Bronchogenic carcinoid tumours that are 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose avid on positron emission tomography.

Objectives: Bronchogenic carcinoid tumours are widely cited as non-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avid. However, three case reports of FDG-avid bronchogenic carcinoid tumours have been published, leading to speculation as to which clinicopathological factors may be associated with increased activity on FDG-positron emission tomography. We reviewed a series of cases from our institution and compared them with the available reports in the literature, to attempt to identify the factors associated with FDG avidity in bronchogenic carcinoids.

Outcomes in patients who have failed endoscopic therapy for dysplastic Barrett's metaplasia or early esophageal cancer.

Background: Endoscopic therapy (ablation ± mucosal resection) for esophageal high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or intramucosal carcinoma has demonstrated promising results. Little is known about patients who have persistent or progressive disease despite endotherapy. We compared patients who had successful eradication of their disease with those in whom endotherapy failed to try to identify factors predictive of failure and outcomes after salvage therapy.

Thoracoscopic talc versus tunneled pleural catheters for palliation of malignant pleural effusions.

Background: A malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a late complication of malignancy that affects respiratory function and quality of life. A strategy for palliation of the symptoms caused by MPE should permanently control fluid accumulation, preclude any need for reintervention, and limit hospital length of stay (LOS). We compared video-assisted thorascopic (VATS) talc insufflation with placement of a tunneled pleural catheter (TPC) to assess which intervention better met these palliative goals.

Prophylaxis and management of wound infections after elective colorectal surgery: a survey of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons membership.

Background: Postoperative wound infections are a widespread and costly problem, especially in colorectal surgery. Despite their prevalence, there are few data regarding appropriate management and prevention strategies.

Materials And Methods: In order to assess current attitudes and practices about this subject, and as a guide to designing a randomized trial to gather evidence in order to support data-driven protocol development, an e-mail survey was sent to the membership of the American Society of Colorectal Surgeons to assess current attitudes and practices pertaining to prevention and management of wound infections.

Sarcoidosis as a benign cause of lymphadenopathy in cancer patients.

Background: Cancer and sarcoidosis have been associated in several small case series. This association makes the cancer patient with lymphadenopathy a diagnostic dilemma: malignant involvement of the lymph nodes is common, but benign diagnoses are possible and must be considered.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis or mediastinal adenopathy who underwent mediastinoscopy at the Swedish Medical Center and Cancer Institute from 2004 to 2008.

Effect of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis taken by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons on the selection of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine-resistant malaria parasites among HIV-uninfected household members.

The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to assess the effect of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis taken by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons on the selection of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP)-resistant malaria parasites among HIV-uninfected household members. A total of 2,567 HIV-uninfected persons from 605 households were followed and blood specimens were collected each time an episode of Plasmodium falciparum malaria was diagnosed. Study participants were living in households where HIV-infected persons were either taking (exposed) or not taking (unexposed) cotrimoxazole prophylaxis.

Effect of lobe pumping on human albumin: investigating the underlying mechanisms of aggregate formation.

A common problem in the manufacture of liquid protein therapeutics is the tendency for aggregation and particle formation on extended storage. One aspect of processing that might contribute to particle formation is pumping. In the present study, we demonstrate that lobe pumps can promote aggregation in albumin preparations.