Kv2 channels contribute to neuronal activity within the vagal afferent-nTS reflex arc.

Diversity in the functional expression of ion channels contributes to the unique patterns of activity generated in visceral sensory A-type myelinated neurons versus C-type unmyelinated neurons in response to their natural stimuli. In the present study, Kv2 channels were identified as underlying a previously uncharacterized delayed rectifying potassium current expressed in both A- and C-type nodose ganglion neurons. Kv2.

Systematic review and data synthesis on the treatment of sexual violence victimization by an intimate partner.

This study aims to conduct a systematic review and synthesis on the treatment of sexual violence victimization by an intimate partner evaluating specifically the impact of treatment on mental health outcomes of female sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors. We followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systemic Reviews of Interventions guidelines for the process of conducting systematic reviews. We were unable to conduct meta-analyses due to the substantial heterogeneity of the interventions for IPV.

ECLAPTE: Effective Closure of LAParoTomy in Emergency-2023 World Society of Emergency Surgery guidelines for the closure of laparotomy in emergency settings.

Laparotomy incisions provide easy and rapid access to the peritoneal cavity in case of emergency surgery. Incisional hernia (IH) is a late manifestation of the failure of abdominal wall closure and represents frequent complication of any abdominal incision: IHs can cause pain and discomfort to the patients but also clinical serious sequelae like bowel obstruction, incarceration, strangulation, and necessity of reoperation. Previous guidelines and indications in the literature consider elective settings and evidence about laparotomy closure in emergency settings is lacking.

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Affected Cardiology Fellow Training.

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, resources have been reallocated and elective cases have been deferred to minimize the spread of the disease, altering the workflow of cardiac catheterization laboratories across the country. This has in turn affected the training experience of cardiology fellows, including diminished procedure numbers and a narrow breadth of cases as they approach the end of their training before joining independent practice. It has also taken a toll on the emotional well-being of fellows as they see their colleagues, loved ones, patients or even themselves struggling with COVID-19, with some succumbing to it.

Experiences of Kidney Transplant Recipients as Patient Navigators.

Background And Objective: The use of trained kidney transplant recipients as patient navigators resulted in increased completion of the steps in the transplant process by dialysis patients. We sought to understand the experiences of these patient navigators.

Setting And Participants: Six kidney transplant recipients were hired and employed by transplant centers in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Where's the difference? Presentation of nosocomial infection in critically ill trauma versus general surgery patients.

Background: Diagnosing infection efficiently is integral to managing critically ill patients. Knowing if and how trauma and general surgery patients differ in their presentation of new infectious complications could be useful. We hypothesized these populations would differ in presentation in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Diagnosis of infection after splenectomy for trauma should be based on lack of platelets rather than white blood cell count.

Background: There is a lack of evidence-based criteria to assist the diagnosis of infection following trauma splenectomy (TS). However, the literature suggests that white blood cell count (WBC) is associated with infection in patients who undergo TS. We sought to find whether there exist key differences in laboratory and clinical parameters that can assist the diagnosis of infection after TS.

Limitations and strengths of doppler/echo pulmonary artery systolic pressure-right heart catheterization correlations: a systematic literature review.

Aims: Because many recent studies have questioned the accuracy of Doppler echocardiography (D) in determining pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), we performed a detailed literature analysis attempting add clarity.

Methods And Results: Studies through 2011 comparing D and right heart catheterization (RHC) PASP, with at least 25 studied patients and reporting correlation coefficients (r) were identified. Patient demographics, study characteristics, the percent of patients studied for left or right heart pathologies, and study biases were determined.

Coenzyme Q10 for heart failure.

Background: Coenzyme Q10, or ubiquinone, is a non-prescription nutritional supplement. It is a fat-soluble molecule that acts as an electron carrier in mitochondria and as a coenzyme for mitochondrial enzymes. Coenzyme Q10 deficiency may be associated with a multitude of diseases including heart failure.

Discordant Doppler right heart catheterization pulmonary artery systolic pressures: importance of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.

Background: Although the echo Doppler (D) estimation of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was initially highly correlated with right heart catheterization (RHC), recent D-RHC studies have questioned its accuracy. The aim of this study was to reevaluate this relationship and to determine possible explanations for disparate D-RHC results.

Methods: We retrospectively identified all patients at one institution who underwent RHC and had an echocardiogram within the prior month.

Anterior abdominal stab injury: a comparison of self-inflicted and intentional third-party stabbings.

Background: There is minimal literature comparing self-inflicted (SI) with non-self-inflicted (NSI) anterior abdominal stab wounds (AASW).

Methods: Adult patients treated at a level 1 trauma center from 2006 through 2011 with an AASW were reviewed.

Results: There were 215 patients with an AASW; 20% were SI.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after minor burn injury.

The relationship between severe emotional stress and subsequent acute cardiac dysfunction has been anecdotally noted for decades. In fact, cases of "death by fright" have been described since ancient times, and a growing body of evidence suggests that this phenomenon is due to an acute catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy. The authors present a case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy complicating a minor burn injury that occurred during an operating room fire.

Necrotizing soft-tissue infections.

Objective: To provide a contemporary review of the diagnosis and management of necrotizing soft-tissue infections.

Data Sources: Scientific literature and internet sources.

Study Selection: Major articles of importance in this area.

Moving beyond traditional measurement of mortality after injury: evaluation of risks for late death.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term mortality after trauma, and to determine risk factors and possible disparities related to mortality after hospital discharge.

Study Design: Level I trauma center registry data from a 6-year period (2000 through 2005) were linked to patient electronic medical records, the National Death Index with cause of death codes, and census data using geographic information science (GIS) methodologies. Census data provided supplemental demographic and socioeconomic information from patient neighborhoods.

Commentary: Transfusions: weighing the risks and benefits.

This commentary identifies important differences in patient groups that affect the observations in the accompanying article.

Extent of right and left ventricular focal wall-motion abnormalities in differentiating transient apical ballooning syndrome from apical dysfunction as a result of coronary artery disease.

Differentiating the ventricular dysfunction caused by apical ballooning syndrome (ABS) from that caused by apical involvement in an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) currently requires coronary angiography. We sought to determine if echocardiography could differentiate these two syndromes by the extent of regional left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. The location of the hinge point between normal and hypokinetic wall motion for both the RV and LV was blindly determined in 8 patients with ABS and in 16 patients with an initial ACS secondary to obstruction of the left anterior descending coronary artery and an associated apical wall-motion abnormality.

What does minor elevation of C-reactive protein signify?

Reports of the predictive value of minor elevation of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (between 3 and 10 mg/L) for atherosclerotic events have generated considerable interest, as well as a degree of controversy and confusion. CRP concentrations in this range are found in about one third of the American population. To better understand the mechanisms underlying minor elevation of CRP, we have surveyed its reported associations with a variety of states and conditions.

Persistent NF-kappaB activation in renal epithelial cells in a mouse model of HIV-associated nephropathy.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is caused, in part, by direct infection of kidney epithelial cells by HIV-1. In the spectrum of pathogenic host-virus interactions, abnormal activation or suppression of host transcription factors is common. NF-kappaB is a necessary host transcription factor for HIV-1 gene expression, and it has been shown that NF-kappaB activity is dysregulated in many naturally infected cell types.

Influence of endurance exercise and diet on human placental development and fetal growth.

The delivery of oxygen and substrate to the maternal-fetal interphase is the major maternal environmental stimulus which either up- or down-regulates feto-placental growth. During pregnancy, sustained exercise sessions cause an intermittent reduction in oxygen and substrate delivery to the interphase that may exceed 50% during the exercise but, it is probable that regular bouts of sustained exercise or exercise training may improve oxygen and substrate delivery at rest. The type of maternal carbohydrate intake (low- versus high-glycemic sources) and food intake frequency also influence substrate availability through their effects on maternal blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity.

Life after 80 hours: the impact of resident work hours mandates on trauma and emergency experience and work effort for senior residents and faculty.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of work hours mandates on (1) senior resident patient exposure and operating experience in trauma and emergency surgery and (2) faculty work effort.

Methods: We measured resident and faculty work on the trauma and emergency surgery services at our Level I trauma center during two comparable 6-month periods. Period 1 (July 1-December 31, 2002) had no call restrictions, separate trauma and emergency service resident call, and some overlap of faculty call responsibilities.