Meta-analysis of retrojugular versus antejugular approach for carotid endarterectomy

Introduction

The retrojugular approach for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been reported to have the advantages of shorter operative time and ease of dissection, especially in high carotid lesions. Controversial opinion exists with regard to its safety and benefits over the conventional antejugular approach.

Methods

A systematic review of electronic information sources was conducted to identify studies comparing outcomes of CEA performed with the retrojugular and antejugular approach. Synthesis of summary statistics was undertaken and fixed or random effects models were applied to combine outcome data.

Findings

A total of 6 studies reporting on a total of 740 CEAs (retrojugular approach: 333 patients; antejugular approach: 407 patients) entered our meta-analysis models. The retrojugular approach was found to be associated with a higher incidence of laryngeal nerve damage (odds ratio [OR]: 3.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46–7.07). No significant differences in the incidence of hypoglossal or accessory nerve damage were identified between the retrojugular and antejugular approach groups (OR: 1.09 and 11.51, 95% CI: 0.31–3.80 and 0.59–225.43). Cranial nerve damage persisting during the follow-up period was similar between the groups (OR: 2.96, 95% CI: 0.79–11.13). Perioperative stroke and mortality rates did not differ in patients treated with the retrojugular or antejugular approach (OR: 1.26 and 1.28, 95% CI: 0.31–5.21 and 0.25–6.50).

Conclusions

Currently, there is no conclusive evidence to favour one approach over the other. Proof from a well designed randomised trial would help determine the role and benefits of the retrojugular approach in CEA.     

Fibronectin binding to thrombin-stimulated platelets: evidence for fibrin(ogen) independent and dependent pathways

Plasma fibronectin binds in a specific and saturable manner to thrombin- stimulated platelets. gamma-Thrombin stimulated 80% as much fibronectin binding to platelets as alpha-thrombin with conversion of less than or equal to 1% of platelet fibrinogen to fibrin. Afibrinogenemic and normal platelets bound similar quantities of fibronectin in the presence of calcium or magnesium-ethylene glycol tetra-acetic acid (EGTA). These observations indicate that fibronectin can interact with platelets without involvement of fibrin or fibrinogen. Nevertheless, two different effects of fibrin(ogen) on fibronectin binding were observed. First, exogenous fibrinogen inhibited fibronectin binding to thrombin-stimulated platelets. This inhibition was unidirectional, as fibronectin did not inhibit fibrinogen binding to ADP or thrombin- stimulated cells. Second, formaldehyde-fixed cells with surface- associated fibrin bound significant quantities of fibronectin. This interaction required calcium and did not occur on fixed cells with or without surface-bound fibrinogen. A portion of the ligand bound to fixed cells with surface-associated fibrin was modified to form a derivative with a molecular weight identical to that of the fibronectin subunit cross-linked to the alpha-chain of fibrin. This high mol wt derivative was also observed to a variable extent with living cells in the presence of magnesium or calcium but not in the presence of magnesium-EGTA. Thus, fibronectin binds to platelets by at least two mechanisms: (1) a fibrin(ogen)-independent pathway that requires divalent ions and is inhibited by exogenous fibrinogen; and (2) a fibrin-dependent pathway with an absolute calcium requirement. With nonaggregated, thrombin-stimulated platelets, the former pathway appears to predominate.     

Influenza Knowledge,Attitude, and Behavior Survey for Grade School Students: Design and Novel Assessment Methodology

Despite the fact infectious diseases can spread readily in grade schools, few studies have explored prevention in this setting. Additionally, we lack valid tools for students to self-report knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. As part of an ongoing study of a curriculum intervention to promote healthy behaviors, we developed and evaluated age-appropriate surveys to determine students’ understanding of influenza prevention. Surveys were adapted from adolescent and adult influenza surveys and administered to students in grades 2–5 (ages 7–11) at two Rochester public schools. We assessed student understanding by analyzing percent repeatability of 20 survey questions and compared percent “don’t know” (DK) responses across grades, gender, and race. Questions thought to be ambiguous after early survey administration were investigated in student focus groups, modified as appropriate, and reassessed. The response rate across all surveys was >87 %. Survey questions were well understood; 16 of 20 questions demonstrated strong pre/post repeatability (>70 %). Only 1 question showed an increase in DK response for higher grades (p < .0001). Statistical analysis and qualitative feedback led to modification of 3 survey questions and improved measures of understanding in the final survey administration. Grade-school students’ knowledge, attitudes and behavior toward influenza prevention can be assessed using surveys. Quantitative and qualitative analysis may be used to assess participant understanding and refine survey development for pediatric survey instruments. These methods may be used to assess the repeatability and validity of surveys to assess the impact of health education interventions in young children.     

Phase separation of blends of polydisperse polymers: Comparison between experiment and theory for the system poly(dimethylsiloxane)/poly(ethylmethylsiloxane)

Cloud point curves were measured turbidimetrically for blends (upper critical solution temperatures; UCSTs) of poly(ethylmethylsiloxane) (PEMS) and four different samples of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS); the weight average molar masses in kg/mol are 31.2 for PEMS and 10.4, 15.5, 18.1 and 24.0 for PDMS; all components have polydispersity indices D (= M̄_w/M̄_n) within the range from 1.82 to 2.67. Corresponding calculations on the basis of the Flory-Huggins theory (three adjustable parameters) account for the poly-dispersity; molecular weight distributions are represented by the generalized Schulz-Flory equation. Calculated cloud point curves agree very well with those measured, if individual sets of parameters are admitted for each of the different mixtures. Even for an identical set of parameters the maximum deviations remain moderate. Realistic model calculations concerning the influences of D on cloud points and on critical points were performed with this set of parameters. For the present (only slightly endothermal) system, the precipitation threshold increases from 318 to 558.6 K as D_PEMS is raised from 1.87 to 4.00, keeping the number average degree of polymerization constant.     

改良小梁切除术治疗伴有高眼压及大瞳孔的急性房角关闭

目的 评价改良小梁切除术治疗伴有高眼压及大瞳孔的急性房角关闭的临床疗效。方法收集2005年1月至2009年3月中山大学中山眼科中心青光眼专业实施改良小梁切除术治疗伴有高眼压及大瞳孔的急性房角关闭21例（21眼）的临床资料,对术后并发症及手术前后的眼压、视力、瞳孔等进行统计分析。 结果 术前眼压(48.25±3.14) mmHg,平均用降眼压药种类3.35种,明显高于出院时眼压(10.47±1.15)mmHg(t=11.4573,P＜0.01)及术后3个月眼压(13.86±0.93) mmHg(t=11.2641,P＜0.01)。出院视力(0.09±0.05)与术前视力(0.11±0.06)差异无统计学意义(沁0.8702,P= 0.3913),术后3个月视力(0.21±0.04)则稍好于术前（t=-2.7907,P=0.0112）。术前瞳孔垂直径(5.81±0.23) mm与出院时瞳孔垂直径(5.92±0.21 )mm差异无统计学意义（t=-1.5013,P=0.1672）。无严重并发症发生。 结论 改良小梁切除术是治疗伴有高眼压及大瞳孔的急性房角关闭的有效方法,术中分次放房水、巩膜瓣调节缝线、术毕形成前房等措施可有效减少严重并发症的发生。