Early outcomes for fenestrated and chimney endografts in the treatment of pararenal aortic pathologies are not significantly different: a systematic review with pooled data analysis.

Purpose: To compare short-term outcomes between fenestrated and chimney endografts for pararenal aortic pathologies.

Methods: An English-language literature search up to January 2012 found 129 articles evaluating the immediate outcomes of endovascular repair of degenerative juxta-/suprarenal aortic aneurysms, type I endoleaks, and para-anastomotic aneurysms using the chimney technique or fenestrated endografts. Data concerning thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, ruptured aneurysms, and reports with <5 cases were excluded (n=84).

The downregulation of Mcl-1 via USP9X inhibition sensitizes solid tumors to Bcl-xl inhibition.

Background: It has been shown in many solid tumors that the overexpression of the pro-survival Bcl-2 family members Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 confers resistance to a variety of chemotherapeutic agents. Mcl-1 is a critical survival protein in a variety of cell lineages and is critically regulated via ubiquitination.

Methods: The Mcl-1, Bcl-xL and USP9X expression patterns in human lung and colon adenocarcinomas were evaluated via immunohistochemistry.

New EVAR devices: pros and cons.

The first randomized controlled trials comparing the two procedures (EVAR versus open repair) for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms showed considerably better short-term outcomes and on the other side higher rates of device-associated reinterventions and remarkable financial burden in the endovascular arm. In the meantime, specialists experience and expertise have been improved significantly. To solve the reported drawbacks and to prevent endografts-associated complications, safer fixation features, lower profile, more flexible design and new revolutionary release and deployment mechanisms of stent-grafts have been also developed and established over the last years.

Rectal prolapse in the elderly: trends in surgical management and outcomes from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

Background: Full thickness rectal prolapse (FTRP) is managed with an abdominal or perineal operation. Traditionally, the approach has been determined by patient age and comorbidities. Our aim was to determine operative trends and outcomes for repair of FTRP in elderly patients using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database.

Noncosmetic benefits of single-incision laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease: a case-matched comparison with multiport laparoscopic technique.

Background: Single-incision laparoscopic (SIL) colectomy has gained significant momentum with anticipated benefit of improved cosmesis. Feasibility and safety of SIL colectomy have been shown; however, benefits are not well defined. The purpose of this study is to directly compare outcomes of SIL sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease with standard multiport laparoscopic (LAP) technique.

A mouse model for triple-negative breast cancer tumor-initiating cells (TNBC-TICs) exhibits similar aggressive phenotype to the human disease.

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibit characteristics quite distinct from other kinds of breast cancer, presenting as an aggressive disease--recurring and metastasizing more often than other kinds of breast cancer, without tumor-specific treatment options and accounts for 15% of all types of breast cancer with higher percentages in premenopausal African-American and Hispanic women. The reason for this aggressive phenotype is currently the focus of intensive research. However, progress is hampered by the lack of suitable TNBC cell model systems.

3D volumetry comparison using 3T magnetic resonance imaging between normal and adenoma-containing pituitary glands.

Background: Computed-assisted three-dimensional data (3D) allows for an accurate evaluation of volumes compared with traditional measurements.

Aims: An in vitro method comparison between geometric volume and 3D volumetry to obtain reference data for pituitary volumes in normal pituitary glands (PGs) and PGs containing adenomas.

Design: Prospective, transverse, analytical study.

Treatment of imported New World cutaneous leishmaniasis in Germany.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), a parasitic disease which represents a public health problem, particularly in Central and South America, has become a leading condition in travelers who return from tropical countries with skin disorders. Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, the most common causative agent, requires systemic treatment because it is potentially able to disseminate and to cause mucosal or mucocutaneous disease. Although several drugs are available for the systemic treatment of leishmaniases, a definitive treatment regimen for infection caused by species of the Viannia subgenus has yet to be established in many countries, including Germany.

Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy for cancer: assessment of oncologic resection and short-term outcomes in a case-matched comparison with standard laparoscopy.

Purpose: To compare single-incision laparoscopic (SIL) with multiport laparoscopic (LAP) colectomy in patients with colon cancer to assess oncologic resection and 1-year outcomes.

Methods: We compared patients who underwent SIL colectomy for colon cancer with an equal number of case-matched LAP colectomy patients based on age, gender, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, previous abdominal operations, and operation type. Results of oncologic resection included lymph node (LN) yield and margins.

Quantitation of heat-shock proteins in clinical samples using mass spectrometry.

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical tool for proteomics research and drug and biomarker discovery. MS enables identification and quantification of known and unknown compounds by revealing their structural and chemical properties. Proper sample preparation for MS-based analysis is a critical step in the proteomics workflow because the quality and reproducibility of sample extraction and preparation for downstream analysis significantly impact the separation and identification capabilities of mass spectrometers.

Combined lentiviral and RNAi technologies for the delivery and permanent silencing of the hsp25 gene.

Elevated heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) expression has been found in a number of tumors, including breast, prostate, gastric, uterine, ovarian, head and neck, and tumor arising from the nervous system and urinary system, and determined to be a predictor of poor clinical outcome. Although the mechanism of action of Hsp27 has been well documented, there are currently no available inhibitors of Hsp27 in clinical trials. RNA interference (RNAi) has the potential to offer more specificity and flexibility than traditional drugs to silence gene expression.

Treatment of a late second-trimester incarcerated uterus using ultrasound-guided manual reduction.

Background: Incarcerated gravid uterus diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation is extremely rare and carries significant morbidity to the fetus and mother.

Case: A 33-year-old woman presented at 21 weeks of gestation with urinary retention. Ultrasonography was performed and a diagnosis of an incarcerated gravid uterus was confirmed using magnetic resonance imaging.

Chondrosarcoma of the thorax.

Although a rare entity, chondrosarcoma is the most common malignant tumor of the chest wall. Most patients present with an enlarging, painful anterior chest wall mass arising from the costochondrosternal junction. CT scan with intravenous contrast is the gold standard radiographic study for diagnosis and operative planning.

An image-based approach to understanding the physics of MR artifacts.

As clinical magnetic resonance (MR) imaging becomes more versatile and more complex, it is increasingly difficult to develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the physical principles that govern the changing technology. This is particularly true for practicing radiologists, whose primary obligation is to interpret clinical images and not necessarily to understand complex equations describing the underlying physics. Nevertheless, the physics of MR imaging plays an important role in clinical practice because it determines image quality, and suboptimal image quality may hinder accurate diagnosis.

Alterations in pelvic floor muscles and pelvic organ support by pregnancy and vaginal delivery in squirrel monkeys.

Introduction And Hypothesis: The objective of this study was to measure the effects of pregnancy and parturition on pelvic floor muscles and pelvic organ support.

Methods: Levator ani, obturator internus, and coccygeus (COC) muscle volumes and contrast uptake were assessed by MRI of seven females prior to pregnancy, 3 days, and 4 months postpartum. Bladder neck and cervix position were measured dynamically with abdominal squeezing.

Topical nitroglycerin: a promising treatment option for chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis.

Background: Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is a painful nodule that often interferes with sleep and occurs on the helix or antihelix of the ear in older patients. Although several case reports describe a variety of seemingly effective surgical and conservative treatment options, well-studied treatment modalities have varying efficacy rates and can often demonstrate disappointing results.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 2% topical nitroglycerin for the treatment of CNH.

Pediatric endoscopic airway management with posterior cricoid rib grafting.

Objectives/hypothesis: To confirm and extend reported successful treatment of posterior glottic stenosis in pediatric patients using endoscopic laser division of the posterior cricoid plate with augmentation using costal cartilage.

Study Design: A retrospective chart review and case series.

Methods: Medical records were examined to determine the surgical indications, outcomes, and postoperative complications of this procedure.

Single-incision laparoscopic right colectomy: a case-matched comparison with standard laparoscopic and hand-assisted laparoscopic techniques.

Background: Single-incision laparoscopic (SIL) colectomy is an advance in minimally invasive colorectal surgical techniques. Feasibility and safety of SIL colectomy has been reported; however, benefits and outcomes are not well-defined. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of SIL right colectomy with multiport laparoscopic (LAP) and hand-assisted laparoscopic (HAL) techniques.

An effective team approach to improve postoperative hip fracture care.

Objective: To develop an initiative using standardized discharge orders to improve the posthip fracture care of patients aged 50 years or older.

Design: Prospective nonrandomized study.

Setting: Hospital orthopaedic service.