Diverticulitis of isolated jejunal diverticulum complicated by small bowel obstruction secondary to enterolith formation.

Jejunoileal diverticula (JD) are an uncommon condition most prevalent in the sixth and seventh decade of life. Although mostly asymptomatic, JD can be complicated by perforation, diverticulitis, abscess, bleeding, fistula, and small bowel obstruction (SBO) secondary to enterolith formation. There are a limited number of cases describing JD complicated by SBO secondary to enterolith formation.

Identification, molecular characterization, and gene expression analysis of a CD109 molecule in the Hawaiian bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes.

All organisms have unique immune systems that help them identify and eliminate invading microorganisms. A group of evolutionary ancient molecules, the thioester-containing proteins (TEP) superfamily, are known to play an important immune role by aiding animal hosts in the recognition, destruction, and elimination of hazardous microorganisms and their products. Our laboratory focuses on studying the role of the immune system in the mutualistic relationship between the sepiolid squid, Euprymna scolopes and its bioluminescent symbiont Vibrio fischeri.

Postoperative pain assessment and analgesic administration in Native American patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Ethnic disparities in pain assessment and analgesic administration following surgery have received little attention in the surgery literature. We noted that our Native American patients were less likely than others to complain of pain. A retrospective chart review of 21 Native American patients and a control group who underwent outpatient, elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed.

Retained surgical foreign bodies: a comprehensive review of risks and preventive strategies.

Given the increasing complexity of both the modern health care environment and the overall patient population, reduction of medical errors is a high priority task for health policy makers and medical/surgical community alike. The problem of retained surgical foreign bodies (RSFB) has existed ever since the humans first performed surgical procedures. Retained surgical foreign bodies continue to be a significant problem with an incidence between 0.

Cross-species interaction of porcine and human integrins with their respective ligands: implications for xenogeneic tolerance induction.

Background: Organ transplantation is limited by the number of available donors. One possible solution would be the use of pigs as organ donors. However, current immunosuppressive protocols cannot prevent rejection of these organs.