Sample records for failed conservative treatment

  1. Role of oral antibiotics in treatment of breastfeeding women with chronic breast pain who fail conservative therapy.

    PubMed

    Witt, Ann M; Burgess, Kelly; Hawn, Thomas R; Zyzanski, Steven

    2014-03-01

    Although breast pain remains a common cause of weaning, controversy exists regarding the etiology of chronic pain. Prospective studies are needed to define optimal treatment regimens. We evaluated patient history, exam, and bacterial cultures in breastfeeding women with chronic breast pain. We compared pain resolution and breastfeeding complications in patients responding to conservative therapy (CTX) (n=38) versus those in patients failing CTX and receiving oral antibiotic treatment (OTX) (n=48). We prospectively enrolled 86 breastfeeding women with breast pain lasting greater than 1 week and followed up patients through 12 weeks. Higher initial breast (p=0.012) and nipple pain severity (p=0.004), less response to latch correction (p=0.015) at baseline visit, and breastmilk Staphylococcus aureus growth (p=0.001) were associated with failing CTX. Pain type was not associated with failure of CTX. When culture results were available at 5 days, breast pain remained higher (p<0.001) in patients failing CTX and starting antibiotics. OTX patients then had more rapid breast pain reduction between 5 and 14 days (score of 3.1 vs. 1.3; p<0.001). By 4 weeks there was no difference (1.8/10 vs. 1.4/10; p=0.088) in breast pain level between groups. Median length of OTX was 14 days. At 12 weeks, weaning frequency (17% vs. 8%; p=0.331) was not statistically different. Initial pain severity and limited improvement to latch correction predicts failure of CTX. S. aureus growth is more common in women failing CTX. For those women not responding to CTX, OTX matched to breastmilk culture may significantly decrease their pain and is not associated with increased complications.

  2. Conservative treatment of patellofemoral subluxation.

    PubMed

    Henry, J H

    1989-04-01

    As pointed out in the preface of this book, patellofemoral subluxation is probably the most common knee problem seen in many orthopedists' offices today. Whereas the other authors have emphasized the anatomy and diagnosis, this article should serve as a dry but basic instruction on the exercise program that has been used in our clinic. We have had a success rate with this program of approximately 80 per cent. Certainly not all of the 20 per cent that fail require surgery. The classic exercises are quadricep sets, straight leg raises, hip abductors, hip adductors, hip flexors, and hamstring stretches, which have endured the test of time. The prevention of flexion extension activity, such as running the stadium stairs in order to strengthen the quadriceps of the patient with patellofemoral subluxation should be emphasized. Complications of conservative treatment, such as low back pain, iliopsoas tendinitis, and muscle soreness and the treatment of these is described. Finally, the importance of stretching the hamstring muscles is a cornerstone in the treatment of patellofemoral problems. Likewise, a tight IT band can put abnormal stress on the lateral aspect of the patella. In this article I have tried to point out our approach to conservative treatment of patellofemoral subluxation.

  3. The effect of platelet-rich plasma injection on lateral epicondylitis following failed conservative management.

    PubMed

    Brkljac, Milos; Kumar, Shyam; Kalloo, Dale; Hirehal, Kiran

    2015-12-01

    We assessed the effect PRP injection on pain and function in patients with lateral epicondylitis where conservative management had failed. We prospectively reviewed 34 patients. The mean follow-up was 26 weeks (range 6-114 weeks). We used the Oxford Elbow Score (OES) and progression to surgery to assess outcomes. 88.2% improved their OES. 8.8% reported symptom progression. One patient had no change. No patients suffered adverse reactions. Two patients underwent an open release procedure. One had the injection repeated. An injection of PRP improves pain and function in patients suffering from LE where conservative management has failed.

  4. Therapeutic Value of Gastrografin in Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction After Unsuccessful Conservative Treatment

    PubMed Central

    Choi, Hok-Kwok; Chu, Kin-Wah; Law, Wai-Lun

    2002-01-01

    Objective To assess the therapeutic value of Gastrografin in the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction after unsuccessful conservative treatment. Summary Background Data Gastrografin is a hyperosmolar water-soluble contrast medium. Besides its predictive value for the need for surgery, there is probably a therapeutic role of this contrast medium in adhesive small bowel obstruction. Methods Patients with clinical evidence of adhesive small bowel obstruction were given trial conservative treatment unless there was suspicion of strangulation. Those who responded in the initial 48 hours had conservative treatment continued. Patients showing no clinical and radiologic improvement in the initial 48 hours were randomized to undergo either Gastrografin meal and follow-through study or surgery. Contrast that appeared in the large bowel within 24 hours was regarded as a partial obstruction, and conservative treatment was continued. Patients in whom contrast failed to reach the large bowel within 24 hours were considered to have complete obstruction, and laparotomy was performed. For patients who had conservative treatment for more than 48 hours with or without Gastrografin, surgery was performed when there was no continuing improvement. Results One hundred twenty-four patients with a total of 139 episodes of adhesive obstruction were included. Three patients underwent surgery soon after admission for suspected bowel strangulation. Strangulating obstruction was confirmed in two patients. One hundred one obstructive episodes showed improvement in the initial 48 hours and conservative treatment was continued. Only one patient required surgical treatment subsequently after conservative treatment for 6 days. Thirty-five patients showed no improvement within 48 hours. Nineteen patients were randomized to undergo Gastrografin meal and follow-through study and 16 patients to surgery. Gastrografin study revealed partial obstruction in 14 patients. Obstruction resolved

  5. Value of gastrografin in adhesive small bowel obstruction after unsuccessful conservative treatment: a prospective evaluation.

    PubMed

    Choi, Hok-Kwok; Law, Wai-Lun; Ho, Judy-Wai-Chu; Chu, Kin-Wah

    2005-06-28

    Gastrografin is a hyperosmolar water-soluble contrast medium. Besides its predictive value for the need for operative treatment, a potential therapeutic role of this agent in adhesive small bowel obstruction has been suggested. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of gastrografin in adhesive small bowel obstruction when conservative treatment failed. Patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction were given trial conservative treatment unless there was fear of bowel strangulation. Those responded in the initial 48 h had conservative treatment continued. Patients who showed no improvement in the initial 48 h were given 100 mL of gastrografin through nasogastric tube followed by serial abdominal radiographs. Patients with the contrast appeared in large bowel within 24 h were regarded as having partial obstruction and conservative treatment was continued. Patients in which the contrast failed to reach large bowel within 24 h were considered to have complete obstruction and laparotomy was performed. Two hundred and twelve patients with 245 episodes of adhesive obstruction were included. Fifteen patients were operated on soon after admission due to fear of strangulation. One hundred and eighty-six episodes of obstruction showed improvement in the initial 48 h and conservative treatment was continued. Two patients had subsequent operations because of persistent obstruction. Forty-four episodes of obstruction showed no improvement within 48 h and gastrografin was administered. Seven patients underwent complete obstruction surgery. Partial obstruction was demonstrated in 37 other cases, obstruction resolved subsequently in all of them except one patient who required laparotomy because of persistent obstruction. The overall operative rate in this study was 10%. There was no complication that could be attributed to the use of gastrografin. The use of gastrografin in adhesive small bowel obstruction after unsuccessful conservative treatment is safe and reduces the

  6. Value of gastrografin in adhesive small bowel obstruction after unsuccessful conservative treatment: A prospective evaluation

    PubMed Central

    Choi, Hok-Kwok; Law, Wai-Lun; Ho, Judy Wai-Chu; Chu, Kin-Wah

    2005-01-01

    AIM: Gastrografin is a hyperosmolar water-soluble contrast medium. Besides its predictive value for the need for operative treatment, a potential therapeutic role of this agent in adhesive small bowel obstruction has been suggested. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of gastrografin in adhesive small bowel obstruction when conservative treatment failed. METHODS: Patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction were given trial conservative treatment unless there was fear of bowel strangulation. Those responded in the initial 48 h had conservative treatment continued. Patients who showed no improvement in the initial 48 h were given 100 mL of gastrografin through nasogastric tube followed by serial abdominal radiographs. Patients with the contrast appeared in large bowel within 24 h were regarded as having partial obstruction and conservative treatment was continued. Patients in which the contrast failed to reach large bowel within 24 h were considered to have complete obstruction and laparotomy was performed. RESULTS: Two hundred and twelve patients with 245 episodes of adhesive obstruction were included. Fifteen patients were operated on soon after admission due to fear of strangulation. One hundred and eighty-six episodes of obstruction showed improvement in the initial 48 h and conservative treatment was continued. Two patients had subsequent operations because of persistent obstruction. Forty-four episodes of obstruction showed no improvement within 48 h and gastrografin was administered. Seven patients underwent complete obstruction surgery. Partial obstruction was demonstrated in 37 other cases, obstruction resolved subsequently in all of them except one patient who required laparotomy because of persistent obstruction. The overall operative rate in this study was 10%. There was no complication that could be attributed to the use of gastrografin. CONCLUSION: The use of gastrografin in adhesive small bowel obstruction after unsuccessful

  7. Conservative treatment for breast cancer. Complications requiring reconstructive surgery

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bostwick, J. 3d.; Paletta, C.; Hartrampf, C.R.

    Women who select conservative treatment for carcinoma of the breast (tumor excision followed by supervoltage radiation therapy) place a premium on breast preservation and aesthetics. When local control fails and they require a mastectomy, or when the aesthetic appearance is unacceptable, they may request breast reconstruction. The goal of this study is to evaluate a series of 10 patients who required reconstructive breast surgery after complications of conservative treatment. Patient classification: I. Breast or chest wall necrosis (3). II. Breast fibrosis and gross asymmetry (3). III. Local recurrence of breast cancer (5). IV. Positive margins after the initial lumpectomy (1).more » The mean age was 34 years. Radiation dosage average was 5252 rads with two patients receiving iridium-192 implant boosts. The reconstructive management was complex and usually required a major musculocutaneous flap because of the radiation effects.« less

  8. Therapeutic value of gastrografin in adhesive small bowel obstruction after unsuccessful conservative treatment: a prospective randomized trial.

    PubMed

    Choi, Hok-Kwok; Chu, Kin-Wah; Law, Wai-Lun

    2002-07-01

    To assess the therapeutic value of Gastrografin in the management of adhesive small bowel obstruction after unsuccessful conservative treatment. Gastrografin is a hyperosmolar water-soluble contrast medium. Besides its predictive value for the need for surgery, there is probably a therapeutic role of this contrast medium in adhesive small bowel obstruction. Patients with clinical evidence of adhesive small bowel obstruction were given trial conservative treatment unless there was suspicion of strangulation. Those who responded in the initial 48 hours had conservative treatment continued. Patients showing no clinical and radiologic improvement in the initial 48 hours were randomized to undergo either Gastrografin meal and follow-through study or surgery. Contrast that appeared in the large bowel within 24 hours was regarded as a partial obstruction, and conservative treatment was continued. Patients in whom contrast failed to reach the large bowel within 24 hours were considered to have complete obstruction, and laparotomy was performed. For patients who had conservative treatment for more than 48 hours with or without Gastrografin, surgery was performed when there was no continuing improvement. One hundred twenty-four patients with a total of 139 episodes of adhesive obstruction were included. Three patients underwent surgery soon after admission for suspected bowel strangulation. Strangulating obstruction was confirmed in two patients. One hundred one obstructive episodes showed improvement in the initial 48 hours and conservative treatment was continued. Only one patient required surgical treatment subsequently after conservative treatment for 6 days. Thirty-five patients showed no improvement within 48 hours. Nineteen patients were randomized to undergo Gastrografin meal and follow-through study and 16 patients to surgery. Gastrografin study revealed partial obstruction in 14 patients. Obstruction resolved subsequently in all of them after a mean of 41 hours

  9. [Conservative treatment of benign esophageal strictures using dilation. Analysis of 500 cases].

    PubMed

    Andreollo, N A; Lopes, L R; Inogutti, R; Brandalise, N A; Leonardi, L S

    2001-01-01

    The benign esophageal stenoses (BES) are common complications owing to many etiologies: gastroesophageal reflux, ingestion of corrosive agents, esophageal surgery, radiotherapy, postendoscopic variceal sclerotherapy, drug ingestion, prolonged nasogastric intubation, extrinsic compression and esophageal webs. Esophageal dilatations are worldwide recommended to treat this complication, employing dilators of many types and diameters and facilitating the food ingestion. Evaluation of the results and advantages of the conservative treatment of the BES using esophageal dilatations, in outpatient service of upper digestive endoscopy. During the period from 1981 to 1999, 500 patients with BES were treated and followed up at the Gastrocenter - UNICAMP, in an individually Program of Esophageal Dilatation for each case. The highest number of cases was under ages from 31 to 60 years old (52,8%), and males (59,2%). The most predominant etiologies were: peptic stenosis (30,4%), caustic ingestion (23,6%), anastomosis (23,2%), megaesophagus (8,0%) and prolonged nasogastric ingestion entubation (6,4%), totalizing 91,6% of the BES. Most of patients (94,2%) were submitted to the maximum of 25 dilations. Dilators from 10,5 to 16 mm were employed in 95,6% of the cases. The duration of the treatment was 24 months in 76,2% of the BES. Esophageal perforations occurred in 6 patients (1,2%), without mortality. Were considered excellent, good and bad results, respectively in 76,2%, 18,2% and 5,6% of the cases. On the other hand, excellent results were recorded in 81,0% of the peptic stenosis, 66,1% of the caustic stenosis and 82,7% of the anastomotic stenosis. The conservative treatment failed in 9,3% of the caustic stenosis, 4,3% of the anastomotic stenosis and 3,9% of the peptic stenosis. Thus, the caustic stenosis were unsuccessfull in the highest percentage of unsuccessful. The conservative treatment using guidewire dilators (Savary-Gilliard and Eder-Puestow) is the first choice in the

  10. Risk Factors for Failed Nonoperative Treatment and Rerupture in Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture.

    PubMed

    Reito, Aleksi; Logren, Hanna-Liina; Ahonen, Katri; Nurmi, Heikki; Paloneva, Juha

    2018-01-01

    Nonoperative treatment is feasible in most patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture. Risk factors associated with failed nonoperative treatment are poorly understood. We investigated risk factors associated with rerupture after nonoperative treatment and otherwise failed nonoperative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture. All patients diagnosed with acute Achilles tendon rupture between January 2009 and June 2016 and who underwent 8 weeks of nonoperative treatment with functional rehabilitation were included in the study. Patients with rerupture or otherwise failed nonoperative treatment were identified retrospectively. Time to rerupture and association of age, sex, time from injury, diabetes, and visits to the physiotherapist for cases of reruptures and otherwise failed nonoperative treatment were investigated. A total of 210 patients were included in the study. Fifteen patients sustained a rerupture. Rerupture incidence was 7.1%. Incidence of late reruptures, those occurring after return to daily activities at 12 weeks, was 1.9%. Six patients had otherwise failed nonoperative treatment. Median time to rerupture was 23 days (6 to 61) after the end of the treatment. The incidence of all-cause failure was 10.0%. Male gender was associated with reruptures ( P = .013) and failed nonoperative treatment for any reason ( P = .029). It is important to highlight the increased risk of rerupture in male patients during the first month after the end of the nonoperative treatment. Age alone, even in male patients, was a poor indication for operative treatment since it did not predict early failure. Further studies will hopefully clarify the influence of activity level on the risk of rerupture. Level IV, retrospective case series.

  11. Clinical Outcomes of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Adhesive Capsulitis Resistant to Conservative Treatment.

    PubMed

    Okuno, Yuji; Iwamoto, Wataru; Matsumura, Noboru; Oguro, Sota; Yasumoto, Taku; Kaneko, Takao; Ikegami, Hiroyasu

    2017-02-01

    To evaluate clinical outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for adhesive capsulitis resistant to conservative treatments. This study comprised 25 patients (18 women and 7 men; mean age, 53.8 y; range, 39-68 y) with adhesive capsulitis resistant to conservative treatments. TAE was performed, and adverse events (AEs), pain visual analog scale (VAS) score changes, range of motion (ROM), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores were assessed. Abnormal vessels were identified in all patients. No major AEs were associated with TAE. One patient was lost to follow-up. The remaining 24 patients were available for final follow-up (mean, 36.1 months; range, 30-44 months). Of the 24 patients, 16 (67%) experienced quick improvement of nighttime pain (ie, VAS scores decreased > 50% from baseline) within 1 week, and 21 (87%) improved within 1 month. In terms of mean overall pain (ie, pain at its worst), VAS scores significantly decreased at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment (82 mm before treatment vs 52, 19, and 8 mm after treatment; P < .001). ASES scores significantly improved at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment (16.1 before treatment vs 41.4, 69.1, and 83.5 after treatment; P < .001). No symptom recurrence or late-onset AEs were observed. Shoulder ROM and function further improved during midterm follow-up. TAE is a possible treatment option for patients with adhesive capsulitis that has failed to improve with conservative treatments. Copyright © 2016 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. [Systematic review on conservative treatment options in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients refractory to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin instillation therapy].

    PubMed

    Martini, Thomas; Wezel, Felix; Löbig, Niklas; Mitterberger, Michael J; Colleselli, Daniela

    2017-08-01

    Background Adjuvant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) intravesical instillation is the recommended standard treatment in patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). However, a significant proportion of patients fail treatment, and radical cystectomy (RC) is the subsequent gold standard. On the other hand, there is an unmet need for conservative alternatives for patients who are unfit or unwilling to undergo surgery. This study aimed to identify conservative treatment options in NMIBC patients after BCG failure. Material and Methods We performed a systematic search in the databases Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and EMBASE, including all randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs and single-arm studies, in which patients with NMIBC were treated with second-line intravesical or systemic therapy after BCG failure. A minimum of eight patients were included in each treatment arm. Full papers were restricted to English language. Literature research and data analysis were assessed independently by two reviewers. Data on treatment response, recurrence, time to recurrence, progression and rate of cystectomy were collected and analysed. Results  This systematic review included 42 publications with a total of 3521 patients (2371 BCG failures). Valrubicin, taxanes, gemcitabine, combination chemotherapy, thermochemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, combination of BCG and interferon and immunotherapies or targeted therapies were identified as conservative treatment options. For taxanes, gemcitabine and thermochemotherapy there is the highest evidence for a clinical meaningful response with minor toxicities. Conclusions Despite some promising response rates for taxanes, gemcitabine or thermochemotherapy, an evidence-based recommendation for treatment options superior to RC in patients failing BCG therapy cannot be made. The definition of BCG failure is still inconsistent and heterogeneous outcomes in patients with BCG

  13. Conservative treatment vs phonosurgery.

    PubMed

    Vukasinović, M; Stanković, P D; Nikolić, Lj; Stojanović, M; Ajduković, M; Djukić, V; Janosević, Lj

    2008-01-01

    In Phoniatric Dpt. everyday practice we try to keep specific multidisciplinary approach to the communication disorders, that includes an expert team using modern technology. Over the last six years we have treated 110 singers (3% of all new cases) and the results of their diagnostic and therapeutic management are presented here. There were 67 women and 43 men, 41 were smokers and 69 nonsmokers. The singing genres included 24 pop, 41 folk, 8 ethnic, 29 choral and 8 opera singers. The therapy success was compared with the demographic parameters, level of education and music genres across the subjects. A precise history, clinical examination, endovideolaryngostroboscopy and multidimensional computer analysis of voice and speech was carried out by two phoniatricians, two logopeds, two nurses and one clinical psychologist. Additional consultations were carried out by audiologists, allergists, endocrinologists, chest physicians, gastroenterologists and neurologists where necessary. We suggest that the gold standard is conservative therapy, with phonosurgery if conservative measures fail. We also suggest that an annual systematic examination is optimal in preventing disease in professional singers.

  14. Replacing a failed mini-implant with a miniplate to prevent interruption during orthodontic treatment.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jin-Hwa; Choo, Hyeran; Kim, Seong-Hun; Chung, Kyu-Rhim; Giannuzzi, Lucille A; Ngan, Peter

    2011-06-01

    When mini-implants fail during orthodontic treatment, there is a need to have a backup plan to either replace the failed implant in the adjacent interradicular area or wait for the bone to heal before replacing the mini-implant. We propose a novel way to overcome this problem by replacement with a miniplate so as not to interrupt treatment or prolong treatment time. The indications, advantages, efficacy, and procedures for switching from a mini-implant to a miniplate are discussed. Two patients who required replacement of failed mini-implants are presented. In the first patient, because of the proximity of the buccal vestibule to the mini-implant, it was decided to replace the failed mini-implant by an I-shaped C-tube miniplate. In the second patient, radiolucencies were found around the failed mini-implants, making the adjacent alveolar bone unavailable for immediate placement of another mini-implant. In addition, the maxillary sinus pneumatization was expanded deeply into the interradicular spaces; this further mandated an alternative placement site. One failed mini-implant was examined under a scanning electron microscope for bone attachment. Treatment was completed in both patients after replacement with miniplates without interrupting the treatment mechanics or prolonging the treatments. Examination under the scanning electron microscope showed partial bone growth into the coating pores and titanium substrate interface even after thorough cleaning and sterilization. Replacement with a miniplate is a viable solution for failed mini-implants during orthodontic treatment. The results from microscopic evaluation of the failed mini-implant suggest that stringent guidelines are needed for recycling used mini-implants. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Cohort study of lumbar percutaneous chemonucleolysis using ethanol gel in sciatica refractory to conservative treatment.

    PubMed

    Touraine, Sébastien; Damiano, Joël; Tran, Olivia; Laredo, Jean-Denis

    2015-11-01

    To investigate the efficacy of percutaneous chemonucleolysis using ethanol gel (PCEG) in alleviating radicular pain due to disc herniation after failure of conservative treatment. After failure of conservative treatment, PCEG was performed under fluoroscopic guidance in 42 patients with sciatica >4/10 on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for at least 6 weeks and consistent disc herniation on MRI or CT <3 months. The VAS pain score was determined at baseline, then after 1 and 3 months. We assessed the influence of patient-related factors (age, gender, pain duration) and disc herniation-related factors (level, migration pattern, disc herniation-related spinal stenosis) on outcome of PCEG. Mean pain duration was 6.7 months. Pain intensity decreased by 44% and 62.6% after 1 and 3 months, respectively, versus baseline (P = 0.007). A mild improvement was noted by the rheumatologist in 30/42 (71.4%) and 36/42 (85.7%) patients after 1 and 3 months, respectively, and in 31/42 (73.8%) and 33/42 (78.6%) patients by self-evaluation. Patients who failed PCEG were significantly older (49.8 vs. 37.3 years, P = 0.03). None of the other variables studied were significantly associated with pain relief. PCEG may significantly improve disc-related radicular pain refractory to conservative treatment. • Percutaneous chemonucleolysis using ethanol gel (PCEG) is feasible on an outpatient basis. • PCEG improves disc-related radicular pain refractory to conservative treatment. • PCEG is feasible on an outpatient basis. • Failure of PCEG does not interfere with subsequent spinal surgery.

  16. Large meniscus extrusion ratio is a poor prognostic factor of conservative treatment for medial meniscus posterior root tear.

    PubMed

    Kwak, Yoon-Ho; Lee, Sahnghoon; Lee, Myung Chul; Han, Hyuk-Soo

    2018-03-01

    The purpose of this study was to find a prognostic factor of medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) for surgical decision making. Eighty-eight patients who were diagnosed as acute or subacute MMPRT without severe degeneration of the meniscus were treated conservatively for 3 months. Fifty-seven patients with MMPRT showed good response to conservative treatment (group 1), while the remaining 31 patients who failed to conservative treatment (group 2) received arthroscopic meniscus repair. Their demographic characteristics and radiographic features including hip-knee-ankle angle, joint line convergence angle, Kellgren-Lawrence grade in plain radiographs, meniscus extrusion (ME) ratio (ME-medial femoral condyle ratio, ME-medial tibial plateau ratio, ME-meniscus width ratio), the location of bony edema, and cartilage lesions in MRI were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was also performed to determine the cut-off values of risk factors. The degree of ME-medial femoral condyle and medial tibia plateau ratio of group 2 was significantly higher than group 1 (0.08 and 0.07 vs. 0.1 and 0.09, respectively, both p < 0.001). No significant (n.s.) difference in other variables was found between the two groups. On ROC curve analysis, ME-medial femoral condyle ratio was confirmed as the most reliable prognostic factor of conservative treatment for MMPRT (area under ROC = 0.8). The large meniscus extrusion ratio was the most reliable poor prognostic factor of conservative treatment for MMPRT. Therefore, for MMPRT patients with large meniscus extrusion, early surgical repair could be considered as the primary treatment option. III.

  17. Intra-articular laser treatment plus Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) significantly reduces pain in many patients who had failed prior PRP treatment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Prodromos, Chadwick C.; Finkle, Susan; Dawes, Alexander; Dizon, Angelo

    2018-02-01

    INTRODUCTION: In our practice Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections effectively reduce pain in most but not all arthritic patients. However, for patients who fail PRP treatment, no good alternative currently exists except total joint replacement surgery. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) on the surface of the skin has not been helpful for arthritis patients in our experience. However, we hypothesized that intra-articular laser treatment would be an effective augmentation to PRP injection and would increase its efficacy in patients who had failed prior PRP injection alone. METHODS: We offered Intra-articular Low Level Laser Therapy (IAL) treatment in conjunction with repeat PRP injection to patients who had received no benefit from PRP injection alone at our center. They were the treatment group. They were not charged for PRP or IAL. They also served as a historical control group since they had all had failed PRP treatment alone. 28 patients (30 joints) accepted treatment after informed consent. 22 knees, 4 hips, 2 shoulder glenohumeral joints and 1 first carpo-metacarpal (1st CMC) joint were treated RESULTS: All patients were followed up at 1 month and no adverse events were seen from the treatment. At 6 months post treatment 46% of patients had good outcomes, and at 1 year 17% still showed improvement after treatment. 11 patients failed treatment and went on to joint replacement. DISCUSSION: A single treatment of IAL with PRP salvaged 46% of patients who had failed PRP treatment alone, allowing avoidance of surgery and good pain control.

  18. What's Wrong With Conservation Education?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hobart, Willis L.

    1972-01-01

    Conservation and conservation education are critically examined, their definitions, foundations, principles, concepts, weaknesses, failures, and successes. It is concluded educators must first educate themselves, or environmental education will fail the same way conservation education has failed to educate Americans to the intricate…

  19. Conservative treatment of postoperative chylothorax: a case report.

    PubMed

    Wagh, Sachinkumar; Deshmukh, Sanjay; Ankolikar, Shrikant

    2018-02-06

    Chylothorax is a well-documented complication of thoracic trauma and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Treatment for chylothorax includes conservative measures (total parenteral nutrition, pleural drainage, and pleurodesis) and surgery (thoracic duct ligation). We present the case of a 65-year-old man who developed chylothorax after an elective surgical procedure. In this report conservative treatment aims to reduce chyle flow, to drain the pleural cavity in an effective manner, and to prevent chronic sequelae. Optimal conservative treatment, started immediately upon diagnosis, effectively reduces the need for reoperation and long-term hospitalization, and it might prevent further sequelae of chylothorax. The chylothorax was successfully treated conservatively, which may reduce the need for reoperation.

  20. Implant failure and history of failed endodontic treatment: A retrospective case-control study.

    PubMed

    Chatzopoulos, Georgios S; Wolff, Larry F

    2017-11-01

    Residual bacterial biofilm and/or bacteria in planktonic form may be survived in the bone following an extraction of an infected tooth that was endodontically treated unsuccessfully Failed endodontic treatment may be associated with failure of implants to osseointegrate in the same sites. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective case-control study is to examine the risk of implant failure in previous failed endodontic sites. This retrospective case-control study is based on 94 dental records of implants placed at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Dental records of patients who received an implant in sites with previously failed endodontic therapy in the dental school were identified from the electronic database, while control subjects were obtained from the same pool of patients with the requirement to have received an implant in a site that was not endodontically treated. The mean age of the population was 62.89±14.17 years with 57.4% of the sample being females and 42.6% of them being males. In regards to the socio-economic status and dental insurance, 84.0% of this population was classified as low socio-economic status and 68.1% had dental insurance. Tobacco use was self-reported by 9.6% and hypercholesterolemia was the most prevalent systemic medical condition. Dental implant failure was identified in two of the included records (2.1%), both of which were placed in sites with a history of failed endodontic treatment. Within the limitations of this retrospective case-control study, further investigation with a larger population group into implant failure of sites that previously had unsuccessful endodontic treatment would be warranted. Implant failure may be associated with a history of failed endodontic treatment. Key words: Implantology, endodontics, osseointegration, treatment outcome, case-control study.

  1. [Conservative treatment of idiopathic scoliosis with physical therapy and orthoses].

    PubMed

    Weiss, H-R

    2003-02-01

    Opinions differ in the international literature about the efficacy of conservative approaches to scoliosis treatment. Because this divergence of opinion corresponds to a great discrepancy in the standards applied to conservative treatment methods, it is not astonishing that the results of conservative treatment as described in the literature also differ. Scoliosis normally does not have such dramatic effects that immediate surgery would be indicated.Moreover, it is clear from the published literature that it is the functional and physiological impairments of scoliosis patients--including pain, torso deformity, psychological disturbance, and pulmonary dysfunction--which require therapeutic intervention. In Germany the triad of outpatient physiotherapy, intensive inpatient rehabilitation, and bracing has proven effective in conservative scoliosis treatment.Indication, content, and results of the individual treatment procedures are described and discussed. The positive outcomes of this practice validate a policy of offering conservative scoliosis treatment as an alternative to patients, including those for whom surgery is indicated.

  2. [Necrotic acute pancreatitis in the intensive care unit: a comparison between conservative and surgical medical treatment].

    PubMed

    Milian J, William; Portugal S, José; Laynez Ch, Richard; Rodríguez A, Cesar; Targarona, Javier; Barreda C, Luis

    2010-01-01

    To determine the prognosis of patients with necrotic acute pancreatitis receiving medical and surgical treatments. The severe acute pancreatitis treatment is multidisciplinary and requires a daily evaluation of the patient that will allow to observe changes and apply therapy in due time. The treatment includes: Admission in the ICU, fluids, nutrition and antibiotics, as well as other life supports for high-risk patients. Thus, patients undergo conservative treatment or, if it is necessary, surgery. A retrospective study of patients with necrotic acute pancreatitis admitted to the ICU between January 2004 and August 2006. The patients with necrotic acute pancreatitis without signs of sepsis underwent a conservative medical treatment, while fine needle punction-aspiration was performed in all patients who were suffering from necrotic acute pancreatitis and persistent sepsis four weeks after their admission and after discarding and eradicating every non-pancreatic focus of infection. All Gram stain or culture positive patients underwent surgery immediately. Seventy patients with necrotic acute pancreatitis were included in the study. Thirty-six patients (51%) suffered acute pancreatitis with sterile necrosis and underwent a conservative treatment, while 34 patients (49%) developed acute pancreatic with infected necrosis and underwent surgery. The average age was 55.19 vs. 57.65 (p=0.57). The average amylase was 1421.74 vs. 1402.45. (p=0.96). The tomography severity index was 8.47 vs. 8.79 (p=0.36). The Apache II was 8.22 vs. 9 (p=0.46). The average number of failed organs was 0.39 vs. 0.68. (p=0.19). The ICU stay was 10.75 vs. 26.5 days (p<0.05) while the total hospital stay was 46.47 vs. 57.26 days (p<0.05). The mortality rate was (3/36) 8.3% vs. (9/34) 26.5% (p<0.05) for conservative medical treatment vs. surgical treatment, respectively. Between the first and the twelfth month the evaluated patients who attended consultation, after discharge, showed: pancreatic

  3. Delayed hysteroscopic resection of retained tissues and uterine conservation after conservative treatment for placenta accreta.

    PubMed

    Hequet, Delphine; Morel, Olivier; Soyer, Philippe; Gayat, Etienne; Malartic, Cécile; Barranger, Emmanuel

    2013-12-01

    Conservative management of both the uterus and the abnormal placenta, which is left inside the uterus at the time of delivery, is one option of placenta accreta management. Complete elimination of the residual placenta is the main challenge of this procedure. To report the role, efficacy and safety of hysteroscopic resection in women presenting with severe pelvic pain and chronic intra-uterine retention after conservative treatment of placenta accreta. Four consecutive women who were treated with hysteroscopic resection of retained tissues after conservative treatment of placenta accreta or percreta at the time of delivery. Clinical files and surgical procedures were reviewed. All procedures were performed because of chronic pelvic pain and the absence of a complete spontaneous placental elimination. All procedures were successful and uneventful. The uterus was conserved with a complete disappearance of the symptoms in the four women, and two of them became pregnant. Hysteroscopic resection seems effective and safe for shortening the duration of placental elimination after conservative treatment in women with severe pelvic pain due to uterine retention. This approach allows conserving the uterus and future fertility. © 2013 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

  4. 76 FR 56126 - Energy Conservation Program: Treatment of “Smart” Appliances in Energy Conservation Standards and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-09-12

    ...'s energy conservation standards, as well as in test procedures used to demonstrate compliance with...'' appliances in the development of DOE's energy conservation standards, as well as in test procedures used to... Conservation Program: Treatment of ``Smart'' Appliances in Energy Conservation Standards and Test Procedures...

  5. [Diabetic foot osteomyelitis: is conservative treatment possible?].

    PubMed

    Jordano-Montañez, Queralt; Muñiz-Tatay, Montse; Viadé-Julià, Jordi; Jaen-Manzanera, Angeles; Royo-Serrando, Josep; Cuchí-Burgos, Eva; Anglada-Barceló, Jordi; de la Sierra-Iserte, Alejandro

    2014-11-01

    The aim of the present study is to determine the proportion of foot ulcers, complicated by osteomyelitis in diabetic patients, that heal without amputation. Furthermore, an attempt is made to analyze the main clinical and microbiological characteristics of episodes, and to identify potential predictive factors leading to the failure of conservative treatment. A prospective observational study was carried out between 2007 and 2009 on diabetic patients with a foot lesion and attending a diabetic foot clinic. A percutaneous bone biopsy was required to be included in the study. A total of 81 episodes of diabetic foot osteomyelitis in 64 patients were evaluated. Staphylococcus aureus (28/81) and coagulase negative Staphylococcus (22/81) were the most frequent organisms isolated. Among the gramnegative group (34/81), non-fermenting gram negative bacteria were the most prevalent organisms isolated (14/81). Conservative treatment was successful in 73% of episodes. After a logistic regression analysis using the most significant prognostic variables, only lesion size greater than 2cm independently predicted failure of conservative treatment. Culture guided antibiotic treatment was associated with a better prognosis. Conservative treatment, including culture-guided antibiotics, is successful without amputation in a large proportion of diabetic patients with diabetic foot osteomyelitis. Considering empiric therapy directed at non-fermenting gramnegative bacteria could be advisable in some cases, because they are frequently isolated in our setting. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.

  6. Failed Pavlik harness treatment for DDH as a risk factor for avascular necrosis.

    PubMed

    Tiruveedhula, Madhu; Reading, Isabel C; Clarke, Nicholas M P

    2015-03-01

    Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is an irreversible complication seen in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) with the Pavlik harness. Its incidence is reported to be low after successful reduction of the hip but high if the hip is not concentrically relocated. We aim to investigate its incidence after failed Pavlik harness treatment. We prospectively followed up a group of children who failed Pavlik harness treatment for DDH treated at our institution by the senior author between 1988 and 2001 and compared their rates of AVN with a group of children who presented late and hence were treated surgically. AVN was graded as described by Kalamchi and MacEwen and only grade 2 to 4 AVN was considered significant and included in the analysis. Thirty-seven hips were included in the failed Pavlik group (group 1) and 86 hips in the no Pavlik group (group 2). Ten hips in group 1 developed AVN (27%), whereas only 7 hips in group 2 (8%) developed AVN; the odds of developing AVN after failed Pavlik treatment was 4.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.3-14.1) (P=0.009) with a relative risk of 3.32 (range, 1.37 to 8.05). There was no statistically significant association observed with duration of splintage and severity of AVN (Spearman's correlation, -0.46; P=0.18). However, there was a positive correlation noted with age at presentation and severity of AVN. Therefore, we advise close monitoring of hips in the Pavlik harness and discontinue its use if the hips are not reduced within 3 weeks. Level III.

  7. Conservative treatment of ectopic pregnancy in a sub-Saharan African setting.

    PubMed

    Foumane, P; Mboudou, E T; Dohbit, J S; Ndingue, S Mbakop; Tebeu, P M; Doh, A S

    2011-04-01

    In the sub-Saharan African setting, laparotomy for salpingectomy is the common method of treatment for ectopic pregnancy (EP). The objective of this retrospective study was to find out how common EP is treated conservatively in the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital, Cameroon. Of the 281 patient files analysed, 126 patients (44.8%) were treated conservatively and successfully for EP. Of these, 86 (68.2%) had received conservative surgical treatment while 40 (31.8%) had non-surgical treatment. Salpingostomy was the conservative surgery for 79.1% of the cases. According to the publications available for the sub-Saharan setting, the rate of conservative management of EP at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital, Cameroon is high. We recommend that this rate should be improved so that, eventually, the conservative treatment methods of EP become routine.

  8. Systematic review: conservative treatments for secondary lymphedema

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Several conservative (i.e., nonpharmacologic, nonsurgical) treatments exist for secondary lymphedema. The optimal treatment is unknown. We examined the effectiveness of conservative treatments for secondary lymphedema, as well as harms related to these treatments. Methods We searched MEDLINE®, EMBASE®, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials®, AMED, and CINAHL from 1990 to January 19, 2010. We obtained English- and non-English-language randomized controlled trials or observational studies (with comparison groups) that reported primary effectiveness data on conservative treatments for secondary lymphedema. For English-language studies, we extracted data in tabular form and summarized the tables descriptively. For non-English-language studies, we summarized the results descriptively and discussed similarities with the English-language studies. Results Thirty-six English-language and eight non-English-language studies were included in the review. Most of these studies involved upper-limb lymphedema secondary to breast cancer. Despite lymphedema's chronicity, lengths of follow-up in most studies were under 6 months. Many trial reports contained inadequate descriptions of randomization, blinding, and methods to assess harms. Most observational studies did not control for confounding. Many studies showed that active treatments reduced the size of lymphatic limbs, although extensive between-study heterogeneity in areas such as treatment comparisons and protocols, and outcome measures, prevented us from assessing whether any one treatment was superior. This heterogeneity also precluded us from statistically pooling results. Harms were rare (< 1% incidence) and mostly minor (e.g., headache, arm pain). Conclusions The literature contains no evidence to suggest the most effective treatment for secondary lymphedema. Harms are few and unlikely to cause major clinical problems. PMID:22216837

  9. 76 FR 47518 - Energy Conservation Program: Treatment of “Smart” Appliances in Energy Conservation Standards and...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-05

    ... Conservation Program: Treatment of ``Smart'' Appliances in Energy Conservation Standards and Test Procedures... well as in test procedures used to demonstrate compliance with DOE's standards and qualification as an... development of energy conservation standards and test procedures for DOE's Appliance Standards Program and the...

  10. Adhesions small bowel obstruction in emergency setting: conservative or operative treatment?

    PubMed

    Assenza, M; De Gruttola, I; Rossi, D; Castaldi, S; Falaschi, F; Giuliano, G

    2016-01-01

    Adhesions small bowel obstructions (aSBO) are among the leading causes of emergency operative intervention. About the 80% of aSBO cases resolve without a surgical treatment. It's important to identify which patients could undergo a conservative treatment to prevent an useless surgery The aim of this study is to determine findings that can indicate whether patients with aSBO should undergo a conservative or a surgical treatment. 313 patients with diagnosis of submission of aSBO were restudied. Patients were divided into two groups based on the different type of treatment received, 225 patients who underwent surgical treatment within 24 hours after admission, 88 patients which underwent conservative treatment successfully. For each patient, clinical, hematochemical and radiological findings have been analysed. The treatment of aSBO should be, at the beginning, conservative except that cases that presents clinical and/or CT-scan findings predictive for a surgical treatment (free peritoneal fluid, mesenterial edema, transitional point) or a peritonitis (pneumatosis intestinalis, pneumoperitoneum).

  11. Hospitalization, frequency of interventions, and quality of life after endoscopic, surgical, or conservative treatment in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

    PubMed

    Rutter, Karoline; Ferlitsch, A; Sautner, T; Püspök, A; Götzinger, P; Gangl, A; Schindl, M

    2010-11-01

    Patients with chronic pancreatitis usually have a long and debilitating history of disease with frequent hospital admissions, episodes of intractable pain and multiple interventions. The sequences of treatment at initial presentation, endoscopy, surgery, or conservative treatment may affect the time course and admissions needed for disease control, thereby determining quality of life and overall outcome. A total of 292 patients with initial endoscopic, surgical, or conservative pharmacological treatment were retrospectively analyzed regarding frequency of interventions, days in hospital, symptom-free intervals, morbidity, and mortality. Quality of life (QoL) at the latest follow-up was measured by two standardized quality of life questionnaires (EORTC C30 and PAN26). Endoscopic treatment was initially performed in 150 (51.4%) patients, whereas 99 (33.9%) underwent surgery and 43 (14.7%) patients were treated conservatively at their initial presentation. Patients who underwent surgery had a significantly shorter time in the hospital (25.3 ± 24.6, 34.4 ± 35.1, 61.1 ± 37.9; P < 0.001), fewer subsequent therapies (0.43 ± 1.0, 2.1 ± 2.4, 3.1 ± 3.0; P ≤ 0.001), and a longer relapse-free interval (P = 0.004) compared with endoscopically treated patients. The overall complication rate was 32% both after surgery and endoscopy. Infectious-related complications occurred more often after surgical treatment (P ≤ 0.001), whereas patients after endoscopic intervention developed acute or chronic pancreatitis or pseudocyst formation (P = 0.023). Patients who undergo surgery as their initial treatment for chronic pancreatitis require less consecutive interventions, a shorter hospital stay, and have a better quality of life compared with any other treatment. Surgery should therefore be considered early for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis, when endoscopic or conservative treatment fails and patients require further intervention.

  12. Transcatheter arterial embolization of abnormal vessels as a treatment for lateral epicondylitis refractory to conservative treatment: a pilot study with a 2-year follow-up.

    PubMed

    Iwamoto, Wataru; Okuno, Yuji; Matsumura, Noboru; Kaneko, Takao; Ikegami, Hiroyasu

    2017-08-01

    Abnormal vessels and accompanying nerves are possible sources of pain with lateral epicondylitis. The purpose of this study was to describe the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for lateral epicondylitis resistant to conservative treatment. This prospective study was conducted in 24 patients with lateral epicondylitis resistant to conservative treatments for more than 3 months, with a symptom duration longer than 6 months, and with moderate to severe pain who were treated with TAE between March 2013 and October 2014. Two patients were lost to follow-up, and the remaining 22 patients were followed up for 2 years after TAE. Abnormal vessels were identified in all of the patients. No major adverse events were observed. The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores at baseline significantly decreased at 1, 3, 6, and 24 months after treatment (50.8 vs 23.4, 8.3, 5.3, and 2.7, respectively; all P < .001). There was a statistically significant (P < .001) change from baseline to the last observed value in all of the clinical parameters, including visual analog scale pain score, Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation score, and pain-free grip strength. Magnetic resonance images obtained 2 years after TAE showed an improvement in tendinosis and tear scores compared with baseline, and no patients showed bone marrow necrosis, obvious cartilage loss, or muscle atrophy. TAE could be one possible treatment option for patients with lateral epicondylitis that fails to improve with conservative treatments. Copyright © 2017 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Conservative treatment of tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction--a review.

    PubMed

    Bowring, Beverly; Chockalingam, Nachiappan

    2010-03-01

    Appropriate conservative treatment is considered essential to address symptoms associated with tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction (TPTD) and prevent its potential long-term disabling consequences. The main aim of this review, undertaken in 2007, was to evaluate the evidence from studies for the effects of conservative treatment modalities in the management of TPTD. This evidence could then be used as a basis for the development of a clinical guideline for the management of the condition. Studies were selected according to specific criteria and evaluated for methodological quality. As preliminary literature searches had identified no randomised controlled trials at the time of the review, studies of lower hierarchy were included. Five uncontrolled observational studies evaluating the outcomes of various orthotic treatments alone or in combination with other therapies were included in the review. Different study designs, methodological quality, population characteristics, interventions and outcome measures were found. Limited and poor quality evidence was found in this review regarding the conservative treatment of TPTD. Thus a cause-effect relationship between intervention and outcome could not be established nor an optimal conservative treatment regime for the condition. Further better quality research is warranted in this area to inform practice, particularly as there is no consensus in the literature regarding treatment of this condition. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Management of failed rotator cuff repair: a systematic review

    PubMed Central

    Lädermann, Alexandre; Denard, Patrick J; Burkhart, Stephen S

    2016-01-01

    Importance Recurrent tear after rotator cuff repair (RCR) is common. Conservative, and open and arthroscopic revisions, have been advocated to treat these failures. Aim or objective The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the different options for managing recurrent rotator cuff tears. Evidence review A search was conducted of level I through 4 studies from January 2000 to October 2015, to identify studies reporting on failed RCR. 10 articles were identified. The overall quality of evidence was very low. Findings Mid-term to long-term follow-up of patients treated conservatively revealed acceptable results; a persistent defect is a well-tolerated condition that only occasionally requires subsequent surgery. Conservative treatment might be indicated in most patients, particularly in case of posterosuperior involvement and poor preoperative range of motion. Revision surgery might be indicated in a young patient with a repairable lesion, a 3 tendon tear, and in those with involvement of the subscapularis. Conclusions and relevance The current review indicates that arthroscopic revision RCR can lead to improvement in functional outcome despite a high retear rate. Further studies are needed to develop specific rehabilitation in the case of primary rotator cuff failure, to better understand the place of each treatment option, and, in case of repair, to optimise tendon healing. PMID:27134759

  15. [Perinatal result with conservative treatment in preeclampsia-eclampsia].

    PubMed

    Briones-Garduño, Jesús Carlos; de León-Ponce, Manuel Díaz; González-Vargas, Angel; Briones-Vega, Carlos Gabriel

    2003-01-01

    Conservative treatment in severe preeclampsia has been documented by several authors citing significant improvement in neonatal outcome lacking a significant increase in maternal complications. Our objective was to inform of our preliminary results using protocolized conservative management in women with preeclampsia-eclampsia, favoring better neonate conditions. We included 34 patients with average age of 28.2 years with documented severe preeclampsia-eclampsia complicating a 36-weeks or less pregnancy, admitted in the obstetric intensive care unit (OICU) between October 2001 and February 2002. Patients received protocolized management consisting of intravascular colume expansion, anti-hypertensive control, target organ protection, monitoring, and clinical observation. We considered conservative management as a 24 or more period offered to patients with satisfactory response to medical treatment and no evidence of binomial compromise. Of our group, 85% corresponded to severe preeclampsia, 9% to eclampsia, 3% to imminence of eclampsia, and 3% to HELLP syndrome. Average stay in OICU was 5.5 days with 3.5 days average management before pregnancy was interrupted. These patients presented mean gestational age of 32.8 weeks during which we observed anemia, low platelets, D dimmer increments, MAP average of 112.8, PCOc 18.6, and BI 0.15. We obtained 36 live newborns of whom 12% four died, two were extremely immatures (510 g and 600 g, respectively); one 980-g newborn presented intraventricular hemorrhage, and a 1,450-g newborn had multiple organ failure. Conservative treatment in patients with severe preeclampsia-eclampsia is a feasible alternative in hospitals with an ICU. Conservative management can improve neonatal survival and prognosis in preterm newborns.

  16. A cost-effectiveness analysis of conservative versus surgical management for the initial treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

    PubMed

    Richardson, Monica L; Sokol, Eric R

    2014-11-01

    We sought to determine whether conservative or surgical therapy is more cost effective for the initial treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We created a decision tree model to compare costs and cost effectiveness of 3 strategies for the initial treatment of SUI: (1) continence pessary, (2) pelvic floor muscle therapy (PFMT), and (3) midurethral sling (MUS). We identified probabilities of SUI after 12 months of use of a pessary, PFMT, or MUS using published data. Parameter estimates included Health Utility Indices of no incontinence (.93) and persistent incontinence (0.7) after treatment. Morbidities associated with MUS included mesh erosion, retention, de novo urge incontinence, and recurrent SUI. Cost data were derived from Medicare in 2012 US dollars. One- and 2-way sensitivity analysis was used to examine the effect of varying rates of pursuing surgery if conservative management failed and rates of SUI cure with pessaries and PFMT. The primary outcome was an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio threshold <$50,000. Compared to PFMT, initial treatment of SUI with MUS was the more cost-effective strategy with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $32,132/quality-adjusted life year. Initial treatment with PFMT was also acceptable as long as subjective cure was >35%. In 3-way sensitivity analysis, subjective cure would need to be >40.5% for PFMT and 43.5% for a continence pessary for the MUS scenario to not be the preferred strategy. At 1 year, MUS is more cost effective than a continence pessary or PFMT for the initial treatment for SUI. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  17. [Conservative treatment of ectopic pregnancy in a 27 years old patient with stage-Ia ovarian cancer after conservative surgical treatment and chemotherapy].

    PubMed

    Malinowski, Andrzej; Augustyniak, Tomasz; Bartosiak, Ilona; Maciołek-Bleniewska, Grazyna; Ciesielski, Arkadiusz

    2004-01-01

    We report a case of conservative treatment of ectopic pregnancy in a 27 years old patient, previously treated for ovarian cancer. Two years before she had surgery because of tumour in the left ovary. Ovarian cancer in stage la according to FIGO was confirmed. Considering the patient s young age, future reproductive plans and the early stage of cancer, the patient qualified for conservative treatment. Left adnexectomy with consequent chemotherapy (6 courses) was performed. Two years later on the ground of clinical symptoms, gynaecologic examination, sonography and changes in HCG serum concentration, ectopic pregnancy was recognised in the right tube. We applied conservative management with intramuscularly administrated Methotrexate. The patient, in good condition, was discharged from hospital on day 12 after injection of Methotrexate.

  18. Conservative management of cesarean scar pregnancies: a prospective randomized controlled trial at a single center.

    PubMed

    Wang, Mingyi; Yang, Zhiling; Li, Yunming; Chen, Biliang; Wang, Jian; Ma, Xiangdong; Wang, Yu

    2015-01-01

    To assess clinical outcomes related to conservative management of women with cesarean scar pregnancies (CSPs), specifically through uterine artery embolization (UAE) with local and systemic methotrexate (MTX) treatment (UAE-MTX), or ultrasound-guided local and systemic MTX treatment (USG-MTX). Forty-five patients with CSP were randomly allocated to receive UAE-MTX (n = 24) or USG-MTX (n = 21). Participants' clinical outcomes were compared, and clinical characteristics of failed cases were evaluated relative to successful cases. The 2 groups were similar in clinical characteristics, success rate (83.3% cf. 80.9%), time to normalization of serum beta (β) human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), and percentage of patients receiving multiple doses of systemic MTX. However, within the failed cases, the percentages of patients with gestational sac > 5 cm (87.5%), or type II CSP (75.0%) was significantly higher than in the successful cases (13.5% and 18.9%, respectively; P < 0.001, both), without regard to treatment group. According to the logistic regression model, a gestational sac diameter > 5 cm or type II CSP were independent risk factors for failed CSP management (gestational sac > 5 cm: OR 51.87, 95% CI 3.48-775.91, P < 0.01; type II CSP: OR 15.54, 95% CI 1.25-193.36, P < 0.05). The conservative treatments UAE-MTX and USG-MTX were similarly effective in treating CSP patients. Either treatment was likely to fail for CSP patients with gestational sac > 5 cm or type II CSP.

  19. Women's Perceptions of Immediate and Long-Term Effects of Failed Infertility Treatment on Marital and Sexual Satisfaction.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pepe, Margaret V.; Byrne, T. Jean

    1991-01-01

    Examined immediate and long-term effects of infertility treatment on the marital and sexual relationship, as perceived by women (n=40) who failed to become pregnant during treatment. Results indicated infertility treatment significantly affected both marital and sexual satisfaction after treatment was terminated, as well as during treatment. (ABL)

  20. [Conservative functional treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures].

    PubMed

    Hüfner, T; Gaulke, R; Imrecke, J; Krettek, C; Stübig, T

    2010-09-01

    The conservative functional treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures has developed further over the last 20 years and is basically possible for 60-80% of patients. The treatment leads to success if the indications obtained by dynamic sonography are correctly interpreted (adaptation of the tendon ends up to 20 degrees plantar flexion), if the patient presents sufficient compliance and the physiotherapy is increasingly intensified depending on tendon healing. Modern ortheses allow an increased equinus position and therefore improved protection of the healing tendon. If these factors are present a relatively low re-rupture rate of only 7% can be achieved. The decisive advantage of conservative functional therapy is the avoidance of specific operative risks, such as infection and injury to the sural nerve. After removal of the orthesis the tendon should continue to be modeled using shoe insoles and raised heels.

  1. [Conservative treatment of hepatic amebic abscesses].

    PubMed

    Garlicki, A; Kluba-Wojewoda, U; Krukowiecki, J; Kowalski, P

    1996-04-01

    A case is presented of hepatic amebic abscesses in a young man after return from India. After establishing of the aetiology of the disease conservative treatment was started which was completed with success. The authors point to the possibility of transmission of amoeba dysentery to Poland due to journeys to tropical or subtropical countries.

  2. Kyphoplasty vs conservative treatment: a case-control study in 110 post-menopausal women population. Is kyphoplasty better than conservative treatment?

    PubMed

    Colangelo, D; Nasto, L A; Genitiempo, M; Formica, V M; Autore, G; Pambianco, V; Tamburrelli, F C; Cerulli, G; Pola, E

    2015-11-01

    Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent disease worldwide. Consequences of vertebral osteoporotic fractures include pain and progressive vertebral collapse resulting in spinal kyphosis, decreased quality of life, disability and mortality. Minimally invasive procedures represent an advance to the treatment of osteoporotic VCFs. Despite encouraging results reported by many authors, surgical intervention in an osteoporotic spine is fraught with difficulties. Advanced patients age and comorbidities are of great concern. We designed a retrospective case-control study on 110 post-menopausal women consecutively visited at our institution. Study population was split in a surgical and a conservative cohort, according to the provided treatment. Kyphoplasty treated patients had lower back pain VAS scores at 1 month as compared with conservatively treated patients (p < 0.05). EQ5D validated questionnaire also showed a better quality of life at 1 month for surgically treated patients (p < 0.05). SF-12 scores showed greater improvements at 1 month and 3 months with statistically significant difference between the two groups just at 3 months (p < 0.05). At 12 months, scores from all scales were not statistically different between the two cohorts, although surgically treated patients showed better trends than conservatively treated patients in pain and quality of life. Kyphoplasty was able to restore more than 54.55% of the original segmental kyphosis, whereas patients in conservative cohort lost 6.67% of the original segmental kyphosis on average. Kyphoplasty is a modern minimal invasive surgery, allowing faster recovery than bracing treatment. It can avoid the deformity in kyphosis due to VCF. In fact, the risk to develop a new vertebral fracture after the first one is very high.

  3. [Conservative treatment of metacarpal fracture].

    PubMed

    Prokop, A; Helling, H J; Kulus, S; Rehm, K E

    2002-01-01

    Conservative treatment of meatacarpale fracture is recommended if there are no joint displacement, rotation failures, displacement over 30 degrees ad axim and shortening over 5 mm. Operative procedures should be done in open fractures and serial of fractures of metacarpale bones. Early functionally treatment should be done in stable, not displaced fractures. Cast can be used only for a short time in full extended position of fingers and flexion in metacarpo-phalangeal joint in 60-90 degrees. Twin-tapes after reduction of edema allowed free range of motion by fixed rotation. Closed reduction of displaced fractures of fifth metacarpal bone (boxer's fracture) isn't successful. Cases with displacement over 30 degrees may be operatively treated by intramedullary stabilization.

  4. Surgery or conservative treatment for rotator cuff tear: a meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Ryösä, Anssi; Laimi, Katri; Äärimaa, Ville; Lehtimäki, Kaisa; Kukkonen, Juha; Saltychev, Mikhail

    2017-07-01

    Comparative evidence on treating rotator cuff tear is inconclusive. The objective of this review was to evaluate the evidence on effectiveness of tendon repair in reducing pain and improving function of the shoulder when compared with conservative treatment of symptomatic rotator cuff tear. Search on CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Pedro databases. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing surgery and conservative treatment of rotator cuff tear. Study selection and extraction based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic reviews of Interventions. Random effects meta-analysis. Three identified RCTs involved 252 participants (123 cases and 129 controls). The risk of bias was considered low for all three RCTs. For Constant score, statistically insignificant effect size was 5.6 (95% CI -0.41 to 11.62) points in 1-year follow up favouring surgery and below the level of minimal clinically important difference. The respective difference in pain reduction was -0.93 (95% CI -1.65 to -0.21) cm on a 0-10 pain visual analogue scale favouring surgery. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.012) in 1-year follow up but below the level of minimal clinically important difference. There is limited evidence that surgery is not more effective in treating rotator cuff tear than conservative treatment alone. Thus, a conservative approach is advocated as the initial treatment modality. Implications for Rehabilitation There is limited evidence that surgery is not more effective in treating rotator cuff tear than conservative treatment alone. There was no clinically significant difference between surgery and active physiotherapy in 1-year follow-up in improving Constant score or reducing pain caused by rotator cuff tear. As physiotherapy is less proneness to complications and less expensive than surgery, a conservative approach is advocated as the initial treatment modality to rotator cuff tears.

  5. CO2 laser surface treatment of failed dental implants for re-implantation: an animal study.

    PubMed

    Kasraei, Shahin; Torkzaban, Parviz; Shams, Bahar; Hosseinipanah, Seyed Mohammad; Farhadian, Maryam

    2016-07-01

    The aim of the present study was to evaluate the success rate of failed implants re-implanted after surface treatment with CO2 laser. Despite the widespread use of dental implants, there are many incidents of failures. It is believed that lasers can be applied to decontaminate the implant surface without damaging the implant. Ten dental implants that had failed for various reasons other than fracture or surface abrasion were subjected to CO2 laser surface treatment and randomly placed in the maxillae of dogs. Three failed implants were also placed as the negative controls after irrigation with saline solution without laser surface treatment. The stability of the implants was evaluated by the use of the Periotest values (PTVs) on the first day after surgery and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-operatively. The mean PTVs of treated implants increased at the first month interval, indicating a decrease in implant stability due to inflammation followed by healing of the tissue. At 3 and 6 months, the mean PTVs decreased compared to the 1-month interval (P < 0.05), indicating improved implant stability. The mean PTVs increased in the negative control group compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Independent t-test showed that the mean PTVs of treated implants were significantly lower than control group at 3 and 6 months after implant placement (P < 0.05). Based on the PTVs, re-implantation of failed implants in Jack Russell Terrier dogs after CO2 laser surface debridement is associated with a high success rate in terms of implant stability.

  6. Evaluation of a water-soluble contrast agent for the conservative management of adhesive small bowel obstruction in pediatric patients.

    PubMed

    Lee, Chee-Yew; Hung, Min-Hsuan; Lin, Lung-Huang; Chen, Der-Fang

    2015-04-01

    The diagnostic and therapeutic benefits of a commercial water-soluble contrast agent (Gastrografin) in pediatric patients with adhesive small-bowel obstruction (ASBO) are controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic value of Gastrografin in the management of ASBO in children after unsuccessful conservative treatment. Medical records from patients with uncomplicated ASBO managed at Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan between January 1996 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. All children ≤18 years of age with clinical evidence of ASBO were managed conservative treatment, unless there was suspicion of strangulation. Patients who did not improve after 48 hours of conservative treatment were administered Gastrografin. Twenty-four patients with 33 episodes of ASBO were analyzed. Of those, there were 19 episodes of ASBO that failed to respond to the initial conservative management, and 16 (84%) responded well to Gastrografin administration thereby abrogating the need for surgical intervention. There were neither complications nor mortality that could be attributed to the use of Gastrografin. This preliminary study suggested that the use of a water-soluble contrast agent in ASBO is safe in children and useful for managing ASBO, particularly in reducing the need for surgery when conservative treatment fails. However, larger prospective studies would be needed to confirm these results. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Evaluation and treatment of failed shoulder instability procedures.

    PubMed

    Ho, Anthony G; Gowda, Ashok L; Michael Wiater, J

    2016-09-01

    Management of the unstable shoulder after a failed stabilization procedure can be difficult and challenging. Detailed understanding of the native shoulder anatomy, including its static and dynamic restraints, is necessary for determining the patient's primary pathology. In addition, evaluation of the patient's history, physical exam, and imaging is important for identifying the cause for failure after the initial procedure. Common mistakes include under-appreciation of bony defects, failure to recognize capsular laxity, technical errors, and missed associated pathology. Many potential treatment options exist for revision surgery, including open or arthroscopic Bankart repair, bony augmentation procedures, and management of Hill Sachs defects. The aim of this narrative review is to discuss in-depth the common risk factors for post-surgical failure, components for appropriate evaluation, and the different surgical options available for revision stabilization. Level of evidence Level V.

  8. Recovery of calf muscle strength following acute achilles tendon rupture treatment: a comparison between minimally invasive surgery and conservative treatment.

    PubMed

    Metz, Roderik; van der Heijden, Geert J M G; Verleisdonk, Egbert-Jan M M; Tamminga, Rob; van der Werken, Christiaan

    2009-10-01

    The aim of this study was to measure the effect of treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures on calf muscle strength recovery. Eighty-three patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture were randomly allocated to either minimally invasive surgery with functional after-treatment or conservative treatment by functional bracing. Calf muscle strength using isokinetic testing was evaluated at 3 months and after 6 or more months posttreatment. To exclusively investigate the effect of treatment on outcome, the authors excluded patients with major complications from the analysis. In 31 of 39 patients in the surgical treatment group and 25 of 34 patients in the conservative treatment group, isokinetic strength tests were performed. In the analysis of differences in mean peak torque, no statistically significant differences were found between surgery and conservative treatment, except for plantar flexion strength at 90 degrees per second at the second measurement, favoring conservative treatment. After 8 to 10 months follow- up, loss of plantar flexion strength was still present in the injured leg in both treatment groups. In conclusion, isokinetic muscle strength testing did not detect a statistically significant difference between minimally invasive surgical treatment with functional after-treatment and conservative treatment by functional bracing of acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

  9. [Conservative treatment of hyperthyroidism (author's transl)].

    PubMed

    Schumm, P M; Usadel, K H; Schulz, F; Schumann, J; Schöffling, K

    1981-01-09

    Antithyroid medication was given to 158 patients with hyperthyroidism over a period of 3 to 60 months. After cessation of therapy patients were followed up for 18 to 90 months. Permanent euthyroidism was seen in 70 patients (44.3%) after stopping treatment, however, 88 patients (55.7%) showed recurrence of hyperthyroidism occurring 1 to 56 months after ceasing treatment. In more than 50% recurrence of hyperthyroidism was within the first 3 months and in almost 80% within the first year after end of treatment. There was no connection either between the length of thyrostatic treatment and the recurrence rate or between the length of treatment and recurrence time. Comparison of patients with and without recurrence according to various parameters prior, during and after thyrostatic treatment indicates that there is a high risk of recurrence in patients with 1) nodular and (or) large goitres, 2) marked clinical symptomatology and delayed attainment of a euthyroid state after starting conservative treatment, and 3) the symptom of sweating remaining uninfluenced by antithyroid treatment.

  10. Seventeen years' experience of penile fracture: conservative vs. surgical treatment.

    PubMed

    Yapanoglu, Turgut; Aksoy, Yilmaz; Adanur, Senol; Kabadayi, Bariş; Ozturk, Gurkan; Ozbey, Isa

    2009-07-01

    Penile fracture is the rupture of the tunica of one or both corpora cavernosa due to direct blunt trauma to the erected penis. Partial or complete rupture of the urethra or injury to the deep dorsal vein may accompany penile fracture. To compare conservative and surgical treatment modalities in terms of duration of hospitalization, early and late complications such as penile nodule and curvature, erectile dysfunction, and painful erection. Treatment results and complications in two groups were evaluated with history and physical examination, and International Index of Erectile Function-5 Questionnaire was used for erectile function assessment. Methods. The charts of 42 men diagnosed with penile fracture were retrospectively reviewed, and two treatment modalities were compared: conservative (Group I) and surgical (Group II). Results. Between 1991 and 2008, a total of 42 patients with penile fracture were followed in our clinic for a mean of 18 months (range: 6-30 months). Five men who refused surgical treatment were treated conservatively, and the other 37 patients underwent surgical treatment. In Group II, the most common complication was painful erection (in 4 of 37 patients, 10.8 %), whereas in Group I, 80 % (4/5 patients) suffered complications such as wound infection, painful erection, penile nodule and curvature, and erectile dysfunction. Conclusion. Diagnosis of penile fracture can be based on history and physical examination; diagnostic tests such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are generally not required. Fractures must be repaired either immediately or delayed. Because management with emergency surgical repair is the most effective approach, with the lowest complication rate, surgical treatment should be preferred compared to a conservative approach.

  11. Results of conservative treatment of achillodynia with application micro-current therapy.

    PubMed

    Aliyev, R; Muslimov, Q; Geiger, G

    2010-10-01

    Achillodynia describes it as an expression of chronic pain in the Achilles tendon. Pain in the Achilles tendon can be the cause of wear and tear in the tendon tissue, or following an inflammation of the peritendineum, the underlying bursa and/or the tendon insertion at the heel bone. It often occurs after sporting unusual stress and heal after complex conservative treatment by rest, (partial) relief and physical exercise within several weeks to months. The aim was to turn knowledge on the effectiveness of complex conservative treatment measures, in particular to gain by additional stimulation in the treatment of Achilles tendon. 20 patients with a diagnosis of achillodynia were treated 05-2009 to 12-2009 in the orthopedic outpatient therapy center with the help of the extra, micro-current therapy (CellVAS® device) and a complex conservative treatment measures. The analysis was conducted using a questionnaire, clinical examinations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a radiological examination of the Achilles tendon with the ankle joint. At the beginning and end of the intervention to the Board of subjective symptoms scores (NRS scale) and assessment of treatment results by the doctor for 4-step rating scale were collected. The study compares the treatment response in Achillodynia from a control group. The average age of patients was 46.3 years at the time of treatment. Of these patients: 14 (70%) were females and 6 (30%) male. Of 20 patients were 8 (40%) patients with very good, 7 (35%) patients with good, two (10%) patients with satisfactory and three (15%) patients with poor results. In addition, 17 of 20 patients (85%) with conservative treatment measures were satisfied, 3 patients (15%) were dissatisfied. The subjective assessment of the complaints numerical rating scale (NRS scale) improved significantly (p <0.001) from 8.9 to 2.3 points after treatment. An objective evaluation by the attending physician based on various clinical parameters was assessed in

  12. Clinically-relevant consecutive treatment with isoproterenol and adenosine protects the failing heart against ischaemia and reperfusion

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Consecutive treatment of normal heart with a high dose of isoproterenol and adenosine (Iso/Ade treatment), confers strong protection against ischaemia/reperfusion injury. In preparation for translation of this cardioprotective strategy into clinical practice during heart surgery, we further optimised conditions for this intervention using a clinically-relevant dose of Iso and determined its cardioprotective efficacy in hearts isolated from a model of surgically-induced heart failure. Methods Isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts were treated sequentially with 5 nM Iso and 30 μM Ade followed by different durations of washout prior to 30 min global ischaemia and 2 hrs reperfusion. Reperfusion injury was assessed by measuring haemodynamic function, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and infarct size. Protein kinase C (PKC) activity and glycogen content were measured in hearts after the treatment. In a separate group of hearts, Cyclosporine A (CsA), a mitochondria permeability transition pore (MPTP) inhibitor, was added with Iso/Ade. Failing hearts extracted after 16 weeks of ligation of left coronary artery in 2 months old rats were also subjected to Iso/Ade treatment followed by ischaemia/reperfusion. Results Recovery of the rate pressure product (RPP) in Iso/Ade-treated hearts was significantly higher than in controls. Thus in Iso/Ade treated hearts with 5 nM Iso and no washout period, RPP recovery was 76.3 ± 6.9% of initial value vs. 28.5 ± 5.2% in controls. This was associated with a 3 fold reduction in LDH release irrespective to the duration of the washout period. Hearts with no washout of the drugs (Ade) had least infarct size, highest PKC activity and also showed reduced glycogen content. Cardioprotection with CsA was not additive to the effect of Iso/Ade treatment. Iso/Ade treatment conferred significant protection to failing hearts. Thus, RPP recovery in failing hearts subjected to the treatment was 69.0 ± 16.3% while in

  13. [Promising conservative treatment using dynamic mobilisation after Achilles tendon rupture].

    PubMed

    Tengberg, Peter Toft; Barfod, Kristoffer; Krasheninnikoff, Michael; Ebskov, Lars; Troelsen, Anders

    2011-10-31

    There is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. This review of the literature on the subject shows a significantly higher rate of reruptures (RR) in the conservatively treated group compared to the surgically treated group when the foot is immobilised in the aftertreatment. Recent studies that used early dynamic mobilisation in the conservatively treated group did not show this difference in the RR rate. The latest literature on the subject indicates that non-operative treatment, followed by dynamic aftertreatment, results in the lowest complication rate and a good functional outcome.

  14. Treating refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: what to do when conventional treatment fails?

    PubMed

    Franz, Adelar Pedro; Paim, Mariana; Araújo, Rafael Moreno de; Rosa, Virgínia de Oliveira; Barbosa, Ísis Mendes; Blaya, Carolina; Ferrão, Ygor Arzeno

    2013-01-01

    Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and impairing condition. A very small percentage of patients become asymptomatic after treatment. The purpose of this paper was to review the alternative therapies available for OCD when conventional treatment fails. Data were extracted from controlled clinical studies (evidence-based medicine) published on the MEDLINE and Science Citation Index/Web of Science databases between 1975 and 2012. Findings are discussed and suggest that clinicians dealing with refractory OCD patients should: 1) review intrinsic phenomenological aspects of OCD, which could lead to different interpretations and treatment choices; 2) review extrinsic phenomenological aspects of OCD, especially family accommodation, which may be a risk factor for non-response; 3) consider non-conventional pharmacological approaches; 4) consider non-conventional psychotherapeutic approaches; and 5) consider neurobiological approaches.

  15. Seizure risk with AVM treatment or conservative management: prospective, population-based study.

    PubMed

    Josephson, Colin B; Bhattacharya, Jo J; Counsell, Carl E; Papanastassiou, Vakis; Ritchie, Vaughn; Roberts, Richard; Sellar, Robin; Warlow, Charles P; Al-Shahi Salman, Rustam

    2012-08-07

    To compare the risk of epileptic seizures in adults during conservative management or following invasive treatment for a brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM). We used annual general practitioner follow-up, patient questionnaires, and medical records surveillance to quantify the 5-year risk of seizures and the chances of achieving 2-year seizure freedom for adults undergoing AVM treatment compared to adults managed conservatively in a prospective, population-based observational study of adults in Scotland, newly diagnosed with an AVM in 1999-2003. We identified 229 adults with a new diagnosis of an AVM, of whom two-thirds received AVM treatment (154/229; 67%) during 1,862 person-years of follow-up (median completeness of follow-up 97%). There was no significant difference in the proportions with a first or recurrent seizure over 5 years following AVM treatment, compared to the first 5 years following clinical presentation in conservatively managed adults, in analyses stratified by mode of presentation (intracerebral hemorrhage, 35% vs 26%, p = 0.5; seizure, 67% vs 72%, p = 0.6; incidental, 21% vs 10%, p = 0.4). For patients with epilepsy, the chances of achieving 2-year seizure freedom during 5-year follow-up were similar following AVM treatment (n = 39; 52%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 36% to 68%) or conservative management (n = 21; 57%, 95% CI 35% to 79%; p = 0.7). In this observational study, there was no difference in the 5-year risk of seizures with AVM treatment or conservative management, irrespective of whether the AVM had presented with hemorrhage or epileptic seizures.

  16. Declining prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance in treatment-failing patients: a clinical cohort study.

    PubMed

    Di Giambenedetto, Simona; Bracciale, Laura; Colafigli, Manuela; Colatigli, Manuela; Cattani, Paola; Pinnetti, Carmen; Pannetti, Carmen; Bacarelli, Alessandro; Prosperi, Mattia; Fadda, Giovanni; Cauda, Roberto; De Luca, Andrea

    2007-01-01

    A major barrier to successful viral suppression in HIV type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals is the emergence of virus resistant to antiretroviral drugs. We explored the evolution of genotypic drug resistance prevalence in treatment-failing patients from 1999 to 2005 in a clinical cohort. Prevalence of major International AIDS Society-USA HIV-1 drug resistance mutations was measured over calendar years in a population with treatment failure and undergoing resistance testing. Predictors of the presence of resistance mutations were analysed by logistic regression. Significant reductions of the prevalence of resistance to all three drug classes examined were observed. This was accompanied by a reduction in the proportion of treatment-failing patients. Independent predictors of drug resistance were the earlier calendar year, prior use of suboptimal nucleoside analogue therapy, male sex and higher CD4 levels at testing. In a single clinical cohort, we observed a decrease in the prevalence of resistance to all three examined antiretroviral drug classes over time. If this finding is confirmed in multicentre cohorts it may translate into reduced transmission of drug-resistant virus from treated patients.

  17. On the Uncertainty of Conservation: Responses to Misleading Conservation Questions.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Winer, Gerald A.; McGlone, Chadd

    1993-01-01

    Three studies of preadolescents and college students found that many children and adults failed to give logically correct answers when presented with misleading weight conservation questions. The results show the importance of suggestibility and context. (MDM)

  18. Failed triple therapy in a treatment-experienced patient with genotype 6 hepatitis C infection.

    PubMed

    Gammal, Roseann S; Spooner, Linda M; Abraham, George M

    2014-02-01

    The first published report of the use of triple therapy in a patient with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 6 infection-a treatment that was prescribed due to incorrect HCV genotyping and which ultimately failed-is presented. A 70-year-old male U.S. resident of Vietnamese descent requested treatment for chronic HCV infection acquired decades earlier. He reported experiencing hepatitis C treatment failures twice before-13 years prior (interferon alfa monotherapy for six months) and 7 years prior (standard dual therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin for nine months). Initial viral genotyping indicated infection with HCV genotypes 1a and 6c (a form of mixed HCV disease amenable to triple therapy), and treatment with pegylated interferon alfa-2a, ribavirin, and boceprevir was initiated. By week 8 of triple therapy, the patient's viral load had decreased from 15,700,000 (7.20 log) to 462,882 (5.67 log) IU/mL, but the viral load subsequently rebounded to baseline levels, and treatment was discontinued at week 16. When repeat HCV genotyping was performed, it was discovered that initial genotyping was incorrect and that the man's infection involved not mixed genotypes but only genotype 6; he was not an appropriate candidate for triple therapy. The case emphasizes the need for clinicians to be cognizant of potential HCV genotyping errors, particularly with regard to patients of Southeast Asian descent. Three courses of interferon-based treatment, including triple therapy with boceprevir, failed to produce a sustained therapeutic response in a 70-year-old ethnic Vietnamese man with genotype 6 HCV infection.

  19. Upper GI tract findings in patients with heartburn in whom proton pump inhibitor treatment failed versus those not receiving antireflux treatment.

    PubMed

    Poh, Choo Hean; Gasiorowska, Anita; Navarro-Rodriguez, Tomas; Willis, Marcia R; Hargadon, Deborah; Noelck, North; Mohler, Jane; Wendel, Christopher S; Fass, Ronnie

    2010-01-01

    Failure of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment in patients with heartburn is very common. Because endoscopy is easily accessible, it is commonly used as the first evaluative tool in these patients. To compare GERD-related endoscopic and histologic findings in patients with heartburn in whom once-daily PPI therapy failed versus those not receiving antireflux treatment. Cross-sectional study. A Veterans Affairs hospital. Heartburn patients from the GI outpatient clinic. Recording of endoscopic results. Endoscopic findings and association between PPI treatment failure and esophageal mucosal injury by using logistic regression models. A total of 105 subjects (mean age 54.7 +/- 15.7 years; 71 men, 34 women) were enrolled in the PPI treatment failure group and 91 (mean age 53.4 +/- 15.8 years; 68 men, 23 women) were enrolled in the no-treatment group (P = not significant). Anatomic findings during upper endoscopy were significantly more common in the no-treatment group compared with the PPI treatment failure group (55.2% vs 40.7%, respectively; P = .04). GERD-related findings were significantly more common in the no-treatment group compared with the PPI treatment failure group (erosive esophagitis: 30.8% vs 6.7%, respectively; P < .05). Eosinophilic esophagitis was found in only 0.9% of PPI treatment failure patients. PPI treatment failure was associated with a significantly decreased odds ratio of erosive esophagitis compared with no treatment, adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index (adjusted odds ratio 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-0.30). Heartburn patients in whom once-daily PPI treatment failed demonstrated a paucity of GERD-related findings compared with those receiving no treatment. Eosinophilic esophagitis was uncommon in PPI therapy failure patients. Upper endoscopy seems to have a very low diagnostic yield in this patient population. 2010 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. [Surgical or conservative treatment of penile fracture].

    PubMed

    Nale, Dj; Nikić, P; Vuković, I; Djordjević, D; Vuksanović, A

    2008-01-01

    Penile fracture presents with rupture of corpora cavernosa. It is not rare but is remarkable. Treatment options are controversial. To establish the incidence, what are early and late complications in patients treated surgically or with conservative treatment options (prospective/retrospective and randomized analysis). To find out what therapy verified as superior. The total of 32 patients with typical acute penile fracture were analyzed. The patients were between 20 and 56 years of age (Mean age 40+/-7.25 SD). A total of 11 patients that presented up to 48h after the rupture of tunica albuginea (34.37%) were operated, while 9 patients (28.13%) were conservatively treated. 12 patients (37.5%) reported to andrology consulting room due to penile fibrous alterations and/or erectile dysfunction 6 to 14 months after the anamnesticaly established, typical penile fracture ("primary latent penile fracture"). Both groups of patients were strictly clinically followed 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the penile fracture. Eventual development of late complications (erectile dysfunction ED, penile curvature, induratio, caverno-urethral fistula and urethral stenosis) was also recorded. Etiology of ED was investigated: anamnesticaly, by hormone and laboratory analysis, using penodynamic test (PGE1), Duplex Doppler echosonography, and dynamic cavernosography. In the operated group of patients, (11 pts, 34.37%) preserved erectile capacity was recorded and no penile deformity or plaque lesions on the site of suture, after the patients were recommended to have 4 weeks of sexual abstinence. The rupture of tunica albuginea was always transversal in relation to penile axis i.e. in relation to axial force against which the penis acts during the intercourse. The rupture is always on the basis or mid penile portion . Out of 21 (65.63%) conservatively treated patients in 13 (61.9%) plaque lesions (longitudinal diameter 2 cm) was recorded, while sexual dysfunction was established in 13 patients

  1. Overactive bladder syndrome in the older woman: conservative treatment.

    PubMed

    Stewart, Ellie

    2009-11-01

    Over active bladder syndrome (OAB) is the most common cause of urinary incontinence in the older population (Gadgil and Wagg, 2008). Many women do not seek medical help and advice as they consider it to be an inevitable part of ageing. It can have significant impact on sufferers' lives and can contribute to an increased risk of falls, reduced quality of life, social isolation and depression. It is also known to be hugely underreported as patients are often too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms with members of their family or health professionals. OAB syndrome can however, be treated effectively in primary care with conservative, nurse-led treatments. This article will discuss the causes, implications, assessment and conservative treatments available to women over 65 years old presenting with OAB syndrome in primary care.

  2. A new conservative-dynamic treatment for the acute ruptured Achilles tendon.

    PubMed

    Neumayer, Felix; Mouhsine, Elyazid; Arlettaz, Yvan; Gremion, Gérald; Wettstein, Michael; Crevoisier, Xavier

    2010-03-01

    There is a trend towards surgical treatment of acute ruptured Achilles tendon. While classical open surgical procedures have been shown to restore good functional capacity, they are potentially associated with significant complications like wound infection and paresthesia. Modern mini-invasive surgical techniques significantly reduce these complications and are also associated with good functional results so that they can be considered as the surgical treatment of choice. Nevertheless, there is still a need for conservative alternative and recent studies report good results with conservative treatment in rigid casts or braces. We report the use of a dynamic ankle brace in the conservative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture in a prospective non-randomised study of 57 consecutive patients. Patients were evaluated at an average follow-up time of 5 years using the modified Leppilahti Ankle Score, and the first 30 patients additionally underwent a clinical examination and muscular testing with a Cybex isokinetic dynamometer at 6 and 12 months. We found good and excellent results in most cases. We observed five complete re-ruptures, almost exclusively in case of poor patient's compliance, two partial re-ruptures and one deep venous thrombosis complicated by pulmonary embolism. Although prospective comparison with other modern treatment options is still required, the functional outcome after early ankle mobilisation in a dynamic cast is good enough to ethically propose this method as an alternative to surgical treatment.

  3. Displaced mid-shaft clavicular fractures: is conservative treatment still preferred?

    PubMed

    Brin, Yaron S; Palmanovich, Ezequiel; Dolev, Eran; Nyska, Meir; Kish, Benyamin J

    2014-12-01

    A clavicular fracture accounts for 2.6%-5% of adult fractures. Fractures in the middle-third (OTA 15-B) represent 69%-82% of all clavicular fractures. There is no consensus among orthopedic surgeons regarding treatment for these fractures: many support conservative treatment even for displaced middle-third clavicular fractures, while others choose operative treatment. To assess the attitudes of orthopedic surgeons regarding treatment of displaced mid-shaft clavicular fractures. We conducted a survey in which we interviewed orthopedic surgeons from various countries during the 2012 EFORT meeting in Berlin. The questionnaire included an X-ray of a displaced middle-third clavicular fracture, as well as questions regarding the surgeon's proposed treatment plan. A total of 177 orthopedic surgeons completed the questionnaire; 49% preferred operative treatment for a displaced middle-third clavicular fracture. Among the orthopedic trauma specialists, 58% suggested operative treatment, as did 82% of shoulder specialists. Most surgeons preferred a locking plate for fixation. The treatment approach for a displaced middle-third clavicular fracture seems to be evenly split between conservative and operative approaches. The tendency toward operative treatment was.even more remarkable among orthopedic trauma specialists and shoulder specialists who completed the questionnaire. Most surgeons prefer a locking plate as a fixation system for this type of fracture.

  4. Chronic orchialgia: Review of treatments old and new

    PubMed Central

    Tojuola, Bayo; Layman, Jeffrey; Kartal, Ibrahim; Gudelogul, Ahmet; Brahmbhatt, Jamin; Parekattil, Sijo

    2016-01-01

    Introduction: Chronic orchialgia is historically and currently a challenging disease to treat. It is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for physicians. Conservative therapy has served as the first line of treatment. For those who fail conservative therapy, surgical intervention may be required. We aim to provide a review of currently available surgical options and novel surgical treatment options. Methods: A review of current literature was performed using PubMed. Literature discussing treatment options for chronic orchialgia were identified. The following search terms were used to identify literature that was relevant to this review: Chronic orchialgia, testicular pain, scrotal content pain, and microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC). Results: The incidence of chronic orchialgia has been increasing over time. In the USA, it affects up to 100,000 men per year due to varying etiologies. The etiology of chronic orchialgia can be a confounding problem. Conservative therapy should be viewed as the first line therapy. Studies have reported poor success rates. Current surgical options for those who fail conservative options include varicocelectomy, MDSC, epididymectomy, and orchiectomy. Novel treatment options include microcryoablation of the peri-spermatic cord, botox injection, and amniofix injection. Conclusion: Chronic orchialgia has been and will continue to be a challenging disease to treat due to its multiple etiologies and variable treatment outcomes. Further studies are needed to better understand the problem. Treatment options for patients with chronic orchialgia are improving. Additional studies are warranted to better understand the long-term durability of this treatment options. PMID:26941490

  5. Paediatric forearm fractures: functional outcome of conservative treatment.

    PubMed

    Tarmuzi, Nazari Ahmad; Abdullah, Shalimar; Osman, Zulkiflee; Das, Srijit

    2009-01-01

    Forearm fractures are common in the paediatric age group. Closed reduction and casting are the primary means of treatment in over 90% of these fractures. Resultant deformities are usually a product of indirect trauma involving angular loading combined with rotational deformity and fragment displacement. Retrospectively, 48 patients aged between 4 to 12 years with forearm fractures, were treated conservatively with closed reduction and a cast during a 2-year period. Functional outcomes were measured in terms of pronation and supination. All fractures united before the final visit. Most forearm bone fractures were complete fractures at the mid shaft. Eighty-six percent of the patients had excellent functional outcomes and none had poor outcomes. There were significantly reduced angles of deformities before and after treatment (p < 0.05). Radiographically, in the frontal plane, 57.1% of radius and 73.9% of ulnar fractures achieved perfect reduction (i.e. a degree of deformity of less than 5 degrees). However, in the lateral plane, there were fewer perfect reductions for the radius and ulna, at 14.6% and 54.3%, respectively. All except for one patient were satisfied with the outcomes. The level of fracture did not influence the outcomes. Conservative treatment is still an acceptable form of treatment especially for stable forearm fractures in children achieving excellent outcomes (Tab. 1, Fig. 7, Ref. 20).

  6. Scoliosis: review of types of curves, etiological theories and conservative treatment.

    PubMed

    Shakil, Halima; Iqbal, Zaheen A; Al-Ghadir, Ahmad H

    2014-01-01

    Scoliosis is the deviation in the normal vertical spine. Although there are numerous studies available about treatment approaches for scoliosis, the numbers of studies that talk about its etiology and pathology are limited. Aim of this study was to discuss the different types of scoliosis; its curves and etiological theories; and to note their implication on its treatment. We examined various electronic databases including Pub MED, Medline, Cinhal, Cochrane library and Google scholar using key words "scoliosis", "etiology", "pathology" and "conservative treatment". References of obtained articles were also examined for cross references. The search was limited to articles in English language. A total of 145 papers, about Prevalence, History, Symptoms, classification, Biomechanics, Pathogenesis, Kinematics and Treatment of scoliosis were identified to be relevant. To choose the appropriate treatment approach for scoliosis we need to understand its etiology and pathogenesis first. Early intervention with conservative treatment like physiotherapy and bracing can prevent surgery.

  7. Tendon-bone graft for tendinous mallet fingers following failed splinting.

    PubMed

    Wang, Le; Zhang, Xu; Liu, Ze; Huang, Xiuge; Zhu, Hongwei; Yu, Yadong

    2013-12-01

    To describe and assess a surgical technique for the treatment of tendinous mallet fingers after failed conservative treatment. From January 2010 to March 2012, 28 tendinous mallet fingers in 28 patients were treated. All patients had greater than 25° extensor lags after 6 to 8 weeks of splinting. Four patients had a second trial of splinting, which also failed. A tendon-bone graft, taken from the extensor carpi radialis brevis and the third metacarpal base, was used for reconstruction. The mean time between the injury and operation was 74 days. The mean preoperative extension lag was 34°. Five patients reported pain in the distal interphalangeal joint. At the final follow-up, patients rated the level of pain on the distal interphalangeal and wrist joints using a visual analog scale. Joint motion was graded with the Crawford criteria. Hand function was assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Patients reported on their satisfaction based on the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire. Bone healing was achieved in all patients at a mean of 5 weeks. Position of bone graft was maintained until bone healing was evident in all cases. At the mean follow-up period of 15 months, nail deformity was not noted. No patient reported pain on the distal interphalangeal joint or wrist. The mean residual extension lag of the distal interphalangeal joints was 4°. The results showed that 24 digits were excellent and 4 were good based on the Crawford criteria. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores averaged 1, and 27 patients were satisfied with appearance of the hand. One patient sometimes felt uncomfortable regarding the appearance. A tendon-bone graft is a useful and reliable technique for the treatment of tendinous mallet fingers after failed splinting. Therapeutic IV. Copyright © 2013 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Conservative and surgical treatment of haemorrhoids.

    PubMed

    Altomare, Donato F; Giuratrabocchetta, Simona

    2013-09-01

    The management of haemorrhoids has evolved rapidly during the past few decades. Several new treatments have been proposed with the aim of reducing patients' postoperative pain, time to return to normal life, risk of early and late complications, and recurrence rate. Although conservative treatment based on dietary and lifestyle changes can help the majority of patients, and rubber band ligation and phlebotonic drugs can effectively treat grade I and II haemorrhoids, surgery is required for the most advanced stages. Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy is considered to be the gold-standard approach for grade IV haemorrhoids. An increasing number of minimally invasive treatment options, including mucopexy with or without mucosal resection and haemorrhoid artery ligation, have now been proposed for the management of grade III haemorrhoids. These approaches aim to correct the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the aetiology of haemorrhoids. An increased risk of recurrence is the price to pay for these minimally invasive and less painful treatments, but the sparing of the sensitive anoderm and a rapid return to normal life without pain are greatly appreciated by patients. An algorithm for the management of haemorrhoids using evidence-based medicine is also presented here.

  9. [Case control study of fractures-dislocations of ankle joint with conservative and operative treatment].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Song-Tu; Lin, Yi-Rong; Chen, Lian-Yuan

    2010-10-01

    To compare the clinical efficacy of grade III, IV supination-eversion fractures-dislocations of ankle joint between manipulative treatment and operative treatment. From September 2007 to December 2008, the clinical data of 60 patients with grade III, IV supination-eversion fractures-dislocations of ankle joint were retrospectively analyzed. There were 32 males and 28 females, ranging in age from 18 to 70 years with an average age of 38.17 years. All patients were respectively treated with manipulative treatment (conservative group, 30 cases) and operative treatment (operative group, 30 cases). The joint function was compared with Mazur standard; the reduction and shifting of fractures were observed with X-ray; the hospitalization day and the therapeutic cost were compared between two groups. All patients were followed up with an average of 15.27 months (ranged, 6 to 25 months). In conservative group, 16 cases got excellent result in joint function, 10 good, 3 fair, 1 poor; in operative group, 20 cases got excellent result, 8 good, 2 fair, 0 poor. In conservative group in the X-ray showed 25 cases obtained excellent and good reduction, 4 fair, 1 poor; and in operative group in the X-ray showed 28 cases obtained excellent and good reduction, 2 fair, 0 poor. There was no significant difference at the joint function and X-ray film after treatment between two groups (P > 0.05). The hospital day was respectively (7.87 +/- 3.34), (17.37 +/- 4.64) d in conservative group and operative group; and the therapeutic cost was respectively (2 506.67 +/- 649.10), (11 473.33 +/- 1 564.90) yuan. There was significant difference at hospital day and therapeutic cost between two groups (P < 0.05). Conservative treatment and operative treatment can both reach a very good result in treating grade III, IV supination-eversion fractures and dislocations of ankle joint. However, conservative treatment has advantage of high safety factor, low therapeutic cost, can reduce medical costs for

  10. Balloon catheter dilation and nasolacrimal duct intubation for treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction after failed probing.

    PubMed

    Repka, Michael X; Chandler, Danielle L; Holmes, Jonathan M; Hoover, Darren L; Morse, Christine L; Schloff, Susan; Silbert, David I; Tien, D Robbins

    2009-05-01

    To compare the outcomes of balloon catheter dilation and nasolacrimal intubation as treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction after failed probing in children younger than 4 years. We conducted a prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter study that enrolled 159 children aged 6 months to younger than 48 months who had a history of a single failed nasolacrimal duct probing and at least 1 of the following clinical signs of nasolacrimal duct obstruction: epiphora, mucous discharge, or increased tear lake. One hundred ninety-nine eyes underwent either balloon catheter nasolacrimal duct dilation or nasolacrimal duct intubation. Treatment success was defined as absence of epiphora, mucous discharge, or increased tear lake at the outcome visit 6 months after surgery. Treatment success was reported in 65 of 84 eyes (77%; 95% confidence interval, 65%-85%) in the balloon catheter dilation group compared with 72 of 88 eyes (84% after adjustment for intereye correlation; 74%-91%) in the nasolacrimal intubation group (risk ratio for success for intubation vs balloon dilation, 1.08; 0.95-1.22). Both balloon catheter dilation and nasolacrimal duct intubation alleviate the clinical signs of persistent nasolacrimal duct obstruction in a similar percentage of patients.

  11. Medial tibial stress syndrome: conservative treatment options.

    PubMed

    Galbraith, R Michael; Lavallee, Mark E

    2009-10-07

    Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), commonly known as "shin splints," is a frequent injury of the lower extremity and one of the most common causes of exertional leg pain in athletes (Willems T, Med Sci Sports Exerc 39(2):330-339, 2007; Korkola M, Amendola A, Phys Sportsmed 29(6):35-50, 2001; Hreljac A, Med Sci Sports Exerc 36(5):845-849, 2004). Although often not serious, it can be quite disabling and progress to more serious complications if not treated properly. Often, the cause of MTSS is multi-factorial and involves training errors and various biomechanical abnormalities. Few advances have been made in the treatment of MTSS over the last few decades. Current treatment options are mostly based on expert opinion and clinical experience. The purpose of this article is to review published literature regarding conservative treatment options for MTSS and provide recommendations for sports medicine clinicians for improved treatment and patient outcomes.

  12. [Phoniatric surgery and conservative treatment of vocal cord hematoma].

    PubMed

    Milutinović, Z

    1997-01-01

    Functional-traumatic lesions of the vocal fold include mucous stranding, "nodular" lesions, polyps, cysts, contact hyperplasia and haematoma of the vocal fold. An acute voice overuse may result in bleeding (haematoma) within the vocal fold. This may be in the form of petechial bleeding, or a genuine haematoma develops within the tissues of the vocal fold. Haematoma may also arise as a consequence of prolonged cough, forceful vomiting, lifting of a heavy weight, various effortful activities, etc. Haematoma is usually located close to the vocal fold free edge and therefore disturbs the glottic closure during phonation. The treatment is adapted to the size and localization of haematoma, as well as to the time elapsed from onset of the lesion. Phonosurgery can be used in therapy, as well as corticosteroid treatment. A series of 102 vocal fold haematomas has been treated by phonosurgery (39) and conservative therapy (63). Phonosurgical interventions were performed by an indirect approach, by use of microstroboscopy (28 patients) and videostroboscopy (11 causes). Conservative treatment consisted of corticosteroid therapy. During a 10-year period 1550 phonosurgical operations were performed for benign lesions of the vocal fold, including 39 haematomas (2.5%). It was established that recovery of vibration pattern was significantly faster in the surgery group in comparison to the group of patients treated conservatively. All surgical patients were operated within the first several days after the onset of symptoms. In case of a vocal fold haematoma, it is very important to establish the diagnosis as soon as possible in order to start with the therapy early enough. Within the first several days after the onset (the best within 24-48 hours) a phonosurgical treatment is indicated, preferably by the use of indirect videostroboscopy. If the treatment is started later we use corticoids. However, the results are inferior as compared to surgery. We did not perform direct

  13. Re-treatment decisions for failed posterior fillings by Finnish general practitioners.

    PubMed

    Heinikainen, Mia; Vehkalahti, Miira; Murtomaa, Heikki

    2002-06-01

    To evaluate treatment decisions of general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the private and public sector in cases of re-treatment of failed posterior fillings. A questionnaire on six cases from 400 GDPs, selected by stratified randomisation by gender, and main occupation (public vs. private sector). Others were all full-time dental teachers (DTs; n=47) representing clinical disciplines other than surgery and orthodontics. Restorative cases were described in detail, including figures drawn on four subcases involving the first permanent upper molar where the filling to be replaced increased in size from occlusal filling to the entire clinical crown. For each case, respondents chose the optimal treatment from eight alternatives, later re-classified as amalgam restoration, direct composite restoration, prosthetic restoration (indirect composite, cast gold inlay/onlay, ceramic inlay/onlay, ceramic crown, or bridge construction following tooth extraction). For re-treatment of the occlusal filling, composite restoration was preferred both by GDPs (92%) and DTs (83%). For three-surface fillings, prosthetic restorations were dominant in the private sector (OR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.4, 3.8; P<0.001). In total loss of the clinical crown, prosthetic restoration was chosen by all the DTs, public-sector dentists, and 95% of private-sector dentists. No more than 10% of GDPs chose amalgam and 2% gold; the rest chose composites. Treatment decisions were similar in public and private sectors for cases with the smallest and largest fillings. Wide variation in cases of medium-sized restorations indicated a lack of generally accepted guidelines of good clinical practice and of evidence-based treatment practice.

  14. A comparison of conservative and invasive dental approaches in the treatment of tension-type headache.

    PubMed

    Troeltzsch, Markus; Messlinger, Karl; Brodine, Brian; Gassling, Volker; Troeltzsch, Matthias

    2014-10-01

    To investigate the efficacy of conservative dental treatment (occlusal splint and pharmacologic therapy) and invasive therapy (prosthetic restorations) in the treatment of tension-type headache (TTH). The study sample was composed of 70 patients who presented with symptomatic TTH and were assigned to three treatment groups according to their treatment needs. Group A (30 patients): a conservative treatment protocol with a combination of an occlusal splint and analgesic and muscle relaxant medication. Group B (10 patients): invasive prosthodontic procedures. Group C (30 patients): patients who refused any type of treatment but consented to the study served as a control group. Pain quality was measured with the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6). The statistical analysis was performed with the Wilcoxon rank test (P≤.05). Conservative treatment with splints and analgesic medication and invasive treatment by prosthetic rehabilitation relieved the TTH symptoms. The patients who received treatment experienced a significant reduction in their discomfort after 6 months (P≤.01), whereas the patients who refused therapy remained, on average, at the same pain level (P≤.117). In group A, the HIT-6 score was reduced for 26 patients, and in group B for 8 patients. In group C a reduction of HIT-6 scores was observed in 10 patients. Conservative or invasive occlusal adjustments may serve as a useful tool in the treatment of TTH.

  15. The effects of conservative treatments on burn scars: A systematic review.

    PubMed

    Anthonissen, Mieke; Daly, Daniel; Janssens, Thaïs; Van den Kerckhove, Eric

    2016-05-01

    A variety of conservative treatments for burn scars are available, but there is no clear consensus on the evidence. The purpose of this study was to summarize the available literature on the effects of conservative treatments of burn scars in adults. RCTs and CCTs were sought in three databases, reference lists of retrieved articles and relevant reviews. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network scoring system was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. Information on the study characteristics, results and interventions was extracted. Twenty-two articles were included into the review and categorized in six topics: 5 on massage therapy, 4 on pressure therapy, 6 on silicone gel application, 3 on combined therapy of pressure and silicone, 3 on hydration and 1 on ultrasound. Pressure and silicone therapy are evidence-based conservative treatments of hypertrophic scar formation after a burn producing clinically relevant improvement of scar thickness, redness and pliability. Massage therapy could have a positive result on scar pliability, pain and pruritus, but with less supporting evidence. The use of moisturizers and lotions could have an effect on itching, but the findings are contradictory. Of all other non-invasive treatments such as splinting, casting, physical activity, exercise and mobilizations no RCTs or CCTs were found. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

  16. Conservative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures: A Prospective Descriptive Study.

    PubMed

    Aparicio, Pilar; Izquierdo, Óscar; Castellanos, Juan

    2017-06-01

    Disability of the upper limb is one of the consequences of distal radius fracture (DRF). The outcome of DRF treatment is based on objective clinical variables, as strength or range of movement (ROM); sometimes these variables do not correlate with the functional level of the patient. The principal objective of our study was to assess the repercussion of conservative treatment of DRF on upper limb disability. This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. We collected data of 61 nonconsecutive DRFs treated conservatively from July 2007 to August 2008. Average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score before fracture was 20.8 points; average DASH score after the fracture was 42.6. There was a significant increase in the upper limb disability after 1 year of follow-up in the patients treated conservatively ( P < .001; size effect, 1.06). Average radial inclination, radial tilt, and radial length were 18.18°, 3.35°, and 5.76 mm, respectively. Average ROM for flexion-extension was 100.6° and for pronation-supination 144.0°. ROM for flexion-extension of the unaffected wrist was 128.2° and for pronation-supination 172.4°. We did not find any significant statistical correlation between the increase in disability and the decrease in the ROM ( P > .05). We did not find any significant statistical correlation between the increase in the disability and the worsening in the radiological parameters ( P > .05). Our results confirm the hypothesis that the conservative treatment of DRF produced an increase in the upper limb disability after 1 year of follow-up. Our study does not show a correlation between the increase in upper limb disability and the decrease in wrist ROM. Our study did not find a correlation between radiological measures and DASH scores.

  17. Botulinum toxin treatment for slipping rib syndrome: a case report.

    PubMed

    Pirali, Caterina; Santus, Gianna; Faletti, Sofia; De Grandis, Domenico

    2013-10-01

    Slipping rib syndrome (SRS) is a musculoskeletal cause of severe and recurrent thoracic or abdominal pain. The etiology of SRS is unknown, it seems to arise from costal hypermobility with a tendency of one of the ribs (usually from 8th to 10th but also 11th and 12th have been described) to slip under the superior adjacent rib. Its prevalence is underestimated because SRS is mainly a clinical diagnosis, frequently missed. The critical aspect of the diagnosis is knowledge of the condition itself, which, when lacking, often results in the patient being referred to many different specialists and exposed to unnecessary and costly investigations. The management of the condition includes conservative techniques such as manipulation, localized anesthetic, and steroid or anesthetic nerve block. However, where conservative therapy fails, surgical treatment, with excision of the rib, may be performed. In this paper we describe the case of a patient with persistent and debilitating flank pain who, after many investigations, was diagnosed with SRS. The usual conservative treatment failed, after which we treated the patient with injections of incobotulinumtoxin A into muscles inserting on the inferior side of the rib cage (quadratus lumborum muscle, muscle transversus abdomini, abdominal external oblique muscle, and recto abdomini) achieving a complete relief from pain. To our knowledge botulinum toxin has never been proposed before for the treatment of SRS. We believe that it should be considered as a therapeutic option, especially where other medical treatments have failed or as an intermediate step before surgical intervention.

  18. Outcomes of subsequent pregnancies after conservative treatment for placenta accreta.

    PubMed

    Kabiri, Doron; Hants, Yael; Shanwetter, Neta; Simons, Moshe; Weiniger, Carolyn F; Gielchinsky, Yuval; Ezra, Yossef

    2014-11-01

    To estimate the association between conservative treatment for placenta accreta and subsequent pregnancy outcomes. In a retrospective study, data were analyzed on women who received conservative treatment for placenta accreta (removal of the placenta with uterine preservation) at a tertiary hospital in Jerusalem, Israel, between 1990 and 2000. Data were collected on subsequent pregnancies and neonatal outcomes until 2010, and compared with those from a matched control group of women who did not have placenta accreta. A total of 134 women were included in both groups. Placenta accreta occurred in 62 (22.8%) of 272 subsequent deliveries in the study group for which data were available and 5 (1.9%) of 266 in the control group (relative risk [RR] 12.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.95-29.69; P<0.001). Early postpartum hemorrhage occurred in 23 (8.6%) of 268 deliveries in the study group and 7 (2.6%) of 268 in the control group (RR 3.29; 95% CI 1.43-7.53; P<0.001). The odds ratio for recurrent placenta accreta in subsequent deliveries in the study group was 15.41 (95% CI 6.09-39.03; P<0.001). Although subsequent pregnancies after conservative treatment for placenta accreta were mostly successful, the risk of recurrent placenta accreta and postpartum hemorrhage is high in future deliveries. Copyright © 2014 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. [Bladder-conserving treatment for bladder cancer: potential of and developments in radiotherapy].

    PubMed

    Hulshof, Maarten C C M; Pieters, Bradley R; Koning, Caro C E

    2013-01-01

    The standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer is surgical removal of the bladder and construction of a neobladder. Recently, important improvements have been made in the potential for bladder-conserving treatment using radiotherapy. External beam radiotherapy has undergone technological improvements, as a result of which it is possible to radiate the tumour more precisely while decreasing radiation to healthy tissue. Radiochemotherapy improves local recurrence-free and overall survival compared with radiotherapy alone. The results of this combined treatment are comparable with those of surgery. Additionally, Dutch radiotherapy departments have collected data in a national database of 1040 selected patients with confined bladder cancer. These patients were treated with external beam radiation, limited surgery and brachytherapy. The 5-year local recurrence-free survival was 75%. Bladder conserving treatment options for muscle-invasive bladder cancer should be discussed during the multidisciplinary meeting.

  20. Failed efficacy of ziprasidone in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

    PubMed

    Ramaswamy, Sriram; Driscoll, David; Smith, Lynette M; Bhatia, Subhash C; Petty, Frederick

    2016-04-15

    Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic anxiety disorder that is often difficult to treat. Patients suffering from PTSD often fail to respond to antidepressants and may have a high incidence of positive symptoms of psychosis, though antipsychotic medications have been minimally studied in this population. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the atypical antipsychotic ziprasidone (Geodon) on PTSD symptom clusters, as well as comorbid major depressive disorder. To our knowledge, this is the first completed randomized controlled trial investigating the potential efficacy and tolerability of ziprasidone in patients with chronic PTSD. We conducted a 9-week prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ziprasidone in 30 patients diagnosed with PTSD and comorbid depression. After screening and randomization, patients completed nine weekly study visits at which treatment safety and efficacy were evaluated. Primary measures of efficacy included total and subscale scores from the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), while the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), and Treatment Outcome PTSD Scale (TOP-8) were implemented as secondary efficacy measures. We observed no significant effect of treatment on reduction of PTSD or depression symptoms from pre- to post-treatment. Our findings suggest that ziprasidone treatment may not significantly improve symptoms of PTSD or comorbid depression, though further study is needed.

  1. Scoliosis in patients with Prader Willi Syndrome - comparisons of conservative and surgical treatment.

    PubMed

    Weiss, Hans-Rudolf; Goodall, Deborah

    2009-05-06

    In children with Prader Willi syndrome (PWS), besides growth hormone (GH) therapy, control of the food environment and regular exercise, surgical treatment of scoliosis deformities seems the treatment of choice, even though the risks of spinal surgery in this specific population is very high. Therefore the question arises as to whether the risks of spinal surgery outweigh the benefits in a condition, which bears significant risks per se. The purpose of this systematic review of the Pub Med literature was to find mid or long-term results of spinal fusion surgery in patients with PWS, and to present the conservative treatment in a case study of nine patients with this condition. Types of studies included; all kinds of studies; retrospective and prospective ones, which reported upon the outcome of scoliosis surgery in patients with PWS.Types of participants included: patients with scoliosis and PWS.Type of intervention: surgery.Search strategy for identification of the studies; Pub Med; limited to English language and bibliographies of all reviewed articles.Nine patients with PWS from our data-base treated conservatively have been found, being 19 years or over at the time this study has been performed. The results of conservative management are described and related to the natural history and treatment results found in the Pub Med review. From 2210 titles displayed in the Pub Med database with the key word being "Prader Willi syndrome", 5 different papers were displayed at the date of the search containing some information on the outcome of surgery and none appeared to contain a mid or long-term follow-up. The PWS patients treated conservatively from our series all stayed below 70 degrees and some of which improved. If the curve of scoliosis patients with PWS can be kept within certain limits (usually below 70 degrees) conservatively, this treatment seems to have fewer complications than surgical treatments. The results of our retrospective study of nine patients

  2. Outcomes After Conservative, Endoscopic, and Surgical Treatment of Groove Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review.

    PubMed

    Kager, Liesbeth M; Lekkerkerker, Selma J; Arvanitakis, Marianna; Delhaye, Myriam; Fockens, Paul; Boermeester, Marja A; van Hooft, Jeanin E; Besselink, Marc G

    2017-09-01

    Groove pancreatitis (GP) is a focal form of chronic pancreatitis affecting the paraduodenal groove area, for which consensus on diagnosis and management is lacking. We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine patient characteristics and imaging features of GP and to evaluate clinical outcomes after treatment. Eight studies were included reporting on 335 GP patients with a median age of 47 years (range, 34 to 64 y), with 90% male, 87% smokers, and 87% alcohol consumption, and 47 months (range, 15 to 122 mo) of follow-up. Most patients presented with abdominal pain (91%) and/or weight loss (78%). Imaging frequently showed cystic lesions (91%) and duodenal stenosis (60%).Final treatment was conservative (eg, pain medication) in 29% of patients. Endoscopic treatment (eg, pseudocyst drainage) was applied in 19% of patients-34% of these patients were subsequently referred for surgery. Overall, 59% of patients were treated surgically (eg, pancreatoduodenectomy). Complete symptom relief was observed in 50% of patients who were treated conservatively, 57% who underwent endoscopic treatment, and 79% who underwent surgery. GP is associated with male gender, smoking, and alcohol consumption. The vast majority of patients presents with abdominal pain and with cystic lesions on imaging. Although surgical treatment seems to be the most effective, both conservative and endoscopic treatment are successful in about half of patients. A stepwise treatment algorithm starting with the least invasive treatment options seems advisable.

  3. Platelet-Rich-Plasma injection seems to be effective in treatment of plantar fasciitis: a case series.

    PubMed

    van Egmond, Jeroen C; Breugem, Stefan J M; Driessen, Marcel; Bruijn, Daniel J

    2015-06-01

    Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. Diverse non-operative treatment options are available. The purpose of this study was to determine if a single platelet-rich-plasma injection at the origin of the plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis gives a functional improvement. Patients with plantar fasciitis and failed conservative treatment were included in this retrospective study. Included patients were sent four questionnaires after platelet-rich-plasma injection. Primary outcome is functional improvement, determined by foot function index in which lower scores correlates with a better foot function. A total of 61 feet in 58 patients were included. The median foot function index before treatment was 69.4 and after treatment 31.8, which is a significant decrease. In 80.3% of the patients the foot function index decreased. Therefore platelet-rich-plasma injection seems to be effective in treatment of patients with plantar fasciitis when conservative treatment failed.

  4. [Conservative treatment of tendinopathies of upper limbs in occupational health: a literature review].

    PubMed

    Sartorio, Francesco; Garzonio, Fabiola; Vercelli, Stefano; Bravini, Elisabetta; Ruella, Carolina; Maglio, Roberto; Cisari, Carlo; Ferriero, Giorgio

    2016-03-24

    In the last few years, the incidence of upper limbs tendon injuries has seen a dramatic increase among workers. Conservative treatment is the first choice to relieve symptoms, allowing a safe return to work. However, the scientific evidence of its  efficacy is widely debated. Research and literature review on the efficacy of conservative treatment of upper limbs tendon injuries in occupational settings. A total of 271 references were found on Medline and Embase up to May 2015. 116 papers were excluded, 155 articles were included and the full text read. After a timely diagnosis, a prompt start of the rehabilitation programme and a limitation of complete rest are useful to relieve pain, increase functionality and reduce work absenteeism in the long term. Conservative treatment combinations, such as manual therapy, specific exercises focused on increasing flexibility and muscle strength and specific-gesture training, achieves more significant results than a single isolated treatments. Currently, there is no strong scientific evidence to support prolotherapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). However, current promising results will encourage further studies. Awareness among both employers and employees about prevention and risk factors should be enhanced.

  5. Clinical Outcomes of Conservative Treatment and Arthroscopic Repair of Rotator Cuff Tears: A Retrospective Observational Study.

    PubMed

    Lee, Woo Hyung; Do, Hyun Kyung; Lee, Joong Hoon; Kim, Bo Ram; Noh, Jee Hyun; Choi, Soo Hyun; Chung, Sun Gun; Lee, Shi-Uk; Choi, Ji Eun; Kim, Seihee; Kim, Min Jee; Lim, Jae-Young

    2016-04-01

    To compare the clinical outcomes following conservative treatment and arthroscopic repair in patients with a rotator cuff tear. In this retrospective study, patients aged >50 years with a symptomatic rotator cuff tear were reviewed. The rotator cuff tendons were evaluated using ultrasonography, shoulder magnetic resonance imaging or MR arthrography, and the patients with either a high-grade partial-thickness or small-to-medium-sized (≤3 cm) full-thickness tear were included in this study. The primary outcome measures were a pain assessment score and range of motion (ROM) at 1-year follow-up. The secondary outcomes were the rate of tear progression or retear along with the rate of symptom aggravation after the treatments. A total of 357 patients were enrolled, including 183 patients that received conservative treatment and 174 patients who received an arthroscopic repair. The pain assessment score (p<0.001) and the ROM in forward flexion (p<0.001) were significantly improved in both groups. The ROM in internal rotation did not significantly change after conservative treatment and arthroscopic repair. The pain assessment score and ROM were not significantly different between the two groups. Retear was observed in 9.6% of patients who had an arthroscopic repair and tear progression was found in 6.7% of those who underwent conservative treatment. The proportion of aggravation for pain and ROM did not significantly differ between the two groups. The effectiveness of conservative treatment is not inferior to arthroscopic repair for patients >50 years old with a less than medium-sized rotator cuff tear in a 1-year follow-up period. Further study is warranted to find the optimal combination of conservative treatment for a symptomatic rotator cuff tear.

  6. Multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae failing treatment with ceftriaxone and doxycycline in France, November 2017.

    PubMed

    Poncin, Thibault; Fouere, Sebastien; Braille, Aymeric; Camelena, Francois; Agsous, Myriem; Bebear, Cecile; Kumanski, Sylvain; Lot, Florence; Mercier-Delarue, Severine; Ngangro, Ndeindo Ndeikoundam; Salmona, Maud; Schnepf, Nathalie; Timsit, Julie; Unemo, Magnus; Bercot, Beatrice

    2018-05-01

    We report a multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae urogenital and pharyngeal infection with ceftriaxone resistance and intermediate resistance to azithromycin in a heterosexual woman in her 20s in France. Treatment with ceftriaxone plus doxycycline failed for the pharyngeal localisation. Whole-genome sequencing of isolate F90 identified MLST 1903 , NG-MAST ST 3435 , NG-STAR 233 , and relevant resistance determinants. F90 showed phenotypic and genotypic similarities to an internationally spreading multidrug-resistant and ceftriaxone-resistant clone detected in Japan and subsequently in Australia, Canada and Denmark.

  7. 75 FR 76321 - Source of Income From Qualified Fails Charges

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-08

    ... Source of Income From Qualified Fails Charges AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION... source of income attributable to qualified fails charges. This action is necessary to provide guidance about the treatment of fails charges for purposes of sections 871 and 881, which generally require gross...

  8. Spinal cord stimulation for treatment of meralgia paresthetica.

    PubMed

    Barna, Steven A; Hu, M Melvin; Buxo, Carlos; Trella, Jason; Cosgrove, G Rees

    2005-07-01

    Meralgia paresthetica is a clinical syndrome of pain, dysesthesia or both, in the anterolateral thigh. It is associated with an entrapment mononeuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica is typically made clinically and is based on the characteristic location of pain or dysesthesia, sensory abnormality on exam, and absence of any other neurological abnormality in the leg. The majority of patients with meralgia paresthetica respond well to conservative treatment. To present a case of intractable meralgia paresthetica in which conservative treatment options failed but which was successfully treated with a spinal cord stimulator. A 44-year-old woman presented to the pain clinic with a one-year history of bilateral anterolateral thigh pain. History, physical exam, and diagnostic work-up were consistent with meralgia paresthetica. Multiple medications, physical therapy, and chiropractic therapy were not successful for this patient. In addition, local anesthetic/steroid injection of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve provided only short-term relief. Ultimately, a spinal cord stimulator was implanted after a successful temporary percutaneous trial. Two months after the implantation, she continued to have 100% pain relief, worked full-time, was physically active, and no longer required any pain medication including opioids. An implanted spinal cord stimulator may be an ideal treatment for intractable meralgia paresthetica after conservative treatments have failed because it is not destructive and can always be explanted without significant permanent adverse effects.

  9. Innovating Conservation Agriculture: The Case of No-Till Cropping

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Coughenour, C. Milton

    2003-01-01

    The extensive sociological studies of conservation agriculture have provided considerable understanding of farmers' use of conservation practices, but attempts to develop predictive models have failed. Reviews of research findings question the utility of the conceptual and methodological perspectives of prior research. The argument advanced here…

  10. Natural Resource Dependency and Decentralized Conservation Within Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project, Nepal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Parker, Pete; Thapa, Brijesh

    2012-02-01

    Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) in Nepal is among the first protected areas in the world to institute a completely decentralized system of conservation and development. Proponents of decentralized conservation claim that it increases management efficiency, enhances the responsiveness to local needs, and promotes greater equity among local residents. This study assessed local equity by evaluating the levels of dependencies on natural resources among households and the factors affecting that dependency. Data were collected via detailed surveys among 205 randomly selected households within the KCAP. Natural resource dependency was evaluated by comparing the ratio of total household income to income derived from access to natural resources. Economic, social, and access-related variables were employed to determine potential significant predictors of dependency. Overall, households were heavily dependent on natural resources for their income, especially households at higher elevations and those with more adult members. The households that received remittances were most able to supplement their income and, therefore, drastically reduced their reliance on the access to natural resources. Socio-economic variables, such as land holdings, education, caste, and ethnicity, failed to predict dependency. Household participation in KCAP-sponsored training programs also failed to affect household dependency; however, fewer than 20% of the households had any form of direct contact with KCAP personnel within the past year. The success of the KCAP as a decentralized conservation program is contingent on project capacity-building via social mobilization, training programs, and participatory inclusion in decision making to help alleviate the dependency on natural resources.

  11. Natural resource dependency and decentralized conservation within Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project, Nepal.

    PubMed

    Parker, Pete; Thapa, Brijesh

    2012-02-01

    Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) in Nepal is among the first protected areas in the world to institute a completely decentralized system of conservation and development. Proponents of decentralized conservation claim that it increases management efficiency, enhances the responsiveness to local needs, and promotes greater equity among local residents. This study assessed local equity by evaluating the levels of dependencies on natural resources among households and the factors affecting that dependency. Data were collected via detailed surveys among 205 randomly selected households within the KCAP. Natural resource dependency was evaluated by comparing the ratio of total household income to income derived from access to natural resources. Economic, social, and access-related variables were employed to determine potential significant predictors of dependency. Overall, households were heavily dependent on natural resources for their income, especially households at higher elevations and those with more adult members. The households that received remittances were most able to supplement their income and, therefore, drastically reduced their reliance on the access to natural resources. Socio-economic variables, such as land holdings, education, caste, and ethnicity, failed to predict dependency. Household participation in KCAP-sponsored training programs also failed to affect household dependency; however, fewer than 20% of the households had any form of direct contact with KCAP personnel within the past year. The success of the KCAP as a decentralized conservation program is contingent on project capacity-building via social mobilization, training programs, and participatory inclusion in decision making to help alleviate the dependency on natural resources.

  12. A conservative treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in very low birth weight infants.

    PubMed

    Letshwiti, J B; Semberova, J; Pichova, K; Dempsey, E M; Franklin, O M; Miletin, J

    2017-01-01

    Treatment of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in the preterm infant remains contentious. There are numerous options of the PDA management from early targeted treatment, late (symptomatic) treatment to no treatment at all. To evaluate a three different PDA management approaches in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. A retrospective observational time series study of three cohorts of VLBW infants born between 2004 and 2011. Infants in Symptomatic Treatment Group (STG) were echocardiographically evaluated when clinical signs suggestive of a PDA were present and treated if a haemodynamically significant PDA was confirmed. Early Targeted Group (ETG) underwent echocardiography within the first 48h and infants received ibuprofen if a large PDA was present. Conservative Treatment Group (CTG) was screened by echocardiography on day seven of life; patients with PDA were managed with increased positive end expiratory pressure and fluid restriction as a first line intervention. The primary outcome was medical and surgical treatment in the three time periods. Secondary outcomes included mortality, severe periventricular and intraventricular haemorrhage, respiratory distress syndrome and chronic lung disease. There were 138 infants diagnosed with PDA; 52 infants in STG, 52 infants in ETG and 34 infants in CTG. Ibuprofen therapy and ligation were less frequent in CTG. There was significantly decreased incidence of chronic lung disease in CTG compared to STG (18% vs. 51%; p=0.003) and to ETG (18% vs. 46%; p=0.02). There was no difference in the other short term outcomes. Conservative treatment of persistent ductus arteriosus in VLBW infants is a feasible option and future randomized trials of conservative management are warranted. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Scoliosis in patients with Prader Willi Syndrome – comparisons of conservative and surgical treatment

    PubMed Central

    Weiss, Hans-Rudolf; Goodall, Deborah

    2009-01-01

    In children with Prader Willi syndrome (PWS), besides growth hormone (GH) therapy, control of the food environment and regular exercise, surgical treatment of scoliosis deformities seems the treatment of choice, even though the risks of spinal surgery in this specific population is very high. Therefore the question arises as to whether the risks of spinal surgery outweigh the benefits in a condition, which bears significant risks per se. The purpose of this systematic review of the Pub Med literature was to find mid or long-term results of spinal fusion surgery in patients with PWS, and to present the conservative treatment in a case study of nine patients with this condition. Types of studies included; all kinds of studies; retrospective and prospective ones, which reported upon the outcome of scoliosis surgery in patients with PWS. Types of participants included: patients with scoliosis and PWS. Type of intervention: surgery. Search strategy for identification of the studies; Pub Med; limited to English language and bibliographies of all reviewed articles. Nine patients with PWS from our data-base treated conservatively have been found, being 19 years or over at the time this study has been performed. The results of conservative management are described and related to the natural history and treatment results found in the Pub Med review. From 2210 titles displayed in the Pub Med database with the key word being "Prader Willi syndrome", 5 different papers were displayed at the date of the search containing some information on the outcome of surgery and none appeared to contain a mid or long-term follow-up. The PWS patients treated conservatively from our series all stayed below 70° and some of which improved. If the curve of scoliosis patients with PWS can be kept within certain limits (usually below 70 degrees) conservatively, this treatment seems to have fewer complications than surgical treatments. The results of our retrospective study of nine patients

  14. Acute appendicitis in children: not only surgical treatment.

    PubMed

    Caruso, Anna Maria; Pane, Alessandro; Garau, Roberto; Atzori, Pietro; Podda, Marcello; Casuccio, Alessandra; Mascia, Luigi

    2017-03-01

    An accurate diagnosis of acute appendicitis is important to avoid severe outcome or unnecessary surgery but management is controversial. The aim of study was to evaluate, in younger and older children, the efficacy of conservative management for uncomplicated appendicitis and the outcome of complicated forms underwent early surgery. Children with acute appendicitis were investigated by clinical, laboratory variables and abdominal ultrasound and divided in two groups: complicated and uncomplicated. Complicated appendicitis underwent early surgery; uncomplicated appendicitis started conservative treatment with antibiotic. If in the next 24-48h it was worsening, the conservative approach failed and patients underwent late surgery. A total of 362 pediatric patients were included. One hundred sixty-five underwent early appendectomy; 197 patients were at first treated conservatively: of these, 82 were operated within 24-48h for failure. The total percentage of operated patients was 68.2%. An elevated association was found between surgery and ultrasound. Conservative treatment for uncomplicated appendicitis had high percentage of success (58%). Complications in operated patients were infrequent. Our protocol was effective in order to decide which patients treat early surgically and which conservatively; specific red flags (age and onset) can identified patients at most risk of complications or conservative failure. treatment study. II. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. When Energy Conservation Seems to Fail: The Prediction of the Neutrino

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Guerra, Francesco; Leone, Matteo; Robotti, Nadia

    2014-01-01

    A historical case study concerning the serious doubts that arose in early 1930s about the validity of the law of energy conservation in nuclear disintegrations, and the hypothesis of neutrino, will be closely analyzed with the goal of promoting understanding of the nature of science. This work is based upon primary archival and printed sources,…

  16. Conservative treatment of injury to the fibular ligaments of the ankle.

    PubMed Central

    Cetti, R.

    1982-01-01

    Fifty-one patients with fibular ligamentous injury of the ankle are presented. The treatment consisted of complete non-weight-bearing of the affected foot by use of elbow crutches for three weeks. All patients were seen at follow-up eighteen months after the accident. The results are discussed in the light of previous literature on conservative and operative treatment of lateral ligament injuries. Images p47-a PMID:6802213

  17. Comparison of surgical treatment with direct repair versus conservative treatment in young patients with spondylolysis: a prospective, comparative, clinical trial.

    PubMed

    Lee, Gun Woo; Lee, Sun-Mi; Ahn, Myun-Whan; Kim, Ho-Joong; Yeom, Jin S

    2015-07-01

    Although direct repair (DR) with screw fixation at the pars defect is a common surgical treatment for lumbar spondylolysis, it is unknown whether DR leads to better outcomes for young patients with spondylolysis than traditional nonsurgical treatment. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether DR was associated with better outcomes for lumbar spondylolysis in young patients than traditional conservative treatment. This is a prospective cohort study. Of 1,784 patients with low back pain in the reference period, 149 young patients with spondylolysis who followed up for at least 1 year were enrolled in the study. The primary outcome was pain intensity at the lower back measured with a Visual Analog Scale. Secondary outcomes included the functional outcome as measured with the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and the 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12) consisting of the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores, the radiologic outcome as measured with lumbar spine radiographs and computed tomography scans, and complications of treatment. This was a prospective comparative study between two groups of patients who were treated with either conservative treatment or surgery for lumbar spondylolysis. Enrolled patients self-selected their own treatment and were allocated to either the traditional care group with conservative treatment (87 patients) or the surgery group (62 patients). All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Pain intensity at the lower back did not differ significantly between groups at the final follow-up. Likewise, the ODI and SF-12 (PCS and MCS) scores did not differ significantly between groups (p=.13, .71, and .68, respectively). The change in the gap distance of the pars defect at the final follow-up was significantly different between groups (traditional care group: +0.8±0.4 mm; surgery group: -0.7±0.5; p=.01). The union rate at 1 year after surgical treatment was 52% (32/61). The rate of

  18. 75 FR 81457 - Source of Income From Qualified Fails Charges; Correction

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2010-12-28

    ... of Income From Qualified Fails Charges; Correction AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury... guidance about the treatment of fails charges for purposes of sections 871 and 881, which generally require... income from a qualified fails charge (temporary). * * * * * (f) Expiration date. This section expires on...

  19. Conservative treatment in patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review.

    PubMed

    Jiménez Del Barrio, S; Bueno Gracia, E; Hidalgo García, C; Estébanez de Miguel, E; Tricás Moreno, J M; Rodríguez Marco, S; Ceballos Laita, L

    2016-07-22

    Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral neuropathy. It is characterised by the compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. CTS presents a high prevalence and it is a disabling condition from the earliest stages. Severe cases are usually treated surgically, while conservative treatment is recommended in mild to moderate cases. The aim of this systematic review is to present the conservative treatments and determine their effectiveness in mild-to-moderate cases of CTS over the last 15 years. A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA criteria. We used the Medline, PEDro, and Cochrane databases to find and select randomised controlled clinical trials evaluating the effects of conservative treatment on the symptoms and functional ability of patients with mild to moderate CTS; 32 clinical trials were included. There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of oral drugs, although injections appear to be more effective. Splinting has been shown to be effective, and it is also associated with use of other non-pharmacological techniques. Assessments of the use of electrotherapy techniques alone have shown no conclusive results about their effectiveness. Other soft tissue techniques have also shown good results but evidence on this topic is limited. Various treatment combinations (drug and non-pharmacological treatments) have been proposed without conclusive results. Several conservative treatments are able to relieve symptoms and improve functional ability of patients with mild-to-moderate CTS. These include splinting, oral drugs, injections, electrotherapy, specific manual techniques, and neural gliding exercises as well as different combinations of the above. We have been unable to describe the best technique or combination of techniques due to the limitations of the studies; therefore, further studies of better methodological quality are needed. Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S

  20. Comparing surgical repair with conservative treatment for degenerative rotator cuff tears: a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Lambers Heerspink, Frederik O; van Raay, Jos J A M; Koorevaar, Rinco C T; van Eerden, Pepijn J M; Westerbeek, Robin E; van 't Riet, Esther; van den Akker-Scheek, Inge; Diercks, Ronald L

    2015-08-01

    Good clinical results have been reported for both surgical and conservative treatment of rotator cuff tears. The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial was to compare functional and radiologic improvement after surgical and conservative treatment of degenerative rotator cuff tears. We conducted a randomized controlled trial that included 56 patients with a degenerative full-thickness rotator cuff tear between January 2009 and December 2012; 31 patients were treated conservatively, and rotator cuff repair was performed in 25 patients. Outcome measures, including the Constant-Murley score (CMS), visual analog scale (VAS) pain and VAS disability scores, were assessed preoperatively and after 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively. At 12 months postoperatively, the mean CMS was 81.9 (standard deviation [SD], 15.6) in the surgery group vs 73.7 (SD, 18.4) in the conservative group (P = .08). VAS pain (P = .04) and VAS disability (P = .02) were significantly lower in the surgery group at the 12-month follow-up. A subgroup analysis showed postoperative CMS results were significantly better in surgically treated patients without a retear compared with conservatively treated patients (88.5 [SD, 6.2] vs 73.7 [SD, 18.4]). In our population of patients with degenerative rotator cuff tears who were randomly treated by surgery or conservative protocol, we did not observe differences in functional outcome as measured with the CMS 1 year after treatment. However, significant differences in pain and disabilities were observed in favor of surgical treatment. The best outcomes in function and pain were seen in patients with an intact rotator cuff postoperatively. Copyright © 2015 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Efficacy of conservative management in patients with right colonic diverticulitis.

    PubMed

    Ha, Gi Won; Lee, Min Ro; Kim, Jong Hun

    2017-06-01

    Although right colonic diverticulitis is more common than sigmoid diverticulitis, and its incidence has been increasing in Asian countries, there is no definitive treatment strategy for right colonic diverticulitis. This retrospective clinical study assessed the effect of conservative management in patients with right colonic diverticulitis. Of the 169 patients who were diagnosed with right colonic diverticulitis at Chonbuk National University Hospital, South Korea, from 2005 to 2012, 152 patients evaluated by abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) and managed conservatively were included. CT findings were categorized by modified Hinchey classification, with stages Ib, II, III and IV, as well as fistula and obstruction defined as complicated diverticulitis. Factors associated with recurrence of diverticulitis were determined. The mean age of 152 patients (87 males, 65 females) was 42.9 ± 13.8 years, median follow-up interval was 61 months (range, 17-113 months). At diagnosis, five patients (3.3%) had complicated diverticulitis. After treatment of first attack, 15 patients (9.9%) experienced recurrence of right colonic diverticulitis, including 10 (6.6%) within 12 months. Fourteen of these patients were successfully treated conservatively, whereas one failed conservative management and required surgical resection. Statistical analysis found no variables related to recurrence of right colonic diverticulitis. Right colonic diverticulitis has a low rate of complicated diverticulitis at first attack and a low recurrence rate, with most recurrences being uncomplicated. Therefore, conservative management is effective in patients with right colonic diverticulitis. Close follow-up of patients for 12 months is required because most recurrences may occur within 12 months. © 2015 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

  2. Endoscopic treatment of prepatellar bursitis.

    PubMed

    Huang, Yu-Chih; Yeh, Wen-Lin

    2011-03-01

    Operative treatment of prepatellar bursitis is indicated in intractable bursitis. The most common complication of surgical treatment for prepatellar bursitis is skin problems. For traumatic prepatellar bursitis, we propose a protocol of outpatient endoscopic surgery under local anaesthesia. From September 1996 to February 2001, 60 cases of failed nonoperative treatment for prepatellar bursitis were included. The average age was 33.5 ± 11.1 years (range 21-55). The average operation duration was 18 minutes. Two to three mini-arthroscopic portals were used in our series. No sutures or a simple suture was needed for the portals after operation. After follow-up for an average of 36.3 months, all patients are were symptom-free and had regained knee function. None of the population had local tenderness or hypo-aesthesia around their wound. Their radiographic and sonographic examinations showed no recurrence of bursitis. Outpatient arthroscopic bursectomy under local anaesthesia is an effective procedure for the treatment of post-traumatic prepatellar bursitis after failed conservative treatments. Both the cosmetic results and functional results were satisfactory.

  3. Building robust conservation plans.

    PubMed

    Visconti, Piero; Joppa, Lucas

    2015-04-01

    Systematic conservation planning optimizes trade-offs between biodiversity conservation and human activities by accounting for socioeconomic costs while aiming to achieve prescribed conservation objectives. However, the most cost-efficient conservation plan can be very dissimilar to any other plan achieving the set of conservation objectives. This is problematic under conditions of implementation uncertainty (e.g., if all or part of the plan becomes unattainable). We determined through simulations of parallel implementation of conservation plans and habitat loss the conditions under which optimal plans have limited chances of implementation and where implementation attempts would fail to meet objectives. We then devised a new, flexible method for identifying conservation priorities and scheduling conservation actions. This method entails generating a number of alternative plans, calculating the similarity in site composition among all plans, and selecting the plan with the highest density of neighboring plans in similarity space. We compared our method with the classic method that maximizes cost efficiency with synthetic and real data sets. When implementation was uncertain--a common reality--our method provided higher likelihood of achieving conservation targets. We found that χ, a measure of the shortfall in objectives achieved by a conservation plan if the plan could not be implemented entirely, was the main factor determining the relative performance of a flexibility enhanced approach to conservation prioritization. Our findings should help planning authorities prioritize conservation efforts in the face of uncertainty about future condition and availability of sites. © 2014 Society for Conservation Biology.

  4. Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Outcomes following a Conservative Management Approach.

    PubMed

    Goldfarb, Robert A; Pisansky, Andrew; Fleck, Joseph; Hoversten, Patrick; Cotter, Katherine J; Katorski, Jenna; Liberman, Daniel; Elliott, Sean P

    2016-04-01

    Cerebral palsy is characterized by motor impairment following injury to the developing brain. Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction is estimated to affect at least a third of children with cerebral palsy. However there are limited data as patients transition to adulthood. We sought to describe the symptoms, sequelae and management of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in adults with cerebral palsy. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of adult patients with cerebral palsy between 2011 and 2014. Patients with prior bladder reconstruction or catheterization based bladder drainage were excluded from study. Cerebral palsy severity was determined using GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System). A conservative evaluation and treatment paradigm was used. Noninvasive treatments were encouraged. Specifically clean intermittent catheterization, which is often not feasible, is avoided unless urinary retention, hydronephrosis or refractory lower urinary tract symptoms develop. There were 121 patients included in final analysis. Median age was 25 and 61 patients (50%) had GMFCS level V. Noninvasive management failed in 28 of 121 patients (23%) as defined by hydronephrosis in 9, persistent urinary retention in 10 and refractory lower urinary tract symptoms/incontinence in 9. Urethral clean intermittent catheterization was poorly tolerated. Of all patients 25% showed evidence of urolithiasis during the study period. Surgical intervention was rare and associated with significant morbidity. Adults with cerebral palsy may present with variable signs and symptoms of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Conservative treatment was successful in more than 75% of patients. Clean intermittent catheterization was poorly tolerated in patients in whom conservative treatment failed. Surgical intervention was rarely indicated and it should be reserved for select individuals. Copyright © 2016 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc

  5. [Conservative treatment of a chronic rupture of Achilles tendon: case report].

    PubMed

    González-Murillo, M; Rodrigo-Alonso, A; Figueiredo-González, H; Salgado-Rodrigo, A M; Mota-Blanco, S M

    2016-01-01

    We report a case of a 64 years-old-female patient with ruptured left Achilles tendon within two months of evolution that has gone unnoticed. By the application of a conservative treatment recovered complete and symmetrical functionality in five months time after the injury.

  6. Prioritization based on neutral genetic diversity may fail to conserve important characteristics in cattle breeds.

    PubMed

    Hall, S J G; Lenstra, J A; Deeming, D C

    2012-06-01

    Conservation of the intraspecific genetic diversity of livestock species requires protocols that assess between-breed genetic variability and also take into account differences among individuals within breeds. Here, we focus on variation between breeds. Conservation of neutral genetic variation has been seen as promoting, through linkage processes, the retention of useful and potentially useful variation. Using public information on beef cattle breeds, with a total of 165 data sets each relating to a breed comparison of a performance variable, we have tested this paradigm by calculating the correlations between pairwise breed differences in performance and pairwise genetic distances deduced from biochemical and immunological polymorphisms, microsatellites and single-nucleotide polymorphisms. As already observed in floral and faunal biodiversity, significant positive correlations (n=54) were found, but many correlations were non-significant (n=100) or significantly negative (n=11). This implies that maximizing conserved neutral genetic variation with current techniques may conserve breed-level genetic variation in some traits but not in others and supports the view that genetic distance measurements based on neutral genetic variation are not sufficient as a determinant of conservation priority among breeds. © 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

  7. Long-term Treatment Outcomes Between Surgical Correction and Conservative Management for Penile Fracture: Retrospective Analysis.

    PubMed

    Yamaçake, Kleiton Gabriel Ribeiro; Tavares, Alessandro; Padovani, Guilherme Philomeno; Guglielmetti, Giuliano Betoni; Cury, José; Srougi, Miguel

    2013-07-01

    Early surgical management is the standard of care for penile fracture. Conservative treatment is an option with recent reports revealing lower success rates. We reviewed the data and long-term outcomes of patients with penile injury submitted to surgical or conservative treatment. Between January 2004 and February 2012, 42 patients with penile blunt trauma on an erect penis were admitted to our center. We analyzed the following variables: age, etiology, symptoms and signs, diagnostic tests, treatment used, complications and erectile function during the follow-up. One patient was excluded due to missing information. Thirty-five patients underwent surgical repair and 6 patients were submitted to conservative management. Mean follow-up was 19.2 months (range, 7 days to 72 months). The mean elapsed time from trauma to surgery was 21.3±12.5 hours. Trauma during sexual relationship was the main cause (80.9%) of penile fracture. Urethral injury was present in five patients submitted to surgery. Dorsal vein injury occurred in three patients with false penile fracture and concomitant spongious corpus lesion was present in three patients. During follow-up, 31 cases (88.6%) of the surgical group and four cases (66.7%) of the conservative group reported sufficient erections for intercourse, with no voiding dysfunction and no penile curvature. However, the remaining two patients (33.3%) from the conservative group developed erectile dysfunction and three patients (50%) developed penile deviation. Surgical approach provides excellent functional outcomes and lower complications. Early surgical management of penile fracture provides superior results and conservative approach should be avoided.

  8. Female patients' and parents' assessment of deformity- and brace-related stress in the conservative treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

    PubMed

    Misterska, Ewa; Glowacki, Maciej; Latuszewska, Joanna

    2012-06-15

    A cross-sectional analysis of parents' and patients' perceptions of deformity- and brace-related stress regarding conservative treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the agreement between patients' and parents' assessments of emotional stress and to compare these assessments with radiographical measurements of spinal deformity. Conservative treatment in patients with scoliosis may cause emotional stress. To our knowledge, no group has ever reported patient and parental estimation of stress related to wearing a brace and spinal deformity in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Sixty-three pairs of parents and girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated with a Cheneau brace were separately asked to complete the Bad Sobberheim Stress Questionnaire-Deformity and the Bad Sobberheim Stress Questionnaire-Brace. The age range of the patients was from 10 to 17 years. Patients were assessed at a mean of 14.12 (SD, 10.99) months after the start of the conservative treatment. Patients thought that a moderate level of stress was connected with conservative treatment; however, the stress level, related to perceived trunk deformation, was low. From the parents' perspective, patients experienced a moderate level of stress during conservative treatment and related to spinal deformity. The study groups differ in their perception of stress levels due to body disfigurement but not during the conservative treatment. Parent-patient stress-level disparities were not related to body mass index, age of the patient, brace application, and radiographical measurements of spinal deformity. Patients and parents perceive the emotional stress related to brace treatment in the same way; however, parents overestimate the assessment of stress levels related to body deformity. From the perspective of patients and parents, brace wearing increased the level of stress induced by the deformity alone. Complete assessment of conservative

  9. Monitoring conservation success in a large oak woodland landscape

    Treesearch

    Rich Reiner; Emma Underwood; John-O Niles

    2002-01-01

    Monitoring is essential in understanding the success or failure of a conservation project and provides the information needed to conduct adaptive management. Although there is a large body of literature on monitoring design, it fails to provide sufficient information to practitioners on how to organize and apply monitoring when implementing landscape-scale conservation...

  10. Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Versus Conservative Treatment and Rehabilitation in Women with Vertebral Fractures due to Osteoporosis: A Prospective Comparative Study.

    PubMed

    Macías-Hernández, Salvador Israel; Chávez-Arias, Daniel David; Miranda-Duarte, Antonio; Coronado-Zarco, Roberto; Diez-García, María Pilar

    2015-01-01

    Percutaneous vertebroplasty is commonly used in the management of osteoporosis-related vertebral fractures, although there is controversy on its superiority over conservative treatment. Here we compare pain and function in women with vertebral osteoporotic fractures who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty versus conservative treatment with a protocolized rehabilitation program. A longitudinal and comparative prospective study was conducted. Women ≥ 60 years of age with a diagnosis of osteoporosis who had at least one vertebral thoracic or lumbar compression fracture were included and divided into two groups, conservative treatment or vertebroplasty. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to assess pain and function, respectively, as the outcome measures. We included 31 patients, 13 (42%) treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty and 18 (58%) with conservative treatment. Baseline clinical characteristics, bone densitometry and fracture data were similar in both groups. At baseline, VAS was 73.1 ± 28.36 in the vertebroplasty group and 68.6 ± 36.1 mm in the conservative treatment group (p = 0.632); at three months it was 33.11 ± 10.1 vs. 42 ± 22.21 mm (p = 0.111); and at 12 months, 32.3 ± 11.21 vs. 36.1 ± 12.36 mm (p = 0.821). The ODI at baseline was 83% in the vertebroplasty group vs. 85% for conservative management (p = 0.34); at three months, 36 vs. 39% (p = 0.36); and at 12 months, 29.38 vs. 28.33% (p = 0.66). Treatment with percutaneous vertebroplasty had no advantages over conservative treatment for pain and function in this group of women ≥ 60 years of age with osteoporosis.

  11. Effects of Nursing Care Based on Watson's Theory of Human Caring on Anxiety, Distress, And Coping, When Infertility Treatment Fails: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

    PubMed

    Durgun Ozan, Yeter; Okumuş, Hülya

    2017-06-01

    Introduction: The failure of infertility treatment leads to individual, familial, and social problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing care program based on Watson's "Theory of Human Caring" on anxiety and distress caused by coping when the treatment fails. Methods: This study randomized controlled trial study was conducted from April to November 2012, with 86 Turkish women with infertility (intervention group: 45, control group: 41). Follow-up of 32 infertile women, who failed infertility treatment from intervention group, and 35 infertile women, who failed infertility treatment from control group, continued for another four weeks. Data were collected through Spiel Berger's State/Trait Anxiety Inventory, Distress Scale, and Ways of Coping Questionnaire. The analyses of data were conducted using SPSS ver 13. Results: The intervention and control groups significantly differed in terms of anxiety, distress, and coping levels. The intervention group's mean anxiety score decreased by thirteen points and distress by fourteen points (in a positive direction). The intervention group's mean positive coping style score increased. Whereas a negative increase was observed in the control group's values depending on the failure of the treatment. Conclusion: Watson's theory of human caring is recommended as a guide to nursing patients with infertility treatment to decrease levels of anxiety and distress, and to increase the positive coping style among infertile women.

  12. Does the duration of symptoms of anal fissure impact its response to conservative treatment? A prospective cohort study.

    PubMed

    Emile, Sameh Hany; Elgendy, Hesham; Elfeki, Hossam; Magdy, Alaa; Abdelmawla, Ahmed Aly; Abdelnaby, Mahmoud; Khafagy, Wael

    2017-08-01

    Conservative treatment is the first line of treatment for anal fissure. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of symptom duration on the response of anal fissure to conservative treatment. This prospective study was conducted on sixty patients with acute or chronic anal fissure who were treated conservatively with bulking agents, Sitz baths, and topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) 0.2%. Pain and constipation were assessed prior to treatment and at 6 weeks after therapy using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Wexner constipation score. Adverse effects as headache and postural hypotension were also queried. The mean pre-treatment VAS for acute fissure was significantly higher than chronic fissure (8.8 ± 0.96 Vs 5.8 ± 1.12), also the post-treatment VAS for acute fissure was significantly lower at 6 weeks of treatment (0.47 ± 0.8 Vs 2.5 ± 1.3). The baseline Wexner constipation score was comparable in both groups; however, at six weeks of treatment it declined more significantly in patients with acute fissure. Patients with acute fissure achieved significantly better healing than chronic fissure (80% Vs 40%). Healing rates decreased from 100% in patients with symptoms < one month to 33.3% in patients with symptoms >6 months. Conservative treatment including topical GTN 0.2% significantly hastened healing and relieved pain and other symptoms of acute more than chronic anal fissure. Healing rates of anal fissure in response to conservative treatment showed remarkable decrease in proportion to the duration of complaint. Copyright © 2017 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Limitations in learning: How treatment verifications fail and what to do about it?

    PubMed

    Richardson, Susan; Thomadsen, Bruce

    The purposes of this study were: to provide dialog on why classic incident learning systems have been insufficient for patient safety improvements, discuss failures in treatment verification, and to provide context to the reasons and lessons that can be learned from these failures. Historically, incident learning in brachytherapy is performed via database mining which might include reading of event reports and incidents followed by incorporating verification procedures to prevent similar incidents. A description of both classic event reporting databases and current incident learning and reporting systems is given. Real examples of treatment failures based on firsthand knowledge are presented to evaluate the effectiveness of verification. These failures will be described and analyzed by outlining potential pitfalls and problems based on firsthand knowledge. Databases and incident learning systems can be limited in value and fail to provide enough detail for physicists seeking process improvement. Four examples of treatment verification failures experienced firsthand by experienced brachytherapy physicists are described. These include both underverification and oververification of various treatment processes. Database mining is an insufficient method to affect substantial improvements in the practice of brachytherapy. New incident learning systems are still immature and being tested. Instead, a new method of shared learning and implementation of changes must be created. Copyright © 2017 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Long-term Treatment Outcomes Between Surgical Correction and Conservative Management for Penile Fracture: Retrospective Analysis

    PubMed Central

    Tavares, Alessandro; Padovani, Guilherme Philomeno; Guglielmetti, Giuliano Betoni; Cury, José; Srougi, Miguel

    2013-01-01

    Purpose Early surgical management is the standard of care for penile fracture. Conservative treatment is an option with recent reports revealing lower success rates. We reviewed the data and long-term outcomes of patients with penile injury submitted to surgical or conservative treatment. Materials and Methods Between January 2004 and February 2012, 42 patients with penile blunt trauma on an erect penis were admitted to our center. We analyzed the following variables: age, etiology, symptoms and signs, diagnostic tests, treatment used, complications and erectile function during the follow-up. One patient was excluded due to missing information. Thirty-five patients underwent surgical repair and 6 patients were submitted to conservative management. Results Mean follow-up was 19.2 months (range, 7 days to 72 months). The mean elapsed time from trauma to surgery was 21.3±12.5 hours. Trauma during sexual relationship was the main cause (80.9%) of penile fracture. Urethral injury was present in five patients submitted to surgery. Dorsal vein injury occurred in three patients with false penile fracture and concomitant spongious corpus lesion was present in three patients. During follow-up, 31 cases (88.6%) of the surgical group and four cases (66.7%) of the conservative group reported sufficient erections for intercourse, with no voiding dysfunction and no penile curvature. However, the remaining two patients (33.3%) from the conservative group developed erectile dysfunction and three patients (50%) developed penile deviation. Conclusions Surgical approach provides excellent functional outcomes and lower complications. Early surgical management of penile fracture provides superior results and conservative approach should be avoided. PMID:23878691

  15. Exeresis and Brachytherapy as Salvage Treatment for Local Recurrence After Conservative Treatment for Breast Cancer: Results of a Ten-Year Pilot Study

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Guix, Benjamin, E-mail: bguix@imor.or; Lejarcegui, Jose Antonio; Tello, Jose Ignacio

    2010-11-01

    Purpose: To analyze the long-term results of a pilot study assessing excision and brachytherapy as salvage treatment for local recurrence after conservative treatment of breast cancer. Methods and Materials: Between December 1990 and March 2001, 36 patients with breast-only recurrence less than 3 cm in diameter after conservative treatment for Stage I or II breast carcinoma were treated with local excision followed by high-dose rate brachytherapy implants (30 Gy in 12 fractions over a period of 5 days). No patient was lost to follow-up. Special attention was paid to local, regional, or distant recurrences; survival; cosmesis; and early and latemore » side effects. Results: All patients completed treatment. During follow-up (range, 1-13 years), 8 patients presented metastases (2 regional and 6 distant) as their first site of failure, 1 had a differed local recurrence, and 1 died of the disease. Actuarial results at 10 years were as follows: local control, 89.4%; disease-free survival, 64.4%; and survival, 96.7%. Cosmetic results were satisfactory in 90.4%. No patient had Grade 3 or 4 early or late complications. Of the 11 patients followed up for at least 10 years, all but 1 still had their breast in place at the 10-year stage. Conclusions: High-dose rate brachytherapy is a safe, effective treatment for small-size, low-risk local recurrence after local excision in conservatively treated patients. The dose of 30 Gy of high-dose rate brachytherapy (12 fractions over a period of 5 days twice daily) was well tolerated. The excellent results support the use of breast preservation as salvage treatment in selected patients with local recurrence after conservative treatment for breast cancer.« less

  16. Surgical management of failed endoscopic treatment of pancreatic disease.

    PubMed

    Evans, Kimberly A; Clark, Colby W; Vogel, Stephen B; Behrns, Kevin E

    2008-11-01

    Endoscopic therapy of acute and chronic pancreatitis has decreased the need for operative intervention. However, a significant proportion of patients treated endoscopically require definitive surgical management for persistent symptoms. Our aim was to determine which patients are likely to fail with endoscopic therapy, and to assess the clinical outcome of surgical management. Patients were identified using ICD-9 codes for pancreatic disease as well as CPT codes for endoscopic therapy followed by surgery. Patients with documented acute or chronic pancreatitis treated endoscopically prior to surgical therapy were included (N = 88). The majority of patients (65%) exhibited chronic pancreatitis due to alcohol abuse. Common indicators for surgery were: persistent symptoms, anatomy not amenable to endoscopic treatment and unresolved common bile duct or pancreatic duct strictures. Surgical salvage procedures included internal drainage of a pseudocyst or an obstructed pancreatic duct (46%), debridement of peripancreatic fluid collections (25%), and pancreatic resection (31%). Death occurred in 3% of patients. The most common complications were hemorrhage (16%), wound infection (13%), and pulmonary complications (11%). Chronic pancreatitis with persistent symptoms is the most common reason for pancreatic surgery following endoscopic therapy. Surgical salvage therapy can largely be accomplished by drainage procedures, but pancreatic resection is common. These complex procedures can be performed with acceptable mortality but also with significant risk for morbidity.

  17. Repeat Urethroplasty After Failed Urethral Reconstruction: Outcome Analysis of 130 Patients

    PubMed Central

    Blaschko, Sarah D.; McAninch, Jack W.; Myers, Jeremy B.; Schlomer, Bruce J.; Breyer, Benjamin N.

    2013-01-01

    Purpose Male urethral stricture disease accounts for a significant number of hospital admissions and health care expenditures. Although much research has been completed on treatment for urethral strictures, fewer studies have addressed the treatment of strictures in men with recurrent stricture disease after failed prior urethroplasty. We examined outcome results for repeat urethroplasty. Materials and Methods A prospectively collected, single surgeon urethroplasty database was queried from 1977 to 2011 for patients treated with repeat urethroplasty after failed prior urethral reconstruction. Stricture length and location, and repeat urethroplasty intervention and failure were evaluated with descriptive statistics, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results Of 1,156 cases 168 patients underwent repeat urethroplasty after at least 1 failed prior urethroplasty. Of these patients 130 had a followup of 6 months or more and were included in analysis. Median patient age was 44 years (range 11 to 75). Median followup was 55 months (range 6 months to 20.75 years). Overall, 102 of 130 patients (78%) were successfully treated. For patients with failure median time to failure was 17 months (range 7 months to 16.8 years). Two or more failed prior urethroplasties and comorbidities associated with urethral stricture disease were associated with an increased risk of repeat urethroplasty failure. Conclusions Repeat urethroplasty is a successful treatment option. Patients in whom treatment failed had longer strictures and more complex repairs. PMID:23083654

  18. When Energy Conservation Seems to Fail: The Prediction of the Neutrino

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Guerra, Francesco; Leone, Matteo; Robotti, Nadia

    2014-06-01

    A historical case study concerning the serious doubts that arose in early 1930s about the validity of the law of energy conservation in nuclear disintegrations, and the hypothesis of neutrino, will be closely analyzed with the goal of promoting understanding of the nature of science. This work is based upon primary archival and printed sources, with a particular focus on the proceedings of the first International Conference of Nuclear Physics which was held in Rome on October 1931.

  19. Retrospective analysis: Conservative treatment of placenta increta with methotrexate.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Chunhua; Li, Hongyan; Zuo, Changting; Wang, Xietong

    2018-05-01

    To evaluate the efficacy of conservative treatment with methotrexate against placenta increta by two different routes of administration through retrospective analysis. A total of 54 women diagnosed with placenta increta after vaginal delivery were enrolled in this retrospective study. The participants accepted conservative management with methotrexate through either intravenous injection or local multi-point injection under ultrasound guidance. The treatment was considered effective if no hysterectomy was mandatory during the follow-up period. Out of the 54 cases, 21 patients were treated with methotrexate intravenously (group 1), and 33 patients received local multi-point injection to the placenta increta under ultrasound guidance (group 2). No maternal death occurred. In group 1, 10 patients expelled the placentas spontaneously, 7 patients underwent uterine curettage and 4 patients underwent hysterectomy for uncontrollable post-partum hemorrhage and infection. In group 2, 25 patients expelled placentas spontaneously and 8 patients underwent uterine curettage with no incidence of hysterectomy. The success rate in group 1 and group 2 was 17/21 and 33/33, respectively. The average time of the spontaneous placenta expulsion was 79.13 ± 29.87 days in group 1 and 42.42 ± 31.83 days in group 2. Local multi-point methotrexate injection under ultrasound guidance is a better alternative for patients with placenta increta, especially for preserving fertility. © 2018 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

  20. Effectiveness of conservative treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Saltychev, Mikhail; Dutton, Rebecca A; Laimi, Katri; Beaupré, Gary S; Virolainen, Petri; Fredericson, Michael

    2018-05-08

    To evaluate the evidence regarding the effectiveness of conservative treatment in reducing patellofemoral pain. CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PEDro databases. Adults with patellofemoral pain, randomized controlled trials only, any conservative treatment compared with placebo, sham, other conservative treatment, or no treatment. Two independent reviewers. Data were extracted from the full-text of the articles, based on Cochrane Collaboration recommendations. The outcome of interest was the difference between groups regarding change in pain severity. The majority of studies were underpowered. More than 80% of the 37 trials did not show a clinically significant benefit. Clinically significant effects of different sizes were found for 7 trials (6 studies out of 7 had short follow-ups). These effects were found for: (i) pulsed electromagnetic fields combined with home exercise -33.0 (95% CI -45.2 to -20.8); (ii) hip muscle strengthening -65.0 (95% CI -87.7 to -48.3) and -32.0 (-37.0 to -27.0); (iii) weight-bearing exercise -40.0 (95% CI -49.4 to -30.6); (iv) neuromuscular facilitation combined with aerobic exercise and stretching -60.1 (95% CI -66.9 to -54.5); (v) postural stabilization -24.4 (95% CI -33.5 to -15.3); and (vi) patellar bracing -31.6 (95% CI -35.2 to -28.0). There is no evidence that a single treat-ment modality works for all patients with patellofemoral pain. There is limited evidence that some treatment modalities may be beneficial for some subgroups of patients with patellofemoral pain.

  1. [Results of conservative treatment in patients with occult pneumothorax].

    PubMed

    Llaquet Bayo, Heura; Montmany Vioque, Sandra; Rebasa, Pere; Navarro Soto, Salvador

    2016-04-01

    An occult pneumothorax is found in 2-15% trauma patients. Observation (without tube thoracostomy) in these patients presents still some controversies in the clinical practice. The objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and the adverse effects when observation is performed. A retrospective observational study was undertaken in our center (university hospital level II). Data was obtained from a database with prospective registration. A total of 1087 trauma patients admitted in the intensive care unit from 2006 to 2013 were included. In this period, 126 patients with occult pneumothorax were identified, 73 patients (58%) underwent immediate tube thoracostomy and 53 patients (42%) were observed. Nine patients (12%) failed observation and required tube thoracostomy for pneumothorax progression or hemothorax. No patient developed a tension pneumothorax or experienced another adverse event related to the absence of tube thoracostomy. Of the observed patients 16 were under positive pressure ventilation, in this group 3 patients (19%) failed observation. There were no differences in mortality, hospital length of stay or intensive care length of stay between the observed and non-observed group. Observation is a safe treatment in occult pneumothorax, even in pressure positive ventilated patients. Copyright © 2014 AEC. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  2. Treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures in Central Finland Central Hospital in 2010-2015.

    PubMed

    Reito, Aleksi; Logren, Hanna-Liina; Ahonen, Katri; Nurmi, Heikki; Paloneva, Juha

    The epidemiology of Achilles tendon ruptures and treatment strategies have undergone a major change in recent years. We investigated the incidence of acute Achilles tendon ruptures, the choice of treatment strategies and treatment implementation. The research material consisted of patients living in the catchment area of Central Finland Hospital District who had been diagnosed with an acute Achilles tendon rupture between 2010 and 2015. The final sample consisted of 266 patients. Conservative treatment was started for 207 patients, and the remaining 59 were referred for surgery. During the study period, the proportion of patients undergoing surgery fell from 41% to 10%. Three patients (1.4%) were referred for surgery during conservative treatment, and 10 patients (4.7%) developed deep vein thrombosis while wearing a cast or an orthosis. Twelve patients (5.8%) sustained a re-rupture after conservative treatment. Two surgically-treated patients (3.5%) sustained a re-rupture, and one patient (1.7%) developed deep vein thrombosis. The strategies for treating acute Achilles tendon ruptures have clearly become more conservative in our hospital. Conservative treatment is safe and rarely fails. However, it is important to bear in mind that surgery still has a role in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

  3. Collections Conservation.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    DeCandido, Robert

    Collections conservation is an approach to the preservation treatment of books and book-like materials that is conceptualized and organized in terms of large groups of materials. This guide is intended to enable a library to evaluate its current collections conservation activities. The introduction describes collections conservation and gives…

  4. A Note on Weak Solutions of Conservation Laws and Energy/Entropy Conservation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gwiazda, Piotr; Michálek, Martin; Świerczewska-Gwiazda, Agnieszka

    2018-03-01

    A common feature of systems of conservation laws of continuum physics is that they are endowed with natural companion laws which are in such cases most often related to the second law of thermodynamics. This observation easily generalizes to any symmetrizable system of conservation laws; they are endowed with nontrivial companion conservation laws, which are immediately satisfied by classical solutions. Not surprisingly, weak solutions may fail to satisfy companion laws, which are then often relaxed from equality to inequality and overtake the role of physical admissibility conditions for weak solutions. We want to answer the question: what is a critical regularity of weak solutions to a general system of conservation laws to satisfy an associated companion law as an equality? An archetypal example of such a result was derived for the incompressible Euler system in the context of Onsager's conjecture in the early nineties. This general result can serve as a simple criterion to numerous systems of mathematical physics to prescribe the regularity of solutions needed for an appropriate companion law to be satisfied.

  5. Surgical Treatment of Bone Marrow Lesion Associated with Recurrent Plantar Fasciitis: A Case Report Describing an Innovative Technique Using Subchondroplasty®.

    PubMed

    Bernhard, Kaitlyn; Ng, Alan; Kruse, Dustin; Stone, Paul A

    2018-04-06

    Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common chief complaints seen in the foot and ankle clinic. With a relatively benign course, most cases are self-limiting or amendable to conservative therapy; ~90% of all plantar fasciitis cases will respond to these methods. When conservative treatment and time fail, surgical intervention can be necessary to improve outcomes. We present a novel method using Subchondroplasty ® (SCP ® ; Zimmer Holdings, Inc.; Warsaw, IN) and revision fasciotomy in a case in which initial fasciotomy had failed. After the patient had failed to improve, a worsening underlying bone marrow lesion was identified at the origin of the plantar fascia; thus, SCP ® was used with repeat fasciotomy. SCP ® involves injecting calcium phosphate into bone marrow lesions to stimulate long-term bone repair. At 10 months after SCP ® , the patient remained pain free and had returned to running at the final follow-up examination. This surgical treatment should be considered as an adjunctive procedure for those patients with plantar fasciitis, identifiable bone marrow lesions on magnetic resonance imaging, and continued pain when other treatment modalities have failed. Copyright © 2017 The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Surgical versus conservative treatment following acute rupture of the Achilles tendon: is there a pedobarographic difference?

    PubMed

    Karaaslan, Fatih; Mermerkaya, Musa Uğur; Çıraklı, Alper; Karaoğlu, Sinan; Duygulu, Fuat

    2016-01-01

    Controversy remains regarding the optimal treatment method and postoperative rehabilitation of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. In this study, pedobarographic assessments of surgical and conservative treatments were compared. A prospective assessment was made of 16 patients (eight surgical, eight conservative) and eight healthy controls using a plantar pressure measurement system. Biomechanical gait parameters were obtained using the Footscan dynamic gait analysis system. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used for the evaluation of data. Nineteen males and five females were assessed, with an average age of 42.0±11.9 years. Follow-up was completed in 16 patients. No statistically significant difference was determined between the two treatment groups with regard to the gait analysis, but a difference was observed with the control group (P<0.001). All patients were able to resume their prior activities after 6 months and regained normal ranges of motion, with a high rate of satisfaction. Most of the patients (75%) were able to return to their pre-injury level of activities. Satisfactory results were obtained through conservative treatment of acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon. No significant differences or complications were observed in the group managed conservatively versus the group treated surgically. Further studies including 3D gait analyses and tendon biomechanical research are required to further investigate this issue.

  7. Urgent Bypass Surgery Following Failed Endovascular Treatment in Acute Symptomatic Stroke Patient With MCA Occlusion.

    PubMed

    Lee, Chang Yeob; Kim, Chang Hyun; Lee, Chang-Young; Sohn, Sung-Il; Hong, Jeong-Ho

    2017-01-01

    Although the benefits of extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery remain controversial, there is some surgical rationale for the augmentation of cerebral blood flow in cases of acute ischemic stroke with hemodynamic instability. We report a case of a 62-year-old woman who suddenly developed right hemiplegia and global aphasia. Initial magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography revealed a small acute ischemic lesion in left parietal lobe with occlusion at the left middle cerebral artery. We performed an endovascular thrombectomy, which failed. Her neurological deficits remained unchanged. On the basis of immediate postendovascular magnetic resonance perfusion, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and neurological examination, an obvious clinical-DWI and a DWI-perfusion-weighted imaging mismatch were detected. We decided to perform emergency superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass to prevent further progression of cerebral ischemia. On a 3-month follow-up, neurological deficits remained minimal motor aphasia and dysarthria. Following failed endovascular treatment in patients with acute symptoms attributed to major cerebral artery occlusion, we recommend immediate multimodal neuroimaging. If there are clinical-DWI and DWI-perfusion-weighted imaging mismatch indications, surgical revascularization could be considered as the next salvageable strategy.

  8. The effect of conservative treatment of urinary incontinence among older and frail older people: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Stenzelius, Karin; Molander, Ulla; Odeberg, Jenny; Hammarström, Margareta; Franzen, Karin; Midlöv, Patrik; Samuelsson, Eva; Andersson, Gunnel

    2015-09-01

    urinary incontinence (UI) is a common symptom among older people, with a higher prevalence among frail older persons living in nursing homes. Despite consequences such as reduced health and quality of life, many older people do not seek help for their symptoms, resulting in missed opportunity for treatment. the aim of this study was to investigate the evidence and the effect of conservative treatment of UI and the quality of life among older and frail older persons. a systematic review of randomised controlled studies and prospective, non-randomised studies was conducted, evaluating interventions of conservative treatment of UI in an older population (65 years or older). A total of 23 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and 9 were of high or moderate quality. Fourteen studies were of low quality and were therefore excluded from the analysis. documented and effective conservative treatments are available even for older persons with UI. Pelvic muscle exercise, physical training in combination with ADL, prompted voiding and attention training, and help to toilet are important treatments. In some studies, however, the evidence of effectiveness is limited. this systematic review concludes that there are conservative treatments for UI for older and frail older persons that reduce leakage and increase quality of life. There is however a need for further high-quality studies. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  9. Rerupture rate after early weightbearing in operative versus conservative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures: a meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    van der Eng, Dorien M; Schepers, Tim; Goslings, J Carel; Schep, Niels W L

    2013-01-01

    Whether Achilles tendon rupture benefits from surgery or conservative treatment remains controversial. Moreover, the outcome can be influenced by the rehabilitation protocol. The goal of the present meta-analysis was to compare the rerupture rate after surgical repair of the Achilles tendon followed by weightbearing within 4 weeks versus conservative treatment with weightbearing within 4 weeks. In addition, a secondary analysis was performed to compare the rerupture rates in patients who started weightbearing after 4 weeks. Seven randomized controlled trials published from 2001 to 2012, with 576 adult patients, were included. The primary outcome measure was the rerupture rate. The secondary outcomes were minor and major complications other than rerupture. In the early weightbearing group, 7 of 182 operatively treated patients (4%) experienced rerupture versus 21 of 176 of the conservatively treated patients (12%). A secondary analysis of the patients treated with late weightbearing showed a rerupture rate of 6% (7 of 108) for operatively treated patients versus 10% (11 of 110) for conservatively treated patients. The differences concerning the rerupture rate in both groups were not statistically significant. No differences were found in the occurrence of minor or major complications after early weightbearing in both patient groups. In conclusion, we found no difference in the rerupture rate between the surgically and nonsurgically treated patients followed by early weightbearing. Weightbearing after 4 weeks also resulted in no differences in the rupture rate in the surgical versus conservatively treated patients. However, surgical treatment was associated with a twofold greater complication rate than conservative treatment. Copyright © 2013 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. De-extinction and Barriers to the Application of New Conservation Tools.

    PubMed

    Seddon, Philip J

    2017-07-01

    Decades of globally coordinated work in conservation have failed to slow the loss of biodiversity. To do better-even if that means nothing more than failing less spectacularly-bolder thinking is necessary. One of the first possible conservation applications of synthetic biology to be debated is the use of genetic tools to resurrect once-extinct species. Since the currency of conservation is biodiversity and the discipline of conservation biology was formed around the prevention of species extinctions, the prospect of reversing extinctions might have been expected to generate unreserved enthusiasm. But it was not universal acclaim that greeted the coming-out party for "de-extinction" that was the TEDx conference and accompanying National Geographic feature in 2013. Why the concern, the skepticism, even the hostility among many conservationists about the idea of restoring lost species? And how does this professional concern relate to public perception and support for conservation? This essay explores the barriers to the acceptance of risky new genomic-based conservation tools by considering five key areas and associated questions that could be addressed in relation to any new conservation tool. I illustrate these using the specific example of de-extinction, and in doing so, I consider whether de-extinction would necessarily be the best first point of engagement between conservation biology and synthetic biology. © 2017 The Hastings Center.

  11. A suggested model for physical examination and conservative treatment of athletic pubalgia.

    PubMed

    Hegedus, Eric J; Stern, Ben; Reiman, Michael P; Tarara, Dan; Wright, Alexis A

    2013-02-01

    Athletic pubalgia (AP) is a chronic debilitating syndrome that affects many athletes. As a syndrome, AP is difficult to diagnose both with clinical examination and imaging. AP is also a challenge for conservative intervention with randomized controlled trials showing mixed success rates. In other syndromes where clinical diagnosis and conservative treatment have been less than clear, a paradigm has been suggested as a framework for clinical decision making. To propose a new clinical diagnostic and treatment paradigm for the conservative management of AP. Relevant studies were viewed with regard to diagnosis and intervention and where a gap in evidence existed, clinical expertise was used to fill that gap and duly noted. A new paradigm is proposed to assist with clinical diagnosis and non-surgical intervention in patients suffering with AP. The level of evidence supporting this paradigm, according to the SORT taxonomy, is primarily level 2B. Further testing is warranted but following the suggested paradigm should lead to a clearer diagnosis of AP and allow more meaningful research into homogeneous patient populations within the AP diagnostic cluster. Strength-of-Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT): 2B. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry for the Nondestructive Investigation of Conservation Treatments of Cultural Heritage.

    PubMed

    Manfredi, Marcello; Robotti, Elisa; Bearman, Greg; France, Fenella; Barberis, Elettra; Shor, Pnina; Marengo, Emilio

    2016-01-01

    Today the long-term conservation of cultural heritage is a big challenge: often the artworks were subjected to unknown interventions, which eventually were found to be harmful. The noninvasive investigation of the conservation treatments to which they were subjected to is a crucial step in order to undertake the best conservation strategies. We describe here the preliminary results on a quick and direct method for the nondestructive identification of the various interventions of parchment by means of direct analysis in real time (DART) ionization and high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry and chemometrics. The method has been developed for the noninvasive analysis of the Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. In this study castor oil and glycerol parchment treatments, prepared on new parchment specimens, were investigated in order to evaluate two different types of operations. The method was able to identify both treatments. In order to investigate the effect of the ion source temperature on the mass spectra, the DART-MS analysis was also carried out at several temperatures. Due to the high sensitivity, simplicity, and no sample preparation requirement, the proposed analytical methodology could help conservators in the challenging analysis of unknown treatments in cultural heritage.

  13. Collection Conservation Treatment: A Resource Manual for Program Development and Conservation Technician Training, Including "Report on Training the Trainers: A Conference on Training in Collection Conservation, Berkeley, California, April 28-May 2, 1992."

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Maralyn, Comp.

    The documentation of collection conservation treatments and program management information compiled in this publication are the result of the "Training the Trainers" conference in April 1992 at the University of California, Berkeley. Only treatments appropriate for general, usually circulating, collections have been included, emphasizing…

  14. Our Treatment Approaches in Severe Maxillofacial Injuries Occurring After Failed Suicide Attempts Using Long-Barreled Guns.

    PubMed

    Kucuker, Ismail; Şimşek, Tekin; Keles, Musa Kemal; Yosma, Engin; Aksakal, Ibrahim Alper; Demir, Ahmet

    2016-03-01

    Maxillofacial traumas with long-barreled guns may sometimes cause catastrophic results by means of smashing in facial structures. In these patients, reconstruction strategies of both fragmented/lost soft and hard tissues still remain controversial. In their clinic, the authors treated 5 patients with severely injured face after failed suicide attempt between 2008 and 2013. In this study, the authors aimed to present their clinical experiences on these severely injured maxillofacial gunshot traumas and offer a treatment algorithm to gain a result as possible as satisfactory in terms of functionality and appearance.

  15. Effects of Nursing Care Based on Watson’s Theory of Human Caring on Anxiety, Distress, And Coping, When Infertility Treatment Fails: A Randomized Controlled Trial

    PubMed Central

    Durgun Ozan, Yeter; Okumuş, Hülya

    2017-01-01

    Introduction: The failure of infertility treatment leads to individual, familial, and social problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the nursing care program based on Watson’s "Theory of Human Caring" on anxiety and distress caused by coping when the treatment fails. Methods: This study randomized controlled trial study was conducted from April to November 2012, with 86 Turkish women with infertility (intervention group: 45, control group: 41). Follow-up of 32 infertile women, who failed infertility treatment from intervention group, and 35 infertile women, who failed infertility treatment from control group, continued for another four weeks. Data were collected through Spiel Berger’s State/Trait Anxiety Inventory, Distress Scale, and Ways of Coping Questionnaire. The analyses of data were conducted using SPSS ver 13. Results: The intervention and control groups significantly differed in terms of anxiety, distress, and coping levels. The intervention group’s mean anxiety score decreased by thirteen points and distress by fourteen points (in a positive direction). The intervention group’s mean positive coping style score increased. Whereas a negative increase was observed in the control group’s values depending on the failure of the treatment. Conclusion: Watson’s theory of human caring is recommended as a guide to nursing patients with infertility treatment to decrease levels of anxiety and distress, and to increase the positive coping style among infertile women. PMID:28680864

  16. A Global Mitigation Hierarchy for Nature Conservation

    PubMed Central

    Bull, Joseph W; Addison, Prue F E; Burgass, Michael J; Gianuca, Dimas; Gorham, Taylor M; Jacob, Céline; Watson, James E M; Wilcox, Chris; Milner-Gulland, E J

    2018-01-01

    Abstract Efforts to conserve biodiversity comprise a patchwork of international goals, national-level plans, and local interventions that, overall, are failing. We discuss the potential utility of applying the mitigation hierarchy, widely used during economic development activities, to all negative human impacts on biodiversity. Evaluating all biodiversity losses and gains through the mitigation hierarchy could help prioritize consideration of conservation goals and drive the empirical evaluation of conservation investments through the explicit consideration of counterfactual trends and ecosystem dynamics across scales. We explore the challenges in using this framework to achieve global conservation goals, including operationalization and monitoring and compliance, and we discuss solutions and research priorities. The mitigation hierarchy's conceptual power and ability to clarify thinking could provide the step change needed to integrate the multiple elements of conservation goals and interventions in order to achieve successful biodiversity outcomes. PMID:29731513

  17. Dutch Multidisciplinary Guideline for Invasive Treatment of Pain Syndromes of the Lumbosacral Spine.

    PubMed

    Itz, Coen J; Willems, Paul C; Zeilstra, Dick J; Huygen, Frank J

    2016-01-01

    When conservative therapies such as pain medication or exercise therapy fail, invasive treatment may be indicated for patients with lumbosacral spinal pain. The Dutch Society of Anesthesiologists, in collaboration with the Dutch Orthopedic Association and the Dutch Neurosurgical Society, has taken the initiative to develop the guideline "Spinal low back pain," which describes the evidence regarding diagnostics and invasive treatment of the most common spinal low back pain syndromes, that is, facet joint pain, sacroiliac joint pain, coccygodynia, pain originating from the intervertebral disk, and failed back surgery syndrome. The aim of the guideline is to determine which invasive treatment intervention is preferred for each included pain syndrome when conservative treatment has failed. Diagnostic studies were evaluated using the EBRO criteria, and studies on therapies were evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. For the evaluation of invasive treatment options, the guideline committee decided that the outcome measures of pain, function, and quality of life were most important. The definition, epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanism, diagnostics, and recommendations for invasive therapy for each of the spinal back pain syndromes are reported. The guideline committee concluded that the categorization of low back pain into merely specific or nonspecific gives insufficient insight into the low back pain problem and does not adequately reflect which therapy is effective for the underlying disorder of a pain syndrome. Based on the guideline "Spinal low back pain," facet joint pain, pain of the sacroiliac joint, and disk pain will be part of a planned nationwide cost-effectiveness study. © 2015 World Institute of Pain.

  18. [Thrombosis of lower-limb deep veins: a present-day view on conservative treatment].

    PubMed

    Soroka, V V; Fomin, K N; Nokhrin, S P; Belousov, E Iu

    The article contains a review of the literature data concerning different variants of conservative treatment of patients suffering from lower limb deep vein thrombosis. This is accompanied and followed by demonstrating the manner of alterations in the views on using various anticoagulants, as well as analysing the attitude towards the place of compression therapy in treatment of patients with lower limb deep vein thrombosis.

  19. Conservative treatment of esophageal perforation related to a peptic ulcer with pyloric stenosis.

    PubMed

    Tanaka, Ryo; Kosugi, Shin-Ichi; Sato, Daisuke; Hirukawa, Hiroshi; Tada, Tetsuya; Ichikawa, Hiroshi; Hanyu, Takaaki; Ishikawa, Takashi; Kobayashi, Takashi; Wakai, Toshifumi

    2014-08-01

    We report a case of esophageal perforation (Boerhaave syndrome) caused by vomiting related to a duodenal ulcer with pyloric stenosis. A 45-year-old male presented with left chest pain and dyspnea after forceful vomiting. Chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) revealed a massive left pleural effusion and left tension pneumothorax. Abdominal CT revealed pyloric stenosis with a remarkably dilated stomach. Tube thoracostomy and nasogastric suction were immediately performed and we selected conservative treatment based on the following factors-a stable general condition without sepsis, early diagnosis, and good drainage. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy on hospital day 9 demonstrated a healing ulcer in the lower esophagus and pyloric stenosis. We performed distal gastrectomy as elective surgery for pyloric stenosis due to a duodenal ulcer on hospital day 30. In summary, an esophageal perforation with contamination spreading to the thoracic cavity was successfully treated with conservative treatment.

  20. Efficacy of pneumodilation in achalasia after failed Heller myotomy.

    PubMed

    Saleh, C M G; Ponds, F A M; Schijven, M P; Smout, A J P M; Bredenoord, A J

    2016-11-01

    Heller myotomy is an effective treatment for the majority of achalasia patients. However, a small proportion of patients suffer from persistent or recurrent symptoms after surgery and they are usually subsequently treated with pneumodilation (PD). Data on the efficacy of PD as secondary treatment for achalasia are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of PD as treatment for achalasia patients suffering from persistent or recurrent symptoms after Heller myotomy. Patients with recurrent or persistent symptoms (Eckardt score >3) after Heller myotomy were selected. Patients were treated with PD, using a graded distension protocol with balloon sizes ranging from 30 to 40 mm. After each dilation symptoms were assessed to evaluate whether a subsequent dilation with a larger balloon size was required. Patients with recurrent or persistent symptoms (Eckardt score >3) after treatment with a 40-mm balloon were identified as failures. Twenty-four patients were included in total; 15 patients with achalasia type I, seven with achalasia type II and two with achalasia type III. Median relapse time was 2.5 years after Heller myotomy (IQR: 9 years and 3 months). Three patients were not suitable for PD; one patient was morbidly obese and not fit for any form of sedation and two had a siphon-shaped esophagus leaving 21 patients to treat. Eight patients were successfully treated with a single 30-mm balloon dilation (median follow-up time: 6.5 years; IQR: 7.5 years). Four patients required dilations with 30- and 35-mm balloons (median follow-up time: 11 years; IQR: 3 years). Nine patients failed on the 35-mm balloon dilation and underwent a subsequent dilation with a 40-mm balloon, and all failed on this balloon as well. Thus, PD was successful in 12 of the 21 treatable patients, resulting in a success rate of 57% for treatable patients or 50% for all patients. Baseline Eckardt scores were also higher in those that failed (median: 8; IQR: 2) than those that

  1. Monitoring the effects of different conservation treatments on paper-infecting fungi

    PubMed Central

    Michaelsen, Astrid; Pinzari, Flavia; Barbabietola, Nicoletta; Piñar, Guadalupe

    2013-01-01

    Fungi are among the most degradative organisms inducing biodeterioration of paper-based items of cultural heritage. Appropriate conservation measures and restoration treatments to deal with fungal infections include mechanical, chemical, and biological methods, which entail effects on the paper itself and health hazards for humans. Three different conservation treatments, namely freeze-drying, gamma rays, and ethylene oxide fumigation, were compared and monitored to assess their short- (one month, T1) and long-term (one year, T2) effectiveness to inhibit fungal growth. After the inoculation with fungi possessing cellulose hydrolysis ability — Chaetomium globosum, Trichoderma viride, and Cladosporium cladosporioides — as single strains or as a mixture, different quality paper samples were treated and screened for fungal viability by culture-dependent and -independent techniques. Results derived from both strategies were contradictory. Both gamma irradiation and EtO fumigation showed full efficacy as disinfecting agents when evaluated with cultivation techniques. However, when using molecular analyses, the application of gamma rays showed a short-term reduction in DNA recovery and DNA fragmentation; the latter phenomenon was also observed in a minor degree in samples treated with freeze-drying. When RNA was used as an indicator of long-term fungal viability, differences in the RNA recovery from samples treated with freeze-drying or gamma rays could be observed in samples inoculated with the mixed culture. Only the treatment with ethylene oxide proved negative for both DNA and RNA recovery. Therefore, DNA fragmentation after an ethylene oxide treatment can hamper future paleogenetic and archaeological molecular studies on the objects. PMID:24092956

  2. Monitoring the effects of different conservation treatments on paper-infecting fungi.

    PubMed

    Michaelsen, Astrid; Pinzari, Flavia; Barbabietola, Nicoletta; Piñar, Guadalupe

    2013-10-01

    Fungi are among the most degradative organisms inducing biodeterioration of paper-based items of cultural heritage. Appropriate conservation measures and restoration treatments to deal with fungal infections include mechanical, chemical, and biological methods, which entail effects on the paper itself and health hazards for humans. Three different conservation treatments, namely freeze-drying, gamma rays, and ethylene oxide fumigation, were compared and monitored to assess their short- (one month, T1) and long-term (one year, T2) effectiveness to inhibit fungal growth. After the inoculation with fungi possessing cellulose hydrolysis ability - Chaetomium globosum , Trichoderma viride, and Cladosporium cladosporioides - as single strains or as a mixture, different quality paper samples were treated and screened for fungal viability by culture-dependent and -independent techniques. Results derived from both strategies were contradictory. Both gamma irradiation and EtO fumigation showed full efficacy as disinfecting agents when evaluated with cultivation techniques. However, when using molecular analyses, the application of gamma rays showed a short-term reduction in DNA recovery and DNA fragmentation; the latter phenomenon was also observed in a minor degree in samples treated with freeze-drying. When RNA was used as an indicator of long-term fungal viability, differences in the RNA recovery from samples treated with freeze-drying or gamma rays could be observed in samples inoculated with the mixed culture. Only the treatment with ethylene oxide proved negative for both DNA and RNA recovery. Therefore, DNA fragmentation after an ethylene oxide treatment can hamper future paleogenetic and archaeological molecular studies on the objects.

  3. The conservative treatment of pediatric mandibular fracture with prefabricated surgical splint: a case report.

    PubMed

    Kocabay, Ceyda; Ataç, Mustafa Sancar; Oner, Burak; Güngör, Nadir

    2007-08-01

    The use of rigid fixation in children is controversial and may cause growth retardation along cranial suture lines. Intermaxillary fixation for mandibular fractures should be used cautiously as bony ankylosis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and trismus may develop. The high osteogenic potential of the pediatric mandible allows non-surgical management to be successful in younger patients with conservative approaches. In this case, successful conservative treatment of mandibular fracture of a 3-year-old patient is presented.

  4. Surgical Interventions and the Use of Device-Aided Therapy for the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence and Defecatory Disorders.

    PubMed

    Bharucha, Adil E; Rao, Satish S C; Shin, Andrea S

    2017-12-01

    sphincter damage, sphincteroplasty may be considered when perianal bulking injection and sacral nerve stimulation are not available or have proven unsuccessful. Best Practice Advice 8: The artificial anal sphincter, dynamic graciloplasty, may be considered for patients with medically refractory severe FI who have failed treatment or are not candidates for barrier devices, sacral nerve stimulation, perianal bulking injection, sphincteroplasty and a colostomy. Best Practice Advice 9: Major anatomic defects (eg, rectovaginal fistula, full-thickness rectal prolapse, fistula in ano, or cloaca-like deformity) should be rectified with surgery. Best Practice Advice 10: A colostomy should be considered in patients with severe FI who have failed conservative treatment and have failed or are not candidates for barrier devices, minimally invasive surgical interventions, and sphincteroplasty. Best Practice Advice 11: A magnetic anal sphincter device may be considered for patients with medically refractory severe FI who have failed or are not candidates for barrier devices, perianal bulking injection, sacral nerve stimulation, sphincteroplasty, or a colostomy. Data regarding efficacy are limited and 40% of patients had moderate or severe complications. Best Practice Advice 12: For defecatory disorders, biofeedback therapy is the treatment of choice. Best Practice Advice 13: Based on limited evidence, sacral nerve stimulation should not be used for managing defecatory disorders in clinical practice. Best Practice Advice 14: Anterograde colonic enemas are not effective in the long term for management of defecatory disorders. Best Practice Advice 15: The stapled transanal rectal resection and related procedures should not be routinely performed for correction of structural abnormalities in patients with defecatory disorders. Copyright © 2017 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Basic principles of fracture treatment in children.

    PubMed

    Ömeroğlu, Hakan

    2018-04-01

    This review aims to summarize the basic treatment principles of fractures according to their types and general management principles of special conditions including physeal fractures, multiple fractures, open fractures, and pathologic fractures in children. Definition of the fracture is needed for better understanding the injury mechanism, planning a proper treatment strategy, and estimating the prognosis. As the healing process is less complicated, remodeling capacity is higher and non-union is rare, the fractures in children are commonly treated by non-surgical methods. Surgical treatment is preferred in children with multiple injuries, in open fractures, in some pathologic fractures, in fractures with coexisting vascular injuries, in fractures which have a history of failed initial conservative treatment and in fractures in which the conservative treatment has no/little value such as femur neck fractures, some physeal fractures, displaced extension and flexion type humerus supracondylar fractures, displaced humerus lateral condyle fractures, femur, tibia and forearm shaft fractures in older children and adolescents and unstable pelvis and acetabulum fractures. Most of the fractures in children can successfully be treated by non-surgical methods.

  6. Motivations for conserving urban biodiversity.

    PubMed

    Dearborn, Donald C; Kark, Salit

    2010-04-01

    In a time of increasing urbanization, the fundamental value of conserving urban biodiversity remains controversial. How much of a fixed budget should be spent on conservation in urban versus nonurban landscapes? The answer should depend on the goals that drive our conservation actions, yet proponents of urban conservation often fail to specify the motivation for protecting urban biodiversity. This is an important shortcoming on several fronts, including a missed opportunity to make a stronger appeal to those who believe conservation biology should focus exclusively on more natural, wilder landscapes. We argue that urban areas do offer an important venue for conservation biology, but that we must become better at choosing and articulating our goals. We explored seven possible motivations for urban biodiversity conservation: preserving local biodiversity, creating stepping stones to nonurban habitat, understanding and facilitating responses to environmental change, conducting environmental education, providing ecosystem services, fulfilling ethical responsibilities, and improving human well-being. To attain all these goals, challenges must be faced that are common to the urban environment, such as localized pollution, disruption of ecosystem structure, and limited availability of land. There are, however, also challenges specific only to particular goals, meaning that different goals will require different approaches and actions. This highlights the importance of specifying the motivations behind urban biodiversity conservation. If the goals are unknown, progress cannot be assessed.

  7. Current and emerging therapeutic modalities for hyperhidrosis, part 1: conservative and noninvasive treatments.

    PubMed

    Ram, Ramin; Lowe, Nicholas J; Yamauchi, Paul S

    2007-03-01

    Approximately 1% to 3% of the US population has hyperhidrosis (HH). HH can be an incapacitating medical condition because it not only hinders patient quality of life but also causes the secondary effect of excess cutaneous sweat. There is a broad spectrum of treatment modalities including topical and systemic therapies, iontophoresis, localized neuroinhibitory injections, and surgical interventions. This article reviews HH and the conservative treatments for the condition.

  8. Microbial water quality before and after the repair of a failing onsite wastewater treatment system adjacent to coastal waters

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Conn, K.E.; Habteselassie, M.Y.; Denene, Blackwood A.; Noble, R.T.

    2012-01-01

    Aims: The objective was to assess the impacts of repairing a failing onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS, i.e., septic system) as related to coastal microbial water quality. Methods and Results: Wastewater, groundwater and surface water were monitored for environmental parameters, faecal indicator bacteria (total coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci) and the viral tracer MS2 before and after repairing a failing OWTS. MS2 results using plaque enumeration and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) often agreed, but inhibition limited the qRT-PCR assay sensitivity. Prerepair, MS2 persisted in groundwater and was detected in the nearby creek; postrepair, it was not detected. In groundwater, total coliform concentrations were lower and E.??coli was not detected, while enterococci concentrations were similar to prerepair levels. E.??coli and enterococci surface water concentrations were elevated both before and after the repair. Conclusions: Repairing the failing OWTS improved groundwater microbial water quality, although persistence of bacteria in surface water suggests that the OWTS was not the singular faecal contributor to adjacent coastal waters. A suite of tracers is needed to fully assess OWTS performance in treating microbial contaminants and related impacts on receiving waters. Molecular methods like qRT-PCR have potential but require optimization. Significance and Impact of Study: This is the first before and after study of a failing OWTS and provides guidance on selection of microbial tracers and methods. ?? 2011 The Authors. Journal of Applied Microbiology ?? 2011 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

  9. Irradiation treatment for the protection and conservation of cultural heritage artefacts in Croatia

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Katušin-Ražem, Branka; Ražem, Dušan; Braun, Mario

    2009-07-01

    The application of irradiation treatment for the protection of cultural heritage artefacts in Croatia was made possible by the development of radiation processing procedures at the Radiation Chemistry and Dosimetry Laboratory of the Ruđer Bo\\vsković Institute. After the upgrading of the 60Co gamma irradiation source in the panoramic irradiation facility in 1983 it became possible to perform both research and pilot plant-scale irradiations for sterilization, pasteurization and decontamination of various materials, including medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foods, but also for disinfestation of cultural heritage artefects. The demand for irradiation treatment of cultural heritage objects has particularly increased as the increasing number of these objects, especially polychromic wooden sculptures, were requiring salvation, restauration and conservation as a consequence of direct and indirect damages inflicted to them during the war in Croatia, 1991-1995. The irradiation facility at the Ruđer Bo\\vsković Institute is briefly described and an account of its fifteen years' activities in the irradiation treatment of cultural heritage objects is given. Some case studies performed in cooperation with the Croatian Conservation Institute and other interested parties are presented, as well as some cases of protective and curative treatments for disinfestation and decontamination. International cooperations and activities are also mentioned.

  10. Use of flow-diverting stents as salvage treatment following failed stent-assisted embolization of intracranial aneurysms.

    PubMed

    Heiferman, Daniel M; Billingsley, Joshua T; Kasliwal, Manish K; Johnson, Andrew K; Keigher, Kiffon M; Frudit, Michel E; Moftakhar, Roham; Lopes, Demetrius K

    2016-07-01

    Flow-diverting stents, including the Pipeline embolization device (PED) and Silk, have been beneficial in the treatment of aneurysms previously unable to be approached via endovascular techniques. Recurrent aneurysms for which stent-assisted embolization has failed are a therapeutic challenge, given the existing intraluminal construct with continued blood flow into the aneurysm. We report our experience using flow-diverting stents in the repair of 25 aneurysms for which stent-assisted embolization had failed. Nineteen (76%) of these aneurysms at the 12-month follow-up showed improved Raymond class occlusion, with 38% being completely occluded, and all aneurysms demonstrated decreased filling. One patient developed a moderate permanent neurologic deficit. Appropriate stent sizing, proximal and distal construct coverage, and preventing flow diverter deployment between the previously deployed stent struts are important considerations to ensure wall apposition and prevention of endoleak. Flow diverters are shown to be a reasonable option for treating previously stented recurrent cerebral aneurysms. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

  11. Treatment of Refractory Filamentary Keratitis With Autologous Serum Tears.

    PubMed

    Read, Sarah P; Rodriguez, Marianeli; Dubovy, Sander; Karp, Carol L; Galor, Anat

    2017-09-01

    To report a case of filamentary keratitis (FK) successfully treated with autologous serum tears and to review the pathogenesis and management of FK. Case report including high-resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography and filament histopathology. A 61-year-old Hispanic man presented with pain and photophobia of the right eye. He was found to have a corneal epithelial defect and a small peripheral infiltrate 4 months after Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis. After resolution of the epithelial defect, he developed FK. Over a 4-month period, conservative management with aggressive lubrication, lid hygiene, topical corticosteroids, topical cyclosporine, bandage contact lenses, and oral doxycycline failed to resolve the corneal filaments. Notably, treatment with 20% autologous serum tears, four times daily, led to a sustained resolution of the FK within 1 week. This case demonstrates the complexity of FK management and introduces autologous serum tears as a viable management option when conservative approaches to this condition fail.

  12. An economic analysis of conservative management versus active treatment for men with localized prostate cancer.

    PubMed

    Perlroth, Daniella J; Bhattacharya, Jay; Goldman, Dana P; Garber, Alan M

    2012-12-01

    Comparative effectiveness research suggests that conservative management (CM) strategies are no less effective than active initial treatment for many men with localized prostate cancer. We estimate longer-term costs of initial management strategies and potential US health expenditure savings by increased use of conservative management for men with localized prostate cancer. Five-year total health expenditures attributed to initial management strategies for localized prostate cancer were calculated using commercial claims data from 1998 to 2006, and savings were estimated from a US population health-care expenditure model. Our analysis finds that patients receiving combinations of active treatments have the highest additional costs over conservative management at $63 500, followed by $48 550 for intensity-modulated radiation therapy, $37 500 for primary androgen deprivation therapy, and $28 600 for brachytherapy. Radical prostatectomy ($15 200) and external beam radiation therapy ($18 900) were associated with the lowest costs. The population model estimated that US health expenditures could be lowered by 1) use of initial CM over all active treatment ($2.9-3.25 billion annual savings), 2) shifting patients receiving intensity-modulated radiation therapy to CM ($680-930 million), 3) foregoing primary androgen deprivation therapy($555 million), 4) reducing the use of adjuvant androgen deprivation in addition to local therapies ($630 million), and 5) using single treatments rather than combination local treatment ($620-655 million). In conclusion, we find that all active treatments are associated with higher longer-term costs than CM. Substantial savings, representing up to 30% of total costs, could be realized by adopting CM strategies, including active surveillance, for initial management of men with localized prostate cancer.

  13. Long-term follow-up of gastric lymphoma after stomach conserving treatment.

    PubMed

    Fischbach, W

    2010-02-01

    The therapeutic strategy in gastric lymphoma has completely changed over the last two decades. This change is mainly characterised by the abandonment of surgery in favour of conservative therapies and the introduction of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. It became evident that conservative treatment with radiation and/or chemotherapy is at least as effective as surgical resection and additionally offers the advantage of stomach preservation and better quality of life. The therapeutic goal is undoubtedly complete remission of the lymphoma as a necessary basis for cure of the disease. Both radiotherapy and chemotherapy have a high curative potential in gastric MALT lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), respectively. An open question is the additional benefit of radiation following Rituximab-CHOP chemotherapy in DLBCL. In patients with gastric MALT lymphoma of stage I H. pylori eradication offers complete remission rates of up to 80% with excellent long-term prognosis and a real chance of cure. Patients with MALT lymphoma of stage II and those with DLBCL of stage I may also respond to eradication therapy in the individual case. It also emerged recently that there is no need for any oncological therapy in patients revealing minimal histological residuals after successful H. pylori eradication. A watch-and-wait strategy is the adequate management of this condition. In summary, therapy of gastric lymphoma is nowadays individualised with lymphoma type, stage, and H. pylori status as the determinants of the choice of treatment. Efficacy and quality of life are strong arguments for a definite conservative approach encompassing H. pylori eradication, radiation and chemotherapy. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Impact of combinatory growth factor application on rabbit Achilles tendon injury with operative versus conservative treatment: a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Konerding, Moritz A; Arlt, Friederike; Wellmann, Axel; Li, Vincent; Li, William

    2010-02-01

    Acute Achilles tendon (AT) rupture is a common injury with a comparatively high complication rate. Presently, surgical treatments compete with nonoperative treatment modalities. The aim of this study was to elucidate the possible beneficial effects of short-term combinatory application of growth factors on tendon healing during operative or conservative treatment. In this controlled laboratory study, the left ATs of 40 adult New Zealand White rabbits were transected and either sutured or treated conservatively. Half of the animals from each treatment modality group repetitively received a mixture of VEGF165, bFGF, and rPDGF which was administered peritendineally. The left legs were immobilized with external fixateurs for 6 weeks. The ATs were harvested 3 months after intervention. Tensile strength tests revealed no significant differences between operative and conservative treatments. Compared to the normal right ATs, 60% of the average breaking strength was reached 3 months after surgery. Growth factor application did not result in significant improvements. Only a tendency towards higher blood vessel densities was noted in the groups treated with the factors. Collagen type I/III ratios also displayed no significant differences. This study indicates that there is no difference in the biomechanical outcome of conservative versus operative AT rupture treatment and only a marginal impact of short-term combinatory growth and angiogenesis factor application.

  15. Is There Evidence of Failing to Fail in Our Schools of Nursing?

    PubMed

    Docherty, Angie; Dieckmann, Nathan

    2015-01-01

    To assess evidence for "failing to fail" in undergraduate nursing programs. Literature on grading practices largely focuses on clinical or academic grading. Reviewing both as distinct entities may miss a more systemic grading problem. A cross-sectional survey targeted 235 faculty within university and community colleges in a western state. Chi-square tests of independence explored the relation between institutional and faculty variables. The response rate was 34 percent. Results suggest failing to fail may be evident across the sector in both clinical and academic settings: 43 percent of respondents had awarded higher grades than merited; 17.7 percent had passed written examinations they felt should fail; 66 percent believed they had worked with students who should not have passed their previous placement. Failing to fail cuts across instructional settings. Further exploration is imperative if schools are to better engender a climate for rigorously measuring student attainment.

  16. Italian consensus conference on guidelines for conservative treatment on lower limb muscle injuries in athlete

    PubMed Central

    Bisciotti, Gian Nicola; Volpi, Piero; Amato, Maurizio; Alberti, Giampietro; Allegra, Francesco; Aprato, Alessandro; Artina, Matteo; Auci, Alessio; Bait, Corrado; Bastieri, Gian Matteo; Balzarini, Luca; Belli, Andrea; Bellini, Gianandrea; Bettinsoli, Pierfrancesco; Bisciotti, Alessandro; Bisciotti, Andrea; Bona, Stefano; Brambilla, Lorenzo; Bresciani, Marco; Buffoli, Michele; Calanna, Filippo; Canata, Gian Luigi; Cardinali, Davide; Carimati, Giulia; Cassaghi, Gabriella; Cautero, Enrico; Cena, Emanuele; Corradini, Barbara; D'Agostino, Cristina; De Donato, Massimo; Delle Rose, Giacomo; Di Marzo, Francesco; Di Pietto, Francesco; Enrica, Drapchind; Eirale, Cristiano; Febbrari, Luigi; Ferrua, Paolo; Foglia, Andrea; Galbiati, Alberto; Gheza, Alberto; Giammattei, Carlo; Masia, Francesco; Melegati, Gianluca; Moretti, Biagio; Moretti, Lorenzo; Niccolai, Roberto; Orgiani, Antonio; Orizio, Claudio; Pantalone, Andrea; Parra, Federica; Patroni, Paolo; Pereira Ruiz, Maria Teresa; Perri, Marzio; Petrillo, Stefano; Pulici, Luca; Quaglia, Alessandro; Ricciotti, Luca; Rosa, Francesco; Sasso, Nicola; Sprenger, Claudio; Tarantola, Chiara; Tenconi, Fabio Gianpaolo; Tosi, Fabio; Trainini, Michele; Tucciarone, Agostino; Yekdah, Ali; Vuckovic, Zarko; Zini, Raul; Chamari, Karim

    2018-01-01

    Provide the state of the art concerning (1) biology and aetiology, (2) classification, (3) clinical assessment and (4) conservative treatment of lower limb muscle injuries (MI) in athletes. Seventy international experts with different medical backgrounds participated in the consensus conference. They discussed and approved a consensus composed of four sections which are presented in these documents. This paper represents a synthesis of the consensus conference, the following four sections are discussed: (i) The biology and aetiology of MIs. A definition of MI was formulated and some key points concerning physiology and pathogenesis of MIs were discussed. (ii) The MI classification. A classification of MIs was proposed. (iii) The MI clinical assessment, in which were discussed anamnesis, inspection and clinical examination and are provided the relative guidelines. (iv) The MI conservative treatment, in which are provided the guidelines for conservative treatment based on the severity of the lesion. Furthermore, instrumental therapy and pharmacological treatment were discussed. Knowledge of the aetiology and biology of MIs is an essential prerequisite in order to plan and conduct a rehabilitation plan. Another important aspect is the use of a rational MI classification on prognostic values. We propose a classification based on radiological investigations performed by ultrasonography and MRI strongly linked to prognostic factors. Furthermore, the consensus conference results will able to provide fundamental guidelines for diagnostic and rehabilitation practice, also considering instrumental therapy and pharmacological treatment of MI. Expert opinion, level IV. PMID:29862040

  17. Successful conservative treatment outcomes and clinical characteristics of congenital hypoplasia of the extensor tendon central slip.

    PubMed

    Hidaka, N; Uemura, T; Nakamura, H

    2017-03-01

    Congenital hypoplasia of the extensor tendon central slip is a rare entity. This article describes the clinical characteristics in a series of 22 fingers in 16 patients (mean age: 10 months), and the outcomes of conservative treatment. Nine of 22 fingers were classified as slender or hypoplastic. Treatment with bracing was successful in 21 digits, resulting in full active extension of the proximal interphalangeal joint at a mean of 8.5 months after treatment. Bracing was unsuccessful in one digit, in which operative treatment resulted in a successful outcome. Some residual deformity was observed in ten fingers after a mean follow-up period of 2 years and 1 month. Congenital hypoplasia of the central slip can be treated successfully by the conservative hand bracing when worn with full compliance. Treatment time is extended by the infrequent application of the hand brace or in the case of hypoplastic slender fingers. IV.

  18. ANALYSIS OF ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS IN SAMPLES FROM TURKISH PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY ENDODONTIC INFECTIONS AND FAILED ENDODONTIC TREATMENT BY REAL-TIME PCR SYBR GREEN METHOD

    PubMed Central

    Ozbek, Selcuk M.; Ozbek, Ahmet; Erdogan, Aziz S.

    2009-01-01

    Objective: The aims of this study were to investigate the presence of Enterococcus faecalis in primary endodontic infections and failed endodontic treatments using real-time PCR and to determine the statistical importance of the presence of E. faecalis in a Turkish population with endodontic infections. Material and Methods: E. faecalis was investigated from 79 microbial samples collected from patients who were treated at the Endodontic Clinic of the Dental School of Atatürk University (Erzurum, Turkey). Microbial samples were taken from 43 patients (Group 1) with failed endodontic treatments and 36 patients (Group 2) with chronic apical periodontitis (primary endodontic infections). DNA was extracted from the samples by using a QIAamp® DNA mini-kit and analyzed with real-time PCR SYBR Green. Results: E. faecalis was detected in 41 out of 79 patients, suggesting that it exists in not less than 61% of all endodontic infections when the proportion test (z= -1.645, failed endodontic treatments than primary endodontic infections. PMID:19936510

  19. Role of lifestyle modifications for patients with laryngeal granuloma caused by gastro-esophageal reflux: comparison between conservative treatment and the surgical approach.

    PubMed

    Kobayashi, Rika; Tsunoda, Koichi; Ueha, Rumi; Fujimaki, Yoko; Nito, Takaharu; Yamasoba, Tatsuya

    2017-03-01

    It is considered that a regimen combining pharmacologic management and lifestyle modifications is the most effective treatment for laryngeal granulomas caused by GER. This study compared the results of the combination therapy and surgery to determine the best treatment of laryngeal granuloma caused by gastro-esophageal reflux in 51 patients. Prospective study. In the conservative treatment group, the CR rate was 89.7% and recurrence rate was 2.6%, while the lesions remained in patients (7.7%). This study compared the CR and recurrence rates between conservative treatment and surgery for granuloma. The results showed that the laryngeal granuloma recurrence rate was significantly lower with the conservative treatment regimen compared with surgery (p = .0016).

  20. Why do dental implants fail? Part I.

    PubMed

    el Askary, A S; Meffert, R M; Griffin, T

    1999-01-01

    Many factors are attributed to failure of the dental implant, either directly or indirectly. The focus of this article is to define the causation of dental implant failure, as well as to present an evaluation of the implant literature regarding etiology, classification, management, and treatment of implant failures. This article will highlight the initial signs of implant failure with a view of some clinical cases in terms of classification and degrees of implant failure. Finally, a dental implant failure checklist is formulated to guide the practitioner in defining the cause of implant failure, be it infective or noninfective, and to establish percentages and frequency of occurrence. The checklist applies to all implant systems and will help to determine the factors responsible for causation and the repair procedures, whether they are at the surgical or restorative phases. The definition of implant failure is set forth in terms of ailing, failing, failed, and surviving implants, and the appropriate treatments and dispositions are outlined.

  1. Cryosurgery of genital warts in cases in which podophyllin treatment failed or was contraindicated.

    PubMed Central

    Ghosh, A K

    1977-01-01

    A total of 56 cases with warts in which podophyllin treatment was either contraindicated or a failure, were treated with nitrous oxide using a Keymed 500 cryosurgical appliance. Forty-three patients who completed treatment were followed-up for three months. Thirty-seven of these had received applications of podophyllin twice weekly for an average period of three months before cryosurgery. The remaining cases in whom podophyllin was considered to be contraindicated included five with vulval warts (two were pregnant, two were bronchial asthmatics taking oral prednisolone, and one was taking oral clomiphene citrate), and a diabetic patients with penile warts. Thirty-two were cured and 11 relapsed. The latter were re-treated at the end of the follow-up period with two freezing cycles of 45 seconds at an interval of 30 minutes. Seven were cured and the remaining four men who failed to respond belonged to the podophyllin-resistant group and included three with metal warts and one homosexual with anogenital warts. Cryosurgery gave a cumulative success rate of 91%. A single freezing cycle was free from complications but a double freezing cycle was often followed by severe local reaction. Images PMID:843897

  2. [The conservative treatment of placenta accreta. A clinical case report].

    PubMed

    Artuso, A; Rocchi, B; Garbo, S; Baudino, G; Repetti, F

    1993-09-01

    The following description is a clinical case of placenta accreta and its conservative treatment. According to some authors, abnormal adhesion of the placenta depends on the alteration of the equilibrium between the trophoblastic tissue invasion and the reaction of the decidua. Consequently we have various degrees of penetration of the myometrium by chorionic villi into areas of deficit, sparse or absent decidua. Whatever the pathogenetic mechanism, the final clinical picture is slight to deep penetration of the trophoblastic tissue into the uterine wall. That causes absence of the normal plane of cleavage between placenta and maternal decidua, no spontaneous placental detachment during the third stage of labour and no possible manual removal. The patient, primigravida, was admitted at the 36th Week of gestation with PROM and physiologically delivered a neonate weighing 1820 g, after she spontaneously began labour. The newborn was admitted in the neonatal-pathology ward because it was premature although the Apgar score at 1-5 minutes after birth was 5-9. Placental ejection was awaited for 1 hour, then manual exploration of the uterine cavity was undertaken. The normal plane of cleavage between placental tissue and decidua was absent and therefore manual extraction of the placenta was impossible. Surgery was stopped and, after informed consensus was obtained from the patient, a conservative treatment was tried. After cutting the umbilical cord as short as possible and checking for vaginal bleeding, the patient was moved to obstetrics ward.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

  3. Why do those who request smoking treatment fail to attend the first appointment?

    PubMed Central

    Gariti, Peter; Levin, Sarah; Whittingham, Thomas; Barou, Daniela; Xie, Hu; Kampman, Kyle M.; Lynch, Kevin; Halbert, Chanita Hughes; Alterman, Arthur

    2008-01-01

    As part of a larger trial of pharmacological and counseling interventions for light smokers, we performed a telephone-screening interview followed by a scheduled time for an in-person eligibility appointment. 202 of the 407 who screened positive and expressed interest in participation failed to attend the first scheduled appointment. This paper examines person, study and study site characteristics that differentiated those who did follow through from those who did not. The study also examined the self-reported quit rates of both groups 12 weeks later, the time of the study termination. Analyses suggested that non-attendees were more likely to be younger, unemployed, and African American. The most frequently cited reasons for missing the eligibility appointment were work/family obligations, inconvenient appointment times, and personal schedule problems. Those who kept the initial appointment were more likely to report smoking abstinence at 12 weeks. The study has implications for increasing the utilization of potentially effective treatments for smokers. PMID:17931823

  4. Health services fail women who suffer unsafe abortion.

    PubMed

    1994-02-01

    Physicians, medical schools, and health systems are failing, respectively, to provide the treatment, training, and facilities necessary for proper care of women suffering from the complications of unsafe abortions. Family planning services, also, are failing to reach the women at risk. Thousands of women are dying because of this. In some countries, unsafe abortions may account for as many as half of maternal deaths; however, due to social attitudes, information is hard to obtain. The report of the World Health Organization Technical Working Group on the Prevention and Management of Unsafe Abortion has been released. This report states that treatment of these complications should be extended throughout the health care system; more training and facilities, especially at the primary care level, are necessary; physicians should give higher priority to complications due to unsafe abortions; "punitive attitudes" or health care workers should not effect treatment; more research on the management of complications of unsafe abortions and on the use of contraception after abortion is necessary; family planning advice and assistance should be offered after treatment for complications; and family planning services should be designed with women's preferences in mind. The report also lists tests, treatments, and services necessary at primary care and first referral levels for women with complications from unsafe abortions.

  5. Low back pain: conservative treatment with artificial shock absorbers.

    PubMed

    Wosk, J; Voloshin, A S

    1985-03-01

    A new method of conservative treatment for low back pain (LBP) was studied by follow-up investigation of 382 patients during the last five years. The attempt to reduce repetitive impulsive intervertebral impact in the troublesome S1-L5-4 area by significant improvement of the foot's attenuational capacity through artificial viscoelastic shock absorbing was prompted by the authors' work on decreased capability of LBP spines to attenuate axially propagated walking stresses. Viscoelastic shoe inserts were used in addition to light flexible shoes as artificial shock absorbing devices. Maximal amplitudes of bone oscillation during walking were reduced by about 40% by the viscoelastic inserts. Rapid and surprisingly significant improvement of pain syndrome and patient mobility occurred in about 80% of the patients. The accelerographic patterns recorded on a sacrum of patient with LBP were unusual for a healthy subject; they usually disappeared after treatment in LBP cases. Results suggested that poor walking impact attenuation was a true cause for prolonging intervertebral structures overstrain and consequent degeneration. It seemed logical that as spine damage could be explained primarily by prolonged impulsive overstrain, treatment must include viscoelastic inserts which increase foot shock absorbing capacity and help cushion the spine.

  6. Efficacy of conservative treatment, without necrosectomy, for infected pancreatic necrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Mouli, Venigalla Pratap; Sreenivas, Vishnubhatla; Garg, Pramod Kumar

    2013-02-01

    Conservative treatment (intensive care, a combination of antimicrobial agents, and nutritional support, with or without drainage of the infected fluid) has recently been shown to be effective for patients with infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN), but the data from individual studies are not robust enough to recommend it as the standard of care. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies related to primary conservative management for IPN. We performed a literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed from January 1990 to March 2012 for studies of a priori protocols for primary conservative treatment, without necrosectomy, for consecutive patients with IPN. We analyzed data from 8 studies, comprising 324 patients with IPN who received primary conservative management. We then analyzed an additional 4 studies (comprising 157 patients) that reported the efficacy of percutaneous drainage in nonconsecutive patients with IPN. Outcome measures were the success of conservative management strategy, need for necrosectomy, and mortality. There was significant heterogeneity in results among the studies. Based on a random effects model, conservative management was successful for 64% of patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 51%-78%); mortality was 12% (95% CI, 6%-18%), and 26% of patients required necrosectomy or additional surgery for complications (95% CI, 15%-37%). A separate analysis of 4 studies that reported outcomes of nonconsecutive patients with IPN following percutaneous drainage had comparable results; 50% had successful outcomes (95% CI, 43%-58%), mortality was 18% (95% CI, 6%-30%), and 38% of patients required surgery (95% CI, 20%-56%). Conservative management without necrosectomy is a successful approach for 64% of patients with IPN. This approach has low mortality and prevents surgical necrosectomy. Copyright © 2013 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. [DRG-based cost analysis of inpatient conservative treatment of stage III/IV peripheral arterial occlusive disease].

    PubMed

    Heidrich, H; Rogatti, W; Altmann, E; Bauersachs, R; Diehm, C; Fahrig, C; Lawall, H; Ranft, J; Schenker, M; Schweizer, H J; Stiegler, H; Wilke, M

    2003-11-01

    DRG-based cost analysis of inpatient conservative treatment of PAD stage III/IV BACKGROUND: In a prospective study carried out by the German Society of Angiology and the DRG Competence Center, Munich, the question was investigated whether the costs of conservative treatment of patients with PAOD stage III/IV (DRG F65) are adequately represented within the current G-DRG system. METHODS UND PATIENTS: Between September 1 and December 16, 2002, a total of 704 patients with DRG F65 (peripheral vascular diseases) were evaluated at 8 angiologic centers in Germany. Apart from the length of hospital stay, the total costs (cost equivalents) were calculated using a method developed by the DRG Research Group at the University of Münster. Moreover, the study population was compared with a German calculation sample for the DRGs F65A/B, as published by InEK. As it turned out, conservatively treated patients with PAOD stage III or IV (DRGs F65A/B) cause significantly (p < 0.001) higher costs and have significantly (p < 0.001) greater lengths of hospital stay than patients who were also assigned to DRG F65 because of other vascular diseases. At the same time it became clear that angiologic centers treat twice as many patients with critical limb ischemia in comparison with the German average. The reimbursement hitherto estimated by InEK covers not even half the cost actually produced by conservative treatment of PAD stage III/IV. To ensure a performance-related reimbursement, a new basis DRG for patients with PAD stage III/IV has to be created, as has ben proposed by the German Society of Angiology. Otherwise, adequate conservative therapy in accordance with existing guidelines, of patients who cannot be treated surgically or interventionally will not be possible any more in the future.

  8. [Type 2 dens fracture in the elderly and therapy-linked mortality : Conservative or operative treatment].

    PubMed

    Stein, G; Meyer, C; Marlow, L; Christ, H; Müller, L P; Isenberg, J; Eysel, P; Schiffer, G; Faymonville, C

    2017-02-01

    Type II fractures of the odontoid process of the axis are the most common injury of the cervical spine in elderly patients. Only little evidence exists on whether elderly patients should be treated conservatively or surgically. The mortality and survival probability of 51 patients were determined in a retrospective study. The range of motion, pain and the neck disability index were clinically investigated. Of the 51 patients 37 were treated surgically and 14 conservatively. The conservatively treated group showed a higher mortality (64 % vs. 32 %). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a median survival of the conservatively treated group of 29 months, whereby during the first 3 months of treatment this group showed a higher survival probability and afterwards the surgically treated group showed a higher survival probability. The clinical examination of 20 patients revealed limited range of motion of the cervical spine. Additionally, moderate levels of pain and complaints were recorded using the neck disability index. Fractures of the odontoid process pose a far-reaching danger for elderly patients. A balanced assessment of the general condition should be carried out at the beginning of treatment of these patients. In the early phase following trauma no differences were found with respect to survival rates but for long-term survival the operatively treated group showed advantages; however, these advantages cannot be causally attributed to the choice of therapy.

  9. One-year results of an algorithmic approach to managing failed back surgery syndrome

    PubMed Central

    Avellanal, Martín; Diaz-Reganon, Gonzalo; Orts, Alejandro; Soto, Silvia

    2014-01-01

    BACKGROUND: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a major clinical problem. Different etiologies with different incidence rates have been proposed. There are currently no standards regarding the management of these patients. Epiduroscopy is an endoscopic technique that may play a role in the management of FBSS. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an algorithm for management of severe FBSS including epiduroscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. METHODS: A total of 133 patients with severe symptoms of FBSS (visual analogue scale score ≥7) and no response to pharmacological treatment and physical therapy were included. A six-step management algorithm was applied. Data, including patient demographics, pain and surgical procedure, were analyzed. In all cases, one or more objective causes of pain were established. Treatment success was defined as ≥50% long-term pain relief maintained during the first year of follow-up. Final allocation of patients was registered: good outcome with conservative treatment, surgical reintervention and palliative treatment with implantable devices. RESULTS: Of 122 patients enrolled, 59.84% underwent instrumented surgery and 40.16% a noninstrumented procedure. Most (64.75%) experienced significant pain relief with conventional pain clinic treatments; 15.57% required surgical treatment. Palliative spinal cord stimulation and spinal analgesia were applied in 9.84% and 2.46% of the cases, respectively. The most common diagnosis was epidural fibrosis, followed by disc herniation, global or lateral stenosis, and foraminal stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: A new six-step ladder approach to severe FBSS management that includes epiduroscopy was analyzed. Etiologies are accurately described and a useful role of epiduroscopy was confirmed. PMID:25222573

  10. Conservative Treatment Seems the Best Choice in Adenocarcinoma In Situ of the Cervix Uteri.

    PubMed

    Baalbergen, Astrid; Molijn, Anco C; Quint, Wim G V; Smedts, Frank; Helmerhorst, Theo J M

    2015-07-01

    To study diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, outcomes, and follow-up in a large series of women with adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) of the uterine cervix and investigate if human papillomavirus (HPV) typing among women with negative cytology reports would have helped with early AIS detection. Records of 132 AIS cases diagnosed between 1989 and 2012 were retrieved. Clinical and pathological data were reviewed and analyzed. Mean age at diagnosis was 37 years. Seventy-two percent (n = 95) of all patients were asymptomatic; diagnosis was established using cytology and biopsy. Primary treatment for 124 patents was cold knife cone or loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). Positive margins were found in 18% of those women treated with CKC versus 40% in those treated with LEEP. The mean follow-up time was 62 months (range, 2-217 months; median, 46 months). Three recurrences were found after conservative treatment in 86 patients. High-risk HPV (hrHPV) positivity was detected in 115 (96%) of 120 patients, with HPV-18 being the most commonly occurring subtype (51%). There is a small risk of relapse after conservative therapy with cold knife cone or LEEP when resection margins are negative in women with AIS. Patients should be given the options of hysterectomy or conservative therapy with strict follow-up.

  11. Percutaneous CT-Guided Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Sacroiliac Joint

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Becce, Fabio, E-mail: fabio.becce@chuv.ch; Mouhsine, Elyazid; Mosimann, Pascal John

    2012-08-15

    Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a joint disorder that affects the articular cartilage and subchondral bone, most commonly at the knee. OCD of the sacroiliac joint is extremely rare. Management of OCD remains controversial, and surgery is often needed, especially when conservative treatment fails. We present a rare case of OCD involving the left sacroiliac joint successfully treated by percutaneous computed tomography-guided retrograde drilling and debridement.

  12. Conservative treatment of idiopathic spontaneous pneumoperitoneum in a bedridden patient: a case report.

    PubMed

    Tanaka, Ryo; Kameyama, Hitoshi; Nagahashi, Masayuki; Kanda, Tatsuo; Ichikawa, Hiroshi; Hanyu, Takaaki; Ishikawa, Takashi; Kobayashi, Takashi; Sakata, Jun; Kosugi, Shin-Ichi; Wakai, Toshifumi

    2015-01-01

    Idiopathic spontaneous pneumoperitoneum is a rare condition that is characterized by intraperitoneal gas for which no clear etiology has been identified. We report here a case of idiopathic spontaneous pneumoperitoneum, which was successfully managed by conservative treatment. A 77-year-old woman who was bedridden with speech disability as a sequela of brain hemorrhage presented at our hospital with a 1-day history of abdominal distention. On physical examination, she had stable vital signs and slight epigastric tenderness on deep palpation without any other signs of peritonitis. A chest radiograph and computed tomography showed that a large amount of free gas extended into the upper abdominal cavity. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed no perforation of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The patient was diagnosed with idiopathic spontaneous pneumoperitoneum, and conservative treatment was selected. The abdominal distension rapidly disappeared, and the patient resumed oral intake on the 5th hospital day without deterioration of symptoms. Knowledge of this rare disease and accurate diagnosis with findings of clinical imaging might contribute towards refraining from unnecessary laparotomy.

  13. Subclinical ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast: treatment with conservative surgery and radiotherapy.

    PubMed

    Amichetti, M; Caffo, O; Richetti, A; Zini, G; Rigon, A; Antonello, M; Roncadin, M; Coghetto, F; Valdagni, R; Fasan, S; Maluta, S; Di Marco, A; Neri, S; Vidali, C; Panizzoni, G; Aristei, C

    1999-01-01

    In spite of the fact that ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast is a frequently encountered clinical problem, there is no consensus about the optimal treatment of clinically occult (i.e., mammographic presentation only) DCIS. Interest in breast conservation therapy has recently increased. Few data are available in Italy on the conservative treatment with surgery and adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy. A retrospective multi-institutional study was performed in 15 Radiation Oncology Departments in northern Italy involving 112 women with subclinical DCIS of the breast treated between 1982 and 1993. Age of the patients ranged between 32 and 72 years (median, 50 years). All of them underwent conservative surgery: quadrantectomy in 89, tumorectomy in 11, and wide excision in 12 cases. The most common histologic subtype was comedocarcinoma (37%). The median pathologic size was 10 mm (range 1 to 55 mm). Axillary dissection was performed in 83 cases: all the patients were node negative. All the patients received adjunctive radiation therapy with 60Co units (77%) or 6 MV linear accelerators (23%) for a median total dose to the entire breast of 50 Gy (mean, 49.48 Gy; range, 45-60 Gy). Seventy-six cases (68%) received a boost to the tumor bed at a dose of 8-20 Gy (median 10 Gy) for a minimum tumor dose of 58 Gy. At a median follow-up of 66 months, 8 local recurrences were observed, 4 intraductal and 4 invasive. All recurrent patients had a salvage mastectomy and are alive and free of disease at this writing. The 10-year actuarial overall, cause-specific, and recurrence-free survival was of 98.8%, 100%, and 91%, respectively. The retrospective multicentric study, with a local control rate of more than 90% at 10 years with 100% cause-specific survival, showed that conservative surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy is a safe and efficacious treatment for patients with occult, non-palpable DCIS.

  14. One-stage dorsal lingual mucosal graft urethroplasty for the treatment of failed hypospadias repair.

    PubMed

    Li, Hong-Bin; Xu, Yue-Min; Fu, Qiang; Sa, Ying-Long; Zhang, Jiong; Xie, Hong

    2016-01-01

    The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the outcomes of patients who underwent one-stage onlay or inlay urethroplasty using a lingual mucosal graft (LMG) after failed hypospadias repairs. Inclusion criteria included a history of failed hypospadias repair, insufficiency of the local skin that made a reoperation with skin flaps difficult, and necessity of an oral mucosal graft urethroplasty. Patients were excluded if they had undergone a failed hypospadias repair using the foreskin or a multistage repair urethroplasty. Between January 2008 and December 2012, 110 patients with failed hypospadias repairs were treated in our center. Of these patients, 56 underwent a one-stage onlay or inlay urethroplasty using LMG. The median age was 21.8 years (range: 4-45 years). Of the 56 patients, one-stage onlay LMG urethroplasty was performed in 42 patients (group 1), and a modified Snodgrass technique using one-stage inlay LMG urethroplasty was performed in 14 (group 2). The median LMG urethroplasty length was 5.6 ± 1.6 cm (range: 4-13 cm). The mean follow-up was 34.7 months (range: 10-58 months), and complications developed in 12 of 56 patients (21.4%), including urethrocutaneous fistulas in 7 (6 in group 1, 1 in group 2) and neourethral strictures in 5 (4 in group 1, 1 in group 2). The total success rate was 78.6%. Our survey suggests that one-stage onlay or inlay urethroplasty with LMG may be an effective option to treat the patients with less available skin after failed hypospadias repairs; LMG harvesting is easy and safe, irrespective of the patient's age.

  15. CONTRAIS: CONservative TReatment for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: a randomised controlled trial protocol.

    PubMed

    Abbott, Allan; Möller, Hans; Gerdhem, Paul

    2013-09-05

    Idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional structural deformity of the spine that occurs in children and adolescents. Recent reviews on bracing and exercise treatment have provided some evidence for effect of these interventions. The purpose of this study is to improve the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of conservative treatments for preventing curve progression in idiopathic scoliosis. Previously untreated girls and boys with idiopathic scoliosis, 9 to 17 years of age with at least one year of remaining growth and a curve Cobb angle of 25-40 degrees will be included. A total of 135 participants will be randomly allocated in groups of 45 patients each to receive one of the three interventions. All three groups will receive a physical activity prescription according to the World Health Organisation recommendations. One group will additionally wear a hyper-corrective night-time brace. One group will additionally perform postural scoliosis-specific exercises. Participation in the study will last until the curve has progressed, or until cessation of skeletal growth. OUTCOME variables will be measured every 6 months. The primary outcome variable, failure of treatment, is defined as progression of the Cobb angle more than 6 degrees, compared to the primary x-ray, seen on two consecutive spinal standing x-rays taken with 6 months interval. Secondary outcome measures include the SRS-22r and EQ5D-Y quality of life questionnaires, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form, and Cobb angle at end of the study. This trial will evaluate which of the tested conservative treatment approaches that is the most effective for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. NCT01761305.

  16. Clinical and radiological outcome of conservative vs. surgical treatment of atraumatic degenerative rotator cuff rupture: design of a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Lambers Heerspink, Frederik O; Hoogeslag, Roy Ag; Diercks, Ron L; van Eerden, Pepijn Jm; van den Akker-Scheek, Inge; van Raay, Jos Jam

    2011-01-26

    Subacromial impingement syndrome is a frequently observed disorder in orthopedic practice. Lasting symptoms and impairment may occur when a subsequent atraumatic rotator cuff rupture is also present. However, degenerative ruptures of the rotator cuff can also be observed in asymptomatic elderly individuals. Treatment of these symptomatic degenerative ruptures may be conservative or surgical. Acceptable results are reported for both treatment modalities. No evidence-based level-1 studies have been conducted so far to compare these treatment modalities. The objective of this study is to determine whether there is a difference in outcome between surgical reconstruction and conservative treatment of a degenerative atraumatic rotator cuff tendon rupture. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted. Patients aged between 45 and 75 with a symptomatic atraumatic rotator cuff rupture as diagnosed by MRI will be included. Exclusion criteria are traumatic rotator cuff rupture, frozen shoulder and diabetes mellitus. Patients will be randomized into two groups. Conservative treatment includes physical therapy according to a standardized protocol, NSAIDs and, if indicated, subacromial infiltration with a local anesthetic and corticosteroids. Surgical reconstruction is performed under general anesthesia in combination with an interscalenus plexus block. An acromioplasty with reconstruction of the rotator cuff tendon is performed, as described by Rockwood et al. Measurements take place preoperatively and 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. The primary outcome measure is the Constant score. Secondary measures include both disease-specific and generic outcome measures, and an economic evaluation. Additionally, one year after inclusion a second MRI will be taken of all patients in order to determine whether extent and localization of the rupture as well as the amount of fatty degeneration are prognostic factors. Both surgical as conservative treatment of a

  17. Removal of failed crown and bridge

    PubMed Central

    Rahul, G R.; Poduval, Soorya T.; Shetty, Karunakar

    2012-01-01

    Crown and bridge have life span of many years but they fail for a number of reasons. Over the years, many devices have been designed to remove crowns and bridges from abutment teeth. While the removal of temporary crowns and bridges is usually very straightforward, the removal of a definitive cast crown with unknown cement is more challenging. Removal is often by destructive means. There are a number of circumstances, however, in which conservative disassembly would aid the practitioner in completing restorative/endodontic procedures. There are different mechanisms available to remove a failed crown or bridge. But there is no information published about the classification of available systems for crown and bridge removal. So it is logical to classify these systems into different groups which can help a clinician in choosing a particular type of system depending upon the clinical situation. The aim of this article is to provide a classification for various crown and bridge removal systems; describe how a number of systems work; and when and why they might be used. A PubMed search of English literature was conducted up to January 2010 using the terms: Crown and bridge removal, Crown and bridge disassembly, Crown and bridge failure. Additionally, the bibliographies of 3 previous reviews, their cross references as well as articles published in various journals like International Endodontic Journal, Journal of Endodontics and were manually searched. Key words:Crown and bridge removal, Crown and bridge disassembly, Crown and bridge failure. PMID:24558549

  18. [Paradigm shift in conservative dentistry: from a mechanistic to a prevention-oriented perception].

    PubMed

    Hellwig, E; Altenburger, M

    2011-09-01

    The application of different preventive measures has resulted in a decline of clinically detectable carious lesions in children and adolescents. Not only have caries symptoms changed significantly, but the number of extracted teeth in adults has decreased. Due to these epidemiological facts, modern conservative dentistry is based on a careful risk analysis and caries diagnosis, which also takes into consideration biological and psychosocial components of caries etiology. Conservative dentistry will fail if the dentists are only interested in repairing defects. Simultaneous with the positive outcome of prevention, some unanswered problems have arisen, for which there are no adequate solutions. In young children, caries prevalence is still high and the restorative care of these primary teeth should be improved. For adolescents, early detection of carious lesions should be improved and polarization of caries prevalence should be eliminated. In older adults, evidence-based therapy options for treatment of erosions, abrasions, and root caries are lacking. For seniors needing general care, preventive and restorative concepts should be established.

  19. Patients with a failed renal transplant.

    PubMed

    Marcén, R; Teruel Briones, J L

    2011-03-01

    Despite the advances in the care of recipients and in immunosuppression, long-term graft survival has experienced little improvement in the last 10 years. An important number of recipients present progressive loss of graft function and have to be readmitted on dialysis therapy. Before starting dialysis, these patients are re-exposed to the complications of chronic renal failure but there are no specific guidelines for their treatment. The Kidney Disease Quality Initiative Advisory Board clinical practice guidelines given for the non-transplant chronic kidney disease patients have been recommended for ameliorating their clinical situation and the rate of progression of graft failure. The time when dialysis has to be restarted and the type of dialysis procedure, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, are under discusion. But there is no evidence about the superiority of either type of dialysis procedure. Systematic graft nephrectomy has been considered to improve the inflammatory status of the patients with a failed graft which could contribute to a worse control of some complications such as anemia and to the increased rates of cardiovascular mortality. As in the patients with primary end-stage renal disease, retransplantation is the best treatment for a patient with a failed graft. Due to the shortage of organs for transplantation the number of patients who are retransplanted has remained stable. Recurrent diseases such as glomerulonephritis, lyphoproliferative diseases, BK virus nephopathy and previous non-adherence to the treatment do not necessarily preclude retransplantation.

  20. The convergence of spectral methods for nonlinear conservation laws

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tadmor, Eitan

    1987-01-01

    The convergence of the Fourier method for scalar nonlinear conservation laws which exhibit spontaneous shock discontinuities is discussed. Numerical tests indicate that the convergence may (and in fact in some cases must) fail, with or without post-processing of the numerical solution. Instead, a new kind of spectrally accurate vanishing viscosity is introduced to augment the Fourier approximation of such nonlinear conservation laws. Using compensated compactness arguments, it is shown that this spectral viscosity prevents oscillations, and convergence to the unique entropy solution follows.

  1. Complete Remodeling After Conservative Treatment of a Severely Angulated Odontoid Fracture in a Patient With Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A Case Report.

    PubMed

    Colo, Dino; Schlösser, Tom P C; Oostenbroek, Hubert J; Castelein, René M

    2015-09-15

    Case report. This is the first case report describing successful healing and remodeling of a traumatic odontoid fracture that was dislocated and severely angulated in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta who was treated conservatively. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare genetic disorder resulting in a low bone mass and bone fragility, predisposing these patients to fractures that often occur at a young age. Although any bone in the body may be involved, odontoid fractures are uncommon in this population. Because of a very high fusion rate, conservative management is accepted as a safe and efficient treatment of fractures of the odontoid in children. Several authors, however, recommend surgical treatment of patients who have failure of conservative treatment and have severe angulation or displacement of the odontoid. A 5-year-old female, diagnosed with OI type I, presented with neck pain without any neurological deficits after falling out of a rocking chair backward, with her head landing first on the ground. Computed tomography confirmed a type III odontoid fracture without dislocation and she was initially treated with a rigid cervical orthosis. At 1 and 2 months of follow-up, progressive severe angulation of the odontoid was observed but conservative treatment was maintained as the space available for the spinal cord was sufficient and also considering the patient's history of OI. Eight months postinjury, she had no clinical symptoms and there was osseous healing of the fracture with remodeling of the odontoid to normal morphology. Even in patients with OI, severely angulated odontoid fractures might have the capacity for osseous healing and complete remodeling under conservative treatment. 5.

  2. Achilles Tendinopathy: Current Concepts about the Basic Science and Clinical Treatments

    PubMed Central

    Li, Hong-Yun

    2016-01-01

    Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most frequently ankle and foot overuse injuries, which is a clinical syndrome characterized by the combination of pain, swelling, and impaired performance. The two main categories of Achilles tendinopathy are classified according to anatomical location and broadly include insertional and noninsertional tendinopathy. The etiology of Achilles tendinopathy is multifactorial including both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Failed healing response and degenerative changes were found in the tendon. The failed healing response includes three different and continuous stages (reactive tendinopathy, tendon disrepair, and degenerative tendinopathy). The histological studies have demonstrated an increased number of tenocytes and concentration of glycosaminoglycans in the ground substance, disorganization and fragmentation of the collagen, and neovascularization. There are variable conservative and surgical treatment options for Achilles tendinopathy. However, there has not been a gold standard of these treatments because of the controversial clinical results between various studies. In the future, new level I researches will be needed to prove the effect of these treatment options. PMID:27885357

  3. Surgical and conservative treatment of patients with congenital scoliosis: α search for long-term results

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background In view of the limited data available on the conservative treatment of patients with congenital scoliosis (CS), early surgery is suggested in mild cases with formation failures. Patients with segmentation failures will not benefit from conservative treatment. The purpose of this review is to identify the mid- or long-term results of spinal fusion surgery in patients with congenital scoliosis. Methods Retrospective and prospective studies were included, reporting on the outcome of surgery in patients with congenital scoliosis. Studies concerning a small numbers of cases treated conservatively were included too. We analyzed mid-term (5 to 7 years) and long-term results (7 years or more), both as regards the maintenance of the correction of scoliosis and the safety of instrumentation, the early and late complications of surgery and their effect on quality of life. Results A small number of studies of surgically treated patients were found, contained follow-up periods of 4-6 years that in the most cases, skeletal maturity was not yet reached, and few with follow-up of 36-44 years. The results of bracing in children with congenital scoliosis, mainly in cases with failure of formation, were also studied. Discussion Spinal surgery in patients with congenital scoliosis is regarded in short as a safe procedure and should be performed. On the other hand, early and late complications are also described, concerning not only intraoperative and immediate postoperative problems, but also the safety and efficacy of the spinal instrumentation and the possibility of developing neurological disorders and the long-term effect these may have on both lung function and the quality of life of children. Conclusions Few cases indicate the long-term results of surgical techniques, in the natural progression of scoliosis. Similarly, few cases have been reported on the influence of conservative treatment. In conclusion, patients with segmentation failures should be treated

  4. Efficacy of Gastrografin® Compared with Standard Conservative Treatment in Management of Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction at Mulago National Referral Hospital

    PubMed Central

    Haule, Caspar; Ongom, Peter A; Kimuli, Timothy

    2013-01-01

    Introduction The treatment of adhesive small bowel obstruction is controversial, with both operative and non-operative management practiced in different centers worldwide. Non-operative management is increasingly getting popular, though operative rates still remain high. A study to compare the efficacy of an oral water-soluble medium (Gastrografin®) with standard conservative management, both non-operative methods, in the management of this condition was conducted in a tertiary Sub Saharan hospital. Methods An open randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted between September 2012 and March 2013 at Mulago National Referral and Teaching Hospital, Uganda. Fifty patients of both genders, with adhesive small bowel obstruction, in the hospital’s emergency and general surgical wards were included. Randomisation was to Gastrografin® and standard conservative treatment groups. The primary outcomes were: the time interval between admission and relief of obstruction, the length of hospital stay, and the rates of operative surgery. Results All 50 recruited patients were followed up and analysed; 25 for each group. In the Gastrografin® group, 22 (88%) patients had relief of obstruction following the intervention, with 3 (12%) requiring surgery. The conservative treatment group had 16 (64%) patients relieved of obstruction conservatively, and 9 (36%) required surgery. The difference in operative rates between the two groups was not statistically significance (P = 0.67). Average time to relief of obstruction was shorter in the Gastrografin® group (72.52 hrs) compared to the conservative treatment group (117.75 hrs), a significant difference (P = 0.023). The average length of hospital stay was shorter in the Gastrografin® group (5.62 days) compared to the conservative treatment group (10.88 days), a significant difference (P = 0.04). Conclusion The use of Gastrografin® in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction helps in earlier resolution of obstruction and

  5. Efficacy of Gastrografin® Compared with Standard Conservative Treatment in Management of Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

    PubMed

    Haule, Caspar; Ongom, Peter A; Kimuli, Timothy

    2013-12-01

    The treatment of adhesive small bowel obstruction is controversial, with both operative and non-operative management practiced in different centers worldwide. Non-operative management is increasingly getting popular, though operative rates still remain high. A study to compare the efficacy of an oral water-soluble medium (Gastrografin ® ) with standard conservative management, both non-operative methods, in the management of this condition was conducted in a tertiary Sub Saharan hospital. An open randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted between September 2012 and March 2013 at Mulago National Referral and Teaching Hospital, Uganda. Fifty patients of both genders, with adhesive small bowel obstruction, in the hospital's emergency and general surgical wards were included. Randomisation was to Gastrografin ® and standard conservative treatment groups. The primary outcomes were: the time interval between admission and relief of obstruction, the length of hospital stay, and the rates of operative surgery. All 50 recruited patients were followed up and analysed; 25 for each group. In the Gastrografin ® group, 22 (88%) patients had relief of obstruction following the intervention, with 3 (12%) requiring surgery. The conservative treatment group had 16 (64%) patients relieved of obstruction conservatively, and 9 (36%) required surgery. The difference in operative rates between the two groups was not statistically significance ( P = 0.67 ). Average time to relief of obstruction was shorter in the Gastrografin ® group (72.52 hrs) compared to the conservative treatment group (117.75 hrs), a significant difference ( P = 0.023 ). The average length of hospital stay was shorter in the Gastrografin ® group (5.62 days) compared to the conservative treatment group (10.88 days), a significant difference ( P = 0.04 ). The use of Gastrografin ® in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction helps in earlier resolution of obstruction and reduces the length of

  6. Fractures of the scapula: long-term results after conservative treatment.

    PubMed

    Schofer, Markus D; Sehrt, Axel C; Timmesfeld, Nina; Störmer, Sabine; Kortmann, Horst R

    2009-11-01

    The aim of this study was to determine the long-term prognoses for conservatively treated fractures of the scapula. Ascertainment of functional long-term results in 50 patients treated for a total of 51 scapular fractures in a retrospective cohort study with an average follow-up period of 65 months. The breakdown of these scapular fractures was as follows: simple (22%) and fragmented (51%) fractures of the scapular body, fractures through the scapular neck (41%), fractures of the coracoid process, spine and acromion of the scapula (10%) and glenoid fractures (8%). In 17 of these cases of scapular fracture two or more types were present. At the follow-up examination a restricted range of movement was found in all directions. In abduction, flexion and external rotation the range of motion on the affected as against the unaffected side was significantly restricted, but the observed restriction did not substantially affect the functional results. The Constant score on the affected side was 79 points, with 23% very good, 51% good, 20% satisfactory and 6% poor results. Isokinetic testing carried out on both sides for comparison revealed lower peak torque values and lower mean power output in all planes of movement, and lower speeds on the affected side. There was a correlation between extent of restriction on movement and diminution of isokinetic muscular strength. Determination of the external rotation is recommended as a clinical test value, as it highlights significant deficits both in restriction of range of motion and in isokinetic test measurements. The outcome of treatment was not influenced by fracture type, associated injuries or handedness. After conservative treatment, scapular fractures heal with a good functional result despite measurable restrictions.

  7. CONTRAIS: CONservative TReatment for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: a randomised controlled trial protocol

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional structural deformity of the spine that occurs in children and adolescents. Recent reviews on bracing and exercise treatment have provided some evidence for effect of these interventions. The purpose of this study is to improve the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of conservative treatments for preventing curve progression in idiopathic scoliosis. Methods/design Patients: Previously untreated girls and boys with idiopathic scoliosis, 9 to 17 years of age with at least one year of remaining growth and a curve Cobb angle of 25–40 degrees will be included. A total of 135 participants will be randomly allocated in groups of 45 patients each to receive one of the three interventions. Interventions: All three groups will receive a physical activity prescription according to the World Health Organisation recommendations. One group will additionally wear a hyper-corrective night-time brace. One group will additionally perform postural scoliosis-specific exercises. Outcome: Participation in the study will last until the curve has progressed, or until cessation of skeletal growth. Outcome variables will be measured every 6 months. The primary outcome variable, failure of treatment, is defined as progression of the Cobb angle more than 6 degrees, compared to the primary x-ray, seen on two consecutive spinal standing x-rays taken with 6 months interval. Secondary outcome measures include the SRS-22r and EQ5D-Y quality of life questionnaires, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form, and Cobb angle at end of the study. Discussion This trial will evaluate which of the tested conservative treatment approaches that is the most effective for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Trial registration NCT01761305 PMID:24007599

  8. Computerized tomography-guided sphenopalatine ganglion pulsed radiofrequency treatment in 16 patients with refractory cluster headaches: Twelve- to 30-month follow-up evaluations.

    PubMed

    Fang, Luo; Jingjing, Lu; Ying, Shen; Lan, Meng; Tao, Wang; Nan, Ji

    2016-02-01

    Sphenopalatine ganglion percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation treatment can improve the symptoms of cluster headaches to some extent. However, as an ablation treatment, radiofrequency thermocoagulation treatment also has side effects. To preliminarily evaluate the efficacy and safety of a non-ablative computerized tomography-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of sphenopalatine ganglion in patients with refractory cluster headaches. We included and analysed 16 consecutive cluster headache patients who failed to respond to conservative therapy from the Pain Management Center at the Beijing Tiantan Hospital between April 2012 and September 2013 treated with pulsed radiofrequency treatment of sphenopalatine ganglion. Eleven of 13 episodic cluster headaches patients and one of three chronic cluster headaches patient were completely relieved of the headache within an average of 6.3 ± 6.0 days following the treatment. Two episodic cluster headache patients and two chronic cluster headache patients showed no pain relief following the treatment. The mean follow-up time was 17.0 ± 5.5 months. All patients enrolled in this study showed no treatment-related side effects or complications. Our data show that patients with refractory episodic cluster headaches were quickly, effectively and safely relieved from the cluster period after computerized tomography-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment of sphenopalatine ganglion, suggesting that it may be a therapeutic option if conservative treatments fail. © International Headache Society 2015.

  9. The value of flexibility in conservation financing.

    PubMed

    Lennox, Gareth D; Fargione, Joseph; Spector, Sacha; Williams, Gwyn; Armsworth, Paul R

    2017-06-01

    Land-acquisition strategies employed by conservation organizations vary in their flexibility. Conservation-planning theory largely fails to reflect this by presenting models that are either extremely inflexible-parcel acquisitions are irreversible and budgets are fixed-or extremely flexible-previously acquired parcels can readily be sold. This latter approach, the selling of protected areas, is infeasible or problematic in many situations. We considered the value to conservation organizations of increasing the flexibility of their land-acquisition strategies through their approach to financing deals. Specifically, we modeled 2 acquisition-financing methods commonly used by conservation organizations: borrowing and budget carry-over. Using simulated data, we compared results from these models with those from an inflexible fixed-budget model and an extremely flexible selling model in which previous acquisitions could be sold to fund new acquisitions. We then examined 3 case studies of how conservation organizations use borrowing and budget carry-over in practice. Model comparisons showed that borrowing and budget carry-over always returned considerably higher rewards than the fixed-budget model. How they performed relative to the selling model depended on the relative conservation value of past acquisitions. Both the models and case studies showed that incorporating flexibility through borrowing or budget carry-over gives conservation organizations the ability to purchase parcels of higher conservation value than when budgets are fixed without the problems associated with the selling of protected areas. © 2016 Society for Conservation Biology.

  10. Arthrodesis Using Pedicled Fibular Flap After Failed Infected Knee Arthroplasty

    PubMed Central

    Minear, Steve C.; Lee, Gordon; Kahn, David; Goodman, Stuart

    2011-01-01

    Objective: Severe bone loss associated with failed revision total knee arthroplasty is a challenging scenario. The pedicled fibular flap is a method to obtain vascularized bone for use in knee arthrodesis after failure of a total knee arthroplasty, with substantial loss of bone. Methods: We report 2 successful knee arthrodeses using this method in patients with infected, failed multiply revised total knee arthroplasties. The failed prosthesis was removed, and the bones were aligned and stabilized. The fibular flap was then harvested, fed through a subcutaneous tunnel, and placed within the medullary canal at the arthrodesis site. The soft tissue was closed over the grafts and flaps. Results: Two elderly women presented with pain and drainage from previous total knee arthroplasties after multiple revisions. Arthrodeses were performed as described, and both patients were pain-free with the knee fused at 1 year. Conclusions: Thus, pedicled vascularized flaps are a viable alternative in the treatment of failed revision arthroplasty with large segmental bone loss. PMID:22132250

  11. Medical Treatment of Diverticular Disease: Antibiotics.

    PubMed

    Lué, Alberto; Laredo, Viviana; Lanas, Angel

    2016-10-01

    Diverticular disease (DD) of the colon represents the most common disease affecting the large bowel in western countries. Its prevalence is increasing. Recent studies suggest that changes in gut microbiota could contribute to development of symptoms and complication. For this reason antibiotics play a key role in the management of both uncomplicated and complicated DD. Rifaximin has demonstrated to be effective in obtaining symptoms relief at 1 year in patients with uncomplicated DD and to improve symptoms and maintain periods of remission following acute colonic diverticulitis (AD). Despite absence of data that supports the routine use of antibiotic in uncomplicated AD, they are recommended in selected patients. In patients with AD that develop an abscess, conservative treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics is successful in up to 70% of cases. In patients on conservative treatment where percutaneous drainage fails or peritonitis develops, surgery is considered the standard therapy. In conclusion antibiotics seem to remain the mainstay of treatment in symptomatic uncomplicated DD and AD. Inpatient management and intravenous antibiotics are necessary in complicated AD, while outpatient management is considered the best strategy in the majority of uncomplicated patients.

  12. The incidence and treatment of rocker bottom deformity as a complication of the conservative treatment of idiopathic congenital clubfoot.

    PubMed

    Koureas, G; Rampal, V; Mascard, E; Seringe, R; Wicart, P

    2008-01-01

    Rocker bottom deformity may occur during the conservative treatment of idiopathic congenital clubfoot. Between 1975 and 1996, we treated 715 patients (1120 clubfeet) conservatively. A total of 23 patients (36 feet; 3.2%) developed a rocker bottom deformity. It is these patients that we have studied. The pathoanatomy of the rocker bottom deformity is characterised by a plantar convexity appearing between three and six months of age with the hindfoot equinus position remaining constant. The convexity initially involves the medial column, radiologically identified by the talo-first metatarsal angle and secondly by the lateral column, revealed radiologically as the calcaneo-fifth metatarsal angle. The apex of the deformity is usually at the midtrasal with a dorsal calcaneocuboid subluxation. Ideal management of clubfoot deformity should avoid this complication, with adequate manipulation and splinting and early Achilles' percutaneous tenotomy if plantar convexity occurs. Adequate soft-tissue release provides satisfactory correction for rocker bottom deformity. However, this deformity requires more extensive and complex procedures than the standard surgical treatment of clubfoot. The need for lateral radiographs to ensure that the rocker bottom deformity is recognised early, is demonstrated.

  13. Brief Report: HIV Drug Resistance in Adults Failing Early Antiretroviral Treatment: Results From the HIV Prevention Trials Network 052 Trial.

    PubMed

    Fogel, Jessica M; Hudelson, Sarah E; Ou, San-San; Hart, Stephen; Wallis, Carole; Morgado, Mariza G; Saravanan, Shanmugam; Tripathy, Srikanth; Hovind, Laura; Piwowar-Manning, Estelle; Sabin, Devin; McCauley, Marybeth; Gamble, Theresa; Zhang, Xinyi C; Eron, Joseph J; Gallant, Joel E; Kumwenda, Johnstone; Makhema, Joseph; Kumarasamy, Nagalingeswaran; Chariyalertsak, Suwat; Hakim, James; Badal-Faesen, Sharlaa; Akelo, Victor; Hosseinipour, Mina C; Santos, Breno R; Godbole, Sheela V; Pilotto, Jose H; Grinsztejn, Beatriz; Panchia, Ravindre; Mayer, Kenneth H; Chen, Ying Q; Cohen, Myron S; Eshleman, Susan H

    2016-07-01

    Early initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) reduces HIV transmission and has health benefits. HIV drug resistance can limit treatment options and compromise use of ART for HIV prevention. We evaluated drug resistance in 85 participants in the HIV Prevention Trials Network 052 trial who started ART at CD4 counts of 350-550 cells per cubic millimeter and failed ART by May 2011; 8.2% had baseline resistance and 35.3% had resistance at ART failure. High baseline viral load and less education were associated with emergence of resistance at ART failure. Resistance at ART failure was observed in 7 of 8 (87.5%) participants who started ART at lower CD4 cell counts.

  14. Recurrent Neurological Deterioration after Conservative Treatment for Acute Traumatic Central Cord Syndrome without Bony Injury: Seventeen Operative Case Reports.

    PubMed

    Jin, Wenjie; Sun, Xin; Shen, Kangping; Wang, Jia; Liu, Xingzhen; Shang, Xiushuai; Tao, Hairong; Zhu, Tong

    2017-11-01

    The mechanisms of late recurrent neurological deterioration after conservative treatment for acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) remain unclear. Seventeen operative cases sustaining late recurrent neurological deterioration after conservative treatment for ATCCS were reviewed to investigate the mechanisms. The assessment of neurological status was based on International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI). Gender, age, cause of injury, results of image, conservative treatment and operative data, and neurological status at different time points were recorded. The mean age of 17 patients was 43.8 ± 2.3 years old, and the causes of the cervical injury were 14 vehicle accidents and 3 falls. The neurological deficits of 17 patients on admission were not serious, and patients recovered quickly after conservative treatment. No fractures or dislocation were found in any patient's radiographs or CT scan images. All 17 patients performed first MRI test in 4 days and there was a slight or mild compression on the spinal cord in 16 patients. Eight patients had a second MRI scan ∼6 weeks later, which showed that there was aggravated compression on the spinal cord in six patients. All patients underwent an anterior approach to cervical decompression and internal fixation operation. During the operation, there were loose discs found in all 17 patients, obvious ruptures of disks found in 3 patients, obvious ruptures of anterior longitudinal ligaments (ALLs) found in 8 patients, and obvious ruptures of posterior longitudinal ligaments (PLLs) found in 7 patients. There was serious adhesion between PLLs and cervical disks in 12 patients. In five patients, partial ossification of PLLs was detected. All patients had a good neurological outcome at 6 month follow-up. Ruptures of ALLs, PLLs, and discs resulting in cervical instability and secondary compression on the spinal cord were important causes for recurrent neurological

  15. Initial and Middle-Term Outcome of Treatment for Spontaneous Isolated Dissection of Superior Mesenteric Artery.

    PubMed

    Li, Zilun; Ding, Huanyu; Shan, Zhen; Du, Jianliang; Yao, Chen; Chang, Guangqi; Wang, Shenming

    2015-11-01

    success rate, while ES may serve as an effective alternative once conservative treatment fails. For SIDSMA with peritonitis, open surgery remains the treatment of choice by resection of necrotic intestine and revasculization.

  16. The Comparison of Double J Stent Insertion and Conservative Treatment Alone in Severe Pure Gestational Hydronephrosis: A Case Controlled Clinical Study

    PubMed Central

    Çeçen, Kürşat; Ülker, Kahraman

    2014-01-01

    Objective. Management options of gestational hydronephrosis are based on the coexisting stone disease, pyelonephritis, and renal disease. However, the management option and its consequences in the absence of a coexisting disease state are not clear. In this study we aimed to compare the effectiveness of conservative treatment and double J insertion in symptomatic pure gestational hydronephrosis. Material and Methods. The data of the women with severe pure gestational hydronephrosis over a nine-year period was collected retrospectively. The included women were grouped into two according to receiving double J stent insertion or conservative treatments. Results. Double J insertion and conservative treatment groups included 24 and 29 women, respectively. Hydronephrosis was demonstrated on the right, left, or both kidneys in 37 (70%), 13 (24%), and 3 (6%) women, respectively. None of the participants gave birth prior to the 37th week. The demographics, initial pain scores, the severity of the hydronephrosis during first admission, and pain scores one week after the interventions did not differ significantly between groups (P > 0.05). Similarly, the rates of complications, postpartum pain scores, and permanent hydronephrosis did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion. Double J insertion in symptomatic pure gestational hydronephrosis adds no benefit to conservative treatment. PMID:24574939

  17. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Organic Air Emission Standards for Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities and Generators

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    This document describes the requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) organic air emission standards contained in 40 CFR parts 264/265, subpart CC for hazardous waste treatment

  18. Tarsometatarsal arthrodesis for management of unstable first ray and failed bunion surgery.

    PubMed

    Espinosa, Norman; Wirth, Stephan H

    2011-03-01

    This article focuses on arthrodesis of the first tarsometatarsal joint as the primary intervention to treat hypermobility of the first ray or as a salvage procedure to treat prior failed bunion surgery and provides a concise review including historical perspective, definitions, pathomechanics, and treatment of specific forefoot disorders (ie, hypermobility of the first ray and failed bunion surgery). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Rescue EUS-guided intrahepatic biliary drainage for malignant hilar biliary stricture after failed transpapillary re-intervention.

    PubMed

    Minaga, Kosuke; Takenaka, Mamoru; Kitano, Masayuki; Chiba, Yasutaka; Imai, Hajime; Yamao, Kentaro; Kamata, Ken; Miyata, Takeshi; Omoto, Shunsuke; Sakurai, Toshiharu; Watanabe, Tomohiro; Nishida, Naoshi; Kudo, Masatoshi

    2017-11-01

    Treatment of unresectable malignant hilar biliary stricture (UMHBS) is challenging, especially after failure of repeated transpapillary endoscopic stenting. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided intrahepatic biliary drainage (EUS-IBD) is a recent technique for intrahepatic biliary decompression, but indications for its use for complex hilar strictures have not been well studied. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of EUS-IBD for UMHBS after failed transpapillary re-intervention. Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients with UMHBS of Bismuth II grade or higher who, between December 2008 and May 2016, underwent EUS-IBD after failed repeated transpapillary interventions. The technical success, clinical success, and complication rates were evaluated. Factors associated with clinical ineffectiveness of EUS-IBD were explored. A total of 30 patients (19 women, median age 66 years [range 52-87]) underwent EUS-IBD for UMHBS during the study period. Hilar biliary stricture morphology was classified as Bismuth II, III, or IV in 5, 13, and 12 patients, respectively. The median number of preceding endoscopic interventions was 4 (range 2-14). EUS-IBD was required because the following procedures failed: duodenal scope insertion (n = 4), accessing the papilla after duodenal stent insertion (n = 5), or achieving desired intrahepatic biliary drainage (n = 21). Technical success with EUS-IBD was achieved in 29 of 30 patients (96.7%) and clinical success was attained in 22 of these 29 (75.9%). Mild peritonitis occurred in three of 30 (10%) and was managed conservatively. Stent dysfunction occurred in 23.3% (7/30). There was no procedure-related mortality. On multivariable analysis, Bismuth IV stricture predicted clinical ineffectiveness (odds ratio = 12.7, 95% CI 1.18-135.4, P = 0.035). EUS-IBD may be a feasible and effective rescue alternative with few major complications after failed transpapillary endoscopic re-intervention in patients

  20. [Is radiotherapy of the lymph node stages useful after the conservative treatment of the initial stage of breast carcinoma?].

    PubMed

    Gava, A; Coghetto, F

    1989-05-01

    Twenty-four lectures were reviewed of the XXXIII SIRMN National Congress (Rome, October 1988) on the conservative radiosurgical treatment of breast cancer. A whole of 3462 cases were divided into 2 groups: group A--2824 patients who underwent targeted radiotherapy after conservative surgery (mostly quadrantectomy)--and group B--638 patients where, in case of N+ and internal quadrant tumors, irradiation was extended to lymph nodes. No significant differences were demonstrated between group A and group B as far as loco-regional relapses were concerned. Thus, no significant advantage seems to be yielded by lymph node irradiation in the early treatment of breast cancer.

  1. [Conservative treatment of a spontaneous splenic rupture in a patient with infectious mononucleosis].

    PubMed

    Toorenvliet, B R; Kortekaas, R Th J; Niggebrugge, A H P

    2002-09-07

    A 30-year-old man with flu-like symptoms for several weeks presented at the emergency room with pain in the left upper abdomen. There was no history of trauma. The patient had a spontaneous rupture of the spleen due to mononucleosis infectiosa. He was successfully treated with conservative management during a 7-day period of hospitalisation. Spontaneous splenic rupture is a rare but potentially lethal complication of infectious mononucleosis. Alarming symptoms are left upper abdominal pain, worsening during inspiration, and haemodynamic instability. Although splenectomy is the accepted treatment for haemodynamically unstable patients, some patients, may be adequately treated with conservative management. They should be observed during the critical phase and must comply to a period of restricted physical activity after they are discharged from the hospital. There is no consensus about the length or content of this restriction period.

  2. Conservative management of vestibular schwannoma--a prospective cohort study: treatment, symptoms, and quality of life.

    PubMed

    Breivik, Cathrine Nansdal; Varughese, Jobin K; Wentzel-Larsen, Tore; Vassbotn, Flemming; Lund-Johansen, Morten

    2012-05-01

    One hundred ninety-three patients with sporadic unilateral vestibular schwannoma given conservative management were enrolled in a prospective study. To evaluate the efficacy of conservative management and to determine the effect of an initial conservative management on the quality of life (QOL) and severity of audio vestibular symptoms. The patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans, clinical examination, and QOL assessment by 2 validated questionnaires, the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). Using regression analysis of clustered data, we analyzed possible associations between tumor growth and symptoms and tested whether our earlier finding that vertigo is associated with reduced QOL could be verified. The median follow-up time was 43 months (range, 9-115 months; SD, 21.48 months). Results are based on 703 clinical controls and 642 (SF-36) and 638 (GBI) questionnaires. Seven patients were lost to follow-up. Approximately 40% of patients were in need of treatment during follow-up. We found a statistically significant association between tinnitus and vertigo and tumor growth. Vertigo was found to significantly reduce QOL. There was a significant drop in the Social Function subscales of both SF-36 and GBI, possibly attributable to progressive hearing loss. Otherwise, there was no overall trend toward any change in QOL during the observation period. In addition, QOL seemed to be little affected by treatment. There was a small but statistically significant improvement in vestibular complaints and no change in the occurrence of tinnitus. Except for hearing loss caused by surgery, treatment did not affect symptoms or QOL significantly. Growth was associated with the occurrence of tinnitus and balance problems.

  3. Intrauterine adhesions as a risk factor for failed first-trimester pregnancy termination.

    PubMed

    Luk, Janelle; Allen, Rebecca H; Schantz-Dunn, Julianna; Goldberg, Alisa B

    2007-10-01

    Risk factors for failed first-trimester surgical abortion include endometrial distortion caused by leiomyomas, uterine anomalies and malposition and cervical stenosis. This report introduces intrauterine adhesions as an additional risk factor. A multiparous woman presented for pregnancy termination at 6 weeks' gestation. Three suction-curettage attempts failed to remove what appeared to be an intrauterine pregnancy. Rising beta-hCG levels and concern for an interstitial ectopic pregnancy prompted a diagnostic laparoscopy and exploratory laparotomy without the identification of an ectopic pregnancy. After methotrexate treatment failed, the patient underwent ultrasound-guided hysteroscopy and suction curettage using a cannula with a whistle-cut aperture for the successful removal of a pregnancy implanted behind intrauterine adhesions. Intrauterine adhesions are a cause of failed surgical abortion. Ultrasound-guided hysteroscopy may be required for diagnosis.

  4. Breast conservation in the setting of contemporary multimodality treatment provides excellent outcomes for patients with occult primary breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Rueth, Natasha M; Black, Dalliah M; Limmer, Angela R; Gabriel, Emmanuel; Huo, Lei; Fornage, Bruno D; Dogan, Basak E; Chavez-MacGregor, Mariana; Yi, Min; Hunt, Kelly K; Strom, Eric A

    2015-01-01

    To evaluate recurrence and survival for patients with occult (T0N+) breast cancer who underwent contemporary treatment, assessing outcomes for breast conservation and mastectomy. We performed a single-institution review of women with occult breast cancer presenting with axillary metastasis without identifiable breast tumor or distant metastasis. We excluded patients with tumors in the axillary tail or mastectomy specimen, patients with additional nonbreast cancer diagnoses, and patients with a history of breast cancer. Breast conservation was defined as axillary node dissection with radiation therapy, without breast surgery. We evaluated patient, tumor, treatment, and outcome variables. Patients were assessed for local, regional, and distant recurrences. Overall survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Thirty-six patients met criteria for occult breast cancer. Most of these patients (77.8 %) had N1 disease. Fifty percent of cancers (n = 18) were estrogen receptor-positive; 12 (33.3 %) were triple-negative. All patients were evaluated with mammography. Thirty-five patients had breast ultrasound (97.2 %) and 33 (91.7 %) had an MRI. Thirty-four patients (94.4 %) were treated with chemotherapy and 33 (91.7 %) with radiotherapy. Twenty-seven patients (75.0 %) were treated with breast conservation. The median follow-up was 64 months. There were no local or regional failures. One distant recurrence occurred >5 years after diagnosis, resulting in a 5-years overall survival rate of 100 %. There were no significant survival differences between patients receiving breast conservation versus mastectomy (p = 0.7). Breast conservation-performed with contemporary imaging and multimodality treatment-provides excellent local control and survival for women with T0N+ breast cancer and can be safely offered instead of mastectomy.

  5. Conservative Management of Urinary Incontinence in Women

    PubMed Central

    Faiena, Izak; Patel, Neal; Parihar, Jaspreet S; Calabrese, Marc; Tunuguntla, Hari

    2015-01-01

    Urinary incontinence in women has a high prevalence and causes significant morbidity. Given that urinary incontinence is not generally a progressive disease, conservative therapies play an integral part in the management of these patients. We conducted a nonsystematic review of the literature to identify high-quality studies that evaluated the different components of conservative management of stress urinary incontinence, including behavioral therapy, bladder training, pelvic floor muscle training, lifestyle changes, mechanical devices, vaginal cones, and electrical stimulation. Urinary incontinence can have a severe impact on our healthcare system and patients’ quality of life. There are currently a wide variety of treatment options for these patients, ranging from conservative treatment to surgical treatment. Although further research is required in the area of conservative therapies, nonsurgical treatments are effective and are preferred by some patients. PMID:26543427

  6. The role of silver sulphadiazine in the conservative treatment of partial thickness burn wounds: A systematic review.

    PubMed

    Heyneman, A; Hoeksema, H; Vandekerckhove, D; Pirayesh, A; Monstrey, S

    2016-11-01

    For more than 40 years, silver sulphadiazine 1% (SSD) is considered as standard therapy for the conservative treatment of burn wounds. However, in the last 10 years, substantial disadvantages of SSD have been reported in the literature and probably as a result of this, several new dressings for burn wounds have been developed and put on the market. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the available evidence on SSD in the conservative treatment of burns, specifically in comparison with the newer burn dressings that are increasingly being used nowadays. A search filter was composed to select randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the MEDLINE database. Only RCTs studying the effect of conservative treatment on burns were selected. At least one of the two comparative groups was treated with SSD. Each included article was analysed and relevant data (baseline parameters, interventions, outcomes and methodological parameters) were registered using Microsoft Office Excel 2007. Many dressings showed superior healing properties compared to SSD, but no dressing was able to show a clear benefit over SSD regarding infection. The number of dressing changes, pain and patient's satisfaction are more favourable in the newer dressings, especially with solid and biological dressings. The results of this systematic review clearly demonstrate that a faster wound healing is obtained with the newly developed burn dressings. Additionally, these new dressings tend to be more comfortable for the patients and easier to use for care givers. The minor differences in antibacterial activity between SSD and the new products did not seem to have any influence on the rate of wound healing. Since rapid wound closure is essential to obtain an optimal functional and aesthetic outcome, it can be concluded from the results of this systemic review that the standard use of SSD in the conservative treatment of burn wounds can no longer be supported. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and

  7. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Hyperhidrosis.

    PubMed

    Fujimoto, Tomoko

    2016-01-01

    Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a disease of unknown cause with profuse perspiration of local sites (head, face, palms, soles of feet, and axillae) that adversely affects daily life. Guidelines have been proposed in the USA [1], Canada [2], and Japan [3]. The symptoms impair quality of life, with significant negative effects on daily existence and personal relationships. The current goal in medical practice for patients with hyperhidrosis is to provide guidance and encourage coping skills for a normal daily life, as well as give appropriate advice regarding treatment options. On occasion, in order to improve quality of life, it is necessary to recommend surgical therapy when conservative treatment fails; this requires an understanding of the mechanisms of available treatments and their effects. This paper reviews theories of primary focal hyperhidrosis with regard to pathology, epidemiology, and treatment. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  8. Conservative treatment in Scheuermann's kyphosis: comparison between lateral curve and variation of the vertebral geometry.

    PubMed

    Aulisa, Angelo G; Falciglia, Francesco; Giordano, Marco; Mastantuoni, Giuseppe; Poscia, Andrea; Guzzanti, Vincenzo

    2016-01-01

    Conservative treatment in the Scheuermann's kyphosis obtain, during skeletal growth, remodelling of the deformed vertebras. In a previous paper on Scheuermann's kyphosis, we have studied the geometry variations of all vertebrae included in the curve, before and after the treatment. The purpose of this study was to confirm the effectiveness of conservative treatment in Scheuermann's kyphosis and was to evaluate and compare the variation of the vertebral geometry with the curve trend in Cobb degrees, before and after conservative treatment. From a consecutive series of patients, we selected 90 patients with thoracic Scheuermann's kyphosis, treated using anti-gravity brace: 59 male, 31 female. The mean age at the beginning of the treatment was 14 years. Radiographical measurements were performed on radiographs from a lateral projection, at the beginning (t1) and at the end of the treatment (t5). Vertebral geometry modifications at t1 and t5 were analysed according to the following parameters and evaluated by three independent observers: Anterior wedging angle (ALFA) of the apex vertebra and Posterior wall inclination (APOS) of the limiting lower vertebra. The curve was measured in Cobb degrees. The results from our study showed that of the 90 patients with a thoracic curve mean value of Cobb degrees was 57.8 ± 6.0 SD at t1 and 41.3 ± 5.6 SD at t5. The differences between t1(angle at baseline) and t5 (end of treatment) were calculated for Cobb, ALFA and APOS angle and were respectively -16.4 ± 4.5, -6.4 ± 1.4 and -2.7 ± 1.2; tested with paired t -test were significative ( p  < 0.01). The results of the regression analysis to test the relationship between the three measures for the kyphosis (Cobb degree, ALFA and APOS) showed that the best association was between Cobb t5 and ALFA t5 ( p  < 0.01) and Cobb t1 and APOS t1 ( p  < 0.01). No significative association was found between the difference between ALFA and APOS. We sustain that

  9. Conservative care as a treatment option for patients aged 75 years and older with CKD stage V: a National survey in the Netherlands.

    PubMed

    Susanto, Christopher; Kooman, J; Courtens, A M; Konings, C J A M

    2018-01-01

    Conservative care for patients aged 75 years and older with CKD stage 5 as a treatment option besides dialysis was proposed officially in the Netherlands in October 2016. This national survey showed the current implementation of this option in Netherlands nephrology departments. A web-based survey was sent to medical managers of 60 nephrology departments in the Netherlands in August 2016. Twenty-one medical managers (35%) completed the survey. The term "conservative care" is frequently used and well known. The estimated number of patients in whom the decision for maximal conservative care was made in 2015 was 310 of 2249 patients with CKD stage 5 age 75 years and older (range 5-50 patients per department). 164 patients became symptomatic and received no dialysis. There is no official registration for this treatment option and patient category. The practice patterns vary widely. Only one of 21 respondents reported a conservative care outpatient clinic. Formal training or education regarding conservative care is not available in most of departments. 95% of respondents discussed this treatment option with their patients. General practitioners are always being informed about their patient's decision. Their main role is providing or organizing palliative care support at the end of life and discussing advance care planning. Most respondents (86%) considered to include their patients in a prospective multicentre observational study, conservative care versus dialysis. Conservative care as a treatment option for patients with CKD stage 5 aged 75 years and older is well established. The practice patterns are varied in the Netherlands. Follow-up studies are needed to see whether the new multidisciplinary guideline facilitates harmonization of practice pattern. Funding is needed to optimize the implementation of conservative care.

  10. Engaging Future Failing States

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-03-23

    military missions in the Middle East, the Balkans, Africa, Asia , and South America. There is an increasing proliferation of failed and failing states...disparity, overpopulation , food security, health services availability, migration pressures, environmental degradation, personal and 22 community

  11. Conservative treatment for incontinence in women in rest home care in Christchurch: Outcomes and cost.

    PubMed

    Arnold, Edwin Paterson; Milne, Dorothy Joan; English, Sharon

    2016-06-01

    To assess if conservative therapy can reduce urinary leakage and pad usage and improve quality of life in elderly incontinent women living in a rest home setting; and if so at what additional cost. Sixty-eight elderly women with urinary incontinence, and preserved cognitive ability, living in 26 rest homes were identified. Clinical evaluation, included bladder diary, pad weigh tests, pad usage, and quality of life and activities questionnaires (FIM: Functional Impairment Measure; EQ-5D: Euroquol 5 dimension score; ICIQ-SF: International Consultation on Incontinence-Short Form). A specialist Continence Advisor Nurse provided conservative treatment according to the needs of each participant. Outcomes were recorded after 12 weeks of treatment by repeating above evaluations, and the costs involved were measured. Leakage was reduced by a mean of 60 ml per 24 hr, and four fewer pads were required per week. The ICIQ-SF improved significantly. The EQ-5D did not demonstrate significant improvement, so a cost-utility analysis was not possible. The mean cost of the Advisor's time and mileage in providing the 12 week course was $247.75 per participant. Conservative therapies tailored to each individual, can improve the severity of leakage in the short term, even in this elderly group of women with preserved cognitive function, at modest additional cost. Measuring quality of life and the impact of incontinence, has challenges in this age group. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:636-641, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  12. Differences across health care systems in outcome and cost-utility of surgical and conservative treatment of chronic low back pain: a study protocol

    PubMed Central

    Melloh, Markus; Röder, Christoph; Elfering, Achim; Theis, Jean-Claude; Müller, Urs; Staub, Lukas P; Aghayev, Emin; Zweig, Thomas; Barz, Thomas; Kohlmann, Thomas; Wieser, Simon; Jüni, Peter; Zwahlen, Marcel

    2008-01-01

    Background There is little evidence on differences across health care systems in choice and outcome of the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP) with spinal surgery and conservative treatment as the main options. At least six randomised controlled trials comparing these two options have been performed; they show conflicting results without clear-cut evidence for superior effectiveness of any of the evaluated interventions and could not address whether treatment effect varied across patient subgroups. Cost-utility analyses display inconsistent results when comparing surgical and conservative treatment of CLBP. Due to its higher feasibility, we chose to conduct a prospective observational cohort study. Methods This study aims to examine if 1. Differences across health care systems result in different treatment outcomes of surgical and conservative treatment of CLBP 2. Patient characteristics (work-related, psychological factors, etc.) and co-interventions (physiotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, return-to-work programs, etc.) modify the outcome of treatment for CLBP 3. Cost-utility in terms of quality-adjusted life years differs between surgical and conservative treatment of CLBP. This study will recruit 1000 patients from orthopaedic spine units, rehabilitation centres, and pain clinics in Switzerland and New Zealand. Effectiveness will be measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline and after six months. The change in ODI will be the primary endpoint of this study. Multiple linear regression models will be used, with the change in ODI from baseline to six months as the dependent variable and the type of health care system, type of treatment, patient characteristics, and co-interventions as independent variables. Interactions will be incorporated between type of treatment and different co-interventions and patient characteristics. Cost-utility will be measured with an index based on EQol-5D in combination with cost data. Conclusion This

  13. Long-term outcome of urethroplasty after failed urethrotomy versus primary repair.

    PubMed

    Barbagli, G; Palminteri, E; Lazzeri, M; Guazzoni, G; Turini, D

    2001-06-01

    A urethral stricture recurring after repeat urethrotomy challenges even a skilled urologist. To address the question of whether to repeat urethrotomy or perform open reconstructive surgery, we retrospectively review a series of 93 patients comparing those who underwent primary repair versus those who had undergone urethrotomy and underwent secondary treatment. From 1975 to 1998, 93 males between age 13 and 78 years (mean 39) underwent surgical treatment for bulbar urethral stricture. In 46 (49%) of the patients urethroplasty was performed as primary repair, and in 47 (51%) after previously failed urethrotomy. The strictures were localized in the bulbous urethra without involvement of penile or membranous tracts. The etiology was ischemic in 37 patients, traumatic in 23, unknown in 17 and inflammatory in 16. To simplify evaluation of the results, the clinical outcome was considered either a success or a failure at the time any postoperative procedure was needed, including dilation. In our 93 patients primary urethroplasty had a final success rate of 85%, and after failed urethrotomy 87%. Previously failed urethrotomy did not influence the long-term outcome of urethroplasty. The long-term results of different urethroplasty techniques had a final success rate ranging from 77% to 96%. We conclude that failed urethrotomy does not condition the long-term result of surgical repair. With extended followup, the success rate of urethroplasty decreases with time but it is in fact still higher than that of urethrotomy.

  14. A PKM2 signature in the failing heart

    PubMed Central

    Rees, Meredith L.; Subramaniam, Janani; Li, Yuanteng; Hamilton, Dale J.; Frazier, O. Howard; Taegtmeyer, Heinrich

    2015-01-01

    A salient feature of the failing heart is metabolic remodeling towards predominant glucose metabolism and activation of the fetal gene program. Sunitinib is a multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of highly vascularized tumors. In diabetic patients, sunitinib significantly decreases blood glucose. However, a considerable proportion of sunitinib-treated patients develop cardiac dysfunction or failure. We asked whether sunitinib treatment results in shift towards glycolysis in the heart. Glucose uptake by the heart was increased fivefold in mice treated with sunitinib. Transcript analysis by qPCR revealed an induction of genes associated with glycolysis and reactivation of the fetal gene program. Additionally, we observed a shift in the enzyme pyruvate kinase from the adult M1 (PKM1) isoform to the fetal M2 (PKM2) isoform, a hallmark of the Warburg Effect. This novel observation led us to examine whether a similar shift occurs in human heart failure. Examination of tissue from patients with heart failure similarly displayed an induction of PKM2. Moreover, this phenomenon was partially reversed following mechanical unloading. We propose that pyruvate kinase isoform switching represents a novel feature of the fetal gene program in the failing heart. PMID:25735978

  15. Management of the failed posterior/multidirectional instability patient.

    PubMed

    Forsythe, Brian; Ghodadra, Neil; Romeo, Anthony A; Provencher, Matthew T

    2010-09-01

    Although the results of operative treatment of posterior and multidirectional instability (P-MDI) of the shoulder have improved, they are not as reliable as those treated for anterior instability of the shoulder. This may be attributed to the complexities in the classification, etiology, and physical examination of a patient with suspected posterior and multidirectional instability. Failure to address the primary and concurrent lesion adequately and the development of pain and/or stiffness are contributing factors to the failure of P-MDI procedures. Other pitfalls include errors in history and physical examination, failure to recognize concomitant pathology, and problems with the surgical technique or implant failure. Patulous capsular tissues and glenoid version also play in role management of failed P-MDI patients. With an improved understanding of pertinent clinical complaints and physical examination findings and the advent of arthroscopic techniques and improved implants, successful strategies for the nonoperative and operative management of the patient after a failed posterior or multidirectional instability surgery may be elucidated. This article highlights the common presentation, physical findings, and radiographic workup in a patient that presents after a failed P-MDI repair and offers strategies for revision surgical repair.

  16. Conservative Treatment of Subacute Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy Using Eccentric Exercises Performed With a Treadmill: A Case Report.

    PubMed

    Cushman, Daniel; Rho, Monica E

    2015-07-01

    Case report. Proximal hamstring tendinopathy in runners is characterized by pain with passive hip flexion with the knee extended, active hip extension, and pain with sitting. Relatively little literature exists on the condition, and publications on nonsurgical treatment protocols are even more scarce. Surgical intervention, which comprises the majority of literature for treatment of this condition, is an option for cases that fail to respond to nonsurgical treatment. The patient was a 34-year-old, otherwise healthy male triathlete with unilateral proximal hamstring tendinopathy diagnosed by ultrasound, who had pain only with running and prolonged sitting. After he failed to respond to 4 weeks of eccentric knee flexion and lumbopelvic musculature strengthening exercises, an eccentric hip extensor strengthening program using a treadmill was initiated. This treadmill exercise was performed on a daily basis, in addition to a lumbopelvic musculature strengthening program. The patient noted a decrease in pain within 2 weeks of initiating the new exercise, and was able to return to gradual running after 4 weeks and to speed training after 12 weeks. He returned to competition shortly thereafter and had no recurrence for 12 months after the initiation of therapy. His score on the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-proximal hamstring tendons improved from 23 on initial presentation to 83 at 12 weeks after the initiation of therapy. We described the management of a triathlete with subacute proximal hamstring tendinopathy, who responded well to nonsurgical treatment using eccentric hip extension strengthening using a treadmill. Therapy, level 4.

  17. Conservative Treatment of Subacute Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy Using Eccentric Exercises Performed With a Treadmill: A Case Report

    PubMed Central

    CUSHMAN, DANIEL; RHO, MONICA E.

    2015-01-01

    STUDY DESIGN Case report. BACKGROUND Proximal hamstring tendinopathy in runners is characterized by pain with passive hip flexion with the knee extended, active hip extension, and pain with sitting. Relatively little literature exists on the condition, and publications on nonsurgical treatment protocols are even more scarce. Surgical intervention, which comprises the majority of literature for treatment of this condition, is an option for cases that fail to respond to nonsurgical treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION The patient was a 34-year-old, otherwise healthy male triathlete with unilateral proximal hamstring tendinopathy diagnosed by ultrasound, who had pain only with running and prolonged sitting. After he failed to respond to 4 weeks of eccentric knee flexion and lumbopelvic musculature strengthening exercises, an eccentric hip extensor strengthening program using a treadmill was initiated. This treadmill exercise was performed on a daily basis, in addition to a lumbopelvic musculature strengthening program. OUTCOMES The patient noted a decrease in pain within 2 weeks of initiating the new exercise, and was able to return to gradual running after 4 weeks and to speed training after 12 weeks. He returned to competition shortly thereafter and had no recurrence for 12 months after the initiation of therapy. His score on the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-proximal hamstring tendons improved from 23 on initial presentation to 83 at 12 weeks after the initiation of therapy. DISCUSSION We described the management of a triathlete with subacute proximal hamstring tendinopathy, who responded well to nonsurgical treatment using eccentric hip extension strengthening using a treadmill. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapy, level 4. PMID:25996362

  18. Conservative treatment of torn medial meniscus via mechanical force, manually assisted short lever chiropractic adjusting procedures.

    PubMed

    Polkinghorn, B S

    1994-09-01

    To present the first reported case of successful chiropractic intervention in treatment of a torn medial meniscus of the knee, the meniscal tear being documented by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A 54-yr-old woman complaining of right knee pain of several months' duration with accompanying marked functional impairment was diagnosed as having a tear in the posterior horn of the ipsilateral medial meniscus, verified by MRI studies of the same. Independent consultation with three medical specialists resulted in the unanimous decision that surgical intervention for the purpose of meniscectomy provided the only therapeutic approach indicated for the problem. However, the patient was reticent to undergo said surgical procedure and chose, instead, to utilize chiropractic care and conservative management in an effort to resolve her condition without having to resort to surgery. The patient received chiropractic treatment to the knee via mechanical force, manually assisted short lever chiropractic adjusting procedures (MFMA) utilizing an Activator Adjusting Instrument. Auxiliary treatment included the use of homeopathic therapy as an adjunct to chiropractic care. Said treatment resulted in a complete resolution of the patient's disability, the patient recovering full function of the knee joint and achieving an asymptomatic status without having to submit to surgical intervention and its possible adverse sequelae. Conservative management of meniscal tears via chiropractic treatment may provide a therapeutically effective and financially cost containing alternative to routine meniscectomy in certain cases involving torn medial menisci of the knee.

  19. Repeat transcatheter aortic valve implantation using a latest generation balloon-expandable device for treatment of failing transcatheter heart valves.

    PubMed

    Schaefer, Andreas; Treede, Hendrik; Seiffert, Moritz; Deuschl, Florian; Schofer, Niklas; Schneeberger, Yvonne; Blankenberg, Stefan; Reichenspurner, Hermann; Schaefer, Ulrich; Conradi, Lenard

    2016-01-15

    Paravalvular leakage (PVL) is a known complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and is associated with poor outcome. Besides balloon-post-dilatation, valve-in-valve (ViV) procedures can be taken into consideration to control this complication. Herein we present initial experience with use of the latest generation balloon-expandable Edwards Sapien 3® (S3) transcatheter heart valve (THV) for treatment of failing THVs. Between 01/2014 and 12/2014 three patients (two male, age: 71-80 y, log EUROScore I: 11.89 - 32.63) with failing THVs were refered to our institution for further treatment. THV approach with secondary implantation of an S3 was chosen after mutual agreement of the local interdisciplinary heart team at an interval of 533-1119 days from the index procedure. The performed procedures consisted of: S3 in Sapien XT, JenaValve and CoreValve. Successful transfemoral implantation with significant reduction of PVL was achieved in all cases. No intraprocedural complications occurred regarding placement of the S3 with a postprocedural effective orifice area (EOA) of 1.5-2.5 cm(2) and pressure gradients of max/mean 14/6-36/16 mmHg. 30-day mortality was 0%. At the latest follow-up of 90-530 days, all patients are alive and well with satisfactory THV function. Regarding VARC-2 criteria one major bleeding and one TIA was reported. In the instance of moderate or severe aortic regurgitation after TAVI, S3 ViV deployment is an excellent option to reduce residual regurgitation to none or mild. For further assertions concerning functional outcomes long-term results have to be awaited.

  20. Management of cervical esophageal and hypopharyngeal perforations.

    PubMed

    Zenga, Joseph; Kreisel, Daniel; Kushnir, Vladimir M; Rich, Jason T

    2015-01-01

    Evidence is limited for outcomes of surgical versus conservative management for patients with cervical esophageal or hypopharyngeal perforations. Patients with cervical esophageal or hypopharyngeal perforations treated between 1994 and 2014 were identified using an institutional database. Outcomes were compared between patients who underwent operative drainage and those who had conservative management with broad-spectrum antibiotics and withholding oral intake. Twenty-eight patients were identified with hypopharyngeal or cervical esophageal perforations, mostly due to iatrogenic (nasogastric tube placement, endoscopy, endotracheal intubation) injuries (68%). Fourteen were treated initially with conservative management and 14 with initial surgery. Six patients failed conservative treatment and two patients failed surgical treatment. Patients managed conservatively who had eaten between injury and diagnosis (p=0.003), those who had 24 hours or more between the time of injury and diagnosis (p=0.026), and those who showed signs of systemic toxicity (p=0.001) were significantly more likely to fail conservative treatment and require surgery. No variables were significant for treatment failure in the surgical group. Of the 20 patients who ultimately underwent a surgical procedure, two required a second procedure. Patients who have eaten between the time of perforation and diagnosis, have 24 hours or more between injury and diagnosis, and those that show signs of systemic toxicity are at higher risk of failing conservative management and surgical drainage should be considered. For patients without these risk factors, a trial of conservative management can be attempted. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Patellofemoral pain syndrome in female athletes: A review of diagnoses, etiology and treatment options.

    PubMed

    Vora, Molly; Curry, Emily; Chipman, Amanda; Matzkin, Elizabeth; Li, Xinning

    2017-12-14

    Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common causes of knee pain and is present in females disproportionately more relative to males. PFPS causes tend to be multifactorial in nature and are described in this review. From a review of the current literature, it is clear that there needs to be further research on PFPS in order to better understand the complex etiology of this disorder in both males and females. It is known that females with patellofemoral pain syndrome demonstrate a decrease in abduction, external rotation and extension strength of the affected side compared with healthy patients. Conservative management, including optimizing muscle balance between the vastus medialis and lateralis around the patella along with formal therapy should be the first line of treatment in patients presenting with PFPS. Surgery should be reserved for patients in which all conservative management options have failed. This review aims to guide physicians in accurate clinicaldecision making regarding conservative and surgical treatment options when specifically faced with PFPS in a female athlete. Furthermore, we will discuss the anatomic variants, incidence and prevalence, etiology, diagnosis and treatment of PFPS.

  2. Patellofemoral pain syndrome in female athletes: A review of diagnoses, etiology and treatment options

    PubMed Central

    Vora, Molly; Curry, Emily; Chipman, Amanda; Matzkin, Elizabeth; Li, Xinning

    2018-01-01

    Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common causes of knee pain and is present in females disproportionately more relative to males. PFPS causes tend to be multifactorial in nature and are described in this review. From a review of the current literature, it is clear that there needs to be further research on PFPS in order to better understand the complex etiology of this disorder in both males and females. It is known that females with patellofemoral pain syndrome demonstrate a decrease in abduction, external rotation and extension strength of the affected side compared with healthy patients. Conservative management, including optimizing muscle balance between the vastus medialis and lateralis around the patella along with formal therapy should be the first line of treatment in patients presenting with PFPS. Surgery should be reserved for patients in which all conservative management options have failed. This review aims to guide physicians in accurate clinicaldecision making regarding conservative and surgical treatment options when specifically faced with PFPS in a female athlete. Furthermore, we will discuss the anatomic variants, incidence and prevalence, etiology, diagnosis and treatment of PFPS. PMID:29564075

  3. Wide abdominal rectus plication abdominoplasty for the treatment of chronic intractable low back pain.

    PubMed

    Oneal, Robert M; Mulka, Joseph P; Shapiro, Paul; Hing, David; Cavaliere, Christi

    2011-01-01

    A previous report demonstrated that the wide abdominal rectus plication abdominoplasty is an effective treatment modality in select patients with low back pain who failed to achieve relief with conservative therapy. The authors studied eight female patients who presented with chronic low back pain and marked lower abdominal wall muscular laxity. All had failed to respond to conservative management for their chronic back pain. They all underwent wide abdominal rectus plication abdominoplasty. Patient selection and details of the procedure are discussed. There were no significant complications in this series, and all the patients had prompt and prolonged alleviation of their back pain. Length of follow-up ranged from 2 to 11 years. Changes in the biomechanics of the lower abdominal musculature as a result of the wide abdominal rectus plication abdominoplasty are discussed in the context of increasing spinal stability, leading to an alleviation of chronic low back pain. An argument is made that this abdominoplasty procedure produces a spine-stabilizing effect by (1) tightening the muscles of the lateral abdominal complex and thus increasing intraabdominal pressure and (2) increasing the efficiency of these muscles so that their effectiveness as spine stabilizers is increased. Even though this is a small series, the fact that all the patients sustained long-term alleviation of their preoperative chronic back pain suggests that the wide abdominal rectus plication abdominoplasty should be considered as an option for patients with weak lower abdominal muscles and intractable low back pain who have failed conservative management.

  4. Antiretroviral Drug Susceptibility Among HIV-Infected Adults Failing Antiretroviral Therapy in Rakai, Uganda

    PubMed Central

    Laeyendecker, Oliver; Nakigozi, Gertrude; Gallant, Joel E.; Huang, Wei; Hudelson, Sarah E.; Quinn, Thomas C.; Newell, Kevin; Serwadda, David; Gray, Ronald H.; Wawer, Maria J.; Eshleman, Susan H.

    2012-01-01

    Abstract We analyzed antiretroviral drug susceptibility in HIV-infected adults failing first- and second-line antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Rakai, Uganda. Samples obtained from participants at baseline (pretreatment) and at the time of failure on first-line ART and second-line ART were analyzed using genotypic and phenotypic assays for antiretroviral drug resistance. Test results were obtained from 73 samples from 38 individuals (31 baseline samples, 36 first-line failure samples, and six second-line failure samples). Four (13%) of the 31 baseline samples had mutations associated with resistance to nucleoside or nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs and NNRTIs, respectively). Among the 36 first-line failure samples, 31 (86%) had NNRTI resistance mutations and 29 (81%) had lamivudine resistance mutations; only eight (22%) had other NRTI resistance mutations. None of the six individuals failing a second-line protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen had PI resistance mutations. Six (16%) of the participants had discordant genotypic and phenotypic test results. Genotypic resistance to drugs included in first-line ART regimens was detected prior to treatment and among participants failing first-line ART. PI resistance was not detected in individuals failing second-line ART. Surveillance for transmitted and acquired drug resistance remains a priority for scale-up of ART. PMID:22443282

  5. Failure of conservative treatment with Gastrografin® for adhesive small bowel obstruction after colorectal surgery.

    PubMed

    Miquel, Jordi; Biondo, Sebastiano; Kreisler, Esther; Uribe, Catalina; Trenti, Loris

    2017-07-01

    The aim of this study was to identify risk factors related with failure of conservative management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) in patients with previous colorectal surgery. Patients admitted with the diagnosis of ASBO after previous colorectal resection, were included. All patients underwent administration of Gastrografin®. Abdominal radiography was done after 24 h, to confirm the presence of contrast in colon (incomplete obstruction) or not (complete obstruction). Several factors were investigated to study their relationship with the failure of conservative management. Failure of conservative management was considered when emergency operation was needed to solve ASBO. Incomplete obstruction was observed in 174 episodes (93.0%) while in 13 (7.0%) was complete. One hundred seventy-one ASBO episodes (91.4%) responded successfully to nonoperative treatment and 16 (8.6%) required emergency surgery. Five patients needed bowel resection. Results on the diagnostic test with Gastrografin® showed a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 99%, positive predictive value 92%, and negative predictive value 98%. Age over 75 years was the only predictive factor for failure of conservative management. The median waiting time from the radiologic confirmation of complete obstruction to surgery was higher in patients requiring bowel resection when compared to those who did not need resection. The use of Gastrografin® in ASBO after colorectal resection is a safe and useful tool for the indication of conservative management. Age over 75 years is a predictive factor for need of surgery. Surgery should be performed no later than the following 24 h of confirmed complete obstruction.

  6. Failing to fail: clinicians' experience of assessing underperforming dental students.

    PubMed

    Bush, H M; Schreiber, R S; Oliver, S J

    2013-11-01

    Anecdotal evidence within a UK dental school indicated that staff's grading did not always match their evaluation of students' clinical proficiency. The invalid assessment of underperforming students, which has considerable ramifications, has been reported internationally for students of nursing and medicine, but a database search revealed no accounts for dental education. To develop an understanding of clinicians' approaches to assessing underperforming dental students. Seventeen clinical staff were interviewed (eleven females, six males). Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A grounded theory methodology was used, with simultaneous data collection and analysis. The main analytical technique was constant comparison. Participants' shared basic problem was Assessing undergraduate students, expressed as how they evaluated and used the assessment system or perceived others to do so. The core category, which explains what clinical staff do to manage their difficulties with assessment, was identified as Failing to Fail and has three subcategories: Evaluating the Assessment System, Shielding the Student and Protecting Myself. This study has substantiated the complexity of failing to fail and confirmed that some causes are shared across healthcare professions, although insufficient staff discussion, the avoidance of confrontation and the impact of negative student attitude are not reported elsewhere or are minor findings. It is recommended that clinical staff receive additional training in assessment and that they are made more aware of their learning needs, their attitudes and beliefs. Increased discussion between staff about assessment and about students known to be in difficulty is essential. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  7. Terminology - glossary including acronyms and quotations in use for the conservative spinal deformities treatment: 8th SOSORT consensus paper.

    PubMed

    Grivas, Theodoros B; de Mauroy, Jean Claude; Négrini, Stefano; Kotwicki, Tomasz; Zaina, Fabio; Wynne, James H; Stokes, Ian A; Knott, Patrick; Pizzetti, Paolo; Rigo, Manuel; Villagrasa, Monica; Weiss, Hans Rudolf; Maruyama, Toru

    2010-11-02

    This report is the SOSORT Consensus Paper on Terminology for use in the treatment of conservative spinal deformities. Figures are provided and relevant literature is cited where appropriate. The Delphi method was used to reach a preliminary consensus before the meeting, where the terms that still needed further clarification were discussed. A final agreement was found for all the terms, which now constitute the base of this glossary. New terms will be added after being discussed and accepted. When only one set of terms is used for communication in a place or among a group of people, then everyone can clearly and efficiently communicate. This principle applies for any professional group. Until now, no common set of terms was available in the field of the conservative treatment of scoliosis and spinal deformities. This glossary gives a common base language to draw from to discuss data, findings and treatment.

  8. Peroral endoscopic remyotomy for failed Heller myotomy: a prospective single-center study.

    PubMed

    Zhou, P H; Li, Q L; Yao, L Q; Xu, M D; Chen, W F; Cai, M Y; Hu, J W; Li, L; Zhang, Y Q; Zhong, Y S; Ma, L L; Qin, W Z; Cui, Z

    2013-01-01

    Recurrence/persistence of symptoms occurs in approximately 20 % of patients after Heller myotomy for achalasia. Controversy exists regarding the therapy for patients in whom Heller myotomy has failed. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), a new endoscopic myotomy technique, for patients with failed Heller myotomy. A total of 12 patients with recurrence/persistence of symptoms after Heller myotomy, as diagnosed by established methods and an Eckardt score of ≥ 4, were prospectively included. The primary outcome was symptom relief during follow-up, defined as an Eckardt score of ≤ 3. Secondary outcomes were procedure-related adverse events, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure on manometry, reflux symptoms, and medication use before and after POEM. All 12 patients underwent successful POEM after a mean of 11.9 years (range 2 - 38 years) from the time of the primary Heller myotomy. No serious complications related to POEM were encountered. During a mean follow-up period of 10.4 months (range 5 - 14 months), treatment success was achieved in 11/12 patients (91.7 %; mean score pre- vs. post-treatment 9.2 vs. 1.3; P < 0.001). Mean LES pressure was 29.4 mmHg pre-treatment and 13.5 mmHg post-treatment (P < 0.001). One patient developed mild reflux symptoms and required intermittent medication with proton pump inhibitors. POEM seems to be a promising new treatment for failed Heller myotomy resulting in short-term symptom relief in > 90 % of cases. Previous Heller myotomy may make subsequent endoscopic remyotomy more challenging, but does not prevent successful POEM. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  9. 12 CFR 360.6 - Treatment by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as conservator or receiver of financial...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... accepted accounting principles, other than the “legal isolation” condition as it applies to institutions... the conditions for sale accounting treatment set forth by generally accepted accounting principles in... Corporation as conservator or receiver of financial assets transferred in connection with a securitization or...

  10. Conservative treatment of concomitant extraperitoneal bladder rupture and intrabladder blood clot formation: Case report of application of ureteral catheterization.

    PubMed

    Fu, Chih-Yuan; Shih, Chun-Han; Chang, Po-Yen; Hsiao, Chi-Hao; Wang, Yu-Chun; Chen, Ray-Jade

    2012-12-01

    Most extraperitoneal bladder ruptures can be treated conservatively with catheter drainage only. However, in patients with concomitant intrabladder blood clot formation and extraperitoneal bladder rupture, surgery for blood clot evacuation and bladder repair are usually needed due to occlusion of the urinary catheter. In our patient, we used a ureteral catheter to bypass the clots in the bladder to provide adequate urinary drainage. This procedure serves as a valuable tool in the conservative treatment of extraperitoneal bladder injury.

  11. Evaluating children's conservation biology learning at the zoo.

    PubMed

    Jensen, Eric

    2014-08-01

    Millions of children visit zoos every year with parents or schools to encounter wildlife firsthand. Public conservation education is a requirement for membership in professional zoo associations. However, in recent years zoos have been criticized for failing to educate the public on conservation issues and related biological concepts, such as animal adaptation to habitats. I used matched pre- and postvisit mixed methods questionnaires to investigate the educational value of zoo visits for children aged 7-15 years. The questionnaires gathered qualitative data from these individuals, including zoo-related thoughts and an annotated drawing of a habitat. A content analysis of these qualitative data produced the quantitative data reported in this article. I evaluated the relative learning outcomes of educator-guided and unguided zoo visits at London Zoo, both in terms of learning about conservation biology (measured by annotated drawings) and changing attitudes toward wildlife conservation (measured using thought-listing data). Forty-one percent of educator-guided visits and 34% of unguided visits resulted in conservation biology-related learning. Negative changes in children's understanding of animals and their habitats were more prevalent in unguided zoo visits. Overall, my results show the potential educational value of visiting zoos for children. However, they also suggest that zoos' standard unguided interpretive materials are insufficient for achieving the best outcomes for visiting children. These results support a theoretical model of conservation biology learning that frames conservation educators as toolmakers who develop conceptual resources to enhance children's understanding of science. © 2014 Society for Conservation Biology.

  12. The Conservation Efforts Database: Improving our knowledge of landscape conservation actions

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Heller, Matthew M.; Welty, Justin; Wiechman , Lief A.

    2017-01-01

    The Conservation Efforts Database (CED) is a secure, cloud-based tool that can be used to document and track conservation actions across landscapes. A recently released factsheet describes this tool ahead of the rollout of CED version 2.0. The CED was developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the USGS, and the Great Northern Landscape Conservation Cooperative to support the 2015 Endangered Species Act status review for greater sage-grouse. Currently, the CED accepts policy-level data, such as Land Use Plans, and treatment level data, such as conifer removals and post-fire recovery efforts, as custom spatial and non-spatial records. In addition to a species assessment tool, the CED can also be used to summarize the extent of restoration efforts within a specific area or to strategically site conservation actions based on the location of other implemented actions. The CED can be an important tool, along with post-conservation monitoring, for implementing landscape-scale adaptive management.

  13. NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT OF A PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY PLAYER WITH THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SPORTS HERNIA: A CASE REPORT

    PubMed Central

    Woodward, J. Scott; Parker, Andrew; MacDonald, Robert M.

    2012-01-01

    Study Design: Case Report Background: Injury or weakness of lower abdominal attachments and the posterior inguinal wall can be symptoms of a “sports hernia” and an underlying source of groin pain. Although several authors note conservative treatment as the initial step in the management of this condition, very little has been written on the specific description of non-surgical measures. Most published articles favoring operative care describe poor results related to conservative management; however they fail to report what treatment techniques comprise non-operative management. Case Presentation: The subject of this case report is a professional ice hockey player who sustained an abdominal injury in a game, which was diagnosed as a sports hernia. Following the injury, structured conservative treatment emphasized core control and stability with progressive peripheral demand challenges. Intrinsic core control emphasis continued throughout the treatment progression and during the functional training prior to return to sport. Outcome: The player completed his recovery with return to full competition seven weeks post injury, and continues to compete in the NHL seven years later. Discussion: Surgical intervention has been shown to be effective in the treatment of the “sports hernia.” However it is the authors' opinion that conservative care emphasizing evaluation of intrinsic core muscular deficits and rehabilitation directed at addressing these deficits is an appropriate option, and should be considered prior to surgical intervention. PMID:22319682

  14. Comparison of Outcomes in Conservative vs Surgical Treatments for Ludwig's Angina.

    PubMed

    Edetanlen, Ekaniyere; Saheeb, Birch D

    2018-06-10

    To compare the treatment outcome in patients with Ludwig's angina in their early stages who received intravenous antibiotics alone with those who received surgical decompression and intravenous antibiotics. Individuals with early stage of Ludwig's angina were studied using a retrospective cohort study design from August 1997 to September 2017. Data were collected from case notes and logbooks. Appropriate statistical tests were chosen to analyse the independent and outcome variables. Using two-tailed test, a level of significance of 0.05 was chosen. A total of 55 patients comprising 38 (69.1%) males and 17 (30.9%) females were studied. The conservative group had a higher number of cases that developed airway compromise (26.3%) when compared to those with surgical approach (2.9%). There was an association between the treatment approach and the development of airway compromise (X2(1) = 4.83, p = 0.03). There was a higher incidence of airway compromise in patients treated with intravenous antibiotics alone than in those treated with surgical decompression and intravenous antibiotics. ©2018The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

  15. A conservative approach for treating young adult patients with porcelain laminate veneers.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yen-Wei; Raigrodski, Ariel J

    2008-01-01

    Controversy persists regarding the treatment planning criteria for young adult patients in need of esthetic restorations. The trend of conservative treatment modalities continues to become widely acknowledged. One of the conservative treatment modalities is porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs). PLVs not only provide suitable esthetics but also reliable functional strength. This article presents two anterior esthetic cases to demonstrate a conservative treatment planning approach and its application as a nontraditional solution for young adult patients. It is recommended that a conservative approach be used wherever possible as an alternative to treatment options that may aggressively sacrifice tooth structure as well as the health of the supporting tissues. By using a conservative approach to treatment with porcelain veneers, long-lasting, esthetic, and functional results may be achieved. Sacrificing as little tooth structure as possible and conserving the supporting tissues will facilitate prospective treatments for young adult patients.

  16. The feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial comparing arthroscopic hip surgery to conservative care for patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: the FASHIoN feasibility study.

    PubMed

    Griffin, D R; Dickenson, E J; Wall, P D H; Realpe, A; Adams, A; Parsons, N; Hobson, R; Achten, J; Costa, M L; Foster, N E; Hutchinson, C E; Petrou, S; Donovan, J L

    2016-10-01

    To determine whether it was feasible to perform a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing arthroscopic hip surgery to conservative care in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). This study had two phases: a pre-pilot and pilot RCT. In the pre-pilot, we conducted interviews with clinicians who treated FAI and with FAI patients to determine their views about an RCT. We developed protocols for operative and conservative care. In the pilot RCT, we determined the rates of patient eligibility, recruitment and retention, to investigate the feasibility of the protocol and we established methods to assess treatment fidelity. In the pre-pilot phase, 32 clinicians were interviewed, of which 26 reported theoretical equipoise, but in example scenarios 7 failed to show clinical equipoise. Eighteen patients treated for FAI were also interviewed, the majority of whom felt that surgery and conservative care were acceptable treatments. Surgery was viewed by patients as a 'definitive solution'. Patients were motivated to participate in research but were uncomfortable about randomization. Randomization was more acceptable if the alternative was available at the end of the trial. In the pilot phase, 151 patients were assessed for eligibility. Sixty were eligible and invited to take part in the pilot RCT; 42 consented to randomization. Follow-up was 100% at 12 months. Assessments of treatment fidelity were satisfactory. An RCT to compare arthroscopic hip surgery with conservative care in patients with FAI is challenging but feasible. Recruitment has started for a full RCT.

  17. [Acute inpatient conservative multimodal treatment of complex and multifactorial orthopedic diseases in the ANOA concept].

    PubMed

    Psczolla, M

    2013-10-01

    In Germany there is a clear deficit in the non-operative treatment of chronic and complex diseases and pain disorders in acute care hospitals. Only about 20 % of the treatments are carried out in orthopedic hospitals. Hospitals specialized in manual medicine have therefore formed a working group on non-operative orthopedic manual medicine acute care clinics (ANOA). The ANOA has developed a multimodal assessment procedure called the OPS 8-977 which describes the structure and process quality of multimodal and interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system. Patients are treated according to clinical pathways oriented on the clinical findings. The increased duration of treatment in the German diagnosis-related groups (DRG) system is compensated for with a supplemental remuneration. Thus, complex and multifactorial orthopedic diseases and pain disorders are conservatively and appropriately treated as inpatient departments of acute care hospitals.

  18. Terminology - glossary including acronyms and quotations in use for the conservative spinal deformities treatment: 8th SOSORT consensus paper

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background This report is the SOSORT Consensus Paper on Terminology for use in the treatment of conservative spinal deformities. Figures are provided and relevant literature is cited where appropriate. Methods The Delphi method was used to reach a preliminary consensus before the meeting, where the terms that still needed further clarification were discussed. Results A final agreement was found for all the terms, which now constitute the base of this glossary. New terms will be added after being discussed and accepted. Discussion When only one set of terms is used for communication in a place or among a group of people, then everyone can clearly and efficiently communicate. This principle applies for any professional group. Until now, no common set of terms was available in the field of the conservative treatment of scoliosis and spinal deformities. This glossary gives a common base language to draw from to discuss data, findings and treatment. PMID:21044334

  19. Statistical Requirements For Pass-Fail Testing Of Contraband Detection Systems

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gilliam, David M.

    2011-06-01

    Contraband detection systems for homeland security applications are typically tested for probability of detection (PD) and probability of false alarm (PFA) using pass-fail testing protocols. Test protocols usually require specified values for PD and PFA to be demonstrated at a specified level of statistical confidence CL. Based on a recent more theoretical treatment of this subject [1], this summary reviews the definition of CL and provides formulas and spreadsheet functions for constructing tables of general test requirements and for determining the minimum number of tests required. The formulas and tables in this article may be generally applied to many othermore » applications of pass-fail testing, in addition to testing of contraband detection systems.« less

  20. Statistical Requirements For Pass-Fail Testing Of Contraband Detection Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gilliam, David M.

    2011-06-01

    Contraband detection systems for homeland security applications are typically tested for probability of detection (PD) and probability of false alarm (PFA) using pass-fail testing protocols. Test protocols usually require specified values for PD and PFA to be demonstrated at a specified level of statistical confidence CL. Based on a recent more theoretical treatment of this subject [1], this summary reviews the definition of CL and provides formulas and spreadsheet functions for constructing tables of general test requirements and for determining the minimum number of tests required. The formulas and tables in this article may be generally applied to many other applications of pass-fail testing, in addition to testing of contraband detection systems.

  1. Conservative Management of Central Cemento-Ossifying Fibroma.

    PubMed

    Gomes-Ferreira, Pedro Henrique Silva; Carrasco, Leandro Carlos; de Oliveira, Danila; Pereira, Járede Carvalho; Alcalde, Luis Fernando Azambuja; Faverani, Leonardo Perez

    2017-01-01

    Central cemento-ossifying fibroma is characterized by the combined production of osteoid and cementoid tissue. Radiographically, this lesion is presented as an outlined cortical and variable radiopaque spots, also can be present complete radiolucent or different degrees of radiopacity. The recommended treatment is curettage or enucleation, and the recurrence rate is less than 5%. Considering that surgical treatment is invasive, mainly in large lesions, this study aims to report a patient in whom conservative treatment was carried out by involving the preservation of teeth, with a long-term follow-up. A 48-year-old black female patient, diagnosed with central cemento-ossifying fibroma in mandible, treated conservatively and a 2 years of follow-up. It was concluded that the conservative treatment with a long term of follow-up for maintaining teeth was satisfactory.

  2. Conservative treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture: survey of current practice.

    PubMed

    Osarumwense, Donald; Wright, Jonathan; Gardner, Kikachukwu; James, Laurence

    2013-04-01

    To survey the practice of orthopaedic consultants in the Greater London area for treating Achilles tendon ruptures. 221 orthopaedic consultants working in 28 hospitals within the Greater London area were identified. A questionnaire regarding conservative treatment for acute Achilles tendon ruptures was sent. The choice of immobilisation, the period of immobilisation, the time to weight bearing, the use of heel raises, and the use of diagnostic ultrasonography were enquired about. 62 of 86 respondents treated Achilles tendon ruptures conservatively by below-knee casts (n=51), above-knee casts (n=5), or functional braces (n=6). The most common immobilisation regimen (n=7) was to keep the foot in a sequence of an equinus position, a semi-equinus position, and a neutral position (3 weeks in each position). After cast removal, 45 of respondents preferred to use a heel raise for a median duration of 4 (range, 2-36) weeks. Respectively for foot and ankle specialists (n=24) and other orthopaedic specialists (n=38), the median immobilisation period prescribed was 8 (range, 3-13) and 9 (range, 6-36) weeks, respectively (p=0.625), whereas the median time to weight bearing prescribed was 6 (range, 0-9) and 6 (range, 0-12) weeks, respectively (p=0.402). Functional bracing was not as widely used as below-knee cast immobilisation. There was no consensus on the optimal immobilisation regimen.

  3. Cryotherapy as a conservative treatment modality for gingival enlargement in a patient with Sturge-Weber Syndrome

    PubMed Central

    Yadav, Vikender Singh; Chakraborty, Souvik; Tewari, Shikha; Tewari, Nitesh; Ghosh, Tuhina

    2017-01-01

    Summary This case report describes a case of Sturge-Weber syndrome reported for unilateral gingival enlargement and bleeding from gingiva in maxillary left region. Initial treatment in the form of scaling and root planing was done but recurrence was observed after one year of follow up. Instead of performing conventional surgery, an alternative conservative treatment was planned in the form of cryotherapy with the help of closed nitrous oxide probe. Seeing the satisfactory results obtained, cryotherapy can be suggested as an atraumatic, bloodless and effective chair side procedure for treating vascular gingival enlargement. PMID:28580218

  4. Next-generation sequencing sheds light on the natural history of hepatitis C infection in patients who fail treatment.

    PubMed

    Abdelrahman, Tamer; Hughes, Joseph; Main, Janice; McLauchlan, John; Thursz, Mark; Thomson, Emma

    2015-01-01

    High rates of sexually transmitted infection and reinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have recently been reported in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men and reinfection has also been described in monoinfected injecting drug users. The diagnosis of reinfection has traditionally been based on direct Sanger sequencing of samples pre- and posttreatment, but not on more sensitive deep sequencing techniques. We studied viral quasispecies dynamics in patients who failed standard of care therapy in a high-risk HIV-infected cohort of patients with early HCV infection to determine whether treatment failure was associated with reinfection or recrudescence of preexisting infection. Paired sequences (pre- and posttreatment) were analyzed. The HCV E2 hypervariable region-1 was amplified using nested reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with indexed genotype-specific primers and the same products were sequenced using both Sanger and 454 pyrosequencing approaches. Of 99 HIV-infected patients with acute HCV treated with 24-48 weeks of pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin, 15 failed to achieve a sustained virological response (six relapsed, six had a null response, and three had a partial response). Using direct sequencing, 10/15 patients (66%) had evidence of a previously undetected strain posttreatment; in many studies, this is interpreted as reinfection. However, pyrosequencing revealed that 15/15 (100%) of patients had evidence of persisting infection; 6/15 (40%) patients had evidence of a previously undetected variant present in the posttreatment sample in addition to a variant that was detected at baseline. This could represent superinfection or a limitation of the sensitivity of pyrosequencing. In this high-risk group, the emergence of new viral strains following treatment failure is most commonly associated with emerging dominance of preexisting minority variants rather than reinfection. Superinfection may occur

  5. Conservative management of tendinopathies around hip

    PubMed Central

    Frizziero, Antonio; Vittadini, Filippo; Pignataro, Andrea; Gasparre, Giuseppe; Biz, Carlo; Ruggieri, Pietro; Masiero, Stefano

    2016-01-01

    Summary Background The anatomy of hip is widely complex and several anatomical structures interact and contribute to its functioning. For position and role, hip and the surrounding tendons, which have their insertion around, are overstressed and often overloaded, especially in athletes. This could lead to the developing of several tendinopathies, among which the differential diagnosis is often complicated. Many conservative treatments are used in clinical practice, while actually, no defined conservative protocol is recommended. Methods This is a review article. The aim of this manuscript is to evaluate the current evidences about the effectiveness of conservative management in hip tendinopathies. Conclusion Conservative treatment is effective in the management of hip tendinopathies and may be considered the first-line approach for patients affected. However, there is lack of evidences about which is the most effective treatment. Exercise therapy seems to provide long-term pain relief, but the literature is still lacking about the correct type, dose, posology, intensity of exercise prescribed. Further studies about different local approaches, as PRP or hyaluronic acid injections, may be encouraged. Level of evidence I. PMID:28066732

  6. Endovascular revascularization of diseased native arteries following failed aortoiliac and femoropoliteal grafts: report of two cases.

    PubMed

    Nishibe, Toshiya; Kondo, Yuka; Dardik, Alan; Muto, Akihito; Koizumi, Jun; Nishibe, Masayasu

    2010-02-01

    Arterial reconstructions for lower-extremity ischemia, comprising aortoiliac, aortofemoral, and femoropopoliteal bypasses, and other procedures, have an intrinsic tendency to fail as time elapses. Surgical approaches to arteries in patients who have failed bypass grafts are often rendered more difficult, or even impossible to use, by surgical scarring or infection. The authors report two cases in which the diseased native arteries treated with failed aortoiliac and femoropopliteal bypass grafts were successfully recanalized with primary stent placement. Our cases show that stent placement of the diseased native arteries can represent a possible option for the treatment of failed bypass grafts. Copyright (c) 2010 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. How Does a Failing School Stop Failing?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Warren-Gross, Laura

    2009-01-01

    The author's school had just been labeled a failing school by No Child Left Behind when its new principal arrived in the fall of 2007. In this demoralizing climate, teachers can get frustrated and choose to give up, or they can rise to the challenge, create a plan for improvement, and plunge into uncharted waters. This article discusses how the…

  8. Correction of Large Oro-antral Communications From Previously Failed Implant Treatment: Reconstruction of Hard and Soft Tissues.

    PubMed

    Petrungaro, Paul S; Gonzalez, Santiago; Villegas, Carlos

    2018-02-01

    As dental implants become more popular for the treatment of partial and total edentulism and treatment of "terminal dentitions," techniques for the management of the atrophic posterior maxillae continue to evolve. Although dental implants carry a high success rate long term, attention must be given to the growing numbers of revisions or retreatment of cases that have had previous dental implant treatment and/or advanced bone replacement procedures that, due to either poor patient compliance, iatrogenic error, or poor quality of the pre-existing alveolar and/or soft tissues, have led to large osseous defects, possibly with deficient soft-tissue volume. In the posterior maxillae, where the poorest quality of bone in the oral cavity exists, achieving regeneration of the alveolar bone and adequate volume of soft tissue remains a complex procedure. This is made even more difficult when dealing with loss of dental implants previously placed, aggressive bone reduction required in various implant procedures, and/or residual sinus infections precluding proper closure of the oral wound margins. The purpose of this article is to outline a technique for the total closure of large oro-antral communications, with underlying osseous defects greater than 15 mm in width and 30 mm in length, for which multiple previous attempts at closure had failed, to achieve not only the reconstruction of adequate volume and quality of soft tissues in the area of the previous fistula, but also total regeneration of the osseous structures in the area of the large void.

  9. Modified rerouting procedure for failed peroneal tendon dislocation surgery.

    PubMed

    Gaulke, R; Hildebrand, F; Panzica, M; Hüfner, T; Krettek, C

    2010-04-01

    Recurrent dislocation of the peroneal tendons following operative treatment is relatively uncommon, but can be difficult to treat. We asked whether subligamental transposition of the peroneus brevis tendon, fibular grooving, and reattachment of the superior peroneal retinaculum for failed peroneal tendon dislocation surgery would achieve a stable fixation of the peroneal tendons and whether there would be restrictions of ROM or instability of the hindfoot. We reviewed six female patients (mean age, 24.5 years) with general laxity of joints preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Within 1 year postoperatively no recurrence was found. In two ankles the extension was restricted 5 degrees to 10 degrees . In another pronation and supination was restricted 5 degrees each. Stability of the ankle increased in four patients and stayed unchanged in two. AOFAS score increased from a mean value of 36 +/- 20.6 preoperatively to 90 +/- 7 postoperatively at 1 year. We conclude transposition of the peroneus brevis tendon is a reasonable treatment for failed peroneal tendon dislocation surgery. Level IV, therapeutic study (prospective case series). See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

  10. A comparison of behavioral and psychological characteristics of patients opting for surgical and conservative treatment for morbid obesity.

    PubMed

    Kvalem, Ingela Lundin; Bergh, Irmelin; von Soest, Tilmann; Rosenvinge, Jan H; Johnsen, Tina Avantis; Martinsen, Egil W; Mala, Tom; Kristinsson, Jon A

    2015-01-01

    Little is known about the psychological prerequisites for weight loss maintenance after bariatric surgery. A first step in investigating whether existing knowledge of conservative weight loss treatment is applicable for lifestyle interventions postoperatively is to compare specific psychological characteristics at baseline. The aim of this study was to compare patients scheduled for bariatric surgery with patients receiving conservative treatment for morbid obesity on measures of behavioral and psychosocial characteristics considered predictors of their adoption of and adherence to long-term lifestyle recommendations. Baseline clinical and questionnaire data from the prospective "Oslo Bariatric Surgery Study" were used to examine potential differences between bariatric surgery patients (n = 301) and patients receiving conservative weight loss treatment (n = 261). The surgical group was characterized by their younger age (43.8 vs. 46.2 years, p <0.01), higher percentage of women (79.1 vs. 70.1 %, p <0.05), and higher Body Mass Index (BMI; 45.0 vs. 41.9 kg/m(2), p <0.001). A multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting for group differences in BMI, gender, and age, showed that the surgical group had higher self-efficacy (Odds ratio; OR = 3.44, 95 % Confidence interval; CI 1.65, 7.14), more positive outcome expectations (OR = 1.53, 95 % CI 1.23, 1.89), and plans that were more explicit for changing their eating behaviors (OR = 1.80, 95 % CI 1.06, 1.93). The surgical patients were also less ready to change physical activity levels (OR = 0.59, 95 % CI 0.48, 0.73), had tried more types of unhealthy weight loss methods in the past (OR = 1.16, 95 % CI 1.01, 1.33), drank soda more frequently (OR = 1.24, 95 % CI 1.02, 1.50), had fewer binge eating episodes (OR = 0.38, 95 % CI 0.20, 0.71), and had more depressive symptoms (OR = 1.19, 95 % CI 1.09, 1.29). Patients opting for bariatric surgery had more positive expectations

  11. [S3 guideline. Part 2: Non-Traumatic Avascular Femoral Head Necrosis in Adults - Untreated Course and Conservative Treatment].

    PubMed

    Roth, A; Beckmann, J; Smolenski, U; Fischer, A; Jäger, M; Tingart, M; Rader, C; Peters, K M; Reppenhagen, S; Nöth, U; Heiss, C; Maus, U

    2015-10-01

    In Germany there are 5000 to 7000 new cases of atraumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head in adults per year. It occurs mostly in middle age. An increased frequency of idiopathic cases can be observed. Chemotherapy, corticoids and kidney transplants are frequently associated with the disease. In most cases the disease occurs on both sides. Early diagnosis is of particular importance, since in early stages it is most likely to avoid late damage with joint destruction. Whereas previously the temporary operational joint preservation and subsequent joint replacement were often the only option of treatment, conservative and joint-preserving measures today play an increasing role. After the AWMF guidelines for S3 guideline clinical questions were formulated. Over the period from 01/01/1970 to 31/05/2013 a literature search was conducted. Systematic reviews, metaanalyses, original papers and clinical trials of all designs were evaluated. There were a total of 3715 references, of which 422 for the assessment regarding SIGN were eligible and finally 180 were in accord with the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. For the untreated course and the assessment of conservative measures, a total of 42 references was suitable. In formulating the recommendations the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system was used, which distinguishes A "shall", B "should" and 0 "can". If left untreated, the aFKN within 2 years leads to a subchondral fracture and subsequent collapse. After the diagnosis of femoral head necrosis, the risk of a disease of the opposite side is high within the next 2 years, then unlikely. The sole conservative treatment brings no benefit for the treatment of atraumatic avascular necrosis in the adult. Although it improves function, less pain can be obtained, and surgical intervention can be delayed, the progression is not stopped. Conservative treatment must therefore always be part of the overall treatment. In ARCO

  12. Osteochondral lesions of the ankle joint in professional soccer players: treatment with autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis.

    PubMed

    Valderrabano, Victor; Barg, Alexej; Alattar, Abdulhameed; Wiewiorski, Martin

    2014-12-01

    Acute and recurrent ankle sprains and other trauma to the ankle joint are common injuries in soccer and can be accompanied by or result in osteochondral lesions of the ankle joint, majorly of the talus. Conservative treatment frequently fails. Several operative treatment techniques exist; however, the choice of the right procedure is difficult due to lack of literature with a high level of evidence. We present our treatment method for acute and chronic ankle osteochondral lesions with cystic formation approached by a new surgical technique combining bone plasty and a collagen matrix (autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis). Therapeutic, Level IV: Case series. © 2014 The Author(s).

  13. [Use of Ultrasound in the Follow-up of Professional Athletes Receiving Conservative Treatment of Patellar Tendon Enthesiopathy].

    PubMed

    Guo, Li-juan; Cui, Li-gang; Li, Yu-mei; Liao, Li-ping; Song, Lin

    2015-10-01

    To investigate the role of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) in evaluating in the effectiveness of conservative treatment for professional athletes with patellar tendon enthesiopathy. According to different treatment intensities, 24 professional athletes with patellar tendon enthesiopathy were randomly divided into painless group, slightly-painful group and extremely-painful group. Then changes of the HFUS findings [including ranges of two-dimensional diseases and blood conditions by Color Doppler Flow Imaging (CDFI)] of patellar tendon before and after the treatment were recorded. The results were also compared with conventional clinical treatment evaluations. After two courses of treatment,the percentage of athletes whose pain was resolved or disappeared was 37.5% in painless group, 87.5% in slightly-painful group, and 62.5% in extremely-painful group. The pain score was 4.50 ± 2.07, 4.88 ± 1.13, and 6.13 ± 1.55 in painless group,slightly-painful group,and extremely-painful group, respectively,before treatment and 4.88 ± 2.17, 3.00 ± 1.77,and 5.13 ± 2.36 after treatment. The average pain score remarkably decreased in the slightly-painful group and extremely-painful group,and such difference was statistically significant in the slightly-pain group (P<0.05). The effective rate (defined as thinner patellar,decreased hypoecho area and fewer blood distribution in the lesion) was 38%, 50%, and 62% in the painless group, slightly-painful group,and extremely-painful group, and the rates in the slightly-painful group and extremely-painful group were significantly higher than that in painless group (both P<0.05). HFUS can display the ultrasonographic changes of patellar tendon enthesiopathy after conservative treatments in an objective and quantitative manner. Compared with conventional clinical evaluations, it can more accurately reflect the disease recovery status.

  14. A prospective study comparing conservative with operative treatment in patients with a 'floating shoulder' including assessment of the prognostic value of the glenopolar angle.

    PubMed

    Yadav, V; Khare, G N; Singh, S; Kumaraswamy, V; Sharma, N; Rai, A K; Ramaswamy, A G; Sharma, H

    2013-06-01

    Both conservative and operative forms of treatment have been recommended for patients with a 'floating shoulder'. We compared the results of conservative and operative treatment in 25 patients with this injury and investigated the use of the glenopolar angle (GPA) as an indicator of the functional outcome. A total of 13 patients (ten male and three female; mean age 32.5 years (24.7 to 40.4)) were treated conservatively and 12 patients (ten male and two female; mean age 33.67 years (24.6 to 42.7)) were treated operatively by fixation of the clavicular fracture alone. Outcome was assessed using the Herscovici score, which was also related to changes in the GPA at one year post-operatively. The mean Herscovici score was significantly better three months and two years after the injury in the operative group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). There was a negative correlation between the change in GPA and the Herscovici score at two years follow-up in both the conservative and operative groups, but neither were statistically significant (r = -0.295 and r = -0.19, respectively). There was a significant difference between the pre- and post-operative GPA in the operative group (p = 0.017). When compared with conservative treatment, fixation of the clavicle alone gives better results in the treatment of patients with a floating shoulder. The GPA changes significantly with fixation of clavicle alone but there is no significant correlation between the pre-injury GPA and the final clinical outcome in these patients.

  15. Intranasal Oxytocin Failed to Affect Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Social Behavior

    PubMed Central

    Calcutt, Sarah E.; Burke, Kimberly; de Waal, Frans B. M.

    2017-01-01

    Oxytocin has been suggested as a treatment to promote positive social interactions in people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). However, it is difficult to test this effect outside of the laboratory in realistic social situations. One way to resolve this issue is to study behavioral changes in closely related species with complex social relationships, such as chimpanzees. Here, we use captive, socially housed chimpanzees to evaluate the effects of oxytocin in a socially complex environment. After administering intranasal oxytocin or a placebo to an individual chimpanzee (total n = 8), she was returned to her social group. An experimenter blind to the condition measured the subject's social behavior. We failed to find a behavioral difference between conditions. As one of the goals for oxytocin administration as a treatment for ASD is increasing prosocial behaviors during ‘real world’ encounters, it is problematic that we failed to detect behavioral changes in our closest living relatives. However, our null findings may be related to methodological challenges such as determining an effective dose of oxytocin for chimpanzees and how long oxytocin takes to cross the blood-brain barrier. Thus, more research on intranasal oxytocin dosing and uptake are needed to continue exploring whether oxytocin changes social behavior in naturalistic settings and as a treatment for ASD. PMID:28845444

  16. Resection followed by vascularized bone autograft in patients with possible recurrence of malignant bone tumors after conservative treatment

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Metaizeau, J.P.; Olive, D.; Bey, P.

    1984-04-01

    In conservative treatment of malignant bone tumors, assessment of the local condition is difficult. The radiological changes seen in the irradiated tumor and the frequent occurrence of pathological fractures at this site may give rise to the fear that the tumor has relapsed. Resection of the whole of the involved bone is the best way to assure adequate local control but the extent of the bone defect and the bad local conditions secondary to irradiation make reconstruction hazardous. In two patients (one with Ewing's sarcoma of the femur and one with osteogenic sarcoma of the humerus) the authors used amore » free, vascularized fibular graft for the reconstruction having obtained consolidation of the limb after resection of the irradiated tumor, with preservation of its function. The encouraging results obtained have suggested a conservative attitude as primary treatment of specific malignant bone tumors.« less

  17. Early Surgery versus Initial Conservative Treatment in Patients with Traumatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage (STITCH[Trauma]): The First Randomized Trial

    PubMed Central

    Mendelow, A. David; Rowan, Elise N.; Francis, Richard; McColl, Elaine; McNamee, Paul; Chambers, Iain R.; Unterberg, Andreas; Boyers, Dwayne; Mitchell, Patrick M.

    2015-01-01

    Abstract Intraparenchymal hemorrhages occur in a proportion of severe traumatic brain injury TBI patients, but the role of surgery in their treatment is unclear. This international multi-center, patient-randomized, parallel-group trial compared early surgery (hematoma evacuation within 12 h of randomization) with initial conservative treatment (subsequent evacuation allowed if deemed necessary). Patients were randomized using an independent randomization service within 48 h of TBI. Patients were eligible if they had no more than two intraparenchymal hemorrhages of 10 mL or more and did not have an extradural or subdural hematoma that required surgery. The primary outcome measure was the traditional dichotomous split of the Glasgow Outcome Scale obtained by postal questionnaires sent directly to patients at 6 months. The trial was halted early by the UK funding agency (NIHR HTA) for failure to recruit sufficient patients from the UK (trial registration: ISRCTN19321911). A total of 170 patients were randomized from 31 of 59 registered centers worldwide. Of 82 patients randomized to early surgery with complete follow-up, 30 (37%) had an unfavorable outcome. Of 85 patients randomized to initial conservative treatment with complete follow-up, 40 (47%) had an unfavorable outcome (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, CI 0.35, 1.21; p=0.17), with an absolute benefit of 10.5% (CI, −4.4–25.3%). There were significantly more deaths in the first 6 months in the initial conservative treatment group (33% vs. 15%; p=0.006). The 10.5% absolute benefit with early surgery was consistent with the initial power calculation. However, with the low sample size resulting from the premature termination, we cannot exclude the possibility that this could be a chance finding. A further trial is required urgently to assess whether this encouraging signal can be confirmed. PMID:25738794

  18. A comparative, prospective, and randomized study of two conservative treatment protocols for first-episode lateral ankle ligament injuries.

    PubMed

    Prado, Marcelo Pires; Mendes, Alberto Abussamra Moreira; Amodio, Daniel Tasseto; Camanho, Gilberto Luis; Smyth, Niall A; Fernandes, Tulio Diniz

    2014-03-01

    The objective of this study was to investigate functional results, the amount of time that patients missed from regular working activities, and the incidence of residual mechanical ankle instability following conservative treatment of a first episode of severe lateral ankle ligament sprain (with articular instability). This prospective and randomized study included 186 patients with severe lateral ankle ligament injuries, who were randomly assigned into 2 conservative treatment groups. In group A, participants were treated with a walking boot with weight-bearing allowed, pain management, ice, and elevation with restricted joint mobilization for 3 weeks. In group B, patients were treated with a functional brace for 3 weeks. After this period, patients from both groups were placed in a short, functional brace for an additional 3 weeks, during which they also started a rehabilitation program. No statistically significant difference was found in pain intensity score between the 2 groups; however, functional evaluations based on the AOFAS ankle and hindfoot score system showed a statistically significant improvement in the group treated with the functional brace. In addition, the average recovery period necessary for patients of group B to resume their duties was shorter than that for patients in group A. No significant difference was detected in residual mechanical ankle instability between the 2 groups. Patients with severe lateral ankle ligament lesions treated with a functional brace were shown to exhibit somewhat better results than those treated with a walking boot, and both methods presented a very low incidence of residual chronic instability. We found adequate conservative treatment was sufficient to reestablish ankle stability and that functional treatment had a marginally better clinical short-term outcome with a shorter average recovery period. Level I, prospective randomized study.

  19. Conservative approach to rectosigmoid endometriosis: a cohort study.

    PubMed

    Egekvist, Anne G; Marinovskij, Edvard; Forman, Axel; Kesmodel, Ulrik S; Riiskjaer, Mads; Seyer-Hansen, Mikkel

    2017-06-01

    The aim of the study was to assess the risk of surgery after initial conservative treatment of rectosigmoid endometriosis in relation to demographic data. The study was conducted on the tertiary endometriosis referral unit, Aarhus University Hospital. Medical records, from patients seen from January 2009 onwards with a diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis and more than 6 months' follow up were audited. Demographic data, results of magnetic resonance imaging and time to secondary surgery for rectosigmoid endometriosis were registered. Data on 238 patients diagnosed with rectosigmoid endometriosis were included. In all, 78 (32.8%) patients had primary surgery, 27 (11.3%) had secondary surgery and 133 (55.9%) continued conservative treatment throughout the observation period. Patients who underwent primary or secondary surgery were younger than patients continuing conservative treatment. In a tertiary referral center where about half of patients with rectosigmoid endometriosis were scheduled for conservative treatment, more than 80% of these avoided surgery. © 2017 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

  20. Smoothed dissipative particle dynamics with angular momentum conservation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Müller, Kathrin; Fedosov, Dmitry A.; Gompper, Gerhard

    2015-01-01

    Smoothed dissipative particle dynamics (SDPD) combines two popular mesoscopic techniques, the smoothed particle hydrodynamics and dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) methods, and can be considered as an improved dissipative particle dynamics approach. Despite several advantages of the SDPD method over the conventional DPD model, the original formulation of SDPD by Español and Revenga (2003) [9], lacks angular momentum conservation, leading to unphysical results for problems where the conservation of angular momentum is essential. To overcome this limitation, we extend the SDPD method by introducing a particle spin variable such that local and global angular momentum conservation is restored. The new SDPD formulation (SDPD+a) is directly derived from the Navier-Stokes equation for fluids with spin, while thermal fluctuations are incorporated similarly to the DPD method. We test the new SDPD method and demonstrate that it properly reproduces fluid transport coefficients. Also, SDPD with angular momentum conservation is validated using two problems: (i) the Taylor-Couette flow with two immiscible fluids and (ii) a tank-treading vesicle in shear flow with a viscosity contrast between inner and outer fluids. For both problems, the new SDPD method leads to simulation predictions in agreement with the corresponding analytical theories, while the original SDPD method fails to capture properly physical characteristics of the systems due to violation of angular momentum conservation. In conclusion, the extended SDPD method with angular momentum conservation provides a new approach to tackle fluid problems such as multiphase flows and vesicle/cell suspensions, where the conservation of angular momentum is essential.

  1. Indwelling catheter and conservative measures in the treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome in fulminant acute pancreatitis

    PubMed Central

    Sun, Zhao-Xi; Huang, Hai-Rong; Zhou, Hong

    2006-01-01

    AIM: To study the effect of combined indwelling catheter, hemofiltration, respiration support and traditional Chinese medicine (e.g. Dahuang) in treating abdominal compartment syndrome of fulminant acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Patients with fulminant acute pancreatitis were divided randomly into 2 groups of combined indwelling catheter celiac drainage and intra-abdominal pressure monitoring and routine conservative measures group (group 1) and control group (group 2). Routine non-operative conservative treatments including hemofiltration, respiration support, gastrointestinal TCM ablution were also applied in control group patients. Effectiveness of the two groups was observed, and APACHE II scores were applied for analysis. RESULTS: On the second and fifth days after treatment, APACHE II scores of group 1 and 2 patients were significantly different. Comparison of effectiveness (abdominalgia and burbulence relief time, hospitalization time) between groups 1 and 2 showed significant difference, as well as incidence rates of cysts formation. Mortality rates of groups 1 and 2 were 10.0% and 20.7%, respectively. For patients in group 1, celiac drainage quantity and intra-abdominal pressure, and hospitalization time were positively correlated (r = 0.552, 0.748, 0.923, P < 0.01) with APACHE II scores. CONCLUSION: Combined indwelling catheter celiac drainage and intra-abdominal pressure monitoring, short veno-venous hemofiltration (SVVH), gastrointestinal TCM ablution, respiration support have preventive and treatment effects on abdominal compartment syndrome of fulminant acute pancreatitis. PMID:16937509

  2. Optimal Duration of Conservative Management Prior to Surgery for Cervical and Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Literature Review

    PubMed Central

    Alentado, Vincent J.; Lubelski, Daniel; Steinmetz, Michael P.; Benzel, Edward C.; Mroz, Thomas E.

    2014-01-01

    Study Design Literature review. Objective Since the 1970s, spine surgeons have commonly required 6 weeks of failed conservative treatment prior to considering surgical intervention for various spinal pathologies. It is unclear, however, if this standard has been validated in the literature. The authors review the natural history, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness studies relating to the current standard of 6 weeks of nonoperative care prior to surgery for patients with spinal pathologies. Methods A systematic Medline search from 1953 to 2013 was performed to identify natural history, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness studies relating to the optimal period of conservative management prior to surgical intervention for both cervical and lumbar radiculopathy. Demographic information, operative indications, and clinical outcomes are reviewed for each study. Results A total of 5,719 studies were identified; of these, 13 studies were selected for inclusion. Natural history studies demonstrated that 88% of patients with cervical radiculopathy and 70% of patients with lumbar radiculopathy showed improvement within 4 weeks following onset of symptoms. Outcomes and cost-effectiveness studies supported surgical intervention within 8 weeks of symptom onset for both cervical and lumbar radiculopathy. Conclusions There are limited studies supporting any optimal duration of conservative treatment prior to surgery for cervical and lumbar radiculopathy. Therefore, evidence-based conclusions cannot be made. Based on the available literature, we suggest that an optimal timing for surgery following cervical radiculopathy is within 8 weeks of onset of symptoms. A shorter period of 4 weeks may be appropriate based on natural history studies. Additionally, we found that optimal timing for surgery following lumbar radiculopathy is between 4 and 8 weeks. A prospective study is needed to explicitly identify the optimal duration of conservative therapy prior to surgery so that costs

  3. The incidence of secondary vertebral fracture of vertebral augmentation techniques versus conservative treatment for painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Song, Dawei; Meng, Bin; Gan, Minfeng; Niu, Junjie; Li, Shiyan; Chen, Hao; Yuan, Chenxi; Yang, Huilin

    2015-08-01

    Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) are minimally invasive and effective vertebral augmentation techniques for managing osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Recent meta-analyses have compared the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between patients treated with vertebral augmentation techniques or conservative treatment; however, the inclusions were not thorough and rigorous enough, and the effects of each technique on the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures remain unclear. To perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies with more rigorous inclusion criteria on the effects of vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for OVCF on the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SpringerLink, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library database were searched for relevant original articles comparing the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment for patients with OVCFs. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective non-randomized controlled trials (NRCTs) were identified. The methodological qualities of the studies were evaluated, relevant data were extracted and recorded, and an appropriate meta-analysis was conducted. A total of 13 articles were included. The pooled results from included studies showed no statistically significant differences in the incidence of secondary vertebral fractures between patients treated with vertebral augmentation techniques and conservative treatment. Subgroup analysis comparing different study designs, durations of symptoms, follow-up times, races of patients, and techniques were conducted, and no significant differences in the incidence of secondary fractures were identified (P > 0.05). No obvious publication bias was detected by either Begg's test (P = 0.360 > 0.05) or Egger's test (P = 0.373 > 0.05). Despite current thinking in the

  4. ChIP-seq Identification of Weakly Conserved Heart Enhancers

    PubMed Central

    Blow, Matthew J.; McCulley, David J.; Li, Zirong; Zhang, Tao; Akiyama, Jennifer A.; Holt, Amy; Plajzer-Frick, Ingrid; Shoukry, Malak; Wright, Crystal; Chen, Feng; Afzal, Veena; Bristow, James; Ren, Bing; Black, Brian L.; Rubin, Edward M.; Visel, Axel; Pennacchio, Len A.

    2011-01-01

    Accurate control of tissue-specific gene expression plays a pivotal role in heart development, but few cardiac transcriptional enhancers have thus far been identified. Extreme non-coding sequence conservation successfully predicts enhancers active in many tissues, but fails to identify substantial numbers of heart enhancers. Here we used ChIP-seq with the enhancer-associated protein p300 from mouse embryonic day 11.5 heart tissue to identify over three thousand candidate heart enhancers genome-wide. Compared to other tissues studied at this time-point, most candidate heart enhancers are less deeply conserved in vertebrate evolution. Nevertheless, the testing of 130 candidate regions in a transgenic mouse assay revealed that most of them reproducibly function as enhancers active in the heart, irrespective of their degree of evolutionary constraint. These results provide evidence for a large population of poorly conserved heart enhancers and suggest that the evolutionary constraint of embryonic enhancers can vary depending on tissue type. PMID:20729851

  5. Why Black Officers Still Fail

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2010-03-01

    perspective with regard to Black officer professional mobility . More poignantly stated, black officers feel as though there are structural barriers to...still failing. Dr. Darlene Iskra described the phenomenon whereby some groups fail to achieve upward professional mobility in the military as a

  6. Management of extra-capsular temporo-mandibular joint ankylosis: does conservative approach to treatment have a role?

    PubMed

    Anyanechi, C E; Osunde, O D; Bassey, G O

    2015-06-01

    The conventional management of fibrous extracapsular temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, a debilitating disease, is associated with surgical complications and financial burden on the patients. To assess the outcome of conservative approach to the management of fibrous extracapsular TMJ ankylosis. This is a prospective study of patients who presented at the Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, during the period from January 1999 to December 2012 with a history of inability to open the mouth diagnosed as fibrous extracapsular TMJ ankylosis. Twenty-one subjects were treated and their ages ranged from 11 to 22 years with mean at 15.0 years. There were 13 (61.9 %) males and 8 (38.1 %) females with male: female ratio of 1.6:1. The aetiological factor that predisposed to formation of extracapsular TMJ ankylosis was facial trauma. There was no facial asymmetry and the side distribution of the affliction showed that 1 (4.8 %) was bilateral while 20 (95.2 %) were unilateral. Eight cases (38.1 %) were incomplete ankylosis while the rest (n = 13, 61.9 %) were complete. The shorter the duration of fibrous ankylosis and the greater the initial inter-incisal distance before treatment, the better the treatment outcome. The outcome of treatment suggests that the conservative approach to management of this condition was beneficial to these patients because they presented early. However, randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to validate this treatment option.

  7. Cost-Effectiveness of Surgical Versus Conservative Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures.

    PubMed

    Aras, Efe Levent; Bunger, Cody; Hansen, Ebbe Stender; Søgaard, Rikke

    2016-02-01

    Historical, register-based cohort study following 85 patients in the course of a time frame extending from 2 years before to 2 years after trauma occurrence. To investigate the cost-effectiveness of surgery versus conservative management for thoracolumbar burst fractures. Despite the prevalence of thoracolumbar burst fractures, consensus has still not been reached in terms of their clinical management and whereas from a health policy point of view, efficient use of resources is equally important, literature pertaining to this aspect is limited. Consecutive patients who were admitted to a university clinic between 2004 and 2008 because of CT-verified AO type A3 fractures (T11-L2), age 18 to 65 years Patients with neurological compromise, osteoporosis, or malignancy were not included. The cost parameter defined primary and secondary health-care use (2010 &OV0556;) and the effect parameter was based on three alternative measures of pain medication: morphine milligram and defined daily doses (DDD) of narcotic and nonnarcotic analgesics. For cost-effectiveness analysis, we employed a difference-in-difference approach, including control for treatment selection (age, sex, and fracture type). Nonparametric bootstrapping was used to estimate conventional 95% confidence intervals of mean estimates. When taking into consideration all health-care consumption, surgical management was observed to cost an additional &OV0556;10,734 (4215; 15,144) as compared with conservative management. The differences on morphine at 527(-3031; 6,016) milligram, narcotic analgesics at -8(-176; 127) DDD, and nonnarcotic analgesics at -3(-72; 58) DDD were all insignificant The probability for surgery being cost-effective did not exceed 50% for any value of willingness to pay for effect. Surgical management does not seem to be a cost-effective strategy as compared with conservative management for traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures without neurological deficits. In addition, higher

  8. 21 CFR 1.284 - What are the other consequences of failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false What are the other consequences of failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing to comply with this subpart? 1.284 Section 1.284 Food... failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing to comply with this subpart? (a) The...

  9. 21 CFR 1.284 - What are the other consequences of failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false What are the other consequences of failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing to comply with this subpart? 1.284 Section 1.284 Food... failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing to comply with this subpart? (a) The...

  10. 21 CFR 1.284 - What are the other consequences of failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false What are the other consequences of failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing to comply with this subpart? 1.284 Section 1.284 Food... failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing to comply with this subpart? (a) The...

  11. 21 CFR 1.284 - What are the other consequences of failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false What are the other consequences of failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing to comply with this subpart? 1.284 Section 1.284 Food... failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing to comply with this subpart? (a) The...

  12. 21 CFR 1.284 - What are the other consequences of failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... 21 Food and Drugs 1 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false What are the other consequences of failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing to comply with this subpart? 1.284 Section 1.284 Food... failing to submit adequate prior notice or otherwise failing to comply with this subpart? (a) The...

  13. Effective conservative treatment of umbilical pilonidal sinus disease: Silver nitrate? Salt?

    PubMed

    Sözen, Selim; Kanat, Burhan Hakan; Kanat, Zekiye; Bali, Ilhan; Polat, Yilmaz

    2015-01-01

    The aim of this study was to compare the three different treatment methods and investigate The effectiveness of the therapeutic effect of common salt. This retrospective study involved patients who were treated in our clinic for umbilical pilonidal sinus disease between January 2010 and December 2011. The patients were divided to three subgroups according to treatment methods. Group I: Cases treated with only local debridement and systemic antibiotic, group II: cases treated with local debridement, systemic antibiotic and silver nitrate, group 3: cases treated with debridement, systemic antibiotic and salt. In this study, 63 patients with the diagnosis of UPS were treated in our clinic. The patients were classified into three groups; group I included 20 patients, group II included 18 patients and group III included 18 patients. During 16-24 months of follow-up, 4 (20%) recurrences in group1 and 2 (11.1%) recurrences in group 2 were detected. Recurrence rate of group 3 was significantly different (5.55%) when compared to group 2. The mean period for returning to daily activities and work was 1 day for the patients. In conclusion, we suggest that pilonidal sinus cases which are not complicated by abcess and cellulitis can be treated by local removal of umbilical hairs, debridement and dressing without surgery. We conclude that application of common salt (table/ cooking salt) to umbilical pilonidal sinus with granuloma is a simple and highly effective way of treatment without any relapse and complications. Conservative treatment, Local debridement, Umblical pilonidal sinus.

  14. Analysis of evolutionary conservation patterns and their influence on identifying protein functional sites.

    PubMed

    Fang, Chun; Noguchi, Tamotsu; Yamana, Hayato

    2014-10-01

    Evolutionary conservation information included in position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) has been widely adopted by sequence-based methods for identifying protein functional sites, because all functional sites, whether in ordered or disordered proteins, are found to be conserved at some extent. However, different functional sites have different conservation patterns, some of them are linear contextual, some of them are mingled with highly variable residues, and some others seem to be conserved independently. Every value in PSSMs is calculated independently of each other, without carrying the contextual information of residues in the sequence. Therefore, adopting the direct output of PSSM for prediction fails to consider the relationship between conservation patterns of residues and the distribution of conservation scores in PSSMs. In order to demonstrate the importance of combining PSSMs with the specific conservation patterns of functional sites for prediction, three different PSSM-based methods for identifying three kinds of functional sites have been analyzed. Results suggest that, different PSSM-based methods differ in their capability to identify different patterns of functional sites, and better combining PSSMs with the specific conservation patterns of residues would largely facilitate the prediction.

  15. A prospective randomized controlled trial comparing occupational therapy with home-based exercises in conservative treatment of rotator cuff tears.

    PubMed

    Krischak, Gert; Gebhard, Florian; Reichel, Heiko; Friemert, Benedikt; Schneider, Florian; Fisser, Christoph; Kaluscha, Rainer; Kraus, Michael

    2013-09-01

    This pilot study evaluates the outcome after occupational therapy, compared to home-based exercises in the conservative treatment of patients with full thickness rotator cuff tears. Forty-three adult subjects (range, 18-75 years), who had a full thickness rupture of the rotator cuff which was verified by magnetic imaging tomography, with clinical signs of a chronic rotator cuff impingement, and who were available for follow-up, were randomized to occupational therapy or to independent home-based exercises using a booklet. After drop-out, 38 patients were available for full examination at follow-up. Before therapy and after 2 months of conservative treatment, pain intensity, the Constant-Murley score, isokinetic strength testing in abduction and external rotation, functional limitation, clinical shoulder tests and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) were evaluated. Two-thirds of the patients improved in clinical shoulder tests, regardless of the therapy group. There were no significant differences between the groups with reference to pain, range of motion, maximum peak force (abduction, external rotation), the Constant-Murley score, and the EQ-5D index. The only significant difference observed was the improvement in the self-assessed health- related quality of life (EQ-5D VAS) favoring home-based exercises. Home-based exercise, on the basis of an illustrated booklet with exercises twice a day, supplies comparable results to formal occupational therapy in the conservative treatment of rotator cuff tears. The results of this pilot study suggest some potential advantages related to psychological benefits using home-based treatment. Copyright © 2013 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. The management of failed ankle replacement.

    PubMed

    Kotnis, R; Pasapula, C; Anwar, F; Cooke, P H; Sharp, R J

    2006-08-01

    Advances in the design of the components for total ankle replacement have led to a resurgence of interest in this procedure. Between January 1999 and December 2004, 16 patients with a failed total ankle replacement were referred to our unit. In the presence of infection, a two-stage salvage procedure was planned. The first involved the removal of the components and the insertion of a cement spacer. Definitive treatment options included hindfoot fusion with a circular frame or amputation. When there was no infection, a one-stage salvage procedure was planned. Options included hindfoot fusion with an intramedullary nail or revision total ankle replacement. When there was suspicion of infection, a percutaneous biopsy was performed. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. Of the 16 patients, 14 had aseptic loosening, five of whom underwent a revision total ankle replacement and nine a hindfoot fusion. Of the two with infection, one underwent fusion and the other a below-knee amputation. There were no cases of wound breakdown, nonunion or malunion. Management of the failed total ankle replacement should be performed by experienced surgeons and ideally in units where multidisciplinary support is available. Currently, a hindfoot fusion appears to be preferable to a revision total ankle replacement.

  17. Conservation and Preservation of Humanities Research Collections. Essays on Treatment and Care of Rare Books, Manuscripts, Photography, and Art on Paper and Canvas.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Oliphant, Dave, Ed.

    The 10 essays in this collection describe conservation and preservation projects conducted at the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at the University of Texas at Austin. Eight of the 10 essays, each of which is written by a member of the Center's staff, address conservation treatments and issues. Two essays deal with preserving materials by…

  18. Which female cancer patients fail to receive fertility counseling before treatment in the state of Georgia?

    PubMed

    Chin, Helen B; Howards, Penelope P; Kramer, Michael R; Mertens, Ann C; Spencer, Jessica B

    2016-12-01

    To assess which characteristics are associated with failure to receive fertility counseling among a cohort of young women diagnosed with cancer. Population-based cohort study. Not applicable. A total of 1,282 cancer survivors, of whom 1,116 met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. None. The main outcome in this study was whether or not women reported receiving any information at the time of their cancer diagnosis on how cancer treatment might affect their ability to become pregnant. Forty percent of cancer survivors reported that they did not receive fertility counseling at the time of cancer diagnosis. Women were more likely to fail to receive counseling if they had only a high school education or less or if they had given birth. Cancer-related variables that were associated with a lack of counseling included not receiving chemotherapy as part of treatment and diagnosis with certain cancer types. Counseling about the risk of infertility and available fertility preservation options is important to cancer patients. Additionally, counseling can make women aware of other adverse reproductive outcomes, such as early menopause and its associated symptoms. Less-educated women and parous women are at particular risk of not getting fertility-related information. Programs that focus on training not just the oncologist, but also other health care providers involved with cancer care, to provide fertility counseling may help to expand access. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Athletic Population with Spondylolysis: Review of Outcomes following Surgical Repair or Conservative Management

    PubMed Central

    Panteliadis, Pavlos; Nagra, Navraj S.; Edwards, Kimberley L.; Behrbalk, Eyal; Boszczyk, Bronek

    2016-01-01

    Study Design  Narrative review. Objective  The study aims to critically review the outcomes associated with the surgical repair or conservative management of spondylolysis in athletes. Methods  The English literature listed in MEDLINE/PubMed was reviewed to identify related articles using the term “spondylolysis AND athlete.” The criteria for studies to be included were management of spondylolysis in athletes, English text, and no year, follow-up, or study design restrictions. The references of the retrieved articles were also evaluated. The primary outcome was time to return to sport. This search yielded 180 citations, and 25 publications were included in the review. Results  Treatment methods were dichotomized as operative and nonoperative. In the nonoperative group, 390 athletes were included. A combination of bracing with physical therapy and restriction of activities was used. Conservative measures allowed athletes to return to sport in 3.7 months (weighted mean). One hundred seventy-four patients were treated surgically. The most common technique was Buck's, using a compression screw (91/174). All authors reported satisfactory outcomes. Time to return to play was 7.9 months (weighted mean). There were insufficient studies with suitably homogenous subgroups to conduct a meta-analysis. Conclusion  There is no gold standard approach for the management of spondylolysis in the athletic population. The existing literature suggests initial therapy should be a course of conservative management with thoracolumbosacral orthosis brace, physiotherapy, and activity modification. If conservative management fails, surgical intervention should be considered. Two-sided clinical studies are needed to determine an optimal pathway for the management of athletes with spondylolysis. PMID:27556003

  20. The evaluation and surgical management of cyclodialysis clefts that have failed to respond to conservative management

    PubMed Central

    Ioannidis, Alexander S; Bunce, Catey; Barton, Keith

    2014-01-01

    Purpose To investigate factors that may influence successful correction of hypotony in a consecutive series of patients with cyclodialysis clefts repaired surgically over a 10-year period. Design Retrospective interventional case series. Methods Interventional case series of consecutive patients with cyclodialysis clefts and hypotony treated surgically after failure of conservative treatment. Results Eighteen patients (18 eyes) of mean (SD) age 48.3 (15.8) years at the time of surgery were included (16 male, 2 female). All were diagnosed using gonioscopy, usually assisted with intracameral viscoelastic injection. Imaging used in three cases was not found to be sufficiently precise to plan surgical intervention, without prior gonioscopic cleft visualisation. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was restored in nine cases (50%) after one procedure with a postoperative IOP (mean±SD) of 13.6±4.5 mm Hg (6/11 who had cyclopexy as a first procedure and 3/6 who had cryopexy). 2–3 procedures were required in the remaining nine patients. There was a trend towards the use of cyclopexy for larger clefts and cryopexy for smaller clefts (NS). We observed a trend for a lower likelihood of successful closure of larger clefts after one intervention. Two eyes that had cyclopexy required later IOP-lowering surgery to achieve IOP control. Conclusions Most clefts were closed with one procedure. A trend towards larger cleft size as a preoperative risk factor for failure to achieve closure with one procedure was observed. In this series, imaging was not found to be sufficiently precise to replace viscoelastic-assisted gonioscopy in the diagnosis and evaluation of cyclodialysis clefts. PMID:24457370

  1. Is mastectomy superior to breast-conserving treatment for young women?

    PubMed

    Coulombe, Geneviève; Tyldesley, Scott; Speers, Caroline; Paltiel, Chuck; Aquino-Parsons, Christina; Bernstein, Vanessa; Truong, Pauline T; Keyes, Mira; Olivotto, Ivo A

    2007-04-01

    To examine whether modified radical mastectomy (MRM) improves outcomes compared with breast-conserving treatment (BCT) in young women. Women aged 20-49 years, diagnosed with early breast cancer between 1989 and 1998, were identified. Management with BCT or MRM was compared for local (L), locoregional (LR), and distant relapse-free survival (DRFS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) by age group (20-39 years, 40-49 years). The analysis was repeated for patients considered "ideal" candidates for BCT: tumor size < or =2 cm, pathologically negative axillary nodes, negative margins, and no reported ductal carcinoma in situ. A total of 1,597 women received BCT, and 801 had MRM. After a median follow-up of 9.0 years, the outcomes (L, LR, BCSS) were worse for the younger age group; however, the outcomes were not statistically different by type of local treatment. For women aged 20-39 years considered "ideal" for BCT, those treated with BCT had slightly lower LRFS compared with those treated with MRM (p = 0.3), but DRFS and BCSS were similar. A difference in LRFS at 10 years potentially favored MRM among women aged 20-39 years considered "ideal" BCT candidates but was not statistically significant and did not translate into a noticeable difference in DRFS or BCSS. Our data suggest that young age alone is not a contraindication to BCT.

  2. Is Repeat PTA of a Failing Hemodialysis Fistula Durable?

    PubMed Central

    Zdanowski, Zbigniew

    2014-01-01

    Purpose. Our objective was to evaluate the outcome of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and particularly rePTA in a failing arteriovenous fistula (AV-fistula). Are multiple redilations worthwhile? Patients and Methods. All 159 stenoses of AV fistulas that were treated with PTA, with or without stenting, during 2008 and 2009, were included. Occluded fistulas that were dilated after successful thrombolysis were also included. Median age was 68 (interquartile range 61.5–78.5) years and 75% were male. Results. Seventy-nine (50%) of the primary PTAs required no further reintervention. The primary patency was 61% at 6 months and 42% at 12 months. Eighty (50%) of the stenoses needed at least one reintervention. Primary assisted patency (defined as patency after subsequent reinterventions) was 89% at 6 months and 85% at 12 months. The durability of repeated PTAs was similar to the durability of the primary PTA. However, an early primary PTA carried a higher risk for subsequent reinterventions. Successful dialysis was achieved after 98% of treatments. Nine percent of the stenoses eventually required surgical revision and 13% of the fistulas failed permanently. Conclusion. The present study suggests that most failing AV-fistulas can be salvaged endovascularly. Repeated PTA seems similarly durable as the primary PTA. PMID:24587906

  3. Is Repeat PTA of a Failing Hemodialysis Fistula Durable?

    PubMed

    Bountouris, Ioannis; Kristmundsson, Thorarinn; Dias, Nuno; Zdanowski, Zbigniew; Malina, Martin

    2014-01-01

    Purpose. Our objective was to evaluate the outcome of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and particularly rePTA in a failing arteriovenous fistula (AV-fistula). Are multiple redilations worthwhile? Patients and Methods. All 159 stenoses of AV fistulas that were treated with PTA, with or without stenting, during 2008 and 2009, were included. Occluded fistulas that were dilated after successful thrombolysis were also included. Median age was 68 (interquartile range 61.5-78.5) years and 75% were male. Results. Seventy-nine (50%) of the primary PTAs required no further reintervention. The primary patency was 61% at 6 months and 42% at 12 months. Eighty (50%) of the stenoses needed at least one reintervention. Primary assisted patency (defined as patency after subsequent reinterventions) was 89% at 6 months and 85% at 12 months. The durability of repeated PTAs was similar to the durability of the primary PTA. However, an early primary PTA carried a higher risk for subsequent reinterventions. Successful dialysis was achieved after 98% of treatments. Nine percent of the stenoses eventually required surgical revision and 13% of the fistulas failed permanently. Conclusion. The present study suggests that most failing AV-fistulas can be salvaged endovascularly. Repeated PTA seems similarly durable as the primary PTA.

  4. Follow up of infertile patients after failed ART cycles: a preliminary report from Iran and Turkey.

    PubMed

    Khalili, Mohammad Ali; Kahraman, Semra; Ugur, Mete Gurol; Agha-Rahimi, Azam; Tabibnejad, Nasim

    2012-03-01

    Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has become an established and increasingly successful form of treatment for infertility. However, significant numbers of cycles fail after embryo transfer (ET) and it becomes necessary to follow up the infertile couples after failed ART treatments. The main goal was to follow up the infertile patients after failed IVF/ICSI+ET treatments in Iran and Turkey. 198 infertile couples from Iran and 355 infertile couples from Turkey were followed up after IVF/ICSI failures. The patients' demographic data, the couples' decisions about continuation of treatment and the spontaneous pregnancy rates were compared in the two countries. The drop-out rate was higher in Iran (28.3%) than in Turkey (23.4%). The reasons for treatment discontinuation in Iran and Turkey were: financial problem (33.9% vs. 41%), hopeless (10.7% vs. 22.9%), fear of drug side-effects (7.1% vs. 12%), achieving pregnancy (37.5% vs. 19.6%), child adoption (5.4% vs. 2.4%), lack of spouse cooperation (5.4% vs. 2.4%), and divorce (0% vs. 2.4%). Spontaneous pregnancy was significantly higher in Iran (10.1%) than in Turkey (3.9%). There was correlation between duration of infertility and female factor infertility with spontaneous pregnancy. Since the majority of couples that discontinued treatment had financial problems, it is essential for health professionals to support infertile couples during their childlessness crisis. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Research, conservation, and collaboration: The role of visiting scientists in developing countries

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Foster, Mercedes S.

    1993-01-01

    As awareness of environmental problems and the need to protect our natural resources or use them wisely has grown, scientists have become increasingly interested in conservation. Some individuals are involved in conservation-related activities through research or teaching, but most of us participate only as citizens concerned about the world in which we live. Often, we decline to take an active role in conservation issues because we think that "it will take too much time away from our science," or that it is "too much trouble." Both perspectives, I think, are inaccurate. Sometimes investigators fail to participate because they are ignorant of the ways in which scientists (or scientific organizations) interface with conservation - in other words, of how one goes about getting personally involved. Whatever the reason, this lack of involvement is unfortunate, because scientists, and especially "whole organism" biologists (including ornithologists), can make unique contributions to conservation programs, as scientists, without a significant increase in effort or any change in the quality of their work. At the same time, they reap both professional and personal rewards.

  6. Failure investigations of failed valve plug SS410 steel due to cracking

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kalyankar, V. D.; Deshmukh, D. D.

    2017-12-01

    Premature and sudden in service failure of a valve plug due to crack formation, applied in power plant has been investigated. The plug was tempered and heat treated, the crack was originated at centre, developed along the axis and propagates radially towards outer surface of plug. The expected life of the component is 10-15 years while, the component had failed just after the installation that is, within 3 months of its service. No corrosion products were observed on the crack interface and on the failed surface; hence, causes of corrosion failure are neglected. This plug of level separator control valve, is welded to the stem by means of plasma-transferred arc welding and as there is no crack observed at the welding zone, the failure due to welding residual stresses are also neglected. The failed component discloses exposed surface of a crack interface that originated from centre and propagates radially. The micro-structural observation, hardness testing, and visual observation are carried out of the specimen prepared from the failed section and base portion. The microstructure from the cracked interface showed severe carbide formation along the grain boundaries. From the microstructural analysis of the failed sample, it is observed that there is a formation of acicular carbides along the grain boundaries due to improper tempering heat treatment.

  7. EUS-guided methylene blue cholangiopancreatography for benign biliopancreatic diseases after failed ERCP.

    PubMed

    Consiglieri, Claudia F; Gornals, Joan B; Albines, Gino; De-la-Hera, Meritxell; Secanella, Lluis; Pelaez, Nuria; Busquets, Juli

    2016-07-01

    When ERCP fails, EUS-guided interventional techniques may be an alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate the general outcomes and safety of EUS-guided methylene blue cholangiopancreatography in patients with failed ERCP in benign biliopancreatic diseases. Patients with benign biliopancreatic diseases and failed ERCP were included. EUS-guided cholangiopancreatography plus injection of methylene blue was performed, and then ERCP using coloring agent flow as an indicator of papilla orifice was performed. Procedures were prospectively collected in this observational, single-center study. Technical success, clinical success, and adverse events were analyzed retrospectively. Eleven patients were included (10 choledocholithiasis, 1 pancreatic stricture). The main reason for failed ERCP was an unidentifiable papilla. EUS-guided ductal access with cholangiopancreatography and papilla orifice identification was obtained in all cases. Technical success and clinical success rates of 91% were achieved, with successful biliopancreatic drainage in 10 patients. Adverse events included 1 peripancreatic abscess attributed to a precut, which was successfully treated. No adverse events were related to the first EUS-guided stage. EUS-guided cholangiopancreatography with methylene blue injection seems to be a feasible and helpful technique for treatment in patients with benign biliopancreatic diseases with previous failed ERCP because of an undetectable papilla. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Various attitudes to the use of corrective exercises in conservative treatment of scoliosis.

    PubMed

    Nowotny, Janusz; Nowotny-Czupryna, Olga; Czupryna, Krzysztof

    2010-01-01

    In acquired scoliosis, the degree of the curve is initially low and its type becomes apparent only after it has progressed. The characteristics of scoliosis include an abnormal spatial arrangement of individual body segments, which the central nervous system (CNS) interprets as a defect and automatically launches compensatory mechanisms. Neglecting low-degree scoliosis poses a two-fold danger. It usually leads to the development of structural changes, while the child gets used to the abnormal body arrangement, thus reinforcing the poor postural habits. The basic aim of early rehabilitation is to manage the compensatory mechanisms and prevent the development of adverse secondary changes, rehabilitation in scoliosis being no exception.Some cases of scoliosis require surgery. The point is to minimise the changes resulting from the progression of scoliosis. The role of corrective exercises seems to be significant here. However, views on the usefulness of such exercises are sometimes extremely varied, even though both favourable and sceptical opinions are not fully supported by the literature. However, a number of reports indicate that corrective exercises are useful.
    The selection and of corrective exercises and how they should be performed are another question. A number of methods of conservative treatment of scoliosis have been devised. Currently, none of them is considered a comprehensive regimen since each patient requires an individual approach. The most difficult aspect is to ensure that local correction translates to the automatic maintenance of the corrected body posture in a standing position. This is facilitated by corrective exercises supported with biofeedback.
    The aim of this paper is to elucidate this complex issue that often leads to divergent and improper attitudes to the conservative treatment of scoliosis.

  9. Hyaluronic acid-green tea catechin micellar nanocomplexes: Fail-safe cisplatin nanomedicine for the treatment of ovarian cancer without off-target toxicity.

    PubMed

    Bae, Ki Hyun; Tan, Susi; Yamashita, Atsushi; Ang, Wei Xia; Gao, Shu Jun; Wang, Shu; Chung, Joo Eun; Kurisawa, Motoichi

    2017-12-01

    The green tea catechin, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), has gained significant attention as a potent adjuvant to enhance the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin while mitigating its harmful side effects. Herein we report the development of a fail-safe cisplatin nanomedicine constructed with hyaluronic acid-EGCG conjugate for ovarian cancer therapy. A simple mixing of this conjugate and cisplatin induces spontaneous self-assembly of micellar nanocomplexes having a spherical core-shell structure. The surface-exposed hyaluronic acid enables efficient delivery of cisplatin into CD44-overexpressing cancer cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis whereas the internally packed EGCG moieties offer an environment favorable for the encapsulation of cisplatin. In addition, the antioxidant effect of EGCG moieties ensures fail-safe protection against off-target organ toxicity originating from cisplatin-evoked oxidative stress. Pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies reveal the prolonged blood circulation and preferential tumor accumulation of intravenously administered nanocomplexes. Moreover, the nanocomplexes exhibit superior antitumor efficacy over free cisplatin while displaying no toxicity in both a subcutaneous xenograft model and peritoneal metastatic model of human ovarian cancer. Our findings demonstrate proof of concept for the feasibility of green tea catechin-based micellar nanocomplexes as a safe and effective cisplatin nanomedicine for ovarian cancer treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Effects of vedolizumab induction therapy for patients with Crohn's disease in whom tumor necrosis factor antagonist treatment failed.

    PubMed

    Sands, Bruce E; Feagan, Brian G; Rutgeerts, Paul; Colombel, Jean-Frédéric; Sandborn, William J; Sy, Richmond; D'Haens, Geert; Ben-Horin, Shomron; Xu, Jing; Rosario, Maria; Fox, Irving; Parikh, Asit; Milch, Catherine; Hanauer, Stephen

    2014-09-01

    There is an increasing need for new treatments for patients with Crohn's disease (CD) in whom previous therapy with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists has failed. We performed a placebo-controlled, phase 3, double-blind trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab, an antibody against the integrin α4β7, as induction therapy. Patients with moderately to severely active CD (CD activity index [CDAI] score, 220-400 points) were assigned randomly to groups given vedolizumab (300 mg) or placebo intravenously at weeks 0, 2, and 6. The primary analysis involved 315 patients with previous TNF antagonist failure (ie, an inadequate response to, loss of response to, or intolerance of ≥1 TNF antagonists); we determined the proportion of patients in clinical remission (CDAI, ≤150 points) at week 6. Secondary analyses evaluated outcomes at weeks 6 and 10 in this population and in the overall population (N = 416), which included patients naive to TNF antagonist therapy (n = 101). Among patients who had experienced previous TNF antagonist failure, 15.2% of those given vedolizumab and 12.1% of those given placebo were in remission at week 6 (P = .433). At week 10, a higher proportion of this population given vedolizumab was in remission (26.6%) than those given placebo (12.1%) (nominal P = .001; relative risk, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-3.6). A higher proportion of patients with previous TNF antagonist failure given vedolizumab also had a CDAI-100 response (≥100-point decrease in CDAI score from baseline) at week 6 than those given placebo (39.2% vs 22.3%; nominal P = .001; relative risk, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.5). Adverse event results were similar among all groups. Vedolizumab was not more effective than placebo in inducing clinical remission at week 6 among patients with CD in whom previous treatment with TNF antagonists had failed. The therapeutic benefits of vedolizumab in these patients were detectable at week 10. Clinical

  11. Ten-year results of treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast with conservative surgery and radiotherapy.

    PubMed

    Amichetti, M; Caffo, O; Richetti, A; Zini, G; Rigon, A; Antonello, M; Arcicasa, M; Coghetto, F; Valdagni, R; Maluta, S; Di Marco, A

    1997-09-01

    The optimal treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast has not yet been established. The effectiveness of adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy after conservative surgery is debated. Few data are available in Italy on the combined treatment. A collaborative multi-institutional study on this issue in 10 radiation oncology departments of the north-east of Italy was conducted. One hundred and thirty nine women with DCIS of the breast were treated between 1980 and 1990. Age ranged between 28 and 88 years (median 50 years). Surgical procedures were: quadrantectomy in 108, lumpectomy in 22 and wide excision in 9 cases. The axilla was surgically staged in 97 cases: all the patients were node-negative. Radiation therapy was delivered with 60Co units (78%) or 6 MV linear accelerators (22%) for a median total dose to the entire breast of 50 Gy (mean 49.48 Gy; range 45-60 Gy). The tumour bed was boosted in 109 cases (78%) at a dose of 4-30 Gy (median 10 Gy) for a minimum tumour dose of 58 Gy. Median follow-up was 81 months. Thirteen local recurrences were recorded, 7 intraductal and 6 invasive. All recurrent patients had a salvage mastectomy and are alive and free of disease. Actuarial overall, cause-specific and recurrence-free survival at 10 years are of 93%, 100% and 86%, respectively. The results of this retrospective multicentric study substantiate the favourable data reported in the literature and confirm the efficacy of the breast-conserving treatment of DCIS employing conservative surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy.

  12. 29 CFR 37.66 - What happens if a recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 29 Labor 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false What happens if a recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails to provide CRC with the required access? 37.66 Section 37.66 Labor... recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails to provide CRC with the...

  13. 29 CFR 37.66 - What happens if a recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 29 Labor 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true What happens if a recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails to provide CRC with the required access? 37.66 Section 37.66 Labor... recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails to provide CRC with the...

  14. 29 CFR 37.66 - What happens if a recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 29 Labor 1 2014-07-01 2013-07-01 true What happens if a recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails to provide CRC with the required access? 37.66 Section 37.66 Labor... recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails to provide CRC with the...

  15. 29 CFR 37.66 - What happens if a recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 29 Labor 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false What happens if a recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails to provide CRC with the required access? 37.66 Section 37.66 Labor... recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails to provide CRC with the...

  16. 29 CFR 37.66 - What happens if a recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 29 Labor 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false What happens if a recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails to provide CRC with the required access? 37.66 Section 37.66 Labor... recipient fails to submit requested data, records, and/or information, or fails to provide CRC with the...

  17. NADPH oxidase contributes to coronary endothelial dysfunction in the failing heart.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ping; Hou, Mingxiao; Li, Yunfang; Xu, Xin; Barsoum, Michel; Chen, Yingjie; Bache, Robert J

    2009-03-01

    Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the failing heart can react with nitric oxide (NO), thereby decreasing NO bioavailability. This study tested the hypothesis that increased ROS generation contributes to coronary endothelial dysfunction in the failing heart. Congestive heart failure (CHF) was produced in six dogs by ventricular pacing at 240 beats/min for 4 wk. Studies were performed at rest and during treadmill exercise under control conditions and after treatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor and antioxidant apocynin (4 mg/kg iv). Apocynin caused no significant changes in heart rate, aortic pressure, left ventricular (LV) systolic pressure, LV end-diastolic pressure, or maximum rate of LV pressure increase at rest or during exercise in normal or CHF dogs. Apocynin caused no change in coronary blood flow (CBF) in normal dogs but increased CBF at rest and during exercise in animals with CHF (P < 0.05). Intracoronary ACh caused dose-dependent increases of CBF that were blunted in CHF. Apocynin had no effect on the response to ACh in normal dogs but augmented the response to ACh in CHF dogs (P < 0.05). The oxidative stress markers nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal were significantly greater in failing than in normal myocardium. Furthermore, coelenterazine chemiluminescence for O(2)(-) was more than twice normal in failing myocardium, and this difference was abolished by apocynin. Western blot analysis of myocardial lysates demonstrated that the p47(phox) and p22(phox) subunits of NADPH were significantly increased in the failing hearts, while real-time PCR demonstrated that Nox2 mRNA was significantly increased. The data indicate that increased ROS generation in the failing heart is associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction and suggest that NADPH oxidase may contribute to this abnormality.

  18. Using strategic foresight to assess conservation opportunity.

    PubMed

    Cook, Carly N; Wintle, Bonnie C; Aldrich, Stephen C; Wintle, Brendan A

    2014-12-01

    The nature of conservation challenges can foster a reactive, rather than proactive approach to decision making. Failure to anticipate problems before they escalate results in the need for more costly and time-consuming solutions. Proactive conservation requires forward-looking approaches to decision making that consider possible futures without being overly constrained by the past. Strategic foresight provides a structured process for considering the most desirable future and for mapping the most efficient and effective approaches to promoting that future with tools that facilitate creative thinking. The process involves 6 steps: setting the scope, collecting inputs, analyzing signals, interpreting the information, determining how to act, and implementing the outcomes. Strategic foresight is ideal for seeking, recognizing, and realizing conservation opportunities because it explicitly encourages a broad-minded, forward-looking perspective on an issue. Despite its potential value, the foresight process is rarely used to address conservation issues, and previous attempts have generally failed to influence policy. We present the strategic foresight process as it can be used for proactive conservation planning, describing some of the key tools in the foresight tool kit and how they can be used to identify and exploit different types of conservation opportunities. Scanning is an important tool for collecting and organizing diverse streams of information and can be used to recognize new opportunities and those that could be created. Scenario planning explores how current trends, drivers of change, and key uncertainties might influence the future and can be used to identify barriers to opportunities. Backcasting is used to map out a path to a goal and can determine how to remove barriers to opportunities. We highlight how the foresight process was used to identify conservation opportunities during the development of a strategic plan to address climate change in New York

  19. The alignment of agricultural and nature conservation policies in the European Union.

    PubMed

    Hodge, Ian; Hauck, Jennifer; Bonn, Aletta

    2015-08-01

    Europe is a region of relatively high population density and productive agriculture subject to substantial government intervention under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Many habitats and species of high conservation interest have been created by the maintenance of agricultural practices over long periods. These practices are often no longer profitable, and nature conservation initiatives require government support to cover the cost for them to be continued. The CAP has been reformed both to reduce production of agricultural commodities at costs in excess of world prices and to establish incentives for landholders to adopt voluntary conservation measures. A separate nature conservation policy has established an extensive series of protected sites (Natura 2000) that has, as yet, failed to halt the loss of biodiversity. Additional broader scale approaches have been advocated for conservation in the wider landscape matrix, including the alignment of agricultural and nature conservation policies, which remains a challenge. Possibilities for alignment include further shifting of funds from general support for farmers toward targeted payments for biodiversity goals at larger scales and adoption of an ecosystem approach. The European response to the competing demands for land resources may offer lessons globally as demands on rural land increase. © 2015 Society for Conservation Biology.

  20. Wrist Arthrodesis for Failed Total Wrist Arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Adams, Brian D; Kleinhenz, Ben P; Guan, Justin J

    2016-06-01

    Treatment options for failed total wrist arthroplasty include implant revision, resection arthroplasty, and arthrodesis. Variable results associated with different techniques have been reported for arthrodesis and the procedure has substantial technical challenges, including restoration of wrist height, obtaining stable fixation, and achieving bony fusion. This study evaluates the radiographic results of a surgical technique for conversion of a failed arthroplasty to an arthrodesis. A retrospective chart and radiograph review was performed in 20 wrists in 18 patients in whom conversion to an arthrodesis was performed using a contoured cancellous femoral head structural allograft and a wrist arthrodesis plate. Supplemental demineralized bone matrix combined with corticocancellous allograft chips was also used in 15 wrists. Median age at arthrodesis was 61 years (range, 45-78 years), and median follow-up was 34 months (range, 4-71 months). Nineteen of 20 wrists fused following the index procedure at a median of 4 months (range, 3-7 months). Proximal plate loosening occurred in 1 wrist but the joint still fused at 6 months; a successful osteotomy and revision of screw fixation was done 2 years later to correct the deformity and hardware irritation in this case. Complications were otherwise limited to 1 superficial infection that resolved with intravenous antibiotics. This technique for conversion of a failed total wrist arthroplasty to a wrist arthrodesis is safe, effective, and versatile. Wrist deformity is corrected, wrist height can be restored, stable fixation is obtained, and a high rate of fusion is achieved despite filling large defects using structural cancellous allograft. Therapeutic IV. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Anatomical analysis of the resected roots of mandibular first molars after failed non-surgical retreatment

    PubMed Central

    2018-01-01

    Objectives Understanding the reason for an unsuccessful non-surgical endodontic treatment outcome, as well as the complex anatomy of the root canal system, is very important. This study examined the cross-sectional root canal structure of mandibular first molars confirmed to have failed non-surgical root canal treatment using digital images obtained during intentional replantation surgery, as well as the causative factors of the failed conventional endodontic treatments. Materials and Methods This study evaluated 115 mandibular first molars. Digital photographic images of the resected surface were taken at the apical 3 mm level and examined. The discolored dentin area around the root canal was investigated by measuring the total surface area, the treated areas as determined by the endodontic filling material, and the discolored dentin area. Results Forty 2-rooted teeth showed discolored root dentin in both the mesial and distal roots. Compared to the original filled area, significant expansion of root dentin discoloration was observed. Moreover, the mesial roots were significantly more discolored than the distal roots. Of the 115 molars, 92 had 2 roots. Among the mesial roots of the 2-rooted teeth, 95.7% of the roots had 2 canals and 79.4% had partial/complete isthmuses and/or accessory canals. Conclusions Dentin discoloration that was not visible on periapical radiographs and cone-beam computed tomography was frequently found in mandibular first molars that failed endodontic treatment. The complex anatomy of the mesial roots of the mandibular first molars is another reason for the failure of conventional endodontic treatment. PMID:29765897

  2. Simulating fail-stop in asynchronous distributed systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sabel, Laura; Marzullo, Keith

    1994-01-01

    The fail-stop failure model appears frequently in the distributed systems literature. However, in an asynchronous distributed system, the fail-stop model cannot be implemented. In particular, it is impossible to reliably detect crash failures in an asynchronous system. In this paper, we show that it is possible to specify and implement a failure model that is indistinguishable from the fail-stop model from the point of view of any process within an asynchronous system. We give necessary conditions for a failure model to be indistinguishable from the fail-stop model, and derive lower bounds on the amount of process replication needed to implement such a failure model. We present a simple one-round protocol for implementing one such failure model, which we call simulated fail-stop.

  3. Impact of Timely Treatment Intensification on Glycemic Goal Achievement in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Failing Metformin Monotherapy.

    PubMed

    Mahabaleshwarkar, Rohan; Templin, Megan; Gohs, Frank; Mulder, Holly; DeSantis, Andrea; Ejzykowicz, Flavia; Rajpathak, Swapnil; Wilkins, Nick

    2017-10-01

    Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine the association between timely treatment intensification (TTI) and glycemic goal achievement in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) failing metformin monotherapy (MM). Methods This study was set at a large integrated health care system in the United States. The study cohort included T2D patients aged 18 to 85 years who were on MM between January 2009 and September 2013 and had an uncontrolled glycated hemoglobin (A1C) reading (≥8%) after at least 3 months of MM (corresponding date was index date). Secondary analyses were performed using A1C <7% as T2D control. TTI was defined as receipt of an add-on therapy within 180 days after the index date. Impact of TTI on glycemic goal achievement was determined using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. Patients were censored at their last A1C reading or health care visit during 2 years after the index date. Results The study cohort consisted of 996 patients, ~58% male and ~59% Caucasian, with a mean age of ~54 (±12) years. TTI was observed in 50.2% of the patients. The rate of glycemic goal achievement was higher in patients with TTI compared with patients without TTI (hazards ratio = 1.632, 95% confidence interval = 1.328-2.006). The results for the secondary analyses were largely consistent with the primary findings. Conclusions TTI positively affected glycemic goal achievement among T2D patients failing MM and could be a useful strategy to increase the currently low proportion of patients with their T2D controlled in the United States.

  4. Minor amputation does not negatively affect health-related quality of life as compared with conservative treatment in patients with a diabetic foot ulcer: An observational study.

    PubMed

    Pickwell, K; Siersma, V; Kars, M; Apelqvist, J; Bakker, K; Edmonds, M; Holstein, P; Jirkovská, A; Jude, E B; Mauricio, D; Piaggesi, A; Reike, H; Spraul, M; Uccioli, L; Urbancic, V; van Acker, K; van Baal, J; Schaper, N

    2017-03-01

    Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is poor in patients with persistent diabetic foot ulcers and poor HRQoL predicts worse outcomes in these patients. Amputation is often considered a treatment failure, which is why conservative treatment is generally preferred over amputation. However, it is unclear whether minor amputation negatively affects HRQoL compared with conservative treatment in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. In the cohort of the multicenter, prospective, observational Eurodiale study, we determined difference in change of HRQoL measured by EQ-5D between patients with a diabetic foot ulcers that healed after conservative treatment (n = 676) and after minor amputation (n = 145). Propensity score was used to adjust for known confounders, attempting to overcome lack of randomization. Baseline HRQoL was not significantly different between patients treated conservatively and undergoing minor amputation. In addition, there was no difference in the change of HRQoL between these groups. In patients who healed 6 to 12 months after the first visit, HRQoL on the anxiety/depression subscale even appeared to improve more in those who underwent minor amputation. Minor amputation was not associated with a negative impact on HRQoL in patients with a diabetic foot ulcers. It may therefore not be considered treatment failure in terms of HRQoL but rather a viable treatment option. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to further examine the influence of minor amputations on health-related quality of life. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  5. The effects of conservative treatment for constipation on symptom severity and quality of life in community-dwelling adults.

    PubMed

    Ostaszkiewicz, Joan; Hornby, Linda; Millar, Lynne; Ockerby, Cherene

    2010-01-01

    Constipation is a common symptom in the general community that incurs considerable cost and negative effects on quality of life. This article reports the effects of an individualized, multimodal, conservative intervention on symptom severity and quality of life in community-dwelling adults who presented with constipation and specific lower urinary tract symptoms to a community-based continence service. The study was a within-subject, pretest-posttest design that utilized purposeful recruitment. The sample was drawn from a clinical population of patients attending a community-based continence service. Twenty-seven community-dwelling adults aged 35 to 83 years (mean age 63.85 years) who presented with lower urinary tract symptoms and constipation received individualized conservative treatment of constipation that comprised advice on dietary supplementation, fluid intake, exercise, position to defecate, the gastrocolic reflex, and over-the-counter laxatives. Participants completed the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptom Questionnaire (PAC-SYM) and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAC-QOL) prior to the intervention and 8 to 12 weeks later. Wilcoxon signed ranks test results indicated that the intervention significantly reduced the severity of overall constipation symptoms measured by the PAC-SYM (T = 75.5, P < .01). In particular, there were significant improvements in abdominal and stool symptoms subscales. Participants also reported statistically significant improvements in their overall quality of life as measured by the PAC-QOL (T = 48.5, P < .01). There were significant improvements in relation to psychosocial discomfort, worries and concerns, and satisfaction as measured by the PAC-QOL. While no participants felt in control of their situation "all of the time" prior to treatment, 26.9% of participants reported feeling in control of their situation "all of the time" following treatment. The severity of constipation

  6. Emphysematous pyelonephritis: Our experience with conservative management in 14 cases.

    PubMed

    Sharma, Pramod Kumar; Sharma, Ritu; Vijay, Mukesh K; Tiwari, Punit; Goel, Amit; Kundu, Anup K

    2013-07-01

    Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a rare, severe, acute, necrotizing infection of the kidney. In this study, we present the clinical details, the management strategies, and the outcome of fourteen patients of EPN managed at our center. A retrospective analysis of the hospital records was done. A total of fourteen patients with EPN were admitted in our hospital from August 2007 to February 2011. All the patients were managed conservatively. Follow-up ranged from six months to one year. Of the fourteen patients, four belonged to class I, five to class II, four to class IIIA and one to class IIIB. All the patients had history of fever, 43% had localized flank pain while 36% had vague abdominal discomfort. Renal angle tenderness was the most common sign, seen in 86% of the patients. E. coli was the most common bacteria, which was isolated from urine in 57% of the patients. On the risk factor stratification, three patients had simultaneous presence of 2 or more risk factors (thrombocytopenia-2 patients; renal function impairment-7 patients; shock-1 patient). All the patients were initially managed with aggressive fluid and electrolyte resuscitation, control of blood sugar levels, and broad spectrum antibiotics. Intervention, in the form of percutaneous drainage or DJ stenting, was done in six patients. One patient failed to respond to this minimally invasive modality of treatment and had to undergo an open drainage. Thus, the acute episode was managed with conservative management strategies in all the patients; however, three patients underwent nephrectomy due to poorly-functioning kidney during follow-up. EPN is now being more readily diagnosed, at an early stage, making conservative management of EPN a safe, effective, and feasible option.

  7. Emphysematous pyelonephritis: Our experience with conservative management in 14 cases

    PubMed Central

    Sharma, Pramod Kumar; Sharma, Ritu; Vijay, Mukesh K.; Tiwari, Punit; Goel, Amit; Kundu, Anup K.

    2013-01-01

    Context: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a rare, severe, acute, necrotizing infection of the kidney. In this study, we present the clinical details, the management strategies, and the outcome of fourteen patients of EPN managed at our center. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of the hospital records was done. A total of fourteen patients with EPN were admitted in our hospital from August 2007 to February 2011. All the patients were managed conservatively. Follow-up ranged from six months to one year. Results: Of the fourteen patients, four belonged to class I, five to class II, four to class IIIA and one to class IIIB. All the patients had history of fever, 43% had localized flank pain while 36% had vague abdominal discomfort. Renal angle tenderness was the most common sign, seen in 86% of the patients. E. coli was the most common bacteria, which was isolated from urine in 57% of the patients. On the risk factor stratification, three patients had simultaneous presence of 2 or more risk factors (thrombocytopenia-2 patients; renal function impairment-7 patients; shock-1 patient). All the patients were initially managed with aggressive fluid and electrolyte resuscitation, control of blood sugar levels, and broad spectrum antibiotics. Intervention, in the form of percutaneous drainage or DJ stenting, was done in six patients. One patient failed to respond to this minimally invasive modality of treatment and had to undergo an open drainage. Thus, the acute episode was managed with conservative management strategies in all the patients; however, three patients underwent nephrectomy due to poorly-functioning kidney during follow-up. Conclusions: EPN is now being more readily diagnosed, at an early stage, making conservative management of EPN a safe, effective, and feasible option. PMID:24049377

  8. Conservative treatment of a proximal full-thickness biceps brachii muscle tear in a special operations soldier.

    PubMed

    Helton, Matthew S

    2014-04-01

    A transection of the short head of the biceps brachii muscle is an uncommon injury seen among outpatient sports physical therapy clinics. The highest rate of occurrence and the majority of literature that discusses this specific injury are related to US military parachuting. The purpose of this case report is to outline the episode of care from 2 days after the injury through 6 months of conservative treatment, which consisted of therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and cryotherapy, within an outpatient sports physical therapy clinic in a military setting. This case report outlines the initial evaluation, diagnostic imaging, treatment, and 6-month follow-up measures for a 23-year-old male patient who sustained a static line injury resulting in a full-thickness tear of his biceps brachii muscle and a partial tear of the coracobrachialis muscle. The individual described in this case report reported having no functional limitations in regard to his job and leisure activities or any pain at his 6-month follow-up, with a score of 0% noted on his Shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH). Isokinetic testing revealed a 39.1% decrease in elbow flexion peak torque and a 60.8% decrease in elbow flexion total work output at this same follow-up interval. In determining the appropriate course of treatment for this injury type, conservative physical therapy intervention should be considered as a viable treatment option, as there have been no decisive studies to suggest superior outcomes with other methods such as surgical correction. It is further recommended that research be conducted in an effort to prevent such injuries from occurring, as this mechanism of injury has proven to be much higher among the US military population compared with other military populations.

  9. Neuropathological aspects of conservative treatment of scoliosis. A theoretical view point.

    PubMed

    Czupryna, Krzysztof; Nowotny-Czupryna, Olga; Nowotny, Janusz

    2012-01-01

    An upright body posture cannot be maintained passively for reasons including a high location of the centre of gravity (COG) and a small support area. Proper alignment of body parts is maintained automatically, tending towards a pattern encoded in the CNS. A particularly important role in posture regulation is played by the short muscles of the back, which respond to being stretched with a contraction. During the early phase of scoliosis, the CNS automatically corrects abnormalities, but over time habituation occurs and the CNS treats them as something normal. Any attempt to restore proper body alignment is treated as an error and CNS automatically restores this abnormal pattern. With a prolonged deviation in body part alignment, CNS treats it as a defect and runs compensatory mechanisms to restore the balance of the body as a whole. Balance is ensured by postural compensation, but this does not restore proper body part alignment. In the treatment of scoliosis, it is important both to slow down progression and to prevent the development of abnormal postural habits, which are part of a vicious circle even without progression. Secondary prevention is therefore needed in all patients. Passive observation limits the possibilities for prevention and contradicts the principle of early implementation of rehabilitation. Depending on the size of the angle of curvature, recommended treatments of scoliosis comprise observation, corset bracing, and surgery. Physiotherapy is often treated as an unconventional and ineffective treatment. Often, the biggest problem is transferring the resulting correction to automatic maintenance of a correct posture in the vertical position. The aim of this paper was to discuss the conservative treatment of scoliosis with regard to difficulties maintaining the correct alignment of the body parts in the vertical position that accompany scoliosis.

  10. Regulatory T Cells Subvert Mycobacterial Containment in Patients Failing Extensively Drug-resistant TB Treatment.

    PubMed

    Davids, Malika; Pooran, Anil S; Pietersen, Elize; Wainwright, Helen C; Binder, Anke; Warren, Robin; Dheda, Keertan

    2018-02-09

    The advent of extensively (XDR-TB) and totally drug-resistant TB, with limited or no treatment options, has facilitated renewed interest in host directed immunotherapy, particularly for therapeutically destitute patients. However, the selection and utility of such approaches depend upon understanding the host immune response in XDR-TB, which hitherto remains unexplored. To determine the host immunological profile in patients with XDR-TB, compared to drug-sensitive TB, using peripheral blood and explanted lung tissue. Blood and explanted lung tissue were obtained from patients with XDR-TB (n=31), drug-sensitive TB (DS-TB, n=20) and presumed latent-TB infection (LTBI, n=20). T-cell phenotype (Th1/Th2/Th17/Tregs) was evaluated in all patient groups, and Treg function assessed in XDR-TB non-responders by co-culturing PPD pre-primed effector T-cells with H37Rv-infected monocyte-derived macrophages, with or without autologous Tregs. Mycobacterial containment was evaluated by counting colony-forming units. Patients failing XDR-TB treatment had an altered immuno-phenotype characterized by a substantial increase in the frequency (median; IQR) of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T-cells (11.5; 5.9-15.2) compared to DS-TB (3.4 %; 1.6-5.73; p < 0.001) and presumed LTBI (1.8 % 1.2-2.3; p < 0.001), which was unrelated to disease duration. Tregs isolated from XDR-TB patients suppressed T-cell proliferation (up to 90%) and subverted containment of H37Rv-infected monocyte-derived macrophages (by 30%; p= 0.03) by impairing effector T-cell function through a mechanism independent of direct cell-to-cell contact, IL-10, TGF-beta and CTLA-4. Collectively, these data suggest that Tregs may be contributing to immune dysfunction, and bacterial persistence, in patients with XDR-TB. The relevant cellular pathways may serve as potential targets for immunotherapeutic intervention.

  11. Paediatric lateral humeral condyle fractures: internal oblique radiographs alter the course of conservative treatment.

    PubMed

    Kurtulmuş, Tuhan; Sağlam, Necdet; Saka, Gursel; Avcı, Cem Coşkun; Uğurlar, Meriç; Türker, Mehmet

    2014-10-01

    At first presentation of paediatric humeral lateral condyle fractures, radiological methods such as computerised tomography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, arthrography, and internal oblique radiography are used to determine stability. Very few studies show which radiological method should be used to evaluate displacement at follow-up for conservatively treated patients. This study aimed to show that internal oblique radiography is a simple, effective method to determine the subsequent development of fracture displacement in patients with an initially non-displaced or minimally displaced fracture. In this retrospective study, 27 paediatric patients with non-displaced or minimally displaced (<2 mm) humerus lateral condyle fracture were evaluated by elbow anteroposterior radiograph. The degree of fracture displacement was evaluated by anteroposterior then by internal oblique radiographs. The first follow-up was made between the 5th and 8th day and thereafter at intervals of 7-10 days. Of the 27 patients identified with non-displaced or minimally displaced (<2 mm) fracture from the initial anteroposterior radiograph, 16 were accepted as displacement >2 mm as a result of the evaluation of the internal oblique radiography and underwent surgery. At follow-up, 2 of 11 patients were defined with displacement from anteroposterior and internal oblique radiographs and 4 from the internal oblique radiographs and underwent surgery. Conservative treatment was applied to 5 patients. Internal oblique radiography is the best imaging showing subsequent fracture displacement in initially non-displaced or minimally displaced humerus lateral condyle fractures. At the first week follow-up, anteroposterior and particularly internal oblique radiographs should be taken of conservatively treated patients.

  12. Desmoid-type fibromatosis: a front-line conservative approach to select patients for surgical treatment.

    PubMed

    Fiore, Marco; Rimareix, Françoise; Mariani, Luigi; Domont, Julien; Collini, Paola; Le Péchoux, Cecile; Casali, Paolo G; Le Cesne, Axel; Gronchi, Alessandro; Bonvalot, Sylvie

    2009-09-01

    Surgery is still the standard treatment for desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF). Recently, the Institut Gustave Roussy (IGR), Villejuif, France, reported a series of patients treated with a front-line conservative approach (no surgery and no radiotherapy). The disease remained stable in more than half of patients. This study was designed to evaluate this approach on the natural history of the disease in a larger series of patients. A total of 142 patients presenting to the IGR or Istituto Nazionale Tumori (INT), Milan, Italy, were initially treated using a front-line deliberately conservative policy. Their progression-free survival (PFS) was observed and a multivariate analysis was performed for major clinical variables. Seventy-four patients presented with primary tumor, 68 with recurrence. Eighty-three patients received a "wait & see" policy (W&S), whereas 59 were initially offered medical therapy (MT), mainly hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. A family history of sporadic colorectal cancer was present in 8% of patients. The 5-year PFS was 49.9% for the W&S group and 58.6% for the medically treated patients (P = 0.3196). Similar results emerged for primary and recurrent DF. Multivariate analysis identified no clinical variables as independent predictors of PFS. In the event of progression, all patients were subsequently managed safely. A conservative policy could be a safe approach to primary and recurrent DF, which could avoid unnecessary morbidity from surgery and/or radiation therapy. Half of patients had medium-term stable disease after W&S or MT. A multidisciplinary, stepwise approach should be prospectively tested in DF.

  13. A fail-safe CMOS logic gate

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bobin, V.; Whitaker, S.

    1990-01-01

    This paper reports a design technique to make Complex CMOS Gates fail-safe for a class of faults. Two classes of faults are defined. The fail-safe design presented has limited fault-tolerance capability. Multiple faults are also covered.

  14. Conservative Treatment of Ankle Osteoarthritis: Can Platelet-Rich Plasma Effectively Postpone Surgery?

    PubMed

    Repetto, Ilaria; Biti, Besmir; Cerruti, Paola; Trentini, Roberto; Felli, Lamberto

    Osteoarthritis is the most common and disabling of the orthopedic diseases. Currently, the conservative treatment of osteoarthritis is limited to symptomatic treatment, whose goal is to improve function and pain control. Ankle osteoarthritis is relatively uncommon, in contrast to osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, and the therapeutic options (both pharmacologic and surgical) are limited, with surgery providing poorer and less predictable results. The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma injections for osteoarthritis is still controversial, especially so for ankle arthritis, owing to the lack of evidence in the present data. We retrospectively evaluated the mid- to long-term clinical results (mean follow-up of 17.7 months) for platelet-rich plasma injections in 20 patients (20 ankles) with ankle osteoarthritis. We evaluated the presence of pain using the visual analog scale, function using the Foot and Ankle Disability Index, and subjective satisfaction. The pre- and post-treatment scores, obtained from the clinical records and from telephone interviews during the follow-up period, were compared using the Student t test. We found a strong positive effect for 4 platelet-rich plasma injections (injected once a week) on pain (p = .0001) and function (p = .001), with 80% of patients very satisfied and satisfied, and only 2 patients (10%) required surgery because of early treatment failure. These results suggest that the use of platelet-rich plasma injection is a valid and safe alternative to postpone the need for surgery. Copyright © 2016 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Analytical techniques for the evaluation of past conservation treatments on stone material from archaeological sites of Roman Augusta Emerita (Merida, Spain).

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Perez, Natalia; Alvarez, Monica

    2013-04-01

    The effects that conservation treatments may have on stone material from archaeological sites are still unknown in many cases, taking into account the particular features of this material and the conditionality of each context. Unlike the standardized protocols used in other disciplines, in situ conservation of archaeological sites suffers from certain anarchy, both in the execution phase, as in that of subsequent monitoring process, usually nonexistent. That is why there are some inefficient treatments that are still in application in this field, and its effects, in terms of efficacy and durability, still unidentified. Moreover, the use of a very limited number of products has been commonly used in archaeology, not evolving as for instance architectural heritage. The project that is been carried out in some archaeological sites of the Roman city of Emerita Augusta (Mérida, Spain) focuses on this subject. The first phase involved the documentation and location of all interventions executed in selected sites, since the beginning of excavations in 1911, until today. Selected areas for analysis both on site and in laboratory will help to determine mentioned effects after some years of application. To assess the presence of any treatment, repair or product that has been either documented in the consulted reports and/or papers, or that can be observed just by looking, the following techniques are planned to be used: 1) In situ: portable and non destructive techniques such as Raman, XRF, spectrophotometer, roughness meter, ultrasound velocity, hardness tester, magnetometer, infrared camera, water absorption (Karsten tube) and humidity recordings of the surface. 2) Sampling: the minimum number and the smallest samples will be taken of different building materials, treated and untreated, unaltered and decayed, to be analyzed in the laboratory. 3) Samples will be analyzed by XRD, FTIR, optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM+EDS) and some properties determined as the

  16. How much is enough? The recurrent problem of setting measurable objectives in conservation

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Tear, T.H.; Kareiva, P.; Angermeier, P.L.; Comer, P.; Czech, B.; Kautz, R.; Landon, L.; Mehlman, D.; Murphy, K.; Ruckelshaus, M.; Scott, J.M.; Wilhere, G.

    2005-01-01

    International agreements, environmental laws, resource management agencies, and environmental nongovernmental organizations all establish objectives that define what they hope to accomplish. Unfortunately, quantitative objectives in conservation are typically set without consistency and scientific rigor. As a result, conservationists are failing to provide credible answers to the question "How much is enough?" This is a serious problem because objectives profoundly shape where and how limited conservation resources are spent, and help to create a shared vision for the future. In this article we develop guidelines to help steer conservation biologists and practitioners through the process of objective setting. We provide three case studies to highlight the practical challenges of objective setting in different social, political, and legal contexts. We also identify crucial gaps in our science, including limited knowledge of species distributions and of large-scale, long-term ecosystem dynamics, that must be filled if we hope to do better than setting conservation objectives through intuition and best guesses. ?? 2005 American Institute of Biological Sciences.

  17. We Must Teach Students to Fail Well

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Glasser, Leah Blatt

    2009-01-01

    In the author's role as an academic dean, she frequently meets with students on probation who have not yet learned how to fail and are consequently paralyzed academically. One of the most pivotal skills for a student who wishes to succeed in the academic arena is the ability to fail well. "Good failing" requires the strength to make use of a…

  18. Physical examination variables predict response to conservative treatment of non-chronic plantar fasciitis: Secondary analysis of a randomized placebo controlled footwear study

    PubMed Central

    Matzkin-Bridger, Jonathon; Fascione, Jeanna; Crews, Ryan; Bruning, Nicholas; Jarrett, Beth

    2016-01-01

    Background Plantar fasciitis is a common disabling condition and the prognosis of conservative treatment is difficult to predict. Objective To determine whether initial clinical findings could help predict patient response to conservative treatment primarily consisting of supportive footwear and stretching. Setting Patients were recruited and seen at two outpatient podiatric clinics in the Chicago, Illinois metropolitan area. Patients Seventy-seven patients with non-chronic plantar fasciitis were recruited. Patients were excluded if they had a heel injection in the previous six months or were currently utilizing custom foot orthoses at the time of screening. Sixty-nine patients completed the final follow-up visit three months after receiving the footwear intervention. Methods Treatment failure was considered a <50% reduction in heel pain at three month follow23 Logistic regression models evaluated the possible association between over thirty clinical and physical exam findings prospectively assessed at enrollment, and treatment response. Results Inability to dorsiflex the ankle past −5° (OR 27 3.9, p=.024), non-severe (≤ 7 on ordinal scale) first-step pain (OR 3.8, p=.021), and heel valgus in relaxed stance (OR 4.0, p=.014) each predicted treatment failure in multivariable analysis (Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve=.769). Limited ankle dorsiflexion also correlated with higher heel pain severity at initial presentation (r = −.312, p =.006). Conclusions Patients with severe ankle equinus were nearly four times more likely to experience a favorable response to treatment centered on home Achilles tendon stretching and supportive therapy. Thus earlier use of more advanced therapies may be most appropriate in those presenting without severe ankle equinus or without severe first step pain. The findings from our study may not be clinically intuitive as patients with less severe equinus and less severe pain at presentation did worse with

  19. What kinds of conservatives does social psychology lack, and why?

    PubMed

    Ross, Lee

    2015-01-01

    Although Duarte et al.'s claims about the potential benefits of greater political diversity in the ranks of social psychology are apt, their discussion of the decline in such diversity, the role played by self-selection, and the specific domains they cite in discussing an anti-conservative bias raise issues that merit closer examination. The claim that sound research and analysis challenging liberal orthodoxies fails to receive a fair hearing in our journals and professional discourse is also disputed.

  20. [Relative clavicle shortening in pediatric fractures: its importance when selecting conservative treatment].

    PubMed

    Leal-Oliva, A; Mora-Ríos, F G; Mejía-Rohenes, C; López-Marmnolejo, A; Acevedo-Cabrera, M J

    2014-01-01

    Clavicle fractures represent 2-15% of pediatric fractures. The literature suggests operating on patients over 9 years of age with major shortening or severe comminution in the fracture line. However, no one establishes shortening or angulation parameters for conservative treatment in children. In pediatric patients it is important to take into account relative shortening, that is, the one caused by a fracture when compared with the length of the healthy clavicle. To know the effect of relative clavicle shortening on movement in pediatric fractures treated conservatively. Retrospective, longitudinal, observational study. We radiographically measured the relative shortening of the fractured clavicle comparing it with the healthy side at the time of the fracture and after fracture healing. Shortening was expressed in percentages. The following views were used: comparative anteroposterior view of the shoulders and panoramic view of both shoulders. Patients were divided into 2 groups: under 9 years and 9-15 years of age. We analyzed 94 fractures; 31 in females and 63 in males. No pseudoarthrosis or symptomatic malunion occurred. The prognosis was good regardless of the initial shortening percentage. Age and shortening are proportionally related with the rehabilitation period and the restoration of painless ranges of motion. The value ranges recorded for shortening were 9.5 to 28%. The surgical indications for shortening resulting from pediatric clavicle fractures should be revised. We have observed good results despite major shortening and total displacement.

  1. A Portable Dynamic Laser Speckle System for Sensing Long-Term Changes Caused by Treatments in Painting Conservation.

    PubMed

    Pérez, Alberto J; González-Peña, Rolando J; Braga, Roberto; Perles, Ángel; Pérez-Marín, Eva; García-Diego, Fernando J

    2018-01-11

    Dynamic laser speckle (DLS) is used as a reliable sensor of activity for all types of materials. Traditional applications are based on high-rate captures (usually greater than 10 frames-per-second, fps). Even for drying processes in conservation treatments, where there is a high level of activity in the first moments after the application and slower activity after some minutes or hours, the process is based on the acquisition of images at a time rate that is the same in moments of high and low activity. In this work, we present an alternative approach to track the drying process of protective layers and other painting conservation processes that take a long time to reduce their levels of activity. We illuminate, using three different wavelength lasers, a temporary protector (cyclododecane) and a varnish, and monitor them using a low fps rate during long-term drying. The results are compared to the traditional method. This work also presents a monitoring method that uses portable equipment. The results present the feasibility of using the portable device and show the improved sensitivity of the dynamic laser speckle when sensing the long-term process for drying cyclododecane and varnish in conservation.

  2. A Portable Dynamic Laser Speckle System for Sensing Long-Term Changes Caused by Treatments in Painting Conservation

    PubMed Central

    Pérez, Alberto J.; Braga, Roberto; Perles, Ángel; Pérez–Marín, Eva; García-Diego, Fernando J.

    2018-01-01

    Dynamic laser speckle (DLS) is used as a reliable sensor of activity for all types of materials. Traditional applications are based on high-rate captures (usually greater than 10 frames-per-second, fps). Even for drying processes in conservation treatments, where there is a high level of activity in the first moments after the application and slower activity after some minutes or hours, the process is based on the acquisition of images at a time rate that is the same in moments of high and low activity. In this work, we present an alternative approach to track the drying process of protective layers and other painting conservation processes that take a long time to reduce their levels of activity. We illuminate, using three different wavelength lasers, a temporary protector (cyclododecane) and a varnish, and monitor them using a low fps rate during long-term drying. The results are compared to the traditional method. This work also presents a monitoring method that uses portable equipment. The results present the feasibility of using the portable device and show the improved sensitivity of the dynamic laser speckle when sensing the long-term process for drying cyclododecane and varnish in conservation. PMID:29324692

  3. Significant mitral regurgitation worsens the prognosis and favors the decision of conservative treatment in octogenarians with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis.

    PubMed

    Gómez-Doblas, Juan José; López-Garrido, Miguel Antonio; Becerra-Muñoz, Víctor Manuel; Orellana-Figueroa, Hugo Nelson; Carro Hevia, Amelia; García de la Villa, Bernardo; Cornide, Luis; Martínez-Sellés, Manuel

    2018-05-16

    The coexistence of significant mitral regurgitation (MR) and severe aortic stenosis is prevalent, has a prognostic impact and makes treatment in the elderly population a complex issue. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of significant MR among a population of octogenarians and its influence on treatment and prognosis. We used the data from PEGASO (Pronóstico de la Estenosis Grave Aórtica Sintomática del Octogenario), a prospective registry that consecutively included 928 patients aged ≥80 years with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. The prevalence of significant MR was 8.5% (79 patients) and independently associated with the decision to treat conservatively (odds ratio = 2.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.31-3.95, p = 0.003). The group of patients with significant MR had higher overall mortality at 12 months follow-up (51.9% vs 25%, p < 0.001), which remained on division into subgroups based on the presence of comorbidities (Charlson<5: 49.2% vs 21.9%, p < 0.001; and Charlson ≥5: 62.5% vs 41.7%, p = 0.07). Within the group of patients in whom conservative treatment was performed, those with significant MR had higher mortality at one year (62.7% vs 35%, p < 0.001). MR was a significant independent predictor of overall mortality at 12-month follow-up (hazard ratio = 1.87, 95% confidence interval: 1.09-3.18, p = 0.022). Significant MR has a high prevalence and worsens the prognosis of octogenarian patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, especially in patients with conservative treatment, independently of the existence of comorbidities. Copyright © 2018 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Treating OCD: what to do when first-line therapies fail.

    PubMed

    Castle, David; Bosanac, Peter; Rossell, Susan

    2015-08-01

    To provide a clinically-focused review of the biological treatment of treatment-resistant obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). There is a paucity of research on how to manage OCD patients who fail to respond adequately to first line therapies. High-dose selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and clomipramine have good evidence-based data. Combinations of SSRIs have little support in clinical trials, but the combination of SSRIs and clomipramine can be helpful: careful clinical and cardiac monitoring is required. Certain adjunctive antipsychotics have a reasonable evidence base in OCD, but their use also needs to be weighed against the potential side effect burden. In patients with substantial generalised anxiety symptoms, clonazepam is worth considering. Of the other augmenting strategies, memantine and ondansetron appear useful in some cases, and are well tolerated. Topiramate might ameliorate compulsions to some degree, but it is less well tolerated. If all these strategies, along with expert psychological therapy, fail, careful consideration should be given to deep brain stimulation (DBS), which has an emerging evidence base and which can result in dramatic benefits for some individuals. For some patients, gamma radiosurgery might also still have a place. © The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2015.

  5. A case of usual (basaloid)-type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia that failed to respond to imiquimod cream: clinical implications.

    PubMed

    Shiozaki, Takaya; Tabata, Tsutomu; Toriyabe, Kuniaki; Motohashi, Takashi; Kondo, Eiji; Tanida, Kouji; Okugawa, Toshiharu; Sagawa, Norimasa

    2011-10-01

    The authors report a case of usual-type (basaloid-type) vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) 3 that failed to respond to imiquimod cream. A 51-year-old Japanese woman visited her local gynecologist complaining of vulvar itching. Atypical cells were noted in cytology smears, but nine vulvar biopsy specimens showed benign proliferation of epithelial tissue. The patient was placed under careful observation for 8 months, when the vulvar smears once again showed atypical cells and biopsy specimens revealed VIN3. The patient was then referred to our hospital where she was given a diagnosis of VIN 3, basaloid type of usual type. The biopsy specimens were positive for p16 and the lesions were confirmed to be human papilloma virus (HPV)-related. We recommended simple vulvectomy but the patient requested conservative treatment with imiquimod cream. With her written informed consent, we prescribed imiquimod cream to be self-administered 3 times a week. Colposcopy and pap smear test were performed every 2 weeks. Four weeks after the start of treatment, a fingertip-sized papule was detected at the patient's vaginal introitus. By 6 weeks, the lesion had enlarged, and biopsy specimens revealed invasive squamous cell carcinoma. At 7 weeks, we performed simple vulvectomy. The surgical specimen showed stage pT1b keratinizing-type squamous cell carcinoma. HPV-16 DNA was detected in the specimen.

  6. Effect of conservative treatment on the renal outcome of children with primary hyperoxaluria type 1.

    PubMed

    Fargue, Sonia; Harambat, Jérôme; Gagnadoux, Marie-France; Tsimaratos, Michel; Janssen, Françoise; Llanas, Brigitte; Berthélémé, Jean-Pierre; Boudailliez, Bernard; Champion, Gérard; Guyot, Claude; Macher, Marie-Alice; Nivet, Hubert; Ranchin, Bruno; Salomon, Rémi; Taque, Sophie; Rolland, Marie-Odile; Cochat, Pierre

    2009-10-01

    Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 results from alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase deficiency. Due to genotype/phenotype heterogeneity in this autosomal recessive disorder, the renal outcome is difficult to predict in these patients and the long-term impact of conservative management in children is unknown. We report here a multicenter retrospective study on the renal outcome in 27 affected children whose biological diagnosis was based on either decreased enzyme activity or identification of mutations in the patient or his siblings. The median age at first symptoms was 2.4 years while that at initiation of conservative treatment was 4.1 years; 6 children were diagnosed upon family screening. The median follow-up was 8.7 years. At diagnosis, 15 patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) below 90, and 7 children already had stage 2-3 chronic kidney disease. The median baseline eGFR was 74, which rose to 114 with management in the 22 patients who did not require renal replacement therapy. Overall, 20 patients had a stable eGFR, however, 7 exhibited a decline in eGFR of over 20 during the study period. In a Cox regression model, the only variable significantly associated with deterioration of renal function was therapeutic delay with a relative risk of 1.7 per year. Our study strongly suggests that early and aggressive conservative management may preserve renal function of compliant children with this disorder, thereby avoiding dialysis and postponing transplantation.

  7. The Conservative Treatment of Pediatric Mandible Fracture With External Nasal Splint.

    PubMed

    Sharifi, Reza; Hasheminasab, Mahboube

    2016-09-01

    The frequency of mandible fractures is relatively less in children compared with adults, but their treatment is significantly more challenging due to the concerns regarding mandible growth and the developing dentition. The authors have introduced a new way of closed reduction by using external nasal splints. In 3 patients aged between 4 and 6-year old with parasymphyseal and body fractures of mandible, fractures were reduced under general anesthesia and thermoplastic nasal splints were directly formed and trimmed to fit the lingual surface of mandible.Splints were fixed to mandible with circummandibular wiring and were retained in place for 3 weeks. All fractures healed uneventfully and the occlusion in all patients was satisfactory. All patients gained good masticatory efficiency. There was no need to use the intermaxillary fixation in any of the patients. Using thermoplastic external nasal splint for fracture stabilization in children is an easy, rapid, nonexpensive, and conservative way to treat mandible fractures in pediatric patients.

  8. Paradigm shifts in fish conservation: moving to the ecosystem services concept.

    PubMed

    Cowx, I G; Portocarrero Aya, M

    2011-12-01

    Various factors constrain the existence and development of inland fishes and fisheries, such as pollution, habitat degradation, alien invasive species, local user conflicts, low social priority and inadequate research and funding. In many cases, however, degradation of the environment and loss of aquatic habitat are the predominant concerns for the conservation of freshwater aquatic biota. The need for concerted effort to prevent and reduce environmental degradation, as well as protection of freshwater fishes and fisheries as renewable common pool resources or entities in their own right, are the greatest challenges facing the conservation of fishes in inland waters. Unfortunately, traditional conservation practices such as regulation of exploitation, protected areas and habitat restoration have failed to arrest the alarming increase in number of threatened freshwater fish species worldwide. This paper examines the shifting paradigm of fisheries management from rule-based regulation, through fishery enhancement towards the ecosystem approach to fisheries, with reference to inland waters, and how the emerging concept of ecosystem services coupled with traditional fish conservation management practices, institutional restructuring and integrated management planning should provide a more sustainable thrust to formulation and promotion of fish conservation initiatives. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Fish Biology © 2011 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

  9. Conservative management of idiopathic scoliosis--guidelines based on SOSORT 2006 Consensus.

    PubMed

    Kotwicki, Tomasz; Durmała, Jacek; Czaprowski, Dariusz; Głowacki, Maciej; Kołban, Maciej; Snela, Sławomir; Sliwiński, Zbigniew; Kowalski, Ireneusz M

    2009-01-01

    Idiopathic scoliosis, defined as a lateral curvature of the spine of above 10 degrees (Cobb angle), is seen in 2-3% of the growing age population, while curves above 20 degrees , requiring conservative treatment, are found in 0.3-0.5%. In our observation, both under-treatment of progressive curves and over-treatment of stable cases are common during conservative management of scoliosis. A model of therapeutic management is presented based on the experience of Polish clinicians specialising in the treatment of scoliosis as well as the effects of work of a panel of experts of SOSORT (Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment). The model comprises the indications for conservative treatment according to age, curve type and size and Risser grading. The aetiology, classifications, usefulness of the Lonstein and Carlson factor of progression and other methods of determining the probability of scoliosis progression, as well as the psychological aspects of conservative management are presented. Based on the knowledge of the natural history of idiopathic scoliosis, factors of progression and on the SOSORT experts' opinion, guidelines are proposed for clinicians treating children and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, including the timing and course of brace treatment and the types of exercises. Uniform practical guidelines developed by experts may represent an essential step towards establishing standards of conservative scoliosis care in our country.

  10. Treatment of rectal prolapse in children with cow milk injection sclerotherapy: 30-year experience

    PubMed Central

    Zganjer, Mirko; Cizmic, Ante; Cigit, Irenej; Zupancic, Bozidar; Bumci, Igor; Popovic, Ljiljana; Kljenak, Antun

    2008-01-01

    AIM: To evaluate the role and our experience of injection sclerotherapy with cow milk in the treatment of rectal prolapse in children. METHODS: In the last 30 years (1976-2006) we made 100 injections of sclerotherapy with cow milk in 86 children. In this study we included children who failed to respond to conservative treatment and we perform operative treatment. RESULTS: In our study we included 86 children and in all of the patients we perform cow milk injection sclerotherapy. In 95.3% (82 children) of patients sclerotherapy was successful. In 4 (4.7%) patients we had recurrent rectal prolapse where we performed operative treatment. Below 4 years we had 62 children (72%) and 24 older children (28%). In children who needed operative treatment we performed Thiersch operation and without any complications. CONCLUSION: Injection sclerotherapy with cow milk for treatment rectal prolapse in children is a simple and effective treatment for rectal prolapse with minimal complications. PMID:18205264

  11. Physical Examination Variables Predict Response to Conservative Treatment of Nonchronic Plantar Fasciitis: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Footwear Study.

    PubMed

    Wrobel, James S; Fleischer, Adam E; Matzkin-Bridger, Jonathon; Fascione, Jeanna; Crews, Ryan T; Bruning, Nicholas; Jarrett, Beth

    2016-05-01

    Plantar fasciitis is a common, disabling condition, and the prognosis of conservative treatment is difficult to predict. To determine whether initial clinical findings could help predict patient response to conservative treatment that primarily consisted of supportive footwear and stretching. Patients were recruited and seen at 2 outpatient podiatric clinics in the Chicago, Illinois, metropolitan area. Seventy-seven patients with nonchronic plantar fasciitis were recruited. Patients were excluded if they had a heel injection in the previous 6 months or were currently using custom foot orthoses at the time of screening. Sixty-nine patients completed the final follow-up visit 3 months after receiving the footwear intervention. Treatment failure was considered a <50% reduction in heel pain at 3 month follow-up. Logistic regression models evaluated the possible association between more than 30 clinical and physical examination findings prospectively assessed at enrollment, and treatment response. Inability to dorsiflex the ankle past -5° (odds ratio [OR] 3.9, P = .024), nonsevere (≤7 on ordinal scale) first-step pain (OR 3.8, P = .021), and heel valgus in relaxed stance (OR 4.0, P = .014) each predicted treatment failure in multivariable analysis (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve = .769). Limited ankle dorsiflexion also correlated with greater heel pain severity at initial presentation (r = - 0.312, P = .006). Patients with severe ankle equinus were nearly 4 times more likely to experience a favorable response to treatment centered on home Achilles tendon stretching and supportive therapy. Thus, earlier use of more advanced therapies may be most appropriate in those presenting without severe ankle equinus or without severe first step pain. The findings from our study may not be clinically intuitive because patients with less severe equinus and less severe pain at presentation did worse with conservative care. Copyright © 2016 American Academy

  12. Hemorrhoids and varicose veins: a review of treatment options.

    PubMed

    MacKay, D

    2001-04-01

    Hemorrhoids and varicose veins are common conditions seen by general practitioners. Both conditions have several treatment modalities for the physician to choose from. Varicose veins are treated with mechanical compression stockings. There are several over-the-counter topical agents available for hemorrhoids. Conservative therapies for both conditions include diet, lifestyle changes, and hydrotherapy which require a high degree of patient compliance to be effective. When conservative hemorrhoid therapy is ineffective, many physicians may choose other non-surgical modalities: injection sclerotherapy, cryotherapy, manual dilation of the anus, infrared photocoagulation, bipolar diathermy, direct current electrocoagulation, or rubber band ligation. Injection sclerotherapy is the non-surgical treatment for primary varicose veins. Non-surgical modalities require physicians to be specially trained, own specialized equipment, and assume associated risks. If a non-surgical approach fails, the patient is often referred to a surgeon. The costly and uncomfortable nature of treatment options often lead a patient to postpone evaluation until aggressive intervention is necessary. Oral dietary supplementation is an attractive addition to the traditional treatment of hemorrhoids and varicose veins. The loss of vascular integrity is associated with the pathogenesis of both hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Several botanical extracts have been shown to improve microcirculation, capillary flow, and vascular tone, and to strengthen the connective tissue of the perivascular amorphous substrate. Oral supplementation with Aesculus hippocastanum, Ruscus aculeatus, Centella asiatica, Hamamelis virginiana, and bioflavonoids may prevent time-consuming, painful, and expensive complications of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

  13. Treatment of arteriovenous malformations involving the hand.

    PubMed

    Park, Ui-Jun; Do, Young-Soo; Park, Kwang-Bo; Park, Hong-Suk; Kim, Young-Wook; Lee, Byung-Boong; Kim, Dong-Ik

    2012-07-01

    Hand arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are difficult to treat because of the necessity to maintain function and the high complication rate of treatment. The purpose of this study was to review the treatment of hand AVMs with embolo/sclerotherapy and the surgical procedures at a single institute. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and identified the patients who were referred to the vascular division owing to hand AVMs between 1995 and 2009. The lesions were classified according to their affected areas. The treatments used at the clinic included conservative treatment, amputation, and embolo/sclerotherapy. We investigated the clinical data and assessed the treatment results. Sixty-four patients were involved in this study. The median follow-up duration was 26.9 months (range: 3.5-141.8 months). The median age of the patients was 31.5 years (range: 0.3-75.0 years). All of the lesions were of the extratruncal (ET) form, and 37 cases (57.8%) were of the infiltrating type. Sixteen patients were treated conservatively. Primary amputation was performed in seven cases with previous complications such as ulcer, bleeding, or functional limitations. Embolo/sclerotherapy with ethanol was performed in 41 patients. Sixteen (39.0%) of them showed clinical improvement. The treatment of 20 (48.8%) of the 41 patients was interrupted owing to a variety of complications, and 2 (4.9%) of these patients failed with embolo/sclerotherapy. Skin necrosis was the major complication, and this occurred in 17 patients treated with embolo/sclerotherapy--14 of these cases were small and the skin necrosis healed with conservative treatment; 1 patient had autoamputation owing to necrosis; and 2 patients underwent amputation surgery owing to gangrene. The risk for skin necrosis was higher for the AVMs that involved the subcutaneous layer and the AVMs that extended diffusely (P = 0.021, P = 0.011). Seven neuropathic complications developed after embolo/sclerotherapy, and all of them

  14. Highly Efficient Conservative Treatment of Pectus Carinatum in Compliant Patients.

    PubMed

    Loff, Steffan; Sauter, Hartwig; Wirth, Thomas; Otte, Ralf

    2015-10-01

    Pectus carinatum is a thoracic deformity, which causes severe psychological problems for affected patients but almost no physical limitations. Invasive procedures are difficult to justify for this reason. We present a conservative therapy which leads to complete resolution in most cases when performed properly. Between January 2008 and December 2012, 69 patients from 4 to 17 years with pectus carinatum were treated with a custom-fitted brace. Patients were stratified in children, adolescents, and adults. Mean therapy time was 7 months. Mean time of daily brace wearing was 12 to 15 hours. The results were evaluated by pictures taken before and after the therapy and from a patient interview. Standardized lateral views revealed a mean correction angle of 10 degrees in the children's group and 5 degrees in the adolescent group. In the adolescent group, 82% of patients judged the result as "excellent" or "good." In this large group with 56 patients, those who reported the result "unchanged" had a mean daily brace wearing time of 8.73 hours, those who judged the result as "good" 14.53 hours, and those who judged the result as "excellent" 18.36 hours. Our results show that pectus carinatum is efficiently treated with a customized brace therapy within 7 to 12 months. Best correction can be achieved in children and young adolescents. Daily brace-wearing time should be above 14 hours, ideally 24 hours. Duration of the treatment should be around 1 year. Treatment results correlate directly with the cooperation of the patients. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  15. [Total thyroidectomy in patients with amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism: when does the risk of conservative treatment exceed the risk of surgery?].

    PubMed

    Meerwein, C; Vital, D; Greutmann, M; Schmid, C; Huber, G F

    2014-02-01

    Amiodarone plays a pivotal role in the treatment of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. However, amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism (AIH) is one of the most feared complications, which necessitates interdisciplinary treatment and careful balancing of the risks of conservative treatment against those of total thyroidectomy. In this article we discuss the pharmacological aspects of amiodarone and its diverse effects on the thyroid. Furthermore, we present diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and report our positive experiences with total thyroidectomy in patients with AIH. Particularly in patients for whom continuation of amiodarone treatment is compulsory, a well-timed total thyroidectomy is a reliable therapeutic option, with minimal complication rates and immediate amelioration of symptoms.

  16. Spinal cord stimulation: Current applications for treatment of chronic pain.

    PubMed

    Vannemreddy, Prasad; Slavin, Konstantin V

    2011-01-01

    Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is thought to relieve chronic intractable pain by stimulating nerve fibers in the spinal cord. The resulting impulses in the fibers may inhibit the conduction of pain signals to the brain, according to the pain gate theory proposed by Melzack and Wall in 1965 and the sensation of pain is thus blocked. Although SCS may reduce pain, it will not eliminate it. After a period of concern about safety and efficacy, SCS is now regaining popularity among pain specialists for the treatment of chronic pain. The sympatholytic effect of SCS is one of its most interesting therapeutic properties. This effect is considered responsible for the effectiveness of SCS in peripheral ischemia, and at least some cases of complex regional pain syndrome. The sympatholytic effect has also been considered part of the management of other chronic pain states such as failed back surgery syndrome, phantom pain, diabetic neuropathy, and postherpetic neuralgia. In general, SCS is part of an overall treatment strategy and is used only after the more conservative treatments have failed. The concept of SCS has evolved rapidly following the technological advances that have produced leads with multiple contact electrodes and battery systems. The current prevalence of patients with chronic pain requiring treatment other than conventional medical management has significantly increased and so has been the need for SCS. With the cost benefit analysis showing significant support for SCS, it may be appropriate to offer this as an effective alternative treatment for these patients.

  17. Efficacy of two lion conservation programs in Maasailand, Kenya.

    PubMed

    Hazzah, Leela; Dolrenry, Stephanie; Naughton-Treves, Lisa; Naughton, Lisa; Edwards, Charles T T; Mwebi, Ogeto; Kearney, Fiachra; Frank, Laurence

    2014-06-01

    Lion (Panthera leo) populations are in decline throughout most of Africa. The problem is particularly acute in southern Kenya, where Maasai pastoralists have been spearing and poisoning lions at a rate that will ensure near term local extinction. We investigated 2 approaches for improving local tolerance of lions: compensation payments for livestock lost to predators and Lion Guardians, which draws on local cultural values and knowledge to mitigate livestock-carnivore conflict and monitor carnivores. To gauge the overall influence of conservation intervention, we combined both programs into a single conservation treatment variable. Using 8 years of lion killing data, we applied Manski's partial identification approach with bounded assumptions to investigate the effect of conservation treatment on lion killing in 4 contiguous areas. In 3 of the areas, conservation treatment was positively associated with a reduction in lion killing. We then applied a generalized linear model to assess the relative efficacy of the 2 interventions. The model estimated that compensation resulted in an 87-91% drop in the number of lions killed, whereas Lion Guardians (operating in combination with compensation and alone) resulted in a 99% drop in lion killing. © 2014 Society for Conservation Biology.

  18. Knee Fusion or Above-The-Knee Amputation after Failed Two-Stage Reimplantation Total Knee Arthroplasty

    PubMed Central

    Rodriguez-Merchan, E. Carlos

    2015-01-01

    Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Control of infection after a failed two-stage TKA is not always possible, and the resolution of infection may require an above-knee amputation (AKA) or a the-knee (KF). The purpose of this review is to determine which treatment method (AKA or KF) yields better function and ambulatory status for patients after a failed two-stage reimplantation. A PubMed search related to the resolution of infection by means of an above-the-knee amputation (AKA) or a knee fusion was performed until 10 January 2015. The key words were: infected TKA and above-the-knee amputation. Five hundred and sixty-six papers were found, of which ten were reviewed because they were focused on the topic of the article. KF should be strongly considered as the treatment of choice for patients who have persistent infected TKA after a failed two-stage revision arthroplasty. Patients can walk at least inside the house, and activity of daily living independence is achieved by the patients with successful KF, although walking aids, including a shoe lift, are required. An intramedullary nail leads to better functional results than an external fixator. The functional outcome after AKA performed after TKA is poor. A substantial percentage of the patients never fit with a prosthesis, and those who are seldom obtain functional independence. Only 50% of patients are able to walk after AKA. Patients receiving KF for treating recurrent PJI after TKA have better function and ambulatory status compared to patients receiving AKA. KF must be recommended as the treatment of choice for patients who have persistent infected TKA after a failed two-stage reimplantation procedure. PMID:26550586

  19. Knee Fusion or Above-The-Knee Amputation after Failed Two-Stage Reimplantation Total Knee Arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez-Merchan, E Carlos

    2015-10-01

    Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Control of infection after a failed two-stage TKA is not always possible, and the resolution of infection may require an above-knee amputation (AKA) or a the-knee (KF). The purpose of this review is to determine which treatment method (AKA or KF) yields better function and ambulatory status for patients after a failed two-stage reimplantation. A PubMed search related to the resolution of infection by means of an above-the-knee amputation (AKA) or a knee fusion was performed until 10 January 2015. The key words were: infected TKA and above-the-knee amputation. Five hundred and sixty-six papers were found, of which ten were reviewed because they were focused on the topic of the article. KF should be strongly considered as the treatment of choice for patients who have persistent infected TKA after a failed two-stage revision arthroplasty. Patients can walk at least inside the house, and activity of daily living independence is achieved by the patients with successful KF, although walking aids, including a shoe lift, are required. An intramedullary nail leads to better functional results than an external fixator. The functional outcome after AKA performed after TKA is poor. A substantial percentage of the patients never fit with a prosthesis, and those who are seldom obtain functional independence. Only 50% of patients are able to walk after AKA. Patients receiving KF for treating recurrent PJI after TKA have better function and ambulatory status compared to patients receiving AKA. KF must be recommended as the treatment of choice for patients who have persistent infected TKA after a failed two-stage reimplantation procedure.

  20. Plate fixation versus conservative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures: Functional outcome and patients' satisfaction during a mean follow-up of 5 years.

    PubMed

    van der Ven Denise, J C; Timmers, T K; Flikweert, P E; Van Ijseldijk, A L A; van Olden, G D J

    2015-11-01

    The aim of the present prospective clinical trial was to compare patient-oriented and surgeon-based outcomes after non-operative care with operative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Between January 2009 and July 2011, 97 consecutive patients presenting with a midshaft clavicle fracture were prospectively recorded and included in this study. The patients were placed in either of the treatment groups on their own preference. They were then seen in outpatient clinic at two, six and 24 weeks were all endpoints were investigated and motivation of choice of treatment was noted. Study follow-up was continued until Augustus 2014, being the time point that long-term functional outcome was measured through a DASH score by letter. 97 patients were included in the functional outcome analysis. The mean DASH and Constant scores were significant better in the operative (90.9±14.2 and 15.7±17.2) than in the conservative treatment group at six weeks (78.7±17.0 and 24.8±16.7). There was a significant improvement in the Constant (95.9±10.5 versus 94.5±5.9) and DASH scores (8.8±12.0 versus 7.1±10.7) for both groups at 24 weeks but there was no significant difference in functional scores between the groups. Four patients developed a non-union, one patient in the operative and three patients in the conservative group. Overall complications were significantly higher in the operative group (31%) compared to the conservative group (9%) (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in long-term functional outcome between the two treatment groups (5.2±9.8 versus 2.5±4.9 p=0.12). Patient's satisfaction was higher in the operative than in the conservative group (p<0.04). Significant superior outcome scores were seen at six weeks for the operative group. However, at 24 weeks and 5-year follow-up no difference was seen in functional outcome scores for both treatment groups. Therefore, the challenge for the future is to better identify the subgroup of patients who

  1. [Conservative treatment of nonspecific, chronic low back pain : Evidence of the efficacy - a systematic literature review].

    PubMed

    Bredow, J; Bloess, K; Oppermann, J; Boese, C K; Löhrer, L; Eysel, P

    2016-07-01

    Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP): Which conservative therapy shows an evident effectiveness - A review of the current literature. Our results are based on literature reviews of current randomised control studies, reviews and meta-analysis drawn from the Cochrane Library and Medline-Database between the years 2004 until 2015. German and English Studies were included. We focused on different conservative Treatments of NSCLBP, which are listed at, the NVL-Guidelines. Based on the given evidence we evaluated their effectiveness. As part of the review we identified 4657 Publications, 85 were included in this study. Therapeutic options such as bed rest, TENS, Massage, Spine Supports, Back Schools and Antidepressants showed no evident effectiveness. Injections, NSAR analgesic therapy, Thermotherapy and Opioid analgesic therapy indicated a short-time effectiveness. A long term success (> 6 weeks) however, can not be shown. Only the Movement therapy can, in the summation of the included studies, postulate an evident (Evidence Level I) long-term effect treating NSCLBP. Only a few therapy options indicate a significant evident effectiveness for treating NSCLBP conservatively. At short notice methods such as injection therapy, thermo-therapy and analgesic therapies with NSAR and/or opioids help coping the acute phase. In the long term only movement therapy seems to provide an evident effectiveness. In the case of therapy-refractory NSCLBP a multimodal therapy should be considered.

  2. Does 360° lumbar spinal fusion improve long-term clinical outcomes after failure of conservative treatment in patients with functionally disabling single-level degenerative lumbar disc disease? Results of 5-year follow-up in 75 postoperative patients.

    PubMed

    Zigler, Jack E; Delamarter, Rick B

    2013-01-01

    Surgical treatment of patients with mechanical degenerative disc disease has been controversial, but improvements in clinical outcomes have been shown in properly selected patients with disease-specific diagnoses, with fusion arguably now becoming the "gold standard" for surgical management of these patients. No published study thus far has been designed for prospective enrollment of patients with specific inclusion/exclusion criteria in whom at least 6 months of conservative therapy has failed and who are then offered a standardized surgical procedure and are followed up for 5 years. The study group was composed of the patients in the prospective, randomized Food and Drug Administration Investigational Device Exemption trial comparing ProDisc-L (Synthes Spine, West Chester, Pennsylvania) with 360° fusion for the treatment of single-level symptomatic disc degeneration. Of 80 patients randomized to 360° fusion after failure of non-operative care, 75 were treated on protocol with single-level fusions. Follow-up of this treatment cohort was 97% at 2 years and 75% at 5 years and serves as the basis for this report. Patients in the trial were required to have failure of at least 6 months of nonoperative care and in fact had failure of an average of 9 months of nonoperative treatment. The mean Oswestry Disability Index score indicated greater than 60% impairment. The mean entry-level pain score on a visual analog scale was greater than 8 of 10. After fusion, not only did patients have significant improvements in measurable clinical outcomes such as the Oswestry Disability Index score and pain score on a visual analog scale but there were also substantial improvements in their functional status and quality of life. Specifically, over 80% of patients in this study had improvements in recreational status that was maintained 5 years after index surgery, indicating substantial improvements in life quality that were not afforded by months of conservative care. The percentage

  3. 7 CFR 983.52 - Failed lots/rework procedure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Failed lots/rework procedure. 983.52 Section 983.52..., ARIZONA, AND NEW MEXICO Regulations § 983.52 Failed lots/rework procedure. (a) Substandard pistachios... committee may establish, with the Secretary's approval, appropriate rework procedures. (b) Failed lot...

  4. 7 CFR 983.52 - Failed lots/rework procedure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Failed lots/rework procedure. 983.52 Section 983.52..., ARIZONA, AND NEW MEXICO Regulations § 983.52 Failed lots/rework procedure. (a) Substandard pistachios... committee may establish, with the Secretary's approval, appropriate rework procedures. (b) Failed lot...

  5. 7 CFR 983.52 - Failed lots/rework procedure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Failed lots/rework procedure. 983.52 Section 983.52..., ARIZONA, AND NEW MEXICO Regulations § 983.52 Failed lots/rework procedure. (a) Substandard pistachios... committee may establish, with the Secretary's approval, appropriate rework procedures. (b) Failed lot...

  6. Percutaneous drainage in conservative therapy for perforated gastroduodenal ulcers.

    PubMed

    Oida, Takatsugu; Kano, Hisao; Mimatsu, Kenji; Kawasaki, Atsushi; Kuboi, Youichi; Fukino, Nobutada; Kida, Kazutoshi; Amano, Sadao

    2012-01-01

    The management of peptic ulcers has dramatically changed and the incidence of elective surgery for gastroduodenal peptic ulcers has markedly decreased; hence, the incidence of emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcers has slightly increased. In select cases, conservative therapy can be used as an alternative for treating perforated gastroduodenal ulcers. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of percutaneous abdominal drainage for the conservative treatment of perforated gastroduodenal ulcers. We retrospectively studied 51 patients who had undergone conservative therapy for perforated gastroduodenal ulcers. These patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of the initial treatment with conservative therapy with or without percutaneous drainage: group PD included patients who had undergone percutaneous drainage and group NPD, patients who had undergone non-percutaneous drainage. In the PD group, 14.3% (n=3) of the patients did not respond to conservative therapy, while this value was 43.3% (n=13) in the NPD group. The 2 groups differed significantly with respect to conversion from conservative therapy to surgery (p<0.0352). Conservative therapy for perforated gastroduodenal ulcers should be performed only in the case of patients meeting the required criteria; its combination with percutaneous intraperitoneal drainage is effective as initial conservative therapy.

  7. Alternative Splicing of NOX4 in the Failing Human Heart

    PubMed Central

    Varga, Zoltán V.; Pipicz, Márton; Baán, Júlia A.; Baranyai, Tamás; Koncsos, Gábor; Leszek, Przemyslaw; Kuśmierczyk, Mariusz; Sánchez-Cabo, Fátima; García-Pavía, Pablo; Brenner, Gábor J.; Giricz, Zoltán; Csont, Tamás; Mendler, Luca; Lara-Pezzi, Enrique; Pacher, Pál; Ferdinandy, Péter

    2017-01-01

    Increased oxidative stress is a major contributor to the development and progression of heart failure, however, our knowledge on the role of the distinct NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoenzymes, especially on NOX4 is controversial. Therefore, we aimed to characterize NOX4 expression in human samples from healthy and failing hearts. Explanted human heart samples (left and right ventricular, and septal regions) were obtained from patients suffering from heart failure of ischemic or dilated origin. Control samples were obtained from donor hearts that were not used for transplantation. Deep RNA sequencing of the cardiac transcriptome indicated extensive alternative splicing of the NOX4 gene in heart failure as compared to samples from healthy donor hearts. Long distance PCR analysis with a universal 5′-3′ end primer pair, allowing amplification of different splice variants, confirmed the presence of the splice variants. To assess translation of the alternatively spliced transcripts we determined protein expression of NOX4 by using a specific antibody recognizing a conserved region in all variants. Western blot analysis showed up-regulation of the full-length NOX4 in ischemic cardiomyopathy samples and confirmed presence of shorter isoforms both in control and failing samples with disease-associated expression pattern. We describe here for the first time that NOX4 undergoes extensive alternative splicing in human hearts which gives rise to the expression of different enzyme isoforms. The full length NOX4 is significantly upregulated in ischemic cardiomyopathy suggesting a role for NOX4 in ROS production during heart failure. PMID:29204124

  8. [Anterior Superior and Anterior Interior Iliac Spine Fractures. Comparison of the Results of Conservative and Surgical Treatment].

    PubMed

    Stančák, A; Kautzner, J; Havlas, V

    2016-01-01

    Avulsion fractures of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) are rare injuries to the skeleton in children. They are most frequent in adolescent athletes, such as sprinters and long-distance runners, and football players. The authors present a group of patients treated at their department and compare the results of procedures used to manage different pelvic avulsion fractures. Between 2005 and 2012, 38 patients (31 boys and seven girls) with an average age of 15.1 years (range, 4-17 years) were treated. Fourteen patients with minimally displaced fractures were treated conservatively, 24 patients with fractures displaced more than 1 cm underwent surgery. All patients had a standard rehabilitation protocol. Post-operative assessments included: the range of motion in the hip; X-ray at 6 weeks, 3 months and 1 year; duration of bed rest; return to previous activities; occurrence of complications (heterotopic ossification, infection, etc). All patients returned to the pre-injury level of sports activities. Recovery was faster and early rehabilitation was better tolerated in patients treated surgically (p = 0.03), particularly in those with AIIS avulsion fractures. Ambulation with partial weight bearing was possible on average at 7.2 days (range, 2-10 days) in surgically treated patients and at 24.1 days (18-27 days) in conservatively treated patients; the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.02). The range of motion markedly improved in surgically treated patients as early as at 6 weeks while, in conservatively treated patients, the comparable outcome was achieved at 3 months of follow-up (p = 0.02). The time necessary for radiographic evidence of fragment union as well as full recovery was comparable in both patient groups. No deep wound infection was recorded; minor heterotopic ossification was detected in five patients, but no further treatment during follow-up was required. Indications for surgical treatment are

  9. A Comprehensive Surgical Procedure in Conservative Management of Placenta Accreta

    PubMed Central

    Kelekci, Sefa; Ekmekci, Emre; Aydogmus, Serpil; Gencdal, Servet

    2015-01-01

    Abstract We aimed to present a combined surgical procedure in conservative treatment of placenta accreta based on surgical outcomes in our cohort of patients. The study was designed as a prospective cohort series study. The setting involved two education and research hospitals in Turkey. This study included 12 patients with placenta accreta who were prenatally diagnosed and managed. We offered the patients the choice of conservative or nonconservative treatment. We then offered 2 choices for patients who had preferred conservative treatment, leaving the placenta in situ as is the classical procedure, or our surgical procedure. One patient preferred nonconservative treatment, the others opted for our procedure. We evaluated demographic and obstetric characteristics of patients, sonographic and operative parameters of patients, and surgical outcomes. We operated on 11 patients using this surgical procedure that we have developed for placenta accreta cases. We found that there was no need for hysterectomy in any patient, and we preserved the uterus for all of these patients. No patient presented any septic complication or secondary vaginal bleeding. Our surgical procedure seems to be effective and useful in the conservative treatment of placenta accreta. PMID:25700315

  10. Congenital scoliosis - presentation of three severe cases treated conservatively.

    PubMed

    Weiss, H-R

    2008-01-01

    In view of the very limited data about conservative treatment of patients with congenital scoliosis (CS) available, early surgery is suggested already in mild cases with formation failures in the first three years of life. It is common sense that patients with failures of segmentation will not benefit from conservative treatment at all and the same applies to failures of formation with curves of >50 degrees in infancy. Two patients with rib synostosis denied surgery before entering the pubertal growth spurt. These patients have been treated conservatively with braces and Scoliosis In-Patient Rehabilitation (SIR) and now are beyond the pubertal growth spurt. One patient with a formation failure and a curve of >50 degrees lumbar has been treated with the help of braces and physiotherapy from 1.6 years on and is still under treatment now at the age of 15 years. Severe decompensation was prevented in the two patients with failure of segmentation, however a severe thoracic deformity is evident with underdeveloped lung function and severe restrictive ventilation disorder. The patient with failure of formation is well developed, now without cosmetic or physical complaints although his curve progressed at the end of the growth spurt due to final mal-compliance. Failures of segmentation should be advised to have surgery before entering the pubertal growth spurt. In case they deny, conservative treatment can at least in part be beneficial. For patients with failures of formation conservative treatment should be suggested in the first place because long-term outcomes of early surgery beyond pubertal growth spurt are not yet revealed.

  11. 7 CFR 983.52 - Failed lots/rework procedure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ..., ARIZONA, AND NEW MEXICO Regulations § 983.52 Failed lots/rework procedure. (a) Substandard pistachios. Each lot of substandard pistachios may be reworked to meet aflatoxin or quality requirements. The... reporting. If a lot fails to meet the aflatoxin and/or the quality requirements of this part, a failed lot...

  12. Arthrodesis of the knee following failed arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Van Rensch, P J H; Van de Pol, G J; Goosen, J H M; Wymenga, A B; De Man, F H R

    2014-08-01

    Primary stability in arthrodesis of the knee can be achieved by external fixation, intramedullary nailing or plate fixation. Each method has different features and results. We present a practical algorithm for arthrodesis of the knee following a failed (infected) arthroplasty, based on our own results and a literature review. Between 2004 and 2010, patients were included with an indication for arthrodesis after failed (revision) arthroplasty of the knee. Patients were analyzed with respect to indication, fusion method and bone contact. End-point was solid fusion. Twenty-six arthrodeses were performed. Eighteen patients were treated because of an infected arthroplasty. In total, ten external fixators, ten intramedullary nails and six plate fixations were applied; solid fusion was achieved in 3/10, 8/10 and 3/6, respectively. There is no definite answer as to which method is superior in performing an arthrodesis of the knee. Intramedullary nailing achieved the best fusion rates, but was used most in cases without--or cured--infection. Our data and the contemporary literature suggest that external fixation can be abandoned as standard fusion method, but can be of use following persisting infection. The Ilizarov circular external fixator, however, seems to render high fusion rates. Good patient selection and appropriate individual treatment are the key to a successful arthrodesis. Based upon these findings, a practical algorithm was developed.

  13. Management of pediatric patients with refractory constipation who fail cecostomy.

    PubMed

    Bonilla, Silvana F; Flores, Alejandro; Jackson, Carl-Christian A; Chwals, Walter J; Orkin, Bruce A

    2013-09-01

    Antegrade continence enema (ACE) is a recognized therapeutic option in the management of pediatric refractory constipation. Data on the long-term outcome of patients who fail to improve after an ACE-procedure are lacking. To describe the rate of ACE bowel management failure in pediatric refractory constipation, and the management and long term outcome of these patients. Retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients that underwent ACE-procedure and had at least 3-year-follow-up. Detailed analysis of subsequent treatment and outcome of those patients with a poor functional outcome was performed. 76 patients were included. 12 (16%) failed successful bowel management after ACE requiring additional intervention. Mean follow-up was 66.3 (range 35-95 months) after ACE-procedure. Colonic motility studies demonstrated colonic neuropathy in 7 patients (58%); abnormal motility in 4 patients (33%), and abnormal left-sided colonic motility in 1 patient (9%). All 12 patients were ultimately treated surgically. Nine patients (75%) had marked clinical improvement, whereas 3 patients (25%) continued to have poor function issues at long term follow-up. Colonic resection, either segmental or total, led to improvement or resolution of symptoms in the majority of patients who failed cecostomy. However, this is a complex and heterogeneous group and some patients will have continued issues. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. An overview of structure, mechanical properties, and treatment for age-related tendinopathy.

    PubMed

    Zhou, B; Zhou, Y; Tang, K

    2014-04-01

    Tendons transfer tensile loads from muscle to bone, which enable joint motions and stabilize joints. Tendons sustain large mechanical loads in vivo and as a result, tendons were frequently injured. Aging has been confirmed as a predisposing factor of tendinopathy and bad recovery quality following tendon repair. Current treatment methods are generally not effective and involve either symptomatic relief with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs and physical therapy or surgery when conservative treatments failed. The limitation in treatment options is due to our incomplete knowledge of age-related tendinopathy. Studies over the past decades have uncovered a number of important mechanical and cellular changes of aging tendon. However, the basis of aging as a major risk factor for tendon injury and impaired tendon healing remained poorly understood. The objectives of this review are to provide an overview of the current knowledge about the aging-associated changes of structure, mechanical properties and treatment in tendon and highlight causes and therapies for age-related tendinopathy.

  15. 7 CFR 1469.22 - Conservation practice operation and maintenance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... life span of the conservation treatment, as identified in the contract or conservation stewardship plan... procedures as specified in § 1469.25. If an existing practice is part of a system that meets the quality...

  16. 7 CFR 1469.22 - Conservation practice operation and maintenance.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... life span of the conservation treatment, as identified in the contract or conservation stewardship plan... procedures as specified in § 1469.25. If an existing practice is part of a system that meets the quality...

  17. 7 CFR 996.50 - Reconditioning failing quality peanuts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Reconditioning failing quality peanuts. 996.50 Section... Handling Standards § 996.50 Reconditioning failing quality peanuts. (a) Lots of peanuts which have not been... peanuts failing to meet the applicable outgoing quality standards in the table in § 996.31(a). If, after...

  18. 30 CFR 77.312 - Fail safe monitoring systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Fail safe monitoring systems. 77.312 Section 77... Thermal Dryers § 77.312 Fail safe monitoring systems. Thermal dryer systems and controls shall be protected by a fail safe monitoring system which will safely shut down the system and any related equipment...

  19. 30 CFR 77.312 - Fail safe monitoring systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Fail safe monitoring systems. 77.312 Section 77... Thermal Dryers § 77.312 Fail safe monitoring systems. Thermal dryer systems and controls shall be protected by a fail safe monitoring system which will safely shut down the system and any related equipment...

  20. 7 CFR 996.50 - Reconditioning failing quality peanuts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Reconditioning failing quality peanuts. 996.50 Section... Handling Standards § 996.50 Reconditioning failing quality peanuts. (a) Lots of peanuts which have not been... peanuts failing to meet the applicable outgoing quality standards in the table in § 996.31(a). If, after...

  1. 30 CFR 77.312 - Fail safe monitoring systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Fail safe monitoring systems. 77.312 Section 77... Thermal Dryers § 77.312 Fail safe monitoring systems. Thermal dryer systems and controls shall be protected by a fail safe monitoring system which will safely shut down the system and any related equipment...

  2. 30 CFR 77.312 - Fail safe monitoring systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Fail safe monitoring systems. 77.312 Section 77... Thermal Dryers § 77.312 Fail safe monitoring systems. Thermal dryer systems and controls shall be protected by a fail safe monitoring system which will safely shut down the system and any related equipment...

  3. 7 CFR 996.50 - Reconditioning failing quality peanuts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Reconditioning failing quality peanuts. 996.50 Section... Handling Standards § 996.50 Reconditioning failing quality peanuts. (a) Lots of peanuts which have not been... peanuts failing to meet the applicable outgoing quality standards in the table in § 996.31(a). If, after...

  4. 30 CFR 77.312 - Fail safe monitoring systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 30 Mineral Resources 1 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Fail safe monitoring systems. 77.312 Section 77... Thermal Dryers § 77.312 Fail safe monitoring systems. Thermal dryer systems and controls shall be protected by a fail safe monitoring system which will safely shut down the system and any related equipment...

  5. Comparison of the Efficacy of Electromyographic Biofeedback, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Conservative Medical Interventions in the Treatment of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Flor, Herta; Birbaumer, Niels

    1993-01-01

    Patients who suffered from chronic back pain or temporomandibular pain were randomly assigned to either electromyographic biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, or conservative medical treatment groups. Biofeedback showed the most improvement at posttreatment and the only lasting significant effect. Analysis of attrition showed a significant…

  6. [Investigation of the clinical usefullness of leukocytapheresis on rheumatoid arthritis resistant to or failed with the other treatments].

    PubMed

    Sawada, Jin; Kimoto, Osamu; Suzuki, Daisuke; Shimoyama, Kumiko; Ogawa, Noriyoshi

    2009-12-01

    To examine therapeutic effect of leukocytapheresis (LCAP) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) resistant to various treatments. Thirteen patients with RA (mean age : 60.8+/-11.4, male : female=5 : 8), 1 who were resistant to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics, or 2 who failed with those medicines because of side effects or complications. We performed LCAP, which was carried out once a week for a total of five sessions, with a throughput of about 0.1 L/kg. Before and after LCAP, we evaluated the effect of LCAP therapy. DAS28 (CRP) score was 5.70+/-1.12 before LCAP, 4.57+/-1.19 (P<0.05) just after the final LCAP and 4.83+/-1.35 (P<0.05) about 4 weeks after LCAP. DAS28 score decreased in all patients after LCAP. No serious adverse events were observed except temporary anemia. LCAP therapy may be useful and safe for patients with RA resistant to conventional medication. Patients who show good clinical response by LCAP needs to be clarified.

  7. Early-onset scoliosis: current treatment.

    PubMed

    Cunin, V

    2015-02-01

    Early-onset scoliosis, which appears before the age of 10, can be due to congenital vertebral anomalies, neuromuscular diseases, scoliosis-associated syndromes, or idiopathic causes. It can have serious consequences for lung development and significantly reduce the life expectancy compared to adolescent scoliosis. Extended posterior fusion must be avoided to prevent the crankshaft phenomenon, uneven growth of the trunk and especially restrictive lung disease. Conservative (non-surgical) treatment is used first. If this fails, fusionless surgery can be performed to delay the final fusion procedure until the patient is older. The gold standard delaying surgical treatment is the implantation of growing rods as described by Moe and colleagues in the mid-1980s. These rods, which are lengthened during short surgical procedures at regular intervals, curb the scoliosis progression until the patient reaches an age where fusion can be performed. Knowledge of this technique and its complications has led to several mechanical improvements being made, namely use of rods that can be distracted magnetically on an outpatient basis, without the need for anesthesia. Devices based on the same principle have been designed that preferentially attach to the ribs to specifically address chest wall and spine dysplasia. The second category of surgical devices consists of rods used to guide spinal growth that do not require repeated surgical procedures. The third type of fusionless surgical treatment involves slowing the growth of the scoliosis convexity to help reduce the Cobb angle. The indications are constantly changing. Improvements in surgical techniques and greater surgeon experience may help to reduce the number of complications and make this lengthy treatment acceptable to patients and their family. Long-term effects of surgery on the Cobb angle have not been compared to those involving conservative "delaying" treatments. Because the latter has fewer complications associated with

  8. Treatment of Large Periapical Cyst Like Lesion: A Noninvasive Approach: A Report of Two Cases

    PubMed Central

    Maheshwari, Neha; Gothi, Rajat; Sood, Niti

    2015-01-01

    ABSTRACT Periapical lesions develop as sequelae to pulp disease. Periapical radiolucent areas are generally diagnosed either during routine dental radiographic examination or following acute toothache. Various methods can be used in the nonsurgical management of periapical lesions: the conservative root canal treatment, decompression technique, active nonsurgical decompression technique, aspiration-irrigation technique, method using calcium hydroxide, lesion sterilization and repair therapy and the apexum procedure. Monitoring the healing of periapical lesions is essential through periodic follow-up examinations. The ultimate goal of endodontic therapy should be to return the involved teeth to a state of health and function without surgical intervention. All inflammatory periapical lesions should be initially treated with conservative nonsurgical procedures. Surgical intervention is recommended only after nonsurgical techniques have failed. Besides, surgery has many drawbacks, which limit its use in the management of periapical lesions. How to cite this article: Sood N, Maheshwari N, Gothi R, Sood N. Treatment of Large Periapical Cyst Like Lesion: A Noninvasive Approach: A Report of Two Cases. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2015;8(2):133-137. PMID:26379382

  9. Treatment of Large Periapical Cyst Like Lesion: A Noninvasive Approach: A Report of Two Cases.

    PubMed

    Sood, Nikhil; Maheshwari, Neha; Gothi, Rajat; Sood, Niti

    2015-01-01

    Periapical lesions develop as sequelae to pulp disease. Periapical radiolucent areas are generally diagnosed either during routine dental radiographic examination or following acute toothache. Various methods can be used in the nonsurgical management of periapical lesions: the conservative root canal treatment, decompression technique, active nonsurgical decompression technique, aspiration-irrigation technique, method using calcium hydroxide, lesion sterilization and repair therapy and the apexum procedure. Monitoring the healing of periapical lesions is essential through periodic follow-up examinations. The ultimate goal of endodontic therapy should be to return the involved teeth to a state of health and function without surgical intervention. All inflammatory periapical lesions should be initially treated with conservative nonsurgical procedures. Surgical intervention is recommended only after nonsurgical techniques have failed. Besides, surgery has many drawbacks, which limit its use in the management of periapical lesions. How to cite this article: Sood N, Maheshwari N, Gothi R, Sood N. Treatment of Large Periapical Cyst Like Lesion: A Noninvasive Approach: A Report of Two Cases. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2015;8(2):133-137.

  10. Pulley Ruptures in Rock Climbers: Outcome of Conservative Treatment With the Pulley-Protection Splint-A Series of 47 Cases.

    PubMed

    Schneeberger, Micha; Schweizer, Andreas

    2016-06-01

    To evaluate the effectiveness of conservative treatment of finger flexor tendon pulley rupture with a pulley-protection splint (PPS) with regard to reduction in tendon-phalanx distance (TPD) and functional and sport-specific outcomes in a retrospective case series. Tendon-phalanx distance in active forced flexion was measured before and after treatment in ultrasound records. Functional and sport-specific outcomes were evaluated by means of a questionnaire, which also contained instructions for self-measurement of finger range of motion and finger strength. Forty-seven complete pulley ruptures in 45 rock climbers (mean age, 33.4 years; range, 21.8-56.2 years) were included in the study. In the 39 patients who had follow-up ultrasound examination, PPS treatment decreased mean ± SD TPD from 4.4 ± 1.0 mm to 2.3 ± 0.6 mm after A2 pulley rupture and from 2.9 ± 0.7 mm to 2.1 ± 0.5 mm after A4 pulley rupture. Tendon-phalanx distance was reduced in all patients. Finger range of motion (n = 42) and finger strength (n = 22) did not differ significantly between treated and contralateral sides. Of the 43 climbers who completed questionnaires, 38 had regained their previous climbing level a mean 8.8 months after pulley rupture; 1 reported reduced finger dexterity; 39 assessed their treatment results to be good, and 4 to be very good. The PPS is an effective conservative treatment modality for pulley ruptures, which reduces TPD and enables the patient to regain previous finger function. Copyright © 2016 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. The service impact of failed locking plate fixation of distal tibial fractures: a service and financial evaluation at a major trauma centre.

    PubMed

    Kent, Michael; Mumith, Aadil; McEwan, Jo; Hancock, Nicholas

    2015-12-01

    The surgical treatment of distal tibial fractures is challenging and controversial. Recently, locking plate fixation has become popular, but the outcomes of this treatment are mixed with complication rates as high as 50 % in the published literature. There are no reports specifically relating to the financial and resource costs of failed treatment in the literature. Retrospective service analysis of patients who had undergone locking plate fixation of a distal third tibial fracture between 2008 and 2011 with at least 12 months follow-up. Rates of readmission, reoperation, bony union and infection were ascertained. The financial and resource (hospital stay and number of outpatient appointments) implications of failed treatment were calculated. Forty-two patients were identified. There were 31 type A fractures, one type B fracture and 10 type C fractures. Three injuries were open. Twenty patients were treated with minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis (MIPO). The readmission and reoperation rates were 26 % (n = 11) and 19 % (n = 8), respectively. A total of 89 % of readmissions were due to infection. All patients had received appropriate antibiotic regimens. The average costs of successful and failed treatment were £ 5538 and £ 18,335, respectively. The average time to union was 24.5 weeks. The rate of non-union was 21 % (n = 9). The rate of infection was 28 % (n = 12), with all patients with open fracture incurring an infection. Tourniquet time had no effect on the incidence of complications. Smokers were more likely to incur a complication (p < 0.05), and non-union was lower in the MIPO group (p < 0.05). The length and total cost of inpatient care were significantly lower in the MIPO group (p < 0.05). MIPO patients were five times less likely to incur readmission or reoperation. Failed treatment was three times more expensive and four times longer than successful treatment. The study identified a large burden to the service following failure of locking

  12. 7 CFR 983.152 - Failed lots/rework procedure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Failed lots/rework procedure. 983.152 Section 983.152..., ARIZONA, AND NEW MEXICO Rules and Regulations § 983.152 Failed lots/rework procedure. (a) Inshell rework... the lot has been reworked and tested, it fails the aflatoxin test for a second time, the lot may be...

  13. 7 CFR 983.152 - Failed lots/rework procedure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Failed lots/rework procedure. 983.152 Section 983.152..., ARIZONA, AND NEW MEXICO Rules and Regulations § 983.152 Failed lots/rework procedure. (a) Inshell rework... the lot has been reworked and tested, it fails the aflatoxin test for a second time, the lot may be...

  14. 7 CFR 983.152 - Failed lots/rework procedure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Failed lots/rework procedure. 983.152 Section 983.152..., ARIZONA, AND NEW MEXICO Rules and Regulations § 983.152 Failed lots/rework procedure. (a) Inshell rework... the lot has been reworked and tested, it fails the aflatoxin test for a second time, the lot may be...

  15. 7 CFR 983.152 - Failed lots/rework procedure.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Failed lots/rework procedure. 983.152 Section 983.152..., ARIZONA, AND NEW MEXICO Rules and Regulations § 983.152 Failed lots/rework procedure. (a) Inshell rework... the lot has been reworked and tested, it fails the aflatoxin test for a second time, the lot may be...

  16. Contemporary management of patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer who fail intravesical BCG therapy.

    PubMed

    Yates, D R; Rouprêt, M

    2011-08-01

    It is advocated that patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) receive an adjuvant course of intravesical Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) as first-line treatment. However, a substantial proportion of patients will 'fail' BCG, either early with persistent (refractory) disease or recur late after a long disease-free interval (relapsing). Guideline recommendation in the 'refractory' setting is radical cystectomy, but there are situations when extirpative surgery is not feasible due to competing co-morbidity, a patient's desire for bladder preservation or reluctance to undergo surgery. In this review, we discuss the contemporary management of NMIBC in patients who have failed prior BCG and are not suitable for radical surgery and highlight the potential options available. These options can be categorised as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, device-assisted therapy and combination therapy. However, the current data are still inadequate to formulate definitive recommendations, and data from ongoing trials and maturing studies will give us an insight into whether there is a realistic efficacious second-line treatment for patients who fail intravesical BCG but are not candidates for definitive surgery.

  17. A comparative study of three conservative treatments in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: lumbar spinal stenosis with acupuncture and physical therapy study (LAP study).

    PubMed

    Oka, Hiroyuki; Matsudaira, Ko; Takano, Yuichi; Kasuya, Daichi; Niiya, Masaki; Tonosu, Juichi; Fukushima, Masayoshi; Oshima, Yasushi; Fujii, Tomoko; Tanaka, Sakae; Inanami, Hirohiko

    2018-01-19

    Although the efficiency of conservative management for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) has been examined, different conservative management approaches have not been compared. We have performed the first comparative trial of three types of conservative management (medication with acetaminophen, exercise, and acupuncture) in Japanese patients with LSS. Patients with L5 root radiculopathy associated with LSS who visited our hospital for surgical treatment were enrolled between December 2011 and January 2014. In this open-label study, patients were assigned to three treatment groups (medication, exercise, acupuncture) according to the visit time. The primary outcomes were Zurich claudication questionnaire (ZCQ) scores before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Least square mean analysis was used to assess the following dependent variables in the treatment groups: changes in symptom severity and physical function scores of the ZCQ and the ZCQ score of patient's satisfaction after treatment. Thirty-eight, 40, and 41 patients were allocated to the medication, exercise, and acupuncture groups, respectively. No patient underwent surgical treatment during the study period. The symptom severity scores of the ZCQ improved significantly after treatment in the medication (p = 0.048), exercise (p = 0.003), and acupuncture (p = 0.04) groups. The physical function score improved significantly in the acupuncture group (p = 0.045) but not in the medication (p = 0.20) and exercise (p = 0.29) groups. The mean reduction in the ZCQ score for physical function was significantly greater for acupuncture than for exercise. The mean ZCQ score for treatment satisfaction was significantly greater for acupuncture than for medication. Acupuncture was significantly more effective than physical exercise according to the physical function score of the ZCQ and than medication according to the satisfaction score. The present study provides new important information that will aid

  18. Conservation of North American rallids

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Eddleman, William R.; Knopf, Fritz L.; Manley, Brooke; Reid, Frederic A.; Zembal, Richard

    1988-01-01

    The Rallidae are a diverse group in their habitat selection, yet most North American species occur in or near wetlands As a consequence, most species are subject to habitat enhancement or perturbation from waterfowl management programs. The overall effects of these management programs relative to rallid conservation have been assessed for few species, and there is a need for synthesis of such information. In the cases of some species or raves, population status is not known, and suggested directions for conservation and management are needed. Rare, endangered, or status undetermined species or races often occur in areas where related species are classified as game birds, and the effects of such hunting on rarer forms are not known. Their generally secretive nature, the endangered status of several races and populations, and continued loss of habitat and threats to present habitat, warrant an examination of the conservation status of the North American taxa in this group. In 1977, a committee of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies summarized available information on management and biology of American Coots (Fulica americana), rails, and gallinules in North America (Holliman 1977). That summary was intended to provide relatively complete information on conservation of these species, and also to provide guidance for research within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) Accelerated Research Program for Webless Migratory Shore and Upland Game Birds (ARP). Subsequently, a number of rallid studies were funded under this program. The program was eliminated in 1982, following substantial research activities on North American rallids. Since the demise of the ARP, additional research on rallids in North America has focused on an area the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies report failed to cover in detail--that of endangered rallids in the U.S. and their possessions. Most of these studies have been of threatened and endangered

  19. Modeling willingness to pay for land conservation easements: treatment of zero and protest bids and application and policy implications

    Treesearch

    Seong-Hoon Cho; Steven T. Yen; J. Michael Bowker; David H. Newman

    2008-01-01

    This study compares an ordered probit model and a Tobit model with selection to take into account both true zero and protest zero bids while estimating the willingness to pay (WTP) for conservation easements in Macon County, NC. By comparing the two models, the ordered/Unordered selection issue of the protest responses is analyzed to demonstrate how the treatment of...

  20. The role of non-industrial private forest lands in the conservation of southern fire-dependent wildlife

    Treesearch

    Christopher E. Moorman; Peter T. Bromley; Mark A. Megalos; David Drake

    2002-01-01

    Although scientific support for fire as a land management tool has grown, non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners often fail to burn on their properties. These lands comprise approximately 70 percent of southern forests, making them critical to the long-term conservation of wildlife and plant species. Natural resource professionals must overcome key constraints...

  1. Insights from life history theory for an explicit treatment of trade-offs in conservation biology.

    PubMed

    Charpentier, Anne

    2015-06-01

    As economic and social contexts become more embedded within biodiversity conservation, it becomes obvious that resources are a limiting factor in conservation. This recognition is leading conservation scientists and practitioners to increasingly frame conservation decisions as trade-offs between conflicting societal objectives. However, this framing is all too often done in an intuitive way, rather than by addressing trade-offs explicitly. In contrast, the concept of trade-off is a keystone in evolutionary biology, where it has been investigated extensively. I argue that insights from evolutionary theory can provide methodological and theoretical support to evaluating and quantifying trade-offs in biodiversity conservation. I reviewed the diverse ways in which trade-offs have emerged within the context of conservation and how advances from evolutionary theory can help avoid the main pitfalls of an implicit approach. When studying both evolutionary trade-offs (e.g., reproduction vs. survival) and conservation trade-offs (e.g., biodiversity conservation vs. agriculture), it is crucial to correctly identify the limiting resource, hold constant the amount of this resource when comparing different scenarios, and choose appropriate metrics to quantify the extent to which the objectives have been achieved. Insights from studies in evolutionary theory also reveal how an inadequate selection of conservation solutions may result from considering suboptimal rather than optional solutions when examining whether a trade-off exits between 2 objectives. Furthermore, the shape of a trade-off curve (i.e., whether the relationship between 2 objectives follows a concave, convex, or linear form) is known to affect crucially the definition of optimal solutions in evolutionary biology and very likely affects decisions in biodiversity conservation planning too. This interface between evolutionary biology and biodiversity conservation can therefore provide methodological guidance to

  2. Transarterial Onyx Embolization for Patients with Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas Who Have Failed Transvenous Embolization.

    PubMed

    Wen, Jun; Duan, Chuan-Zhi; Huang, Li-Jing; Zhang, Xin; He, Xu-Ying; Li, Xi-Feng

    2015-09-01

    Transvenous embolization is the treatment of choice for cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (csDAVFs) despite occasional difficulty in transvenous catheterization. We reported our experience in the treatment of csDAVFs by transarterial Onyx embolization in patients who had failed transvenous catheterization. We reviewed the clinical and radiographic records of csDAVFs patients receiving transarterial Onyx embolization after failed transvenous Onyx embolization at our institution over a period of 31 months. Success was defined as complete or near complete occlusion upon angiographic examination. In seven cases, the microcatheter failed to reach the cavernous sinus; in the remaining case, the internal jugular vein was occlusive. Eight sessions of the embolization and catheterization procedures via the arterial routes were conducted. Among them, five cases via the middle meningeal artery and the other three via the accessory meningeal artery. Angiography, immediately after embolization, revealed complete occlusion in seven cases (87.5 %) and partial occlusion in the remaining case. Angiographic follow-up (range, 6-10 months) showed that all patients achieved complete embolization. In cases where transvenous embolization of the cavernous sinus is difficult, transarterial embolization of the fistulas offers a safe and effective alternative.

  3. Quality of life and stress level in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis subjected to conservative treatment.

    PubMed

    Kinel, Edyta; Kotwicki, Tomasz; Podolska, Anna; Białek, Marianna; Stryła, Wanda

    2012-01-01

    Quality of life (QoL) and stress level of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis is under growing consideration by physicians, physiotherapists and other specialists (psychologist, nurses). The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life and stress level in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis who are under brace treatment. It involved 45 adolescents, ages ranging between 10.0 and 15.0 years, all with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) with Cobb angle between 20-45 degrees. The adolescents were wearing the same kind of brace (Chêneau orthosis) for more than 3 months for at least 12h per day. Two questionnaires were used: the Brace Questionnaire (BrQ) and Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire (BSSQ). The analysis considered the type of treatment, curve location, correlation of the total score with age, Cobb angle and Bunnell rotation angle. The age was 13.6 ± 1.3 years. Cobb angle was 31.7 ± 7.6 degrees. The mean score for BrQ was 78.1 ± 11.3 points. Adolescents revealed higher score with BSSQ Deformity (median = 15) comparing to BSSQ Brace (median = 12). Conservative treatment does not severely impact on the quality of life of scoliotic adolescents. The adolescents who were under brace treatment suffered moderate level of stress from the deformity.

  4. Tripolar spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

    PubMed

    Rana, Maunak V; Knezevic, Nebojsa Nick

    2013-01-01

    The objective of this case report is to describe the use of transverse tripolar dorsal column stimulation in a patient with a history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) associated with abdominal pain resistant to conservative treatments. We report a 36-year-old man who presented to the pain clinic with an eight-year history of IBS (constipation predominant with occasional diarrheal episodes), with "crampy and sharp" abdominal pain. He also had nonradicular thoracic spine pain due to thoracic scoliosis. Both pains were affecting his ability to function as an attorney. Prior conservative therapy, including psychologic treatment, antidepressants, and opioids, was without any benefits. The use of a spinal cord stimulator (SCS) was discussed with the patient. The procedure was performed after Institutional Review Board approval. A tripolar SCS was implanted at the T8 level using one-eight contact and two-four contact percutaneous leads based on paresthesia reproduction of patient's areas of discomfort. This tripolar spinal cord stimulation provided relief of abdominal and thoracic pain, and better management of gastrointestinal symptoms. The patient was followed-up for one year, and his quality of life also was improved via the IBS-Severity Scoring System quality of life tool. The use of the tripolar SCS in this patient provided relief of abdominal and thoracic spine pain, regulated bowel habits, and improved the patient's quality of life. We believe that the use of SCS should be considered as a treatment option in patients with IBS when all conservative treatments failed. © 2012 International Neuromodulation Society.

  5. The recurrence risk of placenta accreta following uterine conserving management.

    PubMed

    Cunningham, K M; Anwar, A; Lindow, S W

    2015-01-01

    Placenta accreta is a condition of abnormal placental attachment that was usually treated by hysterectomy. Techniques to conserve the uterus are now commonly used and series of subsequent pregnancy outcomes have been reported. The recurrence risk of placenta accreta is now a relevant detail and is currently not known. This work was performed to calculate the recurrence risk by reviewing the published literature. A literature search using the terms "placenta accreta", "placenta percreta", "placenta increta", "abnormal placental attachment" and "placental attachment disorder" followed by hand-searching identified 6 papers that contained data concerning recurrence of placenta accreta in subsequent pregnancies following initial conservative treatment. Overall 407 pregnancies were recorded and 85.7% of women reported achieved a subsequent pregnancy following conservative treatment. The risk of recurrence of placental attachment disorder in a subsequent pregnancy was 19.9% (weighted mean, 95% CI 12.2-27.7). The recurrence risk of placental attachment disorder following uterine conservation treatments is 20% . This risk should be discussed with women with an antenatal diagnosis of a placental attachment disorder who may be considering uterine conservation in order to retain the option of a future pregnancy.

  6. Simple resection arthroplasty for treatment of 4th and 5th tarsometatarsal joint problems. A technical tip and a small case series.

    PubMed

    Koenis, M J J; Louwerens, J W K

    2015-03-01

    Osteoarthritis, primary or secondary, of the fourth and/or fifth tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint is a rare condition. When conservative treatment fails or proves to be unacceptable for the patient, operative treatment is an option. In this article the technique of resection arthroplasty is described and a retrospective case series of 6 patients is presented. Three patients underwent tendon interposition arthroplasty after resection of the two joints and in the last three cases no interposition at all was performed. Results suggest that resection arthroplasty without interposition may be as effective as other operative treatment options for patients with fourth and fifth TMT pathology. Copyright © 2014 European Foot and Ankle Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Cultivating creativity in conservation science.

    PubMed

    Aslan, Clare E; Pinsky, Malin L; Ryan, Maureen E; Souther, Sara; Terrell, Kimberly A

    2014-04-01

    Conservation practitioners and scientists are often faced with seemingly intractable problems in which traditional approaches fail. While other sectors (e.g., business) frequently emphasize creative thinking to overcome complex challenges, creativity is rarely identified as an essential skill for conservationists. Yet more creative approaches are urgently needed in the effort to sustain Earth's biodiversity. We identified 4 strategies to develop skills in creative thinking and discuss underlying research and examples supporting each strategy. First, by breaking down barriers between disciplines and surrounding oneself with unfamiliar people, concepts, and perspectives, one can expand base knowledge and experiences and increase the potential for new combinations of ideas. Second, by meeting people where they are (both literally and figuratively), one exposes oneself to new environments and perspectives, which again broadens experiences and increases ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders. Third, by embracing risk responsibly, one is more likely to develop new, nontraditional solutions and be open to high-impact outcomes. Finally, by following a cycle of learning, struggle, and reflection, one can trigger neurophysiological changes that allow the brain to become more creative. Creativity is a learned trait, rather than an innate skill. It can be actively developed at both the individual and institutional levels, and learning to navigate the relevant social and practical barriers is key to the process. To maximize the success of conservation in the face of escalating challenges, one must take advantage of what has been learned from other disciplines and foster creativity as both a professional skill and an essential component of career training and individual development. © 2013 Society for Conservation Biology.

  8. Patients With Failed Prior Two-Stage Exchange Have Poor Outcomes After Further Surgical Intervention.

    PubMed

    Kheir, Michael M; Tan, Timothy L; Gomez, Miguel M; Chen, Antonia F; Parvizi, Javad

    2017-04-01

    Failure of 2-stage exchange arthroplasty for the management of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) poses a major clinical challenge. There is a paucity of information regarding the outcomes of further surgical intervention in these patients. Thus, we aim to report the clinical outcomes of subsequent surgery for a failed prior 2-stage exchange arthroplasty. Our institutional database was used to identify 60 patients (42 knees and 18 hips), with a failed prior 2-stage exchange, who underwent further surgical intervention between 1998 and 2012, and had a minimum 2-year follow-up. A retrospective review was performed to extract relevant clinical information, including mortality, microbiology, and subsequent surgeries. Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria were used to define PJI, and treatment success was defined using Delphi criteria. Irrigation and debridement (I&D) was performed after a failed 2-stage exchange in 61.7% of patients; 56.8% subsequently failed. Forty patients underwent an intended second 2-stage exchange; 6 cases required a spacer exchange. Reimplantation occurred only in 65% of cases, and 61.6% had infection controlled. The 14 cases that were not reimplanted resulted in 6 retained spacers, 5 amputations, 2 PJI-related mortalities, and 1 arthrodesis. Further surgical intervention after a failed prior 2-stage exchange arthroplasty has poor outcomes. Although I&D has a high failure rate, many patients who are deemed candidates for a second 2-stage exchange either do not undergo reimplantation or fail after reimplantation. The management of PJI clearly remains imperfect, and there is a dire need for further innovations that may improve the care of these patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Medical workforce education and training: A failed decentralisation attempt to reform organisation, financing, and planning in England.

    PubMed

    Ovseiko, Pavel V; Buchan, Alastair M

    2015-12-01

    The 2010-2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government proposed introducing a radical decentralisation reform of the organisation, financing, and planning of medical workforce education and training in England. However, following public deliberation and parliamentary scrutiny of the government's proposals, it had to abandon and alter its original proposals to the extent that they failed to achieve their original decentralisation objectives. This failed decentralisation attempt provides important lessons about the policy process and content of both workforce governance and health system reforms in Europe and beyond. The organisation, financing, and planning of medical workforce education is as an issue of national importance and should remain in the stewardship of the national government. Future reform efforts seeking to enhance the skills of the workforce needed to deliver high-quality care for patients in the 21st century will have a greater chance of succeeding if they are clearly articulated through engagement with stakeholders, and focus on the delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate multi-professional education and training in universities and teaching hospitals. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. [Cryopresipitate in comprehensive conservative therapy of patients with acute purulent pyelonephritis].

    PubMed

    Neimark, A I; Samchuk, Yu G; Gatkin, M Ya; Momot, A P

    2017-06-01

    To investigate the effectiveness of cryoprecipitate in the comprehensive conservative therapy of patients with acute purulent pyelonephritis. We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients who were diagnosed with acute non-obstructive pyelonephritis from 2007to 2015. During this period, a total of 3912 patients with acute non-obstructive pyelonephritis were treated at the Department of Urology. Patients were assigned to either receive or not receive cryoprecipitate in the comprehensive conservative therapy. The comprehensive conservative therapy of both groups included antibacterial agents, detoxification, anti-inflammatory therapy. In the study group, patients received additional treatment with cryoprecipitate. By that way we estimated the number of patients who avoided surgery in both groups. There were 3912 patients divided into two groups. The first group included 756 patients (19.3%) who received cryoprecipitate in the comprehensive therapy of pyelonephritis. Of them, 735 patients (97.3%) did not require surgical treatment, and only 21 patients (2.7%) underwent surgery. The second group comprised 3156 patients (80.7%) who did not receive cryoprecipitate. Of them, 2974 patients (94.2%) were treated conservatively without surgical intervention and 182 patients (5.8%) received conservative therapy concurrently with surgical treatment. Therefore, including cryoprecipitate in the comprehensive conservative therapy of acute non-obstructive pyelonephritis results in twice smaller percentage of patients (2.7% vs 5.8%) requiring surgery compared to the comprehensive conservative therapy alone.

  11. An Evaluation of the Conservative Dual-Criterion Method for Teaching University Students to Visually Inspect AB-Design Graphs

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Stewart, Kelise K.; Carr, James E.; Brandt, Charles W.; McHenry, Meade M.

    2007-01-01

    The present study evaluated the effects of both a traditional lecture and the conservative dual-criterion (CDC) judgment aid on the ability of 6 university students to visually inspect AB-design line graphs. The traditional lecture reliably failed to improve visual inspection accuracy, whereas the CDC method substantially improved the performance…

  12. Peroral endoscopic myotomy is a viable option for failed surgical esophagocardiomyotomy instead of redo surgical Heller myotomy: a single center prospective study.

    PubMed

    Onimaru, Manabu; Inoue, Haruhiro; Ikeda, Haruo; Yoshida, Akira; Santi, Esperanza Grace; Sato, Hiroki; Ito, Hiroaki; Maselli, Roberta; Kudo, Shin-ei

    2013-10-01

    Surgical Heller myotomy has high rates of successful long-term results, but failed cases still remain. Moreover, the treatment strategy in patients with surgical myotomy failure is controversial. Recently, peroral endscopic myotomy (POEM) was reported to be efficient and safe in primary treatment of achalasia. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of POEM for surgical myotomy failure as a rescue second-line treatment, and we discuss the treatment options adapted in achalasia recurrence. A total of 315 consecutive achalasia patients received POEM from September 2008 to December 2012 in our hospital. Eleven (3.5%) patients who had persistent or recurrent achalasia and had received surgical myotomy as a first-line treatment from other hospitals were included in this study. Patient background, barium swallow studies, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), manometry, and symptom scores were prospectively evaluated. In principle, all patients in whom surgical myotomy failed received pneumatic balloon dilatation (PBD) as the first line "rescue" treatment, and only if PBD failed were patients considered for rescue POEM. The PBD alone was effective in 1 patient, and in the remaining 10 patients, rescue POEM was performed successfully without complications. Three months after rescue POEM, significant reduction in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressures (22.1 ± 6.6 mmHg vs 10.9 ± 4.5 mmHg, p < 0.01) and Eckardt symptom scores (6.5 ± 1.3 vs 1.1 ± 1.3, p < 0.001) were observed. Short-term results of POEM for failed surgical myotomy were excellent. Long-term results are awaited. Copyright © 2013 American College of Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Endoscopic treatment of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass-related gastrocutaneous fistulas using a novel biomaterial.

    PubMed

    Maluf-Filho, Fauze; Hondo, Fabio; Halwan, Bhawna; de Lima, Marcelo Simas; Giordano-Nappi, José Humberto; Sakai, Paulo

    2009-07-01

    Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is amongst the commonest surgical intervention for weight loss in obese patients. Gastrocutaneous fistula, which usually occurs along the vertical staple line of the pouch, is amongst its most alarming complications. Medical management comprised of wound drainage, nutritional support, acid suppression, and antibiotics may be ineffective in as many as a third of patients with this complication. We present outcomes after endoscopic application of SurgiSIS, which is a novel biomaterial for the treatment of this complication. A case series of 25 patients. Twenty-five patients who had failed conservative medical management of gastrocutaneous fistula after RYGB underwent endoscopic application of SurgiSIS--an acellular fibrogenic matrix biomaterial to help fistula healing. Fistula closure as assessed by upper gastrointestinal imaging and endoscopic examination. In patients who had failed medical management lasting 4-25 (median, 7) weeks, closure of the fistulous tract was successful after one application in six patients (30%), two applications in 11 patients (55%), and three applications in three patients (15%). There were no procedure-related complications. Endoscopic application of SurgiSIS-an acellular fibrogenic matrix--is safe and effective for the treatment of gastrocutaneous fistula after RYGB.

  14. [Conservative and operative treatment of working age patients with gonarthritis. Economic considerations].

    PubMed

    Malzahn, J

    2014-06-01

    The development of the overall achievements for hospital performance since the introduction in Germany of the diagnosis-related groups (DRG) system in 2003 is the subject of healthcare political discussion. The field of prosthetics is often at the center of considerations. After consideration of the development of achievements with international and regional earnings, the question was investigated how the average expenditure for patients with gonarthritis developed in a time period of 1 year before and after implantation of total knee prostheses. The study was based on individual patient data from the accounting data of the AOK (General Regional Healthcare Insurance) from the categories, inpatient care, panel physician treatment, pharmaceuticals and medicines as well as disability leave periods. The data include the average expenditure and disability times calculated by the AOK for individual patients 12 months before and 12 months after implantation of a total knee prosthesis. The methods were selected because the international classification of diseases (ICD) coding does not allow a differentiation in the degree of severity and, therefore, a comparison of patients who were only conservatively treated within the scope of panel physicians which would have led to problems in risk adjustment. Due to a lack of coding guidelines for treatment by panel physicians, the accuracy of the diagnosis is also limited in comparison to inpatient treatment data. The expenditure and the average disability leave for gonarthritis patients were higher in the year following implantation of total knee prostheses than in the year prior to implantation. No conclusions can be drawn from the provision of service data with respect to the quality of life of the patients. Investigations over a longer time period seem to be necessary.

  15. [The clinical features and surgical treatment strategies of cervical kyphosis].

    PubMed

    Fang, Jia-hu; Jia, Lian-shun; Zhou, Xu-hui; Song, Li-jun; Cai, Wei-hua; Li, Xiang

    2010-10-15

    To analyze the clinical characteristics and the surgical treatment strategy of cervical kyphosis. From March 2006 to October 2009, 31 cases of cervical kyphosis were treated. According to the clinical features and imaging findings, different treatment methods were used. There were 9 patients in operation group, including 4 male and 5 female patients, aged from 17 to 72 years (average age of 35 years). Among them, 5 cases were idiopathic kyphosis and 4 cases were caused by laminectomy or other reasons. There were 22 patients in conservative treatment group, including 11 male and 11 female patients, aged from 14 to 40 years (average age of 29 years), who were all idiopathic cervical kyphosis. Before and 1 week after operation, clinical assessment were taken for the patients in operation group using Spinal Cord Injuries Classification Standard of American Spinal Injury Association (AISA). During the periodic review, the anteroposterior, normal sagittal films of cervical spine were taken. At 1 week and every 6 months after operation, MRI films were also taken. These films were studied to evaluate the effects of the operations. In the conservative group, assessment of treatment results by studying anteroposterior and normal lateral views of cervical spine were were taken every month. The clinical characteristics and the surgical treatment strategies of these patients were analyzed. In operation group, 9 cases were followed up for 6 to 18 months, all patients did not failed in internal fixation and fusion. AISA neurological score and neurological function significantly improved. Three days after operation the average Cobb angle was -1.29 ° (preoperative 54.24 °). In conservative group, the average Cobb angle was -5.41 ° (before treatment 11.20 °) 4 months after the treatment. The symptoms of neck shoulder and back pain disappeared, and all patients were followed up for 3 to 24 months, with no recurrence of symptoms. In the early period of cervical kyphosis, adopt

  16. Fail-Safe Magnetic Bearing Controller Demonstrated Successfully

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Choi, Benjamin B.; Provenza, Andrew J.

    2001-01-01

    The Structural Mechanics and Dynamics Branch has successfully demonstrated a fail-safe controller for the Fault-Tolerant Magnetic Bearing rig at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The rotor is supported by two 8-pole redundant radial bearings, and coil failing situations are simulated by manually shutting down their control current commands from the controller cockpit. The effectiveness of the controller was demonstrated when only two active coils from each radial bearing could be used (that is, 14 coils failed). These remaining two coils still levitated the rotor and spun it without losing stability or desired position up to the maximum allowable speed of 20,000 rpm.

  17. 45 CFR 264.76 - What action will we take if a State fails to remit funds after failing to meet its required...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false What action will we take if a State fails to remit funds after failing to meet its required Contingency Fund MOE level? 264.76 Section 264.76 Public... What Are the Requirements for the Contingency Fund? § 264.76 What action will we take if a State fails...

  18. 45 CFR 264.76 - What action will we take if a State fails to remit funds after failing to meet its required...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false What action will we take if a State fails to remit funds after failing to meet its required Contingency Fund MOE level? 264.76 Section 264.76 Public... What Are the Requirements for the Contingency Fund? § 264.76 What action will we take if a State fails...

  19. 45 CFR 264.76 - What action will we take if a State fails to remit funds after failing to meet its required...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 2 2013-10-01 2012-10-01 true What action will we take if a State fails to remit funds after failing to meet its required Contingency Fund MOE level? 264.76 Section 264.76 Public... What Are the Requirements for the Contingency Fund? § 264.76 What action will we take if a State fails...

  20. 45 CFR 264.76 - What action will we take if a State fails to remit funds after failing to meet its required...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 2 2014-10-01 2012-10-01 true What action will we take if a State fails to remit funds after failing to meet its required Contingency Fund MOE level? 264.76 Section 264.76 Public... What Are the Requirements for the Contingency Fund? § 264.76 What action will we take if a State fails...

  1. 45 CFR 264.76 - What action will we take if a State fails to remit funds after failing to meet its required...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 45 Public Welfare 2 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false What action will we take if a State fails to remit funds after failing to meet its required Contingency Fund MOE level? 264.76 Section 264.76 Public... What Are the Requirements for the Contingency Fund? § 264.76 What action will we take if a State fails...

  2. Breast cellulitis after conservative surgery and radiotherapy

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Rescigno, J.; McCormick, B.; Brown, A.E.

    1994-04-30

    Cellulitis is a previously unreported complication of conservative surgery and radiation therapy for early stage breast cancer. Patients who presented with breast cellulitis after conservative therapy are described. Eleven patients that developed cellulitis of the breast over a 38-month period of observation are the subject of this report. Clinical characteristics of patients with cellulitis and their treatment and outcome are reported. Potential patient and treatment-related correlates for the development of cellulitis are analyzed. The risk of cellulitis persists years after initial breast cancer therapy. The clinical course of the patients was variable: some patients required aggressive, long-duration antibiotic therapy, whilemore » others had rapid resolution with antibiotics. Three patients suffered from multiple episodes of cellulitis. Patients with breast cancer treated with conservative surgery and radiotherapy are at risk for breast cellulitis. Systematic characterization of cases of cellulitis may provide insight into diagnosis, prevention, and more effective therapy for this uncommon complication. 15 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs.« less

  3. Office-based endoscopic revision using a microdebrider for failed endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.

    PubMed

    Park, Jongyeop; Kim, Hochang

    2016-12-01

    This article is to introduce office-based endoscopic revision surgery using a microdebrider for failed endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR). The authors conducted retrospective, non-comparative, interventional case series analysis of 27 eyes of 24 patients, treated by office-based revision EN-DCR using a microdebrider. After local anesthesia, anatomical failures (cicatrization, granuloma, synechia) after primary EN-DCR were treated with a microdebrider (Osseoduo 120, Bien-Air Surgery, Le Noirmont, Switzerland) in an office setting, and a bicanalicular silicone tube was placed. Anatomical improvement and functional relief of epiphora were evaluated at 6-months after revision. The causes of failed EN-DCR were rhinostomy site cicatrization (17/27, 63.0 %), granulomatous obstruction (7/27, 25.9 %) and synechial formation (3/27, 11.1 %). The anatomical success rate was 100 %, and 85.2 % cases achieved complete relief of epiphora. The surgery did not exceed 10 min in any case and no complications were observed. Office-based revision EN-DCR using a microdebrider provided prompt management of post-DCR epiphora. The portable nature and all-round ability of the microdebrider allowed office-based surgery, which offered advantage to work with the surgeon's own well-trained office staff. Office-based revision EN-DCR can be both time- and money-saving, and might be regarded the treatment of choice for failed EN-DCR.

  4. Conservative physical therapy management for the treatment of cervicogenic headache: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Racicki, Stephanie; Gerwin, Sarah; Diclaudio, Stacy; Reinmann, Samuel; Donaldson, Megan

    2013-05-01

    The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of conservative physical therapy management of cervicogenic headache (CGH). CGH affects 22-25% of the adult population with females being four times more affected than men. CGHs are thought to arise from musculoskeletal impairments in the neck with symptoms most commonly consisting of suboccipital neck pain, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Currently, both invasive and non-invasive techniques are available to address these symptoms; however, the efficacy of non-invasive treatment techniques has yet to be established. Computerized searches of CINAHL, ProQuest, PubMed, MEDLINE, and SportDiscus, were performed to obtain a qualitative analysis of the literature. Inclusion criteria were: randomized controlled trial design, population diagnosed with CGH using the International Headache Society classification, at least one baseline measurement and one outcomes measure, and assessment of a conservative technique. Physiotherapy evidence-based database scale was utilized for quality assessment. One computerized database search and two hand searches yielded six articles. Of the six included randomized controlled trials, all were considered to be of 'good quality' utilizing the physiotherapy evidence-based database scale. The interventions utilized were: therapist-driven cervical manipulation and mobilization, self-applied cervical mobilization, cervico-scapular strengthening, and therapist-driven cervical and thoracic manipulation. With the exception of one study, all reported reduction in pain and disability, as well as improvement in function. Calculated effect sizes allowed comparison of intervention groups between studies. A combination of therapist-driven cervical manipulation and mobilization with cervico-scapular strengthening was most effective for decreasing pain outcomes in those with CGH.

  5. [Laparoscopic Heller myotomy after failed POEM and multiple balloon dilatations : Better late than never].

    PubMed

    Giulini, L; Dubecz, A; Stein, H J

    2017-04-01

    Despite the lack of long-term results, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been increasingly propagated as a feasible alternative to pneumatic balloon dilatation (BD) and laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) in patients with achalasia. After a long-term follow-up, a large percentage of patients reported recurrence of dysphagia. It is unclear which kind of procedure (redo POEM or LHM) should be utilized in these patients with failed POEM. We report the case of a 37-year-old female patient with type I achalasia who was successfully treated with LHM after a failed POEM procedure. After the manometric diagnosis of type I achalasia, the patient was treated with six balloon dilatations within a period of 5 months. Because of the persistence of symptoms a POEM procedure was performed with no relief and the patient was referred for surgical treatment. An esophagography showed a pronounced widening of the middle and the distal esophagus with a persistent narrowing of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and because of these indications LHM was performed. The intraoperative examination revealed extensive scarring of the submucosal layer with the muscularis mucosae of the distal esophagus; nevertheless, it was possible to carry out a 5 cm long cardiomyotomy without mucosal injury. The operation was completed with a Dor fundoplication. There were no postoperative complications. After surgery the patient reported an immediate and complete relief of dysphagia. The published experiences with POEM seem to show promising short-term results in terms of dysphagia relief; however, the few available mid-term analyses demonstrated no essential advantages when compared to LHM; therefore, the LHM must still be considered the gold standard procedure for definitive treatment of achalasia. According to our case report, LHM was shown to be a safe and effective although laborious treatment option due to scarring even after failed treatment by POEM.

  6. The Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP): a national scale natural resources and conservation needs assessment and decision support tool

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Johnson, M.-V. V.; Norfleet, M. L.; Atwood, J. D.; Behrman, K. D.; Kiniry, J. R.; Arnold, J. G.; White, M. J.; Williams, J.

    2015-07-01

    The Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) was initiated to quantify the impacts of agricultural conservation practices at the watershed, regional, and national scales across the United States. Representative cropland acres in all major U.S. watersheds were surveyed in 2003-2006 as part of the seminal CEAP Cropland National Assessment. Two process-based models, the Agricultural Policy Environmental eXtender(APEX) and the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), were applied to the survey data to provide a quantitative assessment of current conservation practice impacts, establish a benchmark against which future conservation trends and efforts could be measured, and identify outstanding conservation concerns. The flexibility of these models and the unprecedented amount of data on current conservation practices across the country enabled Cropland CEAP to meet its Congressional mandate of quantifying the value of current conservation practices. It also enabled scientifically grounded exploration of a variety of conservation scenarios, empowering CEAP to not only inform on past successes and additional needs, but to also provide a decision support tool to help guide future policy development and conservation practice decision making. The CEAP effort will repeat the national survey in 2015-2016, enabling CEAP to provide analyses of emergent conservation trends, outstanding needs, and potential costs and benefits of pursuing various treatment scenarios for all agricultural watersheds across the United States.

  7. Coping Styles of Failing Brunei Vocational Students

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mundia, Lawrence; Salleh, Sallimah

    2017-01-01

    Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of two types of underachieving students (n = 246) (active failing (AF) and passive failing (PF)) in Brunei vocational and technical education (VTE) institutions and their patterns of coping. Design/methodology/approach: The field survey method was used to directly reach many…

  8. Failed Supernovae Explain the Compact Remnant Mass Function

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kochanek, C. S.

    2014-04-01

    One explanation for the absence of higher mass red supergiants (16.5 M ⊙ <~ M <~ 25 M ⊙) as the progenitors of Type IIP supernovae (SNe) is that they die in failed SNe creating black holes. Simulations show that such failed SNe still eject their hydrogen envelopes in a weak transient, leaving a black hole with the mass of the star's helium core (5-8 M ⊙). Here we show that this naturally explains the typical masses of observed black holes and the gap between neutron star and black hole masses without any fine-tuning of stellar mass loss, binary mass transfer, or the SN mechanism, beyond having it fail in a mass range where many progenitor models have density structures that make the explosions more likely to fail. There is no difficulty including this ~20% population of failed SNe in any accounting of SN types over the progenitor mass function. And, other than patience, there is no observational barrier to either detecting these black hole formation events or limiting their rates to be well below this prediction.

  9. Penile fracture: long-term results of surgical and conservative management.

    PubMed

    Gamal, Wael M; Osman, Mahmoud M; Hammady, Ahmed; Aldahshoury, M Zaki; Hussein, Mohamed M; Saleem, Mohamed

    2011-08-01

    Penile fracture usually results from direct trauma to the erected penis. We evaluate the outcomes of surgical and conservative treatment. Between February 2000 and February 2007, 77 patients with mean age 29 ± 2.5 years (range, 20-57 years) with penile fracture were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 56 patients (group A) were treated with immediate surgical repair and 21 patients (group B) were treated conservatively as they refused surgical intervention. Data on erectile function and any penile sequel were obtained during follow-up using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire, local examination, and color Doppler ultrasonography reports. Only 69 patients were available for median follow-up period of 20.8 months (range, 17-30 months), 51 patients of the group A and 18 of the group B. Injury involved unilateral and bilateral corporeal rupture in 50 and 6 cases, respectively. Concomitant urethral injury was detected in three cases. During follow-up, 49 cases (96%) of the surgical group (A) and 9 cases (50%) of the conservative group (B) reported erection adequate for intercourse, with no voiding dysfunction and no penile curvature. However, the remaining nine patients (50%) from the conservative group (B) reported erectile dysfunction and penile deviation. Immediate surgical repair of the penile fracture gave good results and is superior to conservative treatment; however, we cannot distinguish false from true penile fracture accurately to determine on whom we can use the conservative treatment.

  10. Recovery of failed solid-state anaerobic digesters.

    PubMed

    Yang, Liangcheng; Ge, Xumeng; Li, Yebo

    2016-08-01

    This study examined the performance of three methods for recovering failed solid-state anaerobic digesters. The 9-L digesters, which were fed with corn stover, failed at a feedstock/inoculum (F/I) ratio of 10 with negligible methane yields. To recover the systems, inoculum was added to bring the F/I ratio to 4. Inoculum was either added to the top of a failed digester, injected into it, or well-mixed with the existing feedstock. Digesters using top-addition and injection methods quickly resumed and achieved peak yields in 10days, while digesters using well-mixed method recovered slowly but showed 50% higher peak yields. Overall, these methods recovered 30-40% methane from failed digesters. The well-mixed method showed the highest methane yield, followed by the injection and top-addition methods. Recovered digesters outperformed digesters had a constant F/I ratio of 4. Slow mass transfer and slow growth of microbes were believed to be the major limiting factors for recovery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Prostatic Artery Embolization After Failed Urological Interventions for Benign Prostatic Obstruction: A Case Series of Three Patients

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bhatia, Shivank S., E-mail: sbhatia1@med.miami.edu; Dalal, Ravi, E-mail: rdalal@med.miami.edu; Gomez, Christopher, E-mail: Cgomez7@med.miami.edu

    Benign prostate obstruction with associated lower urinary tract symptoms is a common diagnosis with multiple minimally invasive treatment options available. Herein, the authors describe three patients who failed prior different urological interventions who underwent prostate artery embolization with a subsequent improvement in symptoms. The positive response suggests that embolization may be an effective treatment alternative in this subset of patients.

  12. Treatment of chronic extensor tendons lesions of the fingers.

    PubMed

    Bellemère, P

    2015-09-01

    Chronic finger extensor apparatus injuries are the result of the initial acute treatment having failed or being flawed. Because of their chronic nature, these injuries present various amounts of tendon retraction, tendon callus lengthening, peritendinous scar adhesions, static and dynamic imbalances with the flexor apparatus and intrinsic muscles, and joint contractures. This article will review the anatomy of the extensor mechanism and then will outline by location, the various clinical pictures that are secondary to chronic tendon injury. The clinical presentation of these injuries can be highly variable but their symptomatology and treatment are very specific. Of the possible therapeutic strategies for chronic mallet finger with or without associated swan-neck deformity, chronic boutonniere deformity, chronic sagittal band injuries, old ruptures on the dorsum of the wrist and traumatic defects in multiple tissues, conservative treatment is often the main element. Secondary surgical repair is not free of complications, and the results are often lacking. Rehabilitation and orthotic bracing are an integral part of the management of these injuries, no matter which treatment method is being considered. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  13. The variability of vertebral body volume and pain associated with osteoporotic vertebral fractures: conservative treatment versus percutaneous transpedicular vertebroplasty.

    PubMed

    Andrei, Diana; Popa, Iulian; Brad, Silviu; Iancu, Aida; Oprea, Manuel; Vasilian, Cristina; Poenaru, Dan V

    2017-05-01

    Osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) can lead to late collapse which often causes kyphotic spinal deformity, persistent back pain, decreased lung capacity, increased fracture risk and increased mortality. The purpose of our study is to compare the efficacy and safety of vertebroplasty against conservative management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures without neurologic symptoms. A total of 66 patients with recent OVF on MRI examination were included in the study. All patients were admitted from September 2009 to September 2012. The cohort was divided into two groups. The first study group consisted of 33 prospectively followed consecutive patients who suffered 40 vertebral osteoporotic fractures treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty (group 1), and the control group consisted of 33 patients who suffered 41 vertebral osteoporotic fractures treated conservatively because they refused vertebroplasty (group 2). The data collection has been conducted in a prospective registration manner. The inclusion criteria consisted of painful OVF matched with imagistic findings. We assessed the results of pain relief and minimal sagittal area of the vertebral body on the axial CT scan at presentation, after the intervention, at six and 12 months after initial presentation. Vertebroplasty with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was performed in 30 patients on 39 VBs, including four thoracic vertebras, 27 vertebras of the thoracolumbar jonction and eight lumbar vertebras. Group 2 included 30 patients with 39 OVFs (four thoracic vertebras, 23 vertebras of the thoracolumbar junction and 11 lumbar vertebras). There was no significant difference in VAS scores before treatment (p = 0.229). The mean VAS was 5.90 in Group 1 and 6.28 in Group 2 before the treatment. Mean VAS after vertebroplasty was 0.85 in Group 1. The mean VAS at six months was 0.92 in Group 1 and 3.00 in Group 2 (p < 0.05). The mean VAS at 12 months was 0.92 in Group 1 and 2.36 in Group 2. The mean improvement

  14. Safety and Efficacy of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in the Treatment of Pure Aortic Regurgitation in Native Valves and Failing Surgical Bioprostheses: Results From an International Registry Study.

    PubMed

    Sawaya, Fadi J; Deutsch, Marcus-André; Seiffert, Moritz; Yoon, Sung-Han; Codner, Pablo; Wickramarachchi, Upul; Latib, Azeem; Petronio, A Sonia; Rodés-Cabau, Josep; Taramasso, Maurizio; Spaziano, Marco; Bosmans, Johan; Biasco, Luigi; Mylotte, Darren; Savontaus, Mikko; Gheeraert, Peter; Chan, Jason; Jørgensen, Troels H; Sievert, Horst; Mocetti, Marco; Lefèvre, Thierry; Maisano, Francesco; Mangieri, Antonio; Hildick-Smith, David; Kornowski, Ran; Makkar, Raj; Bleiziffer, Sabine; Søndergaard, Lars; De Backer, Ole

    2017-05-22

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of transcatheter heart valves (THV) for the treatment of noncalcific pure native aortic valve regurgitation (NAVR) and failing bioprosthetic surgical heart valves (SHVs) with pure severe aortic regurgitation (AR). Limited data are available about the "off-label" use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to treat pure severe AR. The study population consisted of patients with pure severe AR treated by TAVR at 18 different centers. Study endpoints were device success, early safety, and clinical efficacy at 30 days, as defined by Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 criteria. A total of 146 patients were included, 78 patients in the NAVR group and 68 patients in the failing SHV group. In the NAVR group, device success, early safety, and clinical efficacy were 72%, 66%, and 61%, respectively. Device success and clinical efficacy were significantly better with newer generation THVs compared with old-generation THVs (85% vs. 54% and 75% vs. 46%, respectively, p < 0.05); this was mainly due to less second THV implantations and a lower rate of moderate to severe paravalvular regurgitation (10% vs. 24% and 3% vs. 27%, respectively). Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were body mass index <20 kg/m 2 , STS surgical risk score >8%, major vascular or access complication, and moderate to severe AR. In the failing SHV group, device success, early safety, and clinical efficacy were 71%, 90%, and 77%, respectively. TAVR for pure NAVR remains a challenging condition, with old-generation THVs being associated with THV embolization and migration and significant paravalvular regurgitation. Newer generation THVs show more promising outcomes. For those patients with severe AR due to failing SHVs, TAVR is a valuable therapeutic option. Copyright © 2017 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. SOP conservative (medical and mechanical) treatment of erectile dysfunction.

    PubMed

    Porst, Hartmut; Burnett, Arthur; Brock, Gerald; Ghanem, Hussein; Giuliano, Francois; Glina, Sidney; Hellstrom, Wayne; Martin-Morales, Antonio; Salonia, Andrea; Sharlip, Ira

    2013-01-01

    Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most frequently treated male sexual dysfunction worldwide. ED is a chronic condition that exerts a negative impact on male self-esteem and nearly all life domains including interpersonal, family, and business relationships. The aim of this study is to provide an updated overview on currently used and available conservative treatment options for ED with a special focus on their efficacy, tolerability, safety, merits, and limitations including the role of combination therapies for monotherapy failures. The methods used were PubMed and MEDLINE searches using the following keywords: ED, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, oral drug therapy, intracavernosal injection therapy, transurethral therapy, topical therapy, and vacuum-erection therapy/constriction devices. Additionally, expert opinions by the authors of this article are included. Level 1 evidence exists that changes in sedentary lifestyle with weight loss and optimal treatment of concomitant diseases/risk factors (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia) can either improve ED or add to the efficacy of ED-specific therapies, e.g., PDE5 inhibitors. Level 1 evidence also exists that treatment of hypogonadism with total testosterone < 300 ng/dL (10.4 nmol/L) can either improve ED or add to the efficacy of PDE5 inhibitors. There is level 1 evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of the following monotherapies in a spectrum-wide range of ED populations: PDE5 inhibitors, intracavernosal injection therapy with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1, synonymous alprostadil) or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)/phentolamine, and transurethral PGE1 therapy. There is level 2 evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of the following ED treatments: vacuum-erection therapy in a wide range of ED populations, oral L-arginine (3-5 g), topical PGE1 in special ED populations, intracavernosal injection therapy with papaverine/phentolamine (bimix), or papaverine/phentolamine/PGE1 (trimix

  16. The conservation and utilisation of corporate documents and records : In the case of Yamaichi Security Company which had failed in 1997

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Itoh, Masanao

    This article aims to explain the role and function of the faculty archives affiliated with the faculty of economics, the University of Tokyo, which preserves corporate and private documents and records of importance as historical materials received from various corporations and individuals and makes them available to the researcher and public, and then to explain how and why we have hold the original documents and records of Yamaichi Securities Company which had failed in 1997.

  17. Why security fails.

    PubMed

    Sem, Richard D

    2016-10-01

    When a hospital suffers a serious loss or act of violence, the blame frequently centers on the facility's Security Department, but, as the author, a longtime security consultant, points out, there's plenty of blame to go around--including Administration at all levels, and employees, both clinical and non clinical. In this article, he presents the many reasons why security can fail and what should be done to prevent such failure.

  18. Classifying Failing States

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-03-01

    state failure, and Discriminant Analysis to classify states as Stable, Borderline, or Failing based on these indicators. Furthermore, each...nation’s discriminant function scores are used to determine their degree of instability. The methodology is applied to 200 countries for which open source...and go for a long walk. Finally, to my wonderful wife, who now knows more about Discriminant Analysis than any Legal Assistant on the planet, thank

  19. "Toward High School Biology": Helping Middle School Students Understand Chemical Reactions and Conservation of Mass in Nonliving and Living Systems

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Herrmann-Abell, Cari F.; Koppal, Mary; Roseman, Jo Ellen

    2016-01-01

    Modern biology has become increasingly molecular in nature, requiring students to understand basic chemical concepts. Studies show, however, that many students fail to grasp ideas about atom rearrangement and conservation during chemical reactions or the application of these ideas to biological systems. To help provide students with a better…

  20. Acute ankle sprain: conservative or surgical approach?

    PubMed Central

    Al-Mohrej, Omar A.; Al-Kenani, Nader S.

    2016-01-01

    Ankle sprains fall into two main categories: acute ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability, which are among the most common recurrent injuries during occupational activities, athletic events, training and army service. Acute ankle sprain is usually managed conservatively and functional rehabilitation failure by conservative treatment leads to development of chronic ankle instability, which most often requires surgical intervention. Enhancing the in-depth knowledge of the ankle anatomy, biomechanics and pathology helps greatly in deciding the management options. Cite this article: Al-Mohrej OA, Al-Kenani NS. Acute ankle sprain: conservative or surgical approach? EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:34-44. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000010. PMID:28461926

  1. Who Really Failed? Commentary

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Maiuri, Katherine M.; Leon, Raul A.

    2012-01-01

    Scott Jaschik's (2010) article "Who Really Failed?" details the experience of Dominique Homberger, a tenured faculty member at Louisiana State University (LSU) who was removed from teaching her introductory biology course citing student complaints in regards to "the extreme nature" of the grading policy. This removal has…

  2. Influence of Previous Failed Antispasticity Therapy on the Efficacy and Tolerability of THC:CBD Oromucosal Spray for Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity.

    PubMed

    Haupts, Michael; Vila, Carlos; Jonas, Anna; Witte, Kerstin; Álvarez-Ossorio, Lourdes

    2016-01-01

    Sativex® (THC:CBD oromucosal spray) is indicated as add-on treatment for patients with moderate to severe multiple sclerosis (MS) spasticity. We aimed to determine whether antispasticity treatment history influenced the efficacy and safety of add-on THC:CBD oromucosal spray in MS spasticity patients. Post hoc analysis of an enriched-design clinical trial of THC:CBD oromucosal spray versus placebo, using records of patients under previous and current ineffective antispasticity therapies. Subgroups were patients with at least 1 failed therapy attempt with either baclofen or tizanidine (Group 1) or at least 2 failed therapy attempts with both baclofen and tizanidine (Group 2). Of 241 patients in the intent-to-treat population, 162 and 57 patients met the criteria for Groups 1 and 2, respectively. In all groups, response on the spasticity 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale was significantly greater with THC:CBD oromucosal spray versus placebo, for minimal clinically important difference (MCID ≥18% improvement vs. baseline) and clinically important difference (CID, ≥30% improvement vs. baseline). THC:CBD oromucosal spray improved spasticity-related symptoms such as sleep quality and timed 10-meter walk independent of the number of prior failed therapy attempts. Tolerability was not influenced by pre-treatment history. THC:CBD oromucosal spray provided consistent relief with good tolerability in MS spasticity patients irrespective of their antispasticity pre-treatment history. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  3. Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy Through Two Medial Portals for the Treatment of Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciopathy.

    PubMed

    Al-Ashhab, Mohamed Ebrahim; Elbegawy, Hossam El-Dein A; Hasan, Hala Ali Abed

    Plantar fasciopathy is a common cause of heel pain. Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy has the advantage of less surgical trauma and rapid recovery. The aim of the present prospective study was to delineate the results of endoscopic plantar fascia release through 2 medial portals. The present study included 2 groups. The first group included 27 feet in 25 patients that had undergone endoscopic plantar fascia release followed up for 19.7 (range 12 to 33) months. The second group, the control group, included 20 feet in 16 patients treated conservatively and followed up for 16.4 (range 12 to 24) months. The results of endoscopic plantar fascia release were superior to the conservative methods. The surgically treated group experienced significantly less pain, activity limitations, and gait abnormality. The presence of a calcaneal spur had no effect on the final postoperative score. In conclusion, endoscopic plantar fascia release through 2 medial portals is an effective procedure for treatment of resistant plantar fasciopathy that fails to respond to conservative management options. Copyright © 2017 The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. 7 CFR 631.7 - Conservation treatment eligible for cost sharing.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... conservationist, in consultation with the state program committee, shall select the resource management systems....7 Section 631.7 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) NATURAL... conservation systems, practices, or identifiable units eligible for GPCP cost sharing in the county. ...

  5. Endangered river fish: factors hindering conservation and restoration

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Cooke, Steven J.; Paukert, Craig P.; Hogan, Zeb

    2012-01-01

    Globally, riverine fish face many anthropogenic threats including riparian and flood plain habitat degradation, altered hydrology, migration barriers, fisheries exploitation, environmental (climate) change, and introduction of invasive species. Collectively, these threats have made riverine fishes some of the most threatened taxa on the planet. Although much effort has been devoted to identifying the threats faced by river fish, there has been less effort devoted to identifying the factors that may hinder our ability to conserve and restore river fish populations and their watersheds. Therefore, we focus our efforts on identifying and discussing 10 general factors (can also be viewed as research and implementation needs) that constrain or hinder effective conservation action for endangered river fish: (1) limited basic natural history information; (2) limited appreciation for the scale/extent of migrations and the level of connectivity needed to sustain populations; (3) limited understanding of fish/river-flow relationships; (4) limited understanding of the seasonal aspects of river fish biology, particularly during winter and/or wet seasons; (5) challenges in predicting the response of river fish and river ecosystems to both environmental change and various restoration or management actions; (6) limited understanding of the ecosystem services provided by river fish; (7) the inherent difficulty in studying river fish; (8) limited understanding of the human dimension of river fish conservation and management; (9) limitations of single species approaches that often fail to address the broader-scale problems; and (10) limited effectiveness of governance structures that address endangered river fish populations and rivers that cross multiple jurisdictions. We suggest that these issues may need to be addressed to help protect, restore, or conserve river fish globally, particularly those that are endangered.

  6. Conservative/surgical treatment predictors of maternal hydronephrosis: results of a single-center retrospective non-randomized non-controlled observational study.

    PubMed

    Ercil, Hakan; Arslan, Burak; Ortoglu, Ferhat; Alma, Ergun; Unal, Umut; Deniz, Mehmet Eflatun; Senturk, Aykut Bugra; Gurbuz, Zafer Gokhan

    2017-08-01

    To determine the parameters that may help the clinicians decide the best suitable treatment method for the pregnant women with symptomatic hydronephrosis which will be based on the easily accessible laboratory tests, monitoring methods and clinical symptoms. Digital data and documents of 246 pregnant women with symptomatic hydronephrosis who were hospitalized in our clinic between the dates of January 2011 and January 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were statistically evaluated in terms of age, symptomatic maximal anterior-posterior diameter of the renal pelvis (MADP), parity, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, white blood cell count (WBC), presence of pyuria, growth of urine culture, fever, serum urine and creatinine levels, visual analog scale (VAS) score of pre- and post-therapy and threatened preterm labor. The study includes a total of 211 pregnant women with symptomatic hydronephrosis. In the second and third trimester groups, the surgical treatment group statistically provided higher levels of CRP, WBC and VAS. Mean MADP in the second trimester of the conservative and surgical groups where symptomatic hydronephrosis was on the right side was 16.67 ± 4.67 and 28.68 ± 7.70 mm, respectively. Mean MADP in the third trimester group of the conservative and surgical groups where symptomatic hydronephrosis was on the right side was 16.96 ± 5.96 and 28.85 ± 7.64 mm, respectively. In patients with symptomatic pregnancy hydronephrosis, the likelihood of surgical treatment for CRP levels, WBC counts and VAS is high.

  7. Comparative Effectiveness of Conservative Management Compared to Cryotherapy in Localized Prostate Cancer Patients.

    PubMed

    Shah, Surbhi; Young, Henry N; Cobran, Ewan K

    2018-06-01

    The high frequency of treatment-related side effects for men with localized prostate cancer creates uncertainty for treatment outcomes. This study assessed the comparative effectiveness of treatment-related side effects associated with conservative management and cryotherapy in patients with localized prostate cancer. A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted, using the linked data of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results and Medicare, which included patients diagnosed from 2000 through year 2013, and their Medicare claims information from 2000 through 2014. To compare the differences in baseline characteristics and treatment-related side effects between the study cohorts, χ 2 tests were conducted. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between treatment selection and side effects. There were 7,998 and 3,051 patients in the conservative management and cryotherapy cohort, respectively. The likelihood of erectile dysfunction, lower urinary tract obstruction, urinary fistula, urinary incontinence, and hydronephrosis was reported to be significantly lower (53%, 35%, 69%, 65%, and 36%, respectively) in the conservative management cohort. Conservative management had a lower likelihood of treatment-related side effects compared to cryotherapy. However, further research is needed to compare other significant long-term outcomes such as costs associated with these treatment choices and quality of life.

  8. Exploring the issue of failure to fail in a nursing program.

    PubMed

    Larocque, Sylvie; Luhanga, Florence Loyce

    2013-05-18

    A study using a qualitative descriptive design was undertaken to explore the issue of "failure to fail" in a nursing program. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with nursing university faculty members, preceptors, and faculty advisors (n=13). Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results indicate that: (a) failing a student is a difficult process; (b) both academic and emotional support are required for students and preceptors and faculty advisors; (c) there are consequences for programs, faculty, and students when a student has failed a placement; (d) at times, personal, professional, and structural reasons exist for failing to fail a student; and (e) the reputation of the professional program can be diminished as a result of failing to fail a student. Recommendations for improving assessment, evaluation, and intervention with a failing student include documentation, communication, and support. These findings have implications for improving the quality of clinical experiences.

  9. Multipolar pacing by cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillators treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus failing heart patients: impact on responders rate, and clinical outcomes.

    PubMed

    Sardu, Celestino; Barbieri, Michelangela; Santamaria, Matteo; Giordano, Valerio; Sacra, Cosimo; Paolisso, Pasquale; Spirito, Alessandro; Marfella, Raffaele; Paolisso, Giuseppe; Rizzo, Maria Rosaria

    2017-06-09

    Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multi factorial disease, affecting clinical outcomes in failing heart patients treated by cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-d). One hundred and ninety-five T2DM patients received a CRT-d treatment. Randomly the study population received a CRT-d via multipolar left ventricle (LV) lead pacing (n 99, multipolar group), vs a CRT-d via bipolar LV pacing (n 96, bipolar group). These patients were followed by clinical, and instrumental assessment, and telemetric device control at follow up. In this study we evaluated, in a population of failing heart T2DM patients, cardiac deaths, all cause deaths, arrhythmic events, CRT-d responders rate, hospitalizations for HF worsening, phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS), and LV catheter dislodgment events (and re-intervention for LV catheter re-positioning), comparing multipolar CRT-d vs bipolar CRT-d group of patients at follow up. At follow up there was a statistical significant difference about atrial arrhythmic events [7 (7%) vs 16 (16.7%), p value 0.019], hospitalizations for HF worsening [15 (15.2% vs 24 (25%), p value 0.046], LV catheter dislodgments [1 (1%) vs 9 (9.4%), p value 0018], PNS [5 (5%) vs 18 (18.7%), p value 0.007], and LV re-positioning [1 (1%) vs 9 (9.4%), p value 0.018], comparing multipolar CRT-d vs bipolar CRT-d group of patients. Multipolar pacing was an independent predictor of all these events. CRT-d pacing via multipolar LV lead vs bipolar LV lead may reduce arrhythmic burden, hospitalization rate, PNS, LV catheters dislodgments, and re-interventions in T2DM failing heart patients. Clinical trial number NCT03095196.

  10. Comparing omeprazole with fluoxetine for treatment of patients with heartburn and normal endoscopy who failed once daily proton pump inhibitors: double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Ostovaneh, M R; Saeidi, B; Hajifathalian, K; Farrokhi-Khajeh-Pasha, Y; Fotouhi, A; Mirbagheri, S S; Emami, H; Barzin, G; Mirbagheri, S A

    2014-05-01

    Patients with heartburn but without esophageal erosion respond less well to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). There is a growing body of evidence implicating the role of psychological comorbidities in producing reflux symptoms. Pain modulators improve symptoms in patients with other functional gastrointestinal disorders. We aimed to compare the efficacy of fluoxetine with omeprazole and placebo to achieve symptomatic relief in patients with heartburn and normal endoscopy who failed once daily PPIs. Endoscopy-negative patients with heartburn who failed once daily PPIs were randomly allocated to receive 6 weeks treatment of fluoxetine, omeprazole, or placebo. Random allocation was stratified according to ambulatory pH monitoring study. Percentage of heartburn-free days and symptom severity was assessed. Sixty patients with abnormal and 84 patients with normal pH test were randomized. Subjects receiving fluoxetine experienced more improvement in percentage of heartburn-free days (median 35.7, IQR 21.4-57.1) than those on omeprazole (median 7.14, IQR 0-50, p < 0.001) or placebo (median 7.14, IQR 0-33.6, p < 0.001). In normal pH subgroup, fluoxetine was superior to both omeprazole and placebo regarding percentage of heartburn-free days (median improvement, 57.1, IQR 35.7-57.1 vs 13.9, IQR, 0-45.6 and 7.14, 0-23.8, respectively, p < 0.001), but no significant difference was observed between medications in abnormal pH subgroup. Fluoxetine was superior to omeprazole for improving the symptoms of patients with heartburn and normal endoscopy who failed once daily PPIs. The superiority of fluoxetine was mostly attributed to those with normal esophageal pH rather than those with abnormal pH (ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01269788). © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  11. Use of a multimodal conservative management protocol for the treatment of a patient with cervical radiculopathy

    PubMed Central

    Radpasand, Mohsen

    2011-01-01

    Objective The purpose of this study is to describe and discuss the treatment of a cervical disk herniation using a sequential multimodal conservative management approach. Clinical Features A 40-year-old man had complaints of headache and severe sharp neck pain radiating to his left shoulder down to his arm, forearm, and hand. Results of electromyography/nerve conduction studies were abnormal. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large disk protrusion at C5-C6 with indentation of the thecal sac and a spur at the posterior margin. Moderate left neural foraminal narrowing was present at C5-C6 with narrowed intervertebral disk space at C5-C6 and C6-C7. Intervention and Outcome High-velocity, low-amplitude chiropractic manipulation; electrotherapy; ice; and exercise were used for treatment. The Neck Disability Index was used as a primary and electromyography/nerve conduction studies as a secondary outcome measurement. Based on the Neck Disability Index, there was an overall 89.65% symptoms improvement from the baseline. Conclusions This case study demonstrated possible beneficial effects of the multimodal treatment approach in a patient with cervical radiculopathy. PMID:22027207

  12. Self-reported health status, treatment decision and survival in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with aortic stenosis in a Western Norway population undergoing conservative treatment: a cross-sectional study with 18 months follow-up

    PubMed Central

    Haaverstad, Rune; Nordrehaug, Jan Erik; Eide, Geir Egil; Norekvål, Tone M

    2017-01-01

    Objectives To investigate symptoms and self-reported health of patients conservatively treated for aortic stenosis (AS) and to identify factors associated with treatment decision and patient outcomes. Design A cross-sectional survey with an 18-month follow-up. Setting One tertiary university hospital in Western Norway. Participants In all, 1436 patients were diagnosed with AS between 2000 and 2012, and those 245 still under conservative treatment in 2013 were included in this study. Primary and secondary outcome measures Primary outcome measures were symptoms and self-reported health status. Secondary outcomes were treatment decision and patient survival after 18 months. Results A total of 136 patients with mean (SD) age 79 (12) years, 52% men responded. Among conservatively treated patients 77% were symptomatic. The symptom most frequently experienced was dyspnoea. Symptomatic patients reported worse physical and mental health compared with asymptomatic patients (effect size 1.24 and 0.74, respectively). In addition, symptomatic patients reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression compared with asymptomatic patients. However, symptom status did not correlate with haemodynamic severity of AS. After 18 months, 117 (86%) were still alive, 20% had undergone surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) and 7% transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). When adjusting for age, gender, symptomatic status, severity of AS and European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE), patients with severe AS had more than sixfold chance of being scheduled for AVR or TAVI compared with those with moderate AS (HR 6.3, 95% CI 1.9 to 21.2, p=0.003). Patients with EuroSCORE ≥11 had less chance for undergoing AVR or TAVI compared with those with EuroSCORE ≤5 (HR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.46, p=0.007). Conclusions Symptoms affected both physical and mental health in conservatively treated patients with AS. Many patients with symptomatic severe AS are

  13. Collapse of a pollination web in small conservation areas.

    PubMed

    Pauw, Anton

    2007-07-01

    A suspected global decline in pollinators has heightened interest in their ecological significance. In a worst-case scenario, the decline of generalist pollinators is predicted to trigger cascades of linked declines among the multiple specialist plant species to which they are linked, but this has not been documented. I studied a portion of a pollination web involving a generalist pollinator, the oil-collecting bee Rediviva peringueyi, and a community of oil-secreting plants. Across 27 established conservation areas located in the Cape Floral Region, I found substantial variation in the bees' occurrence in relation to soil type and the successional stage of the vegetation. Anthropogenic declines were detectable against this background of naturally occurring variation: R. peringueyi was absent from small conservation areas (< 385 ha) in an urban matrix. In the absence of the bee, seed set failed in six specialist plant species that are pollinated only by R. peringueyi but remained high in a pollination generalist, which had replacement pollinators. The findings are consistent with theoretical predictions of the importance of generalist pollinators in maintaining the structure of pollination webs.

  14. κ-Casein-deficient mice fail to lactate

    PubMed Central

    Shekar, P. Chandra; Goel, Sandeep; Rani, S. Deepa Selvi; Sarathi, D. Partha; Alex, Jomini Liza; Singh, Shashi; Kumar, Satish

    2006-01-01

    Acquisition of milk production capabilities by an ancestor of mammals is at the root of mammalian evolution. Milk casein micelles are a primary source of amino acids and calcium phosphate to neonates. To understand the role of κ-casein in lactation, we have created and characterized a null mouse strain (Csnk−/−) lacking this gene. The mutant κ-casein allele did not affect the expression of other milk proteins in Csnk−/− females. However, these females did not suckle their pups and failed to lactate because of destabilization of the micelles in the lumina of the mammary gland. Thus, κ-casein is essential for lactation and, consequently, for the successful completion of the process of reproduction in mammals. In view of the extreme structural conservation of the casein locus, as well as the phenotype of Csnk−/− females, we propose that the organization of a functional κ-casein gene would have been one of the critical events in the evolution of mammals. Further, κ-casein variants are known to affect the industrial properties of milk in dairy animals. Given the expenses and the time scale of such experiments in livestock species, it is desirable to model the intended genetic modifications in mice first. The mouse strain that we have created would be a useful model to study the effect of κ-casein variants on the properties of milk and/or milk products. PMID:16698927

  15. RANDOMIZED PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON TRAUMATIC PATELLAR DISLOCATION: CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT VERSUS RECONSTRUCTION OF THE MEDIAL PATELLOFEMORAL LIGAMENT USING THE PATELLAR TENDON, WITH A MINIMUM OF TWO YEARS OF FOLLOW-UP.

    PubMed

    Bitar, Alexandre Carneiro; D'Elia, Caio Oliveira; Demange, Marco Kawamura; Viegas, Alexandre Christo; Camanho, Gilberto Luis

    2011-01-01

    The aim of this study was to compare the surgical results from reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) with non-operative treatment of primary patellar dislocation. Thirty-nine patients (41 knees) with patellar dislocation were randomized into two groups. One group was treated conservatively (immobilization and physiotherapy) and other was treated surgically with reconstruction of the MPFL, and the results were evaluated with a minimum follow-up of two years. The Kujala questionnaire was applied to assess pain and quality of life, and recurrences were evaluated. Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used in the statistical evaluation. The statistical analysis showed that the mean Kujala score was significantly lower in the conservative group (70.8), compared with the mean value in the surgical group (88.9), with p = 0.001. The surgical group presented a higher percentage of "good/excellent" Kujala score results (71.43%) than in the conservative group (25.0%), with p = 0.003. The conservative group presented a greater number of recurrences (35% of the cases), while in the surgical group there were no reports of recurrences and/or subluxation. Treatment with reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament using the patellar tendon produced better results, based on the analysis of post-treatment recurrences and the better final results from the Kujala questionnaire after a minimum follow-up period of two years.

  16. Filling gaps in a large reserve network to address freshwater conservation needs.

    PubMed

    Hermoso, Virgilio; Filipe, Ana Filipa; Segurado, Pedro; Beja, Pedro

    2015-09-15

    Freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity are among the most threatened at global scale, but efforts for their conservation have been mostly peripheral to terrestrial conservation. For example, Natura 2000, the world's largest network of protected areas, fails to cover adequately the distribution of rare and endangered aquatic species, and lacks of appropriate spatial design to make conservation for freshwater biodiversity effective. Here, we develop a framework to identify a complementary set of priority areas and enhance the conservation opportunities of Natura 2000 for freshwater biodiversity, using the Iberian Peninsula as a case study. We use a systematic planning approach to identify a minimum set of additional areas that would help i) adequately represent all freshwater fish, amphibians and aquatic reptiles at three different target levels, ii) account for key ecological processes derived from riverscape connectivity, and iii) minimize the impact of threats, both within protected areas and propagated from upstream unprotected areas. Addressing all these goals would need an increase in area between 7 and 46%, depending on the conservation target used and strength of connectivity required. These new priority areas correspond to subcatchments inhabited by endangered and range restricted species, as well as additional subcatchments required to improve connectivity among existing protected areas and to increase protection against upstream threats. Our study should help guide future revisions of the design of Natura 2000, while providing a framework to address deficiencies in reserve networks for adequately protecting freshwater biodiversity elsewhere. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Incorporating the effects of socioeconomic uncertainty into priority setting for conservation investment.

    PubMed

    McBride, Marissa F; Wilson, Kerrie A; Bode, Michael; Possingham, Hugh P

    2007-12-01

    Uncertainty in the implementation and outcomes of conservation actions that is not accounted for leaves conservation plans vulnerable to potential changes in future conditions. We used a decision-theoretic approach to investigate the effects of two types of investment uncertainty on the optimal allocation of global conservation resources for land acquisition in the Mediterranean Basin. We considered uncertainty about (1) whether investment will continue and (2) whether the acquired biodiversity assets are secure, which we termed transaction uncertainty and performance uncertainty, respectively. We also developed and tested the robustness of different rules of thumb for guiding the allocation of conservation resources when these sources of uncertainty exist. In the presence of uncertainty in future investment ability (transaction uncertainty), the optimal strategy was opportunistic, meaning the investment priority should be to act where uncertainty is highest while investment remains possible. When there was a probability that investments would fail (performance uncertainty), the optimal solution became a complex trade-off between the immediate biodiversity benefits of acting in a region and the perceived longevity of the investment. In general, regions were prioritized for investment when they had the greatest performance certainty, even if an alternative region was highly threatened or had higher biodiversity value. The improved performance of rules of thumb when accounting for uncertainty highlights the importance of explicitly incorporating sources of investment uncertainty and evaluating potential conservation investments in the context of their likely long-term success.

  18. Depression and Anxiety Outcomes Associated with Failed Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    PubMed

    Milazzo, Adriana; Mnatzaganian, George; Elshaug, Adam G; Hemphill, Sheryl A; Hiller, Janet E

    2016-01-01

    Our study examined the psychological outcomes associated with failed ART treatment outcomes in men and women. A systematic search for studies published between January 1980 and August 2015 was performed across seven electronic databases. Studies were included if they contained data on psychosocial outcomes taken pre and post ART treatment. A standardised form was used to extract data and was verified by two independent reviewers. Studies were meta-analysed to determine the association of depression and anxiety with ART treatment outcomes. Narrative synthesis identified factors to explain variations in the size and directions of effects and relationships explored within and between the studies. Both depression and anxiety increased after a ART treatment failure with an overall pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) of 0.41 (95% CI: 0.27, 0.55) for depression and 0.21 (95% CI: 0.13, 0.29) for anxiety. In contrast, depression decreased after a successful treatment, SMD of -0.24 (95% CI: -0.37,-0.11). Both depression and anxiety decreased as time passed from ART procedure. Nonetheless, these remained higher than baseline measures in the group with the failed outcome even six months after the procedure. Studies included in the narrative synthesis also confirmed an association with negative psychological outcomes in relation to marital satisfaction and general well-being following treatment failure. Linking ART failure and psychosocial outcomes may elucidate the experience of treatment subgroups, influence deliberations around recommendations for resource allocation and health policy and guide patient and clinician decision making.

  19. Is reverse total shoulder arthroplasty a feasible treatment option for failed shoulder arthroplasty? A retrospective study of 44 cases with special regards to stemless and stemmed primary implants.

    PubMed

    Holschen, M; Franetzki, B; Witt, K-A; Liem, D; Steinbeck, J

    2017-08-01

    Is reverse total shoulder arthroplasty a feasible treatment option for failed shoulder arthroplasty? A retrospective study of 44 cases with special regards to stemless and stemmed primary implants. Due to humeral or glenoid bone-loss and rotator cuff insufficiency reverse total shoulder arthroplasty often means the only remaining treatment option in revision shoulder arthroplasty. This study investigates the clinical outcome of patients treated with a reverse total shoulder in revision cases with special regard to stemless and stemmed primary implants. From 2010 to 2012 60 failed shoulder arthroplasties were converted to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Forty-four patients were available for follow-up after a mean of 24 months. Patients were assessed with X-rays, Constant- and ASES Score and a questionnaire about their subjective satisfaction. The total number of observed complications was seven (16%). Ninety-eight percent of the patients were satisfied with their clinical result. Patients achieved a mean normalized constant score of 70.2% and a mean ASES Score of 65.3. Patients with stemless primary implants achieved a higher normalized constant score than patients with stemmed primary implants (82 vs. 61.8%; p = 0009). Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty provides satisfactory clinical results and a high patient satisfaction in revision shoulder arthroplasty. The complication rate needs to be considered and discussed with the patient prior to surgery. Presence or absence of a stem of revised shoulder arthroplasties interferes with the outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: (Retrospective study).

  20. Injuries to the shoulder in the throwing athlete. Part two: evaluation/treatment.

    PubMed

    Meister, K

    2000-01-01

    In part one of this three-part series (March/April 2000), I concentrated on summarizing the biomechanics of the normal throwing shoulder and the pathophysiology of injury. A classification of injury was presented that was based on the principles contained in that article. Part two of this series will focus on the evaluation and treatment of injuries, expanded from an understanding of the principles learned in part one. The ability to perform a skillful examination, and thus develop an accurate diagnosis, is the foundation for treatment. Fortunately, many difficulties encountered in a thrower's shoulder can be treated with a nonoperative approach. However, in instances where conservative measures fail, an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of injury and the development of improved surgical techniques are leading to more accurate diagnoses and more successful rates of return of the athlete to a premorbid level of activity.

  1. Avian movements and wetland connectivity in landscape conservation

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Haig, Susan M.; Mehlman, D.W.; Oring, L.W.

    1998-01-01

    The current conservation crisis calls for research and management to be carried out on a long-term, multi-species basis at large spatial scales. Unfortunately, scientists, managers, and agencies often are stymied in their effort to conduct these large-scale studies because of a lack of appropriate technology, methodology, and funding. This issue is of particular concern in wetland conservation, for which the standard landscape approach may include consideration of a large tract of land but fail to incorporate the suite of wetland sites frequently used by highly mobile organisms such as waterbirds (e.g., shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl). Typically, these species have population dynamics that require use of multiple wetlands, but this aspect of their life history has often been ignored in planning for their conservation. We outline theoretical, empirical, modeling, and planning problems associated with this issue and suggest solutions to some current obstacles. These solutions represent a tradeoff between typical in-depth single-species studies and more generic multi-species studies. They include studying within- and among-season movements of waterbirds on a spatial scale appropriate to both widely dispersing and more stationary species; multi-species censuses at multiple sites; further development and use of technology such as satellite transmitters and population-specific molecular markers; development of spatially explicit population models that consider within-season movements of waterbirds; and recognition from funding agencies that landscape-level issues cannot adequately be addressed without support for these types of studies.

  2. A gap analysis and comprehensive conservation strategy for riverine ecosystems of Missouri

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Sowa, Scott P.; Annis, Gust; Morey, Michael E.; Diamond, David D.

    2007-01-01

    North America harbors an astounding proportion of the world's freshwater species, but it is facing a freshwater biodiversity crisis. A first step to slowing the loss of biodiversity involves identifying gaps in existing efforts to conserve biodiversity and prioritizing opportunities to fill these gaps. In this monograph we detail two separate, but complementary, conservation planning efforts - a Gap Analysis (GAP) and a State Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) - for Missouri that address this first step. The goal of the Missouri Aquatic GAP Project was to identify riverine ecosystems, habitats, and species not adequately represented (i.e., gaps) within existing conservation lands. The goal of the freshwater component of the Missouri Wildlife Action Plan was to identify and map a set of conservation-opportunity areas (COAs) that holistically represent all riverine ecosystems, habitats, and species in Missouri. Since conservation planning is a geographical exercise, both efforts utilized geographic information systems (GIS). Four principal GIS data sets were used in each planning effort: (1) a hierarchical riverine ecosystem classification, (2) predicted species distributions, (3) public ownership/stewardship, and (4) a human-threat index. Results of the gap analyses are not encouraging. Forty five, mostly rare, threatened, or endangered, species are not represented in lands set aside for conserving biodiversity. Results also illustrate the fragmented nature of conservation lands, which are mainly situated in the uplands and fail to provide connectivity among riverine habitats. Furthermore, many conservation lands are severely threatened by an array of human disturbances. In contrast, results of the WAP provide hope that relatively intact riverine ecosystems still exist. A total of 158 COAs, representing ∼6% of the total kilometers of stream in Missouri, were selected for the WAP. This illustrates that a wide spectrum of biodiversity can be represented within a small

  3. [Knee arthrodesis performed with intramedullary nailing technique in failed total knee replacement--a preliminary report].

    PubMed

    Gaździk, Tadeusz Szymon; Kotas-Strzoda, Justyna; Bozek, Marek

    2004-01-01

    Knee arthrodesis is the method of choice in treatment of failed total knee replacement. It is recommended when revisory total knee replacement is impossible. The authors present 2 cases of knee fusions using intramedullary nails after prosthesis loosening (1 aseptic, 1 septic). In both cases good results were achieved, with no complications observed during convalescence.

  4. The use of Quincke and Whitacre 27-gauge needles in orthopedic patients: incidence of failed spinal anesthesia and postdural puncture headache.

    PubMed

    Lynch, J; Kasper, S M; Strick, K; Topalidis, K; Schaaf, H; Zech, D; Krings-Ernst, I

    1994-07-01

    This study examined the incidence of failed spinal anesthesia and postdural puncture headache using a 27-gauge Whitacre and a 27-gauge Quincke needle in patients undergoing elective inpatient orthopedic procedures. The overall rate of failed spinal anesthesia was 8.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.6%-12.4%] (n = 17) in the Quincke group (n = 199) and 5.5% [95% CI = 2.3%-8.7%] (n = 11) in the Whitacre group (n = 199). This difference was not statistically significant. The overall incidence of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) was 0.8%; 1.1% [95% CI = 0%-2.4%] (n = 2) in the Quincke group and 0.5% [95% CI = 0%-1.5%] (n = 1) in the Whitacre group. These differences were not statistically significant. All headaches were classified as mild and resolved spontaneously with conservative management. The mean time for withdrawal of the stylet to appearance of cerebrospinal fluid was 10.8 +/- 6.9 s in the Quincke (n = 31) and 10.7 +/- 6.8 s in the Whitacre group (n = 33). These differences were not statistically significant. Our results suggest that both needles are associated with a very low incidence of PDPH and an incidence of failed anesthesia of 5.5%-8.5%.

  5. The origin of the energy-momentum conservation law

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chubykalo, Andrew E.; Espinoza, Augusto; Kosyakov, B. P.

    2017-09-01

    The interplay between the action-reaction principle and the energy-momentum conservation law is revealed by the examples of the Maxwell-Lorentz and Yang-Mills-Wong theories, and general relativity. These two statements are shown to be equivalent in the sense that both hold or fail together. Their mutual agreement is demonstrated most clearly in the self-interaction problem by taking account of the rearrangement of degrees of freedom appearing in the action of the Maxwell-Lorentz and Yang-Mills-Wong theories. The failure of energy-momentum conservation in general relativity is attributed to the fact that this theory allows solutions having nontrivial topologies. The total energy and momentum of a system with nontrivial topological content prove to be ambiguous, coordinatization-dependent quantities. For example, the energy of a Schwarzschild black hole may take any positive value greater than, or equal to, the mass of the body whose collapse is responsible for forming this black hole. We draw the analogy to the paradoxial Banach-Tarski theorem; the measure becomes a poorly defined concept if initial three-dimensional bounded sets are rearranged in topologically nontrivial ways through the action of free non-Abelian isometry groups.

  6. Laparoscopic revision of failed antireflux operations.

    PubMed

    Serafini, F M; Bloomston, M; Zervos, E; Muench, J; Albrink, M H; Murr, M; Rosemurgy, A S

    2001-01-01

    A small number of patients fail fundoplication and require reoperation. Laparoscopic techniques have been applied to reoperative fundoplications. We reviewed our experience with reoperative laparoscopic fundoplication. Reoperative laparoscopic fundoplication was undertaken in 28 patients, 19 F and 9 M, of mean age 56 years +/- 12. Previous antireflux procedures included 19 open and 12 laparoscopic antireflux operations. Symptoms were heartburn (90%), dysphagia (35%), and atypical symptoms (30%%). The mean interval from antireflux procedure to revision was 13 months +/- 4.2. The mean DeMeester score was 78+/-32 (normal 14.7). Eighteen patients (64%) had hiatal breakdown, 17 (60%) had wrap failure, 2 (7%) had slipped Nissen, 3 (11%) had paraesophageal hernias, and 1 (3%) had an excessively tight wrap. Twenty-five revisions were completed laparoscopically, while 3 patients required conversion to the open technique. Complications occurred in 9 of 17 (53%) patients failing previous open fundoplications and in 4 of 12 patients (33%) failing previous laparoscopic fundoplications and included 15 gastrotomies and 1 esophagotomy, all repaired laparoscopically, 3 postoperative gastric leaks, and 4 pneumothoraces requiring tube thoracostomy. No deaths occurred. Median length of stay was 5 days (range 2-90 days). At a mean follow-up of 20 months +/- 17, 2 patients (7%) have failed revision of their fundoplications, with the rest of the patients being essentially asymptomatic (93%). The results achieved with reoperative laparoscopic fundoplication are similar to those of primary laparoscopic fundoplications. Laparoscopic reoperations, particularly of primary open fundoplication, can be technically challenging and fraught with complications. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

  7. 12 CFR 360.11 - Records of failed insured depository institutions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 5 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Records of failed insured depository... STATEMENTS OF GENERAL POLICY RESOLUTION AND RECEIVERSHIP RULES § 360.11 Records of failed insured depository institutions. (a) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply— (1) Failed...

  8. Diagnosis and treatment of haemorrhoids.

    PubMed

    Buntzen, Steen; Christensen, Peter; Khalid, Ali; Ljungmann, Ken; Lindholt, Jan; Lundby, Lilli; Walker, Line Rossell; Raahave, Dennis; Qvist, Niels

    2013-12-01

    These guidelines provide a review of diagnosis, conservative and surgical treatment of haemorrhoids with primary focus on the surgical treatment. In symptomatic hemorrhoids it is recommended, that conservative treatment is used as basic treatment regardless of grading. The vast majority of grade II haemorrhoids are treated conservatively, but surgery may be considered in a few cases with pronounced symptoms. In these cases chirurgia minor, Doppler guided dearterilization procedures or stapled haemorrhoidopexy are recommended. In grade III and IV Doppler guided dearterilization procedures, stapled haemorrhoidopexy (Grade III) or conventional Milligan Morgan haemorrhoidectomy are recommended.

  9. Prolonged conservative treatment or 'early' surgery in sciatica caused by a lumbar disc herniation: rationale and design of a randomized trial [ISRCT 26872154

    PubMed Central

    Peul, Wilco C; van Houwelingen, Hans C; van der Hout, Wilbert B; Brand, Ronald; Eekhof, Just AH; Tans, Joseph ThJ; Thomeer, Ralph TWM; Koes, Bart W

    2005-01-01

    Background The design of a randomized multicenter trial is presented on the effectiveness of a prolonged conservative treatment strategy compared with surgery in patients with persisting intense sciatica (lumbosacral radicular syndrome). Methods/design Patients presenting themselves to their general practitioner with disabling sciatica lasting less than twelve weeks are referred to the neurology outpatient department of one of the participating hospitals. After confirmation of the diagnosis and surgical indication MRI scanning is performed. If a distinct disc herniation is discerned which in addition covers the clinically expected site the patient is eligible for randomization. Depending on the outcome of the randomization scheme the patient will either be submitted to prolonged conservative care or surgery. Surgery will be carried out according to the guidelines and between six and twelve weeks after onset of complaints. The experimental therapy consists of a prolonged conservative treatment under supervision of the general practitioner, which may be followed by surgical intervention in case of persisting or progressive disability. The main primary outcome measure is the disease specific disability of daily functioning. Other primary outcome measures are perceived recovery and intensity of legpain. Secondary outcome measures encompass severity of complaints, quality of life, medical consumption, absenteeism, costs and preference. The main research question will be answered at 12 months after randomization. The total follow-up period covers two years. Discussion Evidence is lacking concerning the optimal treatment of lumbar disc induced sciatica. This pragmatic randomized trial, focusses on the 'timing' of intervention, and will contribute to the decision of the general practictioner and neurologist, regarding referral of patients for surgery. PMID:15707491

  10. Clinical outcome of surgical treatment of the symptomatic accessory navicular.

    PubMed

    Kopp, Franz J; Marcus, Randall E

    2004-01-01

    When conservative treatment fails to provide relief for a symptomatic accessory navicular, surgical intervention may be necessary. Numerous studies have been published, reporting the results of the traditional Kidner procedure and alternative surgical techniques, all of which produce mostly satisfactory clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical results, utilizing the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Midfoot Scale, of surgical management for symptomatic accessory navicular with simple excision and anatomic repair of the tibialis posterior tendon. The authors retrospectively reviewed the results of 13 consecutive patients (14 feet) who underwent surgical treatment for symptomatic accessory navicular. The patients ranged in age from 16 to 64 years (average, 34.1 years; mean, 28.2 years) at the time of surgery. All patients had a type II accessory navicular. The average follow-up of the patients involved in the study was 103.4 months (range, 45-194 months). The AOFAS Midfoot Scale was utilized to determine both preoperative and postoperative clinical status of the 14 feet included in the study. The average preoperative AOFAS score was 48.2 (range, 20-75; mean, 38.8). The average postoperative AOFAS score was 94.5 (range, 83-100; mean, 94.3). At last follow-up, 13 of 14 feet were without any pain, no patients had activity limitations, and only two of 14 feet required shoe insert modification. Postoperatively, no patients had a clinically notable change in their preoperative midfoot longitudinal arch alignment. All of the patients in the study were satisfied with the outcome of their surgery and would undergo the same operation again under similar circumstances. When conservative measures fail to relieve the symptoms of a painful accessory navicular, simple excision of the accessory navicular and anatomic repair of the posterior tibialis tendon is a successful intervention. Overall, the procedure provides reliable pain

  11. 37 CFR 10.77 - Failing to act competently.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 37 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights 1 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Failing to act competently. 10.77 Section 10.77 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE... Office Code of Professional Responsibility § 10.77 Failing to act competently. A practitioner shall not...

  12. 37 CFR 10.77 - Failing to act competently.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 37 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights 1 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Failing to act competently. 10.77 Section 10.77 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE... Office Code of Professional Responsibility § 10.77 Failing to act competently. A practitioner shall not...

  13. 37 CFR 10.77 - Failing to act competently.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 37 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights 1 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Failing to act competently. 10.77 Section 10.77 Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE... Office Code of Professional Responsibility § 10.77 Failing to act competently. A practitioner shall not...

  14. Managing water and salinity with desalination, conveyance, conservation, waste-water treatment and reuse to counteract climate variability in Gaza

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rosenberg, D. E.; Aljuaidi, A. E.; Kaluarachchi, J. J.

    2009-12-01

    We include demands for water of different salinity concentrations as input parameters and decision variables in a regional hydro-economic optimization model. This specification includes separate demand functions for saline water. We then use stochastic non-linear programming to jointly identify the benefit maximizing set of infrastructure expansions, operational allocations, and use of different water quality types under climate variability. We present a detailed application for the Gaza Strip. The application considers building desalination and waste-water treatment plants and conveyance pipelines, initiating water conservation and leak reduction programs, plus allocating and transferring water of different qualities among agricultural, industrial, and urban sectors and among districts. Results show how to integrate a mix of supply enhancement, conservation, water quality improvement, and water quality management actions into a portfolio that can economically and efficiently respond to changes and uncertainties in surface and groundwater availability due to climate variability. We also show how to put drawn-down and saline Gaza aquifer water to more sustainable and economical use.

  15. 7 CFR 3.76 - Result if employee fails to meet deadlines.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Result if employee fails to meet deadlines. 3.76....76 Result if employee fails to meet deadlines. An employee will not be granted a hearing and will...) Fails to file a petition for a hearing as prescribed in § 3.75; or (b) Is scheduled to appear and fails...

  16. 7 CFR 3.76 - Result if employee fails to meet deadlines.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Result if employee fails to meet deadlines. 3.76....76 Result if employee fails to meet deadlines. An employee will not be granted a hearing and will...) Fails to file a petition for a hearing as prescribed in § 3.75; or (b) Is scheduled to appear and fails...

  17. Abortion: Strong's counterexamples fail.

    PubMed

    Di Nucci, E

    2009-05-01

    This paper shows that the counterexamples proposed by Strong in 2008 in the Journal of Medical Ethics to Marquis's argument against abortion fail. Strong's basic idea is that there are cases--for example, terminally ill patients--where killing an adult human being is prima facie seriously morally wrong even though that human being is not being deprived of a "valuable future". So Marquis would be wrong in thinking that what is essential about the wrongness of killing an adult human being is that they are being deprived of a valuable future. This paper shows that whichever way the concept of "valuable future" is interpreted, the proposed counterexamples fail: if it is interpreted as "future like ours", the proposed counterexamples have no bearing on Marquis's argument. If the concept is interpreted as referring to the patient's preferences, it must be either conceded that the patients in Strong's scenarios have some valuable future or admitted that killing them is not seriously morally wrong. Finally, if "valuable future" is interpreted as referring to objective standards, one ends up with implausible and unpalatable moral claims.

  18. 7 CFR 996.50 - Reconditioning failing quality peanuts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Reconditioning failing quality peanuts. 996.50 Section... QUALITY AND HANDLING STANDARDS FOR DOMESTIC AND IMPORTED PEANUTS MARKETED IN THE UNITED STATES Quality and Handling Standards § 996.50 Reconditioning failing quality peanuts. (a) Lots of peanuts which have not been...

  19. 7 CFR 996.50 - Reconditioning failing quality peanuts.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 7 Agriculture 8 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Reconditioning failing quality peanuts. 996.50 Section... QUALITY AND HANDLING STANDARDS FOR DOMESTIC AND IMPORTED PEANUTS MARKETED IN THE UNITED STATES Quality and Handling Standards § 996.50 Reconditioning failing quality peanuts. (a) Lots of peanuts which have not been...

  20. Brachytherapy Combined With Surgery for Conservative Treatment of Children With Bladder Neck and/or Prostate Rhabdomyosarcoma

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chargari, Cyrus, E-mail: cyrus.chargari@gustaveroussy.fr; Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Bretigny-sur-Orge; French Military Health Service Academy, Ecole du Val-de-Grâce, Paris

    Purpose: To report the results of a conservative strategy based on partial surgery combined with brachytherapy in a prospective cohort of children with bladder–prostate rhabdomyosarcoma (BP RMS). Methods and Materials: We prospectively documented the outcome of children treated in our department between 1991 and 2015 for BP RMS and undergoing a multimodal approach combining conservative surgery (partial cystectomy and/or partial prostatectomy) and perioperative interstitial low-dose-rate or pulse-dose-rate brachytherapy. Before brachytherapy, children had received chemotherapy with modalities depending on their risk group of treatment. Results: A total of 100 patients were identified, with a median age of 28 months (range, 5.6 months-14more » years). According to the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) group, 84 were IRS-III, and 12 were IRS-IV tumors. Four patients were treated at relapse. The median number of chemotherapy cycles before local therapy was 6 (range, 4-13). After surgery, 63 patients had a macroscopic tumor residuum. Five patients underwent a brachytherapy boost before pelvic external beam radiation therapy because of nodal involvement, and 95 had exclusive brachytherapy. Median follow-up was 64 months (range, 6 months-24.5 years). Five-year disease-free and overall survival rates were 84% (95% confidence interval 80%-88%) and 91% (95% confidence interval 87%-95%), respectively. At last follow-up most survivors presented with only mild to moderate genitourinary sequelae and a normal diurnal urinary continence. Five patients required a secondary total cystectomy: 3 for a nonfunctional bladder and 2 for relapse. Conclusion: Brachytherapy is effective as part of a conservative strategy for BP RMS, with a relatively low delayed toxicity as compared with previously published studies using external beam radiation therapy. Longer follow-up is required to ensure that the functional results are maintained over time.« less

  1. [Successful Removal of Hard Sigmoid Fecaloma Using Endoscopic Cola Injection].

    PubMed

    Lee, Jong Jin; Kim, Jeong Wook

    2015-07-01

    Colorectal fecaloma is hardening of feces into lumps of varying size that is much harder in consistency than a fecal impaction. Complications of colorectal fecaloma include ulceration, bleeding, perforation and obstruction of the colon. Most fecalomas are successfully removed by conservative treatment with laxatives, enemas and rectal evacuation to relieve fecal impaction. When conservative treatments have failed, a surgical intervention may be needed. Herein, we report a case of 4.7 cm sized sigmoid fecaloma showing no response to conservative treatments that was successfully removed by endoscopic fragmentation with Coca-Cola injection instead of surgery.

  2. Torching the Haystack: modelling fast-fail strategies in drug development.

    PubMed

    Lendrem, Dennis W; Lendrem, B Clare

    2013-04-01

    By quickly clearing the development pipeline of failing or marginal products, fast-fail strategies release resources to focus on more promising molecules. The Quick-Kill model of drug development demonstrates that fast-fail strategies will: (1) reduce the expected time to market; (2) reduce expected R&D costs; and (3) increase R&D productivity. This paper outlines the model and demonstrates the impact of fast-fail strategies. The model is illustrated with costs and risks data from pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. The conservative and interventional treatment of fibroids.

    PubMed

    Boosz, Alexander Stephan; Reimer, Peter; Matzko, Matthias; Römer, Thomas; Müller, Andreas

    2014-12-22

    Fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women. One-third of all women of reproductive age undergo treatment for symptomatic fibroids. In recent years, the spectrum of available treatments has been widened by the introduction of new drugs and interventional procedures. Selective literature review on the treatment of uterine fibroids, including consideration of several Cochrane Reviews. Fibroids can be treated with drugs, interventional procedures (uterine artery embolization [UAE] and focused ultrasound treatment [FUS]), and surgery. The evidence regarding the various available treatments is mixed. All methods improve symptoms, but only a few comparative studies have been performed. A meta-analysis revealed that recovery within 15 days is more common after laparoscopic enucleation than after open surgery (odds ratio [OR], 3.2). A minimally invasive hysterectomy, or one performed by the vaginal route, is associated with a shorter hospital stay and a more rapid recovery than open transabdominal hysterectomy. UAE is an alternative to hysterectomy for selected patients. The re-intervention rates after fibroid enucleation, hysterectomy, and UAE are 8.9-9%, 1.8-10.7%, and 7-34.6%, respectively. The main drugs used to treat fibroids are gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs and selective progesterone receptor modulators. Multiple treatment options are available and enable individualized therapy for symptomatic fibroids. The most important considerations in the choice of treatment are the question of family planning and, in some cases, the technical limitations of the treatments themselves.

  4. Neutralizing Antibody Fails to Impact the Course of Ebola Virus Infection in Monkeys

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-01-19

    endothelial cells. Am J Pathol 163: 2371–2382. 16. Geisbert TW, Hensley LE , Jahrling PB, Larsen T, Geisbert JB, et al. (2003) Treatment of Ebola virus...Hernandez HJ, Thomas WD Jr, et al. (2005) Development and characterization of a severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus -neutralizing human...Citation: Oswald WB, Geisbert TW, Davis KJ, Geisbert JB, Sullivan NJ, et al. (2007) Neutralizing antibody fails to impact the course of Ebola virus

  5. Comparison between cervical disc arthroplasty and conservative treatment for patients with single level cervical radiculopathy at C5/6.

    PubMed

    He, Axiang; Xie, Dong; Qu, Bo; Cai, Xiaomin; Kong, Qin; Yang, Lili; Chen, Xiongsheng; Jia, Lianshun

    2018-01-31

    Cervical radiculopathy is a common disease that affects millions of people. Patients usually are managed by conservative therapy and surgical treatments. To compare the clinical outcomes between cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) and conservative management for patients with single level cervical radiculopathy at C5/6. Seventy-two patients with cervical radiculopathy that only affect C5/6 joints were included and thirty-two of them received CDA surgery, and forty patients were treated with conservative management. All the patients were followed up around 4 years. Cervical curvature, cervical range of motion (CROM), horizontal displacement of cervical spine, and intervertebral gap were measured by radiological examination. All the patients have comparable disease severity based on pre-surgical radiological assessments. At the 4-year follow-up examination, patients with CDA surgery had less CROM at C5/6 level, while greater CROM at C4/5 level, than control group. Similarly, the horizontal displacement in CDA group decreased at C5/6 vertebrae, and increased at C4/5 level at the 4-year follow-up examination. The intervertebral gaps of patients in CDA group were larger than control group at one-year and last follow-up examination. CDA surgery stabilized C5/6 vertebrae and increased the CROM and horizontal displacement of upper adjacent C4/5 vertebrae. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  6. Therapist drift redux: Why well-meaning clinicians fail to deliver evidence-based therapy, and how to get back on track.

    PubMed

    Waller, Glenn; Turner, Hannah

    2016-02-01

    Therapist drift occurs when clinicians fail to deliver the optimum evidence-based treatment despite having the necessary tools, and is an important factor in why those therapies are commonly less effective than they should be in routine clinical practice. The research into this phenomenon has increased substantially over the past five years. This review considers the growing evidence of therapist drift. The reasons that we fail to implement evidence-based psychotherapies are considered, including our personalities, knowledge, emotions, beliefs, behaviours and social milieus. Finally, ideas are offered regarding how therapist drift might be halted, including a cognitive-behavioural approach for therapists that addresses the cognitions, emotions and behaviours that drive and maintain our avoidance of evidence-based treatments. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Discretely Conservative Finite-Difference Formulations for Nonlinear Conservation Laws in Split Form: Theory and Boundary Conditions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fisher, Travis C.; Carpenter, Mark H.; Nordstroem, Jan; Yamaleev, Nail K.; Swanson, R. Charles

    2011-01-01

    Simulations of nonlinear conservation laws that admit discontinuous solutions are typically restricted to discretizations of equations that are explicitly written in divergence form. This restriction is, however, unnecessary. Herein, linear combinations of divergence and product rule forms that have been discretized using diagonal-norm skew-symmetric summation-by-parts (SBP) operators, are shown to satisfy the sufficient conditions of the Lax-Wendroff theorem and thus are appropriate for simulations of discontinuous physical phenomena. Furthermore, special treatments are not required at the points that are near physical boundaries (i.e., discrete conservation is achieved throughout the entire computational domain, including the boundaries). Examples are presented of a fourth-order, SBP finite-difference operator with second-order boundary closures. Sixth- and eighth-order constructions are derived, and included in E. Narrow-stencil difference operators for linear viscous terms are also derived; these guarantee the conservative form of the combined operator.

  8. Outcomes of reintervention after failed urethroplasty.

    PubMed

    Ekerhult, Teresa Olsen; Lindqvist, Klas; Peeker, Ralph; Grenabo, Lars

    2017-02-01

    Urethroplasty is a procedure that has a high success rate. However, there exists a small subgroup of patients who require multiple procedures to achieve an acceptable result. This study analyses the outcomes of a series of patients with failed urethroplasty. This is a retrospective review of 82 failures out of 407 patients who underwent urethroplasty due to urethral stricture during the period 1999-2013. Failure was defined as the need for an additional surgical procedure. Of the failures, 26 patients had penile strictures and 56 had bulbar strictures. Meatal strictures were not included. The redo procedures included one or multiple direct vision internal urethrotomies, dilatations or new urethroplasties, all with a long follow-up time. The patients underwent one to seven redo surgeries (mean 2.4 procedures per patient). In the present series of patients, endourological procedures cured 34% (28/82) of the patients. Ten patients underwent multiple redo urethroplasties until a satisfactory outcome was achieved; the penile strictures were the most difficult to cure. In patients with bulbar strictures, excision with anastomosis and substitution urethroplasty were equally successful. Nevertheless, 18 patients were defined as treatment failures. Of these patients, nine ended up with clean intermittent self-dilatation as a final solution, five had perineal urethrostomy and four are awaiting a new reintervention. Complicated cases need centralized professional care. Despite the possibility of needing multiple reinterventions, the majority of patients undergoing urethroplasty have a good chance of successful treatment.

  9. Using Keystroke Analytics to Improve Pass-Fail Classifiers

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Casey, Kevin

    2017-01-01

    Learning analytics offers insights into student behaviour and the potential to detect poor performers before they fail exams. If the activity is primarily online (for example computer programming), a wealth of low-level data can be made available that allows unprecedented accuracy in predicting which students will pass or fail. In this paper, we…

  10. Conservation of myeloid surface antigens on primate granulocytes.

    PubMed

    Letvin, N L; Todd, R F; Palley, L S; Schlossman, S F; Griffin, J D

    1983-02-01

    Monoclonal antibodies reactive with myeloid cell surface antigens were used to study evolutionary changes in granulocyte surface antigens from primate species. Certain of these granulocyte membrane antigens are conserved in phylogenetically distant species, indicating the potential functional importance of these structures. The degree of conservation of these antigens reflects the phylogenetic relationship between primate species. Furthermore, species of the same genus show similar patterns of binding to this panel of anti-human myeloid antibodies. This finding of conserved granulocyte surface antigens suggests that non-human primates may provide a model system for exploring uses of monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of human myeloid disorders.

  11. 40 CFR 205.171-8 - Passing or failing under SEA.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 26 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Passing or failing under SEA. 205.171... Passing or failing under SEA. (a) A failing exhaust system is one which, when installed on any motorcycle... equal to the number in Column A, the sample passes. (c) Pass or failure of a SEA takes place when a...

  12. 40 CFR 205.171-8 - Passing or failing under SEA.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Passing or failing under SEA. 205.171... Passing or failing under SEA. (a) A failing exhaust system is one which, when installed on any motorcycle... equal to the number in Column A, the sample passes. (c) Pass or failure of a SEA takes place when a...

  13. 40 CFR 205.171-8 - Passing or failing under SEA.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 26 2012-07-01 2011-07-01 true Passing or failing under SEA. 205.171-8... failing under SEA. (a) A failing exhaust system is one which, when installed on any motorcycle which is in... in Column A, the sample passes. (c) Pass or failure of a SEA takes place when a decision that an...

  14. 40 CFR 205.171-8 - Passing or failing under SEA.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Passing or failing under SEA. 205.171... Passing or failing under SEA. (a) A failing exhaust system is one which, when installed on any motorcycle... equal to the number in Column A, the sample passes. (c) Pass or failure of a SEA takes place when a...

  15. 40 CFR 205.171-8 - Passing or failing under SEA.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Passing or failing under SEA. 205.171... Passing or failing under SEA. (a) A failing exhaust system is one which, when installed on any motorcycle... equal to the number in Column A, the sample passes. (c) Pass or failure of a SEA takes place when a...

  16. Toward a Conceptual Framework for Blending Social and Biophysical Attributes in Conservation Planning: A Case-Study of Privately-Conserved Lands

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pasquini, Lorena; Twyman, Chasca; Wainwright, John

    2010-11-01

    There has been increasing recognition within systematic conservation planning of the need to include social data alongside biophysical assessments. However, in the approaches to identify potential conservation sites, there remains much room for improvement in the treatment of social data. In particular, few rigorous methods to account for the diversity of less-easily quantifiable social attributes that influence the implementation success of conservation sites (such as willingness to conserve) have been developed. We use a case-study analysis of private conservation areas within the Little Karoo, South Africa, as a practical example of the importance of incorporating social data into the process of selecting potential conservation sites to improve their implementation likelihood. We draw on extensive data on the social attributes of our case study obtained from a combination of survey questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. We discuss the need to determine the social attributes that are important for achieving the chosen implementation strategy by offering four tested examples of important social attributes in the Little Karoo: the willingness of landowners to take part in a stewardship arrangement, their willingness to conserve, their capacity to conserve, and the social capital among private conservation area owners. We then discuss the process of using an implementation likelihood ratio (derived from a combined measure of the social attributes) to assist the choice of potential conservation sites. We conclude by summarizing our discussion into a simple conceptual framework for identifying biophysically-valuable sites which possess a high likelihood that the desired implementation strategy will be realized on them.

  17. Ecological networks as conceptual frameworks or operational tools in conservation.

    PubMed

    Boitani, Luigi; Falcucci, Alessandra; Maiorano, Luigi; Rondinini, Carlo

    2007-12-01

    The establishment of ecological networks (ENs) has been proposed as an ideal way to counteract the increasing fragmentation of natural ecosystems and as a necessary complement to the establishment of protected areas for biodiversity conservation. This conservation tool, which comprises core areas, corridors, and buffer areas, has attracted the attention of several national and European institutions. It is thought that ENs can connect habitat patches and thus enable species to move across unsuitable areas. In Europe, however, ENs are proposed as an oversimplification of complex ecological concepts, and we maintain that they are of limited use for biodiversity conservation for several reasons. The ENs are species specific and operate on species-dependent scales. In addition, the information needed for their implementation is only available for a handful of species. To overcome these limitations, ENs have been proposed on a landscape scale (and for selected "focal" species), but there is no indication that the structural composition of core areas, corridors, and buffer areas could ensure the functional connectivity and improve the viability of more than a few species. The theory behind ENs fails to provide sufficient practical information on how to build them (e.g., width, shape, structure, content). In fact, no EN so far has been validated in practice (ensuring connectivity and increasing overall biodiversity conservation), and there are no signs that validation will be possible in the near future. In view of these limitations, it is difficult to justify spending economic and political resources on building systems that are at best working hypotheses that cannot be evaluated on a practical level.

  18. A 45-year-old man presenting with anterior compartment syndrome three weeks following conservative treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture.

    PubMed

    van Niekerk, Michael; Jawad, Farrah; Huntley, James S; McCowan, Stuart

    2011-05-01

    Compartment syndrome complicating a ruptured Achilles tendon has previously been reported in a surgically treated patient. However--to our knowledge--this is the first report of compartment syndrome following conservative treatment. A 45-year-old man ruptured his Achilles tendon and elected to have treatment in an equinus cast. Three weeks later, he developed compartment syndrome and despite fasciotomy, required surgical debridement of his anterior compartment. Delay in both diagnosis and subsequent fasciotomy resulted in a poor outcome. Any suspicion of compartment syndrome mandates early compartmental pressure monitoring. The exact aetiology is uncertain but we speculate that the equinus position of his ankle combined with weight-bearing, was a major contributing factor.

  19. Evaluation of the effectiveness of octreotide in the conservative treatment of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas.

    PubMed

    Alivizatos, Vassilos; Felekis, Dimitrios; Zorbalas, Athanasios

    2002-01-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Octreotide as an adjunct treatment to total parenteral nutrition in the spontaneous closure of postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas. Medical records of 39 patients with postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas treated in our Department between January 1988 and August 2000 were reviewed. Sixteen patients had duodenal fistulas and 23 had jejunal or ileal fistulas. According to the daily output, there were 20 low fistula output and 19 high fistula output. Conservative treatment consisted of nutritional support with total parenteral nutrition in all the patients. Administration of Octreotide (100 micrograms every 8 hours, subcutaneously) was done in 21 consecutive patients until spontaneous closure of the fistulas or their subsequent surgical closure. The occurrence of fistulas closure was compared using the Fisher's exact test. A mean reduction of 50% of fistula output was noted in all the patients who received Octreotide, within 24 hours of its administration. Spontaneous closure was achieved in 13 patients of the Octreotide group (mean closure time: 15.3 days, range: 6-35) and in 12 patients treated only with total parenteral nutrition (mean closure time: 13.9 days, range: 7-25); this difference was not significant (P = 0.5). Also, the fistula closure rate was not influenced by the anatomic site, the high or low output, and the age of the patient. The results of this study suggest that, as an adjunct treatment to total parenteral nutrition, Octreotide reduces rapidly the fistula output without significant influence in the spontaneous closure rate.

  20. I-HEDGE: determining the optimum complementary sets of taxa for conservation using evolutionary isolation

    PubMed Central

    Mooers, Arne Ø.; Caccone, Adalgisa; Russello, Michael A.

    2016-01-01

    In the midst of the current biodiversity crisis, conservation efforts might profitably be directed towards ensuring that extinctions do not result in inordinate losses of evolutionary history. Numerous methods have been developed to evaluate the importance of species based on their contribution to total phylogenetic diversity on trees and networks, but existing methods fail to take complementarity into account, and thus cannot identify the best order or subset of taxa to protect. Here, we develop a novel iterative calculation of the heightened evolutionary distinctiveness and globally endangered metric (I-HEDGE) that produces the optimal ranked list for conservation prioritization, taking into account complementarity and based on both phylogenetic diversity and extinction probability. We applied this metric to a phylogenetic network based on mitochondrial control region data from extant and recently extinct giant Galápagos tortoises, a highly endangered group of closely related species. We found that the restoration of two extinct species (a project currently underway) will contribute the greatest gain in phylogenetic diversity, and present an ordered list of rankings that is the optimum complementarity set for conservation prioritization. PMID:27635324

  1. I-HEDGE: determining the optimum complementary sets of taxa for conservation using evolutionary isolation.

    PubMed

    Jensen, Evelyn L; Mooers, Arne Ø; Caccone, Adalgisa; Russello, Michael A

    2016-01-01

    In the midst of the current biodiversity crisis, conservation efforts might profitably be directed towards ensuring that extinctions do not result in inordinate losses of evolutionary history. Numerous methods have been developed to evaluate the importance of species based on their contribution to total phylogenetic diversity on trees and networks, but existing methods fail to take complementarity into account, and thus cannot identify the best order or subset of taxa to protect. Here, we develop a novel iterative calculation of the heightened evolutionary distinctiveness and globally endangered metric (I-HEDGE) that produces the optimal ranked list for conservation prioritization, taking into account complementarity and based on both phylogenetic diversity and extinction probability. We applied this metric to a phylogenetic network based on mitochondrial control region data from extant and recently extinct giant Galápagos tortoises, a highly endangered group of closely related species. We found that the restoration of two extinct species (a project currently underway) will contribute the greatest gain in phylogenetic diversity, and present an ordered list of rankings that is the optimum complementarity set for conservation prioritization.

  2. Abortion: why the arguments fail.

    PubMed

    Hauerwas, S

    1980-01-01

    Christians have so far failed to show why abortion is an affront to Christian convictions. Rather than arguing when life begins, Christians must show that Christianity as a way of life which recognizes God as Lord of life makes abortion unthinkable.

  3. Conserving the functional and phylogenetic trees of life of European tetrapods

    PubMed Central

    Thuiller, Wilfried; Maiorano, Luigi; Mazel, Florent; Guilhaumon, François; Ficetola, Gentile Francesco; Lavergne, Sébastien; Renaud, Julien; Roquet, Cristina; Mouillot, David

    2015-01-01

    Protected areas (PAs) are pivotal tools for biodiversity conservation on the Earth. Europe has had an extensive protection system since Natura 2000 areas were created in parallel with traditional parks and reserves. However, the extent to which this system covers not only taxonomic diversity but also other biodiversity facets, such as evolutionary history and functional diversity, has never been evaluated. Using high-resolution distribution data of all European tetrapods together with dated molecular phylogenies and detailed trait information, we first tested whether the existing European protection system effectively covers all species and in particular, those with the highest evolutionary or functional distinctiveness. We then tested the ability of PAs to protect the entire tetrapod phylogenetic and functional trees of life by mapping species' target achievements along the internal branches of these two trees. We found that the current system is adequately representative in terms of the evolutionary history of amphibians while it fails for the rest. However, the most functionally distinct species were better represented than they would be under random conservation efforts. These results imply better protection of the tetrapod functional tree of life, which could help to ensure long-term functioning of the ecosystem, potentially at the expense of conserving evolutionary history. PMID:25561666

  4. Nucleoplasty in the Treatment of Lumbar Diskogenic Back Pain: One Year Follow-Up

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Masala, Salvatore, E-mail: salva.masala@tiscali.it; Massari, Francesco; Fabiano, Sebastiano

    2007-06-15

    Purpose. The spine is an important source of pain and disability, affecting two thirds of adults at some time in their lives. Treatment in these patients is mainly conservative medical management, based on medication, physical therapy, behavioral management, and psychotherapy, surgery being limited to elective cases with neurologic deficits. This study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous nucleoplasty in patients affected by painful diskal protrusions and contained herniations. Methods. From February 2004 to October 2005, 72 patients (48 men, 24 women; mean age 48 years) affected by lumbar disk herniation were treated with nucleoplasty coblation. All patientsmore » were evaluated clinically and with radiography and MRI in order to confirm the presence of lumbalgic and/or sciatalgic pain, in the absence of major neurologic deficit and with lack of response after 6 weeks of conservative management. Results. Average preprocedural pain level for all patients was 8.2 (on a visual analog scale of 1 to 10), while the average pain level at 12 months follow-up was 4.1. At the 1 year evaluation, 79% of patients demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in numeric pain scores (p < 0.01): 17% (12 patients) were completely satisfied with complete resolution of symptoms, and 62% (43 patients) obtained a good result. Conclusion. Our data indicate that nucleoplasty coblation is a promising treatment option for patients with symptomatic disk protrusion and herniation who present with lumbalgic and/or sciatalgic pain, have failed conservative therapies, and are not considered candidates for open surgery.« less

  5. 40 CFR 205.160-6 - Passing or failing under SEA.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 24 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Passing or failing under SEA. 205.160... failing under SEA. (a) A failing vehicle is one whose measured noise level is in excess of the applicable... vehicles is less than or equal to the number in Column A, the sample passes. (c) Pass or failure of an SEA...

  6. 40 CFR 205.160-6 - Passing or failing under SEA.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 26 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Passing or failing under SEA. 205.160... failing under SEA. (a) A failing vehicle is one whose measured noise level is in excess of the applicable... vehicles is less than or equal to the number in Column A, the sample passes. (c) Pass or failure of an SEA...

  7. 40 CFR 205.160-6 - Passing or failing under SEA.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Passing or failing under SEA. 205.160... failing under SEA. (a) A failing vehicle is one whose measured noise level is in excess of the applicable... vehicles is less than or equal to the number in Column A, the sample passes. (c) Pass or failure of an SEA...

  8. 40 CFR 205.160-6 - Passing or failing under SEA.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 25 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Passing or failing under SEA. 205.160... failing under SEA. (a) A failing vehicle is one whose measured noise level is in excess of the applicable... vehicles is less than or equal to the number in Column A, the sample passes. (c) Pass or failure of an SEA...

  9. Failing by design.

    PubMed

    McGrath, Rita Gunther

    2011-04-01

    It's hardly news that business leaders work in increasingly uncertain environments, where failures are bound to be more common than successes. Yet if you ask executives how well, on a scale of one to 10, their organizations learn from failure, you'll often get a sheepish "Two-or maybe three" in response. Such organizations are missing a big opportunity: Failure may be inevitable but, if managed well, can be very useful. A certain amount of failure can help you keep your options open, find out what doesn't work, create the conditions to attract resources and attention, make room for new leaders, and develop intuition and skill. The key to reaping these benefits is to foster "intelligent failure" throughout your organization. McGrath describes several principles that can help you put intelligent failure to work. You should decide what success and failure would look like before you start a project. Document your initial assumptions, test and revise them as you go, and convert them into knowledge. Fail fast-the longer something takes, the less you'll learn-and fail cheaply, to contain your downside risk. Limit the number of uncertainties in new projects, and build a culture that tolerates, and sometimes even celebrates, failure. Finally, codify and share what you learn. These principles won't give you a means of avoiding all failures down the road-that's simply not realistic. They will help you use small losses to attain bigger wins over time.

  10. [Results of revision after failed surgical treatment for traumatic anterior shoulder instability].

    PubMed

    Lópiz-Morales, Y; Alcobe-Bonilla, J; García-Fernández, C; Francés-Borrego, A; Otero-Fernández, R; Marco-Martínez, F

    2013-01-01

    Persistent or recurrent glenohumeral instability after a previous operative stabilization can be a complex problem. Our aim is to establish the incidence of recurrence and its revision surgery, and to analyse the functional results of the revision instability surgery, as well as to determine surgical protocols to perform it. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 16 patients with recurrent instability out of 164 patients operated on between 1999 and 2011. The mean follow-up was 57 months and the mean age was 29 years. To evaluate functional outcome we employed Constant, Rowe, UCLA scores and the visual analogue scale. Of the 12 patients who failed the initial arthroscopic surgery, 6 patients underwent an arthroscopic antero-inferior labrum repair technique, 4 using open labrum repair techniques, and 2 coracoid transfer. The two cases of open surgery with recurrences underwent surgery for coracoid transfer. Results of the Constant score were excellent or good in 64% of patients. Surgical revision of instability is a complex surgery essentially for two reasons: the difficulty in recognising the problem, and the technical demand (greater variety and the increasingly complex techniques). Copyright © 2012 SECOT. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  11. Weeded Out? Gendered Responses to Failing Calculus.

    PubMed

    Sanabria, Tanya; Penner, Andrew

    2017-06-01

    Although women graduate from college at higher rates than men, they remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This study examines whether women react to failing a STEM weed-out course by switching to a non-STEM major and graduating with a bachelor's degree in a non-STEM field. While competitive courses designed to weed out potential STEM majors are often invoked in discussions around why students exit the STEM pipeline, relatively little is known about how women and men react to failing these courses. We use detailed individual-level data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS) Postsecondary Transcript Study (PETS): 1988-2000 to show that women who failed an introductory calculus course are substantially less likely to earn a bachelor's degree in STEM. In doing so, we provide evidence that weed-out course failure might help us to better understand why women are less likely to earn degrees.

  12. Weeded Out? Gendered Responses to Failing Calculus

    PubMed Central

    Sanabria, Tanya; Penner, Andrew

    2018-01-01

    Although women graduate from college at higher rates than men, they remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This study examines whether women react to failing a STEM weed-out course by switching to a non-STEM major and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in a non-STEM field. While competitive courses designed to weed out potential STEM majors are often invoked in discussions around why students exit the STEM pipeline, relatively little is known about how women and men react to failing these courses. We use detailed individual-level data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS) Postsecondary Transcript Study (PETS): 1988–2000 to show that women who failed an introductory calculus course are substantially less likely to earn a bachelor’s degree in STEM. In doing so, we provide evidence that weed-out course failure might help us to better understand why women are less likely to earn degrees. PMID:29616148

  13. Science for avian conservation: Priorities for the new millennium

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Ruth, J.M.; Petit, D.R.; Sauer, J.R.; Samuel, M.D.; Johnson, F.A.; Fornwall, M.D.; Korschgen, C.E.; Bennett, J.P.

    2003-01-01

    Over the past decade, bird conservation activities have become the preeminent natural resource conservation effort in North America. Maturation of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), establishment of Partners in Flight (PIF), and creation of comprehensive colonial waterbird and shorebird conservation plans have stimulated unprecedented interest in, and funding for, bird conservation in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries in the western hemisphere. Key to that success in the United States has been active collaboration among federal, state and local governments, conservation organizations, academia, and industry. The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), which has primary statutory responsibility for migratory bird conservation and management, has been a key partner.Despite the great strides that have been made in bird conservation science, historical approaches to research and monitoring have often failed to provide sufficient information and understanding to effectively manage bird populations at large spatial scales. That shortcoming, and the lack of an integrated strategy and comprehensive set of research priorities, is more evident in light of the goals established by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI). The NABCI is a trinational, coalition-driven effort to provide an organizational umbrella for existing conservation initiatives. The expanded focus of NABCI and individual bird conservation initiatives is to work together in an integrated, holistic fashion to keep common birds common and to increase populations of declining, threatened, and endangered species.To assist bird conservation initiatives in defining goals and developing new approaches to effective research, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the research agency of DOI, convened a workshop, “Science for Avian Conservation: Understanding, Modeling, and Applying Ecological Relationships,” on 31 October–2 November 2000, which brought together

  14. Self-reported health status, treatment decision and survival in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with aortic stenosis in a Western Norway population undergoing conservative treatment: a cross-sectional study with 18 months follow-up.

    PubMed

    Oterhals, Kjersti; Haaverstad, Rune; Nordrehaug, Jan Erik; Eide, Geir Egil; Norekvål, Tone M

    2017-08-21

    To investigate symptoms and self-reported health of patients conservatively treated for aortic stenosis (AS) and to identify factors associated with treatment decision and patient outcomes. A cross-sectional survey with an 18-month follow-up. One tertiary university hospital in Western Norway. In all, 1436 patients were diagnosed with AS between 2000 and 2012, and those 245 still under conservative treatment in 2013 were included in this study. Primary outcome measures were symptoms and self-reported health status. Secondary outcomes were treatment decision and patient survival after 18 months. A total of 136 patients with mean (SD) age 79 (12) years, 52% men responded. Among conservatively treated patients 77% were symptomatic. The symptom most frequently experienced was dyspnoea. Symptomatic patients reported worse physical and mental health compared with asymptomatic patients (effect size 1.24 and 0.74, respectively). In addition, symptomatic patients reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression compared with asymptomatic patients. However, symptom status did not correlate with haemodynamic severity of AS. After 18 months, 117 (86%) were still alive, 20% had undergone surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) and 7% transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). When adjusting for age, gender, symptomatic status, severity of AS and European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE), patients with severe AS had more than sixfold chance of being scheduled for AVR or TAVI compared with those with moderate AS (HR 6.3, 95% CI 1.9 to 21.2, p=0.003). Patients with EuroSCORE ≥11 had less chance for undergoing AVR or TAVI compared with those with EuroSCORE ≤5 (HR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.46, p=0.007). Symptoms affected both physical and mental health in conservatively treated patients with AS. Many patients with symptomatic severe AS are not scheduled for surgery, despite the recommendations in current guidelines. The referral

  15. On the calculation of low-thrust fail-safe trajectories

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sauer, C. G., Jr.

    1975-01-01

    A guidance algorithm is developed for a low-thrust spacecraft such that target intercept is possible in spite of premature thrust termination along the trajectory. Such a trajectory is called a 'fail-safe' trajectory and the spacecraft thrust is utilized to minimize the relative target-spacecraft approach speed. The fail-safe guidance algorithm is solved using the concept of a critical thrust plane and a non-critical thrust direction. Several examples of fail-safe guidance are presented for a solar-electric propulsion flyby mission to the comet Encke.

  16. Obstetric balloon for treatment of foreshortened vagina using the McIndoe technique.

    PubMed

    Rauktys, Aubrey; Parikh, Pranay; Harmanli, Oz

    2015-01-01

    When conservative options such as the use of vaginal dilators fail, the McIndoe technique may be used in the surgical treatment of a foreshortened vagina. The McIndoe procedure, an approach commonly used for the treatment of vaginal agenesis, requires a mold over which a skin graft is sutured and placed inside the vagina. In most surgical descriptions, this mold is made from non-sterile foam, condoms, or gloves. Because makeshift molds can no longer be used in operating rooms owing to strict regulations, alternative methods must be employed. The obstetric balloon is a good choice for use as a soft and adjustable vaginal mold for a modified McIndoe procedure because it is readily available as an approved device in hospitals that provide obstetric services. This technique was successfully employed in a 54-year-old woman to treat foreshortened vagina. An obstetric balloon can be used effectively as a mold for vaginal reconstruction with the McIndoe technique.

  17. [Conservative treatment of the pectus carinatum].

    PubMed

    Moreno, C; Delgado, M D; Martí, E; Fuentes, S; Morante, R; Cano, I; Gómez, A

    2011-04-01

    Pectus carinatum (PC) is a deformity that involves the protrusion of the anterior chest wall. It is 10 times less frequent than pectus excavatum. It has a progressive growth and is more common with men. There are two different types, the lower or condrocorporal which is the most common one, and the upper or condromanubrial. Most of the time there are no cardio-respiratory symptoms. We present our experience in the orthopedic treatment of the pectus carinatum. Retrospective review of patients treated in our hospital from 2002 until 2009. Patients were treated with observation, aerobic exercises, postural change and/or compression braces. Literature review was performed of the treatment for this pathology. 18 patients have been diagnosed with PC, 16 were men and 2 women. All were treated in a nonoperative way. Only 11 of them used a compression brace. We missed two follow-ups and another has just yet begun to achieve proper results. All the rest have had excellent results with nonoperative treatment. None of them have had a surgical treatment. The PC is a disease that most often is a cosmetic problem, with no impact on a cardio-respiratory level. Classically it has been a surgical entity. In our experience we have found that the orthopedic method is an effective alternative, safe and with a significant reduction in morbidity. But we need the collaboration of the patient to accept and maintain continuity in the use of the prostheses.

  18. Effects of desmopressin for the treatment of nocturnal polyuria in elderly women: impact on related sleep quality

    PubMed Central

    Mun, Jong-Hyeon; Kim, Sun-Ouck; Yu, Ho Song; Chung, Ho Suck; Kwon, Dongdeuk

    2015-01-01

    Introduction: We investigated the efficacy, safety, and impact of desmopressin on quality of sleep in treating nocturnal polyuria in elderly women. Methods: We recruited 60 women over 60 years old with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including nocturia, and with nocturnal polyuria. Nocturnal polyuria was defined as nighttime urine production exceeding 33% of the 24-hour total urine volume determined by a frequency volume (FV) chart. All patients failed to respond to treatment of their underlying disease and evening fluid restriction. Desmopressin 0.1 mg was administered orally at bedtime for 12 weeks. The participants completed a series of questionnaires on the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) sleep scale and FV chart before and after treatment. Results: The patient population had a mean age of 69.2 ± 9.4 years (range: 61–81). The mean duration of symptoms was 61.2 ± 45.1 months. Significant decreases were evident after desmopressin treatment in the number of nocturia episodes (3.63 ± 1.61 to 2.00 ± 1.13, p = 0.01), nocturnal urine volume (p = 0.01), nocturnal polyuria index (NPI) (p = 0.01), and nocturia index (NI) p = 0.01). Among the categories of the MOS sleep scale, sleep index (p = 0.003), sleep disturbance (p = 0.001), snoring (p = 0.028), and shortness of breath (p = 0.036) significantly changed, with a decreased number of nocturia episodes. Adverse events were mild. Conclusions: Desmopressin is an effective treatment for nocturnal polyuria in elderly women, where conservative treatment has failed. Sleep quality is also improved. PMID:26600882

  19. Development of a household waste treatment subsystem, volume 1. [with water conservation features

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gresko, T. M.; Murray, R. W.

    1973-01-01

    The domestic waste treatment subsystem was developed to process the daily liquid and non-metallic solid wastes provided by a family of four people. The subsystem was designed to be connected to the sewer line of a household which contained water conservation features. The system consisted of an evaporation technique to separate liquids from solids, an incineration technique for solids reduction, and a catalytic oxidizer for eliminating noxious gases from evaporation and incineration processes. All wastes were passed through a grinder which masticated the solids and deposited them in a settling tank. The liquids were transferred through a cleanable filter into a holding tank. From here the liquids were sprayed into an evaporator and a spray chamber where evaporation occurred. The resulting vapors were processed by catalytic oxidation. Water and latent energy were recovered in a combination evaporator/condenser heat exchanger. The solids were conveyed into an incinerator and reduced to ash while the incineration gases were passed through the catalytic oxidizer along with the processed water vapor.

  20. Brachytherapy for conservative treatment of invasive penile carcinoma in older patients: Single institution experience.

    PubMed

    Escande, Alexandre; Maroun, Pierre; Dumas, Isabelle; Schernberg, Antoine; Bossi, Alberto; De Crevoisier, Renaud; Deutsch, Eric; Haie-Meder, Christine; Chargari, Cyrus

    2018-05-01

    No study has examined the possibility to perform an organ sparing strategy in older patients with penile carcinoma, and amputation is frequently proposed. We report our experience of interstitial brachytherapy for the conservative treatment of penile carcinoma confined to the glans in patients aged of 70years and more. A total of 55 patients candidates to conservative brachytherapy were identified. Median age was 73.8years (range: 70-95years). Patients underwent a circumcision then 3-4weeks later, an interstitial brachytherapy was delivered, median dose of 65Gy (range 55-74Gy). Salvage surgery was discussed in patients with histological confirmation of residual/relapsed tumor. With median follow-up of 9.0years, eight patients (14.5%) experienced a relapse, including five patients with local relapse. Three patients with local relapse only underwent salvage penile surgery, including two partial glansectomies and one total penectomy, and were in second complete remission at last follow-up. Among 55 patients analyzed for late side effects, seven patients (13.0%) presented pain or ulceration, 12 (22.2%) experienced urethral or meatal stenosis requiring at least one dilatation, two patients (3.7%) experienced both ulcerations and urethral complication. Three patients (5.5%) needed partial glansectomy for focal necrosis. At five years, estimated overall survival rate was 74.5% (95%CI: 62.0-87.0%) and local relapse free rate was 91.0% (95%CI: 82.6-99.4%). Brachytherapy is feasible in selected older patients with penile carcinoma, with efficacy and toxicity rates comparable to that of other series in younger patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.