Metabolomic study of the estrogenic and anti-osteoporotic potential of Erythrina bidwillii leaf.

Erythrina bidwillii Lindl., Leguminosae, constitutes a valuable crop for horticulture and medicine; however, it is rarely investigated. Menopause is a crucial transitional period in women's health. Women worldwide consider the use of phytoestrogens as a safe hormone replacement therapy to alleviate detrimental menopausal symptoms. Thus, the discovery of novel phytoestrogens is highly demanded. The present study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the metabolomic profile and the estrogenic potential of E. bidwillii Lindl. leaf. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolite profiling revealed the prevalence of alkaloids, flavonoids, isoflavonoids and fatty acids. Additionally, five erythrinan alkaloids, cristanine A (1), 8-oxoerythraline (2), (+)-erythrinine (3), (+)-erythraline (4) and 8-oxoerythrinine (5), along with the isoflavonoid genistin (6), were isolated. Erythrina bidwillii leaf extract exhibited significant in vivo estrogenic, anti-osteoporotic, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective activities, utilizing ovariectomized rat model. Moreover, ethyl acetate and hexane fractions possessed significant in vitro estrogeic potential on MCF-7 cell lines. An in silico study of the isolated metabolites revealed that (+)-erythrinine (3) and 8-oxoerythrinine (5) exhibited the highest affinity for ERα and ERß, respectively, modeling them as potential estrogenic lead metabolites. Therefore, E. bidwillii leaf could be employed as promising hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women after thorough clinical trials.

Injury of the superficial femoral artery and posterior tibial artery associated with an atherectomy device.

OBJECTIVES: Rotational atherectomy can offer a viable treatment for occlusive peripheral artery disease; maintaining the minimal invasiveness of an endovascular procedure, while allowing for a more complete lesion debridement compared with balloon angioplasty. This case report outlines a complication of guidewire entrapment associated with rotational atherectomy in the superficial femoral artery (SFA). METHODS: A 57-year-old male underwent an atherectomy with Rotorex for left lower limb foot pain. During the procedure, the guidewire was suctioned into the atherectomy device, preventing any further advancement of the device and damaging the SFA and posterior tibial artery (PTA). RESULTS: The atherectomy device was withdrawn and a new vascular access site was gained in the left PTA. A covered stent was inserted to treat the original SFA lesion, and balloon angioplasty was used to repair the device-induced damaged to the PTA. CONCLUSION: While guidewire complications have been previously reported, this case report details the first reported case, to our knowledge, of guidewire entrapment while using a rotational atherectomy device. Knowledge of this possible complication of rotational atherectomy can aid in clinical decision making when choosing between treatments for peripheral vascular disease.

Photodynamic therapy mediated by methylene blue-loaded PEG accelerates skin mouse wound healing: an immune response.

PURPOSE: Conventional approaches for enhancing wound healing may not always yield satisfactory results. Instead, we test the effectiveness of a newly developed photodynamic therapy (PDT) that uses methylene blue (MB) loaded with polyethylene glycol (PEG) (MB-PEG) hydrogel to accelerate wound healing process in mice. METHODS: A dorsal skin incision with 6 mm punch which topically subjected to MB-PEG hydrogel and a low-level laser light of red light to assess the regeneration process of wounded skin. A total of 63 adult male CD1 mice divided into normal group (no treatment) and other wound groups received different treatments of laser (650 ± 5 nm and power intensity of 180 mW/cm2), MB-PEG, or PDT (MB-PEG followed by laser). The wound healing parameters were investigated by histological examination of the skin and measuring of proinflammatory cytokines at the early stage (48 h) and a late one on day 21. RESULTS: at 48 h, the score of tissue granulation, inflammation, and angiogenesis process were markedly improved in wounded groups that received MB + PEG combined with laser compared to the group treated with laser alone. On day 21, a significant improvement of the inflammation was detected in the group treated with MB + PEG plus laser compared to the other groups. At 48 h, the upregulated serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1ß in the wound group were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced in the group treated with MB + PEG combined with laser. CONCLUSION: MB-PEG based hydrogel improves and accelerates wound closure in the context of laser compared to either single treatment.

Phoenix dactylifera L.: An Overview of Phytochemical Constituents and Impact on Women's Health.

Phoenix dactylifera L. (date palm) is the most significant member of the palm family (Arecaceae), particularly in the Middle East and Arab World. It is a valuable source of both primary and secondary metabolites including sugars, amino acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, carotenoids, phytosterols, terpenes and sphingolipids, besides vitamins and minerals. Besides, it possesses a wide array of pharmacologic activities viz. immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, anti-mutagenic and anti-cancer activities, in addition to its positive effects on male and female fertility. Further research is still required to deeply understand its clinical implications, especially concerning women's health. Moreover, there are other Phoenix species that still need to be investigated to learn more about their undiscovered phytochemical components and biological activities.

Is it possible to achieve multiplanar correction of complex deformities around the knee in children and adolescents using a monolateral external fixator?

PURPOSE: To present the technique of correction of multiplanar deformities around the knee in children and adolescents using the monolateral external fixator. Also, to evaluate the results of the technique regarding radiological correction, time to union, and possible complications. METHODS: A total of 29 patients (47 limbs) were prospectively included in the study (14 males and 15 females). Their median age was 13 years (range, 7-17). All patients had at least a 2-plane deformity around the knee which was corrected using a monolateral external fixator. The primary outcome measure was deformity correction (correction of mechanical axis deviation (MAD) in both the coronal and sagittal planes with correction of rotational deformities). The secondary outcome measures included bony union, radiographic, and functional results (assessed by using the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) score). RESULTS: The median pre-operative MAD improved from 6.3 to 0.4 cm post-operatively. According to the ASAMI scoring system, the radiographic scoring was excellent in all cases (100%), and the functional scoring was excellent in 22 cases (89.7%) and good in three cases (10.3%). CONCLUSION: The simple monolateral fixator can be an effective tool for multiplanar correction of complex deformities around the knee without limb length discrepancy.

Chemical composition and studying the possible neuroprotective effect of iridoids-rich fraction from Pentas lanceolata leaves using rotenone model of Parkinson's disease in mice.

Parkinsonism is an age-related neurodegenerative illness that affects motor coordination leading to loss of dopaminergic neurons. Many medications are used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease but are only symptomatic and have a limited effect on the progression of this ailment. Therefore, bioactive compounds which derived from plants have been examined for their ability to improve the neuronal damage and cell death happened in parkinsonian patients. In this study the iridoids-rich fraction isolated from Pentas lanceolata (PIRF) leaves was investigated for its phytoconstituents. Seven iridoids (1-7) and one flavonol diglycoside (8) were isolated, and their chemical structures were achieved by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and ESI-MS spectral data. Compound 1 (6ß,7ß-epoxy-8-epi-splendoside) and 5 (gaertneroside) were isolated for the first time from Pentas genus as well as compound 8 (kaempferol-3-O-robinobioside). The current study aims to investigate the possible anti-parkinsonian effect of PIRF using a rotenone model of Parkinsonism in mice. Behavioural tests (wirehanging, stair and wooden-walking tests) were done to examine the motor coordination in mice after treatment. Biochemical and histopathological examinations for brain striatum in different groups were also evaluated. Results revealed that rotenone-treated mice had poor motor functions described by depletion of dopamine and Ach levels, a significant increase in proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1B, TNF-α and Mcp-1 and oxidative biomarkers with subsequent reduction in antioxidant mediators. Disorganization of striatum, degenerated neurocytes, slight vacuolation, shrunken neurons with pyknotic nuclei and apoptotic cells are displayed by histopathological examinations. Treatment with PIRF ameliorates the neurodegeneration-induced by rotenone in the brain of mice. The anti-parkinsonian effect of PIRF could be attributed to their bioactive constituents of iridoids.

Outcomes after radioscapholunate arthrodesis for intra-articular malunion of distal radius fractures.

PURPOSE: To study the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes after of radioscapholunate (RSL) fusion for intra-articular malunion of the distal radius. METHODS: This retrospective study included 26 patients (17 males and 9 females) with intra-articular malunion of distal radius fractures who underwent RSL arthrodesis using locked miniplates (without distal scaphoid excision) between 2012 and 2020. Their mean age was 43 years (range, 32-56). Patients were assessed radiographically for union and clinically for range of motion, grip strength, and pain (assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain). Functional evaluation was performed by using the Mayo modified wrist score (MMWS) and the Disabilities for the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. RESULTS: All patients showed complete healing at the fusion site after a mean of 8.7 weeks (range, 8-12). The mean follow-up period was 72 months (range, 60-84). The pinch strength improved from a mean of 6.2 kg (range, 3-12) to a mean of 9.8 kg (range, 5-18) which represents 80% of the contralateral side. The mean pinch strength was 7 kg (range, 5-18) which presents 80% of the other side. VAS for pain showed a mean improvement of 72.6%. The DASH score improved to a mean of 19.2 (range, 14-24). The MMWS improved to a mean of 68 (range, 45-86). At the final follow-up period, no degenerative changes were detected in the midcarpal joint. CONCLUSION: RSL arthrodesis (using locked miniplates without distal scaphoid excision) is a reliable surgical procedure to manage cases of radiocarpal OA after intra-articular malunion of distal radius fractures with good clinical and radiological outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV- therapeutic.

Are positional screws superior to lag screws in fixation of medial malleolar fractures? A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: There is no consensus about the best fixation method for medial malleolar fractures. This study was conducted to compare the clinical and radiological results of positional (fully threaded) screws and lag (partially threaded) screws when used to fix medial malleolar fractures. METHODS: This prospective, randomized clinical trial included 68 patients with closed isolated medial malleolar fractures. Each study arm included 34 patients who were randomly treated with either fully threaded screws (FT group) or partially threaded screws (PT group). Patients were evaluated radiologically for union and clinically using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle hindfoot score. RESULTS: After a 12-month follow-up, the mean AOFAS ankle hindfoot score was 92.1 ± 3.5 in the FT group and 91.8 ± 5.4 in the PT group. Union was achieved in the FT group after a mean of 6.2 ± 1.3 weeks and after a mean of 6.5 ± 1.5 weeks in the PT group. CONCLUSION: Both fully threaded and partially threaded screws yielded good comparable clinical and radiological outcomes when used to fix isolated medial malleolar fractures.

Mortality and morbidity following initiation of anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment for blunt cerebrovascular injury.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are potential sequelae of blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI). To minimize their risk, medical therapy is used commonly. It is unclear if anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications are superior for decreasing CVA risk. It is also unclear as to which confer fewer undesirable side effects specifically in patients with BCVI. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes between nonsurgical patients with BCVI with hospital admission records who were treated with anticoagulant medications and those who were treated with antiplatelet medications. METHODS: We performed a 5-year (2016-2020) analysis of the Nationwide Readmission Database. We identified all adult trauma patients who were diagnosed with BCVI and treated with either anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents. Patients who were diagnosed with index admission CVA, intracranial injury, hypercoagulable states, atrial fibrillation, and or moderate to severe liver disease were excluded. Those who underwent vascular procedures (open and/or endovascular approaches) and or neurosurgical treatment were also excluded. Propensity score matching (1:2 ratio) was performed to control for demographics, injury parameters, and comorbidities. Index admission and 6-month readmission outcomes were examined. RESULTS: We identified 2133 patients with BCVI who were treated with medical therapy; 1091 patients remained after applying the exclusion criteria. A matched cohort of 461 patients (anticoagulant, 159; antiplatelet, 302) was obtained. The median patient age was 72 years (interquartile range [IQR], 56-82 years), 46.2% of patients were female, falls were the mechanism of injury in 57.2% of cases, and the median New Injury Severity Scale score was 21 (IQR, 9-34). Index outcomes with respect to (1) anticoagulant treatments followed by (2) antiplatelet treatments and (3) P values are as follows: mortality (1.3%, 2.6%, 0.51), median length of stay (6 days, 5 days; P < .001), and median total charge (109,736 USD, 80,280 USD, 0.12). The 6-month readmission outcomes are as follows: readmission (25.8%, 16.2%, <0.05), mortality (4.4%, 4.6%, 0.91), ischemic CVA (4.9%, 4.1%, P = not significant [NS]), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (4.9%, 10.2%, 0.45), hemorrhagic CVA (0%, 0.41%, P = NS), and blood loss anemia (19.5%, 12.2%, P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: Anticoagulants are associated with a significantly increased readmission rate within 6 months. Neither medical therapy is superior to one another in the reduction of the following: index mortality, 6-month mortality, and 6-month readmission with CVA. Notably, antiplatelet agents seem to be associated with increased hemorrhagic CVA and gastrointestinal hemorrhage on readmission, although neither association is statistically significant. Still, these associations underscore the need for further prospective studies of large sample sizes to investigate the optimal medical therapy for nonsurgical patients with BCVI with hospital admission records.

Cold Versus Hot Snare Polypectomy for Colorectal Polyps: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic polypectomy is an excellent tool for colon cancer prevention. With the innovation of novel resection techniques, the best method is still being investigated. Hence, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cold snare polypectomy (CSP) versus hot snare polypectomy (HSP) for colorectal polyp resection. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, WOS, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL until July 16, 2022. We pooled dichotomous outcomes using risk ratio (RR) with the corresponding CI. This review's protocol was prospectively registered in PROSPERO with ID: CRD42022347496. RESULTS: We included 18 randomized controlled trials with a total of 4317 patients and 7509 polyps. Pooled RR favored HSP regarding the complete resection rate (RR: 0.96 with 95% CI: 0.95, 1, P = 0.03) and local recurrence incidence (RR: 5.74 with 95% CI: 1.27, 25.8, P = 0.02). Pooled RR favored CSP regarding the colonoscopy time (mean difference: -6.50 with 95% CI: -7.55, -5.44, P = 0.00001) and polypectomy time (mean difference: -57.36 with 95% CI: -81.74, -32.98, P = 0.00001). There was no difference regarding the incidence of immediate bleeding ( P = 0.06) and perforation ( P = 0.39); however, HSP was associated with more incidence of delayed bleeding ( P = 0.01), abdominal pain ( P = 0.007), and postresection syndrome ( P = 0.02). DISCUSSION: HSP is associated with a higher complete resection and lower recurrence rates; however, HSP is also associated with a higher incidence of adverse events. Therefore, improving the complete resection rate with CSP still warrants more innovation, giving the technique safety and shorter procedure duration.

Hepatitis B virus core-related antigen (HBcrAg) as a prognostic marker for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma: A mini systematic review of the literature.

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous studies showed that elevated levels of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA and HBsAg are associated with increased HCC risk in patients with chronic HBV infection. Multiple studies showed that high levels of HBV DNA and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) are associated with higher HCC risk in CHB patients. Patients treated with antiviral therapy may have undetectable or low levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg loss. However, HCC may develop in some patients with low-level HBV DNA and HBsAg seroconversion. In this study, we evaluated the role of HBcrAg in predicting HBV related HCC development. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using keywords (hepatitis B core-related antigen, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver neoplasm, hepatocellular and hepatic cancer, to identify studies assessing serum level of HBcrAg in patients with CHB and HCC. The search resulted in 184 studies. Seven studies were included: Four of which were retrospective cohort studies, and the rest were prospective cohort, case controls. Six of them reported a higher HBcrAg positivity rate in the HCC group when compared with the HBV DNA assay, yet with similar hazard ratio (HR) in predicting the incidence of HCC. However, four studies found that HBcrAg positivity was an independent risk factor for HCC development with a HR ranging from 3.27 to 7.05. HBV-related HCC has many proposed biomarkers in its prediction, yet our findings revealed HBcrAg to may have superiority over other biomarkers. High quality studies with bigger sample size research is needed to understand the potential role of HBcrAg in CHB induced HCC.

TEMPORARY REMOVAL: The Effect of Preoperative Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Versus Rectal Misoprostol in Reducing Blood Loss During and After Elective Cesarean Delivery in Primigravida: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Comparative-Placebo Trial.

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Expanding Our Role in Headache Management: A Systematic Review and Algorithmic Approach to Surgical Management of Postcraniotomy Headache.

BACKGROUND: Chronic postcraniotomy headache (PCH) is common and debilitating. Unfortunately, the literature on this topic is sparse without clear management algorithms. Possible etiologies of PCH include nerve injury and/or entrapment, hardware, dural adhesions, or musculoskeletal injury. The purpose of this study was to present the results of both a systematic review of the literature and a single-center case series, both of which informed the development of a novel treatment algorithm that may be applied to this patient population. METHODS: Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, we performed a systematic review of the literature, identifying articles describing the surgical management of PCH. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients who met the criteria for PCH treated at our institution. A patient's history and physical examination determined the etiology and management, and pain severity scores were the primary outcome measured. RESULTS: Nineteen articles encompassing 131 patients described surgical management techniques for PCH. 83 patients (63.3%) had complete resolution of pain (χ2 = 52.1, P < 0.0001). At our institution, 19 patients underwent surgical management for PCH. A significant reduction in pain scores from 7.57 to 2.16 (P < 0.001) was demonstrated, and 84 percent of patients achieved complete or significant pain reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Through a literature review and our own case series, we demonstrate that surgical management of PCH can achieve remarkable results. Plastic surgeons, with their expanding role in treating migraine and headaches, are well suited to manage these patients. We present an algorithmic approach to simplify the management of this common and debilitating condition.

Pulmonary artery banding: still a role for staged bi-ventricular repair of intracardiac shunts?

OBJECTIVES: Although pulmonary artery banding remains a useful palliation in bi-ventricular shunting lesions, single-stage repair holds several advantages. We investigate outcomes of the former approach in high-risk patients. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including all pulmonary artery banding procedures over 9 years, excluding single ventricle physiology and left ventricular training. RESULTS: Banding was performed in 125 patients at a median age of 41 days (2-294) and weight of 3.4 kg (1.8-7.32). Staged repair was undertaken for significant co-morbidity in 81 (64.8%) and anatomical complexity in 44 (35.2%). The median hospital stay was 14 days (interquartile range 8-33.5) and 14 patients (11.2%) required anatomical repair before discharge. Nine patients died during the initial admission (hospital mortality 7.2 %) and five following discharge (inter-stage mortality 4.8%). Of 105 banded patients who survived, 19 (18.1%) needed inter-stage re-admission and 18 (14.4%) required unplanned re-intervention. Full repair was performed in 93 (74.4%) at a median age of 13 months (3.1-49.9) and weight of 8.5 kg (3.08-16.8). Prior banding, 54% were below the 0.4th weight centile, but only 28% remained so at repair. Post-repair, 5/93 (5.4%) developed heart block requiring permanent pacemaker, and 11/93 (11.8%) required unplanned re-intervention. The post-repair mortality (including repairs during the initial admission) was 6/93 (6.5%), with overall mortality of the staged approach 13.6% (17/125). CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort with a high incidence of co-morbidity, pulmonary artery banding is associated with a significant risk of re-intervention and mortality. Weight gain improves after banding, but heart block, re-intervention, and mortality remain frequent following repair.

Diversity in the Plastic Surgery Match: The Effect of Program Chair, Program Director, and Faculties' Race and Sex on Matched Applicants.

INTRODUCTION: Prior studies have identified the lack of diversity within the field of plastic surgery (PS) and associated residency matches. In this study, the authors aimed to examine the effect of PS program chairs (PCs), program directors (PD), and faculty members' race and sex on PS applicants and matriculants within the same program. METHODS: Deidentified applicant data from 2017 to 2021 submitted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison's integrated PS program were analyzed. Applicants' self-reported sex and race were collected. Integrated PS program websites were assessed to determine whether applicants matched the program. Race and sex of PCs, PDs, and faculty members were collected from each program's website. RESULTS: Overall, 79 integrated PS programs' websites and 1470 applicants were reviewed. The majority of PCs, PDs, and faculty members were male (87.3%, 81.0%, and 69.6%, respectively) and white (74.7%, 70.9%, and 68.8%, respectively). Most applicants were male (54.0%) and white (60.8%). For a given program, white PCs and PDs have 5 and 6 times the odds of matching an applicant of the same race ( P <0.001 for both). Having male PCs and PDs did not significantly increase the odds of matching an applicant of the same sex ( P =0.198 and 0.905, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although the field of PS has made great strides to close the sex gap within the residency match process, this study highlights ongoing racial disparities among nonwhite applicants.

Social Media Popularity and Academic Productivity in Academic Plastic Surgery: A Positive Correlation.

BACKGROUND: Social media is a powerful tool that has empowered plastic surgeons to easily collaborate with one another and rapidly publicize research progression. The present study investigates the relationship between academic productivity and social media presence among both integrated and independent plastic surgery programs and their faculty. METHODS: Plastic surgery programs on the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons website were included. Faculty were identified via review of each program's website. Following metrics of academic productivity were collected for each faculty member: h-index, i10-index, number of publications, and number of citations. Online review was then conducted to identify faculty and program Instagram and Twitter accounts, and the number of associated followers and posts. RESULTS: Integrated plastic surgery programs were more likely to have an Instagram account (p < 0.001), have higher average faculty h-index (p = 0.027), i10-index (p = 0.027), and number of publications (p = 0.042). A number of Instagram followers were significantly associated with average faculty h-index (p < 0.001), i10-index (p < 0.001), and number of publications (p < 0.001). The number of posts on a program's Instagram significantly predicted average faculty h-index (p < 0.001), i10-index (p < 0.001), and number of publications (p < 0.001). Twitter followers were significantly associated with average faculty h-index (p = 0.0397), i10-index (p = 0.0432), and number of citations (p = 0.00737). CONCLUSIONS: The present study reveals a correlation between metrics of social media popularity and academic productivity of plastic surgeons. We propose that Instagram and Twitter are effective tools with which plastic surgeons may not only publicize their clinical practice, but also rapidly disseminate important innovations among the medical community. Integrated plastic surgery programs and their faculty have significantly higher utilization of social media platforms. The number of followers and posts on a program's Instagram have a significantly positive correlation with average faculty's academic productivity. Social media platforms may empower academic plastic surgeons to disseminate their innovations on a larger scale. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Rise Above the Competition: How Do Plastic Surgery Residency Applicants with NCAA Experience Fare in the Residency Match?

BACKGROUND: The integrated plastic surgery residency match continues to be highly competitive. Every year, some candidates are former NCAA athletes. While it is challenging to balance academic and athletic responsibilities, participation in NCAA sports may be predictive of continued success. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of participation in collegiate athletics on applicant anticipated rank and academic success. METHODS: All applications received from 2017 to 2020 at a single institution were reviewed for participation in NCAA athletics (Division I-III). Our primary outcome of interest was applicant anticipated rank by letter of reference writers. Applications were also examined for demographic information, membership in AOA, number of research publications, and USMLE board certification examination scores. RESULTS: After reviewing 885 applications, 61 applicants (6.89%) were former NCAA athletes. Former NCAA involvement was associated with the highest effect on anticipated ranking (- 0.22, p=0.001). Former NCAA involvement demonstrated the highest odds of receiving an anticipated ranking in the top 5 (OR 1.83, p=0.025). We found no significant difference in research productivity between the two groups, including first authorships or USMLE Step 1 board certification exam scores. A significant difference was seen in race distribution, with forty-five (80.4%) of athlete applicants identifying as Caucasian, while 430 (56.5%) of non-athletes identified as Caucasian (p=0.012). CONCLUSION: Former athletes applying to become integrated plastic surgery residents overcome the challenges of balancing athletic and academic pursuits with a higher anticipated rank in the integrated plastic surgery match while having comparable academic achievement. Former collegiate athletes have demonstrated greater success in and after residency. Former NCAA participation demonstrated the highest odds of receiving a top-5 rank. Former NCAA applicants showed no difference in academic productivity LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: Case series study. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors   www.springer.com/00266 .

Stroke as a cause of death in patients with cancer: a SEER-based study.

BACKGROUND: Death from stroke is linked to cancer due to its pathogenesis and side effects of treatment. Despite this, guidelines regarding identifying cancer patients at the highest risk of mortality from stroke are unclear. AIMS: To determine which cancer subtypes are associated with higher risk of death from stroke. METHODS: The National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program was used to obtain data regarding patients with cancer who died of a stroke. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) using SEER*Stat software, version 8.4.0.1. RESULTS: Out of 6,136,803 patients with cancer, 57,523 (0.9%) died from stroke, and this rate was higher than general population (SMR= 1.05, 95%CI [1.04-1.06]). Deaths due to stroke decreased across years, from 24,280 deaths between 2000-2004 to 4,903 deaths between 2015-2019. Of the 57,523 stroke deaths, greatest numbers were observed in cancers of the prostate (n=11,761, 20.4%), breast (n=8,946, 15.5%), colon and rectum (n=7,401, 12.8%), and lung and bronchus (n=4,376, 7.6%). Patients with colon and rectum cancers (SMR= 1.08 95%CI [1.06-1.11]), lung and bronchus cancers (SMR=1.70 95%CI [1.65-1.75]) had a greater rate of death from stroke compared to the general population. CONCLUSION: The risk of death from stroke in cancer patients is significantly higher than in the general population. Patients with colorectal cancer and lung and bronchus cancer are at higher risk of death by stroke compared to the general population.

Supravalvular pulmonary stenosis: A risk factor for reintervention in Noonan syndrome with pulmonary valve stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the short- and long-term outcomes of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) in children with Noonan syndrome (NS). BACKGROUND: Pulmonary stenosis (PS) is the most common congenital heart lesion in NS. BPV is the accepted first line treatment in PS. However, BPV in NS patients has been reported to be less effective, without specific factors for the need for reintervention being identified. METHODS: Retrospective case-note review of all patients with NS who underwent BPV between 1985 and 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with supravalvular pulmonary stenosis (SPS) in addition to valvar PS, and those with isolated valvar PS. RESULTS: A cohort of 54 patients with NS underwent BPV at a median of 275 (interquartile range [IQR]: 108-575) days of age. SPS was present in 32 (59%) patients whereas 22 had (41) isolated PS. The preprocedural invasive gradient was 47 (IQR: 35-69) mmHg, and 44 (IQR: 35-48) mmHg in those with SPS and those without respectively (p = 0.88). Reintervention was required in 22 patients (41%): 17 (77%) with SPS and 5 (23%) without (p = 0.017). Fourteen patients (11 with SPS) required surgical reintervention and 8 (6 with SPS) required further BPV. There was no significant difference in the age at initial BPV, pre- and postprocedural gradients and interval until reintervention between groups. CONCLUSION: This is the largest reported cohort of patients with NS undergoing BPV. Although BPV is often successful, the reintervention rates are high. SPS was a risk factor for reintervention.

Anomalous coronary artery in Tetralogy of Fallot-Feasibility of right ventricular outflow tract stenting as initial palliation.

This study addresses the outcome of right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) stenting in Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) with anomalous coronaries crossing the RVOT. RVOT stenting in ToF patients has emerged as an alternative to Blalock Taussig shunting. This is a single center study of patients who underwent RVOT stenting for symptomatic ToF at Birmingham Children's Hospital between 2005 and 2020. A total of 122 patients underwent RVOT stenting as initial palliation over a 15-year period, 10 patients had anomalous coronaries crossing the RVOT (study group) and 112 not (comparative group). Median age of the study group was 72.5 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 28-103) with a weight of 4.7 kg (IQR: 3.5-4.9). No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding the patients' weights and ages, procedure and screening times, or hospital stay. Four had valve sparing stenting. Oxygen saturations increased from a median of 75.5% (IQR: 70-82) to 94.5% (IQR: 90-95), p < 0.002. Postprocedure median hospital stay was 3 days (IQR: 2-6). Six patients underwent interstage catheterization reintervention and one needed early surgical palliation due to stent suboptimal position. Complete repair could be delayed for a median of 11.1 months (IQR: 5.6-19.2). At surgical repair, the patients had a median age of 12.3 months (IQR: 7.5-25.6) and weight of 7.7 kg (IQR: 6.8-10.8). There were no deaths. RVOT stenting in ToF with anomalous coronaries is safe and effective. Dilatable stents should be used when two-stage delayed conduit repair is the default approach.