Digital Implant-Supported Restoration Planning Placed in Autologous Graft Using Titanium Implants Produced by Additive Manufacturing.

This clinical report presents a technique to reconstruct extensively resected mandibles using a combination of autologous bone grafts and additive manufacturing techniques. Mandibular defects, often arising from trauma, tumors, or congenital anomalies, can severely impact both function and aesthetics. Conventional reconstruction methods have their limitations, often resulting in suboptimal outcomes. In these reports, we detail clinical cases where patients with different mandibular defects underwent reconstructive surgery. In each instance, autologous grafts were harvested to ensure the restoration of native bone tissue, while advanced virtual planning techniques were employed for precise graft design and dental implant placement. The patients experienced substantial improvements in masticatory function, speech, and facial aesthetics. Utilizing autologous grafts minimized the risk of rejection and complications associated with foreign materials. The integration of virtual planning precision allowed customized solutions, reducing surgical duration and optimizing implant positioning. These 2 cases underscores the potential of combining autologous grafts with virtual planning precision and dental implants produced by additive manufacturing for mandible reconstruction.

Increased Duration of Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgery Increases the Risk of Post-Operative Urinary Retention: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Post-operative urinary retention (POUR) is a common complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Spinal anaesthetic has been associated with an increased risk of POUR, whilst other risk factors remain unclear. This study aims to identify modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of POUR for THA and TKA patients. Methods: A single-centre retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to our hospital over the course of 6 weeks from September to October 2021 for a THA or TKA. All patients who underwent elective THA/TKA were included, and trauma cases were excluded. Results: Ninety-two consecutive patients were included in this study. The overall rate of POUR was 17%. A shorter operative duration resulted in a reduced risk of POUR (median duration of non-retention patients, 88 min vs. 100 min POUR patients; odds ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99, p = 0.018). The median bladder volume of patients with urinary retention at the point of diagnosis was 614 mL (range, 298-999 mL). The arthroplasty type, anaesthetic technique, pre-operative morphine use, body mass index, age, cardiovascular disease, and renal disease were found to have no significant association with POUR. Conclusions: A reduced operative time of arthroplasty surgery is associated with a decreased risk of POUR. Patients with a prolonged operative time should have an increased frequency of micturition monitoring in the immediate post-operative period.

The Effect of COVID-19 Restrictions on General and HIV Positive Inpatient Admissions and Treatment Outcomes: An Uncontrolled Before-and-after Study at a Ugandan Tertiary Hospital.

Measures to contain the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic curtailed access to prevention and treatment services for endemic infectious diseases like HIV. We used an uncontrolled before-and-after study design to compare general and HIV positive (HIV+) inpatient outcomes at a tertiary hospital in Uganda, using electronic records of medical inpatients. Data was downloaded, cleaned in Microsoft Excel, and exported to STATA for analysis. We determined the difference in number of admissions and median length of hospital stay using Mann-Whitney U test; and difference in median survival and incidence rates of mortality using Kaplan - Meier statistics, between the pre- and peri-COVID-19 groups. Of 7506 patients admitted to Kiruddu NRH, 50.8% (3812) were female and 18.7% (1,401) were aged 31-40 years, and 18.8% (1,411) were HIV+. Overall, 24.6% (1849) died. Total admissions were lower (2192 vs. 5314 patients), overall mortality rate higher (41.8% vs. 17.6%, p < 0.01), median length of hospital stay longer (6 vs. 4 days, p < 0.01) and median survival shorter (11 vs. 20 days, Chi-square = 252.05, p < 0.01) in the peri- than in pre-COVID-19 period. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of death was 2.08 (95% CI: 1.85-2.23, p < 0.01) in the peri- compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. These differences were more pronounced in HIV + patients. Compared to pre-COVID-19, the peri-COVID-19 period registered lower inpatient admissions but poorer treatment outcomes for general and HIV + inpatients. Emerging epidemic responses should minimize disruption to inpatient care, especially for HIV + individuals.

Impact of COVID-19 on opioid use in those awaiting hip and knee arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has had a detrimental impact on access to hip and knee arthroplasty surgery. We set out to examine whether this had a subsequent impact on preoperative opioid prescribing rates for those awaiting surgery. METHODS: Data regarding patient demographics and opioid utilisation were collected from the electronic health records of included patients at a large university teaching hospital. Patients on the outpatient waiting list for primary hip and knee arthroplasty as of September 2020 (COVID-19 group) were compared with historical controls (Controls) who had previously undergone surgery. A sample size calculation indicated 452 patients were required to detect a 15% difference in opioid prescription rates between groups. RESULTS: A total of 548 patients (58.2% female) were included, 260 in the COVID-19 group and 288 in the Controls. Baseline demographics were similar between the groups. For those with data available, the proportion of patients on any opioid at follow-up in the COVID-19 group was significantly higher: 55.0% (143/260) compared with 41.2% (112/272) in the Controls (p=0.002). This remained significant when adjusted for confounding (age, gender, Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, procedure and wait time). The proportion of patients on a strong opioid was similar (4.2% (11/260) vs 4.8% (13/272)) for COVID-19 and Controls, respectively. The median waiting time from referral to follow-up was significantly longer in the COVID-19 group compared with the Controls (455 days vs 365 days; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The work provides evidence of potential for an emerging opioid problem associated with the influence of COVID-19 on elective arthroplasty services. Viable alternatives to opioid analgesia for those with end-stage arthritis should be explored, and prolonged waiting times for surgery ought to be avoided in the recovery from COVID-19 to prevent more widespread opioid use.

HIV, tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus and hypertension admissions and premature mortality among adults in Uganda from 2011 to 2019: is the tide turning?

BACKGROUND: The growing burden of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) on the background of endemic Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) is a concern in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to describe annual trends in admissions, mortality rates and premature mortality (years of potential life lost-YPLLs) due to HIV, tuberculosis (TB), diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) in Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, retrieving electronic records of adults admitted to Mulago and Kiruddu national referral hospitals medical wards between 1st January 2011 and 31st December 2019. We used STATA BE 17.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0.2 to compute total admissions, inpatient crude mortality rates, and YPLLs; and demonstrate trends using Mann-Kendall test. RESULTS: Of 108,357 admissions, 55,620 (51.3%) were female, 15,300 (14.1%) were recorded in 2012, and 22,997 (21.2%) were aged 21-30 years. HIV, TB, DM and HTN accounted for 26,021 (24.0%); 9537 (8.8%); 13,708 (12.7) and 13,252 (12.2%) of all admissions, respectively. Overall inpatient mortality was 16.7% (18,099/108,357), 53.5% (9674/18,099) were male, 21.5% (3898) were aged 31-40 years and 2597 (14.4%) were registered in 2013. HIV, TB, DM and HTN accounted for 35.6% (6444), 14.6% (2646), 9.1% (1648) and 11.8% (2142) of all deaths, respectively. Total admissions (Kendall's tau-B = - 0.833, p < 0.001) and deaths declined (Kendall's tau-B = - 0.611, p = 0.029). A total of 355,514 (mean = 20.8 years, SD 30.0) YPLLs were recorded, of which 54.6% (191,869) were in males; 36.2% (128,755) were among those aged 21-30 years and were recorded in 2012 (54,717; 15.4%). HIV, TB, DM and HTN accounted for 46.5% (165,352); 19.5% (69,347); 4.8% (16,991) and 4.5% (16,167) of YPLLs, respectively. Proportionate contribution of HIV to deaths and YPLLs declined, remained stagnant for TB; and increased for both DM and HTN. CONCLUSION: TB and HIV account for higher though declining, while DM and HTN account for lower albeit rising morbidity and premature mortality among adult medical patients in Uganda. TB prevention and treatment; and DM/HTN service integration in HIV care should be optimized and scaled up.

Using Artificial Intelligence to Revolutionise the Patient Care Pathway in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty (ARCHERY): Protocol for the Development of a Clinical Prediction Model.

BACKGROUND: Hip and knee osteoarthritis is substantially prevalent worldwide, with large numbers of older adults undergoing joint replacement (arthroplasty) every year. A backlog of elective surgery due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and an aging population, has led to substantial issues with access to timely arthroplasty surgery. A potential method to improve the efficiency of arthroplasty services is by increasing the percentage of patients who are listed for surgery from primary care referrals. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, specifically machine learning, provides a potential unexplored solution to correctly and rapidly select suitable patients for arthroplasty surgery. OBJECTIVE: This study has 2 objectives: (1) develop a cohort of patients with referrals by general practitioners regarding assessment of suitability for hip or knee replacement from National Health Service (NHS) Grampian data via the Grampian Data Safe Haven and (2) determine the demographic, clinical, and imaging characteristics that influence the selection of patients to undergo hip or knee arthroplasty, and develop a tested and validated patient-specific predictive model to guide arthroplasty referral pathways. METHODS: The AI to Revolutionise the Patient Care Pathway in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty (ARCHERY) project will be delivered through 2 linked work packages conducted within the Grampian Data Safe Haven and Safe Haven Artificial Intelligence Platform. The data set will include a cohort of individuals aged ≥16 years with referrals for the consideration of elective primary hip or knee replacement from January 2015 to January 2022. Linked pseudo-anonymized NHS Grampian health care data will be acquired including patient demographics, medication records, laboratory data, theatre records, text from clinical letters, and radiological images and reports. Following the creation of the data set, machine learning techniques will be used to develop pattern classification and probabilistic prediction models based on radiological images. Supplemental demographic and clinical data will be used to improve the predictive capabilities of the models. The sample size is predicted to be approximately 2000 patients-a sufficient size for satisfactory assessment of the primary outcome. Cross-validation will be used for development, testing, and internal validation. Evaluation will be performed through standard techniques, such as the C statistic (area under curve) metric, calibration characteristics (Brier score), and a confusion matrix. RESULTS: The study was funded by the Chief Scientist Office Scotland as part of a Clinical Research Fellowship that runs from August 2021 to August 2024. Approval from the North Node Privacy Advisory Committee was confirmed on October 13, 2021. Data collection started in May 2022, with the results expected to be published in the first quarter of 2024. ISRCTN registration has been completed. CONCLUSIONS: This project provides a first step toward delivering an automated solution for arthroplasty selection using routinely collected health care data. Following appropriate external validation and clinical testing, this project could substantially improve the proportion of referred patients that are selected to undergo surgery, with a subsequent reduction in waiting time for arthroplasty appointments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN18398037; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN18398037. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/37092.

Evaluation of sound levels in elective orthopaedic theatres during primary hip and knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic surgery involves tools which could cause noise-induced hearing loss in theatre staff. Threshold levels for occupational noise exposure have been developed in the U.K., above which action is required to reduce exposure. The aims of our study were to determine whether equivalent continuous sound pressure levels during elective arthroplasty can be measured using readily available materials, and to assess whether noise exposure levels stand within acceptable occupational noise exposure levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sound pressure levels of orthopaedic saws were recorded using the MicW i436 connected to an iPhone 4S and the iOS SoundMeter application, and using a professional sound meter. Equivalent sound pressure levels were recorded for total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) using the MicW i436 SoundMeter application. Data obtained was then used to calculate a "worst case" daily exposure value to assess if sound levels were compliant with U.K. RESULTS: Sound pressure levels recorded using the MicW i436 and Soundmeter application were accurate compared to professional soundmeter readings. THR showed equivalent sound pressure levels (LAeq) of 77 dBA and TKR showed a LAeq of 80 db. Calculated "worst case" scenarios for daily noise exposure using these values did not meet the lower exposure action values set out by U.K. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to accurately measure continuous sound pressure levels during elective orthopaedic surgery using readily available materials. Noise exposure values during TKR meet lower exposure action values, and when "worst case" daily exposure levels are calculated this level is still lower than the threshold.

Interpretation and reporting of predictive or diagnostic machine-learning research in Trauma & Orthopaedics.

There is increasing popularity in the use of artificial intelligence and machine-learning techniques to provide diagnostic and prognostic models for various aspects of Trauma & Orthopaedic surgery. However, correct interpretation of these models is difficult for those without specific knowledge of computing or health data science methodology. Lack of current reporting standards leads to the potential for significant heterogeneity in the design and quality of published studies. We provide an overview of machine-learning techniques for the lay individual, including key terminology and best practice reporting guidelines. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(12):1754-1758.

Periodontal ligament cells in adolescents and adults: Genetic level responses to orthodontic forces.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal ligament cells (PDLC) respond to the application of mechanical forces by releasing various molecules that participate in bone remodeling. Whether these cellular reactions take place at the same rate in adolescent and adult patients is not known. In this study, we aimed to evaluate differences in genetic expression, if any, between the release of various inflammatory mediators from PDLC in adolescent and adult patients before and after the application of orthodontic forces. METHODS: Forty subjects with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion requiring extraction of first premolars for orthodontic treatment were selected and divided into 2 groups. Group A included 20 adolescents (aged 12-20 years), and group B included 20 adults (aged 35-50 years). Then, 35-50 g of force were applied to the maxillary first premolars, and teeth were extracted at different periods: pretreatment (control group), 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days (experimental group). The periodontal ligament was scraped from the middle third of the root, and the beta-galactosidase assay was performed in the control group. RNA extraction, DNase treatment, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and complementary DNA synthesis were performed in the experimental group. RESULTS: Adult PDLC exhibited senescent changes through increased beta-galactosidase activity. The increase in the inflammatory response and bone resorption in adult patients was evident by increased prostaglandin E2, IL1B, and acid phosphatase mRNA expression levels. Controlled bone formation response by adolescent PDLC was evident from increased ALP and BGLAP mRNA levels and a balanced receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand/OPG ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The study could identify the reasons behind the differential response of adolescent and adult PDLC to orthodontic mechanics.

Total joint prosthesis for ankylosis after multiples condylar traumas.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a disease commonly associated with facial trauma, especially in the condylar region. Described as a heterotopic bone growth that causes mouth opening limitation, it may occur in trauma cases misdiagnosed or mistreated. We present the case of a 37-year-old female, with decreased mouth opening after three traumas in the region of the right condyle by a motorcycle accident. We performed custom-made total joint replacement of the TMJ to rehabilitate the patient post arthroplasty. TMJ Concepts® protocol was followed to perform the patient's rehabilitation. She is being followed since then by a physical therapist to regain the pre-pathosis status of mouth opening, speech, and mastication function.

Temporomandibular disorders: Guidelines and Self-Care for Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic / Desordem Temporomandibular: Orientações e Autocuidados para Pacientes Durante a Pandemia do COVID-19

Background: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) belongs to a heterogeneous group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions involving the temporomandibular joint complex, musculature and adjacent components. These conditions can generate signs and symptoms and be influenced by an altered biopsychosocial condition. Objective: This study aims to seek information to assist the patient in the presence of TMD signs and symptoms and Orofacial Pain, associated with the period of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: For the preparation of this manual, a bibliographic search was performed in the databases PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), BBO (BVS), Scopus, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library, using the keywords: orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, stress, anxiety, biopsychosocial, diagnosis, self-care with important information on how to reduce and control the signs and symptoms of TMD and Orofacial Pain in this moment of pandemic that we are experiencing a social detachment. Results: The results show that the pandemic of COVID-19 and the need for social isolation, generates psychological impact that raises the pattern of anxiety and can directly affect patients with bruxism and TMD. Conclusion: Psychological factors associated with the pandemic can lead to an increased risk of developing, worsening and perpetuating bruxism, especially waking bruxism and TMD, so dentists should be aware of the occurrence of signs and symptoms to manage the multifactorial aspects of this condition. At that time, individual self-management strategies are advised for the patient, which consist of self-massage techniques, body education, exercise practices, sleep hygiene, meditation also the use of mobile apps and online tools that facilitate this activity. (AU)

Introdução: A Desordem Temporomandibular (DTM) pertence a um grupo heterogêneo de condições musculoesqueléticas e neuromusculares envolvendo o complexo articular temporomandibular, a musculatura e os componentes adjacentes. Essas condições podem gerar sinais e sintomas e serem influenciadas por uma condição biopsicossocial alterada. Objetivo: Esse estudo teve como objetivo buscar informações que possam auxiliar ao paciente na presença de sinais e sintomas de DTM e Dor Orofacial associado ao período de isolamento social durante a pandemia do COVID -19. Material e Métodos: Para a elaboração deste manual, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), BBO (BVS), Scopus, Web of Science e The Cochrane Library, utilizando as palavras-chaves: dor orofacial, desordem temporomandibular, bruxismo, estresse, ansiedade, biopsicossocial, diagnóstico e autocuidados, com informações importantes sobre como reduzir e controlar os sinais e sintomas de DTM e Dor Orofacial nesse momento de pandemia que estamos vivenciando um distanciamento social. Resultados: Os resultados mostram que a pandemia de COVID-19 e a necessidade de isolamento social, gera impacto psicológico que eleva o padrão de ansiedade e pode afetar diretamente pacientes com bruxismo e DTM. Conclusão: Fatores psicológicos associados à pandemia podem levar a um maior risco de desenvolver, piorar e perpetuar o bruxismo, principalmente bruxismo de vigília e DTM, por isso os cirurgiões-dentistas devem estar atentos a ocorrência de sinais e sintomas para gerenciar os aspectos multifatoriais dessa condição. Aconselha-se, nesse momento, estratégias individualizadas de autogerenciamento para o paciente que consistem em técnicas de automassagem, educação corporal, práticas de exercícios, higiene do sono e meditação. Além do uso de aplicativos digitais e ferramentas online facilitadores dessa atividade (AU)

Fabella Syndrome Following De-Rotation Surgery to Correct a Femoral Malunion.

BACKGROUND: The fabella is a sesamoid bone situated within the lateral head of the gastrocnemius tendon, close to the lateral femoral condyle, and adjoined to the fabellofibular ligament. It is a normal variant, found in up to 87% of patients. Fabella Syndrome describes traditionally posterolateral knee pain, occurring due to biomechanical pressure of the fabella against the lateral femoral condyle. Given its rarity, its diagnosis is often overlooked. We present a case of Fabella Syndrome with a modified surgical excision technique and review of the literature. METHODS AND RESULTS: A thirty-four-year-old man presented with posterolateral knee pain following de-rotation surgery to correct a femoral malunion, from a previous femoral shaft fracture. Due to the patient's complex orthopaedic history, Fabella Syndrome was not initially diagnosed. Fabellectomy eliminated all symptoms of knee pain, with no limitations in knee function. CONCLUSION: Review of the literature identified ten publications (evidence level IV) describing Fabella Syndrome. This is the first reported case of Fabella Syndrome secondary to femoral de-rotation surgery. The authors recommend fabellectomy as a definitive treatment for Fabella Syndrome, in keeping with published literature.

Dyslipidaemia in a Black African diabetic population: burden, pattern and predictors.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the burden, pattern and predictors of dyslipidaemia in 425 adult diabetic patients in Uganda. RESULTS: The median (IQR) age of the study participants was 53 (43.5-62) years with a female majority (283, 66.9%). Dyslipidaemia defined as presence of ≥ 1 lipid abnormalities was observed in 374 (88%) study participants. Collectively, the predictors of dyslipidaemia were: female gender, study site (private hospitals), type of diabetes (type 2 diabetes mellitus), statin therapy, increased body mass index and diastolic blood pressure. Proactive screening of dyslipidaemia and its optimal management using lipid lowering therapy should be emphasised among adult diabetic patients in Uganda.

Statin therapy reduces the likelihood of suboptimal blood pressure control among Ugandan adult diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is one of the recognized risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in adult diabetic patients. High prevalence of suboptimal blood pressure (BP) control has been well documented in the majority of studies assessing BP control in diabetic patients in sub-Saharan Africa. In Uganda, there is a dearth of similar studies. This study evaluated the prevalence and correlates of suboptimal BP control in an adult diabetic population in Uganda. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 425 eligible ambulatory adult diabetic patients attending three urban diabetic outpatient clinics over 11 months. Data about their sociodemographic characteristics and clinical history were collected using pre-tested questionnaires. Suboptimal BP control was defined according to the 2015 American Diabetes Association standards of diabetes care guideline as BP levels ≥140/90 mmHg. RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 52.2±14.4 years, with the majority being females (283, 66.9%). Suboptimal BP control was documented in 192 (45.3%) study participants and was independently associated with the study site (private hospitals; odds ratio 2.01, 95% confidence interval 1.18-3.43, P=0.01) and use of statin therapy (odds ratio 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.26-0.96, P=0.037). CONCLUSION: Suboptimal BP control was highly prevalent in this study population. Strategies to improve optimal BP control, especially in the private hospitals, and the use of statin therapy should be encouraged in adult diabetic patients.

Frequency and predictors of suboptimal glycemic control in an African diabetic population.

BACKGROUND: Persistent suboptimal glycemic control is invariably associated with onset and progression of acute and chronic diabetic complications in diabetic patients. In Uganda, studies documenting the magnitude and predictors of suboptimal glycemic control in adult ambulatory diabetic patients are limited. This study aimed at determining the frequency and predictors of suboptimal glycemic control in adult diabetic patients attending three urban outpatient diabetic clinics in Uganda. METHODS: In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, eligible ambulatory adult diabetic patients attending outpatient diabetic clinics of three urban hospitals were consecutively enrolled over 11 months. Suboptimal glycemic control was defined as glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level ≥7%. Multivariable analysis was applied to determine the predictors. RESULTS: The mean age of the study participants was 52.2±14.4 years, and the majority of them were females (283, 66.9%). The median (interquartile range) HbA1c level was 9% (6.8%-12.4%). Suboptimal glycemic control was noted in 311 study participants, accounting for 73.52% of the participants. HbA1c levels of 7%-8%, 8.1%-9.9%, and ≥10% were noted in 56 (13.24%), 76 (17.97%), and 179 (42.32%) study participants, respectively. The documented predictors of suboptimal glycemic control were metformin monotherapy (odds ratio: 0.36, 95% confidence interval: 0.21-0.63, p<0.005) and insulin therapy (odds ratio: 2.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.41-4.12, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Suboptimal glycemic control was highly prevalent in this study population with an association to metformin monotherapy and insulin therapy. Strategies aimed at improving glycemic control in diabetes care in Uganda should be enhanced.

The Virulence Regulator Rns Activates the Expression of CS14 Pili.

Although many viral and bacterial pathogens cause diarrhea, enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) is one of the most frequently encountered in impoverished regions where it is estimated to kill between 300,000 and 700,000 children and infants annually. Critical ETEC virulence factors include pili which mediate the attachment of the pathogen to receptors in the intestinal lumen. In this study we show that the ETEC virulence regulator Rns positively regulates the expression of CS14 pili. Three Rns binding sites were identified upstream of the CS14 pilus promoter centered at -34.5, -80.5, and -155.5 relative to the Rns-dependent transcription start site. Mutagenesis of the promoter proximal site significantly decreased expression from the CS14 promoter. In contrast, the contribution of Rns bound at the promoter distal site was negligible and largely masked by occupancy of the promoter proximal site. Unexpectedly, Rns bound at the site centered at -80.5 had a slight but statistically significant inhibitory effect upon the pilin promoter. Nevertheless, this weak inhibitory effect was not sufficient to overcome the substantial promoter activation from Rns bound to the promoter proximal site. Thus, CS14 pili belong to a group of pili that depend upon Rns for their expression.

Vitamin B12 deficiency among adult diabetic patients in Uganda: relation to glycaemic control and haemoglobin concentration.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin B12 deficiency is highly prevalent among adult individuals with diabetes yet screening is infrequent in Uganda. There are currently no published data regarding the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and its associated factors among adult individuals with diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at describing the prevalence and factors associated with vitamin B12 deficiency among this patient population in a resource constrained setting in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 280 eligible study participants attending the outpatient diabetic clinic at Mulago national referral and teaching hospital in Kampala, Uganda were enrolled. Their socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. RESULTS: The majority of the study participants were female (68.9 %), with a median age of 50 (IQR: 40-58) years. The mean (SD) serum vitamin B12 levels was 472.0 (16.4) pg/ml. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 10.7 %. Hemoglobin level < 12 g/dl (AOR 3.38; 95 % CI 1.38-8.32, p value = 0.008) and glycated hemoglobin ≥ 7 % (AOR 3.29; 1.44-7.51, p value = 0.005) were associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent in approximately 1 in 10 of adult individuals with diabetes in Uganda. We recommend screening for vitamin B12 deficiency among diabetic patients in Uganda especially those with low hemoglobin concentrations and glycated hemoglobin levels ≥ 7 %.

Estudo retrospectivo e analítico de biópsias estereotácticas / Retrospective study of stereotactic brain biopsies

Fundamento: A biópsia estereotáctica tem sido considerada técnica simples e sem complicações e com resultados satisfatórios para o diagnóstico. Neste estudo ficou evidente que nem sempre o procedimento é simples e pode apresentar riscos. Métodos: Foram analisados procedimentos (n=78) para biópsia estereotáctica de novembro de 2000 a setembro de 2007. As biópsias foram diagnósticas em 85,7% e não diagnósticas em 4%. Os procedimentos foram realizados em centro cirúrgico próximo à radiologia e à sala de patologia. Foi usado equipamento do tipo arco-alvo-centrado compatível com coordenadas cartesianas. Os fiduciais usados foram adequados somente para o equipamento de TC. A cânula de biópsia foi do tipo Nashold e as coordenadas foram calculadas no tomógrafo com programa computadorizado. Resultados: Pré-operatoriamente, observaram-se déficits motores e visuais em 35%, convulsões em 38% e alterações do nível de consciência em 27%. Foram incluídos nas biópsias pacientes com lesões expansivas intracranianas e as indefinidas. Foram excluídos os casos com discrasia sanguínea, tumores vasculares, intraventriculares e doença de Creutzfeldt-Jakob. As lesões expansivas predominaram no nível supratentorial e os homens foram mais afetados do que as mulheres: 64% e 36% respectivamente. O mais jovem tinha 16 anos e o mais velho 74. A lesão expansiva predominante foi o glioblastoma multiforme. Entre os diagnósticos da TC 1/3 não correspondeu à biópsia. Não houve morbidade e/ou mortalidade. Conclusão: O procedimento da biópsia estereotáctica não é isenta de risco, assim como de complicações. Em 1/3 dos casos o diagnóstico neuro-radiológico foi diferente do resultado da biópsia dificultando a conduta cirúrgica. O glioma predominante foi do tipo glioblastoma multiforme supratentorial em faixa etária mais alta e glioma de baixo grau nos mais jovens.

Background: Stereotactic biopsy has been considered simple and safe. In this paper it is shown that the stereotactic procedure is not always without risk. Methods: Procedures (n=78) for stereotactic biopsy were analysed from november 2000 to september 2007. Diagnosis was accurate in 85,7% and misdiagnosis was 4%. The isocentric stereotactic arc-centered system type was used with cartesian system of coordinates. Fiducials were adapted only for CT scanner. Biopsy probe Nashold was used. The coordinates were made within the tomographic machine. Results: The patients presented lesions causing motor déficits and visual disturbances in 35%, convulsions in 38%, and conscience level disturbances in 27%. Patients with tumours and undefined lesions were chosen. Patients with blood dyscrasia, vascular and intraventricular tumors, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease were excluded. The tumours were mainly supratentorial and men were more affected than women. The younger patient was 16 and the olderst 74 years old. Glioblastoma was the more frequent glioma. Among the cases, 1/3 diagnosed by neuroradiologists was different in relation to the pahological findings. No morbimortality was registered. Conclusions: Stereotactic biopsies are not always safe and with no risks. The neuroradiologic diagnosis were different in 1/3 of the cases in comparison to the pathological findings. The predominant glioma was the glioblastoma type for the older and low grade gliomas for the younger subjects.

EVAR, TEVAR, FEVAR, too far?

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is the greatest technological advance in the field of vascular and endovascular surgery in the past 15 years. However, its widespread application has created potential problems, and EVAR may be overused in some circumstances. As long-term outcome data are being sought for EVAR, it is becoming apparent that complications (infection, device migration, and the development of late endoleaks, aneurysm growth, and rupture) are occurring at a higher rate than anticipated. It is also apparent that follow-up is not complete in a large proportion of patients after EVAR, and these are the patients most prone to present with late complications. Surgeons are placing devices in large numbers of patients with poor anatomy for EVAR, in part because of pressures from patients, families, and referring physicians. In patients with good anatomy, EVAR is an excellent option and will likely be durable. In those with unfavorable anatomical features, we need to better appreciate the potential for adverse long-term outcomes and advocate more strongly for open repair.