Intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and loss of barrier function in the setting of altered microbiota with enteral nutrient deprivation.

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN), a commonly used treatment for patients who cannot receive enteral nutrition, is associated with significant septic complications due in part to a loss of epithelial barrier function (EBF). While the underlying mechanisms of TPN-related epithelial changes are poorly understood, a mouse model of TPN-dependence has helped identify several contributing factors. Enteral deprivation leads to a shift in intestinal microbiota to predominantly Gram-negative Proteobacteria.

Benign adrenal adenomas secreting excess mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids.

Objective: To recognize that benign adrenal adenomas can co-secrete excess aldosterone and cortisol, which can change clinical management.

Methods: We reviewed the clinical and histological features of an adrenal tumor co-secreting aldosterone and cortisol in a patient. Biochemical testing as well as postoperative immunohistochemistry was carried out on tissue samples for assessing enzymes involved in steroidogenesis.

Acoustic Droplet Vaporization for the Enhancement of Ultrasound Thermal Therapy.

Acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) is an ultrasound method for converting biocompatible microdroplets into microbubbles. The objective is to demonstrate that ADV bubbles can enhance high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy by controlling and increasing energy absorption at the focus. Thermal phantoms were made with or without droplets.

Ondansetron oral disintegrating tablets for the prevention of postoperative vomiting in children undergoing strabismus surgery.

Strabismus surgery in pediatric patients is associated with a high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Ondansetron disintegrating tablets (ODT), an oral freeze-dried formulation of the 5-HT(3) antagonist, are well-tolerated and have been shown to reduce chemotherapy-induced vomiting. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of the ODT in preventing postoperative vomiting (POV) in children undergoing strabismus repair.

An unusual cause of recurrent pediatric neck abscess: pyriform sinus fistula.

We present a case of recurrent anterior neck abscess due to a congenital fourth branchial anomaly. Pyriform fossa sinus is uncommon and poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. This case reiterates that any child with a recurrent anterior neck mass should undergo thorough clinical and radiological assessments to rule out the possibility of a congenital sinus/fistula.