Nano-medicine and Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction: Options and Delivery Strategies.

The endothelium is a thin innermost layer of flat cells which release various mediators including endothelin-1 (ET-1), prostanoids, von Willebrand factor (vWF) and endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF; nitric oxide) to regulate vascular tone. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is a key enzyme that generates nitric oxide (NO). NO maintains vascular homeostasis and cardiac functions by influencing major vascular protective properties such as anti-platelet, anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action in vessels.

The Mortality Burden of Multidrug-resistant Pathogens in India: A Retrospective, Observational Study.

Background: The threat posed by antibiotic resistance is of increasing concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as their rates of antibiotic use increase. However, an understanding of the burden of resistance is lacking in LMICs, particularly for multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, 10-hospital study of the relationship between MDR pathogens and mortality in India.

Standardized Outcome Measurement for Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: Consensus From the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM).

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) outcomes consistently improve when they are routinely measured and provided back to physicians and hospitals. However, few centers around the world systematically track outcomes, and no global standards exist. Furthermore, patient-centered outcomes and longitudinal outcomes are under-represented in current assessments.

Surgical site infection rates in six cities of India: findings of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC).

Background: Surgical site infections are a threat to patient safety. However, in India, data on their rates stratified by surgical procedure are not available.

Methods: From January 2005 to December 2011, the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) conducted a cohort prospective surveillance study on surgical site infections in 10 hospitals in 6 Indian cities.

ProSeal laryngeal mask airway improves oxygenation when used as a conduit prior to laryngoscope guided intubation in bariatric patients.

Background: The primary objective of this study was to compare the effect of ventilation using the ProSeal™ laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) with facemask and oropharyngeal airway (FM), prior to laryngoscopy, on arterial oxygenation in morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Methods: Forty morbidly obese patients were randomly recruited to either PLMA or FM. After pre-oxygenation (FiO2 1.

Bacterial and archaea community present in the Pine Barrens Forest of Long Island, NY: unusually high percentage of ammonia oxidizing bacteria.

Of the few preserved areas in the northeast of United States, the soil in the Pine Barrens Forests presents a harsh environment for the microorganisms to grow and survive. In the current study we report the use of clustering methods to scientifically select the sampling locations that would represent the entire forest and also report the microbial diversity present in various horizons of the soil. Sixty six sampling locations were selected across the forest and soils were collected from three horizons (sampling depths).

A modified parasternal wire technique for prevention and treatment of sternal dehiscence.

Background: Sternal dehiscence with or without mediastinitis is a devastating complication of median sternotomy. Various techniques of sternotomy closure including 'figure of eight' wire sutures, nylon bands, and custom-made titanium-H plates have been described. We have devised and tested a new method of sternal closure to prevent sternal wound complications in patients at high risk of sternal dehiscence.