Centralization of histocompatibility laboratories: impact on organ allocation efficiency and outcomes of cadaveric renal transplantation.

This project was undertaken to determine whether centralization of histocompatibility laboratory services for renal transplants performed within eastern Pennsylvania could improve the efficiency of allograft allocation and short-term allograft function. A nonconcurrent cohort study was performed comparing renal allografts transplanted between September 15, 1993, and September 14, 1994, to those transplanted between September 15, 1994, and September 14, 1995. All allografts were procured and allocated by the Delaware Valley Transplant Program, the organ procurement agency in eastern Pennsylvania.

Intestinal ileus secondary to Strongyloides stercoralis infection: case report and review of the literature.

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode that is widely distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics. Immigration patterns, travel, and poor hygiene can place patients in the United States at an increased risk. Endemic regions in the southeastern United States have been identified.

Thoracoscopic drainage and decortication as definitive treatment for empyema thoracis following penetrating chest injury.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe our experience with thoracoscopic drainage and decortication as definitive treatment for empyema thoracis following penetrating chest trauma.

Methods: Over a 9-month period, eight patients at two institutions were treated for empyema thoracis that developed following penetrating chest injury. Seven patients sustained gunshot wounds and one a stab wound.

Localization of peripheral pulmonary nodules for thoracoscopic excision: value of CT-guided wire placement.

Objective: One of the indications for the rapidly expanding use of thoracoscopic surgery as an alternative to thoracotomy is the excision of peripheral lung nodules. Nodules judged too small or too far from the pleural surface to be seen or palpated during thoracoscopy must be localized beforehand. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of percutaneous placement of spring hookwires to localize such nodules before video-assisted thoracoscopy.

International training for drug abuse treatment and the issue of cultural relevance.

During the last ten years, there has been an increased demand for culturally relevant drug abuse treatment that is responsive to the unique needs of international populations, each with its own special culture and taboos. This article explores the assumptions that these distinct cultural characteristics require different treatment approaches to be effective, and presents both curriculum content and training designs used in educating diverse cultures in drug abuse treatment strategies. The authors discuss their training experiences in Central Europe, the Mediterranean, China, and Southeast Asian countries and conclude that, while cultural uniqueness certainly exists, it may be greatly exaggerated in terms of the need for special treatment modalities in the field of drug abuse treatment.