A Reproducible Method for Donor Site Computed Tomography Measurements in Abdominally Based Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

We present an approach for evaluating abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans that generates reproducible measures relevant to donor site morbidity after abdominally based breast reconstruction. Seventeen preoperative CT metrics were measured in 20 patients with software: interanterior superior iliac spine distance; abdominal wall protrusion; interrectus distance; rectus abdominis width, thickness, and width-to-thickness ratio; abdominal wall thickness; subcutaneous fat volume; visceral fat volume; right/left psoas volumes and densities; and right/left rectus abdominis volumes and densities. Two operators performed measures to determine interrater reliability (n = 10).

Development of a core outcome set for psychological therapy trials on acute psychiatric inpatient wards.

Background: Consensus on what outcomes should be included in trials of psychological therapies on acute psychiatric inpatient wards is currently lacking. Inclusion of different viewpoints, including service user perspectives, is crucial in ensuring that future trials measure outcomes which are meaningful and important. Development of a Core Outcome Set (COS), a minimum standardised set of outcomes to be measured and reported, would help improve synthesis and interpretation of clinical trial data in this area.

Status of sperm mitochondrial functions and DNA methylation in infertile men with clinical varicocele before and after treatment.

Varicocele has been associated with reduced male fertility potential. Treatment modalities for varicocele improve semen parameters, yet more than 50% of cases remain infertile. Varicocele-induced heat and hypoxia stress may affect sperm mitochondrial functions, possibly leading to aberrant epigenetic modifications.