First-year Follow-up Research Articles

Pituitary Apoplexy: Description of Medical and Surgical Treatment and Clinical, Visual, and Endocrinological Outcomes During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic and Over Three Years.

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is a rare neuroendocrinological emergency. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic recommendations led to a shift in the management of patients with pituitary diseases, especially in the decision-making between conservative and surgical treatment of patients with PA. This study aimed to describe the conservative and surgical treatment and the clinical, visual, and endocrinological outcomes in patients with PA at the Pituitary Center of Excellence (PTCEO) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and within three years. This is a cohort study. Patients with PA between April 2020 and September 2023 were followed up. Treatment decisions, clinical manifestations, hormonal profile, and tumor size with MRI were described at the onset, at three months, six months, one year, two years, and three years after diagnosis. A total of 27 patients with PA diagnosis were included in the study. Of these, 12 patients were conservatively treated, six (50%) had prolactinomas, five (41.6%) had non-functioning adenomas, and one (8.3%) had pituicytoma. Fifteen patients were surgically intervened during the first hospitalization, nine (60%) had non-functioning adenomas, four (26.6%) had prolactinomas, one (6.6%) had ACTH-producing adenoma, and one (6.6%) had gonadotropinoma. Two patients from the conservatively treated group (one non-functioning adenoma and one pituicytoma) were intervened surgically at years 2 and 3, respectively. During the initial assessment, there were no statistically significant differences between patients in visual acuity (9 [75%] vs 15 [100%]), visual fieldaffection (8 [66.6%] vs 11 [73.3%]), and cranial nerve deficit (3 [25%] vs 6 [40%]). At six months follow-up, no statistically significant differences were found in the visual acuity improvement (8 [88%] vs 11 [100%]), visual field (8 [100%] vs 8 [72%]), and cranial nerve deficit between the two groups (3 [100%] vs 6 [100%]). Meanwhile, the average length of in-hospital stay was 1.5 vs 10 days (p = 0.019). The tumor size and largest diameter were smaller in the surgically treated group (6.2 vs. 0.5 cm3, p = 0.029 and 2.5 vs. 1.1 cm, p = 0.036, respectively). Visual acuity improved in nine (58.3%) patients at year 1:two (40%) conservative vs seven (100%) surgical (p = 0.039); six (85.7%) patients at year 2: two (66.6%) conservative vs. four (100%) surgical; and three (100%) patients on both groups at year 3. Fourteen patients needed hormonal substitution: 87.5% (eight [88.8%] conservative vs six [85.7%] surgical) at year 1, 85.7% (six patients in both groups) at year 2, and 80% (four conservativevs three [100%] surgical) at year 3. The thyrotropic axis was the most affected in both groups during the three years. During the first-year follow-up, six (85%) patients persisted with tumoral regression (2 [66.6%] conservative vs 4 [100%] surgical) and one (14.2%) patientfrom the medical group progressed. During the second and third years, 10 and three (100%) of the patients,respectively, showedthe regression of the tumoral volume in both groups. The clinical, visual, and neuroendocrinological outcomes were similar in both groups of patients with PA during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In cases where the Pituitary Apoplexy Score (PAS)score does not surpass three points without neurological deterioration, conservative management can be consideredan adequate option for treatment.

Telemedicine-Enhanced Lung Cancer Screening Using Mobile Computed Tomography Unit with Remote Artificial Intelligence Assistance in Underserved Communities: Initial Results of a Population Cohort Study in Western China.

Introduction: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths globally. Despite favorable recommendations, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung screening adoption remains low in China. Barriers such as limited infrastructure, costs, distance, and personnel shortages restrict screening access in disadvantaged regions. We initiated a telemedicine-enabled lung cancer screening (LCS) program in a medical consortium to serve people at risk in underserved communities. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation and initial results of the program. Methods: From 2020 to 2021, individuals aged 40-80 years were invited to take LCS by mobile computed tomography (CT) units in three underserved areas in Western China. Numerous CT scans were remotely reported by radiologists aided by artificial intelligence (AI) diagnostic systems. Abnormal cases were tracked through an integrated hospital network for follow-up. A retrospective cohort study documented participant demographics, health history, LDCT results, and outcomes. Descriptive analysis was conducted to report baseline characteristics and first-year follow-up results. Results: Of the 28,728 individuals registered in the program, 19,517 (67.94%) participated in the screening. The study identified 2.68% of participants with high-risk pulmonary nodules and diagnosed 0.55% with lung cancer after a 1-year follow-up. The majority of high-risk participants received timely treatment in hospitals. Conclusions: This study demonstrated mobile CT units with remote AI assistance improved access to LCS in underserved areas, with high participation and early detection rates. Our implementation supports the feasibility of deploying telemedicine-enabled LCS to increase access to a large scale of basic radiology and diagnostic services in resource-limited settings. Clinical Trial Registration Number: ChiCTR1900024623.

Tailor-Made Mastopexy Plus Implant, A Safe Journey Toward Breast Reshaping and Augmentation.

Augmentation/mastopexy represents one of the most complex procedures in the setting of cosmetic surgery, and there is still an ongoing debate about the most suitable approach to undertake to avoid major complications and deliver the desired result. The present study aims to offer a further contribute to the topic by presenting our personal experience with an implant-guided tailor-made mastopexy technique to manage moderate breast ptosis and hypotrophy. A retrospective analysis of our database was carried out, and a total of 194 women who underwent a tailor-made resection pattern mastopexy plus implant from November 2016 to December 2021 were enrolled. All patients included in the study presented breast hypoplasia and ptosis classified as Regnault grade II. At the first-year follow-up visit, patients received an anonymous written questionnaire that addressed their self-perception of cosmetic results and overall satisfaction. The technique presented in the study showed a favorable safety profile with a total complication rate accounting for an 8.2% and an overall reoperation rate as low as 4.6%. Major concerns including wound dehiscence, implant exposure, and nipple necrosis are not reported. Patients' self-reported outcomes revealed high satisfaction rates and stable results in the long-term follow-up. The described approach ensures proper reshaping together with the desired increased breast volume minimizing the chance of implant exposure due to wound dehiscence or any sort of tissue necrosis from devascularized skin edges. The surgical procedure described herein is safe and reliable. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The impact of renal tubulointerstitial dysfunction on the early and long-term prognosis in chronic heart failure patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

Aim. To study the dependence of the early-term (1 year) and long-term (5 years) prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) of ischemic origin with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) depending on renal tubulointerstitial functional disorders. Materials and methods. The study involved 88 patients (men – 46.6 % (n = 41); women – 53.4 % (n = 47)) with CHF of ischemic origin, stage II A–B, stage II–IV according to NYHA, 67 % (n = 59) with sinus rhythm, and 33 % (n = 29) with atrial fibrillation. Patients with sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation were matched in age (p = 0.483), height (p = 0.345), weight (p = 0.317), body surface area (p = 0.153). NGAL levels were analyzed using an ELISA kit (E-EL-H0096, Elabscience, USA). NAG levels were analyzed using an ELISA kit (SEA 069 Hu, Cloud-Clone Corp., USA). KIM-1 levels were analyzed using an ELISA kit (SEA 785 Hu, Cloud-Clone Corp., USA). Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed. Results. No significant difference was found in the frequency of the cumulative endpoint during the first-year follow-up from the initial level of two markers of tubulointerstitial injury – KIM-1 (Log-Rank Test: p = 0.57529) and NAG (Log-Rank Test: p = 0.86001). According to the results of analysis of the Cox proportional hazards, only a tendency to increase in the risk factors of adverse events were observed in case of elevated KIM-1 (HR = 1.66; p = 0.5795) and NAG levels (HR = 1.1712; p = 0.8626) in this CHF patients’ cohort. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed a probable (Log-Rank Test; p = 0.00141) increase in the frequency of the cumulative endpoint during the first year of follow-up in CHF patients with preserved LVEF due to increased serum NGAL level more than 168 ng/ml. According to the univariate model, an elevated serum NGAL level is associated with an increase in the relative risk by 4.2 times (95 % CI 1.78–16.89; p = 0.014). A reduced sodium level less than 142.5 mmol/l was associated with an increase in number of adverse cardiovascular events during the first-year follow- ups by 22 % (HR = 1.22, p = 0.029). After 5 years of follow-up, a decrease in sodium level less than 142.3 mmol/l is also characterized by a probable difference of the cumulative Kaplan–Meier’s curves (Cox–Mantel F-Test, p = 0.00287). According to the univariate model of Cox proportional hazards, the relative risk of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with CHF during the 5-year follow-up has a tendency to increase by 1.04 times (95 % CI 0.85–1.27; p = 0.72). Serum NGAL, a marker of renal tubulo-interstitial injury, doesn’t lose its properties as a powerful marker of an unfavorable long-term prognosis in patients with CHF with preserved LVEF (HR = 5.96; 95 % CI 1.17–30.50; p = 0.032). Conclusions. The most powerful factors of the early (1-year) prognosis of adverse cardiovascular events in CHF patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction are the marker of tubulointerstitial injury, serum NGAL over 168 ng/ml, as well as the marker of tubulointerstitial dysfunction – the serum sodium level less than 142.5 mmol/l. The electrolyte imbalance, decreased sodium level less than 142.3 mmol/l, remains a powerful marker of an unfavorable long-term 5-year prognosis in CHF patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, meanwhile serum NGAL, a marker of renal tubulointerstitial injury, besides doesn’t lose its prognostic value (HR = 5.96; 95 % CI 1.17–30.50; p = 0.032), but also is independent from the parameters of the age (p = 0.409) and gender (p = 0.397) in such patients.

First-year follow-up costs of myocardial infarction management in Poland from the payer's perspective.

First-year follow-up costs of myocardial infarction management in Poland from the payer's perspective.

PEMBROLIZUMAB-RELATED BILATERAL OCULAR HYPOTONY ASSOCIATED WITH CILIARY DETACHMENTS AND MACULA OEDEMA: A TREATMENT-RESISTANT SIDE EFFECT.

To report of a case of bilateral ocular hypotony associated with ciliary detachments and macula edema as an uncommon troublesome side-effect of pembrolizumab (an immune checkpoint inhibitor) treatment. A 56-year-old man with a history of metastatic axillary melanoma (bone, lung, spleen and lymph node lesions) treated with pembrolizumab complained of visual deterioration at his first-year anti-PD1 follow-up visit. Visual acuity in both eyes was 20/32. The patient presented bilateral ocular hypotony (7 mmHg in the right eye, 3mmHg in the left eye), ciliary detachments and macula edema. Several treatments were sequentially tried including systemic steroid therapy, subconjunctival injections of triamcinolone, an intravitreal dexamethasone implant, and leaving some cohesive viscoelastic agent during cataract surgery. None of the treatments tried were effective in reducing the ocular hypotony and stopping pembrolizumab was not an option due to its efficacy in controlling the cancer. Pembrolizumab treatment carries a risk of ocular hypotony which can be bilateral, presenting a challenging risk - benefit dilemma, particularly if pembrolizumab is effective in controlling the cancer.

First-year follow-up costs of myocardial infarction management in Poland from payer's perspective.

First-year follow-up costs of myocardial infarction management in Poland from payer's perspective.

Alemtuzumab infusion-associated reactions and laboratory changes in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis at baseline and first-year follow-up

BackgroundAlemtuzumab (ATZ) is an anti-CD52 humanized monoclonal antibody indicated for treating highly active relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). It alters the regulation of the immune system by depleting circulating lymphocytes. Changes in blood cell count, infusion-related reactions, and changes in vital parameters can be seen in the early period with ATZ. AimChanges in blood tests, serum tests, vital parameters, and characteristics of infusion-associated reactions (IARs) observed during the first course of ATZ treatment and thereafter were evaluated. Materials and methodsThe systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fever, heart rate (HR), changes in blood and serum tests, and IARs developed after the first course of 23 patients with RRMS who received ATZ treatment were evaluated by comparing the results of 26 patients with RRMS who received only intravenous methylprednisolone. ResultsMean age was 36.60 ± 8.98, 73.9% female (n = 17), diagnosis time was 8.52 ± 3.64 years, pre-EDSS: 3.93 ± 1.80. No significant difference was found in vital parameters except for sub-febrile fever that developed on the first day. The number of white blood cells increased significantly after the first day. The hemoglobin level did not change. Lymphocyte (very high) and platelet (mild) counts decreased starting from the first days, and eosinophil (very high) and monocyte (moderate) counts decreased from the third day. There were no significant changes in liver enzymes, thyroid function tests, serum urea, creatinine, and lipid profile during 1-year follow-up. The IAR rate was 95.6% and occurred most frequently on the second and third days. The most common are dermatological findings (52%), headache (20%), pain (10%) and fatigue (8%). ConclusionAlemtuzumab has no appreciable effect on vital parameters during infusion. However, these changes are not clinically correlated, even if there is. Headache in the first days, dermatological (most common) findings, pain, and fatigue are seen in the following days. Most IARs can be resolved with symptomatic treatment and close follow-up. Lymphocytes, eosinophils, and monocytes are significantly reduced and return to baseline levels towards the end of the first year. The first year does not cause significant pathologies in other serum parameters. However, after the first year, watch out for associated autoimmune pathologies, especially thyroid involvement.

P-04 Adrenocortical carcinoma case with long-term follow-up

Abstract Description Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive endocrine malignancy with an incidence of 0.7–2.0 cases/million/year. We present a case of ACC that we followed for a long period of approximately 5.5 years. Clinical Case A 50-year-old female patient was referred to our hospital because of a left adrenal mass. She had no complaints except left flank pain. There were no features on her resume. There were no findings related to hypercortisolemia on physical examination. Hormone levels were examined (Table 1). In the upper abdomen tomography, a 9×13×10.8 cm sized, sharply defined, lobulated contoured, heterogeneous-enhancing mass lesion with central cystic components was observed in the left adrenal region (Figure 1). The patient underwent left adrenalectomy and left partial nephrectomy. Pathology was reported as adrenocortical carcinoma. Weis score was 6/9, and the Ki-67 index was 15-20%. She was evaluated as a stage 2 disease according to ENSAT staging and followed up with thoracoabdominal CT. A 30*15 mm recurrent mass lesion was detected in the first-year postoperative follow-up. The patient underwent implant excision, left nephrectomy, and left paraaortic lymphadenectomy. Then the patient was given 6 cycles of Cisplatin-Etoposide-Adriamycin chemotherapy. On follow-up imaging after chemotherapy, a mass of approximately 13 mm in diameter was detected adjacent to the small intestine. Bridectomy and malignant soft tissue resection were performed on the patient. Mitotane treatment was started after the operation. After 6 weeks, the target mitotane level was reached. The patient was followed closely for glucocorticoid needs. Oral hydrocortisone treatment was started in the patient who complained of fatigue and nausea in the 8th month of mitotan. Since there was no hyponatremia/hyperkalemia and clinically no hypotension/orthostatic hypotension, mineralocorticoid therapy was not initiated. While under mitotane treatment, liver function tests, thyroid function tests, complete blood count and lipid parameters were evaluated intermittently. She was hospitalized 4 times in total with the clinic of infection and adrenal insufficiency. At that time, mitotane treatment was interrupted and parenteral steroid treatment was started. The patient received 4.5 years of mitotane therapy. No recurrence was detected in the follow-up scans during mitotane treatment and 6 months after the treatment was discontinued. PET-CT imaging was performed in the 1st year while the patient was in the follow-up without treatment. In the retroperitoneal region, 38×21 mm focal increased activity involvement was observed (SUV Max: 17.82). Left hemicolectomy operation was performed on the patient and chemotherapy was planned. Conclusion In conclusion, we presented a case that we followed for a long time without recurrence under mitotane treatment. It can be thought that mitotane treatment keeps ACC disease under control. Figure 1. 9×13×10.8 cm left adrenal mass. Table 1

Evaluation of the First-Dose Anti-VEGF Anatomical Response in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Patients: Correlation with the Third-Dose Response and Risk Factor Analysis

Introduction: The aims of the study were to investigate whether first-dose efficacy can predict third-dose anatomical response and analyze the risk factors for first-dose response of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients’ medical records from 27 centers of China PCV Research Alliance. PCV patients treated with intravitreal injections of conbercept (IVC) based on the 3+ pro re nata regimen (three initial monthly injections, followed by injections as needed) with complete 3-month injection data were included. Response correlations, risk factor associations, changes in central macular thickness (CMT) or best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and number of injections in the first year of follow-up were evaluated separately in the pachy-PCV and non-pachy-PCV phenotypes. Results: Overall, 165 eligible patients were included. There was a significant correlation between first-dose and third-dose anatomical response in pachy-PCV or non-pachy-PCV patients (rs = 0.611, p < 0.001; rs = 0.638, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed associations of good first-dose anatomical response in pachy-PCV patients with baseline CMT with a predicted area under the curve (AUC) of 0.847, while a good response in non-pachy-PCV patients was associated with baseline BCVA, baseline CMT, pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height, higher proportion of intraretinal fluid, and lower PED minimum diameter with a predicted AUC of 0.940. CMT in the good first-dose response group was significantly decreased from baseline at all first-year follow-up visits in both groups (p < 0.001), and mean BCVA was improved in the good versus poor first-dose anatomical response group (5.4 vs. 1.6 ETDRS letters in pachy-PCV, 10.6 vs. 7.4 letters in non-pachy-PCV) after the third injection. No significant difference was observed in the number of injections in the first year of follow-up between different response groups. Conclusion: In PCV patients receiving IVC, the first- and third-dose responses are significantly correlated, and different factors influence the first-dose response in different subtypes of PCV.

Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Rhomboid Interfascial Plane Block on Pain Severity, Disability, and Quality of Life in Myofascial Pain Syndrome – A Case Series With One-Year Follow-Up

BACKGROUND: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a condition characterized by trigger points in the taut bands of skeletal muscles, commonly affecting the trapezius, rhomboid, and supraspinatus muscles. Rhomboid intercostal block (RIB), an interfascial plane block used to assist perioperative analgesia might be a potential treatment option in MPS. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the short and long-term effects of ultrasound-guided RIB in reducing the severity of pain, disability, and improving quality of life in MPS patients with trigger points in the rhomboid muscle. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinic in a university hospital. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of MPS who received ultrasound (US)-guided RIB between November 2021 and January 2022 were enrolled in this study. All patients reported pain lasting &gt;= 3 months and severity &gt;= 4/10 on numeric rating scale (NRS), without any comorbidities affecting the neuromuscular system. Trigger points in the rhomboid muscle were treated with US-guided RIB. Pain intensity was evaluated using a NRS at pre-treatment and one week, one month and one year after the injection. At pre-treatment, one month, and one year after treatment, self-administered neck pain and disability scale and Nottingham Health Profile were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were included in this study (5 men and 18 women, with an average age of 45). Pain severity was statistically significantly reduced in approximately 90%, 60-70%, and 50% of the chronic MPS patients at the first week, first month, and first year following injection, respectively. Disability scores improved significantly in 70% and 56% of those patients at the first month and first-year follow-up. Improvement in the quality of life was observed at the first month and maintained at the first-year follow-up. LIMITATIONS: The retrospective design of this study is a limitation. Due to the lack of a control group, this treatment option could not be compared with other treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that RIB might be an effective long-term treatment option for MPS in the reduction of pain and disability, improvement of quality of life and overall patient satisfaction. KEY WORDS: Myofascial pain syndrome, trigger point, pain, pain management, interventional ultrasound

Predictors of long-term health-related quality of life in Guillain-Barré syndrome: A hospital-based study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the impact of patients’ baseline clinical, neurophysiological data, and management plan of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) on long-term quality of life (QoL) and to identify its potential predictors. MethodsSeventy-nine GBS patients were recruited. On admission, participants were evaluated using the Medical Research Council (MRC) sumscore, GBS disability scale (GDS), and Erasmus GBS Respiratory Insufficiency Score (EGRIS). Neurophysiological data were collected, and a management plan was devised. MRC sumscore was repeated at nadir. MRC, GDS and Short Form Survey (SF-36) were assessed at first-year follow-up. ResultsThe mean age was 37.84 ± 17.26 years, with 43 male patients (54.4%). QoL at one year correlated significantly with baseline clinical variables (age, number of days between weakness and admission, MRC sumscore at onset and nadir, high GDS, and EGRIS scores). Antecedent events, especially diarrhoea, neck muscle weakness, autonomic dysfunction, cranial nerve involvement, and mechanical ventilation (MV), associated with worse QoL. Axonal GBS patients had lower QoL than AIDP patients, and PE patients exhibited lower QoL than IVIG patients. Multiple regression analysis showed that older age, diarrhoea, number of days between weakness and admission, neck muscle weakness, cranial nerve involvement, autonomic dysfunction, early MV, and MRC at onset and nadir and high GDS could predict poor QoL. ConclusionOlder age, more days between weakness and admission, neck muscle weakness, cranial nerve involvement, autonomic dysfunction, early MV, diarrhoea, low MRC at onset and nadir, high GDS at onset, axonal type, and PE treatment were potential predictors of poor QoL in GBS.

Prediction of Hospitalization and Mortality in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with the New Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 Group Classification: A Prospective Cohort and a Retrospective Analysis.

The revised Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2023 group ABE classification has undergone major modifications, which can simplify clinical assessment and optimize treatment recommendations for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, the predictive value of the new grouping classification for prognosis is worth further exploration. We aimed to compare the prediction of hospitalization and mortality between this new GOLD group 2023 ABE classification and the earlier 2017 ABCD classification in a Chinese COPD cohort. Data from 2,499 outpatients with COPD, who first registered in the RealDTC study of Second Xiangya Hospital from December 2016 to December 2019, were collected prospectively and assessed retrospectively. Patients were followed up on all-cause mortality until October 2022 or death. Of the 2,499 patients with COPD, the risk of hospitalization during the first-year follow-up was higher in group E than in groups A and B. The mortality was higher in group E than in groups A and B, and group B was higher than group A. No differences were seen in the area under the curve (AUC) of 2017 vs 2023 GOLD grouping to predict hospitalization. The time-dependent AUC and concordance index for predicting mortality is slightly higher in the GOLD 2017 ABCD than in the 2023 ABE groups. The new GOLD 12-subgroup (1A-4E) classification combining the GOLD 1-4 staging and grouping performed similarly discriminate predictive power for mortality to the GOLD 2017 16-subgroup (A1-4D) classification. The risk of hospitalization during the first-year follow-up was higher in group E than in groups A and B. The all-cause mortality increased gradually from GOLD group A to E. The GOLD 2023 classification based on ABE groups did not predict mortality better than the earlier 2017 ABCD classifications.

Is the Anal Component of the Anogenital HPV-Related Disease Overlooked During the Surveillance of Patients Treated for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia?

To investigate the anal component of the anogenital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related disease during surveillance of patients treated for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Patients were analyzed within two groups according to the histopathological examination of the cervical biopsies: Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LSIL) and High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) groups. Anal specimens were also collected in the first-year follow-up visit. All patients had cervical high-risk HPV (HR HPV) infection at admission. At the first-year follow-up, positive HR HPVs were found in 47% of cervical samples. Despite this clearance, the anal HPV infection rate after the first year was 42.5% and 39.6% in LSIL and HSIL groups. Amongst the HSIL group, anal HR HPV positivity was observed in 29.6% of cases without any cervical HPV infection. A group of women cured of high-grade lesions have ongoing anal HPV infection. It is reasonable to propose that detecting anal HPV could impact the patient's treatment process. Therefore, prospective studies are needed to investigate this group of women's clinical outcomes and define the clearance rate of cervical HPV infection when anal HPV persists.

Comparison of the Functional Outcomes of Arthroscopic Debridement and Repair of Bursal-side Partial-thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

Background: To compare the clinical and functional scores of arthroscopic debridement and repair (conversion to full thickness) surgeries in patients with bursal-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (BPTRCT). Materials and Methods: A single-center retrospective study was conducted to compare the arthroscopic debride-ment and arthroscopic repair for BPTRCT performed between March 2017 and September 2021. Arthroscopic debridement patients were grouped as Group 1 and the repair group as Group 2. A total of 98 patients with an average age of 57.5 years (range 29-83 years), including 41 male and 57 female patients, met the inclusion criteria. VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) and UCLA (University of California Los Angeles) shoulder scores applied in the preopera-tive period and in the 12th month of the postoperative clinical follow-ups were evaluated. In addition to the pre-operative and postoperative comparison of both scores, their improvement of these scores was also compared. Results: The mean age of the repair group and the debridement group was 64.4 ±11.02 and 52.6 ±11.24, respective-ly. No significant difference between the two groups was observed in terms of demographic characteristics (p˃0.05). The mean operation time was 91.46 ±16.44 min in the repair group and 49.82 ±13.46 min in the debridement group. The VAS score dramatically improved, from preoperative 5.10±1.23 to postoperative 3.68±1.33 points in the deb-ridement group and from preoperative 5.17±1.35 to postoperative 3.58±1.16 points in the repair group. The two groups had no statistically significant difference in postoperative VAS scores (p=0.991). Preoperative and postopera-tive VAS score improvement was also compared between the groups, however, there was also no statistically signifi-cant difference in terms of VAS score changes (p=0.132). The UCLA scores also dramatically improved, from pre-operative 17.14±4.19 to postoperative 24.57±5.04 points in the debridement group and from preoperative 17.46±5.05 to postoperative 25.48±5.61 points in the repair group. No statistically significant difference was ob-served between the two groups in terms of postoperative UCLA scores (p=0.361). In the postoperative first-year follow-up, no re-tears were observed either in the debridement or in the repair group. Conclusions: Both arthroscopic debridement and arthroscopic repair surgeries provide clinically comparable suc-cessful results and high satisfaction for patients with bursal-side rotator cuff tears. No statistically significant differ-ence was observed between these two methods. Easier early postoperative rehabilitation seems to be the main advantage of the debridement method.

Brief Report: Changes in Nocturnal Heart Rate Variability in People Living With HIV During the First Year of Antiretroviral Therapy Compared With HIV-Uninfected Community Controls.

Higher nocturnal heart rate and lower nocturnal heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease mortality. Longitudinal studies on nocturnal HRV in people living with HIV (PLWH) are lacking. We conducted a 1-year prospective cohort study of adult PLWH and HIV-uninfected community controls in northwestern Tanzania. At enrollment, we collected data on cardiovascular risk factors and tested blood samples for hemoglobin, insulin, CD4 cell count, and C-reactive protein. We measured nocturnal HRV and heart rate at baseline and first-year follow-up. Mixed effect linear regression was used to determine predictors of lower HRV. Of the 111 enrolled participants (74 PLWH and 37 HIV-uninfected adults), 57.7% were female and the median age was 40 years. Over 1 year of follow-up, the average nocturnal heart rate was 4.5 beats/minute higher in PLWH ( P = 0.006). In the fully adjusted model (with age, sex, nocturnal heart rate, and diabetes), average nocturnal HRV was 10.5 milliseconds lower in PLWH compared with HIV-uninfected adults ( P = 0.03). Unlike with nocturnal heart rate, nocturnal HRV did not improve after 1 year of ART in PLWH or HIV-uninfected adults (fully adjusted change = -2.5 milliseconds, P = 0.45). Lower educational attainment, lesser pancreatic β-cell function, and anemia were associated with higher HRV. Nocturnal parasympathetic nervous system function was persistently lower in PLWH compared with HIV-uninfected adults even after antiretroviral therapy initiation. Improving nocturnal autonomic nervous system function could be a target for cardiovascular disease prevention in PLWH.

Comparison of Radioactive Iodine Activities in Terms of Short- and Long-term Results in Ablation Therapy in Patients with Low-risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

The aim of this study was to compare the treatment responses after ablation with 30-50 mCi radioactive iodine (RAI) and 100 mCi RAI in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) who were in the low-risk group according to 2015 American Thyroid Associations Classification (ATA 2015) criteria. Between February 2016 and August 2018, 100 patients who received RAI treatment in our clinic after total thyroidectomy and who were in the low-risk group DTC were included in this retrospective study. These patients were divided into 2 groups: low-activity (30-50 mCi) (group 1) and high-activity (100 mCi) (group 2). While 54 patients were treated with low activity, 46 patients received high activity RAI. The 2 groups were compared according to the 1st- and 3rd-year treatment response status. According to the first-year follow-up, 15 patients were accepted as indeterminate response and 85 patients as excellent response. Three (5.5%) of the patients who were accepted as indeterminate response were in group 1 and 12 (26%) were in group 2. According to the third year follow-up, 1 patient in group 1 and 3 patients in group 2 were accepted as indeterminate response. No biochemical incomplete response or recurrent disease was detected. In the chi-square analysis performed to investigate the relationship between the first-year treatment response and RAI activities, a significant relationship was found (p=0.004). In the Mann-Whitney U test performed to investigate the parameters that may be effective in the treatment response, only the preablative serum thyroglobulin value was shown to have a significant difference between the two groups (p=0.01). In the long-term follow-up of the patients, based on the third year treatment response data, chi-square analysis was performed to evaluate the two groups in terms of treatment responses, and no statistically significant relationship was found (p=0.73). Ablation with 30-50 mCi can be safely applied in DTC patients who are in the ATA 2015 low-risk group and are planned for RAI ablation treatment.

Investigating the effect of insertion torque on marginal bone loss around dental implants

Background/PurposeThe use of dental implants in restoring function, esthetics, speech, and health of oral tissues has been growing in recent years. Evaluating marginal bone resorption and the survival rate of implants placed with different torques values is crucial. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different insertion torque values on marginal bone loss around dental implants placed in the posterior region of the mandible. Materials and methods37 patients were involved in this study. Patient data (age, gender), implant characteristics (length, diameter), insertion torque values, gingival biotype, and bone quality were recorded, and parallel periapical radiographs measured marginal bone loss. The relationship between variables was obtained using independent t-tests, Pearson correlations, and regressions. ResultsThe present study found a positive and significant correlation between implant insertion torque and marginal bone loss (MBL)around the dental implants during the first year after placement. Furthermore, patients with D2 bone density at the implant placement site and thin gingival biotype also had significantly higher MBLs from baseline until crown delivery and first-year follow-up than those with D3 bone density and thick gingival biotypes, respectively. ConclusionA lower torque is necessary for high-risk patients to increase implantation success due to identifying patients with an increased risk for MBL.

Transthoracic robotic plication for diaphragmatic elevation.

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of transthoracic robot-assisted surgery for diaphragmatic plication and to describe our surgical approach in detail. Between January 2014 and January 2020, a total of 13 patients (11 males, 2 females; median age: 55 years; range, 24 to 70 years) who underwent diaphragmatic plication with the robotic system were retrospectively analyzed. The changes in the Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, body mass index, and quality of life scale scores of the patients before the operation and at the first year of follow-up were examined. Twelve of the operations were performed on the left side. The median pre- and postoperative Medical Research Council dyspnea scores were 2 (range, 1 to 4) and 1 (range, 1 to 4), respectively, indicating a statistically significant improvement (p=0.008). A significant improvement was detected in the forced expiratory volume in 1 sec of the patients in the first year after surgery (p=0.036). In terms of quality of life parameters, only, in the physical health subscale, the scores were statistically significantly different in the pre- and postoperative first-year follow-up (p=0.002). Median time to chest tube removal was 1 (range 1-5, IQR=0,5) days. Median total length of hospital stay was 2 (range 2-18, IQR=3) days. Owing to its technical dexterity, the robot enables the plication to be performed easily and safely. Late improvement in respiratory functions is reflected in quality of life.

The effect of heterophilic antibody interference in thyroglobulin measurement on different immunoassay devices

Abstract Objectives Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) is a biochemical marker used in the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), but heterophile antibody interference may limit the clinical use of Tg. Case presentation In the first-year follow-up of a 31-year-old female patient who received treatment for papillary thyroid CA, a clinically significant difference was found in the Tg values measured by two different brand devices with similar measurement methods. Conclusions Despite the use of state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, heterophile antibodies in immunoassay analysis can still cause false high Tg measurements. Our case report shows that analytical errors can be avoided with attention and effective communication between clinicians and laboratory specialists. In this way, patients will be prevented from being misdiagnosed and/or exposed to treatment.