Significance of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) in Diabetic Foot Ulcer and Potential New Therapeutic Targets

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a well-known complication of diabetes and a significant burden on the national health systems. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio are inexpensive and easily accessible biomarkers that have proved to be useful in several inflammatory, infectious and cardiovascular diseases. We carried out a comprehensive review examining the association of NLR and PLR with the onset and progression of DFU. PLR and NLR were significantly increased in patients with DFU, compared with a control group of T2DM patients without DFU, and correlate well with DFU severity, evaluated by Wagner and IWGDF grading scales. In patients with diabetic foot infections (DFI), elevated NLR and PLR were correlated with osteomyelitis, increased risk of amputation, and septic complications. The significance of the elevated value of these biomarkers in DFU is related to chronic hyperglycemia and low-grade systemic inflammation, atherosclerotic and vascular complications, and also the associated septic factor. Serial, dynamic follow-up can provide useful information in planning and monitoring DFU treatment, as well as in risk stratification of these vulnerable patients. Further randomized studies are needed to set the cut-off values with clinical significance.

Predictive Factors for Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies in Acute Cholecystitis

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard treatment in acute cholecystitis. However, one in six cases is expected to be difficult due to intense inflammation and suspected adherence to and involvement of adjacent important structures, which may predispose patients to higher risk of vascular and biliary injuries. In this study, we aimed to identify the preoperative parameters with predictive value for surgical difficulties. A retrospective study of 255 patients with acute cholecystitis admitted in emergency was performed between 2019 and 2023. Patients in the difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) group experienced more complications compared to the normal LC group (33.3% vs. 15.3%, p < 0.001). Age (p = 0.009), male sex (p = 0.03), diabetes (p = 0.02), delayed presentation (p = 0.03), fever (p = 0.004), and a positive Murphy sign (p = 0.007) were more frequently encountered in the DLC group. Total leukocytes, neutrophils, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were significantly higher in the DLC group (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001 respectively). The Tongyoo score (AUC ROC of 0.856) and a multivariate model based on serum fibrinogen, thickness of the gallbladder wall, and transverse diameter of the gallbladder (AUC ROC of 0.802) showed a superior predictive power when compared to independent parameters. The predictive factors for DLC should be assessed preoperatively to optimize the therapeutic decision.

The Significance of Preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and Systemic Inflammatory Index (SII) in Predicting Severity and Adverse Outcomes in Acute Calculous Cholecystitis

The prediction of severity in acute calculous cholecystitis (AC) is important in therapeutic management to ensure an early recovery and prevent adverse postoperative events. We analyzed the value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic inflammatory index (SII) to predict advanced inflammation, the risk for conversion, and postoperative complications in AC. Advanced AC was considered the cases with empyema, gangrene, perforation of the gallbladder, abscesses, or difficulties in achieving the critical view of safety. A 3-year retrospective was performed on 235 patients admitted in emergency care for AC. The NLR was superior to the PLR and SII in predicting advanced inflammation and risk for conversion. The best predictive value was found to be at an NLR "cut-off" value of >4.19, with a sensitivity of 85.5% and a specificity of 66.9% (AUC = 0.824). The NLR, SII, and TG 13/18 correlate well with postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade IV (p < 0.001 for all variables) and sepsis. For predicting early postoperative sepsis, TG 13/18 grading >2 and NLR > 8.54 show the best predicting power (AUC = 0.931; AUC = 0.888, respectively), although not significantly higher than that of the PLR and SII. The NLR is a useful biomarker in assessing the severity of inflammation in AC. The SII and PLR may be useful in the prediction of systemic inflammatory response.

When Not to Operate on Acute Cases-A Surgeon's Perspective on Rapid Assessment of Emergency Abdominopelvic Computed Tomography

Clinical problem solving evolves in parallel with advances in technology and discoveries in the medical field. However, it always reverts to basic cognitive processes involved in critical thinking, such as hypothetical-deductive reasoning, pattern recognition, and compilation models. When dealing with cases of acute abdominal pain, clinicians should employ all available tools that allow them to rapidly refine their analysis for a definitive diagnosis. Therefore, we propose a standardized method for the quick assessment of abdominopelvic computed tomography as a supplement to the traditional clinical reasoning process. This narrative review explores the cognitive basis of errors in reading imaging. It explains the practical use of attenuation values, contrast phases, and windowing for non-radiologists and details a multistep protocol for finding radiological cues during CT reading and interpretation. This systematic approach describes the salient features and technical tools needed to ascertain the causality between clinical patterns and abdominopelvic changes visible on CT scans from a surgeon's perspective. It comprises 16 sections that should be read successively and that cover the entire abdominopelvic region. Each section details specific radiological signs and provides clear explanations for targeted searches, as well as anatomical and technical hints. Reliance on imaging in clinical problem solving does not make a decision dichotomous nor does it guarantee success in diagnostic endeavors. However, it contributes exact information for supporting the clinical assessments even in the most subtle and intricate conditions.

When Critical View of Safety Fails: A Practical Perspective on Difficult Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

The incidence of common bile duct injuries following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remains three times higher than that following open surgery despite numerous attempts to decrease intraoperative incidents by employing better training, superior surgical instruments, imaging techniques, or strategic concepts. This paper is a narrative review which discusses from a contextual point of view the need to standardise the surgical approach in difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomies, the main strategic operative concepts and techniques, complementary visualisation aids for the delineation of anatomical landmarks, and the importance of cognitive maps and algorithms in performing safer LC. Extensive research was carried out in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Elsevier databases using the terms "difficult cholecystectomy", "bile duct injuries", "safe cholecystectomy", and "laparoscopy in acute cholecystitis". The key content and findings of this research suggest there is high intersocietal variation in approaching and performing LC, in the use of visualisation aids, and in the application of safety concepts. Limited papers offer guidelines based on robust data and a timid recognition of the human factors and ergonomic concepts in improving the outcomes associated with difficult cholecystectomies. This paper highlights the most relevant recommendations for dealing with difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomies.

The Value of White Cell Inflammatory Biomarkers as Potential Predictors for Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM)

The pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy is still challenging, with recent evidence proving the key role of inflammation in the damage of the retinal neurovascular unit. This study aims to investigate the predictive value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and systemic inflammation index (SII) for diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its severity. We performed a retrospective study on 129 T2DM patients, divided into three groups: without retinopathy (NDR), non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and proliferative DR (PDR). NLR, MLR, and SII were significantly higher in the PDR group when compared to NDR and NPDR (3.2 ± 1.6 vs. 2.4 ± 0.9 and 2.4 ± 1.1; p = 0.005; 0.376 ± 0.216 vs. 0.269 ± 0.083 and 0.275 ± 0.111, p = 0.001; 754.4 ± 514.4 vs. 551.5 ± 215.1 and 560.3 ± 248.6, p = 0.013, respectively). PDR was correlated with serum creatinine (OR: 2.551), NLR (OR: 1.645), MPV (OR: 1.41), and duration of diabetes (OR: 1.301). Logistic regression analysis identified three predictive models with very good discrimination power for PDR (AUC ROC of 0.803, 0.809, and 0.830, respectively): combining duration of diabetes with NLR, MLR, and, respectively, PLR, MPV, and serum creatinine. NLR, MPV, SII, and LMR were associated with PDR and could be useful when integrated into comprehensive risk prediction models.

Transabdominal Preperitoneal Versus Lichtenstein Procedure for Inguinal Hernia Repair in Adults: A Comparative Evaluation of the Early Postoperative Pain and Outcomes

Inguinal hernia repairs are one of the most common procedures in general surgery. In addition to classical open surgery, laparoscopic techniques, such as transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) and total extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair, have gained acceptance and are increasingly used for inguinal hernia repairs, and these three techniques are the only standards for inguinal hernia repairs. This study aimed to compare the results of inguinal hernia repairs in adult patients using the TAPP patch technique and Lichtenstein techniques regarding the level of pain perceived one day after surgery and the number of days of hospitalization. A two-year study was performed on 129 patients who underwent TAPP vs. 109 patients who underwent Liechtenstein hernia repair. Our results revealed statistical significance for both variables (Tpain(233) = -7.12, p< 0.001, d=2.92; Tdays of hospitalization(233) = -31.34, p< 0.001, d=4.01). TAPP is a safe method for inguinal hernia repairs, allowing quick recovery and less postoperative pain than the classical Liechtenstein technique.

Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Diabetic Retinopathy-Current Knowledge and Future Therapeutic Targets

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major causes of blindness today, despite important achievements in diagnosis and therapy. The involvement of a gut-retina axis is thought to be a possible risk factor for several chronic eye disease, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, uveitis, and, recently, diabetic retinopathy. Dysbiosis may cause endothelial disfunction and alter retinal metabolism. This review analyzes the evidence regarding changes in gut microbiota in patients with DR compared with diabetics and healthy controls (HCs). A systematic review was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for the following terms: "gut microbiota" OR "gut microbiome" AND "diabetic retinopathy". Ultimately, 9 articles published between 2020 and 2022 presenting comparative data on a total of 228 T2DM patients with DR, 220 patients with T2DM, and 118 HCs were analyzed. All of the studies found a distinctive microbial beta diversity in DR vs. T2DM and HC, characterized by an altered Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, a decrease in butyrate producers, and an increase in LPS-expressing and pro-inflammatory species in the Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria phyla. The probiotic species Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were decreased when compared with T2DM. Gut microbiota influence retinal health in multiple ways and may represent a future therapeutic target in DR.

Role of glutathione-S-transferase gene P1 in the diagnosis of prostate cancer in patients with 'grey level' prostate-specific antigen values

Prostate cancer (PC) represents the second most frequent cancer diagnosis in men and, at the same time, is one of the top six causes of death worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of glutathione-S-transferase gene P1 (GST-P1) in patients that fall within the 'grey area' of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values. A retrospective observational study on 80 patients with prostate abnormal volumes and PSA values in the range 4-10 ng/ml was performed. The prostate gland was extracted following transrectal ultrasonography, and GST-P1 gene expression was analysed. A histopathological examination was considered the gold standard for PC diagnosis. Among the 53 patients diagnosed with PC, 69.8% (n=37) were GST-P1-positive, whereas, among the 27 patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia, 18.5% (n=5) were GST-P1-positive. The sensitivity for diagnosing PC in patients with PSA values between 4 and 10 ng/ml was 69.81%, and the specificity was 81.48%. The positive predictive value was 88.1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 74.37-96.02%] and the negative predictive value was 57.89% (95% CI, 40.82-73.69%). Collectively, these results show the potential of using GST-P1 gene expression in patients who are suspected of having PC, but where the PSA values are inconclusive.

Optimal Timing and Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Approach in Acute Biliary Pancreatitis

Background

We analyzed the outcomes of early biliary decompression by a minimally invasive approach in acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP).

Material/Method

A retrospective study was conducted on 143 patients with ABP who underwent biliary decompression by laparoscopic or endoscopic approach between January 2015 and March 2022. Data from the observation sheets and surgical protocols were analyzed in terms of demographic characteristics, clinical and paraclinical features at admission, comorbidities, therapeutic management, and outcomes.

Results

The mean patient age was 62.3±11.4 years. Mild ABP had a higher frequency in men (75.5%) and urban areas (70.4%). The comorbidities associated with a higher risk of severe forms were diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR]: 11.250), chronic bronchopneumopathy (OR: 29.297), and ischemic coronary disease (OR: 2.784). The mean hospital stay was 7.6±3.8 days and was significantly higher in severe forms (10±2.4 days, P<0.001). The time from onset to presentation was significantly higher in severe vs mild forms (5.6 vs 1.8 days, P<0.001) and was associated with systemic and local complications. Creatinine over 2 mg/dL (OR: 4.821) and leukocytes >15 000/mmc at admission (OR: 3.533) were risk factors for systemic complications, while obesity was associated with increased local complications (OR: 5.179). None of the patients with an early presentation developed severe ABP.

Conclusions

Early biliary decompression, as soon as possible after onset, either by an endoscopic or minimally invasive approach, is a safe and effective procedure in ABP. The type of procedure and optimal timing should be individualized, according to the patient’s local and general features.

Non-central limit theorem for the spatial average of the solution to the wave equation with Rosenblatt noise

We analyze the limit behavior in distribution of the spatial average of the solution to the wave equation driven by the two-parameter Rosenblatt process in spatial dimension d = 1 d=1 . We prove that this spatial average satisfies a non-central limit theorem, more precisely it converges in law to a Wiener integral with respect to the Rosenblatt process. We also give a functional version of this limit theorem.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors in breast cancer (Review)

Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy has been intensely researched in the last years, motivated by the favorable results obtained with monoclonal antibodies in HER2-enriched breast cancer (BC) patients. Most researched alternatives of anti-EGFR agents were tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies. However, excluding monoclonal antibodies trastuzumab and pertuzumab, the remaining anti-EGFR molecules have exhibited disappointing results, due to the lack of specificity and frequent adverse side effects. TKIs have several advantages, including reduced cardiotoxicity, oral administration and favorable penetration of blood-brain barrier for brain metastatic BC. Lapatinib and neratinib and recently pyrotinib (approved only in China) are the only TKIs from dozens of molecules researched over the years that were approved to be used in clinical practice with limited indications, in a subset of BC patients, single or in combination with other chemotherapy or hormonal therapeutic agents. Improved identification of BC subtypes and improved characterization of aggressive forms (triple negative BC or inflammatory BC) should lead to advancements in shaping of targeted agents to improve the outcome of patients.

Impact of modern personalized treatment of breast cancer on surgical attitude and outcomes

Multimodal treatment of breast cancer has made steady progress in recent years. The involvement of modern oncology, diagnostic imaging techniques and surgical treatment, have brought a definite benefit to patients, defining the multidisciplinary treatment of breast cancer. The introduction of immunohistochemical testing and genetic screening has led to the prioritization of therapy according to their results and a correct approach to initiating treatment. The main aim of the present study was to conduct a comparative analysis through a retrospective study of the therapeutic means used in breast cancer with the statistical evaluation of the obtained results. To carry out the study, a group of 125 patients hospitalized during the period January 2015 to December 2020, were included, and the parameters were selected from the observation sheets. The results of the study demonstrated the superiority of multimodal treatment of breast cancer over surgical treatment as the only therapeutic management. The introduction of ultrasound-guided biopsies and conservative surgical options has led to increased diagnostic accuracy and a significant improvement in aesthetic outcome. The multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer allows an individualized treatment by performing immunohistochemical testing and through the use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment combined with conservative surgical techniques with a more favorable cosmetic and oncological result, with reduced postoperative complications.

Ocular Side Effects of Aromatase Inhibitor Endocrine Therapy in Breast Cancer - A Review

BACKGROUND

Aromatase inhibitor therapy is currently the preferred choice in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. This article reviews the ocular side effects of treatment with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in patients with breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science and Google scholar.

RESULTS

After duplication removal, 14 clinical studies and 5 case reports, published between 2008 and 2021, were identified. Most frequently, AI treatment resulted in minor to moderate dry eye symptoms. "De novo" onset of Sjogren syndrome during AI therapy was also reported. Retinal and optic nerve side effects varied from mild, subclinical anatomic and functional impairment to severe decreased vision, secondary to hemi-central retinal artery occlusion, bilateral optic neuritis or uveitis with bilateral macular edema.

CONCLUSION

Visual disturbances encountered during AI treatment may be underestimated. Ophthalmic screening is important for early detection and appropriate treatment.

Optimization of a GF-AAS method for lead testing in blood and urine: A useful tool in acute abdominal pain management in emergency

Suspicion of lead poisoning is confirmed by its concentration in blood and protoporphyrin red blood cells. At low concentrations, lead influences the synthesis of the heme in the sense of lowering it. Acute and chronic lead intoxication is extremely polymorphic in regards to its clinical manifestations, with digestive, hematological, cardiovascular, renal hepatic and neurological features. The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of lead in human whole blood and urine harvested before and during chelation treatment in the case of lead poisoning. An atomic absorption spectroscopic method for the analysis of lead was developed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GF-AAS), Varian Spectra AA-880 with a hollow cathode lead lamp and a deuterium lamp for background correction, coupled to a GTA-100 atomizer and a programmable sample dispenser. Standard calibration solutions were used for the range 10-100 µg/l. The linearity range was 10.0 to 100.0 µg/l with the correlation coefficient of 0.999. We established that the method can be applied for the determination of lead in whole blood and urine, and the results obtained are useful for monitoring chelation therapy in cases of acute lead poisoning, a neglected cause of abdominal colic pain in an emergency situation.

Changes in sleep quality amidst COVID-19 pandemic among psychiatric patients in Romania

Introduction

Sleep disturbances can occur as a result of major stressful events. Additionally, research evidence suggests that COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively impacted the quality of sleep among various populations. However, individuals respond differently to the stress, uncertainty and social isolation related with COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the changes in sleep quality and pattern among voluntary psychiatric patients visiting our clinic in Romania during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We implemented a cross-sectional study over a period of 3 months, utilizing a Romanian-translated version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) which was administered through Google Forms web application. Participants lacking digital skills were provided with guidance for completing the questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained prior to participating in this study and data anonymity and confidentiality were ensured.

Results

Among a total of 98 responders, 63% reported a global PSQI score greater than 5, indicating poor sleep. Approximately 25% of participants subjectively marked their sleep as either fairly bad or very bad. When analysing the 7 components of PSQI, our participants struggled most with long sleep latency. About a third of participants reported using sleep medication (both prescription and over-the-counter) three or more times a week within the past month.

Conclusions

Considering the fact that the current situation is likely to evolve for an unknown period of time, there is a dire need to assess the effect of prolonged adjustments in daily routine and their impact on the sleep and the quality of life of our patients.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for major depressive disorder- a literature review

Introduction

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a third wave cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that incorporates meditation exercises in the classical, structured intervention. Mindfulness has been associated with psychological well-being, and certain symptoms that occur in major depressive disorder (MDD), e.g. worries, ruminations, ideas of incapacity or self-devaluation, are considered potential targets for MBCT.

Objectives

To evaluate the current level of evidence for the MCBT efficacy in MDD.

Methods

A literature serach was performed in the main electronic databases, targeting clinical trials that evaluated in a randomized manner the efficacy of MCBT versus active comparators or placebo in patients with MDD.

Results

MBCT was efficient in a 10-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) versus standard treatment, and it decreased ruminations, increased patients quality of life, mindfulness abilities, and self-compassion. In another randomized, 8-week RCT, MBCT prevented relapses in MDD, with similar rates when compared to psychoeducation and standard treatment. A 26-month follow-up study evidenced the persistence of symptoms improvement detected after 12 months of the trial, when compared to active control group and treatment as usual. MCBT was compared to cognitive therapy in a randomized 8-week trial, and both treatments had similar efficacy in MDD relapse prevention.

Conclusions

MCBT may be an useful adjuvant to the current treatment in acute MDD, but it may also decrease the risk of relapse after psychotherapy termination.

Acute surgical abdomen during the COVID-19 pandemic: Clinical and therapeutic challenges

The present study investigated the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical presentation and therapeutic management of acute surgical abdomen. A retrospective study of emergency hospitalizations with a diagnosis of acute surgical abdomen between April and July 2020 vs. a similar period in 2019 was performed. The observation sheets and the operating protocols were analyzed. Between April and July 2020, 50 cases of acute surgical abdomen were hospitalized and treated, compared to 43 cases in the same period last year. The main types of pathology in both groups included: Occlusions (60%, respectively 44.2% in 2019) and peritonitis (32%, respectively 41.8% in 2019). There was an increased rate of patients with colorectal cancers neglected therapeutically or uninvestigated, who presented during the pandemic period with emergencies for complications such as occlusion or tumor perforation (32 vs. 6.97%, P=0.0039). One case, with gastric perforation, was COVID-positive, with no pulmonary symptoms at admission. The number of postoperative infectious complications was lower during the pandemic (2 vs. 13.95%, P=0.0461). As the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be still far from ending, we should learn to adapt our surgical protocols to the new evidence. Oncological patients are a vulnerable group, who were neglected in the first months of the pandemic. SARS-Cov-2 infection may be a cause of abdominal pain and should be taken into account in different diagnoses of acute abdomen in surgical wards. Correct wearing of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and respecting strict rules of asepsis and antisepsis are required for preventing in-hospital transmission of infection.

Safety of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis in the Elderly: A Multivariate Analysis of Risk Factors for Intra and Postoperative Complications

Background and Objectives: This study investigates the impact of age upon the safety and outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed for acute cholecystitis, by a multivariate approach. Materials and Methods: A 2-year retrospective study was performed on 333 patients admitted for acute cholecystitis who underwent emergency cholecystectomy. The patients included in the study group were divided into four age subgroups: A ≤49 years; B: 50-64 years; C: 65-79 years; D ≥80 years. Results: Surgery after 72 h from onset (p = 0.007), severe forms, and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification and Charlson comorbidity index scores (p < 0.001) are well correlated with older age. Both cardiovascular and surgical related complications were significantly higher in patients over 50 years (p = 0.045), which also proved to be a turning point for increasing the rate of conversion and open surgery. However, the comparative incidence did not differ significantly between patients aged from 50-64 years, 65-79 years and over 80 years (6.03%, 9.09% and 5.8%, respectively). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was the most frequently used surgical approach in the treatment of acute cholecystitis in all age groups, with better outcomes than open cholecystectomy in terms of decreased overall and postoperative hospital stay, reduced surgery related complications, and the incidence of acute cardiovascular events in the early postoperative period (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The degree of systemic inflammation was the main factor that influenced the adverse outcome of LC in the elderly. Among comorbidities, diabetes was associated with increased surgical and systemic postoperative morbidity, while stroke and chronic renal insufficiency were correlated with a high risk of cardiovascular complications. With adequate perioperative care, the elderly has much to gain from the benefits of a minimally invasive approach, which allows a decreased rate of postoperative complications and a reduced hospital stay.

Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Systematic Review

This review discusses the evidence on diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). A systematic literature review was performed on PubMed, Medline, Springer Nature, and Scopus, following the PRISMA guidelines, using the following terms, individually or in combination: "diabetic foot ulcer" OR "diabetic foot syndrome" OR "DFU" and "diabetic retinopathy." The initial search yielded 648 articles published between 1975 and 2020. After applying exclusion and inclusion criteria, a total of 9 articles were analyzed, assessing the correlations between DR and DFU. In all cases, DR and especially proliferative diabetic retinopathy were significantly higher in the presence of DFU, though the frequency of DR showed large variability (22.5% to 95.6%). There was a significant correlation between advanced stages of DFU and increased frequency of DR and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. On the other hand, there is a risk of accelerated progression of DR in nonhealing DFUs, possibly related to chronic inflammation and associated infection. Hence, patients with DFUs should be monitored by an ophthalmologist, and those with DR should be promptly referred to a specialized diabetic foot clinic.

Laparoscopic Surgery in COVID-19 Era-Safety and Ethical Issues

(1) Background: The paper aims to review the available evidence regarding the health risk of the aerosolization induced by laparoscopy induced and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon minimally invasive surgery. (2) Materials and methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed on PubMed, Medline and Scopus until 10 July. (3) Results: Chemicals, carcinogens and biologically active materials, such as bacteria and viruses, have been isolated in surgical smoke. However, the only evidence of viral transmission through surgical smoke to medical staff is post-laser ablation of HPV-positive genital warts. The reports of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery revealed the presence of the virus, when tested, in digestive wall and stools in 50% of cases but not in bile or peritoneal fluid. All surgeries did not result in contamination of the personnel, when protective measures were applied, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and filtration of the pneumoperitoneum. There are no comparative studies between classical and laparoscopic surgery. (4) Conclusions: Previously published data showed there is a possible infectious and toxic risk related to surgical smoke but not particularly proven for SARS-CoV-2. Implementing standardized filtration systems for smoke evacuation during laparoscopy, although increases costs, is necessary to increase the safety and it will probably remain a routine also in the future.

Abstract P5-19-05: Health-related quality of life during a phase 2 study of talazoparib in patients with advanced breast cancer and germline BRCA1/2 mutations (ABRAZO)

Background: Talazoparib (TALA; 1 mg/d) was well tolerated and exhibited promising antitumor activity in ABRAZO, a 2-cohort, 2-stage, open-label phase 2 study (NCT02034916) in patients (pts) with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer and gBRCA1/2 mutations following platinum-based therapy (cohort 1 [C1]) or ≥3 platinum-free cytotoxic-based regimens (cohort 2 [C2]). This analysis evaluates health-related quality of life (QoL) for both cohorts.

Methods: QoL was assessed on day 1 (baseline) and every 6 weeks for the initial 24 weeks and every 12 weeks thereafter, or sooner if progression was clinically suspected, using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and its breast cancer module, QLQ-BR23. For all scales, results were summarized using descriptive statistics for each cohort and at each time point, based on Characters (max 3400 including title, body and table [including spaces]): 3363 No abbreviations in title; title sentence case; define acronyms; no figures Category: Psychosocial, QOL, and Educational Aspects – Other 2 observed values and changes from baseline (clinically meaningful defined as ≥10-point change from baseline). Time to deterioration (TTD; defined as ≥10-point decrease in global health status [GHS]/functional scales or increase in symptom scales) analyses using survival analysis methods were carried out on the GHS/functional scales of QLQ-C30 and symptom scales of QLQ-BR23.

Results:GHS was maintained from baseline across all time points for both C1 and C2 except at week 24 in C2, when a statistically significant but not clinically meaningful improvement in GHS was observed. In C1, statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement was observed at specific time points in 4 functional scales (body image, week 6; sexual functioning, week 24; sexual enjoyment, week 36; and future perspective, weeks 6, 18, and 24) and in 3 symptom scales (dyspnea, week 24; insomnia, week 24; and breast symptoms, weeks 6 and 36). Statistically significant and clinically meaningful deterioration in C1 was observed in 2 functional scales (emotional functioning, week 12 and end of treatment, and role functioning, end of treatment) and in 1 symptom scale (fatigue, week 6). In C2, statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement was observed at specific time points in 4 functional scales (role functioning, week 24; social functioning, week 24; sexual enjoyment, week 18; and future perspective, weeks 6, 12, and 18) and in 5 symptom scales (nausea/vomiting, week 18; pain, weeks 12, 18, and 24; insomnia, week 24; breast symptoms, weeks 12 and 18; and arm symptoms, week 48). For C2, no statistically significant and clinically meaningful deterioration was observed for any functional or symptoms scales across all time points, except in the dyspnea symptom scale at week 18. For C1 and C2, the median (95% confidence interval) TTD of GHS was 2.8 (2.1-3.0) and 5.5 (4.2-5.7) months, respectively. The median TTD for all QLQ-C30 functional scales for C1 and C2 ranged 2.1-3.1 and 4.2-5.6 months, respectively; the median TTD for all QLQ-BR23 symptoms scales ranged 2.6-4.0 and 4.2-5.6 months, respectively.

Conclusions: The QoL of TALA-treated patients during ABRAZO was maintained. QoL is being evaluated among atients with germline BRCA1/2 mutated advanced BC treated with TALA vs physician's choice chemotherapy in the phase 3 EMBRACA trial (NCT01945775).

Citation Format: Hurvitz SA, Turner NC, Telli ML, Rugo HS, Mailliez A, Ettl J, Grischke E-M, Mina LA, Balmaña J, Fasching PA, Tudor C, Quek RGW, Hannah AL, Robson ME, Wardley AM. Health-related quality of life during a phase 2 study of talazoparib in patients with advanced breast cancer and germline BRCA1/2 mutations (ABRAZO) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-19-05.

Abstract P1-14-03: ABRAZO: Exposure-efficacy and -safety analyses of breast cancer patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations receiving talazoparib in a phase 2 open-label trial

Background: Talazoparib (TALA) is a dual-mechanism poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor that traps PARP on DNA. Efficacy results of this phase 2 trial were previously presented (Turner et al, ASCO 2017, abstract 1007). This study included sparse pharmacokinetic (PK) sampling for patients through cycle 4 of therapy. Exploratory analyses included assessment of exposure versus parameters of efficacy and safety.

Methods: ABRAZO (NCT02034916) was a parallel-cohort, open-label phase 2 study of TALA (1 mg/d) following (i) platinum-based therapy (cohort 1) or (ii) ≥3 platinum-free cytotoxic-based regimens (cohort 2) in patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer and germline BRCA1/2 mutation. Sparse PK sampling was performed on day 1 of cycles 1-4, consisting of a predose sample collected ≤60 minutes prior to dosing and 2 postdose samples collected ≥30 minutes after dosing (time of food ingestion prior to the dose was collected). The collection times of the 2 postdose samples were separated by ≥2 hours. Efficacy parameters included radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) by central review and objective response rate (ORR). Safety parameters included incidence of overall adverse events (AEs) and grade ≥3 AEs. Individual AUCs (area under concentration-time curves) for exposure-response analyses were predicted by population PK analyses.

Results: Patients were divided into AUC tertiles: low (median, 109.0 ng*hr/mL; n=27), intermediate (median, 170.8 ng*hr/mL; n=27), and high (median, 219.2 ng*hr/mL; n=27). Median rPFS was 5.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1, 8.3) in the lowest AUC tertile, 5.6 months (95% CI, 3.7, 8.4) in the intermediate AUC tertile, and 5.3 months (95% CI, 3.9, 5.6) in the highest AUC tertile. The ORR was 22.2% (95% CI, 8.6, 42.3) in the lowest AUC tertile, 25.9% (95% CI, 11.1, 46.3) in the intermediate AUC tertile, and 37.0% (95% CI, 19.4, 57.6) in the highest AUC tertile. AEs of any grade were reported in 11 patients (40.7%) in the lowest AUC tertile, 21 patients (77.8%) in the intermediate AUC tertile, and 22 patients (81.5%) in the highest AUC tertile. Grade ≥3 AEs were reported in 8 patients (29.6%) in the lowest AUC tertile and in 18 patients (66.7%) in the intermediate and highest AUC tertiles. The most common AEs in all 3 exposure tertiles were anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia.

Conclusions: Median rPFS did not change with increasing systemic exposure. There may be a trend to higher ORR in patients with highest systemic exposure. A larger percentage of patients experienced AEs with elevated systemic exposure. Increased response rates with greater exposure does not translate to improved rPFS. These results should be interpreted with caution due to the low patient numbers in each cohort.

Citation Format: Telli ML, Turner NC, Mailliez A, Ettl J, Grischke E-M, Mina LA, Balmaña J, Hurvitz SA, Wardley AM, Fasching PA, Tudor C, Nguyen L, Hannah AL, Robson ME, Rugo HS. ABRAZO: Exposure-efficacy and -safety analyses of breast cancer patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations receiving talazoparib in a phase 2 open-label trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-14-03.

5 -year complex clinical and histopathological follow-up of a case of early gastric carcinoma (signet ring cells type)

The paper presents the case of a male patient, hospitalized for acute abdomen due to perforated callous ulcer. Though the clinical appearance suggested a benign pathology, the histopathological exam of the resection piece showed multicentric early gastric carcinoma, signet ring cell type. At the patient's request, total gastrectomy was not performed, a conservative solution being chosen instead. Superior digestive endoscopy with biopsy and oncological dispensarization was performed one month after surgery, then at every 6 months. After 2 years of benign results, the histopathological exam revealed the presence of malign singlet ring cells in the bioptic specimen. Respecting the patient's option of preserving a good quality of life, subtotal gastrectomy with Pean type gastroenteroanastomosis was performed followed by postoperatory chemotherapy. Endoscopic and oncological follow-up were performed at every six months for another 3 years (up to present), and the evolution was favorable with no local or metastatic recurrence. Histopathological examination was of great help in the surgical management of this case, allowing a fortunate early diagnosis, a conservative surgical approach, and the preserving of a good quality of life.

Gastrostomy with peritoneal collar versus percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

Aim. The present study aimed to perform a medico-surgical comparative analysis of the 2 most widely used techniques: gastrostomy with peritoneal collar versus percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, based on the vast clinical experience in an Upper Digestive Surgery Clinic. Materials and method. A retrospective study was carried out between January 2010 and January 2015 on the patients admitted for a surgical solution for feeding. The indications, preoperative preparation, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results. Out of the 94 cases admitted for a surgical solution for feeding, 67 underwent gastrostomy with peritoneal collar (GPC) and in 27 cases percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) was performed. The indications for GPC were benign or malign causes of dysphagia, the most frequent being malign tumors of tongue, pharynx and larynx (47.76%), advanced inoperable esophageal or eso-cardiac cancers (26,86%), post-caustic esophageal stenosis (10.44%). PEG was performed in patients with functional difficulties of swallowing: sequelae of cerebral vascular accidents (44.44%), low Glasgow Coma Scale Score (29.62%) of different etiologies, Parkinson disease (18.51%) advanced dementia (7.4%), early nasopharyngeal cancer (2 cases). The intraoperatory and postoperatory complications were few and of minor importance in both techniques, but PEG allowed an immediate retake of alimentation (vs. at least 48 hours wait in GPC), with less gastric stasis, biliary reflux and aspiration related respiratory problems. Conclusions. Both techniques are easy and safe to perform, but an appropriate selection is required according to the cause of the swallowing difficulty. In cases with permeable digestive tube, PEG may be an excellent minimally invasive solution, but the costs and availability of the PEG kit and prehydrolyzed nutritive solution, as well as the co-existence of an upper digestive endoscopy service were limitations that had to be taken into account.

Complex histopathological and surgical aspects in a case of giant malignant gastric perforation

We present the case of a 52-year-old male patient, hospitalized on an emergency basis in the University Emergency Hospital in Bucharest, after being diagnosed with pneumoperitoneum acute abdomen, for which emergency surgery was mandatory. A 3,5-4 cm malignant gastric perforation, ascitis and peritoneal carcinomatosis were found. The histopathological exam revealed infiltrative mucinous gastric carcinoma with epiploic metastasis. Due to the lack of available gastric material, an atypical surgical solution was performed: gastric packing with epiploic material by means of transgastric traction. The solution proved to be successful for short-term recovery. The underlying condition was not focused on, the patient being directed to the Oncology Department. Acute gastric perforation is a rare complication of gastric cancer, and the association with gastric linitis is uncommon. This specific histopathological condition made the classical surgical repair techniques unsuitable for the presented case and an atypical solution had to be performed.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients aged 60 years and over - our experience

Aim. To analyze the efficiency of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the population aged 60 years and over admitted with acute cholecystitis, the clinical features and associated pathology presented by these patients and the impact of these factors on the choice of surgical technique. Materials and method. A retrospective study was carried out between February 2010 and February 2015, on patients aged 60 years and over, operated in emergency for acute cholecystitis in our clinic. All data were extracted from the registered medical documents and operatory protocols. Results. A total of 497 surgeries were performed for acute cholecystitis, of which 149 were patients aged 60 years and over (30%). Open surgery is much better represented in the population aged over 60 years (61.75% vs. 29.98%). One major cause is the associated pathology that increases the anesthetic risk and hampers a laparoscopic procedure. The conversion rate in the study group presented a higher percentage, but not more exaggerated than in the general population (6.71% vs. 4.63 %).Patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery had a faster recovery and required lower doses and shorter term pain medication, in contrast to conventional surgery (1,8 days vs. 5.7 days). Bile leak has been of reduced quantity, short-term and stopped spontaneously. Only one case needed reintervention, in which aberrant bile ducts that were clipped were found in the gallbladder bed, was operated by laparoscopy. Wound infections and swelling were also encountered more frequently in patients that underwent classic surgery (3.24%). Conclusions. Performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, when possible, has produced very good results, reducing the average length of stay of patients and even decreasing the number of postoperative complications, thus allowing a faster reintegration of patients into society. The main concern was related to the associated pathology that increased the anesthetic risk.

Health care workers' fears associated with working in multidrug- and or extensively-resistant tuberculosis wards in South Africa

SETTING

Twenty-four drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) hospitals and wards across all nine provinces of South Africa.

OBJECTIVE

To assess health care workers' (HCWs') fears of working in multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) or extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) wards.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from June to September 2009 in 24 drug-resistant TB hospitals across South Africa. HCWs completed a self-administered questionnaire, including one open-ended question regarding personal concerns about their fear of contracting MDR- or XDR-TB. Responses were analysed by content analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 24 hospitals, 499 HCWs were surveyed, of whom 363 (73%) responded to the open-ended question: 286 (86%) were nurses, 38 (11%) medical officers and 10 (3%) others. Six major themes regarding fears associated with the personal risk of acquiring drug-resistant TB emerged. These included the fear of 1) developing MDR- and XDR-TB, 2) the treatment course, 3) the financial implications, 4) family concerns, 5) working environment and 6) psychosocial issues.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the greatest fear of HCWs working in drug-resistant TB wards is contracting MDR- or XDR-TB and infecting others. This fear may negatively impact the provision of quality patient-centred care, and highlights the need for training of HCWs in infection control measures, and specifically on how HCWs can protect themselves and others from developing TB.

Occupational health policies and practices related to tuberculosis in health care workers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

SETTING

Three district hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with specialized drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) wards.

OBJECTIVE

To increase understanding of the implementation of occupational health (OH) and infection control (IC) guidelines for the prevention and control of TB among health care workers (HCWs).

DESIGN

An operational cross-sectional study conducted between July and September 2011, consisting of interviews with OH and IC nurses and chart review of OH medical records.

RESULTS

Although general national and provincial OH policies are in place, no specific OH policies exist for hospital settings. Two of three hospitals had a full-time OH nurse and all had a full-time IC nurse. All hospitals offered TB symptom screening; however, only 19% of HCWs were screened in 2010. TB incidence among HCWs was 1958 per 100 000 population in 2010. All hospitals offered HIV counseling and testing; however, only 22% of staff were tested across sites. Two hospitals offered isoniazid preventive therapy to HIV-positive staff and reassigned these staff to low TB risk areas.

CONCLUSIONS

While OH policies and procedures are in place, implementation of these policies and procedures is inconsistent. This potentially places HCWs at risk of acquiring TB. These findings support the need for strengthening OH and IC services to prevent TB.

A national infection control evaluation of drug-resistant tuberculosis hospitals in South Africa

BACKGROUND

The importance of infection control (IC) in health care settings with tuberculosis (TB) patients has been highlighted by recent health care-associated outbreaks in South Africa.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct operational evaluations of IC in drug-resistant TB settings at a national level.

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from June to September 2009 in all multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) facilities in South Africa. Structured interviews with key informants were completed, along with observation of IC practices. Health care workers (HCWs) were asked to complete an anonymous knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) questionnaire. Multilevel modeling was used to take into consideration the relationship between center and HCW level variables.

RESULTS

Twenty-four M(X)DR-TB facilities (100%) were enrolled. Facility infrastructure and staff adherence to IC recommendations were highly varied between facilities. Key informant interviews were incongruent with direct observation of practices in all settings. A total of 499 HCWs were enrolled in the KAP evaluation. Higher level of clinical training was associated with greater IC knowledge (P < 0.001), more appropriate attitudes (P < 0.001) and less time spent with coughing patients (P < 0.001). IC practices were poor across all disciplines.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate a clear need to improve and standardize IC infrastructure in drug-resistant TB settings in South Africa.

[Clinical and morphological features in a case of recent gastric carcinoma (the signet ring cell carcinoma type)]

The article presents the case of a male patient, hospitalized due to severe pain in the upper abdomen area, nausea, and vomiting. The patient was diagnosed with surgical acute abdomen, for which emergency surgery is performed. Upon penetration into the peritoneal cavity, stomach inspection shows at the medio-gastric level, on the greater curvature, a callous gastric ulcer, with a central perforation. A large excision is decided up to the healthy (normal) gastric tissue, and the resulting pieces are sent to the pathological anatomy laboratory. The histopathological exam reveals signet ring cell recent gastric carcinoma. The biopsy performed 1 month after surgery, prelevated from the antropyloric zone, reveals antropyloric gastritis with moderate activity and Helicobacter pylori positive. Due to the fact that such cases when this gastric cancer type is diagnosed in recent stages are extremely rare, we considered it useful to present it and look into its macroscopic and microscopic aspects, as well as into the differentiating diagnosis.

Therapeutic efficacy of duloxetine versus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in irritable bowel syndrome

Introduction

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently used for irritable bowel syndrome, while duloxetine was evaluated in other similar psycho-somatic syndromes.

Objective

This prospective, single-blind trial intends to compare the efficacy of SSRIs and duloxetine in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Methods

A group of 22 patients, 15 female and 7 male, mean age 50.2, diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome according to the Rome II Diagnostic Criteria (1992) were treated with either an SSRI (escitalopram 20 mg/day, n = 6 or fluoxetine 40 mg/day, n = 6) or duloxetine (90 mg/day, n = 10). Patients were evaluated initially and every 4 weeks, for 6 months, using Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17 items version (HAMD), Clinical Global Impressions -Severity/Improvement (CGI-I/S) and a 7-points Likert scale (LS) for self-evaluated severity.

Results

Duloxetine improved anxiety and depressive symptoms, as reflected by the significant decrease of HAMA (−17.6 points, p < 0.05) and HAMD scores (−18.2 points, p < 0.05) at week 12. SSRIs also reduced the affective symptoms, significantly to baseline (p < 0.05), but less than duloxetine (−14.3, −15.2) at week 12, with no significant difference at week 24 (p = 0.120). The CGI-I results paralleled the decrease of HAMD and HAMA, while the LS evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms improved similarly in both groups, with no significant difference (p = 0.09).

Conclusion

Duloxetine is an efficient agent in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, because it decreases the mood symptoms more rapidly than SSRIs. The overall efficacy of SSRIs and duloxetine at 6 months is nevertheless similar.

Cognitive behavioral therapy focused upon communicational skills enhancement in anorexia nervosa- a case series

Introduction

Anorexia nervosa (AN) has been approached from multiple medical, social and psychological perspectives, but it still stands as a major challenge for the clinician, due to its resistance to treatment, low therapeutic compliance and severe complications.

Objective

To asses the efficacy of an interpersonal focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in patients diagnosed with AN.

Methods

We enrolled in 12 weeks, 3 sessions a week, CBT program a number of three patients, females, admitted successively in our departments, diagnosed with AN, who didn’t have previously any kind of psychotherapy. The first patient was 22, diagnosed with AN-restricting type, had a BMI of 14.5 and a score on Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) of 34. The second patient was 19, presented AN-binge eating-purging, had a BMI of 14 and an EAT score of 35. The third patient was 25, had also AN-binge eating-purging, a BMI of 15 and an EAT score of 32.

Results

The first two patients responded well to the CBT program, but the first signs of recovery (EAT decreases of at least 5 points and increases of at least 1 unit on BMI) appeared after 10 weeks (15 sessions). The third patient discontinued rather fast the psychological treatment. The follow up (12 weeks after endpoint) showed relapse in one CBT-treated patient and a severe status of the patient that discontinued psychotherapy.

Conclusion

The CBT focused on communicational skills enhancement is beneficial in patients with AN, but responses appear rather late and need to be boosted by frequent follow-up sessions.

Valproate and cognitive therapy combined treatment efficacy in pathological gambling

Introduction

Valproate is used in psychiatry as a mood-stabilizer and has efficacy in controlling impulsivity, therefore it seems to be a useful pharmacologic agent in pathologic gambling.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of valproate in the treatment of pathologic gambling.

Methods

A group of 13 patients, 9 male and 4 female, mean age 32.6, diagnosed with pathologic gambling, according to the DSM-IV-TR criteria, received treatment with flexible dose of valproate (600–1400 mg/day, mean dose 850 mg/day) and 2 times/week cognitive therapy sessions. Patients with other axis I and II conditions were excluded. Also, none of these patients received valproate or structured cognitive therapy prior to this trial. Patients were monitored for 3 months using monthly administered Gambling Symptoms Assessment Scale (G-SAS), Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) and 10 points self-evaluated Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Results

Valproate was associated with a mean decrease of 10.5 points on G-SAS at week 12, compared to baseline (p < 0.05), while the CGI decreased with only 1.3 points (p = 0.122) and the VAS improved with 2.3 points (p < 0.05). The combined treatment was associated with good tolerability profile, since no drop-out was recorded in the study group due to side events and only 7 reports of mild and medium adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion

Valproate treatment associated with cognitive therapy could be a useful strategy in the management of pathologic gambling. Valproate's tolerability profile is good and the cognitive therapy offer an opportunity to ventilate the negative automatic thoughts, emotional distress and low impulse control strategies.

[Conversion in laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis]

INTRODUCTION

By definition, conversion means giving up laparoscopic surgery and continuing the operation with open, conventional surgery no matter the reason, nor the moment of the operation.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the causes and the moment of conversion, the technique used to perform the cholecystectomy after conversion, analysing the experience of the surgical team in deciding the moment of conversion.

METHOD

A retrospective study performed on patients which underwent a laparoscopic operation for acute cholecystitis between January 1st 2004 - December 31st 2007. Clinical examination, biological parameters, surgical proceedings, histopathological examination of the pieces removed and the patient's postoperative evolution were analysed.

FINDINGS

There were performed 1522 laparoscopic cholecystectomies for acute cholecystitis, out of which 108 (7.1% of all) were converted to open surgery. Analysing the experience of the surgical team, we can say that the converted laparoscopic cholecystectomies are found mainly in teams formed by senior surgeons assisted by junior surgeons--43% (46/108), in comparison with teams formed by residents assisted by senior surgeons--22% (25/108). The nondissecable fibrotic shirt front, woody inflammation of the pedicle, adhesions after past surgery and suspicion of a fistula are the most frequent causes of conversion--45.35% (49/108). The distribution according to the gender was analysed in patients which underwent conversion, showing a significant difference: 5.39% (60/1112) in women and 11.7% (48/410) in men. The percentage of conversion was significantly higher for operations performed at more than 96 hours away from the beginning of the symptoms--15.1% (29/192). The highest number of conversions occurred for gangrenous acute cholecystitis--72% (77/108). 82.40% of all the acute cholecystitis which were converted were complicated with shirt front (89/108).

CONCLUSIONS

Conversion performed for laparoscopic cholecystectomies is a proof of ripening and professional responsibility, a fit solution for cases in which the advantages of laparoscopic surgery are overwhelmed by the risks found during surgery; gangrenous acute cholecystitis is one of the most important causes of conversion--72%; the shirt front around the gallbladder was converted in 82.4% of cases; conversion is more frequent in men--11.7%; acute cholecystitis with symptoms found for more than 96 hours are converted in 15.1% of cases.

Static and dynamic periosteal elevation: a pilot study in a pig model

The osteoinductive potential of periosteum and bone can be stimulated by elevating the periosteum in a distraction-like modus, but also by an ad-hoc elevation. This was tested and proved in an experiment in 9 Goettingen mini-pigs with elevation heights of 5, 10 and 15mm. Specially designed and perforated titanium meshes were implanted subperiosteally to compare the dynamic elevation procedure with static shielding. The cumulative results for bone formation underneath the mesh were 66% in dynamic and 67% in non-dynamic elevation. The cumulative results for mineralization of the bone regenerates in comparison with the underlying basal bone of the skull showed independently from the technique applied no difference bigger than 5%. No major difference in bone formation could be observed in this pilot study. The main advantages of dynamic periosteal elevation and static shielding are minimal invasion and morbidity. Periosteal elevation could be applied in cranio-maxillofacial surgery, in preimplantological augmentation and in reconstructive surgery of the skull; applications in other specialties may be possible.

[Amyand's hernia--a clinical case]

Amyand's hernia, a rare entity in the surgical pathology, presupposes the presence of the vermiform appendix inside a inguinal hernia sac (1). The hernia sac peritonitis by appendix swelling is even more rare, very few cases being presented in the surgical literature (1). The preoperatory diagnosis of Amyand's hernia is therefore very difficult. We herein present the case of a 71-year old male patient, operated on an emergency basis for hernia, which eventually turned out to be Amyand's hernia, a case which determined us to research the literature dedicated to this topic.

Air gun pellet remaining in the maxillary sinus for 50 years: a relevant risk factor for the patient?

The authors report the case of a 62-year-old man referred to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery because of a clinical suspicion of palate carcinoma. Incidentally, diagnostic radiology showed a metallic foreign body in the left maxillary sinus. Anamnestic data revealed that a shot from an air gun accidentally hit the patient's left cheek in 1957. The lead-containing air gun pellet was removed by endoscopic antrostomy and the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed by histopathological examination. 50 years after the pellet's impact, toxicological blood analysis showed no increased blood lead level. It remains unclear whether the air gun pellet has a potential toxicological effect or is related to the development of the patient's oral carcinoma. In this context the article reviews the literature and discusses the necessity of removing metal-containing foreign bodies, the role of lead in chronic toxicity and its possible carcinogenic effect in humans.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes of hospital vaginal deliveries in Tibet

INTRODUCTION

To determine the outcomes of vaginal deliveries in three study hospitals in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), People's Republic of China (PRC), at high altitude (3650 m).

METHODS

Prospective observational study of 1121 vaginal deliveries.

RESULTS

Pre-eclampsia/gestational hypertension (PE/GH) was the most common maternal complication 18.9% (n=212), followed by postpartum hemorrhage (blood loss > or = 500 ml) 13.4%. There were no maternal deaths. Neonatal complications included: low birth weight (10.2%), small for gestational age (13.7%), pre-term delivery (4.1%) and low Apgar (3.7%). There were 11 stillbirths (9.8/1000 live births) and 19 early neonatal deaths (17/1000 live births).

CONCLUSION

This is the largest study of maternal and newborn outcomes in Tibet. It provides information on the outcomes of institutional vaginal births among women delivering infants at high altitude. There was a higher incidence of PE/GH and low birth weight; rates of PPH were not increased compared to those at lower altitudes.

[The sentinel lymph node technique in colorectal cancer using in vivo dye--utility and limits]

The aim of this work is to analyze the importance of sentinel lymph node technique in the treatment of colorectal cancer. There are presented data from literature concerning sentinel lymph node, especially papers about the place of sentinel lymph node method in the treatment of colorectal cancer. This work also shows the experience of Surgical Clinical Department of Coltea Hospital in the use of sentinel lymph node method in colorectal cancer (8 patients with colon cancer and 9 with rectal cancer). There are presented the criteria for inclusion in the study group (26 patients initially proposed for the study) and the exclusion criteria, the diagnostic method using an in vivo dye and the pathology study. The study of the literature and our experience leads to the conclusion that the identification of the sentinel lymph node in colorectal cancer doesn't modify the dissection of the lymphatic area. This procedure may change the adjuvant treatment for colorectal cancer. The discussion is still open concerning the importance of lymphatic micro metastases found by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry methods. More studies are necessary to clarify these problems.