Symptomatic benefits of testosterone treatment in patient subgroups: a systematic review, individual participant data meta-analysis, and aggregate data meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Testosterone replacement therapy is known to improve sexual function in men younger than 40 years with pathological hypogonadism. However, the extent to which testosterone alleviates sexual dysfunction in older men and men with obesity is unclear, despite the fact that testosterone is being increasingly prescribed to these patient populations. We aimed to evaluate whether subgroups of men with low testosterone derive any symptomatic benefit from testosterone treatment. METHODS: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate characteristics associated with symptomatic benefit of testosterone treatment versus placebo in men aged 18 years and older with a baseline serum total testosterone concentration of less than 12 nmol/L. We searched major electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and clinical trial registries for reports published in English between Jan 1, 1992, and Aug 27, 2018. Anonymised individual participant data were requested from the investigators of all identified trials. Primary (cardiovascular) outcomes from this analysis have been published previously. In this report, we present the secondary outcomes of sexual function, quality of life, and psychological outcomes at 12 months. We did a one-stage individual participant data meta-analysis with a random-effects linear regression model, and a two-stage meta-analysis integrating individual participant data with aggregated data from studies that did not provide individual participant data. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42018111005. FINDINGS: 9871 citations were identified through database searches. After exclusion of duplicates and publications not meeting inclusion criteria, 225 full texts were assessed for inclusion, of which 109 publications reporting 35 primary studies (with a total 5601 participants) were included. Of these, 17 trials provided individual participant data (3431 participants; median age 67 years [IQR 60-72]; 3281 [97%] of 3380 aged ≥40 years) Compared with placebo, testosterone treatment increased 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) total score (mean difference 5·52 [95% CI 3·95-7·10]; τ2=1·17; n=1412) and IIEF-15 erectile function subscore (2·14 [1·40-2·89]; τ2=0·64; n=1436), reaching the minimal clinically important difference for mild erectile dysfunction. These effects were not found to be dependent on participant age, obesity, presence of diabetes, or baseline serum total testosterone. However, absolute IIEF-15 scores reached during testosterone treatment were subject to thresholds in patient age and baseline serum total testosterone. Testosterone significantly improved Aging Males' Symptoms score, and some 12-item or 36-item Short Form Survey quality of life subscores compared with placebo, but it did not significantly improve psychological symptoms (measured by Beck Depression Inventory). INTERPRETATION: In men aged 40 years or older with baseline serum testosterone of less than 12 nmol/L, short-to-medium-term testosterone treatment could provide clinically meaningful treatment for mild erectile dysfunction, irrespective of patient age, obesity, or degree of low testosterone. However, due to more severe baseline symptoms, the absolute level of sexual function reached during testosterone treatment might be lower in older men and men with obesity. FUNDING: National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Technology Assessment Programme.

Motorized spiral enteroscopy versus double-balloon enteroscopy: a case-matched study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Motorized spiral enteroscopy (MSE) has been postulated to ease the complexities of the standard-of-care double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). However, there are no comparative studies between MSE and DBE. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic outcomes and safety between MSE and DBE. METHODS: In this case-matched study, patients were matched 1:2 (MSE/DBE) by age, sex, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiology scores. Thirty-one patients who underwent MSE were compared with 62 patients who underwent DBE from 2014 to 2022. Our primary outcomes were to compare the technical and diagnostic success rates between DBE and MSE. Our secondary outcomes were to compare the therapeutic success and adverse event rates. RESULTS: The main indications for enteroscopy were suspected GI bleeding and positive radiologic findings. Prior abdominal surgery was reported in 35.5% and 22.6% of DBE and MSE patients, respectively. Most were antegrade enteroscopy (71%). We found no significant difference in the technical success (DBE 98.4% vs MSE 96.8%, P = .62), diagnostic success (DBE 66.1% vs MSE 54.8%, P = .25), and therapeutic success rates (DBE 62.8% vs MSE 52.9%, P = .62) between the groups. Adverse events occurred in 1 DBE and 11 MSE patients. Most were minor (n = 10, 25.6%). Two patients (5.1%) in the MSE group sustained deep lacerations in the proximal esophagus requiring hospitalization. One developed ileal perforation after MSE needing surgical repair. CONCLUSIONS: In patients requiring enteroscopy, the diagnostic and therapeutic performance of MSE is similar to DBE. An increased frequency of adverse events was observed with MSE. There are some restrictions in the indication because of the design of MSE.

Prevalence and Modes of Posterior Hardware Failure With a Staged Protocol for Circumferential Minimally Invasive Surgical Correction of Adult Spinal Deformity: A 13-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: One of the common complications of adult spinal deformity (ASD) correction is the failure to relieve pain. This may result from the failure of implanted hardware to provide adequate stabilization. While numerous studies exist, characterizing complications that can occur with minimally invasive correction of ASD and data regarding hardware failure in this setting are limited. OBJECTIVE: This article characterizes the rate and mode of posterior hardware failure in the setting of circumferential minimally invasive surgery (CMIS) for ASD correction. METHODS: Patients undergoing staged CMIS correction of ASD from January 2007 to September 2018 were identified. Patients with a minimum 2-year follow-up were included in the study. RESULT: A total of 263 patients (168 women and 95 men) were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 64 years (21-85, SD 13.7), and the mean length of follow-up was 90 months (24-164, SD 40.2). An average of 6 levels (3-16, SD 3.15) was fused per patient.Eight patients had a mechanical hardware failure and required revision surgery (3.04%). No catastrophic failures were noted in our series. Hardware failures were characterized as follows: 2 patients with broken screws, 5 patients with loose screws, and 1 patient who had symptomatic T12-L1 and L5-S1 nonunion with bilateral distal rod fractures, iliac set screw loosening, and proximal T12 screw loosening. Following revision surgery, all of these patients had confirmed solid fusion on computed tomography (CT) scan at their latest follow-up visit.Interestingly, 3 other patients had loosening of the set screw on their iliac bolts. Five patients had rod fractures between L5 and S1 or below S1. All 8 of these patients were asymptomatic with confirmed fusion at L5-S1 on CT scans. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of clinically significant hardware failure needing revision in our series was low at 3.04%. Symptomatic hardware prominence requiring revision was 2.3%. Specifically, rod fractures were not common (2.2%). Our study suggests that in the appropriately selected patient, CMIS to correct ASD without osteotomies may result in acceptable rates of hardware failure. Future studies should compare the results of CMIS deformity correction to a matched population of patients undergoing open deformity correction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study suggests that in the appropriately selected patient, CMIS to correct ASD without osteotomies may result in acceptable rates of hardware failure.

Adverse cardiovascular events and mortality in men during testosterone treatment: an individual patient and aggregate data meta-analysis.

Background: Testosterone is the standard treatment for male hypogonadism, but there is uncertainty about its cardiovascular safety due to inconsistent findings. We aimed to provide the most extensive individual participant dataset (IPD) of testosterone trials available, to analyse subtypes of all cardiovascular events observed during treatment, and to investigate the effect of incorporating data from trials that did not provide IPD. Methods: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials including IPD. We searched MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, Embase, Science Citation Index, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Database of Abstracts of Review of Effects for literature from 1992 onwards (date of search, Aug 27, 2018). The following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) men aged 18 years and older with a screening testosterone concentration of 12 nmol/L (350 ng/dL) or less; (2) the intervention of interest was treatment with any testosterone formulation, dose frequency, and route of administration, for a minimum duration of 3 months; (3) a comparator of placebo treatment; and (4) studies assessing the pre-specified primary or secondary outcomes of interest. Details of study design, interventions, participants, and outcome measures were extracted from published articles and anonymised IPD was requested from investigators of all identified trials. Primary outcomes were mortality, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular events at any time during follow-up. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. We did a one-stage meta-analysis using IPD, and a two-stage meta-analysis integrating IPD with data from studies not providing IPD. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42018111005. Findings: 9871 citations were identified through database searches and after exclusion of duplicates and of irrelevant citations, 225 study reports were retrieved for full-text screening. 116 studies were subsequently excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria in terms of study design and characteristics of intervention, and 35 primary studies (5601 participants, mean age 65 years, [SD 11]) reported in 109 peer-reviewed publications were deemed suitable for inclusion. Of these, 17 studies (49%) provided IPD (3431 participants, mean duration 9·5 months) from nine different countries while 18 did not provide IPD data. Risk of bias was judged to be low in most IPD studies (71%). Fewer deaths occurred with testosterone treatment (six [0·4%] of 1621) than placebo (12 [0·8%] of 1537) without significant differences between groups (odds ratio [OR] 0·46 [95% CI 0·17-1·24]; p=0·13). Cardiovascular risk was similar during testosterone treatment (120 [7·5%] of 1601 events) and placebo treatment (110 [7·2%] of 1519 events; OR 1·07 [95% CI 0·81-1·42]; p=0·62). Frequently occurring cardiovascular events included arrhythmia (52 of 166 vs 47 of 176), coronary heart disease (33 of 166 vs 33 of 176), heart failure (22 of 166 vs 28 of 176), and myocardial infarction (10 of 166 vs 16 of 176). Overall, patient age (interaction 0·97 [99% CI 0·92-1·03]; p=0·17), baseline testosterone (interaction 0·97 [0·82-1·15]; p=0·69), smoking status (interaction 1·68 [0·41-6·88]; p=0.35), or diabetes status (interaction 2·08 [0·89-4·82; p=0·025) were not associated with cardiovascular risk. Interpretation: We found no evidence that testosterone increased short-term to medium-term cardiovascular risks in men with hypogonadism, but there is a paucity of data evaluating its long-term safety. Long-term data are needed to fully evaluate the safety of testosterone. Funding: National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme.

Management of severe adult spinal deformity with circumferential minimally invasive surgical strategies without posterior column osteotomies: a 13-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mid- to long-term clinical outcomes of circumferential minimally invasive surgery (CMIS) without posterior column osteotomies for severe adult spine deformity (ASD) correction. METHODS: All patients with a minimum of 2-year follow-up undergoing staged CMIS correction of ASD from January 2007 to July 2018 were identified. All included patients had fusion of 3 or more interbody levels that spanned the L5-S1 junction. Only patients with severe deformity, Coronal Cobb > 50° or at least one SRS-Schwab ++ sagittal modifier (SVA > 95 mm, or PI-LL > 20, or PT > 30) were included. All complications were noted. RESULT: 136 patients met inclusion criteria; mean age of patients was 63.6 years (21-85, SD 13.7). The mean follow-up was 82.8 months (24-159, SD 36.6). The mean number of levels fused was 7 (3-16, SD 3). A total of 40 (29.4%) major complications were noted at final follow-ups: 2 (1.4%) intra-operative, 12 (8.9%) peri-operative (≤ 6 weeks from index), 26 (19.1%) post-operative (> 6 weeks from index). There was a total of 53 (40.0%) minor complications. Seven (5.1%) patients who developed radiographic proximal junctional kyphosis. Three patients (2.2%) developed proximal junctional failure. There were 8 (5.9%) cases of pseudarthrosis. Five of these occurred in patients undergoing AxiaLIF. All patients experienced improvements in patient-perceived outcomes (VAS, TIS, ODI, and SRS-22) and radiographic parameters at last follow-up when compared to pre-op (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Rates of complications with CMIS correction of severe ASD are lower than published rates of complications seen with open ASD correction. Specifically, the incidence of catastrophic complications is lower. Furthermore, CMIS is associated with significant improvements in clinical and functional outcomes, low rates of pseudarthrosis and proximal junctional kyphosis. Therefore, in the appropriately selected patient, CMIS may be an excellent alternative approach to addressing severe ASD.

Testosterone deficiency syndrome among males with type 2 diabetes mellitus in East Malaysia.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may be independently associated with testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS). Both conditions are linked with reduced quality of life and cardiovascular comorbidities. The magnitude of TDS among T2DM men and its predictors has still not been well established in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of TDS and its predictors among men with T2DM attending a government health clinic in Kuching, Sarawak. TDS severity and level of serum total testosterone were also explored. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 360 respondents. Aging Males Symptoms Scale (AMS) score > 26 and serum total testosterone ≤ 12 nmol/L were used to diagnose TDS. The prevalence of TDS in current study was 19.7%. Multivariate analysis showed that determinants for TDS included age (Adjusted OR 1.061: 95% CI 1.020; 1.103), Iban ethnicity (Adjusted OR 2.469: 95% CI 1.154; 5.283) and a waist circumference equal or greater than 90 cm (Adjusted OR 3.655: 95% CI 1.472; 9.081). However, there was no significant association between TDS and the level of serum total testosterone (p = 0.581). We concluded that the prevalence of TDS in this study was relatively low. The severity of this condition may not be influenced by testosterone level. Physicians might consider a diagnosis of TDS if elder diabetic men with abdominal obesity present to primary care clinics with clinical features of hypogonadism. Health care providers also might consider lowering their threshold to screen for TDS among Iban men with T2DM.

Erratum: Tang, G., et al. Politically Motivated Internet Addiction: Relationships among Online Information Exposure, Internet Addiction, FOMO, Psychological Well-being, and Radicalism in Massive Political Turbulence. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 633.

Due to an error during the editorial process, the article published was not the finalized one [...].

Politically Motivated Internet Addiction: Relationships among Online Information Exposure, Internet Addiction, FOMO, Psychological Well-being, and Radicalism in Massive Political Turbulence.

This research examines the mediating role of the tendency for Internet addiction, fear of missing out (FOMO), and psychological well-being in the relationship between online exposure to movement-related information and support for radical actions. A questionnaire survey that targets tertiary students was conducted during the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill (Anti-ELAB) Movement (N = 290). The findings reveal the mediating effect of Internet addiction and depression as the main relationship. These findings enrich the literature of political communication by addressing the political impact of Internet use beyond digital architecture. From the perspective of psychology, this research echoes the literature that concerns depression symptoms driven by a protest environment. Radical political attitudes driven by depression during protests should also be concerned based on the findings of this survey.

Study protocol for a peer-led web-based intervention to promote safe usage of dating applications among young adults: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dating applications are a popular platform to meet new people. At the same time, they have been associated with risks such as unsafe sexual behavior and privacy concerns in young adults. This paper presents a study protocol of a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-led web-based intervention to promote its safe usage in young adults. METHODS: The study design is an open-labeled cluster RCT with an intervention and a placebo control arm. The intervention group will receive a web-based intervention developed through focus group discussions, a crowdsourcing contest, and a Peer-Vetted Creative Production (PVCP) workshop. The control group will receive a web-based resource on health and exercise. We aim to recruit approximately 338 young adults aged 17-27 years from three tertiary educational institutions in Hong Kong with the class as the cluster unit. Based on the Information, Motivation, and Behavioral Skills (IMB) model, the primary outcome of this study is self-efficacy in using dating applications measured by the General Self Efficacy Scale. Secondary outcomes include change in risk perception measured by the Risk Propensity Scale and a Risk Assessment Tool. Questionnaires will be administered before the intervention, after the intervention, and at one-month follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis and multilevel regression modeling will be used to evaluate differences in outcomes between groups and the factors affecting these outcomes, respectively. DISCUSSION: Dating application usage presents opportunities as well as challenges to young adults meeting new friends. Innovative and relatable interventions are needed to promote the safe usage of dating applications to this population. Practical knowledge gained from the development process may be helpful for future intervention utilizing the peer-led approach. If effective, the intervention will be disseminated to non-governmental organizations and educational institutions to be used as a teaching resource. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03685643 . Registered on 26 September 2018. University of Hong Kong Clinical Trials Registry, HKUCTR-2512.

Can Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Create Lordosis from a Posterior Approach?

The transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a well-established 3-column fusion technique that can be used to manage lumbar stenosis, instability, and deformity. Having been in use for more than 20 years, it has evolved into many different renditions. This includes protocols using minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches. To avoid the development of flatback syndrome, it is important that a TLIF procedural technique is capable of reproducibly restoring lordosis. This article describes one of many MIS TLIF protocols and presents some of its previously published outcomes.

Proximal Junctional Kyphosis: Inter- and Intraobserver Reliability of Radiographic Measurements in Adult Spinal Deformity.

STUDY DESIGN: Reliability study of radiographic measures of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). OBJECTIVE: To assess impacts of level of proximal endpoint and vertebral fracture on reliability of measurement of junctional kyphosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Radiographic assessment is important in determining management of patients with PJK or proximal junctional failure (PJF). No study to date has evaluated the reliability of radiographic measurement of the junctional kyphotic angle after surgery for ASD. METHODS: Postoperative radiographs from 52 patients with ASD were divided into four categories based on the level of the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) and the presence or absence of PJF: upper thoracic without failure (UT), thoracolumbar without failure (TL), upper thoracic with PJF (UTF), and thoracolumbar with PJF (TLF). Nine surgeon reviewers performed radiographic measurements of kyphosis between UIV+2 and UIV twice at least 4 weeks apart. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to determine inter- and intraobserver reliability. RESULTS: Interobserver reliability for measurements of UT, TL, UTF, and TLF were all "almost perfect" with ICC scores of 0.917, 0.965, 0.956, and 0.882, and 0.932, 0.975, 0958, and 0.989, for sessions 1 and 2, respectively. Similarly, ICCs for kyphosis measurements for the TL and TLF group had "almost perfect" agreement with means of 0.898 (range: 0.817-0.969) and 0.976 (range: 0.931-0.995), respectively. ICCs for measurements for the UT and UTF groups all had "substantial" or "almost perfect" agreement with means of 0.801 (range: 0.662-0.942) and 0.879 (range: 0.760-0.988), respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates high inter- and intraobserver reliability of PJK measurement following instrumented fusion for ASD, independent of the presence or absence of PJF. Although slightly lower for upper thoracic than for thoracolumbar proximal endpoints, all ICCs consistently reached at least "substantial agreement" and "near perfect agreement" for most. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

A Staged Protocol for Circumferential Minimally Invasive Surgical Correction of Adult Spinal Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques used for management of adult spinal deformity (ASD) aim to decrease the physiological demand on patients and minimize postoperative complications. A circumferential MIS (cMIS) protocol offers the potential to maximize this advantage over standard open approaches, through the concurrent use of multiple MIS techniques. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate through a case example the execution of a cMIS protocol for management of an ASD patient with severe deformity. METHODS: Thorough preoperative assessment, surgical planning, and medical optimization were completed. Deformity correction was performed over 2 stages. During the first stage, interbody fusion was performed via an oblique lateral approach at all levels of the lumbar spine intended to be included in the final construct. The patient was kept as an inpatient and mobilized postoperatively. They were then re-imaged with standing films. The second stage occurred after 3 d and involved percutaneous instrumentation of all levels. Posterior fusion of the thoracic levels was achieved through decortication of pars and facets. These areas were accessed through the intermuscular plane established by the percutaneous screws. The patient was mobilizing on their first postoperative day. RESULTS: In a 66-yr-old female with severe sagittal imbalance and debilitating back pain, effective use of this cMIS protocol allowed for correction of the Cobb angle from 52° to 4° correction of spinopelvic parameters and 13 cm of sagittal vertical axis improvement. No complications were identified by 2 yr postoperative. CONCLUSION: As a systematization of multiple MIS techniques combined, in a specific and staged manner, this cMIS protocol could provide a safe and effective approach to the management of ASD.

Patient Satisfaction After Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery Does Not Strongly Correlate With Health-Related Quality of Life Scores, Radiographic Parameters, or Occurrence of Complications.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a multicenter retrospective review of prospectively collected cases. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between patient satisfaction, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores, complications, and radiographic measures at 2 years postoperative follow-up. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: For patients receiving operative management for adult spine deformity (ASD), the relationship between HRQoL measures, radiographic parameters, postoperative complications, and self-reported satisfaction remains unclear. METHODS: Data from 248 patients across 11 centers within the United States who underwent thoracolumbar fusion for ASD and had a minimum of 2 years follow-up was collected. Pre- and postoperative scores were obtained from the Scoliosis Research Society 22-item (SRS-22r), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Visual Analogue Scale. Sagittal vertical axis, coronal C7 plumbline, lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, T1 pelvic angle, and the difference between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis were assessed using postoperative radiographic films. Satisfaction (SAT) was assessed using the SRS-22r; patients were categorized as highly satisfied (HS) or less satisfied (LS). The correlation between SAT and HRQoL scores, radiographic parameters, and complications was determined. RESULTS: When compared with LS (n = 60) patients, HS (n = 188) patients demonstrated greater improvement in final ODI, SF-36 component scores, SRS-Total, and Visual Analogue Scale back scores (P < 0.05). The correlations between SAT and the final follow-up and 2 year change from baseline values were moderate for Mental Component Summary, Physical Component Summary, and ODI or weak for HRQoL scores (P < 0.0001). The HS and LS groups were equal in pre- or final postoperative radiographic parameters. Occurrence of complications had no effect on satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Among operatively treated ASD patients, satisfaction was moderately correlated with some HRQoL measures, and not with radiographic changes or postoperative complications. Other factors, such as patient expectations and relationship with the surgeon, may be stronger drivers of patient satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Proximal junctional kyphosis and failure-diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Technical advancements have enabled the spinal deformity surgeon to correct severe spinal mal-alignment. However, proximal adjacent segment pathology (ASP) remains a significant issue. Examples include proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and proximal junctional failure (PJF). Agreement on the definition, classification, and pathophysiology of PJK and PJF remains incomplete, and an understanding of the risk factors, means of prevention, and treatment of this problem remains to be elucidated. In general, PJK is a relatively asymptomatic radiographic diagnosis managed with patient reassurance and monitoring. On the other hand, PJF is characterized by mechanical instability, pain, and more severe kyphosis, with potential for neurologic compromise. Patients who develop PJF more often require revision surgery than those with PJK. This chapter will review the current understanding of PJK and PJF.

Risk of Major Abdominal Surgery in an Asian Population-based Crohn's Disease Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) is increasing in incidence and prevalence in Asia, but there is a paucity of population-based studies on risk factors for surgery in Asian patients with CD. This will be useful to identify patients who may benefit from top-down treatment. This study describes the rates of abdominal surgery and identifies associated risk factors in Singaporean patients with CD. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study. The medical records of Singaporeans diagnosed with CD from 1970 to 2013 were reviewed from 8 different hospitals in Singapore. The cumulative probability of CD-related abdominal surgery was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The logistic regression model was used to assess associations between independent risk factors and surgery. RESULTS: The cohort of 430 Singaporean patients with CD included 63.5% Chinese, 11.9% Malay, and 24.7% Indians, with a male to female ratio of 1.6; median follow-up was 7.3 years (range, 2.9-13.0 yr) and median age at diagnosis 30.5 years (range, 19.5-43.7 yr). One hundred twelve patients (26.0%) required major abdominal surgery: the cumulative risk of surgery was 14.9% at 90 days, 21.2% at 5 years, 28.8% at 10 years, 38.3% at 20 years, and 50.6% at 30 years from diagnosis. Of the surgical patients, 75.0% were Chinese, 10.7% Malays, and 14.3% Indians; 21.4% underwent surgery for inflammatory disease, 40.2% for stricturing disease, and 38.4% for penetrating disease. Age at diagnosis (A2 17-40 yr, OR: 2.75, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-7.76), ileal disease (L1 location, OR: 2.35, 95% CI, 1.14-5.0), stricturing (B2 OR: 6.09, 95% CI, 3.20-11.8), and penetrating behavior (B3 OR: 21.6, 95% CI, 9.0-58.8) were independent risk factors for CD-related abdominal surgery. Indian patients were less likely to require surgery (OR: 0.40, 95% CI, 0.19-0.78). CONCLUSIONS: Age at diagnosis, L1 location, B2, and B3 disease behavior are independent risk factors for abdominal surgery. Interestingly, despite a higher prevalence of CD in Indians, a smaller proportion of Indian patients required surgery. These findings suggest that both environmental and genetic factors contribute to the risk of surgery in Asian patients with CD.

Early outcome and predictors of early outcome in patients treated surgically for central cord syndrome.

OBJECT: The purpose of this study was to characterize changes in American Spinal Injury Association motor score (AMS) in the 1st week after traumatic central cord syndrome (CCS) to identify predictors of improved early outcome in patients treated with early versus delayed surgical intervention. METHODS: All patients presenting to a regional spinal cord injury center between January 2004 and June 2009 were queried for those with a diagnosis of CCS. Patients treated conservatively were excluded. A prospectively maintained spinal cord injury database was used to track AMS throughout each patient's hospitalization. Hospital records provided information regarding demographics, presenting neurological examination, imaging findings, comorbidities, timing and nature of surgical procedures, and length of stay (LOS) in the hospital and intensive care unit (ICU). Patients were separated into those who underwent early surgery, within 1 day of presentation (early group), and those who underwent surgery on a delayed basis (delayed group). Differences between groups were analyzed using the Student t-test and chi-square test. Predictors of outcome were identified using correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Of 426 patients in the database, 80 (18.8%) were diagnosed as having CCS, and 68 of them ultimately underwent surgical decompression. Nineteen (28%) of 68 patients underwent surgery within 1 day of presentation (early group) while the remaining 49 patients (72%) underwent surgery on a delayed basis (delayed group). The mean age in the early group was significantly younger than that of the delayed group (52 vs 59 years, p = 0.049). Other characteristics were similar between groups including sex, proportion of patients with cord edema on MRI (44% early vs 55% delayed, p = 0.47), and proportion of patients with cervical fracture (26% early vs 28% delayed, p = 0.98). Patients in the early group presented with an AMS of 62.5 versus 70.0 for the delayed group (p = 0.36). No difference in the change in AMS was seen at 7 days between the early group (-2.9 points) and the delayed group (-4.2 points) (p = 0.34). Additionally, the number of patients who had early improvement was similar between the early and delayed groups (50% vs. 48%, respectively, p = 0.94). Neither time in the ICU (3.4 vs. 3.4 days, p = 0.84) nor the overall LOS (10.5 vs 12.5 days, p = 0.59) was different in the early versus delayed groups, respectively. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression demonstrated early surgery was not associated with change in AMS or AMS at Day 7. Age was identified as the only significant predictor of change in AMS and had a negative effect (coefficient = -0.34, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Early treatment of patients with CCS remains controversial. Although some long-term neurological recovery is expected in patients with a CCS, surgeons and patients should not expect early neurological improvement with or without early operative intervention.

Arthroscopy-assisted closed reduction and percutaneous nail fixation of unstable ankle fractures: description of a minimally invasive procedure.

When one is surgically managing an unstable ankle fracture, anatomic reduction of the syndesmosis is typically accomplished using an open surgical approach. We propose an arthroscopically assisted technique that restores normal anatomy while using a percutaneously placed intramedullary nail to fix the fibula. The patient is positioned supine, and the ankle is placed under traction by use of a tensor bandage. Standard anteromedial and anterolateral arthroscopy portals are used. The joint is examined for bony, ligamentous, and chondral injury. Lateral malleolus fracture reduction is accomplished with pointed reduction forceps to apply traction and rotation to the tip of the distal fibula fragment. A retrograde fibular intramedullary nail (Acumed, Hillsboro, OR) is inserted under fluoroscopic guidance. Arthroscopy is then used to guide the reduction of the fibula and rotation of the fibula with placement of the arthroscope in the lateral gutter. Syndesmosis screws are placed once the fracture and syndesmosis reductions are confirmed through both fluoroscopy and arthroscopy.

Human adipose tissue derived stem cells as a source of smooth muscle cells in the regeneration of muscular layer of urinary bladder wall.

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue provides an abundant source of multipotent cells, which represent a source of cell-based regeneration strategies for urinary bladder smooth muscle repair. Our objective was to confirm that adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) can be differentiated into smooth muscle cells. METHODS: In this study, adipose tissue samples were digested with 0.075% collagenase, and the resulting ADSCs were cultured and expanded in vitro. ADSCs at passage two were differentiated by incubation in smooth muscle inductive media (SMIM) consisting of MCDB I31 medium, 1% FBS, and 100 U/mL heparin for three and six weeks. ADSCs in non-inductive media were used as controls. Characterisation was performed by cell morphology and gene and protein expression. RESULT: The differentiated cells became elongated and spindle shaped, and towards the end of six weeks, sporadic cell aggregation appeared that is typical of smooth muscle cell culture. Smooth muscle markers (i.e. alpha smooth muscle actin (ASMA), calponin, and myosin heavy chain (MHC)) were used to study gene expression. Expression of these genes was detected by PCR after three and six weeks of differentiation. At the protein expression level, ASMA, MHC, and smoothelin were expressed after six weeks of differentiation. However, only ASMA and smoothelin were expressed after three weeks of differentiation. CONCLUSION: Adipose tissue provides a possible source of smooth muscle precursor cells that possess the potential capability of smooth muscle differentiation. This represents a promising alternative for urinary bladder smooth muscle repair.

Stratifying patients with haematuria into high or low risk groups for bladder cancer: a novel clinical scoring system.

Haematuria is a common presentation of bladder cancer and requires a full urologic evaluation. This study aimed to develop a scoring system capable of stratifying patients with haematuria into high or low risk groups for having bladder cancer to help clinicians decide which patients need more urgent assessment. This cross- sectional study included all adult patients referred for haematuria and subsequently undergoing full urological evaluation in the years 2001 to 2011. Risk factors with strong association with bladder cancer in the study population were used to design the scoring system. Accuracy was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A total of 325 patients with haematuria were included, out of which 70 (21.5%) were diagnosed to have bladder cancer. Significant risk factors associated with bladder cancer were male gender, a history of cigarette smoking and the presence of gross haematuria. A scoring system using 4 clinical parameters as variables was created. The scores ranged between 6 to 14, and a score of 10 and above indicated high risk for having bladder cancer. It was found to have good accuracy with an area under the ROC curve of 80.4%, while the sensitivity and specificity were 90.0% and 55.7%, respectively. The scoring system designed in this study has the potential to help clinicians stratify patients who present with haematuria into high or low risk for having bladder cancer. This will enable high-risk patients to undergo urologic assessment earlier.