Regional differences for pancreaticoduodenectomy in Florida: Location matters.

Introduction: Regionalization of care raises potential for differences in cost of care and outcome. This study was undertaken to determine if costs and outcome after pancreaticoduodenectomy vary by region in Florida, and whether costs and outcome are related.

Methods: Inpatient data for pancreaticoduodenectomy in Florida during 2010-2012 were obtained from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Florida: do 20-year trends document the salutary benefits of centralization of care?

Background: Concentration of care has been promoted as fostering superior outcomes. This study was undertaken to determine if the concentration of care is occurring in Florida for a pancreaticoduodenectomy, and if so, is it having a salutary effect.

Methods: The data for a pancreaticoduodenectomy were obtained from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration for three 3-year periods:1992-1994, 2001-2003, 2010-2012; data were sorted by surgeon volume of pancreaticoduodenectomy during these periods and correlated with post-operative length of stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality and hospital charges (adjusted to 2012 dollars).

Menthol Enhances the Desensitization of Human α3β4 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors.

The α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtype is widely expressed in the peripheral and central nervous systems, including in airway sensory nerves. The nAChR subtype transduces the irritant effects of nicotine in tobacco smoke and, in certain brain areas, may be involved in nicotine addiction and/or withdrawal. Menthol, a widely used additive in cigarettes, is a potential analgesic and/or counterirritant at sensory nerves and may also influence nicotine's actions in the brain.