Rationale and design for the myocardial ischemia and transfusion (MINT) randomized clinical trial.

Background: Accumulating evidence from clinical trials suggests that a lower (restrictive) hemoglobin threshold (<8 g/dL) for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, compared with a higher (liberal) threshold (≥10 g/dL) is safe. However, in anemic patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), maintaining a higher hemoglobin level may increase oxygen delivery to vulnerable myocardium resulting in improved clinical outcomes. Conversely, RBC transfusion may result in increased blood viscosity, vascular inflammation, and reduction in available nitric oxide resulting in worse clinical outcomes.

Anatomy of the Dorsal Meningeal Artery Including Its Variations: Application to Skull Base Surgery and Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging.

Background: The blood supply to the skull base is important to surgeons and those performing interventional and diagnostic procedures in this region. However, 1 vessel with a vast distribution in this area, the dorsal meningeal artery (DMA), has had few anatomic studies performed to investigate not only its normal anatomy but also its variations. Therefore the current study aimed to analyze the DMA via cadaveric dissection.

Special Considerations for the Septic Patient Going to the Operating Room.

Perioperative care of the septic patient presents unique challenges for the nurse. Understanding the physiology of sepsis is important for the nurse to anticipate the physiologic changes associated with the disorder and to prioritize the patient's needs. Ensuring adequate intravenous access by peripheral or central venous access as well as anticipating potential invasive monitoring lines allows the nurse to quickly administer antibiotic therapy, initiate fluid resuscitation, and prepare for potential vasopressor use.

The effect of a single early high-dose vitamin D supplement on fracture union in patients with hypovitaminosis D: a prospective randomised trial.

Aims: To evaluate the effect of a single early high-dose vitamin D supplement on fracture union in patients with hypovitaminosis D and a long bone fracture.

Patients And Methods: Between July 2011 and August 2013, 113 adults with a long bone fracture were enrolled in a prospective randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Their serum vitamin D levels were measured and a total of 100 patients were found to be vitamin D deficient (< 20 ng/ml) or insufficient (< 30 ng/mL).