Polycystic ovary syndrome and postpartum depression symptoms: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to experience several pregnancy complications including hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm births than women without polycystic ovary syndrome. However, at present, there is limited research on whether polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with both anxiety and depression during pregnancy and whether this augments a woman's risk of postpartum depression, particularly among high-risk populations who have limited access to care. OBJECTIVE: Our primary objective was to assess the association between prepregnancy polycystic ovary syndrome and postpartum depression, considering important baseline confounding factors. Our secondary objective was to evaluate the mediating role of prenatal depression and anxiety on the association between polycystic ovary syndrome and postpartum depression. STUDY DESIGN: This study involved a population-based sample of 3906 postpartum (2-6 months) women who completed the Utah Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Phase 8 questionnaire (2016-2018). Weighted adjusted prevalence ratios were used to assess the association between polycystic ovary syndrome and postpartum depression, considering potential confounding factors and assessing mediating effects of depression and anxiety experienced during pregnancy. RESULTS: Following the exclusion criteria, 8.2% of women reported clinical polycystic ovary syndrome and 19.1%, 6.2%, and 4.4% reported irregular periods and acne, irregular periods and hirsutism, and all 3 symptoms, respectively. Moreover, 17.7% and 23.5% reported experiencing prenatal depression and anxiety and 9.5% and 10.2% reported experiencing postpartum depressed mood and anhedonia, respectively. Clinical polycystic ovary syndrome was associated with a 1.76 higher adjusted prevalence ratio (95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.00) for postpartum depressed mood or anhedonia after taking into consideration age, prepregnancy body mass index, race/ethnicity, education, and marital status. A similar higher prevalence was seen for irregular periods and acne (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-2.41), irregular periods and hirsutism (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-2.40), and all 3 symptoms (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.96-3.19) and postpartum depressed mood or anhedonia. Prenatal depression and anxiety mediated 20% and 32% of the effect of clinical polycystic ovary syndrome on postpartum depressed mood and anhedonia, respectively. CONCLUSION: Clinical polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with postpartum depressed mood and symptoms among this population-based sample inclusive of high-risk mothers. Prenatal depression and anxiety mediate this association, emphasizing the importance of prenatal psychological screening among women with polycystic ovary syndrome. An additional important clinical and public health implication of this study lies in the finding that nearly 20% of women in this population-based sample who reported at least 2 polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms (including at-risk women who may not have access to care) had not received a clinical diagnosis for polycystic ovary syndrome.

Retrospective analysis of the efficacy and duration of botulinum toxin A injections in 30 patients with palmar hyperhidrosis.

Palmar hyperhidrosis is a common disorder characterised by excessive sweating due to hyperfunction of the sweat glands. It can be classified as primary disease, or secondary to other causes. It has a high morbidity, and a range of treatment options. Botulinum toxin injections inhibit the release of acetylcholine from the presynaptic receptors. It is an effective treatment; however, it is infrequently selected as only axillary hyperhidrosis currently attracts a Medicare subsidy. We conducted a retrospective review of 30 patients at a Sydney dermatology clinic who received botulinum toxin injections for palmar hyperhidrosis within the past 5 years. This study has the largest patient cohort with this condition in Australia. There was evidence for a median reduction in the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale, a qualitative self-reported score, as well as an increasing duration of efficacy with repeated injections. There were minimal side-effects of weakness and numbness. There is also an association between treatment of palmar disease and improvement in plantar disease, which suggests that treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis should be considered earlier and more frequently.

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients Requiring Gastrectomy During Cytoreductive Surgery and Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Lower-Gastrointestinal Malignancies: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to assess the short- and long-term outcomes of gastric resection in cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) for lower gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. METHODS: Patients with adenocarcinoma and appendiceal mucinous neoplasms were included. Redo and incomplete cytoreductions were excluded. A total of 756 patients were identified. Of these, 65 underwent gastric resection, 11 underwent wedge, 43 distal, and 11 subtotal and total gastrectomy. Preoperative differences were assessed for and addressed with matching. Perioperative outcomes, overall survival (OS), and risk-free survival (RFS) were assessed in two analyses: first all gastric resections were included and the second excluded wedge resections. Subgroup analysis according to diagnosis subtype was conducted. RESULTS: Demographic analysis revealed that markers of tumor aggression and poor nutrition were prevalent in the gastrectomy group. The matched analysis for gastric resections revealed higher rates of reoperation (38% vs. 22%, p = 0.028). After excluding wedge resections, increased rates of reoperation (40% vs. 22%, 0.019), grade 3/4 morbidity (76% vs. 59%, p = 0.036), and hospital stay (34 vs. 27 days, p = 0.012) were observed. For the unmatched cohort, OS (103 vs. 69 months, p = 0.501) and RFS (17 vs. 18 months, p = 0.181) for patients with CC = 0 were insignificantly different. In comparison for CC > 0, OS (31 vs. 83 months, p < 0.001) and RFS (9 vs. 20 months, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced in gastric resection. For the matched cohort, after excluding wedges, gastrectomy did not significantly decrease OS. However, RFS was decreased (11 vs. 20 months, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Despite high postoperative morbidity, when complete cytoreduction is achieved, the need for gastric resection is not associated with inferior long-term outcomes.

Comparing the patency of the left internal mammary in single, sequential, and Y grafts.

BACKGROUND: To maximize arterial grafts, left internal mammary (LIMA) sequential and Y grafts are used. The aim is to compare the angiographic patency of the LIMA in these configurations. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2020, angiography was performed on 1000 patients who either had a single (570), sequential (100), or LIMA y (129) graft. The LIMA was divided into segments (S); S1: LIMA inflow to the first anastomosis, S2: terminal portion of the LIMA to left anterior descending (LAD), and S3; the y-limb anastomosis to a coronary. S1 and S2 patency analysis was carried out with logistic regression. RESULTS: Failure of the S1 and S2 was 3.7% single, 9% sequential, and 6.2 Y graft (P = .049). Segment 1 failed in 3.7% in single, 5% in sequential, and 0.8% in Y grafts (P = .049). Segment 3 failure was 10.3%. Regression revealed female sex and sequential grafts were associated with decreased S1 and S2 patency. CONCLUSIONS: Single grafts have the best patency. Failure in sequential grafts leads to increased occlusion of the LIMA inflow, whereas Y-graft failure tends to occlude the y limb. When arterial conduit is sparse, a Y graft should be considered.

Capsule endoscopy is not as accurate as esophagogastroduodenoscopy in screening cirrhotic patients for varices.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the standard technique for screening cirrhotic patients for high-risk varices and other significant upper gastrointestinal lesions (HRVLs). We investigated whether esophageal capsule endoscopy (ECE) is as convenient and accurate as EGD for the detection of HRVLs. METHODS: We analyzed data from 65 cirrhotic patients without prior upper gastrointestinal bleeding who were examined for varices and HRVLs by ECE and EGD (both procedures were performed on the same day). EGD was performed by 2 physicians (75% of patients were unsedated) who used standard grading for esophageal and gastric varices, portal hypertensive gastropathy, and HRVLs. Coded capsule tracings were read by 2 investigators, blinded to the EGD findings, using standard grading. RESULTS: The median procedure time for EGD (with or without biopsy collection) was 3 minutes, compared with 20 minutes for ECE. The overall accuracy for diagnosis of esophageal varices was 63.2% ± 5.9%; for detection of esophageal varices red marks was 68.8% ± 5.4%; and for diagnosis of other HRVLs was 51.5% ± 4.2%. The interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of esophageal varices was 90.8%; in the detection of esophageal varices red marks was 86.2%; and in the diagnosis of other HRVLs was 7.3%. CONCLUSIONS: ECE is not as accurate as EGD in the diagnosis of esophageal varices and red markings or in grading esophageal varices. Moreover, ECE had poor accuracy in grading portal hypertensive gastropathy and detecting ulcers, gastric varices, and other significant upper gastrointestinal lesions. It took significantly longer to perform ECE and interpret the results than for EGD. These findings do not support ECE as a preferred tool for screening esophageal varices and HRVLs.

The Outcomes of the Inclusion Ross in Select Patients Aged ≥ 50 Years, Compared to a Younger Cohort.

BACKGROUND: The Ross procedure is rarely considered in older patients. The aim of this study is to compare the perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients aged 50 years and older with younger patients after the Ross procedure. METHODS: Between 1992 and 2018, 455 patients underwent the Ross procedure utilizing the inclusion technique. Patients with redo surgery, nonaortic procedures, and unsupported root replacement were excluded. The remaining were matched for native valve morphology, valve lesion, and annular manipulation and yielded 96 matched pairs. Preoperative and operative characteristics, perioperative outcomes, survival rates, valve-related adverse events, and valve hemodynamics were assessed. RESULTS: There was no in-hospital mortality. The median follow-up was 11 years for both cohorts. Overall survival at 15 years was similar: 99% (95% confidence interval [CI] 89.8%-99.8%) for patients aged ≥50 years and 98% (95% CI 89.3-99.7%) for younger patients. Patients 50 years and older had a notable freedom from Ross-related reintervention at 15 years: 94% (95% CI 84.8%-97.7%) vs 90% (95% CI 80.2%-95.6%) in younger patients. The mixed model analysis revealed that being 50 years and older was not significantly associated with higher autograft gradient or regurgitation. Interestingly, being 50 years and older correlated with decreased allograft regurgitation and stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients undergoing the Ross procedure had comparable outcomes to younger patients. Patients aged 50 years and over who are high-functioning with minimal comorbidities should be considered for the Ross procedure.

Superdominant Right Coronary Artery with Absent Left Coronary Artery and Left Circumflex Artery with Anomalous Left Anterior Descending Artery.

The occurrence of super-dominant "single coronary artery" is an extremely rare and seldom reported phenomenon. The heart is dependent on a single vessel which makes its occlusion, if present, catastrophic. Here, the authors present an extremely rare combination of superdominant right coronary artery coexisting with absent left coronary artery and left circumflex artery with abnormal origin of left anterior descending artery from right coronary sinus. Precise morphological and physiological knowledge and evaluation of these anomalies is a must for opting the best available therapeutic modality and better prognosis.

Long term survival and perioperative propensity score matched outcomes of diaphragmatic resections compared to stripping in cytoreductive surgery + intra-peritoneal chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of short and long term outcomes of diaphragm resection and repair in cyto-reductive surgery (CRS) and intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (IPC). METHODS: 1230 consecutive CRS/IPC procedures were performed between 1996 and 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Among these, 652 underwent diaphragmatic intervention. The analysis was preformed according to histological subtype. First diaphragm interventions were compared to non-diaphragmatic CRS. Secondly, diaphragm resection was compared to diaphragm stripping. Overall survival and recurrence free survival was assessed based on histological diagnosis. RESULTS: There were no differences between the resection and stripping groups for the colorectal cohort. For mesothelioma, increased incidences of pleural effusions in the resection group were noted (63% vs.28%, p = 0.017). In HAMNs, the resection group was associated with increased reoperations (42% vs. 15%, p = 0.03) and in hospital death (16.7% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.012). Resection in LAMNs were linked with increased transfusion requirements (9 vs. 6, p = 0.01), reoperation (39% vs. 23%, p = 0.05) and prolonged length of stay (34 days vs. 25 days, p = 0.02). There were no differences in overall survival and recurrence free survival in colorectal cancer. Median overall survival was decreased in mesothelioma by 20 months. In LAMNs the median survival was significantly decreased for the resection group. Similarly, the resection group had a 4-month earlier recurrence. CONCLUSION: We conclude that diaphragm interventions are an essential part of CRS. They are associated with increased perioperative morbidity. This morbidity is not attributable to whether the patient underwent diaphragm stripping or resection. However in mesothelioma and LAMNs, requiring diaphragm resection is likely to be an indicator for tumor aggression.

Hepato-Duodenal Fistula Complicating a Pyogenic Liver Abscess: An Unusual Presentation.

An elderly male with type 2 diabetes mellitus was admitted to the emergency ward with fever and pain over the right hypochondrium since one month. An abdominal ultrasound revealed an ill-defined hypoechoic lesion with multiple air foci measuring 8 x 6 x 4 cm within the left lobe of the liver implicating segments III b and IV. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan of the abdomen showed a similar lesion with leakage of oral contrast into the dependent areas of the collection from a rent in the antero-inferior aspect of the first part of the duodenum. Hepato-duodenal fistula or entero-hepatic fistula secondary to pyogenic liver abscess is an atypical and unusual complication requiring a high degree of suspicion for its diagnosis. Though optimal therapy for its management is still not known, early diagnosis with prompt initiation of therapy is imperative to reduce mortality.

Long term survival and perioperative propensity score matched outcomes in diaphragmatic interventions in cytoreductive surgery + intra-peritoneal chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of short and long term outcomes of diaphragmatic interventions in cyto-reductive surgery (CRS) and intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (IPC). METHODS: 1230 consecutive CRS/IPC procedures were preformed between 1996 and 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Redo procedures and incomplete cyto-reductions were excluded. Among these, 599 underwent diaphragmatic intervention. Preoperative heterogeneity was assessed for in 6 parameters and addressed with propensity score matching. CRS/IPC requiring diaphragmatic interventions were compared to CRS/IPC without diaphragmatic involvement. Ten perioperative outcomes were measured. Overall survival was assessed based on diagnosis type. RESULTS: Intraoperative results revealed a significant increase in operative hours (7.85 vs. 7.28, p = 0.033). Transfusion requirements were insignificantly different. Postoperatively, increased grade III and IV complications (36% vs. 26%, p = 0.052) were noted. There was no difference with regards to intensive care stay, hospital length of stay, hospital death and return to theatre. In terms of respiratory specific complications, an increased incidence of pneumothorax (13% vs. 3%, p = 0.001) and pleural effusions (24% vs. 16%, p = 0.043) were noted, whilst the differences in pneumonia were insignificant. Overall survival revealed diaphragm interventions; did not affect survival outcomes in colorectal cancers (p = 0.750, RR = 1.077, CI 0.683-1.697) and increased relative risk in low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (p = 0.025, RR = 2.437, CI 1.121-5.298). CONCLUSION: After our three-tiered research strategy, we conclude that despite the marginal increase in short term morbidity; diaphragmatic interventions do not decrease survival in colorectal cancers and diaphragmatic disease in LAMNs maybe an independent prognosticator of disease aggression.

Identification of TP53RK-Binding Protein (TPRKB) Dependency in TP53-Deficient Cancers.

Tumor protein 53 (TP53; p53) is the most frequently altered gene in human cancer. Identification of vulnerabilities imposed by TP53 alterations may enable effective therapeutic approaches. Through analyzing short hairpin RNA (shRNA) screening data, we identified TP53RK-Binding Protein (TPRKB), a poorly characterized member of the tRNA-modifying EKC/KEOPS complex, as the most significant vulnerability in TP53-mutated cancer cell lines. In vitro and in vivo, across multiple benign-immortalized and cancer cell lines, we confirmed that TPRKB knockdown in TP53-deficient cells significantly inhibited proliferation, with minimal effect in TP53 wild-type cells. TP53 reintroduction into TP53-null cells resulted in loss of TPRKB sensitivity, confirming the importance of TP53 status in this context. In addition, cell lines with mutant TP53 or amplified MDM2 (E3-ubiquitin ligase for TP53) also showed high sensitivity to TPRKB knockdown, consistent with TPRKB dependence in a wide array of TP53-altered cancers. Depletion of other EKC/KEOPS complex members exhibited TP53-independent effects, supporting complex-independent functions of TPRKB. Finally, we found that TP53 indirectly mediates TPRKB degradation, which was rescued by coexpression of PRPK, an interacting member of the EKC/KEOPS complex, or proteasome inhibition. Together, these results identify a unique and specific requirement of TPRKB in a variety of TP53-deficient cancers. IMPLICATIONS: Cancer cells with genomic alterations in TP53 are dependent on TPRKB.

Long-term Survival and Propensity Score Matched Outcomes of Bilateral vs. Unilateral Diaphragm Interventions in Cytoreductive Surgery plus Intra-peritoneal Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To assess the impact of short- and long-term outcomes of bilateral vs. unilateral diaphragm interventions in cyto-reductive surgery (CRS) and intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (IPC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 652 CRS/IPC procedures, between 1996 and 2018, required diaphragm interventions. Among these, 388 underwent bilateral intervention. Preoperative heterogeneity was assessed in 6 parameters and addressed with propensity score matching. The association of each respective analysis was assessed with 11 outcomes. Overall survival was assessed based on histology. RESULTS: CRS/IPC requiring bilateral diaphragmatic interventions illustrated significantly increased operative hours (9.6 vs. 8.6 hours, p<0.001). Postoperatively, there was significantly increased red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (6.37 units vs. 4.47 units, p=0.007) and grade III and IV complications (57.3% vs. 40.6%, p=0.004). No difference was noted in ICU stay, total length of stay, hospital death and return to OT. In terms of respiratory complications, an increased incidence of pneumothorax (16.5% vs. 6.2%, p<0.001) was noted whilst pleural effusions and pneumonia occurrences were non-significant. Overall survival, revealed bilateral interventions in low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm conferred an increased relative risk (p=0.037, RR=2.230, 95%CI=1.052-4.730). They did not have an effect on OS in colorectal cancer and mesothelioma. CONCLUSION: Despite the increase in short-term morbidity, bilateral diaphragm interventions resulted in similar long-term survival to unilateral interventions.