Select Cases Research Articles

Dose optimization of second window indocyanine green in meningioma patients

ObjectiveSurgery remains the first line treatment for meningiomas and can benefit from fluorescence-guided surgical techniques such as second-window indocyanine green (SWIG). In the current study, we compared the use of the standard SWIG dose of 5.0 mg/kg relative to 2.5 mg/kg indocyanine green (ICG) in meningioma patients. MethodsPatients were prospectively enrolled in an IRB-approved study of SWIG and received either the standard dose of 5.0 mg/kg or a reduced dose of 2.5 mg/kg of ICG around 24 h prior to their surgery. Intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging was performed with exo- and endoscopic systems. Signal-to-background ratio (SBR) was calculated to quantify fluorescence and was compared between 5.0 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg ICG. All patients received pre-operative MRI and, in select cases, the pre-operative MRI was correlated to intraoperative fluorescence imaging. Results/DiscussionIn the current study, we found no significant difference in the SBR of meningiomas in patients that were administered with either 5.0 mg/kg or 2.5 mg/kg ICG. However, in five patients that received the standard-dose SWIG regimen of 5.0 mg/kg ICG we observed dose-related fluorescence quenching − referred to as “inversion” − that interfered with tumor visualization during fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS). When correlated to pre-operative MRI, a similar rim pattern was observed around the primary tumor on T2 FLAIR, which, in retrospect, could be used as a predictor for inversion during FGS in meningioma patients receiving standard-dose ICG. ConclusionThis study demonstrated that a reduced ICG dose was as effective as standard-dose SWIG in meningioma patients. We therefore recommend to adjust the standard ICG dose for meningioma patients to 2.5 mg/kg particularly when rim enhancement is observed on pre-operative T2 FLAIR.

Comparative Analysis of Surgical Approaches in the Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Retrospective Study.

"Proximal humerus fractures [PHFs]" are common orthopedic injuries, often requiring surgical intervention for optimal outcomes. However, the choice of surgical approach remains controversial, with varying outcomes reported in the literature. A retrospective research was overseen among subjects who had surgery for PHFs. Three surgical approaches were compared: "Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)", "Hemiarthroplasty [HA]", and "Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty [RSA]". Demographic data, fracture characteristics, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. ORIF confirmed smaller operative time and shorter complication levels compared to HA and RSA. Complications included surgical site infection, implant-related issues, and reoperation. Age, fracture type, and surgeon experience influenced the choice of surgical approach. This research provides valuable insights into the outcomes of different surgical approaches for PHFs. ORIF may offer advantages in select cases, but individualized treatment decisions are necessary. Further research is warranted to refine treatment algorithms and optimize patient outcomes.

Cost effective utilization of apheresis for stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma.

e19528 Background: Salvage autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is an effective and feasible treatment option for patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). It is standard practice to collect stem cells adequate for two transplants for ASCT eligible patients with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM). Stem cell collection is an expensive procedure due to the cost of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, plerixafor, apheresis, chemotherapy in select cases and finally cryopreservation. However, the rate of utilization of second ASCT is not known. Methods: We conducted a single institution, retrospective study of 511 consecutive patients with NDMM who underwent ASCT to identify the proportion of patients receiving second ASCT. Patients received ASCT as front-line therapy between 1/1/2015-2/13/2019. Demographic and disease characteristics were summarized using median and range for continuous variables, and frequency and percentages were calculated for categorical variables. The cumulative incidence of second ASCT was estimated using the Fine and Gray method, and competing risk regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios for risk of second ASCT. All statistical tests were two-sided with a type 1 error of < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. All estimates were reported with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: At a median follow-up of 4.7 years, 25 out of 511 patients received a second ASCT. The cumulative incidence rate at 5 years was 2.6% (95% CI 1.4-4.4%).Age at diagnosis, age at first ASCT and Charlson comorbidity index (CMI) were significantly associated with the risk of second ASCT in univariable analysis (UVA). In multivariable analysis (MVA) age at first ASCT was the only factor that was predictive of a second ASCT. We devised a predictive score for utilization of second ASCT using hazard ratios for each of the three significant factors noted in the UVA. Scoring was done as follows: age < 65 years – 1 point, > 65 years – 7 points; 1 point for CMI 0-1, 2 points for CMI 2 or higher; serum creatinine ≤1.2 – 1 point, > 1.2 – 3 points. Based on the total score, patients are grouped into low ( < = 3), medium (4-6) and high (7+) likelihood categories, with cumulative incidence rates of receiving second ASCT at 4.0% (95% CI: 1.3-9.1%), 3.4% (95% CI 1.4-7.0%) and 0.6% (95% CI 0.1-3.1%) respectively. Patients older than 65 years were 87% less likely to receive a second ASCT compared with those younger than 65 years (HR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.98). Conclusions: Using this predictive score, goal of stem cell collection for patients with MM could be determined more efficiently. This could avoid extra days of apheresis, chemo mobilization, hospitalizations and need for cryopreservation at least for patients with a low likelihood of second ASCT, translating into cost effective utilization of resources. We plan to validate this score prospectively in a larger group of patients with NDMM undergoing ASCT in the future.

POMDP-based probabilistic decision making for path planning in wheeled mobile robot

Path Planning in a collaborative mobile robot system has been a research topic for many years. Uncertainty in robot states, actions, and environmental conditions makes finding the optimum path for navigation highly challenging for the robot. To achieve robust behavior for mobile robots in the presence of static and dynamic obstacles, it is pertinent that the robot employs a path-finding mechanism that is based on the probabilistic perception of the uncertainty in various parameters governing its movement. Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) is being used by many researchers as a proven methodology for handling uncertainty. The POMDP framework requires manually setting up the state transition matrix, the observation matrix, and the reward values. This paper describes an approach for creating the POMDP model and demonstrates its working by simulating it on two mobile robots destined on a collision course. Selective test cases are run on the two robots with three categories – MDP (POMDP with belief state spread of 1), POMDP with distribution spread of belief state over ten observations, and distribution spread across two observations. Uncertainty in the sensor data is simulated with varying levels of up to 10 %. The results are compared and analyzed. It is demonstrated that when the observation probability spread is increased from 2 to 10, collision reduces from 34 % to 22 %, indicating that the system's robustness increases by 12 % with only a marginal increase of 3.4 % in the computational complexity.

An Incentive Mechanism-Based Minimum Adjustment Consensus Model Under Dynamic Trust Relationship.

In traditional group decision making, the inconsistent experts are usually forced to make compromises toward the group opinion to increase the group consensus level. However, the strategy of reaching group consensus via an incentive mechanism encouraging adjustment of preferences is more effective than forcing, which is the aim of this article. Specifically, this article establishes a novel incentive mechanism to support group consensus under dynamic trust relationship. First, the supremum and infimum incentives-based rule driven by trust relationship is defined. Based on the assumption that if incentive conditions are met, then experts will be willing to adjust their preferences, the incentive behavior-driven minimum adjustment consensus model is developed to generate optimal incentive-based recommendation preferences. Thus, the proposed incentive mechanism can effectively reduce the preference adjustment cost and promote group consensus reaching. Third, the updated trust relationships between experts are shown to be strengthen by the proposed incentive-driven preference revision. Consequently, the optimization model based on trust interaction relationship is constructed to obtain the final group preference matrix. Finally, a supplier selection case of high-end medical equipment is provided to illustrate the proposed method and show the rationality and advantages of the proposed methodology with both a sensitivity analysis and a comparison analysis.

Serial Postoperative Circulating Tumor DNA Assessment Has Strong Prognostic Value During Long-Term Follow-Up in Patients With Breast Cancer.

Here, we report the sensitivity of a personalized, tumor-informed circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) assay (Signatera) for detection of molecular relapse during long-term follow-up of patients with breast cancer. A total of 156 patients with primary breast cancer were monitored clinically for up to 12 years after surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Semiannual blood samples were prospectively collected, and analyzed retrospectively to detect residual disease by ultradeep sequencing using ctDNA assays, developed from primary tumor whole-exome sequencing data. Personalized Signatera assays detected ctDNA ahead of clinical or radiologic relapse in 30 of the 34 patients who relapsed (patient-level sensitivity of 88.2%). Relapse was predicted with a lead interval of up to 38 months (median, 10.5 months; range, 0-38 months), and ctDNA positivity was associated with shorter relapse-free survival (P < .0001) and overall survival (P < .0001). All relapsing triple-negative patients (n = 7/23) had a ctDNA-positive test within a median of 8 months (range, 0-19 months), while the 16 nonrelapsed patients with triple-negative breast cancer remained ctDNA-negative during a median follow-up of 58 months (range, 8-99 months). The four patients who had negative tests before relapse all had hormone receptor-positive (HR+) disease and conversely, five of the 122 nonrelapsed patients (all HR+) had an occasional positive test. Serial postoperative ctDNA assessment has strong prognostic value, provides a potential window for earlier therapeutic intervention, and may enable more effective monitoring than current clinical tests such as cancer antigen 15-3. Our study provides evidence that those with serially negative ctDNA tests have superior clinical outcomes, providing reassurance to patients with breast cancer. For select cases with HR+ disease, decisions about treatment management might require serial monitoring despite the ctDNA-positive result.

Endoscopic endonasal resection of Rathke cleft cysts: a single-institution analysis of 148 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVE The traditional treatment of sellar Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) generally involves transsellar drainage; however, suprasellar RCCs present unique challenges to appropriate management and technical complexity. Reports on overall outcomes for the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for this pathology are limited. The EEA for RCCs allows three surgical techniques: marsupialization, fenestration, and fenestration with cyst wall resection. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients with RCCs that had been treated via an EEA at a single institution between January 2004 and May 2021. Marsupialization entailed the removal of cyst contents while maintaining a drainage pathway into the sphenoid sinus. Fenestration involved the removal of cyst contents, followed by separation from the sphenoid sinus, often with a free mucosal graft or vascularized nasoseptal flap. Cyst wall resection, either partial or complete, was added to select cases. RESULTS A total of 148 patients underwent an EEA for RCC. Marsupialization or fenestration was performed in 88 cases (59.5%) and cyst wall resection in 60 (40.5%). Cysts were classified as having a purely sellar origin (43.2%), sellar origin with suprasellar extension (37.8%), and purely suprasellar origin (18.9%). Radiological recurrence was demonstrated in 22 cases (14.9%) at an average 39.7 months’ follow-up (median 45 months, range 0.5–99 months), including 13 symptomatic cases (8.8%). Cases with cyst wall resection had no significantly different rate of recurrence (11.7% vs 15.9%, p = 0.48) or postoperative permanent anterior pituitary dysfunction (21.6% vs 12.5%, p = 0.29) compared to those of fenestrated and marsupialized cases. There was no significant difference in postoperative permanent posterior pituitary dysfunction based on technique, although such dysfunction tended to worsen with cyst wall resection (13.6% vs 4.0%, p = 0.09). Based on cyst location, purely suprasellar cysts were more likely to have a radiological recurrence (28.6%) than sellar cysts with suprasellar extension (12.5%) and purely sellar cysts (9.4%; p = 0.008). Most notably, of the 28 purely suprasellar cysts, selective cyst wall resection significantly improved the long-term (10-year) recurrence risk compared to fenestration alone (17.4% vs 80.0%, p = 0.0005) without any significant added risk of endocrinopathy. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic endonasal marsupialization or fenestration of sellar RCCs may be the ideal treatment strategy, whereas purely suprasellar cysts benefit from partial cyst wall resection to prevent recurrence. Selective cyst wall resection reduced long-term recurrence rates without significantly increasing rates of hypopituitarism.

Understanding the Spectrum and Management of Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease: A Comprehensive Review.

Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) poses a significant clinical challenge in regions with a high burden of tuberculosis (TB). This review provides a comprehensive overview of PTLD, encompassing its pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic modalities, management strategies, long-term outcomes, and public health implications. PTLD arises from residual lung damage following TB treatment and is characterized by a spectrum of pathological changes, including fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and cavitation. Clinical presentation varies widely, from chronic cough and hemoptysis to recurrent respiratory infections, which are oftentimes a diagnostic dilemma. Radiological imaging, pulmonary function tests, and careful consideration of patient history play pivotal roles in diagnosis. Management strategies involve pharmacological interventions to alleviate symptoms and prevent disease progression, which are influenced by the extent of lung damage, comorbidities, and access to healthcare. Rehabilitation programs and surgical options are available for select cases. Prognosis is influenced by the extent of lung damage, comorbidities, and access to healthcare. Prevention efforts through a TB control program and early detection are crucial in reducing the burden of PTLD. This review stresses the importance of understanding and addressing PTLD to mitigate its impact on individuals and public health systems worldwide.

The impact of treatment approach on survival among patients with clinical stage T2N0 and T3N0 rectal cancer.

e15637 Background: Treatment of early stage rectal cancer requires a multi-disciplinary approach and is often treated with curative intent surgery with use of total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in select cases pre-operatively. In this study, we determine the various clinicopathologic factors associated with the use of these different approaches (Surgery upfront vs nCRT vs TNT) and their effect on patient survival. Methods: The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for patients with clinical T2N0M0 and T3N0M0 rectal cancer between 2004-2019. Results: 36,869 patients were identified, of which about half had nCRT only while &lt; 15% had received TNT. Patients who underwent nCRT had the highest median OS compared to those who underwent surgery only (106.8 vs 126.5 months, p &lt; 0.001). The surgery upfront cohort had the highest proportion of patients who were seen at a facility with high/very high case volume per year quartiles (surgery: 52.5%, nCRT: 47.3%, and TNT: 48.3%, p &lt; 0.001). The highest median age was among the surgery cohort at 69 years followed by the nCRT cohort at 64 years and TNT cohort at 61 years (p &lt; 0.001). Amongst patients with a Charlson-Deyo co-morbidity score of 2 or more, the surgery upfront cohort had the highest proportion while the TNT cohort had the lowest (p &lt; 0.001). Low anterior resection (LAR) was the most common procedure among all three cohorts. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed that when compared to surgery only, the nCRT (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.51, p &lt; 0.001) and TNT (AOR = 1.62, p &lt; 0.001) were both associated with an increased likelihood of 5-year long-term survival (LTS), with TNT having a stronger association. Among the various pre-operative characteristics, patients 70 years and older, patient with normal CEA and presence of LVI were less likely to have LTS with TNT as compared to surgery upfront. On the other hand, patients with clinical T3 stage who received TNT were much more likely to have improved LTS as compared to T2 stage (Relative Risk Ratio (RRR) 16.19, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Results of our study show that patients with early stage T2N0 and T3N0 rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant treatment had an improved median OS compared to patients who received surgery upfront. Both nCRT and TNT were associated with an increased likelihood of long-term survival, with TNT having a stronger association particularly in the T3N0 cohort.

Impact of coated and non-coated magnetic nanoparticles on oil-water separation in green surfactant-based emulsions

This study investigates the efficacy of magnetite nanoparticles as a means of demulsifying surfactant-based emulsions, focusing on light and medium crude oil emulsions. The demulsification capabilities of bare, amine-coated, and oleic acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles were tested. Nanoparticle concentrations ranged from 0.25 % to 8 %. The emulsions used Alpha Olefin Sulfonate and two environmentally friendly surfactants, Coco Glucoside and Greenzyme with sodium and potassium formate as eco-friendly alternatives and sodium chloride as the standard brine. Magnetic demulsification efficacy is highly dependent on the interplay between the nanoparticle surface charge and surfactant, thereby affecting surfactant adsorption onto the particle surface. While gravimetric separation alone has partial effectiveness, the magnetic field enhances particle movement, promoting greater instability. The nanoparticles play a key role in adsorbing surfactant species from the interfacial region, thus facilitating demulsification. Notably, magnetic demulsification is more effective with environmentally friendly surfactants, achieving 100 % separation in most cases. Demulsification of emulsions containing synthetic surfactants is most successful with light crude oil emulsions, and in select cases, achieves 100 % separation with medium crude oil emulsions.

Trigeminal Neuralgia and Associated Hydrocephalus: Not a Mere Incidental Finding? A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is most commonly related to vascular compression of the trigeminal root entry zone into the brainstem. Secondary causes of compression are much less common. TN as a sole manifestation of hydrocephalus has rarely been reported in the literature. CASE REPORT: We describe a young woman with medically resistant TN, who was discovered to have a tectal plate glioma causing secondary obstructive hydrocephalus. In addition, she had an incidental finding of ecchordosis physaliphora. Cerebrospinal fluid diversion by an endoscopic third ventriculostomy resulted in TN resolution. CONCLUSION: Hydrocephalus is a rare diagnosis to consider as a secondary cause for TN. Since the literature on this is sparse, it can be only suggested that in very select cases, treating the hydrocephalus may also treat the TN. Additional studies and reports are required. KEY WORDS: Trigeminal neuralgia, hydrocephalus, ecchordosis physaliphora, tectal plate glioma

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia: A Comprehensive Review of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management Strategies

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia (ARVD) is a rare inherited heart disorder characterized by fibrofatty replacement of the right ventricular myocardium, leading to ventricular arrhythmias and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of ARVD, including its pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and management strategies. The pathogenesis of ARVD involves genetic mutations affecting proteins of the cardiac desmosome, leading to myocardial cell death and fibrofatty replacement. Clinical presentation varies widely, ranging from asymptomatic individuals to those with palpitations, syncope, or sudden cardiac arrest. Diagnosis is challenging and relies on a combination of clinical, electrocardiographic, imaging, and histopathologic findings. Management involves risk stratification for sudden cardiac death, lifestyle modifications, antiarrhythmic medications, and, in select cases, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement or catheter ablation.

Petrographic and mechanical study of aggregates from Central Chad: a case for natural selection of hard rocks

Petrographic and mechanical study of aggregates from Central Chad: a case for natural selection of hard rocks

#1640 Alternative complement pathway disorders in the transplant setting—experience from a large volume center

Abstract Background and Aims Complement alternative pathway disorders, atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS) and C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), are rare diseases with a high rate of recurrence after kidney transplantation. Due to limited availability of testing, patients may go undiagnosed, indicating testing during pretransplant evaluation. Posttransplant thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare complication of transplantation. A large number of post transplant TMAs is regarded as secondary, either to immunosuppressive drugs or transplant itself. In select cases, complement alternative pathway disorders analysis is warranted. Method We retrospectively reviewed all patients in whom complement system diagnostic work-up was performed in the transplant setting in our center, from 2017 to 2022. Complement system analysis in isolated histological TMA of the allograft, without extrarenal manifestations and with known cause of native kidneys ESRD, was not performed routinely. Patients in whom alternative pathway disorders were confirmed were compared with those with no abnormalities detected by complement system analysis. Results 12 patients were identified, 75% male, median age 39.5 years (IQR 28-60.25). 8 patients were evaluated before transplantation. 4 of the 8 patients were referred for transplantation with diagnosed aHUS. Genetic testing was used for recurrence risk stratification. In living donor transplantations 2 donors were tested as well. One patient was referred from a neighboring resource poor country and was not on eculizumab therapy. He was homozygous for a high risk causative mutation. He was declined for living related donor kidney transplant, due to risk to the donor and unavailability of eculizumab. Compassionate use request was initiated. One patient was referred as possible C3G and repeat complement analysis revealed elevated C3Nef. Out of 3 patients, previously diagnosed as CKD of unknown origin or immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, 2 were diagnosed during pretransplant evaluation: one as C3G and the other as aHUS. 4 patients were evaluated posttransplant. One analysis was performed due to recurrent C3G of the allograft, with confirmed competent dysregulation. 2 analyses were in liver transplant recipients, both with systemic TMA. Severe overactivation with consumption of complement was proven in one and treated with eculizumab. The characteristics of patients with diagnosed disorders of the complement system and those without are shown in Table 1. Conclusion Transplant physicians should keep a high volume of suspicion for complement dysregulation disorders, both during the pretransplant work-up and when evaluating TMA and recurrent GN posttransplant. Special caution should be advised when a patient is referred as chronic GN, MPGN or unknown cause ESKD at a young age.

The Update on the Role of Cesarean Myomectomy in an Old Primigravida with Huge and Painful Myoma: a Challenging Case for Fertility-Preserving Surgery

Abstract There is no established protocol for reducing maternal and perinatal morbidities in myoma during pregnancy. The opinions regarding performing myomectomy during cesarean section have been inconsistent and hot topic of discussion. The recent trends regarding the pro and cons outcomes are caused by potential risk of massive hemorrhage, repeat operation and anesthesia, less time away from work, prolong duration of operation and hospital stay, need of transfusion, increased overall cost, and morbidity. We presented a case of 42-year-old primigravida at 37-38 weeks of singleton live pregnancy with intramural myoma, and then performed successfully cesarean section and myomectomy without complication. The results of the operation showed a safe outcome when performed by an experienced obstetrician and selective case, and helped maintain fertility sparing in the future. Keywords: Uterine myoma, Cesarean myomectomy, Old primigravida

Cognitive pairwise comparison forward feature selection with deep learning for astronomical object classification with sloan digital sky survey

This paper proposes a hybrid approach integrating the expert knowledge judgment approach using the Cognitive Pairwise Comparison (CPC) to the Deep Learning, a modern classification approach, for astronomic object classification. The astronomic data with ten thousand samples retrieved from Sloan Digital Sky Survey Sky Server Data Release 15 (SDSS SkyServer DR 15) are used for this study. The CPC is an approach to elicit and encode expert knowledge in the format of a Pairwise Opposite Matrix (POM) to evaluate expert preferences for the features. A forward feature selection algorithm taking the expert choices using CPC for the ordered features is used for the feature selection for the deep learning algorithm to build a heuristic training model based on the astronomic data. Whilst the accuracy of the case of improper feature selection is just 37.1%, the proposed hybrid approach can obtain a very high accuracy of 97.9% for the classification of the astronomic object using the eight scaled features (u, g, r, i, z redshift, ra, dec). To extend this research, the proposed CPC can be used as a human-centered tool to be applied to other areas of data sciences.

Perioral dermatitis: nuances of the clinical picture and therapy in different age periods

Perioral dermatitis is a common dermatosis that predominantly affects women aged 25–40 but is also observed in children and adolescents. The distinct localization of this condition in the perioral, perinasal, and periocular zones contributes to apparent psycho-emotional distress, markedly impairing patients’ quality of life. Perturbations in the skin biotope, local immune dysregulation, and topical glucocorticosteroid use are among the primary etiological factors. Effective management involves addressing causative factors, discontinuation of topical steroids, adopting gentle skincare practices, and employing localized treatments like metronidazole, pimcrolimus, and activated zinc pyrithione. Maintenance therapy may be warranted in select cases. The purpose of this work is to review the current literature on the problem and to present original clinical observations concerning the utilization of activated zinc pyrithione in treating patients with this condition. The article presents the results of the use of topical activated zinc pyrithione in patients spanning various age groups and exhibiting diverse degrees of perioral dermatitis severity. Significant clinical evidence substantiates the remarkable efficacy and safety profile of activated zinc pyrithione in managing perioral dermatitis, both as a standalone therapeutic modality and as an integral component of combination therapy. The use of activated zinc pyrithione in the treatment of perioral dermatitis emerges as an efficacious and secure approach for treating mild to moderate forms of the condition.

Postoperative Complications of Flap Procedures in Chest Wall Defect Reconstruction: A Two-Center Experience.

Background and Objectives: Chest wall defect reconstruction is a complex procedure aimed at restoring thoracic structural integrity after trauma, tumor removal, or congenital issues. In this study, postoperative complications were investigated to improve the care of patients with these critical conditions. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of chest wall reconstructions from 2004 to 2023 was conducted at Klinikum Nürnberg and Evangelisches Waldkrankenhaus Spandau-Berlin. Data included patient demographics, comorbidities, defect etiology, surgery details, and complications using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: Among the 30 patients included in the study, a total of 35 complications occurred in 35 thoracic wall defect reconstructions. These complications were classified into 22 major and 13 minor cases. Major complications were more common in patients with cancer-related defects, and considerable variations were observed between free flap and pedicled flap surgeries. Notably, the use of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with vastus lateralis muscle demonstrated promise, exhibiting fewer complications in select cases. The reconstruction of chest wall defects is associated with substantial complications regardless of the etiology of the defect and the particular surgical procedure used. Interestingly, there was a lower complication rate with free flap surgery than with pedicled flaps. Conclusions: The ALT flap with vastus lateralis muscle deserves further research in this field of reconstruction. Multidisciplinary approaches and informed patient discussions are crucial in this complex surgical field, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and technique refinement.

Synergistic neuromodulation therapy for persistent spinal pain: a proof-of-concept trial on the use of spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion stimulation.

Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome type 2 (PSPS-T2) poses a significant clinical challenge, demanding innovative therapeutic interventions. The integration of Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) and Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation (DRG-S) is emerging as a potent synergistic strategy for comprehensive pain management. This single patient-blind proof of concept (POC) trial explores the efficacy and synergistic potential of combined SCS and DRG-S in a patient with refractory PSPS-T2. A 45-year-old male with intractable PSPS-T2 underwent a unique, methodically structured study, involving three treatment phases: Phase A with SCS alone, Phase B with DRG-S alone, and Phase C The patient, blinded to the treatment modalities, provided pain assessments using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) conducted by clinical investigators at each phase. Baseline pain scores were ten and nine, respectively. Distinct responses were noted across the phases. Phase A demonstrated moderate pain relief, while Phase B offered further pain intensity reduction. However, Phase C, combining both strategies, yielded the most significant improvement, remarkably enhancing the patient's quality of life and functional capacity. This POC trial underscores the synergistic potential of SCS and DRG-S in managing complex cases of PSPS-T2, suggesting a paradigm shift towards integrated neuromodulation strategies for enhanced pain control. The development of dual intent implantable pulse generators (IPGs) capable of offering combination therapy simultaneously might be effective for pain management in select cases. The significant pain reduction and functional improvement observed advocate for further research in dual neuromodulation therapies. IRB 20190536.

Impact of Solar Eclipses on Vision: Insights from Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Analysis*

Purpose Solar retinopathy, resulting from solar eclipse exposure, poses risks to visual health. This study explores acute and chronic phase findings using clinical examinations and optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) with a focus on longitudinal assessment. Methods Seven eyes with a history of unprotected solar eclipse exposure were included. Clinical examination, fundus photography, OCT, and OCT-A imaging were performed at initial assessment, as well as at one-month and six-month follow-up intervals. Data analysis included descriptive statistics. Results The cases, exposed without protection, underwent assessments, revealing variable visual acuity, outer retinal layer, and Henle fiber layer changes during follow-up. Regression of hyperreflectivity within the outer retinal and Henle fiber layers was observed over time in all eyes, although persistent microdefects within the outer retinal layer were noted in specific cases. OCT-A imaging revealed a larger foveal avascular zone, which persisted over a six-month period in select cases. Additionally, affected eyes exhibited a decrease in superficial vascular density, with subsequent improvement noted during the six-month period. Conclusion Solar retinopathy can result in visual impairment, accompanied by alterations observed in the Henle fiber layer using OCT. Additionally, OCT-A findings indicate possible vascular involvement. This study underscores the significance of adopting protective measures during solar eclipses and emphasizes the value of employing longitudinal multimodal imaging techniques to comprehend the pathophysiology of the condition.