Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) Improved Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Characteristics and Microbiota and Did Not Affect Organ Fibrosis Induced by a Fructose-Enriched Diet in Wistar Male Rats.

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is reported to play a role in improving nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and intestinal microbiota (IM). To study spirulina's effects in the improvement of NAFLD characteristics, IM, and pancreatic-renal lesions induced by a fructose-enriched diet, 40 Wistar healthy male rats, weighing 200-250 g, were randomly divided into four groups of 10, and each rat per group was assigned a diet of equal quantities (20 g/day) for 18 weeks. The first control group (CT) was fed a standardized diet, the second group received a 40% fructose-enriched diet (HFr), and the third (HFr-S5) and fourth groups (HFr-S10) were assigned the same diet composition as the second group but enriched with 5% and 10% spirulina, respectively. At week 18, the HFr-S10 group maintained its level of serum triglycerides and had the lowest liver fat between the groups. At the phylae and family level, and for the same period, the HFr-S10 group had the lowest increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and the Ruminococcaceae and the highest fecal alpha diversity compared to all other groups (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that at a 10% concentration, spirulina could be used in nutritional intervention to improve IM, fatty liver, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters associated with NAFLD.

Outcomes of conventional and advanced energy devices in laparoscopic surgery: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Hemostasis is an important step in all surgical procedures. Mechanical methods of hemostasis have been gradually abandoned in favor of electrosurgery. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of electrosurgical instruments utilized in minimally invasive gynecological procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a systematic review, including randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective studies, comparing the outcomes of different energy devices (EDs) used in laparoscopic gynecologic surgeries. We extracted data about blood loss (BL), mean operative time, post-operative pain, hospital stay and complications associated with each electrosurgical device. RESULTS: We included 30 studies reporting comparative outcomes concerning conventional (bipolar and monopolar) and innovative EDs (Harmonic scalpel, LigaSure, Plasma kinetic gyrus, Thunderbeat, EnSeal, Marseal, Caiman and ALAN). New EDs were found to be more efficient in complex surgeries due to less intraoperative BL and shorter operative time. No significant decrease in hospital stay, post-operative pain or complications was found with the use of new energy instruments. CONCLUSIONS: Although new electrosurgical devices seem an appealing and safer option, there is still insufficient evidence for one vessel-sealing technology to be considered superior to another. Therefore, monopolar and conventional bipolar (CB) are still widely used in laparoscopic gynecology.

Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly Syndrome: A Systematic Review about Diagnosis and Surgical Management.

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome is a rare congenital defect of the Müllerian ducts characterized by uterus didelphys, unilateral obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the main symptoms and presentation of the OHVIRA syndrome, as well as the different types of management, fertility, and obstetrical outcomes. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases since inception to May 1, 2022, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. After duplicate records removed, the search strategy retrieved 103 articles. The full texts of 73 articles further were assessed for eligibility, and 44 studies were finally included in the systematic review. The mainstay surgical treatment of OHVIRA syndrome is usually a minimally invasive vaginal approach to remove the septum. Ultrasound-guided hysteroscopic resection and laparoscopic resection of the septum have been described as alternatives. Considering the feasibility of minimally invasive approach for the management of the syndrome, laparotomy should be avoided as much as possible and considered only in selected cases.

Clinical Outcomes after the Use of Antiadhesive Agents in Laparoscopic Reproductive Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Intra-abdominal adhesions are abnormal fibrous attachments between tissues and organs that can be congenital or acquired. Adhesion formation is a critical postoperative complication that may lead to bowel obstruction, chronic abdominal pain, and infertility. Physical barrier agents separate opposing peritoneal surfaces in the critical 5-day period of remesotheliazation. These agents are subdivided into solid or liquid/gel. Liquid agents seem easier to use in laparoscopic procedures than solid agents. METHODS: The search for suitable articles published in English was carried out using the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, the Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register), Health Technology Assessment Database, Web of Science, and search register (ClinicalTrial.gov). Only studies reporting data about the impact of the use of an antiadhesive agent on adhesion formation after a primary gynecologic laparoscopic surgery were considered eligible. RESULTS: Twenty-two papers that met the inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons should consider applying antiadhesive agents after gynecologic surgery to help reduce adhesion formation and its adverse effects. However, further studies are still needed to confirm their impact on reproductive outcome and to implement clear guidelines on their per-operative application.

Systematic review of fetal and placental metastases among pregnant patients with cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about placental and fetal metastases among pregnant women with cancer. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to identify the clinical and pathological characteristics, treatment trends and prognosis of this entity. METHODS: We searched PubMed and EMBASE to identify the publications reporting on placental and fetal metastases through September 2021, according to the PRISMA statement. Cases of fetal and/or placental metastases among pregnant women diagnosed with metastatic cancer during pregnancy were eligible for this review. The collected information included the patients and tumor characteristics, treatment during pregnancy and prognosis including the pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 72 eligible cases among which placental and fetal metastases occurred in 61 (84.7%) and 24 cases (33.3%), respectively. Gestational melanoma and lung cancers were the main culprits of placental and fetal metastases. Two-thirds of the patients were diagnosed during the third trimester and only 2.7% have received cancer-specific therapy. The median maternal survival was 1 (95% CI 0.7-1.3) months post-partum and the one-year infant survival rate was 51.1%. The median gestational age was 28 weeks and the median infant age at diagnosis was 150 days. The most common fetal metastatic sites were the lungs (21.7%), scalp (17.4%), and liver (8.7%). CONCLUSION: Fetal metastasis occurred mainly in patients with placental metastases of melanoma and lung cancer primaries and was associated with a dismal prognosis. Collecting cases from multiple institutions using a standardized case report form is necessary to increase our awareness of the occurrence of fetal metastases and the role of systemic therapies.

What can we learn from cancer of unknown primary in canine oncology?

Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) represents a heterogeneous group of metastatic tumors that lack an identifiable primary site despite an extensive diagnostic work-up. It is a well-recognized entity that is characterized by early dissemination, aggressive clinical course, unpredictable metastatic pattern, intrinsic treatment resistance, and a dismal prognosis. Despite the molecular diagnostic workup and personalized therapy, the expected improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of CUP have not been achieved. Comparative oncology has a promising role in the exchange of knowledge and practices between humans and canines. Therefore, we intended to review the literature reporting on CUP in dogs in order to identify some interesting parallels and unique results that could be transposed to in-human research.

Peritoneal Carcinomatosis of Colorectal Origin in Cyclosporine Immunosuppressed Rats.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluate the seeding step of peritoneal carcinomatosis cancer as a surrogate for the role of the omentum in colorectal tumors. METHODS: The study included 5 groups of adult male Sprague Dawley rats: immunocompetent rats (group 1), immunosuppressed rats without omentectomy (group 2), immunosuppressed rats with omentectomy (group 3), immunosuppressed rats with omentectomy receiving NSAID (group 4), and immunosuppressed rats without omentectomy receiving NSAID (group 5). Except for group 1, the rats were immunosuppressed using cyclosporine orally at a dose of 25 mg/kg/day that was started 48 hours before tumor cell infiltration in the peritoneum. All the rats received an intraperitoneal suspension of 10 million Caco-2 cancer cells. Rats in groups 1, 2, and 3 were followed up without further interventions and rats in groups 4 and 5 received naproxen 180mg/kg until rat sacrifice. Cyclosporine and naproxen were continued in the corresponding groups until the killing after 21 days of tumor cell infiltration. RESULTS: Fourteen rats survived the experiment during the observation period and remained in good clinical condition except for one rat (from group 4) that deceased at week 2. At day 21 before sacrifice, mean weight variations showed a +4% in group 0, -9% in group 1, -18% in group 2, -31% in group 3 and -36% in group 4. Light microscopy did not identify any tumor cells in the abdominal cavity or thorax solid organs but showed a granulomatous reaction that involved the majority of the organs. CONCLUSION: The conclusions of this study are limited by the small number of rats as it is a pilot study to design an animal model with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Further steps in this study will include more aggressive cancer cell lines such as HT29 and more aggressive immunosuppression in a larger number of rats.

Does the induced membrane have antibacterial properties? An experimental rat model of a chronic infected nonunion.

INTRODUCTION: The Masquelet procedure proved its efficiency in treating infected nonunion filling bony gaps up to 25 cm. Yet the use of local antibiotics is still questionable in the daily practice with lack of evidence regarding its usefulness in controlling infection. An experimental rat model is put in place to study the antibacterial properties of the induced membrane produced during the first stage of Masquelet. METHOD: Twenty-three-month-old wistar male rats are inoculated with a 0.5 mL solution of 10^8 CFU/mL MRSA over a critical fracture done on the right femur. Six weeks later, remaining 11 rats exhibiting signs of a chronic infection with a sinus tract and oozing pus along with radiological nonunion are used for a first stage Masquelet procedure. They are randomly divided into two groups with six rats having no local antibiotic in the cement mixture and five rats having 3 g of vancomycin mixed with gentamycin loaded cement. Six weeks later (twelve weeks from baseline), all eleven rats are euthanized and blood samples for C-reactive protein are withdrawn. The induced membrane is identified and resected along with bone fragments and sent for cultures and pathology. RESULTS: MRSA is isolated in the cultures of all six rats in the first group where no local antibiotic was added. Altered polymorphonuclears with abscess and pus are noted on four of six pathology samples. However in the second group where local antibiotics were added, three out of five rats exhibited eradication of MRSA (p = 0.034) and all samples did not exhibit clear infection signs on pathology. A pyo-epithelioid over a foreign body reaction is seen predominantly in this group demonstrating a regenerative process. DISCUSSION: The induced membrane does not have antimicrobial properties capable of overcoming an infected nonunion on its own. When local antibiotics were added during the first stage of the Masquelet procedure, new bone formation occurred indicating the need to control an infection in order for bone union to occur. CONCLUSION: Local antibiotics use in adjunction to extensive debridement is advisable during the first stage of a Masquelet procedure for an infected nonunion.

Laparoscopic management of uncommon benign uterine tumors: a systematic review.

The objective of the study was to review the reported cases of uncommon benign uterine tumors managed by laparoscopy. Medline database was searched using predefined search terms linked to atypical leiomyomas, leiomyoma variants, laparoscopy and morcellation. Quality of articles was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. Due to heterogeneity in reporting characteristics of the patients, radiological findings, macroscopic findings, histological characteristics and follow-up, we performed a narrative synthesis. We included 109 cases of leiomyoma variants managed by laparoscopy. This stands for an incidence of 2.5% out of all the included laparoscopic management of leiomyomas. These cases were approached as classic leiomyoma. Only after the final histological results that their uncommon aspect was diagnosed. Intra-operatively, the management was similar to that of leiomyoma, with either myomectomy or hysterectomy performed depending on each individual case. Follow-up of these cases was variable: one case (0.9%) recurred as peritoneal sarcoma after 5 years of follow-up. It is important for the gynecologist, radiologist and pathologist to be aware about leiomyoma variants trying to diagnose them preoperatively. Strict follow-up of these cases is mandatory, because of the risk of recurrence and the very low but possible risk of future sarcomas.

A Novel Surgical Intervention for an Uncommon Entity: Laparoscopy-Assisted Resection of a Vaginal Septum in Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly Syndrome.

The management of the obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly, or OHVIRA syndrome, requires vaginal access compromising sometimes the hymenal integrity. A vaginoplasty is the most commonly performed procedure in such scenarios. However, the necessity to maintain the hymen integrity may limit this technique. In this case report, we describe a safe and successful laparoscopy-assisted resection for the management of a high vaginal septum while maintaining an intact hymen.

Fructose threshold for inducing organ damage in a rat model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

A fructose-enriched diet has been shown to be associated with an increase in fatty infiltration of liver, kidney, and pancreas. Our objective was to determine the concentration threshold at which a fructose-enriched diet induces damage in these organs. We hypothesized that a 20% fructose-enriched diet will induce steatosis or histopathological changes in the kidneys or pancreas. In this study, 40 Wistar male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10, and each group was assigned a diet of equal quantity (15 g/rat) but of varying fructose amount. The first group (control group) was fed a standardized diet. The second and third groups were fed 10% and 20% fructose-enriched diets, respectively, whereas the fourth group was fed a high-fructose diet (30% fructose). At week 16, the 30% fructose group had the highest percentage of fat-enriched cells (10%) and a significant decrease in adiponectin as compared with week 1 (P < .05). Twenty percent of this group developed interstitial fibrosis, but none presented changes in the pancreatic islet structure or fibrosis. The 10% fructose group showed the absence of perisinusoidal and interstitial fibrosis, whereas these were present in the 20% fructose group, but neither group showed significant steatosis (5%) or pancreatic damage. The results suggest that a 20% fructose-enriched diet could be considered as the threshold for inducing kidney and liver damage in the rat. Nutritional interventions to reduce fructose to less than 20% of the total energy intake should be considered to prevent metabolic risks and organ damage.

From the dry lab to the operating room: the first transferability study of hysteroscopic skills.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to prove that a short dry lab training prior to the surgery is efficient to acquire basic hysteroscopic skills and that these skills are transferable directly to the operation theater. METHODS: Thirty-nine gynecologists who never attended a training course or practiced hysteroscopy before were evaluated. Participants were randomly divided into trainees (n = 21) and control (n = 18). Trainees attended a short time dry lab prior the exposure to the OR. The controls went directly to the OR. Participants were asked to identify the different landmarks of the uterine cavity and to perform a punch biopsy under the supervision of a gynecologist expert in hysteroscopy. A video recording for all the exercises was done, and showed independently to two expert surgeons in hysteroscopy for evaluation. The experts were also asked to distinguish between the trainees and the control. RESULTS: For both experts, the trainees' performance was statistically better than that of the controls (p < 0.001) for the identification of the uterus land marks and the punch biopsy. The two experts identified 80.9 and 85.7%, respectively, of the trainees. The participants' subgroup ID and the experts' identification were statistically correlated (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A short time dry lab is efficient to acquire basic hysteroscopic skills and these skills are transferable directly to the OR.

Pilot Study of a New Model of Bariatric Surgery: Laparoscopic Intestinal Bipartition-Safety and Efficacy Against Metabolic Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of many gastric surgery techniques to reduce obesity and its associated comorbidities, most of these procedures can result in life-threatening conditions including lifetime chronic illnesses and death. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass have been reported to improve obesity-related comorbidities such as T2DM, but the long-term efficacy of these two procedures is unknown, and their significant impact on long-term weight loss was diminished by complications as reported in previous studies. Recently, laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS) was developed to achieve sustained weight loss (Buchwald et al. Am J Med. 122:248-56, 2009; Sjöström et al. N Engl J Med. 351:2683-93, 2004) as well as an improvement in comorbid conditions, such as T2DM and hypertension (Buchwald et al. in Am J Med. 122:248-56, 2009; Dorman et al. Surgery. 152:758-65, 2012). The malabsorptive strategy of bypassing portions of the small intestine and delivering nutrients directly to the ileum may promote weight loss by enhanced activation of a negative feedback mechanism known as the "ileal brake" (Näslund et al. J Gastrointest Surg. 5:556-67, 2001). The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the safety, reproducibility, and efficiency of a new surgical bariatric model of laparoscopic intestinal bipartition (LIB) in patients with a BMI between 35 and 40 kg/m2. The setting was in university hospitals. METHODS: Between January 2011 and September 2012, seven patients were enrolled in the study and underwent the LIB procedure. One patient was operated by LIB for morbid obesity with comorbidities, especially T2DM, without any previous bariatric or gastric surgery. Six patients underwent the surgery after a sleeve gastrectomy for ≥ 4 years with a recurrence of obesity and diabetes. RESULTS: The comorbidity factors decreased to the normal values in all patients at 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years postoperatively. The percentage of total weight loss was 21.1% at 6 months, 22.6% at 1 year, and 15.6% at 5 years. Weight excess was significantly lower at 6-month, 1-year, and 5-year postoperatively compared with baseline (p < 0.001). Comparison of comorbidity values at 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years did not show any significant differences. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic intestinal bipartition produced a total recovery from obesity-related comorbidities, especially T2DM and EWL without any signs of nutritional deficiency, although the 5-year follow-up is ongoing in order to demonstrate the efficacy and long-term durability of this procedure.

The role of smartphone game applications in improving laparoscopic skills.

BACKGROUND: Virtual games (VGs) have a positive impact on laparoscopic skills. Time spent playing, the console and the type of game used correlate with the speed of acquisition of laparoscopic skills and their preservation. METHODS: A total of 45 university medical students with no previous surgical experience were divided into three groups: gamers (n=20), control (n=10) and intervention (n=15). They passed the laparoscopic skills testing and training model, developed by the European Academy of Gynecological Surgery, over two sessions. Every 5 intervention participants were asked to play a different smartphone application game daily for 2 months between the two sessions. Scores were calculated at both sessions and used to calculate the evolution ratio between sessions. RESULTS: Significant advantage was found at session 1 of gamers over non-gamers (p=0.002). No significant difference existed between the two non-gamer groups (p=0.96), or between the three intervention sub-groups (p>0.05). All participants' performances improved between sessions. No significant difference existed in evolution between control and gamers (p=0.121), nor between intervention and gamers (p=0.189). Significant advantage was found in evolutions of the intervention group over control group (p=0.035). CONCLUSION: Previous VG experience is a significant factor in showing better laparoscopic skills when virtual reality simulator is used for the first time. Recent and regular smartphone gaming practice significantly improves laparoscopic skills in non-gamers independently of the type of game practiced. Smartphone gaming practice appears to influence positively some specific laparoscopic skills more than others.

Characteristics of Gastric Cancer in Lebanon: a Descriptive Study from a Single Institutional Experience.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of gastric cancer in the Middle East has never been described. Therefore, the characteristics of gastric cancer in the Lebanese population will be reported in this study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study that included all patients diagnosed with gastric cancer at Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital in Beirut, Lebanon between 2010 and 2016 was conducted. All eligible patients were reviewed for demographic and epidemiologic analysis. RESULTS: The study included 123 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer. The median age at diagnosis was 59 years (range 15-72 years), and the median ECOG performance status was 2 (range 1-4). Most patients were metastatic at diagnosis (52.8%), and diffuse pathology type was predominant (39%). HER2 was positive in 16.2% and correlated with the occurrence of hepatic metastasis (p = 0.048). The HER2 status did not differ significantly between the histological subtypes, the site of the tumor, the stage of the gastric cancer at diagnosis, and the recurrence of cancer (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Gastric cancer in the Lebanese population is characterized by aggressive features such as advanced stage at diagnosis, high prevalence of diffuse type histology, and HER2 positivity.

Validation Study of a Portable Home Trainer Using a Pad for Laparoscopic Practice.

The aim of this study was to describe and validate a homemade laparoscopic trainer. The abdominal cavity is simulated within a 3-mm-thick stainless steel model. Thirty-four participants were evaluated in a pilot study to validate our model. Participants were divided into experts (n = 19) and novices (n = 15) to perform basic and complex laparoscopic skills. The comparison between the homemade trainer (HT) and the standard laparoscopic trainer showed no significant differences for the 2 tasks performed for each group ( P > .05). The experts' performance of the 2 tasks was statistically different from the novices ( P < .05) on both trainers. Both experts (84%) and novices (87%) approved the HT as an effective home trainer. Our HT seems to fulfill the conditions of performing the basic and complex laparoscopic psychomotor skills at a low cost and similar efficiency.

Data on clinical significance of second trimester inflammatory biomarkers in the amniotic fluid in predicting preterm delivery.

In this article second trimester amniotic fluid biomarkers are measured for correlation with preterm delivery. One additional milliliter of amniotic fluid is collected during amniocentesis for dosages of IL-6, MMP-9, CRP and glucose levels, along with maternal serum CRP and glucose. MMP-9 and Il-6 levels were measured with the corresponding Human Quantikine(R) ELISA Kit (R&D systems) according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Cut-off values for AF MMP-9 and IL-6 were fixed by the kit sensitivity thresholds. Data includes ROC curves for glucose (Fig. 1), IL-6 (Fig. 2) and MMP-9 (Fig. 3), aiming to search for sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of premature delivery. Statistical analyses are performed with SPSS v20.0 software. Statistical significance is determined using the Mann-Whitney and one way ANOVA test. The association with preterm delivery is performed using a two proportions test. Correlations are measured using the Pearson׳'s coefficient. A p value<0.05 is considered statistically significant. The data is presented in the figures provided. Data relied on a previous publication "Prediction of preterm delivery by second trimester inflammatory biomarkers in the amniotic fluid" (A. Kesrouani, E. Chalhoub, E. El Rassy, M. Germanos, A. Khazzaka, J. Rizkallah, E. Attieh, N. Aouad, 2016) [1].

Prediction of preterm delivery by second trimester inflammatory biomarkers in the amniotic fluid.

OBJECTIVE: To search for a correlation between mid-pregnancy altered levels of inflammatory markers and preterm delivery. METHODS: A prospective cohort series included 39 patients undergoing amniocentesis one additional milliliter of amniotic fluid (AF) was stored for later dosage of interleukin-6 (Il-6), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), glucose and C-reactive protein (CRP). Maternal serum CRP and glucose levels were also obtained. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancies, chorioamnionitis, group B streptococcus colonization, bacterial vaginosis and cases with proven aneuploidy. We searched for correlation between AF and plasmatic markers and also for a difference between patients with term and preterm delivery. RESULTS: 33 participants were eligible and one third had preterm delivery. Levels of the plasmatic biomarkers did not correlate with the AF biomarkers except for plasmatic glucose and AF IL-6 levels (r=0.350; p=0.016). The levels of all AF biomarkers did not differ significantly between the pre-term and the term groups (p>0.05). The optimal screening cutoffs for identifying pregnancies at risk were different than the ones initially indicated. CONCLUSION: Mid-pregnancy amniotic fluid biomarker levels do not correlate with preterm delivery. Plasma CRP is not correlated with these markers. Cutoff levels suggested are sparse and heterogeneous. Larger studies are needed before advising routine measurement of these markers.