A computed tomography study investigating the effects of botulinum toxin injections prior to complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

Objective: To explore how intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin A (BTA) affects the lateral abdominal wall (LAW) musculature, abdominal- and hernia dimensions, and muscle structure on computed tomography (CT) in patients scheduled for complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR).

Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively registered patients who received bilateral intramuscular BTA injections into all three muscles of the LAW. Only patients for which a CT was available before and 3-6 weeks after BTA treatment prior to surgery were analyzed.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of technical aspects and clinical outcomes of botulinum toxin prior to abdominal wall reconstruction.

Purpose: To systematically review technical aspects and treatment regimens of botulinum toxin A (BTA) injections in the lateral abdominal wall musculature. We also investigated the effect of BTA on abdominal muscle- and hernia dimensions, and clinical outcome.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL were searched for studies that investigate the injection of BTA in the lateral abdominal wall muscles.

Outcomes of mid-term and long-term degradable biosynthetic meshes in single-stage open complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

Objective: To assess clinical outcomes in patients that underwent open single-stage complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR) with biosynthetic mesh.

Methods: Retrospective observational study of two prospectively registered series of consecutive patients undergoing CAWR with either long-term degradable (LTD) Phasix or mid-term degradable (MTD) BIO-A biosynthetic mesh in a single institution between June 2016 and December 2019.

Results: From 169 patients with CAWR, 70 consecutive patients were identified who underwent CAWR with either LTD or MTD biosynthetic mesh.

Sound detection by the American lobster ().

Although many crustaceans produce sounds, their hearing abilities and mechanisms are poorly understood, leaving uncertainties regarding whether or how these animals use sound for acoustic communication. Marine invertebrates lack gas-filled organs required for sound pressure detection, but some of them are known to be sensitive to particle motion. Here, we examined whether the American lobster () could detect sound and subsequently sought to discern the auditory mechanisms.

Validation of a Scoring System to Distinguish Uncomplicated From Complicated Appendicitis.

Background: Studies have shown that uncomplicated appendicitis can be treated conservatively with antibiotics. It is important to select only those patients with uncomplicated appendicitis when considering conservative management. Recently, a scoring system based on clinical evaluation and ultrasound was developed to improve this selection and aid in shared decision making when considering an antibiotics-first strategy.