Expectations and outcomes when moving from open to laparoscopic adrenalectomy: Multivariate analysis

Various authors have suggested that laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) leads to better surgical outcomes than open surgery. The debate is still open, however, and indications and limitations of minimally invasive surgery have not been completely established. The objective of our study was to compare surgical outcomes of LA and open adrenalectomy (OA), using multivariate analysis to adjust for potential confounding factors (e.g., size of the lesion, histology). Between 1995 and June 2000 at "Careggi" Hospital in Florence, Italy patients with an indication for adrenalectomy were treated laparoscopically if the lesion was 2 hours, blood loss greater than or equal to 500 ml) between patients operated on through a traditional approach and those who underwent LA. On the other hand, patients operated on laparoscopically have a significantly higher probability than the OA group of experiencing a better recovery from surgery (i.e., require less postoperative analgesics and return to normal activities earlier). The results of the present study show that, although LA does not add much benefit in terms of expected intraoperative outcomes, it dramatically speeds patients' recovery from surgery. The two approaches are complementary and should both be integrated into the technical background of all endocrine surgeons

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: the SICE (Societ\ue0 Italiana di Chirurgia Endoscopica e Nuove Tecnologie) network prospective trial on 1225 cases comparing intra corporeal versus extra corporeal ileo-colic side-to-side anastomosis

Background: While laparoscopic approach for right hemicolectomy (LRH) is considered appropriate for the surgical treatment of both malignant and benign diseases of right colon, there is still debate about how to perform the ileo-colic anastomosis. The ColonDxItalianGroup (CoDIG) was designed as a cohort, observational, prospective, multi-center national study with the aims of evaluating the surgeons\u2019 attitude regarding the intracorporeal (ICA) or extra-corporeal (ECA) anastomotic technique and the related surgical outcomes. Methods: One hundred and twenty-five Surgical Units experienced in colorectal and advanced laparoscopic surgery were invited and 85 of them joined the study. Each center was asked not to change its surgical habits. Data about demographic characteristics, surgical technique and postoperative outcomes were collected through the official SICE website database. One thousand two hundred and twenty-five patients were enrolled between March 2018 and September 2018. Results: ICA was performed in 70.4% of cases, ECA in 29.6%. Isoperistaltic anastomosis was completed in 85.6%, stapled in 87.9%. Hand-sewn enterotomy closure was adopted in 86%. Postoperative complications were reported in 35.4% for ICA and 50.7% for ECA; no significant difference was found according to patients\u2019 characteristics and technologies used. Median hospital stay was significantly shorter for ICA (7.3 vs. 9 POD). Postoperative pain in patients not prescribed opioids was significantly lower in ICA group. Conclusions: In our survey, a side-to-side isoperistaltic stapled ICA with hand-sewn enterotomy closure is the most frequently adopted technique to perform ileo-colic anastomosis after any indications for elective LRH. According to literature, our study confirmed better short-term outcomes for ICA, with reduction of hospital stay and postoperative pain. Trial registration: Clinical trial (Identifier: NCT03934151)

Research On and Activities For Mathematically Gifted Students

This Topical Survey offers a brief overview of the current state of research on and activities for mathematically gifted students around the world. This is of interest to a broad readership, including educational researchers, research mathematicians, mathematics teachers, teacher educators, curriculum designers, doctoral students, and other stakeholders. It first discusses research concerning the nature of mathematical giftedness, including theoretical frameworks and methodologies that are helpful in identifying and/or creating mathematically gifted students, which is described in this section. It also focuses on research on and the development of mathematical talent and innovation in students, including connections between cognitive, social and affective aspects of mathematically gifted students. Exemplary teaching and learning practices, curricula and a variety of programs that contribute to the development of mathematical talent, gifts, and passion are described as well as the pedagogy and mathematics content suitable for educating pre-service and in-service teachers of mathematically gifted students. The final section provides a brief summary of the paper along with suggestions for the research, activities, and resources that should be available to support mathematically gifted students and their teachers, parents, and other stakeholders

Immunohistochemical study of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycoses

Immunohistochemical study of inflammatory infiltrate was carried out in five cases of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis before and after therapy. The infections were due to the genus Alternaria in four cases and genus Cladosporium in one. In four cases, infiltrating T cells with helper memory phenotype were slightly more abundant after therapy (70-80% versus 75-90% of T lymphocytes) and those with suppressor cytotoxic phenotype were slightly less abundant (20-25% versus 10-15%). In one case, CD8+, Tia-1+ lymphocytes constituted 50% of the T-cell infiltrate before and after therapy. In all cases, the infiltrate contained many CD79 a+ plasma cells, which increased slightly after therapy, and a high CD1a positivity of dendritic cells (presumably Langerhans cells) before and after therapy. The CD1a+ cells were detected in the epidermis and in granulomatous infiltrate; in the dermis and subcutis, many were close to fungal structures. In four cases, intra-epidermal CD1a+ cell number was slightly lower than in control skin. CD68+ cells were not found in the epidermi

The use of helmets to deliver non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure in hypoxemic acute respiratory failure

Non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a useful tool for managing patients with acute respiratory failure. The head helmet is a relatively novel interface that is as effective as the traditionally employed face-mask in delivering CPAP and can possibly be characterized as better for the patient's tolerance and, consequently, a longer duration of treatment. This review focuses on the main properties of the helmet and the issues related to its use, as shown by the physiological and bench studies. Clinical experience, both personal and reported in the literature, for the treatment of both cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema is reviewed as well