Amniocentesis in pregnancies at or beyond 24 weeks: an international multicenter study.

Background: Amniocentesis for genetic diagnosis is most commonly done between 15 and 22 weeks of gestation but can be performed at later gestational ages. The safety and genetic diagnostic accuracy of amniocentesis have been well-established through numerous large-scale multicenter studies for procedures before 24 weeks, but comprehensive data on late amniocentesis remain sparse.

Objective: To evaluate the indications, diagnostic yield, safety, and maternal and fetal outcomes associated with amniocentesis performed at or beyond 24 weeks of gestation.

Same-Day Discharge in Laparoscopic Acute Non-Perforated Appendectomy.

Background: Small studies done during the past decade have demonstrated same-day discharge after appendectomy as an option for non-perforated appendicitis. Here we have examined a large cohort to confirm that same-day discharge in acute non-perforated appendicitis is a safe option.

Study Design: This was a retrospective study of patients from 14 Southern California Region Kaiser Permanente medical centers.

Peptide YY and vitamin E inhibit hormone-sensitive and -insensitive breast cancer cells.

We have shown that peptide YY, an endogenous gut hormone, and vitamin E succinate (VES) inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth in vitro. We hypothesized that PYY and VES would inhibit breast cancer cell viability regardless of the hormone receptor status. Human breast ZR-75 ductal carcinoma (estrogen receptor negative) and MCF-7 adenocarcinoma (estrogen receptor positive) cells were cultured and exposed to VES (10 pg/ml), PYY (500 pmol), or both agents together.

Intestinal ischemia and the gut-liver axis: an in vitro model.

Background: Sustained intestinal ischemic injury often leads to shock and multiorgan failure, mediated in part by a cytokine cascade. Animal models have also identified a central role of Kupffer cells in amplification of cytokines following intestinal ischemia. To better understand this gut-liver axis, we developed an in vitro model.

Peptide YY augments gross inhibition by vitamin E succinate of human pancreatic cancer cell growth.

Background: Vitamin E succinate (VES) significantly inhibits cell growth in vitro in breast, prostate, and skin cancer cell lines. Our study demonstrated similar inhibitory effects on Mia PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells at the same concentration of VES (10 pg/ml). Peptide YY (PYY) also inhibits pancreatic cancer cell growth in vitro.