Search

Background Individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex are at increased risk of epilepsy. Early seizure control improves developmental outcomes, making identifying at-risk patients critically important. Despite several identified risk factors, it remains difficult to predict. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the combined risk prediction of previously identified risk factors for epilepsy in individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex. Methods The study group (n = 333) consisted of individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex who were enrolled in the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Autism Center of Excellence Research Network and UT TSC Biobank. The outcome was defined as having an epilepsy diagnosis. Potential risk factors included sex, TSC genotype, and tuber presence. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio and P value for the association between each variable and epilepsy. A clinical risk prediction model incorporating all risk factors was built. Area under the curve was calculated to characterize the full model's ability to discriminate individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex with and without epilepsy. Results The strongest risk for epilepsy was presence of tubers (95% confidence interval: 2.39 to 10.89). Individuals with pathogenic TSC2 variants were three times more likely (95% confidence interval: 1.55 to 6.36) to develop seizures compared with those with tuberous sclerosis complex from other causes. The combination of risk factors resulted in an area under the curve 0.73. Conclusions Simple characteristics of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex can be combined to successfully predict epilepsy risk. A risk assessment model that incorporates sex, TSC genotype, protective TSC2 missense variant, and tuber presence correctly predicts epilepsy in 73% of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex.

Aim High perioperative mortality rates in surgical patients suffering concomitant COVID-19 infection have contributed to a fall in elective and urgent surgery. However, data and debate have centred around post hoc infected cases, without the context of the rest of the surgical cohort, and without comparable historical control groups. We aimed to address this by studying patients with a neck of femur fracture. This common condition has a stable incidence with good prospective data collected routinely for the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD). Method We analysed NHFD data for all hospitals within our region over a 3-month period, covering the height of the first outbreak and compared this with the same months in 2019. Results The incidence of hip fracture was stable (463 in 2019, 448 in 2020). 30-day mortality was 6.26% in 2019 and 7.14% in 2020 (p = 0.595). In the second cohort, 14 patients tested positive for COVID-19 perioperatively. Of these, 3 died (21%) compared to 29 who tested negative (p Conclusions We have confirmed high perioperative mortality for those with COVID-19 infection but have not shown a statistically significant difference in overall mortality from hip fracture during the initial phase of the pandemic. We argue from this data set that the hypothetical risk of surgery during this pandemic may have been overestimated.

The COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique opportunity to gain support from the business community for rebuilding a more effective and resilient public health infrastructure in the U.S. This commentary provides the rationale for more engaged business involvement in efforts to promote public health during the time of COVID-19. Drawing on the current pandemic, the commentary highlights the implications of a fragmented public health system for businesses and the nation at large, the shortcomings of which are apparent as never before.

Pardo-Oviedo, Juan Mauricio/0000-0003-0084-3449; Lopez-Delgado, Juan Carlos/0000-0003-3324-1129; Corradi, Francesco/0000-0002-5588-2608; De Backer, Daniel/0000-0001-9841-5762; POTA, VINCENZO/0000-0001-9999-3388; Tomescu, Dana/0000-0001-9673-5754; Sabetian, Golnar/0000-0001-8764-2150; Girardis, Massimo/0000-0002-2453-0829; Brazzi, Luca/0000-0001-7059-0622; Leone, Marc/0000-0002-3097-758X; Zabolotskikh, Igor Borisovich/0000-0002-3623-2546; De Lange, Dylan/0000-0002-0191-7270; ALMEKHLAFI, GHALEB A./0000-0002-0323-7025; Elke, Gunnar/0000-0002-4948-1605; Grigoras, Ioana/0000-0001-9412-9574; Czuczwar, Miroslaw/0000-0002-9025-6717; Nora, David/0000-0002-1133-7368; Masjedi, Mansoor/0000-0001-6175-9289; Gunst, Jan/0000-0003-2470-6393; Vidal-Cortes, Pablo/0000-0003-0225-9975; Szakmany, Tamas/0000-0003-3632-8844; Dimopoulos, George/0000-0002-3784-3103; Rello, Jordi/0000-0003-0676-6210; U nal, Necmettin/0000-0002-9440-7893; Tiberio, Iolanda FLC/0000-0002-5662-7895; Cortegiani, Andrea/0000-0003-1416-9993; Morton, Ben/0000-0002-6164-2854; Labeau, Sonia/0000-0003-3863-612X; Velickovic, Dejan/0000-0002-7312-2880; Paul, John/0000-0002-9307-3465; Pereira, Rui/0000-0002-3010-8384; Silversides, Jon/0000-0002-9562-5462; Paiva, Jose-Artur/0000-0003-4323-0220; Smuszkiewicz, Piotr/0000-0003-3067-8229; Paul, Cherish/0000-0001-6133-0036; Santos, Lurdes/0000-0002-0622-6823; PANTAZOPOULOS, IOANNIS/0000-0002-8846-519X; Ostermann, Marlies/0000-0001-9500-9080; Blot, Stijn/0000-0003-2145-0345; Naylor, Amanda/0000-0002-6431-0230; Shyamsundar, Murali/0000-0003-3797-8080; Aldecoa, Cesar/0000-0001-8789-5959; Summers, Charlotte/0000-0002-7269-2873; biskup, ewelina/0000-0002-9871-927X; Cornet, Alexander/0000-0002-9917-5251; Trenado Alvarez, Jose/0000-0002-2930-0766; Volta, Carlo/0000-0003-3533-6121; Gritsan, Alexey/0000-0002-0500-2887; Urkmez, Seval/0000-0002-3412-4226 WOS:000493268200001 PubMed ID: 31664501 PurposeTo describe the epidemiology of intra-abdominal infection in an international cohort of ICU patients according to a new system that classifies cases according to setting of infection acquisition (community-acquired, early onset hospital-acquired, and late-onset hospital-acquired), anatomical disruption (absent or present with localized or diffuse peritonitis), and severity of disease expression (infection, sepsis, and septic shock).MethodsWe performed a multicenter (n=309), observational, epidemiological study including adult ICU patients diagnosed with intra-abdominal infection. Risk factors for mortality were assessed by logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe cohort included 2621 patients. Setting of infection acquisition was community-acquired in 31.6%, early onset hospital-acquired in 25%, and late-onset hospital-acquired in 43.4% of patients. Overall prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was 26.3% and difficult-to-treat resistant Gram-negative bacteria 4.3%, with great variation according to geographic region. No difference in prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was observed according to setting of infection acquisition. Overall mortality was 29.1%. Independent risk factors for mortality included late-onset hospital-acquired infection, diffuse peritonitis, sepsis, septic shock, older age, malnutrition, liver failure, congestive heart failure, antimicrobial resistance (either methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria, or carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria) and source control failure evidenced by either the need for surgical revision or persistent inflammation.ConclusionThis multinational, heterogeneous cohort of ICU patients with intra-abdominal infection revealed that setting of infection acquisition, anatomical disruption, and severity of disease expression are disease-specific phenotypic characteristics associated with outcome, irrespective of the type of infection. Antimicrobial resistance is equally common in community-acquired as in hospital-acquired infection. Pfizer investigator-initiated research grant AbSeS is a Trials Group Study of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine. The study was supported by a Pfizer investigator-initiated research grant.

Background Hydroxychloroquine (HC) and Azithromycin (AZ) is a novel treatment regimen in the management of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Both HC and AZ are associated with QT prolongation, which can precede malignant arrhythmias such as torsade de pointes (TdP) and ventricular fibrillation. Limited literature exists to establish the incidence of QT prolongation with COVID-19 treatment and its relationship with morbidity and mortality. This study was performed to assess the incidence of QT prolongation secondary to HC and AZ, and how it related to morbidity and mortality. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of COVID-19 patients treated with HC, with or without concomitant AZ, in our hospital in March and April 2020. Their baseline demographic characteristics and co-morbidities were recorded. The baseline corrected QT interval (QTc) and change in QTc was calculated using Bazett’s formula on both electrocardiograms (ECGs) and inpatient cardiac monitors. Results Out of 62 PCR confirmed COVID-19 patients (34% female; mean age 67), 58 patients (93.5%) received both HC and AZ, while 4 patients (6.5%) received HC alone. Hypertension was the most common co-morbidity (33.5%) followed by diabetes mellitus (16%), known ischaemic heart disease (19.4%) and atrial fibrillation (8%). Twenty-three patients (37.1%) were on ≥2 additional QT prolonging medications. Mean baseline QTc was 445.7 msec (SD 30.4). The mean QT peak was 469.3 msec (SD 44.5) with a mean change in QTc of 28.4 msec (SD 31.4). QT prolongation was seen in 62.9% of patients, with increase in QTc ≥60 msec or QT peak ≥500 msec in 24.2% of patients. The mean length of stay was 19.7 days (SD 15.2) (range 3–57 days). Treatment was stopped in 6 patients (9.7%) due to QT prolongation. There were no cases of torsade de pointes (TdP). Mortality was 22.6%, with 16.1% of patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Patients with QT prolongation had a significantly higher risk of death (33% vs 4.3%), with an increased likelihood of ICU admission (20.5% vs 8.7%), and increased length of stay (24.7 days vs 18.6 days). Conclusions In this study, patients who were treated with HC and AZ were at high risk of QT prolongation. QT prolongation was associated with higher mortality, increased ICU admission and longer length of stay. Close cardiac monitoring and rationalisation of additional QT prolonging drugs are essential to prevent adverse cardiac events with this treatment regimen.

Background Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring rapid reduction in core body temperature. Methods of cooling include cold water immersion, ice packs, cold water lavage, and chilled saline, among others. We report a case of EHS successfully cooled using an endovascular cooling device after traditional cooling methods failed to reduce core body temperature. Case Report A 24-year old soldier collapsed during a 12-mile foot march while training in southern Georgia. His initial rectal temperature was 43.1°C (109.6°F). External cooling measures (ice sheet application) were initiated on site and Emergency Medical Services were called to transport to the hospital. Paramedics obtained a repeat rectal temperature of 42.4°C (108.4°F). Ice sheet application and chilled saline infusion were continued throughout transport to the Emergency Department (ED). Total prehospital treatment time was 50 min. Upon ED arrival, the patient's rectal temperature was 41.2°C (106.2°F). He was intubated due to a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 4, and endovascular cooling was initiated. Less than 45 minutes later his core body temperature was 37.55°C (99.6°F). He was admitted to the intensive care unit, where his mental status rapidly improved. He was found to have rising liver enzymes, and there was concern for his developing disseminated intravascular coagulation, prompting transfer to a tertiary care center. He was subsequently discharged from the hospital 14 days after his initial injury without any persistent sequelae. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? The primary treatment for EHS is rapid reduction of core body temperature. When external cooling methods fail, endovascular cooling can be used to rapidly decrease core body temperature.

The use of facial fillers has been rapidly increased as the range of injectable products and indications continues to expand. Complications may arise from improper placement or technique. This article highlights the importance of anatomic knowledge when using injectable fillers in the face.A detailed review of the clinical anatomy of the upper face is performed. Regional approaches are described using the applied anatomy to efficiently and safely augment the different subunits of the upper face.Key aspects of safe and successful injection of fillers in the upper face include a thorough knowledge of the location of fat compartments and neurovascular structures. Awareness of these structures enables the practitioner to maximize injections, while avoiding damage to important nerves and vessels.A detailed knowledge of the anatomy and properties of the product is paramount to maximize the efficacy while minimizing the risk of complications.

Background Intravenous (IV) iron can modulate fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) concentrations and cause transient but significant hypophosphataemia. However, it is unknown what other markers might be involved, especially in different patient groups. This study aimed to determine changes in bone and haematinic biomarkers following IV ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) and to identify risk factors for hypophosphataemia in pregnant subjects and those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods Changes in bone [serum FGF23, fractional excretion of phosphate urinary fractional excretion of phosphate (FEPi), serum phosphate and serum vitamin D derivatives] and haematinic [plasma hepcidin, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT)] biomarkers after 1 g of IV FCM were followed in iron-deficient pregnant and CKD patients and compared with controls (estimated glomerular filtration rate > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Data were collected at baseline and up to 42 days after infusion. Risk factors for post-FCM hypophosphataemia were also assessed. Results Sixty-five subjects completed the study (control, n = 20; pregnant, n = 20; CKD, n = 25). A uniform but variable increase across groups was seen in intact FGF23 (peak Day 2), whereas c-terminal FGF23 varied markedly. Trough serum phosphate timed with the peak FEPi at Day 7, recovering by Day 21 in the pregnant group and Day 42 in other groups. Independent predictors of a low phosphate nadir included baseline phosphate, FEPi and weight-adjusted FCM dose. All groups showed an early and marked increase in plasma hepcidin (peak Day 2), serum ferritin and TSAT (peak Day 7 for both). Conclusions Changes in bone and haematinic biomarkers differ between patient groups following IV FCM. For patients with lower serum phosphate concentrations, limiting the dose and measuring levels 7 days after administration may mitigate clinically significant hypophosphataemia.

Sport-related concussion treatment includes three major phases: initial evaluation at the time of the injury, treatment while the patient is symptomatic, and evaluation of the readiness for a gradual return to participation. Each concussion evaluation should include similar elements: assessment of symptoms, assessment of cognitive ability, assessment of coordination (of the eyes, upper extremities, and lower extremities), and assessment for additional injuries. The spine-boarding recommendations from the American College of Emergency Physicians, National Association of EMS Physicians, and National Athletic Trainers' Association have changed. These recommendations include both decreased use of spinal immobilization and removal of the helmet and shoulder pads prior to securing the athlete to the board when sufficient numbers of trained providers are present. Preseason training and pregame meetings or "medical time outs" should become standard practice for the sidelines medical team (including the athletic trainer, team physician, emergency response personnel, and possibly others).

Recent advancements, including more versatile facial fillers, refined injection techniques and the adoption of a global facial approach, have contributed to improved patient outcome and increased patient satisfaction. Nine Canadian specialists (eight dermatologists, one plastic surgeon) collaborated to develop an overview on volume restoration and contouring based on published literature and their collective clinical experience. The specialists concurred that optimal results in volume restoration and contouring depend on correcting deficiencies at various layers of the facial envelope. This includes creating a foundation for deep structural support in the supraperiosteal or submuscular plane; volume repletion of subcutaneous fat compartments; and the reestablishment of dermal and subdermal support to minimize cutaneous rhytids, grooves and furrows. It was also agreed that volume restoration and contouring using a global facial approach is essential to create a natural, youthful appearance in facial aesthetics. A comprehensive non-surgical approach should therefore incorporate combining fillers such as high-viscosity, low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA) for structural support and hyaluronic acid (HA) for lines, grooves and furrows with neuromodulators, lasers and energy devices.

Most major U.S. professional sports and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have adopted concussion policies. Current National Football League and NCAA guidelines do not permit an athlete with a concussion to return to play on the same day as the injury. No adolescent or high-school athletes with a concussion should be allowed to return to play on the same day regardless of severity. Loss of consciousness is uncommon with concussion. Acute concussion symptoms are generally self-limited, and most symptoms typically resolve within two weeks. Concussion risk and severity may be affected by age, sex, and genetic predisposition. Athletes with a concussion should rest physically and cognitively until symptoms have resolved at rest and with exertion. Rehabilitation following concussion progresses through a stepwise graded fashion. Neuropsychological testing can provide objective data on an athlete after a concussion. However, it alone cannot be used to diagnose a concussion or determine when an athlete is allowed to return to play. Retirement from contact or collision sports may be necessary for an athlete who has sustained multiple concussions or has a history of prolonged symptoms after concussions. Long-term effects of concussions are still relatively unknown, and further research is required to offer guidance for athletes of all levels.

Objective To compare population-based metrics for assessing progress toward the US National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) goals. Design Analysis of surveillance data from persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in King County, Washington, USA, 2005-2009. Methods We examined indicators of the timing of HIV diagnosis [intertest interval, CD4 cell count at diagnosis, and AIDS ≤ 1 year of diagnosis (late diagnosis)]; linkage to initial care (CD4 or viral load report ≤3 months after diagnosis) and sustained care (a laboratory report 3-9 months after linkage); engagement in continuous care in 2009 (at least two laboratory reports ≥3 months apart); and virologic suppression. Results Thirty-two percent of persons had late HIV diagnoses, 31% of whom reported testing HIV negative in the 2 years preceding their HIV diagnoses. Linkage to sustained care, but not linkage to initial care, was significantly associated with subsequent virologic suppression. Among 6070 PLWHA in King County, 65% of those with at least one viral load reported in 2009 and 53% of all PLWHA had virologic suppression. Although only 66% of all PLWHA were engaged in continuous care, 81% were defined as engaged using the denominator proposed in the NHAS (at least one laboratory result reported in 2009 excluding persons establishing care in the second half of the year). Conclusions Proposed metrics for monitoring the HIV care continuum may not accurately measure late diagnoses or linkage to sustained care and are sensitive to assumptions about the size of the population of PLWHA. Monitoring progress toward achievement of NHAS goals will require improvements in HIV surveillance data and refinement of care metrics.

Please cite this paper as: Baweja S, Kent A, Masterson R, Roberts S, McMahon L. Prediction of pre-eclampsia in early pregnancy by estimating the spot urinary albumin: creatinine ratio using high-performance liquid chromatography. BJOG 2011;118:1126–1132. Objective To establish whether a spot urinary albumin: creatinine ratio (ACR) measured before 20 weeks of gestation can predict subsequent pre-eclampsia when urinary albumin is measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Design Prospective exploratory study. Setting Antenatal clinic in a tertiary teaching hospital, Victoria, Australia. Population A cohort of 265 women with a singleton pregnancy, normal renal function, and no evident proteinuria, attending antenatal clinics between 12 and 20 weeks of gestation. Methods The ACR was determined from a mid-stream urine (MSU) sample taken between 17 and 20 weeks of gestation. Intact urinary albumin was determined by HPLC; creatinine was measured by modified Jaffe’s method. Outcome measures Pre-eclampsia (primary); gestational hypertension, small for gestational age (SGA), gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational age at delivery, and prematurity (secondary). Results The median ACR was 28 mg/mmol (IQR 16–46 mg/mmol). Women who subsequently developed pre-eclampsia had a significantly higher ACR (median 50 mg/mmol; IQR 33–90 mg/mmol) compared with women suffering from gestational hypertension (median 27 mg/mmol; IQR 8–35 mg/mmol), and compared with unaffected women (median 28 mg/mmol; IQR 16–46 mg/mmol). Mothers of SGA infants also had a significantly higher median ACR. By ROC analysis, the optimum ACR to predict pre-eclampsia was 35.5 mg/mmol: the relative risk of developing pre-eclampsia in women with a urinary ACR ≥ 35.5 mg/mmol was 7.8 times more than in those with a urinary ACR

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a growing component of medicine within the U.S. civilian and military populations. Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) Family Medicine Clinic represents an overseas medical facility stationed among a diverse ethnic population. The impact that local cultures have on CAM utilization in the military population in overseas medical facilities is unknown.Cross-sectional survey. The authors surveyed all volunteer soldiers, family members, and retirees 18 years old or greater enrolled at TAMC Family Medicine Clinic with appointments between September 1 and September 25, 2008.503 volunteers were surveyed with a response rate of 73% (n = 369). A total of 50.7% reported using at least one CAM therapy within the last year. CAM use was significantly higher among women, Caucasians, and a college level education or greater.Prevalence of CAM use is higher within a military family medicine clinic in Hawaii than the prevalence among mainland civilian or other military populations.

Background Although a large proportion of HIV diagnoses in Western Europe occur in African-born persons, analyses of US HIV surveillance data do not routinely assess the proportion of diagnoses occurring in African-born US residents. Objective To determine the percentage of newly reported HIV diagnoses occurring in African-born persons in selected areas of the United States with large African-born immigrant populations. Methods We collated and analyzed aggregate data on persons diagnosed with HIV in 2003-2004 and reported to HIV surveillance units in the states of California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New Jersey and in King County, Washington; New York City; and the portion of Virginia included in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. Results African-born persons accounted for 0.6% of the population and 3.8% of HIV diagnoses in participating areas (HIV diagnoses range: 1%-20%). Across all areas, up to 41% of diagnoses in women (mean: 8.4%, range: 4%-41%) and up to 50% of diagnoses in blacks (mean: 8.0%, range: 2%-50%) occurred among African-born individuals. Conclusions In some areas, classifying HIV cases among foreign-born blacks as occurring in African Americans dramatically alters the epidemiological picture of HIV. Country of birth should be consistently included in local and national analyses of HIV surveillance data.

Background: Concussions have become a major public health concern for both youth and professional athletes. The long-term consequences of concussion can be debilitating or even life threatening. To reduce these concerns, baseline neurocognitive performance can aid decision making in postconcussion recovery and return to play for athletes sustaining concussions. To date, these data are not available for lacrosse athletes. Purpose: To present baseline neurocognitive performance for Major League Lacrosse (MLL) players and to determine differences between athletes with and without a history of concussion. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) scores from MLL players who completed baseline testing from June 2010 to June 2011. Inclusion required a valid baseline test and no history of concussion in the 3 months prior to testing. Means ± standard deviations were computed for all demographic variables and ImPACT composite scores including visual and verbal memory, reaction time, and visual motor processing speed. Independent-samples t tests were used to determine differences between athletes with and without a history of concussion. Results: Valid baseline ImPACT testing was available for 235 MLL athletes (mean age, 25.1 ± 3.0 years). Forty percent of MLL athletes (n = 94) reported a history of concussion, with 14% of those (n = 13) reporting a history of 3 or more previous concussions. There were no differences on any demographic variables between MLL athletes with and without a history of concussion. MLL athletes with a history of concussion had lower ImPACT composite scores than those without a history of concussion, although only the verbal memory composite was found to be statistically significant (MLL with concussion, 83.2 ± 10.8 vs MLL without concussion, 86.9 ± 9.5; P = .007). Conclusion: This study establishes baseline ImPACT scores for MLL and demonstrates that athletes with a history of concussion have poorer neurocognitive performance compared with MLL athletes without a history of concussion. Clinical Relevance: These data can serve as normative values for subsequent testing following concussion to assess neurocognitive recovery.

Hyaluronic acids (HAs) are very popular temporary fillers with a very good safety record. Improvements and adaptations in clinical use are continuing.We have assessed the available literature to investigate the relatively new Vycross technology that uses a mixture of high- and low-molecular-weight HAs with a relatively low but varying HA concentration with enhanced cross-linking to produce a number of products that have differing clinical indications.Voluma has the highest HA concentration at 20 mg/mL, a high G prime translating into lift capacity and cohesivity keeping the product capable to lift vertically adding structure, form, and volume, whereas Volbella has much lower concentration at 15 mg/mL, a lower G prime and cohesivity allowing it to be used in more a horizontal spreading fashion enabling a superficial approach to lips, lines, and more subtle depressions. Volift at 17.5 mg/mL HA is half way between the 2 other products, allowing more subtle lift capacity but retaining an element of spread making it a useful agent for the perioral region in general and in the treatment of fine lines.A range of products has been released that allows different components of facial structure, volume, and lines to be adequately addressed.

Controversy over HIV reporting in Washington State raised concerns that name-to-code reporting might reduce HIV testing. We assessed HIV testing and the influence of reporting among people at risk for HIV. An anonymous survey was conducted 9 months after HIV reporting began. Recruitment for men who have sex with men was at bars; high-risk heterosexuals at a sexually transmitted disease clinic; and injection drug users at needle exchange sites. Eighty-nine percent of 267 participants had been tested for HIV at least once but only half reported testing regularly. Injection drug users and men who have sex with men were more likely than HRH to report regular testing. Main reasons for delaying testing were thinking that HIV exposure was unlikely or not wanting to think about being HIV positive; concern about government reporting was cited by only 2%. Over half the respondents hadn't heard about the new name-to-code HIV reporting mechanism, although 69% thought there was some type of HIV reporting. Only 18% correctly identified the mechanism of HIV reporting. HIV prevention programs should focus on the most common reasons for delaying or avoiding HIV testing: believing that one has not been exposed to HIV, and the fear of learning that one is HIV positive.

SUMMARY: Background: Numerous prior studies have reported that a substantially higher dose of epoetin is required to maintain haemoglobin (Hb) concentration when patients are switched from a subcutaneous (SC) to intravenous (IV) route of administration. Many of the reported trials, however, involved patients who did not have adequate serum iron levels. It was hypothesized that patients with adequate iron stores who are switched from one route of administration to the other without a change in dose will experience substantially less change in their Hb concentration. Methods: Haemodialysis patients who were iron replete (ferritin 300–800 µg/L, transferrin saturation (TSAT) 25–50%) participated in a prospective, randomized cross-over trial receiving epoetin for 3 months either by SC or IV injection followed by a further 3 months of epoetin via the other route. The principal aim was to determine changes in Hb concentration without altering the weekly epoetin dose. The secondary aim was to assess whether the frequency of dosing (once, twice or thrice weekly) influenced the Hb concentration response. Results: Eighty-one patients (mean age 62 years, 60% male) entered the study and 15 withdrew prior to study completion. Forty-three patients began SC epoetin alfa administration (group A) and 38 on IV (group B). Median ferritin and TSAT at entry for groups A and B were 409 and 394 µg/L (NS) and 31 and 32% (NS), respectively, which remained within the target range during the study. Median epoetin doses for groups A and B were similar (90 vs 93 IU/kg per week, NS). After 3 months, the mean Hb concentration rose for group A (SC; 118.7–121.9 g/L (P = 0.03)) but it fell for group B (IV; 119.1–116.0 g/L (P = 0.019)). Following the change in route of administration, the Hb concentration for group A (IV) fell by 5.1% over 3 months (121.9–115.4, P

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by infection with invasive Chlamydia trachomatis serovars L1-L3 (1). LGV is characterized by inguinal and/or femoral lymphadenopathy, typically following a transient, self-limited genital ulcer or papule that might go unnoticed. Rectal infection can result in proctocolitis that can present with mucoid and/or hemorrhagic rectal discharge, anal pain, constipation, fever, and tenesmus, and signs of granulomas and/or ulcerations on anoscopy (1,2). LGV can be an invasive, systemic infection, and if it is not treated early, LGV proctocolitis can lead to chronic colorectal fistulas and strictures (2). In Europe, outbreaks of LGV have been reported among men who have sex with men (MSM), often in association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection (3-5). The prevalence of LGV in the United States is unknown (1), because diagnostic tests to differentiate LGV from non-LGV Chlamydia trachomatis are not widely available (6), and providers might not know that they should report cases that are presumptively treated.

In this study, treatment of young adults with gonorrhea, chlamydia, or both with a single dose of azithromycin was not associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular causes. This finding is reassuring with regard to the use of azithromycin in such patients.

There is a growing concern that environmental xenobiotics may be affecting human and wildlife health by disrupting normal endocrine function via interaction with steroid hormone receptors. Several of these persistent contaminants are chiral and may have enantiomer-specific biological properties. Previous experiments have demonstrated that ( −)-o,p-DDT enantiomer is a more active estrogen-mimic than the ( + )-enantiomer in rats. However, these results have not been extrapolated to other biological systems. This study used a yeast-based assay to assess the enantiomer-specific transcriptional activity of DDT with the human estrogen receptor (hER). ( + )-17-estradiol, racemic DDT and individual DDT enantiomers were added to yeast cultures and hER activity was measured by quantification of -galactosidase. The relative activity of o,p-DDT was weak compared to estradiol. For o,p-DDT, the ( −)-enantiomer was the active estrogen mimic whereas the hER activity of ( + )-o,p-DDT was negligible. The presence of the ( +)-enantiomer at relatively greater concentration decreased the transcriptional activity of ( − )-o,pDDT. This data demonstrates the need to consider stereochemistry of environmental contaminants and their potential influence on biological responses. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

This study analyzed factors associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among persons ages 50 years or older at HIV diagnosis and examined differences in morbidity and survival between them and those ages 13 to 49 years. HIV-infected persons reported to the Michigan HIV/AIDS registry between January 1990 and October 2000 were analyzed. Of 12,614 HIV-infected persons selected, 938 (7.4%) were ages 50 years or older at HIV diagnosis. Persons ages 50 years or older at HIV diagnosis were twice as likely to be male (odds ratio [OR]: 1.9) than female. They were slightly at higher risk of contracting HIV through blood products (OR: 1.53) or heterosexual contact (OR: 1.24) than through injection drug use, but the difference was not statistically significant. They were twice as likely to report unknown HIV risk (OR: 1.8) than injection drug use and were significantly less likely to be men who have sex with men (OR: 0.64) than injection drug users. The prevalence of selected acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining conditions was similar between the two age groups. However, HIV dementia was more commonly diagnosed among older persons, whereas disseminated Mycobacterium avium was less commonly diagnosed in this age group. The overall mean survival was significantly shorter among persons ages 50 years or older (73.5 months [standard deviation (SD)]: 2.21 compared with their counterparts [112.3 months (SD: 0.77)], even after adjusting for CD4 count at HIV diagnosis. Older persons appeared to have contracted HIV through heterosexual contact, blood products, or injection drug use and to have a short survival. This age group should no longer be overlooked.

The Texas WIC Program used social marketing to recruit new program participants and improve participant and employee satisfaction with the program. This article focuses on research conducted by anthropologists and public health researchers to identify target populations who were eligible, but had not enrolled in the program, and discusses the role research played in developing a comprehensive, multifaceted outreach plan. Systematic observations, in-depth interviews, focus groups, and a survey were used to identify factors that motivate and deter eligible families from enrolling in the program. Research results revealed that most eligible families had positive attitudes about the WIC program but were unfamiliar with the program's benefits. Women were deterred by a number of barriers: confusion about eligibility guidelines; reluctance to accept government assistance; problems signing up for WIC; and fear they would be treated disrespectfully by program staff or grocery store cashiers. Research findings were...

Median nerve neuropathy following an elbow injury is uncommon. When it occurs, understanding the median nerve distribution and anatomy is crucial for identifying the cause and for distinguishing cases that can be managed with observation as opposed to intervention. The consequences of misdiagnosis can result in permanent disability. Understanding the mechanisms of nerve injury will help the clinician anticipate prognosis and guide treatment. Stretch, transection, and compression of nerves may present similarly, but isolating the mechanism and the extent of injury can guide the treatment modalities and help predict the overall recovery. The case is a report of median nerve compression in a woman after a nondisplaced fracture of the coronoid process of the ulna. Despite the unique nature of the patient’s symptoms, the neuropathy resolved with “watchful waiting.” The location of the injury was a key component in identifying the cause of the neuropathy. It highlights the importance of identifying a cause; some cases will resolve without intervention. Clinicians should consider median nerve compression when presented with a patient experiencing neurologic symptoms following such a fracture.

This report describes a patient with a cholecystoduodenal fistula and cholecystocholedochal fistula who was found to have Actinomyces contained within the gallbladder upon pathologic examination. The cholecystocholedochal fistula was repaired using a flap of gallbladder over a T-tube, and the actinomycosis was successfully eradicated with 6 weeks of intravenous doxycycline followed by an additional 6 months of oral doxycycline.

PURPOSE: Lack of physician recommendation is a major predictor of underutilization of breast and cervical cancer screening. The authors conducted a comprehensive two-part study of Florida primary care providers to determine which providers were not screening their older patients and why. This article reports on the study's quantitative survey component. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY: After an initial mailing of surveys to 2052 randomly sampled, licensed medical and osteopathic physicians, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives, a follow-up mailing and phone calls resulted in 496 usable surveys. Outcome variables were whether or not primary care providers performed screening tests for their asymptomatic, women patients older than 50 years of age. Predictor variables included: age, race, gender, training, specialty, practice size, and location of the providers, and the percentage of older patients that they served. RESULTS: The best predictors of primary care providers not screening their asymptomatic women patients who were older than 50 years of age were providers also being older than 50, specializing in geriatrics or adult health, and working in a small or rural practice. An analysis of providers' responses to structured survey items related to their own and their patients' attitudes about screening indicated that providers often miss the opportunity to screen due to a combination of patient, provider, practice, and access barriers. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The authors recommend that public health and primary care practitioners collaborate in developing strategies that address areas of potential change for overcoming these four barriers, while also considering the essential public health services of assessment, policy development, and assurance. These strategies should be designed to facilitate the breast and cervical cancer screening process for both providers and patients, so that providers feel more comfortable performing and recommending these important tests, particularly for underserved groups of older women.

Educational materials that are appropriate for their designated target audience have the potential to educate individuals about taking positive steps toward improving their health. Pregnant women and new mothers who visit public health clinics are a prime example of an audience that can be reached through the use of print materials and public service announcements. To be effective in influencing these women to follow the recommended advice, health education materials should be designed according to certain standards of attractiveness, comprehension, acceptability, persuasiveness, and relevance. This study evaluates printed materials and public service announcements used in Florida's Healthy Start maternal and infant care program for these specific criteria. The study is based on qualitative interviews with women utilizing three urban public health centers in Florida. The results have been used to develop guidelines for the design and development of new educational materials for the Healthy Start ...

BACKGROUND Prevention and clinical efforts are increasingly focused on improving the HIV care cascade, the sequential steps from diagnosis to engagement in care and viral suppression. Monitoring of this cascade is largely dependent on HIV laboratory surveillance data. However, little is known about the completeness of these data or the true care status of individuals for whom no data are reported. METHODS We investigated people presumed to be living with HIV/AIDS in King County, WA, who had no laboratory results reported to HIV surveillance for at least 1 year between 2006 and 2010. We determined whether each person had relocated, died, or remained in the county. RESULTS Of 7379 HIV-infected people presumed living in King County, 2545 (35%) had 1 or more 12-month gap in laboratory reporting. Among these individuals, 47% had relocated, 7% died, and 38% remained in King County; we were unable to determine the status of 8%. Of individuals remaining in the area, 91% had evidence of returning to or being in HIV care. Case investigations reduced the proportion of individuals thought to be out of care in 2011 from 27% to 16%. CONCLUSIONS Investigations of individuals without laboratory results reported to HIV surveillance identified large numbers of people who are no longer living in the area. Our findings suggest that current estimates of the HIV care cascade may be too pessimistic and that individual case investigations are required to accurately define the size and composition of the population of people living with HIV in local areas.

Florida has the highest bicycle fatality rate in the country, over two times the national rate. Research shows that most bicycle injuries occur to children under the age of 15. Bicycle helmet use has been shown to reduce the risk of head and brain injuries related to bicycle incidents. In response to this public health problem, a community-wide and preschool bicycle helmet program was developed and implemented in Hillsborough County, Florida. Purposes of this program were to increase awareness about the importance of bicycle helmets for children and to offer children's bicycle helmets at a reduced cost. A local retail toy store provided a $3.00 discount on all bicycle helmets sold from November 1st to December 31st, 1992. In all, nearly 23,000 educational materials were distributed and 244 bicycle helmets were purchased. Recommendations for further program development and research are provided. Language: en

Background Anaemia of chronic kidney disease increases the risk of death and adverse events, but can be managed using erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs). However, recent evidence suggests that targeting a higher haemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) increases mortality risk, and both higher [Hb] targets and ESA doses have been implicated. Nonetheless, a causative role has not been demonstrated, and this potential relationship requires further appraisal in such a complex patient group. Methods The relationship between the haematopoietic response to ESAs and patient survival in 302 stable, prevalent dialysis patients was explored in a prospective, single-centre study. Clinical and laboratory parameters influencing mortality and ESA resistance were analysed. Patients were stratified into 5 groups, according to their [Hb] and ESA dosage, and were followed for 2 years. Results Little difference in co-morbidities between groups was identified. 73 patients died and 36 were transplanted. Initial analysis suggested a direct relationship between mortality and ESA dosage. However, Cox proportional hazards multivariate analysis demonstrated mortality risk was associated only with age (adjusted HR per year: 1.061, 95% CI 1.031-1.092), dialysis duration (adjusted HR: 1.010, 95% CI 1.004-1.016), peripheral vascular disease (adjusted HR: 1.967, 95% CI 1.083-3.576) and CRP (adjusted HR: 1.024, 95% CI 1.011-1.039). Mortality was increased in patients poorly responsive to ESAs (55.5%). Conclusion ESA dose does not appear to contribute substantially to mortality risk in dialysis patients. Instead, age and co-morbidities appear to be the critical determinants. A poor response to ESAs is a marker of overall poor health status.

We examined whether abnormal skeletal muscle Na(+),K(+)-pumps underlie impaired exercise performance in haemodialysis patients (HDP) and whether these are improved in renal transplant recipients (RTx).Peak oxygen consumption ( O(2peak)) and plasma [K(+)] were measured during incremental exercise in 9RTx, 10 HDP and 10 healthy controls (CON). Quadriceps peak torque (PT), fatigability (decline in strength during thirty contractions), thigh muscle cross-sectional area (TMCSA) and vastus lateralis Na(+),K(+)-pump maximal activity, content and isoform (α(1)-α(3), β(1)-β(3)) abundance were measured.O(2peak) was 32 and 35% lower in RTx and HDP than CON, respectively (P0.05). PT was less in RTx and HDP than CON (P0.05) but did not differ when expressed relative to TMCSA. Fatigability was ∼1.6-fold higher in RTx (24 ± 11%) and HDP (25 ± 4%) than CON (15 ± 5%, P0.05). Na(+),K(+)-pump activity was 28 and 31% lower in RTx and HDP, respectively than CON (P0.02), whereas content and isoform abundance did not differ. Pooled (n = 28) O(2peak) correlated with Na(+),K(+)-pump activity (r = 0.45, P = 0.02).O(2peak) and muscle Na(+),K(+)-pump activity were depressed and muscle fatigability increased in HDP, with no difference observed in RTx. These findings are consistent with the possibility that impaired exercise performance in HDP and RTx may be partially due to depressed muscle Na(+),K(+)-pump activity and relative TMCSA.

Pain is an ever-present challenge in military medicine. Our war-fighter is a high intensity professional. Through multiple trainings and deployments, they push their bodies, which can lead to injury, trauma, and chronic pain.''^ Opioid use for chronic non-malignant pain among U.S. patients is rising.^'' Recent estimates show that 3% of the population use opioids 30 days or more.'-' Among U.S. military soldiers, studies suggests an even higher prevalence, with 4.5% opioid prevalence in young veterans.*' A recent Department of Defense survey showed that one-fourth of active duty soldiers reported abusing prescribed drugs over a 12-month period and an increase of 4 times the amount of prescription pain medications written by military physicians over the last 7 years.* These are alarming figures. Our soldiers are highly skilled professionals, but their skills can become dulled and their decision making compromised when using opioids.' A reliable pain-management physician is needed to help guide and educate these soldiers and their family members for their best care. As the U.S. military is spread worldwide, we often do not have access to specialists who are utilized at large medical centers. As a result, primary care physicians often take on expanded roles at their military treatment facilities (MTF). To meet the increased need for the treatment of chronic pain, the Army has called for establishing a pain management clinic within primary care in the Pain Management Task Force report by the Office of the Army Surgeon General.'" I was tasked with starting our Primary Care Pain Management Clinic (PCPMC) at my MTF. My MTF provides primary care services to approximately 7,500 beneficiaries. I have a primary care patient panel of 950 patients and see about 300 to 325 patients per month. The PCPMC sees about 70 chronic pain patients per month, which includes approximately 25 to 30 continuous sole provider patients on chronic daily opioids. The vast majority of pain complaints are musculoskeletal, with back pain (44%) being the most predominate followed by knee pain (15%) and shoulder pain (11%). The start of the PCPMC was hectic. Questions and patient encounters were coming from multiple angles, including calls, emails, front desk, and walk-ins. To assist me with the PCPMC and to manage my patients, we implemented a Team Care approach to include a strong dedicated pain clinic medic and a front desk clerk. The Team-based care allows me to maintain good therapeutic boundaries and to utilize

Hypercalcemia in adult T-cell leukemia has been attributed to increased levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), whereas in other types of leukemia, hypercalcemia has been blamed on direct skeletal invasion by malignant cells, ectopic parathyroid hormone (PTH) production or bone-resorbing cytokines. A 51-year-old man was studied who presented with back pain, circulating myeloblasts, and hypercalcemia. The bone marrow revealed acute myeloblastic leukemia. While the ionized calcium concentration was 8.17 mg/dL (normal, 4.73 to 5.21 mg/dL), the levels of PTH, PTH-related peptide, vitamin D, and thyroxine were normal or subnormal. Bone histomorphometry showed a decreased cortical width with intracortical erosion cavities dissecting into the marrow space. In cancellous bone, the osteoid area, osteoblast perimeter, and tetracycline fluorescence were sparse, whereas the osteoclast perimeter was increased. Persistent marrow fat, the general absence of trabecular narrowing, and the prompt response to calcitonin suggest that the osteoclasts caused the hypercalcemia and lytic lesions, rather than pressure atrophy or osteolysis by leukemic infiltration. Osteoclast activation and subsequent hypercalcemia may have been due to a locally produced cytokine, such as interleukin-1 beta or tumor necrosis factor.

An optimal haemoglobin (Hb) response to erythropoietin requires elevated iron indices in dialysis patients; however, it is unknown if the same applies in chronic kidney disease (CKD).One hundred patients [CKD Stages 3-5, Hbor= 110 g/L, iron replete, erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA)-naive, 47% diabetic, median age 69.5 years] were block-randomized in an open-label study to receive up to 200 mg intravenous iron sucrose (Group A, n = 52) bimonthly or oral iron sulphate (Group B) to maintain raised and normal iron indices (respectively) over 12 months. The primary endpoint was the change in Hb concentration at 12 months or at termination after at least 6 months of treatment.Eighty-five patients reached the primary endpoint (43, Group A; 42, Group B). Initial Hb was 119 +/- 7 vs 116 +/- 12 g/L (mean +/- standard deviation); ferritin 122 (71-176), median (inter-quartile range), vs 90 microg/L (58-150); transferrin saturation (TSat) 22 (18-26) vs 21% (15-24); and creatinine 240 (195-313) vs 230 micromol/L (184-352). Ferritin and TSat differed by month 2 [157 (103-220) vs 96 microg/L (73-162), P = 0.003] and month 6 [25 (20-31) vs 21% (17-27), P = 0.02], respectively. At study end, Hb did not differ between groups (121 +/- 10 vs 117 +/- 13 g/L). Ferritin was 362 (310-458) vs 125 microg/L (84-190), P0.001; TSat 30 (23-34) vs 21% (18-24), P0.001; and creatinine 229 (188-326) vs 272 micromol/L (195-413), P = NS. For patients (Groups A and B, n = 27 in each group) whose creatinine regression slope increased (indicating worsening function), the fall in Hb over 12 months also did not differ between groups despite adequate separation in iron indices. Serious adverse events overall did not differ between groups.Elevated iron indices did not increase Hb synthesis in ESA-naive, iron replete, pre-dialysis patients with Hb110 g/L.

Haemodialysis patients (HDP) with anaemia display impaired plasma K(+) regulation during exercise and poor exercise performance. Epoetin treatment and exercise training improve exercise performance in HDP, but whether this is associated with improved K(+) regulation is unknown.Six HDP with near-normal [Hb] were tested for aerobic power ( ) and plasma [K(+)] during incremental exercise; quadriceps muscle strength (peak torque, PT) from 0 to 360 degrees s(-1) and fatiguability (decline in strength during thirty contractions). Tests were conducted at baseline, after 6 weeks of normal activity (pre-train) and following 6 weeks cycle training (post-train). Six healthy untrained controls (CON) matched for age, sex, mass and height were tested at baseline.In HDP at baseline, and PT from 0 to 360 degrees s(-1) were respectively reduced by 37% and 27-42%, compared to CON (P0.05). Plasma [K(+)], the rise in [K(+)] (Delta[K(+)]) and the Delta[K(+)] relative to total work done (Delta[K(+)] work(-1) ratio) during incremental exercise were all higher in HDP at baseline compared to CON (P0.05). Exercise training increased time to fatigue by 12% (P0.05) but did not improve K(+) regulation or . An inverse correlation was found between the Delta[K(+)] work(-1) ratio and for pooled CON and HDP data.In HDP treated with epoetin, poor exercise performance was related to impaired extrarenal K(+) regulation, whilst training improved exercise performance but not K(+) regulation. Thus, although impaired extrarenal K(+) regulation may contribute to poor exercise performance in HDP, exercise performance can still improve with training despite unchanged K(+) regulation.

Background: New Centers for Disease Control recommendations suggest that all persons with newly diagnosed HIV receive partner counseling and referral services (PCRS). Methods: We evaluated the King County, WA, PCRS program using a new set of disposition codes that disaggregate the components of PCRS (notification, testing, and test results), distinguish verified and unverified outcomes, and differentiate outcomes that occur before and after cases receive PCRS. Results: Between 2005 and 2007, 427 (65%) of 659 persons with newly diagnosed HIV received PCRS. The number of cases staff needed to interview to identify 1 new case of HIV varied from 12.2 to 47.4 depending on whether number needed to interview was defined to include both verified and unverified outcomes and whether it excluded partners diagnosed with HIV before cases' receipt of PCRS. Age

Press-fit titanium grommets were developed to shield flexible hinged silicone implants used for arthroplasty of the radiocarpal, metacarpophalangeal, and metatarsophalangeal joints. Since 1985, 179 titanium circumferential grommets were used in 90 first metatarsophalangeal joints with excellent, pain-free, functional results and favorable bone response around the implant stems and at the bone-grommet interface. There were no complications due to particulate reactivity, implant fracture, or grommet fracture. The use of circumferential titanium grommets appears to be a safe and effective method to improve the long-term durability of flexible hinge implant arthroplasty of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.

Despite the AIDS epidemic's impact, development of prevention and risk-reduction programs has been slow, especially for patients with chronic mental illness. These patients may be at particular risk for HIV transmission and acquisition due to characteristics of their illness. Despite a paucity of such program descriptions in the literature and widespread concern that exposure of such patients to educational material related to sexuality or AIDS would be overstimulating, an effective and safe curriculum to teach risk-reduction can be designed. This paper describes such a program at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center, in Boston.

High level hardware design languages are making it possible for people with little background in hardware design to create their own custom hardware. This allows software designers to begin looking beyond general purpose computing into the realm of customized hardware in order to increase the performance of their applications. The ease with which hardware can be developed using hardware definition languages comes with a cost. Developers accustomed to working in software environments may have issues dealing with some of the more complex facets of hardware design, such as exploiting parallelism. This work aims to alleviate some of the frustration that may occur when attempting to identify and exploit parallelism in a hardware design by providing a set of tools that can automatically identify parallelism in Handel-C hardware designs.

Physical function is limited in patients with kidney disease, although previous studies have been confounded by anemia. What is not clear is how physical performance changes over time as renal function deteriorates. A cohort of 12 patients (10 male, two female; mean +/- SD age 49 +/- 11 yr) who had stages 3 to 4 chronic kidney disease without previous anemia were examined, and nine were followed for a 2-yr period. Assessments were made of peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) by cycle ergometry, leg extension strength, and fatigue on an isokinetic dynamometer and thigh muscle cross-sectional area (TMCSA) by computed tomography. At baseline, creatinine clearance was 31 +/- 13 ml/min and hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) was 129 +/- 9 g/L. VO2peak was low (1.88 L/min, 82% of predicted), and maximal isometric voluntary contraction was 188 +/- 42 Nm, with a TMCSA of 144 +/- 27 cm2. VO2peak correlated with creatinine clearance corrected for body surface area (r = 0.613, P = 0.034) but not to [Hb]. VO2peak adjusted for patient weight correlated with leg fatigue (r = -0.693, P = 0.012). For those with follow-up tests, there were falls in renal function by 28% (P = 0.007) and VO2peak by 9% (P = 0.03), whereas [Hb] did not change. Leg strength fell across a range of isokinetic speeds (P = 0.04), whereas no change in TMCSA was observed. In conclusion, exercise performance as measured by aerobic (VO2peak) and leg strength tests were reduced in patients with stages 3 to 4 chronic kidney disease. As renal function declined over time, there was a corresponding decline in exercise performance even when [Hb] was maintained.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the preferred method for removal of the diseased gallbladder. While its morbidity and mortality rates are lower than those of the open technique, it does have associated complications which may cause significant morbidity. The morbidity associated with spilled gall-stones is not well studied and little can be found in the literature on this subject. We encountered a patient who developed abscesses within the abdominal wall following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We recommend that spilled gallstones be removed when possible and that surgeons be aware of this possible complication.

background. Peutz–Jeghers syndrome is a hereditary condition characterized by distinctive mucocutaneous lentigines and intestinal hamartomatous polyposis. The cutaneous lesions may be cosmetically disfiguring and frequently present a therapeutic challenge. objective. To determine if intense pulsed light (IPL) is effective in treating facial lentigines in Peutz–Jeghers syndrome. methods. The IPL, utilizing a 590 nm cutoff filter, was used to treat facial lentigines in a 10-year-old girl with Peutz–Jeghers syndrome. results. A series of 12 treatment sessions, each to different facial regions, resulted in complete clearance of lentigines in the treated areas. Most of the lentigines resolved after a single treatment, with a few areas requiring a second treatment. conclusion. In this case, treatment with IPL resulted in dramatic improvement of cosmetically disfiguring lentigines. To our knowledge, this is the first report of using IPL in Peutz–Jeghers syndrome.

After a mastectomy has been performed via transverse bielliptical incisions, the lateral apex of the incision (Fig. 1, A) is retracted medially (Fig. 2). The points to which the apex is retracted are marked (Fig. 2, B, C). The superior and inferior flaps along the redundant triangular-shaped skin of each flap are excised (Fig. 3, C, A2, A; B, A1, A). The lateral apex is retracted medially and secured to the approximated transverse incision at points B and C (Fig. 4). The incision is closed with the newly created Y configuration (Fig. 5).