Open Approach Research Articles

Long-term patient reported outcomes after robotic, laparoscopic, and open ventral hernia repair.

Current evidence demonstrates questionable incremental benefit of robotic abdominal wall (ventral) hernia repair when compared to other approaches. However, data are mainly limited to 30-day outcomes and do not capture long-term patient reported outcomes (PROs) where the robotic may provide distinct advantages. We analyzed patients who underwent ventral hernia repair from January 2020-September 30, 2022 in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative Core Optimization Hernia Registry (MSQC-COHR). Validated PROs included the Ventral Hernia Recurrence Inventory (VHRI), PROMIS Pain Intensity 3a (Pain 3a), and HerQLes quality of life measures. Survey weighting was employed to reduce non-response bias and balance respondents with the overall COHR population. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship of operative approach with answering "Yes" to the 3 VHRI questions, reporting a worse than average Pain 3a score, and reporting a below median HerQLes score. Models accounted for patient, hernia, and operative characteristics. Our sample included 1583 patients undergoing hernia repair, of which 507 (32.0%) were robotic, 202 (12.8%) were laparoscopic, and 874 (55.2%) were open. Median follow up time was 1.3years (IQR 1.2-1.5). Patient characteristics were similar across approaches. Robotic repairs were more often performed electively, on larger hernias, and with mesh. After controlling for covariates, a robotic approach was associated with a lower predicted probability of reporting a bulge [19.5% (95% CI 15.7-23.2%)] than a laparoscopic approach [26.8% (95% CI 20.4-33.2%)], but was no different than an open approach [18.8% (95% CI 16.1-21.6%)]. No other differences in PROs were found by approach. We found a lower likelihood of reporting a bulge after robotic ventral hernia repair when compared with a laparoscopic approach, but no difference when compared with an open approach. No other differences in long-term PROs were found when comparing robotic to laparoscopic or open approaches.

Posterior Reduction and Temporary Fixation Through Intermuscular Approach for Odontoid Fracture.

Posterior reduction and temporary fixation (PRTF) through open approach can effectively avoid the loss of C1-C2 motion caused by posterior atlantoaxial fusion in the treatment of odontoid fracture. PRTF through intermuscular approach can preserve the integrity of the paravertebral muscle. However, its contribution to the preservation of C1-C2 rotation remains unassessed in the context of fresh odontoid fractures. The data of 31 patients with odontoid fractures who underwent PRTF through intermuscular approach were retrospectively reviewed. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the time of ambulation and surgery-related complications were recorded. After fracture healing, the instrumentation was removed. The Japanese Orthopedic Association score, Visual Analog Scale score for neck pain, and patient satisfaction were recorded. The range of motion in rotation of C1-C2 was calculated 1 month after removing the instrumentation. Fracture healing was observed in all patients, and the instrumentation was removed. After removing the instrumentation, the range of motion of C1-C2 in rotation was returned to 35.6° ± 4.8°. Patient satisfaction was improved (P < .05). There was no significant difference in Japanese Orthopedic Association scores and Visual Analog Scale score for neck pain between 2 values before and after removing the instrumentation (P > .05). No osteoarthritis was observed at the C1-C2 lateral mass joints. There were no perioperative complications. PRTF through intermuscular approach can be used as a salvage treatment of an odontoid fracture with an intact transverse ligament in cases of failure of, or contraindication to, anterior screw fixation. This minimally invasive technique can effectively preserve the rotational function of the atlantoaxial complex.

Open vs. laparoscopic vs. robotic pouch excision: unveiling the best approach for optimal outcomes.

Despite advantages for patients with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and familial adenomatous polyposis, restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis carries a risk of pouch failure, necessitating pouch excision. The traditional open approach is associated with potential complications. Robotic and laparoscopic techniques are emerging, but comparative outcome data are limited. We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive adult patients undergoing robotic, laparoscopic, and open ileal pouch excision at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, between January 2015 and December 2023. We analyzed data on patient characteristics, perioperative variables, and postoperative outcomes, focusing on short-term complications. Statistical analysis included appropriate tests. The study included 123 patients: 23 underwent robotic-assisted pouch excision, 12 laparoscopic, and 82 open. The robotic approach had the longest median operative time (334 ± 170min, p = 0.03). However, it demonstrated significantly lower estimated blood loss than open (150 ± 200ml vs. 350 ± 300ml, p = 0.002) and laparoscopic surgery (250 ± 250ml, p = 0.005). Robotic and laparoscopic groups required fewer preoperative ureteral stents than the open group (p = 0.001). Additionally, the robotic approach utilized fewer pelvic drainages (p < 0.0001) and had a lower rate of lysis of adhesions > 60min compared to open surgery (p = 0.003). Robotic procedures had significantly lower 30-day postoperative complications than the open approach (30.4% vs. 65.9%, p = 0.002) while also demonstrating fewer 30-day reoperations than the laparoscopic group (p = 0.04). Robotic-assisted pouch excision offered significant benefits, including decreased EBL, reduced need for preoperative ureteral stents, and significantly fewer 30-day postoperative complications compared to open surgery.

Quo Vadis, Elimination Voltammetry?

The article presents an open personal approach to the future of elimination voltammetry with linear scan (EVLS) in the context of the expected development and research of new materials and new technologies. With this development, the application capability of EVLS will be expanded, the basis of which is a mathematical apparatus that allows some current components to be eliminated from the overall voltammetric record, while others to be preserved. Although EVLS played a provisional and unquestionable role in electroanalytical applications, where it helped to obtain lower limits of detection (LOD) values of various organic and inorganic substances and to reveal electrode processes hidden in voltammetric signals, its further development indicates promising use in other research areas as well. The aim of the communication is a more precise but also more general definition of the elimination method, its specific paradigms, prospects and goals for the future.

Improving the Supraalar Groove Aesthetic Subunit and Lateral Crura Convex-Concave Deformity.

Lateral crura surface problems are one of the most difficult challenges in nose tip surgery. Closed Preservation Rhinoplasty (CPR) is a revolutionary concept keeping nose tip flexibility and elasticity. Solving lateral crura surface problems and keeping tip flexibility the surgeon will accomplish a sharper supraalar groove transition between the dorsum and the tip. The convex-concave lateral crura deformity (CCLCD) or S shape lateral crura is one of the biggest constraints to accomplish a beautiful tip and dorsum-tip transition (DTT). This deformity is the reason of commonly said parenthesis deformity of cephalic malposition. This LLC convexityconcavity shape creates a C shape shadow. This DTT is one of the key areas to accomplish natural results and it depends on different nose structures, not just the lower lateral cartilages (LLC). A total 560 rhinoplasty cases were studied retrospectively between September and December 2023. Three hundred and twenty patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. Patients had follow-up at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. No secondary rhinoplasty was included. Just 2 secondary septoplasty cases were included without any nose skin undermining in the previous surgery. Surgical details were documented, including the 6 fundamental steps of this technique (1) mucosal lower lateral incision, (2) dorsum subperichondral dissection and vertical scroll release, (3) lateral crura tail caudal release, lateral crura steal and slide under flap lateralization, (4) upper laterals caudal resection, (5) vertical scroll reconstruction, and (6) turning point extension graft. Three hundred and twenty patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. 516 underwent a closed approach and 47 patients an open approach. All patients had subperichondral dissection of the hump envelope. All patients who underwent a closed approach had a low strip let down dorsal preservation technique. All patients who underwent an open approach had structural technique with spreader flaps or grafts at the keystone area. All the patients underwent their osteotomies with a piezoelectric device. Twenty-three revision surgeries were necessary. CPR taught us how important ligament and soft tissue preservation are. It taught the less damage you do to the nose soft tissues and scaffold the less support you need on it. Surgeons have been over grafting the lateral crura to solve postoperative problems mainly due to dissection problems and lack of lateral crura support. This paper shows how to solve lateral crura surface problems keeping the tip flexible and elastic creating also a nice and natural supraalar groove transition by applying 6 surgical manoeuvres.

Folk Models of Loot Boxes in Video Games

Regulations require video games to provide transparency regarding loot box odds to keep players informed, leading many games to disclose probabilities in various ways; yet, the extent of players' comprehension of loot box mechanics remains unclear. We performed a content analysis on 80 online posts to understand players' perceptions of loot box odds in two popular video games (Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail). We then conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 players to explore the causes of these folk models across more games. Utilizing a bottom-up open coding approach, we created a taxonomy of folk models players have about loot boxes. We found that participants generally possessed inaccurate mental models of how loot boxes work, and they wanted game companies to enhance loot box transparency in three areas of probability disclosures: granularity, longitude, and scope.

&lt;span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Faculties&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;on &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;activities &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;of training &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;highly &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;qualified &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;human &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;resources&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Research &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;in the &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mekong &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delta&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;

The Mekong Delta region currently lacks a high-quality labor force. Many universities have opened postgraduate training programs to provide high-quality labor for this region. On the systematic approach to development and practical activities, this study on the teaching staff with high-quality human resource training activities is to answer two research questions: (1) What are the researches on the teaching staff role in human resource training at the higher education focusing on? and (2) What are the gaps in this line of research on training highly qualified human resources? From there, this study assesses the current strengths and weaknesses of the teaching staff of universities in the Mekong Delta, identifies opportunities and challenges in human resource training in the new context; at the same time, it orients the activities of linking the teaching staff universities​ Open approach, increased autonomy, self-responsibility in the field of training high-quality human resources to meet the requirements of fundamental and comprehensive educational innovation.

Evaluating Racial Disparities in 30-day Outcomes for African Americans Following Colectomy for Volvulus.

Surgery is the definitive treatment for colonic volvulus despite initial decompression therapy. In general surgery, African Americans were found to have higher risks of mortality and morbidities. However, racial disparity in colectomy outcomes for volvulus among African Americans had not been explored. This study examined the 30-day outcomes for African Americans following colectomy for volvulus. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) targeted colectomy database from 2012 to 2022 was used. Only patients with volvulus as the primary indication for colectomy were selected. A 1:1 propensity score matching was applied to African Americans and Caucasians to match sex, age, baseline characteristics, preoperative preparation, indication for surgery (if emergent), and operative approaches. Thirty-day postoperative outcomes were examined. There were 1027 and 7451 African Americans and Caucasians who underwent colectomy for volvulus, respectively. All African Americans were 1:1 propensity-score matched to their Caucasian counterparts. African Americans and Caucasians had a comparable mortality rate (7.21% vs 7.89%, P = 0.62). While African Americans had a higher risk of pulmonary complications (16.85% vs 13.53%, P = 0.04), other surgical complications were all comparable between African Americans and Caucasians. However, African Americans had a longer time from admission to operation (2.70 ± 3.99 vs 2.17 ± 3.36days, P < 0.01) and a longer length of stay (LOS; 12.81 ± 10.28 vs 10.50 ± 7.72days, P < 0.01). African Americans were found to have higher risks of pulmonary complications, delayed operation, and extended LOS. These disparities raise concerns and warrant further investigation into their underlying causes. Effective targeted interventions may be necessary to address these issues.

The role of endoscopic endonasal surgery in the management of sinonasal malignant tumors with skull base involvement

Sinonasal malignant tumors (SNMTs) represent a rare and heterogeneous group of tumors. SNMTs often present late which can lead to complex, patient-specific treatment decisions. Over the last two decades, endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) has become a more frequently utilized surgical approach to removing these tumors. Increasingly, studies have compared the outcomes of this approach to traditional open approaches for different SNMTs. Differences in histology and extent of invasion impact the utility of EES. Negative margins are critical for improving survival; however, skull base involvement can add anatomical challenges for achieving negative margins during EES. This paper reviews the literature on outcomes of EES for SNMTs with skull base involvement and presents evidence supporting the utility of EES for select patients. EES is a safe and effective treatment in patients with less invasive SNMTs or less aggressive histology and can provide patients with fewer complications and morbidity than traditional open approaches. As such, it plays a key role in surgical management, providing either sole access or a critical avenue for SNMT removal. EES plays a key role in the multimodal oncological approach to the treatment of different SNMT histologies.

Innovative competences in public administration: The key to sustainable development, increasing financial efficiency and ensuring national security

The definition and analysis of innovation in this article focus on how it may be interpreted as a dramatic shift in public administration that results in new goods, new technology, new procedures, and the introduction of new ideals. Novel paradigms, novel approaches to management, and novel kinds of innovation characterize modern public management models. A paradigm shift and the emergence of a new public management model built on innovative competences are discussed when innovation in public administration results in new operational approaches. The research is carried out within the paradigm of ‘hybridity’ as a key characteristic of today world and, accordingly, challenges for public administration. Ecosystem model, implying innovative competence in public administration, based on the pillars of hybrid- thinking and foresight paradigm, is suggested as the most corresponding to realities of today.

Complications and morbidity of the extended delto-pectoral approach in treating complex humeral shaft fractures with proximal metaphyseal extension using a long locking plate for internal fixation

Background Humeral shaft fractures account for up to 3% of all fractures, but complex forms of those fractures (type AO/OTA B or higher) are rare. Plate and screw fixation of the fracture are rated as consolidated from 80 to 97%. Reported complications include non-union, secondary radial nerve palsy and infection. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) should provide the same union rate as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) but potentially with fewer complications. The aim of our study was to review patients treated for complex humeral fractures with ORIF through an extended delto-pectoral approach using a long pre-contoured locking plate. The morbidity of the open approach, complication rates, union rate and clinical outcomes were assessed.Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 26 consecutive complex humeral shaft fractures (7 males, mean age 59 years; 19 females, mean age 67 years) treated in our institution with a long pre-contoured locking plate between June/2011 and December/2017. Fracture healing was evaluated with standard radiographs. Eventual complications and the morbidity of the approach were assessed through chart review. The final clinical outcome and quality of life were assessed via telephone interview with DASH score and EQ-5D-3 L in 25 of the 26 patients included.Results There were no complications related to the open approach with uneventful wound healing in all cases without any infections. Mechanical complications occurred in 3 cases (11%): one tuberosity dislocation (revised) and two plate failures (one revised). Postoperative radial nerve palsy was observed in two patients (7%), of which one was transient, the other was persistent. The plate was removed in 4 cases (15%). The average radiological and clinical follow-up was 21 months (range: 12–56). At 12 months follow-up complete fracture healing was confirmed in 22 out of 26 cases and in three more patients after 18 months. After an average of 44 months, the mean DASH score was 35 (SD ± 15.83) points; the EQ-5D-3 L score 0.7 (SD ± 0.31).Conclusion ORIF with a long locking plate though an extended delto-pectoral approach is certainly still a viable option to treat complex humeral shaft fractures with good soft tissue and bone healing as well as good functional recovery. No increased morbidity was attributed to the open surgical approach. In our series, radial nerve palsy could not be completely avoided, accentuating the potential risk of this specific fracture in close proximity to the radial nerve.Trial registrationEthics Committee: Ethikkommission Ostschweiz (EKOS), Project ID: 2019-00323.

Surgical Approach and Length of Stay in Octogenarians Undergoing Pancreatic Resection for Malignancy.

Pancreatic surgery often has a lengthy recovery in the elderly. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) can decrease length of stay (LOS), but it is unknown if this benefit applies to octogenarians (Age > 79). The NSQIP database was used to determine if MIS approaches were associated with reduced LOS among octogenarians undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple) or distal pancreatectomy (Distal). Operative approaches were classified as "Open" or "MIS" and propensity score (PS) matching was performed. For the Whipple, 1665 Open and 101 MIS procedures occurred (median LOS 9, 8 days, p = 0.584). For Distal, 472 Open and 223 MIS procedures occurred (median LOS 6, 5 days, p < 0.01). After PS matching, there were 202 Whipple (101 per group) and 446 Distal (223 per group) patients. There was no difference in LOS by approach in the Whipple group (p = 0.546). The median LOS was 9 (IQR 7-15), Open and 8 (IQR 6-13), MIS. For Distal, there was a difference in LOS in the Open versus MIS approach (p < 0.01) and the median LOS was 6 (IQR 5-8) and 5 (IQR 4-6). Among octogenarians the MIS approach was associated with decreased LOS in distal pancreatectomies, but not in pancreaticoduodenectomies.

Minimally invasive vs open vs hybrid esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) for esophageal carcinoma has emerged as the contemporary alternative to conventional laparoscopic minimally invasive (LMIE), hybrid (HE) and open (OE) surgical approaches. No single study has compared all four approaches with a view to postoperative outcomes. A systematic search of electronic databases was undertaken. A network meta-analysis was performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-network meta-analysis guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using R and Shiny. Seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with 1063 patients were included. Overall, 32.9% of patients underwent OE (350/1063), 11.0% underwent HE (117/1063), 34.0% of patients underwent LMIE (361/1063), and 22.1% of patients underwent RAMIE (235/1063). OE had the lowest anastomotic leak rate 7.7% (27/350), while LMIE had the lowest pulmonary 10.8% (39/361), cardiac 0.56% (1/177) complications, re-intervention rates 5.08% (12/236), 90-day mortality 1.05% (2/191), and shortest length of hospital stay (mean 11.25days). RAMIE displayed the lowest 30-day mortality rate at 0.80% (2/250). There was a significant increase in pulmonary complications for those undergoing OE (OR 3.63 [95% confidence interval: 1.4-9.77]) when compared to RAMIE. LMIE is a safe and feasible option for esophagectomy when compared to OE and HE. The upcoming RCTs will provide further data to make a more robust interrogation of the surgical outcomes following RAMIE compared to conventional open surgery to determine equipoise or superiority of each approach as the era of minimally invasive esophagectomy continues to evolve (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews Registration: CRD42023438790).

Circumferential exposure of the cavernous sinus and parasellar region through a combined open and endoscopic endonasal transcavernous approach, a morphometric study.

Although recent trends currently favor the endoscopic endonasal transcavernous approach (EETA) over the pretemporal transcavernous approach (PTA) for certain cavernous sinus pathologies, dedicated assessment of the surgical exposure and maneuverability is wanting. Toward this aim, this morphometric study quantifies these variables within four cavernous sinus compartments by comparing the PTA, EETA, and a combined approach to achieve a circumferential dissection (EETA-PTA). In five latex-injected specimens, exposure volumes of the EETA, PTA, and circumferential EETA-PTA approaches were quantified; the latter combined the most conservative options of both the endoscopic and open approaches. Two clinical cases illustrate the combined approach. EETA-PTA provided the largest volume of exposure (65.6% vs 35% PTA vs 44.6% EETA, P = 0.01) and eliminated the need to mobilize the ICA or cross cranial nerves. Although EETA and PTA approaches afforded comparable exposure volumes along the entire cavernous sinus (34.9 vs 44.6%), the EETA better exposed medial and inferior compartments (whereas the PTA exposed larger volumes in the lateral and superior compartments. The combined EETA-PTA yielded 66% of total cavernous sinus exposure volumes and eliminated the need to mobilize the ICA or cross cranial nerves. Our methodology aligns with strategies that use a modular concept to divide the skull base into compartments for maximal safe resection. Excluding soft tumors, the EETA is preferred for medial and inferior lesions and the PTA for superior and lateral lesions. A staged combined EETA-PTA may safely yield a 360-degree access for extensive multi-compartment lesions that span neurovascular structures within the cavernous sinus.

Ventral Hernia Repair With a Hybrid Absorbable-permanent Preperitoneal Mesh.

To analyze device safety and clinical outcomes of ventral hernia repair with the GORE SYNECOR Preperitoneal Biomaterial (PRE device), a permanent high-strength mesh with bioabsorbable web scaffold technology. This multicenter retrospective review analyzed device/procedure endpoints and patient-reported outcomes in patients treated for hernia repair ≥1 year from study enrollment. Included in this analysis were 148 patients with a mean age of 56 years; 66.2% met the Ventral Hernia Working Group grade 2 classification. Median hernia size was 30.0cm 2 and 58.8% of patients had an incisional hernia. Repairs were primarily a robotic (53.4%) or open approach (41.9%). All meshes were placed extraperitoneal. Procedure-related adverse events within 30 days occurred in 13 (8.8%) patients and included 7 (4.8%) patients with surgical site infection, 2 (1.4%) with surgical site occurrence (SSO), 4 (2.7%) requiring readmission, and 3 (2.0%) who had reoperation. The rate of SSO events requiring procedural intervention was 2.7% (4 patients) through 30 days and 3.4% (5 patients) at 12 months. The rate of procedure-related surgical site infection remained at 4.8% through 12 months (no further reports after 30d) and 3.4% for SSO (2 reports after 30d). There were no site-reported clinically diagnosed hernia recurrences throughout the study. Median patient follow-up including in-person visit, physical examination, reported adverse event, explant, death, and questionnaire response was 28 months (n = 148). Median patient follow-up with patient questionnaire was 36 months (n = 88). Use of the PRE device, which incorporates the proven advantages of both an absorbable synthetic mesh and the long-term durability of a permanent macroporous mesh, is safe and effective in complex ventral hernia repairs. When used in the retromuscular space, the combination of these 2 materials had lower wound complications and recurrence rates than either type of material alone.

Manoeuvre Warfare in the Baltic

NATO is facing a doctrinally contradictory defence posture in the Baltic States, as those countries are investing in a static defence line even while Western militaries adhere to manoeuvrist operational approaches. Lukas Milevski argues that political imperatives and tactical conditions make static defence more appropriate than manoeuvre warfare. Politically, NATO’s policy of defending every inch and the Baltic experience of Russian occupation require forward defence. Second, the Russian border will always stop offensive manoeuvre. Tactically, the increasing difficulty of crossing the battlefield intact improves the chances of tactical defence and throws doubt upon the necessity of defensive operational manoeuvre. ◼

Elucidating the power of arginine restriction: taming type I interferon response in breast cancer via selective autophagy

BackgroundType I interferons (IFN-I) are potent alarm factors that initiate cancer cell elimination within tumors by the immune system. This critical immune response is often suppressed in aggressive tumors, thereby facilitating cancer immune escape and unfavorable patient outcome. The mechanisms underpinning IFN-I suppression in tumors are incompletely understood. Arginase-1 (ARG1)-expressing immune cells that infiltrate tumors can restrict arginine availability by ARG1-mediated arginine degradation. We hypothesized that arginine restriction suppresses the IFN-I response in tumors.MethodsComprehensive, unbiased open approach omics analyses, various in vitro techniques, including microscopy, qPCR, immunoblotting, knock-down experiments, and flow cytometry were employed, as well as ex vivo analysis of tumor tissue from mice. Several functional bioassays were utilized to assess metabolic functions and autophagy activity in cancer cells.ResultsArginine restriction potently induced expression of selective autophagy receptors, enhanced bulk and selective autophagy and strongly suppressed the IFN-I response in cancer cells in an autophagy-dependent manner.ConclusionOur study proposes a mechanism for how tumor-infiltrating immune cells can promote cancer immune escape by dampening the IFN-I response. We suggest ARG1 and autophagy as putative therapeutic targets to activate the IFN-I response in tumors.

Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: An Update on Current Management Strategies

Acute rupture of the Achilles tendon is a frequently encountered injury that occurs most commonly in people who participate in recreational athletics into their thirties and forties. For many years, the injury has been treated either nonsurgically or surgically using a standard open approach. More recently, a variety of new surgical techniques have emerged in the literature aiming to improve surgical outcomes while decreasing the potential complications associated with standard open repair. Nonsurgical treatment plans using early weight bearing and accelerated functional rehabilitation have also proven to be excellent management options. Achilles rupture treatment plans can include the use of orthobiologics, such as platelet-rich plasma, with mixed results. Accelerated functional rehabilitation protocols have shown to improve patient outcomes, whether used in conjunction with surgery or nonsurgical management modalities, and reduce the disparity between the injured tendon and the native Achilles.

Bivariate q-Laguerre–Appell polynomials and their applications

ABSTRACT Recently, the monomiality principle has been extended to q-polynomials, namely, the q-monomiality principle of q-Appell polynomials has been considered. Also, certain results including the monomiality properties of the q-Gould-Hopper polynomials are derived and applications of monomiality are explored for a few members of the q-Appell polynomial families. In this paper, the primary purpose of this paper is to define 2-variable q-Laguerre–Appell polynomials by applying the q-monomiality principle techniques and to study their quasi-monomial properties and applications. We provide some operational identities and quasi-monomial features. Also, we derive some q-differential equations of these polynomials. As applications, using the operational identity of 2-variable q-Laguerre–Appell polynomials we draw specific conclusions regarding several q-Laguerre–Appell polynomial families. Furthermore, we define the family of q-Laguerre-Sheffer polynomials by an operational approach and give some of its fundamental properties.

Sternotomy or thoracotomy for neonatal repair of coarctation of the aorta with aortic arch hypoplasia

ObjectiveFor neonatal repair of coarctation of the aorta, patients may either undergo thoracotomy with extended end-to-end anastomosis or sternotomy for aortic arch reconstruction with cardiopulmonary bypass. The objective of this study was to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of the 2 approaches in patients with arch hypoplasia. MethodsThis is a single-center retrospective cohort study from July 2005 through May 2022 of patients who underwent neonatal repair for isolated coarctation of the aorta with additional arch hypoplasia. Inverse probability of treatment weighting is a statistical method for creating comparable pseudopopulations and was used to account for baseline differences in population. The primary outcome was aortic reintervention, and secondary outcomes were vocal cord dysfunction, length of stay, chylothorax, and phrenic nerve palsy. ResultsThere were 130 patients who met inclusion criteria. After weighting, the interaction between distal transverse arch size and operative approach (sternotomy vs thoracotomy) was statistically significant, P < .05 for interaction. Among patients with a distal arch z score <−3.5, patients undergoing thoracotomy with extended end-to-end anastomosis had an increased hazard for reintervention. Sternotomy was associated with an increased length of stay in the intensive care unit by 4.7 days, P < .001, and odds of vocal cord dysfunction were also greater, odds ratio 7.1 (95% confidence interval, 1.66 to 41.26; P = .01). ConclusionsAmong patients with a distal arch z score smaller than −3.5, the hazard of reintervention was increased for patients undergoing thoracotomy with extended end-to-end anastomosis. However, length of stay and risk of vocal cord paresis was reduced in patients undergoing thoracotomy.