Residual Isocyanates in Medical Devices and Products: A Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment.

We conducted a pilot qualitative and quantitative assessment of residual isocyanates and their potential initial exposures in neonates, as little is known about their contact effect. After a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stockroom inventory, polyurethane (PU) and PU foam (PUF) devices and products were qualitatively evaluated for residual isocyanates using Surface SWYPE™. Those containing isocyanates were quantitatively tested for methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) species, using UPLC-UV-MS/MS method.

Ventricular Arrhythmia Burden in Patients With Heart Failure and Cardiac Resynchronization Devices: The Importance of Renal Function.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for arrhythmias in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the effects of CKD on ventricular arrhythmia (VA) burden in patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy and defibrillator (CRT-D) devices in a primary prevention setting are unknown.

Objective: To determine whether baseline CKD is associated with increased risk of VA in patients implanted with primary prevention CRT-D devices.

Combinatorial therapeutic targeting of BMP2 and MEK-ERK pathways in NF1-associated malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

The clinical management of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) is challenging not only due to its aggressive and invasive nature, but also limited therapeutic options. Using gene expression profiling, our lab identified BMP2-SMAD1/5/8 pathway as a potential therapeutic target for treating MPNSTs. In this study, we explored the therapeutic impact of targeting BMP2-SMAD1/5/8 pathway in conjunction with RAS-MEK-ERK signaling, which is constitutively activated in MPNSTs.

The evolving landscape of oral anti-arrhythmic prescriptions for atrial fibrillation in England: 1998-2014.

Aims: An important decision in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation is whether to adopt a rate or rhythm control strategy. Options for the latter include oral membrane-active anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs) or catheter ablation. Recent prescription trends may have been affected by the introduction of dronedarone and an increasing number of reports suggesting increased mortality in those taking AADs.

Mapping Direct Observations From Objective Structured Clinical Examinations to the Milestones Across Specialties.

Background: Little is known about residents' performance on the milestones at the institutional level. Our institution formed a work group to explore this using an institutional-level curriculum and residents' evaluation of the milestones.

Objective: We assessed whether beginner-level milestones for interpersonal and communication skills (ICS) related to observable behaviors in ICS-focused objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) for postgraduate year (PGY) 1 residents across specialties.

Effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor on glomerular hyperfiltration in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Objective: To assess the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in normotensive patient with type 1 diabetes.

Methods: A two year non-placebo control prospective study was conducted after ethical approval at Diabetes Centre of Diabetic Association of Pakistan, a WHO collaborating centre in Karachi, Pakistan. All patients with type 1 diabetes visited the out-patients department from August 2009 till July 2011 and those who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were invited to participate.

Ventricular stimulus site influences dynamic dispersion of repolarization in the intact human heart.

The spatial variation in restitution properties in relation to varying stimulus site is poorly defined. This study aimed to investigate the effect of varying stimulus site on apicobasal and transmural activation time (AT), action potential duration (APD) and repolarization time (RT) during restitution studies in the intact human heart. Ten patients with structurally normal hearts, undergoing clinical electrophysiology studies, were enrolled.

Therapeutic Impact of Cytoreductive Surgery and Irradiation of Posterior Fossa Ependymoma in the Molecular Era: A Retrospective Multicohort Analysis.

Purpose: Posterior fossa ependymoma comprises two distinct molecular variants termed EPN_PFA and EPN_PFB that have a distinct biology and natural history. The therapeutic value of cytoreductive surgery and radiation therapy for posterior fossa ependymoma after accounting for molecular subgroup is not known.

Methods: Four independent nonoverlapping retrospective cohorts of posterior fossa ependymomas (n = 820) were profiled using genome-wide methylation arrays.

Solar-thermal complex sample processing for nucleic acid based diagnostics in limited resource settings.

The use of point-of-care (POC) devices in limited resource settings where access to commonly used infrastructure, such as water and electricity, can be restricted represents simultaneously one of the best application fits for POC systems as well as one of the most challenging places to deploy them. Of the many challenges involved in these systems, the preparation and processing of complex samples like stool, vomit, and biopsies are particularly difficult due to the high number and varied nature of mechanical and chemical interferents present in the sample. Previously we have demonstrated the ability to use solar-thermal energy to perform PCR based nucleic acid amplifications.

Cardioprotective effect of royal jelly on paclitaxel-induced cardio-toxicity in rats.

Objectives: Paclitaxel is a potent chemotherapy agent with severe side effects, including allergic reactions, cardiovascular problems, complete hair loss, joint and muscle pain, which may limit its use and lower its efficiency. The cardioprotective effect of royal jelly was investigated on paclitaxel-induced damages.

Materials And Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into control and test groups (n=8).

Production of glutinous rice flour from broken rice via ultrasonic assisted extraction of amylose.

In this study, a modified aqueous leaching method by complex formation of amylose with glycerol was employed for reducing the amylose content of starch in broken white rice to less than 2%, so that the resulting starch can be classified to that of glutinous rice flour. By employing ultrasonication in alkaline condition, extraction of amylose could be performed by washing at lower temperature in shorter time compared to the existing aqueous leaching method. The effects of glycerol concentration, alkali concentration, ultrasonication and treatment time on the amylose content of the treated starch were systematically investigated.

Stromal vascular fraction combined with silicone rubber chamber improves sciatic nerve regeneration in diabetes.

Purpose: To study the effects of transplantation of characterized uncultured stromal vascular fraction (SVF) on sciatic nerve regeneration.

Methods: A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using a silicone conduit filled with SVF. In control group, silicone conduit was filled with phosphate-buffered saline alone.

Stacked waveguide reactors with gradient embedded scatterers for high-capacity water cleaning.

We present a compact water-cleaning reactor with stacked layers of waveguides containing gradient patterns of optical scatterers that enable uniform light distribution and augmented water-cleaning rates. Previous photocatalytic reactors using immersion, external, or distributive lamps suffer from poor light distribution that impedes scalability. Here, we use an external UV-source to direct photons into stacked waveguide reactors where we scatter the photons uniformly over the length of the waveguide to thin films of TiO2-catalysts.

Sex determination of ovine embryos by SRY and amelogenin (AMEL) genes using maternal circulating cell free DNA.

Simple and precise methods for sex determination in animals are a pre-requisite for a number of applications in animal production and forensics. Some of the existing methods depend only on the detection of Y-chromosome specific sequences. However, the detection of Y and X-chromosome specific sequences is advantageous.

Partial Hearing Preservation after Translabyrinthine Vestibular Schwannoma Resection: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Objectives To describe a unique case report of a patient who had partial hearing preservation after translabyrinthine (TL) removal of a vestibular schwannoma (VS). Study Design Case report. Methods The patient's chart was reviewed for hearing levels before and after surgery.

Optimum number of procedures required to achieve procedural skills competency in internal medicine residents.

Background: Procedural skills training forms an essential, yet difficult to assess, component of an Internal Medicine Residency Program. We report the development of process of documentation and assessment of procedural skills training.

Method: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was adopted where both quantitative and qualitative information was collected sequentially.

Resistance training improves skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity in elderly offspring of overweight and obese mothers.

Aims/hypothesis: Maternal obesity predisposes offspring to adulthood morbidities, including type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance have been associated with shortened telomere length. First, we aimed to investigate whether or not maternal obesity influences insulin sensitivity and its relationship with leucocyte telomere length (LTL) in elderly women.

Retinal Screening Acceptance, Laser Treatment Uptake and Follow-up Response in Diabetics Requiring Laser Therapy in an Urban Diabetes Care Centre.

Objective: To determine the acceptance of retinal screening, Laser uptake and subsequent follow-up in diabetic patients attending the Diabetes Centre of Diabetic Association of Pakistan (DAP), Karachi.

Study Design: Observational case series.

Place And Duration Of Study: Diabetic Centre of Diabetic Association of Pakistan (DAP), Karachi, from January 2011 to December 2012.

Cadaveric Study of Appropriate Screw Length for Distal Radius Stabilization Using Volar Plate Fixation.

We conducted a study to highlight areas of risk with distal radius fixation to prevent occurrence of extensor tendon injury without compromising the security and stability of the fixation. Twelve cadaveric forearms were used. The volar locking plate was placed to best anatomical and radiologic fit on the distal radius of each arm.

Current opinion: the management of tinnitus.

Purpose Of Review: The purpose of this review is to describe our experience with management of chronic tinnitus and to review the recent literature on the best treatment options available for treating patients who are troubled by their tinnitus. In addition, we want to highlight our experience and approach to this very common problem.

Recent Findings: Treatment options for patients are based on the severity of the tinnitus and any associated problems.

Incidence of malignancy in solitary thyroid nodules.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of solitary thyroid nodules in patients who underwent thyroid surgery.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of the case notes of all adult patients who underwent thyroid surgery from January 2003 to December 2009. All patients with solitary thyroid nodules identified by ultrasonography were included.

Integrated hollow fiber membranes for gas delivery into optical waveguide based photobioreactors.

Compact algal reactors are presented with: (1) closely stacked layers of waveguides to decrease light-path to enable larger optimal light-zones; (2) waveguides containing scatterers to uniformly distribute light; and (3) hollow fiber membranes to reduce energy required for gas transfer. The reactors are optimized by characterizing the aeration of different gases through hollow fiber membranes and characterizing light intensities at different culture densities. Close to 65% improvement in plateau peak productivities was achieved under low light-intensity growth experiments while maintaining 90% average/peak productivity output during 7-h light cycles.