Factors Affecting Burn Contracture Outcome in Developing Countries: A Review of 2506 Patients.

Introduction: Burn contractures hinder joint mobility, resulting in functional impairment and reduced quality of life. This is of greater significance in developing countries where there are fewer resources for assistance with such impairments. Contracture release reduces deformity, but multiple factors affect the extent of postsurgical improvements and outcomes.

Higher serum iron is associated with increased oxidant stress in HIV-infected men.

Background: F₂-isoprostanes (F₂-IsoP) are oxidant stress biomarkers that are higher in HIV-infected women than men. We explored whether the effect of hemoglobin (Hgb), serum iron, or anemia on F₂-IsoP is different between HIV-infected women and men.

Methods: Plasma F₂-IsoP were quantified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; clinical and laboratory data were collected at enrollment or from the medical record.

Romidepsin for the treatment of T-cell lymphomas.

Purpose: The pharmacology, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, and clinical data on a novel therapy for the treatment of cutaneous or peripheral T-cell lymphoma (CTCL, PTCL) are summarized.

Summary: Romidepsin is the only bicyclic histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor to undergo clinical development. A potent and specific inhibitor of class 1 HDACs, romidepsin has linear pharmacokinetics and is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme 3A4.

Recommendations of the international guidelines 2000 conference on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiac care: an overview.

The greatest potential for survival of sudden cardiac arrest can be achieved only by providing early intervention using evidence-based therapies that have been studied over time. Emergency cardiac care and the 2000 advanced cardiac life support guidelines encompass all therapies that have been shown to improve outcomes in patients who experience life-threatening events that involve the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and pulmonary systems. Early recognition of warning signs, activation of emergency medical systems within the community, basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation, early defibrillation, airway management, and intravenous medication administration are key factors in improving resuscitation outcomes.

Use of handheld devices in critical care.

Emergencies happen everyday in the acute care environment and demand nurses to make decisions quickly that can have serious, if not potentially fatal, ramifications. Being prepared to make decisions is partly the results of experience, but having access to ready resources can provide even the newest nurse with the potential to make critical decisions accurately. Handheld devices, such as personal digital assistants, can provide access to resources that can improve patient safety and, ultimately, patient care delivery.