Twelfth Month Research Articles

Oral health-related quality of life, adaptation/discomfort during open bite treatment with spurs: complementary analysis from a randomized clinical trial

This single-center trial aimed to longitudinally compare the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL), adaptation and discomfort during anterior open bite (AOB) treatment with lingual spurs and build-ups (SBU) versus spurs only (S) approaches. Children (7–11 years) with AOB were randomly allocated into two treatment groups (SBU or S). The Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ8–10) was applied 1 and 12 months after installation of the appliances. Questionnaires evaluating functional adaptation and discomfort during the first month of treatment were also applied. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used in these questionnaires. Generalized mixed models were used for analyzing OHRQOL and discomfort data. Generalized linear models were used to assess adaptation outcomes (α = 0.05). The SBU group included 24 patients (7 males and 17 females; mean age 8.2 years) and the S group included 25 patients (11 males and 14 females; mean age 8.3 years). Regardless of the treatment type, overall OHRQOL scores at 12 months were 0.69 times those recorded at 1 month after the appliances installation (i.e., ~ 31% reduction; exp (β) = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.88). A significant interaction between treatment and time was detected for the ‘functional limitations’ domain. For this domain, a significant improvement from the first to the twelfth month was observed in the S group (P < 0.001). Patients in both treatment groups showed similar and easy adaptation to the appliances. Independent of the type of treatment, tongue-related discomfort decreased over time. One week and one month after the appliance’s delivery, the discomfort scores were 0.19 (i.e., ~ 81% reduction; exp (β) = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.28; P < 0.001) and 0.02 (i.e., ~ 98% reduction; exp (β) = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.07; P < 0.001) times, respectively, those issued immediately after the installation of the appliances. Regardless of treatment type; overall OHRQOL improved from the first to the twelfth month of AOB treatment. The functional limitations score decreased in the S group. Children showed easy adaptation, and their discomfort decreased 1 week after the installation of the appliances.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT03702881, date of registration: October 11, 2018.

Sarcopenic patients “get even”: The impact of COVID-19 vaccination on mortality

BackgroundCoronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), driven by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has disproportionately affected the elderly, with comorbidities like sarcopenia worsening prognosis. Considering the significant impact of RNA vaccines on survival rates in this population, our objective is to investigate the impact of vaccination on the survival of hospitalized elderly patients with COVID-19, considering the presence or absence of sarcopenia. MethodsProspective study conducted on 159 patients aged>65 years from September 2021 to March 2022. Data about clinical and body composition, and mortality at 12-months after discharge were recorded. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2019 European Consensus criteria. ResultsAt the twelfth month post-discharge, vaccinated sarcopenic individuals exhibited a mortality risk similar to vaccinated non-sarcopenic individuals, and lower than unvaccinated non-sarcopenic patients. Cox regression analysis, adjusted for age, gender, comorbidity, functional and vaccinal status, showed that the presence of sarcopenia did not significantly impact the risk of death within 12-months post-discharge. DiscussionVaccination emerges as a protective measure for sarcopenic patients, countering the potential adverse effects of sarcopenia on COVID-19 outcomes, underscoring the importance of immunization in the frail elderly with a call for meticulous monitoring of its benefits. ConclusionsOur study represents the first attempt to analyze the vaccine's effect on survival in sarcopenic hospitalized older adults with COVID-19. The administration of vaccination to sarcopenic patients proves pivotal, as its omission could lead to notably unfavorable outcomes within this specific population.

The efficacy and safety of low-dose rituximab in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris: a cohort study

Background Rituximab (RTX) is considered the first-line treatment for pemphigus vulgaris (PV), which is a B-cell-mediated acquired autoimmune disease. However, no consensus on the optimum dosage has been achieved. Objectives To investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose RTX (a single infusion of 500 mg) for the treatment of PV, a cohort study was conducted for patients with PV, along with a 12-month follow-up following the administration of RTX. Methods Patients with moderate or severe PV were divided into group A (low-dose RTX combined with corticosteroids) and group B (corticosteroids alone). Data on complete remission (CR) rates, doses of corticosteroids, cumulative doses of corticosteroids at the third, sixth, and twelfth months, pemphigus disease area index and adverse effects (AEs) were collected. Results Forty-four patients with moderate or severe PV were enrolled in this study (19 in group A and 25 in group B). Patients treated with low-dose RTX had higher CR rates, lower doses of corticosteroids at the third, sixth, and twelfth months, lower cumulative doses of corticosteroids at the sixth and twelfth months, and fewer AEs than those who received corticosteroids alone. Conclusions This study indicated that low-dose RTX may be a beneficial and secure therapy option for patients with moderate to severe PV.

A large scale multicentre randomized, placebo-controlled subcutaneous house dust mite allergen immunotherapy (HDM SCIT) in allergic rhinitis: MITAR Study.

Previous house dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy (HDM SCIT) placebo-controlled trials have small sample sizes and lack a consensus on baseline treatment. To determine the efficacy of HDM SCIT in moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis (AR) patients treated with an intranasal corticosteroid at baseline. We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial comparing HDM SCIT against placebo in Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) sensitized. All patients received standard of care according to Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guideline, including an intranasal steroid (INCS) at baseline. The primary endpoint was the comparison of a composite score, combining the total nasal symptom score and medication score, assessed at the twelfth month post-treatment. Of the 144 subjects, 108 received HDM-SCIT and 36 received a placebo. The median age was 30 years (range 11-61), with 60% being female. The mean Der p wheal diameter was 9.4 mm (SD 4.4). After one year of treatment, the composite score median (IQR) in the HDM SCIT group and the placebo group was 0.75 (0.50-1.13) and 0.63 (0.50-1.25), respectively (p > 0.05). Both groups exhibited a significant mean change in the composite score from baseline (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the groups. The median (IQR) serum Der p-specific immunoglobulin G4 level significantly increased only in the HDM SCIT arm (p ≤ 0.001). One-year HDM SCIT significantly reduced both symptoms and medication use in HDM-allergic rhinitis patients. However, the changes were not significantly different from those in the placebo group, who also received an INCS at baseline. A longer-term study is warranted to assess disease modification factors.

Smoking Cessation Success and Affecting Factors in Geriatric Patients.

There are difficulties in the treatment of smoking cessation in elderly patients. However, elderly smokers who gave up smoking had lower rates of death from heart attack, stroke, and cancer, as well as improved cognitive function. This study aimed to investigate the affecting factors and the success of smoking cessation rate in patients aged 60 and over in Turkey. Six smoking cessation outpatient clinics from four provinces were included in the study. The records of 1,065 patients who applied to a smoking cessation outpatient clinic between 2016 and 2019 and who were 60 yr of age or older were scanned. Overall, 917 cases that could be reached after treatment were included in the study. Smoking cessation rates at the first month, 3rd month, 6th month, 9th month and 12th month were given. Of the 917 cases, 65.1% were male and 34.9% were female. Smoking cessation rates were 45.6% on the first month, 39% on the third month, 35.1% on the sixth month, 31.2% on the ninth month, and 30.3% at the twelfth month. Smoking cessation success was higher in men than in women. Since the success of smoking cessation in the elderly was similar to that of adults. Since smoking is an independent risk factor for death in the elderly, there should be greater willingness to provide elderly patients with smoking cessation treatment to reduce physical function loss and promote healthier aging.

Comparative analysis of periodontal pain and quality of life in patients with fixed multibracket appliances and aligners (Invisalign®): longitudinal clinical study

BackgroundsThe aim of this longitudinal clinical study is to analyse and compare according to location, degree and type, the pain presented by patients during their first year of treatment, as well as the quality of oral life after the placement of two types of orthodontic appliances: conventional brackets and removable Invisalign ® aligners.MethodsThe sample consisted of 140 patients grouped into 2 study groups of 70 patients each. The first group (brackets group- BG), with fixed multibracket appliances, using the MBT technique and a 0.022” slot. The second group (invisaling group- IG), in treatment with removable aligners (IG), using the Invisalign ® system. They were providen with a questionnare where they had to record the degree (mild, moderate or intense), the type and location of the pain monthly during the first year of treatment. The second form was the Spanish version of the OHIP-14, oral quality of life questionnaire, which was provided the twelfth month after the start of treatment.ResultsIn both groups, we found that the most frequent location of pain occurred during the first phase: mandibular for the IG group and maxillary in the BG group. Throughout the whole analysis, the intensity was mild-moderate with lower values in the conventional brackets’ group. The BG group reported acute pain while the IG group reported sensitive pain during the first month; later both reported sensitive pain.ConclusionsThere are differences in terms of periodontal pain in its degree, location, and type according to the different orthodontic techniques used.Trial registrationThe study was approved by the bioethics committee of the University of Salamanca (USAL_20/516).

The best method for erection function in urethroplasty; is excision and primary anastomosis or buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty?

IntroductionThe aim of this study is to evaluate and compare erection function (EF) after Excision and Primary Anastomosis Urethroplasty (EPAU) and Buccal Mucosal Graft Urethroplasty (BMGU) in bulbar urethral stricture. MethodsPatients who underwent urethroplasty were identified retrospectively. The criteria for inclusion in the study were determined as being over 18 years old and under 70 years old, being sexually active. Exclusion criteria are; preoperative severe erectile dysfunction, stricture outside the bulbar urethra, psychosocial incompatibility, urethral stricture related to pelvic fracture, follow-up time less than a year. As the primary endpoint, the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) was determined as a comparison of EF in the preoperative and third, sixth and twelfth months after surgery. The secondary endpoint was the evaluation of the effects of demographic data, stricture and treatment characteristics on EF. ResultsFifty patients were identified considering the inclusion/exclusion criteria. It was observed that there were 30 patients who underwent EPAU and 20 patients who underwent BMGU. At the third month after surgery, EF showed a statistically significant decrease in the EPAU group. In both patient groups, it was observed that the early negative effects after the operation in EF started to improve in the sixth month and returned to the baseline level by the first year. ConclusionEPAU and BMGU techniques have a similar effect on EF in the medium and long term. Both methods can be used safely and effectively in the appropriate patient group.

A machine learning approach to predict the glaucoma filtration surgery outcome

This study aimed at predicting the filtration surgery (FS) outcome using a machine learning (ML) approach. 102 glaucomatous patients undergoing FS were enrolled and underwent ocular surface clinical tests (OSCTs), determination of surgical site-related biometric parameters (SSPs) and conjunctival vascularization. Break-up-time, Schirmer test I, corneal fluorescein staining, Meibomian gland expressibility; conjunctival hyperemia, upper bulbar conjunctiva area of exposure, limbus to superior eyelid distance; and conjunctival epithelial and stromal (CET, CST) thickness and reflectivity (ECR, SCR) at AS-OCT were considered. Successful FS required a 30% baseline intraocular pressure reduction, with values ≤ 18 mmHg with or without medications. The classification tree (CT) was the ML algorithm used to analyze data. At the twelfth month, FS was successful in 60.8% of cases, whereas failed in 39.2%. At the variable importance ranking, CST and SCR were the predictors with the greater relative importance to the CART tree construction, followed by age. CET and ECR showed less relative importance, whereas OSCTs and SSPs were not important features. Within the CT, CST turned out the most important variable for discriminating success from failure, followed by SCR and age, with cut-off values of 75 µm, 169 on gray scale, and 62 years, respectively. The ROC curve for the classifier showed an AUC of 0.784 (0.692–0.860). In this ML approach, CT analysis found that conjunctival stroma thickness and reflectivity, along with age, can predict the FS outcome with good accuracy. A pre-operative thick and hyper-reflective stroma, and a younger age increase the risk of FS failure.

The effect of liquid bio-organic fertiizer on the productivity of ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri) leaf biomass

Ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri) is an endemic species in East Kalimantan known as ulin by the local community. Ironwood is a protected and slow-growing species. It is essential to look for an alternative use in less period. Ironwood young leaves have been used traditionally as a decoction with diuretic and hair-blackening properties. Such usage provides an opportunity to utilize ironwood without cutting down trees. As a reason for leaves sustainability, it is necessary to stimulate the formation of leaves, one of which is to use liquid bio-organic fertilizer. This study aimed to determine the effect of liquid bio-organic fertilizer on increasing the growth and yield of young ironwood leaves in nurseries. Fifty ironwood seedlings were given 5 ml of liquid bio-organic fertilizer every month, and the other 50 seedlings were not given any fertilizer. The number of young leaves was recorded in the third and ninth months, while the young leaves were harvested in the sixth and twelfth months. This research showed that liquid bio-organic fertilizer increased height increments by up to 107.58%, diameter increment by up to 20.36%, the number of iron wood shoots up to 184.62%, and it also increased the weight of young leaves that can be harvested by up to 588.89%. There were any differences effects of liquid bio-organic fertilizer applied with and without bio-organic fertilizer on the growth and yield of young ironwood leaves. Ironwood shoots’ growth and yield by application of liquid bio-organic fertilizer are better than nonliquid bio-organic fertilizer.

Aesthetic corneal tattooing/keratopigmentation using tattoo pen machine: choosing suitable method and color.

This article aims to present the corneal tattooing method and how using a tattoo pen machine can improve aesthetic appearance in patients with corneal leukoma. In this study, 42 patients were evaluated who had no visual potential and who had undergone colored corneal tattooing using an automatic tattoo pen machine for aesthetic purposes. The procedure was conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The commercially available tattoo ink that has traditionally been used on human skin (brown, green, and black) for years was used for all the patients in this study, and 252 corneal photographs (with a Topcon slit lamp imaging device at 16 magnifications, i.e., 16 ×) taken within the last 2years were evaluated retrospectively. Red, green, and blue (RGB) and hue, saturation, and lightness (HSL) values of the tattooed areas, such as pupils and iris, in corneal photographs were determined online using the Color Code Finder program. The RGB and HSL values of the pupil and iris were compared before surgery on the first day and first week, first month, third month, and twelfth month after surgery. In the first postoperative month, the mean pupil lightness (L) and iris L values were found to have increased by 10.7% and 5.7%, respectively. Between the first month and the first year, the L value of the mean pupil and that of the iris increased by 1.7% and 5.2%, respectively. The increase in the RGB value of the mean pupil in the first month was statistically significant (p = 0.02). The highest increase in RGB values of the iris was observed in the first week and first month (p = 0.113). This result shows that the majority of fading occurred in the first month. After the first month, the increase in the L value in the black-colored pupil was less than that in the brown- or green-colored iris. These results show that light colors fade faster and more. Esthetically, corneal leukoma causes severe psychological problems. Many patients are unable to use prosthetic contact lenses. Evisceration surgery has many complications, and limbal stem cells are used in evisceration surgery. Corneal tattooing using a tattoo pen machine is an easy, practical, and repeatable method used for aesthetic purposes. Successful results require the use of appropriate methods, ink, and ophthalmologist's experience. All patients in this study had a more aesthetic appearance than the preoperative white eye. Further studies are needed to develop a colored aesthetic tattooing method with a tattoo pen machine.

#6648 LONG TERM EFFECT OF MEDIUM CUT-OFF DIALYZER ON MIDDLE UREMIC TOXINS

Abstract Background and Aims Better removal capacities for middle and large middle molecules in hemodialysis was achieved in (HD) treatment with the new medium cut-off (MCO) membranes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long term removal efficacy of Theranova® in standard HD in comparison with standard high-flux HD. Method 11 patients were assigned to high flux and 11 to MCO membranes in 12-months observational study. Each patient was assessed every three months from T0 with high-flux dialyzers, T1 to T5 with MCO at first, third, sixth, nineth and twelfth month by measuring pre- and post-HD samples of β2-microglobilin (β2M), myoglobin, albumin, free light chains kappa (FLC-k), and free light chains lambda (FLC-λ). The cumulative change from as RR from T0 to T5 was defined as long term outcome. Results The data showed a higher average removal rate (RR) for all the uremic toxins with Theranova® dialyzers for β2M, myoglobin, FLC-k, and FLC-λ (66.1, 53.2, 59.2.5, and 60.9%, respectively) compared to high flux (57.1, 10.8, 29.9 and 37.4%, respectively). The analyses on the cumulative RR from T0 to T5 found significant decrement of β2M, myoglobin, FLC-λ in MCO vs high flux group where those values significantly raised (14.9 vs −6.1, p = 0.043; 27.7 vs −7.8, p = 0.001; 21.9 vs −4.2, p = 0.017, respectively). The FLC-k showed borderline significantly better removal with MCO (17.8 vs 8.4. p = 0.067). The distribution of patients with 12 month middle molecules reduction was much better in the MCO group. Albumin retention was better in MCO group and did not change between T0 and T5 (p = 0.824). Conclusion Compared to high-flux membranes, MCO membranes show greater permeability for middle molecules and albumin stability in long-term report. Their use in HD standard setting is effective and safe.

Effectiveness of mepolizumab in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma: In a real life study

We analyzed the effects of mepolizumab treatment on symptoms, asthma attacks, pulmonary function test parameters peripheral blood eosinophil level, and percentage in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma receiving mepolizumab treatment as the baseline, sixth and twelfthmonth data. The medical records of patients diagnosed with severe eosinophilic asthma and treated with mepolizumab at our clinic were retrospectively reviewed for the period between January 2018 and December 2021. Demographic data of the patients, duration of asthma disease, comorbidities such as a nasal polyp, eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug exacerbated respiratory disease were investigated. A comparison was made of various factors before initiating mepolizumab treatment, as well as at the sixth and twelfth month after treatment initiation. These factors include asthma control test scores, frequency of asthma attacks (including emergency admissions, hospitalizations, and intensive care admissions), peripheral blood eosinophil levels and percentages, and pulmonary function test parameters. Clinic and laboratory parameters that provide a prediction of being a responder and super responder were evaluated. A total of 21 patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 50.7 ± 11.9 years, and four (19%) were males. The mean duration of asthma diagnosis was 17.5 ±13.7 years. 14 patients (66.7%) were atopic. 4 patients (19%) had nasal polyps and four patients (19%) had NERD. Before mepolizumab, 13 (61.9%) patients had received omalizumab. The duration of receiving mepolizumab treatment was 29.2 ± 9.9 months. A statistically significant decrease was observed in both the number and percentage of eosinophils at months six and 12 (p<0.01). There was a statistically significant increase in FEV1 values both as a percentage and in milliliters at month 12. There was an increase in both percentage and milliliters in FEF25-75 values, but this increase did not reach statistical significance. There was a decrease in service admissions, intensive care admissions, and emergency admissions due to asthma exacerbations. Out of 21 patients, 11 (52.4%) were classified as responders, while 10 (47.6%) were classified as super responders. Although the number of patients in our study was limited, mepolizumab improved symptom scores in severe eosinophilic asthma, reduced the number of attacks, and improved pulmonary function test values.

Neurovascular bundle-sparing ventral clitoroplasty in adult patients: description of the technique and long-term outcome on clitoral functions

To describe the technique and assess long term effects of neurovascular bundle-sparing adult clitoroplasty on clitoral functions in patients. A case series study enrolling three patients diagnosed with adult clitoromegaly who underwent neurovascular bundle-sparing ventral clitoroplasty operation. All of the patients were examined at the first, third, sixth, twelfth and twenty-fourth months post-operatively to evaluate clitoral functions. Three patients diagnosed with adult clitoromegaly, aged 17, 21 and 24 years, were enrolled in the study. The primary complaint of all patients was unpleasant enlarged appearance and hypersensitive clitoris. Mean calculated clitoral index was 143 mm2, 150 mm2, and 120 mm2. Operation time was 90, 140 and 120 minutes, respectively. No major complication occurred during the operation but moderate ecchymosis and edema of the vulva occurred in all patients, lasting up to three weeks. On follow up examination, partial sensorial loss was noted at the first month in one patient, which completely resolved by the third month and beyond. Two patients who were sexually active reported that they were very comfortable with intercourse and cosmetic appearance. No clitoral enlargement or pain were reported by patients through the 24-month follow up period. Neurovascular bundle-sparing ventral clitoroplasty is a safe and cosmetically acceptable procedure, which effectively preserves the neurovascular bundle and long-term clitoral functions.

How Cultural Behaviors and Superstitions Associate the Willingness to Undergo Cataract Surgery in Taiwan: A Nationwide Survey.

Background and Objectives: Cultural beliefs influence the conceptualization, adaptation, and coping strategies for diseases. This study aimed to investigate the impact of cultural beliefs and customs on the willingness to undergo cataract surgery in Taiwan. Materials and Methods: The data were retrospectively retrieved from the national Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID2000). From the national database, we enrolled patients that were diagnosed with cataracts and underwent cataract surgery from 2001 to 2010. All the patients were stratified according to their gender and living area. Gender was categorized as male or female, and the living area was classified as urban or rural. We compared the difference in the number of surgeries between stratified patient groups in each Chinese lunar month. Results: The number of cataract surgeries decreased significantly in the seventh and twelfth lunar months for both genders. There was a significant reduction in cataract surgeries in both the urban and rural groups during the seventh lunar month. Interestingly, only the seventh lunar month had an association with sex in different living areas, which meant that in the seventh month, there was a gender-specific difference in the surgical numbers. Conclusions: The Taiwanese population holds a belief that surgical procedures, including cataract surgery, during the lunar ghost month is inauspicious. Citizens tend to avoid elective surgery due to cultural practice, resulting in a decrease in surgical numbers during the period of the Chinese New Year. The authorities should consider these cultural behaviors when developing medical policies and allocating resources. Healthcare providers should be aware of these superstitions and take them into account when providing medical care and advice to patients.

Combining Traditional Culture with Trends to Innovate the Way of Cultural Dissemination-Taking Henan Satellite TV as an Example

From Hanfu culture to traditional costumes of various ethnic groups, the national style has gradually become mainstream among Chinese young people in recent years. On We-media, many videos about traditional Chinese culture have become popular. From the performance of traditional Chinese musical instruments in streets and alleys around the world to Chinese dancers like Ma Jiaolong dancing Chinese folk dances around the world, Chinese traditional culture is reinterpreted in a novel way. And Henan Satellite TV has also been on Weibos hot search because of its unique traditional cultural programs. In the "Tang Palace Night Banquet" in the twelfth lunar month of 2020, Henan Satellite TV adopted the form of choreography to "live" the cultural relics displayed in the museum again, giving life to the cultural relics, and creating a new way of disseminating traditional culture. Taking Henan Satellite TV as an example, this paper will discuss the new way of spreading Chinese traditional culture in the new era based on the history of Henan itself. The integration of traditional culture and modern new communication methods, combined with the integration of modern audiences' artistic aesthetics, makes traditional culture adapt to contemporary communication styles, which is more conducive to the spread of traditional culture. This breakthrough by Henan Satellite TV provides new ideas for the more extensive and long-term dissemination of traditional Chinese culture.

Pro ultra-Mesh Augmentation in the Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Controlled Trial

Background: Rotator cuff tears present in about 20% of the population. This has prompted surgeons to look for techniques to augment the rotator cuff tear repair. This study aimed to assess the results of Ultrapro mesh augmentation in patients with massive and large rotator cuff tears as a clinical trial.&#x0D; Methods: The study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial in which patients were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups underwent surgery. In one, Ultrapro mesh was used to augment the repair. Therapeutic outcome was assessed by using a joint range of motion, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and visual analogue scale (VAS).&#x0D; Results: 60 patients were included, of whom 47 were men. Forward flexion (FF), abduction, external rotation (ER), and internal rotation (IR) degree increased significantly in both groups (P &lt; 0.01), but no significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of changes in these angles (P &gt; 0.05). During the study period and in both groups, the OSS score decreased, and the SST score increased. The pain in both groups decreased until the sixth month and increased after that up to the twelfth month.&#x0D; Conclusion: Although the use of Ultrapro mesh augmentation in the rotator cuff tear has been associated with better long-term results in the abduction and ER of patients, the effect on the patients’ clinical results is not significant. Further studies are needed to make a more accurate judgment.

Minimally invasive craniectomy and postoperative cranial remolding orthotic treatment in infants with craniosynostosis: A multicenter prospective study

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of minimally invasive suturectomy (MIS) with cranial remolding orthosis (CRO) for treatment of patients with single-suture craniosynostosis. MethodsIn this multicenter prospective study, all patients included underwent MIS followed by postoperative CRO. The values of the cephalic index (CI) and cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) were measured and recorded before the surgery, at initiation of CRO, and at the cessation of CRO. The total cranial volume (TV), anterior hemisphere cranial volume (AV), and AV to TV were also acquired with a non-contact optical scanner. All patients were followed up at least until the end of the twelfth month of age. ResultsA total of 38 patients were included. The average operative time including anesthesia was 95.38 minutes. The average length of hospital admission was 2.5 days. There was a statistically significant difference in CI values for the patients with sagittal craniosynostosis (p < 0.05). The improvement in CVAI values were statistically significant in all three groups of participants (p < 0.001). The AV and TV from initiation to cessation of CRO treatment were statistically significant in all three groups of participants (p < 0.001). Regarding the AV to TV ratio, there was a significant difference from initiation to the cessation of CRO treatment in sagittal and metopic groups of participants (p < 0.05). The average daily hours of CRO wearing was 18.54 hours. ConclusionsThe findings of this investigation complement those of earlier studies and showed that MIS with CRO treatment is a good strategy with satisfactory results for patients with single-suture craniosynostosis.

Infinitesimal Periangular Pterygomasseteric Transectioning Approach for the Base Fractures of the Mandibular Condyle: A Technical Note and Quality of Life Outcome.

Purpose Infinitesimal Periangular Pterygomasseteric Transectioning Approach (IPPTA) is a minimal access surgical approach utilized for the management of base fractures of the mandibular condyle. The aim of the study was to evaluate and report the long-term post-operative functional outcomeusing this surgical access approach. Materials and method A prospective clinical study involving 20 patients was undertaken to evaluate the post-operative functional and aesthetic outcome for the patients that underwent surgery for base fractures of the mandibular condyle using IPPTA. The various parameters assessed were wound healing, marginal mandibular nerve injury, diet intake, mandibular function, and any other complications at twelfth post-operative month. Results IPPTA provided adequate exposure to the condylar base fracture for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and was found to have an uneventful post-operative recovery phase in terms of functional and aesthetic outcomes. Conclusion IPPTA involves utilizing a smaller incision and provides adequate exposure to the condylar base region for ORIF to establish a satisfactory form and function with a predictable outcome.

Hallazgos en tomografía de tórax en el seguimiento a 4, 8 y 12 meses después de una neumonía grave por COVID-19 . Tomografía de tórax en seguimiento post COVID-19.

Introduction. SARS-CoV-2 causes multiorgan damage, with a predilection to the respiratory epithelium. Chest imaging studies have been decisive in many pathologies and during the recent pandemic was no exception. In the follow-up with chest tomography post-COVID-19 in several series, persistence of lesions after discharge and over several months has been observed. The aim of this study was to describe the tomographic findings in patients with follow-up for up to one year after hospital discharge for moderate severe COVID-19. Materials and methods. Retrospective, observational study of patients hospitalized for moderate-severe COVID-19 from March 2020 to March 2022 at ISSSTE hospital, Chiapas-Mexico, with positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test, hospitalization CT and post-discharge follow-up (0-4 months; 4-8 months; 8-12 months). The terminology of the Fleischner company was used. In addition, the extension per affected lobe was evaluated (&gt;75%, 75-50%, 50-25%, &lt;25%). Results. 27 patients were studied, 74% men, average age 56 years. The predominant tomographic pattern at admission was mixed with 56% and lung extension &gt;75%; glass depulpation 30% and consolidation 11%. At the fourth and eighth month the mixed pattern was the most frequent, at the twelfth month it persisted in 33% of the patients and in 30% of the cases the tomography was normal. As the months passed, the extent of the damage became more limited. Conclusion: The follow-up with tomography in moderate-severe COVID-19 is indisputable. It allows precise identification of the tomographic pattern at different times of the disease, optimization of treatment and reduction of sequelae.

Post Radical Prostatectomy Erectile Dysfunction. A Single Centre Experience.

This study aims to determine the effects of radical retropubic prostatectomy on post-operative erectile function. A total of 50 patients were included in this study, diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, and underwent nerve-sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy. All patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire pre-operatively and on the third, sixth, and twelfth post-operative month and completed a self-reporting of their satisfaction with their sexual performance. Patients with a history of severe heart disease, were on erectile dysfunction medication, or had a score of 7 or less on the IIEF-5 questionnaire, were excluded from the study. Pre-operatively it was observed that the lower the IIEF-5 score, the higher the biopsy Gleason score. Post-operatively, 16 patients stated that erectile function had returned to the pre-operative IIEF-5 category. In contrast, only 13 of them stated they were happy with their sexual performance on the self-reporting scale. The rest reported dissatisfaction despite returning to their pre-operative erectile function status. IIEF-5 scores were also different when compared amongst the four age groups, with scores indicating that younger age is related to higher IIEF-5 scores. At the 3-month follow-up, no statistically significant difference was observed between age groups. Finally, patients younger than 64 reported significantly less deterioration in post-operative erectile function. Post-radical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction remains one of the most pressing issues in prostate cancer therapy. A higher Gleason score has a more significant impact on pre-operative ED, and at the same time, the best post-operative ED results are observed in younger patients. Finally, patients need extensive follow-up, therapy, and pre-and post-operative psychological support to have the best possible erectile function.