Comparative analysis of a rapid diagnostic test and scoring tools for ESBL detection in bloodstream infections for optimizing antimicrobial therapy.

Our study addresses a significant issue in the medical and scientific community-the delayed administration of appropriate antimicrobial treatments due to the time-consuming process of phenotypic susceptibility data collection in gram-negative bloodstream infections. Our research indicates that a multiplex PCR rapid diagnostic test (RDT) significantly outperformed two clinical scoring tools in predicting ceftriaxone susceptibility. Multiplex PCR also led to reduced instances of undertreatment with ceftriaxone and minimized overtreatment with carbapenems.

Can computed tomography replace or supplement autopsy?

Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) has been integrated into the practice of many forensic pathologists. To evaluate the utility of PMCT in supplementing and/or supplanting medicolegal autopsy, we conducted a prospective double-blind comparison of abnormal findings reported by the autopsy pathologist with those reported by a radiologist reviewing the PMCT. We reviewed 890 cases: 167 with blunt force injury (BFI), 63 with pediatric trauma (under 5 years), 203 firearm injuries, and 457 drug poisoning deaths.

Contemporary Approaches to Perioperative IV Fluid Therapy.

Background: Intravenous fluid therapy is required for most surgical patients, but inappropriate regimens are commonly prescribed. The aim of this narrative review was to provide evidence-based guidance on appropriate perioperative fluid management.

Method: We did a systematic literature search of the literature to identify relevant studies and meta-analyses to develop recommendations.

Postmortem Changes as Documented in Postmortem Computed Tomography Scans.

The benefits and uses of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) have been well documented in the forensic pathology and radiology literature in recent years and research into its utility continue in earnest. Opinions and policies regarding who actually interprets the PMCT scans vary between institutions, but in general, scans will be read by a forensic pathologist, a clinical radiologist, or a clinical radiologist with a special interest or training in postmortem imaging. Differences between clinical computed tomography scans and PMCT scans have been well documented and knowledge of these differences, typically those due to postmortem changes, is essential to the reader of the PMCT scan so as to minimize the risk of misinterpretation and, potentially, misdiagnoses.

Lightning deaths: a retrospective review of New Mexico's cases, 1977-2009.

To better understand lightning deaths, a retrospective review of electronic records from New Mexico's Office of the Medical Investigator database was performed between 1977 and 2009 to update and assess current risk factors. Information on demographics, circumstances, autopsy, and death certificates were collected and analyzed. Fifty-four decedents were identified, ages 2-71 years old (mean 34 years old), 42 males and 12 females.

Lymphovascular invasion is associated with poor survival in gastric cancer: an application of gene-expression and tissue array techniques.

Objectives: To examine a population-based cohort for the association between clinicopathologic predictors of survival and immunohistochemical markers (IHC), and to assess changes in gene expression that are associated with lymphovascular invasion (LVI).

Summary Background Data: LVI has been associated with poor survival and aggressive tumor behavior. The molecular changes responsible for the behavior of gastric cancer have yet to be determined.

Role of magnetic resonance angiography in vascular surgery.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a method of non-invasive vascular imaging that has evolved and improved significantly since first described. In this article, the basic principles of MRA are reviewed and MRA compared with the more conventional imaging techniques of Doppler ultrasound and angiography. The ways in which MRA can be used in conjunction with more conventional vascular imaging techniques in investigation and management of carotid disease, aortic disease, and peripheral vascular disease are discussed in this article.