Prospective pilot study of smoking cessation in patients undergoing urologic surgery.

Objective: To evaluate whether preoperative smoking cessation counseling by urologists using the Ask, Advise, and Refer approach was effective in producing abstinence in patients undergoing urologic surgery.

Methods: Smokers who were scheduled for inpatient urologic surgery were prospectively enrolled. Smoking cessation counseling consisted of an Ask, Advise, Refer approach.

Inherited disorders of GABA metabolism.

The inherited disorders of γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) metabolism require an increased index of clinical suspicion. The known genetic disorders are GABA-transaminase deficiency, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency and homocarnosinosis. A recent link has also been made between impaired GABA synthesis and nonsyndromic cleft lip, with or without cleft palate.