Comparative analysis of polymers for short interfering RNA delivery in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Unlabelled: The use of short interfering RNA (siRNA) to degrade messenger RNA in the cell cytoplasm and transiently attenuate intracellular proteins shows promise in the inhibition of vascular pathogenesis. However, a critical obstacle for therapeutic application is a safe and effective delivery system. Biodegradable polymers are promising alternative molecular carriers for genetic material.

Early versus delayed amputation in the setting of severe lower extremity trauma.

Leg-threatening injuries present patients and clinicians with the difficult decision to pursue primary amputation or attempt limb salvage. The effects of delayed amputation after failed limb salvage on outcomes, such as prosthetic use and hospital deposition, are unclear. We evaluated the timing of amputations and its effects on outcomes.

The effect of temporal artery biopsy on the treatment of temporal arteritis.

Background: Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is frequently used to guide treatment for suspected temporal arteritis. Our purpose was to determine the influence on subsequent temporal arteritis treatment, particularly the initiation, termination, or continuation of corticosteroids after a histologically negative TAB.

Methods: This is a retrospective analysis from a single regional referral center on all patients undergoing TAB March 2003 through November 2010.

Teaching cholangiography in a surgical residency program.

Objective: To evaluate the time associated with routine cholangiography in a residency teaching program.

Design: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography by a single surgeon from April 2010 to September 2011. Cholangiogram time, demographic, and operative information was recorded, and factors associated with increased cholangiogram times were compared using Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and linear regression; a p value <0.