We show that the metallike response of bulk semiconductors exhibi

We show that the metallike response of bulk semiconductors exhibits surface plasmon waves that lead to extraordinary transmission in the UV and soft x-ray ranges, in spite of the large absorption. The importance of realistic material response versus perfect conductors is also discussed. We show that the use

of perfect conductor boundary conditions can lead to field amplitudes that may be underestimated by several orders of magnitudes. These findings may be important in high resolution GSK1120212 clinical trial photolithography, near-field optical devices, and ultrahigh density optical storage in wavelength ranges, where it may not be possible to utilize more traditional plasmonic materials like noble metals. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3318460]“
“Purpose: To describe the imaging features during follow-up after radiofrequency (RF) ablation of fat-containing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and Methods: Institutional QNZ chemical structure review board approval was obtained; informed consent was waived. A retrospective search in an electronic radiologic archive was performed for a 40-month period between February 2004 and May 2007 to identify patients who had undergone RF ablation of fat-containing HCCs. The presence of intratumoral

fat was determined at imaging (magnetic resonance or computed tomography) prior to the RF procedure; eight fat-containing HCCs, which had a mean size of 25 mm (range, 20-30 mm), were found. Images during follow-up were reviewed and compared with images prior to RF ablation to determine changes in fat content, complete or partial ablation, and local tumor progression. Tumor response was on the basis of assessment of lesion characteristics and enhancement for a follow-up of at least 6 months.

Results:

Persistent fat content was found at imaging in all ablation zones. Six patients were considered to have completely ablated tumors (mean follow-up, 16 months; range, 6-29 months), and two patients had local progression Selleckchem Ferroptosis inhibitor (mean follow-up, 18 months; range, 14-22 months). In the ablation zone of completely ablated tumors, the fat content progressively decreased (n = 4) or was unchanged during follow-up (n = 2). In the two tumors with local progression, the fat portion enlarged (n = 1) or did not change after ablation (n = 1).

Conclusion: Persistence of fat in the ablation zone during imaging follow-up after RF ablation of fat-containing HCCs does not necessarily indicate treatment failure. Changes in fat content of the ablation zone during follow-up (increase or decrease in size) could be used as additional criteria to determine success or failure of RF ablation in fat-containing HCC. (c) RSNA, 2009″
“In this study the use of the high resolution Micro-Single Photon Emission Tomography (HiSPECT) system with a radioactive bonemarker, Tc-99m-oxidronate, was evaluated in dogs with coronoid pathology and/or flexor enthesopathy.

Sixty-five elbows of 34 dogs were included.

A thermally induced increase of a standard roughness parameter (R

A thermally induced increase of a standard roughness parameter (R (a)) and of cell sizes has been revealed to reflect an increased level of their resistance to hyperthermia.”
“Objective: The aim of the study was evaluating the diagnostic value of plasma matrix metalloproteinase-(MMP)-2 and -9 and tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 (TIMP-1) for endoleak see more detection after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Report: Consecutive EVAR patients (n = 17) with endoleak and matched controls without endoleak (n = 20) were prospectively enrolled. Increased levels of MMP-9 were observed in patients with endoleak (P < 0.001). Regression analysis showed no significant influence of age,

sex or abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) size. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of plasma MMP-9 levels showed that a cutoff value of 55.18 ng ml(-1) resulted in 100% sensitivity and 96% specificity with an AUC value of 0.988 (P < 0.001) to detect endoleak.

Conclusions: Plasma MMP-9 levels appear to discriminate between patients with and without an endoleak with high sensitivity and specificity. (C) 2011 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective:

The genotoxic vesicant sulphur mustard [bis-2-(chloroethyl)sulphide] is a chemical warfare agent which is easily available due to its relatively find more simple synthesis. Thus, sulphur mustard is a potential agent for mass contamination. In this study, we focused on sulphur mustard toxicity and decontamination in a rat model using commercially available detergent mixtures for dermal decontamination.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were percutaneously treated

with sulphur mustard and subjected to wet decontamination 2 min postexposure. Commercially produced detergents Neodekont (TM), Argos (TM), Dermogel (TM) and FloraFree (TM) were tested for their decontamination Epacadostat concentration efficacy against an exposed group and their protective ratios determined.

Results and conclusion: The results showed that all tested detergent solutions produced an increase in the median lethal dose [LD50 = 9.83 (5.87-13.63) mg.kg(-1)] in comparison to controls, which led to increased survival of experimental animals. In general, all tested detergents provided modest decontamination efficacy (PR = 2.0-5.7). The highest protective ratio (5.7) was consistently achieved with Argos (TM). Accordingly, Argos (TM) should be considered in further investigation of mass casualty decontamination.”
“The false-negative rate of ultrasound-guided sextant prostate biopsy has been estimated to be as high as 35 %. A significant percentage (10-35 %) of these prostate cancers diagnosed at a second or later attempt are high grade and, therefore, potentially lethal. We discuss the feasibility for performing optically guided biopsy using elastic scattering spectroscopy (ESS) to reduce sampling errors and improve sensitivity.

(C) 2010 Society of Chemical Industry”
“BACKGROUND: A new el

(C) 2010 Society of Chemical Industry”
“BACKGROUND: A new electrochemical immunosensor for human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) assay was developed based on Pt hollow nanospheres and silver/titanium

dioxide nanocomposites. Silver nanoparticles were initially doped into TiO(2) and chitosan (Cs) colloids to form silver/titanium dioxide nanocomposites (Ag-TiO(2)-Cs), which had good redox electrochemical activity and excellent film-forming ability. Then, the free amino groups of chitosan were used to attach Pt hollow nanospheres for immobilization of human chorionic gonadotropin antibody (anti-HCG) to construct an immunosensor.

RESULTS: Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) Selleck Napabucasin confirmed consecutive growth of the multilayer films, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to describe the microstructure of nanoparticles. Optimal response of the immunosensor was obtained at pH 6.5 and 25 degrees C with an incubation see more time of 40 min. The immunosensor exhibited a linear range from 0.5 to 250 mIU mL(-1) HCG with a detection limit of 0.26 mIU mL(-1) at three times background noise. The selectivity, stability and repeatability of the immunosensor were satisfactory.

CONCLUSION: The strategy showed low-cost, high sensitivity, broad linear range and fast analytical time. It is expected that

the immobilized technique and the detection methodology could be further developed for other proteins. (C) 2010 Society of Chemical Industry”
“The aim of this study was to investigate the strategic role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary Ulixertinib clinical trial syndrome (PCOS) and to critically review the published trials that have evaluated VEGF in women with PCOS. An electronic database search of Med line, Embase, Cinahl and Cochrane library was conducted. Studies were included if they evaluated VEGF either in the circulation or in granulosa lutein cell culture media in in-vitro laboratory studies of women with a polycystic ovary (PCO) or PCOS. Studies analysing immunohistochemical expression of VEGF in PCO were

also included. This review concluded that VEGF may have a strategic role in the pathophysiology of PCOS and is the key mediator in the pathogenesis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in women undergoing assisted reproductive procedures. Its role is perhaps not singular and several other factors such as the bioavailability of its soluble receptor sFlt-1 and a multidisciplinary orchestration of other cytokines and growth factors may be involved in the pathophysiology of PCOS and OHSS. (C) 2010, Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Culture of preimplantation-stage embryos has always been a key element of laboratory embryology and has contributed substantially to the success of many assisted reproduction procedures.

15% and the entomological

inoculation rate estimated to b

15% and the entomological

inoculation rate estimated to be 1.23 infective bites during the four months period. In Port-Gentil, Anopheles melas (75.5% of catches) and An. gambiae s.s. S form (24.5%) were responsible of 58.7 bites per person per night. The CSP indexes were of 1.67% for An. gambiae s.s and 0.28% for An. melas and the EIRs were respectively of 1.8 infective bites per week and of 0.8 infective bites per week. Both kdr-w and kdr-e mutations in An. gambiae S form were found in Libreville and in Port-Gentil. Insensitive acetylcholinesterase has been detected for the first time in Gabon in Libreville.

Conclusion: Malaria transmission exists in both town, but with high difference Trichostatin A in the level of risk. The co-occurrence of molecular resistances to the main families of insecticide has implications for the effectiveness of the current vector control programmes that are based on pyrethroid-impregnated bed nets.”
“BACKGROUND: The burden of abdominal obesity (AO) and its association with other cardiovascular risk factors is not known in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients attending cardiac rehabilitation (CR). The selleck chemical aim of this

study was, therefore, to investigate the prevalence of AO and differences in cardiovascular risk factors between AO and non-AO patients.

METHODS: 415 consecutive male CAD patients (mean age 58 +/- 11 years) attending a three-month outpatient CR programme were assessed. Differences in cardiovascular risk profile, including blood lipids, psychosocial and socioeconomic status and exercise capacity, were compared in relation to AO and corrected for obesity measured by body-mass index (BMI) in a multivariate analysis.

RESULTS: Mean waist circumference was 102 +/- 11 cm. Patients of lower educational level had a higher prevalence of AO (p = 0.021)

than patients with a higher educational level. AO was significantly associated with diabetes (p = 0.003) and hypertension (p < 0.001). In AO patients, HDL-C levels were lower (p < 0.001) and triglyceride levels higher (p = 0.006) than in non-AO patients. There was no difference in exercise capacity between AO and non-AO patients, but AO patients had a higher resting heart rate (p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION: AO is highly prevalent in CAD patients Cl-amidine attending CR. AO is, independently of BMI, associated with metabolic lipid disorders and autonomic cardiovascular dysregulation, suggesting an increased cardiovascular risk. AO patients therefore need particular attention during CR and follow-up care.”
“Background: Knowledge of risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) recurrence in vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) can help clinicians make therapeutic decisions, The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to identify risk factors associated with recurrent urinary tract infection in children with VUR. In addition, a risk score that might predict the chance of UTI recurrence was also proposed.

The chemical analyses results herein showed that the EO of A gra

The chemical analyses results herein showed that the EO of A. graveolens specimen contains a major component, particularly high amounts of alpha-phellandrene (59%) indicating that this widely cultivated plant may account as a novel-alternative industrial source for this molecule. The insecticide properties of the EOs studied – and their most abundant compounds Pevonedistat – were evaluated against the Culex pipiens L larvae of 3rd and early 4th instars. Results indicated that many of them display noteworthy toxicity, with the EO of A. graveolens being the most active, displaying an LC50 value of 52.74 mg L-1. The EOs of E. tenuifolia ssp. sibthorpiana and C. aromaticum were also highly active exhibiting

LC50 values near 60 mg L-1. Among the tested oils, the EO of CCI-779 nmr A. graveolens exhibits noteworthy potentials for use either as bioremediation cultivar in mosquito-thriving areas and/or the development of novel biocides for the control of mosquitoes. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Objective. To assess opinions, knowledge, and informational resources of obstetrician-gynaecologists regarding the safety of medication use during pregnancy.

Methods. A questionnaire was mailed to 770 members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists who participate in the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network.

Results. The response rate was 58%. Of these, 305 respondents provide

both routine gynecologic and obstetric care and are the focus of the study. There click here was wide variation in obstetrician-gynaecologists’ assessments of the safety for the foetus of medications ranging from aspirin to valproic acid. The Physicians’ Desk Reference was most frequently (75%) cited as a source of information about medication safety. Forty-two percent of obstetrician-gynaecologists selected lack of sufficient information on medications as the greatest barrier

to counselling pregnant women about their use, while only 4% selected lack of access to information as the greatest barrier. Most (79%) obstetrician-gynaecologists indicated they would be willing to participate in pregnancy exposure registries, but far fewer (24%) reported having done so.

Conclusion. These results emphasise the need for safety information about the effects of medication use during pregnancy and suggest that pregnancy exposure registries are underutilised.”
“Rhinosinusitis is one of the most common conditions for which patients seek medical care. Subtypes of rhinosinusitis include acute, subacute, recurrent acute, and chronic. Acute rhinosinusitis is further specified as bacterial or viral. Most cases of acute rhinosinusitis are caused by viral infections associated with the common cold. Symptomatic treatment with analgesics, decongestants, and saline nasal irrigation is appropriate in patients who present with nonsevere symptoms (e.g.

(C) 2011 American Institute of Physics [doi:10 1063/1 3554623]“<

(C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3554623]“
“Background:

Pulmonary vein cryoablation (PVC) is a new approach in the treatment of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF). Computed tomography (CT) can be used to evaluate the left atrium anatomy and PVs dimensions to facilitate the procedure. In radiofrequency procedures, some anatomic variants such as common left (CLPV) or right selleck chemicals llc (CRPV) PV were reported as factors associated with technical procedure difficulties and potential long-term complications. We hypothesized that the absence of CLPV as determined by CT would predict better AF-free survival after PVC.

Methods and results: We included 118 consecutive patients (mean age 56 +/- 10 years; 77% males) with drug refractory paroxysmal (72%)/persistent (28%) AF, with more than 6 months follow-up, who underwent PVC. On CT scanning images performed within 1 month prior to ablation, we evaluated PV anatomic patterns: presence of CLPV or CRPV. Each patient was evaluated

by 24-hour Holter monitoring within 1 and 3 months and all patients were periodically evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months, and every 6 months thereafter. Patients see more were asked to record their 12-lead electrocardiogram whenever they experienced symptoms suggestive of AF. Recurrence was defined as AF that lasted at least 30 seconds. CLPV was present in 30 (25%) patients and no patients with CRPV were identified. At the end of the 13 months follow-up, patients with normal PVs had significantly better AF-free survival compared to patients with CLPV (67% vs 50%, P = 0.02). The difference was present in patients with paroxysmal AF (P = 0.008) but not in patients with persistent AF (P = 0.92).

Conclusion: In patients undergoing cryoballoon PV isolation for AF, the presence of normal PVs pattern is associated with better AF-free survival as compared to atypical PV anatomy with CLPV, particularly in patients with paroxysmal AF. (PACE 2011; 34: 837-843)”
“The mycobacterial cell envelope has been implicated in the pathogenicity of tuberculosis and therefore has been a prime target for the identification and characterization

of surface proteins with potential application in drug and vaccine development. In this study, the genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv was screened using Machine Pfizer Licensed Compound Library Learning tools that included feature-based predictors, general localizers and transmembrane topology predictors to identify proteins that are potentially secreted to the surface of M. tuberculosis, or to the extracellular milieu through different secretory pathways. The subcellular localization of a set of 8 hypothetically secreted/surface candidate proteins was experimentally assessed by cellular fractionation and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) to determine the reliability of the computational methodology proposed here, using 4 secreted/surface proteins with experimental confirmation as positive controls and 2 cytoplasmic proteins as negative controls.

(C) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved “
“Aims: To condu

(C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Aims: To conduct a systematic review of mortality among cohort studies of cocaine users.

Methods: Three electronic databases were searched (EMBASE, Medline LCL161 and PsychINFO); other online databases were searched using online libraries and repositories of reports and literature in the drug and alcohol field, with requested contributions from

trained librarians and experts. Searches and extraction were undertaken using protocols and cross-checking of decisions by two authors. Additional data were requested from study investigators where studies did not report relevant data.

Results: 1911 articles and 2 reports were identified from searches, with data from another four studies located from review articles. Seven cohorts of “”problem”" or dependent cocaine users reported data that permitted buy Cilengitide mortality rates to be estimated. Crude mortality rates ranged from 0.53 (95% CI: 0.10-1.58) to 6.16 (95% CI: 5.21-7.11) per 100PY. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) reported in four studies suggested that mortality was four to eight times higher among cocaine users than age and sex peers in the general population.

Conclusions: There are limited data on the extent of elevated mortality among problematic or dependent cocaine users

and it is unclear how generalisable the results of these studies may be to other populations of problematic cocaine users. Greater attention to both the method of recruitment, and the characteristics of cocaine users, would enhance our understanding of the mortality risks of problematic cocaine use. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Reports have shown that high-energy pelvic trauma might be associated with advanced pelvic organ prolapse in conjunction with other causes. We report the case of a 21-year-old nulliparous, premenopausal, non-overweight woman with no Salubrinal mouse predisposing factors for

prolapse who developed stage IV massive pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence 4 years after a severe pelvic traumatic accident. Most likely, the pelvic trauma, as a single factor, was the causative factor for the massive procidentia. The onset on the prolapse was delayed until 4 years after the pelvic accident. The patient was managed with sacrospinous ligament hysteropexy along with anterior and posterior vaginal wall repair and perineorrhaphy. Despite satisfactory surgical management, long-term regular follow-up is still required.”
“Novel magnetic nanospheres with an average size of 118 nm utilizing N-methacryloyl-(L)-cysteine methyl ester (MAC) as a monomer were prepared by surfactant free emulsion polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and MAC conducted in an aqueous dispersion medium. MAC was synthesized using methacryloyl chloride and L-cysteine methyl ester.

The addition of a short physiotherapy program composed of educati

The addition of a short physiotherapy program composed of education on postural hygiene and exercise intended to be continued at home, increases those improvements, although the magnitude of that increase is clinically irrelevant.”
“Medical education policy in Ireland has enabled an increase in undergraduate and postgraduate education activity in general practice. Internationally, ‘vertical integration in general practice education’ is suggested as a key strategy to support the implementation of this policy development.

To review the emerging literature on vertical integration in GP education, specifically to define the concept of ‘vertical integration’ with regard to education

in general practice and to describe its benefits and challenges.

We searched ‘Pubmed’, ‘Academic Search Complete’, ‘Google’, and ‘MEDLINE’ databases using selleck multiple terms related to ‘vertical integration’ and ‘general practice education’ for relevant articles published since 2001. Discussion papers, reports, policy documents and position statements were identified from reference lists and retrieved through internet searches.

The key components of ‘vertical integration’

in GP education include continuous educational pathway, all stages in GP education, supporting the continuing educational/professional development needs of learners at each stage and effective curriculum planning and delivery. Many benefits (for GPs, learners and the community) and many challenges (for GPs/practices, learners and GPs in training) have been described. Characteristics of successful implementation include role sharing Selleck BLZ945 and collaborative organisational structures.

Recent developments in medical education in Ireland, such as the increase

JNK-IN-8 MAPK inhibitor in medical school clinical placements in general practice and postgraduate GP training and the introduction of new competence assurance requirements offer an important opportunity to further inform how vertical integration can support increased educational activity in general practice. Describing this model, recognising its benefits and challenges and supporting its implementation in practice are priorities for medical education in Ireland.”
“Two types of environmentally friendly jute-fiber-reinforced green composites based on Mesua ferrea L. were prepared with poly(urethane ester) and poly(urethane amide) resin blends with commercially available partially butylated melamine-formaldehyde and epoxy resins through solution impregnation and hot-curing methods. The composites were cured at a temperature of about 130-140 degrees C under a pressure of 35 +/- 5 kg/cm(2) for about 2 h. The mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, flexural strength, elongation at break, hardness, and density, of all of the composites were measured and compared. The mode of interaction between the filler and the matrix were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the fractured composite samples.

Our preliminary results are in keeping with findings from previou

Our preliminary results are in keeping with findings from previous experimental work in fetal lambs.”
“The present study was performed to optimize the formulation of metoprolol succinate (MS) sustained release tablets using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and sodium alginate (SA) as the matrix combination. After investigating the effects of various parameters on drug release, a 2-factor, 5-level central composite design was employed, using the amount of HPMC K4M (A) and SA (318 cP) (B) as the independent variables and the drug percentage released at 1h, 4h, 8h, 20h (Q(1), Q(4), Q(8), Q(20)) as the responses. Response surfaces were established to obtain the matrix ranges and the

main factors affecting four responses. In order to validate the optimization Roscovitine mw study, six confirmatory runs were performed; indicating high predictability of response

surface methodology for MS sustained release tablets. Data fitting to Peppas equation indicated that the mechanism of drug release could be diffusion along with erosion. This matrix combination can be used as a good alternative to the commercially pellet technology, which was complicated, time-consuming and energy-intensive.”
“Objective: The study aimed to review the results of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) using a novel sac-anchoring endoprosthesis in patients with favourable and adverse anatomy.

Design: This is a prospective, multicentre, clinical trial.

Materials: The Nellix endoprosthesis consists

of dual, balloon-expandable endoframes, surrounded by polymer-filled endobags, which obliterate the aneurysm this website sac and maintain endograft position.

Methods: The study reviewed worldwide clinical experience and Core Lab evaluation of computed tomography (CT) scans.

Results: From 2008 to 2010, 34 patients (age 71 +/- 8 years, abdominal aortic aneurysm (MA) diameter 5.8 +/- 0.8 cm) were treated at four clinical sites. Seventeen patients (50%) met the inclusion criteria for Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved endografts (favourable anatomy); 17 (50%) had one or BEZ235 molecular weight more adverse anatomic feature: neck length <10 mm (24%), neck angle >60 degrees (9%) and iliac diameter >23 mm (38%). Device deployment was successful in all patients; iliac aneurysm treatment preserved hypogastric patency. Perioperative mortality was 1/34 (2.9%); one patient died at 10 months of congestive heart failure (CHF); one patient had a secondary procedure at 15 months. During 15 +/- 6 months follow-up, there were no differences in outcome between favourable and adverse anatomy patients. Follow-up CT extending up to 2 years revealed no change in aneurysm size or endograft position and no new endoleaks.

Conclusions: Favourable and adverse anatomy patients can be successfully treated using the Nellix sac-anchoring endoprosthesis. Early results are promising but longer-term studies are needed.

Histamine formation was determined by using HPLC and the histidin

Histamine formation was determined by using HPLC and the histidine decarboxylase (hdc) gene of the newly isolated histamine-producing strain was partially sequenced. The strain KS87-14 prolifically formed histamine 10 times higher than the reported T. muriaticus JCM 10006(T). The positive detection of KS87-14 was achieved by using hdcA gene-specific primers JV16HC and JV17HC.”
“Background: There is increasing evidence that the duration of red blood cell (RBC) storage negatively impacts outcomes. Data regarding prolonged storage of other blood components, however,

are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the duration of platelet EPZ5676 chemical structure storage affects trauma patient outcomes.

Methods: Trauma patients admitted to a Level I trauma center requiring platelet transfusion (2006-2009) were retrospectively identified. Apheresis platelets (aPLT) containing >= 3 x 10(11) platelets/unit were used exclusively. Patients were analyzed in three groups: those who received only aPLT stored for <= 3 days, www.selleckchem.com/products/crenolanib-cp-868596.html 4 days, and 5 days. The outcomes included mortality and complications (sepsis,

acute respiratory distress syndrome, renal, and liver failure).

Results: Three hundred eighty-one patients were available for analysis (128 received aPLT <= 3 days old; 109 = 4 days old; and 144 = 5 days old). There were no significant demographic differences between groups. Patients receiving aPLT aged = 4 days had significantly higher Injury Severity Score (p = 0.022) and were more likely to have a head Abbreviated Injury Scale >= 3 (p = 0.014). There

were no differences in volumes transfused or age of RBC, plasma, cryoprecipitate, or factor VIIa. After MI-503 molecular weight adjusting for confounders, exposure to older aPLT did not impact mortality; however, with increasing age, complications were significantly higher. The rate of sepsis, in particular, was significantly increased (5.5% for aPLT <= 3 days vs. 9.2% for aPLT = 4 days vs. 16.7% for aPLT = 5 days, adjusted p = 0.033). For acute respiratory distress syndrome and renal and liver failure, similar trends were observed.

Conclusions: In critically ill trauma patients, there was a stepwise increase in complications, in particular sepsis, with exposure to progressively older platelets. Further evaluation of the underlying mechanism and methods for minimizing exposure to older platelets is warranted.”
“Background and Purpose: Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) is supplanting traditional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) as the technique of choice for minimally invasive nephron-sparing surgery. This evolution has resulted from potential clinical benefits, as well as proliferation of robotic systems and patient demand for robot-assisted surgery. We sought to quantify the costs associated with the use of robotics for minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.