Parcellating the vertical associative fiber network of the temporoparietal area: Evidence from focused anatomic fiber dissections.

Introduction: The connectivity of the temporoparietal (TP) region has been the subject of multiple anatomical and functional studies. Its role in high cognitive functions has been primarily correlated with long association fiber connections. As a major sensory integration hub, coactivation of areas within the TP requires a stream of short association fibers running between its subregions. The latter have been the subject of a small number of recent in vivo and cadaveric studies. This has resulted in limited understanding of this network and, in certain occasions, terminology ambiguity. Research question: To systematically study the vertical parietal and temporoparietal short association fibers. Material and methods: Thirteen normal, adult cadaveric hemispheres, were treated with the Klinger's freeze-thaw process and their subcortical anatomy was studied using the microdissection technique. Results: Two separate fiber layers were identified. Superficially, directly beneath the cortical u-fibers, the Stratum proprium intraparietalis (SP) was seen connecting Superior Parietal lobule and Precuneal cortical areas to inferior cortical regions of the Parietal lobe, running deep to the Intraparietal sulcus. At the same dissection level, the IPL-TP fibers were identified as a bundle connecting the Inferior Parietal lobule with posterior Temporal cortical areas. At a deeper level, parallel to the Arcuate fasciculus fibers, the SPL-TP fibers were seen connecting the Superior Parietal lobule to posterior Temporal cortical areas. Discussion and conclusion: To our knowledge this is the first cadaveric dissection study to comprehensively study and describe of the vertical association fibers of the temporoparietal region while proposing a universal terminology.

Fracture of the Second Rib: An Indirect Sign of Serious Trauma Like Fracture of the First Rib?

Background: The first 3 ribs are anatomically well-protected, shielded by the large thoracic muscles, the shoulder girdle, and the arm. A significant force is required to fracture these ribs; thus, such fractures suggest a high-energy trauma and are associated with injuries to vital organs of the thorax, such as the aorta, the heart, the lungs and the great vessels. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted over a 10-year period at a single hospital. The study assessed patients with fractures of the second rib, including their concurrent injuries and the overall severity of their trauma. Results: Among the 76 patients included in the study, the average age was 47.35 years, 81.5% were men, and 19.5% were women. Thirteen patients (17.1%) survived their injuries. The most common causes of injury were road traffic accidents (63%) and pedestrian injuries (22%). The patients who did not survive sustained injuries to an average of 5 additional organs, while survivors had injuries to an average of 2.07 additional organs. Left rib fractures were the most frequently observed (46%). The most serious concurrent injuries reported were to the aorta (5.26%), heart (10.52%), lung (52.36%), head (57.89%), liver (30.2%), spleen (26.31%), and kidney (17.1%). Conclusion: As indicators of serious injury to vital endothoracic organs, isolated fractures of the second rib should be considered equal to first rib fractures in clinical importance.

The history of esophageal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal surgery has always been considered extremely demanding, given the surgical experience and skills required, due to the anatomic location of the esophagus as well as the impact of such extensive operations on patients' homeostasis. The intention of the present study is to review all historical time points of esophageal surgery, from its inception to the modern era of minimally invasive esophageal surgery. METHODS: The first clear description of esophageal surgery is dated back to 1738, in an attempt to remove a foreign body from the thoracic esophagus. However, the high morbidity and mortality rates of esophageal surgical operations led to the invention and application of less invasive surgical procedures. RESULTS: Esophageal surgery has evolved from extensive surgical operations to minimally invasive esophagectomies, aiming exclusively to reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality, while maintaining surgical effectiveness. Despite the fact that benign esophageal pathologies were the main stimulus for this evolution, minimally invasive esophageal surgery is now applied even in patients with esophageal cancer, with outcomes comparable to those of traditional surgical approaches. CONCLUSION: It would be interesting to see how all these new surgical techniques may evolve, altering further the current status of esophageal surgery in the future.

The Artery of Adamkiewicz: Anatomy and Considerations in Spine Surgery - A Review of the Literature.

The artery of Adamkiewicz (AKA) provides blood supply to the thoracolumbar spinal cord. Any disruption of the AKA can lead to the anterior spinal artery (ASA) syndrome, with devastating systematic and neurologic complications for the patient. This is a narrative review of the anatomy of AKA, the characteristics of ASA syndrome and the role of radiologic techniques in diagnosis and treatment. A detailed search of the PubMed database was conducted from January 2000 until April 2020, to locate articles relevant to our study. The references of the included studies were also retrieved in order not to miss any information. The ASA syndrome can present as a possible post-operative complication after minimally invasive or open surgeries of multiple specialties that involve the field of spine. Risk factors associated with ASA syndrome include; kyphosis of the patient, corresponding spinal surgical approach, intraoperative hypotension, multiple ligations of the AKA, a left side approach and a 360-combined or revision surgery. The incidence varies among different operations. Many different imaging modalities have been used in preoperative plan, including but not limited to computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and subtraction angiography. The use of computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance angiography preoperatively can play a major role in the prevention of the ASA syndrome. However, more research needs to be done before making any final assumptions.

Historical pearls of HPV research: from condyloma to cervical cancer.

The oldest discovered human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in an ancient Egyptian mummy testifies that there is still much to unearth in its history. The Graeco-Roman world recognized venereal infections, and its nomenclature is still valid concerning HPV lesions. Western Europeans, eons later, created various theories for HPV evolution. Animal experiments during the 19th century had a profound impact for the understanding of HPV. In the late 20th century the arcinogenic properties of the virus had been clarified. This historical review presents the most important figures and discoveries in HPV research.

Re-exploring the pelvic neuroanatomy from a new perspective and a potential guidance for TaTME: a "bottom-up" approach.

Neuro-anatomy of the perineum has gained renewed attention due to its significance in the transanal procedures for rectal cancer (eg TaTME). Surgeons embarking on this technique must have sophisticated knowledge and a precise anatomical understanding of the perineum before proceeding with this reversed rectal approach. We report anatomical observations deriving from a relevant experience in the colorectal surgery field. The collective multicenter experience of the present study is clinically relevant and based on the rectal and transanal resections performed in colorectal centers of excellence from Greece, UK, and Italy over the last 10 years (2011-2020). From the original anatomical and intraoperative observations derived from collective cases operated by this multicenter group of colorectal surgical centers in three European countries, data were retrieved and analyzed in collaboration with specialist researchers of human anatomy and interpreted for their clinical significance and potential use for preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance during TaTME. This descriptive article demonstrates in detail the neurogenic pathways encountered in the perineum and pelvic cavity during transanal procedures. Specific anatomical and topographic implications are also included serving as a guide for colorectal surgeons to perform a nerve-sparing procedure. transanal approach for rectal excision offers new insights into the complex pelvic and perineal neuroanatomy while the procedure itself remains a challenge for surgeons. Preoperative anatomical planning and 3D reconstruction may help in anticipating technical difficulties, resulting in more precise surgical dissections and decreased postoperative complications.

Osteochondromas: An Updated Review of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical Presentation, Radiological Features and Treatment Options.

Osteochondroma, the most common benign bone tumor, is a projection on the external surface of the bone, which can be sessile or pedunculated. 85% of osteochondromas present as solitary lesions, while 15% occur in the context of hereditary multiple exostoses (HME), a genetic disorder that is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Although often asymptomatic, symptoms may eventuate from compression of adjacent vessels or nerves, fractures, osseous deformities, bursa formation, or malignant transformation. Cartilage cap thickness >2 cm in adults or >3 cm in children as well as new onset of pain or growth, or rapid growth of the lesion, especially after the closure of the growth plate, might reflect cancerous transformation. Surgical resection is indicated for symptomatic lesions, complications, cosmetic reasons or malignant transformation. Excision of the tumor with free margin is the treatment of choice. Local recurrence is less than 2% if complete resection is achieved.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Using Stem Cells: A Review.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a disorder that affects the quality of life and the sexual relations of more than half of the male population aged over 40 years. The prediction regarding the incidence of ED is devastating as it is expected that this disorder will affect more than 300 million men in the next five years. Several studies have suggested the use of stem cells for the treatment of ED and showed that this type of treatment is promising in terms of damaged tissue repair as well as of clinical efficacy; however, there are several gaps in the knowledge and evidence is lacking. In order to highlight a few of them in this review, we performed a research of the literature focusing on currently available clinical studies regarding the clinical efficacy of stem cell administration for the treatment of ED. We reviewed the methods of administration, the cell types used in the performed clinical trials and the safety and efficiency of such procedures. We conclude that there are rapidly expanding and promising results from the reported clinical studies indicating that stem cells could indeed be a potential treatment for patients with ED although more studies are necessary.

The Combined Use of Stem Cells and Platelet Lysate Plasma for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Pilot Study-6 Months Results.

Background: The current treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is mainly based on the use of drugs that provide erections shortly after use but they do not really treat the problem. Stem cell therapy is a novel treatment with regenerative properties that can possibly treat erectile dysfunction. Methods: Five patients with erectile disease were treated with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) and Platelet Lysate Plasma (PLP). ADSCs were obtained through abdominal liposuction and PLP was prepared after obtaining blood samples from peripheral veins. Erectile function was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-5) questionnaire, penile triplex at the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th month post-treatment. A CT scan of the head, thorax and abdomen was done before treatment and at the 12th month. Results: IIEF-5 scores were improved in all patients at the 6th month although not in the same pattern in all patients. Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV) also improved at the 6th month in all patients but also with different patterns in each patient, while End Diastolic Velocity (EDV) was more variable. Two patients decreased the treatment they used in order to obtain erection (from Intracavernosal injections (ICI) they used PDE-5Is), two had unassisted erections and one had an initial improvement which decreased at the 6th month. There were no side effects noted. Conclusions: Stem cell therapy in combination with PLP appears to show some improvement in erectile function and has minimal side effects in the short term.

Anatomical Variations of the Left Subclavian Artery and Their Significance in Clinical Practice.

We study variations of the aortic arch (AA) and its first branches, the brachiocephalic, common carotid, and subclavian arteries. Specifically, we describe anatomical variations of the left subclavian artery (LSA) and their significance in clinical practice. Such variations are commonly associated with congenital anomalies of the right-sided AA (RAA) and/or great vessels. A systematic search of the PubMed online database for studies of LSA variations and RAA, published between 2000 and 2020, produced a total of 73 articles for our study (n = 258 cases). Three of the most common variants were aberrant LSA (32.9%), RAA with mirror-image branching (49.6%), and isolated LSA (17.4%). Although RAA and LSA variations are rare, they may give rise to symptoms during the first stages of life or adulthood and may require surgical repair. Patients can remain asymptomatic, but incidental findings on imaging studies may lead to surgical interventions in areas of the neck or thorax. In such cases, planning the surgical procedure can be challenging, and possible implications must be considered.

A rare double profunda femoris artery in a female cadaver.

The profunda femoris artery (PFA) represents the first and largest branch of the femoral artery in the thigh. A series of anatomical variations are reported, mostly concerning its point of origin and its altered trajectories within the lower limb. We present a rare case of a double PFA, where each separate branch followed the expected arterial pattern. Our case aim to alert surgeons and radiologists for the possibility to encounter an unexpected vascular alternation. Knowledge of topographical anatomy of the PFA and its variations is essential for possible complications after interventional procedures to be avoided.

Management of ruptured liver segment IV hepatocellular carcinoma: is transarterial embolization (TAE) superior to chemoembolization (TACE)?-the jury is still out.

HCC rupture is a potentially life-threatening complication owing to underlying vascular dysfunction and coagulopathy. There is still a debate in the literature concerning the best approach in patients presenting in the emergency setting with shock due to spontaneous HCC rupture. In the current report, we describe the case of a 66-year-old female patient with ruptured HCC who was treated successfully by emergency transarterial embolization (TAE) with complete response proved by gradual shrinkage of the tumor. This impressive complete response suggests that TAE followed by elective hepatectomy could be an efficient approach for patients with Child-Pugh class A liver function and adequate liver remnant. More studies are needed in order to construct specific guidelines for the treatment of rHCC that will be based on the disease severity and the patient status.

A very rare case of renal cell carcinoma metastasis to spermatic cord and a condensed literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is proved to be the ninth most common malignancy. Two-third of the patients suffering from RCC will present metastases. Secondary metastases of RCC to spermatic cord are very rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: In this report we present the case of a patient with renal cell carcinoma with metachronous metastasis to the spermatic cord occurring two years after the initial diagnosis of the disease. DISCUSSION: Our patient was treated according to EAU guidelines. The metastatic tumor was diagnosed accidentally, in contrast to the previous follow-up exams which show no disease in the meantime. Moreover, the histological examination of the spermartic cord tumor illustrated tumor thrombus. The former examination results along with the anatomical and embryological relations of renal and spermatic cord structures indicate a hypothesis about the mechanism of this metastasis' route. CONCLUSION: Our case is of great interest, since such cases are very few in the international literature. Therefore the presentation of this case as well as its implications should be made to the global surgery community.

Anomalous origin of the right colic artery from the right gastroepiploic artery during complete mesocolic excision: a rare case report.

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) is a standardized surgical procedure for colonic cancer that requires ample knowledge of the anatomical patterns of the colic arteries. Variations of the colic vessels encumber both surgical and endovascular techniques. In the presented case below, the right colic artery was incidentally detected emerging from the right gastroepiploic artery, during CME. Surgeons should be always aware of this variation in order to perform safe abdominal surgeries and sufficient resection of the regional lymph nodes with a view to minimizing the probability of recurrence of disease when encountering colonic cancer.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Statins on Coronary Artery Disease: An Updated Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Statins have long been used for the protection against coronary artery disease (CAD). Their beneficial effect apart from cholesterol reduction lies in their pleiotropic properties. Emerging evidence from laboratory studies and clinical trials as well have pointed out the pivotal role of inflammation on the initiation and exacerbation of atherosclerosis; a major cause of CAD. Inflammation markers such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein and adhesion molecules are shown to increase in CAD patients and are used as prognostic tools. It is well known that statins can actually reduce the circulating levels of these agents slowing therefore the inflammatory process; interestingly not all types have the same outcome. CONCLUSION: The anti-inflammatory effect of statins on the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and the function of endothelial cells is thus of particular importance as these agents can actually ameliorate CAD prognosis.

Surgical anatomy of double pyramidal lobe on total thyroidectomy: a rare case report.

Double pyramidal lobe is a scarce anatomical variation of the thyroid gland. Its presence impinges on the completeness of total and subtotal thyroidectomy and the postoperative treatment. Surgeons should be always aware of this variation in order to perform sufficient resection of the thyroid gland and minimize the possibility of recurrence of benign and malignant thyroidopathies.

Sympathetic Nerve Injury in Thyroid Cancer.

The double innervation of the thyroid comes from the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Injury rates during surgery are at 30% but can be minimized by upwardly preparing the thyroid vessels at the level of thyroid capsule. Several factors have been accused of increasing the risk of injury including age and tumor size. Our aim was to investigate of there is indeed any possible correlations between these factors and a possible increase in injury rates following thyroidectomy. Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. Statistical correlation was observed for a positive relationship between injury of the sympathetic nerve and thyroid malignancy surgery (p 2 = 74%) No statistical correlations were observed for a negative or positive relationship between injury of the sympathetic nerve and tumor size. There was also no statistically significant value observed for the correlation of the patients' age with the risk of sympathetic nerve injury (p = 0.388). Lack of significant correlation reported could be due to the small number of studies and great heterogeneity between them.

Primary and Secondary Prevention of Acute Coronary Syndromes: The Role of the Statins.

Poor prognosis is strongly associated with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and, even though a number of treatment strategies are available, the incidence of subsequent serious complications after an acute event is still high. Statins are hypolipidemic factors and recent studies have demonstrated that they have a protective role during the process of atherogenesis and that they reduce mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases. This review tries to reveal the function of the statins as a component of the primary and secondary action of acute coronary syndrome and to describe the lifestyle changes that have the same effect as the use of statins.

Long-term quality of life improvement after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a novel therapeutic option for severe aortic stenosis in old patients with high surgical risk. The aim of this study was to assess changes in quality of life (QoL) along with functional status and late survival after this procedure. METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive patients (80.5 ± 5.9 years, 21 men and 15 women) with a logistic Euroscore of 29.7 ± 13.7 underwent TAVI using the 18-Fr CoreValve prosthesis. Aortic valve prosthesis was inserted retrograde using a femoral or a subclavian arterial approach. QoL was evaluated by administering the Short Form 36 (SF-36) tool and the shorter SF-12 version 2 (SF-12v2) questionnaires before and 1-year after TAVI. RESULTS: TAVI was successfully performed in all patients. The estimated 1-year overall survival rate using Kaplan-Meier method was 68%. One-year follow-up also showed a marked improvement in echocardiographic parameters (peak gradient 76.2 ± 26.1 vs 15.4 ± 7.8 mm Hg, P < .001; aortic valve area 0.7 ± 0.1 vs 2.6 ± 2.7 cm(2), P < .001) with a significant change in New York Heart Association class (3 ± 0.7 vs 1.2 ± 0.4, P < .001). Both preprocedural summary SF-36 and SF-12v12 physical and mental scores showed a significant improvement 1 year after TAVI (21.6 vs 46.7, P < .001; 42.9 vs 55.2, P < .001; 22 vs 48.9, P < .001; 43.3 vs 52.2, P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a marked 1-year clinical benefit in functional status and physical and mental health in patients who underwent TAVI.

Effects of prolonged warm and cold ischemia in a solitary kidney animal model after partial nephrectomy: an ultrastructural investigation.

Ischemia-reperfusion injury can be detrimental to the solitary kidney, especially when it is accompanied by ablation. To the authors' knowledge, the effects of partial nephrectomy with prolonged application of ischemia have never been described at the ultrastructural level. Therefore, the authors used an animal model and focused on putative structural effects in the glomerular basement membrane and the podocytes. They demonstrate the advantageous role of cold ischemia, even in up to 120 min. In contrast, more than 60 min of warm ischemia leads to catastrophic lesions in all the cellular structures, as is reflected by mortality due to acute renal failure.