Combined Open Surgical and Endovascular Management of a Giant Posterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

A 17-year-old female patient presented with worsening intractable headaches which were initially diagnosed as migraine headaches. The patient's headaches were refractory to medical management and continued to worsen in both severity and frequency. Computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography demonstrated a giant posterior cerebral artery aneurysm with contributions from the internal carotid artery through the posterior communicating artery. During the surgical planning period, the patient continued to have worsening headaches, intractable nausea, vomiting, left upper extremity weakness, and associated visual obfuscations. Repeated angiography revealed spontaneous thrombosis of the posterior communicating artery contribution with additional sudden onset hemianopsia on balloon test occlusion of the posterior cerebral artery, prompting urgent surgical intervention. A right subtemporal approach was used for a superficial temporal artery to posterior cerebral artery bypass, followed by coil occlusion of the aneurysm inlet at the posterior cerebral artery on postoperative day 1. The patient consented to the procedure. Postoperative angiography demonstrated successful superficial temporal artery to posterior cerebral artery anastomosis with occluded posterior cerebral artery after coiling. At 1-year follow-up, the patient remained neurologically intact with a patent bypass and regression of the trapped aneurysm. We present this case to demonstrate the successful management of a complex posterior cerebral artery aneurysm with both surgical bypass and endovascular parent artery coil occlusion.1-6.

Microsurgical Management of Internal Carotid Artery Bifurcation Aneurysm After Failure of Endovascular Coiling and Flow Diversion: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

We describe the case of a 51-year-old woman who underwent craniotomy and surgical clipping of a large internal carotid bifurcation aneurysm that was refractory to treatment with 2 rounds of endovascular coiling and internal carotid artery (ICA) to middle cerebral artery pipeline placement. The patient initially presented in 2004 with a 3-week history of sudden-onset headache with associated nausea. Computed tomography and lumbar puncture on presentation in 2004 were negative for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Digital subtraction angiography, however, demonstrated a large left ICA bifurcation aneurysm. The decision was made to proceed with endovascular coiling of the aneurysm. Six-month and 1-year follow-up imaging showed incomplete resolution of the aneurysm, and retreatment coiling was completed in 2005. After recoiling in 2005, the patient was lost to follow-up. During this period, she underwent pipeline placement from the ICA to the middle cerebral artery across the A1 segment at a different institution. Two years after flow diversion, the patient was referred back to our institution with further worsening of the aneurysm. Our surgical team opted for craniotomy and surgical clipping given the limited management options that this extremely complex case now presented. The patient consented to the procedure. Postoperative imaging demonstrated marked improvement in aneurysm severity. Although the current neurosurgical trend favors endovascular treatment over craniotomy, this case shows the vital importance of craniotomy and aneurysm clipping in the treatment of select patients. We also provide high-quality operative video of aneurysm clipping.1-7.

A Transcriptomic Comparative Study of Cranial Vasculature.

In genetic studies of cerebrovascular diseases, the optimal vessels to use as controls remain unclear. Our goal is to compare the transcriptomic profiles among 3 different types of control vessels: superficial temporal artery (STA), middle cerebral arteries (MCA), and arteries from the circle of Willis obtained from autopsies (AU). We examined the transcriptomic profiles of STA, MCA, and AU using RNAseq. We also investigated the effects of using these control groups on the results of the comparisons between aneurysms and the control arteries. Our study showed that when comparing pathological cerebral arteries to control groups, all control groups presented similar responses in the activation of immunological processes, the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways, and extracellular matrix productions, despite their intrinsic biological differences. When compared to STA, AU exhibited upregulation of stress and apoptosis genes, whereas MCA showed upregulation of genes associated with tRNA/rRNA processing. Moreover, our results suggest that the matched case-control study design, which involves control STA samples collected from the same subjects of matched aneurysm samples in our study, can improve the identification of non-inherited disease-associated genes. Given the challenges associated with obtaining fresh intracranial arteries from healthy individuals, our study suggests that using MCA, AU, or paired STA samples as controls are feasible strategies for future large-scale studies investigating cerebral vasculopathies. However, the intrinsic differences of each type of control should be taken into consideration when interpreting the results. With the limitations of each control type, it may be most optimal to use multiple tissues as controls.

Hepatic fibrosis: a manifestation of the liver disease evolution in patients with Ataxia-telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND: Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a DNA repair disorder characterized by changes in several organs and systems. Advances in clinical protocols have resulted in increased survival of A-T patients, however disease progression is evident, mainly through metabolic and liver changes. OBJECTIVE: To identify the frequency of significant hepatic fibrosis in A-T patients and to verify the association with metabolic alterations and degree of ataxia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that included 25 A-T patients aged 5 to 31 years. Anthropometric data, liver, inflammatory, lipid metabolism and glucose biomarkers (oral glucose tolerance test with insulin curve-OGTT) were collected. The Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale was applied to assess the degree of ataxia. The following were calculated: Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance, Homeostasis Model Assessment-Adiponectin (HOMA-AD), Matsuda index, aspartate aminotransferase (AST): platelet ratio index, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and BARD score. Liver ultrasonography and transient liver elastography by FibroScan® were performed. RESULTS: Significant hepatic fibrosis was observed in 5/25 (20%). Patients in the group with significant hepatic fibrosis were older (p < 0.001), had lower platelet count values (p = 0.027), serum albumin (p = 0.019), HDL-c (p = 0.013) and Matsuda index (p = 0.044); and high values of LDL-c (p = 0.049), AST (p = 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.002), gamma-glutamyl transferase (p = 0.001), ferritin (p = 0.001), 120-min glycemia by OGTT (p = 0.049), HOMA-AD (p = 0.016) and degree of ataxia (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: A non-invasive diagnosis of significant hepatic fibrosis was observed in 20% of A-T patients associated with changes in liver enzymes, ferritin, increased HOMA-AD, and the severity of ataxia in comparison with patients without hepatic fibrosis.

National-scale geodatabase of catchment characteristics in the Philippines for river management applications.

Quantitative descriptions of stream network and river catchment characteristics provide valuable context for enabling geomorphologically-informed sustainable river management. For countries where high-quality topographic data are available, there are opportunities to enable open access availability of baseline products from systematic assessment of morphometric and topographic characteristics. In this study, we present a national-scale assessment of fundamental topographic characteristics of Philippine river systems. We applied a consistent workflow using TopoToolbox V2 to delineate stream networks and river catchments using a nationwide digital elevation model (DEM) acquired in 2013 and generated through airborne Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IfSAR). We assessed morphometric and topographic characteristics for 128 medium- to large-sized catchments (catchment area > 250 km2) and organised the results in a national-scale geodatabase. The dataset realises the potential of topographic data as part of river management applications, by enabling variations in hydromorphology to be characterised and contextualised. The dataset is used to reveal the diversity of stream networks and river catchments in the Philippines. Catchments have a continuum of shapes (Gravelius compactness coefficient ranges from 1.05 to 3.29) with drainage densities that range from 0.65 to 1.23 km/km2. Average catchment slope ranges from 3.1 to 28.1° and average stream slope varies by more than an order of magnitude from 0.004 to 0.107 m/m. Inter-catchment analyses show the distinctive topographic signatures of adjacent river catchments; examples from NW Luzon highlight topographic similarity between catchments whereas examples from Panay Island shown marked topographic differences. These contrasts underline the importance of using place-based analyses for sustainable river management applications. By designing an interactive ArcGIS web-application to display the national-scale geodatabase, we improve data accessibility and enable users to freely access, explore and download the data (https://glasgow-uni.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a88b9ca0919f4400881eab4a26370cee). The national-scale geodatabase provides a baseline understanding of fundamental topographic characteristics in support of varied geomorphological, hydrological and geohazard susceptibility applications.

Somatic Variants in SVIL in Cerebral Aneurysms.

Background and Objectives: While somatic mutations have been well-studied in cancer, their roles in other complex traits are much less understood. Our goal is to identify somatic variants that may contribute to the formation of saccular cerebral aneurysms. Methods: We performed whole-exome sequencing on aneurysm tissues and paired peripheral blood. RNA sequencing and the CRISPR/Cas9 system were then used to perform functional validation of our results. Results: Somatic variants involved in supervillin (SVIL) or its regulation were found in 17% of aneurysm tissues. In the presence of a mutation in the SVIL gene, the expression level of SVIL was downregulated in the aneurysm tissue compared with normal control vessels. Downstream signaling pathways that were induced by knockdown of SVIL via the CRISPR/Cas9 system in vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) were determined by evaluating changes in gene expression and protein kinase phosphorylation. We found that SVIL regulated the phenotypic modulation of vSMCs to the synthetic phenotype via Krüppel-like factor 4 and platelet-derived growth factor and affected cell migration of vSMCs via the RhoA/ROCK pathway. Discussion: We propose that somatic variants form a novel mechanism for the development of cerebral aneurysms. Specifically, somatic variants in SVIL result in the phenotypic modulation of vSMCs, which increases the susceptibility to aneurysm formation. This finding suggests a new avenue for the therapeutic intervention and prevention of cerebral aneurysms.

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Resolution of Posas Abscess: Case Reports and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Psoas abscess is a rare pathological entity being retroperitonescopy an unusual therapeutic modality for its resolution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The objective is to present and describe five patients with a diagnosis of psoas abscess that were resolved by retroperitoneoscopy in our institution and then carried out a non-systematic review of the literature. RESULTS: The mean age was 58.8 years and 80% were male. All patients had back pain and none had therapeutic resolution with conservative treatment. 60% of the patients had a methicillin sensitive Staphyylococus Aureus. In the follow-up with a mean of 10.2 months, no recurrence was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis of psoas abscess is important for its correct resolution. In our small series of patients, retroperitoneoscopy was an effective treatment.

Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Resolution of Posas Abscess: Case Reports and Review of the Literature

Introduction: Psoas abscess is a rare pathological entity being retroperitonescopy an unusual therapeutic modality for its resolution Materials and Methods: The objective is to present and describe five patients with a diagnosis of psoas abscess that were resolved by retroperitoneoscopy in our institution and then carried out a non-systematic review of the literature. Results: The mean age was 58.8 years and 80% were male. All patients had back pain and none had therapeutic resolution with conservative treatment. 60% of the patients had a methicillin sensitive Staphyylococus Aureus. In the follow-up with a mean of 10.2 months, no recurrence was observed. Conclusions: Early diagnosis of psoas abscess is important for its correct resolution. In our small series of patients, retroperitoneoscopy was an effective treatment (AU)

Analysis of Trifecta Results in a Single-Center Experience with Retroperitoneoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: An Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the trifecta results in patients with T1a and T1b renal tumors treated with retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy (RPN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional prospective observational study was conducted on 106 patients with cT1 renal tumor submitted to RPN. Trifecta was reported as no ≥ 2 Clavien-Dindo complications, warm ischemia time (WIT) ≤ 25 minutes, ≤ 15% postoperative ΔGFR, and nonpositive margins. RESULTS: The mean age was 58 years (SD ± 12). The median (Q1; Q3) tumor size was 3.5 (2.2; 4.5) cm. Of the treated patients, 33% had a ventral tumor. R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score was low complexity in 54% of cases and high complexity in 4%. WIT median (Q1; Q3) was 20 (14; 23) minutes. Estimated blood loss median (Q1; Q3) was 50 (0; 100) ml. There were no conversions to open surgery. ΔGFR was >15% in 17.5% of patients. There were no postoperative complications in 84% of cases. Nonpositive margins were observed. Sixty-eight percent were pT1a and 32% were pT1b. Seventy-two percent of patients presented trifecta. A statistically significant difference was found between trifecta and tumor size (3 cm vs. 4.4 cm; p<0.001), complexity (low complexity 90% vs. intermediate complexity 56%; p<0.0001), and pT (T1a 81% vs. T1b 53%; p<0.003). CONCLUSION: RPN is a safe and effective treatment modality for T1a and T1b renal tumors. Trifecta rate was 72%. Tumor size, tumor complexity, and pT were found to be an associated factor for trifecta.

Angioplasty versus stenting for subclavian artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The subclavian arteries are two major arteries of the upper chest, below the collar bone, which come from the arch of the aorta. Endovascular treatment for stenosis of the subclavian arteries includes angioplasty alone, and with stenting. There is insufficient evidence to guide the use of stents following angioplasty for subclavian artery stenosis. This is the second update of a review first published in 2011. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to determine whether stenting was more effective than angioplasty alone for stenosis of the subclavian artery. SEARCH METHODS: For this update, the Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and LILACS databases, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registers to 2 February 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA: We searched for randomised controlled trials of endovascular treatment of subclavian artery lesions that compared angioplasty alone and stent implantation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently evaluated studies to assess eligibility. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion. If there was no agreement, we asked a third review author to assess the study for inclusion. We planned to undertake data collection and analysis in accordance with recommendations described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, and assess the certainty of the evidence using a GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: To date, we have not identified any completed or ongoing randomised controlled trials that compare percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting for subclavian artery stenosis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is currently insufficient evidence to determine whether stenting is more effective than angioplasty alone for stenosis of the subclavian artery.

Correlación entre las cinéticas del PSA y positividad de la tomografía por emisión de positrones 18F-PSMA-1007 en la reestadificación de la recaída del cáncer de próstata / Correlation between PSA kinetics and positivity of f18-PSMA positron emission tomography in the relapsed prostate cancer

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la correlación diagnóstica entre las cinéticas del antígeno específico de la próstata (PSA) y la positividad de la PET/TC 18F-PSMA en pacientes con cáncer de próstata con recaída bioquímica (RCP, recurrencia del cáncer de próstata). Material y métodos: Se realizó un trabajo observacional de corte transversal de pacientes con una RCP que fueron evaluados con PET/TC 18F-PSMA-1007 en los que se analizó la concordancia entre el PET/TC PSMA y las cinéticas del PSA. Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 54 pacientes. La edad media fue de 68 ± 8 años. El PSA disparador de la PET/TC mostró una mediana (Q1-Q3) de 3,14 (0,73-8.69) ng/ml. La PET/TC colina mostró una tasa de positividad del 35%, mientras que la PET/TC 18F-PSMA mostró una tasa de positividad del 80%, pero con un PSA disparador ≥ 2 ng/ml la PET/TC 18F-PSMA tuvo un 100% de positividad; mientras que la PET/TC colina un 55% de positivos. En la valoración de las cinéticas de PSA para PET/TC PSMA las curvas ROC mostraron para PSAV un área bajo la curva de 0,93 (IC 95%: 0,83-1; p = 0,0001), presentado el punto de corte 0,85 ng/ml/año una sensibilidad del 88% y una especificidad del 87%. El 97% de las PET/TC 18F-PSMA fueron positivas con un PSAV > 0,85 ng/ml/año (p = 0,0001). Mientras que las curvas ROC mostraron para PSADT un área bajo de la curva de 0,38 (IC 95%: 0,21-0,57; p = 0,321) sin evidenciar valor diagnóstico. Conclusión: Se evidenció que el PSAV fue un muy buen predictor de positividad en la PET/TC 18F-PSMA en pacientes con RCP, no así el PSADT.

Abstract Introduction: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) kinetics (PSA velocity [PSAV] and PSA doubling time [PSADT]) are predictors of positivity in Choline PET/CT, but this correlation has not been correctly established in PSMA PET/CT. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic correlation between PSA kinetics and positivity of 18F PSMA PET/CT in patients with relapsed prostate cancer (RPC). Material and methods: We performed an observational cross-sectional study of 54 patients with RPC that were evaluated with 18F-PSMA PET/CT. The concordance between 18F-PSMA PET/CT and PSA kinetics was analyzed. Results: The mean age was 68 ± 8 years. Time to relapse had a median (Q1-Q3) of 29 (8; 48) months. The trigger PSA showed a median of 3.14 (0.73-8.69) ng/dl. 18F-PSMA PET/CT showed a positivity of 80%. The ROC curves showed an AUC of 0.93 for PSAV (95%CI0.83-1; p = 0.0001). A cut-off points of 0.85 ng/ml/year showed a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 87%. 97% of the 18F-PSMA PET/CT were positive with a PSAV > 0.85 ng/ml/year (p = 0.0001). While the ROC curves showed an AUC of 0.38 for PSADT (95%CI 0.21- 0.57; p = 0.321) without showing diagnostic value. Conclusion: PSAV was a predictor of positivity in 18F-PSMA PET/CT in patients with RPC, but PSADT was not.

Acute Myelopathy: Vascular and Infectious Diseases.

Vascular and infectious causes are rare but important causes of spinal cord injury. High suspicion for these processes is necessary, as symptoms may progress over hours to days, resulting in delayed presentation and diagnosis and worse outcomes. History and clinical examination findings can assist with localization of the affected vascular territory and spinal level, which will assist with focusing spinal imaging. Open and/or endovascular surgical management depends on the associated vascular abnormality. Infectious myelopathy treatment consists of targeted antimicrobial therapy when possible, infectious source control, and again, close monitoring for systemic complications.

Perceptions of senior nursing students regarding clinical decision-making.

OBJECTIVES: to understand the perceptions of senior students in an undergraduate nursing course at a nursing college in Lisbon regarding skills related to clinical decision-making learned during their initial training. METHODS: qualitative study, of an exploratory and descriptive nature. Data collection occurred by carrying out a focus group with eight senior students in an undergraduate nursing course. Data treatment applied content analysis, performed with twebQDA® software. RESULTS: data were analyzed according to the four dimensions of Tanner's model of clinical judgment, and noticing and interpreting stood out as the most influential in clinical decision-making. Theoretical and clinical knowledge, validation of care planning, prioritization, and capacity to discuss and debate about situations emerged as the most representative skills. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: students make decisions by means of a complex process by using the knowledge and skills learned during their training.

Perceptions of senior nursing students regarding clinical decision-making / Percepciones de estudiantes avanzados de enfermería sobre la toma de decisiones clínicas / Percepções dos estudantes finalistas em enfermagem sobre a tomada de decisão clínica

ABSTRACT Objectives: to understand the perceptions of senior students in an undergraduate nursing course at a nursing college in Lisbon regarding skills related to clinical decision-making learned during their initial training. Methods: qualitative study, of an exploratory and descriptive nature. Data collection occurred by carrying out a focus group with eight senior students in an undergraduate nursing course. Data treatment applied content analysis, performed with twebQDA® software. Results: data were analyzed according to the four dimensions of Tanner's model of clinical judgment, and noticing and interpreting stood out as the most influential in clinical decision-making. Theoretical and clinical knowledge, validation of care planning, prioritization, and capacity to discuss and debate about situations emerged as the most representative skills. Final considerations: students make decisions by means of a complex process by using the knowledge and skills learned during their training.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comprender las percepciones de estudiantes avanzados de una escuela superior de enfermería de Lisboa sobre las competencias de toma de decisiones clínicas adquiridas en la formación inicial. Métodos: estudio cualitativo, exploratorio y descriptivo. Datos recolectados mediante focus group con 8 estudiantes avanzados de la carrera de licenciatura en enfermería. Datos analizados por análisis de contenido, utilizándose software webQDA® . Resultados: los datos fueron analizados según las cuatro dimensiones del modelo de toma de decisiones de Tanner, destacándose la Percepción y la Interpretación como las más influyentes en la toma de decisiones clínicas. Surgieron como competencias más representativas: el conocimiento teórico y clínico, la validación de la planificación de cuidados, la priorización y la capacidad de discusión y argumentación sobre las situaciones. Consideraciones Finales: los estudiantes toman decisiones aplicando un proceso complejo, utilizando el conocimiento y las competencias adquiridas durante su formación.

RESUMO Objetivo: compreender as percepções dos estudantes finalistas de uma escola superior de enfermagem de Lisboa sobre as competências de tomada de decisão clínica adquiridas na formação inicial. Métodos: estudo qualitativo de caráter exploratório e descritivo. A colheita de dados foi realizada por meio de um focus group, com 8 estudantes finalistas do curso de licenciatura em enfermagem. Na aná lise dos dados, recorreu-se à análise de conteúdo pelo software webQDA®. Resultados: os dados foram analisados segundo as quatro dimensões do modelo de tomada de decisão de Tanner, destacando-se a Percepção e a Interpretação como as mais influentes na tomada de decisão clínica. Emergiram como competências mais representativas: o conhecimento teórico e clínico, a validação do planejamento dos cuidados, a priorização e a capacidade de discussão e argumentação sobre as situações. Considerações Finais: os estudantes tomam decisões por meio de um processo complexo usando o conhecimento e as competências adquiridas na formação.

Spontaneous bladder rupture: Laparoscopic management of rare complications after nontraumatic vaginal delivery.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous bladder rupture is a rare condition, especially after a nontraumatic vaginal delivery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 32-year-old patient who had had a nontraumatic vaginal delivery presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain and anuria. Computed tomography showed free fluid in the peritoneal cavity. An exploratory laparoscopy revealed a perforation on the bladder dome that was laparoscopically sutured. CONCLUSION: In the presence of an acute abdominal pain with free fluid in the peritoneal cavity after a nontraumatic vaginal delivery, a differential diagnosis should be a spontaneous rupture of the bladder.

Relación de las cinéticas del PSA en la detección de la recurrencia del cáncer de próstata post prostatectomía radical con la 18f-colina tomografía por emisión de positrones/tomografía computada [PET/TC colina (PETC)] / Kinetic Relation Between PSA and 18F-choline PET/ CT in the Detection of Recurrent Prostatic Cancer After Radical Prostatectomy

Resumen Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la relación de las cinéticas del antígeno prostático específico (PSA por su sigla en inglés) con la positividad de la tomografía por emisión de positrones/tomografía computada [PET/TC colina (PETC)]en pacientes con una recaída de cáncer de próstata (RCP). Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un trabajo retrospectivo de 48 pacientes con RCP post prostatectomía radical (PR) evaluados con PETC. Resultados: La PETC negativa tuvo una mediana de 16,3 meses y la PETC positiva de 5,5 meses (p = < 0,001) para el tiempo de doblaje de PSA (PSADT por su sigla en inglés); la PETC fue positiva en el 96% de los pacientes con un PSADT< 12 meses. La PETC negativa tuvo una mediana de 0,03 ng/ml/año y la PETC positiva de 4,1 ng/ml/año (p = < 0,001) para la velocidad del PSA (PSAVpor su sigla en inglés); la PETC fue positiva en el 92% de los pacientes con un PSAV > 0,75 ng/ml/año. Las áreas bajo la curva ROC para PSAV fue de 0,984 con un punto de corte de mayor discriminación de 0.785 ng/ml/año, mostrando razones de verosimilitud (LR por su sigla en inglés) LR + = 25 y LR- = 0,1. Para PSADT el ROC fue de 0,992 con un punto de corte de mayor discriminación de 11 meses, mostrando LR + = 11 y LR- = 0. Discusión: El PSA es un indicador inespecífico de PETC positiva. Un estudio inicial demostró que los pacientes con una RCP con una PETC positiva tenían un menor PSADT y una mayor PSAV que los pacientes con una PETC negativa. Conclusión: La positividad de la PETC se vio influenciada por las cinéticas del PSA, observándose que a menor PSADT y que a mayor PSAV mayor fue la probabilidad de la positividad de la PETC.

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) kinetics and the detection of Prostate Cancer Relapse (PCR) with Positron-Emission Tomography (PETC). Material and methods: A retrospective study of 48 patients with a PCR after a radical prostatectomy evaluated with PETC was performed. Results: PSA Doubling Time (PSADT), with negative PETC, had a median of 16.3 months and the positive PETC a median of 5.5 months (p = < 0.001); 96% of patients with a PSADT <12 months had positive PETC. PSA Velocity (PSAV), negative PETC, had a median of 0.03 ng/ml/year and positive PETC a median of 4.1 ng/ml/year (p = < 0.001); 92% of patients who had a PSAV > 0.75 ng/ml/year had positive PETC. The ROC for PSAV was 0.984 with a cut-off value of 0.785 ng/ml/year, Showing Likelihood Ratios (LR) LR + = 25 and LR- = 0.1. The ROC for PSADT was 0.992 with a cut off value of 11 months, showing LR + = 11 and LR- = 0. Discussion: PSA is a nonspecific indicator of positive PETC. An initial study demon-strated that patients with a PCR and positive PETC had lower PSADT and higher PSAV than patients with a negative PETC. Conclusion: The rate of detection of PCR with PETC was influenced by the kinetics of PSA, and it was observed that the lower the PSADT and the higher the PSAV, the greater the probability of the positivity of the PETC.

3D Printing of Covalent Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite via Stereolithography.

A major challenge for many industries wanting to adopt 3D printing technologies for rapid prototyping, customized parts, and low-volume manufacturing depends on the availability and functionality of the input materials to suit specific requirements. A well-studied nanofiller because of its distinct properties and wide range of applications, graphene oxide (GO) proves to be a good choice in the development of new materials. However, as a filler in a polymer matrix, GO has its own unique set of problems enough to make certain constraints in achieving an optimum reinforcement in the targeted polymer matrix. The need for a matrix-filler interaction is critical because reinforcement occurs only when the external load applied to the material can be successfully transmitted from the matrix to the filler, which will only happen if the interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the filler is strong. This study demonstrates the synthesis of the covalently linked GO-methacrylate (MA) nanocomposite materials through 3D printing via stereolithography (SL). Spectral analysis using Fourier-transform infrared confirms the successful functionalization of GO and ascertains the presence of the functionalized GO (fGO) in the 3D-printed nanocomposite specimens. Likewise, further validation using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry also affirms the formation of fGO for use as a functional filler, activating a stronger interfacial bonding with the MA polymer. Excellent attributes of GO will become futile because of premature fracturing of the material simply because of an oversight to consider robustness during the early stages of design. Hence, different mechanical and thermal properties of the new 3D-printed MA-fGO nanocomposite material are characterized and presented in the discussion. This work demonstrates the first successful 3D printing of the functionalized GO nanocomposite via SL, forming a complex structure with consistently high fidelity and enhanced material properties with potential for various industrial applications.

Orbital reconstruction for tumor-associated proptosis: quantitative analysis of postoperative orbital volume and final eye position.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical resection of sphenoid wing tumors and intraorbital pathology carries the dual goal of appropriately treating the target pathology as well as correcting proptosis. Residual proptosis following surgery can lead to cosmetic and functional disability. The authors sought to quantitatively assess the effect of orbital volume before and after reconstruction to determine the optimal strategy to achieve proptosis correction. METHODS: All surgeries involving orbital wall reconstruction for orbital or intracranial pathology that preoperatively resulted in proptosis between 2007 and 2017 were reviewed. Proptosis was measured by the exophthalmos index (EI): the ratio of the distance of the anterior limit of each globe to a line drawn between the anterior limit of the frontal processes of the zygomas, comparing the pathological eye to the normal eye. Postoperative radiographic measurements were taken at least 60 days after surgery to allow surgical swelling to abate. The orbit contralateral to the pathology was used as an internal control for normal anatomical orbital volume. Cases with preoperative EI < 1.10, orbital exenteration, or enucleation were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (16 females and 7 males, with a mean age of 43.6 ± 22.8 years) were treated surgically for tumor-associated proptosis. Nineteen patients harbored meningiomas (11 en-plaque; 8 sphenoid wing), and one patient each harbored an orbital schwannoma, glomangioma, arteriovenous malformation, or cavernous hemangioma. Preoperative EI averaged 1.28 ± 0.10 (range 1.12-1.53). Median time to postoperative imaging was 19 months. Postoperatively, the EI decreased to a mean of 1.07 ± 0.09. Greater increases in size of the reconstructed orbit were positively correlated with greater quantitative reductions in proptosis (p < 0.01). Larger volume of soft tissue pathology was also associated with achieving greater proptosis correction (p < 0.01). Residual exophthalmos (defined as EI > 1.10) was present in 8 patients, while reconstruction in 2 patients resulted in clinically asymptomatic enophthalmos (defined as EI < 0.95). Tumor invasion into the superior orbital fissure sinus was associated with residual proptosis (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Proptosis associated with intracranial and orbital pathology represents a surgical challenge. The EI is a reliable and quantitative assessment of proptosis. For orbital reconstruction in cases of superior orbital fissure involvement, surgeons should consider rebuilding the orbit at slightly larger than anatomical volume.

A Pilot Comparison of Multispectral Fluorescence to Indocyanine Green Videoangiography and Other Modalities for Intraoperative Assessment in Vascular Neurosurgery.

BACKGROUND: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the gold standard for vascular imaging, but is not easily integrated into a continuous microsurgical environment. Other available modalities for intraoperative vascular assessment have their own limitations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate multispectral fluorescence (MFL), a new technology based on indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence, which may provide advantages over current intraoperative imaging modalities. METHODS: Cadaveric intracranial aneurysm models and turkey wing bypasses were created and tested with white light and micro-Doppler ultrasound, indocyanine green videoangiography (ICG-VA), MFL, and DSA in conditions mimicking surgery. Assessments with these modalities were scored by 7 neurosurgeons. RESULTS: DSA was significantly better than other modalities in evaluating the vasculature (P < .0001), but was significantly less ergonomic and efficient (P < .0001). MFL and ICG-VA were not significantly different from each other. Both were significantly better than white light/micro-Doppler ultrasound in assessing occlusion and patency (P ≤ .011), and both were better than DSA in ergonomics and efficiency (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: MFL performs similarly to ICG-VA in a laboratory setting. Further study will be required to determine whether it compares favorably in the operating room. While DSA is the standard for cerebrovascular visualization, MFL and ICG are significantly more ergonomic and efficient.

Impact of PSA density of transition zone as a potential parameter in reducing the number of unnecessary prostate biopsies in patients with PSA levels between 2. 6 and 10. 0 ng/mL

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the accuracy of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) adjusted for the transition zone volume (PSATZ) in predicting prostate cancer by comparing the ability of several PSA parameters in predicting prostate cancer in men with intermediate PSA levels of 2.6 - 10.0 ng/mL and its ability to reduce unnecessary biopsies. Materials and Methods: This study included 656 patients referred for prostate biopsy who had a serum PSA of 2.6 - 10.0 ng/mL. Total prostate and transition zone volumes were measured by transrectal ultrasound using the prolate ellipsoid method. The clinical values of PSA, free-to-total (F/T) ratio, PSA density (PSAD) and PSATZ for the detection of prostate cancer were calculated and statistical comparisons between biopsy-positive (cancer) and biopsy-negative (benign) were conducted. Results: Cancer was detected in 172 patients (26.2%). Mean PSA, PSATZ, PSAD and F/T ratio were 7.5 ng/mL, 0.68 ng/mL/cc. 0.25 ng/mL/cc and 0.14 in patients with prostate cancer and 6.29 ng/mL, 0.30 ng/mL/cc, 0.16 ng/mL/cc and 0.22 in patients with benign biopsies, respectively. ROC curves analysis demonstrated that PSATZ had a higher area under curve (0,838) than F/T ratio (0.806) (P<0.001) and PSAD (0.806) (P<0.001). With a cut-off value of 0.22 ng/mL/cc, PSATZ had 100% of sensitivity and could have prevented 24% of unnecessary biopsies. Conclusions: PSATZ may be useful in enhancing the specificity of serum PSA. Compared to other PSA related parameters, it was better in differentiating between prostate cancer and benign prostatic enlargement. Also, PSATZ could reduce a significant number of unnecessary biopsies.