Clinical and cost implications of amyloid beta detection with amyloid beta positron emission tomography imaging in early Alzheimer's disease - the case of florbetapir.

Objective: Amyloid beta (Aβ) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging helps estimate Aβ neuritic plaque density in patients with cognitive impairment who are under evaluation for Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the Aβ-PET scan as an adjunct to standard diagnostic assessment for diagnosis of AD in France, using florbetapir as an example.

Methods: A state-transition probability analysis was developed adopting the French Health Technology Assessment (HTA) perspective per guidance.

Investigation of a bio-inspired lift-enhancing effector on a 2D airfoil.

A flap mounted on the upper surface of an airfoil, called a 'lift-enhancing effector', has been shown in wind tunnel tests to have a similar function to a bird's covert feathers, which rise off the wing's surface in response to separated flows. The effector, fabricated from a thin Mylar sheet, is allowed to rotate freely about its leading edge. The tests were performed in the NCSU subsonic wind tunnel at a chord Reynolds number of 4 × 10(5).

Treatment patterns and resource use among patients with comorbid diabetes mellitus and major depressive disorder.

Objective: To descriptively analyze patient characteristics, treatment patterns, and medical resource use of individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) with and without comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD).

Research Design And Methods: Using an administrative claims database, commercially insured adults diagnosed with DM were studied over the calendar years 2005 and 2006. Demographic characteristics, comorbid illnesses, medication use, resource utilization, and costs were examined descriptively among patients with DM both with and without comorbid MDD.

Transparent and open discussion of errors does not increase malpractice risk in trauma patients.

Objective: We set out to determine if there is an increased medical malpractice lawsuit rate when trauma patient cases are presented at an open, multidisciplinary morbidity and mortality conference (M&M).

Introduction: Patient safety proponents emphasize the importance of transparency with respect to medical errors. In contrast, the tort system focuses on blame and punishment, which encourages secrecy.

Percutaneous tracheostomy: one center's experience with a new modality.

Background: A retrospective review of our experience with percutaneous tracheostomy was performed to determine our complication rate and pattern of use since this modality was introduced at our institution.

Methods: A retrospective chart review captured all patients in whom tracheostomy was performed or supervised by a trauma/critical care faculty member. Dates of hospital admission, ICU admission, intubation, discontinuation of mechanical ventilation, type and location of procedure, procedural complications, Injury Severity Score, charges, and patient demographics were collected.

Trauma surgery malpractice risk: perception versus reality.

Objective: We set out to compare the malpractice lawsuit risk and incidence in trauma surgery, emergency surgery, and elective surgery at a single academic medical center.

Summary And Background Data: The perceived increased malpractice risk attributed to trauma patients discourages participation in trauma call panels and may influence career choice of surgeons. When questioned, surgeons cite malpractice risk as a rationale for not providing trauma care.

Antisense oligonucleotide inhibition of Bcl-xL and Bid expression in liver regulates responses in a mouse model of Fas-induced fulminant hepatitis.

Activation of the cell-surface receptor Fas can lead to apoptosis in parenchymal cells in the liver, and if severe enough, result in fulminant hepatic failure and animal death. In the present study, we have examined the roles played by the Bcl-2 family members Bcl-xL and Bid in regulating this response. To do this, we have developed chemically modified 2'-O-(2-methoxy) ethyl antisense inhibitors of both Bid and Bcl-xL expression.