Beneficial Effects of Prebiotic Mannan on Allergic Asthma Mouse Models.

One of the unmet needs for asthma management is a new therapeutic agent with both anti-inflammatory and anti-smooth muscle (ASM) remodeling effects. The mannose receptor (MR) family plays an important role in allergen uptake and processing of major allergens Der p 1 and Fel d 1. We have previously reported that ASM cells express a mannose receptor (ASM-MR) and that mannan derived from (SC-MN) inhibits mannosyl-rich lysosomal hydrolase-induced bovine ASM cell proliferation.

Redefining geriatric preoperative assessment using frailty, disability and co-morbidity.

Objectives: (1) Determine the relationship of geriatric assessment markers to 6-month postoperative mortality in elderly patients. (2) Create a clinical prediction rule using geriatric markers from preoperative assessment.

Background: Geriatric surgery patients have unique physiologic vulnerability requiring preoperative assessment beyond the traditional evaluation of older adults.

Postoperative delirium in the elderly: diagnosis and management.

Delirium is a common but often undiagnosed complication in the elderly following a major operation. Recognizing the presentation of delirium and the criteria to establish the diagnosis of delirium will improve a clinician's ability to detect this complication. Treating delirium with environmental, supportive, and pharmacologic interventions reduces the incidence and side effects of postoperative delirium.