Repair of a chronic myometrial defect with successful pregnancy outcome

OBJECTIVE

To surgically demonstrate preconceptional laparoscopic repair of a chronic myometrial defect with mesh reinforcement, resulting in a successful pregnancy outcome.

DESIGN

Video case report. The Institutional Ethical Committee was consulted, and the requirement for approval was waived because the video describes a modified surgical technique. The patient included in this video gave consent for publication of the video and posting of the video online, including on social media, the journal website, scientific literature websites (such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and others), and other applicable sites.

SETTING

A referral advanced gynecological endoscopy center.

PATIENT

A 27-year-old woman (P0A1) was diagnosed with myomas during pregnancy, resulting in miscarriage at 22 weeks. Laparotomy and myomectomy were performed 2 months later, and three 8-cm myomas were removed. The endometrial cavity opened posteriorly during surgery, and retained products of conceptions were removed. Periconceptional imaging done after two years showed few intramural myomas and a deficient myometrium in the posterior fundal region. Laparoscopy revealed a defect in the posterior fundal aspect of the uterus with leakage of dye, which was converted to laparotomy and myomectomy with the repair of the myometrial defect. After 1 year, follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed thinned-out posterior myometrium with a focal area of absent myometrium in the midline and endometrial prolapse. The patient was advised on surrogacy, but she wanted to repair the defect again and try for pregnancy, so she was referred to our center. With the background of a few case reports using mesh to reinforce myometrial repair (1, 2), we counseled the patient about the myometrial repair with the additional use of mesh as an off-label use.

INTERVENTION

The risk of uterine rupture after myomectomy is rare (<1%) (3), but it is a severe complication. High-risk cases, like significant myometrial defects or previous ruptures, may require surgical correction. Native repair may not achieve optimal results in all cases. Alternative approaches, like the additional use of mesh or biological materials, have been reported (4). In this case, we demonstrate the use of dual mesh for scar repair. Synthetic mesh over the uterus is used in laparoscopic procedures like sacrohysteropexy and cerclage. We used Parietex (Covidien, New Haven, CT, USA) mesh, a composite macroporous polyester mesh usually used for ventral hernia repair. It has an outer hydrophilic, absorbable collagen barrier that reduces adhesion formation. Laparoscopically, after adhesiolysis, a significant defect was demonstrated on the posterior wall of the uterus (Fig. 1). A complete resection of the fibrotic tissue along the edges of the scar defect was done to expose healthy myometrium. Myometrium was repaired in two layers, excluding the endometrium, with a V-Loc (Covidien, Dublin, Ireland) No. 1-0 suture. Parietex mesh was sutured over the repaired posterior myometrium to reinforce it (Fig. 2).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The postoperative myometrial thickness on imaging and pregnancy outcome.

RESULTS

Postoperative ultrasound scan after 6 weeks demonstrated restoration of posterior wall myometrial thickness of 14 mm. The patient was conceived through in vitro fertilization techniques 4 months after surgery. Antenatal follow-up was uneventful except for suspicion of posterior placenta accreta. She underwent an elective cesarean section with uterine artery embolization at 34 weeks and delivered a healthy infant weighing 1,950 g. Placental removal was uneventful. On inspection, the posterior surface of the uterus was intact without dehiscence, meshing in situ with minimal adhesions (Fig. 3).

CONCLUSION

Myometrial scar defects can cause potential obstetric complications. Native repair of scar defects may not achieve optimal results, as in our case. Mesh repair of myomectomy scar defects can be used as an alternative approach, as exemplified in this case. However, further studies are required to establish the safety and efficacy of this approach.

Curious Case of Pediatric One-Lung Ventilation with Two Endotracheal Tubes: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

One-lung ventilation is indicated during thoracic surgery for visualization and exposure of surgical site. It is achieved with bronchial blockers, double-lumen endobronchial tube, single-lumen endotracheal tubes and Univent tube for infants and children. Fibreoptic bronchoscope is required for placing and confirming the correct position of these tubes. We report a perioperative management of safe conduct of one lung ventilation for a 6-year child undergoing left lower lobe lobectomy through C-MAC video laryngoscope guided two single lumen tubes in limited resource settings where paediatric-sized fibreoptic bronchoscope is unavailable.

Suture-fixation of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device under hysteroscopic guidance

Background

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common gynaecological condition. The levonorgestrel-releasing Intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) is an effective medical treatment. option which carries a small risk of device expulsion. For those who experience expulsion, some may benefit from a more robust surgical approach.

Objectives

To demonstrate the technique for suture fixation of an LNG-IUD under hysteroscopic guidance. Materials and methods: Stepwise video demonstration of the technique using a 5mm hysteroscope and a 3mm laparoscopic needle holder. The Institutional Ethical Committee was consulted, and the requirement for approval was waived because the video described a modified surgical technique. Informed consent was obtained from the patient.

Main outcome measures

A 35yr old parous woman with a nine-month history of AUB and severe dysmenorrhoea had an LNG-IUD sited with effective symptom relief. Unfortunately, the device was expelled six months after insertion, and she responded poorly to other medical treatments. Transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) suggested posterior wall adenomyosis. Considering her relief of symptoms with the LNG-IUD and history of expulsion, the patient was counselled regarding suture-fixation of the LNG-IUD.

Results

She was followed-up at 6 months post insertion. The LNG-IUD was noted in the uterine cavity without displacement or expulsion.

Conclusion

Hysteroscopy-guided suture fixation of an LNG-IUD is a minimally invasive, effective option for patients with a history of expulsion of an IUD. However, further studies are required to establish the safety and efficacy of this approach.

Learning Objective

To demonstrate LNG -IUD suture fixation technique using hysteroscopy for patients diagnosed with AUB and a history of device expulsion.

Real-world disparities and ethical considerations with access to CFTR modulator drugs: Mind the gap!

The third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, has particular relevance and implementation challenges amongst people living with rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF). Although the treatment and projected outcome of CF has significantly improved with the advent of CF transmembrane conductance regulator protein modulator (CFTRm) therapy, there remains significant global inequality with regards to access to these life-saving and life-altering drugs. Elexacaftor, tezacaftor, and ivacaftor (ETI) triple combination therapy, first licensed in the United States in 2019, has rapidly become the standard of care for children aged 6 years and older in most high-income countries for individuals with CFTR variants responsive to ETI. Negotiated agreements for access to ETI are currently in place in North America,Europe, Israel ,Australia and New Zealand. However, less priority has been given to negotiate agreements for access to CFTRm in low-middle income countries(LMIC) with significant CF populations such as Central and South America, India, the Middle East, and Southern Africa. These countries and individuals living with CF are therefore effectively being left behind, in direct conflict with the stated principle of the 2030 SDGs. In this review, we highlight the current global inequity in access to CFTRm drugs and its impact on widening disparities between high-income countries and LMIC in CF outcomes and survival. We further discuss the reasons for this inequity and explore the ethical- and human rights-based principles and dilemmas that clinicians, families, governments, and healthcare funders must consider when prioritizing fair and affordable access to expensive CFTRm drugs. Lastly, we propose possible solutions to overcoming the barriers to accessing affordable CFTRm drugs in LMIC and illustrate with examples how access to drug therapies for other conditions have been successfully negotiated in LMIC through innovative partnerships between governments and pharmaceutical industries.

Vaginoscopic Management of OHVIRA (Obstructive Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis)

OBJECTIVE

To describe the vaginoscopic management of longitudinal vaginal septum in the case of obstructive hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome.

DESIGN

Surgical video describing step-by-step management.

SETTING

OHVIRA syndrome also known as Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome is a triad of obstructed hemivagina, uterus didelphys, and ipsilateral renal anomaly [1] (Supplimentary Video 1). Patients usually present after menarche with progressive dysmenorrhea, lower abdominal pain, a paravaginal mass, foul mucopurulent discharge, and intermenstrual bleeding due to hemi hematocolpos [2]. Magnetic resonance imaging is the choice of investigation [3]. Surgical resection of the septum is the choice of treatment, which can be done vaginoscopically to reduce postoperative pain and promote enhanced recovery [4]. In this video, we will demonstrate a case of a 28-years old, nulliparous woman diagnosed with uterine didelphys having lower abdominal pain and persistent vaginal discharge.

INTERVENTIONS

The video demonstrates the technique of vaginoscopic excision of the right hemi-vaginal septum that resulted in complete visualization of both cervices. Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed uterine didelphys. The left cervix was visualized and the hysteroscope was negotiated into the cervical canal (Supplimentary Video 2). The left cavity was normal with left ostia. Intraoperative transrectal-ultrasound was done to localize the cystic collection in the right hemivagina. Needle aspiration of cystic collection was done over the bulging portion of the right hemivagina and mucoid material was aspirated. Longitudinal obstructive vaginal septum was incised using a collins knife and mucoid secretions were drained (Supplimentary Video 3). Hysteroscope inserted into opened right hemivagina, negotiated through the right cervix and right hemiuterus with right ostia was visualized. The residual septum was resected with a loop electrode and hemostasis was ensured. Cystoscopy done, left ureteric orifice with urine reflux visualized. Vaginal examination showed both cervices with near normal reconstructed vagina.

CONCLUSION

The possibility of OHVIRA syndrome should be considered in all cases of uterine didelphys. Vaginoscopic management is a safe and effective method with a minimally invasive approach.

Analysis of neuropathological comorbid conditions in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment in a tertiary care center in South India

Introduction:

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage in the continuum of cognitive decline. Multiple risk factors may be involved apart from neuropathological states such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and vascular dementia. There is scant data in the literature pertaining to our study population in Kerala, South India that provide associations between suggested risk factors and MCI. Most of the elderly present to family and primary care physicians with complaints of some form of memory impairment.

Objectives:

To find out the significant neuropathological comorbid conditions present in elderly patients with MCI. To assess for other risk factors in the same population- including laboratory parameters, comorbidities, and psychosocial parameters.

Methods:

This retrospective record-based study included a sample of 93 patients with MCI as quantified by the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). These subjects were compared with controls (n = 97) without MCI, with respect to neuropathological diagnoses, laboratory parameters and psychosocial parameters.

Results:

The findings of our study were that female gender, higher depression scores, a greater number of medications taken, benzodiazepine use, higher alkaline phosphatase levels, positive fall history, loss of a spouse, and lower levels of education were associated with MCI. MCI is negatively associated with positive alcohol history. The most commonly seen proven neuropathological diagnosis was Parkinson’s disease.

Conclusion:

The risk factors that were found in our study should be highlighted in the elderly and preventive measures should be taken to prevent the downward progression through the cognitive continuum. Prospective studies looking into mild cognitive impairment with better screening tools and proper assessment of neuropathological comorbid conditions can further elucidate the findings related to this study.

'The Violet Killer'-Successful Treatment of an Infant with Chromobacterium violaceum Sepsis

Chromobacterium violaceum, a facultative anaerobic proteobacterium, is isolated from water and soil in tropical areas and has been implicated in infections like septicemia, visceral abscesses, skin and soft tissue infections, meningitis and diarrhea. Chromobacterium violaceum sepsis, a rarely reported phenomenon has a very high mortality rate. Here, we report a unique case of Chromobacterium sepsis in an infant. A 48-day-old baby boy was referred to our institution with h/o fever, loose stools and reduced activity. He was intubated and referred to us in septic shock. Radiological investigations revealed multiple abscesses in the liver, spleen and kidneys. The infant was successfully treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin.

Outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections after CT-guided spinal injections

BACKGROUND

Meningitis and spinal infections with Gram-negative bacteria after local injections for treatment of chronic back pain are rare. This study investigated an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections following computed tomography (CT)-guided spinal injections (SI).

METHODS

A case was defined as a spinal infection or meningitis with P. aeruginosa after SI between 10^th January and 1^st March 2019 in the same outpatient clinic. Patients without microbiological evidence of P. aeruginosa but with a favourable response to antimicrobial therapy active against P. aeruginosa were defined as probable cases.

FINDINGS

Twenty-eight of 297 patients receiving CT-guided SI during the study period developed meningitis or spinal infections. Medical records were available for 19 patients. In 15 patients, there was microbiological evidence of P. aeruginosa, and four patients were defined as probable cases. Two of 19 patients developed meningitis, while the remaining 17 patients developed spinal infections. The median time from SI to hospital admission was 8 days (interquartile range 2-23 days). Patients mainly presented with back pain (N=18; 95%), and rarely developed fever (N=3; 16%). Most patients required surgery (N=16; 84%). Seven patients (37%) relapsed and one patient died. Although the source of infection was not identified microbiologically, documented failures in asepsis when performing SI probably contributed to these infections.

CONCLUSIONS

SI is generally considered safe, but non-adherence to asepsis can lead to deleterious effects. Spinal infections caused by P. aeruginosa are difficult to treat and have a high relapse rate.

Improving Resident Self-Efficacy in Tracheostomy Management Using a Novel Curriculum

INTRODUCTION

Patients receiving pediatric tracheostomy have significant risk for mortality due to compromised airway. Timely management of airway emergencies in children with tracheostomies is an important clinical skill for pediatricians. We developed this curriculum to improve residents' self-efficacy with tracheostomy management.

METHODS

We collected baseline data on 67 residents from two hospitals while creating a blended curriculum with video-based instruction on routine tracheostomy change and team management of tracheostomy emergency. Forty residents enrolled in the curriculum. During an ICU rotation, they received face-to-face instruction on routine tracheostomy change in small groups, followed by assessment of managing a tracheostomy emergency during a simulation. A video completed prior to the simulation took 9 minutes, the routine tracheostomy change didactic session took 15 minutes, and the simulation instruction was completed in 10-15 minutes. We collected feedback on the effectiveness of the curriculum from the participants.

RESULTS

All 107 residents from the baseline and intervention groups completed the self-efficacy survey. The intervention group had significantly higher changes in scores across all self-efficacy domains than the baseline group. On the curriculum feedback survey, residents rated the curriculum very highly, between 4.4 and 4.8 on a 5-point Likert scale.

DISCUSSION

Our blended curriculum increased learners' self-efficacy and promoted learner competence in tracheostomy management. Residents scored more than 80% across all aspects of simulation assessment and reported higher self-efficacy scores following our curricular intervention.

Predictors of serofast state after treatment for early syphilis in HIV-infected patients

OBJECTIVES

Non-treponemal serological tests are used to monitor treatment response during syphilis infection. Syphilis- and HIV-coinfected patients may experience incomplete resolution in non-treponemal titres, which is referred to as the serofast state. The goal of this study was to evaluate risk factors for serofast state in HIV-infected patients.

METHODS

From November 2015 to June 2018, 1530 HIV-positive patients were tested for syphilis using a Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) assay. Among TPPA-positive patients, medical records were reviewed for early syphilis infection. Serofast state was defined as a less than four-fold decrease in non-treponemal antibody titres during a 6-month follow-up period in the absence of symptoms of syphilis. Baseline characteristics were tested as predictive factors of serological response.

RESULTS

In all, 515 patients (33.7%) tested positive in TPPA assays, and in 163 patients at least one previous syphilis infection was documented. A total of 61 out of 163 patients (37.4%) were in a serofast state. A history of previous syphilis infection (61 vs. 43%; P = 0.04) was more common in serofast patients than in patients with serological cure after 6 months. Non-treponemal titres ≥ 1:32 before therapy (47 vs. 25%; P = 0.005) and adjunctive corticosteroids to prevent the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (35% vs 15%; P = 0.006) were associated with serological cure after 6 months, but corticosteroid therapy had no influence at 12 months. The intensity of syphilis treatment did not affect serological cure.

CONCLUSION

Corticosteroids for prevention of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction were associated with earlier serological cure. Although serological response is the accredited surrogate method to monitor syphilis treatment, the biological significance of the serofast state remains unclear.

Laparoscopic Cervical Encerclage in Pregnancy in 6 Steps

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Cervical insufficiency occurs in 0.1% to 1 % of all pregnancies and is associated with a high risk of second-trimester abortion and/or preterm delivery [1]. Laparoscopic encerclage is highly recommended for a previous failed vaginal encerclage and is superior to the laparotomy approach in terms of low morbidity and faster recovery [2]. Laparoscopic encerclage in pregnancy is more challenging than that in the nonpregnant state. This is because of the enlarged uterine size, engorged uterine vessels, and infeasibility of using a uterine manipulator. The standardization and description of the technique are the main objectives of this video (Video 1). We have described the surgery in 6 steps that could make this procedure easier and safer.

DESIGN

A step-by-step video demonstration of the technique.

SETTING

Paul's Hospital, Centre for Advanced Endoscopy & Infertility Treatment, Kochi, India. A 29-year-old pregnant woman, gravida 3 abortions 2, at 13 weeks period of gestation, with a history of 2 second-trimester abortions owing to cervical insufficiency. The patient had a failed vaginal cervical encerclage at 18 weeks in the second pregnancy.

INTERVENTIONS

This is a step-wise laparoscopic approach for successful cervical encerclage in pregnancy. In this video, we demonstrate our technique for laparoscopic cervical encerclage in a pregnant woman's uterus in 6 steps using a Mersilene tape (Ethicon US, LLC, Somerville, NJ) as follows: (1) Opening the uterovesical fold and dissecting the bladder, (2) opening the left broad ligament and creating a window, (3) opening the right broad ligament and creating a window, (4) placing the Mersilene tape on the left side medial to the uterine vessels at the cervicoisthmic junction, (5) placing the Mersilene tape on the right side medial to the uterine vessels at the cervicoisthmic junction, (6) tying the Mersilene tape anteriorly.

CONCLUSION

The standardization of laparoscopic cervical encerclage in pregnancy using the above 6 steps could make this procedure easier and safer to perform. Moreover, the standardization of the surgical technique could shorten the learning curve.

P6561Diagnostic yield of implantable loop recorders: a comparison of arrhythmia nurse specialists versus clinicians

Background

Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are recommended in guidelines to determine symptom-rhythm correlation. Arrhythmia Nurse Specialists (ANS) play a critical role in the assessment of such patients. Their effectiveness at risk stratification for ILR implantation is unknown. The ESC 2018 Syncope guidelines recommend more research in this field.

Aim

To evaluate the diagnostic yield of consecutive ILR implants at a tertiary centre over a 2year period and compare ANS versus Clinicians.

Methods

A retrospective study of all patients undergoing ILR implant between April 2016 and April 2018. Data collected included baseline patient demographics, referral source and management changes made by ILR findings.

Results

305 patients had an ILR; median age was 71yrs (interquartile range 52–81), 55% male. Median follow-up time was 15months. Referrals were from general cardiology (GC) = 98 (32%), electrophysiology (EP) = 105 (34%), and ANS-led syncope clinic = 102 (34%). Indications for ILR implant were syncope = 203 (65.9%), palpitation = 21 (6.9%), pre-syncope = 16 (5.2%), cryptogenic stroke = 35 (11.5%) and others 7 (8.9%) (falls, channelopathies). Of the entire cohort, 102 (34.0%) experienced arrhythmias recorded on the ILR that resulted in a change of management. This included: pacemaker implant = 49 (16.1%), complex-device implant = 7 (2.3%), AF=28 (9.2%), SVT=14 (4.6%), VT=1 (0.3%). Of those with a syncope indication (n=203), findings on ILR altered management in 73patients (36.0%) over a median follow-up of 18months; a pacing indication in this syncope group was present in 44 (21.9%) patients (median time to diagnosis: 2.7 months) with 24 receiving a pacemaker indication within 3 months of ILR insertion. ANS had a higher pacemaker implant rate. Overall, an ILR resulted in a diagnostic yield of 34.1% (n=104). Specialist nurse referral resulted in an overall greater trend towards change of management in 38.2% of patients compared with GC (32.7%) and EP (31.0%) (p=0.593 nurse vs. consultant).

Conclusion

The overall diagnostic yield of ILR insertion was 34% in our study. ANS had a trend towards a greater diagnostic yield compared with clinicians, and significantly more pacemaker indications. Our data suggests that ANS patient selection for ILR insertion are at least comparable to clinicians.

Chorea as unusual complication of fungicide poisoning

Chorea is a rare manifestation of poisoning. We report an index case of a young woman who developed generalized chorea following propiconazole toxin ingestion. As large series on neurological complications of toxic compounds are difficult to be compiled, it is of interest to report our experience. This report adds one more compound to the increasing list of toxic chorea.

Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia: An Uncommon Cause of Anemia in the Elderly

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE), also referred to as “watermelon stomach,” is an uncommon, under-reported, yet significant cause of acute or chronic gastrointestinal blood loss in the elderly. It accounts for about 4% of the nonvariceal upper GI bleeds, and diagnosis is established by the demonstration of characteristic watermelon stripes on upper GI endoscopy. The exact cause is unknown but is often associated with many systemic conditions and characterized by chronic anemia. With this case, we wish to emphasize the need to do upper GI endoscopy in all elderly patients undergoing anemia evaluation and to consider this possibility even in the very elderly individuals.

Parasitic Myomas: An Unusual Risk after Morcellation

A 24-year-old unmarried woman had undergone laparoscopic myomectomy for single degenerated myoma of size 15 cm. Uncontained morcellation of the myoma was done with an electromechanical morcellator. Two years later, she presented with abdominal pain, and laparoscopy revealed enlarged uterus (20 weeks) with multiple degenerated myomas. There were multiple parasitic myomas measuring 1-3 cm in the pelvis and anterior abdominal wall which were removed laparoscopically. Histopathology of all the myomas including parasitic myomas confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyoma. The formation of parasitic myomas was assumed to be due to the myomatous fragments which were left behind during morcellation at the time of initial myomectomy. Methods to prevent this complication are colpotomy, mini-laparotomy, or in-bag morcellation.

Thirteen Years of Experience with Opportunistic Bilateral Salpingectomy During TLH in Low-Risk Premenopausal Women

Background

Opportunistic bilateral salpingectomy (OBS), also called as prophylactic salpingectomy or risk-reducing salpingectomy is the concurrent removal of the fallopian tubes in premenopausal women. Though there are some studies comparing the intraoperative complications and effect of salpingectomy on ovarian reserve, limited data are available on long-term follow-up after OBS.

Purpose of the Study

To evaluate the surgical outcome of routine bilateral salpingectomy during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications. We also evaluated the incidence and reoperation rate for adnexal pathology after TLH.

Methods

A retrospective study of 1470 patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) with opportunistic bilateral salpingectomy (OBS) over 13 years was carried out at Paul's Hospital.

Results

The mean age of the subjects was 43.6 ± 4.2 years, mean body mass index was 27 ± 5.4 kg/m², and median parity was 2 (range 0-7). 43% of women had at least one previous surgery. The most common indication for surgery was fibroid uterus (67%, n = 985). The total complication rate was 4.4% (n = 65). One specimen showed paratubal borderline serous malignancy. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 13 years during which 17 (1.1%) women had adnexal pathology, and eight women (1.1%) needed resurgery for it. No ovarian malignancies were reported on follow-up.

Conclusions

OBS is a simple and short surgical step during TLH without increasing morbidity. OBS eliminates the risk of future diseases of tubal origin, and there might be a possible reduction in incidence and reoperation rate for future ovarian pathologies.

CO2 adsorption on different organo-modified SBA-15 silicas: a multidisciplinary study on the effects of basic surface groups

Hybrid organic-inorganic SBA-15 silicas functionalized with increasing amounts of amino groups were studied in this work aiming to evaluate the effects of their physico-chemical properties on CO₂ capture ability. Three different amino-silane species were used: 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS), 3-(2-aminoethyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (EAPTS) and 3-[2-(2-aminoethyl)aminoethyl] aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (PAPTS). More specifically, samples were prepared by using two methods, following a post-synthesis grafting procedure and a one-pot preparation method. Experimental and computational techniques were used to study the structural and textural properties of the obtained samples and their surface species in relation to the adopted preparation method. For the most reactive samples, additional hints on the interactions of organosilane species with the silica surface were obtained by a combination of IR and SS-NMR spectroscopy, with particular emphasis on the effects of the silane chain length on the mobility of the organic species. Advanced complementary solid-state NMR techniques provided deeper information on the interactions of organosilane species with the silica surface. Finally, the amount of CO₂ adsorbed was estimated by comparing the classical microcalorimetric analysis method with a new type of screening test, the Zero Length Column analysis, which is able to evaluate small amounts of samples in a very short time and the adsorption properties of the adsorbents. The reactivity of the amino-modified silica samples is deeply influenced by both the preparation route and by the type of organosilane used for the functionalization of the materials. In particular, samples prepared by the post-synthesis grafting procedure and containing higher amount of amino groups in the chain are more reactive, following the order PAPTS > EAPTS > APTS.

Postoperative Pulmonary Complications Following Laparoscopy

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) unrelated to anesthesia, especially hydropneumothorax, are rare after gynecologic laparoscopy. Hydropneumothorax can cause respiratory failure and be life-threatening, however. Awareness, prompt diagnosis, and timely intervention are crucial for clinical management. We review the literature for PPCs, including pneumothorax, hydrothorax, hydropneumothorax, and pleural effusion following laparoscopy, and also present a recent case of hydropneumothorax seen at our institution.

The influence of particle size of amino-functionalized MCM-41 silicas on CO2 adsorption

The effect of the particle size of hybrid organic–inorganic MCM-41 silicas on the CO₂ adsorption properties has been investigated.

In-vitro investigation of the hemodynamic responses of the cerebral, coronary and renal circulations with a rotary blood pump installed in the descending aorta

This study investigates the hemodynamic responses of the cardiovascular system when a rotary blood pump is operating in the descending aorta, with a focus on the cerebral, coronary and renal autoregulation, using our in-house cardiovascular emulator. Several improvements have been made from our previous studies. A novel coronary system was developed to replicate the native coronary perfusion. Three pinch valves actuated by stepper motors were used to simulate the regional autoregulation systems of the native cerebral, coronary and renal circulations. A rotary pump was installed in the descending aorta, in series with the heart, and the hemodynamic responses of the cardiovascular system were investigated with a focus on cerebral, coronary and renal circulation over a wide range of pump rotor speeds. Experiments were performed twice, once with the autoregulation systems active and once with the autoregulation systems inactive, to reflect that there will be some impairment of autoregulatory systems in a patient with heart failure. It was shown that by increasing the rotor speed to 3000 rpm, the cardiac output was improved from 2.9 to 4.1 L/min as a result of an afterload reduction induced by the pressure drop upstream of the pump. The magnitudes of changes in perfusion in the cerebral, coronary and renal circulations were recorded with regional autoregulation systems active and inactive.

Evaluation of Quantitative Computed Tomography Cortical Hip Quadrant in a Clinical Trial With Rosiglitazone: A Potential New Study Endpoint

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) measurements have been used extensively to ascertain information about bone quality and density due to the 3-dimensional information provided and the ability to segment out trabecular and cortical bones. QCT imaging helps to improve our understanding of the role that each bone compartment plays in the pathogenesis and prognosis of fracture. This study was conducted to explore longitudinal changes in femoral neck (FN) cortical bone structure using both volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and cortical shell thickness assessments via QCT in a double-blind, randomized, multicenter clinical trial in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study also examined whether treatment-associated changes in the cortical bone vBMD and thickness in femoral neck quadrants could be evaluated. Subjects were randomized to rosiglitazone (RSG) or metformin (MET) for 52 wk followed by 24 wk of open-label MET. A subset of 87 subjects underwent QCT scans of the hip at baseline, after 52 wk of double-blind treatment, and after 24 wk of treatment with MET using standard full-body computed tomography scanners. All scans were evaluated and analyzed centrally. Cortical vBMD at the FN was precisely segmented from trabecular bone and used to assess a possible therapeutic effect on this bone compartment. QCT analysis showed reductions in adjusted mean percentage change in vBMD and in absolute cortical thickness occurred with RSG treatment from baseline to week 52, whereas changes with MET were generally minimal. The reductions observed during RSG treatment for 1 yr appeared to partially reverse during the open-label MET phase from weeks 52 to 76. The femoral neck quadrant may provide utility as a potential endpoint in clinical trials for the understanding of the therapeutic effect of new entities on cortical bone vs trabecular bone; however, further clinical validation is needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol (GSK study number AVD111179) was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00679939.

Rose Bengal incorporated in mesostructured silica nanoparticles: structural characterization, theoretical modeling and singlet oxygen delivery

Rose Bengal (RB), a xanthene dye, incorporated into mesostructured silica nanoparticles (MSNs) exhibits efficient singlet oxygen ((1)O2) generation when illuminated with 540 nm green light which is particularly promising for PDT applications. Several systems with different RB loadings were synthesized and fully characterized by means of spectroscopic techniques in combination with a computational study, to optimize the amount of RB in order to avoid the formation of aggregates that is detrimental for a high (1)O2 delivery.

Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome: Case report and literature review

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (GGS) is an infrequent multisystemic disease with an autosomal dominant trait, with complete penetrance and variable expressivity, though sporadic cases have been described. This article includes a case report and an extensive review of the GGS with regard to its history, incidence, etiology, features, investigations, diagnostic criteria, keratocystic odontogenic tumor and treatment modalities.

Clinical and laboratory profile of dengue in the elderly

Background:

Dengue is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world with a 30-fold increase in incidence in the last 50 years. Approximately, 50 million dengue infections occur annually.

Aim:

To study the various clinical and laboratory manifestations of dengue in the elderly and observe for any variations in IgM titer elevation with progression of age.

Design:

Retrospective observational study.

Subjects and Methods:

Medical charts of all patients admitted to the Division of Geriatrics of the institute during study period were reviewed for collection of demographic, clinical, and laboratory information. The diagnosis of dengue was made based on positive dengue IgM ELISA. An elderly patient referred to one whose age was ≥60 years.

Results:

Fever and myalgia were noted to be the most common clinical manifestation with only four patients presenting with overt bleeding manifestations. Only one patient presented in delirium and there was no case fatality. Thrombocytopenia was the single most common hematological abnormality noted. Hyponatremia was found to be prevalent in a majority of the patients and were symptomatic in more than half of them. There have been very few studies done worldwide on the varied clinical manifestations of dengue in the elderly.

Primary Cytomegalovirus-Related Eosinophilic Pneumonia in a Three-year-old Child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: Case report and literature review

A diagnosis of eosinophilic pneumonia (EP) is rare in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). We report a case of EP in association with a primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in a three-year-old Omani child with ALL. The patient presented with fever while undergoing maintenance chemotherapy. He was admitted to the Child Health Department of Royal Hospital, in Muscat, Oman, in November 2011. He was initially thought to have sepsis but failed to respond to antibiotics. Chest computed tomography showed diffuse ground glass lung opacification. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology was consistent with the diagnosis of EP. Polymerase chain reaction tests for CMV were performed on the BAL and blood samples and were both markedly elevated. The patient made a full recovery after treatment with prednisolone and ganciclovir. The association between CMV infection and EP as well as the management of this combination in immunocompromised patients has never been reported in the English literature.