Conversion of Norwood-Rastelli Procedure to "Anatomic" Biventricular Circulation With Takedown of Aortopulmonary Amalgamation After Aortic Valve Growth.

The pathways for biventricular repair of hypoplastic aortic arch with ventricular septal defect, small aortic valve, and normal-sized left ventricle vary depending on the disease spectrum. We report a case of an infant who underwent a staged Norwood-Rastelli procedure for aortic stenosis (bicuspid aortic valve), hypoplastic aortic arch, and coarctation of the aorta with ventricular septal defect and normal-sized left ventricle. Ten years after the initial surgery, normal circulatory physiology was achieved with a takedown of the aortopulmonary amalgamation and VSD closure.

Internal Validation of a Risk Scoring System for Venous Thromboembolism After Total hip or Knee Arthroplasty.

We developed a computerized clinical decision support system (CCDSS) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment. We aimed to demonstrate its relevance and evaluate associations between risk level and VTE incidence in patients undergoing total hip/knee arthroplasty. In this case-control study, VTE was confirmed using ultrasonography/computed tomography angiography in 1098 adults at a tertiary care hospital over five years (2013-2018).

Origin of M2 Mϕ and its macrophage polarization by TGF-β in a mice intervertebral injury model.

Introduction: Studies have identified the presence of M1 and M2 macrophages (Mϕ) in injured intervertebral discs (IVDs). However, the origin and polarization-regulatory factor of M2 Mϕ are not fully understood. TGF-β is a regulatory factor for M2 polarization in several tissues.

Air contamination of therapeutic drug monitoring assay reagents results in falsely high plasma ammonia levels.

Background: Accumulating evidence shows that contamination of blood samples by atmospheric ammonia affects blood ammonia test levels; however, reports on the effect of ammonia contamination of assay reagents are limited. Here, we aimed to clarify the effect of ammonia contamination of assay reagents, particularly the therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) reagents, on the detection levels of blood ammonia using enzymatic assays.

Methods: Ammonia gas was measured in the refrigerator compartment of the automatic analyser and the reaction tank water, probe wash water and drain outlets connected to the automatic analyser.

Efficacy of median sacral artery embolization for treating severe pelvic fractures: a retrospective study.

Objective: Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) of bilateral internal iliac arteries (IIAs) in patients with a hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture is associated with a low mortality rate. The persistence of unstable hemodynamics after IIA embolization indicates the involvement of other arteries, such as the median sacral artery (MSA). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of MSA embolization.