in end-stage renal disease.

OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to examine the relationship between visceral and somatic protein stores and physical activity in individuals with end-stage renal disease. DESIGN: This was a prospective single-center study. SETTING: The study took place at the Vanderbilt University Outpatient Dialysis Unit and General Clinical Research Center. PATIENTS: Fifty-five patients with prevalent chronic hemodialysis (CHD) were included: 33 males, 22 females, 45 African Americans, 9 Caucasians, and 1 Asian. The mean age was 47.0 +/- 1.6 years, height was 166.4 +/- 13.9 cm, and weight was 83.1 +/- 2.6 kg. METHODS: Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Minute-by-minute physical activity was assessed over a 7-day period with a triaxial accelerometer. Participants were interviewed by a trained registered dietitian for two 24-hour diet recalls (one from a hemodialysis day; one from a nonhemodialysis day). Laboratory values for serum concentrations of albumin, prealbumin, C-reactive protein, and creatinine were also collected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Predictors of somatic protein stores were the main outcome measure. RESULTS: Serum albumin was negatively and significantly correlated with the percentage of fat mass (P = .016) and kg of fat mass (P = .044). C-reactive protein was positively and significantly correlated with body weight (P = .006), percentage of fat mass (P = .017), kg of fat mass (P = .006), and body mass index (P = .004). Physical activity and total daily protein intake were the strongest predictors of the amount of lean body mass (P = .01 and .003, respectively). CONCLUSION: The association between somatic protein and visceral protein stores is weak in patients with CHD. Whereas increased levels of physical activity and total daily protein intake are associated with higher lean body mass in patients with CHD, higher adiposity is associated with higher C-reactive protein and lower albumin values.     

Obesity and litigation predict workers' compensation costs associated with interbody cage lumbar fusion.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Results of lumbar fusion surgery have been mixed and procedures are costly. Interbody cage lumbar fusion (ICLF) has been advanced to improve arthrodesis and clinical outcomes; however, little attention has been given to ICLF costs or potential predictors of these expenses. PURPOSE: To depict medical and compensation costs associated with ICLF in a Utah cohort of patients receiving workers' compensation as well as to investigate predictors of costs. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A retrospective-cohort research design was used involving completion of presurgical and postsurgical medical record reviews and accrual of medical and compensation costs. Presurgical variables included in a regression model were presurgical spinal pathophysiology rating, obesity, and litigation status. PATIENT SAMPLE: Forty-three consecutive patients who were compensated by the Workers' Compensation Fund of Utah and underwent ICLF. OUTCOME MEASURES: Total accrued compensation and medical costs. METHODS: A retrospective review of presurgical variables and total accrued compensation and medical costs was conducted. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis indicated that nonpathophysiological factors predicted compensation costs (lawyer involvement [beta=0.40]; obesity [beta=0.34]). Specifically, compensation for those with versus without lawyers was $41,657 versus $24,837, and for those who were obese versus nonobese was $46,152 versus $28,168. Arthrodesis was correlated with medical costs (r=-0.47, p=.002), with incurred costs for patients achieving solid fusion versus pseudarthrosis equaling $38,881 versus $71,655, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable costs were associated with ICLF, particularly for those who were obese, involved in litigation, or failed to achieve solid fusion. With regard to compensation costs, the findings support the importance of assessing nonpathophysiological factors in spinal fusion patients.     

Multiple closed avulsions of flexor tendons of the hand caused by a firecracker blast

Closed avulsion, in the absence of pathology, of both flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis tendons from the same finger is uncommon. We report a multiple closed avulsion of long fingers flexor tendons, associated with pulleys rupture in the left hand of a healthy, 16-year-old boy. The lesion was caused by a firecracker blast which the patient had tried to hide. No injuries were found in the volar or dorsal areas of the hand. All affected flexor tendons were reinserted; in addition, second and third digits fourth annular pulleys were resutured to prevent posterior bowstringing. At present, the patient has completely recovered his range of motion and has obtained his driver license.     

Bilateral Buccal Bifurcation Cyst: Case Report and Literature Review

Buccal bifurcation cyst (BBC) is a rare inflammatory odontogenic cyst that typically occurs at the buccal region of the first or second mandibular molars of children. In the current case, a 9-year-old boy complained of an extraoral soft tissue painful swelling. Intraoral examination revealed a partial eruption of the right permanent mandibular first molar with drainage of purulent material and clinical absence of the left mandibular first molar. Panoramic radiographic and computed tomography showed two well-defined areas surrounding the mandibular first molars consistent with cystic lesions. Surgical enucleations were performed and histopathologic analysis revealed inflammatory cysts. Based on the clinical, microscopic, radiographic, and CT images, the diagnosis of bilateral BBC was established. Patient has been under follow-up for about 1 year showing normal bone repair and eruption of the involved teeth. Although BBC is uncommon, it is important to recognize this entity.