MRSA in conventional and alternative retail pork products.

In order to examine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus on retail pork, three hundred ninety-five pork samples were collected from a total of 36 stores in Iowa, Minnesota, and New Jersey. S. aureus was isolated from 256 samples (64.

Evaluation of a noninvasive, dual-wavelength laser-suction and massage device for the regional treatment of cellulite.

Background: Cellulite is a condition usually limited to women. The most common location for this surface irregularity is the thigh. Evaluation of treatment efficacy is difficult because of the reliance on patient satisfaction surveys and flash photography, which can "flatten" surface texture.

Analysis of histologic and clinical changes associated with Polaris WR treatment of facial wrinkles.

Background: The Polaris WR is a device that combines laser energy with radiofrequency (RF) treatment to provide more focused RF energy on the skin to reduce wrinkles and/or tighten skin. Clinical results have varied from highly visible to no obvious reduction in wrinkles.

Objective: This prospective study investigated whether there was any corollary between clinical results, standardized VISIA (Canfield Imaging Systems, Fairfield, NJ) and digital photographs, and skin biopsy analysis after the treatment of facial wrinkles with the Polaris WR device.

Evaluation of the combination of radio frequency, infrared energy and mechanical rollers with suction to improve skin surface irregularities (cellulite) in a limited treatment area.

This IRB-approved (Institutional Review Board) study evaluated the efficacy of a device that combines radio frequency, infrared energy and mechanical rollers/suction (ELOS technology) to reduce skin surface irregularities in a limited treatment zone. Sixteen patients were enrolled and received two treatments per week for 4 consecutive weeks. Treatments were limited to a 20.

Evaluation of a combined laser-radio frequency device (Polaris WR) for the nonablative treatment of facial wrinkles.

Nonablative wrinkle reduction or skin tightening is desired by individuals who, ideally, hope to have the skin improvement associated with chemical or laser ablative techniques but without the undesirable recovery process. Electro-optical synergy (ELOS) technology that combines radio frequency (RF) and diode laser energy (900 nm) was used to treat 15 patients in this IRB sanctioned study. Energy settings were based on the depth of wrinkles (the greater the depth and concentration of wrinkles, the higher the RF setting) and ranged from 50-100 J/cm2 RF and 15 J/cm2 for the optical, laser component.

P2Y-receptors mediating an inhibition of the evoked entry of calcium through N-type calcium channels at neuronal processes.

In the search for P2-receptors modulating the stimulation-evoked entry of calcium at processes of PC12 cells differentiated in the presence of nerve growth factor and neurotrophin-3, electrically evoked increases in free calcium were assessed by fura-2 microfluorimetry. Omission of calcium and addition of cadmium (100 microM) or the N-type calcium channel blocker omega-conotoxin GVIA (0.5 microM) abolished or markedly reduced the evoked responses.

Photorejuvenation: using intense pulsed light technology in a cosmetic surgery practice.

A significant group of patients have had aesthetic procedures but are still concerned with the condition of their skin. Intense pulsed light technology can diminish lines of demarcation and signs of photoaging, and it can provide a 50% to 75% improvement in facial flushing/rosacea and a 40% to 60% improvement in dyschromia. The author provides a protocol for using this technology and pointers for successful treatment.

A new method for rapid fluid bolus infusion into a peripheral vein.

Objective: To compare the flow rates achieved by a new short-tubed infusion device with those obtained with a conventional apparatus, using gravity, manual pressure, and pneumatic inflation as the driving forces.

Methods: Ten paramedic volunteers were recruited for this prospective, randomized, controlled laboratory study. For the short-tubing setup, a new device, the port, was used to adapt standard 18-cm extension tubing directly to an i.

Laser blepharoplasty: is it safe?

The complications of the "traditional" blepharoplasty have been well outlined; however, very little can be found on the safety of lasers when used for blepharoplasty. In this article, 20 consecutive patients undergoing laser blepharoplasty are examined preoperatively and postoperatively for eye function and ocular injury by an independent ophthalmologist. Follow-up examinations were performed at random times after surgery ranging from 4 to 60 days, with the majority of patients (17 of 20) seen between 4 and 17 days after surgery.

Breast implantation and the incidence of upper extremity somatic complaints.

Attention has been drawn to elevated laboratory tests of inflammation as indicators of a possible reaction to silicone breast implants. These patients have complaints of joint pain, pain, and myalgia that were possibly caused by a reaction to silicone. This study is a retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients (79 female, 21 male) who were evaluated because of a purported industrial injury to the upper extremity.

Evaluation of the KTP 532 laser in aesthetic facial surgery.

This study investigated the ability of the KTP 532 laser to reduce postoperative swelling and bruising in aesthetic facial surgery. Thirty consecutive patients receiving a laser-assist procedure (following skin incision with a scalpel, dissection and hemostasis were accomplished primarily with the laser) were compared to 16 patients who had similar technical operations but relied on scissor/scalpel dissection and electrocautery for hemostasis. Evaluations were performed by comparison of serial photographs after surgery and by patient self-assessment.

Evaluation of the KTP 532 laser in aesthetic facial surgery.

This study investigated the ability of the KTP 532 laser to reduce postoperative swelling and bruising in aesthetic facial surgery. Thirty consecutive patients receiving a laser-assist procedure (following skin incision with a scalpel, dissection and hemostasis were accomplished primarily with the laser) were compared to 16 patients who had similar technical operations but relied on scissor/scalpel dissection and electrocautery for hemostasis. Evaluations were performed by comparison of serial photographs after surgery and by patient self-assessment.

Effect of CBC results on ED management of women with lower abdominal pain.

Recent studies have suggested that the results of complete blood counts (CBCs) are neither sensitive nor specific in diagnosing abdominal pain, but no study has attempted to determine whether CBC results actually influence the management of ED patients. This study attempted to determine whether CBC results in women with lower abdominal pain affect ED disposition or diagnosis. One hundred women between the ages of 15 and 45 with lower abdominal pain presenting to a community hospital ED with an annual census of 45,000 were enrolled in this prospective study.

Topical minoxidil: its use in treatment of male pattern baldness.

This review outlines the findings associated with topical minoxidil use. Approximately one-third of the treated patients will obtain terminal hair growth using a 2 to 3% solution twice a day. Patients should receive treatment for a minimum of six months to evaluate the drug's efficacy.

A 30-year follow-up of wax injection for the prevention of androgenic alopecia.

In summary, we present a 30-year follow-up of injected wax for the prevention of male-pattern baldness. Removal was precipitated by the presence of a fibroxanthoma of the scalp. No other scalp lesions were found, nor were there any manifestations of an autoimmune disease.

Long-term analysis of patients having surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.

This retrospective study of 100 patients who had surgical treatment for their carpal tunnel syndrome was performed to determine what factors were associated with long-term success or failure. One hundred thirty hands were treated surgically with an average follow-up of 4 years (range, 2 to 6 years). All patients were given a course of conservative treatment that included steroid injection(s) and splinting until the patients were refractory to such therapy.

Oral ibuprofen: evaluation of its effect on peritendinous adhesions and the breaking strength of a tenorrhaphy.

In a study of 21 primates, treatment with oral ibuprofen significantly reduced the force required for tendon gliding following flexor tendon injury in zone II. Tendons that were partially lacerated but not repaired required less force for tendon motion than those repaired. Ibuprofen also reduced the breaking strength of completely divided and repaired extensor tendons.

Pseudotendon formation after flexor tendon injury.

The biologic reconstitution of a divided flexor tendon by scar tissue forming a "pseudotendon" is described in three cases. With close inspection, one is able to differentiate a pseudotendon from a normal tendon intraoperatively by its relatively light gray color and the lack of a glistening surface. A pseudotendon lacks the tensile strength of a normal tendon and should be replaced by tendon grafting or transfer if function is to be restored.