Clinical trait-specific genetic analysis in Behçet's disease identifies novel loci associated with ocular and neurological involvement.

Behçet's disease is a complex inflammatory vasculitis with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetics underlying specific clinical features of Behçet's disease. A total of 436 patients with Behçet's disease from Turkey were studied. Genotyping was performed using the Infinium ImmunoArray-24 BeadChip. After imputation and quality control measures, logistic regressions adjusting for sex and the first five principal components were performed for each clinical trait using a case-case genetic analysis approach. A weighted genetic risk score was calculated for each clinical feature. Genetic association analyses of previously identified susceptibility loci in Behçet's disease revealed a genetic association between ocular lesions and HLA-B/MICA (rs116799036: OR = 1.85 [95% CI = 1.35-2.52], p-value = 1.1 × 10-4). The genetic risk score was significantly higher in Behçet's disease patients with ocular lesions compared to those without ocular involvement, which is explained by the genetic variation in the HLA region. New genetic loci predisposing to specific clinical features in Behçet's disease were suggested when genome-wide variants were evaluated. The most significant associations were observed in ocular involvement with SLCO4A1 (rs6062789: OR = 0.41 [95% CI = 0.30-0.58], p-value = 1.92 × 10-7), and neurological involvement with DDX60L (rs62334264: OR = 4.12 [95% CI 2.34 to 7.24], p-value = 8.85 × 10-7). Our results emphasize the role of genetic factors in predisposing to specific clinical manifestations in Behçet's disease, and might shed additional light into disease heterogeneity, pathogenesis, and variability of Behçet's disease presentation across populations.

Ablation-cooled material removal with ultrafast bursts of pulses.

The use of femtosecond laser pulses allows precise and thermal-damage-free removal of material (ablation) with wide-ranging scientific, medical and industrial applications. However, its potential is limited by the low speeds at which material can be removed and the complexity of the associated laser technology. The complexity of the laser design arises from the need to overcome the high pulse energy threshold for efficient ablation. However, the use of more powerful lasers to increase the ablation rate results in unwanted effects such as shielding, saturation and collateral damage from heat accumulation at higher laser powers. Here we circumvent this limitation by exploiting ablation cooling, in analogy to a technique routinely used in aerospace engineering. We apply ultrafast successions (bursts) of laser pulses to ablate the target material before the residual heat deposited by previous pulses diffuses away from the processing region. Proof-of-principle experiments on various substrates demonstrate that extremely high repetition rates, which make ablation cooling possible, reduce the laser pulse energies needed for ablation and increase the efficiency of the removal process by an order of magnitude over previously used laser parameters. We also demonstrate the removal of brain tissue at two cubic millimetres per minute and dentine at three cubic millimetres per minute without any thermal damage to the bulk.

Microarray analysis of cartilage: comparison between damaged and non-weight-bearing healthy cartilage.

AIM: A limited healing response to focal cartilage lesions is frequently encountered in the clinical cartilage pathology. This study compares the gene expression patterns of damaged and undamaged regions of cartilage obtained from the same patient with focal cartilage lesions. The aim of this study is to provide new genes and proteins, which may be a potential future target of research. METHODS: During the autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) surgery, cartilage tissues (healthy non-weight bearing and Damaged-lesion side) were obtained from 10 patients with knee focal cartilage lesions. The degeneration status of the cartilage was characterized according to ICRS criteria. Whole genome microarray gene expression profiling was performed and some of the differentially regulated genes were validated with RT-PCR. RESULTS: Damaged and undamaged non-weight bearing cartilage showed distinct gene expression profiles. Genes involved in cell signaling, matrix degradation, hypoxia, and the inflammatory response showed significant up- or down-regulation. In the focal lesions, expression of genes such as HIF1α, TIMP-2, EID1, EID2, NCOA3, NBR1, SP100, and HSP90AA1 was significantly higher compared to healthy non-weight bearing cartilage from the same joint, whereas TIMP-4 was lower. CONCLUSION: The genes examined in this study differ distinctly between focal cartilage (ICRS 3-4) lesions and undamaged sites of the same joint. We believe that the data set forth in this study may be used for clinical purposes and be a guide in the development of new biological approaches for therapy.

Long-term results of microfracture in the treatment of talus osteochondral lesions.

PURPOSE: Osteochondral lesions of the talus are common injuries, and many clinicians consider arthroscopic debridement and microfracture as the first-stage treatment. This study assessed the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of arthroscopic debridement and microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus. METHODS: A total of 82 patients (48 males, 34 females) who were treated with arthroscopic debridement and microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus between 1996 and 2009 with a minimum 5-year follow-up were included in our study group. Functional scores (AOFAS, VAS) and ankle range of motion were determined, and an arthrosis evaluation was performed. Subgroup evaluations based on age, lesion localization, and defect size were performed using functional outcome correlations. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 35.9 ± 13.4 years (14-69 years), and the mean follow-up period was 121.3 months (61-217 months). The mean defect size was 1.7 ± 0.7 cm2 (0.25-5). The mean pre-operative AOFAS score was 58.7 ± 5.2 (49-75), and the mean post-operative AOFAS score was 85.5 ± 9.9 (56-100). At the last follow-up, 35 patients (42.6%) had no symptoms and 19 patients (23.1%) had pain after walking more than 2 h or after competitive sports activities. Radiological assessments of arthrosis revealed that no patient had grade 4 arthritis but that 27 patients (32.9%) had a one-stage increase in their arthrosis level. Subgroup analyses of the lesion location demonstrated that lateral lesions had significantly better functional results (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic debridement and microfracture provide a good option for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus over the long term in select patients. Functional outcomes do not correlate with defect size or patient age. Orthopaedic surgeons should adopt the microfracture technique, which is minimally invasive and effective for treating osteochondral lesions of the talus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Safety of posterior ankle arthroscopy portals in different ankle positions: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: To investigate anatomic relation of standard and coaxial ankle arthroscopy portals with neurovascular structures during different degrees of ankle motion. METHODS: Twenty posterior ankles of ten fresh cadavers were assessed. Posteromedial, posterolateral and coaxial (transmalleolar) portals were created using 4-mm Steinmann pins in accordance with the defined technique in neutral position. The ankles were then dissected, and the distance from the portals to the peroneal tendons, short saphenous vein and sural nerve was measured laterally and that from the tibial nerve, flexor hallucis longus tendon and posterior tibial artery was measured medially. Changes in the distance between these structures were noted in neutral positions, 15° of dorsiflexion and 30° plantar flexion. RESULTS: In the neutral position, the mean distance of the conventional posterolateral portal to the sural nerve was 6 mm (SD 2.9, range 2.7-14.5). The mean distance of the posterolateral coaxial portal to the peroneal tendon was 1.6 mm (SD 0.55, range 1.1-2.9). The mean distance of the posteromedial portal to the FHL was 2.11 mm (SD 1.1, range 0-4.7). The mean distance of the posteromedial coaxial portal to the posterior tibial artery was 6 mm (SD 1.4, range 3.9-9.5). Although not statistically significant, the distance between the portal and neurovascular structures increased in dorsiflexion for the portals placed posteriorly to the neurovascular structures and increased in plantar flexion for the portals placed anterior to the neurovascular structures. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with the portals made in the neutral position, the distance between neurovascular structures and portals changes with portal placement in plantar flexion and dorsiflexion. In clinical practice, therefore, it might be safer to place the posteromedial-posterolateral portals in dorsiflexion and posterolateral-posteromedial coaxial portals in plantar flexion. The tibial nerve is closer to the posteromedial coaxial in dorsiflexion and could be in danger if making this portal with the foot in this position.

A new technique to simplify the minimally invasive parathyroidectomy: Ultrasound-assisted guided wire localization for solitary parathyroid adenomas.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the benefits of ultrasound-assisted guided wire localization in MIP for selected cases. METHODS: In this prospective, nonrandomised study, we included 36 patients with solitary parathyroid adenomas diagnosed preoperatively by 99m Tc sesta MIBI scintigraphy and/or neck ultrasonography. An ultrasound-guided wire was placed in the solitary parathyroid adenoma preoperatively. MIPs were performed under local anaesthesia plus sedation. After the excision, the parathyroidectomy was confirmed with postoperative ultrasonography. RESULTS: There were 36 patients included in our study. The mean age was 54.89±11.28 years, and 30 patients were females (83.3%). Preoperative PTH and calcium (Ca) levels were 269.5 pg/mL (83.5-5,000 pg/mL) and 12.2 mg/dL (11.1-20 mg/dL), respectively. Postoperative serum PTH and Ca levels were 42.04±26.65 pg/mL and 8.95±0.74 mg/dL, respectively. The mean operation time was 21.69±6.4 minutes and the average hospitalisation time was 18 hours (range: 10-72 hours). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-assisted guided wire localization may be useful in selected MIP cases. The MIP advantages include higher success rates and being easy to learn and practise.

Pantoprazole-induced thrombocytopenia in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are highly effective drugs for patients suffering from peptic ulcer and gastro-esophageal reflux diseases, but recent studies have indicated possible risks with the long-term use of PPIs, such as osteoporosis, fractures, increased risk of pneumonia, diarrhea, iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies. There are publications written as a case study that indicate thrombocytopenia as side effects of PPIs, but there is no study on this subject. This study aimed to investigate the development of thrombocytopenia in patients with short-term use of PPI-infusion therapy. In this study, the records of the patients were evaluated retrospectively, for the period between January 2012 and January 2013. Thirty-five patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were enrolled. Platelet counts were analyzed before treatment, and on the first, second and third day of treatment, respectively. All patients were treated with intravenous pantoprazole. Hemogram values of patients were analyzed before and after PPI infusion treatment. Platelet counts were found to decrease from the first day to the third day of treatment (249 714.29/µl, 197 314.29/µl, 193 941.18/µl, 183 500/µl, respectively). The platelet count decrease was statistically significant (p < 0.001). After cessation of infusion therapy, platelet counts began to rise on the fourth day. Three patients had severe thrombocytopenia on the third day of the treatment. (69 000/µl, 97 000/µl and 49 000/µl respectively). Platelet counts recovered after discontinuation of treatment. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that PPIs may cause thrombocytopenia, and this result should not be ignored. In particular, patients with PPI infusion therapy should be monitored more closely.

Arthroscopic excision of acetabular osteoid osteoma in a 7-year-old patient.

The purpose of this study was to present the case report of a 7-year-old patient who was treated with hip arthroscopy for an acetabular osteoid osteoma. A 7-year-old patient was referred to our clinic with hip pain. In the assessment of the patient, an acetabular osteoid osteoma was detected in his right hip; it was adjacent to his triradiate cartilage. An arthroscopic surgery was planned as an alternative to open safe hip dislocation. The osteoid osteoma was completely removed with hip arthroscopy. Postoperative CT scanning and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis. Exposure of the acetabulum can be problematic in paediatric patients due to the potential risks of open safe dislocation. Hip arthroscopy can safely be used for benign hip lesions in paediatric patients. Level of evidence Case report, Level V.

Severe hyperparathyroidism in patient with right thyroid hemiagenesis.

Thyroid hemiagenesis is an infrequent congenital disorder which is rarely associated with hyperparathyroidism. We present a case of an adult woman who presented with hyperparathyroidism and ipsilateral thyroid hemiagenesis. Parathyroid adenoma was excised by minimal invasive parathyroidectomy.

Less aggressive disease in patients with primary squamous cell carcinomas of the thyroid gland and coexisting lymphocytic thyroiditis.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the thyroid gland is extremely rare. Infrequently, primary SCC of the thyroid gland is accompanied by other thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Recently, studies have demonstrated that differentiated thyroid cancer with coexisting HT has a better prognosis. However, the prognosis of patients with primary SCC of the thyroid gland and coexistent HT has not been clearly identified. We compared the clinical characteristics and disease stages of patients with primary SCC with and without lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed reports of primary SCC of the thyroid gland published in the English literature. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified 46 papers that included 17 cases of primary SCC of the thyroid gland with LT and 77 cases of primary SCC of the thyroid gland without LT. Lymph node metastasis and local invasion rates did not differ between these two groups. Distant metastases were absent in patients with LT, and were observed in 13 (16.9%) patients without LT. A greater proportion of patients without LT had advanced stage disease (stage IV A-B-C) than patients with LT (p < 0.05). Patients with primary SCC of the thyroid gland and coexisting LT had lower tumour-node-metastasis stage and frequency of distant metastasis than those without LT. Lymphocytic infiltration in patients with SCC appears to limit tumour growth and distant metastases.

Aromatase inhibitor treatment for breast cancer: short-term effect on bone health.

AIM OF THIS STUDY: Aim of this study was to examine the effects of aromatase inhibitors (AIs), which are used in every phase of breast cancer treatment, on the bone mineral density (BMD) of patients with early-stage breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Menopausal female patients who were diagnosed with stages 1-3 breast cancer and who were planned for anastrazole or letrozole as adjuvant therapy were examined. After the patients' BMD was measured, 45 patients without osteoporosis were included in the study. Six months after AI therapy started, the patients' BMD was measured again. RESULTS: In this study, we tried to show that there was a statistical difference in the BMD of 45 patients before and 6 months after treatment. Among all measurements (femur and lumbar T-scores), the femur Z-score (p = 0.52) was the only score that was not statistically significant. Statistical significance (p < 0.01) was detected in comparative analysis of the other measurements. According to this analysis, a significant loss of BMD was seen even in the first six months after AI treatment was introduced. CONCLUSIONS: Female patients with breast cancer are at higher risk for bone loss and fractures than healthy women. In this study, we showed the negative effects on BMD of aromatase inhibitor therapy, one of the main contributions to osteoporosis in women with breast cancer. This study is the first to quantify the short-term effect of AI treatment on BMD in postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

Effect of systemic carnitine therapy on serum fibronectin level in diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: L-carnitine has been shown to enhance wound healing. There has, however, not been sufficient research on the effect carnitine has on diabetic wound healing. We investigated the relationship between the viability of full thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) and fibronectin (FN) serum levels in diabetic rats that were administered carnitine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 rats were divided into four groups of 10 rats each and operated on. The FTSG model was 10 × 3 cm, with the dorsal flap extending from the tip of the scapula to the hip joint. After surgery, group 1 (nondiabetic control, n = 10) and group 2 (diabetic control, n = 10) were given a sterile saline solution at 0.9% with a dose of 100 mg/kg/d intraperitoneally for 7 d after the surgery. Group 3 (diabetic sham, n = 10) contained diabetic rats and did not receive any agent after the surgery. The diabetic rats in group 4 (carnitine study diabetic, n = 10) were given carnitine with a dose of 100 mg/kg/d intraperitoneally for 7 d after the surgery. RESULTS: The percentages of viable areas in groups 1-4 were 70.38 ± 6.10%, 62.66 ± 1.55%, 62.59 ± 2.94%, and 73.48 ± 4.43%, respectively. The mean levels of FN, measured in milligram per deciliter, in groups-4 were 23.57 ± 3.27 mg/dL, 21.58 ± 2.35 mg/dL, 22.04 ± 2.71 mg/dL, and 27.11 ± 2.79 mg/dL, respectively. Furthermore, we found that there was a strong positive correlation (R = 0.509; P = 0.001) between FN and the viability of the FTSG. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that administering carnitine leads to an increase in diabetic wound healing. Further increasing the levels of the FN serum might have a role in this process.

Low tourniquet pressure has less impact on lower extremity nerve innervation: comparison of different tourniquet pressures used with intraoperative neuromonitoring with a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the compression and ischemic effects of two different tourniquet pressures on tissues during surgery show a clinical difference. METHODS: Patients aged 18-65 years who underwent foot and ankle surgery and applied a tourniquet in a single center between September 2022 and November 2023 were included in this prospective randomized study. Accordingly, tourniquet pressures were applied as limb occlusion pressure (LOP) + 50 mmHg in group 1 (12 patients) and LOP + 100 mmHg in group 2 (12 patients). The time point at which the femoral nerve motor evoked potential (MEP) decreased by 50%, the time point at which the MEP decreased by 100% for all nerves (femoral, tibial, and deep peroneal), and the time point at which all responses returned after the tourniquet was deflated were identified as the time points for analysis. RESULTS: There were no differences in demographic data (age, body mass index, and sex) between the two groups. The mean tourniquet pressure was 191 ± 16 mmHg in Group 1 and 247 ± 21 mmHg in Group 2 (p < 0.001). A 50% decrease in the femoral nerve MEP value was observed at an average of 47 min in Group 1 and 34 min in Group 2 (p < 0.001). A complete loss of MEP responses for all nerves was observed at an average of 69 min in Group 1 and 56 min in Group 2. After the tourniquet was deflated, all MEP responses returned to baseline values at an average of 8.5 min in Group 1 and 12.6 min in Group 2 (p = 0.007). The results showed that lower limb nerve innervation was affected later and returned to normal earlier after deflation of the tourniquet in Group 1 (low tourniquet pressure group). CONCLUSIONS: The innervations of the lower extremity nerves were affected later in the group in which low tourniquet pressure was applied (average 191 mmHg). Again, in this group (LOP + 50 mmHg), nerve conduction recovered an average of 10 min after deflation and four minutes earlier than in the high tourniquet pressure group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, diagnostic study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05926154.

Di-cumyl peroxide cross-linked UHMWPE/vitamin-E blend for total joint arthroplasty implants.

Majority of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) medical devices used in total joint arthroplasty are cross-linked using gamma radiation to improve wear resistance. Alternative methods of cross-linking are urgently needed to replace gamma radiation due to rapid decline in its supply. Peroxide cross-linking is a candidate method with widespread industrial applications. Oxidative stability and biocompatibility, which are critical requirements for medical device applications, can be achieved using vitamin-E as an additive and by removing peroxide by-products through high-temperature melting, respectively. We investigated compression molded UHMWPE/vitamin-E/di-cumyl peroxide blends followed by high-temperature melting in inert gas as a material candidate for tibial knee inserts. Wear resistance increased and mechanical properties remained largely unchanged. Oxidation induction time was higher than most of the other clinically available formulations. The material passed the local-end point biocompatibility tests per ISO 10993. Compounds found in exhaustive extraction were of no concern with margin-of-safety values well above the accepted level, indicating a desirable toxicological risk profile. Statement of Clinical Significance: Peroxide cross-linked, vitamin-E stabilized, and high-temperature melted UHMWPE has recently been cleared for clinical use in tibial knee inserts. With all the salient characteristics needed in a material that can provide superior long-term performance in total joint patients, peroxide cross-linking can replace the gamma radiation cross-linking of UHMWPE.

Relationship between nailfold capillaroscopy findings and the etiology and prognosis of interstitial lung disease.

OBJECTIVES: Connective tissue-associated interstitial lung diseases (CTD-ILD) are believed to be caused by microvascular damage. The objective of this study was to assess the nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) pattern in patients diagnosed with both CTD-ILD and non-CTD-ILD to identify microvascular changes and determine the relation between capillaroscopic parameters, clinical variables, and disease-related measurements. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 95 patients with interstitial lung disease who applied to our Rheumatology and Chest Clinics between September 2021 and July 2023. The patients were divided into two groups based on their diagnosis: non-CTD-ILD (group 1) and CTD-ILD (group 2). Nailfold capillaroscopy was performed. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients, 49 (51% female, mean age 62.31 ± 11.027 years) in group 1 and 46 (69.6% female, mean age 62.09 ± 10.887 years) in group 2, were included in the study. Abnormal capillary morphologies were both detected in the CTD-ILD group and the non-CTD-ILD groups. In patients with a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern on chest computed tomography (CT), tortuosity was higher than in patients with non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) (P = 0.041), and the proportion of tortuosity increased significantly as the duration of the disease increased (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Our study highlights capillaroscopic abnormalities alone may not be sufficient to differentiate CTD-ILD (other than systemic sclerosis) from non-CTD-ILD. The presence of NFC abnormalities in non-CTD-ILD may suggest that fibrotic lung disease could potentially play a role in the deterioration of the microvascular structure or abnormal angiogenesis. Our study demonstrated that a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating clinical, morphological, pathological, and serological evaluations, is necessary for interpreting ILD. Key Points • Capillaroscopic abnormalities can also be seen in non-CTD-ILD. • Capillaroscopy findings do not distinguish the non-Ssc etiology of ILD. • Nailfold capillaroscopy may have the potential to serve as a useful tool in predicting prognosis and monitoring the disease progression in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

The efficacy of vitamin E in preventing arthrofibrosis after joint replacement.

BACKGROUND: Arthrofibrosis is a joint disorder characterized by excessive scar formation in the joint tissues. Vitamin E is an antioxidant with potential anti-fibroblastic effect. The aim of this study was to establish an arthrofibrosis rat model after joint replacement and assess the effects of vitamin E supplementation on joint fibrosis. METHODS: We simulated knee replacement in 16 male Sprague-Dawley rats. We immobilized the surgical leg with a suture in full flexion. The control groups were killed at 2 and 12 weeks (n = 5 per group), and the test group was supplemented daily with vitamin E (0.2 mg/mL) in their drinking water for 12 weeks (n = 6). We performed histological staining to investigate the presence and severity of arthrofibrosis. Immunofluorescent staining and α2-macroglobulin (α2M) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to assess local and systemic inflammation. Static weight bearing (total internal reflection) and range of motion (ROM) were collected for functional assessment. RESULTS: The ROM and weight-bearing symmetry decreased after the procedure and recovered slowly with still significant deficit at the end of the study for both groups. Histological analysis confirmed fibrosis in both lateral and posterior periarticular tissue. Vitamin E supplementation showed a moderate anti-inflammatory effect on the local and systemic levels. The vitamin E group exhibited significant improvement in ROM and weight-bearing symmetry at day 84 compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This model is viable for simulating arthrofibrosis after joint replacement. Vitamin E may benefit postsurgical arthrofibrosis, and further studies are needed for dosing requirements.

Evaluation of epicardial fat tissue thickness in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis.

OBJECTIVE: Hypothyroidism, whether overt or subclinical, has multiple effects on the cardiovascular system. Epicardial fat tissue (EFT) is closely related to cardiovascular disorders and atherosclerosis. Our study aimed to assess EFT thickness and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) displaying overt and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). DESIGN AND PATIENTS: The study included 33 patients with SCH and 24 patients with overt hypothyroidism (OH) with HT as well as 32 healthy controls. EFT thickness, CIMT, thyroid hormone levels and lipid parameters were measured in all subjects. Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were performed for EFT thickness. RESULTS: Mean EFT thickness was 2·89 ± 0·38, 3·53 ± 0·92 and 4·56 ± 1·61 mm in control, SCH and OH groups, respectively (P < 0·001). EFT thickness of OH patients was high compared with SCH and control subjects (P < 0·01 and <0·001, respectively). CIMT of OH patients was high compared with SCH and control subjects (P < 0·01 and <0·001, respectively). In addition, EFT was significantly thicker in SCH patients than in controls (P < 0·05). Correlation analysis showed that EFT thickness was significantly positively correlated with CIMT, age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, thyroid-stimulating hormone, total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride and negatively correlated with free T4. In the regression analysis, EFT thickness retained its independent and positive association with CIMT, patient group (particularly OH) and systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Epicardial fat tissue thickness may be a useful indicator of early atherosclerosis in SCH and OH patients with HT.

Does obesity negatively affect the functional results of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy? A retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on early functional results of patients who undergo isolated partial meniscectomy. METHODS: The functional results for 1,090 patients who underwent partial meniscectomy, in 2 different orthopaedic clinics, were evaluated retrospectively. The study includes cases with arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for isolated meniscal tears; patients with concomitant knee pathology were excluded. Three hundred forty-one (31%) patients with isolated lateral meniscal tears, 628 (58%) patients with isolated medial meniscal tears, and 121 (11%) patients with both medial and lateral meniscal tears underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. We divided these patients into 3 subgroups on the basis of their BMI; <26, between 26 and 30, ≥30. Preoperative functional results were compared with 1-year postoperative follow-up results using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC),(26) Lysholm Knee Scale,(27) and Oxford Scoring System(28) scores. RESULTS: According to all 3 knee scales, age, side of lesion, and tear type had no effect on functional outcome. When compared with the group with BMI <26, the patients with BMI between 26 and 30 and the patients with BMI ≥30 had significantly worse outcomes as measured by the IKDC, Oxford Scoring System, and Lysholm Knee Scale scores. Patients with BMI between 26 and 30 and ≥30 did not have significantly different functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term outcomes after arthroscopic partial menisectomy reflect significant improvement in subjective outcome. However, patients with moderate or significant obesity (BMI >26) have inferior short-term outcomes compared with nonobese patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

A device for the functional improvement of lagophthalmos.

A new device was tested on rabbits for the improvement of lagophthalmos, which causes dryness and irritation of the eye and may cause blindness if untreated. In the presented study, 14 rabbits were injected with local anesthetic to induce temporary facial palsy leading to lagophthalmos on one side. To provide functionality to the upper eyelids, ferromagnetic steel plates were either implanted within the eyelid or taped on the eyelid surface. The device detected blinking in the nonparalytic side and moved the anesthetized paralytic eyelid by pulling the steel plate electromagnetically. The control group (n = 5) did not wear the device, and they could not shut their paralytic eyelids. The treatment group with the external placement of the metal plate (n = 4) and the treatment group with the implant (n = 5) wore the device for artificial blinking. All animals were observed during the experiments, and blinking was recorded on digital video. The data collected from video records were analyzed to test the statistical difference of blinking between control and the treated groups. The results showed that the treatment groups could artificially move their paralytic eyelids. Furthermore, the treatment group with the implant showed a noticeable similarity in eyelid position compared with healthy (nonparalytic) eyes.

Midterm Clinical, Radiological, and Functional Results of Arthroscopic Excision of Osteoid Osteoma of the Hip Joint: a Case Series.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the midterm functional and clinical outcomes of the patients who underwent arthroscopic excision of hip osteoid osteoma (OO). Methods: We reviewed records of patients diagnosed with intra-articular hip OO, treated with hip arthroscopic excision procedure, and a minimum of 1-year postoperative between 2011 and 2020. Clinical outcomes were assessed range of motion (ROM) pre and postoperatively, and functional outcomes were evaluated with a modified Harris hip score (modified HHS) and Visual analog scale test. All patients were assessed by hip radiography, and three radiological measurements, including lateral center-edge angle (LCEA), alpha angle, and Tönnis angle, were measured. These parameters were compared with unaffected hips. Results: Fifteen (5 female and 10 male) patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 32.6 ± 12.7 (range 12-53). The average postoperative follow-up period was 59.1 ± 28 (range 13-106) months. The functional and clinical scores were significantly improved at the final visit compared to the preoperative values. No differences were found between the operated and unaffected sides with respect to the radiological parameters. The preoperative alpha was significantly higher on the operated side than on the unaffected side (p = 0.007). Conclusion: In this study, within an average of 5 years after surgery, hip arthroscopy provided successful clinical outcomes in the treatment of OO of the hip joint without recurrence. The modified HHS, VAS, and HOS values improved significantly at the final follow-up; 14 of 15 patients had satisfactory outcomes after hip arthroscopy for hip OO. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level IV study.