Social Support and Diabetes Management Among Older American Indians

We examined social support among older American Indians in relation to their diabetes management. In-depth interviews were conducted with 28 participants aged ≥ 60 years who were members of a federally-recognized tribe. We examined professionally transcribed audio recordings with a systematic text analysis approach. Main sources of social support were family/friends, clinicians/formal services, community/culture, and spiritual/God. Most of the support was instrumental in nature, including food shopping, meal preparation, and medication management. Social support had both positive and negative influences diabetes management while there were some participants who lacked support. The four main social support types were present, including instrumental, emotional, informational, appraisal support. Value orientations among American Indian families command lateral-group relational behavior rather than autonomy and independence with extended social systems fostering interdependence. A deeper understanding is needed of how social relationships can be better leveraged to aid in the effective diabetes management among older American Indians.

Medial Inguino-Femoral Lymphadenectomy for Vulvar Cancer: An Approach to Decrease Lymphedema without Compromising Survival

Background: Lower limb lymphedema is a long-term complication of inguino-femoral lymphadenectomy and is related to the number of lymph nodes removed. Our hypothesis was that lymph nodes lateral to the femoral artery could be left in situ if the medial nodes were negative, thereby decreasing this risk. Methods: We included patients with vulvar cancer of any histological type, even if the cancer extended medially to involve the urethra, anus, or vagina. We excluded patients whose tumor extended (i) laterally onto the thigh, (ii) posteriorly onto the buttocks, or (iii) anteriorly onto the mons pubis. After resection, the inguinal nodes were divided into a medial and a lateral group, based on the lateral border of the femoral artery. Results: Between December 2010 and July 2018, 76 patients underwent some form of groin node dissection, and data were obtained from 112 groins. Approximately one-third of nodes were located lateral to the femoral artery. Positive groin nodes were found in 29 patients (38.2%). All patients with positive nodes had positive nodes medial to the femoral artery. Five patients (6.6%) had positive lateral inguinal nodes. The probability of having a positive lateral node given a negative medial node was estimated to be 0.00002. Conclusion: Provided the medial nodes are negative, medial inguino-femoral lymphadenectomy may suffice and should reduce lower limb lymphedema without compromising survival.

Lateral distal tibial locking compression plate fixation through single lateral incision technique is biologically superior and mechanically equivalent alternative to medial plate fixation for lower third tibia-fibula fractures

<p><strong>Background:</strong> A number of surgical options for management of distal tibia fractures makes scenario confusing and available techniques are associated with complications. Recently lateral plating of tibia has shown good promise. To compare results between medial and lateral distal tibial locking compression plate for treatment of distal third tibia fractures</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Prospective clinical study was carried out among 24 patients presenting with distal third tibia fractures. Patients were randomized into two groups of 12 each. One group was allocated into medial distal tibial LCP and second group was allocated into lateral distal tibial LCP. In first group, approach taken was medial or anteromedial while in second group, approach taken was lateral. Follow up was done for six months after surgery.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> There were 10 cases in medical group and eight cases in lateral group which had fracture due to road traffic accidents. All cases in medical group had concomitant fibula fracture while such cases were 10 in lateral group. One case in each group developed infection after surgery. There was one case of superficial skin dehiscence and one case of hardware problem in medial group compared to none in lateral group. Two cases from medial group required removal of implant compared to none from medial group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Lateral distal tibial LCP seems to provide biological advantage than medial distal tibial LCP without difference in biomechanical properties of implants. Single lateral incision technique is an ingenious, biologically sound, and cosmetically superior for fixation of both lower third tibia &amp; fibula fractures together.</p>

Treatment effectiveness evaluation of dental caries as a factor affecting patients’ quality of life

Background: The study of the patient’s quality of life is an important condition for assessing the effectiveness of the treatment and the clinical condition of patients after treatment, in addition to objective diagnostic methods. The purpose of the study was to investigate the dynamics of changes in the quality of life of dental patients suffering from caries of the contact areas of the lateral group of teeth, after treatment in accordance with the established plan for the use of various matrix systems, in the study groups. Material and methods: The study involved 147 patients: 48 patients of the 1st experimental group; 54 patients of the 2nd experimental group; 45 patients of the 3rd experimental group. Results: In the course of the study, it turned out that such a criterion as the quality of life is an informative dynamic indicator, the value of which depends on the method of treatment used. Conclusions: In the course of the study, the effectiveness of the use of a separation-retaining device for the restoration of the lateral group of teeth during the treatment of caries in the contact areas of the teeth was assessed as a factor influencing the quality of life of patients.

Postmastectomic lymphedema prevention: modern possibilities

A three-dimensional computer model of the topographic and anatomical variants of the lymph nodes in the axillary fossa gives reason to doubt the indisputability of the known data on the normal anatomy of the lymph nodes. This mainly concerns the presence of a lateral (shoulder) group of axillary lymph nodes (4-6 nodes), which can be located not only on the medial, but also on the posterior surface of the shoulder. In some cases, this group of axillary lymph nodes is generally absent in its typical place and is in close proximity to the central (intermediate) group of lymph nodes. Attention to the lateral (shoulder) group of lymph nodes is due to the fact that through them lymph drainage occurs from the entire superficial (epifascial) lymphatic system of the volar surface of the upper limb (skin and subcutaneous tissue). From the lateral group of lymph nodes, lymph drainage goes either to the central group or to the deltapectoral lymph nodes. In the course of axillary lymph node dissection of I, II and III levels in breast cancer, it is possible to save only the deltapectal lymph node with its afferent and efferent vessels, which provides full-fledged lymphatic drainage from the dorsolateral surface of the upper limb. But in this situation, without lymphatic drainage (superficial and deep) with preserved lymph production, the inner (volar) part of the upper limb remains, where lymphostasis begins to develop. An exception is the variant of localization of the brachial group of lymph nodes on the posterior surface of the shoulder, in which it is possible to preserve the lateral group of lymph nodes, which does not fall into the block of adipose tissue with other regional lymph nodes, and therefore partially preserve the lymph drainage from the medial surface of the ipsilateral upper limb towards the deltapectoral lymph node. Taking into account the topographic and anatomical variability of the lymph drainage collectors in the axillary fossa and the varied nature of the involvement of lymph nodes in the metastatic process, in each clinical case, the standard preoperative mapping of axillary lymph nodes (reverse lymphatic mapping) does not allow predicting the risk and timing of the development of postoperative upper limb lymphedema. The advantage of our technology two-contrast fluorescent lymphography - is the possibility of visual differentiation of all elements of lymph drainage from the mammary gland (indocyanine green - ICG) and the ipsilateral upper limb (methylene blue - MB). According to the results of the study, it will be possible to clarify the localization of the lateral (shoulder) group of axillary lymph nodes, topographic and anatomical features of the lymphatic drainage collectors in the axillary fossa and indications for lymphovenous shunting for primary surgical prevention of postmastectomy lymphedema of the upper limb.

Association Between Placental Location and Neonatal Outcomes in Manual Fundal Pressure-Assisted Vaginal Deliveries: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose: Manual fundal pressure (MFP) is globally used to assist vaginal deliveries during the second stage of labor; however, there is insufficient evidence on the risk factors in MFP-assisted vaginal deliveries for adverse neonatal outcomes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between placental location and neonatal outcomes in MFP-assisted vaginal deliveries.Methods: The present was a single-center observational study using a cohort of all MFP-assisted vaginal singleton deliveries from 2016 to 2020. Placental location was divided into two categories: posterior-lateral and anterior-fundal. The primary outcome was a neonatal adverse composite including umbilical artery blood pH <7.2, Apgar score <7 at 5 min, neonatal intensive care unit admission and neonatal resuscitation. We used logistic regression models to investigate the association between placental location and neonatal outcomes. Results: We extracted 522 MFP-assisted deliveries among 5053 vaginal deliveries. The proportion of posterior-lateral and anterior-fundal placentation was 239 (45.8%) and 283 (54.2%), respectively. The crude prevalence of neonatal composite outcome for posterior-lateral and anterior-fundal placentation was 69 (28.9%) and 112 (39.6%), respectively. The prevalence of neonatal composite outcome in the anterior-fundal group was significantly higher than that in the posterior-lateral group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found that the prevalence of neonatal adverse outcome in the anterior-fundal group was significantly higher compared with the posterior-lateral group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–2.28).Conclusion: Anterior-fundal placentation was significantly associated with an increased risk of neonatal adverse outcomes compared to posterior-lateral placentation in MFP-assisted vaginal deliveries.

Biomechanical evaluation of temporary epiphysiodesis at the femoral epiphysis using established devices from clinical practice

The aim of this study is to compare biomechanical features of different devices used in clinical routine for temporary epiphysiodesis (eight-Plate® and FlexTackTM). The tested implants were divided into four different groups (eight-Plate® vs. FlexTackTM for lateral and anterior implantation) á 10 samples for testing implanted eight-Plate® vs. FlexTackTM in fresh frozen pig femora for maximum load forces (Fmax) and axial physis distance until implant failure (lmax). A servo hydraulic testing machine (858 Mini Bionix 2) was used to exert and measure reproducible forces. Statistical analyses tested for normal distribution and significant (p < 0.05) differences in primary outcome parameters. There were no significant differences between the eight-Plate® lateral group and the FlexTackTM lateral group for neither Fmax (p = 0.46) nor lmax (p = 0.65). There was a significant higher Fmax (p < 0.001) and lmax (p = 0.001) measured in the eight-Plate® group compared to the FlexTackTM group when implanted anteriorly. In anterior temporary ephiphysiodesis, eight-Plate® demonstrated superior biomechanical stability. At this stage of research, there is no clear advantage of either implant and the choice remains within the individual preference of the surgeon.

Association Between Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Capitellum and Medial Epicondyle Lesion in Baseball Players

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum occurs in adolescent overhead athletes, and medial epicondyle (ME) lesions are also common in this population. Purpose: To evaluate the association between elbow OCD and ME lesions in adolescent baseball players. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study retrospectively evaluated adolescent baseball players with unstable elbow OCD who underwent surgery between January 2000 and February 2020. Patients were excluded if they had osteoarthritis of the elbow. A total of 139 elbows were included in this study (138 male and 1 female athlete; mean ± SD age, 13.6 ± 1.5 years). The patients were first divided into 2 groups based on OCD location: a central lesion group (72 elbows) and a lateral group (67 elbows). Next, patients were divided according to OCD size into a localized group (56 elbows) and a widespread group (83 elbows). Finally, OCD lesions that were both lateral and widespread were defined as lateral-widespread (60 elbows), resulting in 5 groups. ME apophyseal fragmentation and elongation were evaluated and defined as ME lesions. We then compared the relationship between OCD and ME lesions. Results: Of the 139 elbows, 63 (45.3%) had ME lesions. The prevalence of ME lesion was higher in the lateral group than the central group (56.7% vs 34.7%; P = .009) and higher in the widespread group than the localized group (55.4% vs 30.4%; P = .004). Furthermore, the prevalence ratio of ME lesion was significantly higher in the lateral-widespread group than for other lesions (58.3% vs 35.4%; P = .007). Conclusion: In patients undergoing surgery for capitellar OCD, the presence of ME lesions was more commonly associated with lateral and widespread capitellar lesions when compared with central and localized lesions.

Classification of the colonic splenic flexure based on three-dimensional CT analysis

Background Mobilization of the splenic flexure can be a challenging surgical step in colorectal surgery. This study aimed to classify the splenic flexure based on the three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of the splenic hilum and left renal hilum. This classification was used to compare splenic flexure mobilization during colorectal resection. Methods CT images of patients with colorectal cancer treated between April 2018 and December 2019 were analysed retrospectively. 3D mutual positioning of the splenic flexure from the ligament of Treitz to the splenic hilum or the left renal hilum was used to classify patients into three groups using cluster analysis. The difference in the procedure time between groups was also analysed in a subset of patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy with complete splenic flexure mobilization. Results Of 515 patients reviewed, 319 with colorectal cancers were included in the study and categorized based on the 3D coordinates of the splenic hilum and left renal hilum as caudal (100 patients), cranial (118) and lateral (101) positions. Male sex (P &lt; 0.001), older age (P = 0.004) and increased bodyweight (P = 0.043) were independent characteristics of the lateral group in multiple logistic regression analysis. Thirty-four patients underwent complete splenic flexure mobilization during the study period; this took significantly longer (mean 78.7 min) in the lateral group than in the caudal and cranial groups (41.8 and 43.2 min respectively; P = 0.006). Conclusion Locating the splenic flexure using 3D coordinates could be helpful in predicting a longer duration for mobilization of the splenic flexure.

Evaluation of Contrast Flow Patterns with Cervical Interlaminar Epidural Injection: Comparison of Midline and Paramedian Approaches

Background and objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare and to analyze contrast spread patterns between the paramedian and midline approaches to cervical interlaminar epidural injection (CIEI). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 84 CIEI cases that had been performed for unilateral cervical spinal pain from April 2019 to April 2020. After 3 mL of contrast had been injected into the epidural space, fluoroscopic images were obtained. The CIEI was divided into a midline (Group M, n = 42) and a paramedian (Group P, n = 42) approach by anteroposterior imaging. The P Group was classified into a more medial (Group Pm, n = 26) and a more lateral (Group Pl, n = 16) group. Using ImageJ on an anteroposterior image, we assessed the grayscale brightness ratio of the ipsilateral or contralateral side of the vertebral body as well as the intervertebral disc space one level just above the needle location. We identified the dispersion of contrast into the ventral epidural space. Results: The grayscale brightness ratio was significantly higher in Group P than in Group M (p < 0.001). The incidence of ventral epidural spread in Group M was 57.1% versus 88.1% in Group P, which was significantly different (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The fluoroscopic CIEI finding in the paramedian approach predominantly showed an excellent delivery of the injectate to the ipsilateral side in comparison to the contralateral side. This showed a greater advantage in delivery toward ventral epidural space as compared to the midline approach.