Frontotemporal Approach for Spheno-Orbital Meningioma and Orbital Compartment Resection: Technical Case Instruction: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Spheno-orbital meningiomas (SOMs) pose a challenge to the skull base neurosurgeon because of their variable presentation and involvement of critical structures within the orbit. There is no consensus on optimal management of these patients and how to achieve maximal safe resection. The authors share an illustrative case with an accompanying video to demonstrate their aggressive approach to resect SOMs and their intraorbital components. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 75-year-old-woman presented with progressive vision loss and proptosis. Magnetic resonance imaging was consistent with a large, left-sided sphenoid wing meningioma with extension to the orbital wall and compression of the optic nerve medially. The patient elected to undergo surgical excision and optic nerve decompression. She did well postoperatively with resolution of proptosis and good resection margins on follow-up imaging. CONCLUSION: Aggressive resection of SOMs is possible with an understanding of the underlying anatomy. Familiarity with the orbit can facilitate a maximal safe resection with optic nerve decompression.

Public perceptions of Ebola vaccines and confidence in health services to treat Ebola, malaria, and tuberculosis: Findings from a cross-sectional household survey in Uganda, 2020.

Uganda used Ebola vaccines as part of its preparedness and response during the 2018-2020 10th Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We evaluated the public's perceptions of Ebola vaccines and compared their confidence in health services to treat Ebola versus malaria and tuberculosis as part of a survey on Ebola knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) conducted in March 2020. A cross-sectional household survey was implemented in six districts in Uganda using multi-stage cluster sampling to randomly select participants. The districts were purposively selected from districts classified by the government as at high- or low-risk for an EVD outbreak. We describe perceptions of Ebola vaccines and confidence in health services to treat Ebola, tuberculosis, and malaria. Modified Poisson regression modeling was used to identify the demographic correlates of these outcomes. Among 3,485 respondents, 18% were aware of Ebola vaccines. Of those, 92% agreed that the vaccines were needed to prevent Ebola. Participants aged 15-24 years were 4% more likely to perceive such need compared to those 60 years and older (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-1.08). The perceived need was 5% lower among participants with at least some secondary education compared to uneducated participants (aPR 0.95; 0.92-0.99). Overall, 81% of those aware of the vaccines believed that everyone or most people in their community would get vaccinated if offered, and 94% said they would likely get vaccinated if offered. Confidence in health services to treat Ebola was lower compared to treating malaria or tuberculosis (55% versus 93% and 77%, respectively). However, participants from the EVD high-risk districts were 22% more likely to be confident in health services to treat Ebola compared to those in low-risk districts (aPR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.38). Our findings suggest that intent to take an Ebola vaccine during an outbreak was strong, but more work needs to be done to increase public awareness of these vaccines. The public's high confidence in health services to treat other health threats, such as malaria and tuberculosis, offer building blocks for strengthening their confidence in health services to treat EVD in the event of an outbreak.

Multiple approaches to a spheno-orbital and deep face meningioma: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: The integration of multiple approaches is sometimes needed for the safe resection of complex multicompartment skull base tumors. METHOD: We present the case of a spheno-orbital and deep face meningioma that required a staged resection strategy using transnasal, transoral, transfacial, and transcranial approaches for airway protection and maximal safe tumor removal. CONCLUSION: Limitations in individual skull base approaches for complex tumors can be anticipated and overcome by combining approaches.

Combined retrosigmoid and middle fossa approach for a small, superiorly located petroclival meningioma: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: Petroclival meningiomas pose significant surgical challenges because of their deep location and complex surrounding neurovasculature. The use of multiple surgical approaches can optimize safe tumor removal from multiple anatomic compartments. METHOD: We describe a patient with a growing superior petroclival meningioma centered at the posterior clinoid with extension into Meckel's cave that was successfully removed with a combined retrosigmoid and subtemporal middle fossa approach. This strategy avoided the need for anterior petrous bone drilling and tentorial splitting. CONCLUSION: A combined retrosigmoid and subtemporal middle fossa approach can provide safe access to tumors spanning the supra- and infratentorial compartments.

Combined and staged retrosigmoid, extended middle fossa, and endoscopic transnasal approach to a petroclival chondrosarcoma: how I do it.

BACKGROUND: Tumors of the petroclival region with multicompartment extension can be difficult to address with a single surgical approach. METHOD: We present the case of a patient with a large chondrosarcoma centered at the right petroclival fissure with extension into the cavernous sinus, the region beneath the cavernous sinus, cerebellopontine angle with deformation of the pons, and prevertebral space. A staged complete resection was performed using a stage 1 single-incision combined right retrosigmoid craniotomy and extended middle fossa craniotomy, followed by a stage 2 endoscopic transnasal approach. CONCLUSION: A combined approach to selected petroclival tumors can maximize safe resection.

The driving effects of common atmospheric molecules for formation of prenucleation clusters: the case of sulfuric acid, formic acid, nitric acid, ammonia, and dimethyl amine.

How secondary aerosols form is critical as aerosols' impact on Earth's climate is one of the main sources of uncertainty for understanding global warming. The beginning stages for formation of prenucleation complexes, that lead to larger aerosols, are difficult to decipher experimentally. We present a computational chemistry study of the interactions between three different acid molecules and two different bases. By combining a comprehensive search routine covering many thousands of configurations at the semiempirical level with high level quantum chemical calculations of approximately 1000 clusters for every possible combination of clusters containing a sulfuric acid molecule, a formic acid molecule, a nitric acid molecule, an ammonia molecule, a dimethylamine molecule, and 0-5 water molecules, we have completed an exhaustive search of the DLPNO-CCSD(T)/CBS//ωB97X-D/6-31++G** Gibbs free energy surface for this system. We find that the detailed geometries of each minimum free energy cluster are often more important than traditional acid or base strength. Addition of a water molecule to a dry cluster can enhance stabilization, and we find that the (SA)(NA)(A)(DMA)(W) cluster has special stability. Equilibrium calculations of SA, FA, NA, A, DMA, and water using our quantum chemical ΔG° values for cluster formation and realistic estimates of the concentrations of these monomers in the atmosphere reveals that nitric acid can drive early stages of particle formation just as efficiently as sulfuric acid. Our results lead us to believe that particle formation in the atmosphere results from the combination of many different molecules that are able to form highly stable complexes with acid molecules such as SA, NA, and FA.

Evaluation of Community Perceptions and Prevention Practices Related to Ebola Virus as Part of Outbreak Preparedness in Uganda, 2020.

INTRODUCTION: During the 2018-2020 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) were prioritized in geographic areas in Uganda considered at high risk of introduction of EVD. To inform EVD preparedness in Uganda, we evaluated community perceptions and prevention practices related to EVD in 6 districts in Uganda. METHODS: In March 2020, we conducted a population-based survey in 6 purposively selected districts in Uganda using multistage cluster sampling. We examined differences between districts classified as high- versus low risk for EVD in terms of their message exposure from RCCE; risk perception; and EVD knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices. RESULTS: A total of 3,485 respondents were interviewed (91% response rate). EVD message exposure was more common in the high- versus low-risk districts. EVD risk perceptions were low overall but greater in the high- versus low-risk districts. Comprehensive knowledge was significantly greater in the high- versus low-risk districts (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.35, 1.93). Respondents' engagement in all 3 EVD prevention practices (frequent handwashing with soap, avoiding physical contact with suspected Ebola patients, and avoiding burials involving contact with a corpse) was very low (4%). However, respondents with comprehensive knowledge were more likely to engage in all 3 EVD prevention practices compared to respondents without comprehensive knowledge (aPR 1.87, 95% CI=1.08, 3.25). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that while RCCE efforts as part of EVD outbreak preparedness may have contributed to higher EVD knowledge in the targeted high-risk districts, uptake of prevention behaviors was similarly low across districts. In a non-outbreak setting, implementing targeted RCCE strategies may not be sufficient to motivate people to adopt protective behaviors in the absence of a high threshold of perceived threat such as in an active outbreak.

Double bypass for mycotic middle cerebral artery aneurysm.

Background: Ruptured intracranial mycotic aneurysms have high morbidity and mortality and present unique surgical challenges because of vessel friability.[1] Flow-preserving strategies are needed for more proximal lesions that cannot be treated with vessel sacrifice. Case Description: A 33-year-old man with no medical history who presented with fevers and peripheral septic emboli was found to have infective cardiac valve vegetations. He reported headaches and left arm weakness; an irregular 7 × 8 × 9 mm bilobed middle cerebral artery mycotic aneurysm involving multiple M3 branches with subarachnoid hemorrhage was found on cranial imaging. Multifocal and small intraparenchymal hemorrhages from septic emboli were also seen. Clip trapping and revascularization were recommended. A right frontotemporal craniectomy was performed, preserving the superficial temporal artery. After extradural exposure, a hole was drilled in the middle fossa floor lateral to the foramen ovale. The Sylvian fissure was split and the larger M3 branch was isolated. An endoscopically harvested saphenous vein graft was anastomosed to the cervical external carotid artery, tunneled through the middle fossa floor, and anastomosed end-to-side to the larger M3. The aneurysm was clip trapped and the involved smaller M3 was transected and anastomosed end-toend to the superficial temporal artery. Indocyanine green videoangiography confirmed patency of both bypasses. Postoperatively, the patient received antibiotics and a mitral valve replacement. He was neurologically intact on 1-month and 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: Although technically demanding, tailored revascularization and clipping of ruptured mycotic cerebral aneurysms are a viable treatment option for these complex lesions.

Modified lateral orbitotomy approach for resection of anterior temporal cavernous malformation.

Background: The lateral orbitotomy approach (LOA) provides a direct and minimally invasive corridor to orbital apex, cavernous sinus, and middle cranial fossa (MCF) lesions. Removal of the lateral orbital wall and retraction of the orbital contents, as performed with a traditional LOA, can cause diplopia and enophthalmos and affect visual acuity. The modified LOA (mLOA) preserves the lateral orbital wall to limit this morbidity. Case Description: A 58-year-old man experienced new-onset headaches and anxiety attacks that improved with anti-seizure medication. He was neurologically intact on examination. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 2-cm right anterior temporal cavernous malformation with an associated hemosiderin ring. Electroencephalogram revealed right temporal intermittent rhythmic delta activity suspicious for anterior temporal lobe epilepsy. He underwent an endoscopic-assisted keyhole mLOA for resection of the cavernoma and hemosiderin-stained brain. Key steps included a Y-shaped incision in the upper eyelid/lateral canthus, removal of a 1.5-cm segment of the lateral orbital rim, drilling of the lateral orbital wall with preservation of the medial cortex, drilling the lateral sphenoid ridge to access the anterior temporal lobe, resecting the cavernoma with endoscopic assistance for removal of all potentially epileptogenic abnormal brain, and plating the orbital rim as part of a layered closure. Postoperatively, he remained neurologically intact. He was discharged on postoperative day 4 after resolution of a cerebrospinal fluid leak with lumbar drainage. On follow-up, his anxiety attacks had completely resolved, and his incision was well-healed. Conclusion: The mLOA is an ideal keyhole technique for selected lesions of the MCF.

Probing the Free Energy of Small Water Clusters: Revisiting Classical Nucleation Theory.

By addressing the defects in classical nucleation theory (CNT), we develop an approach for extracting the free energy of small water clusters from nucleation rate experiments without any assumptions about the form of the cluster free energy. For temperatures higher than ∼250 K, the extracted free energies from experimental data points indicate that their ratio to the free energies predicted by CNT exhibits nonmonotonic behavior as the cluster size changes. We show that this ratio increases from almost zero for monomers and passes through (at least) one maximum before approaching one for large clusters. For temperatures lower than ∼250 K, the behavior of the ratio between extracted energies and CNT's prediction changes; it increases with cluster size, but it remains below one for almost all of the experimental data points. We also applied a state-of-the-art quantum mechanics model to calculate free energies of water clusters (2-14 molecules); the results support the observed change in behavior based on temperature, albeit for temperatures above and below ∼298 K. We compared two different model chemistries, DLPNO-CCSD(T)/CBS//ωB97xD/6-31++G** and G3, against each other and the experimental value for formation of the water dimer.

Hydrogen-Bond Topology Is More Important Than Acid/Base Strength in Atmospheric Prenucleation Clusters.

We explored the hypothesis that on the nanoscale level, acids and bases might exhibit different behavior than in bulk solution. Our study system consisted of sulfuric acid, formic acid, ammonia, and water. We calculated highly accurate Domain-based Local pair-Natural Orbital- Coupled-Cluster/Complete Basis Set (DLPNO-CCSD(T)/CBS) energies on DFT geometries and used the resulting Gibbs free energies for cluster formation to compute the overall equilibrium constants for every possible cluster. The equilibrium constants combined with the initial monomer concentrations were used to predict the formation of clusters at the top and the bottom of the troposphere. Our results show that formic acid is as effective as ammonia at forming clusters with sulfuric acid and water. The structure of formic acid is uniquely suited to form hydrogen bonds with sulfuric acid. Additionally, it can partner with water to form bridges from one side of sulfuric acid to the other, hence demonstrating that hydrogen bonding topology is more important than acid/base strength in these atmospheric prenucleation clusters.

Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Associated With a Large Indoor Convention - New York City, November-December 2021.

During November 19-21, 2021, an indoor convention (event) in New York City (NYC), was attended by approximately 53,000 persons from 52 U.S. jurisdictions and 30 foreign countries. In-person registration for the event began on November 18, 2021. The venue was equipped with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration, and attendees were required to wear a mask indoors and have documented receipt of at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.* On December 2, 2021, the Minnesota Department of Health reported the first case of community-acquired COVID-19 in the United States caused by the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant in a person who had attended the event (1). CDC collaborated with state and local health departments to assess event-associated COVID-19 cases and potential exposures among U.S.-based attendees using data from COVID-19 surveillance systems and an anonymous online attendee survey. Among 34,541 attendees with available contact information, surveillance data identified test results for 4,560, including 119 (2.6%) persons from 16 jurisdictions with positive SARS-CoV-2 test results. Most (4,041 [95.2%]), survey respondents reported always wearing a mask while indoors at the event. Compared with test-negative respondents, test-positive respondents were more likely to report attending bars, karaoke, or nightclubs, and eating or drinking indoors near others for at least 15 minutes. Among 4,560 attendees who received testing, evidence of widespread transmission during the event was not identified. Genomic sequencing of 20 specimens identified the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant (AY.25 and AY.103 sublineages) in 15 (75%) cases, and the Omicron variant (BA.1 sublineage) in five (25%) cases. These findings reinforce the importance of implementing multiple, simultaneous prevention measures, such as ensuring up-to-date vaccination, mask use, physical distancing, and improved ventilation in limiting SARS-CoV-2 transmission, during large, indoor events.†.

Multistate Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant Infections Among Persons in a Social Network Attending a Convention - New York City, November 18-December 20, 2021.

On December 2, 2021, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) notified CDC of a COVID-19 case caused by sequence-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant in a Minnesota resident (patient A), the first such case identified in the state and one of the earliest identified in the United States. Patient A had attended a large indoor convention in New York, New York with approximately 53,000 attendees from 52 U.S jurisdictions and 30 foreign countries during November 19-21, 2021, and had close contact† during 5 days with 29 fellow attendees. The convention required attendees to have received ≥1 COVID-19 vaccine dose and enforced mask-use while indoors. On November 22, these close contact attendees were directly and immediately notified by patient A of their exposure to SARS-CoV-2, and they sought testing over the next few days while quarantined or isolated. As part of the larger investigation into SARS-CoV-2 transmission at the convention, a subinvestigation was conducted during December by CDC, MDH, and respective state and local health departments to characterize the epidemiology of Omicron variant infection among this group of close contacts and determine the extent of secondary household transmission. Among 30 convention attendees that included patient A (the index patient) and the 29 other close contacts, 23 were interviewed, among whom all were fully vaccinated, including 11 (48%) who had received a booster dose; all 23 sought testing, and 16 (70%) received a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. Fewer attendees who had received a booster dose before the convention received a positive test result (six of 11) compared with those who had not received a booster dose (10 of 12). The 16 attendees with positive test results had a total of 20 household contacts, 18 of whom sought testing after exposure; six received a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2. None of the persons with positive test results was hospitalized or died. There was limited convention-associated transmission identified outside of this cluster; the larger investigation included cases of both SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) and Omicron, and all Omicron cases were associated with this group (1). Data from this investigation reinforces the importance of COVID-19 booster doses in combination with early notification and other multicomponent prevention measures to limit transmission and prevent severe illness from Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Cranio-Orbital Approach for Single-Stage En Bloc Resection of Optic Nerve Glioma: Technical Note.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: There is no consensus on the optimal surgical approach for managing optic nerve gliomas. For solely intraorbital tumors, a single-stage lateral orbitotomy approach for resection may be performed, but when the nerve within the optic canal is affected, two-stage cranial and orbital approaches are often used. The authors describe their technique to safely achieve aggressive nerve resection to minimize the probability of recurrence that might affect the optic tracts, optic chiasm, and contralateral optic nerve. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 28-yr-old woman presented with painless progressive vision loss, resulting in blindness. The second of 2 transorbital biopsies was diagnostic and consistent with low-grade glioma. The lesion continued to grow on serial imaging. The patient was offered a globe-sparing operative approach, with aggressive resection of the lesion to minimize the probability of tumor recurrence, which could possibly affect vision in her contralateral eye. The patient did well postoperatively, with clean tumor margins on pathological analysis and no evidence of residual on imaging. On postoperative examination, she had a mild ptosis, which was nearly resolved at her 6-wk outpatient follow-up. CONCLUSION: This aggressive single-stage en bloc resection of an optic nerve glioma can achieve excellent tumor margins and preservation of extraocular muscle function.

Multistate Outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Infections, Including Vaccine Breakthrough Infections, Associated with Large Public Gatherings, United States.

During July 2021, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) B.1.617.2 variant infections, including vaccine breakthrough infections, occurred after large public gatherings in Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA, prompting a multistate investigation. Public health departments identified primary and secondary cases by using coronavirus disease surveillance data, case investigations, and contact tracing. A primary case was defined as SARS-CoV-2 detected <14 days after travel to or residence in Provincetown during July 3-17. A secondary case was defined as SARS-CoV-2 detected <14 days after close contact with a person who had a primary case but without travel to or residence in Provincetown during July 3-August 10. We identified 1,098 primary cases and 30 secondary cases associated with 26 primary cases among fully and non-fully vaccinated persons. Large gatherings can have widespread effects on SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and fully vaccinated persons should take precautions, such as masking, to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission, particularly during substantial or high transmission.

Outcomes of cold snare piecemeal EMR for nonampullary small-bowel adenomas larger than 1 cm: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Nonampullary small-bowel adenomas ≥10 mm are typically resected using cautery-based polypectomy, which is associated with significant adverse events. Studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of piecemeal cold snare EMR for removing large colon polyps. Our aim was to assess the safety and efficacy of cold snare EMR for removal of large adenomas in the small bowel. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients who underwent lift and piecemeal cold snare EMR of small-bowel adenomas ≥1 cm between January 2014 and March 2019 was conducted at a tertiary care medical center. Polyp characteristics at the time of index and surveillance endoscopy were collected. Primary outcomes were residual or recurrent adenoma (RRA) seen on surveillance endoscopy, polyp eradication rate, and number of endoscopic procedures required for eradication. Adverse events including immediate and delayed bleeding, perforation, stricture, pancreatitis, and postpolypectomy syndrome were assessed. RESULTS: Of 43 patients who underwent piecemeal cold snare EMR, 39 had follow-up endoscopy. Polyps ranged in size from 10 to 70 mm (mean, 26.5 mm). RRA was found in 18 patients (46%), with increased polyp size correlating with higher recurrence (P < .001). Polyp eradication was observed in 35 patients (89%), requiring a median of 2 (range, 1-6) endoscopic procedures. Only 1 patient (2.3%) had immediate postprocedural bleeding. No cases of perforation or postpolypectomy syndrome were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Piecemeal cold snare EMR may be a feasible, safe, and efficacious technique for small-bowel polyps >10 mm. Prospective, randomized studies are needed to assess how outcomes compare with traditional cautery-based polypectomy.

Respiratory measurements and airway clearance device prescription over one year in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Objective: The rates of decline in respiratory measurements, including Peak Cough Flow (PCF) have not been established in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Additionally, optimal prescription of cough adjuncts which aim to increase cough strength are unknown. The primary aim of this study was to quantify declines in respiratory function in ALS using PCF, Sniff Nasal Inspiratory Pressure (SNIP) and Slow Vital Capacity (SVC). Secondary aims were to measure respiratory morbidity, audit the characteristics of those prescribed cough adjuncts, and compare outcomes between treated and untreated cohorts. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal, observational, cohort study evaluated respiratory measures, morbidity, and physical function in ALS patients at three monthly intervals, over one year. Patient and disease characteristics of those prescribed cough adjuncts were profiled at the time of device prescription. Results: one hundred and eight participants with mean age 62.1 ± 11.5 years participated. PCF declined rapidly at a rate of 124.8L/min/year (p < 0.001). SNIP, SVC (%predicted), and ALSFRS-R also declined significantly at rates of 18.72cmH2O, 17.49%, and 9.62 units per year respectively (p < 0.001). Thirty-two (29.6%) patients reported 56 incidences of chest infection and 21 died. Patients prescribed a cough adjunct (44.4%) had significantly lower average PCF, SNIP, SVC percent predicted, and ALSFRS-R (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study identified a rapid rate of decline in PCF, a similar decline in SNIP, and slower declines in SVC and ALSFRS-R. Cough adjunct prescription was triggered by declining respiratory measures and recommended PCF thresholds, but also by respiratory symptoms. Chest infections were common in patients regardless of cough adjunct prescription and should be closely monitored.

The effects of a home-based arm ergometry exercise programme on physical fitness, fatigue and activity in Polio survivors: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of an eight-week home-based arm ergometry aerobic exercise programme on physical fitness, fatigue, activity and quality of life in Polio Survivors. DESIGN: An assessor blinded randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Home-based exercise. SUBJECTS: Fifty-five Polio survivors randomised to exercise or control groups. INTERVENTION: Home-based arm ergometry at an intensity of 50%-70% maximum heart rate, compared with usual physiotherapy care. MAIN MEASURES: The Six-minute Arm Test, Fatigue Severity Scale, Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities and SF-36. Assessments were completed at baseline and at eight weeks. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the primary outcome, exercising heart rate during the Six-minute Arm Test, between the groups at follow-up [97.6 (SD10.1) compared to 102.4 (SD13.7) beats per minute ( P=0.20)]. Blood pressure was significantly lower in the intervention group at follow-up [systolic blood pressure 132(18.6)mmHg compared to 144.1(14.6)mmHg ( P=0.002)]. There were no between group differences in the Fatigue Severity Scale ( P=0.25) or Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities ( P=0.49), with a small difference in SF-36 physical component score ( P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This home-based arm ergometry programme successfully facilitated aerobic exercise in Polio Survivors, but did not result in a significant change in physical fitness, measured by the Six-minute Arm Test.

How Do We Manage Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia? A Survey of Clinical Practice Trends for Gastrointestinal Endoscopists in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) is an accepted pathologic precursor to gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). While surveillance of GIM in Europe and Asia is common, only limited recommendations related to endoscopic surveillance of GIM exist in the United States. AIM: To understand the clinical practice patterns of US gastroenterologists in the management and endoscopic surveillance of GIM. METHODS: A 23 item survey was developed to explore endoscopists' opinions regarding the surveillance of GIM and knowledge of current guidelines. Eight clinical vignettes were developed to address specific clinical scenarios where endoscopic surveillance of GIM might be considered. RESULTS: There were 227 respondents, with 60 % working primarily in the private sector and 40 % in academic medicine. While 68 % of the respondents refer to major society guidelines for guidance in patient management, almost 78 % of endoscopist responders believe that there are no specific US guidelines pertaining to surveillance of GIM. Only two-thirds of respondents believe that based on current data, patients at increased risk of GAC should be a part of an endoscopic surveillance program, while 15 % believe all patients with GIM should receive endoscopic surveillance. Respondents use a wide range of biopsy techniques and surveillance intervals for patients with GIM, with no consistent pattern of practice identified. CONCLUSIONS: There is variability in the knowledge and practice patterns of US endoscopists related to surveillance of gastric intestinal metaplasia. In the absence of detailed US GI society guidelines, many endoscopists perform surveillance endoscopy on patients with GIM using variable biopsy techniques and surveillance intervals.