Major infection after pediatric cardiac surgery: external validation of risk estimation model.

Background: A multivariable risk estimation model, in which the primary outcome was major infection, was recently developed and published using The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Congenital Heart Surgery Database. We have applied this risk estimation model to our congenital heart surgery program over a 16-year time interval to validate this risk estimation model and verify its specific risk factors for major infection.

Methods: Using complete and verified data, we selected patients in whom major procedures had been classified using both Aristotle Basic Score and Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) and created a multivariable model in which primary outcome was major infection (septicemia, mediastinitis, or endocarditis).

Modulated structures in Ni-Al-Cr alloy.

The crystal structures of the different modulated and layered martensites in Ni-Al-Cr alloy have been observed. The layered martensite can be well described by the L1(0) lattice with seven-layered or five-layered long-period stacking of {110} close-packed planes of the parent phase. Modulated martensite is considered as a lattice oscillation by shuffling of atoms.

Single pretransplant bolus of recombinant activated factor VII ameliorates influence of risk factors for blood loss during orthotopic liver transplantation.

Large blood loss and transfusions during liver transplantation (LTx) may lead to serious complications and have a negative impact on post-transplant mortality and morbidity. In the retrospective study we compared two groups of recipients of primary cadaveric liver transplantation: group I (study group), consisted of 28 patients with preoperative risk of high intraoperative blood loss, including severe uncorrected coagulopathy. This group was given a bolus of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) just before LTx.