Safety of foods, food supply chain and environment within the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a new era in the world while we still figure out the consequences in different aspects of our daily life. The food supply chain and the food industry do not comprise an exception. SCOPE AND APPROACH: This review summarizes the possible transmission ways of COVID-19 through the foods, food supply chain, surfaces, and environment before exploring the development of corresponding detection tools of SARS-CoV-2. For the time being, the possibility of transmission through the food sector is considered negligible, and tracing of SARS-CoV-2 in working environments is not considered as a priority by public authorities. However, the adverse effects on the environment, food systems, and people along the food supply chain are already evident. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: As long as we move from farm to fork, more safety measures are needed since more people (and subsequently more potential sources of infection) are involved in the process. The need for developing respective bioanalytical protocols for food and environmental safety applications to adapt in the post-lockdown period is also highlighted.

Elbow heterotopic ossification after distal biceps tendon repair presenting as median nerve neuropathy: A case report.

Ruptures of the distal attachment of the biceps brachii are rare injuries that typically occur in the dominant arm of men between the third and fourth decade of life. Surgical repair is indicated in active patients. Complications of surgical repair include neurovascular injury, heterotopic ossification, wound infection, elbow stiffness and re-rupture. Heterotopic ossification of the elbow is a rare complication of distal biceps tendon repair operations. It may be entirely asymptomatic or present with symptoms and signs such as swelling, erythema, pain, palpable mass, vascular and nerve compression or joint movement restriction. We present a case of heterotopic ossification presenting as median nerve neuropathy after distal biceps tendon repair using a limited volar single incision.

Flow resistive forces index (QRF): Development and clinical applicability assessment of a novel measure of bladder outlet resistance, aiming to enhance the diagnostic performance of uroflowmetry.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the diagnostic ability of uroflowmetry, the most widely used urodynamic test available for initial assessment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), is considered limited by its inability to accurately discriminate between the underlying mechanisms of this condition. To improve the diagnostic accuracy of uroflow, we developed a mathematical formula that calculates the flow resistive forces index (QRF), a novel measure of bladder outflow/urethral resistance, and assessed its clinical applicability compared to the maximum flow rate (Qmax ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a cohort of 61 adult men presenting with voiding dysfunction symptoms, who all underwent free uroflowmetry followed by pressure flow study. The development of the mathematical formula which contains five key uroflowmetry variables (voided volume, flow time, Qmax , average flow rate, and peak flow time) was based on the assumption that urine volume momentum changes during voiding, the concept of diphasic uroflow pattern (acceleration/deceleration), and the urethral resistance factor (URA) equation. Study subjects were classified either as obstructed or nonobstructed according to established urodynamic criteria (linearized passive urethral resistance relation, LinPURR; Abrams-Griffiths number, AGN [also called bladder outlet obstruction index, BOOI]; and URA). Univariate linear correlations, binary logistic regression model, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve statistical analysis were employed (SPSS-22, MedCalc, GraphPad [P < .05]). RESULTS: Outflow obstruction was diagnosed in 50.8% (1 in 2) patients. Univariate analysis, and bivariate linear correlation, binary logistic regression, and ROC curve analyses showed that the QRF was a strong independent predictor of bladder outlet/outflow obstruction (BOO), significantly outperforming Qmax . CONCLUSIONS: QRF index accurately predicts BOO, significantly outperforming the currently widely used bladder outlet obstruction estimator Qmax . Despite potential study limitations (mainly small cohort size and lack of control group), we anticipate that with further study and proper clinical validation, QRF could become a valuable complement to uroflowmetry.

Delayed Successful Surgical Repair of Penile Fracture: A Case Report.

Penile fracture is a very rare urological emergency resulting from traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea of one or both corpora cavernosa, usually during sexual intercourse. Immediate surgical treatment is the current standard of care with lower risks of late complications, including erectile dysfunction, penile curvature, and tunical scar formation. We, hereby, report an over delayed presentation (23 days) of a penile fracture, which was successfully managed surgically. Our case emphasizes on the fact that there are not any "lost" cases and surgical treatment should always be offered to penile fracture, independently of delayed presentation.

Prostate Cancer Predictive Simulation Modelling, Assessing the Risk Technique (PCP-SMART): Introduction and Initial Clinical Efficacy Evaluation Data Presentation of a Simple Novel Mathematical Simulation Modelling Method, Devised to Predict the Outcome of Prostate Biopsy on an Individual Basis.

INTRODUCTION: We developed a mathematical "prostate cancer (PCa) conditions simulating" predictive model (PCP-SMART), from which we derived a novel PCa predictor (prostate cancer risk determinator [PCRD] index) and a PCa risk equation. We used these to estimate the probability of finding PCa on prostate biopsy, on an individual basis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 371 men who had undergone transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy were enrolled in the present study. Given that PCa risk relates to the total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) level, age, prostate volume, free PSA (fPSA), fPSA/tPSA ratio, and PSA density and that tPSA ≥ 50 ng/mL has a 98.5% positive predictive value for a PCa diagnosis, we hypothesized that correlating 2 variables composed of 3 ratios (1, tPSA/age; 2, tPSA/prostate volume; and 3, fPSA/tPSA; 1 variable including the patient's tPSA and the other, a tPSA value of 50 ng/mL) could operate as a PCa conditions imitating/simulating model. Linear regression analysis was used to derive the coefficient of determination (R2), termed the PCRD index. To estimate the PCRD index's predictive validity, we used the χ2 test, multiple logistic regression analysis with PCa risk equation formation, calculation of test performance characteristics, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis using SPSS, version 22 (P < .05). RESULTS: The biopsy findings were positive for PCa in 167 patients (45.1%) and negative in 164 (44.2%). The PCRD index was positively signed in 89.82% positive PCa cases and negative in 91.46% negative PCa cases (χ2 test; P < .001; relative risk, 8.98). The sensitivity was 89.8%, specificity was 91.5%, positive predictive value was 91.5%, negative predictive value was 89.8%, positive likelihood ratio was 10.5, negative likelihood ratio was 0.11, and accuracy was 90.6%. Multiple logistic regression revealed the PCRD index as an independent PCa predictor, and the formulated risk equation was 91% accurate in predicting the probability of finding PCa. On the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the PCRD index (area under the curve, 0.926) significantly (P < .001) outperformed other, established PCa predictors. CONCLUSION: The PCRD index effectively predicted the prostate biopsy outcome, correctly identifying 9 of 10 men who were eventually diagnosed with PCa and correctly ruling out PCa for 9 of 10 men who did not have PCa. Its predictive power significantly outperformed established PCa predictors, and the formulated risk equation accurately calculated the probability of finding cancer on biopsy, on an individual patient basis.

Arthroscopy Assisted Balloon Osteoplasty of a Tibia Plateau Depression Fracture: A Case Report.

CONTEXT: A clinical case of a tibia plateau fracture is presented which was treated with balloon osteoplasty and arthroscopy guidance. Balloon Tibioplasty has been shown to be a very useful method for the management of tibial plateau fractures. The use of calcium phosphate has been described in the literature for management and restoration of bone defects in tibial plateau fractures. CASE REPORT: A 45-years-old Caucasian woman was presented after a fall from a ladder. The patient sustained a lateral tibia plateau fracture which was classified as Shatzker type III (AO 41-B2) with posterolateral depression of the joint surface. Surgical treatment was applied using a minimal approach which included percutaneous reduction of the fracture under arthroscopy and fluoroscopy guidance. The bone defect was filled with calcium phosphate via injection. The clinical outcome at the 6, 12 and 24 weeks was excellent with full-range of motion of the knee joint. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopy assisted balloon osteoplasty seems to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of depressed tibia plateau fractures. Further study is needed for the proper evidence based use and application of this method.

Functional evaluation after primary flexor tendon repair in zone II.

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the results of primary treatment of flexor tendon laceration in zone II according to Verdan's zone system. Special emphasis was given to the postoperative rehabilitation program. Nineteen patients (23 fingers) with laceration of the flexor tendons in zone II were treated operatively. Twelve males and seven females were included in the study. Their mean age was 28 years (range, 16 to 50 years). In 12 cases a concomitant laceration of the digital nerve was present. In all cases primary repair of all injured tendons and nerves was performed and a dorsal splint was applied. On the third to fifth postoperative day an exercise program commenced involving passive flexion-active extension of the injured fingers. Eighteen (22 fingers) of 19 patients completed the follow-up. The results were evaluated according to Strickland's original classification system. The result was excellent in 15 cases, good in five and fair in two. After primary repair of injured flexor tendons, a program of close follow-up, early protected motion and unrestricted motion of the interphalangeal joints offers the best chance of restoring optimal function to the hand.

Bilateral metachronous testicular chloroma: a rare clinical entity.

Testicular chloroma is an unusual form of extramedullary acute myeloid leukemia. We present a rare case that after chemotherapy relapsed with the appearance of metachronous testicular chloroma and we suggest prophylactic radiotherapy.

Evolving transurethral resection of the prostate: enucleation-resection of the prostate.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Enucleation-transurethral resection of the prostate (e-TURP) is our evolution of the conventional TURP. The aim of this study was to report our experience with e-TURP for the endoscopic management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The e-TURP combines the basic steps of classic TURP with the technique of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) but using only the bipolar resector. The charts of 64 patients who underwent e-TURP for BPH in our department between October 2005 and October 2009 were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: The mean resected tissue weight was 27.21 g, and the mean operative time was 75.7 min. The mean decreases in hemoglobin and serum sodium levels were 1.63 g/dL and 0.55 mEq/L, respectively. Mean catheter duration was 2.53 days, and the mean total hospitalization time was 3.75 days. There was a significant improvement in urinary peak flow rate (Qmax) 2 months postoperatively (P = 0.009718), as well as a significant decrease in the International Prostate Symptom Score during the same period (P < 0.0001). No major complications were observed, and the rates for early and late complications were 10% and 5%, respectively, at 14.75-month mean follow-up. CONCLUSION: The e-TURP seems to be a safe and effective method for the endoscopic management of BPH. Further investigation with randomized trials is needed on this matter.

Prosthetic replacement for proximal humeral fractures.

The ideal management of complex proximal humeral fractures continues to be debatable. Evolution of proximal humeral fracture management, during the past decade, led to the implementation of many innovations in surgical treatment. Even though the pendulum of treatment seems to swing towards new trends such as locked plating, hemiarthroplasty remains a valid and reliable option that serves the patient's needs well. Hemiarthroplasty is indicated for complex proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients with poor bone stock and when internal fixation is difficult or unreliable. Hemiarthroplasty provides a better result when it is performed early post-injury. Stem height, retroversion and tuberosity positioning are technical aspects of utmost importance. Additionally reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is an alternative new modality that can be used as a primary solution in selected patients with proximal humeral fracture treatment. Failed hemiarthroplasty and fracture sequelae can be successfully managed with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Individual decision-making and tailored treatment that takes into consideration the personality of the fracture and the patient's characteristics should be used.

Augmentation Phalloplasty Patient Selection and Satisfaction Inventory: a novel questionnaire to evaluate patients considered for augmentation phalloplasty surgery because of penile dysmorphophobia.

OBJECTIVES: To introduce a novel questionnaire by which we attempted to identify the most suitable candidates for augmentation phalloplasty surgery for penile dysmorphophobia and to objectively estimate the outcome. METHODS: A total of 45 physically normal young adult men who presented with complaints of a "small penis" and were seeking surgical correction were included in the study. In addition to the ordinary evaluation, all completed the questionnaire devised by our department, the Augmentation Phalloplasty Patient Selection and Satisfaction Inventory (APPSSI). The APPSSI aims to quantitatively assess the severity of the condition and the degree of the patient's willingness to undergo penile augmentation and to numerically measure the postoperative result. The APPSSI consists of four questions, with each having five possible answers (scale 0 to 4). Questions 1 through 3 were asked preoperatively (suitability assessment) and questions 1, 2, and 4 postoperatively (outcome evaluation). The eligibility threshold for surgery was a preoperative score of 6 or less. The preoperative scores ranged from 0 (surgery justified) to 12 (surgery not justified), and the postoperative scores ranged from 0 (disappointed) to 12 (excited). The Student t test was used for statistical analysis, and P <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Of the 45 patients, 13 (28.8%) with an APPSSI score of 6 or less (mean 3.18) underwent penile lengthening (n = 7), lengthening-enlargement (n = 4), or celioplasty-penile lengthening (n = 2). Postoperatively, the score increased by 4.36 (mean 7.54, P <0.001), and the condition improved by 25% to 50% in 11 patients, 66.6% in 1, and remained unchanged (0%) in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: The APPSSI questionnaire properly identified patients who significantly benefited from augmentation phalloplasty. Nevertheless, because of the small sample size and nonrandomized study, the questionnaire's validation requires a larger number of patients tested in a randomized manner by more researchers to become a valuable clinical instrument and patient eligibility criterion for this type of surgery.

Treatment of closed unstable metacarpal fractures using percutaneous transverse fixation with Kirschner wires.

BACKGROUND: The vast majority of metacarpal bone fractures are stable and are treated conservatively; however, when surgical intervention is to be preferred, many different operative procedures have been described. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the anatomic and functional outcome of percutaneous transverse fixation with Kirschner wires (K-wires) of closed metacarpal neck, shaft. and intra-articular fractures of the base of the fifth metacarpal. METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients with 25 closed metacarpal fractures were treated with this technique between 1999 and 2001. Under fluoroscopy, closed reduction and osteosynthesis with three K-wires, one proximally and two distally, was performed on the fracture site. All patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically after 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. RESULTS: The postoperative dorsal angulation ranged from 0 to 3 degrees. No measurable metacarpal shortening was observed. Callus formation was obvious in all fractures at 6 weeks. No complications were recorded, and all patients were cosmetically and functionally satisfied. CONCLUSION: Treatment of closed metacarpal neck, shaft, and intra-articular fractures of the base of the fifth metacarpal with percutaneous transverse pinning, using two K-wires distally and one proximally, has shown excellent functional and anatomic outcome.

Gertzbein and load sharing classifications for unstable thoracolumbar fractures.

From 1996 to 1998, 30 consecutive patients with Level 1 thoracolumbar spinal injury were classified and treated according to the Gertzbein classification and the load sharing classification. A posterior short segment pedicle screw implant was used in 21 patients; anterior decompression with strut grafting and application of the Kaneda device was used in three patients; and six patients were treated with short posterior instrumentation and an anterior strut graft. The average followup was 32 months (range, 24-50 months). The clinical outcome was satisfactory in 22 of 30 patients. Five of nine patients had neurologic improvement. Radiographic imaging findings showed a slight loss of reduction, but the clinical outcome of the patients was not affected. No pseudarthrosis and no implant failures were recorded. The Gertzbein classification correlates the type of fracture with the degree of mechanical instability and neurologic lesion. The load sharing classification correlates fracture comminution and displacement with mechanical stability and implant failure. Patient selection is a fundamental component for a successful outcome. The best candidates for surgery are cooperative patients who require spinal mobility, patients who are able to tolerate a two-stage reconstruction, and patients in good general health.