Evaluation of the porcine model to teach various ancillary procedures to gynecologic oncology fellows.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to subjectively evaluate the adequacy of the porcine model for training gynecologic oncology fellows.

Study Design: Following a defined surgical curriculum, fellow-attending pairs operated on female hogs. A predetermined dataset was collected for each procedure.

Age-related changes in the aortic valve affect leaflet stress distributions: implications for aortic valve degeneration.

Background And Aim Of The Study: The degeneration of aortic valve leaflets occurs primarily due to high mechanical stresses in zones of leaflet flexion. Aging, which has been identified as a risk factor for degenerative aortic stenosis, is associated with reductions in stretch and in compliance, and an increase in tissue thickness of the leaflet and root. The study aim was to investigate the effects of age-related tissue changes on valve opening dynamics and leaflet stress patterns, and its implications for valve degeneration.

Human umbilical cord blood progenitor cells are attracted to infarcted myocardium and significantly reduce myocardial infarction size.

We are investigating the effects of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear progenitor cells (HUCBC) for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction because human cord blood is a readily available and an abundant source of primitive cells that may be beneficial in myocardial repair. However, there is currently no scientific consensus on precisely when to inject stem/progenitor cells for the optimal treatment of acute myocardial infarction. We used an in vitro assay to determine the attraction of infarcted rat myocardium at 1, 2, 2.

Mechanical and sensory testing of overfilled breast implants.

Background: To obtain an ideal outcome in breast augmentation procedures, breast implants may be overfilled to reduce wrinkles and improve longevity. Determination of the optimal volume for saline-filled breast implants remains problematic for plastic surgeons.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the effect of overfilling or underfilling implants on sensory response and on implant shell mechanical properties.

Blood rheological characterization using the thickness-shear mode resonator.

Thickness-shear mode (TSM) resonators have been used to characterize static rheological properties of plasma and whole blood samples. We demonstrated simple and rapid techniques for determining plasma viscosity without cell separation, for measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and for tracking blood coagulation throughout the entire process. Additionally, mathematical models, previously developed to characterize surface-loaded resonators, were used to extract non-Newtonian and viscoelastic material properties of blood layers during sedimentation and coagulation experiments.

Stability of tuberosity reattachment in proximal humeral hemiarthroplasty.

Hemiarthroplasty can be an effective treatment for 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus; however, results are often unpredictable. Proper surgical technique is critical for success. Reconstruction of the displaced tuberosities should attempt to impart maximal interfragmentary stability.