Using Computed Tomography to Rule Out Cryptorchidism in a Muntjac Deer.

Background: This case describes a Reeves' muntjac deer () with a suspected undescended testicle or cryptorchidism. The cryptorchid testicle could not be palpated or visualized with sonography. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging was performed to avoid an exploratory surgical operation, but no cryptorchid testicle was discovered.

Managing acute and recurrent idiopathic pericarditis.

Pericarditis is the most common form of pericardial disease and may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Management of idiopathic pericarditis includes pharmacologic therapies, non-pharmacologic therapies, and surgery. This article describes the diagnosis and management of idiopathic causes of pericarditis, incorporating recommendations included in the European Society of Cardiology guidelines.

Clusterin as a potential marker of brain ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a surgical procedure used in the prevention of ischemic stroke. However, this procedure can cause complications of ischemia-reperfusion injury to the brain. Clusterin (CLU) is a cytoprotective chaperone protein that is released from neurons in response to various neurological injuries.

Use and Effectiveness of the Teach-Back Method in Patient Education and Health Outcomes.

A review of the literature on the teach-back method of education suggests that the technique may be beneficial in reinforcing patient education.

Assessment of Physicians' Perceived Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Medications in Pregnant Patients.

Unlabelled: Many female patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are affected during their reproductive years, and the benefits of continuing medical therapy to maintain remission during pregnancy generally outweigh the risks of therapy cessation. Knowledge of the current guidelines is important to maximize maternal and fetal outcomes.

Methods: A total of 116 practitioners (family medicine [FM], n = 35; internal medicine [IM], n = 22; obstetrics/gynecol-ogy [Ob/Gyn], n=23; gastroenterology [GI], n = 36) responded to a survey.

Sleep and inflammatory bowel disease: exploring the relationship between sleep disturbances and inflammation.

Sleep disturbances are associated with a greater risk of serious adverse health events, economic consequences, and, most importantly, increased all-cause mortality. Several studies support the associations among sleep, immune function, and inflammation. The relationship between sleep disturbances and inflammatory conditions is complex and not completely understood.

Pelvic organ prolapse: an overview.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common gynecologic complaint in which the vaginal walls are weakened, resulting in descent of pelvic organs through the vagina. Prolapse may be asymptomatic or associated with pelvic pressure and difficulties with urination and defecation, but usually is not responsible for pelvic or lower abdominal pain. Treatment options include conservative measures such as a pessary or pelvic floor physical therapy, or surgical correction.

Designing the process evaluation for the collaborative planning of a local turning point partnership.

This study describes the design of the process evaluation of a collaborative effort among community partners to address health issues in central Oklahoma. The design is an application of a sound process evaluation planning framework that integrates the components of context, reach, dose delivered, dose received, fidelity, implementation, recruitment, barriers, and maintenance. The planning framework also provides guidance regarding the steps of designing and implementing the process evaluation.

A collaborative approach to program evaluation of community-based teen pregnancy prevention projects.

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate a model for collaboration between program providers and program evaluators. The article describes how university-based evaluators, a state health department, and local program providers collaborated to evaluate 12 projects implementing commercially developed teenage pregnancy prevention (TPP) programs in school settings. Approximately 2,200 students participate annually in the programs.

Effects of a community-based intervention to increase activity in American Indian elders.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a community-based exercise course applied to a group of American Indians (AI) who, because of physician recommendation and/or self-motivation, desired to increase their physical activity. Changes in physiological measurements and self-perceived measurements were determined following a moderate-intensity exercise program implemented through a randomized controlled trial to a population of American Indian elders between the ages of 55 and 75 living in an urban area. It was hypothesized that the exercise subjects would show improvement in all of the study variables examined, including three subjective measurements in emotional health, seven subjective measurements in physical health, and several physiological indices.

An analysis of factors associated with seat belt use: prevention opportunities for the medical community.

Motor vehicle collisions are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the Oklahoma population. The cost associated with this morbidity and mortality is exacerbated by the failure of individuals to use seat belts. Numerous organizations believe that seat belt compliance can be improved through physician counseling.