Different Dilutions of Mesobotox in Facial Rejuvenation: Which is Better?

BACKGROUND: Microbotulinum toxin A treatment is a technique of delivering multiple intradermal injections of diluted botulinum toxin type A into the dermis or the interface between the dermis and the superficial layer of the facial muscles to preserve the facial mobility. The current study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical effect of different dilutions of microbotulinum toxin A in periorbital and mid-facial rejuvenation. METHODS: This randomized prospective interventional study included 30 female patients with different types of wrinkles in periorbital and/or mid-face. Patients were divided into three groups: group I (10 patients): 100U botulinum toxin in 5 ml saline, group II (10 patients): 100U botulinum toxin in 7 ml saline and group III (10 patients): 100U botulinum toxin in 10 ml saline. RESULTS: A statistically significant better global esthetic improvement scale (GAIS) scores after 1 month were observed in group I compared to groups II and III. Also, after 6 months better GAIS scores were observed in group I compared to group II and in group II compared to group III. Assessment of different esthetic parameters measured by the Antera 3D camera revealed a statistically significant improvement in all parameters (periorbital and mid-face) in group I and in most of parameters (periorbital and mid-face) in groups II and III with more evident improvement after 1 month compared to after 6 months. CONCLUSION: Intradermal microbotulinum toxin A is a cost-effective method for improving periorbital and mid-face wrinkles with a better effect of 1:5 than 1:7 and 1:10 dilutions. Facial wrinkles possess a great burden on patients' psychological status, and the emergence of novel rejuvenation technique with minimal side effects is necessary. MicroBoNT-A usage in the literature was through variety of dilutions and concentrations. Therefore, a conclusive and comparative study was essential to compare the effect of different microBoNT-A dilutions. In this context, the current study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical effect of different dilutions of microBoNT-A in periorbital and mid-facial rejuvenation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Use of K-Y Jelly on Throat Packs for Postoperative Sore Throat after Nasal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a fairly common side effect of general anesthesia. The K-Y jelly is a well-known lubricant used in many medical procedures. Objective In this randomized study, we evaluated the use of throat packs soaked with K-Y jelly for POST outcomes in patients submitted to nasal surgery. Methods The present double-blinded, randomized, controlled study included 140 ASA I-II patients undergoing nasal surgery under general anesthesia. Patients received either or K-Y jelly or water-soaked X-ray detectable throat packs fully inserted into the mouth to occlude the oropharynx. Results Comparison between the studied groups regarding the severity of POST assessed by visual analog scale revealed significantly lower POST levels in the K-Y jelly group on recovery from anesthesia, and at 2, 4, and 6 hours postoperatively. Conclusions The use of K-Y jelly-soaked throat packs was associated with less severe POST after nasal surgery.

Functional and oncological outcomes of patients with proximal humerus osteosarcoma managed by limb salvage.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy in skeletally immature patients. The proximal humerus is the third most common site of osteosarcoma. The literature shows a paucity of published data concerning the outcome of proximal humerus osteosarcoma managed by limb salvage. The purpose of this study was to answer the following questions: (1) do patients with proximal humerus osteosarcoma managed by limb salvage and neoadjuvant chemotherapy show good functional and oncological outcomes, and (2) are there any prognostic factors that are associated with better oncological and functional outcomes? MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a retrospective case series study assessing the overall outcome of 34 patients with proximal humerus osteosarcoma. Eighteen patients were males (53%) while 16 were females. Biological reconstruction was done in 15 patients (44%), while nonbiological reconstruction was done in 19 patients. Resections were mainly intraarticular (82%). Functional outcome was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, while oncological outcome was assessed based on local recurrence and development of chest metastasis. Comparisons between quantitative variables were done using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test. To compare categorical data, the chi-square (χ2) test was performed. The exact test was used instead when the expected frequency was less than 5. Correlations between quantitative variables were examined using the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The mean MSTS score was 25.5 (range 23-29). A younger age was statistically correlated with a poorer MSTS score (P = 0.0016). Six patients out of 34 (17.6%) had local recurrence and four of them (67%) were treated by forequarter amputation. 41% of patients developed chest metastasis, and the majority of them were treated by chemotherapy (71%). In comparison with patients with osteosarcoma at other sites who were also managed in our institution, proximal humerus osteosarcoma patients showed higher incidence rates of local recurrence and chest metastasis along with lower 5-year patient and limb survivorships compared to distal femur, proximal tibia and proximal femur osteosarcoma patients. CONCLUSION: Treatment of osteosarcoma of the proximal humerus by limb salvage and chemotherapy yields a good functional outcome. The method of reconstruction does not impact the resultant function. The 5-year survivorship of these patients is 65%. Younger patients have a better oncological outcome and an inferior functional outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV therapeutic study.

Efficacy of laser biostimulation for mandibular narrow ridges treated with one-stage ridge splitting and two-implant overdentures: A one-year preliminary study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The management of patients with narrow-mandibular ridges who seek prosthetic rehabilitation is challenging. PURPOSE: The purpose of this one-year preliminary clinical study was to compare the effects of laser biostimulation and a placebo on peri-implant tissues for a 2-implant-retained mandibular polyetheretherketone (PEEK) overdenture on expanded narrow mandibular ridges. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen completely edentulous participants were enrolled for mandibular ridge splitting in the canine regions, followed by expansion, the placement of implants, and the application of a bone graft. In the test group, laser therapy was applied labially and lingually at the surgical sites, while a placebo laser was used in the control group. PEEK overdentures retained by LOCATOR attachments were provided after 6 months. Clinical evaluations were performed using probing depth, plaque, bleeding, and gingival indices at insertion and 3, 6, and 12 months after insertion. Vertical bone loss (VBL) was evaluated with periapical radiograph at insertion and 6 and 12 months later. The Mann-Whitney test was used to test the difference between the 2 different groups at each evaluation time (α=.05). The Friedman-test was used, followed by Wilcoxon signed rank test, to test the change over time in the same group, and the Bonferroni adjusted significance level was used for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Some clinical and radiographic parameters significantly increased with time in both groups (P<.001). Significant differences between the 2 groups were revealed in bleeding scores at 3 months (P=.006) and 6 months (P=.018). Also, significant differences between the 2 groups were observed in gingival scores at 3 months (P=.002), 6 months (P=.015), and 12 months (P=.019) after overdenture insertion in favor of the laser group. Peri-implant VBL was significantly higher in the non-laser group at 6 months (P=.015), and 12 months (P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this clinical study, respecting the small sample size and the short follow-up period, laser bio-stimulation after 1-stage ridge splitting in narrow mandibular ridges enhanced the soft and hard peri implant tissues when used with LOCATOR attachments and PEEK overdentures.

Does volumetric measurement of ADC values achieve higher diagnostic performance in bladder cancer MRI?

BACKGROUND: Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value is an important part of bladder cancer magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment and can predict the aggressive and invasive potentials. There is growing interest in whole tumor volume measurements. PURPOSE: To investigate if the volumetric ADC measurement method will significantly exceed the diagnostic performance of the selected region of interest (ROI) method in everyday practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective evaluation was carried out of 50 patients with bladder cancer by two radiologists. The mean and the minimum ADC values were measured using both methods. The inter-reader agreement was determined by the intraclass correlation coefficient. The ADC values were compared between different grades, states of muscle invasion, and lympho-vascular invasion (LVI); then, validity was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Areas under the curve (AUC) were then compared for the level of statistical significance. RESULTS: The inter-observer agreement was excellent for the ADC values using both methods. The volumetric measurement provides higher mean and lower minimum ADC values with statistically significant differences (P <0.00001). The highest diagnostic accuracy for differentiating tumor grade and predicting muscle invasion was for the minimum ADC by a selected ROI. However, the differences between the achieved AUCs were of no statistical significance. None of the ADC values predicted LVI with statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The selected ROI and volumetric measurement methods of mean and minimum ADC in bladder cancer yield different values, still having comparable diagnostic performance with accurate ROI sampling. The minimum ADC value by ROI is preferred in everyday clinical practice.

Assessment of efficacy of different botulinum toxin A concentrations in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia assessed by dermoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of progressive hair loss in men and women. AGA is characterized by the miniaturization of the hair follicle, leading to the transformation of terminal hair to vellus hair. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of injecting two different concentrations of botulinum toxin A (BTA) for the treatment of AGA in Egyptian patients. METHODS: Adult male (Hamilton-Norwood I-VII) and female (Ludwig I-III) patients (N = 32) were assigned to receive two different concentrations BTA (33.3 and 25 U/mL) on each side of the scalp; in total, there were 15 injections administered on each side, with injection volume of 0.1 mL containing 3.3 U for the right half and 2.5 U for the left half. Treatment efficiency was assessed at baseline, Month 3 and Month 6, by degree of clinical improvement and dermoscopy assessment. RESULTS: By Month 6, proportion of male patients (N = 5) classified as Hamilton-Norwood Grade II increased from 0% to 60% (3/5), proportion of female patients (N = 27) classified as Ludwig Grade I also increased from 14.8% (4/27) to 70% (19/27). Dermoscopy result showed a significant increase in vellus hair density from baseline to Month 6 on the right side (33.3 U/mL), while no change was observed on the left (25 U/mL); however, vellus hair density was higher at Month 3 compared to Month 6. There were changes in yellow spots and peripilar sign more on the right side. Adverse reactions reported include irritation, headache, injections site pain, and nausea. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that BTA is a safe and effective treatment for AGA in both genders. These findings offer a cutting-edge conceptual structure and therapeutic strategy for the management of AGA in Egyptian population.

Total hip replacement among sickle cell patients in a low-income country-Yemen.

PURPOSE: Sickle cell patients presented with progressive hip pain and limitation of daily activities, as evidenced by low preoperative hip scores and failed conservative therapy. Management of femoral head avascular necrosis (AVN) using total hip replacement (THR) in sickle cell disease (SCD) is widespread in developed countries, but it is still in its initiation stage in developing countries. The outcome of using cementless THR among SCD patients is still unknown with lack of published studies from regional countries. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of using cementless primary THR among patients with sickle cell disease with end-stage hip avascular necrosis in Yemen. METHODS: Thirty cementless primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) were performed for AVN of the femoral head in 27 sickle cell patients, at Al.-Thawra Modern General Hospital-Sana'a, Yemen, from January 2018 to December 2022. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 27 ± five years (ranged 18-37 years) with a male to female ratio was 3:1. Steinberg staging for hip AVN was stage IV, one patient (3%); stage VI, thirteen patients (45%); and stage V, sixteen patients (51%). THR was on right side 14 (52%), left side 10 (37%), and bilateral 3 (11%). The implant used was ceramic on polyethylene acetabular liner. All patients showed improvement in Harris hip score from preoperative mean hip score was 25 ± 8 points to postoperative mean hip score was 88 ± 6 points at the last follow-up. Mean of the length of stay in hospital was 12.7 ± eight days (ranged from 4 to 32 days); the mean operating time was 107 ± 23 min. Three cases had superficial wound infection; four patients had five intraoperative fractures; two cases had pulmonary complications; one case had abdominal crisis. All patients had postoperative leg length discrepancy less than 2 cm. None had deep infection, nerve injury, wound hematoma, aseptic loosing, dislocation, DVT, heterotopic ossification, or death. CONCLUSION: THR in SCD has a good outcome using cementless THA with a low rate of complication in Yemen, a developing country.

Use of K-Y Jelly on Throat Packs for Postoperative Sore Throat after Nasal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Introduction Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a fairly common side effect of general anesthesia. The K-Y jelly is a well-known lubricant used in many medical procedures. Objective In this randomized study, we evaluated the use of throat packs soaked with K-Y jelly for POST outcomes in patients submitted to nasal surgery. Methods The present double-blinded, randomized, controlled study included 140 ASA I-II patients undergoing nasal surgery under general anesthesia. Patients received either or K-Y jelly or water-soaked X-ray detectable throat packs fully inserted into the mouth to occlude the oropharynx. Results Comparison between the studied groups regarding the severity of POST assessed by visual analog scale revealed significantly lower POST levels in the K-Y jelly group on recovery from anesthesia, and at 2, 4, and 6 hours postoperatively. Conclusions The use of K-Y jelly-soaked throat packs was associated with less severe POST after nasal surgery.

Natural history of post-operative non-functioning pituitary adenomas - a single centre cohort analysis.

PURPOSE: To study behaviour of endonasally operated non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) and propose a cost-effective stratified follow-up regimen. METHODS: A single centre retrospective cohort analysis from June 2009 till December 2019. All endonasally operated pituitary adenomas were identified with sub-analysis of the NFPA's. Patients of all age groups with radiological follow-up more than 30 months were included. Patients with any kind of cranial intervention performed < within 30 months of surgery were excluded. The post-operative MRI for this cohort was evaluated until either any intervention was performed or until the last follow-up. The maximal tumour diameter in any plane (mm) was measured from the MRI scans. The annual growth rate and the statistical relationship between age, sex, IHC, Ki-67, resection %, residual tumour was calculated. RESULTS: Out of 610 pituitary adenomas identified in the dataset, 116 patients met the inclusion criteria. Follow-up period ranged from 30 to 142 months (mean 78.5 months). A strong relationship existed between predicting tumour progression with first post-operative residue size (p = .001). A statistically significant relationship was found to be present between tumour growth and a residue of less than 10 mm diameter and 11-20 mm in diameter (Log rank p value .0216). On average, each patient with a residue < 5mm had MRI scans costing 976 £. CONCLUSION: Based on statistical analysis and internal validation of the growth rate of the residue, we have proposed MRI follow-up scans. These recommendations have the potential to save more than 300 £per patient towards MRI costs and can lay down a marker for defining time interval of serial scans for post-operative NFPA's.

Predictors of Caries Risk among Egyptian Children Attending Pediatric Dental Clinics at a University Hospital.

Background: Dental caries is the most prevalent dental disease. The external validity of the available caries risk assessment (CRA) tools is not established, especially among pediatric population. Objectives: To assess caries risk using the caries management by risk assessment (CAMBRA) protocol among Egyptian children aged 3-12 years and suggest variables that could potentially be used to develop a simpler CRA model. Materials and Methods: For this cross-sectional study, we recruited 320 children aged 3 to <6 years (Group I) and 320 children aged 6-12 years (Group II). CAMBRA was used to collect data about disease indicators, biological and environmental factors, and protective factors among study participants. Each child was examined clinically to collect data about past caries experiences and to measure plaque scores. Results: The risk of caries was high in 92.5% of Group I and 83.4% of Group II participants. The overall dmft was 5.71 ± 3.18 for Group I and 4.78 ± 2.53 for Group II. In Group I, a significant positive relation was found between the overall mean caries risk score and past caries experience (dmft; r = 0.344, P < 0.001) and mean plaque index (r = 0.463, P < 0.001). In Group II, a significant positive relation was found between the overall mean caries risk score and dmft score (r = 0.511, P < 0.001), S. mutans count (r = 234, P < 0.001), Lactobacilli count (r = 0.316, P < 0.001), and plaque index (r = 0.463, P < 0.001). Participants' age, parents' education, and parents' occupation had a negative significant effect on the overall mean caries risk score. Conclusion: This study suggests predictors that can be used in the development of a new CRA model for children aged 3-12 years.

Off-Pump Versus On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting In Patients With Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: To compare the outcome of off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass graftsurgery in patients with left main coronary artery disease. METHODS: The randomised, controlled, prospective, multicentric study was conducted in 2020 during the period from January 2020 to December 2020 at Kafrelsheikh University Hospital, International Cardiac Centre and Alexandria New Medical Centre, Egypt, and comprised patients with left main coronary artery disease who underwent coronary artery bypass graftsurgery. The patients were randomised to on-pump surgery group I (Control Group) and off-pump surgery group II(Interventional Group). All patients were assessed pre-operatively for the presence of comorbid conditions and post-operatively for myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury, pneumonia, sternal dehiscence and 3-month mortality. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients, 44(73.3%) were men and 16(26.6%) were women. The overall mean age was 66.4±9.2 years. There were 30(50%) patients in each of the two groups. There were 2(6.7%) cases of myocardial infarction in group I and 1(3.3%) in group II. There was 1(3.3%) case of acute kidney injury in group I and none in group II. There were 3(10%) cases of pneumonia in group 1 compared to 1(3.3%) in group II. There was 1(3.3%) case of sternal dehiscence in group I and none in group II. Mortality at 3 months was 2(6.7%) in group I and 1(3.3%) in group II. There was no significant difference with respect to outcome between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery was found to be efficient and non-inferior to on-pump procedure in patients with left main coronary artery disease. RCT registration: The RCT was registered retrospectively at the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR) (Trial #: PACTR202301506140749 Date of Approval: 06/01/2023). Link: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/Search.aspx.

Off-Pump Versus On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Objectives: To compare the outcome of coronary artery bypass grafting with and without cardiopulmonary bypassin patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Method: The prospective randomised multicentre study was conducted in 2020 at Kafrelsheikh University Hospital, International Cardiac Centre and Alexandria New Medical Centre, Egypt. Patients regardless of age and gender who had ischaemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were enrolled, and randomised into on-pump procedure group 1 and off-pump procedure group II. All patients were assessed preoperatively for pulmonary function tests and postoperatively for duration of mechanical ventilation, respiratory failure, pneumonia, atrial fibrillation, acute respiratory distresssyndrome, pleural effusion, lung atelectasis, sternal dehiscence, intensive care unit stay and overall hospital stay. Data was analysed using SPSS ver 25 Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.; Released 2017. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients, 30(50%) were in each of the two groups. Overall, there were 20(33.3%) women and 40(66.6%) men with mean age 56.5±6.05 years. The mean duration of mechanical ventilation in group I was 12.07±5.18 minutes compared to 6.97±2.25 minutes in group II (p<0.001). The mean duration of stay in intensive care unit in group I was 4.17±1.64 days compared to 3.03±1.03 days in group II (p<0.001). The mean hospital stay was 7.40±1.90 days in group I and 5.93±1.17 days in group II (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the frequency of respiratory failure, pneumonia, atrial fibrillation, acute respiratory distresssyndrome, pleural effusion, lung atelectasis and sternal dehiscence (p=1.000). CONCLUSIONS: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting wasfound to be efficient and had a faster postoperative course than on-pump procedure in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Mini-Sternotomy Versus Conventional Sternotomy In Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery; A Comparative Study.

Objectives: To assess safety; efficacy and efficiency of mini-sternotomy in aortic valve replacement in comparison to conventional sternotomy on short term follow up. Method: This comparative study between 45 patients having aortic valve replacement via fullsternotomy versus 45 others planned for upper j-shaped mini-sternotomy, was conducted from May 2019 to February 2022 in Kafrelsheikh university hospital, Egypt. Data was collected and statistically analysed to assess outcomes. RESULTS: Mini-Sternotomy approach was compared to conventional approach on the aspects of cardio pulmonary bypass (CPB) (p=0.153) and cross clamp (CC) time (p=0.673),. There was significantly less postoperative bleeding (p<0.001), rate of blood transfusion (p<0.001), duration of ICU stay (p=0.013) and total hospitalstay (p=0.022) in ministernotomy approach in comparison to conventional sternotomy. CONCLUSIONS: For primary isolated AVR, lessinvasive techniques are a realistic, practical, and good alternative that offers better postoperative results than Full Sternotomy.

Effect Of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy On The Outcome Of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedure especially on the early outcome during the first 6 months following surgical intervention. Method: This prospective cohort study included 82 patients with coronary artery disease indicating CABG. These patients were admitted, operated and followed -up in cardiothoracic surgery departmentsin the faculty of medicine, Kafrelsheikh university hospitals in the period from April 2019 till November 2021.The patients included in this study were divided into two groups according to presence or absence of left ventricular hypertrophy, Group I had 38 (46.34%) patients with LVH and Group 2 had 44 (53 .65%). patients without LVH. RESULTS: The time to regain mechanical activity waslonger (5.76±1.82) minutesin LVH patients(p <0.001). LVH group had a significantly longer period of mechanical ventilation 16.50±4.25 hours (p <0.001) compared to non LVH group which was 9.61±3.78 hours. Also, the mean duration of ICU stays in the LVH group compared to the non LVH group was 3.81±1.20 days versus 2.56±0.81 daysrespectively. The ICU follow up showed a statistically significant relationship of arrhythmias with LVH (p =0.022), infections (p =0.005) and wound infections (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing CABG surgery, LVH has been associated with increased morbidity and poor outcome.

Case Report Of Rib Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia.

Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia is a rare benign asymptomatic tumour of the ribs not requiring surgery on most occasions. We present here a case with left 10th and 11th rib fibrous dysplasia which was causing a hinderance to the Urologist for renalstone extraction. Therefore the 10th and 11th ribs were excised followed by chest wall reconstruction.

Informational video impact before caesarean delivery on anxiety and satisfaction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety prior to caesarean section can lead to a negative birth experience, which may affect different aspects of woman's life in the long term. Improving preoperative information may result in lower anxiety leading to a more positive birth experience. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the impact of informational video before planned caesarean delivery on maternal anxiety and satisfaction. METHODS: Four different databases were searched from inception till March 2023. We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared educational or informative videos about the aspects of the expected caesarean delivery process versus no preoperative information in the control group. No language restrictions were imposed. We used Revman software during performing our meta-analysis. Our main outcomes were preoperative and postoperative anxiety as well as maternal satisfaction post-procedure. RESULTS: Six RCTs were retrieved with a total number of 702 patients. Informative video significantly reduced the anxiety level before caesarean delivery in comparison with the control group (MD = -4.21, 95% CI [-5.46, -2.95], p<0001). Moreover, the postoperative anxiety level was significantly improved in the informational video group (MD = -4.71, 95% CI [-7.06, -2.36], p<0001). In addition, there was a significant improvement in maternal satisfaction score after caesarean delivery among the informational video group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Informational video prior to caesarean delivery decreases preoperative and postoperative anxiety levels with improvement in maternal post-procedure satisfaction. However, the existing evidence is limited by several shortcomings, chiefly small sample size. More trials with larger sample size are required to confirm our findings.

Functional and oncological outcome of patients with benign hindfoot tumors treated by curettage.

BACKGROUND: Only 3 % of osseous tumors occur in the foot. The metatarsals are the -most common site whereas the calcaneus and talus are less common sites. Because these tumors are rare, the aim of our study is to assess the functional and the oncological outcome of patients with benign hindfoot tumors managed by curettage. METHODS: The clinical and radiological data of 41 patients diagnosed with benign hindfoot tumors were retrospectively reviewed. The study included 31 males and 10 females. The average age was 23.68 (range, 5-49) years. The average follow-up period was 92.7 (range, 12-244) months. RESULTS: At the last follow-up visit, the average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scoring system (MSTS) score was 28.12 (range, 21-30). MSTS scores were higher in patients with latent tumors (P = .028) and patients managed by simple curettage (P = .018). The recurrence rate in calcaneal tumors was higher than those in the talus. The overall complication rate was 12.2 % (5 of 41 patients). Infection and subtalar arthritis were the most common complications. CONCLUSION: Curettage of benign bone tumors of talus or calcaneus proved to be an effective method in the management of these patients. Their functional outcome is also excellent. All the complications are manageable without long term morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV Therapeutic study.

Functional and Oncological Outcome of Patients with Distal Femoral Osteosarcoma Managed by Limb Salvage Using Modular Endoprosthesis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the functional and oncological outcomes of patients with distal femoral osteosarcoma managed by limb salvage using modular endoprosthesis as well as to assess related complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 82 patients were included in our study. Functional outcome was assessed using MSTS score and knee range of motion. Oncological outcome was assessed regarding local recurrence, chest metastasis, and patient survivorship. Complications were classified according to Henderson et al. RESULTS: The mean MSTS score was 26.21 (87.4%) (range 8-30 points) with 70.7% of patients having more than 90° of flexion. The incidence of local recurrence was 3.7% (3 patients), while the incidence of chest metastasis was 14.6% (12 patients). Aseptic loosening (type 2 failure) was the commonest complication (19.5%), followed by infection (15.9%). The 5- and 10-year survivorships of the limb were 98.8%, while the 5- and 10-year survivorships of the prosthesis were 67.7% and 52.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study showed that patients with osteosarcoma distal femur who are treated by chemotherapy and limb salvage have an excellent long-term prognosis in terms of patient as well as limb survivorship. The use of modular endoprosthesis in these patients offer an acceptable function, with two-thirds of the patients retaining their prosthesis after 5 years and more than half retaining them after 10 years.

Arrhythmogenicity of anti-tachycardia pacing in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

BACKGROUND: Anti-tachycardia pacing therapy (ATP) has shown comparable efficacy to shock therapy in ventricular tachycardia (VT) termination with better quality of life. However, some ATPs may lead to VT acceleration or degeneration to ventricular fibrillation (VF), which will result in more ICD shocks. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors of VT acceleration by ATP therapy in a real-life patient cohort. RESULTS: We retrospectively reviewed 448 monomorphic VT episodes that required ATP therapy in 60 patients with structural heart diseases implanted with ICD or CRTD. The clinical data of the patients and the episodes' details were evaluated. We found that patients with a higher ejection fraction (EF) were more likely to be cardioverted by ATP therapy (P: 0.024). VT acceleration was more frequent in patients with lower EF (mean 31.24 ± 4.08) compared with the non-accelerated patients with higher EF (mean 37.00 ± 9.4, P: 0.016). The percentage of accelerated episodes was 8.5%. VT episodes with a mean cycle length (CL) < 310 ms are more likely to accelerate (sensitivity 76.3%, specificity 67.7%, PPV value 45%, NPV 86%, and AUC 0.790). There was a statistically significant difference in the accelerated VT episodes as compared to non-accelerated episodes regarding the number of ATP bursts (mean 3.66 ± 2.22 vs. 1.76 ± 1.35, P: < 0.001), ramp (23.7% vs. 4.2%, P: < 0.001), scanning (55.3% vs. 31.3%, P: 0.003) and burst adaptive cycle length (mean 83.55 ± 2.92 vs. 84.64 ± 2.61, P: 0.016). In a multivariate analysis, the VT CL, number of ATP bursts and ramp pacing predicted VT acceleration by ATP therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Ventricular tachycardia in patients with low LV EF and fast VTs with a CL less than 310 ms were more likely to accelerate with ATP therapy. The number of ATP bursts and the use of ramp had a significant effect on VT acceleration. To avoid VT acceleration by ATP therapy, ramp pacing better be avoided, especially in fast VTs, and lesser number of bursts should be delivered.

Lipopolysaccharide induced neuroprotective effects of bacterial protease against Alzheimer's disease in male Wistar albino rats.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a highly severe neurodegenerative condition that affects the hippocampus and is characterized by memory loss and dementia. This investigation aims to determine the potential of a bacterial protease enzyme produced by a new mutant strain of bacteria (Bacillus cereus S6-3/UM90) to influence the rat behavioural, biochemical, histological, and immuno-histochemical functions induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) experimentally. The administration of LPS exhibited a decline in memory performance via Morris' Water Maze test along with an elevation of IL-6, IL-17, amino acid neurotransmitters, Adenosine monophosphate (AMP), and 8-OHdG, whereas a decrease in ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), monoamine transmitters, AChE (acetylcholinesterase) and PC (phosphatidylcholine). Additionally, there was a notable increase in GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) and p-Tau protein immuno-expression levels along with obvious histological lesions in the hippocampal CA3 region. Moreover, the administration of protease or Donepezil restored the measured parameters to nearly normal levels and improved the histological architecture of the hippocampus and ameliorated memory impairments. In conclusion, the study provides evidence that the treatment with Bacterial protease can improve the memory and learning impairments of LPS-induced AD and may be used as a promising therapeutic agent to manage AD since it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.