Morbidity and costs of diverting ileostomy in transanal total mesorectal excision with primary anastomosis for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The role of diverting ileostomy is debated in rectal cancer surgery with primary anastomosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associated morbidity and hospital costs of diversion after sphincter saving TaTME surgery. METHODS: All patients undergoing TaTME with primary anastomosis for rectal cancer between January 2012 and December 2019 in a single centre in the Netherlands were included. Patients with diverting ileostomy creation during primary surgery were compared with those without ileostomy. Outcomes included length of hospital stay, anastomotic leakage rates and total hospital costs at 1 year. RESULTS: One hundred and one patients were included in the ileostomy group, and 46 patients were in the non-ileostomy group. The number of female patients was 31 (30.7%) in the ileostomy group and 21 (45.7%) in the non-ileostomy group Mean age was 64.5 ± 11.1 years in the ileostomy group and 62.6 ± 10.7 years in the non-ileostomy group The anastomotic leakage rate was 21.7% in the non-ileostomy group and 15.8% in the ileostomy group (p = 0.385). The grade of leakage and number of anastomotic takedowns did not differ between groups. Mean costs at 1 year after surgery was €26,500.13 in the ileostomy group and €16,852.61 in the non-ileostomy group. The main cost driver was longer total length of hospital stay at 1 year (mean 12.4 ± 13.3 days vs 20.6 ± 12.6 days, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Morbidity and associated costs after diverting ileostomy are high. The incidence and morbidity of anastomotic leakage was not reduced by creation of an ileostomy. Omission of a diverting ileostomy after TaTME could possibly result in a reduction in treatment associated morbidity and costs.

Radiological findings and radiation exposure during trauma workup in a cohort of 1124 level 1 trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: During the initial assessment of patients with potential severe injuries, radiological examinations are performed in order to rapidly diagnose clinically relevant injuries. Previous studies have shown that performing these examinations routinely is not always necessary and that trauma patients are exposed to substantial radiation doses. The aim of this study was to assess the amount and findings of radiological examinations during the initial assessment of trauma patients and to determine the radiation doses to which these patients are exposed to. METHODS: We analyzed the 1124 patients included in a randomized trial. All radiological examinations during the initial assessment (i.e., primary and secondary survey) were assessed. The examination results were categorized as positive findings (i.e., (suspicion for) traumatic injury) and normal findings. The effective radiation doses for the examinations were calculated separately for each patient. RESULTS: Eight hundred and three patients were male (71 %), median age was 38 years, and 1079 patients sustained blunt trauma (96 %). During initial assessment, almost 3900 X-rays were performed, of which 25.4 % showed positive findings. FAST of the abdomen was performed in 989 patients (88 %), with positive findings in 10.6 %. Additional CT scanning of specific body regions was performed 1890 times in 813 patients (72.1 %), of which approximately 43.4 % revealed positive findings. Hemodynamically stable patients showed more normal findings on the radiographic studies than unstable patients. The mean radiation doses for the total population was 8.46 mSv (±7.7) and for polytraumatized patients (ISS ≥ 16) 14.3 mSv (±9.5). CONCLUSION: Radiological diagnostics during initial assessment of trauma patients show a high rate of normal findings in our trauma system. The radiation doses to which trauma patients are exposed are considerable. Considering that the majority of the injured patients are hemodynamically stable, we suggest more selective use of X-ray and CT scanning.

Cost-effectiveness of trauma CT in the trauma room versus the radiology department: the REACT trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost-effectiveness of trauma room CT compared with CT performed at the radiology department. METHODS: In this randomised controlled trial, adult patients requiring evaluation in a level 1 trauma centre were included. In the intervention hospital the CT system was located within the trauma room and in the control hospital within the radiology department. Direct and indirect medical costs of the institutionalised stay and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 1,124 patients were randomised with comparable demographic characteristics. Mean number of non-institutionalised days alive was 322.5 in the intervention group (95 % CI 314-331) and 320.7 in the control group (95 % CI 312.1-329.2). Mean costs of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures per hospital inpatient day were 554 for the intervention group and 468 for the control group. Total mean costs in the intervention group were 16,002 (95 % CI 13,075-18,929) and 16,635 (95 % CI 13,528-19,743) for the control group (P = 0.77). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that in trauma patients the setting with a CT system located in the trauma room did not provide any advantages or disadvantages from a health economics perspective over a CT system located in the radiology department.

A Web-based planning support tool for sediment management in a meso-scale river basin in Western Central Brazil.

In scope of an IWRM concept for the Federal District, Western Central Brazil we developed a planning support tool, which enables non-experts to test the effects of land-use and land-cover change (LULCC) on landscape processes and landscape functions (LPF) related to sediment generation and retention. For this purpose we developed the web-based tool Letsmap do Brasil. The tool has two principal layers. The upper layer contains information on land use and its effect on LPF, i.e. sediment retention, runoff control, nitrogen loss control and agronomic value. The parameterized relation between land use and LPF is the core of the whole system. For each LPF a value specific to land use has been assigned. A second layer contains information on landscape properties and potentials (LPP), e.g. potential for sediment input in river networks and runoff potential. By linking land use and LPPs the system provides a spatially explicit assessment of effects of LULCC on landscape processes and functions (LPF). Letsmap do Brasil might have two major purposes. (1) It will support decision-making in river basin management and sediment management. By creating their own land-use/cover pattern non-expert users are enabled to test effects of LULCC on LPFs. (2) It will support and train non-experts to participate in decision processes in land-use planning. Because of its high adaptability, transparency, and simple handling Letsmap do Brasil might be used as tool in river basin management and land-use planning.

Randomized clinical trial comparing the effect of computed tomography in the trauma room versus the radiology department on injury outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) of injured patients in the radiology department requires potentially dangerous and time-consuming patient transports and transfers. It was hypothesized that CT in the trauma room would improve patient outcome and workflow. METHODS: A randomized trial compared the effect of locating a CT scanner in the trauma room versus the radiology department in two Dutch trauma hospitals. Injured patients aged at least 16 years were assigned randomly to one of these hospitals at the time of transport. The primary outcome measure was the number of non-institutionalized days within the first year after randomization. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients with multiple trauma or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). RESULTS: Some 1124 patients were included, of whom 1045 were available for analysis. The median number of non-institutionalized days was 360 days in the intervention group versus 362 days for the control group (P = 0.068). The time from arrival to the first CT imaging was 13 min shorter in the intervention group (36 versus 49 min; P < 0.001). Patient transfers and transports were reduced by more than half in the intervention group. For both multiple trauma (265 patients) and TBI (121) subgroups, differences in mortality and out-of-hospital days favoured the intervention group, but were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: A CT scanner located in the trauma room reduces the time to acquire CT images and improves workflow, but does not lead to substantial improvements in clinical outcomes in a general trauma population. Observed beneficial effects on outcomes in patients with multiple trauma or severe TBI were not statistically significant. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN55332315 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).

Thermoelectric detection of ferromagnetic resonance of a nanoscale ferromagnet.

We present thermoelectric measurements of the heat dissipated due to ferromagnetic resonance of a Permalloy strip. A microwave magnetic field, produced by an on-chip coplanar strip waveguide, is used to drive the magnetization precession. The generated heat is detected via Seebeck measurements on a thermocouple connected to the ferromagnet. The observed resonance peak shape is in agreement with the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation and is compared with thermoelectric finite-element modeling. Unlike other methods, this technique is not restricted to electrically conductive media and is therefore also applicable to for instance ferromagnetic insulators.

Interplay of Peltier and Seebeck effects in nanoscale nonlocal spin valves.

We have experimentally studied the role of thermoelectric effects in nanoscale nonlocal spin valve devices. A finite element thermoelectric model is developed to calculate the generated Seebeck voltages due to Peltier and Joule heating in the devices. By measuring the first, second, and third harmonic voltage response nonlocally, the model is experimentally examined. The results indicate that the combination of Peltier and Seebeck effects contributes significantly to the nonlocal baseline resistance. Moreover, we found that the second and third harmonic response signals can be attributed to Joule heating and temperature dependencies of both the Seebeck coefficient and resistivity.

A prospective cohort study comparing the VAS spine score and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire in patients with a type A traumatic thoracolumbar spinal fracture.

The Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ-24) and the VAS spine score have been regularly used to measure functional outcome in patients with back pain. The RMDQ-24 is primarily used in degenerative disease of the spine and the VAS Spine is used in trauma patients. The aim of this study is to compare these scores and to see if there is a correlation in patients with a traumatic thoracolumbar spinal fracture. Prospective cohort study comparing the RMDQ-24 and the VAS spine score in patients with a traumatic type A fracture thoracolumbar spine fracture. Fifteen non-operatively patients (group one) completed 118 questionnaires and 17 operatively treated patients (group two) completed 140 questionnaires. Group one scored an average of 6.6 and 65.9 for the RMDQ-24 and VAS Spine, in group two this was 5.1 and 82.9. Spearman's correlation test showed a significant correlation, in group one 0.83 and for the second group 0.87. RMDQ-24 and VAS Spine have a strong positive correlation in measuring disability in a group of patients with back pain because of a spinal fracture. In both non-operatively and operatively treated groups this correlation is significant.

The accuracy of diagnostic imaging for the assessment of chronic osteomyelitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A variety of diagnostic imaging techniques is available for excluding or confirming chronic osteomyelitis. Until now, an evidence-based algorithmic model for choosing the most suitable imaging technique has been lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of current imaging modalities in the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was conducted with a comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Current Contents databases to identify clinical studies on chronic osteomyelitis that evaluated diagnostic imaging modalities. The value of each imaging technique was studied by determining its sensitivity and specificity compared with the results of histological analysis, findings on culture, and clinical follow-up of more than six months. RESULTS: A total of twenty-three clinical studies in which the accuracy was described for radiography (two studies), magnetic resonance imaging (five), computed tomography (one), bone scintigraphy (seven), leukocyte scintigraphy (thirteen), gallium scintigraphy (one), combined bone and leukocyte scintigraphy (six), combined bone and gallium scintigraphy (three), and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (four) were included in the review. No meta-analysis was performed with respect to computed tomography, gallium scintigraphy, and radiography. Pooled sensitivity demonstrated that fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography was the most sensitive technique, with a sensitivity of 96% (95% confidence interval, 88% to 99%) compared with 82% (95% confidence interval, 70% to 89%) for bone scintigraphy, 61% (95% confidence interval, 43% to 76%) for leukocyte scintigraphy, 78% (95% confidence interval, 72% to 83%) for combined bone and leukocyte scintigraphy, and 84% (95% confidence interval, 69% to 92%) for magnetic resonance imaging. Pooled specificity demonstrated that bone scintigraphy had the lowest specificity, with a specificity of 25% (95% confidence interval, 16% to 36%) compared with 60% (95% confidence interval, 38% to 78%) for magnetic resonance imaging, 77% (95% confidence interval, 63% to 87%) for leukocyte scintigraphy, 84% (95% confidence interval, 75% to 90%) for combined bone and leukocyte scintigraphy, and 91% (95% confidence interval, 81% to 95%) for fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. The sensitivity of leukocyte scintigraphy in detecting chronic osteomyelitis in the peripheral skeleton was 84% (95% confidence interval, 72% to 91%) compared with 21% (95% confidence interval, 11% to 38%) for its detection of chronic osteomyelitis in the axial skeleton. The specificity of leukocyte scintigraphy in the axial skeleton was 60% (95% confidence interval, 39% to 78%) compared with 80% (95% confidence interval, 61% to 91%) for the peripheral skeleton. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography has the highest diagnostic accuracy for confirming or excluding the diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis. Leukocyte scintigraphy has an appropriate diagnostic accuracy in the peripheral skeleton, but fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography is superior for detecting chronic osteomyelitis in the axial skeleton.

Bone morphogenetic proteins. Development and clinical efficacy in the treatment of fractures and bone defects.

The discovery of bone morphogenetic proteins marks a major step forward in the understanding of bone physiology and in the development of advanced methods in skeletal surgery. The cornerstones for successful growth-factor therapy in skeletal surgery remain biomechanical stability and biological vitality of the bone providing an adequate environment for new bone formation. Knowledge of the biological characteristics, mechanisms of action, and methods of delivery of growth factors will become essential for skeletal surgeons. The current clinical application of bone morphogenetic proteins is safe and efficacious as a result of a well-regulated cascade of events leading to bone formation. Clinical trials have not yet determined whether different clinical indications each require a specific bone-tissue-engineering format or if a single pathway for stimulating bone-healing with growth factors is sufficient.

Effect of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 on the healing of a freshly closed diaphyseal fracture.

Osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1), or bone morphogenetic protein-7, is an osteoinductive morphogen that is involved in embryonic skeletogenesis and in bone repair. In bone defect models without spontaneous healing, local administration of recombinant human OP-1 (rhOP-1) induces complete healing. To investigate the ability of rhOP-1 to accelerate normal physiologic fracture healing, an experimental study was performed. In 40 adult female goats a closed tibial fracture was made, stabilized with an external fixator, and treated as follows: (1) no injection; (2) injection of 1 mg rhOP-1 dissolved in aqueous buffer; (3) injection of collagen matrix; and (4) injection of 1 mg rhOP-1 bound to collagen matrix. The test substances were injected in the fracture gap under fluoroscopic control. At 2 and 4 weeks, fracture healing was evaluated with radiographs, three-dimensional computed tomography (CT), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, biomechanical tests, and histology. At 2 weeks, callus diameter, callus volume, and bone mineral content at the fracture site were significantly increased in both rhOP-1 groups compared with the no-injection group. As signs of accelerated callus maturation, bending and torsional stiffness were higher and bony bridging of the fracture gap was observed more often in the group with rhOP-1 dissolved in aqueous buffer than in uninjected fractures. Treatment with rhOP-1 plus collagen matrix did not result in improved biomechanical properties or bony bridging of the fracture gap at 2 weeks. At 4 weeks there were no differences between groups, except for a larger callus volume in the rhOP-1 plus collagen matrix group compared with the control groups. All fractures showed an advanced stage of healing at 4 weeks. In conclusion, the healing of a closed fracture in a goat model can be accelerated by a single local administration of rhOP-1. The use of a carrier material does not seem to be crucial in this application of rhOP-1.

Biomechanical and histological aspects of fracture healing, stimulated with osteogenic protein-1.

Fracture healing could be stimulated with osteoinductive bone morphogenetic proteins (bmp's), such as osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1), but little is known about its effectiveness in stimulation of fracture healing. In this study, biomechanical and histological aspects of fracture healing after an injection of OP-1 in the fracture gap were investigated. In 40 goats, a closed fracture was created in the left tibia. The fractures were stabilized with an external fixator and the animals were assigned to four different groups: no injection, injection of 1 mg OP-1, injection of 1 mg OP-1 with collagenous carrier material, and injection of carrier material alone. Twenty-one animals were sacrificed after 2 weeks and 19 after 4 weeks. Biomechanical testing was perfomed on both explanted tibiae. Four longitudinal samples of the fracture were sawn, processed for histology, and examined by two observers. Biomechanical evaluation showed a higher stiffness and strength at 2 weeks after injection of OP-1. Histological evaluation showed normal fracture healing patterns in all animals without adverse effects of the given injections. These data show that fracture healing can be accelerated with a single injection of OP-1, eventually resulting in normally healed bone.

Gp130 and ras mediated signaling in human plasma cell line INA-6: a cytokine-regulated tumor model for plasmacytoma.

INTRODUCTION: Cytokines of the gp130-family, particularly interleukin(IL)-6, play a crucial role in the propagation of malignant plasma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The role of IL-6 and other gp130-cytokines was studied in the human plasma cell line INA-6 in vitro and in INA-6 xenografts. The proliferative response to gp130-cytokines was evaluated and activated components of gp130-signaling pathways were identified by Western blotting and DNA binding studies. Specifically, expression of IL-6 and receptors for IL-6 and leukemia inhibitory factor were analysed by RT-PCR and ELISA. RESULTS: The plasma cell line INA-6 was cultured for several years remaining strictly dependent on exogenous IL-6. Other gp130-cytokines had no significant effect on INA-6 cell proliferation in vitro. Due to an activating mutation in the N-ras gene, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) were constitutively phosphorylated. In contrast, signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT)-3 activation was dependent on stimulation with IL-6. Blocking of either one of these pathways resulted in a significant decrease of INA-6 cell proliferation. Remarkably, INA-6 xenografts did not require exogeneous IL-6 for proliferation in vivo. Instead, an autocrine IL-6 loop and, in certain tumor sublines, responsiveness to additional gp130-cytokines was induced during in vivo growth. CONCLUSION: Activation of the gp130 signal transducer is mandatory for INA-6 cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Both the MAPK and the Jak/STAT pathway are operative in malignant plasma cells and either one is essential for plasma cell growth. The INA-6 cell line provides a preclinical model to study growth regulation of human plasmacytoma cells and to evaluate novel therapeutic strategies.

Spontaneous subclavian vein thrombosis: a successful combined approach of local thrombolytic therapy followed by first-rib resection.

In 17% to 74% of patients with subclavian vein thrombosis, conservative treatment or venous thrombectomy led to residual symptoms. To improve these results, a prospective study was started in patients with subclavian vein thrombosis who were treated with a combined approach of local thrombolytic therapy followed by a first-rib resection. From 1983 to 1987 five patients entered the protocol. Total lysis was achieved in all cases. In the follow-up period, phlebography and strain-gauge plethysmography according to Whitney showed no recurrent thrombosis. All patients were able to resume their normal activities.

Intermittent claudication and limb-threatening ischemia in systemic lupus erythematosus and in SLE-like disease: a report of two cases and review of the literature.

Intermittent claudication and limb-threatening ischemia caused by occlusion of large and medium-sized arteries are rare manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. So far only eight documented cases have been reported, predominantly in young women. In this report two more patients are described. There is no common opinion concerning pathophysiologic mechanism, but immunologic endothelial damage and circulating antibodies to phospholipid probably play a role. The results of medical and surgical treatment are disappointing, and amputation becomes necessary in more than half of the patients.

Longitudinal development of young talented speed skaters: physiological and anthropometric aspects.

A longitudinal analysis of a group of speed skaters was done to identify the performance-determining factors for a successful speed skating career. This paper presents both the physiological and anthropometric results of this longitudinal study. Twenty-four athletes from the Dutch National Junior Speed Skating Team were followed from age 16-17 yr to age 20-21 yr. During the development from junior to senior speed skater, a number of anthropometric and physiological variables changed. There were no differences between successful and unsuccessful speed skaters from an anthropometric perspective; consequently, it was not possible to distinguish successful from unsuccessful athletes on anthropometric grounds. The longitudinal data showed that at a younger age the successful speed skaters had similar oxygen consumption, mechanical efficiency, and power output values compared with the unsuccessful speed skaters. Later in the study, successful speed skaters distinguished themselves by the ability to produce higher power output values. There were no anthropometric or physiological relationships found in this study on which performance at the age of 20-21 yr could be predicted with measurements at a junior age.

Cognitive disorders in patients with occlusive disease of the carotid artery: a systematic review of the literature.

We present a systematic review of the literature on the prevalence, nature, severity, course, and causes of cognitive deficits in patients with occlusive disease of the carotid artery prior to surgery (if surgery was under discussion). Searches were carried out on Medline and Psychlit from 1980 to 1999 using neurovascular and psychological index terms, and papers and books were checked for further references. Studies describing neuropsychological assessment of groups of patients with carotid obstruction were included. Eighteen studies were found. We extracted from the papers data on study design, demographic characteristics of patients, clinical diagnosis, carotid obstruction, cerebral imaging, time interval between ischemic episode and neuropsychological assessment, neuropsychological assessment procedures, integration and interpretation of test performances, and conclusions of authors. Fourteen studies concluded that there are cognitive deficits both in patients with symptomatic and in those with asymptomatic carotid obstruction; four studies denied cognitive impairment. There were no differences in patient characteristics, study design, or neuropsychological assessment procedures between the 14 studies that found deficits and the 4 that did not. There are indications for a mild, diffuse detrimental effect of carotid occlusive disease on cognitive functioning. However, methodological problems prevent a definitive conclusion. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to ascertain the neurovascular risk factors for and the natural course of cognitive impairment in patients with carotid occlusive disease.

New segmental long bone defect model in sheep: quantitative analysis of healing with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry.

An appropriate animal model is required for the study of treatments that enhance bone healing. A new segmental long bone defect model was developed for this purpose, and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to quantify healing of this bone defect. In 15 sheep, a 3-cm segmental defect was created in the left tibia and fixed with an interlocking intramedullary nail. In seven animals, the defect was left empty for the assessment of the spontaneous healing response. In eight animals serving as a positive control, autologous bone grafting was performed. After 12 weeks, healing was evaluated with radiographs, a torsional test to failure, and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. The mechanical test results were used for the assessment of unions and nonunions. Radiographic determination of nonunion was not reliably accomplished in this model. By means of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, bone mineral density and content were measured in the middle of the defect. Bone mineral density was 91+/-7% (mean +/- SEM) and 72+/-6% that of the contralateral intact tibia in, respectively, the autologous bone-grafting and empty defect groups (p = 0.04). For bone mineral content, the values were, respectively, 117+/-18 and 82+/-9% (p = 0.07). Torsional strength and stiffness were also higher, although not significantly, in the group with autologous bone grafting than in that with the empty defect. Bone mineral density and content were closely related to the torsional properties (r2 ranged from 0.76 to 0.85, p < or = 0.0001). Because interlocking intramedullary nailing is a very common fixation method in patients, the newly developed segmental defect model has clinical relevance. The interlocking intramedullary nail provided adequate stability without implant failure. This model may be useful for the study of treatments that affect bone healing, and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry may be somewhat helpful in the analysis of healing of this bone defect.

Catching balls: how to get the hand to the right place at the right time.

Information specifying the future passing distance of an approaching object is available (in units of object size) in the ratio of optical displacement velocity and optical expansion velocity. Despite empirical support for the assumption that object size can serve as a metric in the perception of passing distance, the present series of experiments reveals that in catching a ball subjects do not rely on such "point-predictive" information. The angle at which (real and simulated) balls approached the subject systematically affected verbal and manual estimates of future passing distance, as well as the kinematic characteristics of catching movements. To catch a ball, the actor uses momentary action-related information instead of spatiotemporal estimates. The hand velocity is geared to information specifying the currently required velocity. This secures ending up at the right place in the right time, regardless of where this may be.

Shedding some light on catching in the dark: perceptual mechanisms for catching fly balls.

To catch a lofted ball, a catcher must pick up information that guides locomotion to where the ball will land. The acceleration of tangent of the elevation angle of the ball (AT) has received empirical support as a possible source of this information. Little, however, has been said about how the information is detected. Do catchers fixate on a stationary point, or do they track the ball with their gaze? Experiment 1 revealed that catchers use eye and head movements to track the ball. This means that if AT is picked up retinally, it must be done by means of background motion. Alternatively, AT could be picked up by extraretinal mechanisms, such as the vestibular and proprioceptive systems. In Experiment 2, catchers reliably ran to intercept luminous fly balls in the dark, that is, in absence of a visual background, under both binocular and monocular viewing conditions. This indicates that the optical information is not detected by a retinal mechanism alone.