Difficult Delivery Research Articles

Depressed "ping pong" skull fractures in the newborns: A cohort study.

A ping pong fracture is a rare depressed skull fracture (DSF) observed in infants. It occurs due to the inward buckling of the calvarium, creating a cup-like shape. Trauma during childbirth, particularly from instrumental delivery or the application of pressure by physicians or midwives during challenging deliveries, is the primary cause. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics associated with DSF in newborns and to identify the main factors related to its incidence and the type of hematoma involved. This is a retrospective case-control analysis of all newborns delivered with DSF at King Abdulla University Hospital in Jordan between January 2008 and December 2020. The medical records were reviewed, and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Out of 42,955 live births delivered at King Abdulla University Hospital, 13 cases of DSF were observed, giving an incidence of 3.0 in 10,000 live births. All cases were delivered at full term. Of the 13 cases, nine cases were associated with the use of instrumental delivery. Seven of those nine cases were delivered vaginally, while the other two cases required cesarean section following unsuccessful instrumental delivery. Four cases were spontaneous, with no history of trauma or instrument use, and delivered by cesarean section. Only 3 of the 13 cases required neurosurgical elevation of DSF. The outcome was excellent in all cases, both cosmetically and neurologically. Ping-pong skull fractures are seen in newborns infrequently in the Jordanian population, with an incidence of 0.03%. Most of the cases have resulted from difficult deliveries though spontaneous fractures can be encountered rarely. The treatment is usually conservative with spontaneous resolution. The overall prognosis is excellent both neurologically and cosmically.

Rehabilitation of a neonate with persistent caput succedaneum using cranial remoulding orthosis (helmet): a case report

A second-born male child to nonconsanguineous parents was delivered by normal vaginal delivery following a difficult extraction at term and had a normal transition to postnatal life. At 40 days of life, the baby presented with a soft, boggy swelling in the posterior occipital region, which had been noticed since birth but was increasing in size gradually, and he was born through a difficult normal vaginal delivery. The preliminary diagnosis considered at admission was probable caput succedaneum, with a differential diagnosis of spontaneous CSF leak. Cranial ultrasound reports showed a cystic lesion measuring 37×28 mm in the right parietooccipital region, suggestive of caput succedaneum. So, the baby was aided by our rehabilitation team experts, who provided the cranial remolding orthosis (helmet) to the neonate, which would provide adequate soft, consistent compression. At 3 and a half months of age, the caput subsided, and the baby was doing clinically well with normal developmental milestones and a normal head circumference, appropriate for the age. Thus, the use of the helmet resulted in a significant improvement in the baby's condition, demonstrating the effectiveness of this intervention for treating persistent caput succedaneum. Therefore, this article highlights the importance of early intervention and specialized care in managing cranial deformities in neonates.

AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Dystocia Algorithm) in Prolonged Dystocic Labor: Focus on Asynclitism Degree.

Asynclitism, a misalignment of the fetal head with respect to the plane of passage through the birth canal, represents a significant obstetric challenge. High degrees of asynclitism are associated with labor dystocia, difficult operative delivery, and cesarean delivery. Despite its clinical relevance, the diagnosis of asynclitism and its influence on the outcome of labor remain matters of debate. This study analyzes the role of the degree of asynclitism (AD) in assessing labor progress and predicting labor outcome, focusing on its ability to predict intrapartum cesarean delivery (ICD) versus non-cesarean delivery. The study also aims to assess the performance of the AIDA (Artificial Intelligence Dystocia Algorithm) algorithm in integrating AD with other ultrasound parameters for predicting labor outcome. This retrospective study involved 135 full-term nulliparous patients with singleton fetuses in cephalic presentation undergoing neuraxial analgesia. Data were collected at three Italian hospitals between January 2014 and December 2020. In addition to routine digital vaginal examination, all patients underwent intrapartum ultrasound (IU) during protracted second stage of labor (greater than three hours). Four geometric parameters were measured using standard 3.5 MHz transabdominal ultrasound probes: head-to-symphysis distance (HSD), degree of asynclitism (AD), angle of progression (AoP), and midline angle (MLA). The AIDA algorithm, a machine learning-based decision support system, was used to classify patients into five classes (from 0 to 4) based on the values of the four geometric parameters and to predict labor outcome (ICD or non-ICD). Six machine learning algorithms were used: MLP (multi-layer perceptron), RF (random forest), SVM (support vector machine), XGBoost, LR (logistic regression), and DT (decision tree). Pearson's correlation was used to investigate the relationship between AD and the other parameters. A degree of asynclitism greater than 70 mm was found to be significantly associated with an increased rate of cesarean deliveries. Pearson's correlation analysis showed a weak to very weak correlation between AD and AoP (PC = 0.36, p < 0.001), AD and HSD (PC = 0.18, p < 0.05), and AD and MLA (PC = 0.14). The AIDA algorithm demonstrated high accuracy in predicting labor outcome, particularly for AIDA classes 0 and 4, with 100% agreement with physician-practiced labor outcome in two cases (RF and SVM algorithms) and slightly lower agreement with MLP. For AIDA class 3, the RF algorithm performed best, with an accuracy of 92%. AD, in combination with HSD, MLA, and AoP, plays a significant role in predicting labor dystocia and labor outcome. The AIDA algorithm, based on these four geometric parameters, has proven to be a promising decision support tool for predicting labor outcome and may help reduce the need for unnecessary cesarean deliveries, while improving maternal-fetal outcomes. Future studies with larger cohorts are needed to further validate these findings and refine the cut-off thresholds for AD and other parameters in the AIDA algorithm.

Safety and Feasibility of Electrocardiogram-Guided Tip Positioning Combined with Ultrasound-Guided Placement of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Performed in Severe Brain Injury Patients

ObjectiveTo explore the safety and feasibility of using electrocardiogram (ECG)-guided tip positioning combined with ultrasound-guided placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) in patients with severe brain injury in a neurosurgery intensive care unit.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 400 patients who underwent PICC catheterization in a neurosurgery intensive care unit from January 2017 to January 2021. Of those, a group of 157 patients received only ultrasound-guided PICC placement. The second group (243 patients) received ECG-guided tip positioning combined with ultrasound-guided PICC placement. A logistic regression analysis was conducted on gender, arm circumference, and ECG usage based on whether the results were in place. The positioning accuracy, success rate of primary catheterization, incidence of ectopic catheters, average catheterization depth, and incidence of catheterization complications were observed.ResultsLogistic regression analysis showed that only ECG guidance helps to achieve accurate PICC (OD, 4.541; 95CI, 2.224–9.271; p < 0.001). The correct placement rate of the PICC tip was significantly higher in ECG-guided tip positioning combined with the ultrasound guidance group (90.73%) compared to the ultrasound-only group (79.00%, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of difficult catheter delivery and replace the punctured vessel, and the incidences of blocked blood return in the ECG-plus-ultrasound group was significantly better than the ultrasound group (9.55%) (χ2 = 14.402, P < 0.001).ConclusionIn patients with severe brain injury, ECG-guided tip positioning combined with ultrasound guidance in PICC catheterization can significantly increase the rate of correct tip placement without increasing the difficulty of catheterization.

Factors contributing to rise in teenage pregnancy in Sekhukhune district, Limpopo province.

The Department of Health in South Africa has reported an alarming total of 90 037 teenage girls between the ages of 10 years and 19 years who gave birth from March 2021 to April 2022, across all provinces and districts. The rise in teenage pregnancy is of serious concern as adolescents girls are more likely to experience difficult pregnancies and deliveries which could lead to detrimental effects on their health. The study aimed to explore and describe factors contributing to the increase in teenage pregnancy in the Sekhukhune district of Limpopo. The study was conducted in the healthcare facilities of Sekhukhune area. A qualitative, exploratory design was followed. Participants were purposively selected, and data were gathered through face-to-face individual interviews. Data analysis employed Tesch's inductive, descriptive coding method. Negligence, peer pressure, ambiguity, choice, lack of contraceptive use, and lack of family attachment were identified as exacerbating factors in the district's surge in teenage pregnancy. To reduce teen pregnancy, it is crucial to promote contraception, enhance cooperation between schools and the government, involve families in sexual and reproductive health discussions, prioritise a supportive home environment, advocate for child support grants, revitalise school health services, and empower teenagers to make informed choices and resist peer pressure.Contribution:The study will provide guidance to policy makers and other stakeholders in developing appropriate programmes to address the problem and improve the health and socioeconomic status of adolescents in rural areas. This will reduce healthcare costs associated with complications and premature birth.

Obstetrician views on Fetal Pillow® device use and research in Aotearoa New Zealand: A cross-sectional survey.

There is anecdotal evidence of Fetal Pillow® use, but no formal local information on clinician practices and perspectives. To assess obstetrician use of the Fetal Pillow®, knowledge of relevant research, and interest in a proposed randomised controlled trial in Aotearoa New Zealand. Anonymous cross-sectional survey of practising obstetricians and obstetric trainees in Aotearoa New Zealand distributed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Of 136 respondents (69% specialists and 31% trainees), 130 had heard of the Fetal Pillow® device, and 108 had used it at least once (43% more than ten times). The device was available in 17/21 units represented. The 108 users of the device reported this was most commonly on collegial advice (63%) or after personal experience of a difficult delivery (33%) and most (80%) believed it reduced maternal morbidity. Only around one-third of the 130 respondents who had heard of the device agreed there was adequate research demonstrating its efficacy for maternal (36%) and neonatal (30%) morbidity. The majority reported they would change practice in response to a randomised trial, although they were more likely to start use (81% of current non-users) than stop (53% of users). Most (70%) respondents agreed they would encourage patients to participate in a randomised trial. The Fetal Pillow® is available in most maternity units in Aotearoa New Zealand. The majority of obstetric clinicians believe it reduces maternal morbidity, while acknowledging the lack of scientific evidence. Most would support a randomised trial.

Low uptake of gynecological consultation following domestic or sexual violence: A case-control study during pregnancy follow-up

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the association between exposure to domestic and sexual violence and low uptake of gynecological consultation. Study designBetween October 2021 and October 2022, a case-control studywas conducted in mother andchild centers and sexual health centers in the Paris, France area. The case group included pregnant women who did not have a scheduled gynecological consultation in the past two years. The control group included pregnant women who had a scheduled gynecological consultation in the past two years. Pregnant women were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire about a history of domestic and sexual violence, the date of their last gynecological consultation and the gynecological health. ResultsA total of 405 pregnant women were included in the case group (n = 129) or in the control group (n = 276). After adjustment for age, couple, social security, supplementary health insurance, dyspareunia, abnormal vaginal discharge, dysmenorrhea, regular pelvic pain, mastodynia, vulvodynia and history of difficult delivery, a history of intimate partner violence was associated with the absence of a gynecological consultation in the past two years (OR 2.13; CI95% 1.21–3.73, p = 0.008). A history of sexual violence, regardless of age, was associated with the absence a gynecological consultation in the past two years (OR 1.92; CI95% 1.05–3.49, p = 0.03). The absence of a gynecological consultation was associated with dyspareunia and domestic or sexual violence (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). ConclusionsThis study highlighted the association between domestic and sexual violence and the absence of gynecological consultations in the past two years. It underlines the importance of screening for domestic and sexual violence during gynecological consultations and its impacts on mental health, in particular psychotraumatic symptoms, and on gynecological health, in particular dyspareunia.

A Rare Case:Transphyseal Distal Humerus Fracture in a Newborn.

Transphyseal fractures of the distal humerus are usually seen in children younger than 3 years of age and are considered as Salter-Harris Type I epiphysiolysis. Neonatal transphyseal distal humerus injuries are extremely rare. It usually occurs due to trauma during difficult labour but can also be seen after child abuse. Since the distal humerus is composed of cartilaginous tissue in newborns, it is difficult to make a diagnosis with direct radiography. Patients are often diagnosed with elbow dislocation. However, elbow dislocation is almost never seen under the age of 3 years. Transphyseal fractures can be seen as a result of manoeuvres performed to deliver the baby during difficult normal delivery. Transphyseal humeral injuries can also be seen after caesarean section, child abuse and falling on the hyperextended arm. Clinical symptoms include pain, swelling, ecchymosis and crepitation at the elbow. Pseudoparalysis is present due to pain. In children with a history of difficult birth or trauma, evaluation with direct radiography should be performed initially. Radiocapitellar line is distorted on radiographs and the elbow joint appears subluxated. The treatment algorithm for transfusional humeral fractures in neonates is varied. It should be remembered that patients in this age group have a tremendous healing capacity. In conservative treatment, 2-4 weeks of follow-up with a long-arm splint after reduction is sufficient. In addition, closed reduction-internal fixation or open reduction-internal fixation can be applied according to the amount of displacement of the fracture. Cubitus varus, osteonecrosis, growth disturbance, decreased range of motion, compartment syndrome, neurovascular injury and infection are the main complications seen after transfusional humeral fractures.

Frequency of Congenital Muscular Torticollis in Children

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is identified by unilateral contracture of sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), resulting in lateral flexion of neck with rotation of chin to the opposite direction. Objective: To determine frequency of CMT in children presenting at Children Hospital, Lahore. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&amp;R), Children Hospital and University of Child Health Sciences (CH &amp; UCHS), Lahore from June 2022 to December 2022 and included 179 children who reported at Department of PM&amp;R with CMT. The data were collected using a self-constructed Torticollis questionnaire and analyzed using International Business Machines Corporation Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 23 (IBM SPSS V-23.0). Results: Out of 179 patients, 103 (57.5%) were male and 76 (42.5%) were female. Associated problems like head tilt 102 (57.0%), rotation deficits 99 (55.3%), craniofacial asymmetry 67 (37.4%), fibrotic mass 68 (38.0%) and flat spot on either side of head 56 (31.3%) were seen. A significant association was found between age and torticollis present at birth (p-value=0.012). Conclusions: CMT is more common among children with age less than one year. Most of the cases were delivered by vaginal delivery with a history of infection and difficult delivery. It is important to investigate the long-term effects of continuing head tilt on cervical spine and secondary complications of CMT.

Case report: physical therapy and rehabilitation process of a patient diagnosed with achondroplasia

Achondroplasia is an autosomal dominant disorder. But 80% of cases are sporadic. Its incidence is between 1/25000 and 1.5/10000. Significant shortening of the femur and humerus occurs in patients with achondroplasia. This shortness causes the appearance of rhizomelic type of dwarfism. Since the skull of patients with achondroplasia is large during delivery, it may cause difficult delivery. During infancy, hypotonia is more dominant. Many patients also have delayed motor development. Our aim in the study is to present the successful physical therapy and rehabilitation process of our patient diagnosed with achondroplasia for one year and her condition from diagnosis to treatment. Our patient was born via cesarean section on 12.02.2020. The weight of the baby girl was 3500 grams. The mother's height was 162 cm. and the father's height was 174 cm. The mother was 23 years old and the father 27 years old. The same diagnosis was not present in any living relative of the patient. The patient was 1 year old when she applied to our center. She had completed head control and had not yet acquired the skills of rolling over, crawling, and sitting without support. Gross motor skills such as assisted standing and stepping were not developed. In this direction, after a 1-year physical therapy and rehabilitation period applied in 2 sessions a week, the patient gained the ability to walk independently.

Clinical Profile of Cystoid Macular Edema Following Small Incision Cataract Surgery

BACKGROUND&#x0D; This study was conducted to determine the incidence of cystoid macular edema after small incision cataract surgery by means of OCT, study the clinical profile and compare the incidence in non-diabetic and diabetic patients with and without retinopathy.&#x0D; METHODS&#x0D; This was a hospital based prospective study, conducted among 325 patients in the age group of 40 to 85 years who underwent Small Incision Cataract Surgery [SICS] conducted in Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kulasekharam, Kanyakumary District, Tamil Nadu, over a period of one year from January 2022 to December 2023, after obtaining clearance from the institutional ethics committee and written informed consent from the study participants.&#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; The incidence of CME was higher among diabetic patients when compared with non-diabetic patients and was statistically significant. Patients with a history of uveitis had a statistically significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in the incidence of CME in the 6th postoperative week. Patients with complicated surgery with iris prolapse, vitreous prolapse, difficult nucleus delivery and posterior capsular rent had an increased incidence of CME. This was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) during all three postoperative evaluations.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS&#x0D; Following cataract surgery, 18.8% of patients developed cystoid macular edema six weeks after the procedure. Three months following surgery, 13.2% had CME, which further declined to 5.2% at six months after surgery. The incidence of clinically significant cystoid macular edema was 4% at six weeks after surgery. It further declined to 1.2% at 3 months after surgery and was present in only 0.6% at 6 months after surgery. The incidence of CME was higher among the diabetic patients throughout the study when compared with non-diabetic patients and was statistically significant (p&lt;0.01). The association between the severity of diabetic retinopathy and the incidence of cystoid macular edema was not statistically significant. Patients with a history of uveitis had a statistically significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in the incidence of CME in the 6th postoperative week. Patients with complicated surgery with iris prolapse, vitreous prolapse, difficult nucleus delivery and posterior capsular rent had an increased incidence of CME. Patients not using topical NSAIDS were found to have an increased incidence of CME.

Natural history of neonatal radial nerve palsy.

IV.

Relationship Between Neonatal Brain Injury and Objective Measures of Head Trauma: A Case-Control Study.

Neonatal brain injury is a common and devastating diagnosis conferring lifelong challenges for children and families. The role of mechanical forces applied to the head, often referred to as "birth trauma," are often considered although evidence for this association is lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between common types of neonatal brain injury and scalp swelling using a novel method to quantify scalp swelling as an unbiased proxy for mechanical forces applied to the head. Case-control study using population-based, prospectively collected tertiary care center databases and healthy controls from the Human Connectome Development Project. Included were infants born 32-42 weeks gestational age and MRI in the first 9 days. Outcomes categories included healthy neonates, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) with or without brain injury, or stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic). Volume of scalp swelling was objectively quantified by a novel imaging method blinded to brain injury. Variables included mode of delivery and use of instrumentation. Statistical tests included Kruskal-Wallis test, chi square, and multivariable and multinomial logistic regression. There were 309 infants included (55% male): 72 healthy controls, 77 HIE without brain injury on MRI, 78 HIE with brain injury, and 82 with stroke (60 ischemic, 22 hemorrhagic). Scalp swelling was present in 126 (40.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 35.2%-46.5%) with no difference in proportions between outcome groups. Compared to healthy controls, median volume was higher in those with HIE without brain injury (17.5 mL, 95% CI 6.8-28.2), HIE with brain injury (12.1 mL, 95% CI 5.5-18.6), but not ischemic stroke (4.7 mL, 95% CI -1.2-10.6) nor hemorrhagic stroke (8.3 mL, 95% CI -2.2-18.8). Scalp swelling was associated with instrumented delivery (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0-4.1), but not associated with increased odds of brain injury in those with HIE (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.76-3.30). Scalp swelling measures were highly reliable (ICC = 0.97). "Birth trauma" quantified by scalp swelling volume was more common in infants with difficult deliveries, but not associated with greater odds of brain injury due to hypoxia or stroke. These results may help parents and practitioners to dissociate the appearance of trauma with the risk of brain injury.

Ascending Aorta Nose-Cone Loop Technique as Bail Out for Precise Branched Endovascular Aortic Arch Endograft Delivery Without Valve Re-Crossing.

To describe a right carotid-femoral through-and-through (T&T) guidewire technique during branched thoracic endovascular aortic arch repair (B-TEVAR) to facilitate endograft delivery in a very tortuous aortic anatomy for a type Ia endoleak (EL) of a previous aortic endograft implantation. AT&T guidewire was established between the right common carotid artery and the right common femoral artery to facilitate a difficult endograft delivery. Once in the aortic arch, a loop in the ascending aorta was formed to allow the endograft to reach the desired position without losing tension on the guidewire. This maneuver allowed the T&T guidewire to be kept in place until the desired position was reached. The nose-tip of the endograft was curved over the looped guidewire pointing toward the innominate artery without crossing the valve. After endograft deployment, the T&T guidewire was released, and the branches were bridged in a standard fashion. Completion angiography documented correct deployment of the endograft and no sign of type I/III EL. The 1-month computed tomography angiography confirmed the correct deployment. Carotid-femoral T&T guidewire to facilitate endograft delivery in difficult anatomies can be feasible even in B-TEVAR. Possible bailout maneuvers are available if the aortic valve needs to be crossed after endograft delivery. Endovascular arch repair gains popularity as a valuable alternative, especially in patients considered unfit for open repair. A through-and-through (T&T) guidewire for endovascular arch repair with a landing zone in zone 0 according to Ishimaru is usually performed through the externalization of the femoral guidewire through a transapical access, but this may not always be feasible in frail patients. A right carotid-femoral though-and-through guidewire with a loop formation in the ascending aorta is proposed to achieve the support of a T&T wire to pass tortuous aortoiliac anatomies and access the ascending aorta without the need for aortic valve crossing.

Generation of CHOPe003-A ESC line to study an ACTG2 variant affecting smooth muscle development and function

Dysfunction of visceral smooth muscle (“visceral myopathy”) impairs bowel, bladder, and uterine function. Symptoms of this life-threatening condition include massive intestinal distension with slow transit, vomiting, feeding intolerance, growth failure, poor bladder emptying, and difficult vaginal delivery. The most common genetic cause of visceral myopathy is a heterozygous point mutation (R257C) in gamma smooth muscle actin (ACTG2). We genetically modified the WAe0009-A human embryonic stem cell line to carry the c.769C>T p.R257C/+ mutation. This cell line will facilitate studies of how the ACTG2 R257C heterozygous variant affects smooth muscle development and function.

To evaluate the predisposing factors of uterovaginal prolapse in women admitted in gynaecology ward

: Uterovaginal prolapse is an abnormal protrusion or herniation of pelvic organs from its normal position in the pelvis, due to failure of anatomical support. The prevalence of uterovaginal prolapse is difficult to be determined because many women are asymptomatic and many are hesitant to discuss with family. It can be considered a silent epidemic. The cause of uterovaginal prolapse is multifactorial. The parity, mode of delivery, postmenopausal status, obesity are some of the factors affecting the severity. The condition is preventive and by counseling and care during antenatal and postnatal period, the prevalence of this condition can be curtailed and quality of life can be improved.To evaluate the predisposing factors of uterovaginal prolapse in women admitted to the gynaecology ward.: A retrospective study was done for a period of 2 years from January 2019 to January 2021 at Integral Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, a tertiary care hospital and medical college, Kursi Road, Dasauli, Lucknow. The women admitted in gynaecology ward with symptoms of mass per vagina were included in the study. The data was retrieved from medical records of the department. The case file as per inclusion and exclusion criteria was identified and included in the study. The information of risk factors was collected using patient proforma. The pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POPQ) approved by international continence society was used for categorizing uterovaginal prolapse. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. Frequencies, percentage and mean computed to describe the variables of the study. The Chi-square test was used to compare variables. The statistical significance P&amp;#60;0.05 was considered significant.: The period of study was from January 2019 to January 2021. During this period 11256 patients were seen at the gynaecological clinic, out of which 206 patients had uterovaginal prolapse. The prevalence was 1.8%. The multiparity, prolonged and difficult deliveries, delivery by untrained personnel, mismanaged third stage of labour involving injury to sphincters and vaginal tears are determinants of prolapse uterus. Further postmenopausal condition causing hypoestrogenic state causes weaking of ligaments, collagen and aggravates the condition. Hence, preventive measures like institutional delivery, delivery by trained personnel, menopausal clinics may help the target population.

Recurrent vesico-cervical fistula: our experience.

Vesico-cervical (VCxF) is an uncommon entity among the gamut of genitourinary fistulas. The common causes include prolonged labor, previous lower-segment cesarean sections (LSCS), difficult vaginal deliveries, and traumatic injuries. A 31-year-old woman presented with a history of LSCS for prolonged labor 4 years ago followed by a failed robotic repair for diagnosed VCxF and vesico-uterine fistula (VUtF) 1 year ago. The patient developed a recurrence 4 weeks after catheter removal. The patient underwent cystoscopic fulguration 6 months after the robotic surgery, but this failed after 2 weeks. Now, the patient presented with continuous urine leakage through the vagina for 6 months. On evaluation, she was diagnosed with recurrent VCxF and a repeat transabdominal repair was planned. On cystovaginoscopy, there was difficulty in negotiating the fistulous tract from either end. With great difficulty, we placed the guidewire from the vaginal end, which reached a false paracervical passage. Although in the false tract, the guidewire helped with localization of the intraoperative fistula site. After docking, port placement, and localization of the fistula site (tug on the guide wire), a mini cystostomy was performed. A plane was created between the bladder and cervicovaginal layer and dissected up to 1 cm beyond the fistula. The cervicovaginal layer was closed. An omental tissue interposition was followed by cystotomy closure and drain placement. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 2nd day after drain removal. The catheter was removed after 3 weeks and the patient is doing fine under regular follow-up for 6 months. It is challenging to diagnose and repair VCxF. Transabdominal repair is better than transvaginal repair owing to its location. Patients can opt for open or minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) surgery, with better postoperative outcomes in minimally invasive techniques.

Bilayer hydrogel dressing with lysozyme-enhanced photothermal therapy for biofilm eradication and accelerated chronic wound repair.

Biofilms are closely associated with the tough healing and dysfunctional inflammation of chronic wounds. Photothermal therapy (PTT) emerged as a suitable alternative which could destroy the structure of biofilms with local physical heat. However, the efficacy of PTT is limited because the excessive hyperthermia could damage surrounding tissues. Besides, the difficult reserve and delivery of photothermal agents makes PTT hard to eradicate biofilms as expectation. Herein, we present a GelMA-EGF/Gelatin-MPDA-LZM bilayer hydrogel dressing to perform lysozyme-enhanced PTT for biofilms eradication and a further acceleration to the repair of chronic wounds. Gelatin was used as inner layer hydrogel to reserve lysozyme (LZM) loaded mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) (MPDA-LZM) nanoparticles, which could rapidly liquefy while temperature rising so as to achieve a bulk release of nanoparticles. MPDA-LZM nanoparticles serve as photothermal agents with antibacterial capability, could deeply penetrate and destroy biofilms. In addition, the outer layer hydrogel consisted of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) promoted wound healing and tissue regeneration. It displayed remarkable efficacy on alleviating infection and accelerating wound healing invivo. Overall, the innovative therapeutic strategy we came up with has significant effect on biofilms eradication and shows promising application in promoting the repair of clinical chronic wounds.

Research on the Sales Model of Scenic Area Drone Logistics and Distribution—Taking Jueshan Scenic Area in Shanxi Province as an Example

Currently, logistics and distribution have spread almost all over the country, but the development of logistics business in mountainous spots is extremely slow. The delivery of drones in scenic spots has many advantages such as fast speed, high efficiency and low cost. If drones can be used to solve the problem of difficult delivery and expensive goods in scenic spots, they will certainly be able to stimulate tourists' consumption, which will in turn attract more tourists to the scenic spots and create higher revenue. Therefore, this paper synthesizes the current situation of logistics distribution in mountainous spots and the direction of development of modern logistics equipment, considers the influencing factors of all aspects, and conducts research on the sales mode of scenic spot drone logistics distribution.

Prevalence of perinatal factors in infants with brachial plexus birth injuries and their association with injury severity.

To determine the prevalence of perinatal factors associated with brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) in affected infants and their relationship with BPBI severity. Retrospective study of BPBI infants prospectively enrolled in a multicenter registry. The prevalence of perinatal factors was calculated. Infants were stratified by injury severity and groups were compared to determine the association of severity and perinatal factors. Seven-hundred-ninety-six BPBI infants had a mean 4.2 ± 1.6 perinatal factors. Nearly all (795/796) reported at least one factor, including shoulder dystocia(96%), no clavicle fracture (91%), difficult delivery(84%), parity >1(61%) and birthweight >4000 g(55%). Ten-percent (74/778) had Horner's syndrome and 28%(222/796) underwent nerve surgery. Birth asphyxia and NICU admission were significantly associated with injury severity. NICU admission and asphyxia were associated with BPBI severity. An improved understanding of the relationship between perinatal factors and BPBI severity may be used to guide early referral to BPBI providers and support prevention efforts.