Evidence of Th2 polarization of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) in melanoma.

Melanoma has a propensity for lymphatogenous metastasis. Improved understanding of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) immunological environment may improve outcomes. The immune phenotype of fresh melanoma SLNs ( = 13) were compared to fresh control lymph nodes ( = 13) using flow cytometry.

Environmental estrogens in an urban aquatic ecosystem: I. Spatial and temporal occurrence of estrogenic activity in effluent-dominated systems.

The present study investigated occurrence of environmental estrogens (EEs) in waterways managed by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago ('District') - one of the largest and most complex water districts in the United States. The objectives of the study were: (i) to document spatial and temporal occurrence of EEs in the Chicago Area Waterways (CAWs); (ii) to determine whether water reclamation plant (WRP) effluents contribute to estrogenic pollution of the receiving streams; (iii) to determine whether the mandated water quality monitoring data could be used to predict estrogenic pollution in the receiving streams; and (iv) to determine whether snow melt, storm runoff and combined sewer overflows may also be contributors of estrogenic activity to these systems. The estrogenic potency of the waterways was assessed using a cell-based reporter gene assay.

Female genital cutting: nursing implications.

Female genital cutting (FGC) is a practice that affects millions of girls and women worldwide. This deeply rooted practice has cultural, religious, and psychosexual meaning to its practitioners, but it also carries long-term physical and mental complications. Decried as a human rights violation, nonetheless this practice is still carried out today.

Analysis of critical laboratory value nurse-to-physician follow-up calls at a community hospital.

The reporting and treatment of critical laboratory values are vital to the provision of quality patient care. The purpose of this study was to identify the percentage of critical laboratory values not being reported by the nurse to the physician or properly documented in a small community hospital. Results showed that 77% of critical laboratory values reported were not properly documented as communicated to the physician regardless of hospital unit, laboratory specialty, or test.