Opioid Prescribing After Curative-Intent Surgery: A Qualitative Study Using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Background: Excessive opioid prescribing is common after curative-intent surgery, but little is known about what factors influence prescribing behaviors among surgeons. To identify targets for intervention, we performed a qualitative study of opioid prescribing after curative-intent surgery using the Theoretical Domains Framework, a well-established implementation science method for identifying factors influencing healthcare provider behavior.

Methods: Prior to data collection, we constructed a semi-structured interview guide to explore decision making for opioid prescribing.

Dust mite avoidance for the primary prevention of atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Dust mite sensitization plays a controversial role in the development of atopic dermatitis. Despite a lack of evidence for its efficacy, dust mite avoidance is commonly recommended for the prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis. We aimed to evaluate whether dust mite avoidance strategies reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis in high-risk infants compared to randomized controls.

Enzyme-triggered gelation: targeting proteases with internal cleavage sites.

A generalizable method for detecting protease activity via gelation is described. A recognition sequence is used to target the protease of interest while a second protease is used to remove the residual residues from the gelator scaffold. Using this approach, selective assays for both MMP-9 and PSA are demonstrated.

A general method for detecting protease activity via gelation and its application to artificial clotting.

A modular system for detecting protease activity via enzyme-triggered gel formation is described. Protease-specific recognition sequences are utilized to achieve enzyme specificity. Artificial blood clotting is demonstrated by activating endogenous thrombin to trigger gelation in fibrinogen-deficient blood plasma.

Novel ABCA-12 mutations leading to recessive congenital ichthyosis.

Mutations in the keratinocyte lipid transporter adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette A12 (ABCA12) are known to cause harlequin ichthyosis. More recently, mutations in this gene have been demonstrated to cause other phenotypes within the spectrum of recessive congenital ichthyosis. We report the case of an infant with novel heterozygous mutations in ABCA12 who exhibited features and a clinical course more consistent with congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma than harlequin ichthyosis.

Cdc14 phosphatases preferentially dephosphorylate a subset of cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) sites containing phosphoserine.

Mitotic cell division is controlled by cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks), which phosphorylate hundreds of protein substrates responsible for executing the division program. Cdk inactivation and reversal of Cdk-catalyzed phosphorylation are universal requirements for completing and exiting mitosis and resetting the cell cycle machinery. Mechanisms that define the timing and order of Cdk substrate dephosphorylation remain poorly understood.

A general strategy for studying multisite protein phosphorylation using label-free selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry.

The majority of eukaryotic proteins are phosphorylated in vivo, and phosphorylation may be the most common regulatory posttranslational modification. Many proteins are phosphorylated at numerous sites, often by multiple kinases, which may have different functional consequences. Understanding biological functions of phosphorylation events requires methods to detect and quantify individual sites within a substrate.

Radionuclide hysterosalpingography is not a reliable tool for investigation of fallopian tube transport--a controlled randomized study using particles of two sizes during three different parts of the menstrual cycle.

Background/aims: Earlier studies with radionuclide hysterosalpingography (RN-HSG) using either small or large particles have shown different results. Some studies have questioned the clinical relevance of RN-HSG. The aim of this study was to evaluate the RN-HSG method using two different sizes of radio-labelled particles during different parts of the menstrual cycle.

Obesity and psoriasis: from the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation.

An association between obesity and psoriasis has been reported. For a variety of reasons, obese persons with psoriasis are often more difficult to treat. We sought to review the literature on obesity and psoriasis and to discuss efficacy and safety data that could be utilized by clinicians who are making treatment decisions for obese persons with psoriasis.

Are biologics safe in the treatment of atopic dermatitis? A review with a focus on immediate hypersensitivity reactions.

Traditional systemic agents used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) are associated with significant potential toxicities and often do not provide adequate therapeutic responses. Biologic agents hold promise for a more targeted and less toxic approach to AD systemic therapy. Patients with AD, however, may theoretically be at higher risk of developing IgE-mediated reactions to protein-based therapies.

Sequelae of World War II: an outbreak of chronic cutaneous nontuberculous mycobacterial infection among Satowanese islanders.

Background: After World War II, residents of Satowan (population, 650 persons), an outer island in the state of Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, noted a high prevalence of a chronic, progressive skin disease known locally as "spam."

Methods: Island residents who had chronic, progressive verrucous or keloidal plaques for >3 months were considered case patients. Tissue specimens were obtained for culture, histopathological analysis, mycobacterial polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and comparison with the hsp65 gene of Mycobacterium marinum.

Clinical detection of ichthyosis vulgaris in an atopic dermatitis clinic: implications for allergic respiratory disease and prognosis.

Background: Recent genetic studies have demonstrated that filaggrin mutations, shown to underlie ichthyosis vulgaris (IV), may also predispose patients with atopic dermatitis to allergic respiratory disease.

Objective: Our objective was to determine whether the clinical presence of IV influences the severity and age at onset of atopic dermatitis or the probability of having allergic respiratory disease.

Methods: We reviewed data collected from the initial visits of 1187 patients with atopic dermatitis.

Cdc28 and Cdc14 control stability of the anaphase-promoting complex inhibitor Acm1.

The anaphase-promoting complex (APC) regulates the eukaryotic cell cycle by targeting specific proteins for proteasomal degradation. Its activity must be strictly controlled to ensure proper cell cycle progression. The co-activator proteins Cdc20 and Cdh1 are required for APC activity and are important regulatory targets.

The nervous system in early HIV infection: a prospective study through 7 years.

In this study 28 patients with early stage HIV infection (CD4 >280 x 10(6)/l) were subjected to yearly examinations of the nervous system up to 7 years in order to detect any deterioration. Clinical neurological as well as neuropsychological performance was evaluated. The patients also underwent yearly neurophysiological tests (digital EEG, visual evoked potentials, somatosensory evoked potentials, auditory evoked potentials P300 and electroneurography).

Polyp detection with MDCT: a phantom-based evaluation of the impact of dose and spatial resolution.

Objective: The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of dose and spatial resolution on the detection of colonic polyps using a 4-MDCT scanner.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-four latex phantoms that simulate the large bowel and contain artificial polyps of different sizes and shapes were constructed. The polyps were divided into three size groups (diameter, 0-2, 2-5, and 5-10 mm) and were classified into four shape groups: pedunculated; broad-based; ulcerated or depressed; and sessile or flat.

[Deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity. Ultrasonography should replace phlebography as first line diagnostic imaging].

In Sweden, there is a widespread use of ascending venography for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities (LEDVT) instead of ultrasonography. The main reason for this is the inferiority of US in diagnosing LEDVT in the calf veins. In order to indirectly estimate the magnitude of this inadequacy, we reviewed all of the cases of attempts to perform venograms at our center during a four-month period.

Exercise-induced behavioral recovery and neuroplasticity in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-lesioned mouse basal ganglia.

Physical activity has been shown to be neuroprotective in lesions affecting the basal ganglia. Using a treadmill exercise paradigm, we investigated the effect of exercise on neurorestoration. The 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-lesioned mouse model provides a means to investigate the effect of exercise on neurorestoration because 30-40% of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons survive MPTP lesioning and may provide a template for neurorestoration to occur.

[Radiologic diagnosis of liver diseases--method development taking place on a wide front].

Radiological techniques, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are increasingly being used to detect and characterise liver diseases. US-guided percutaneous approaches are performed to obtain tissue specimen from the liver and for local treatment of liver tumours. Technical developments of all different modalities, new contrast agents for US and MRI, improvements in liver resection techniques as well as several ways to locally treat liver tumours have emerged during the past few years.

Prognostic value of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis in rectal cancer.

Background: Despite radiotherapy and improved surgical techniques, local recurrence rates after treatment of rectal cancer still vary between 3 and 30 per cent. Tumour involvement of the circumferential resection margin (CRM) predicts a high risk of local recurrence. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows accurate description of the tumour and its spread within the mesorectum.

Visualisation of the normal adrenals at SPET examination with 111In-pentetreotide.

On single-photon emission tomography (SPET) examinations with indium-111 pentetreotide, we have often observed a small "hot" spot close to the upper portion of the left kidney. While it was initially believed that this represented a tumour in the tail of the pancreas or in the left adrenal, we now understand that it represents normal adrenal uptake. Since the adrenals have not been described as normally visualised, this uptake may interfere with the interpretation of the examination.

Cystodefecoperitoneography in patients with genital prolapse.

The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate pre- and postoperative findings of cystodefecoperitoneography (CDP) and to correlate the findings to the clinical examination in patients with genital prolapse. Twenty-five female patients were investigated both pre- and postoperatively with a standardized questionnaire, clinical examination and CDP, including contrast medium in the rectum, vagina, bladder, small bowel and peritoneal cavity. At preoperative clinical examination a rectocele was diagnosed in 24 patients, a cystocele in 7 and an enterocele in 2.

Side markings of the neonatal chest X-ray: two legal cases of pneumothorax side mix up.

Two medicolegal case reports are presented. They involve chest X-ray with left-and-right side confusion due to lack of radio-opaque side markers. Two premature babies with pneumothorax got thoracostomy on the wrong side, in one case with a fatal outcome.

Durability of success after rectocele repair.

The purpose of the study was to determine the durability of success after rectocele repair and to evaluate parameters that might influence long-term results. Twenty-five patients with rectocele were prospectively evaluated both clinically and physiologically. Follow-up was performed twice, at 1 and 5.

Regional cerebral blood flow scintigraphy in tick-borne encephalitis and other aseptic meningoencephalitis.

Unlabelled: In a prospective study, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was studied in patients with aseptic meningoencephalitis at 6 wk and 1 yr after onset of disease.

Methods: Patients with tick-borne encephalitis ([TBE] n = 73) and meningoencephalitis of other etiology ([non-TBE] n = 56) were investigated with rCBF-scintigraphy (SPECT). SPECT images in the acute phase of disease and at long-term follow-up were analyzed for blood-flow disturbances and their localization in the central nervous system and were correlated to clinical course and outcome.