Heroin crystal nephropathy.

In this paper we present an interesting case of acute kidney injury and severe metabolic alkalosis in a patient with a history of heavy heroin abuse. Urine microscopy showed numerous broomstick-like crystals. These crystals are also identified in light and electron microscopy.

Association between serum vitamin D levels and colonic carcinomatous polyps.

Background: Vitamin D has been postulated to play a role in colonic carcinogenesis by modulation of apoptosis and inhibition of angiogenesis. However, data supporting this theory are conflicting, and most studies include only Asians and Caucasians. This retrospective study aims to determine whether there is a correlation between an increased total vitamin D level and a lower incidence of carcinomatous polyps in a multi-race but predominantly Hispanic population in East Harlem, New York City.