Challenges of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy at the upper limits of obesity.

As worldwide obesity rates increase the number of patients with an elevated BMI requiring urological surgery will increase. Although obesity has previously been considered a relative contra-indication to laparoscopic surgery, here we present a case of successful laparoscopic nephrectomy performed due to renal cancer in a patient with a BMI >60 kg/m together with a review of the associated challenges.

Alignment of a Trivalent Chromosome on the Metaphase Plate Is Associated with Differences in Microtubule Density at Each Kinetochore.

Chromosome alignment on the metaphase plate is a conserved phenomenon and is an essential function for correct chromosome segregation for many organisms. Organisms with naturally-occurring trivalent chromosomes provide a useful system for understanding how chromosome alignment is evolutionarily regulated, as they align on the spindle with one kinetochore facing one pole and two facing the opposite pole. We studied chromosome alignment in a praying mantid that has not been previously studied chromosomally, the giant shield mantis .

Randomised trial of intravenous thiamine and/or magnesium sulphate administration on erythrocyte transketolase activity, lactate concentrations and alcohol withdrawal scores.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) occurs in 2% of patients admitted to U.K. hospitals.

Development of age-dependent micronutrient centile charts and their utility in children with chronic gastrointestinal conditions at risk of deficiencies: A proof-of-concept study.

Background & Aims: Interpretation of blood micronutrient levels requires age-appropriate reference intervals. This study developed age-dependent micronutrient centiles for healthy children (HC) and explored their utility in sick children.

Methods: 244 blood samples were collected from normal HC who underwent tests for acute illness.

The skeletal muscle phenotype of children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 - A clinical perspective.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) can affect multiple systems in the body. An under recognised phenotype is one of muscle weakness. Clinical studies using dynamometry and jumping mechanography have demonstrated that children with NF1 are more likely to have reduced muscle force and power.