Clinical utility of KRAS and BRAF mutations in a cohort of patients with colorectal neoplasms submitted for microsatellite instability testing.

Background: Molecular analysis has become important in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) evaluation. Alterations in KRAS, BRAF, or mismatch repair (MMR) genes may determine therapeutic response or define a hereditary cancer syndrome. Correlation of DNA studies with clinical findings will further clarify the clinical utility of these markers.

Radiographic outcomes of volar locked plating for distal radius fractures.

Purpose: To assess the ability of volar locked plating to achieve and maintain normal radiographic parameters for articular stepoff, volar tilt, radial inclination, ulnar variance, and radial height in distal radius fractures.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 185 distal radius fractures that underwent volar locked plating with a single plate design over a 5-year period. We reviewed radiographs and recorded measurements for volar tilt, radial inclination, ulnar variance, radial height, and articular stepoff.

Operative intervention for complete pancreatic transection in children sustaining blunt abdominal trauma: revisiting an organ salvage technique.

Complete pancreatic transection (CPT) in children is managed commonly with distal pancreatectomy (DP). Alternatively, Roux-en-Y distal pancreaticojejunostomy (RYPJ) may be performed to preserve pancreatic tissue. The purpose of this study was to review our experience using either procedure in the management of children sustaining CPT after blunt abdominal trauma.

Prehospital statin and aspirin use and the prevalence of severe sepsis and acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Objectives: To determine whether prehospital statin use is associated with a lower risk of sepsis, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, and mortality in critically ill patients. We also investigated the effect of combined prehospital use of both statins and aspirin.

Design: Cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort.

Driving with an arm immobilized in a splint: a randomized higher-order crossover trial.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether immobilization of an arm has detrimental effects on driving performance.

Methods: Thirty-six healthy officers-in-training were assigned a sequence of fiberglass splints (left and right-sided above-the-elbow thumb spica and below-the-elbow splints) with use of a randomized higher-order crossover design. Runs were scored on a cone-marked driving course used for officer certification with predetermined passing requirements.

Dopamine and cAMP regulated phosphoprotein MW 32 kDa is overexpressed in early stages of gastric tumorigenesis.

Background: Gastric adenocarcinoma is a leading cause of cancer mortality. The role of dopamine and cAMP regulated phosphoprotein MW 32 kDa (DARPP-32) overexpression in the gastric tumorigenesis cascade remains unclear.

Methods: The expression of DARPP-32 in the multistep carcinogenesis cascade was examined using immunohistochemistry analysis on 533 samples.

Adjuvant chemoradiation therapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma: who really benefits?

Background: The role of adjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) in pancreatic cancer remains controversial. The primary aim of this study was to determine if CRT improved survival in patients with resected pancreatic cancer in a large, multiinstitutional cohort of patients.

Study Design: Patients undergoing resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma from seven academic medical institutions were included.