Utility of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling for diagnosis and lateralization of Cushing's disease in the pediatric population: case series and review of the literature.

OBJECTS: Cushing's disease (CD) is the most common cause of ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism in children age ≥ 7. The utility of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS), an important test in adults, is less defined in children. We present a case series of children with ACTH-dependent hypercortisolemia and review the literature to assess the utility of BIPSS in the diagnosis and localization of CD. METHODS: We performed an IRB-approved chart review of patients aged ≤ 18 with ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism at MGH between 2000 and 2019 and collected clinical, laboratory, radiographic, BIPSS, surgical, and outcomes data. RESULTS: In our cohort (n = 21), BIPSS had a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 100% for diagnosis of CD. Compared to surgery, successful BIPSS correctly predicted adenoma laterality in 69% of cases vs. 70% by MRI. Among patients with lesions ≥ 4 mm (n = 9), BIPSS correctly lateralized in 50% vs. 100% by MRI. In patients with subtle lesions (< 4 mm, n = 7), BIPSS correctly lateralized in 80% vs. 71% by MRI. In patients (n = 4) with CD and negative MRIs, BIPSS correctly lateralized in 75% cases. Surgical cure was achieved in 90% of patients and 95% of patients had long-term disease control. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort (n = 21; n = 20 CD, n = 1 ectopic ACTH secretion), BIPSS was sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of CD. Compared to MRI, BIPSS was not additionally helpful for lateralization in patients with lesions ≥ 4 mm on MRI. BIPSS was helpful in guiding surgical exploration and achieving immediate postoperative remission among patients with subtle and negative MRI findings.

Bone health in children and youth with ASD: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Higher risk of fracture reported in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might be linked to poor bone health and development in childhood. This study aimed to systematically review studies comparing imaged bone outcomes between children with ASD and typically developing children (TDC) or reference data, and to perform a meta-analysis comparing commonly reported bone outcomes. We searched articles published since August 2020 from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus databases. We included studies comparing areal bone mineral density (aBMD) between children with ASD and TDC in the qualitative analysis (meta-analysis), and evaluated other imaged bone outcomes qualitatively. Seven publications were identified for the systematic review, and four studies were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated lower aBMD at the total body (standardized mean difference = - 0.77; 95% CI, - 1.26 to - 0.28), lumbar spine (- 0.69; - 1.00 to - 0.39), total hip (- 1.00; - 1.82 to - 0.17), and femoral neck (- 1.07; - 1.54 to - 0.60) in children with ASD compared to TDC. Based on our qualitative review, limited evidence suggested 13% lower bone mineral content at the total body and 10-20% lower cortical area, cortical and trabecular thickness, and bone strength at the distal radius and tibia in children with ASD. Children with ASD have lower aBMD at the total body, lumbar spine, and hip and femoral neck compared to TDC. Limited evidence also suggests deficits in bone mineral content, micro-architecture, and strength in children with ASD.

Update of Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias (International Endohernia Society (IEHS)): Part B.

In 2014 the International Endohernia Society (IEHS) published the first international "Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias". Guidelines reflect the currently best available evidence in diagnostics and therapy and give recommendations to help surgeons to standardize their techniques and to improve their results. However, science is a dynamic field which is continuously developing. Therefore, guidelines require regular updates to keep pace with the evolving literature. METHODS: For the development of the original guidelines all relevant literature published up to year 2012 was analyzed using the ranking of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based-Medicine. For the present update all of the previous authors were asked to evaluate the literature published during the recent years from 2012 to 2017 and revise their statements and recommendations given in the initial guidelines accordingly. In two Consensus Conferences (October 2017 Beijing, March 2018 Cologne) the updates were presented, discussed, and confirmed. To avoid redundancy, only new statements or recommendations are included in this paper. Therefore, for full understanding both of the guidelines, the original and the current, must be read. In addition, the new developments in repair of abdominal wall hernias like surgical techniques within the abdominal wall, release operations (transversus muscle release, component separation), Botox application, and robot-assisted repair methods were included. RESULTS: Due to an increase of the number of patients and further development of surgical techniques, repair of primary and secondary abdominal wall hernias attracts increasing interests of many surgeons. Whereas up to three decades ago hernia-related publications did not exceed 20 per year, currently this number is about 10-fold higher. Recent years are characterized by the advent of new techniques-minimal invasive techniques using robotics and laparoscopy, totally extraperitoneal repairs, novel myofascial release techniques for optimal closure of large defects, and Botox for relaxing the abdominal wall. Furthermore, a concomitant rectus diastasis was recognized as a significant risk factor for recurrence. Despite still insufficient evidence with respect to these new techniques it seemed to us necessary to include them in the update to stimulate surgeons to do research in these fields. CONCLUSION: Guidelines are recommendations based on best available evidence intended to help the surgeon to improve the quality of his daily work. However, science is a continuously evolving process, and as such guidelines should be updated about every 3 years. For a comprehensive reference, however, it is suggested to read both the initially guidelines published in 2014 together with the update. Moreover, the presented update includes also techniques which were not known 3 years before.

Correction to: Update of Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias (International Endohernia Society (IEHS))-Part A.

This article was updated to include the middle initial of author L. N. Jorgensen's name.

Update of Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias (International Endohernia Society (IEHS))-Part A.

In 2014, the International Endohernia Society (IEHS) published the first international "Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias." Guidelines reflect the currently best available evidence in diagnostics and therapy and give recommendations to help surgeons to standardize their techniques and to improve their results. However, science is a dynamic field which is continuously developing. Therefore, guidelines require regular updates to keep pace with the evolving literature. METHODS: For the development of the original guidelines, all relevant literature published up to year 2012 was analyzed using the ranking of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. For the present update, all of the previous authors were asked to evaluate the literature published during the recent years from 2012 to 2017 and revise their statements and recommendations given in the initial guidelines accordingly. In two Consensus Conferences (October 2017 Beijing, March 2018 Cologne), the updates were presented, discussed, and confirmed. To avoid redundancy, only new statements or recommendations are included in this paper. Therefore, for full understanding both of the guidelines, the original and the current, must be read. In addition, the new developments in repair of abdominal wall hernias like surgical techniques within the abdominal wall, release operations (transversus muscle release, component separation), Botox application, and robot-assisted repair methods were included. RESULTS: Due to an increase of the number of patients and further development of surgical techniques, repair of primary and secondary abdominal wall hernias attracts increasing interests of many surgeons. Whereas up to three decades ago hernia-related publications did not exceed 20 per year, currently this number is about 10-fold higher. Recent years are characterized by the advent of new techniques-minimal invasive techniques using robotics and laparoscopy, totally extraperitoneal repairs, novel myofascial release techniques for optimal closure of large defects, and Botox for relaxing the abdominal wall. Furthermore, a concomitant rectus diastasis was recognized as a significant risk factor for recurrence. Despite insufficient evidence with respect to these new techniques, it seemed to us necessary to include them in the update to stimulate surgeons to do research in these fields. CONCLUSION: Guidelines are recommendations based on best available evidence intended to help the surgeon to improve the quality of his daily work. However, science is a continuously evolving process, and as such guidelines should be updated about every 3 years. For a comprehensive reference, however, it is suggested to read both the initial guidelines published in 2014 together with the update. Moreover, the presented update includes also techniques which were not known 3 years before.

A prospective randomized comparison of testicular functions, sexual functions and quality of life following laparoscopic totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) and trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repairs.

BACKGROUND: There is very scant literature on the impact of inguinal hernia mesh repair on testicular functions and sexual functions following open and laparoscopic repair. The present randomized study compares TAPP and TEP repairs in terms of testicular functions, sexual functions, quality of life and chronic groin pain. METHODS: This study was conducted from April 2012 to October 2014. A total of 160 patients with uncomplicated groin hernia were randomized to either trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) repair or totally extra-peritoneal (TEP) repair. Testicular functions were assessed by measuring testicular volume, testicular hormone levels preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively. Sexual functions were assessed using BMSFI, and quality of life was assessed using WHO-QOL BREF scale preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Chronic groin pain was evaluated using the VAS scale at 3 months, 6 months and at 1 year. RESULTS: The median duration of follow-up was 13 months (range 6-18 months). The mean preoperative pain scores (p value 0.35) as well as the chronic groin pain were similar between TEP and TAPP repairs at 3 months (p value 0.06) and 6 months (p value 0.86). The testicular resistive index and testicular volume did not show any significant change at follow-up of 3 months (p value 0.9) in the study population. No significant difference was observed in testicular resistive index and testicular volume when comparing TEP and TAPP groups at at follow-up of 3 months (p value >0.05). There was a statistically significant improvement in the sexual drive score, erectile function and overall satisfaction over the follow-up period following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. However, sexual function improvement was similar in patients undergoing both TEP and TAPP repairs. All the domains of quality of life in the study population showed a significant improvement at a follow-up of 3 and 6 months. Subgroup analysis of all the domains of quality of life in both TAPP and TEP groups showed a similar increment as in the study population (p value <0.001); however, the mean scores of all the domains were comparable between the two subgroups (p value >0.05), preoperatively and 3 and 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic groin hernia repair improves the testicular functions, sexual functions and quality of life, but TEP and TAPP repairs are comparable in terms of these long-term outcomes.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between eating disorders and bone density.

This meta-analysis investigates the effect of an eating disorder on bone mineral density in two eating disorder subtypes. Following conflicting findings in previous literature, this study finds that not only anorexia nervosa, but also bulimia nervosa has a detrimental effect on BMD. Key predictors of this relationship are discussed. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) in comparison to healthy controls (HCs). AN has been associated with low BMD and a risk of fractures and mixed results have been obtained for the relationship between BN and BMD. Deciphering the effect these two ED subtypes on BMD will determine the effect of low body weight (a characteristic of AN) versus the effects of periods of restrictive eating and malnutrition which are common to both AN and BN. We conducted a systematic search through the electronic databases MedLine, EMBASE and PsychInfo and the Cochrane Library to investigate and quantify this relationship. We screened 544 articles and included 27 studies in a random-effect meta-analysis and calculated the standardised mean difference (SMD) in BMD between women with a current diagnosis of AN (n = 785) vs HCs (n = 979) and a current diagnosis of BN (n = 187) vs HCs (n = 350). The outcome measures investigated were spinal, hip, femoral neck and whole body BMD measured by DXA or DPA scanning. A meta-regression investigated the effect of factors including age, duration since diagnosis, duration of amenorrhea and BMI on BMD. The mean BMI of participants was 16.65 kg/m(2) (AN), 21.16 kg/m(2) (BN) and 22.06 kg/m(2) (HC). Spine BMD was lowest in AN subjects (SMD, -3.681; 95 % CI, -4.738, -2.625; p < 0.0001), but also lower in BN subjects compared with HCs (SMD, -0.472; 95 % CI, -0.688, -0.255; p < 0.0001). Hip, whole body and femoral neck BMD were reduced to a statistically significant level in AN but not BN groups. The meta-regression was limited by the number of included studies and did not find any significant predictors. This meta-analysis confirms the association between low BMD and AN and presents a strong argument for assessing BMD not only in patients with AN, but also in patients with BN.

Guidelines for laparoscopic treatment of ventral and incisional abdominal wall hernias (International Endohernia Society (IEHS)-part 1.

Guidelines are increasingly determining the decision process in day-to-day clinical work. Guidelines describe the current best possible standard in diagnostics and therapy. They should be developed by an international panel of experts, whereby alongside individual experience, above all, the results of comparative studies are decisive. According to the results of high-ranking scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journals, statements and recommendations are formulated, and these are graded strictly according to the criteria of evidence-based medicine. Guidelines can therefore be valuable in helping particularly the young surgeon in his or her day-to-day work to find the best decision for the patient when confronted with a wide and confusing range of options. However, even experienced surgeons benefit because by virtue of a heavy workload and commitment, they often find it difficult to keep up with the ever-increasing published literature. All guidelines require regular updating, usually every 3 years, in line with progress in the field. The current Guidelines focus on technique and perioperative management of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair and constitute the first comprehensive guidelines on this topic. In this issue of Surgical Endoscopy, the first part of the Guidelines is published including sections on basics, indication for surgery, perioperative management, and key points of technique. The next part (Part 2) of the Guidelines will address complications and comparisons between open and laparoscopic techniques. Part 3 will cover mesh technology, hernia prophylaxis, technique-related issues, new technologic developments, lumbar and other unusual hernias, and training/education.

Mortality profile of patients with traumatic spinal injuries at a level I trauma care centre in India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: There is no national spinal trauma registry available in India at present and the research on epidemiology of these injuries is also very limited. The purpose of this study was to describe the mortality profile of patients with spinal injuries brought to a level I trauma centre in India, and to understand the predictive factors which identify patients at an increased risk of spinal trauma mortality. METHODS: Retrospective data were collected from computerized patients records and autopsy reports maintained in the department of Forensic Medicine. All the cases with spinal injuries whether in isolation or as a part of polytrauma were reviewed. A total of 341 such cases were identified between January 2008 to December 2011. The demographic data, type of trauma, duration of survival, body areas involved, level of spinal injury and associated injuries if any, were recorded. RESULTS: There were 288 (84.45%) males and 53 (15.55%) females. Most victims (73%) were between 25 and 64 yr of age, followed by young adults between 16 and 24 yr (19.35%). Male: female ratio was 5.4:1. Fifty five per cent cases had spinal injuries in isolation. Injury to the cervical spine occurred in 259 (75.95%) patients, thoracic spine in 56 (16.42%) and thoraco-lumbar spine in 26 (7.62%) patients. The commonest cause of injury was high energy falls (44.28%), followed by road traffic accidents (41.93%). The majority of deaths (51.6%) occurred in the phase IV (secondary to tertiary complications of trauma, i.e. >1 wk). Forty patients died in phase I (brought dead or surviving <3 h), 55 in phase II (>3 to 24 h) and 70 in phase III (> 24 h to 7 days). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that there is an urgent need to take steps to prevent major injuries, strengthen the pre-hospital care, transportation network, treatment in specialized trauma care units and to improve injury surveillance and the quality of data collected which can guide prevention efforts to avoid loss of young active lives.

Antibiotic susceptibilities, streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin gene profiles among clinical isolates of group C or G Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis & of group G S. anginosus group at a tertiary care centre.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Group C and group G streptococci (together GCGS) are often regarded as commensal bacteria and their role in streptococcal disease burden is under-recognized. While reports of recovery of GCGS from normally sterile body sites are increasing, their resistance to macrolides, fluoroquinolone further warrants all invasive ß haemolytic streptococci to be identified to the species level and accurately tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical profile, antimicrobial susceptibility and streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin gene profile (speA, speB, speC, speF, smeZ, speI, speM, speG, speH and ssa) of GCGS obtained over a period of two years at a tertiary care centre from north India. METHODS: The clinical samples were processed as per standard microbiological techniques. ß-haemolytic streptococci (BHS) were characterized and grouped. Antimicrobial susceptibility of GCGS was performed using disk diffusion method. All GCGS were characterized for the presence of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (spe) and spe genes were amplified by PCR method. RESULTS: GCGS (23 GGS, 2GCS) comprised 16 per cent of ß haemolytic streptococci (25/142 ßHS, 16%) isolated over the study period. Of the 25 GCGS, 22 (88%) were recovered from pus, two (8%) from respiratory tract, whereas one isolate was recovered from blood of a fatal case of septicaemia. Of the total 23 GGS isolates, 18 (78%) were identified as Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp equisimilis (SDSE, large-colony phenotype), five (21%) were Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG, small-colony phenotype). The two GCS were identified as SDSE. All GCGS isolates were susceptible to penicillin, vancomycin, and linezolid. Tetracycline resistance was noted in 50 per cent of SDSE isolates. The rates of macrolide and fluoroquinolone resistance in SDSE were low. Twelve of the 20 SDSE isolates were positive for one or more spe genes, with five of the SDSE isolates simultaneously carrying speA+ speB+ smeZ+ speF or speB+ smeZ+speF, speI+speM+speG+speH or, speI+spe M+speH or speA+ speB+ speC+ smeZ+ speF. One notable finding was the presence of spe B in four of the five isolates of the Streptococcus anginosus group. No isolate was positive for ssa. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed no association between GCGS isolates harbouring streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins and disease severity. This might be attributed to the small sample size of spe-positive isolates.

Outcomes of surgical site infections in orthopedic trauma surgeries in a tertiary care centre in India.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) still cause significant morbidity and mortality despite advances in trauma care. We have studied in this paper the rate of SSIs, their outcomes in patients undergoing interventions for trauma and SSI trends in developing countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 16-month study (May, 2011- August, 2012) was carried out. Patients undergoing interventions for orthopedic trauma were followed and assessed for SSIs and their outcomes and antimicrobial sensitivity patterns of the micro-organisms isolated were noted and correlated. RESULTS: A total of 40 (4.4%) confirmed cases of SSIs were identified among 852 patients of orthopedic trauma. Based on the new CDC criteria, after ruling out cellulitis, only 24 (2.6%) were found to have SSIs. A total of 12.5% of the SSIs were detected during follow-up. Acinetobacter baumannii was the predominant organism as also Staphylococcus aureus. Outcomes observed included changes in antibiotic regime, revision surgery, readmission to hospital and deaths. CONCLUSION: SSI is prevalent in orthopaedic trauma patients and an active surveillance program will help in early management and prevention.

Association of HLA-G promoter and 14-bp insertion-deletion variants with acute allograft rejection and end-stage renal disease.

The aim of this study was to investigate the HLA-G 14-bp insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, acute allograft rejection (AR) and overall survival after renal transplantation was investigated in 300 ESRD patients and 302 age, sex and ethnicity-matched controls. Sequencing was performed to evaluate the impact of HLA-G promoter region single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) whereas semi-quantitative PCR method was used to determine the probable HLA-G expression pattern among ESRD and AR cases. Further, soluble human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G (sHLA-G) expression levels were compared in AR vs non-AR cases in the light of HLA-G 14-bp I/D polymorphism. Increased risk was found for 14-bp D/D (deletion-DD) genotype and 14-bp D allele [DD: odds ratio (OR) = 1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-2.06, P value = 0.0358; D: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.03-1.62, P value = 0.0277], respectively for ESRD and CMV infection (DD: OR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.45-5.05, P value = 0.0021; D: OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.22-3.08, P value = 0.0052). Nearly fourfold (OR = 3.62, 95%CI = 1.61-8.14, p = 0.0039) risk was observed for 14-bp I/I (insertion-II) genotype for AR. Survival analysis showed increased overall survival (OS) (AR or death) for 14-bp D/D genotype. HLA-G promoter region sequencing was carried out among 60 ESRD patients and 100 normal controls which showed increased risk for -964 G>A, -725 C>G/T and -486 A>C SNPs. -964 G>A and -725 C>G/T SNPs showed risk association for AR patients. High level of HLA-G transcripts was observed among non-AR patients. Further soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) showed increased levels in ESRD patients (mean ± SEM; 62.16 ± 2.43 U/ml) as compared to controls (mean ± SEM; 21.06 ± 3.89 U/ml) (P = <0.0001). The 14-bp I/I, 14-bp I/D and 14-bp D/D genotypes showed significantly higher levels of sHLA-G among non-AR as compared to AR patients.

Sclerostin and Pref-1 have differential effects on bone mineral density and strength parameters in adolescent athletes compared with non-athletes.

UNLABELLED: Excessive exercise can have detrimental effects on bone; however, the mechanisms leading to bone loss are not well understood. Sclerostin and preadipocyte factor (Pref)-1 are two hormones which inhibit bone formation. The present study demonstrates that these hormones may have differential effects in athletes as compared to non-athletes. INTRODUCTION: Exercise activity is common in female adolescents, however, excessive exercise can have detrimental effects on bone mineral density (BMD). Mechanisms underlying this decrease in bone mass are not well understood. We investigated the effects of sclerostin, a potent inhibitor of bone formation via WNT signaling inhibition, and Pref-1, a suppressor of osteoblast differentiation, on BMD, bone turnover markers and bone strength in adolescent athletes. METHODS: We studied 50 adolescents between 15-21 years of age: 17 amenorrheic athletes (AA), 17 eumenorrheic athletes (EA), and 16 nonathletic controls (NA). We measured spine and hip BMD by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and estimated failure load and stiffness at the distal radius and tibia using micro-finite element analysis. We also measured fasting sclerostin, Pref-1, N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen, and C-terminal collagen cross-links levels. RESULTS: Sclerostin levels were higher in AA and EA compared with NA (AA: 0.42 ± 0.15 ng/mL, EA: 0.44 ± 0.09 ng/mL, NA: 0.33 ± 0.14 ng/mL; p = 0.047). In EA, sclerostin was positively associated with lumbar spine (LS) BMD and its Z-score (R = 0.52, p = 0.03 and R = 0.55, p = 0.02, respectively) whereas in NA, sclerostin was inversely associated with LS BMD (R = -0.61, p = 0.01). Pref-1 levels were similar in all three groups and there were significant inverse associations between Pref-1, BMD, and estimated bone strength in NA. CONCLUSIONS: Sclerostin and Pref-1 may have differential effects on bone in adolescent athletes compared to non-athletes.

Implementation of a short course of prophylactic antibiotic treatment for prevention of postoperative infections in clean orthopaedic surgeries.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis constitutes the bulk of antimicrobial consumption in any hospital. This study was conducted at a level 1 Trauma Centre of a tertiary care hospital of India to assess the efficacy of a short (24 h) course of perioperative antibiotic prophylactic regimen in preventing surgical site infections (SSI) in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of closed fractures of limbs and to assess if the same can be implemented as a general policy. METHODS: Patients of either sex, aged 18 yr or more, who were scheduled for ORIF and were willing and able to give informed consent, were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Group 1 (n=100) received 3 doses of 1 g i.v. cefuroxime perioperatively spaced 12 h apart and group 2 (n=97) received the conventional existing regimen [5 days of i.v. antibiotics (cefuroxime 1 g twice daily along with amikacin 15 mg/kg in 2 divided doses), followed by oral cefuroxime, 500 mg twice daily till suture removal]. RESULTS: Of the 197 patients, four patients developed a surgical site infection (three with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and one Acinetobacter baumanii). Of these, two patients were in group 1 and the remaining two in group 2. These patients were treated with i.v. antibiotics based on the culture and antimicrobial sensitivity reports. The cost of the short course treatment was ` 150 per patient as compared to ` 1,900 per patient for conventional regimen. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in rates of SSI among the two groups in our study. Cost evaluation revealed that shorter course was less expensive than conventional long course regimen. Implementation of a short course perioperative regimen will go a long way in reducing antimicrobial resistance, cost and adverse reactions to antimicrobials.

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) versus totally extraperitoneal (TEP) approach: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Minimal access approaches to inguinal hernia repair have added to the ongoing debate over the "best groin hernia repair." The present prospective randomized controlled trial was done to compare the totally extraperitoneal (TEP) and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) techniques of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: The present prospective randomized study was conducted between May 2007 and March, 2009 and included 100 patients suffering from uncomplicated primary groin hernia. Patients were randomized into group I (TEP) and group II (TAPP). Intraoperative variables and postoperative pain scores were recorded in a prestructured form. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included in the study (TEP, 53; TAPP, 47). Both groups were comparable in terms of demographic profile and hernia characteristics. The average operative time was higher in the TAPP group (p = 0.209). The pain scores at 1 h and 24 h after surgery and at 3-month follow-up were significantly higher in the TAPP group (p < 0.05). The average follow-up was 30.5 months. In the TEP group, 37.8% of patients had seroma compared to 18.3% in the TAPP group (p = 0.021). However, there was a higher incidence of scrotal edema in the TAPP group (16 vs. 9, p = 0.009). The wound infection rates were equal (2% vs. 3%). There has been no recurrence in either group during the follow-up period of 44 months. Overall, the patients were more satisfied with TEP rather than TAPP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, TEP had a significant advantage over TAPP for significantly reduced postoperative pain up to 3 months, which resulted in a better patient satisfaction score. The other intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and cost were similar in both groups. In terms of results, both repair techniques seemed equally effective, but TEP had an edge over TAPP.

Nanofibers: effective generation by electrospinning and their applications.

Electrospinning is the most versatile technology in use today, for the generation of polymer nanoscale fibers. The nano materials generated using this technology have a large surface area and are highly porous making it very useful in many applications in diverse fields such as energy storage, healthcare, biotechnology, environmental engineering, defense and security. The production of the fibers and the morphology can be easily controlled by modifications to the processing parameters. The relatively high production rate and simplicity of the setup makes electrospinning highly attractive. This review summarizes the effect of various processing parameters on the effective generation of nanofibers. By simple modifications to the electric field inside the electrospinning chamber the fiber collection can be easily controlled. In addition, the various applications of electrospun fibers in electronic devices, environmental sensors and filters, energy storage, and in biomedicine such as in tissue engineering, drug delivery and enzyme encapsulation are examined and the current research in each field is also explored in this review.

Role of l-Arginine on Dyslipidemic Conditions of Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients.

Oxidative stress conditions associated with atherosclerosis leads to oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The body's capabilities to inhibit LDL oxidation and to remove or neutralize the atherogenic oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) are limited. When the LDL cholesterol level increases in the blood, it leads to dangerous consequences like atherosclerosis, leading to myocardial infarction. The major effect of an antioxidant in the LDL environment is to prevent the formation of ox-LDL (during atherogenesis. Strategies to reduce LDL oxidation and prevent atherogenesis can involve the enrichment of arterial cells with potent antioxidants that can prevent oxidative damage to the arterial wall. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of l-arginine on serum lipid and cholesterol levels in the patients of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The study consisted of 70 AMI patients and 60 healthy individuals (serving as control) age 55-65 years. Serum levels of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), LDL and Triglycerides were determined on day 1 and day 15 of l-arginine administration (oral dose 3 g/day). The total cholesterol/HDL and the LDL/HDL ratio were calculated and compared. As per the observations, l-arginine administration was found to improve the lipid profile of the subjects. Hence it could be used as an adjuvant therapy for AMI and as a preventive measure for the onset of the disease in the healthy elderly also.

Efficacy and outcome of bone marrow derived stem cells transplanted via intramedullary route in acute complete spinal cord injury - A randomized placebo controlled trial.

Due to lack of well-designed trials, there is no good evidence on the efficacy of stem cells in spinal cord injury. We aim to study the efficacy and outcome of bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSCs) in acute complete spinal cord injury (SCI). In this prospective study over a 3-year period, 27 patients with acute, complete SCI were randomized to receive BMSCs or placebo (intramedullary route) intraoperatively. Institutional ethics approval was taken and informed consent was taken from all patients. Functional outcome was assessed using ASIA scale, SCIM score and SSEP responses preoperatively, three and six months after surgery. Thirteen patients were available for final analysis of which six were in the stem cell group and seven received placebo. 6 patients had improvement by at least one grade in ASIA score in the stem cell group as compared to only one patient in the placebo group. However, no functional motor improvement in any of the patients. ASIA sensory score improved from a preoperative mean of 124 to 224 at 6 months compared to the static mean of 115 in the control group. Absent SSEP waveform converted to abnormal waveform at 6 months in 3 patients in the stem cell group and one patient in the control group. There was no significant difference in the SCIM scores between the groups at last follow-up. All patients in the stem cell group reported improved bladder sensation, decreased spasticity and improved posture control as compared to nine in the placebo group. BMSCs through intramedullary route are a potential therapy for acute complete SCI and more research is required in this area.

Bone metabolism in adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

Adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) are at risk for low bone mass at multiple sites, associated with decreased bone turnover. Bone microarchitecture is also affected, with a decrease in bone trabecular volume and trabecular thickness, and an increase in trabecular separation. The adolescent years are typically the time when marked increases occur in bone mass accrual towards the attainment of peak bone mass, an important determinant of bone health and fracture risk in later life. AN often begins in the adolescent years, and decreased rates of bone mass accrual at this critical time are therefore also concerning for deficits in peak bone mass. Factors contributing to low bone density and decreased rates of bone accrual include alterations in body composition such as low body mass index and lean body mass, and hormonal alterations such as hypogonadism, a nutritionally acquired resistance to GH and low levels of IGF-I, relative hypercortisolemia, low levels of leptin, and increased adiponectin (for fat mass) and peptide YY. Therapeutic strategies include optimizing weight and menstrual recovery, and adequate calcium and vitamin D replacement. Oral estrogen-progesterone combination pills are not effective in increasing bone density in adolescents with AN. Recombinant human IGF-I increases levels of bone formation markers in the short term, while long-term effects remain to be determined. Bisphosphonates act by decreasing bone resorption, and are not optimal for use in adolescents with AN, in whom the primary defect is low bone formation.

Initial experience with mobile computed tomogram in neurosurgery intensive care unit in a level 1 trauma center in India.

Neurosurgical patients, in particular patients with severe head injury require frequent computed tomogram (CT) of the head, usually at short notice. A mobile CT may prove to be invaluable for these patients. This report reviews the initial experience with a mobile CT at tertiary trauma center. A total of 1292 head CT scans were done during 9 months study period with an average of 4.78 CT scans for day. Of the 563 patients in whom the detailed prospective data was available, 456 (81%) patients were on ventilator, 450 (80%) patients were on sedation, and 37 (6.5%) patients were on ionotropic support at the time of doing CT scan. The mean Glasgow Coma Scale score at the time of CT was 8.1 (range 3-15). The average time to do a CT scan (from time of request to transmission into picture archiving and communication system) was 12.6 min (range 7.8-47 min). Image quality was judged to be excellent by all the neurosurgical faculty in the intensive care unit. During the study period, the main CT scanner broke down four times (for variable time periods) and the mobile CT scanner could manage the load of severe head injured patients in the casualty without any problems. The mobile CT machine itself broke down 36 times and the mean response time was 12.5 h (range 1-144 h) during each breakdown point. This experience suggests that mobile CT is extremely useful in the management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury and can be recommended for any high-volume neurosurgery department in the country.