A rare presentation of pemphigus vegetans as an isolated vegetative lesion-Review of histopathological clues and treatment effects in multiple biopsy specimens.

BACKGROUND: Pemphigus is a group of immunobullous dermatoses characterized by the presence of autoantibodies directed against adhesion molecules of keratinocytes, with pemphigus vegetans being the rarest form, accounting for 1%-2% of all cases of pemphigus. Pemphigus vegetans is characterized by verrucous vegetative lesions in addition to vesiculobullous lesions. METHODS: We report a rare case of pemphigus vegetans presenting as an isolated vegetative lesion in the groin 3 months prior to the development of blisters. Owing to the atypical presentation, multiple biopsies were performed before and after corticosteroid treatment. RESULTS: Comparing the histopathology of pre-treatment and post-treatment biopsy specimens, the resolution of intraepidermal microabscesses, and reduction in intraepidermal and dermal inflammatory infiltrates, spongiosis and interface change, attributable to treatment, were noted. However, direct immunofluorescence showed persistent intracellular intraepidermal deposition of IgG and C3 2 weeks into treatment, despite near-complete resolution of blisters on clinical examination. Clinical regression of the vegetative lesion was noted only after 6 weeks into corticosteroid treatment, while histopathological evidence of treatment was apparent at the second week. CONCLUSION: The current case illustrates the importance of a liberal use of immunofluorescence studies in establishing the uncommon yet significant diagnosis of pemphigus vegetans, particularly for vegetative lesions that are persistent, in the intertriginous areas and/or in the setting of concurrent cutaneous or mucosal symptoms.

An Inkjet Printed Flexible Electrocorticography (ECoG) Microelectrode Array on a Thin Parylene-C Film.

Electrocorticography (ECoG) is a conventional, invasive technique for recording brain signals from the cortical surface using an array of electrodes. In this study, we developed a highly flexible 22-channel ECoG microelectrode array on a thin Parylene film using novel fabrication techniques. Narrow (<40 µm) and thin (<500 nm) microelectrode patterns were first printed on PDMS, then the patterns were transferred onto Parylene films via vapor deposition and peeling. A custom-designed, 3D-printed connector was built and assembled with the Parylene-based flexible ECoG microelectrode array without soldering. The impedance of the assembled ECoG electrode array was measured in vitro by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and the result was consistent. In addition, we conducted in vivo studies by implanting the flexible ECoG sensor in a rat and successfully recording brain signals.

Alkyl-Terminated Gold Nanoparticles as a Self-Therapeutic Treatment for Psoriasis.

We present a self-therapeutic nanoparticle for topical delivery to epidermal keratinocytes to prevent and treat psoriasis. Devoid of known chemical or biological antipsoriatic drugs, this sub-15 nm nanoparticle contains a 3 nm gold core and a shell of 1000 Da polyethylene glycol strands modified with 30% octadecyl chains. When it is applied to imiquimod-induced psoriasis mice without an excipient, the nanoparticle can cross the stratum corneum and preferentially enter keratinocytes. Applying the nanoparticles concurrently with imiquimod prevents psoriasis and downregulates genes that are enriched in the downstream of the interleukin-17 signaling pathway and linked to epidermis hyperproliferation and inflammation. Applying the nanoparticles after psoriasis is established treats the psoriatic skin as effectively as standard steroid and vitamin D analog-based therapy but without hair loss and skin wrinkling. The nanoparticles do not accumulate in major organs or induce long-term toxicity. Our nanoparticle offers a simple, safe, and effective alternative for treating psoriasis.

Perioperative Pain and Addiction Interdisciplinary Network (PAIN): consensus recommendations for perioperative management of cannabis and cannabinoid-based medicine users by a modified Delphi process.

In many countries, liberalisation of the legislation regulating the use of cannabis has outpaced rigorous scientific studies, and a growing number of patients presenting for surgery consume cannabis regularly. Research to date suggests that cannabis can impact perioperative outcomes. We present recommendations obtained using a modified Delphi method for the perioperative care of cannabis-using patients. A steering committee was formed and a review of medical literature with respect to perioperative cannabis use was conducted. This was followed by the recruitment of a panel of 17 experts on the care of cannabis-consuming patients. Panellists were blinded to each other's participation and were provided with rater forms exploring the appropriateness of specific perioperative care elements. The completed rater forms were analysed for consensus. The expert panel was then unblinded and met to discuss the rater form analyses. Draft recommendations were then created and returned to the expert panel for further comment. The draft recommendations were also sent to four independent reviewers (a surgeon, a nurse practitioner, and two patients). The collected feedback was used to finalise the recommendations. The major recommendations obtained included emphasising the importance of eliciting a history of cannabis use, quantifying it, and ensuring contact with a cannabis authoriser (if one exists). Recommendations also included the consideration of perioperative cannabis weaning, additional postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis, and additional attention to monitoring and maintaining anaesthetic depth. Postoperative recommendations included anticipating increased postoperative analgesic requirements and maintaining vigilance for cannabis withdrawal syndrome.

High Satisfaction in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients on Enhanced Discharge Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Recently, there have been several reports of using an enhanced discharge pathway following posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). No previous studies have prospectively examined patient satisfaction of patients with AIS using an enhanced discharge pathway. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction with an enhanced discharge pathway for PSF and whether patients felt that their length of stay was appropriate. METHODS: Patients with AIS undergoing PSF were prospectively enrolled. At their first postoperative clinic visit, patients were administered a survey regarding their experience. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients enrolled (mean age, 14 y), 1 was discharged on postoperative day (POD) 2, 33 were discharged on POD 3, 9 were discharged on POD 4, and 3 were discharged on POD 5. Eighty (37/46) of patients felt that they were discharged at an appropriate time, whereas 20% (9/46) felt they were discharged too early. Patients who felt they were discharged at an appropriate time (mean, 3.2 d) had a trend toward shorter stays than those who felt they were discharged too early (mean, 3.7 d). Overall patient satisfaction of hospital stay was high with a mean of 9 on a 10-point scale (range, 1 to 10). There was no correlation between length of stay and patient satisfaction (P=0.723). Patients who felt they were discharged early had a significantly higher mean FACES pain scores than those who felt they were discharged about right both as inpatients (mean, 4.8 vs. 3.4; P=0.0319) and at their first postoperative clinic visit (5.4 vs. 2.9; P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Eighty percent of patients with AIS who underwent PSF felt that the time of discharge was appropriate with an enhanced discharge pathway. There was no correlation between patient satisfaction and length of stay. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Readability of Online Patient Educational Materials Related to Breast Lesions Requiring Surgery.

Purpose To evaluate readability of websites that are commonly accessed for information on breast lesions requiring surgery. Materials and Methods An internet search using three malignant and eight nonmalignant breast lesions that traditionally require lumpectomy or excisional biopsy as search terms was conducted to identify websites commonly accessed for patient information on breast lesions requiring surgery. Nine websites with information on breast diagnoses were identified based on search engine results for each breast lesion queried. Available patient-directed information was downloaded for each lesion from each website on May 15, 2018. Grade-level readability of downloaded content for each lesion was then determined by using generalized estimating equations, with observations nested within readability metrics from each website. Readability of associated terms breast biopsy, breast cancer, and breast surgery was also evaluated with the same method. Results were compared with American Medical Association (AMA) recommended readability parameters (sixth-grade reading level). All interval estimates were calculated for 95% confidence. Results Average grade level readability score of health information on breast lesions requiring surgery was 11.7, which exceeded the AMA parameters. Information on Wikipedia was written at the highest reading level (grade level readability score, 14.2), while information on the National Institutes of Health website ( http://cancer.gov ) was written at the lowest reading level (grade level readability score, 9.7). Educational materials on malignant breast lesions (grade level readability score, 12.3) were written at a higher reading level than were those on nonmalignant breast lesions (grade level readability score,11.4). Information on the terms breast biopsy (grade level readability score, 10.9), breast cancer (grade level readability score, 10.6), and breast surgery (grade level readability score, 11.1) were all written above a sixth-grade reading level. Conclusion Readability of current online resources on breast biopsy lesions traditionally requiring surgery may be too complex for the general public to comprehend, leading to misinformation and confusion. © RSNA, 2019 See also the editorial by Haygood in this issue.

Socioeconomic Risk Factors for Poor Outcomes of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between socioeconomic factors and outcomes of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of patients with DDH at a tertiary pediatric hospital from 2003 to 2012 with 2 years minimum follow-up was conducted. The relationship between socioeconomic factors with late presentation, treatment, and outcomes was examined. Socioeconomic factors included insurance status, language, and ethnicity. RESULTS: In total, 188 patients met criteria. Patients with late presentations were more likely to be Hispanic (P = .02). However, public insurance and a non-English language were not associated with late presentation. Hispanic patients (P = .01) and patients with a non-English language (P = .01) had a lower nonoperative treatment success rate. Hispanic patients had more surgical procedures performed than non-Hispanic patients (P = .04). Patients with range of motion limitations were more likely to have public insurance (P = .05) and be Hispanic (P = .04). On multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for late presentation, patients with public insurance had increased odds of range of motion limitations (OR 2.22, P = .04). Patients with public insurance (OR 0.44, P = .04), a non-English primary language (OR 0.30, P < .01), and Hispanic ethnicity (OR 0.37, P = .01) had decreased odds of successful nonoperative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Public insurance, a non-English language, and Hispanic ethnicity are risk factors for inferior outcomes for DDH. When controlling for late presentation, these were significant risk factors for nonoperative treatment failure.

Repeating measurements by transient elastography in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients with high liver stiffness.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The Baveno VI Consensus recommends repeating examination in patients with high liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography to reduce false-positive diagnosis of advanced liver disease. We tested whether repeating transient elastography can increase the overall diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease who underwent two FibroScan examinations within 6 months prior to liver biopsy were evaluated. An LSM cut-off of 7.9 kPa was used to exclude F3-4 fibrosis. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients had high LSM at baseline, among whom 27 had low LSM on repeated testing; only four had F3 and none had cirrhosis. In contrast, 31 of 51 patients with high LSM at both examinations had F3-4. Nineteen patients had low LSM at baseline; none of them had F3-4 regardless of the second LSM results. If we took LSM <7.9 kPa at either examination as sufficient to exclude F3-4, the negative predictive value remained high at 91%. The positive predictive value for F3-4 increased from 45% in patients with high LSM at baseline to 61% in those with high LSM at both examinations. Sensitivity analysis using different cut-offs yielded similar results, with 76% of patients with LSM >12 kPa at both examinations having F3-4. CONCLUSIONS: Transient elastography is a highly sensitive screening test to exclude F3-4 fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients. One-third of patients with high LSM may have normal results on repeated examination. By repeating examination in cases with high LSM, one may spare patients from unnecessary liver biopsy.

Chance Fractures in the Pediatric Population Are Often Misdiagnosed.

BACKGROUND: Flexion injuries of the spine range from mild compression fractures to severe flexion-distraction injuries, that is, Chance fractures. Chance fractures are often unstable and Arkader and colleagues demonstrated improved outcomes when Chance fractures are treated operatively compared with those managed nonoperatively. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients treated over a 5-year period (2008 to 2013) for a flexion injury, either a Chance or a compression fracture, of the thoracolumbar spine at our tertiary pediatric level I trauma center. Patients were excluded if they had prior spine surgery or had a pathologic fracture. RESULTS: Of the 26 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 27% (7/26 patients) had a Chance fracture and 73% (19/26) had compression fracture(s). The mean age of the 7 patients with Chance fractures was 14.6 years (range, 13 to 16 y). In total, 71% (5/7) of the patients with Chance fractures were initially misdiagnosed: (3 as compression fractures, 1 as a burst fracture, 1 as muscular pain) and 80% (4/5) of these misdiagnoses were made by a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic surgeon. Average delay to correct diagnosis was 95 days (range, 2 to 311 d), with 57% (4/7) of the patients having ≥1 month delay. These 4 patients with a Chance fracture and ≥1 month delay in correct diagnosis presented to our clinic electively with chronic back pain. None of the patients with Chance fractures had a neurological injury. Six patients with posterior ligamentous disruption were treated with surgical instrumentation and fusion. All Chance fractures occurred between the levels of T12 and L3. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of pediatric Chance fractures in this series were initially misdiagnosed (71%; 5/7) or mistreated (14%; 1/7) by neurosurgeons or orthopaedic surgeons. Mean time to the correct diagnosis was 3 months for the Chance fractures in this series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Unicortical Fixation is Sufficient for Surgical Treatment of Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fractures in Children.

BACKGROUND: Although open reduction and internal fixation are recommended for displaced tibial tubercle avulsion fractures in young athletes, whether to use unicortical or bicortical fixation is debatable. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of unicortical versus bicortical fixation in a series of pediatric tibial tubercle avulsion fractures. METHODS: We reviewed a consecutive series of patients with tibial tubercle fractures treated surgically at 2 level-1 pediatric tertiary care centers over a 12.5-year period. Patients aged below 18 years of age who received surgical treatment for displaced tibial tubercle fractures with postoperative follow-up were included. Fractures were classified using a modified Ogden classification system. The relative proportion of fracture types treated and incidence of complications were compared. RESULTS: The cohort included 90 fractures in 86 patients. There were 82 male and 4 female individuals; average age was 14.7 years (range, 9.0 to 18 y). In total, 87 of 90 were treated with open reduction and internal screw fixation [51 unicortical (59%), 13 mixed (15%), 23 bicortical (26%)] and 3 with percutaneous pinning. All patients were followed-up until healing and postoperative follow-up average was 8 months (range, 3 to 34 mo). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to patient age (P=0.22), patient weight (P=0.22), and activity clearance times [unicortical: 19.9 wk (range, 10.4 to 42.3 wk); bicortical: 17.7 wk (range, 12.1 to 32 wk); P=0.19]. The mixed cortical group was cleared at an average of 19.9 weeks (range, 10.6 to 29.1 wk). The relative proportion of fracture patterns treated differed negligibly between the unicortical and bicortical groups. Complications were noted in 9 of 90 procedures (10% rate); all subjects showed evidence of full radiographic healing at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in outcome whether unicortical or bicortical fixation was used. All patients exhibited full healing and return to activities with very low-complication rates. The results of this study suggest the adequacy of unicortical fixation for treating tibial tubercle fractures in young athletes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Common Elements in Surgical Site Infection Care Bundles for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis at North American Pediatric Institutions: A Survey of POSNA QSVI Challenge Participants.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) following posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis is a difficult complication, with little information published regarding the best preventative comprehensive care plan. The Spine Subgroup of the Quality, Safety, Value Initiative (QSVI) committee of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America undertook a survey to generate an overview of bundle elements in comprehensive SSI care bundles across institutions in North America. The purpose of this study was to develop a toolkit of SSI care bundle elements that could be used in developing future SSI care bundles. METHODS: A survey email was sent to pediatric orthopaedic surgeons requesting a copy of the SSI prevention care bundle used in their practice. Surgeons were included if they had participated in the 2016 POSNA QSVI challenge, indicated they performed pediatric spine surgery, and had a spine SSI bundle. These bundles were evaluated by the QSVI committee and divided into preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative elements with the frequency of use of each element recorded. A follow-up qualitative questionnaire was sent assessing the implementation and development of these SSI bundles. RESULTS: In total, 16 care bundles from 15 different institutions were included for review. The response rate for this survey was 44% of individuals (50/113 QSVI challenge participants) and 43% (15/35) of unique institutions. The most common elements included: use of preoperative antibiotics, use of preoperative chlorhexidine wipes, use of wound irrigation intraoperatively, and a standardized prescription for the length of postoperative antibiotic. Each of these elements was included in ≥75% of the SSI bundles evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: SSI care bundles are increasingly being used by pediatric institutions to lower the risk of SSI following pediatric spinal surgery. This study provides an overview of various care elements used in established SSI care bundles across multiple institutions in North America. It is hoped this data will provide institutions interested in developing their own SSI care bundle with useful information for beginning this process. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V-Decision Analysis.

Comparison of Ponte Osteotomies and 3-Column Osteotomies in the Treatment of Congenital Spinal Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Congenital spinal deformity (CSD) has traditionally been treated with 3-column osteotomies [hemivertebrectomy (HV) or vertebral column resection (VCR)] to address rigid deformities. Alternatively, multiple Ponte osteotomies (PO) may provide correction while minimizing risk. The purpose of this study was to compare safety and outcomes of patients undergoing surgical treatment for CSD with these 3 procedures. METHODS: Retrospective review of CSD patients treated with posterior spinal fusion between 1996 to 2013. Patients treated with multiple Ponte osteotomies (PO group) were compared with those managed with 3-column osteotomies (HV/VCR group). Patients with previous instrumentation, isolated cervical deformity, growing spine instrumentation, or <2 year follow-up were excluded. Deformity angular ratio (DAR) was calculated as curve magnitude divided by number of levels of the deformity. RESULTS: There were 49 patients [17 PO, 32 HV/VCR (26 HV, 6 VCR)]. For the PO group, mean age was 14 years, and they had an average of 4 ponte osteotomies and 11 levels fused. Mean total DAR was 25 and mean number of congenital anomalies was 1.8 in the PO group. The HV/VCR group had a mean age of 7 years and 5 levels fused. Mean total DAR was 28 and mean number of congenital anomalies was 2.1 in the HV/VCR group. Patients had a mean of 54.1% correction of coronal deformity in the PO group and 54.4% in the HV/VCR group (P=0.78). Signal changes were observed less frequently with PO (1/17) and HV (1/26) than with VCR (4/6), P=0.001. Revision rates were 17.6% (3/17) in the PO group and 37.5% (12/32) in the HV/VCR group (P=0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CSD and a mean total DAR of 25 treated with multiple PO and long fusions had correction comparable with the HV/VCR group. Patients treated with VCR had the highest incidence of signal changes and postoperative neurologic deficits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Pulseless Supracondylar Humerus Fracture With Anterior Interosseous Nerve or Median Nerve Injury-An Absolute Indication for Open Reduction?

BACKGROUND: Optimal management for a pulseless supracondylar humerus fracture associated with anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) or median nerve injury is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of pulseless supracondylar humerus fractures associated with AIN or median nerve injury, to assess open versus closed surgical management, to determine factors associated with the need for neurovascular intervention, and to report the outcome. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed at 4 pediatric trauma hospitals on all patients who sustained a Gartland III or IV supracondylar humerus fracture with the combination of absent distal palpable pulses and AIN or median nerve injury between 2000 and 2014. Choice of treatment, details regarding preoperative and postoperative exam findings, follow-up course, and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients met inclusion criteria; 52 patients (73%) underwent closed reduction (CR); 19 patients (27%) underwent open reduction (OR) and early antecubital fossa exploration. The index procedure of CR plus percutaneous pinning was sufficient treatment in 50 (of 52, 96%) patients with only 2 requiring reoperation. One patient developed compartment syndrome approximately 9 hours after CRPP (13.5 h after time of injury) and underwent emergent fasciotomies. Of the 19 patients who underwent OR and early exploration, 6 needed vascular procedures, 5 required detethering of entrapped surrounding fibrous tissues. Forty patients were diagnosed with median nerve palsy versus 31 diagnosed with AIN palsy. There was no significant difference between patients presenting with median nerve versus AIN palsy, with similar rates of need for OR (10/40; 25% vs. 9/31; 29%), rate of compartment syndrome (3/40; 7.5% vs. 3/31; 9.7%), need for reoperation (4/40; 10% vs. 6.5%), and ultimate resolution of nerve palsy (4/36; 20.1% vs. 3/30; 10%). Compartment syndrome developed in 6 (of 71, 8.5%) patients and was associated with poor perfusion status on presentation and delayed time from injury to surgery. In patients with at least 3-month neurological follow-up, 59 (of 61, 97%) patients had complete resolution of nerve palsy. CONCLUSIONS: Although previous authors have suggested a pulseless SCH fx with an associated AIN or median nerve injury should be treated with exploration and OR, 70% (50/71) of the patients in this series were treated with a CR. In this series, both AIN and median nerve palsies among patients presenting with pulseless extremity and Gartland III or IV SCH fracture, offer similar rates of OR, risk of compartment syndrome, and resolution of nerve palsy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Management of Pediatric Type I Open Fractures in the Emergency Department or Operating Room: A Multicenter Perspective.

BACKGROUND: The management of pediatric type I open fractures remains controversial. The aim of this study is to compare outcomes in type I open fractures managed with superficial wound debridement and antibiotics in the emergency department (ED) (nonoperative management) to patients managed with operative debridement and antibiotics (operative management). METHODS: A multicenter retrospective review was performed of all pediatric type I open forearm, wrist, and tibia fractures treated at 4 high volume pediatric centers between 2000 and 2015. Patients with multiple traumatic injuries, immunocompromised patients, or those without final radiographs indicating healing were excluded. RESULTS: In total, 219 patients met inclusion criteria. A total of 170 fractures were treated operatively (77.6%), 49 fractures were treated nonoperatively (22.4%). There was 1 infection in the nonoperative group (2.0% infection rate), and no infections in the operatively managed group (P=0.062). Cefazolin was the most commonly administered antibiotic (88.1% of patients). Duration of hospital-administered antibiotics was significantly different, with a mean of 10.9 hours in the nonoperative group and 41.6 hours in the operative group (P<0.001). Length of stay averaged 16.3 hours for nonoperative patients and 48.6 hours for the operatively treated patients (P<0.001). In the nonoperative group, 44/49 had documented superficial wound debridement in the ED utilizing, on an average, 1500 mL of irrigant. There were 10 other complications, 9 in the operative group (5.4%) and 2 in the nonoperative group (4.1%, P=0.107), including 2 compartment syndromes and 1 acute carpal tunnel syndrome all requiring immediate surgical release (1.8%) in the operative group. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in infection rate or complication rate in those managed with antibiotics and operative debridement versus those managed with superficial wound debridement and antibiotics in the ED. Consideration should be given to the similar safety profiles for these 2 treatment modalities when managing pediatric patients with type I open fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Chiral Transmission to Cationic Polycobaltocenes over Multiple Length Scales Using Anionic Surfactants.

Chiral polymers are ubiquitous in nature, and the self-assembly of chiral materials is a field of widespread interest. In this paper, we describe the formation of chiral metallopolymers based on poly(cobaltoceniumethylene) ([PCE] n+), which have been prepared through oxidation of poly(cobaltocenylethylene) (PCE) in the presence of enantiopure N-acyl-amino-acid-derived anionic surfactants, such as N-palmitoyl-l-alanine (C16-l-Ala) and N-palmitoyl-d-alanine (C16-d-Ala). It is postulated that the resulting metallopolymer complexes [PCE][C16-l/d-Ala] n contain close ionic contacts, and exhibit chirality through the axially chiral ethylenic CH2-CH2 bridges, leading to interaction of the chromophoric [CoCp2]+ units through chiral space. The steric influence of the long palmitoyl (C16) surfactant tail is key for the transmission of chirality to the polymer, and results in a brushlike amphiphilic macromolecular structure that also affords solubility in polar organic solvents (e.g., EtOH, THF). Upon dialysis of these solutions into water, the hydrophobic palmitoyl surfactant substituents aggregate and the complex assembles into superhelical ribbons with identifiable "handedness", indicating the transmission of chirality from the molecular surfactant to the micrometer length scale, via the macromolecular complex.

Histological severity and clinical outcomes of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in nonobese patients.

Although nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely linked to obesity, around 10%-20% of nonobese Americans and Asians still develop NAFLD. Data on this special group are limited. We therefore studied the severity and clinical outcomes of nonobese NAFLD patients. Consecutive NAFLD patients who underwent liver biopsy were prospectively recruited. We used the NASH Clinical Research Network system to score the histology. The Asian body mass index cutoff of 25 kg/m2 was used to define nonobese NAFLD. Among 307 recruited NAFLD patients, 72 (23.5%) were nonobese. Compared to obese patients, nonobese patients had lower NAFLD activity score (3.3 ± 1.3 vs. 3.8 ± 1.2; P = 0.019), mainly contributed by steatosis (1.7 ± 0.8 vs. 2.0 ± 0.8; P = 0.014) and presence of hepatocyte ballooning (60.9% vs. 73.4%; P = 0.045). Similarly, nonobese patients had lower fibrosis stage (1.3 ± 1.5 vs. 1.7 ± 1.4; P = 0.004), serum cytokeratin-18 fragments (283 vs. 404 U/L; P < 0.001) and liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography (6.3 vs. 8.6 kilopascals; P < 0.001). By multivariate analysis in nonobese patients, only elevated serum triglyceride level was independently associated with higher NAFLD activity score (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.644; P = 0.021), whereas elevated creatinine level was the only factor associated with advanced fibrosis (adjusted OR, 1.044; P = 0.025). After a median follow-up of 49 months, 6 patients died, 2 developed hepatocellular carcinoma, and 1 had liver failure, all of whom were in the obese group. CONCLUSION: Nonobese NAFLD patients tend to have less-severe disease and may have a better prognosis than obese patients. Hypertriglyceridemia and higher creatinine are the key factors associated with advanced liver disease in nonobese patients. (Hepatology 2017;65:54-64).

What's New in Pediatric Orthopaedic Quality, Safety, and Value? A Systematic Review With Results of the 2016 POSNA Quality, Safety, and Value Initiative (QSVI) Challenge.

BACKGROUND: Enhancing the safety, quality, and value of care provided is a point of emphasis for modern health care systems. We performed a review of recent literature to highlight those efforts relevant to pediatric musculoskeletal care. METHODS: We searched the PubMed database for all papers related to quality improvement, patient safety, and/or value in pediatric orthopaedics published from October 1, 2012 to October 31, 2017, yielding 193 papers. RESULTS: A total of 36 papers were selected for review based upon new findings. Papers were selected based on significant contributions in the following categories: casting safety, antibiotic stewardship/infection prevention, perioperative care pathways, blood conservation, venous thromboembolic disease prevention, and imaging safety/appropriateness. CONCLUSIONS: There have been numerous advances in safety, quality, and value in pediatric orthopaedic care. Quality improvement efforts emphasizing provider education and safety monitoring can lead to a decrease in cast-related complications. Perioperative care pathways and bundles are associated with a decrease risk of surgical site infection and decreased length of stay in pediatric spinal deformity surgery. Increased scrutiny has been placed on the value of routine follow-up radiographs in pediatric fracture and spinal deformity care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4-literature review.

Concurrent fatty liver increases risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among patients with chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Concurrent fatty liver in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients without significant alcohol intake is a frequent and increasingly alarming problem because of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pandemic. The risk of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development was increased by concomitant obesity and diabetes. Direct evidence of the hepatocarcinogenic effect of fatty liver in chronic HBV remains elusive. We aimed to evaluate the risk of concurrent histologically proven fatty liver in HBV hepatocarcinogenesis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on a liver biopsy cohort of HBV-infected patients without significant alcohol intake to evaluate the prevalence of concurrent histologically proven fatty liver and its association with subsequent HCC development. We also examined nine polymorphisms on six non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related candidate genes (ADIPOQ, APOC3, GCKR, LEPR, PNPLA3, and PPARG). RESULTS: Among 270 HBV-infected patients, concurrent fatty liver was found in 107 patients (39.6%) and was associated with metabolic risks, cirrhosis (P = 0.016) and PNPLA3 rs738409 CG/GG genotype (P = 0.002). At a median follow-up of 79.9 months, 11 patients (4.1%) developed HCC, and nine of them had concurrent fatty liver. By multivariable Cox analysis, concurrent fatty liver (HR 7.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.52-34.76; P = 0.013), age, cirrhosis, and APOC3 rs2854116 TC/CC genotype (HR 3.93, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-11.84; P = 0.013) were independent factors predicting HCC development. CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent fatty liver is common in HBV-infected patients and an independent risk factor potentiating HBV-associated HCC development by 7.3-fold. The risk of HBV-related HCC is increased by APOC3 gene polymorphism, and further characterization is required by its role.

Application of the combined FibroMeter vibration-controlled transient elastography algorithm in Chinese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The FibroMeter vibration-controlled transient elastography (FM VCTE) is a new formula combining the serum test FM and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by VCTE. We tested the accuracy and utility of FM VCTE for fibrosis staging in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: Two hundred fifteen NAFLD patients with LSM, FM NAFLD, FM VCTE, and other serum tests (aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index, fibrosis-4 index, BARD score, NAFLD fibrosis score, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-alanine aminotransferase ratio) performed 1 day before liver biopsy were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-nine (32.1%) and 43 (20.0%) patients had F2-4 and F3-4, respectively. LSM had higher diagnostic accuracy (area under receiver-operating characteristics curves [AUROC] 0.851 for F2-4, 0.940 for F3-4; Obuchowski index 0.937 ± 0.007) than all evaluated serum tests, while FM NAFLD was the most accurate serum test (AUROC 0.775 and 0.774; Obuchowski index 0.891 ± 0.013). FM VCTE had similar accuracy to LSM (AUROC 0.855 and 0.901; Obuchowski index 0.927 ± 0.009). LSM had excellent negative predictive values of 92.4% and 99.2% to exclude F2-4 and F3-4, but the positive predictive values (PPV) were only 71.4% and 61.0%, respectively. In patients with high LSM, the use of FM VCTE improved the PPV from 71.4% to 84.4% for F2-4 and from 61.0% to 88.9% for F3-4. Liver biopsy could be spared in around 50-65% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Liver stiffness measurement alone can confidently exclude significant and advanced fibrosis in NAFLD patients. Using FM VCTE in patients with high liver stiffness can increase the positive predictive value to rule in F2-4 and F3-4.

Sacral Alar Iliac (SAI) Screws Fail 75% Less Frequently Than Iliac Screws in Neuromuscular Scoliosis.

BACKGROUND: Despite recent popularity of sacral alar iliac (SAI) screws for fusion to the pelvis for neuromuscular scoliosis, there are little data regarding the failure rate of this technique compared with traditional modes of iliac fixation. Theoretical advantages of the SAI screws are obviating the need for a rod to iliac screw connector and a lower implant profile. The purpose of this study is to determine whether SAI screws have fewer failures than iliac screws in neuromuscular scoliosis. METHODS: Review of neuromuscular patients treated with posterior spinal fusion with pelvic fixation from 2004 to 2012 with minimum 2-year follow-up was conducted. Medical records and imaging studies were reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the type of pelvic fixation (SAI or iliac screws), and implant failures were compared between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were reviewed, including 55 patients with iliac screws and 46 patients with SAI screws. Implant failures included: disengagement of the rod to iliac screw connector (10%, 10/101), separation of screw head from screw shaft (4%, 4/101), and set screw disengagement (2%, 2/101). The SAI group had a lower implant failure rate (7%, 3/46) compared with the iliac screw group (24%, 13/55) (P=0.031). Rod to iliac screw connectors failed in 18% (10/55) of patients. There were significantly less surgical revisions in the SAI group (2%, 1/46) for pelvic screw prominence compared with the iliac screw group (11%, 6/55) (P=0.027). CONCLUSIONS: SAI screws had a lower rate of implant failure and revision surgery compared with iliac screws. If rod to screw connector failures are excluded, the failure rate of SAI screws of 6.5% (3/46) is similar to that of iliac screws 5.5% (3/55); therefore, the most important advantage of the SAI technique may be obviating the need for a screw to rod connector. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.