Rapid gastric emptying during pregnancy in a rat model.

Background/aims: The effect of pregnancy on gastric emptying has not been established, although the predominant clinical assumption is that gastric emptying is delayed during pregnancy. We hypothesized that the rate of emptying of nutrients during pregnancy is not delayed, but is actually more rapid when compared to the non-pregnant state. The rate of gastric emptying is a major determinant of postprandial glucose elevations.

Pediatric ERCP: Factors for Success and Complication-A 17-Year, Multisite Experience.

Objectives: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an increasingly utilized procedure in pediatric populations. A lack of dedicated pediatric research has led endoscopists to extrapolate adult risk factors and preventative strategies to children. The aim of this multisite, retrospective study was to identify risks for adverse events, procedure failure, and prolonged courses in pediatric patients undergoing ERCP.

Expanding the Use of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Pediatrics: A National Database Analysis of Demographics and Complication Rates.

Background: This study aimed to aid in risk assessment of pediatric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) candidates by utilizing a national pediatric database with a large sample to assess how patient characteristics may affect ERCP complication rates.

Methods: The Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) is a sample of pediatric discharges in states participating in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP). This database provides demographic information, hospitalization duration, and outcome information for hospitalizations during which an ERCP occurred.

Molecular epidemiologic evidence for diabetogenic effects of dioxin exposure in U.S. Air force veterans of the Vietnam war.

Background: One of the outcomes positively associated with dioxin exposure in humans is type 2 diabetes.

Objectives: This study was conducted in order to find the molecular biological evidence for the diabetogenic action of dioxin in adipose samples from Vietnam veterans.

Methods: We obtained 313 adipose tissue samples both from Vietnam veterans who were exposed to dioxin (Operation Ranch Hand) and from comparison veterans who served in Southeast Asia with no record of dioxin exposure.