Sucralfate Prevents Pin Site Infections of External Fixators in Open Tibia Fractures.

Pin site infections are the main complication of external fixators. The most common pathogens are Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. The incidence of pin site infections ranges from 2% to 30%. Until now, no satisfactory prevention strategy exists. Therefore, we performed this study to assess the effect of a sucralfate gel 25% applied around the pins of external fixation systems in trauma patients with open tibia fractures. We prospectively studied two groups of patients with open tibia fractures treated with external fixators. In group A patients, pin site care was performed with the use of normal saline and plain dressings once a day. In group B patients, pin site care was performed with the use of sucralfate gel 25%. The incidence of pin site infections was 33.33% for patients of group A and 16.67% for patients of group B. Patients of group B showed significantly lower rate of pin site infections compared to patients of group A (p-value = 0.032). No patient experienced any complications related to the local application of the drug. Sucralfate significantly prevents pin site infections of external fixators in open tibia fractures. Therefore, it can be used as a preventive antimicrobial agent for pin site infections in patients with external fixators.

Pathophysiology of the Toxic Effects in Metallic Implants.

Implants play a very crucial role in modern era of medicine and address several needs in all the medical specialties. Both essential and nonessential metals released from implants at high concentrations can impair biological functions and result in toxicity involving multiple systems of the body. Furthermore, the toxicity information is typically based on exposure through dietary intake and/or occupational/environmental exposure but, since the in vivo implant environment and its composition is different or unknown, individual implants toxic effects needs to be elaborated. Several clinical and nonclinical assessment tools are advised by FDA to evaluate biocompatibility issues, such as risk of immunological response, tissue destruction or overgrowth, and other adverse reactions. The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) Biocompatibility Guidelines state that biocompatibility end points caused by metallic implants includes cytotoxicity, sensitization, acute and chronic systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, implantation, hemocompatibility, reproductive abnormalities, developmental toxicity and biodegradation. Exposure to metal ions which acts as haptens can lead to both local and systemic hypersensitivity reactions which are generally believed to be a Type IV (delayed hypersensitivity) response. Currently, most assessment tools of implant associated hypersensitivity are based on skin sensitization which provides further scopes for research in understanding patient specific immune response causing systemic hypersensitivity.

High Survivorship of Hybrid Fixation Technique in Aseptic Condylar Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty with Minimal Metaphyseal Bone Loss: 5-10 Year Clinical Outcomes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of hybrid fixation technique in aseptic condylar revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). A retrospective consecutive study of patients with minimal metaphyseal bone loss who underwent aseptic rTKA with press-fit cementless femoral stems and short cemented tibial stems. Primary outcome measure was mechanical failure. Surgical complications, reoperations and revision for any cause were collected and Knee society score at final follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate implant survivorship. Seventy-three patients were included with minimum 5 years follow-up with a mean age of 74.5 years. At mean follow-up of 8.5 years (range 5-10), only two patients required revision, both for infection. Radiographic evaluation was undertaken for all remaining patients at final follow-up and showed no evidence of mechanical failure. Six patients (8.4%) showed non-progressive radiolucent lines around the cementless femoral stem with only one having a pedestal at the tip of the femoral stem and four patients (5.6%) showed non-progressive radiolucent lines around the cemented tibial stem. Mean KSS score was 80.6 (standard deviation 13.8) indicating satisfactory clinical outcomes. Using "any cause implant revision" as an end point, implant survivorship for this construct was 97.3% at mean 8.5 years. In our experience, a hybrid fixation technique with a press-fit cementless femoral stem and a short-cemented tibial stemmed construct achieves excellent medium- to long-term outcomes in aseptic condylar revision cases with minimal metaphyseal bone loss.

Effects of Deep Venous Thrombosis Treatments on Early and Long-term Quality of Life: Medical Therapy vs. Systemic Thrombolysis vs. Pharmacomechanical Thrombolysis.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to compare the effects of medical therapy (MT), systemic thrombolysis (ST), and pharmacomechanical thrombolysis (PMT) methods used in our clinic for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) on symptom reduction, the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) development, and quality of life. METHODS: Data from160 patients diagnosed with acute DVT between January 2012 and May 2021 and treated and followed up in our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups according to treatment method. The patients who received MT treatment were defined as Group 1, anticoagulant treatment after ST as Group 2, and anticoagulant treatment after PMT as Group 3. The patients were called to the outpatient clinic, informed consent was obtained, EuroQol-5D-3 L (EQ-5D-3 L) scoring and Villalta scoring were performed, and anamnesis was taken. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients were included, with 71 (44.4%) patients in Group 1, 45 (28.1%) in Group 2, and 44 (27.5%) in Group 3. The mean age was 48.9 ± 14.9 years for Group 1, 42.2 ± 10.8 for Group 2, and 29.0 ± 7.2 for Group 3. When the time to return to normal life and the EQ-5D-3 L score index were compared, the differences between Groups 1 and 2 and between Groups 1 and 3 were statistically significant (P = .000 and P = .000, respectively). However, the differences between Groups 2 and 3 were statistically insignificant (P = .213 andp = .074, respectively). When Villalta scores and EQ Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) scores were compared between groups, the difference between all groups was statistically significant (P = .000). CONCLUSIONS: The medical treatment alone was observed to be insufficient in terms of symptomatic improvement, development of PTS, quality of life, and long-term complications. When the ST and PMT groups were compared, it was determined that PMT treatment was more advantageous in terms of EQ-VAS score and PTS development, although there was no statistical difference regarding complications, such as return to normal life and long-term quality of life, the incidence of recurrent DVT development, and pulmonary thromboembolism incidence.

Treatment of Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection: Optimal Medical Therapy vs TEVAR + Optimal Medical Therapy.

Optimal Medical Therapy (OMT) has been the accepted mode of treatment for uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection (uTBAD). There is growing evidence that despite the short-term benefits of OMT, patients suffer deleterious consequences in the long-term with OMT alone. Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) along with OMT has emerged as an alternative option for patients with uTBAD. This study evaluates the available literature for TEVAR + OMT as an alternative to OMT for treatment of uTBAD. In addition, issues related to TEVAR as a treatment for uTBAD are discussed.

Long-Term Outcome of Carotid-Subclavian Bypass in the Management of Coronary-Subclavian Steal Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The presence of a significant left subclavian artery stenosis may occasionally lead to blood flow reversal through a LIMA-to-coronary artery bypass graft during left arm exertion; with "stealing" of myocardial blood supply. The aim of this study was to review our experience with carotid-subclavian bypass in patients with post-CABG coronary-subclavian steal syndrome. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all patients who underwent carotid-subclavian bypass grafting for post-CABG coronary-subclavian steal syndrome at Mainz University Hospital between 2006 and 2015. Cases were identified in our institutional database, and data were retrieved from surgical records, imaging studies, and follow-up records. RESULTS: Nine patients (all males, mean age of 69.1 years) underwent surgical treatment for post-CABG coronary-subclavian steal syndrome. Medium interval between original CABG and carotid-subclavian bypass grafting was 86.1 months. There were no perioperative deaths, strokes or myocardial infarctions. At a mean follow-up period of 79.9 months, all patients remained asymptomatic and all carotid-subclavian bypass grafts remained patent. One patient required stenting of a common carotid artery stenosis proximal to the graft anastomosis site, and coronary artery stenting was required in four patients in regions other than those supplied by the patent LIMA graft. CONCLUSION: Carotid-subclavian bypass surgery is a safe treatment option even in patients with multivessel disease and severe comorbidities and should be taken into consideration in patients who are deemed fit for surgery and those who would benefit from the excellent long-term patency rates.

Stentgraft Limb Occlusion After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Incidence and Risk Factors.

INTRODUCTION: Stentgraft limb occlusion (SLO) is a potential complication of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The purposes of this single centre study are to report the incidence of SLO after EVAR and to detect possible risk factors. METHODS: All patients who underwent EVAR between June 2001 and February 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Demographic data, cardiovascular risk factors, aneurysm characteristics, arterial anatomy, repair strategy, systemic and stentgraft-related complications, and in-hospital and late mortality were collected. Routine follow-up included duplex examination and/or CT angiography at 3 months, 12 months and annually thereafter. Logistic regression analysis was performed to detect predictors for SLO. RESULTS: A total of 221 patients (425 stentgraft limbs) were included; of whom 11 patients (5.0%) occluded. Median time to occlusion was 3.3 months and most of the patients presented ischemic signs. Two risk factors for SLO could be identified: symptomatic aneurysm (P .015, odds ratio 4.62, 95% confidence interval 1.35-15.86) and length of the infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) (P .021, odds ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval 1.04 - 1.64). CONCLUSION: The incidence of SLO after EVAR is low, and most occlusions occur within the first year. Predictors for SLO are the symptomatic aneurysm and the length of the infrarenal AAA. Further research is necessary to pool all predictors and to assess the clinical impact of different follow-up strategies for high-vs low-risk patients.

Transcaval Coil Embolization of Type 2 Endoleak After Endovascular Aortic Repair: An Institutional Review.

OBJECTIVES: Endovascular aortic repair may be complicated by type 2 endoleaks. Intervention is generally recommended when the native sac continues to grow more than 5 mm. Transcaval coil embolization (TCE) of the native aneurysm sac is an emerging technique for repair of type 2 endoleaks. The objective of this study is to report an institutional review of our experience with this technique. METHODS: 11 patients underwent TCE during the study period. Data were gathered on demographics, size increase of native aneurysm sac, operative details, and outcomes. Technical success was defined as resolution of the endoleak during completion sac angiogram at end of the procedure. Clinical success was defined as no growth in the aneurysm sac at interval follow-up. RESULTS: Coils were the embolant of choice in all cases. Technical success was achieved in all cases except 1 resulting in a 91% technical success rate. Median follow-up was 25 months (range, 3-33). Of the ten patients that had technically successful embolization, 8 patients had repeat computed tomography (CT) scans which showed no further expansion of the native sac resulting in a 80% clinical success rate. No complications were noted immediately post-op or at interval follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This institutional retrospective review demonstrates that TCE is an effective and safe option for type 2 endoleaks after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) in selected patients with favorable anatomy. Longer term follow-up, more patients, and comparison studies are needed to further define durability and efficacy.

Applying Artificial Intelligence to Predict Complications After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

Objective: Complications after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) can be fatal. Patient follow-up for surveillance imaging is becoming more challenging as fewer patients are seen, particularly after the first year. The aim of this study was to develop an artificial intelligence model to predict the complication probability of individual patients to better identify those needing more intensive post-operative surveillance. Methods: Pre-operative CTA 3D reconstruction images of AAA from 273 patients who underwent EVAR from 2011-2020 were collected. Of these, 48 patients had post-operative complications including endoleak, AAA rupture, graft limb occlusion, renal artery occlusion, and neck dilation. A deep convolutional neural network model (VascAI©) was developed which utilized pre-operative 3D CT images to predict risk of complications after EVAR. The model was built with TensorFlow software and run on the Google Colab Platform. An initial training subset of 40 randomly selected patients with complications and 189 without were used to train the AI model while the remaining 8 positive and 36 negative cases tested its performance and prediction accuracy. Data down-sampling was used to alleviate data imbalance and data augmentation methodology to further boost model performance. Results: Successful training was completed on the 229 cases in the training set and then applied to predict the complication probability of each individual in the held-out performance testing cases. The model provided a complication sensitivity of 100% and identified all the patients who later developed complications after EVAR. Of 36 patients without complications, 16 (44%) were falsely predicted to develop complications. The results therefore demonstrated excellent sensitivity for identifying patients who would benefit from more stringent surveillance and decrease the frequency of surveillance in 56% of patients unlike to develop complications. Conclusion: AI models can be developed to predict the risk of post-operative complications with high accuracy. Compared to existing methods, the model developed in this study did not require any expert-annotated data but only the AAA CTA images as inputs. This model can play an assistive role in identifying patients at high risk for post-EVAR complications and the need for greater compliance in surveillance.

Safety and Efficacy of Combining Saphenous Endovenous Laser Ablation and Varicose Veins Foam Sclerotherapy: An Analysis on 5500 Procedures in Patients With Advance Chronic Venous Disease (C3-C6).

BACKGROUND: endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) represents the gold standard in treating both great and small saphenous veins (GSV and SSV) incompetence. To achieve a "no-scalpel" procedure in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI, CEAP C3-C6), concomitant phlebectomies could be replaced by ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) into varicose tributaries. The aim of this study is to present a single-centre experience on EVLA + UGFS for patients with CVI secondary to varicose veins and saphenous trunk incompetence, analysing ling-term outcomes. METHODS: all consecutive patients with CVI and treated by EVLA + UGFS from 2010 to 2022 were included in the analysis. EVLA was performed using a 1470-nm diode laser (LASEmaR® 1500, Eufoton, Trieste, Italy), adapting the linear endovenous energy density (LEED) depending on saphenous trunk diameter. Tessari method was used for UGFS. Patients were evaluated clinically and by duplex scanning at 1, 3 and 6 months, and annually up to 4 years, to assess treatment efficacy and adverse reactions. RESULTS: 5500 procedures in 4895 patients (3818 women, 1077 men) with a mean age of 51.4 years were analysed during the study period. A total of 3950 GSVs and 1550 SSVs were treated with EVLA + UGFS (C3 59%, C4 23%, C5 17% and C6 1%). Neither deep vein thrombosis nor pulmonary embolism were detected during follow-up, as well as superficial burns. Ecchymoses (7%), transitory paraesthesia (2%), palpable vein induration/superficial vein thrombosis (15%) and transient dyschromia (1%) were registered. Saphenous and tributaries closure rate at 30 days, 1 and 4 years were 99.1%, 98.3% and 97.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: EVLA + UGFS for an extremely minimally invasive procedure appears to be a safe technique, with only minor effects and acceptable long-term outcomes, in patients with CVI. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm the role of this combined therapy in such patients.

Preparing Patients for Body Contouring Surgery and Postoperative Surveillance for Deep Venous Thrombosis.

This article highlights the importance of the preoperative evaluation and considerations necessary in preparing patients for body contouring surgery after massive weight loss (MWL). The importance of evaluating such factors as body mass index stabilization, medical comorbidities, nutritional optimization, social factors, deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, and postoperative surveillance is critically important. Patients undergoing body contouring surgery after MWL are at increased risk of thromboembolic events, and prophylactic measures should be taken to minimize this risk. Overall, a thorough preoperative evaluation is essential to ensure patient safety, optimize surgical outcomes, and address the unique challenges presented by the MWL patient population.

Post-Transplant Management and Complications of Autoimmune Hepatitis, Primary Biliary Cholangitis, and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis including Disease Recurrence.

Autoimmune liver diseases have unique post-transplant considerations. These recipients are at increased risk of rejection, and recurrent disease may also develop, which can progress to graft loss and increase mortality. Monitoring for and managing these complications is therefore important, though data on associated risk factors and immunosuppression strategies has in most cases been mixed. There are also other disease-specific complications that require management and may impact these decisions, including inflammatory bowel disease in PSC. Further work to better understand the optimal management strategies for these patients post-transplant is needed.

Treatment of Autoimmune Hepatitis.

The goal of autoimmune hepatitis treatment is to achieve clinical and biochemical remission, which is associated with significantly improved outcomes. Induction treatment with corticosteroids and the subsequent addition of steroid-sparing therapy with gradual tapering of corticosteroids remains the standard of care. Several alternatives to azathioprine and second-line agents, such as mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, sirolimus, or rituximab, have been evaluated in those with intolerance or inadequate response to standard-of-care therapy. Treatment withdrawal is achievable in less than 20% of patients after 2 years of sustained remission. Liver transplantation should be considered in those with progressive liver disease or those with complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma.

Navigating the Challenges of Total Ankle Replacement: Deformity Correction and Infection Considerations.

In recent years, total ankle replacement (TAR) has gained widespread acceptance as a surgical treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. This shift is due to notable improvements in implant design, surgical instrumentation, technique, and surgeon expertise, resulting in high levels of patient satisfaction comparable to ankle fusion. Additionally, indications for TAR have expanded to include advanced deformities that were previously considered unsuitable for the procedure, making ankle arthrodesis the only option. Despite these advancements, TAR still carries a higher complication rate compared to other ankle surgeries. The complex anatomy of the ankle, coupled with limited soft tissue, presents significant challenges in managing complications associated with TAR.

Imaging of Drug-Related Vasculopathy.

Illicit and recreational drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, and marijuana, can result in drug-related vasculitis or vasculopathy. Similarly, the use of certain antithyroid, oncologic, and immunosuppressive medications for therapeutic purposes can lead to vasculopathy. This in turn may result in significant complications in the central nervous system, including intracranial hemorrhage and stroke. Cocaine abuse can also lead to midline destructive lesions of the sinonasal complex. MR imaging, Vessel Wall imaging, and CT/CTA are valuable imaging tools for the evaluation of patients with suspected drug-induced vasculopathy or vasculitis. This article reviews the pathomechanism, clinical presentation, and imaging findings of vasculopathy related to drug abuse and prescribed medications.

Cotinine concentrations in maternal serum and amniotic fluid during pregnancy and risk of testicular germ cell cancer in the offspring: A prospective nested case-control study.

Maternal smoking in pregnancy may increase the risk of testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC) in offspring, but current evidence remains inconclusive. We performed a nested case-control study using cotinine measurements in maternal serum and amniotic fluid as a biomarker for tobacco exposure during pregnancy. A total of 654 males with maternal serum (n = 359, ncases/controls = 71/288) and/or amniotic fluid (n = 295, ncases/controls = 66/229) samples were included. Data on TGCC diagnoses and relevant covariates were derived from nationwide Danish health registries. Cotinine was quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. An adapted cox regression model estimated the risk of TGCC considering active and inactive tobacco use defined according to cotinine concentrations of <, ≥15 ng/ml. Overall, the concentrations of cotinine were comparable in maternal serum and amniotic fluid (medianserum/amniotic fluid : 2.1/2.6 ng/ml). A strong statistically significant correlation was detected in 14 paired samples (Spearman rho: 0.85). Based on maternal serum cotinine concentrations, exposure to active tobacco use was not associated with risk of TGCC in offspring (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.51; 1.52). Similarly, based on amniotic fluid cotinine concentrations, exposure to active tobacco use was not associated with risk of TGCC (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.64; 1.95). However, different risks were observed for seminomas and nonseminomas in both matrices, but none were statistically significant. Our findings did not provide convincing evidence supporting that exposure to tobacco during pregnancy is associated with TGCC.

Association between dietary intake of acrylamide and increased risk of mortality in women: Evidence from the E3N prospective cohort.

Acrylamide is an organic compound classified as probably carcinogenic to humans because of sufficient evidence in animals but not in humans. Other health risks associated with acrylamide intake are still not fully elucidated. We aimed to study the relationship between acrylamide dietary intake and mortality in the E3N (Etude Epidémiologique auprès de femmes de l'Education Nationale) French cohort. We studied 72,585 women of the E3N prospective cohort, which completed a food frequency questionnaire in 1993. The E3N food consumption database and the food contamination database obtained from the second French total diet study were used to estimate participants' average daily acrylamide dietary intake. We estimated the associations between acrylamide dietary intake and all-cause or cause-specific mortality using Cox proportional hazard models. During follow-up (1993-2014), we identified 6441 deaths. The mean acrylamide dietary intake was 32.6 µg/day, with coffee consumption as principal contributor (48.6 %). In the fully adjusted model, we found a non-linear association between acrylamide dietary intake and all-cause mortality and a linear positive association with cardiovascular disease (HR per one STD increment [95%CI]: 1.11 [1.02; 1.21]), all-cancer (HR [95%CI]: 1.05 [1.01; 1.10]) and lung cancer (HR [95%CI]: 1.22 [1.09; 1.38]) mortality, while we observed no association with breast (HR [95%CI]: 0.94 [0.86; 1.03]) and colorectal (HR [95%CI]: 1.12 [0.97; 1.29]) cancer mortality. We highlighted an interaction between acrylamide dietary intake and smoking status in the models for all-cause and all-cancer mortality: when stratifying on smoking status, statistically significant positive associations were observed only in current smokers. This study on a large prospective cohort following more than 70,000 women for over 20 years suggests that higher acrylamide dietary intakes are associated with an increased risk of mortality. Therefore, it is essential to keep reducing acrylamide contamination and prevent dietary intake of acrylamide, especially among smokers.

Global association between air pollution and COVID-19 mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenge for global public health systems and exacerbates existing health disparities. Epidemiological evidence suggested a potential linkage between particulate and gaseous pollutants and COVID-19 mortality. We aimed to summarize the overall risk of COVID-19 mortality associated with ambient air pollutants over the short- and long-term. METHODS: For the systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched five databases for studies evaluating the risk of COVID-19 mortality from exposure to air pollution. Inclusion of articles was assessed independently on the basis of research topic and availability of effect estimates. The risk estimates (relative risk) for each pollutant were pooled with a random-effect model. Potential heterogeneity was explored by subgroup analysis. Funnel plots and trim-and-fill methods were employed to assess and adjust for publication bias. FINDINGS: The systematic review retrieved 2059 records, and finally included 43 original studies. PM2.5 (RR: 1.71, 95 % CI: 1.40-2.08, per 10 µg/m3 increase), NO2 (RR: 1.33, 1.07-1.65, per 10 ppb increase) and O3 (RR: 1.61, 1.00-2.57, per 10 ppb increase) were positively associated with COVID-19 mortality for long-term exposures. Accordingly, a higher risk of COVID-19 mortality was associated with PM2.5 (1.05, 1.02-1.08), PM10 (1.05, 1.01-1.08), and NO2 (1.40, 1.04-1.90) for short-term exposures. There was some heterogeneity across subgroups of income level and geographical areas. CONCLUSION: Both long-term and short-term exposures to ambient air pollution may increase the risk of COVID-19 mortality. Future studies utilizing individual-level information on demographics, exposures, outcome ascertainment and confounders are warranted to improve the accuracy of estimates.

Subcellular responses of fish cells to sewage effluents: Cell line-based and whole-animal based approaches.

Acute toxicity determination is essential in the ecological risk assessment. Traditionally, acute toxicity testing requires substantial numbers of animals and uses death as an apical end point which requires large number of experimental animals and takes days to obtain the results. Application of fish cell lines can provide a possible alternative to traditional acute toxicity test. However, cell-based assay may show several orders of magnitude less sensitive than the animal-based results. Some changes in cellular organelles could have the sensitivity in responding to pollutants. For this reason, a cell-based fluorescent assay was developed using rabbitfish fin cells as model and fluorescent probes to visualize the subcellular responses. The subcellular responses under sewage effluents exposure were captured by confocal microscopy. These cellular responses were quantified and several subcellular indexes represented the toxicity. The optimized assay was then used to determine the toxicity of sewage effluents displaying toxicity to aquatic animals. Through visualization of cellular responses, we further screened several cellular indexes including lysosomal number and mitochondrial size which had a good linear relationship with sewage effluents content. Besides, these cellular indexes had a good agreement between in vivo and in vitro results, demonstrating the accuracy of cellular parameters in representing the acute toxicity of sewage effluents. The developed cell-based testing assay presented here has the characteristics of a faster and cheaper method, which does not require complex facilities and large amount of testing samples. The developed assay may be further applied in predicting the acute toxicity to sewage effluents.

Motor cortex repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in major depressive disorder - A preliminary randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) at left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC) is commonly used in major depressive disorder (MDD), even though its therapeutic efficacy is limited. Given that many MDD patients show psychomotor retardation, we aim to examine whether the left motor cortex (lMC) as a novel rTMS target would provide effective and well-tolerated treatment as being comparable to lDLPFC-rTMS. METHODS: In this prospective double-blind randomized single-center study, 131 MDD patients were randomly assigned to the lDLPFC or lMC group and were treated with 10 Hz rTMS (90 % motor threshold) applied twice daily for 4000 pulses continuously over five days. The primary endpoint was the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) total score change after treatment. RESULTS: After the five-day rTMS treatment, there was no significant difference in both HAMD reduction rate (lDLPFC 59.3 % ± 20.4 %, lMC 51.3 % ± 26.3 %, P = 0.10) and adverse effects (P = 0.79) between 48 (73.8 %) lMC subjects and 51 (77.3 %) lDLPFC subjects. Furthermore, the lMC study group showed stable HAMD scores at follow-up compared to their endpoint scores (P = 0.08). LIMITATIONS: Sham-control group was not included and the sample size was small. Therefore, our results should be seen as exploratory and preliminary. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary good therapeutic response, comparability, and tolerability of lMC-rTMS suggest lMC a potential and more easily accessible rTMS target. Together, our findings raise the possibility of symptom-specific rTMS in motor cortex (psychomotor retardation) or lDLPFC (cognitive deficits). This warrants larger clinical trials of rTMS in MDD with symptom-specific stimulation targets.