Small bowel obstruction secondary to endometriosis is extremely rare. This etiology is reported in 0.10% of cases and diagnosed incidentally.

32-year old female, critically ill patient was diagnosed with small bowel obstruction. After medical stabilization of multiple comorbidities, diagnostic laparoscopy was done and converted to open right ileocolectomy with ileo-transverse anastomosis. Definite diagnosis was ileal obstruction caused by transmural endometriosis. The patient’s recovery was uneventful. At one-year follow-up, she remains asymptomatic.

We present the uncommon case of ileal obstruction due to transmural endometriosis that was treated surgically. We also present current literature review focusing on diagnostic and treatment methods of this rare disease.

Endometriosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of small bowel obstruction. The treatment of choice is bowel resection.

Endometriosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of small bowel obstruction. The treatment of choice is bowel resection.

Malignant triton tumors (MTT) are rare but highly aggressive tumors that originate from the Schwann cells. These tumors can occur in any part of the body, mostly present late and carry poor prognosis.

We present a 24-year-old man with a rectal MTT causing non-specific abdominal pain and recurring ileus. The MRI showed a rectal mass near the urinary bladder with compression on the seminal vesical. A complete surgical resection of the tumor was performed. The immunohistological report confirmed a rectal MTT. Because of persistent ileus during the post-operative palliative chemotherapy, another tumor debulking was performed. The patient died 9 months after the diagnosis of MTT due to local recurrence under chemotherapy.

MTTs are uncommon tumors in young age with high morbidity and mortality because of local recurrence also after complete resection.

MTTs are uncommon tumors in young age with high morbidity and mortality because of local recurrence also after complete resection.

There are some reports of tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) entrapment/impingement from bony factors, including exostosis and fragment, but there are no reports on TTS with traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle that were treated with osteophyte excision for TTS and arthroscopic arthrodesis for osteoarthritis of the ankle.

A 61-year-old woman with left trimalleolar fracture had undergone surgery 3 years earlier and was referred to our hospital for further investigation of persistent left ankle pain and numbness around the left medial malleolus and plantar aspect of the foot. Clinical examination demonstrated plantar hypesthesia and a positive Tinel’s sign at the tarsal tunnel. Imaging showed severe osteoarthritic change in the ankle and an osteophyte of the posteromedial distal tibia that appeared to be impinging on the tibial nerve. We performed arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis, which is less invasive than the open procedure, with removal of the osteophyte as the cause of TTS. Tarsal tunnel exploration revealed a large osteophyte pushing on the tibial nerve, and the osteophyte was removed.

About 8 weeks after surgery, bony union was achieved. At the 2-year follow-up visit, the patient could perform daily activities with almost no pain or numbness. This case offers further insight into the management of TTS with traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle.

We report here successful treatment of a rare case of tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) accompanied with traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle, treated with osteophyte excision for the TTS and arthroscopic for the osteoarthritis.

We report here successful treatment of a rare case of tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) accompanied with traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle, treated with osteophyte excision for the TTS and arthroscopic for the osteoarthritis.

Iatrogenic damage to the ureter as a result of an abdominal or pelvic surgical procedure is unusual. However, it does occur and the surgeon must be prepared to deal knowledgeably with the injury. Leaks that are recognized within the operating theater are managed, for the most part, at the same surgical procedure oftentimes with urologic consultation. A delayed leak presents unique problems in that direct access to the site of the leak is not possible except by a reoperative procedure. Delayed leaks present a clinical situation involving the urologist, interventional radiologist, as well as the surgeon.

A patient who developed delayed urine leakage following a partial sacrectomy to remove recurrent mucinous appendiceal malignancy was studied. The leakage was controlled using a nephroureteral stent. Placement of the nephroureteral stent was made possible by the rendezvous procedure.

The sequence of procedures to reestablish ureteral continuity following a delayed leak are important in the successful placement of a nephroureteral stent. After establishing the site of the injury a percutaneous nephrostomy must be placed. Then, through the nephrostomy, a guidewire is placed in the ureter to be recovered and advanced into the bladder using a ureteroscope and grasping forceps. A nephroureteral stent is placed over the guidewire to bridge the gap and stent the ureteral defect.

The rendezvous procedure can be successful a large percentage of the time with a delayed ureteral leakage. Successful recovery of a guidewire in the ureter by ureteroscopy requires a combined interventional radiology and urologic procedure.

The rendezvous procedure can be successful a large percentage of the time with a delayed ureteral leakage. Successful recovery of a guidewire in the ureter by ureteroscopy requires a combined interventional radiology and urologic procedure.

The simultaneous appearance of several primary cancers is rare.

We report the case of a 77-year-old man admitted to the Mohammed V military hospital in Rabat (university hospital) and presenting severe dysuria on the PSA test which was 10.83 ng / ml. The prostate MRI performed revealed a suspected lesion. He had left renal colic associated with hematuria two weeks later. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis performed revealed a 14 × 12 mm middle and lower calyx excretory tract tumor on the left and a 27.6 × 26.4 lower right polar kidney tumor enhanced after injection of product from contrast. The prostate biopsy confirmed an adenocarcinoma of the prostate. He first underwent a left nephroureterectomy for the tumor of the excretory tract, followed by radiotherapy combined with hormone therapy for his adenocarcinoma. It was decided to monitor the tumor of the right kidney.

The literature contains only a few case reports and reviews of patients with three or more synchronous malignancies. We report the case of a man in whom three different cancers were found over a period of three months. The patient had no significant medical history, such as a family history of cancer or chemotherapy other than old age and chronic smoking. Therefore, we suggest that these factors may favor the occurrence of several synchronous primary cancers.

There is no consensus on the treatment of multiple malignant tumors. Patient care is individual, by a multidisciplinary team, accounting for the type and the stage of each tumor with a more conservative approach.

There is no consensus on the treatment of multiple malignant tumors. Patient care is individual, by a multidisciplinary team, accounting for the type and the stage of each tumor with a more conservative approach.

Minimally invasive oesophagectomy is one of the options in the armamentarium of a modern surgeon when faced with treating oesophageal cancer. Trinidad and Tobago has successfully treated a patient using this method. This case report adds to the rich surgical history in the Caribbean.

Our patient presented with progressive dysphagia, and after being worked up was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. He underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and had a minimally invasive McKeown oesophagectomy done by a fellowship trained, advanced laparoscopic oesophageal and gastric surgeon.

The patient had an uneventful recovery and was tumor free with excellent quality of life at 4 years, showing that the Caribbean is keeping up with the rest of the surgical world.

The patient had an uneventful recovery and was tumor free with excellent quality of life at 4 years, showing that the Caribbean is keeping up with the rest of the surgical world.

Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) is a recently described rare tumor of the pancreas. Diagnostic approach and treatment are based on relatively few cases.

Here we report a case of a 68-year-old male presenting with an ampullary adenoma with high grade dysplasia who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy and was incidentally found to have an ITPN at the pancreatic resection margin with areas of microinvasion throughout the resected specimen. He went on to rapidly develop an invasive adenocarcinoma arising in association with recurrent ITPN in the remnant pancreas requiring a completion total pancreatectomy.

Patients with ITPN present with non-specific symptoms and diagnosis can be challenging. Radiographic evaluation will reveal tumor ingrowth into the main pancreatic duct and distal duct dilatation without upstream dilation or mucinous engorgement. ITPNs are treated with formal resection given that determination of an invasive component can be difficult and the risk of malignant transformation. Following resection, recurrences are infrequent and 5-year survival is over 70 % even with microinvasion.

ITPNs can follow a variable clinical course but hold the potential for malignant transformation. When ITPN is incidentally found at a pancreatic resection margin, we recommend completion resection due to the risk of local recurrence.

ITPNs can follow a variable clinical course but hold the potential for malignant transformation. When ITPN is incidentally found at a pancreatic resection margin, we recommend completion resection due to the risk of local recurrence.

Iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia after laparoscopic left adrenalectomy has been rarely reported in adults. Surgery is the preferred treatment because of the risks of incarceration, strangulation and pulmonary complications.

An elderly woman with parasternal diaphragmatic hernia has been successfully treated by robotic repair with mesh placement. The short-term follow-up showed that there was no recurrence or any symptoms after the intervention.

Iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia is a rare complication occurring after abdominal or thoracic surgery. The diagnosis could be challenging because of the presence of chronic symptoms. Computed tomography can be considered the gold standard technique to assess the correct diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernias in the majority of cases. Patients with chronic symptomatic hernia should undergo surgical repair of defect. Robotic technology because of its enhanced precision and the endowrist movement of the robotic arms, facilitates the dissection near the esophago-gastric junction and the other important adjacent structures.

Robotic technology seems to be a valid approach for the repair of diaphragmatic defects, even if this remains a high cost-related procedure.

Robotic technology seems to be a valid approach for the repair of diaphragmatic defects, even if this remains a high cost-related procedure.

Double myelomeningocele are rare pathologies, with multiple cases described in developing countries. Causative factors are multifactorial, with folate deficiency as a leading associated factor. We describe a case of double myelomeningocele in the upper thoracic and thoracolumbar spine associated with split cord malformation, with emphasis on imaging appearance of this case.

This is a full-term newborn baby boy delivered through a cesarean section due to an antenatal diagnosis of multiple myelomeningoceles in the upper thoracic and thoracolumbar spine. The baby was operated 24 h after delivery to repair the defects and insert a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt for associated hydrocephalus. The baby tolerated the operation well and is being followed and managed by a multi-disciplinary team.

Antenatal screening for myelomeningocele is paramount for prompt management. Multiple myelomeningoceles are uncommon, yet their management remains similar to single myelomeningocele.

Antenatal screening for myelomeningocele is paramount for prompt management. Multiple myelomeningoceles are uncommon, yet their management remains similar to single myelomeningocele.

Insertion of an Intra gastric Balloon (IGB) has widely been used as a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of obesity. Gastric balloons are usually inserted for a period of six months only. They have a high safety profile and one of their rare, reported, serious complications include gastric or esophageal perforation, which are usually early and require immediate operative management.

We report a 26-year-old lady who presented to the ED with signs and symptoms of acute abdomen and five-year history of endoscopic placement of Intra-gastric Balloon. Emergent endoscopic removal of the balloon revealed a large pressure ulcer at gastric incisura with central necrosis. Laparoscopy confirmed gastric perforation along lesser curvature with extensive soilage of peritoneal cavity. Extensive irrigation and drainage and Graham omental patch repair were carried out laparoscopically, and the perforation sealed satisfactorily. She recovered well from surgery and within days she was tolerating a diet. Broad speualize the perforation followed by a laparoscopic approach to repair the defect if expertise is available.Giant cell tumours, though benign, are locally aggressive bone tumours with a relatively high recurrence rate. These usually occur in distal radius, distal femur, proximal tibia and humerus. Treatment options for contained lesions at these sites include joint preservation procedures such as extended curettage with cementing or bone graft. GCT in spine, calcaneum and distal ulna are rare, with no uniform consensus regarding the ideal treatment. Here we report two cases of GCT distal ulna managed with extended curettage and polymethylmethacrylate cementing showing good functional and radiological outcomes without signs of recurrence during 2 years follow up.

Traumatic Arteriovenous Fistulas (AVFs) are a rare complication of vascular injuries and pose a problem of topographic diagnosis and therapeutic management. Delayed treatment may cause cardiac and trophic complications.

We describe 4 cases of AVFs complicating stab wounds of the lower limb, associated in 2 cases with pseudoaneurysms.

In two cases we performed a surgical repair, whereas in the other 2 patients we choose an endovascular treatment with wall graft stent placement.

All traumatic AVFs must be treated to avoid vascular, local and general complications. Using both techniques, we had great results with no complications.

All traumatic AVFs must be treated to avoid vascular, local and general complications. Using both techniques, we had great results with no complications.

Psoas muscle abscess is rare and can become more complicated to treat after they have progressed to necrotizing fasciitis. The data of secondary psoas muscle abscess cause by ingested toothpick are limited in the literature. We have done an extensive literature review and found a number of 8 cases (including our new case) of ingested toothpicks causing iliopsoas muscle abscess.

We present a 70-year-old man with unremarkable medical history experienced left flank pain for several days with radiated to left thigh and unable to walk. He initially exhibited drowsiness at emergency department with fever and chillness. Computed tomography showed iliopsoas abscess and necrotizing fasciitis. This patient received emergent surgical debridement and a toothpick was found lodged in the deep portion of the left psoas muscle. He was tolerated to the treatment and discharged on 58 days after the operation.

A review of the literature revealed only eight reported cases since 1946 (including ours) of ingested toothpicks priate early surgical intervention is recommended.

Esophageal neurofibroma is a rare benign esophageal neoplasm. With very few cases documented in the literature, not much is known about the demographics and clinicopathologic features of this tumor. This study was aimed at presenting a case report of an esophageal neurofibroma, and to conduct a systematic review of published cases.

This review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Literature search was conducted through PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Databases from inception until May 2020 for all histologically confirmed cases of esophageal neurofibroma.

28 cases, including the newly reported case, were included in the review. The mean age at diagnosis was 53.3 years ±12.1. 53.6% were male. Dysphagia was the most common presenting symptom (53.6%). Most of the reported cases involved the upper esophagus (39.3%). The most utilized diagnostic test was esophagogastroduodenoscopy (57.1%). The mean tumor size was 6.1 cm ± 5.1. Preoperative biopsy was done for 9 cases, out of which seven were negatile and should be considered when the expertise is available.

Intussusception can occur anywhere in the small and large bowel, ileocolic intussusception is the most common type in adult and there are few reported cases of jejunojejunal intussusception. Here we report a case of jejunojejunal intussusception due to an iatrogenic lead point at the feeding jejunostomy closure site.

In 2019 we received a 63-year-old female complaining of abdominal pain, constipation, and repeated vomiting for five days. On physical examination, she was dehydrated, in pain, and had a nasogastric tube that was draining bilious fluid. The abdomen was tender, there was a long midline incision with tension sutures at the lower of incision. CT of the abdomen showed ileoileal intussusception. Proper resuscitation and preoperative preparation were done. During exploratory laparotomy, there was jejunojejunal intussusception. The intussusception was reduced gently and completely. Resection of the lead point segment done with end to end anastomosis. The patient recovered uneventfully and discharged home on the 5

postoperative day. The patient followed up after one and three months with no complications.

During the closure of the feeding jejunostomy site by hand-sewn technique, over invagination of the second (seromuscular) layer of the wall of the jejunum might become so thick at the site of the closure that it acts as a lead point for intussusception. We reported a case of such a scenario.

During the closure of the feeding jejunostomy site by hand-sewn technique, over invagination of the second (seromuscular) layer of the wall of the jejunum might become so thick at the site of the closure that it acts as a lead point for intussusception. We reported a case of such a scenario.

The need for implant use during orthopedic surgeries has been increasing. Accordingly, increased implant failures have been reported. However, bladder perforation remains a rare complication after orthopedic surgery. Although a few reports have described bladder perforation after total hip arthroplasty, no previous studies have reported the migration of staples into the bladder after limb-sparing surgery.

A 65-year-old patient underwent limb-sparing surgery to remove a chondrosarcoma in the left proximal thigh. Twenty-six years after surgery, a staple that had been used to fix artificial ligaments to the pubis migrated to perforate the bladder, resulting in painful urination. The staple was removed, and her symptoms improved.

In this case, bladder perforation by the staple resulted in painful urination. The bladder perforation was not detected until 26 years after the initial surgery.

Our observations emphasize that implant complications may occur even after a long postoperative period, and the possibility of delayed bladder perforation from previous pelvic surgeries should be considered in patients presenting with urinary tract symptoms.

Our observations emphasize that implant complications may occur even after a long postoperative period, and the possibility of delayed bladder perforation from previous pelvic surgeries should be considered in patients presenting with urinary tract symptoms.

Colloid cysts are benign cystic lesions located at the anterior part of the third ventricle mostly at the foramen of Monro and contain colloid material. Hemorrhage in a colloid cyst is exceedingly rare. Only 15 clinically diagnosed cases of haemorrhagic cysts were reported in the literature and 5 more cases on autopsy. Here we report two rare cases of a haemorrhagic colloid cyst describing the atypical radiological findings, the undertaken surgical procedures and histopathological results.

We presented 2 cases of haemorrhagic third ventricle colloid cysts. First case is a 27-year-old male patient, presented with dizziness, nausea, vomiting and blurring of vision. He was operated by transcortical endoscopic transventricular excision of a third ventricular cyst and the insertion of external ventricular drain. The second patient is a 21-year-old male, presented with history of worsening headache for 1 month associated with blurring of vision. The patient had a transcortical microscopic, transventricular cyst excision.

Many questions regarding the best way to diagnose and manage such lesions remain unanswered. Hence, we summarize the relevant diagnostic images and best surgical techniques.

We concluded that, though exceedingly rare, colloid cyst can bleed and cause rapid deterioration in neurological status, thus, presence of atypical features should alert the physicians to consider atypical colloid cyst that would be valuable in surgical decision making whether endoscopic or microscopic.

We concluded that, though exceedingly rare, colloid cyst can bleed and cause rapid deterioration in neurological status, thus, presence of atypical features should alert the physicians to consider atypical colloid cyst that would be valuable in surgical decision making whether endoscopic or microscopic.

Achalasia is a rare primary motor disorder of the esophagus presenting with a classical triad of symptoms comprising dysphagia, regurgitation and weight loss. It is diagnosed from esophagogram which needs medical and surgical intervention.

A 63-year-old woman with dysphagia was admitted to our hospital. Endoscopy revealed a dilated distal and middle oesophagus with constriction of GE junction. Barium swallow revealed narrowing of GE junction and gross dilatation of oesophagus, thus diagnosed Stage III achalasia. It was treated with a laparoscopic oesophagogastrostomy using five-port technique. The gastrohepatic omentum was opened. Followed by division of the gastrophrenic attachments over the anterior aspect of the left crus. Then anterior wall of stomach was incised using a cautery. Endostapler was introduced through the gastrostomy, one blade introduced at the fundus and other at the lower end of esophagus, all confirmed endoscopically. Anterior surface of lower end of esophagus was approximated with fundus of stomach by endostapler creating new Gastroesophageal junction. Port site closure was done using PDS. There were no postoperative complications. Follow-up after 32 months did not reveal any structural changes in upper GI endoscopy and the patient, on PPIs and prokinetic drugs has been free from symptoms upto date.

The surgical treatment for stage III achalasia is a matter of controversy. Here a patient with stage III achalasia in whom laparoscopic esophago-gastrostomy was successfully performed.

The primary treatment for stage III achalasia is esophagectomy. Laparoscopic esophagogastrostomy which is less invasive approach represents an alternative to esophagectomy and laparoscopic Heller Myotomy.

The primary treatment for stage III achalasia is esophagectomy. Laparoscopic esophagogastrostomy which is less invasive approach represents an alternative to esophagectomy and laparoscopic Heller Myotomy.We reviewed 7 patients with unsuccessful endoscopic hemostasis using covered self-expandable metal stent (CSEMS) placement for post-endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) bleeding. ES with a medium incision was performed in 6 and with a large incision in 1 patient. All but 1 of them (86%) showed delayed bleeding, warranting second endoscopic therapies followed by CSEMS placement 1-5 days after the initial ES. Subsequent CSEMS placement did not achieve complete hemostasis in any of the patients. Lateral-side incision lines (3 or 9 o’clock) had more frequent bleeding points (71%) than oral-side incision lines (11-12 o’clock; 29%). Additional endoscopic hemostatic procedures with hemostatic forceps, hypertonic saline epinephrine, or hemoclip achieved excellent hemostasis, resulting in complete hemostasis in all patients. These experiences provide an alert CSEMS placement is not an ultimate treatment for post-ES bleeding, despite its effectiveness. The lateral-side of the incision line, as well as the oral-most side, should be carefully examined for bleeding points, even after the CSEMS placement.

This study was performed to investigate the association between cystographic anastomotic urinary leakage (UL) after retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) and early urinary incontinence (UI).

The medical records of 53 patients who had undergone cystography after RRP at our institution between January 2015 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Cystography was performed 7 to 10 days after surgery. The duration of catheterization depended on the degree of UL, which was classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The study subjects were divided into the non-UL group and the UL group. Continence was defined as the use of no pads. The prostate was dissected in an antegrade fashion, and urethrovesical anastomosis was performed with a continuous suture.

Incontinence rates at 1 and 3 months postoperatively were significantly higher in the UL group than the non-UL group (83.3% vs. 52.2%, p=0.014 and 76.7% vs. 47.8%, p=0.030, respectively); however, those at 6 and 12 months were not significantly different (23.3% vs. 17.4%, p=0.597 and 4.3% vs. 10.0%, p=0.440, respectively). The severity of UL was not found to influence the duration of incontinence. The presence of cystographic anastomotic UL was found to be predictive of UI during the first 3 postoperative months (odds ratio, 3.3; p=0.045).

The presence of anastomotic UL on cystography was associated with higher rates of UI in the early postoperative periods. However, incontinence rates in patients with or without anastomotic UL immediately after RRP equalized at 6 months and the severity of UL did not affect the duration of postoperative UI.

The presence of anastomotic UL on cystography was associated with higher rates of UI in the early postoperative periods. However, incontinence rates in patients with or without anastomotic UL immediately after RRP equalized at 6 months and the severity of UL did not affect the duration of postoperative UI.

Pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebral artery are rare entities but with varied treatment options. PSAs can be spontaneous or secondary to trauma, infections, malignancies or iatrogenic. To find out the efficacy of various endovascular interventions in the management of ICA and vertebral PSAs.

The study included 14 patients diagnosed with intracranial PSAs who underwent endovascular interventions in SMS Medical College, Jaipur (Rajasthan) between June 2015 to January 2019. The clinical and radiological findings (computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography) were reviewed and the consequent endovascular intervention carried out and their results were analyzed.

Total 14 patients were studied out of which 8 (57.1%) were anterior circulation PSAs and 6 (42.9%) were posterior circulation PSAs There were 10 (71.4%) females and 4 (28.5%) males between the age of 9 to 65 years. Only 2 patients with PSA had past history of trauma. Coiling was done in 8 patients (57.1%), stenting in 2 patients (14.2%), parent artery occlusion in 1 patient (7.1%), glue embolization in 1 patient (7.1%) while coiling with glue in 1 patient (7.1%) and flow diverter in 2 patients (14.2%). Immediate and complete occlusion was achieved in 11 (78.6%) patients while 3 (21.4%) patients had subtotal occlusion. 11 patients under follow up till June 2019 did not report recurrence or new neurological deficit.

Endovascular interventions is minimally invasive and safe treatment strategy for intracranial PSAs. The ultimate choice of technique depends on clinical and imaging characteristics.

Endovascular interventions is minimally invasive and safe treatment strategy for intracranial PSAs. The ultimate choice of technique depends on clinical and imaging characteristics.Background Reducing the burden of malaria requires better understanding of vector populations, particularly in forested regions where the incidence remains elevated. Here, we characterized malaria vectors in a locality near the Yaoundé international airport, Cameroon, including species composition, abundance, Plasmodium infection rate, insecticide resistance profiles and underlying resistance mechanisms. Methods Blood-fed adult mosquitoes resting indoors were aspirated from houses in April 2019 at Elende, a locality situated 2 km from the Yaoundé-Nsimalen airport. Female mosquitoes were forced to lay eggs to generate F 1 adults. Bioassays were performed to assess resistance profile to the four insecticides classes. The threshold of insecticide susceptibility was defined above 98% mortality rate and mortality rates below 90% were indicative of confirmed insecticide resistance. Furthermore, the molecular basis of resistance and Plasmodium infection rates were investigated. ResultsAnopheles funestus s.s. was thet Plasmodium sporozoite rate highlights the challenges that vector control programs encounter in sustaining the regular benefits of contemporary insecticide-based control interventions in forested areas.Background The implementation of housing with support is rapidly expanding, particularly as life expectancy is increasing throughout the world. This expansion is likely to intensify in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has revealed the risks of relying primarily on nursing homes. This mixed-methods systematic review aims to 1) explore older people’s perceptions and experiences of housing with support and 2) examine the impact of providing housing with support for older people on their quality of life. Methods The databases Ovid Medline, Ovid Social Policy & Practice, EBSCO CINAHL, and EBSCO SOCIndex will be searched, and grey literature will also be identified. Quality assessment will be carried out using Joanna Briggs Institute’s Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research as well as a tool from the National Institutes of Health for observational cohort studies. This review will employ convergent parallel design; as such, qualitative and quantitative findings will be synthesised separately in the initial stage of analysis. The results from the qualitative and quantitative syntheses will then be integrated in the final stage of the analysis. Conclusion This systematic review will synthesise the evidence regarding older people’s perceptions and experiences of housing with support and the impact of providing housing with support for older people on their quality of life.

Internationally, Indigenous and minoritised ethnic groups experience longer wait times, differential pain management and less evaluation and treatment for acute conditions within emergency medicine care. Examining ED Inequities (EEDI) aims to investigate whether inequities between Māori and non-Māori exist within EDs in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). This article presents the descriptive findings for the present study.

A retrospective observational study framed from a Kaupapa Māori positioning, EEDI uses secondary data from emergency medicine admissions into 18/20 District Health Boards in NZ between 2006 and 2012. Data sources include variables from the Shorter Stays in ED National Research Project database and comorbidity data from NZ’s National Minimum Dataset. The key predictor of interest is patient ethnicity with descriptive variables, including sex, age group, area deprivation, mode of presentation, referral method, Australasian Triage Scale and trauma status.

There were a total of 5 972 102 ED events (1 168 944 Māori, 4 803 158 non-Māori). We found an increasing proportion of ED events per year, with a higher proportion of Māori from younger age groups and areas of high deprivation compared to non-Māori events. Māori also had a higher proportion of self-referral and were triaged to be seen within a longer time frame compared to non-Māori.

Our findings show that there are different patterns of ED usage when comparing Māori and non-Māori events. The next level of analysis of the EEDI dataset will be to examine whether there are any associations between ethnicity and ED outcomes for Māori and non-Māori patients.

Our findings show that there are different patterns of ED usage when comparing Māori and non-Māori events. The next level of analysis of the EEDI dataset will be to examine whether there are any associations between ethnicity and ED outcomes for Māori and non-Māori patients.

Microsurgery requires high skills for suturing using fragile threads, often within narrow surgical fields. Precise tension is required for good healing and to avoid the risk of thread breakage.

To meet the demands, we developed a novel assist robot utilizing high-precision sensorless haptic technology. The robot adopts a cable-driven mechanism to maintain a distance from the surgical area and enhances compatibility with surgical equipment such as microscopes. The robot performance was verified through in vitro and in vivo experiments using a rat model.

The realization of precise tension control was confirmed in both experiments. In particular, in the in vivo experiments, the developed robot succeeded to produce a knot with an accurate tension of 0.66% error.

The developed robot can realize to control traction force precisely. This technology might open up the window for a full assist robot for microsurgery with haptic feeling.

The developed robot can realize to control traction force precisely. This technology might open up the window for a full assist robot for microsurgery with haptic feeling.

This study aimed to elucidate whether malnutrition is associated with cognitive impairment in an older Chinese population.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2365 participants aged 60 years or older from January 2013 to September 2019. Nutritional status was measured by using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). Cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The relationship between malnutrition or each Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form domain and cognitive impairment was examined with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

The prevalence of malnutrition, risk of malnutrition, and cognitive impairment was 5.54%, 33.45%, and 36.74%, respectively. The prevalence was higher in those 80 years and older 7.88%, 40.75%, and 53.65%, respectively. The Mini-Mental State Examination score was positively correlated with the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form score (r = 0.364, P < 0.001). After adjustment for age, gender, education,ress are significantly associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Therefore, clinicians should assess the nutritional and cognitive status of the elderly regularly to improve early detection and timely intervention.Preterm birth is a global public health problem. A large number of preterm infants survive with preterm white matter injury (PWMI), which leads to neurological deficits, and has multifaceted etiology, clinical course, monitoring, and outcomes. The principal upstream insults leading to PWMI initiation are hypoxia-ischemia and infection and/or inflammation and the key target cells are late oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Current PWMI treatments are mainly supportive, and thus have little effect in terms of protecting the immature brain or repairing injury to improve long-term outcomes. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells comprise abundant immunomodulatory and stem cells, which have the potential to reduce brain injury, mainly due to anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory mechanisms, and also through their release of neurotrophic or growth factors to promote endogenous neurogenesis. In this review, we briefly summarize PWMI pathogenesis and pathophysiology, and the specific properties of different cell types in UCB. We further explore the potential mechanism by which UCB can be used to treat PWMI, and discuss the advantages of and potential issues related to UCB cell therapy. Finally, we suggest potential future studies of UCB cell therapy in preterm infants.

To assess the risks associated with relaxing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related physical distancing restrictions and lockdown policies during a period of low viral transmission.

Network-based viral transmission risks in households, schools, workplaces, and a variety of community spaces and activities were simulated in an agent-based model, Covasim.

The model was calibrated for a baseline scenario reflecting the epidemiological and policy environment in Victoria during March-May 2020, a period of low community viral transmission.

Policy changes for easing COVID-19-related restrictions from May 2020 were simulated in the context of interventions that included testing, contact tracing (including with a smartphone app), and quarantine.

Increase in detected COVID-19 cases following relaxation of restrictions.

Policy changes that facilitate contact of individuals with large numbers of unknown people (eg, opening bars, increased public transport use) were associated with the greatest risk of COVID-19 case numbers increasing; changes leading to smaller, structured gatherings with known contacts (eg, small social gatherings, opening schools) were associated with lower risks. In our model, the rise in case numbers following some policy changes was notable only two months after their implementation.

Removing several COVID-19-related restrictions within a short period of time should be undertaken with care, as the consequences may not be apparent for more than two months. Our findings support continuation of work from home policies (to reduce public transport use) and strategies that mitigate the risk associated with re-opening of social venues.

Removing several COVID-19-related restrictions within a short period of time should be undertaken with care, as the consequences may not be apparent for more than two months. Our findings support continuation of work from home policies (to reduce public transport use) and strategies that mitigate the risk associated with re-opening of social venues.Dimers of 9-aminoacridine linked via the 9-amino group with polymethylene chains, termed diacridines, are known to bisintercalate into DNA when the linker comprises 6 or more methylene units. There are no literature reports of crystal or NMR solution structures for bisintercalated diacridine-DNA complexes, and the issue of the structure of the C6 ([CH2 ]n linker where n = 6) diacridine complex remains unresolved. Previously, based on simple geometric considerations, it was proposed that C6 diacridine could only span a single base pair, which requires that its bifunctional reaction violates the widely-observed „neighbor exclusion principle” where bound intercalators are separated by at least 2 base pairs. Here we have explored the structure of diacridine-DNA complexes using unrestrained molecular dynamics in explicit solvent using the parmbsc0 forcefield in AMBER14. We studied the C4 to C8 dimers, intercalated via both the minor and major DNA grooves, to a variety of nucleotide sequences. We find that C6, C7, and C8 diacridine are able to form 2 base pair bisintercalated complexes from either groove, whereas the C4 and C5 homologues cannot. We conclude that C6 diacridine does have the capacity to bisintercalate without violating neighbor exclusion, and that the previous proposed binding model needs revision.Anaemia and coagulopathy are common in critically ill patients and are associated with poor outcomes, including increased risk of mortality, myocardial infarction, failure to be liberated from mechanical ventilation and poor physical recovery. Transfusion of blood and blood products remains the corner stone of anaemia and coagulopathy treatment in critical care. However, determining when the benefits of transfusion outweigh the risks of anaemia may be challenging in some critically ill patients. Therefore, the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine prioritised the development of a clinical practice guideline to address anaemia and coagulopathy in non-bleeding critically ill patients. The aims of this article are to (1) review the evolution of transfusion practice in critical care and the direction for future developments in this important area of transfusion medicine and (2) to provide a brief synopsis of the guideline development process and recommendations in a format designed for busy clinicians and blood bank staff. These clinical practice guidelines provide recommendations to clinicians on how best to manage non-bleeding critically ill patients at the bedside. More research is needed on alternative transfusion targets, use of transfusions in special populations (e.g., acute neurological injury, acute coronary syndromes), use of anaemia prevention strategies and point-of-care interventions to guide transfusion strategies.

Many countries adopt eHealth applications to support patient-centered care. Through information exchange, these eHealth applications may overcome institutional data silos and support holistic and ubiquitous (regional or national) information logistics. Available eHealth indicators mostly describe usage and acceptance of eHealth in a country. The eHealth indicators focusing on the cross-institutional availability of patient-related information for health care professionals, patients, and care givers are rare.

This study aims to present eHealth indicators on cross-institutional availability of relevant patient data for health care professionals, as well as for patients and their caregivers across 14 countries (Argentina, Australia, Austria, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong as a special administrative region of China, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Sweden, Turkey, and the United States) to compare our indicators and the resulting data for the examined countries with other eHealth benchmarks and to extalth care financing. Improvements in eHealth indicators are thus often slow. However, our survey shows that some countries were able to improve on at least some indicators between 2017 and 2019. We anticipate further improvements in the future.

Advancement in eHealth depends on contextual factors such as health care organization, national health politics, privacy laws, and health care financing. Improvements in eHealth indicators are thus often slow. However, our survey shows that some countries were able to improve on at least some indicators between 2017 and 2019. We anticipate further improvements in the future.

Self-tracking through mobile health technology can augment the electronic health record (EHR) as an additional data source by providing direct patient input. This can be particularly useful in the context of enigmatic diseases and further promote patient engagement.

This study aimed to investigate the additional information that can be gained through direct patient input on poorly understood diseases, beyond what is already documented in the EHR.

This was an observational study including two samples with a clinically confirmed endometriosis diagnosis. We analyzed data from 6,925 women with endometriosis using a research app for tracking endometriosis to assess prevalence of self-reported pain problems, between- and within-person variability in pain over time, endometriosis-affected tasks of daily function, and self-management strategies. We analyzed data from 4,389 patients identified through a large metropolitan hospital EHR to compare pain problems with the self-tracking app and to identify unique dataccurately and comprehensively evaluate patient health history and status.

For enigmatic diseases, patient self-tracking as an additional data source complementary to EHR can enable learning from the patient to more accurately and comprehensively evaluate patient health history and status.

Electronic health record (EHR) patient portals are a secure electronic method of communicating with health care providers. In addition to sending secure messages, images, and videos generated by families can be sent to providers securely. With the widespread use of smart phones, there has been an increase in patient-generated images (PGI) sent to providers via patient portals. There are few studies that have evaluated the role of PGI in medical decision-making.

The study aimed to characterize PGI sent to providers via a patient portal, determine how often PGI-affected medical decision-making, and determine the rate of social PGI sent via patient portal.

A retrospective chart review of PGI uploaded to a children’s hospital’s ambulatory patient portal from January 2011 to December 2017 was conducted. Data collected included patient demographics, number and type of images sent, person sending images (patient or parent/guardian), and whether an image-affected medical decision-making. Images were classified as medical related (e.g., blood glucose readings and skin rashes), nonmedical or administrative related (e.g., medical clearance or insurance forms), and social (e.g., self-portraits and camp pictures).

One hundred forty-three individuals used the portal a total of 358 times, sending 507 images over the study period. Mean (standard deviation) patient age was 9.5 (5.9) years, 50% were females, 89% were White, and 64% had private insurance. About 9% of images were sent directly by patients and the rest by parents/guardians. A total of 387 (76%) images were sent for medical related reasons, 20% for nonmedical, and 4% were deemed social images. Of the 387 medical related images, 314 (81%) affected medical decision-making.

PGI-affected medical decision-making in most cases. Additional studies are needed to characterize use of PGI in the pediatric population.

PGI-affected medical decision-making in most cases. Additional studies are needed to characterize use of PGI in the pediatric population.Refractive lenticule extraction is a corneal surgical technique that uses a femtosecond laser exclusively to create an intrastromal refractive lenticule for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. In small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) the generated refractive lenticule is subsequently extracted through a small incision. The reported efficacy, predictability and safety of the flap-less SMILE procedure is similar to those of femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Advantages of SMILE over LASIK include less iatrogenic dry eye, fewer induced higher-order aberrations, and potentially less biomechanical weakening of the cornea. However, there is a steeper surgeon learning curve for SMILE as the procedure is technically more challenging than LASIK. Furthermore, the current SMILE laser platform cannot use cyclotorsion control or eye-tracking technology and retreatment options are more complex compared to LASIK. This review looks at patient selection, surgical method, possible complications, retreatment options, and postoperative outcome of the SMILE technique.This review article gives an overview of the epidemiology, relevant risk factors, clinical characteristics and the diagnostic approach of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is an ophthalmologic emergency needing immediate surgical treatment. Main risk factors are retinal tears, myopia and previous cataract surgery. For patients with symptoms of posterior vitreous detachment, indirect ophthalmoscopy under pupil dilatation is necessary to diagnose retinal tears or retinal detachment. Differential diagnoses are tractive or exudative forms of retinal detachment or retinoschisis.This review article summarizes the relevant surgical strategies for retinal detachment repair and discusses common postoperative complications, as well as factors influencing the functional and anatomical results. Treatment of retinal detachment requires surgery. In most cases, pars plana vitrectomy is performed. In phakic patients with a clear lens scleral buckling can be considered as an alternative. Laser and cryotherapy are still the standard for treatment in symptomatic retinal tears or degenerations without retinal detachment. Postoperatively, the occurrence of a re-detachment as well as the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy can have a negative influence on postoperative results. Furthermore, typical complications include the occurrence of a cystoid macular edema, epiretinal membrane or even persistent neurosensory detachment. Functional results are significantly influenced by macular involvement and the primary anatomical success rate.The tearing eye (epiphora) is the guiding symptome of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Depending on the localization of stenosis, mucopurulent lacrimal discharge occurs additionally. These symptoms induce alterations of the optical system and can cause severe complications such as acute phlegmonous dacryocystitis. The grade of suffering in these patients is very high. For the diagnosis, patient’s history, ocular surface conditions and inspection (macro-/microscopically) as well as palpation of the lacrimal region are essential examinations. Moreover, functional and anatomical tests enable a classification of nasolacrimal duct obstruction regarding grade of stenosis (incomplete vs. complete), type (functional vs. mechanical), and localization (pre-, intra-, postsaccal). ENT consultation prior to lacrimal surgery is obligate. Through this, a purposeful therapeutic intervention is warranted. Surgical methods consist of minimally invasive transcanalicular procedures or anastomosing surgeries. Dependent on the clinical findings, these treatment options can be applied in a patient centered therapeutic concept.

Prior to the kava ban of 2002, the indication for kava (

) extracts defined by the German Commission E was „nervous anxiety, tension and restlessness”. In 2000, an observational trial was started in Germany with the aim of defining symptoms of these indications best treated with kava extract. The trial was interrupted and archived „unevaluated” in 2001 due to the upcoming safety debate on kava. The data from this study has now been analyzed in order to identify symptoms best treated with kava.

Documentation was available from 156 patients. Twelve typical symptoms of nervous anxiety, tension and restlessness were assessed on a five-item rating scale, together with the therapeutic context, the perceived time of onset of effects and the safety of application.

The median duration of treatment was 28 days. All individual symptoms showed significant and clinically relevant improvements. The most effective results were seen for nervous tension and restlessness, with better effects in patients with acute versus chronic complaints.