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Intrapancreatic microenvironment in CP and PCa induces neuroplastic alterations under in-vitro conditions, leading to increased neural density and hypertrophy. Thus, due to its neurotrophic attributes, the intrapancreatic microenviroment in CP and PCa seems to be a key player in the generation of pancreatic neuropathy and neuroplasticity.

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Background: Treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) in patients without advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis remains a challenge. Arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) represents a newer method for treatment with increasing popularity and acceptance. Purpose: To analyze the clinical evidence surrounding SCR and determine the current clinical outcomes postoperatively. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Electronic databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were used for the literature search. The study quality was evaluated according to the Modified Coleman Methodology Score. Studies in English evaluating SCR outcomes were included. Results: Seven studies were reviewed, including 352 patients (358 shoulders) treated with arthroscopic SCR with the mean duration of follow-up ranging from 15 to 48 months (range, 12-88 months). Fourteen patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 338 patients (344 shoulders) with clinical outcome data. Graft types included dermal allografts (n = 3 studies), fascia lata autografts (n = 3), or both (n = 1). Most commonly, a double-row technique was utilized for humeral graft fixation. The most common complication included graft tears in 13% of patients, resulting in 15 SCR revisions and 7 reverse shoulder arthroplasties. Postoperatively, improvements in visual analog scale (2.5 to 5.9), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (20 to 56), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (38.0), Subjective Shoulder Value (37.0 to 41.3), and Constant (11.6 to 47.4) scores were observed. Three studies reported respective satisfaction rates of 72.9%, 85.7% and 90%. Increases in external rotation, internal rotation, and abduction with improved strength in external rotation were observed postoperatively. Improvement of pseudoparalysis was also observed in 3 studies. One study reported return to sports in 100% of patients (2 competitively, 24 recreationally) with no adverse outcomes. Conclusion: SCR showed good to excellent short-term clinical outcomes with adequate pain relief and functional improvement. The current evidence suggests that the procedure is an alternative for symptomatic patients with irreparable MRCT; however, the included studies were fair to poor in quality, and there were some notable complications. Long-term follow-up will determine the longevity and ultimate role of this new method in the treatment of irreparable MRCT.

Background: Return to sport (RTS) remains an important challenge and measure of success for athletes undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). Purpose: To determine the rate of RTS after RCR and to analyze predictive factors associated with a lower rate of return. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The electronic databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were used for the literature search. Study quality was evaluated according to the Coleman Methodology Score. Studies in English evaluating RTS after arthroscopic repair of partial- or full-thickness rotator cuff tears among athletes of all levels, ages, and sports were included. Random effects meta-analysis and metaregression were performed to investigate RTS activity rate after arthroscopic RCR and to explore study heterogeneity, respectively. Results: Fifteen studies were reviewed, including 486 patients (499 shoulders) who were treated with arthroscopic RCR and who had a mean follow-up of 40.1 months (range, 18-74.4 months). Eighteen patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 468 patients with outcome data; 347 identified themselves as athletes (81 competitive, 266 recreational). The most commonly included sports were baseball (n = 45), golf (n = 38), football (n = 23), and tennis (n = 18). RTS specific to the type of athlete was reported for 299 of 347 athletes. According to the meta-analysis, the overall rate of RTS at a similar level of play or higher was 70.2%, with 73.3% of recreational athletes and 61.5% of competitive athletes able to return. A subset of 43 baseball and softball players across 4 studies yielded a 79% rate of RTS; however, only 38% returned to the same level of play or higher. Subgroup meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in the rate of RTS between competitive and recreational athletes. Metaregression analysis revealed that the mean follow-up time and mean age at surgery were not significantly associated with RTS rate. Conclusion: Most athletes (70.2%) were able to return to a preinjury level of play after arthroscopic RCR. While recreational sports participation (73.3%) was associated with higher return, competitive sports (61.5%) and overhead sports (38%) were associated with lower return. Exactly why all athletes do not return remains uncertain and likely multifactorial.

Background Massive perioperative blood product transfusion may be required with thoracic aortic operations and is associated with poor outcomes. Our objective was to determine the independent predictors of massive transfusion in thoracic aortic surgery patients undergoing deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). Methods The study consisted of 168 consecutive patients undergoing open thoracic aortic procedure utilizing DHCA between July 2005 and August 2008. We identified 26 preoperative and procedural variables as being potentially related to blood product usage. We tested the variables for association with total blood products transfused using a multivariate linear regression model and then constructed a logistic regression model for massive transfusion, defined as requiring 5 or more units of transfused packed red blood cells between incision and 48 hours postoperatively. Results Multivariate linear regression determined six significant variables as accounting for 42% of the variation in total blood products transfused: age (P=0.008), preoperative hemoglobin (P=0.04), weight (P=0.02), cardiopulmonary bypass time (P<0.0001), emergent status (P<0.0001), and re-do median sternotomy (P<0.0001). A final predictive logistic regression model associated every 1 g/dL increase in preoperative hemoglobin OR=0.54 [0.43, 0.69], P<0.0001; every 10 minute increase in CPB time, OR=1.15 [1.05, 1.26], P=0.0026; and emergent status OR=4.02 [1.53, 10.55], P=0.0047 with massive transfusion. Conclusions Our model described CPB time, emergent status, and preoperative hemoglobin as independent predictors of massive transfusion. These variables, along with weight, age, and re-do median sternotomy are associated with total blood product usage in thoracic aortic operations involving DHCA.

Level IV, case series without comparison group.