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The primary objective of this study was to report surgical outcomes for cesarean delivery (CD) patients following the implementation of an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathway based on the ERAS Society recommendations. The primary outcome for which the study was powered was the length of stay (LOS).This IRB-approved cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary-care labor and delivery unit and utilized a pre-post intervention design. Our ERAS for CD protocol was designed using the ERAS Society recommendations and implemented globally for every patient admitted to the labor and delivery unit including both scheduled and unscheduled cases. The study was designed to have at least 85% power to detect a 6-h difference in length of stay (LOS) between the pre-intervention and post-intervention cohorts, assuming a standard deviation of 18 h. A total of 339 records were included for data analysis, 170 in the pre-intervention cohort and 169 in the post-intervention cohort. To assess the difference between groups with respect to the primary outcome of LOS, linear regression was used with and without adjusting for covariates. Differences in dichotomous secondary outcomes were assessed using binary logistic regression. Differences in continuous secondary outcomes were assessedMean LOS was 80.5 ± 22.9 h and 82.3 ± 28.0 h, pre- and post-intervention respectively. There was no difference in LOS between the 2 cohorts (difference of means = 1.8 h; 95% confidence interval (CI): (-3.7, 7.3);The results of this study support the implementation of an ERAS for CD protocol based on ERAS Society recommendations as evidenced by the statistically significant decrease observed in both procedure-related infection rates and inpatient opioid use. We did not find a significant difference in LOS, which leaves room for further investigation into factors that impact LOS after CD.

Background: The preferred method of fixation and surgical treatment for ligamentous Lisfranc injuries is controversial. Transarticular screws, bridge plating, fusion, and flexible fixation have been described, yet none have demonstrated superiority. Furthermore, screw fixation and plating often require secondary surgery to remove implants, leading surgeons to seek alternative fixation methods. Purpose: To compare transarticular screws and a fiber tape construct under a spectrum of biomechanical loads by evaluating the diastasis at 3 joints in the Lisfranc complex. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eight matched pairs of fresh, previously frozen lower extremity cadaveric specimens were fixed with either 2 cannulated transarticular crossed screws or a fiber tape construct with a supplemental intercuneiform limb. The diastasis between bones was measured at 3 midfoot joints in the Lisfranc complex: the Lisfranc articulation, the second tarsometatarsal joint, and the intercuneiform joint. Measurements were obtained for the preinjured, injured, and fixation conditions under static loading at 50% donor body weight. Specimens then underwent cyclic loading performed at 1 Hz and 100 cycles, based on 100-N stepwise increases in ground-reaction force from 100 to 2000 N, to simulate postoperative loading from the partial weightbearing stage to high-energy activities. Failure of fixation was defined as diastasis ≥2 mm at the Lisfranc articulation (second metatarsal–medial cuneiform joint). Results: There were no significant differences in diastasis detected at the Lisfranc articulation or the intercuneiform joint throughout all loading cycles between groups. All specimens endured loading up to 50% body weight + 1400 N. Up to and including this stage, there were 2 failures in the cannulated transarticular crossed-screw group and none in the fiber tape group. Conclusion: The fiber tape construct with a supplemental intercuneiform limb, which does not require later removal, may provide comparable biomechanical stability to cannulated transarticular crossed screws, even at higher loads. Clinical Relevance: Ligamentous Lisfranc injuries are common among athletes. Therefore, biomechanical evaluations are necessary to determine stable constructs that can limit the time to return to play. This study compares the biomechanical stability of 2 methods of fixation for ligamentous injury through a wide spectrum of loading, including those experienced by athletes.

Interventions have modest impact on reducing excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) in pregnant women with overweight/obesity. This two-arm feasibility randomized control trial tested delivery of and compliance with an intervention using adapted dosages to regulate GWG, and examined pre-post change in GWG and secondary outcomes (physical activity: PA, energy intake: EI, theories of planned behavior/self-regulation constructs) compared to a usual care group. Pregnant women with overweight/obesity (N = 31) were randomized to a usual care control group or usual care + intervention group from 8 to 2 weeks gestation and completed the intervention through 36 weeks gestation. Intervention women received weekly evidence-based education/counseling (e.g., GWG, PA, EI) delivered by a registered dietitian in a 60-min face-to-face session. GWG was monitored weekly; women within weight goals continued with education while women exceeding goals received more intensive dosages (e.g., additional hands-on EI/PA sessions). All participants used mHealth tools to complete daily measures of weight (Wi-Fi scale) and PA (activity monitor), weekly evaluation of diet quality (MyFitnessPal app), and weekly/monthly online surveys of motivational determinants/self-regulation. Daily EI was estimated with a validated back-calculation method as a function of maternal weight, PA, and resting metabolic rate. Sixty-five percent of eligible women were randomized; study completion was 87%; 10% partially completed the study and drop-out was 3%. Compliance with using the mHealth tools for intensive data collection ranged from 77 to 97%; intervention women attended > 90% education/counseling sessions, and 68–93% dosage step-up sessions. The intervention group (6.9 kg) had 21% lower GWG than controls (8.8 kg) although this difference was not significant. Exploratory analyses also showed the intervention group had significantly lower EI kcals at post-intervention than controls. A theoretical, adaptive intervention with varied dosages to regulate GWG is feasible to deliver to pregnant women with overweight/obesity.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the role of appendectomy in surgical excision of endometriosis and to assess complications associated with appendectomy. METHODS Retrospective study of women undergoing appendectomy for pelvic pain and/or endometriosis during a primary gynecologic procedure. RESULTS Record review was performed for 609 women who underwent appendectomy between 2013 and 2019 for pelvic pain (6.9%, 42/609), stage I-II endometriosis (63.7%, 388/609), or stage III-IV endometriosis (29.4%, 179/609). Appendiceal endometriosis (AppE) was present in 14.9% (91/609); 2.4% without endometriosis (1/42, reference group), 7.0% with stage I-II endometriosis (27/388, odds ratio [OR] 3.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-23.11, P = 0.278), and 35.2% with stage III-IV endometriosis (63/179, OR 22.24, 95% CI 2.99-165.40, P = 0.002). AppE was significantly associated with endometriosis present in other locations (OR 5.27, 95% CI 2.66-10.43, P

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of immediate preoperative gabapentin on postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopy for benign gynecologic indications. Mat...

Dwyer (lateral calcaneal closing wedge) osteotomy is commonly used in surgical correction of heel varus deformity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of wedge size and angle of osteotomy on deformity correction using preoperative imaging analysis with three-dimensional (3D) printed modeling. Seven patients diagnosed with pes cavovarus deformity who underwent Dwyer calcaneal osteotomy were identified retrospectively. Preoperative computed tomogrphy scans were used to create 3D printed models of the foot. After18 variations of osteotomy and fixation performed for each foot, Harris heel and Saltzman images were obtained. The angle between the tibia-talus axis and calcaneal-tuber axis was measured and compared to pre-osteotomy state. Change in the calcaneal lengths was also analyzed. The average degree correction of deformity per mm of bone resected was 3.8 ± 0.2 degrees in the Harris Heel view and 2.7 ± 0.8 degrees in the Saltzman view. A significant increase in correction was obtained with 10 mm compared with 5 mm wide wedges (P < .001). The difference in correction was not statistically significant between 30 and 45 degree cuts or osteotomy distance from the posterior calcaneal tuberosity, but a 45 degree sagittal angle resulted in less calcaneal shortening compared to 30 degrees (P = .02). A clinically driven method using patient-specific 3D models for determining effects of calcaneal osteotomy variables in correcting hindfoot alignment was developed. In summary, the amount of wedge resected impacts hindfoot alignment more than location and sagittal angle of the cut. Calcaneal shortening depends on sagittal angle of the cut.

Cutaneous microcirculatory perfusion is commonly measured using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) probes, which provide a continuous, non-invasive quantification of skin blood flow (SkBF). However, inhomogeneities in the skin’s microvasculature density contribute to a decrease in reproducibility whenever an LDF probe is removed and replaced, as is the case during pre- and post-intervention or between-day measurements. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether increasing the total number of individual LDF probes in a localized area improves the reproducibility of the measurement. Seven laser Doppler probes were secured in a custom-made acrylic holder designed to attach to the skin’s surface easily. SkBF, local skin temperature (Tsk), and blood pressure (BP) were assessed in 11 participants (6 M, 5 F, 42 ± 15 years). SkBF and Tsk were measured from the dorsal forearm (arm trial) for 5 min. Next, the multi-laser device was moved to the lateral side of the calf (leg trial), and measurements were obtained for 5 min. Each arm and leg trial was cyclically repeated three times, and all trials were separated by intermissions lasting 10–15 min. The average SkBF and the cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) from all possible LDF probe combinations were not statistically different across the three arm and leg trials. Two-way mixed-effects models with absolute agreement were used to compute the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for CVC, and the minimum ICC increased with the addition of LDF probes. The ICC of the average CVC from seven LDF probes was 0.96 between the arm trials and 0.91 between the leg trials, which suggests that there is excellent reliability and little difference between trials following the removal and replacement of the device. Moreover, all individual ICC values from ≥3 LDF probe combinations were greater than 0.70 (i.e., good reliability). These data suggest that SkBF measurements with multiple laser Doppler probes in a custom-made holder have excellent reproducibility after replacing the probes within the same participant. Therefore, this application could provide more reproducible assessments between repeated measurements (e.g., before and after exercise or clinical procedures) where the LDF probes must be removed and replaced within the same location.

Quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic medication has lacked pre-clinical validation for its purported benefits in the treatment of delirium. This laboratory investigation examined the effects of quetiapine on the attentional set shifting task (ASST), a measure of cognitive flexibility and executive functioning, in a rodent model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediated neuroinflammation. 19 Sprague Dawley female rats were randomly selected to receive intraperitoneal placebo (N = 5), LPS and placebo (N = 7) or LPS and quetiapine (n = 7) and performed the ASST. We measured trials to criterion, errors, non-locomotion episodes and latency to criterion, serum cortisol and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels. TNF-α levels were not different between groups at 24 h. Cortisol levels in the LPS + Quetiapine group were reduced compared to LPS + Placebo (P 0.0167). We demonstrated preserved reversal learning, no effect on attentional set shifting and normalized cortisol levels in quetiapine-treated rats in this neuroinflammatory model of delirium. This suggests that quetiapine’s beneficial effects in delirium may be related to the preservation of reversal learning and potential downstream effects related to reduction in cortisol production.

In 2017, we surveyed long-term care facilities in Pennsylvania regarding antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. Among 244 responding facilities, 93% had IPC programs and 47% had antimicrobial stewardship programs. There was significant variation in practices across facilities, and a number of program implementation challenges were identified.

Successful tibiotalar joint fusion relies on adequate compression. Compression following joint preparation may be affected by the extent to which the fibula holds the joint out to anatomical length. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of various distal fibula osteotomies on tibiotalar joint compression.Eight adult cadaveric lower extremity specimens with an intact ankle joint and syndesmotic complex were evaluated. The ankle joint cartilage was denuded to subchondral bone. The fibula was surgically modified with three progressing procedures including an oblique fibula osteotomy, 1 cm resection, and distal fibula resection. A transducer was utilized to measure tibiotalar joint force, contact area, and peak pressure values while compressive forces of 30 N, 50 N, and 100 N were applied to the proximal tibia/fibula.Distal fibula resection significantly increased tibiotalar joint force, contact area, and peak pressure the most of all fibula conditions tested compared to intact fibula control (p .05). Tibiotalar joint force and peak pressures were significantly increased with a distal fibula oblique osteotomy, 1 cm resection, and complete resection under both 30 and 50 N applied compressive force (p .05).Complete distal fibular resection results in higher tibiotalar joint force, contact area, and peak pressure which may improve clinical rates of successful ankle fusion.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic properties and microemboli capture associated with different vacuum-assisted venous drainage (VAVD) vacuum levels and venous reservoir levels in a neonatal cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. Trials were conducted in 2 parallel circuits to compare the performance of Capiox Baby RX05 oxygenator with separate AF02 arterial filter to Capiox FX05 oxygenator with integrated arterial filter. Arterial cannula flow rate to the patient was held at 500 mL/min and temperature maintained at 32°C, while VAVD vacuum levels (0 mm Hg, -15 mm Hg, -30 mm Hg, -45 mm Hg, -60 mm Hg) and venous reservoir levels (50 mL, 200 mL) were evaluated in both oxygenators. Hemodynamic parameters measuring flow, pressure, and total hemodynamic energy were made in real time using a custom-made data acquisition system and Labview software. Nearly 10 cc bolus of air was injected into the venous line and gaseous microemboli detected using an Emboli Detection and Classification Quantifier. Diverted blood flow via the arterial filter's purge line and mean pressures increased with increasing VAVD levels (P < 0.01). Mean pressures were lower with lower venous reservoir levels and were greater in RX05 groups compared to FX05 (P < 0.01). Microemboli detected at the preoxygenator site increased with higher VAVD vacuum levels and lower venous reservoir levels (P < 0.01). The amount of microemboli captured by the FX05 oxygenator with integrated arterial filter was greater than by the RX05 oxygenator alone, although both oxygenators were able to clear microemboli before reaching the pseudo-patient.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the hemodynamic characteristics of two femoral arterial cannulae in terms of circuit pressure, pressure drop, and hemodynamic energy transmission under non-pulsatile and pulsatile modes in a simulated adult extracorporeal life support (ECLS) system. The ECLS circuit consisted of i-cor diagonal pump and console (Xenios AG, Heilbronn, Germany), an iLA membrane ventilator (Xenios AG), an 18 Fr or 16 Fr femoral arterial cannula (Xenios AG), and a 23/25 Fr Estech remote access perfusion (RAP) femoral venous cannula (San Ramon, CA, USA). The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer's solution and packed red blood cells to achieve a hematocrit of 35%. All trials were conducted at room temperature with flow rates of 1-4 L/min (1 L/min increments). The pulsatile flow settings were set at pulsatile frequency of 75 bpm and pulsatile amplitudes of 1000-4000 rpm (1000 rpm increments). Flow and pressure data were collected using a custom data acquisition system. Total hemodynamic energy (THE) is calculated by multiplying the ratio between the area under the hemodynamic power curve (∫flow × pressure dt) and the area under the pump flow curve (∫flow dt) by 1332. The pressure drop across the arterial cannula increased with increasing flow rate and decreasing cannula size. The pressure drops of 18 Fr and 16 Fr cannulae were 19.4-24.5 and 38.4-45.3 mm Hg at 1 L/min, 55.2-56.8 and 110.9-118.3 mm Hg at 2 L/min, 94.1-105.1 and 209.7-215.1 mm Hg at 3 L/min, and 169.2-172.6 and 376.4 mm Hg at 4 L/min, respectively. Pulsatile flow created more hemodynamic energy than non-pulsatile flow, especially at lower flow rates. The percentages of THE loss across 18 Fr and 16 Fr cannula were 16.0-18.7 and 27.5-30.8% at 1 L/min, 35.1-35.7 and 52.3-53.8% at 2 L/min, 48.3-50.3 and 67.3-68.4% at 3 L/min and 62.9-63.1 and 79.0% at 4 L/min. The hemodynamic performance of the arterial cannula should be evaluated before use in clinical practice. The pressure drops and percentages of THE loss across two cannulae tested using human blood were higher compared to the manufacturer's data tested using water. The cannula size should be chosen to match the expected flow rate. In addition, this novel i-cor ECLS system can provide non-pulsatile and ECG-synchronized pulsatile flow without significantly increasing the cannula pressure drop and hemodynamic energy loss.

Translational research is a useful tool to provide scientific evidence for cannula selection during extracorporeal life support (ECLS). The objective of this study was to evaluate four Avalon Elite bi-caval dual lumen cannulas and nine femoral arterial cannulas in terms of flow range, circuit pressure, pressure drop, and hemodynamic energy transmission in a simulated adult ECLS model. A veno-venous ECLS circuit was used to evaluate four Avalon Elite bi-caval dual lumen cannulas (20, 23, 27, and 31 Fr), and a veno-arterial ECLS circuit was used to evaluate nine femoral arterial cannulas (15, 17, 19, 21, and 23 Fr). The two circuits included a Rotaflow centrifugal pump, a Quadrox-D adult oxygenator, and 3/8 in ID tubing for arterial and venous lines. The circuits were primed with lactated Ringer's solution and packed human red blood cells (hematocrit 40%). Trials were conducted at rotational speeds from 1000 to 5000 RPM (250 rpm increments) for each Avalon cannula, and at different flow rates (0.5-7 L/min) for each femoral arterial cannula. Real-time pressure and flow data were recorded for analysis. Small caliber cannulas created higher circuit pressures, higher pressure drops and higher M-numbers compared with large ones. The inflow side of Avalon dual lumen cannula had a significantly higher pressure drop than the outflow side (inflow vs. outflow: 20 Fr-100.2 vs. 49.2 mm Hg at 1.1 L/min, 23 Fr-93.7 vs. 41.4 mm Hg at 1.6 L/min, 27 Fr-102.3 vs. 42.8 mm Hg at 2.6 L/min, 31 Fr-98.1 vs. 44.7 mm Hg at 3.8 L/min). There was more hemodynamic energy lost in the veno-arterial ECLS circuit using small cannulas compared to larger ones (17 Fr vs. 19 Fr vs. 21 Fr at 4 L/min-Medtronic: 71.0 vs. 64.8 vs. 60.9%; Maquet: 71.4 vs. 65.6 vs. 62.0%). Medtronic femoral arterial cannulas had lower pressure drops (Medtronic vs. Maquet at 4 L/min: 17 Fr-121.7 vs. 125.0 mm Hg, 19 Fr-71.2 vs. 73.7 mm Hg, 21 Fr-42.9 vs. 47.4 mm Hg) and hemodynamic energy losses (Medtronic vs. Maquet at 4 L/min: 17 Fr-43.6 vs. 44.4%, 19 Fr-31.0 vs. 31.4%, 21 Fr-20.8 vs. 22.4%) at high flow rates when compared with the Maquet cannulae. The results for this study provided valuable hemodynamic characteristics of all evaluated adult cannulas with human blood in order to guide ECLS cannula selection in clinical practice. Use of larger cannulas are suggested for VV- and VA-ECLS.

The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect on length of labor when patients receive IVF with or without dextrose. Searches were performed in electronic databases from inception of each database to May 2018. Trials comparing intrapartum IVF containing dextrose (i.e. intervention group) with no dextrose or placebo (i.e. control group) were included. Only trials examining low-risk pregnancies in labor at ≥36 weeks were included. Studies were included regardless of oral intake restriction. The primary outcome was the length of total labor from randomization to delivery. The meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model. Sixteen trials (n = 2503 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Women randomized in the IVF dextrose group did not have a statistically significant different length of total labor from randomization to delivery compared to IVF without dextrose (MD −38.33 min, 95% CI −88.23 to 11.57). IVF with dextrose decreased the length of the first stage (MD −75.81 min, 95% CI −120.67 to −30.95), but there was no change in the second stage. In summary, use of IVF with dextrose during labor in low-risk women at term does not affect total length of labor, but it does shorten the first stage of labor.

The experimental circuit consisted of an i-cor diagonal pump, a Medos Hilite 800 LT oxygenator, an 8Fr Biomedicus arterial cannula, a 10Fr Biomedicus venous cannula, and six feet of 1/4 in ID tubing for arterial and venous lines. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer's solution and packed red blood cells (hematocrit 40%). Trials were conducted at various heart rates (90, 120, and 150 bpm) and flow rates (200, 400, and 600mL/min) under nonpulsatile and pulsatile mode with pulsatile amplitudes of 1000-4000rpm (1000 rpm increments). Real-time pressure and flow data were recorded for analysis. The i-cor pump was capable of creating nonpulsatile and electrocardiography (ECG)-synchronized pulsatile flow, and automatically reducing pulsatile frequency by increasing the assist ratio at higher heart rates. Reduced pulsatile frequency led to lower hemodynamic energy generation but did not affect circuit pressure drop. Pulsatile flow delivered more hemodynamic energy to the pseudopatient when compared with nonpulsatile flow. The pump generated more hemodynamic energy with higher pulsatile amplitudes. The i-cor pump can automatically adjust the pulsatile assist ratio to create pulsatile flow at higher heart rates, although this caused some hemodynamic energy loss. Compared with nonpulsatile flow, pulsatile flow generated and transferred more hemodynamic energy to the neonate during ECLS (200-600mL/min), especially at high pulsatile amplitudes and low flow rates.

The objective of this study was to evaluate a pulsatile extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) system in terms of hemodynamic energy generation and transmission under various pulsatile amplitudes, flow rates, and pseudopatient pressures in a simulated adult ECMO circuit. Surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE), a measure of the quality of pulsatility, was used to quantify pulsatile flow. The circuit consisted of an i-cor diagonal pump, an adult XLung oxygenator, a 21 Fr Medtronic Biomedicus femoral arterial cannula, a 23/25 Fr Sorin RAP femoral venous cannula, and 3/8 in ID tubing for both arterial and venous lines. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer's solution and then packed red blood cells (hematocrit 37%). Trials were conducted at 36°C with flow rates of 2-5 L/min (1 L/min increments) under nonpulsatile and pulsatile mode with pulsatile amplitudes of 1000-5000 rpm (1000 rpm increments). The pseudopatient pressure was maintained at 40-100 mm Hg (20 mm Hg increments). Real-time pressure and flow data were recorded for analysis using a custom-made data acquisition system. There was no SHE generated by the pump under nonpulsatile mode. Under pulsatile mode, SHE levels increased with increasing pulsatile amplitude and pseudopatient pressure (P < 0.01) but decreased with increasing flow rate. SHE levels were significantly higher at flow rates of 2-4 L/min. In addition, the XLung oxygenator had acceptable pressure drops (36.1-104.9 mm Hg) and percentages of total hemodynamic energy loss (19.6-43.9%) during all trials. The novel pulsatile ECMO system can create nonpulsatile and pulsatile flow in an adult ECMO model. However, pulsatility gradually weakened with increasing flow rates. Pulsatile amplitude settings were found to have a great impact on pulsatility.

The objective of this study was to assess the hemodynamic properties of the i-cor ECG-synchronized cardiac assist system for off-label use as a short-term cardiac assist device for neonatal and pediatric patients and compare nonpulsatile to pulsatile flow with different amplitudes. The circuit consisted of the i-cor diagonal pump with 3 feet of ¼ inch arterial and venous tubing and a soft-shell reservoir, primed with lactated Ringer's solution and human packed red blood cells (hematocrit 42%). Trials were conducted with three different sets of cannulas (8-Fr arterial 10-Fr venous, 10-Fr arterial 12 Fr-venous, and 12-Fr arterial 14-Fr venous) with increasing flow rates at varying pseudo-patient pressures (40, 60, 80, and 100 mm Hg) and under nonpulsatile mode and pulsatile mode with pulsatile amplitudes 2000, 2500, and 3000 rpm at 36°C. Pressure and flow waveforms were recorded using a custom-made data acquisition device for each trial. Energy equivalent pressure (EEP) was higher than mean pressure under pulsatile mode, and increased with increasing pseudo-patient's pressure and flow rate while EEP was the same as the mean pressure under nonpulsatile mode. Total hemodynamic energy (THE) levels increased with pressure and pulsatile amplitude and slightly decreased with increasing flow rate. The percent THE lost throughout the circuit increased with flow rate and pulsatile amplitude and decreased with pseudo-patient's pressure. SHE levels also increased with pseudo-patient pressure and pulsatile amplitude and decreased with increasing flow rate. The i-cor diagonal pump can be used as a short term cardiac assist device for neonatal and pediatric patients and is able to provide nonpulsatile as well as pulsatile flow. Compared with nonpulsatile flow, pulsatile flow can generate and deliver more hemodynamic energy to the patients.

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of nonpulsatile and ECG-synchronized pulsatile extracorporeal life support on coronary and carotid blood flow velocities using transthoracic echocardiography and vascular ultrasound, respectively. Nine adult swine were randomly separated into nonpulsatile (NP, n = 5) and pulsatile (P, N = 4) groups and placed on ECLS for 24 h using an i-cor ECLS system. Noninvasive transthoracic images of the left and right coronary artery and the left carotid artery were acquired at the pre-ECLS (baseline), 30 min, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 h on-ECLS stages. The mean diastolic velocity of the left and right coronary arteries in the NP group significantly decreased after 24 h on ECLS compared to the baseline and 30 min ECLS stages (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the mean diastolic velocity of the coronary arteries in the P group at 30 min, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, and 24-h ECLS compared to baseline. The P group showed a smaller decrease in the mean diastolic velocity of coronary arteries between the 30-min ECLS and 3-, 6-, 9-, 13-, 24-h ECLS stages compared to the NP group. The diastolic velocity of the left carotid artery in the NP group significantly decreased during 24-h ECLS compared to the P group (P < 0.05). An ECG-synchronized pulsatile ECLS system appeared to maintain coronary and carotid artery diastolic velocities better than conventional nonpulsatile ECLS. Further investigation of the perfusion modes during ECLS is warranted.

The objective of this study was to evaluate three commercially available ECLS systems with rotary pumps in terms of circuit pressure, pressure drop, perfusion modes, and hemodynamic energy transmission in a simulated adult cardiogenic shock model. One circuit consisted of a Cardiohelp system, which included a Cardiohelp console and HLS Module Advanced 7.0 tubing set with integrated centrifugal pump and oxygenator. The alternative circuit was composed of a Quadrox-D Adult oxygenator connected in series with either an i-cor diagonal pump and console or a Rotaflow centrifugal pump and console. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer's solution and packed red blood cells (hematocrit 40%). The trials were conducted at flow rates of 1-5 L/min with pseudo patient pressures of 60 mm Hg and 80 mm Hg. Pulsatile flow was tested when using the i-cor system. Mean pre-oxygenator pressure and pressure drop across ECLS circuit (including oxygenator and arterial tubing) were lower when using the Cardiohelp system as compared to the Rotaflow and i-cor systems (P < 0.01). The i-cor system was able to deliver more hemodynamic energy to the pseudo patient because of its ability to produce pulsatile flow (P < 0.01). The Cardiohelp HLS Module Advanced 7.0 integrated oxygenator had a lower resistance than the Quadrox-D oxygenator. Although the compact Cardiohelp system had a better hemodynamic performance when compared to Rotaflow and i-cor systems, the pulsatile flow of the i-cor system delivered more hemodynamic energy to the pseudo patient. This may render more physiological benefits in high-risk patients on ECLS.

The objective was to assess the i-cor electrocardiogram-synchronized diagonal pump in terms of hemodynamic energy properties for off-label use in neonatal and pediatric extracorporeal life support (ECLS) circuits. The neonatal circuit consisted of an i-cor pump and console, a Medos Hilite 800 LT oxygenator, an 8Fr arterial cannula, a 10Fr venous cannula, 91 cm of 0.6-cm ID arterial tubing, and 91 cm of 0.6-cm ID venous tubing. The pediatric circuit was identical except it included a 12Fr arterial cannula, a 14Fr venous cannula, and a Medos Hilite 2400 LT oxygenator. Neonatal trials were conducted at 36°C with hematocrit 40% using varying flow rates (200-600 mL/min, 200 mL increments) and postarterial cannula pressures (40-100 mm Hg, 20 mm Hg increments) under nonpulsatile mode and pulsatile mode with various pulsatile amplitudes (1000-4000 rpm, 1000 rpm increments). Pediatric trials were conducted at different flow rates (800-1600 mL/min, 400 mL/min increments). Mean pressure and energy equivalent pressure increased with increasing postarterial cannula pressure, flow rate, and pulsatile amplitude. Physiologic-like pulsatility was achieved between pulsatile amplitudes of 2000-3000 rpm. Pressure drops were greatest across the arterial cannula. Pulsatile flow generated significantly higher total hemodynamic energy (THE) levels than nonpulsatile flow. THE levels at postarterial cannula site increased with increasing postarterial cannula pressure, pulsatile amplitude, and flow rate. No surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) was generated under nonpulsatile mode. Under pulsatile mode, preoxygenator SHE increased with increasing postarterial cannula pressure and pulsatile amplitude, but decreased with increasing flow rate. The i-cor system can provide nonpulsatile and pulsatile flow for neonatal and pediatric ECLS. Pulsatile amplitudes of 2000-3000 rpm are recommended for use in neonatal and pediatric patients.

The purpose of this study was to compare the Capiox FX15 oxygenator with integrated arterial filter to the Capiox RX15 oxygenator with separate Capiox AF125 arterial filter in terms of hemodynamic properties and gaseous microemboli (GME) capturing. Trials were conducted at varying flow rates (2.0 L/min, 3.0 L/min, 4.0 L/min), temperatures (30°C, 35°C), and flow modalities (pulsatile, nonpulsatile). Pressure and flow waveforms were recorded using a custom-made data acquisition system. GME data were recorded using an Emboli Detection and Classification Quantifier after injecting a 5 mL air bolus into the venous line. Maximum instantaneous pre-oxygenator flows reached 7.4 L/min under pulsatile conditions when the roller pump was set to a flow rate of 4 L/min. Mean pressure drops were slightly greater in the FX15 group (P < 0.0001), and the diverted flow from the arterial purge line was slighter greater in the FX15 group at 3 L/min and 4 L/min (P < 0.0001). There was a slight generation of surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) at the pre-oxygenator site for both oxygenators under "nonpulsatile mode." However, higher pre-oxygenator SHE levels were recorded for both groups with "pulsatile mode." The RX15 and FX15 groups were both able to remove all microemboli from the circuit at 2 L/min and 3 L/min in "nonpulsatile mode." Microemboli were delivered to the patient at 4 L/min with pulsatile flows in both groups. The RX15 oxygenator with separate AF125 arterial filter and FX15 oxygenator with integrated arterial filter performed similarly in terms of hemodynamic performance and microemboli capturing. Pulsatile flows at 4 L/min produced instantaneous flow rates that surpassed the documented maximum flow rates of the oxygenators and might have contributed to the delivery of GME to the pseudo-patient.

The objective of this study was to compare three different hemoconcentrators (Hemocor HPH 400, Mini, and Junior) with two different neonatal ECMO circuits using a roller or a centrifugal pump at different pseudo-patient pressures and flow rates in terms of hemodynamic properties. This evidence-based research is necessary to optimize the ECMO circuitry for neonates. The circuits used a 300-mL soft-shell reservoir as a pseudo-patient approximating the blood volume of a 3 kg neonate, two blood pumps, and a Quadrox-iD Pediatric oxygenator with three different in-line hemoconcentrators (Hemocor HPH 400, Mini, and Junior). One circuit used a Maquet H20 roller pump and another circuit used a Maquet RotaFlow centrifugal pump. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer's solution followed by heparinized packed red blood cells with a hematocrit of 40%. The pseudo-patient's pressure was manually maintained at 40, 60, or 80 mm Hg and the flow rate was maintained at 200, 400, or 600 mL/min with a circuit temperature of 36°C. Pressure and flow data was recorded using a custom-made data acquisition device. Mean pressures, diverted blood flow, pressure drops, and total hemodynamic energy (THE) were calculated for each experimental condition. The roller pump and centrifugal pump performed similarly for all hemodynamic properties with all experimental conditions. The Hemocor HPH Junior hemoconcentrator added the highest resistance to the circuit. The Hemocor HPH Junior provided the highest circuit pressures, lowest diverted blood flow, highest pressure drop across the circuit, and highest THE generated by the pump. The Hemocor HPH 400 added the least resistance to the circuit, providing the lowest circuit pressures, more diverted flow, lowest pressure drop, and the lowest THE generated by the pump. However, the THE delivered to the patient was the same for the three hemoconcentrators. While the three hemoconcentrators performed differently in terms of hemodynamic properties throughout the circuit, the THE transmitted to the patient was similar for all three hemoconcentrators due to the consistent pseudo-patient's pressure that was manually maintained for each trial. While the THE delivered to the patient indicates similar perfusion for these patients with any of the three hemoconcentrators, the differences in added resistance to the circuit may impact the decision of which hemoconcentrator is used. There was no clinically significant difference between the two circuits with the roller versus centrifugal pump in terms of hemodynamic properties in this study. Further in vivo research is warranted to confirm our findings.

This study examines attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and callous-unemotional (CU) traits as moderators of the association between conduct problems (CP) and young adult functioning. Young adults (n = 283; Mage = 20.82 years; 53.4% female), oversampled for attention and behavior problems, provided self-ratings of ADHD, CP, and CU, and adaptive functioning and psychopathology. ADHD and CU simultaneously moderated relationships between CP and family functioning, tobacco use, and internalizing symptoms. In addition, ADHD moderated the relation between CP and job functioning, and main effects of ADHD in the expected direction were found for educational performance and drug use. CU was associated with poorer educational outcomes. Interestingly, no ADHD, CU, or CP effects were observed for reported alcohol use. Our results highlight the importance of considering ADHD and CU in understanding the impact of CP on young adult functioning and psychopathology, and point to the importance of continued work on this topic.

The objective of this study was to compare the hemodynamic performances and gaseous microemboli (GME) handling ability of two pediatric oxygenators in a simulated pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) model and the importance of adding an arterial filter in the circuit. The circuit consisted of a Braile Infant oxygenator or a Maquet Quadrox-I Pediatric oxygenator without integrated arterial filter (parallel arrangement), 1/4 in. ID tubing A-V loop, and a 12-Fr arterial cannula, primed with lactated Ringer's solution and packed red blood cells. Trials were conducted at flow rates ranging from 500 to 2000 mL/min (500 mL/min increment) at 35°C and 28°C. Real-time pressure and flow data were recorded using a custom-based data acquisition system. For GME testing, 5 cc of air was manually injected into the venous line. GME were recorded using the Emboli Detection and Classification Quantifier (EDAC) System. An additional experiment using a separate arterial filter was conducted. There was no difference in the mean circuit pressure, pressure drop, total hemodynamic energy level, and energy loss between the two oxygenators. The venous line pressures were higher in the Braile than in the Quadrox group during all trials (P

Neurologic complications during neonatal extracorporeal life support (ECLS) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Gaseous microemboli (GME) in the ECLS circuit may be a possible cause. Advances in neonatal circuitry may improve hemodynamic performance and GME handling leading to reduction in patient complications. This study compared hemodynamic performance and GME handling using two centrifugal pumps (Maquet RotaFlow and Medos Deltastream DP3) and polymethylpentene oxygenators (Maquet Quadrox-iD and Medos Hilite 800LT) in a neonatal ECLS circuit model. The experimental circuit was primed with Lactated Ringer's solution and packed human red blood cells (hematocrit 40%) and arranged in parallel with the RotaFlow and DP3 pump, Quadrox-iD and Hilite oxygenator, and Better-Bladder. Hemodynamic trials evaluating pressure drops and total hemodynamic energy (THE) were conducted at 300 and 500 mL/min at 36°C. GME handling was measured after 0.5 mL of air was injected into the venous line using the Emboli Detection and Classification Quantifier System with unique pump, oxygenator, and Better-Bladder combinations. The RotaFlow pump and Quadrox oxygenator arrangement had lower pressure drops and THE loss at both flow rates compared to the DP3 pump and Hilite oxygenator (P < 0.01). Total GME volume and counts decreased with Better-Bladder at both flow rates with all combinations (P < 0.01). Hemodynamic performance and energy loss were similar in all of the circuit combinations. The Better-Bladder significantly decreased GME. All four combinations of pumps and oxygenators also performed similarly in terms of GME handling.

The objective of this study is to evaluate electrocardiography (ECG)-synchronized pulsatile flow under varying heart rates and different atrial and ventricular arrhythmias in a simulated extracorporeal life support (ECLS) system. The ECLS circuit consisted of an i-cor diagonal pump and console, an iLA membrane ventilator, and an 18 Fr arterial cannula. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer's solution and packed red blood cells (hematocrit 35%). An ECG simulator was used to trigger pulsatile flow and to generate selected cardiac rhythms. All trials were conducted at a flow rate of 2.5 L/min at room temperature for normal sinus rhythm at 45-180 bpm under non-pulsatile and pulsatile modes. Various atrial and ventricular arrhythmias were also tested. Real-time pressure and flow data were recorded using a custom-based data acquisition system. The energy equivalent pressure (EEP) generated by pulsatile flow was always higher than the mean pressure. No surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) was recorded under non-pulsatile mode. Under pulsatile mode, SHE levels increased with increasing heart rates (45-120 bpm). SHE levels under a 1:2 assist ratio were higher than the 1:1 and 1:3 assist ratios with a heart rate of 180 bpm. A similar trend was recorded for total hemodynamic energy levels. There was no statistical difference between the two perfusion modes with regards to pressure drops across the ECLS circuit. The main resistance and energy loss came from the arterial cannula. The i-cor console successfully tracked electrocardiographic signals of 12 atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Our results demonstrated that the i-cor pulsatile ECLS system can be synchronized with a normal heart rate or with various atrial/ventricular arrhythmias. Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomies have been shown to be successful in the surgical management of adult acquired flatfoot, in particular, stage 2 deformity. Classically, the medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy technique has been performed. However, a calcaneal Z osteotomy has been more recently described and applied in the surgical management of flatfoot deformity. Although the potential advantages of the calcaneal Z technique have been reported, data on its effect on the subtalar joint are lacking. A validated flatfoot model was induced in 8 cadaveric feet that had been randomly assigned to either medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (n = 4) or calcaneal Z osteotomy (n = 4). The feet were loaded through the tibia with a constant ground reaction force of 400 N, with a simultaneous increase in the Achilles tendon force to 300 or 500 N. The subtalar joint pressures were recorded before and after osteotomy. We did not detect any statistically significant differences between the 2 techniques in terms of their effects on subtalar joint pressure.

The objective of this study was to do an in vitro evaluation of venous line pressure using different venous line lengths and venous cannula sizes in pediatric venoarterial extracorporeal life support (VA-ECLS) and venovenous ECLS (VV-ECLS) circuits. The pediatric VA-ECLS circuit consisted of a Xenios i-cor diagonal pump, a Maquet Quadrox-i pediatric oxygenator, a Medtronic Biomedicus arterial cannula, a Biomedicus venous cannula, and 1/4″ ID arterial and venous tubing. The pediatric VV-ECLS circuit was similar, except it included a Maquet Avalon ELITE bi-caval dual lumen cannula. Circuits were primed with lactated Ringer's solution and packed red blood cells (hematocrit 40%). Trials were conducted at various flow rates (VA-ECLS: 250-1250 mL/min, VV-ECLS: 250-2000 mL/min) using different venous tubing lengths (2, 4, and 6 feet) and cannula sizes (VA-ECLS: A8Fr/V10Fr, A10Fr/V12Fr and A12Fr/V14Fr, VV-ECLS: 13Fr, 16Fr, 19Fr, 20Fr and 23Fr) at 36°C. Real-time pressure and flow data were recorded for analysis. The use of a small-caliber venous cannula significantly increased the venous line pressure in the 2 pediatric circuits (P

Quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic medication has lacked pre-clinical validation for its purported benefits in the treatment of delirium. This laboratory investigation examined the effects of quetiapine on the attentional set shifting task (ASST), a measure of cognitive flexibility and executive functioning, in a rodent model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediated neuroinflammation. 19 Sprague Dawley female rats were randomly selected to receive intraperitoneal placebo (N = 5), LPS and placebo (N = 7) or LPS and quetiapine (n = 7) and performed the ASST. We measured trials to criterion, errors, non-locomotion episodes and latency to criterion, serum cortisol and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels. TNF-α levels were not different between groups at 24 h. Cortisol levels in the LPS + Quetiapine group were reduced compared to LPS + Placebo (P 0.001) and did not differ from the placebo group (P = 0.15). Analysis between LPS + Quetiapine and LPS + Placebo treated rats demonstrated improvement in the compound discrimination reversal (CD Rev1) (P = 0.016) and the intra-dimensional reversal (ID Rev2) (P = 0.007) discriminations on trials to criterion. LPS + Quetiapine treated rats had fewer errors than LPS + Placebo treated animals in the compound discrimination (CD) (P = 0.007), CD Rev1 (P = 0.005), ID Rev2 (P 0.001) discriminations. There was no difference in non-locomotion frequency or latency to criterion between the three groups in all discriminations (P 0.0167). We demonstrated preserved reversal learning, no effect on attentional set shifting and normalized cortisol levels in quetiapine-treated rats in this neuroinflammatory model of delirium. This suggests that quetiapine's beneficial effects in delirium may be related to the preservation of reversal learning and potential downstream effects related to reduction in cortisol production. Graphical Abstract.

Restoration of joint stability during total shoulder arthroplasty can be challenging in the face of severe glenoid retroversion. A novel technique of humeral head component anterior-offsetting has been proposed to address posterior instability. We evaluated the biomechanical benefits of this technique in cadaveric specimens. Total shoulder arthroplasty was performed in 14 cadaveric shoulders from 7 donors. Complementary shoulders were assigned to either 10° or 20° glenoid retroversion, with retroversion created by eccentric reaming. Two humeral head component offset positions were tested in each specimen: The anatomic (posterior) and anterior (reverse). With loads applied to the rotator cuff and deltoid, joint contact pressures and the force and energy required for posterior humeral head translation were measured. The force and energy required to displace the humeral head posteriorly increased significantly with the anterior offset position compared to the anatomic offset position. The joint contact pressures were significantly shifted anteriorly, and the joint contact area significantly increased with the anterior offset position. Anterior offsetting of the humeral head component increased the resistance to posterior humeral head translation, shifted joint contact pressures anteriorly, and increased joint contact area, thus, potentially increasing the joint stability in total shoulder arthroplasty with simulated glenoid retroversion.

The objective of this study was to compare the systemic inflammatory response and hemolytic characteristics of a conventional roller pump (HL20-NP) and an alternative diagonal pump with nonpulsatile (DP3-NP) and pulsatile mode (DP3-P) in simulated neonatal extracorporeal life support (ECLS) systems. The experimental neonatal ECLS circuits consist of a conventional Jostra HL20 roller pump or an alternative Medos DP3 diagonal pump, and Medos Hilite 800 LT hollow-fiber oxygenator with diffusion membrane. Eighteen sterile circuits were primed with freshly donated whole blood and divided into three groups: conventional HL20 with nonpulsatile flow (HL20-NP), DP3 with nonpulsatile flow (DP3-NP), and DP3 with pulsatile flow (DP3-P). All trials were conducted for durations of 12 h at a flow rate of 500 mL/min at 36°C. Simultaneous blood flow and pressure waveforms were recorded. Blood samples were collected to measure plasma-free hemoglobin (PFH), human tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8, in addition to the routine blood gas, lactate dehydrogenase, and lactic acid levels. HL20-NP group had the highest PFH levels (mean ± standard error of the mean) after a 12-h ECLS run, but the difference among groups did not reach statistical significance (HL20-NP group: 907.6 ± 253.1 mg/L, DP3-NP group: 343.7 ± 163.2 mg/L, and DP3-P group: 407.6 ± 156.6 mg/L, P = 0.06). Although there were similar trends but no statistical differences for the levels of proinflammatory cytokines among the three groups, the HL20-NP group had much greater levels than the other groups (P > 0.05). Pulsatile flow generated higher total hemodynamic energy and surplus hemodynamic energy levels at pre-oxygenator and pre-clamp sites (P

This study investigated the total hemodynamic energy (THE) and surplus hemodynamic energy transmis- sion (SHE) of a novel adult extracorporeal life support (ECLS) system with nonpulsatile and pulsatile settings and varying pulsatility to define the most effective setting for this circuit. The circuit consisted of an i-cor diagonal pump (Xenios AG, Heilbronn, Germany), an XLung mem- brane oxygenator (Xenios AG), an 18 Fr Medos femoral arterial cannula (Xenios AG), a 23/25 Fr Estech RAP femoral venous cannula (San Ramon, CA, USA), 3/8 in ID × 140 cm arterial tubing, and 3/8 in ID × 160 cm venous tubing. Priming was done with lactated Ringer's solution and packed red blood cells (HCT 36%). The trials were conducted at flow rates 1-4 L/min (1 L/min increments) under nonpulsatile and pulsatile mode, with differential speed values 1000-4000 rpm (1000 rpm increments) at 36°. The pseudo patient's mean arterial pressure was kept at 100 mm Hg using a Hoffman clamp during all trials. Real- time flow and pressure data were collected using a custom- based data acquisition system. Mean pressures across the circuit increased with increasing flow rates, but increased insignificantly with increasing differential speed values. Mean pressure did not change significantly between pulsa- tile and nonpulsatile modes. Pulsatile flow created more THE than nonpulsatile flow at the preoxygenator site (P < 0.01). Of the different components of the circuit, the arterial cannula created the greatest THE loss. THE loss across the circuit ranged from 24.8 to 71.3%. Still, under pulsatile mode, more THE was delivered to the pseudo patient at low flow rates. No SHE was created with nonpulsatile flow, but SHE was created with pulsatile flow, and increased with increasing differential speed values. At

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate a novel electrocardiogram (ECG)-synchronized pulsatile extracorporeal life support (ECLS) system for adult partial mechanical circulatory support for adequate quality of pulsatility and enhanced hemodynamic energy generation in an in vivo animal model. The secondary aim was to assess end-organ protection during nonpulsatile versus synchronized pulsatile flow mode. Ten adult swine were randomly divided into a nonpulsatile group (NP, n = 5) and pulsatile group (P, n = 5), and placed on ECLS for 24 h using an i-cor system consisting of an i-cor diagonal pump, an iLA membrane ventilator, an 18 Fr femoral arterial cannula and a 23/25 Fr femoral venous cannula. Trials were conducted at a flow rate of 2.5 L/min using nonpulsatile or pulsatile mode (with assist ratio 1:1). Real-time pressure and flow data were recorded using a custom-based data acquisition system. To the best of our knowledge, the oxygenator and circuit pressure drops were the lowest for any available system in both groups. The ECG-synchronized i-cor ECLS system was able to trigger pulsatile flow in the porcine model. After 24-h ECLS, energy equivalent pressure, surplus hemodynamic energy, and total hemodynamic energy at preoxygenator and prearterial cannula sites were significantly higher in the P group than those in the NP group (P 0.05). The novel i-cor system performed well in the nonpulsatile and ECG-synchronized pulsatile mode in an adult animal ECLS model. The iLA membrane oxygenator had an extremely lower transmembrane pressure gradient and excellent gas exchange capability. Our findings suggest that ECG-triggered pulsatile ECLS provides superior end-organ protection with improved renal function and systemic vascular tone.

Objective Sepsis is a condition associated with a dysregulated inflammatory response to infection with significant morbidity. Recent advances have elucidated the vital role that the short chain fatty acid glycoprotein receptor 43 (FFA2/GPR43) plays in inflammatory and immunomodulatory pathways. We hypothesized that elevated whole blood GPR43 RNA expression would be associated with increased 30-day survival in patients admitted with sepsis. Patients (n = 93) admitted to the intensive care unit with the diagnosis of sepsis underwent quantitative real time PCR within 48 h of intensive care unit admission. Clinical and demographical parameters were retrospectively extracted from the chart and compared to quantitative measurements of GPR43 RNA expression. Results Utilizing logistic regression, we found that the odds of mortality decreased for every one-unit increase in GPR43 RNA expression for patients that survived to 30 days [OR = 0.71; 95% CI (0.50, 0.99) p = 0.049]. Using linear regression, we determined that the increase in whole blood GPR43 expression was not associated with whole blood white cell count [r = 0.04; 95% CI (−0.16, 0.24); p = 0.70] or body mass index [r = − 0.07; 95% CI (− 0.23, 0.18); p = 0.81]. We conclude that the GPR43 receptor plays an integral role in survival during and after sepsis.

We sought to determine the time-course in androgen and semen parameters in men after weight loss associated with bariatric surgery with a prospective cohort study of 6 male subjects, age 18-40 years, meeting NIH bariatric surgery guidelines, conducted in 2005-2008, with study visits at baseline, then 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. All men had a Roux-en-y-Gastric-Bypass (RYGB) performed at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. We collected at each visit biometric, questionnaire, serum, and urinary specimens as well as a semen analysis. Urinary integrated total testosterone levels increased significantly by 3 months after surgery, and remained elevated throughout the study. Circulating testosterone levels were also higher at 1 and 6 months after surgery, compared to baseline. Serum SHBG levels were significantly elevated at all time points post-operatively. After RYGB surgery, there were no significant changes in urinary estrogen metabolites (estrone 3-glucuronide) or serum estradiol levels, serial semen parameters, or male sexual function by questionnaire. This study supports the idea that a threshold of weight loss is necessary to improve male reproductive function by reversing male hypogonadism, manifested as increased testosterone levels. Further serial semen analysis results showed normal ranges for most parameters despite massive weight loss.

Arrhythmias are a frequent complication during extracorporeal life support (ECLS). A new ECLS system can provide pulsatile flow synchronized to the patient's intrinsic cardiac cycle based upon the R wave of the electrocardiogram (ECG). It is unclear how the occurrence of arrhythmias may alter the hemodynamic performance of the system. This in vitro study evaluated the effect of simulated arrhythmias on hemodynamics during R wave-triggered pulsatile ECLS. The ECLS circuit with an i-cor diagonal pump and iLA membrane ventilator was primed with whole blood at room temperature. Flow and pressure data were collected at 2.5 and 4 L/min for each condition using a customized data acquisition system. Pulsatile ECLS flow was R wave synchronized to an ECG simulator using 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 assist ratios. Conditions tested included sinus rhythm at 45 and 90 bpm, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and irregular rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation. Pulsatile mode was successfully triggered by ECG signals of normal sinus rhythm, SVT, VT, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and ventricular bigeminy with assist ratios 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3. Regular rhythm at 90 bpm generated the best surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE). For SVT and VT, an assist ratio of 1:2 resulted in maximum pulsatile flow waveforms with optimal SHE at 2.5 L/min flow rate. At 4 L/min, SHE declined and the pressure drop increased independent of arrhythmia condition. Irregular rhythms still produced adequate pulsatile wave forms at lower pulsatile frequency. This study demonstrated the feasibility of generating pulsatile ECLS flow with the novel ECG-synchronized i-cor system during various simulated rhythms. The optimal rate for pulsatile flow was 90 bpm. During irregular rhythms, the lower pulsatile frequency was the more reliable synchronization mode for generating pulsatile flow.

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of every component of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) circuit on hemodynamic energy transmission in terms of energy equivalent pressure (EEP), total hemodynamic energy (THE), and surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) under nonpulsatile and pulsatile modes in a novel ECLS system. The ECLS circuit consisted of i-cor diagonal pump and console (Xenios AG, Heilbronn, Germany), an iLA membrane ventilator (Xenios AG), an 18 Fr femoral arterial cannula, a 23/25 Fr femoral venous cannula, and 3/8-in ID arterial and venous tubing. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer's solution and human whole blood (hematocrit 33%). All trials were conducted under room temperature at the flow rates of 1–4 L/min (1 L/min increments). The pulsatile flow settings were set at pulsatile frequency of 75 beats per minute and differential speed values of 1000–4000 rpm (1000 rpm increments). Flow and pressure data were collected using a custom-based data acquisition system. EEP was significantly higher than mean arterial pressure in all experimental conditions under pulsatile flow (P

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) may play a critical role in modulating the response to neurological injury after car- diopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children. Plasma samples were collected from 38 pediatric patients. Half of the patients received nonpulsatile flow and the other half underwent pulsatile flow during CPB. Plasma samples were collected at three time points: at baseline prior to incision (T1), 1 h after CPB (T2), and 24 h after CPB (T3). The study included 38 pediatric patients undergoing heart surgery (mean age 2.5 ± 2.1 years). Baseline apoE levels were low (

The objective of this study is to evaluate three different diameters of arterial tubing and three diameters of arterial cannulae in terms of pressure drop, and hemodynamic energy delivery in simulated neonatal/pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuits. The CPB circuit consisted of a Terumo Capiox Baby FX05 oxygenator (Terumo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), arterial tubing (1/4 in, 3/16 in, or 1/8 in × 150 cm), and a Medtronic Bio-Medicus arterial cannula (8, 10, or 12 Fr; Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA). The pseudo patient's pressure was maintained at 50 mm Hg. The circuit was primed using lactated Ringer's solution and heparinized packed human red blood cells (hematocrit 30%). Trials were conducted at different flow rates and temperatures (35 and 28°C). Flow and pressure data were collected using a custom-based data acquisition system. Using 8 Fr arterial cannula at 500 mL/min, small diameter arterial tubing generated higher circuit pressure (294.6 ± 0.1 mm Hg [1/8 in], 213.5 ± 0.5 mm Hg [3/16 in], 208.4 ± 0.4 mm Hg [1/4 in] at 35°C) and arterial line pressure drop (158.3 ± 0.1 mm Hg [1/8 in], 79.6 ± 0.1 mm Hg [3/16 in], 62.1 ± 0.1 mm Hg [1/4 in] at 35°C). Using 10 Fr arterial cannula at 1000 mL/min, pre-oxygenator pressures were 266.8 ± 0.2 mm Hg (3/16 in) and 248.0 ± 0.3 mm Hg (1/4 in); arterial line pressure drops were 111.6 ± 0.0 mm Hg (3/16 in) and 74.0 ± 0.1 mm Hg (1/4 in) at 35°C. When using 12 Fr arterial cannula at 1500 mL/min, preoxygenator pressures reached 324.4 ± 0.3 mm Hg (3/16 in) and 302.5 ± 0.4 mm Hg (1/4 in); arterial line pressure drops were 154.0 ± 0.1 mm Hg (3/16 in) and 92.0 ± 0.2 mm Hg (1/4 in) at 35°C. Pressure drops across arterial line tubing were main CPB circuit pressure drops. High flow rate, hypothermia, small diameter arterial tubing. and arterial cannula created more hemodynamic energy at the preoxygenator site, but energy loss across CPB circuit also increased. Although small diameter (

STUDY QUESTION Do women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) seeking fertility treatment report smoking accurately and does participation in infertility treatment alter smoking? SUMMARY ANSWER Self-report of smoking in infertile women with PCOS is accurate (based on serum cotinine levels) and smoking is unlikely to change over time with infertility treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Women with PCOS have high rates of smoking and it is associated with worse insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Secondary study of smoking history from a large randomized controlled trial of infertility treatments in women with PCOS (N = 626) including a nested case-control study (N = 148) of serum cotinine levels within this cohort to validate self-report of smoking. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women with PCOS, age 18-40, seeking fertility who participated in a multi-center clinical trial testing first-line ovulation induction agents conducted at academic health centers in the USA. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Overall, self-report of smoking in the nested case-control study agreed well with smoking status as determined by measure of serum cotinine levels, at 90% or better for each of the groups at baseline (98% of never smokers had cotinine levels