Hemodynamic Effects of High-dose Levothyroxine and Methylprednisolone in Brain-dead Potential Organ Donors.

Background: Hormonal replacement therapy is administered to many brain-dead organ donors to improve hemodynamic stability. Previous clinical studies present conflicting results with several randomized studies reporting no benefit.

Methods: Consecutive adult donors (N = 199) were randomized to receive high-dose levothyroxine, high-dose methylprednisolone, both (Combo), or no hormonal therapy (Control).

A Multi-Criteria Assessment Strategy for 3D Printed Porous Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Patient-Specific Implants for Orbital Wall Reconstruction.

Pure orbital blowout fractures occur within the confines of the internal orbital wall. Restoration of orbital form and volume is paramount to prevent functional and esthetic impairment. The anatomical peculiarity of the orbit has encouraged surgeons to develop implants with customized features to restore its architecture.

Presence of Pathogen-killed Larvae Influences Nesting Behavior of the Alfalfa Leafcutting Bee (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae).

The alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata (Fabricius)), a commercial pollinator used for alfalfa seed production, is susceptible to chalkbrood disease via ingested fungal spores. Diseases of insects can elicit behavioral changes in their hosts, but there are no recorded behaviors of alfalfa leafcutting bees in response to this fungal exposure. We conducted field studies to determine whether bees in pathogen-dense environments altered their nesting patterns, specifically if bees exposed to fungal spores produced higher numbers of nest cells and whether the proportions of nest cells that failed as eggs or small larvae (a state known as 'pollen ball') were greater.

Variation in Expression of Reference Genes across Life Stages of a Bee, .

The alfalfa leafcutting bee, is widely used in the western United States as a pollinator for alfalfa seed production. Unfortunately, immatures experience high mortality in agriculturally managed populations. Quantified gene expression could be used to identify how this bee responds during different life stages to pathogens, environmental toxins, and other stresses, but stably expressed reference genes are needed to normalize transcription data.

Using Social Network Analysis to Strengthen Organizational Relationships to Better Serve Expectant and Parenting Young People.

Introduction: Expectant and parenting young people (young parents) need a range of supports but may have difficulty accessing existing resources. An optimally connected network of organizations can help young parents navigate access to available services. Community organizations participating in the Pathways to Success (Pathways) initiative sought to strengthen their network of support for young parents through social network analysis (SNA) undertaken within an action research framework.