Variation of cervical sagittal alignment parameters according to age and pelvic incidence in degenerative spinal deformity patients.

INTRODUCTION: In asymptomatic subjects, variations of cervical sagittal alignment parameters according to age and spinopelvic organization have been reported. A large range of compensation phenomena has been observed in degenerative spinal deformity in order to maintain horizontal gaze, but it remains unclear how age and spinopelvic morphology could additionally influence cervical alignment. The aim of this observational retrospective study was to describe the distribution of cervical sagittal alignment parameters according to age and pelvic incidence in subjects with and without degenerative spinal deformity in order to precisely evaluate cervical compensation phenomena in adult spinal deformity (ASD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Radiographs of 478 subjects (327 females and 151 males) were distributed into 235 asymptomatic and 243 deformed subjects. Occipito-cervical parameters were McGregor-C1, McGregor-C2, C1-C2 and occipito-C2 angles. The cervicothoracic inflection point (CTIP) was determined. Caudal cervical sagittal alignment parameters were: C2-C7 lordosis, C2-apex (superior arch), apex-CTIP (inferior arch), occipito-C3 and occipito-C4 angles, C7-slope and T1-slope. The distribution of parameters was analyzed using a Bayesian inference (significant when Pr > 0.975 or Pr < 0.025). Comparisons between asymptomatic and deformed subjects were done after matching on age (40-60 years; > 60 years) and on PI (< 45°; 45-60°; > 60°). RESULTS: Among occipito-cervical parameters, there was no significant change in McGregor-C1 angle. However, McGregor-C2 angle was significantly higher in the ASD group (Pr = 0.0029), with influence of age (Pr = 0.023), but PI influence. C1-C2 lordosis was significantly higher in the ASD group compared to the asymptomatic group (Pr < 0.0007), without influence of age or PI noticed. C2-C7 lordosis was also higher in the ASD group (Pr < 0.025) with a role of age and PI (Pr < 0.025). Cervical lordosis in the superior arch was significantly higher in the ASD group (Pr > 0.999), without influence of age or PI. In the inferior arch, the lordosis angle was not modified according to the group, but there was an influence of age (Pr < 0.0007). C7-slope and T1-slope were higher according the age group (Pr < 0.0012), without influence of the group or PI. CONCLUSION: This observational study highlights cervical sagittal alignment adaptations in degenerative spinal deformity, matched on age and pelvic incidence. The inferior cervical spine seemed to be modified with a higher lordosis, increasing with age responding to the age-related thoracic kyphosis increase. In addition to that, the superior cervical spine hyperextends more in adult degenerative deformity to maintain horizontal gaze. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Organizational Benefits of Ultra-Low-Dose Chest CT Compared to Chest Radiography in the Emergency Department for the Diagnostic Workup of Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Real-Life Retrospective Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Chest radiography remains the most frequently used examination in emergency departments (ED) for the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), despite its poor diagnostic accuracy compared with ultra-low-dose (ULD) chest computed tomography (CT). However, although ULD CT appears to be an attractive alternative to radiography, its organizational impact in ED remains unknown. Our objective was to compare the relevant timepoints in ED management of CT and chest radiography. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in two ED of a University Hospital including consecutive patients consulting for a CAP between 1 March 2019 and 29 February 2020 to assess the organizational benefits of ULD chest CT and chest radiography (length of stay (LOS) in the ED, time of clinical decision after imaging). Overlap weights (OW) were used to reduce covariate imbalance between groups. Results: Chest radiography was performed for 1476 patients (mean age: 76 years [63; 86]; 55% men) and ULD chest CT for 133 patients (mean age: 71 [57; 83]; 53% men). In the weighted population with OW, ULD chest CT did not significantly alter the ED LOS compared with chest radiography (11.7 to 12.2; MR 0.96 [0.85; 1.09]), although it did significantly reduce clinical decision time (6.9 and 9.5 h; MR 0.73 [0.59; 0.89]). Conclusion: There is real-life evidence that a strategy with ULD chest CT can be considered to be a relevant approach to replace chest radiography as part of the diagnostic workup for CAP in the ED without increasing ED LOS.

COVID-19 Impact on Stroke Admissions during France's First Epidemic Peak: An Exhaustive, Nationwide, Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to have great impacts on the care of non-COVID-19 patients. This was especially true during the first epidemic peak in France, which coincided with the national lockdown. The aim of this study was to identify whether a decrease in stroke admissions occurred in spring 2020, by analyzing the evolution of all stroke admissions in France from January 2019 to June 2020. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide cohort study using the French national database of hospital admissions (Information Systems Medicalization Program) to extract exhaustive data on all hospitalizations in France with at least one stroke diagnosis between January 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020. The primary endpoint was the difference in the slope gradients of stroke hospitalizations between pre-epidemic, epidemic peak, and post-epidemic peak phases. Modeling was carried out using Bayesian techniques. RESULTS: Stroke hospitalizations dropped from March 10, 2020 (slope gradient: -11.70), and began to rise again from March 22 (slope gradient: 2.090) to May 7. In total, there were 23,873 stroke admissions during the period March-April 2020, compared to 29,263 at the same period in 2019, representing a decrease of 18.42%. The percentage change was -15.63%, -25.19%, -18.62% for ischemic strokes, transient ischemic attacks, and hemorrhagic strokes, respectively. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Stroke hospitalizations in France experienced a decline during the first lockdown period, which cannot be explained by a sudden change in stroke incidence. This decline is therefore likely to be a direct, or indirect, result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Older Persons Displaying Parkinsonian Gait: Prediction and Explanation of the Recurrent Falling Phenomenon and Its Related Poor Prognosis.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinsonian gait in older persons is a major risk factor for recurrent falling. This prospective, longitudinal study (named EVAMAR-AGEX) aimed to validate the threshold value of two or more falls per year for distinguishing non-recurrent (NRF) from recurrent fallers (RF), to explore predictive factors for recurrent falling, and to identify factors which underlie the transition of patients from NRF to RF. The study took place over 2 years, with an intermediate analysis at 1 year of follow-up. Herein, we report results after 2 years of follow-up. METHODS: Participants over the age of 65, diagnosed with parkinsonian gait, were followed over the course of 2 years. Induced parkinsonian syndrome and uncontrolled orthostatic hypotension were excluded. Assessments of motor, visual, and cognitive functions were carried out during visits at baseline. Between visits at 12 and 24 months of follow-up, data were collected by phone call every 2 months (falls, traumatic falls, hospitalizations, cognitive fluctuations, delirium, and mortality). Odds ratios (ORs) for a panel of predictive factors for recurrent falling were established using a Bayesian model. RESULTS: Sixty-six of the 79 initially enrolled participants progressed to the second year of the study, with a mean age of 80.57 (SD 6.3), 56% male, presenting parkinsonian gait (53% Parkinson's disease, 15% atypical neurodegenerative parkinsonism, 21% vascular parkinsonism, and 11% diffuse Lewy body disease). At 2 years of follow-up, 67% were RF. Univariate analysis revealed a previous history of falls to be the most significant predictive factor of recurrent falls (OR 13.16, credibility interval [CrI] [95%] 4.04-53.73), and this was reinforced at 2 years of follow-up compared to the intermediate 1-year analysis (OR 11.73, CrI [95%] 4.33-35.28). Multivariate analysis confirmed a previous history of falls (OR 13.20, CrI [95%] 3.29-72.08) and abnormal posture (OR 3.59, CrI [95%] 1.37-11.26) to be predictive factors for recurrent falling. Cognitive decline and fluctuating cognition were associated with the transition from NRF to RF (-3.5 MMSE points for participants transitioning from NRF to RF). CONCLUSION: Within this population of older persons presenting parkinsonian gait, a previous history of falls and abnormal posture may be used to easily identify individuals at risk of recurrent falls. Cognitive decline and fluctuations may underlie the transition of NRF to RF.

Variation of cervical sagittal alignment parameters according to gender, pelvic incidence and age.

PURPOSE: The aim was to describe radiographic cervical sagittal alignment variations according to age, gender and pelvic incidence (PI) and to investigate relationships with thoracic alignment. METHODS: A total of 2599 individuals (5-93 years) without spinal deformity were studied. Cranial cervical parameters were: McGregor slope, occipita-C2 angle, McGregor-C2 lordosis and C1-C2 lordosis. Caudal cervical parameters were: C2-C7, cranial arch and caudal arch lordosis and C7- and T1-slope. A Bayesian inference compared parameter distributions. Correlations with spinopelvic and global alignment parameters were investigated. RESULTS: Among cranial cervical parameters, variations of McGregor slope were non-significant. McGregor-C2 lordosis and C1-C2 lordosis were smaller in males and increased significantly during growth, whereas the occipito-C2 angle decreased (Pr > 0.95). The occipito-C2 angle was larger and McGregor-C2 lordosis was smaller in low PI (Pr > 0.95). Among caudal cervical parameters, C2-C7 lordosis and C7- and T1-slope were larger in males and increased after 50 years (Pr > 0.95). Lordosis changes were non-significant in the cranial arch, whereas values increased in the caudal arch after 35 years (Pr > 0.95). Caudal parameter differences were non-significant between PI groups. Strong correlations existed between C2-C7, caudal arch lordosis, C7-slope, T1-slope and thoracic kyphosis. The sagittal vertical axis C2 correlated with caudal arch lordosis and T1-slope (ρ > 0.5; Pr > 0.95). CONCLUSION: Cervical alignment parameters vary according to age, gender and PI. In the cranial cervical spine, changes occur mainly during growth. In the caudal cervical spine, lordosis increases in the caudal arch, which is related to thoracic kyphosis increase with age. The caudal cervical arch acts as a compensatory segment by progressive extension, allowing horizontal gaze.

Unmasking the interplay between mTOR and Nox4: novel insights into the mechanism connecting diabetes and cancer.

Cancer was recently annexed to diabetic complications. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that cancer can increase the risk of diabetes. Consequently, diabetes and cancer share many risk factors, but the cellular and molecular pathways correlating diabetes and colon and rectal cancer (CRC) remain far from understood. In this study, we assess the effect of hyperglycemia on cancer cell aggressiveness in human colon epithelial adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and in an experimental animal model of CRC. Our results show that Nox (NADPH oxidase enzyme) 4-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is deregulated in both diabetes and CRC. This is paralleled by inactivation of the AMPK and activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) C1 signaling pathways, resulting in 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) accumulation, induction of DNA damage, and exacerbation of cancer cell aggressiveness, thus contributing to the genomic instability and predisposition to increased tumorigenesis in the diabetic milieu. Pharmacologic activation of AMPK, inhibition of mTORC1, or blockade of Nox4 reduce ROS production, restore the homeostatic signaling of 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase/8-oxodG, and lessen the progression of CRC malignancy in a diabetic milieu. Taken together, our results identify the AMPK/mTORC1/Nox4 signaling axis as a molecular switch correlating diabetes and CRC. Modulating this pathway may be a strategic target of therapeutic potential aimed at reversing or slowing the progression of CRC in patients with or without diabetes.-Mroueh, F. M., Noureldein, M., Zeidan, Y. H., Boutary, S., Irani, S. A. M., Eid, S., Haddad, M., Barakat, R., Harb, F., Costantine, J., Kanj, R., Sauleau, E.-A., Ouhtit, A., Azar, S. T., Eid, A. H., Eid, A. A. Unmasking the interplay between mTOR and Nox4: novel insights into the mechanism connecting diabetes and cancer.

A Brain Imaging-Based Diagnostic Biomarker for Periodic Catatonia: Preliminary Evidence Using a Bayesian Approach.

Periodic catatonia (PC) is a psychomotor phenotype with a progressive-remitting course. While it can fit any disorder diagnosis of the schizoaffective spectrum, its core features consist of a mix of hypo- and hyperkinesias resulting in distortions of expressive movements such as grimacing and parakinesias. The replication of cerebral blood flow (CBF) increases in the left supplementary motor area (L-SMA) and lateral premotor cortex (L-LPM) in acute and remitting PC patients indicates that these increases could be used as diagnostic biomarkers. In this proof-of-concept study, 2 different MRI sequences were repeated on 3 separate days to get reliable measurement values of CBF in 9 PC and 26 non-PC patients during different cognitive tasks. Each patient was compared to 37 controls. In L-SMA [-9; +10; +60] and L-LPM [-46; -12; +43], a test was positive if the t value was >2.02 (α < 0.05; two tailed). The measurements had good analytical performance. Regarding the tests, their sensitivities and specificities were significantly different from the chance level on both measures, except for L-SMA sensitivities. When combining all the tests, among regions and methods, sensitivity was 98% (95% credible interval [CI] 76-100%) and specificity 88% (72-97%). Bayesian inferences of its negative predictive values for PC were >95% regardless of the context, while its positive predictive values reached 94% but only when used in combination with clinical criteria. The case-by-case analysis suggests that non-PC patients with neurological motor deficits are at risk to be false positive.

Possible factors associated with sagittal malalignment recurrence after pedicle subtraction osteotomy.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study investigates sagittal alignment after pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO). The purpose was to investigate factors associated with malalignment recurrence. METHODS: Full spine radiographs were analyzed in 66 patients (average age 54.5 years, follow-up 3.8 years). Measurements were taken preoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, at follow-up: SVA C2 and C7, C2-C7 lordosis, T4-T12 kyphosis, L1-S1 lordosis, PSO lordosis, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope. Follow-up CTs were screened for pseudarthrosis and gas in sacroiliac joints. RESULTS: PSO lordosis increased from 11.8° to 40.8° (p < 0.0001) and kept stable. Lumbar lordosis increased from 28.6° to 57.7° (p < 0.0001) and decreased to 49.7° (p = 0.0008). Pelvic tilt decreased from 29.2° to 16.5° (p < 0.0001) and increased to 22.5° (p < 0.0001). SVA C7 decreased from 105.1 to 35.5 mm (p < 0.0001) and increased to 64.8 mm (p = 0.0005). Twenty-eight patients (42%) had an SVA C7 increase of more than 70 mm in the postoperative course: recurrence group. These patients were older: 62.8 years versus 52.3 years (p = 0.0031). Loss of lordosis was 11.9° (recurrence group) versus 5.0° (non-recurrence group). Eleven patients (17%) had pseudarthrosis. Pelvic incidence increased by 9.3° (recurrence group) versus 3.8° (non-recurrence group). In 23 patients (35%), pelvic incidence increased > 10°. Gas was evidenced in sacroiliac joints in 22 patients (33%). CONCLUSION: Postoperative anterior malalignment recurrence may occur after PSO. Elderly patients were at risk of recurrence. Loss of lumbar lordosis linked to pseudarthrosis represented another factor. With malalignment recurrence, anterior trunk rotation and pelvic retroversion might additionally have augmented moments across sacroiliac joints with subsequent ligament laxity and pelvic incidence increase. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Survival advantage of planned haemodialysis over peritoneal dialysis: a cohort study.

Background: Previous studies comparing the outcomes in haemodialysis (HD) with those in peritoneal dialysis (PD) have yielded conflicting results. Methods: The aim of the study was to compare the survival of planned HD versus PD patients in a cohort of adult incident patients who started renal replacement therapy (RRT) between 2006 and 2008 in the nationwide REIN registry (Réseau Epidémiologie et Information en Néphrologie). Patients who started RRT in emergency or stopped RRT within 2 months were excluded. Adjusted Cox models, propensity score matching and marginal structural models (MSMs) were used to compensate for the lack of randomization and provide causal inference from longitudinal data with time-dependent treatments and confounders including transplant censorship, modality change over time and time-varying covariates. Results: Among a total of 13 767 dialysis patients, 13% were on PD at initiation of RRT and 87% were on HD. The median survival times were 53.5 months or 4.45 years and 38.6 months or 3.21 years for patients starting on HD and PD, respectively. Regardless of the model used, there was a consistent advantage in terms of survival for HD patients: hazard ratio (HR) 0.76 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.69-0.84] with the Cox model using propensity score; HR 0.67 (95% CI 0.62-0.73) in the Cox model with censorship for each treatment change; and HR 0.82 (95% CI 0.69-0.97) with MSMs. However, MSMs tended to reduce the survival gap between PD and HD patients. Conclusion: This large cohort study using various statistical methods to minimize the bias appears to demonstrate a better survival in planned HD than in PD.

Prevalence of Barrett Esophagus in Adolescents and Young Adults With Esophageal Atresia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of Barrett esophagus (BE) (gastric and/or intestinal metaplasia) in adolescents treated for esophageal atresia (EA). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: EA patients are at high risk of BE. METHODS: This multicenter prospective study included EA patients aged 15 to 19 years. All eligible patients were proposed an upper endoscopy with multistaged esophageal biopsies under general anesthesia. Histological suspicion of metaplasia was confirmed centrally. RESULTS: One hundred twenty patients [mean age, 16.5 years (±1.4)] were included; 70% had been treated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) during infancy. At evaluation, 8% were undernourished, 41% had received antireflux surgery, and 41% presented with GERD symptoms, although only 28% were receiving medical treatment. Esophagitis was found at endoscopy in 34% and confirmed at histology in 67%. BE was suspected after endoscopy in 37% and was confirmed by histology for 43% of patients (50 gastric and 1 intestinal metaplasia). No endoscopic or histological anomalies were found at the anastomosis site. BE was not significantly related to clinical symptoms. In multivariate analysis, BE was associated with EA without fistula (P = 0.03), previous multiple antireflux surgery (P = 0.04), esophageal dilation (P = 0.04), suspicion of BE at endoscopy (P < 0.001), and histological esophagitis (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with EA are at high risk of persistent GERD and BE. The development of BE is related to GERD history. Long-term systematic follow-up of the esophageal mucosa including multistaged biopsies is required, even in asymptomatic patients. (NCT02495051).

High-Force Versus Low-Force Lumbar Traction in Acute Lumbar Sciatica Due to Disc Herniation: A Preliminary Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared the effects of high-force versus low-force lumbar traction in the treatment of acute lumbar sciatica secondary to disc herniation. METHODS: A randomized double blind trial was performed, and 17 subjects with acute lumbar sciatica secondary to disc herniation were assigned to high-force traction at 50% body weight (BW; LT50, n = 8) or low force traction at 10% BW (LT10, n = 9) for 10 sessions in 2 weeks. Radicular pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]), lumbo-pelvic-hip complex motion (finger-to-toe test), lumbar-spine mobility (Schöber-Macrae test), nerve root compression (straight-leg-raising test), disability (EIFEL score), drug consumption, and overall evaluation of each patient were measured at days 0, 7, 1, 4, and 28. RESULTS: Significant (P < .05) improvements were observed in the LT50 and LT10 groups, respectively, between day 0 and day 14 (end of treatment) for VAS (-44% and -36%), EIFEL score (-43% and -28%) and overall patient evaluation (+3.1 and +2.0 points). At that time, LT50 specifically improved in the finger-to-toe test (-42%), the straight-leg-raising test (+58), and drug consumption (-50%). No significant interaction effect (group-by-time) was revealed, and the effect of traction treatment was independent of the level of medication. During the 2-week follow-up at day 28, only the LT10 group improved (P < .05) in VAS (-52%) and EIFEL scores (-46%). During this period, no interaction effect (group-by-time) was identified, and the observed responses were independent of the level of medication. CONCLUSIONS: For this preliminary study, patients with acute lumbar sciatica secondary to disc herniation who received 2 weeks of lumbar traction reported reduced radicular pain and functional impairment and improved well-being regardless of the traction force group to which they were assigned. The effects of the traction treatment were independent of the initial level of medication and appeared to be maintained at the 2-week follow-up.

Prospective evaluation of frequency of signs of systemic sclerosis in 76 patients with morphea.

OBJECTIVES: Some authors consider that morphoea and systemic sclerosis (SSc) could be part of the same disease spectrum. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of signs indicative of SSc in a cohort of patients with morphoea. METHODS: This is a prospective multi-centre study performed in four French academic dermatology departments: 76 patients with morphoea and 101 age- and sex-matched controls, who underwent complete clinical examination, were enrolled. A systemic search for signs indicative of SSc (e.g. Raynaud's phenomenon, reflux) was performed with the help of a standardised questionnaire. RESULTS: There were 58 women and 18 men (ration=3/1) with a median age of 59 years. Mean age at diagnosis was 54 years (extremes, 13-87). 49 subjects had plaque morphoea, 9 had generalised morphoea and 18 had linear morphoea. Mean duration of morphoea was 7.9 years. Signs possibly indicative of SSc were noted in four patients of the control group and in 8 patients with morphoea. This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.129). Further investigations ruled out SSc in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Signs indicative of SSc are statistically not more frequently present in patients with morphoea than in controls and this study does not support the view that those 2 entities are part of a common disease spectrum.

Non-redundant association rules between diseases and medications: an automated method for knowledge base construction.

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of electronic health records (EHRs) has generated massive clinical data storage. Association rules mining is a feasible technique to convert this large amount of data into usable knowledge for clinical decision making, research or billing. We present a data driven method to create a knowledge base linking medications to pathological conditions through their therapeutic indications from elements within the EHRs. METHODS: Association rules were created from the data of patients hospitalised between May 2012 and May 2013 in the department of Cardiology at the University Hospital of Strasbourg. Medications were extracted from the medication list, and the pathological conditions were extracted from the discharge summaries using a natural language processing tool. Association rules were generated along with different interestingness measures: chi square, lift, conviction, dependency, novelty and satisfaction. All medication-disease pairs were compared to the Summary of Product Characteristics, which is the gold standard. A score based on the other interestingness measures was created to filter the best rules, and the indices were calculated for the different interestingness measures. RESULTS: After the evaluation against the gold standard, a list of accurate association rules was successfully retrieved. Dependency represents the best recall (0.76). Our score exhibited higher exactness (0.84) and precision (0.27) than all of the others interestingness measures. Further reductions in noise produced by this method must be performed to improve the classification precision. CONCLUSIONS: Association rules mining using the unstructured elements of the EHR is a feasible technique to identify clinically accurate associations between medications and pathological conditions.

Predictive value of cardiovascular parameters in stages 1 and 2 of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The Quintero staging of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) does not include a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. The aim of this study is to assess the predictive value of the myocardial performance index (MPI) and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) score on recipient survival in Quintero stages 1 and 2 TTTS. METHODS: The cohort study was based on prospectively collected data between May 2008 and February 2013 in a population of stages 1 and 2 TTTS. Comparisons between groups were carried out using Student's t-test and χ(2)-test. A stepwise ascending multivariate logistic regression model was then built. RESULTS: A total of 73 pregnancies in stages 1 and 2 of Quintero's classification were treated with laser. Rates of recipient fetal losses were higher when MPI was above 0.43 ms (71.4% vs 28.6%, p = 0.022). Rate of CHOP score above 5 was higher in the fetal loss group (28.6% vs 5.1%, p = 0.022). After adjustment for Quintero stages 1 or 2, the risk of recipient loss rate is higher according to CHOP score [OR 7.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-43.5] or MPI value (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.0-13.9). CONCLUSION: The CHOP score and MPI are correlated with the recipient survival in stages 1 and 2 TTTS.

Percutaneous renal cryoablation: prospective experience treating 120 consecutive tumors.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous renal cryoablation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective nonrandomized evaluation of 120 renal tumors in 95 patients treated with percutaneous cryoablation because their condition did not allow surgery focused on tumor characteristics, complications, hospital course, treatment success based on MRI follow-up, and effect on renal function. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range, 6-63 months). The mean tumor size was 26 mm (range, 10-68 mm), including 20 tumors larger than 40 mm. Ninety-one tumors were treated with CT and 29 with MRI guidance. Fifty-six tumors were anterior, and thermal protection of adjacent organs with carbodissection or hydrodissection was used in 55 cases. According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, five grade II complications and four grade III-V complications occurred. The technical success rate was 94%. Two tumors required a second session of cryoablation because of recurrence or residual tumor. Twelve months after treatment the overall survival was 96.7%, and the disease-free survival rate was 96.4%, including patients with recurrent genetic tumors. Renal function remained unchanged even in the subgroup of patients with a single kidney. CONCLUSION: Midterm follow-up shows that percutaneous renal cryoablation is an effective and safe alternative technique for patients whose condition does not allow surgery and that renal function is preserved. Cryoablation combined with percutaneous thermal protection techniques allows treatment of more complex tumors (large central tumors and tumors close to vulnerable structures). However, T1b and central tumors are associated with higher risk of incomplete treatment.

Obstetric and neonatal outcomes in a home-like birth centre: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: To compare the intervention rates associated with labor in low-risk women who began their labor in the "home-like birth centre" (HLBC) and the traditional labor ward (TLW). METHODS: This retrospective study used data that were collected from January 2005 to June 2008, from women admitted to the HLBC (n = 316) and compared to a group of randomly selected low-risk women admitted to the TLW (n = 890) using the Baysian information criterion to select the best predictive model. RESULTS: Women in the HLBC had spontaneous vaginal deliveries more often (88.6 vs. 82.8 %, p value 0.034) and perineal lesions less often (60.1 vs. 62.5 %, p value 0.013). The frequency of adverse neonatal outcomes did not differ statistically between the two groups, although the mean clamped at birth umbilical arterial pH level was higher in the HLBC group. The transfer rate from HLBC to TLW was 31.3 % of which 75.8 % were nulliparae. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that women could benefit from HLBC care in settings such as the one studied. Larger observational studies are warranted to validate these results.

Cancer incidence and survival in adolescents and young adults in France, 2000-2008.

This study aimed to describe cancer incidence (2000-2008) and survival (2000-2004) in France in adolescents and young adults (AYA). All cases of cancer diagnosed in 15-24 years, recorded by all French population-based registries (14% of the French population), over the 2000-2008 period, were included. Incidence change over time was described with the conventional annual percentage change (cAPC). The survival of cases diagnosed (2000-2004) was estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. A total of 1022 in adolescents and 1396 in young adults were diagnosed. Overall incidence rates were 219.4/10(6) in 15-19 year olds and 293.1/10(6) in 20-24 year olds. The most frequently diagnosed cancers in male AYA were malignant gonadal germ-cell tumors and Hodgkin's disease, and were melanoma, thyroid carcinoma, and Hodgkin's disease in females. The age-standardized rates appeared stable over time in AYA, with a cAPC of +2.0% (P = 0.68). The 5-year overall survival for all cancers was different between genders and age groups, with 78.8% (95%CI: 75.6-82.0) for males and 85.2% (95%CI: 82.2-88.1) for females (P = 0.01), and 78.5% (95%CI: 75.0-82.1) in 15-19 year olds and 84.3% (95% CI: 81.6-87.0) in 20-24 year olds (P = 0.02). Noteworthy, the frequency and the distribution of tumor types in AYA are unique and different from the observed at any other age group. Survival in French AYA has improved over time. Epidemiological data might reflect major trends in the risk factors and preventive interventions. Thus, further research into etiology of cancers affecting AYA should become key priorities for cancer control among AYA.

Proximal and distal mechanical repercussions of instrumentation by double rods and interbody grafts in adult scoliosis.

INTRODUCTION: Correction of adult scoliosis by instrumentation with double rods and interbody grafts aims to reduce the risk of pseudarthrosis with rod fracture. An increase in instrumentation rigidity can lead to an increase in stresses at the proximal and distal ends of the construct. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and clinical repercussions of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), proximal junctional failure (PJF) and iliac screw loosening. MATERIEL AND METHODS: An analysis of patients operated on for adult scoliosis with instrumentation to the pelvis using 4 rods and interbody cages was carried out from a prospective register. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Scoliosis Research Society 22 (SRS-22) clinical scores and radiological parameters were collected preoperatively, postoperatively at 3 months, 1 year and 2 years. The appearance of PJK, PJF or distal screw loosening was sought; the clinical impact and the risk factors were analyzed by Bayesian inference. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients with a mean age of 64.5 years were included. The clinical scores improved significantly (Pr>0.95) at 2 years: VAS back 6.9 versus 2.6, VAS leg 4.9 versus 2.5, ODI 48.2 versus 25.4, SRS-22 2.4 versus 3.5. The radiological parameters were corrected (Pr>0.95): Cobb angle 63.9° versus 22.8°, spinosacral angle (SSA) 112.4° versus 118.8°, T1-pelvic angle (TPA) 24, 8° versus 20.8°, lumbar lordosis 43.8° versus 51.0°, thoracic kyphosis 45.2° versus 53.6°. Thirteen patients (25.5%) presented with PJK and 11 (21.6%) with PJF. Seven patients (13.7%) presented with iliac screw loosening. None of these complications was associated with a significant deterioration in clinical scores. Cranial migration of the lumbar apex increased the risk of distal screw loosening: Odds-Ratio 10.31 (Pr>0.999). Two patients were re-operated on for PJF and one patient for iliac screw loosening (5.9%). No rod fracture with pseudarthrosis was found. CONCLUSION: Instrumentation with double rods and interbody grafts was associated with a rate of 47.1% of mechanical repercussions at the extremity of the construct. However, these complications were not associated with a significant deterioration in clinical scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Psychopathological profile and sagittal alignment in low-back pain.

INTRODUCTION: Low-back pain requires comprehensive care using a biopsychosocial model. The psychologic dimension plays an important role, but the link between sagittal alignment and a given psychopathological profile is little studied. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychopathological profiles and sagittal parameters of a population with low-back pain and to assess the link. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 205 patients, with a mean age of 49.6 years (range, 18-70 years), presenting chronic common low-back pain without radicular involvement, were included prospectively. Mood scores comprised: the self-administered "Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale" (HAD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Radiological parameters, measured on lateral full-spine radiographs, included: L1-S1 lordosis, T1-T12 kyphosis, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 slope, and Roussouly type. RESULTS: Mean HAM-A score was 16.1; 54% of patients had scores ≥14, indicating anxiety disorder. Mean HAM-D score was 10.8; 55% of patients had scores ≥10, indicating depressive disorder. Mean YMRS score was 2.6; only 1 patient had a score ≥20, indicating manic disorder. The 112 patients with HAM-A score >14 showed mean 51.6° L1-S1 lordosis (p=0.356), 48.3° T1-T12 kyphosis (p=0.590), -4.3mm C7 SVA (p=0.900), and 29.3° T1 slope (p=0.451). In case of HAM-A <14, there were no significant differences. The 113 patients with HAM-D score >10 showed significant differences in T1-T12 kyphosis (mean 49.0°; p<0.05) and T1 slope (30.2°; p<0.05); mean L1-S1 lordosis was 50.5° (p=0.861) and C7 SVA 1.6mm (p=0.462). In case of HAM-D <10, T1-T12 kyphosis was 45.5° (p<0.05) and T1 slope 26.2° (p<0.05); mean lordosis was 50.9° (p=0.861) and mean C7 SVA -7.1mm (p=0.259). Multivariate analysis found no significant link between Roussouly type and psychiatric scores: HAD (p=0.715), HAM-A (p=0.652), and HAM-D (p=0.902). CONCLUSION: More than 50% of patients with common low-back pain presented a mood disorder. Depressive disorder was associated with greater T1-T12 kyphosis and T1 slope. There was no relationship between psychiatric scores and overall sagittal alignment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.