Learning curve of transoral robotic thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Transoral thyroidectomy has superior cosmesis and better postoperative voice outcomes than conventional thyroidectomy. However, it usually requires a steep learning curve and longer operative time. The transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) learning curve has not been well investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the TORT learning curve and factors affecting operative time. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 173 consecutive patients who underwent TORT with or without central neck dissection from July 2017 to August 2021. We assessed the TORT learning curve using operative time, complication rate, and surgical success (procedure conversion) rate. The operative time and surgical success rate learning curves were calculated using the cumulative summation (CUSUM) method. Additionally, we analyzed factors affecting operative time in TORT. RESULTS: Total thyroidectomy operative time was significantly longer than those of lobectomy and isthmusectomy (p < 0.001). In correlation analysis, a significantly positive correlation was observed between body mass index (BMI) and operative time (R2 = 0.04, p = 0.025). The TORT learning curve was 52 cases in the CUSUM operative time analysis. In the CUSUM surgical success rate chart, the turning point was the 55th case. Complication and procedure conversion rates were significantly decreased after the learning curve. CONCLUSIONS: The CUSUM learning curve of TORT was about 52-55 cases, and the operative time, total complication rate, and procedure conversion decreased significantly after the learning curve. The operative time was associated with the extent of thyroidectomy and BMI.

Comparison of an Ultrasound-Guided Dynamic Needle Tip Positioning Technique and a Long-Axis In-Plane Technique for Radial Artery Cannulation in Older Patients: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVES: The authors compared the dynamic needle tip positioning (DNTP) technique and the long-axis in-plane (LAIP) technique in older patients. DESIGN: This was a prospective randomized controlled study. SETTING: The study was conducted at a single institution (Hanyang University hospital). PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixty patients participated in this study. INTERVENTIONS: This study was conducted on patients aged 75 years or older who underwent general anesthesia requiring placement of an arterial catheter. A total of 160 patients were allocated randomly to the DNTP group or the LAIP group. The primary outcome was the success rate of the first attempt. Additionally, overall success rate, cannulation time, number of total redirections and attempts, and occurrence of complications were investigated. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In the DNTP group, the success rate of the first attempt (85% v 48.8%, p < 0.001, relative risk = 1.74, 95% CI 1.37-2.22) and the overall success rate (97.5% v 86.3%, p = 0.01, relative risk = 1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.24) were significantly higher than in the LAIP group. Fewer redirections (p < 0.001) and attempts (p < 0.001), and a decreased cannulation time (58.8 ± 22.4 s v 89.6 ± 37.9 s, p < 0.001) were detected in the DNTP group. A decreased occurrence of hematoma in the DNTP group also was detected (7.5% v 18.8%, p = 0.035, relative risk = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.16-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: The DNTP technique has better efficiency and safety than the LAIP technique for radial artery catheterization in the older population.

Risk of bias for randomized controlled trials in Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing.

PURPOSE: Well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered to represent a high level of evidence and influence medical decision-making in evidence-based medicine. When biases occur in study design, processing, and reporting of RCTs, however, it is difficult to interpret results and judge the impact of interventions. Accordingly, we evaluate the quality of RCT reporting published in the Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing (JCMC) using three assessment tools. METHODS: Reporting quality of RCTs published in the JCMC was evaluated through December 31, 2020, using Jadad and van Tulder scales and the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool (CCRBT). Stepwise regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with reporting quality. RESULTS: Database searches confirmed 132 RCTs in 1,507 original articles. The numbers of RCTs meeting criteria for high reporting quality were 97 (73.5%) using the Jadad scale, 99 (75.0%) using the van Tulder scale, and 19 (14.4%) with the CCRBT. Jadad scores [median score (interquartile range) = 3.0 (2.0-5.0), coefficients (95% CI) = 0.08 (0.04, 0.11), p < 0.001], van Tulder scores [median score (interquartile range) = 7.0 (5.0-8.75), coefficients (95% CI) = 0.15 (0.11, 0.20), p < 0.001], and CCRBT assessment [coefficients (95% CI) = 0.04 (0.02, 0.06), p < 0.001] increased significantly with publication year. The median score (interquartile range) of the last 5 years were 4.0 (3.0-5.0) in Jadad scores, and 8.0 (6.0-9.0) in van Tulder scores. Only 33.3% and 37.1% of articles described detailed blinding and allocation methods, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Reporting quality increased over time, with consistently high reporting quality in recently published JCMC RCTs.

Comparison of the Characteristics of Three Acellular Dermal Matrices Subjected to Distinct Processing Methods Using Five Types of Histochemical Staining.

BACKGROUND: Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is treated using various devitalization and aseptic processing methods. The processing effects on ADM were evaluated by histochemical tests. METHODS: From January 2014 to December 2016, 18 patients [average age, 43.0 (range, 30-54) years] who underwent breast reconstruction with an ADM and tissue expander were prospectively enrolled. During the permanent implant replacement, a biopsy of the ADM was performed. We used three different human-derived products, namely, Alloderm®, Allomend®, and Megaderm®. Hematoxylin and eosin, CD68, CD3, CD31, and smooth muscle actin were used to evaluate the collagen structure, inflammation, angiogenesis, and myofibroblast infiltration. Each ADM was semi-quantitatively analyzed. RESULTS: Significant differences in collagen degradation, acute inflammation, and myofibroblast infiltration were observed among the ADMs. Collagen degeneration (p<0.001) and myofibroblast infiltration (smooth muscle actin-positive, p=0.018; CD31-negative, p=0.765) were the most severe in Megaderm®. Acute inflammation, represented by CD68, was most severe in Alloderm® (p=0.024). Both radiation and freeze-drying treatment physically damaged the collagen structure. Collagen degeneration was most severe in Megaderm®, followed by Allomend® and Alloderm®. Since Alloderm® is treated using chemicals, an assessment of the chemical irritation is warranted. CONCLUSIONS: The biopsy results were inconclusive. Therefore, to better interpret processing, more large-scale, serial, histochemical studies of each ADM are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors 38 assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full 39 description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, 40 please refer to the Table of Contents or the online 41 Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Conversion of an oral to nasal intubation in difficult nasal anatomy patients: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Nasal intubation is indispensable for some cases that require intraoral surgical access, and the fiberoptic bronchoscope is the best tool for difficult airways. However, fiberoptic bronchoscopy is not always possible in cases with altered pharyngeal anatomy. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, we introduce a novel technique for retrograde endotracheal oral-to-nasal conversion with an ordinary endotracheal tube exchange catheter. A 49-year-old male with a fractured mandible angle and symphysis was scheduled to undergo mandible reconstruction. Secondly, a 45-year-old male who had a bone defect in the mandible angle and ramus was scheduled for mandible and oral cavity reconstruction. We chose to intubate orally first and successfully converted the endotracheal tube from oral to nasal retrogressively using a tube exchange catheter. CONCLUSIONS: Our simple and safe technique, which use a tube exchange catheter retrogressively, provides an alternative method for a difficult airway in which the fiberscope is not helpful.

Use of Keystone Flaps in Consideration of the Facial Aesthetic Subunit Concept as an Alternative Reconstructive Option for Nasal Defect Coverage.

ABSTRACT: Nasal defect coverage has some challenging aspects for plastic surgeons because of the midfacial location of the nose and the relationship between convexities and concavities of nasal subunits. The authors described our experience with performing keystone flap (KF) nasal reconstruction in accordance with the facial aesthetic subunit concept and demonstrated the expanding versatility of KFs in nasal reconstruction. Between January 2017 and February 2020, 15 patients (average age, 72.07 ±â€Š13.00 years, range: 38-88 years) underwent KF reconstruction for nasal defects. We performed KF reconstruction in accordance with the facial aesthetic subunit concept. Data, including the defect causes and locations, defect sizes, flap sites and sizes, types of KFs, flap survival, complications, and follow-up period for each patient were reviewed retrospectively. Cosmetic outcomes were evaluated by independent plastic surgeons and patients through satisfactory postoperative surveys. Sixteen defects occurred in 15 patients. The defect sizes ranged from 0.8 × 1 cm to 2.5 × 3 cm. The flap sizes ranged from 1.5 × 3.5 cm to 4 × 6 cm. All defects were successfully covered with KFs from adjacent subunits. All flaps survived without any postoperative complications. At the mean follow-up period of 8.33 ±â€Š2.92 months, the objective cosmetic outcomes were rated favorably, and the average subjective patient satisfaction score was 7.93 ±â€Š1.28 on a scale of 1 to 10. We suggest that using KF reconstruction in consideration of the facial aesthetic subunit concept can be a promising alternative modality for covering nasal defects with outstanding aesthetic outcomes.

The Effect of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 on the Irradiated Allogenic Cartilage of Rats.

ABSTRACT: Autogenous cartilage graft is associated with the problem of chondrocyte dedifferentiation. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) plays an important role in the differentiation and matrix maturation of chondrocytes, and preventing their dedifferentiation.This study was performed on 48 rats, divided equally into 3 groups. In group I, the xiphoid process cartilage was harvested and irradiated, and broken into 2 pieces. Each piece was implanted on the back. The same process was performed in Groups II and III, but further treated with BMP-2, Group II with 25 µg, and Group III with 50 µg. The implanted cartilage pieces were reharvested at postoperative weeks 2 and 4. The weight change was measured and histological evaluation was performed.The extent of the weight change was higher in Groups II and III than in Group I. The extracellular matrix between the chondrocytes showed increased in Groups II and III. The fibrous tissue on the surface of the cartilage increased in Groups II and III. Ossification of the chondrocytes was observed in Groups II and III.The use of BMP-2 increased the matrix between chondrocytes and the fibrous tissue of the cartilage and facilitated the ossification of chondrocytes. The effect of BMP-2 increased with its increasing concentration, and maintenance of its effectiveness over time was confirmed.

Keystone Flaps for Coverage of Defects in the Posterior Neck and Lower Occipital Scalp: A Retrospective Clinical Study.

ABSTRACT: The coverage of the posterior neck and lower occipital scalp defects should be approached carefully. Thick, stiff, and inelastic skin properties of these areas tend to make coverage of even small defects difficult. Herein, the authors present a retrospective review of our experience with posterior neck and lower occipital scalp reconstruction using the keystone flap (KF) and describe the expanding versatility of KF reconstruction. The medical records of 17 patients who underwent KF reconstruction to cover the posterior neck and lower occipital defect from April 2017 to May 2020 were reviewed. Clinical and operative data were collected. All defects were successfully covered with the KFs. The defect sizes ranged from 2.5 × 3.5 cm to 6 × 11 cm, and the flap sizes ranged from 3 × 5.5 cm to 9 × 18 cm. All flaps fully survived, although marginal maceration developed in one case; however, it healed with conservative management. The final results were favorable, and all patients were satisfied with their final outcomes. Consequently, the KF can be considered as a good reconstruction modality with few complications and provides an alternative to other reconstructive options for coverage of the posterior neck and lower occipital defects.

Effects of dexmedetomidine sedation for magnetic resonance imaging in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Pediatric sedation is commonly required to obtain high-quality images in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of dexmedetomidine sedation for MRI in children. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to find all randomized controlled trials concerning dexmedetomidine sedation for MRI in children. We searched databases using the Ovid platform in the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, and EMBASE. This study was registered in the PROSPERO database: CRD42020198368. RESULTS: Seven studies and 753 participants were included. Dexmedetomidine sedation showed a significantly delayed onset time [weighted mean differences (WMD) = 8.13 min, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.64 to 11.63, I2 = 98%] and recovery time (WMD = 5.22 min, 95% CI 0.35 to 10.09, I2 = 92%) compared to propofol, ketamine, and midazolam sedation. There was no difference in quality of sedation [risk ratio (RR) = 1.25, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.69, I2 = 89%], or incidence of sedation failure (RR = 1.39, 95% CI 0.53 to 3.66, I2 = 83%) between groups. Although a significantly decreased heart rate (WMD = - 17.34 beats/minute, 95% CI - 22.42 to - 12.26, I2 = 96%) was observed, bradycardia that required treatment was not increased (RR = 8.00, 95% CI 1.02 to 62.64, I2 = 0%). Dexmedetomidine sedation had a lower incidence of desaturation events (RR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.86, I2 = 4%). However, there was no difference in incidence of postoperative vomiting (RR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.15 to 1.17, I2 = 17%) between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine sedation provided a similar sedation quality with a reduced incidence of desaturation events. However, the delayed onset and recovery times were drawbacks. The clinical significance of bradycardia is considered to be low. GRADE assessment revealed the quality of the evidence in this meta-analysis ranged from very low to moderate.

The Presence of Urinary Ketones according to Metabolic Status and Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Recently, new concepts about obesity and normal weight subtypes with metabolic conditions are rising and ketone bodies are emerging as a significant indicator of metabolic health. This study aimed to find a relationship between ketonuria and those subtypes. METHODS: The data of 19,036 subjects were analyzed in this cross-sectional study (2013-2017 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, KNHANES). Based on body mass index and adult treatment panel III with modification of waist circumference, individuals were categorized into 4 groups: metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically healthy obese (MHO), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). Individuals were divided into 2 groups, positive and negative ketonuria groups, and the metabolic parameters were compared. RESULTS: The metabolic indicators of the positive ketonuria group showed better results than those of the negative ketonuria group and the MHNW group showed the highest proportion of positive ketonuria. The MHNW group showed higher urinary ketones than the MUO group (odds ratio [OR], 0.391; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.254-0.601) in men. In women, OR of having ketonuria was 0.698 (95% CI, 0.486-1.002) in the MHO group and 0.467 (95% CI, 0.226-0.966) in the MUNW group compared to the MHNW group, respectively. CONCLUSION: Compared to the MHNW group, the MUO group showed lower presence of ketonuria in men, and tendency to have less ketonuria in women.

Black rice with giant embryo ameliorates serum C-reactive protein in adults with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is well known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. We have reported that phytochemicals rich black rice with giant embryo reduced fat mass and metabolic disorders in an animal model. However, such effects have not been evaluated in humans. Subjects with metabolic syndrome (n = 49, 38 male, 44.3 ± 6.1 years) were randomly assigned into two groups and ingested roasted black-rice with giant embryo (BR, n = 26, 20 male) or white-rice (WR, n = 23, 18 male) powders mixed with water for breakfast for three months. Subjects were evaluated for various metabolic parameters before and after intervention. All parameters were not significantly different between groups before starting the intervention. After three months of consumption of either BR or WR, changes of body weight in BR vs WR groups (-1.54 kg vs -1.29 kg, p = 0.649) as well as waist circumference (-1.63 cm vs -1.02 cm, p = 0.365) were not significantly different between groups. However, changes in highly-sensitive C reactive proteins in BR vs WR groups (-0.110 mg/dl vs 0.017 mg/dl, p = 0.003) had significant differences. Three months of meal replacement with BR had a significant reduction of highly-sensitive C reactive protein compared to those with WR in adults with metabolic syndrome.

Perioperative Hemostatic Management of a Pediatric Patient with Glanzmann Thrombasthenia Undergoing Osteoplastic Craniotomy and Hematoma Removal: A Case Report.

Glanzmann thrombasthenia is an uncommon hereditary disease that involves an abnormal platelet function leading to complicated hemostatic problems. In situations of anticipated hemorrhage, irradiated apheresed platelets are the first line of treatment. In addition, a combination of recombinant factor VIIa and an antifibrinolytic agent such as tranexamic acid can be utilized to minimize bleeding. Here we are present stable management of a pediatric patient with Glanzmann thrombasthenia admitted for traumatic epidural hematoma removal. Due to the condition of the operation site, some blood loss was unavoidable. However, hemostasis was successfully controlled, and the patient was discharged without additional complications.

The effect of onabotulinumtoxinA according to site of injection in patients with overactive bladder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA according to injection site for treatment of overactive bladder. METHODS: A systematic literature review located randomized controlled trials of onabotulinumtoxinA treatment for neurogenic detrusor overactive bladder and idiopathic overactive bladder in adults. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register using the Ovid platform. Meta-analysis was based on Cochrane Review Methods. RESULTS: Eight studies (419 participants) were included. Trigone-including injection demonstrated a significant improvement in symptom score (SMD = - 0.53, 95% CI - 1.04 to - 0.02, P = 0.04, I 2 = 78%), higher complete dryness rates (OR = 2.19 patients, 95% CI 1.32-3.63, P = 0.002, I 2 = 41%), and lower frequency of incontinence episodes (WMD = - 0.85 per day, 95% CI - 1.55 to - 0.16, P = 0.02, I 2 = 87%) in patients. Comparing trigone-including injection to trigone-sparing injection, lower detrusor pressure (WMD = - 2.55 cm H2O, 95% CI - 4.16 to - 0.95, P = 0.002, I 2 = 0%) and higher volume at first desire to void (WMD = 17.54 ml, 95% CI 1.00-34.07, P = 0.04, I 2 = 0%) were observed with trigone-including injection. Between intradetrusor and suburothelial injection sites, there were no differences in efficacy or safety regarding the incidence of vesicoureteral reflux, hematuria, general weakness, bladder discomfort, large post-void residual, and urinary tract infection. CONCLUSION: Trigone-including onabotulinumtoxinA injection has superior efficacy to trigone-sparing injection without increased complications. The depth of injection does not influence the efficacy or safety of onabotulinumtoxinA.

Reconstruction of infected trunk wounds with pedicled rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps: a retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: To completely treat and cover extensively infected trunk defects, reconstruction should be performed using a sufficiently vascularised flap, such as a muscle or musculocutaneous flap after perfect debridement. These reconstructive surgeries are challenging in patients with severe comorbidities. In this case series, we describe extensively infected trunk defect reconstruction, in patients with severe comorbidities, using a pedicled rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap and suggest an algorithm for reconstruction. METHOD: Between March 2011 and March 2015, participating patients underwent reconstruction of extensively infected trunk defects using a pedicled rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap. All patients had diabetes and hypertension, and several patients had severe comorbidities, including heart and renal failure. Bacterial cultures revealed that meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was present in seven patients (with concurrent Pseudomonas aeruginosa in two patients), multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in one patient and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in two patients. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients underwent the procedure. The pedicled rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps survived completely in all 10 patients. There were no complications related to the flaps, although two patients developed minor wound dehiscence, which may be due to their comorbidities. There were no signs of recurrent infection during the follow-up period in each case. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction using the pedicled rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap is a good treatment option for extensively infected three-dimensional trunk defects, even for patients with severe comorbidities.

The effects of intranasal dexmedetomidine premedication in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Intranasal dexmedetomidine premedication is a newly introduced method for reducing stress and anxiety before general anesthesia in children. We performed a meta-analysis to identify the effects of intranasal dexmedetomidine premedication in children. SOURCE: We conducted a systematic review to find published randomized-controlled trials using intranasal dexmedetomidine as premedication. We searched databases in EMBASE™, MEDLINE®, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register using the Ovid platform. This study was conducted based on the Cochrane Review Methods. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This review included 1,168 participants in 13 studies. Intranasal dexmedetomidine premedication provided more satisfactory sedation at parent separation (relative risk [RR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19 to 1.76; P = 0.0002; I2 = 80%) than other premedication regimes. In addition, it reduced the need for rescue analgesics (RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.83; P = 0.003; I2 = 0%). Nevertheless, there were no differences in sedation at mask induction (RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.59; P = 0.08; I2 =71%) or in the incidence of emergence delirium (RR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.24 to 1.13; P = 0.10; I2 = 67%). Intranasal dexmedetomidine was associated with a significantly lower incidence of nasal irritation (RR, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.36; P = 0.003; I2 = 0%) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.99; P = 0.04; I2 = 0%) than other premedication treatments. It also showed significantly lower systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference [WMD], -6.7 mmHg; 95% CI, -10.5 to -2.9; P = 0.0006; I2 = 96%) and heart rate (WMD, -6.8 beats·min-1; 95% CI, -11.3 to -2.6; P = 0.002; I2 = 98%). CONCLUSIONS: Intranasal dexmedetomidine provided more satisfactory sedation at parent separation and reduced the need for rescue analgesics and the incidence of nasal irritation and postoperative nausea and vomiting when compared with other premedication treatments.

Combined use of dexmedetomidine and propofol in monitored anesthesia care: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUD: Although propofol and dexmedetomidine have been widely used for monitored anesthesia care, their adverse effects necessitate the search for better methods. Therefore, we performed this randomized controlled trial to evaluate the combined use of propofol and dexmedetomidine. METHODS: Eighty-seven adult patients undergoing hand surgery under brachial plexus block were randomly allocated to receive 1.6 µg/ml of the target effect site concentration of propofol (P group) and infusion of 0.4 µg/kg/h dexmedetomidine following a loading dose of 1.0 µg/kg for 10 min (D group). The M group received a half-dose of both drugs simultaneously. The maintenance dose was adjusted to maintain an Observer Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score of 3. Cardiorespiratory variables, adverse effects, and drug efficacy were observed. RESULTS: The significantly higher mean arterial pressure (mmHg) in the D group [P group 86.9 (12.6), D group 96.0 (12.2), M group 85.6 (10.6), p = 0.004)] and a significantly higher heart rate (beat/min) in the P group were observed [P group 67.3 (9.0), D group 57.8 (6.9), M group 59.2 (7.4), p < 0.001)]. The M group had a significant lower incidence of airway obstruction (p < 0.001) and the D group had a higher incidence of bradycardia requiring atropine (p = 0.001). The P group had higher incidences of hypoxia (p = 0.001), spontaneous movement (p < 0.001) and agitation (p = 0.001). The satisfaction scores of the patients (p = 0.007) and surgeon (p < 0.001) were higher in the M group. Onset time was significantly longer in the D group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The combined use of propofol and dexmedetomidine provided cardiovascular stability with decreased adverse effects. Additionally, it led to a similar onset time of propofol and achieved higher satisfaction scores. TRIAL REGISTRATION: KCT0001284 . Retrospectively registered 25 November 2014.

Obesity Is Inversely Related to Hydrogen-Producing Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Non-Constipation Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

There have been inconsistent findings on the association of obesity and non-constipation irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) with hydrogen (H2) gas forming-microflora causes non-constipation IBS. But, the effect of H2 producing SIBO on obesity in non-constipation IBS patients has not been studied yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between obesity and SIBO in non-constipation IBS patients. We reviewed the charts of patients who showed IBS symptoms along with the documented results of their lactulose hydrogen breath test (LHBT) for SIBO. Multivariate models were used to assess the association between obesity and SIBO. Four-hundred fifty-eight patients were retrospectively included in the study. Of the 485 IBS patients, 158 (30.7%) subjects had positive results for LHBT. Subjects without SIBO showed significantly higher levels of body mass index (24.8 vs. 23.3; P < 0.001) and waist circumference (86.5 vs. 82.7; P < 0.001) as compared to subjects with SIBO. In multivariate analysis, the odds ratios of SIBO were 0.396 (P = 0.018) for obesity and 0.482 (P = 0.021) for abdominal obesity. This is the first human study to demonstrate that obesity is inversely related to SIBO with H2 gas production in non-constipation IBS patients.

Augmentation of the Nipples Reconstructed with Modified Top-Hat Flap Using Dermal Grafts in Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Nipple reconstruction in implant-based breast reconstruction remains challenging, as the remaining thin skin envelope results in a less projected neo-nipple with a reduced volume. This study presents a modified top-hat flap technique with rolled dermal grafts from the dog-ears of lateral wings for augmenting reconstructed nipples during implant-based breast reconstruction. METHODS: Between April 2011 and December 2014, among 34 patients who underwent immediate post-mastectomy reconstruction with a direct silicone implant, nipple reconstruction was performed using the modified top-hat flap technique in only 21 patients (group A), whereas 13 patients underwent the modified top-hat flap technique with rolled dermal grafts from the dog-ears of lateral wings (group B). The projection and width of the neo-nipple were measured at the time of surgery and at 1 year post-surgery, respectively. RESULTS: All modified top-hat flaps were successful without any complications. The mean nipple projections at the time of surgery were 0.75 ± 0.107 cm (range 0.5-0.9 cm) and 1.29 ± 0.064 cm (range 1.2-1.4 cm) in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean nipple widths at the time of surgery were 0.90 ± 0.184 cm (range 0.6-1.2 cm) and 1.43 ± 0.076 cm (range 1.3-1.5 cm) in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). The maintenance of nipple projection and width was significantly increased in group B compared with group A. CONCLUSION: The modified top-hat flap technique with rolled dermal grafts from the dog-ears of lateral wings is a useful and easy method to expand and augment the volume of reconstructed nipples in implant-based breast reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: 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 .

Human Placental Extract as a Subcutaneous Injection Is Effective in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Multi-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Chronic fatigue (CF) is a common reason for consulting a physician due to affecting quality of life, but only a few effective treatments are available. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of subcutaneous injection of the human placental extract (HPE) on medically indescribable cases of CF and safety in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 78 subjects with CF were randomly assigned to either a HPE group or a placebo group. Subjects in the HPE group were treated with HPE three times a week subcutaneously for 6 weeks, whereas those in the placebo group with normal saline. Then, the fatigue severity scale (FSS), visual analog scale (VAS) and multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI) were measured in both CF group and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and idiopathic chronic fatigue (ICF) subgroup. The FSS, VAS and MFI score at baseline were not different between the HPE and placebo group in total subjects with CF. In CFS group, the FSS (p=0.0242), VAS (p=0.0009) and MFI (p=0.0159) scores measured at the end of the study period decreased more in the HPE group than in the placebo group when compared with those at the baseline. There were no significant differences between the HPE group and placebo group in the mean change from baseline in FSS, VAS, and MFI in subjects with ICF during the study period. The subcutaneous injection of HPE was effective in the improvement of CFS.

Comparison of pressure-controlled ventilation with volume-controlled ventilation during one-lung ventilation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Not only arterial hypoxemia but acute lung injury also has become the major concerns of one-lung ventilation (OLV). The use of pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) for OLV offers the potential advantages of lower airway pressure and intrapulmonary shunt, which result in a reduced risk of barotrauma and improved oxygenation, respectively. METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane central register of controlled trials and KoreaMedto find publications comparing the effects of PCV with those of volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) during intraoperative OLV in adults. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed using the Cochrane Review Methods. RESULTS: Six studies (259 participants) were included. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio in PCV was higher than in VCV [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 11.04 mmHg, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.30 to 21.77, P = 0.04, I(2) = 3 %] and peak inspiratory pressure was significantly lower in PCV (WMD = -4.91 cm H2O, 95 % CI = -7.30 to -2.53, P < 0.0001, I (2) = 91 %). No differences in PaCO2, tidal volume, heart rate and blood pressure were observed. There were also no differences incompliance, plateau and mean airway pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis provided the evidence of improved oxygenation in PCV. However, it is difficult to draw any definitive conclusions due to the fact that the duration of ventilation in the studies reviewed was insufficient to reveal clinically relevant benefits or disadvantages of PCV. Significantly lower peak inspiratory pressure is the advantage of PCV.