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Treating osteoporosis and associated bone fractures remains challenging for drug development in part due to potential off-target side effects and the requirement for long-term treatment. Here, we identify recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated gene therapy as a complementary approach to existing osteoporosis therapies, offering long-lasting targeting of multiple targets and/or previously undruggable intracellular non-enzymatic targets. Treatment with a bone-targeted rAAV carrying artificial microRNAs (miRNAs) silenced the expression of WNT antagonists, schnurri-3 (SHN3), and sclerostin (SOST), and enhanced WNT/β-catenin signaling, osteoblast function, and bone formation. A single systemic administration of rAAVs effectively reversed bone loss in both postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis. Moreover, the healing of bone fracture and critical-sized bone defects was also markedly improved by systemic injection or transplantation of AAV-bound allograft bone to the osteotomy sites. Collectively, our data demonstrate the clinical potential of bone-specific gene silencers to treat skeletal disorders of low bone mass and impaired fracture repair.

Objective Surgical training relies on subjective feedback on resident technical performance by attending surgeons. A novel data recorder connected to a robotic-assisted surgical platform captures synchronized kinematic and video data during an operation to calculate quantitative, objective performance indicators (OPIs). The aim of this study was to determine if OPIs during initial task of a resident’s robotic-assisted lobectomy (RL) correlated with bleeding during the procedure. Methods Forty-six residents from the 2019 Thoracic Surgery Directors Association Resident Boot Camp completed RL on an ex-vivo perfused porcine model while continuous video and kinematic data was recorded. For this pilot study RL was segmented into 12 tasks and OPIs were calculated for the initial major task. Cases were reviewed for major bleeding events and OPIs of bleeding cases were compared to those who did not. Results Data from 42 residents were complete and included in the analysis. 10/42 residents (23.8%) encountered bleeding: 10/40 residents who started with superior pulmonary vein exposure and 0/2 residents who started with pulmonary artery exposure. Twenty OPIs for both hands were assessed during the initial task. Six OPIs related to instrument usage or smoothness of motion were significant for bleeding. Differences were statistically significant for both hands (p

Background Conversion rates during minimally invasive surgery are generally examined in the limited scope of a particular procedure. However, for a hospital or payor, the cumulative impact of conversions during commonly performed procedures could have a much larger negative effect than what is appreciated by individual surgeons. The aim of this study is to assess open conversion rates during minimally invasive surgery (MIS) across common procedures using laparoscopic/thoracoscopic (LAP/VATS) and robotic-assisted (RAS) approaches. Study design Retrospective cohort study using the Premier Database on patients who underwent common operations (hysterectomy, lobectomy, right colectomy, benign sigmoidectomy, low anterior resection, inguinal and ventral hernia repair, and partial nephrectomy) between January 2013 and September 2015. ICD-9 and CPT codes were used to define procedures, modality, and conversion. Propensity scores were calculated using patient, hospital, and surgeon characteristics. Propensity-score matched analysis was used to compare conversions between LAP/VATS and RAS for each procedure. Results A total of 278,520 patients had MIS approaches of the ten operations. Conversion occurred in 5% of patients and was associated with a 1.77 day incremental increase in length of stay and $3441 incremental increase in cost. RAS was associated with a 58.5% lower rate of conversion to open surgery compared to LAP/VATS. Conclusion At a health system or payer level, conversion to open is detrimental not just for the patient and surgeon but also puts a significant strain on hospital resources. Use of RAS was associated with less than half of the conversion rate observed for LAP/VATS.

Simulation is increasingly being used to train surgeons and access technical competency in robotic skills. The construct validity of using simulation performance for high-stakes examinations such as credentialing has not been studied appropriately. There are data on how simulation exercises can differentiate between novice and expert surgeons, but there are limited data to support their use for distinguishing intermediate from competent surgeons. Senior cardiothoracic trainees with limited robotic but significant laparoscopic experience ("intermediate surgeons", IS) and practicing robotic thoracic surgeons ("competent surgeons", CS) participating in a thoracic cadaver robotic course were evaluated on three Da Vinci (Xi) simulations. Scores were separately recorded into components and analyzed by t-test for significant differences between groups. 21 competent and 17 intermediate surgeons participated. Overall scores did not have a statistically significant difference in any exercise between groups. Simulation exercises do not appear to distinguish intermediate from competent surgeon performance of robotic skills. Without better validity data, the use of simulation for credentialing should be thoughtfully considered.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is commonly performed in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). An EGD report should document pertinent findings such as esophagitis, a columnar-lined esophagus (CLE), the location of the squamo-columnar and gastroesophageal junctions, the size and type of a hiatal hernia and the number and location of any biopsies. The aim of this study was to evaluate how commonly these findings were noted in the EGD reports of patients referred for antireflux surgery. A retrospective review was performed of patient charts from 2012 to 2015 to identify 100 consecutive EGD reports from different endoscopists in different patients. Each EGD report was reviewed for pertinent findings and the use of a classification system for esophagitis (Savory-Miller or Los Angeles) and for reporting a CLE (Prague). In 100 EGD reports, esophagitis was noted in 33 patients, but was graded in only 14 (42%). A CLE was noted in 28 patients, but the length was reported in only 16 (57%) and no report used the Prague classification system. A hiatal hernia was noted in 61 patients, measured in 31 (51%) and the type classified in 26%. A biopsy was taken in 93 patients and the location noted in 86 patients (93%). The number of biopsies was recorded in only 20 patients (22%). In 12 patients the EGD was for Barrett’s surveillance, yet a Seattle biopsy protocol was reported to be used in only 3 patients. Endoscopy reports frequently do not include the use of a grading system for esophagitis or the Prague system for CLE. This hampers the assessment of change with therapy or over time. The size of a hiatal hernia was typically reported in a subjective fashion and only infrequently was the type specified. Lack of clarity about the presence of a paraesophageal hernia can impede evaluation of acute symptoms. In patients with Barrett’s esophagus a standard biopsy protocol was infrequently reported to be used. These findings raise concern about the quality of upper endoscopy, both in the performance of the procedure and the documentation of findings. A consistent reporting system is recommended for routine use with upper endoscopy.

Objectives This study evaluates the difference in physical and mechanical properties of ZrO2 ceramics, commonly used in dental applications, altered by three different forms of Al2O3 content; microparticles (m), nanoparticles (n), and microfiber (f). Methods Three different types of ZrO2–Al2O3 composites were formed using microparticle (m), nanoparticle (n), or microfibre (f) forms of Al2O3. The physical and mechanical properties such as sintering shrinkage, relative density, Vickers hardness, fracture toughness, and biaxial strength were evaluated. A Weibull analysis was performed to assess the strength reliability of the specimens. All data were calculated using the t-test and ANOVA. Results The sintering shrinkage and relative density of all ceramic composite groups were decreased with the addition of Al2O3. The mechanical properties of ZrO2–Al2O3 (f) composite were higher than that of ZrO2–Al2O3 (m) composite and ZrO2–Al2O3 (n) composite. The maximum hardness, fracture toughness, and biaxial flexural strength were observed for 10 vol% of Al2O3 fibre. When the content of Al2O3 fibre in the matrix was increased above 20 vol%, agglomeration occurred and resulted in a decrease of hardness and toughness. The Weibull modulus value of the ZrO2–Al2O3 (f) composite was the lowest compared to that of other groups. However, characteristic strength (σ0) of ZrO2–Al2O3 (f) the highest value. Significance The current study demonstrated that the addition of right amount of Al2O3 microfibre into the ZrO2 matrix enhanced the mechanical properties of ZrO2-Al2O3 (f) composite, which would be favourable for dental applications.

BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate trends and clinical and economic outcomes between robotic-assisted lobectomy (RL), video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VL), and open pulmonary lobectomy (OL). METHODS: Patients who underwent a lobectomy for malignancy from January 1, 2008, to September 30, 2015, were identified in the Premier Healthcare Database. Propensity score matched (PSM) comparisons were performed between RL versus VL and RL versus OL. Patient characteristics were applied to generate propensity scores. In-hospital and perioperative 30-day outcomes and costs were compared within matched cohorts. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2015, there was a marked decline for OL (71% to 43%, P25 lobectomies were performed annually, the total cost of RL was comparable to VL (P=0.09) and OL (P=0.11). CONCLUSIONS: During the study period, the utilization of RL increased substantially and was associated with improved perioperative outcomes compared with VL and OL. When annual hospital volume was >25 cases, these clinical advantages persisted and there was no significant cost difference between RL, VL, or OL. RL is an effective and cost-comparable approach for lobectomy in patients with lung malignancy.

Objective During robotic lobectomy (RL), the surgeon can elect to use either robotic staplers or hand-held laparoscopic staplers. It is assumed that either will result in similar outcomes, while robotic staplers increase cost. We sought to compare perioperative outcomes and costs between RL cases that utilized robotic staplers versus hand-held staplers in real-world clinical practice. Methods Patients who underwent an elective RL between October 2015 and December 2017 were identified in the Premier Hospital Perspective Database. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to compare perioperative outcomes, healthcare resource utilization, and costs between cases using robotic staplers and hand-held staplers during RL. Results In the PSM analysis, RL cases that fully utilized robotic staplers compared to hand-held staplers were associated with significantly lower risks of developing bleeding (5.6% vs 9.8%, P = 0.03) and conversion to open surgery (0.3% vs 5.9%, P = 0.004). Additionally, in a multivariable regression analysis, robotic stapler was associated with reduced risk for air leak (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50–0.98) and overall complications (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58–0.99). The total index hospitalization costs were comparable between the 2 groups (median [IQR], $21,667 [$16,860–$29,033] in robotic stapler vs $21,398 [$17,258–$29,406] in hand-held stapler, P = 0.22). Conclusions Among RL cases, utilization of robotic staplers was associated with significantly lower risks of perioperative bleeding, conversion, and possibly air leak and overall complications compared to RL cases utilizing hand-held staplers. The choice of stapler may have an impact on outcomes and robotic staplers do not increase total costs.

Due to high demand but limited supply, there has been an increase in the need to replace autologous bone grafts with alternatives that fulfill osteogenic requirements. In this study, two different types of bone grafts were tested for their drug carrying abilities along with their osteogenic properties. Two different types of alendronate-loaded bone grafts, Bio-Oss (bovine bone graft) and InRoad (biphasic synthetic bone graft) were observed to see how different concentrations of alendronate would affect the sustained release to enhance osteogenesis. In this study, defected ovariectomize-induced osteoporotic rat calvarias were observed for 28 days with three different concentrations of alendronate (0 mg, 1 mg, 5 mg) for both Bio-Oss and InRoad. A higher concentration (5 mg) allowed for a more controlled and sustained release throughout the 28-day comparison to those of lower concentrations (0 mg, 1 mg). When comparing Bio-Oss and InRoad through histology and Micro-CT, InRoad showed higher enhancement in osteogenesis. Through this study, it was observed that alendronate not only brings out robust osteogenesis with InRoad bone grafts, but also enhances bone regeneration in an alendronate-concentration-dependent manner. The combination of higher concentration of alendronate and multiple porous bone graft containing internal micro-channel structure of InRoad resulted in higher osteogenesis with a sustained release of alendronate.

Objective Robot-assisted lobectomy is the fastest growing technique for pulmonary lobectomy, but the diversity of approaches has led to apprehension about port placement among learning surgeons. The aim of this study was to survey high-volume thoracic surgeons who perform robot-assisted lobectomy to understand and consolidate common themes of port placement. Methods An electronic online survey was created, and the link was emailed to the 100 highest volume robotic thoracic surgeons in the United States. The survey included an interactive graphical interface, which allowed each respondent to mark the preferential robotic port placement in the chest wall for each of the 5 pulmonary lobectomies. Results were analyzed individually and in aggregate. A heat map was generated to show trends. Results One hundred surgeons were surveyed (response rate: 62%). Most (90%) respondents utilized a 4-arm approach and 79% used a completely 4-arm portal approach with CO2 insufflation. Exact locations for each robotic port were reported by 60% of the surveyed surgeons and the results varied; however, most surgeons generally used the seventh to ninth interspaces for the camera and instruments. The use of multiple different interspace levels was common. Ninety-four percent of respondents used an additional nonrobotic assistant port. Conclusions There is not a universal port strategy for robot-assisted lobectomy. However, placement of the camera and robotic ports low in the seventh to ninth interspaces is the most common approach. There are some nuances of stapling port strategies and sequence of port placement, which are identified.

BACKGROUND: The proportion of the elderly (≥80 years old) patient population in the United States is increasing. Consequently, surgeons are more involved in the care of these patients than they had been in the past. Therefore, surgeons must re-evaluate their prior assumptions about their surgical management of octogenarian patients. Although open thoracotomy is a popular approach for pulmonary lobectomy, minimally invasive techniques are associated with improved outcomes in this frail patient population. Our goal was to evaluate perioperative outcomes of standard open lobectomy to both video-assisted thoracoscopic and robotic-assisted lobectomy in patients ≥80 years old. METHODS: Octogenarian patients, who underwent elective pulmonary lobectomy from January 1, 2011 through September 30, 2015, were identified from the National Premier Healthcare Database. One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) was performed between robotic-assisted and open lobectomy populations and between video-assisted thoracoscopic and open lobectomy populations. Rates of perioperative outcomes from each comparison were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 1,849 octogenarian patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria, propensity-score matched (1:1) comparative analyses of robotic-assisted lobectomy (n=232) and open lobectomy (n=232) patients as well as video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (n=562) and open lobectomy (n=562) patients were made. Both robotic-assisted and video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy cohorts were associated with shorter lengths of stay (both P

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the main mineral component of bone and teeth. HA is often used as a bone substitute and especially in its granular form it is osteoconductive and osseointegrating as shown by many investigations in animals and humans. HA granules are used for filling bone defects, but they have poor handling qualities and retention at the surgical site, leading to graft voids between the granules and bone tissue and resulting in mechanical instability. Furthermore HA implantation is not constantly followed by favorable results, especially when it is carried out for augmentation of the alveolar ridge. This article offers a protocol for bone reconstruction and predictable implant treatment outcomes. We provide a step-by-step description of both the recipient site and composite graft preparations using coralline HA granules (CHAG) and homologous fibrin glue (HFG). In the present study, 20 randomly selected patients (12 women and 8 men) underwent bone regeneration using CHAG-HFG before a dental implant procedure. Radiographic imaging, physical examination, and histological analysis were performed during a 2-year period. Biopsies were obtained at second-stage surgery before implant insertion using a 2.8-mm trephine bur. A morphological study of 20 bioptic human specimens was performed. Our results demonstrate that this surgical protocol for the preparation of the recipient site associated with a mixture of coralline HA granules with homologous fibrin glue provides reliable bone regeneration, thus reducing failures and minimizing risks of postoperative morbidity.

Conversion rates during minimally invasive surgery are generally examined in the limited scope of a particular procedure. However, for a hospital or payor, the cumulative impact of conversions during commonly performed procedures could have a much larger negative effect than what is appreciated by individual surgeons. The aim of this study is to assess open conversion rates during minimally invasive surgery (MIS) across common procedures using laparoscopic/thoracoscopic (LAP/VATS) and robotic-assisted (RAS) approaches.Retrospective cohort study using the Premier Database on patients who underwent common operations (hysterectomy, lobectomy, right colectomy, benign sigmoidectomy, low anterior resection, inguinal and ventral hernia repair, and partial nephrectomy) between January 2013 and September 2015. ICD-9 and CPT codes were used to define procedures, modality, and conversion. Propensity scores were calculated using patient, hospital, and surgeon characteristics. Propensity-score matched analysis was used to compare conversions between LAP/VATS and RAS for each procedure.A total of 278,520 patients had MIS approaches of the ten operations. Conversion occurred in 5% of patients and was associated with a 1.77 day incremental increase in length of stay and $3441 incremental increase in cost. RAS was associated with a 58.5% lower rate of conversion to open surgery compared to LAP/VATS.At a health system or payer level, conversion to open is detrimental not just for the patient and surgeon but also puts a significant strain on hospital resources. Use of RAS was associated with less than half of the conversion rate observed for LAP/VATS.

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of clinical staging, to assess survival with surgical resection alone, and to determine factors associated with understaging in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma thought to have limited local-regional disease.Primary surgical resection is the preferred treatment in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma clinically staged to have limited nodal disease. This approach requires reliable clinical staging.A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who had primary esophagectomy for clinical stage T1-3 N0-1 adenocarcinoma (seventh edition AJCC) from January 2002 to May 2013. Clinical and pathologic stages were compared and overall survival was analyzed.There were 88 patients who met inclusion criteria. Final pathology confirmed appropriate clinical staging (≤T3N1) in 76% of patients (67/88). There were 21 patients who were understaged (T3N1), and in all cases, understaging was based on the presence of advanced nodal (N2 or N3) disease. Factors independently associated with understaging were the presence of dysphagia, tumor length3 cm, and poor differentiation. At a median follow-up of 35 months, 63% of all patients (55/88) remain alive. The 5-year survival in correctly staged patients was 67%, compared with 33% for those who were understaged (P0.0001).Modern clinical staging will accurately identify the majority of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma and limited local-regional disease (≤pT3N1). Survival with surgery alone in correctly staged patients was excellent and unlikely to be improved with neoadjuvant therapy. A combination of dysphagia, poor differentiation, and tumor length3 cm was associated with understaging in 92% of patients. Patients with these factors are likely to have more advanced disease than clinically suspected and may benefit from neoadjuvant therapy before resection.

The presence of endogenous acids from bacteria acting on a suitable substrate combined with sources of exogenous biocorrosives such as exogenous acids and proteolytic enzymes in areas of stress concentration are hypothesized to lead to the development and progression of cervical and root caries (RC). Quantifying the effects of each of the mechanisms (stress and biocorrosion) is a daunting task to investigate since so many factors are involved at various times in the etiology of noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs), cervical caries (CC), and RC. Frictional action of the tongue has a cleansing effect and lingual serous saliva, which has a high flow rate buffering capacity from bicarbonates seem to account for the paucity of lingual NCCLs, cervical, and RC in these areas of teeth. Future studies are indicated to determine the effects of stress and biocorrosion and their factors in the etiology of CC and RC. Clinical significance This manuscript presents hypothetical and literary information that the combined effects of stress concentration and biocorrosion contribute to the formation as well as progression of cervical and root caries.

To evaluate opioid administration after robotic lobectomy (RL) compared with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and open lobectomy in patients with lung cancer.Patients undergoing lobectomy for primary lung cancer between January 1, 2013, and September 30, 2015, were identified from the US Premier Hospital Perspective Database. The primary outcome was the average daily dose of opioids received from postoperative day (POD) 1 until discharge. Opioid doses were converted to morphine equivalent daily doses (MEDDs). Propensity score matching was performed to balance patient, hospital, and surgeon characteristics when comparing opioid administration by surgical approach.The open versus RL cohort included 2061 matched pairs, and the VATS versus RL cohort included 2142 matched pairs. From POD 1 until discharge, the patients undergoing open lobectomy had a higher rate of opioid use compared with those undergoing RL (94.8% vs 87.2%; P .001), with a higher total dose (median MEDD, 225.0 vs 100.0; P .001) and average daily dose (median MEDD, 41.3 vs 30.0; P .001). Similarly, from POD 1 until discharge, patients undergoing VATS lobectomy had a slightly higher rate of opioid use compared with those undergoing RL (89.6% vs 87.0%; P = .008), with a higher total dose (median MEDD, 130.0 vs 100.0; P .001) and average daily dose (median MEDD, 33.8 vs 28.8; P .001).Patients undergoing RL for primary lung cancer received opioids less frequently, and with lower total and average daily doses, compared with those undergoing VATS and open lobectomy. Studies are needed to determine whether early opioid dosage reductions translate into less chronic opioid use.

Cellular responses such as adhesion, spreading, growth and proliferation can be altered by macro and micro pores as well as surface patterns on its surface. In this study, the scaffold was prepared with interconnected macro pores by the polymeric sponge method and with interconnected micro pores by BCP slurry coating with different particle sizes on sintered porous body and necking sintering process. Two particle sizes for micro pores, 200–400 nm and 600–800 nm, were coated on a pre-sintered porous body. A combined macro and micro pore structure of the BCP scaffold can improve osteoblast cellular activity. In vitro study of MG63 cells suggest that the modified scaffolds improved cell response such as cell spreading, proliferation and differentiation. The scaffold that has a uniform distribution of micro pores ranging 1~5 µm in diameter on its surface yields the highest rate of cellular response.

Summary Typical reflux symptoms that respond well to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy are key factors predictive of an excellent outcome with antireflux surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Our aim was to evaluate whether poor preoperative heartburn (HB) relief with PPIs was associated with a worse outcome after Nissen fundoplication. Patients with a main symptom of HB and a positive pH-test who had a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication between January 2008 and December 2014 were included. Prior to surgery, patients graded how effectively their HB symptoms were relieved by PPIs. Three groups were defined: good response (76–100% relief), partial response (26–75% relief) and poor response (0–25% relief). Outcomes and satisfaction were assessed at a minimum of 1 year after fundoplication. There were 129 patients who met inclusion criteria and 75 agreed to participate. The median follow-up was 48 months. Prior to Nissen fundoplication 13 patients had a good HB response to PPI-therapy, 36 had a partial response and 26 had a poor response. All patients were satisfied with their HB relief after fundoplication (mean satisfaction score: 9.5/10) and there was no difference in satisfaction score or heartburn relief between groups. Heartburn symptoms that respond poorly to PPI therapy are reliably relieved with a Nissen fundoplication in patients with objectively confirmed GERD. Patient satisfaction after Nissen fundoplication was excellent and was similar in patients with poor versus excellent HB relief with preoperative PPI therapy. Therefore, antireflux surgery is an option for patients with HB and confirmed GERD regardless of the degree of relief of HB symptoms provided by PPI medications.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is commonly performed in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). An EGD report should document pertinent findings such as esophagitis, a columnar-lined esophagus (CLE), the location of the squamo-columnar and gastroesophageal junctions, the size and type of a hiatal hernia and the number and location of any biopsies. The aim of this study was to evaluate how commonly these findings were noted in the EGD reports of patients referred for antireflux surgery.A retrospective review was performed of patient charts from 2012 to 2015 to identify 100 consecutive EGD reports from different endoscopists in different patients. Each EGD report was reviewed for pertinent findings and the use of a classification system for esophagitis (Savory-Miller or Los Angeles) and for reporting a CLE (Prague).In 100 EGD reports, esophagitis was noted in 33 patients, but was graded in only 14 (42%). A CLE was noted in 28 patients, but the length was reported in only 16 (57%) and no report used the Prague classification system. A hiatal hernia was noted in 61 patients, measured in 31 (51%) and the type classified in 26%. A biopsy was taken in 93 patients and the location noted in 86 patients (93%). The number of biopsies was recorded in only 20 patients (22%). In 12 patients the EGD was for Barrett's surveillance, yet a Seattle biopsy protocol was reported to be used in only 3 patients.Endoscopy reports frequently do not include the use of a grading system for esophagitis or the Prague system for CLE. This hampers the assessment of change with therapy or over time. The size of a hiatal hernia was typically reported in a subjective fashion and only infrequently was the type specified. Lack of clarity about the presence of a paraesophageal hernia can impede evaluation of acute symptoms. In patients with Barrett's esophagus a standard biopsy protocol was infrequently reported to be used. These findings raise concern about the quality of upper endoscopy, both in the performance of the procedure and the documentation of findings. A consistent reporting system is recommended for routine use with upper endoscopy.

In this chapter the fundamentals of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) will be explained with an emphasis on the assessment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It includes the fundamentals of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the assessment of esophageal cancer. Numerous color photographs demonstrate different findings of interest on EGD through the spectrum of GERD, from erosive esophagitis to cancer. Photographs of EUS images will help demonstrate findings of interest in cancer patients.

Protracted dysphagia and bloating are potential troublesome side effects following Nissen fundoplication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of conversion from Nissen to Toupet on dysphagia and bloating. The study used a retrospective chart review of all patients who had undergone conversion from Nissen to Toupet between 2001 and 2014. Endpoints were to determine the effect of conversion on dysphagia, bloating, and reflux control. Twenty-five patients underwent conversion at a median of 3.7 years (1.4–10.5) after initial fundoplication. Indications were dysphagia in 19 (76%) and bloating syndrome in 6 (24%) patients. The median operative time was 104 min (86–146). There were no serious complications or mortality. Median follow-up was 27 months (0.8–130). Dysphagia was relieved in 16 (84%) and bloating in all 6 patients. Two patients developed reflux requiring a redo-Nissen. Two patients had persistent dysphagia and required endoscopic dilation. The GERD-HRQL post-conversion showed a median score of 5 (3–13). Conversion relieved dysphagia in 84% and bloating in 100%. Significant recurrence of GERD was rare. Given the absence of serious complications, conversion should be considered in patients with severe bloating or dysphagia.

Protein kinase A (PKA) regulates osteoblast cell function in vitro and is activated by important bone mass modulating agents. We determined whether PKA activation in osteoblasts is sufficient to mediate a bone anabolic response. Thus, a mouse model conditionally expressing a constitutively active PKA (CA-PKA) in osteoblasts (CA-PKA-OB mouse) was developed by crossing a 2.3-kb α1 (I)-collagen promoter-Cre mouse with a floxed-CA-PKA mouse. Primary osteoblasts from the CA-PKA-OB mice exhibited higher basal PKA activity than those from control mice. Microcomputed tomographic analysis revealed that CA-PKA-OB female mice had an 8.6-fold increase in femoral but only 1.16-fold increase in lumbar 5 vertebral bone volume/total volume. Femur cortical thickness and volume were also higher in the CA-PKA-OB mice. In contrast, alterations in many femoral microcomputed tomographic parameters in male CA-PKA-OB mice were modest. Interestingly, the 3-dimensional structure model index was substantially lower both in femur and lumbar 5 of male and female CA-PKA-OB mice, reflecting an increase in the plate to rod-like structure ratio. In agreement, femurs from female CA-PKA-OB mice had greater load to failure and were stiffer compared with those of control mice. Furthermore, the CA-PKA-OB mice had higher levels of serum bone turnover markers and increased osteoblast and osteoclast numbers per total tissue area compared with control animals. In summary, constitutive activation of PKA in osteoblasts is sufficient to increase bone mass and favorably modify bone architecture and improve mechanical properties. PKA activation in mature osteoblasts is, therefore, an important target for designing anabolic drugs for treating diseases with bone loss.

SUMMARY Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) uses optical coherence tomography (OCT) for real-time, microscopic cross-sectional imaging. A US-based multi-center registry was constructed to prospectively collect data on patients undergoing upper endoscopy during which a VLE scan was performed. The objective of this registry was to determine usage patterns of VLE in clinical practice and to estimate quantitative and qualitative performance metrics as they are applied to Barrett's esophagus (BE) management. All procedures utilized the NvisionVLE Imaging System (NinePoint Medical, Bedford, MA) which was used by investigators to identify the tissue types present, along with focal areas of concern. Following the VLE procedure, investigators were asked to answer six key questions regarding how VLE impacted each case. Statistical analyses including neoplasia diagnostic yield improvement using VLE was performed. One thousand patients were enrolled across 18 US trial sites from August 2014 through April 2016. In patients with previously diagnosed or suspected BE (894/1000), investigators used VLE and identified areas of concern not seen on white light endoscopy (WLE) in 59% of the procedures. VLE imaging also guided tissue acquisition and treatment in 71% and 54% of procedures, respectively. VLE as an adjunct modality improved the neoplasia diagnostic yield by 55% beyond the standard of care practice. In patients with no prior history of therapy, and without visual findings from other technologies, VLE-guided tissue acquisition increased neoplasia detection over random biopsies by 700%. Registry investigators reported that VLE improved the BE management process when used as an adjunct tissue acquisition and treatment guidance tool. The ability of VLE to image large segments of the esophagus with microscopic cross-sectional detail may provide additional benefits including higher yield biopsies and more efficient tissue acquisition. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02215291

As the smart city concept and applications continue to evolve, traditional architects and urban designers are facing an increasingly uncertain future. This paper outlines an innovative educational format to bolster and perpetuate the interdisciplinary nature of architects and urban designers that resonates with both sustainable development (SD) and smart cities (SCs). By applying ‘connective knowledge’ to the concept of interdisciplinarity education, a method was established that uses the SC concept to expand upon and create a bridge between distant disciplines in the context of higher education sustainable development (HESD). As a complementary educational pedagogy to the ‘whole institution approach’ to reduce barriers in higher education institutions (HEIs), this paper highlights an opportunity to apply the SC concept as a basis to construct an interdisciplinary design workshop to focus on building inter-personal competence, targeting university-level students majoring in architecture and urban design. The design workshop used microcontrollers and sensors as these are scalable and easily learnt building blocks of the Internet of Things and SCs. The inter-disciplinary workshop ran for 16 weeks with 14 students majoring in architecture and urban design and electrical engineering. Based on interviews and course evaluations, the experiment was vetted using capacities of inter-personal competence in sustainable development. A series of insights and findings from the design workshop indicated positive initial outcomes that were used to form a set of working criteria for the interdisciplinary design workshop. Future work will include structuring empirical data collection and analysis and expanding collaborations with other distant disciplines such as public administration and social innovation, as delineated by the SC concept.

BACKGROUND: Recruitment and homing cells into graft materials from host tissue is crucial for bone regeneration. METHODS: Highly porous, multi-level structural, hydroxyapatite bone void filler (HA-BVF) have been investigated to restore critical size bone defects. The aim was to investigate a feasibility of bone regeneration of synthetic HA-BVF compared to commercial xenograft (Bio-Oss). HA-BVF of 0.7 mm in average diameter was prepared via template coating method. Groups of animals (n = 6) were divided into two with normal (Sham) or induced osteoporotic conditions (Ovx). Subsequently, subdivided into three treated with HA-BVF as an experiment or Bio-Oss as a positive control or no treatment as a negative control (defect). The new bone formation was analyzed by micro-CT and histology. RESULTS: At 4 weeks post-surgery, new bone formation was initiated from all groups. At 8 weeks post-surgery, new bone formation in the HA-BVF groups was greater than Bio-Oss groups. Extraordinarily greater bone regeneration within the Ovx-HA group than Sham–Bio-Oss or Ovx–Bio-Oss group (p

For patients with primary CNS lymphoma who achieve complete response (CR) after induction methotrexate-based chemotherapy with rituximab, low-dose whole brain radiation therapy (LD-WBRT) appears effective and is well tolerated. For patients who respond to induction methotrexate-based chemotherapy with or without rituximab but have unifocal residual disease less than 3 cm in size, we hypothesized that LD-WBRT combined with radiosurgery would be effective at controlling residual disease and well tolerated.Four adult patients with primary CNS lymphoma with a favorable response to induction chemotherapy but had residual disease less than 3 cm were identified. Induction chemotherapy consisted of methotrexate with or without additional agents including rituximab. LD-WBRT comprised 2340 cGy in 13 fractions. This was immediately preceded or followed by a single radiosurgery treatment of 12 12.5 Gy to the focus of residual disease defined on contrast enhanced T1 weighted MRI.The median follow-up was 17.1 months (range 10-23 months). All patients had residual disease after induction chemotherapy but achieved complete response (CR) following LD-WBRT and radiosurgery. Three patients remained free of disease. One patient developed distant brain recurrence 12 months after radiation but remained alive at last follow-up (17 months). No treatment-related neurotoxicity was observed.The combination of induction methotrexate-based chemotherapy with or without rituximab, LD-WBRT and radiosurgery appears effective and well tolerated in patients with primary CNS lymphoma who achieve a partial response (PR) to chemotherapy with minimal residual disease. Longer follow-up and larger patient numbers are clearly needed for confirmation.

In this report, Dr. Cheng and colleagues from Shanghai Chest Hospital demonstrate a very elegant robotic-assisted right upper lobectomy and lymph node dissection in a patient who presented with lung cancer and clinically positive N2 disease, but refused staging or neoadjuvant therapy. The authors are very experienced surgeons with a high volume of robotic-assisted thoracic cases at one of the busiest thoracic hospitals in the world. Their technique utilizes the third-generation robotic platform (da Vinci S, Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, California, USA) and they opt to use a three-arm technique with a utility incision for the bedside assistant in the anterior 4 th intercostal space. The authors use a wound protector for this incision and do not insufflate CO 2 . According to the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) consensus on robotic-assisted lobectomy nomenclature, this is an example of an RAL-3 technique (1).

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is typically observed in the older non-Hispanic white population. Changing demographics are altering the epidemiology of the disease. The aim of this study is to review the presentation and outcomes of esophageal adenocarcinoma patients

Gastric adenocarcinoma has a high recurrence rate. The goal of this study was to determine the timing and pattern of recurrence after gastrectomy. A retrospective review was performed of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma having curative partial or total gastrectomy with R0/D2 lymph node resection from 1999 to 2013. Follow-up included CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis at 3-month intervals for the first three years, at 6-month intervals for the next two years, and annually thereafter. There were 62 patients, 38 males and 24 females, with a median age of 65 years. Median follow-up was 29 months and recurrence was identified in 21 per cent of patients. Median time to recurrence was 12 months and 92 per cent of recurrences occurred within two years. The last recurrence was identified at 34 months. Abdominal CT scan identified all patients with recurrence, although some patients had disease elsewhere in addition to the abdominal disease. There were no extra-abdominal isolated recurrences. In conclusion, recurrence after complete resection for gastric adenocarcinoma typically occurs within the first two years, and can be found by abdominal CT scan. Close cancer follow-up appears unnecessary after three years because all recurrences were identified within 34 months of resection.

Anastomotic complications are a major source of morbidity after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up and are often related to poor graft perfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of laser-assisted fluorescent-dye angiography to assess perfusion in gastric grafts and determine the relationship between perfusion and anastomotic leaks., Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate laser-assisted fluorescent-dye angiography (LAA) to assess perfusion in the gastric graft and to correlate perfusion with subsequent anastomotic leak. Background: Anastomotic leaks are a major source of morbidity after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up (GPU). In large part, they occur as a consequence of poor perfusion in the gastric graft. Methods: Real-time intraoperative perfusion was assessed using LAA before bringing the graft up through the mediastinum. When there was a transition from rapid and bright to slow and less robust perfusion, this site was marked with a suture. The location of the anastomosis relative to the suture was noted and the outcome of the anastomosis ascertained by retrospective record review. Results: Intraoperative LAA was used to assess graft perfusion in 150 consecutive patients undergoing esophagectomy with planned GPU reconstruction. An esophagogastric anastomosis was performed in 144 patients. A leak was found in 24 patients (16.7%) and were significantly less likely when the anastomosis was placed in an area of good perfusion compared with when the anastomosis was placed in an area of less robust perfusion by LAA (2% vs 45%, P < 0.0001). By multivariate analysis perfusion at the site of the anastomosis was the only significant factor associated with a leak. Conclusions: Intraoperative real-time assessment of perfusion with LAA correlated with the likelihood of an anastomotic leak and confirmed the critical relationship between good perfusion and anastomotic healing. The use of LAA may contribute to reduced anastomotic morbidity.

Reports of surgical outcomes comparing proficient surgeons who perform either robotic-assisted or video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy are lacking. We evaluate the comparative effectiveness of robotic-assisted and video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomies by surgeons who performed 20 or more annual surgical procedures in a national database.Patients 18 years or older, who underwent elective lobectomy by surgeons who performed 20 or more annual lobectomies by robotic-assisted or thoracoscopic approach from January 2011 through September 2015, were identified in the Premier Healthcare database with the use of codes from the ninth revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. Propensity-score matching based on patient and hospital characteristics and by year was performed 1:1 to identify comparable cohorts for analysis (n = 838 in each cohort). All tests were two-sided, with statistical significance set at p less than 0.05.A total of 23,779 patients received an elective lobectomy during the study period: 9,360 were performed by video-assisted thoracoscopic approach and 2,994 were by robotic-assisted approach. Propensity-matched comparison of lobectomies performed by surgeons who performed 20 or more procedures annually (n = 838) showed that robotic-assisted procedures had a longer mean operative time by 25 minutes (mean 247.1 minutes vs 222.6 minutes, p0.0001) but had a lower conversion-to-open rate (4.8% vs 8.0%, p = 0.007) and a lower 30-day complication rate (33.4% vs 39.2%, p = 0.0128). Transfusion rates and 30-day mortality rates were similar between the two cohorts.When surgical outcomes are limited to surgeons who perform 20 or more annual procedures, the robotic-assisted approach is associated with a lower conversion-to-open rate and lower 30-day complication rate when than video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeons, with a mean operative time difference of 25 minutes.

Background Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is the standard treatment for locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinomas (EAC). Pathological response is thought to be a major prognostic factor. Aims of this study were to determine the frequency of complete response and to compare the survival of complete and incomplete responders in stage III EAC. Methods A retrospective review was performed of all stage III patients that underwent neoadjuvant therapy followed by esophagectomy between 1999 and 2015. Patients were classified into complete (pCR) versus incomplete responders (pIR). Results 110 patients were included. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was applied in 25 (23%) and chemoradiotherapy in 85 (77%) patients. Pathologic response was complete in 25% (n = 27) and was more common after chemoradiotherapy. Mean F/U interval was 36 months (0.3–173). There was a significant difference in the overall survival between complete and incomplete responders (p = 0.036). Median survival in the pIR group was 24.4 months and the median survival was not reached during the observation time in pCR. The 3-year-survival-rate was 70% in pCR and 40% in pIR (p = 0.01). Positive lymph nodes (ypN+) were present in 56 patients (51%). The 3-year-survival-rate was 59% in pIR with ypN0 and 29% in pIR with ypN+ (p = 0.005). Conclusions Complete response to neoadjuvant therapy has a significantly better overall and 3-year-survival after esophagectomy than incomplete response. In incomplete responders, residual lymph node disease was associated with a significantly worse survival. These findings suggest that the degree of pathologic response and lymph node status are major prognostic factors for survival in EAC patients with stage III disease.

Intramucosal esophageal adenocarcinoma can be reliably treated endoscopically. Controversy exists about the use of endotherapy versus esophagectomy for submucosal tumors. Increasingly endotherapy is considered for submucosal tumors in part because of the presumed high mortality with esophagectomy and the perceived poor prognosis in patients with nodal disease. This study was designed to assess survival following primary en bloc esophagectomy (EBE) in patients with submucosal esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). This is a retrospective review of all patients who underwent EBE for submucosal EAC between 1998 and 2015. No patient had neoadjuvant therapy. There were 32 patients (28M/4F; median age 64 years). The median tumor size was 1.5 cm (0.4–8.0), and the median number of resected nodes was 48 (23–85). There was one perioperative death. Lymph node metastases were present in 7 patients (22%). There was one involved node in four patients and 2, 3, and 31 nodes in one patient each. The one N3 patient received adjuvant therapy. The median follow-up was 87 months. Overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 84 and 70% respectively. Disease-specific survival at 10 years was 90%. Eight patients died, but only three deaths (9%) were related to EAC. Disease-specific survival at 10 years in node-positive patients was 71%. Survival after primary en bloc esophagectomy for submucosal adenocarcinoma was excellent even in node-positive patients. Mortality with esophagectomy was low and far less than the 22% risk of node metastases in patients with submucosal tumor invasion. Esophagectomy should remain the preferred treatment for T1b esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Robotic-assisted lobectomy (RL) is becoming a popular alternative technique to video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VL), although open lobectomy (OL) remains the most common approach. The objective of this study is to provide a comparative analysis of perioperative clinical outcomes from elective RL, VL, and OL.The Premier Healthcare Database was analyzed for lobectomies performed from January 1, 2011, to September 30, 2015. International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis and procedure codes were used to identify surgical approaches, complications, and mortality. Propensity score matching (1:1) for patient and hospital characteristics allowed comparison of RL versus OL (n = 2,775 each) and RL versus VL (n = 2,951 each).Compared with OL in propensity matched analysis, RL was associated with a lower postoperative complication rate (p0.0001), shorter hospital stay (p0.0001), and lower mortality rate (p = 0.0282). Patients in the RL group were more likely to be discharged home than to a transitional health care facility (p0.0001). Compared with VL, the RL group had a lower conversion rate to thoracotomy (p0.0001), lower overall postoperative complication rate (p = 0.0061), and shorter hospital stay (p = 0.006). The RL patients also were more likely to be discharged home than to a transitional health care facility (p = 0.0108). The postoperative mortality rates of RL and VL were similar (p = 0.44). There was no difference in iatrogenic injuries when comparing RL with OL and RL with VL (p = 0.1284 and p = 0.5477, respectively).Robotic-assisted lobectomy was associated with improved outcomes for certain perioperative clinical variables, including shorter length of stay and lower complication rates. It was also was associated with a lower conversion rate to OL compared with VL.

Background The long-term outcome after colon interposition for esophageal reconstruction is not well documented. Our objective was to assess quality of life and alimentary satisfaction 10 or more years after colon interposition. Methods Patients who had an esophagectomy that was reconstructed using a colon interposition before April 2003 were identified. Symptoms, alimentary satisfaction, and quality of life were assessed by telephone interview and questionnaires. Results We identified 79 surviving patients, and follow-up was obtained in 63 (80%). The indication for esophagectomy was cancer in 45 patients and benign disease in 18. Vagal-sparing esophagectomy was performed in 48% of patients, en bloc in 44%, and transhiatal in 8%. Median follow-up was 13 years (range, 10 to 38 years). The median Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index score was 3 of 4 and results from the RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (RAND Corp, Santa Monica, CA) were at or above the published normal means in all categories. Most patients were free of dysphagia (89%), regurgitation (84%), and heartburn (84%). The most common postprandial symptom was early satiety (40%). The body mass index was within normal reference ranges in 90% of patients. Follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy in 30 patients at a median of 6 years showed no Barrett's metaplasia in the residual esophagus. Seven patients had a reoperation for colon redundancy. Conclusions Long-term alimentary satisfaction and quality of life were excellent after colon interposition. Most patients were free of dysphagia and few needed revision for redundancy. These results should encourage the use of a colon interposition in patients expected to survive long-term after esophagectomy.

A new scaffold design was introduced with macro-pores and micro-channels, which greatly assisted in the initial bone marrow absorption and uniform cell distribution. Unfortunately, the underlying scientific reasons for the new scaffold׳s efficiency are currently unknown. Hence, we approached using a mathematical and experimental method to elucidate the new scaffold׳s efficiency. The mathematical formula describe rising fluid height in a narrow cylindrical vessel due to capillary action. Through the mathematical simulation, the maximum fluid heights at equilibrium for scaffold tubes of diameters 50, 150, 350, and 750 µm were 156.6, 52.7, 22.6, and 10.5 mm, respectively. The fluid would theoretically reach 90% of the maximum height at 900, 30, 3, and 0.3 s, respectively. In the experiment, the fluid heights were observed from 30 to 600 s. All the scaffolds had 50 µm micro-channels with different macro-pore sizes of 150, 350, and 750 µm. The media rose through macro-pores of the three scaffolds until 40, 15, and 10 mm, respectively. The fluid heights were observed at about 2 s and 0.5 s after being immersed for the 350 µm and 750 µm macro-pore scaffolds. In the case of the 150 µm sample, the fluid height was 30 mm at about 30 s and 40 mm at about 75 s. Since all samples had 50 µm micro-channels, the fluid reached to the top of the scaffolds, eventually. The results showed that capillary action was highly dependent on the size of the tubes within the scaffold. They also confirmed the simulated data in both equilibrium height and the time trajectory. The data from both the experiment and the mathematical simulation proved our hypothesis that capillary action was the cause for the improvement in cell immigration in the new scaffold since the data matched each other in both equilibrium height and the time trajectory.

The development of a biomaterial substitute that can promote bone regeneration in massive defects has remained as a significant clinical challenge even using bone marrow cells or growth factors. Without an active, thriving cell population present throughout and stable anchored to the construct, exceptional bone regeneration does not occur. An engineered micro-channel structures scaffold within each trabecular has been designed to overcome some current limitations involving the cultivation and habitation of cells in large, volumetric scaffolds to repair massive skeletal defect. We created a scaffold with a superior fluid retention capacity that also may absorb bone marrow cells and provide growth factor-containing body fluids such as blood clots and/or serum under physiological conditions. The scaffold is composed of 3 basic structures (1) porous trabecular network (300-400 μm) similar to that of human trabecular bones, (2) micro-size channels (25-70 μm) within each trabecular septum which mimic intra-osseous channels such as Haversian canals and Volkmann's canals with body fluid access, diffusion, nutritional supply and gas exchange, and (3) nano-size pores (100-400 nm) on the surface of each septum that allow immobilized cells to anchor. Combinatorial effects of these internal structures result in a host-adapting construct that enhances cell retention and habitation throughout the 3 cm-height and 4 cm-length bridge-shaped scaffold.

We have developed spherical β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) granules with outer pores and internal micro-channels for the use of filling bone voids. In this study, we describe the cellular behaviors associated with the variations in granule structure. By utilizing the biodegradability properties of β-TCP, we documented four different modifications of the internal structures and the outer pores, which were based on β-TCP concentration (between 0.25 and 0.67 g/mL). Pore size, specific surface area and compressive strength of the granules were also evaluated. These results were then compared with the biodegradability of β-TCP using phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The significant reduction in the mass of the granules was demonstrated from the lowest β-TCP concentration group at 7 days. To ascertain the interactions between biodegradability and cellular behaviors, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts were evaluated by 3D culture configuration. A significant difference in cell proliferation was demonstrated between the highest and the lowest β-TCP concentration group at day 1 ( P

Despite the published benefits of minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lobectomy, the majority of lobectomies in the United States continue to be performed through a thoracotomy. The low adoption rate of VATS has been attributed to its technical challenges and ergonomic inefficiencies. Robotic surgery has been proposed as an alternative minimally invasive technique that allows the replication of open lobectomy with wristed instruments and three-dimensional vision. Our aim was to analyze the transition from open to robotic lobectomy at our hospital where there had been no significant VATS lobectomy experience. We analyzed 88 open and 43 robotic lobectomies that met criteria for inclusion. Operative times were significantly longer with the robotic group but decreased with experience. The resection time of the latter half of the robotic cases decreased to within 20 minutes of the open cases. There were no conversions in the robotic cases to either VATS or open. Robotic lobectomy was associated with faster postoperative recovery with a 60 per cent decrease in length of stay. Complications were uncommon and there were no deaths in the robotic group. We conclude that the transition from open to robotic lobectomy can be achieved safely with excellent postoperative outcomes. This new technique is a viable alternative to VATS lobectomy.

We have developed a hydroxyapatite-based scaffold with micro-channels and nano-pores (MCNP) using a polyurethane template coating method to overcome some of the limitations by addressing fluid absorbance and retention via capillary action. The novel scaffold has 3 basic structures. First, the scaffold has a porous trabecular network similar to that of human trabecular bones (300–400 um) which are mechanically matched to the strength of native trabecular bone (2–12 MPa). Second, it has micro-sized channels (25–70 um) within each trabecular septum which exhibit highly effective fluid absorption via capillary action. Third, the surface of each septum has nano-sized pores (100–400 nm) that allow immobilized cells to anchor. The surface area of the scaffold with micro-channels was significantly (+42.0%) higher than the scaffold without micro-channels as calculated using computer aided design (CAD) software, while overall porosity did not change significantly (+8.8%). Combinatorial effects of these internal structures result in a host-adapting construct that enhances cell ingress and retention from the host bone marrow throughout the entire scaffold.

Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair is associated with an objective recurrence rate exceeding 50 % at 5 years. Minimizing tension is a critical factor in preventing hernia recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of crural relaxing incisions in patients undergoing PEH repair. Records were reviewed to identify patients who received a relaxing incision during laparoscopic PEH repair. The patients were followed by chest X-ray and videoesophagram at 3 months and then annually. From November 2010 to March 2013, 58 patients underwent PEH repair, and 15 patients received a relaxing incision to accomplish crural closure. The median age of the patients was 72 years (range 58–84 years). The relaxing incision was right-sided in 13 patients, left-sided in one patient, and bilateral in one patient. All the procedures were completed laparoscopically and included a fundoplication. Collis gastroplasty for a short esophagus was performed for 40 % of the patients. No major complications occurred. During a median follow-up period of 4 months, one patient had an asymptomatic mildly elevated left hemidiaphragm, and one patient had a trivial recurrent hernia, as shown on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Crural tension likely contributes to the high recurrence rate noted with laparoscopic PEH repair. Relaxing incisions are safe and allow crural approximation. Advanced laparoscopic surgeons should be aware of this option when faced with a large hiatus in a patient with PEH.

ObjectivesSurveillance endoscopy has been recommended for patients with Barrett's esophagus; however, recent studies have questioned the importance owing to the new, lower, estimates of the rate of progression of Barrett's esophagus to cancer. The aim of the present study was to compare the tumor stage, survival, and frequency of esophageal preservation in patients who presented with progression of Barrett's esophagus within a surveillance program versus those who presented with prevalent disease.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed of all patients treated for high-grade dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma from 2005 to 2010. The surveillance group included patients who had had at least 1 endoscopy and biopsy confirming intestinal metaplasia (with or without low-grade dysplasia) 6 months or more before the endoscopy showing progression.ResultsA total of 224 patients were included in the present study, 36 in the surveillance group and 188 in the prevalence group. The surveillance patients had significantly earlier stage tumors (P

Highly porous hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds were developed as bone graft substitutes using a template coating process, characterized, and seeded with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). To test the hypothesis that cell-seeded HA scaffolds improve bone regeneration, HA scaffolds without cell seeding (HA-empty), HA scaffolds with 1.5 × 10(4) BMSCs (HA-low), and HA scaffolds with 1.5 × 10(6) BMSCs (HA-high) were implanted in a 10-mm rabbit radius segmental defect model for 4 and 8 weeks. Three different fluorochromes were administered at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after implantation to identify differences in temporal bone growth patterns. It was observed from fluorescence histomorphometry analyses that an increased rate of bone infiltration occurred from 0 to 2 weeks (p < 0.05) of implantation for the HA-high group (2.9 ± 0.5 mm) as compared with HA-empty (1.8 ± 0.8 mm) and HA-low (1.3 ± 0.2 mm) groups. No significant differences in bone formation within the scaffold or callus formation was observed between all groups after 4 weeks, with a significant increase in bone regenerated for all groups from 4 to 8 weeks (28.4% across groups). Although there was no difference in bone formation within scaffolds, callus formation was significantly higher in HA-empty scaffolds (100.9 ± 14.1 mm(3) ) when compared with HA-low (57.8 ± 7.3 mm(3) ; p ≤ 0.003) and HA-high (69.2 ± 10.4 mm(3) ; p ≤ 0.02) after 8 weeks. These data highlight the need for a better understanding of the parameters critical to the success of cell-seeded HA scaffolds for bone regeneration.

Malignant glioma remains a disease with poor prognosis despite recent advances in the multidisciplinary care of this disease. Herein we review the evolution of and recent advances in radiation therapy for malignant glioma that have allowed for more targeted therapy, potentially improving efficacy while decreasing normal tissue toxicity. Current and emerging techniques are presented, including stereotactic radiotherapy and radiosurgery, brachytherapy, radioimmunotherapy, and charged particle therapy, as well as the combination of these modalities with novel targeted biochemotherapies.