Association of Interstage Monitoring Era and Likelihood of Hemodynamic Compromise at Intervention for Recoarctation Following the Norwood Operation.

Background Intensive monitoring has been associated with a lower death rate between the Norwood operation and superior cavopulmonary connection, possibly due to early identification and effective treatment of residual anatomic lesions like recoarctation before lasting harm occurs. Methods and Results Neonates undergoing a Norwood operation and receiving interstage care at a single center between January 1, 2005, and September 18, 2020, were studied. In those with recoarctation, we evaluated association of era ([1] preinterstage monitoring, [2] a transitional phase, [3] current era) and likelihood of hemodynamic compromise (progression to moderate or greater ventricular dysfunction/atrioventricular valve regurgitation, initiation/escalation of vasoactive/respiratory support, cardiac arrest preceding catheterization, or interstage death with recoarctation on autopsy).

Acetylcholinesterase and human cancers.

The enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a serine hydrolase whose primary function is to degrade acetylcholine (ACh) and terminate neurotransmission. Apart from its role in synaptic transmission, AChE has several "non-classical" functions in non-neuronal cells. AChE is involved in cellular growth, apoptosis, drug resistance pathways, response to stress signals and inflammation.

Emergency Use of Targeted Osmotic Lysis for the Treatment of a Patient with Aggressive Late-Stage Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix.

Upregulation of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and Na/K-ATPase (sodium pumps) is common across most malignant carcinomas. Targeted osmotic lysis (TOL) is a developing technology in which the concomitant stimulation of VGSCs and pharmacological blockade of sodium pumps causes rapid selective osmotic lysis of carcinoma cells. This treatment of cervical carcinoma is evidence that TOL is a safe, well-tolerated and effective treatment for aggressive advanced carcinomas that has the potential to extend life without compromising its quality.

Real world coronary artery ostia full accessibility after last generation transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Aim: We evaluate, performing a pooled meta-analysis, the current coronary artery accessibility rate in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) patients during the follow-up. Full coronary artery accessibility after TAVI has not been adequately addressed by the current literature.

Methods: According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, data on coronary artery access were obtained from the ratio between in the full coronary engagement (n) and the number of coronary angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention (N).

Secundum atrial septal defects transcatheter closure versus surgery in adulthood: a 2000-2020 systematic review and meta-analysis of intrahospital outcomes.

Introduction: Technologically, advances in both transcatheter and surgical techniques have been continuing in the past 20 years, but an updated comprehensive comparison in device-based versus surgery in adults in terms of incidence of in-hospital mortality, perioperative stroke, and atrial fibrillation onset is still lacking. We investigate the performance of transcatheter device-based closure compared to surgical techniques by a systematic review and meta-analysis of the last 20 years literature data.

Material And Methods: The analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.

Safety and Efficacy of a Disposable Vaginal Device for Stress Urinary Incontinence.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an over-the-counter device for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in females.

Methods: A multicenter, interventional, single-arm study involving 5 different sites was conducted including women diagnosed with symptomatic SUI using a self-inserted pessary device. A 1-week baseline period was followed by a 2-week period of wearing the device.

A comparison of the antimicrobial efficacy of two silver-containing wound dressings on burn wound isolates.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of a silver alginate (SA) dressing and a silver carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) dressing on burn isolates grown within the quasi/non-biofilm state and the biofilm phenotypic states.

Method: Antimicrobial activity was tested using 46 burn wound isolates with a corrected zone of inhibition (CZOI) assay on agar (quasi/non-biofilm) and poloxamer (biofilm).

Results: All Gram-negative and positive isolates evaluated were found to be sensitive to both silver containing wound dressings, although superior antimicrobial activity was observed for a select number of specific bacteria when grown in the quasi/non-biofilm phenotypic state, for the SCMC dressing.

Oxidative/nitrosative stresses trigger type I diabetes: preventable in streptozotocin rats and detectable in human disease.

Recently we demonstrated that streptozotocin (STZ) diabetes (type I) in rats is preventable using a simultaneous equimolar injection of carboxy-PTIO (c-PTIO). Both changes in blood sugar and cataracts are prevented. This apparently occurs because the nitric oxide (NO) (from STZ) generated in the beta cells is oxidized to nitrite by c-PTIO preventing diabetes.

Ultrasensitive peroxynitrite-based luminescence with L-012 as a screening system for antioxidative/antinitrating substances, e.g. Tylenol (acetaminophen), 4-OH tempol, quercetin and carboxy-PTIO.

Previously our group developed a water-soluble antioxidant screening system using the luminescence of the reaction of peroxynitrite and luminol. In the present study we replaced luminol with the luminol-like compound L-012. This increases the production of luminescence approximately 100-fold and therefore, with a higher signal:noise ratio, this new system can detect antioxidation and antinitration effects at lower doses of the inhibitor.

Green tea extract and its polyphenols markedly inhibit luminol-dependent chemiluminescence activated by peroxynitrite or SIN-1.

This study is based on a simple chemical interaction of peroxynitrite (OONO-) and luminol, which produces blue light upon oxidation. Since peroxynitrite has a half-life of less than 1 s, a drug known as SIN-1 is used as a peroxynitrite generator. In addition peroxynitrite itself was used directly with a fast injection-mixing system to ascertain whether there are differences between it and the peroxynitrite-generating system (SIN-1) which mimics the natural production of (OONO-).

Neonatal suck reflex pattern does not predict apnea.

Respiration and suck are gestational age-dependent reflexes modulated in the brain stem. To determine if the suck reflex pattern could be used to predict apnea, the relationship between the two was examined in 28 neonates. The suck reflex was quantified with respect to burst-pause rhythm, amplitude of negative suck pressure, and synchrony of the negative-positive pressure.

Treatment of calcified cephalohematoma.

This is a case report concerning the surgical treatment of a calcified cephalohematoma, which was possibly caused by an intrauterine fetal monitor. This is the first report of this particular entity as a complication of an intrauterine fetal monitor. As far as we can determine, there is no detailed information available about surgical decision making or surgical techniques for removing such lesions.

Treatment of civilian gunshot wounds to the head.

Gunshot wounds to the head are a common problem in the United States. A review of the literature and a survey of neurosurgeons suggests some differences of opinion regarding treatment. But the series upon which these opinions are based may be quite different.

Type II fiber activation with electrical stimulation: a preliminary report.

Electrical stimulation to augment or maintain muscle performance has been well documented. The purpose of this preliminary report is to present the results of a single-case study conducted to determine the order of activation of skeletal muscle fibers as a result of electrical stimulation. The subject's quadriceps femoris muscles were electrically stimulated at 80% of maximal isometric torque.

Mechanical aspiration of hematomas in an in vitro model.

A modified Nucleotome (Surgical Dynamics, San Leandro, California) was used to aspirate blood clot in an in vitro model of intracerebral hematoma. This machine was successful in removing the clot at a reasonably rapid rate. It aspirates normal rat brain far more slowly.

DNA repair synthesis in isolated rainbow trout liver cells.

Isolated trout liver cells were treated with lysolecithin to produce an in situ system for characterizing DNA repair in teleosts. In this preparation, the integrity of the plasma membrane is altered, nuclei remain intact, and the concentrations of dNTPs and nucleotide analogs, which normally do not penetrate intact plasma membranes, can be controlled. Following lysolecithin treatment, 50% of the total cellular protein and nearly 75% of total lactate dehydrogenase activity was released from the liver cells.

The principles of bony spinal fusion.

Bony fusion is frequently required for anatomical reconstruction and stabilization of the spine. This review discusses bone structure, healing after fracture, and bony fusion, including the use of autografts and allografts. Research should be done on preparation of the bed, the nature and quantity of bone to be used, and how best to immobilize the spine.

Pharmacokinetics of cocaine: basic studies of route, dosage, pregnancy and lactation.

As a preface to the pharmacokinetic analysis of cocaine in pregnant and lactating rats (using oral administration of drug), young Long-Evans rats were used to compare the relative concentrations of cocaine in blood, brain, and liver after administering cocaine by iv or oral routes. Cocaine and its metabolites were determined using 3H-cocaine as a tracer, followed by homogenization and solvent extraction of tissues, and quantitative analysis by HPTLC and LSC. From 30 min postinjection to several hrs later, the concentration of cocaine was higher in brain (3-4 fold) and liver (3-5 fold) than in blood, using the iv route.

Autonomic drug effects after chronic lowering of ocular cholinergic input. I. Pupillary responses.

Cholinergic input to the anterior segment of the eye was chronically lowered by ciliary ganglionectomy in cats. Experimental eyes developed supersensitivity to the miotic effects of pilocarpine. In addition, these parasympathetically denervated eyes exhibited a moderate subsensitivity to the mydriatic effects of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and isoproterenol.

Locus of control and peer status: a scale for Children's Perceptions of Social Interactions.

A total of 985 third through sixth grade children participated in the development of a 48-item Locus of Control Scale for Children's Perceptions of Social Interactions (LOC-CPSI). Scores are based on the number of positive, negative, and total social reinforcers a child attributes to his or her own behavior (internal control). A social desirability subscale is included.

The effect of copper on glutathione metabolism in human leukocytes.

Leukocytes incubated with Cu(II) showed a decrease in both glutathione reductase activity and reduced glutathione content. The glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity under the same conditions was not affected. Serum albumin added to mixtures prevented the loss of enzyme activity, whileD-penicillamine andL-histidine had little effect.