Defining the cardiovascular phenotype of adults with Alström syndrome.

Background: >40% of infants with Alström Syndrome (AS) present with a transient, severe cardiomyopathy in the first months of life, with apparent recovery in survivors. One in five individuals then develop a later-onset cardiomyopathy but wide clinical variability is observed, even within the same family. The rationale for this study is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the cardiovascular phenotype in adults with AS.

The impact of a hospital-based exercise oncology program on cancer treatment-related side effects among rural cancer survivors.

Purpose: To assess the impact of the Personal Optimism With Exercise Recovery (POWER) program on cancer treatment-related side effects among rural cancer survivors.

Methods: In this retrospective study of data collected between 2016 and 2019, we assessed change in cardiorespiratory fitness, whole-body muscular endurance, physical function and strength, anthropometrics, fatigue, and quality of life (QoL), after participation in POWER. Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographic and clinical variables.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for critically ill patients with influenza A (H1N1) 2009: a case series.

In this case series, we report on five patients with influenza A (H1N1) who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment between July and December 2009 in the intensive care unit of Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth, Western Australia. In considering these cases, we highlight the indications, risks and potential benefits associated with ECMO, whose role remains, as yet, largely undefined in the setting of H1N1 critical illness.

Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in severe 2009 H1N1 influenza infection.

Purpose: To examine whether, in an adult intensive care unit (ICU), procalcitonin or C-reactive protein (CRP) levels discriminated between 2009 H1N1 influenza infection and community-acquired pneumonia of bacterial origin.

Methods: A retrospective observational study performed at an Australian hospital over a 4-month winter period during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. Levels on admission of procalcitonin and CRP were compared between patients admitted to the ICU with community-acquired pneumonia of bacterial and 2009 H1N1 origin.

Relationship of aging and tobacco use with the development of aberrant crypt foci in a predominantly African-American population.

Background And Aims: In clinical studies, diminished folate availability appears to increase the risk for colorectal neoplasms. Additionally, alcohol and tobacco use are associated with an increased risk for colon cancer, but the early pathologic events by which these agents promote neoplastic transformation are not well understood. Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are potential precursors of adenoma and cancer, and can be visualized by magnification endoscopy.

Clinical evaluation of the HemoSonic monitor in cardiac surgical patients in the ICU.

The HemoSonic monitor (HemoSonic 100, Arrow International, Reading, PA, U.S.A.

Selective intrahepatic ductal cannulation during ERCP with a sphincterotome.

Background: Selective intrahepatic ductal cannulation during ERCP remains difficult, particularly when strictures involve the bifurcation and/or secondary intrahepatic branches.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of a cohort of 16 patients (stones 5, cholangiocarcinoma 5, primary sclerosing cholangitis 4, hepatoma 1, bile leak 1) in whom selective cannulation of the intrahepatic ducts with conventional techniques was unsuccessful and who underwent ERCP with a sphincterotome and a hydrophilic coated guidewire to achieve intrahepatic ductal access.

Results: The procedure was technically successful in 15 patients and clinically successful in 12.

Port site electrosurgical (diathermy) burns during surgical laparoscopy.

Background: Direct and capacitive coupling of diathermy current have been reported as causes of occult injury during surgical laparoscopy.

Methods: In order to determine the incidence of electrosurgical injury adjacent to metal and plastic cannulas, skin biopsies at 19 port sites used for monopolar electrosurgery were analyzed for coagulative necrosis. Prior to surgery the cannulas were randomized to either metal or plastic.

Interactive effects of fluoride and aluminum uptake and accumulation in bones of rabbits administered both agents in their drinking water.

Fluoride (F) and aluminum (Al), which are known to form a strong complex, are both present in finished drinking water. The effect of F and AI on one another's tissue accumulation was determined using adult male New Zealand white rabbits. Thirty-six rabbits (three per group) were given Purina Rabbit Chow and drinking water containing no F or AI, F alone (1, 4, or 50 ppm F as NaF), Al alone, (100 or 500 ppm Al as AlCl3), or a combination of F and Al, ad libitum for 10 wk.