Ex Vivo Modeling of Atrioventricular Valve Mechanics in Single Ventricle Physiology.

Single ventricle physiology (SVP) is used to describe any congenital heart lesion that is unable to support independent pulmonary and systemic circulations. Current treatment strategies rely on a series of palliation surgeries that culminate in the Fontan physiology, which relies on the single functioning ventricle to provide systemic circulation while passively routing venous return through the pulmonary circulation. Despite significant reductions in early mortality, the presence of atrioventricular valve (AVV) regurgitation is a key predictor of heart failure in these patients.

Force Profiles of Single Ventricle Atrioventricular Leaflets in Response to Annular Dilation and Leaflet Tethering.

We sought to understand how leaflet forces change in response to annular dilation and leaflet tethering (LT) in single ventricle physiology. Explanted fetal bovine tricuspid valves were sutured onto image-derived annuli and ventricular mounts. Control valves (CON) were secured to a size-matched hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS)-type annulus and compared to: (1) normal tricuspid valves secured to a size-matched saddle-shaped annulus, (2) HLHS-type annulus with LT, (3) HLHS-type annulus with annular dilation (dilation valves), or (4) a combined disease model with both dilation and tethering (disease valves).

Perimortem Demonstration and Treatment of Recipient-to-Donor Transfusion in Monochorionic-Diamniotic Twin Gestation.

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome is a complication of monochorionic-diamniotic placentation. Should one twin die, ≈30% of co-twins will also die, and if they survive, ≈30% experience severe morbidity rates, each believed secondary to hemorrhage of the co-twin into the deceased twin. We report apparently the first ultrasound-documented case of perimortem hemorrhage in twin-twin transfusion syndrome and its treatment by emergent ultrasound-guided percutaneous cord occlusion followed by percutaneous fetal intravascular transfusion.

Patterns and causes of observed piñon pine mortality in the southwestern United States.

Recently, widespread piñon pine die-off occurred in the southwestern United States. Here we synthesize observational studies of this event and compare findings to expected relationships with biotic and abiotic factors. Agreement exists on the occurrence of drought, presence of bark beetles and increased mortality of larger trees.

Observation-to-imitate plus practice could add little to physical therapy benefits within 31 days of stroke: translational randomized controlled trial.

Background And Purpose: Observation of action with intention-to-imitate (OTI) might enhance motor recovery. This early phase trial investigated whether OTI followed by physical practice (OTI + PP) enhanced the benefits of conventional physical therapy (CPT) on upper limb recovery early after stroke.

Methods: Participants were 3 to 31 days poststroke.

Spectral backscattering properties of marine phytoplankton cultures.

The backscattering properties of marine phytoplankton, which are assumed to vary widely with differences in size, shape, morphology and internal structure, have been directly measured in the laboratory on a very limited basis. This work presents results from laboratory analysis of the backscattering properties of thirteen phytoplankton species from five major taxa. Optical measurements include portions of the volume scattering function (VSF) and the absorption and attenuation coefficients at nine wavelengths.

Spectral variability of the particulate backscattering ratio.

The spectral dependency of the particulate backscattering ratio is relevant in the fields of ocean color inversion, light field modeling, and inferring particle properties from optical measurements. Aside from theoretical predictions for spherical, homogeneous particles, we have very limited knowledge of the actual in situ spectral variability of the particulate backscattering ratio. This work presents results from five research cruises that were conducted over a three-year period.

Multiple excitation fluorometer for in situ oceanographic applications.

A new in situ fluorometer for the detection of oceanic photosynthetic pigment fluorescence is described. Emission spectra from 546 to 733 nm are recorded for each of three different visible excitation bands ten times a second. A Spectralon cell is used to improve the excitation coupling to and the collection efficiency from the sample volume.

Resolution of unilateral fetal hydrothorax with associated non-immune hydrops after intrauterine thoracentesis.

Congenital hydrothorax has been successfully managed in utero by two different treatment modalities: thoracentesis and pleuroamniotic shunting. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of data as to which method is better for the management of this problem. This case report supports the use of thoracentesis as the initial procedure for primary fetal hydrothorax.

Identification of abnormal chromosomal complement in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded placental tissue.

The objective of this project was to assess the efficacy of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosome-specific DNA probes to identify chromosome number in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded placental specimens. Using this approach, 75 per cent of the karyotypes in 20 formalin-fixed placental samples (comprising aneuploids, triploids, and normals) were correctly identified. As this technology improves, the ability to obtain information regarding chromosomal abnormalities in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded placental tissue should improve as well.

Prenatal diagnosis of Dandy-Walker malformation in a family displaying X-linked inheritance.

The diagnosis of Dandy-Walker malformation was made on the ultrasonographic evaluation of a 33-week male fetus. Pedigree analysis revealed a family history of isolated Dandy-Walker malformation in three other males, suggesting an X-linked recessive inheritance pattern.

In situ monitoring of ocean chlorophyll via laser-induced fluorescence backscattering through an optical fiber.

The first seagoing test of a prototype laser/fiber-optic system for in situ detection of ocean chlorophyll fluorescence is described. Radiation at 488 nm originating from a shipboard argon laser was transmitted through 20 of 200-microm core optical fiber to the distal tip mounted on the microstructure profiler, the Rapid Sampling Vertical Profiler. The backscattered fluorescence emission signal was collected through the same fiber and processed on board ship.

A suprapubic retroperitoneal operative approach to solitary paravaginal tumors.

Five cases of paravaginal tumors including a neurolemmoma, neurofibroma, lipoma, and desmoid tumors are presented. These tumors were approached through a modified Cherney incision. The rectus muscle was removed from the pubic symphysis and the pubococcygeus muscle was divided.

Comparison of clinical and surgical-staging in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

The preoperative clinical and radiologic findings and staging were compared with the operative and pathological findings and surgical staging in 62 consecutive patients with endometrial carcinoma. Overall, the tumor grade was changed in 33.8% of the patients, and the histologic type of tumor was changed in 27.

MEA III presenting as pheochromocytoma and complicating pregnancy and the puerperium. A case report.

A case of multiple endocrine adenopathy (MEA III) presenting as pheochromocytoma complicated the immediate puerperium. The patient presented with paroxysmal changes in blood pressure and episodic headaches with vertigo. Computed tomography identified a left adrenal mass that was diagnosed preoperatively as pheochromocytoma, with the diagnosis subsequently confirmed on histologic sections.

Biological consequences of the 1975 el nino.

The weak El Niño event of 1975 had a clearly defined effect on the biological productivity of the southeastern tropical Pacific. During February and March 1975, warm (27 degrees C) water of low salinity (33.5 parts per thousand) and low nutrient content extended south across the equator east of the Galápagos Islands, replacing the nutrient-rich water normally supplied by equatorial upwelling.