Polymorphisms of the SERPINA1 gene are associated with higher mortality in a Brazilian cohort of ANCA-associated vasculitis patients.

Background: Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (A1AT) is a protease inhibitor encoded by the SERPINA1 gene. A1AT serves as the primary natural inhibitor of Proteinase 3 (PR3), an enzyme found in neutrophils. PR3 is an antigenic target of Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCA).

Simulation-based ultrasound-guided central venous cannulation training program.

Purpose: To propose a simulation-based ultrasound-guided central venous cannulation skills' training program, during residency.

Methods: This study describes the strategies for learning the ultrasound-guided central venous cannulation on low-fidelity bench models. The preparation of bench models, educational goals, processes of skill acquisition, feedback and evaluation methods were also outlined.

Acquisition of suture skills during medical graduation by instructor-directed training: a randomized controlled study comparing senior medical students and faculty surgeons.

Due to shortage of time and limited availability of faculty surgeons to teach basic surgical skills during medical graduation, the search for alternative ways of simulated training with feedback is needed. The purpose of this study was to compare the simulated teaching of suture skills to novice medical students by senior medical students and by experienced faculty surgeons. Forty-eight novice medical students were randomly assigned to three practice conditions on bench model (n = 16): self-directed suture training (control), senior medical student-directed suture skills' training, or experienced faculty surgeon-directed suture skills' training.

Basic Plastic Surgery Skills Training Program on Inanimate Bench Models during Medical Graduation.

Due to ethical and medical-legal drawbacks, high costs, and difficulties of accessibility that are inherent to the practice of basic surgical skills on living patients, fresh human cadaver, and live animals, the search for alternative forms of training is needed. In this study, the teaching and learning process of basic surgical skills pertinent to plastic surgery during medical education on different inanimate bench models as a form of alternative and complementary training to the teaching programs already established is proposed.

Diospyrobezoar as a cause of small bowel obstruction.

Phytobezoar, a concretion of indigestible fibers derived from ingested vegetables and fruits, is the most common type of bezoar. Diospyrobezoar is a subtype of phytobezoar formed after excessive intake of persimmons (Diospyros kaki). We report the case of a diabetic man with a 5-day history of abdominal pain after massive ingestion of persimmons who developed signs of complicated small bowel obstruction.