Knowledge of blood transfusion practices among medical students and residents.

A study was conducted to assess and compare the knowledge of blood transfusion practices among medical students and residents in Lebanese and Saudi medical institutions. The online survey consisted of 26 questions: 4 about personal data and experience with transfusion and 22 about knowledge on transfusion practices in the areas of blood donation and donor selection, production and storage of blood components, selection of appropriate blood components, administration of blood components, transfusion reactions, and complications. One hundred and twenty-six students from Saudi Arabia, 84 students from Lebanon, 31 residents from Saudi Arabia, and 23 residents from Lebanon participated in the survey.

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors usage and prostate cancer: a match-paired analysis.

Background: To treat erectile dysfunction (ED), phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are commonly used. However, to date, only a few studies exist evaluate a possible effect on the incidence of prostate cancer. One such study completed by the authors' institution suggested men who use PDE5i for ED may have a lower incidence of prostate cancer.

Incidence rate of prostate cancer in men treated for erectile dysfunction with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors: retrospective analysis.

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence rate of prostate cancer among men with erectile dysfunction (ED) treated with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5i) over a 7-year period vs. men with ED of the same age and with similar risk factors who were not treated with PDE-5i. In a retrospective review of electronic medical records and billing databases between the years 2000 and 2006, men with ED between the ages of 50 and 69 years and no history of prostate cancer prior to 2000 were identified.

Comparison of polypropylene versus polyester mesh in the Lichtenstein hernia repair with respect to chronic pain and discomfort.

Background: Inguinal hernias are the most common operative procedure performed by general surgeons, and tension-free mesh techniques have revolutionized the procedure. While hernia recurrence rates have decreased, chronic postoperative pain has become recognized more widely. New mesh products offer the potential to decrease pain without compromising recurrence rates.

Elevated body mass index in Texas Head Start children: a result of heredity and economics.

Objective: The problem of high body mass index (BMI) for age in the Head Start population in Texas is of great concern. The primarily Mexican American population is at high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study examines the prevalence of elevated BMI for age in the Head Start population in a sampling of South Texas border counties and a Central Texas county from 2003-2008, and compares it to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data for Hispanic preschool children.

Factors associated with atomoxetine efficacy for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine if relationships exist between the efficacy of atomoxetine for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and demographic characteristics, specific co-morbid diagnoses, subtype of ADHD, and/or additional use of a stimulant medication.

Method: A retrospective chart review was performed using data from an institutional electronic medical record system. Children aged 5-17 years who were diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed atomoxetine were included; 432 study subjects were categorized as treatment success (TS), treatment failure (TF), or undetermined.

Amelioration of metabolic acidosis in patients with low GFR reduced kidney endothelin production and kidney injury, and better preserved GFR.

Metabolic acidosis often accompanies low glomerular filtration rate and induces secretion of endothelin, which in turn might mediate kidney injury. Here we tested whether treatment of metabolic acidosis in patients with low glomerular filtration rate reduced the progression of kidney disease. Fifty-nine patients with hypertensive nephropathy and metabolic acidosis had their blood pressure reduced with regimens that included angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition.

Role of intravenous levetiracetam in acute seizure management of children.

Status epilepticus is defined as a seizure lasting beyond 30 minutes. Children with intractable epilepsy undergo frequent hospital admissions secondary to status epilepticus or because of acute exacerbation of seizures. Intravenous levetiracetam became available in August 2006 for use in patients aged above 16 years.

Evaluating the status of "translating research into practice" at a major academic healthcare system.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the status of translating research findings into practice at a major academic healthcare system in Central Texas.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey addressing knowledge of and participation in translational research of physicians, residents, nurses and third- and fourth-year medical students in a major academic healthcare system in Central Texas.

Results: Out of 508 respondents, 428 (84.

Using simulation to orient code blue teams to a new hospital facility.

Objectives: Prompt and successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation during a sudden cardiac arrest can be hindered by multiple variables, ie, ineffective communication, stress, lack of training, and an unfamiliar environment, such as a new hospital facility. The main objective of the study was to use high-fidelity simulations to orient Code Blue Teams (CBTs) to critical events in a new hospital facility. A secondary objective was to elucidate factors that may have contributed to responses by debriefing teams.

OB/GYN boot cAMP using high-fidelity human simulators: enhancing residents' perceived competency, confidence in taking a leadership role, and stress hardiness.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of an obstetrical and gynecologic (Ob/Gyn) Boot Camp simulation training on perceived technical competency, confidence in a leadership role, and stress hardiness of resident training.

Methods: We conducted a prospective pilot study on the effectiveness of an Ob/Gyn Boot Camp on resident training. Residents participated in an intensive immersion in clinical simulation of common obstetrical emergencies including shoulder dystocia, neonatal resuscitation, postpartum hemorrhage, and ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

Pharmacokinetics of topical and intravenous cefazolin in patients with clean surgical wounds.

Background: Surgical-site infection is a common postoperative nosocomial infection. Surgeons frequently treat operative patients with protective antibiotics and often choose cefazolin as the drug. Treatment schemes include both preoperative intravenous dosing and intraoperative dosing by irrigation.

Randomized trial of a hypnosis intervention for treatment of hot flashes among breast cancer survivors.

Purpose: Hot flashes are a significant problem for many breast cancer survivors. Hot flashes can cause discomfort, disrupted sleep, anxiety, and decreased quality of life. A well-tolerated and effective mind-body treatment for hot flashes would be of great value.

Continued smoking exacerbates but cessation ameliorates progression of early type 2 diabetic nephropathy.

Purpose: We tested the hypothesis that continued cigarette smoking exacerbates and its cessation ameliorates progression of the early nephropathy of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) from microalbuminuria to macroalbuminuria.

Methods: We recruited 91 DM2 subjects with microalbuminuria, 39 nonsmokers and 52 smokers. Smokers underwent smoking cessation intervention with 11 of the 52 smokers quitting, yielding 3 groups: nonsmokers (NS, n = 39), continued smokers (S, n = 41), and quitting smokers (Quit, n = 11), all on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition (ACEI), treated toward recommended BP and glycemic targets, and followed prospectively for 5 years.

Double origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery: association with intracranial aneurysm on catheter angiography.

Objective: Double origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) is a congenital anomaly in which the PICA forms from two separate vessels arising from the vertebral artery. The prevalence of double origin of the PICA on catheter angiography is unknown because only four case reports have been published. Because some congenital intracranial vascular oddities are associated with an elevated incidence of aneurysm formation, we sought to determine the association between intracranial aneurysm and double origin of the PICA and to measure the prevalence of double origin of the PICA on catheter angiography.

Pilot evaluation of hypnosis for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors.

This single arm, pilot study investigated the use of hypnosis to reduce hot flashes in 16 breast cancer survivors. Each patient provided baseline data and received 4 weekly sessions of hypnosis that followed a standardized transcript. Patients were also instructed in self-hypnosis.

Urinary levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and 2 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase in patients with coronary artery disease.

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of an assay for urinary levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the potential usefulness of urinary MMPs as a marker of coronary atherosclerosis or acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Methods And Results: We measured urine and plasma MMP-9, MMP-2 and urine tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) in patients with ACS (n=27), patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), but no clinical instability (n=47) and a group of healthy volunteers (n=15) who were <35 years of age, had no risk factors for CAD and did not undergo angiography. Compared with volunteers, patients with ACS and CAD had higher urine MMP-9, urine TIMP-1, plasma MMP-9 and plasma MMP-2 levels, but these did not differ between those with CAD and ACS.

Intensive hypnotherapy for smoking cessation: a prospective study.

This study reports on a prospective pilot trial of intensive hypnotherapy for smoking cessation. The hypnotherapy involved multiple individual sessions (8 visits) over approximately 2 months, individualization of hypnotic suggestions, and a supportive therapeutic relationship. Twenty subjects were randomly assigned to either an intensive hypnotherapy condition or to a wait-list control condition.

Effects of local variation, specialty, and beliefs on antiviral prescribing for influenza.

In 2004, we conducted a survey of physician knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding influenza diagnosis and treatment at Baystate Medical Center in Massachusetts and Scott & White Hospital and Clinic in Texas. Of the 579 physicians we contacted, 336 completed the survey. Sixty-one percent of the respondents prescribed antivirals, and 62% used rapid testing.

Complementary and alternative medicine use by psychiatric inpatients.

82 psychiatric inpatients hospitalized for acute care were interviewed about their use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities. The clinical diagnoses of respondents included Depressive Disorder (61%), Substance Abuse (26%), Schizophrenia (9%), and Anxiety Disorders (5%). Analysis indicated that 63% used at least one CAM modality within the previous 12 mo.

Prevalence of anxiety among patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

To assess prevalence of anxiety 36 consecutive patients undergoing colorectal surgery with general anesthesia were interviewed on the day of surgery and completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Postsurgical ratings of pain and anxiety were obtained within 24 hours after surgery. Analysis indicated that 29 scored moderate or higher on the State Anxiety scale prior to surgery.

Use of a numeric visual analog anxiety scale among patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of a Numeric Visual Analog Anxiety Scale (NVAAS) as a potentially accurate and efficient way to determine presurgery anxiety among patients undergoing colorectal surgery. A secondary aim was to determine the relationship between NVAAS ratings of anxiety and postsurgery pain. Thirty-six patients scheduled for colorectal surgery were asked to rate their state anxiety on the NVAAS and to complete the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).

Clinical hypnosis for smoking cessation: preliminary results of a three-session intervention.

This study presents preliminary data regarding hypnosis treatment for smoking cessation in a clinical setting. An individualized, 3-session hypnosis treatment is described. Thirty smokers enrolled in an HMO were referred by their primary physician for treatment.