Indeed, reductions in cardiovascular risk and rates of onset of n

Indeed, reductions in cardiovascular risk and rates of onset of new cases of diabetes mellitus have been reported in trials in patients with hypertension treated with CCAs. These beneficial effects extend beyond

those expected to accompany reductions in BP.

Until recently, the biochemical effects underlying these metabolic changes were only poorly understood, but pharmacologic studies have now started to shed more light on these issues. Of particular interest are studies with manidipine, some of which suggest that this agent may be associated with greater improvements in insulin sensitivity and may have better renal protective properties than other CCAs. Confirmation of potential differences among CCAs in terms of the relative magnitude of any beneficial metabolic effects requires further study.

Ongoing research is expected find more FDA-approved Drug Library mw to clarify further the action of these agents at

the cellular level and to assist with the optimization of antihypertensive therapy, particularly in patients with elevated cardiovascular risk profiles.”
“Study Design. To demonstrate the existence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in ligamentum flavum (LF) and their pathogenic role in LF hypertrophy.

Objective. To isolate and characterize LF-derived MSCs and their response to transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi).

Summary of Background Data. LF is a connective tissue, of which hypertrophic changes induce spinal stenosis. The pathogenic role of TGF-beta 1 in spinal stenosis has been implicated.

TSA has been shown to suppress TGF-beta 1-induced alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), type I and III collagen synthesis in a variety of cells. MSCs have been isolated from a variety of adult tissues, except LF. Whether MSCs exist in LF and their response to TGF-beta 1 and TSA is not clear.

Methods. The MSCs from LF were isolated and cultured. Their phenotypic character, linage differentiation potential, and response to TGF-beta 1 and TSA were analyzed.

Results. LF-derived AZD8931 mouse MSCs have the similar profile of surface markers as bone marrow MSCs. They were demonstrated to have the potential to be differentiated into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. Administration of TGF-beta 1 stimulated cell proliferation, enhanced the gene expression of type I and III collagen, and increased the gene expression and protein level of a-SMA. TSA blocked the fibrogenic effects of TGF-beta 1.

Conclusion. The current results demonstrated the isolation of MSCs from LF. The cellular response to TGF-beta 1 implied that these cells might play an important role in the pathogenesis of LF hypertrophy. TSA, which blocks the effects of TGF-beta 1, may be a potent therapeutic choice for inhibiting LF hypertrophy.”
“Background: Epidemiologic evidence suggests that prenatal growth influences adult blood pressure.

rtCMR allowed for a detailed, simultaneous visualization of the d

rtCMR allowed for a detailed, simultaneous visualization of the delivery system with the mounted

Liproxstatin-1 order stent-valve and the surrounding anatomy, resulting in improved visualization during navigation through the vasculature, passage of the aortic valve, and during placement and deployment of the stent-valve. Post-interventional success could be confirmed using ECG-triggered time-resolved cine-TrueFISP and flow-sensitive phase-contrast sequences. Intended valve position was confirmed by ex-vivo histology.

Conclusions: Our study shows that rtCMR-guided TAVI using the commercial CoreValve prosthesis in conjunction with a modified delivery system is feasible in swine, allowing improved procedural guidance including immediate detection of complications and direct functional assessment with reduction of radiation and omission of contrast media.”
“This in vitro study investigated the effect of hydrodynamic flow through mechanical loading on development of secondary caries lesions. Forty-eight bovine tooth specimens (enamel and dentin; Selleck BIX 01294 sizes 3.2 x 3.2 x 2.0 mm) were restored with resin-composite

on polystyrene bars; 18 samples were bonded, and 30 were not bonded. Specimens were suspended in a lactic acid solution (pH = 5; 14 days) in a modified brushing machine, and artificial caries lesions were formed. During caries development, specimens were mechanically loaded at the surface of the polystyrene bar, bent so that the tooth-composite interfaces were subjected to opening forces (16x/min). Loads applied were either none (Control Bonded, CB, n = 6; and Control Non-bonded, CNB, n = 6), 200 gr (NB200, n = 12), or 350 gr (NB350 and B350, both n = 12). Before and after caries development, specimens were imaged with transverse wavelength-independent microradiography (T-WIM), and lesion depth (LD) and mineral loss (ML) were calculated at 4 different locations. An independent t test was used to compare the LD and ML at the 4 different locations. A statistically significant effect of the level

of loading (comparing groups NB200 and NB350) and of bonding (comparing groups NB350 and B350) could be observed, Navitoclax price with a higher load and absence of bonding leading to more advanced lesions.”
“Trace elements in seawater can be limiting factors of biological productivity, tracers of ocean circulation and biogeochemical processes, and proxies for paleoceanography. The global status of trace elements and their isotopes (TEIs) in the ocean is being explored this decade through an international study of the global marine biogeochemical cycles of TEIs (GEOTRACES). Such an international study has become possible due to recent methodological developments in sampling, preconcentration, and measurement of TEIs.

(Obstet Gynecol 2011;118:439-42)

(Obstet Gynecol 2011;118:439-42) Go 6983 clinical trial DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e318212f935″
“Objectives: To obtain objective data of bone conduction implant stability and osseointegration in children; to compare in pediatric subjects the stability and osseointegration of the novel TiOblast-coated implant system

(BI300) to the previous generation, as-machined model.

Study Design: Multicenter, controlled, nonrandomized, longitudinal, prospective study.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Level of Evidence: IIIb

Patients: Ten subjects were enrolled, aged younger than 16 years and without comorbidities that negatively affect osseointegration. All patients were implanted “”single stage”": 5 received the previous generation, pure titanium fixture (control group), and 5 were implanted the BI300, TiOblast-coated fixture (test group).

Interventions: Measurement of implant stability and osseointegration.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Implant stability and osseointegration as measured by means of resonance frequency analysis intraoperatively, Selleckchem mTOR inhibitor at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and every month till processor loading 6 months after surgery.

Results: BI300 is, on average, more stable than the control fixture, both intraoperatively and over time till processor loading. Over the 6 months’ follow-up, a stability increase was observed with both models, although it resulted statistically not significant.

Conclusion:

The BI300 implant system has a greater primary stability as compared with the previous generation model, but its faster osseointegration selleck kinase inhibitor could not be definitely verified. It is reasonable to assume that the BI300 fixture will enable surgeons to perform single-stage surgery more safely and with a lower failure rate. The possibility

of an earlier processor loading remains to be confirmed in a greater sample.”
“This study evaluated the combined effect of fluoride compounds and CO2 laser in controlling the permeability of eroded enamel. Bovine enamel slabs (3 x 2 mm) were cycled twice through an alternating erosion and remineralization regimen. Slabs were immersed in 20 ml of orange juice (pH 3.84) for 5 min under agitation, rinsed with deionized water, and stored in artificial saliva for 4 h to form erosive lesions. Specimens were then divided into four groups (n = 10), which were treated for 1 min with either a control or with one of the following gels: amine fluoride (AmF), titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4), or sodium fluoride (NaF). Half of the specimens were irradiated with a CO2 laser (lambda = 10.6 mu m; 2.0 W). Specimens were cycled two more times through the aforementioned erosion-remineralization regimen and were subjected to permeability assessment. ANOVA demonstrated a significant interaction between fluoride and laser treatment (p = 0.0152). Tukey’s test showed that when fluoride was applied alone, TiF4 resulted in lower enamel permeability than that observed after application of the placebo gel.

Nonreferral (58%) was the most common reason that eligible patien

Nonreferral (58%) was the most common reason that eligible patients did not receive an ICD. Patients were not referred for ICD because of appropriate contraindications

in 26% of cases. Overall mortality was 29% (15% with and 31% without ICD). In the LVEF <= 30% group an ICD was implanted in 33% of 388 eligible patients. Nonreferral (51%) was the most common reason that eligible patients did not receive an ICD. Patients were not referred for ICD because of appropriate contraindications in 24% of cases. Overall mortality was 28% (18% with and 32% without ICD).

Conclusions: After the publication of MADIT-II and SCD-HeFT, only 42% of eligible patients with LVEF <= 35% and 49% of patients with LVEF <= 30% were offered a potentially life-saving

Ulixertinib ICD between 2002 and 2006 in our medical center, sometimes with considerable delay. (PACE 2009; 32:S194-S197)”
“We analysed the impact of the Xpert (R) MTB/RIF molecular test on health-care diagnostic delay among tuberculosis patients. Diagnostic delay was 17.2 days (standard deviation 23.2, median 10 days). Of 128 patients recruited into the study, 60 (47%) were smear-negative; of these, 40 (67%) were Xpert-positive and were started on treatment without culture. The sensitivity of smear microscopy was 53% compared with 82% for Xpert. In smear-negative patients, delay in Xpert-positive and -negative patients was respectively 15.5 +/- 13.2 and 25.5 +/- 12.5 days (P = 0.002). We conclude that Xpert results were significantly associated with shorter health-care diagnostic delay, particularly Ruboxistaurin mw in smear-negative patients.”
“The surfaces of solar cells are often textured to increase their capacity to absorb light. This optical benefit is partially offset, however, by an increase in carrier recombination at or near the textured surface. A review of past work shows that the additional recombination invoked by a textured surface varies

greatly from one experiment NSC23766 supplier to another. For example, in the most commonly investigated structure-pyramidal textured silicon diffused with phosphorus and passivated with a hydrogenated oxide-recombination ranges from being 1-12 times more than in an equivalently prepared planar 100 surface. Examination of these experiments reveals consistent trends: small increases in recombination occur when the surface is very heavily diffused and dominated by Auger recombination, while larger increases in recombination occur when the surface is lightly diffused and dominated by Shockley-Read-Hall recombination at the surface, making the latter depend critically on surface area and the density of surface states. Comparisons of pyramidal and planar 100 surfaces indicate that when lightly diffused, the difference in recombination is substantially greater than the difference in surface area (1.73) and it is regularly attributed to the pyramid facets having 111 orientations-well known for their higher density of dangling bonds than 100 orientations.

(Obstet Gynecol 2011;117:627-35)

DOI:10 1097/AOG 0b013e31

(Obstet Gynecol 2011;117:627-35)

DOI:10.1097/AOG.0b013e31820afaf2″
“Aim: To compare the feasibility, safety and outcome of IMPELLA Recover LP2.5 cardiac assistance and intra aortic balloon pump (IABP) in patients with post-cardiac arrest shock.

Background: The high early mortality rate of post-cardiac arrest patients is attributed to a “”post cardiac arrest syndrome”" characterized by an acute and transient left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. LV assistance with IMPELLA selleck chemical Recover LP2.5 is proposed in most severe patients.

Methods: Retrospective single center registry from January 2007 to October 2010. All survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with patent or predictive factors for the occurrence of post-resuscitation shock assisted by either IMPELLA or intra aortic balloon pump (IABP) device immediately after the coronary angiogram were included.

Results: 78 post-cardiac arrest patients were assisted by one of the devices (35 by IMPELLA and 43 by IABP). Median “”no flow”" and median “”low flow”" were similar at admission

as were hemodynamic parameters. The feasibility of IMPELLA implantation was good (97%). At 28 days, the survival rate without sequellae was 23.0% in the IMPELLA and 29.5% in the IABP group (p = 0.61). Vascular complications were observed equally in both groups (3 vs 2, p = 0.9). Serious bleeding complications occurred in 26% of IMPELLA patients vs 9% of IABP patients (p = 0.06).

Conclusion: Early LV assistance by the IMPELLA LP2.5 is feasible in patients with post-resuscitation shock. The rate of complications did not differ substantially in the two groups, except for a trend Kinase Inhibitor Library toward a higher rate of bleeding events with IMPELLA. These encouraging findings must be confirmed in a larger clinical study. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Purpose: To compare the long-term selleck chemicals llc anatomical and visual outcomes of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) removed by vitrectomy and membrane peeling with or without the use of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone

acetonide (IVTA).

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed. Subjects who underwent vitrectomy and who were followed over 12 months were included. The study included two groups of patients. In group 1 (71 eyes), the patients underwent vitrectomy and membrane peeling without the use of IVTA. In group 2 (27 eyes), 2 mg of IVTA was given at the end of the surgery. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT), the number of cataract surgeries, and the use of anti-glaucomatous drugs during the follow-up period.

Results: This study included 98 eyes with ERM from 98 patients. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to age, gender, pre- and postoperative lens status, BCVA, CFT, or length of the follow-up period. The mean age for all of the patients was 62.45 +/- 10.

The use of objective criteria for the diagnosis of HFpEF identifi

The use of objective criteria for the diagnosis of HFpEF identifies patients with a similarly ominous prognosis as patients with HFrEF; this observation increases the robustness of the diagnostic criteria for HFpEF. Identifying these patients based on objective criteria, as we did, is an important step for future investigation, namely drugs, warranted to the HFpEF approach. This work was performed at the departments of internal medicine and cardiology

at Centro Hospitalar Sao Joao in Porto, Portugal. This work was supported by a grant from Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia (Foundation for Science and Technology), project PIC/IC/82773/2007. The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.”
“Background: Organizational context has the potential to influence the use of new knowledge. However, despite advances PD0332991 cell line in understanding the theoretical base of organizational context, its measurement check details has not been adequately addressed, limiting our ability to quantify and assess

context in healthcare settings and thus, advance development of contextual interventions to improve patient care. We developed the Alberta Context Tool (the ACT) to address this concern. It consists of 58 items representing 10 modifiable contextual concepts. We reported the initial validation of the ACT in 2009. This paper presents the second stage of the psychometric validation of the ACT.

Methods: We used the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing to frame our validity assessment. Data from 645 English speaking healthcare aides from 25 urban residential long-term care facilities (nursing homes) in the three Canadian β-Nicotinamide mw Prairie Provinces were used for this stage of validation. In this stage we focused on: (1) advanced aspects of internal structure (e. g., confirmatory factor analysis) and (2) relations with other variables validity evidence. To assess reliability and validity of scores obtained using the ACT we conducted: Cronbach’s alpha, confirmatory factor

analysis, analysis of variance, and tests of association. We also assessed the performance of the ACT when individual responses were aggregated to the care unit level, because the instrument was developed to obtain unit-level scores of context.

Results: Item-total correlations exceeded acceptable standards (> 0.3) for the majority of items (51 of 58). We ran three confirmatory factor models. Model 1 (all ACT items) displayed unacceptable fit overall and for five specific items (1 item on adequate space for resident care in the Organizational Slack-Space ACT concept and 4 items on use of electronic resources in the Structural and Electronic Resources ACT concept). This prompted specification of two additional models. Model 2 used the 7 scaled ACT concepts while Model 3 used the 3 count-based ACT concepts. Both models displayed substantially improved fit in comparison to Model 1.

ConclusionsIncreased sun exposure during summer holidays in adole

ConclusionsIncreased sun exposure during summer holidays in adolescence was associated with reduced eczema and rhinitis risk, independently of measured vitamin D levels but no difference in inhalant allergen

sensitization or asthma. The beneficial effects of sun exposure on allergic disease may operate independently from vitamin D or an effect on allergen sensitization.”
“The quantitative validation of reconstruction algorithms requires reliable data. Rasterized simulations are popular but they are tainted by an aliasing component that impacts the assessment of the performance of reconstruction. We introduce Vorinostat analytical simulation tools that are suited to parallel magnetic resonance imaging and allow one to build realistic phantoms. The proposed phantoms are composed of ellipses and regions with piecewise-polynomial boundaries, including spline contours, Bezier contours, and polygons. In addition, they take the channel sensitivity into account, for which we investigate two possible models. Our analytical formulations provide well-defined data Torin 1 in both

the spatial and k-space domains. Our main contribution is the closed-form determination of the Fourier transforms that are involved. Experiments validate the proposed implementation. In a typical parallel magnetic resonance imaging reconstruction experiment, we quantify the bias in the overly optimistic results obtained with rasterized simulations-the inverse-crime situation. We provide a package that implements the different simulations and provide tools to guide the design of realistic phantoms.”
“Atherosclerosis is a chronic Fer-1 mouse systemic inflammatory disease. The innate and adaptive immune response might be involved in atherogenesis. Methotrexate (MIX) induces apoptosis of activated T cells by a CD95-independent pathway. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of immunomodulation by MIX in the development of early atherosclerotic vascular lesions in an animal model. Four-week old male C57BL6 LDL-receptor-deficient mice were fed a diet rich in saturated fat (82%) and cholesterol (2.8%). Thirty animals were given a weekly intramuscular

injection of MIX, establishing three subgroups: 10, 30 and 50 mg/kg. Ten further mice were used as an immunocompetent control group. Aortic thickening was significantly inhibited in all MIX-treated groups compared with the control group at 30 days (0.46 +/- 0.003 mm(2) in the control group vs 0.31 +/- 0.002, 0.14 +/- 0.009 and 0.16 +/- 0.006 mm(2) in the low-, intermediate- and high-dose group, respectively; P = 0.01) and at 60 days. The aortic lumen/total area ratio was also increased in the MIX-treated groups (0.82 +/- 0.06 in the control group vs 0.88 +/- 0.07, 0.86 +/- 0.05 and 0.88 +/- 0.04, respectively; P = 0.02). Immunosuppression by MIX inhibits the development of atherosclerotic lesions in arterial vessels in mice, which highlights the crucial role of the immune system in atherogenesis.


“The evolution of the optical properties of GaN nanowires


“The evolution of the optical properties of GaN nanowires (NWs) with respect to a sequence of surface functionalization processes is reported; from pristine hydroxylated to finally, 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) functionalized GaN NWs. Photoluminescence, Raman, stationary, and time-resolved photoluminescence

measurements were applied to investigate the GaN NWs with different surface conditions. A documented surface passivation effect of the GaN NWs induced by the MPTMS functionalization is determined based on our characterization results. A hypothesis associated with the surface HTS assay band bending and the defect levels near the band edges is proposed to explain the observed experimental results. (C) 2011 American Institute

of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3552919]“
“Background: CX-6258 concentration The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of long-term prophylaxis with lamivudine (LAM) after a course of postoperative hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) in patients who underwent liver transplantation (LT) for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related disease.

Result: The medical records of HBV-infected patients who underwent a LT in our institution between July 2001 and May 2005 were reviewed. There were 15 liver transplant recipients who were administered HBIG for < 18 months and used LAM as a maintenance prophylaxis regime enrolled in this study. At enrollment, all patients were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive GDC-0994 supplier and three patients were HBeAg positive. There were 13 patients who were HBV DNA

positive with a mean viral load of 5.4 log copies/mL, and among them, 12 recipients were on antiviral therapy with LAM (100 mg/d orally) for 12-168 d, resulting in HBV DNA negative levels in nine patients prior to their transplant. HBV recurrence post-LT was noted in two patients who had very high-HBV DNA levels pre-LT. Both of these patients showed LAM-resistant mutation at the time of recurrence. The 11 patients who were HBV DNA negative before LT (low-risk patients) had no HBV recurrence during a follow-up at a median of 58 months post-LT. This included five patients who had intermittent low-level HBV DNA post-LT (HBsAg negative), of whom two had YMDD mutation and these two were given adefovir in addition to LAM.

Conclusion: Our retrospective study demonstrated excellent long-term outcomes in the low-risk patients treated with LAM after a short course of HBIG.”
“We found a south to north movement of rotavirus activity across Europe. Lower birth rates, higher winter temperatures, and higher winter rainfall were associated with variations in timing of rotavirus activity between European countries but not with temporal variations within countries. Patterns of rotavirus activity are likely to be driven by a complex interaction of population, virus, and environmental factors.”
“A convenient method is proposed for the measurement of the characteristic free volumes, viz.

J Heart Lung Transplant 2011;30:460-6 (C) 2011 International Soci

J Heart Lung Transplant 2011;30:460-6 (C) 2011 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. All rights reserved.”
“Swift heavy ions impacting on matter lose energy through the creation of dense tracks of charges.

The study of the space and time evolution of energy exchange allows understanding the single event effects behavior in advanced microelectronic devices. In particular, the shrinking of minimum feature size of most advanced memory devices makes them very interesting INCB018424 in vitro test vehicles to study these effects since the device and the track dimensions are comparable; hence, measured effects are directly correlated with the time and space evolution of the energy release. In this work we are studying the time and space evolution of ion tracks by using advanced non volatile memories

and Monte Carlo simulations. Experimental results are very well explained by the theoretical calculations. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3514167]“
“To evaluate the role of high-dose dietary zinc in the process of prostate learn more malignancy, 60 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: tumor induction with carcinogen and hormone (group 1), oral zinc administration without tumor induction (group 2), oral zinc administration with tumor induction (group 3) and a control without zinc administration or tumor induction (group 4). Zinc was supplied orally in the form of zinc sulfate heptahydrate dissolved in drinking water to groups 2 and 3 for 20 weeks. Although the serum level of zinc measured at 20 weeks was maintained similarly in each group (P = 0.082), intraprostatic zinc concentrations were statistically different. Group 1 prostates contained the least amount of zinc in both the dorsolateral and ventral lobes at levels of 36.3 and 4.8 PLX4032 manufacturer mu g g(-1), respectively. However, in group 3, zinc levels increased in both lobes to 59.3 and 12.1 mu g g(-1), respectively, comparable with that of group 4 (54.5 +/- 14.6 and 14.1 +/- 2.4 mu g g(-1)). In spite of these increases

in zinc concentration, the prevalence of prostate intraepithelial neoplasm was rather increased in group 3 (53.3% and 46.7%) compared with group 1 (33.3% and 33.3%) in both dorsolateral and ventral prostate lobes. Although prostate intraepithelial neoplasm did not develop in any prostate in group 4, zinc administration did induce prostate intraepithelial neoplasm in group 2 (46.7% and 40.0%). Thus, although high dietary zinc increased intraprostatic zinc concentrations, it promoted, instead of preventing, prostate intraepithelial neoplasm in a murine prostate malignancy induction model.”
“The HeartWare (HeartWare Inc, Framingham, MA) ventricular assist device (HVAD) is designed to be implanted with the pump in the pericardial space and its integrally attached inflow cannula in the left ventricle.

In the 25 patients operated on during the study period, differenc

In the 25 patients operated on during the study period, differences in the ABG and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak were compared between those with and without anomalies on computed tomography.

Results:

Imaging revealed an abnormal inner-ear structure in 46% of cases, mostly a large vestibular aqueduct, alone or combined with other cochlear or vestibular malformations. ABG was evident over high and low frequencies and was significantly larger at low frequencies and in ears with structural anomalies. A high rate of CSF leak was observed in patients with an ABG and structural anomalies imaging as well as in those with an ABG and normal imaging findings.

Conclusion: In cochlear implant candidates, the presence of a third window could cause an ABG because of stapes motion-induced Adavosertib chemical structure shunting of acoustic energy outside the cochlear duct in response to air-conducted stimuli while bone

conduction is preserved.”
“Intramedullary spinal cord abscess (ISCA) without meningitis is an extremely rare entity in the central nervous system, and it is often difficult to diagnose immediately, and no definitive imaging findings have been established. We experienced the case of a 61-year-old male who presented with a sudden onset back pain without fever following rapidly worsening paraparesis for 3 days, who subsequently become unable to walk. According to the initial MRI and Cytoskeletal Signaling inhibitor 3D-CTA, the presumptive diagnosis was spinal infarction

due to spinal artery embolism. However, his symptoms did not improve, despite the gradual changes in MRI following antiplatelet therapy. He underwent a biopsy in an attempt to prevent the lesion from progressing toward the upper spinal Navitoclax cord. The pathological examination revealed an intramedullary abscess, so we performed a midline myelotomy and drained the pus from the abscess. After surgery, MRI showed improvement, but the patient’s paraplegia persisted. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of spinal cord abscess with the confirmation of spinal artery occlusion on angiography, which could have been caused by a bacterial embolism. We herein discuss its possible etiology and also review recent reports on ISCA.”
“OBJECTIVES: Various studies have shown different parameters as independent risk factors in predicting the success of fast-track postoperative management in cardiac surgery. In the present study, we evaluated our 7-year experience with the fast-track protocol and investigated the preoperative predictors of successful outcome.

METHODS: Between 2004 and 2010, 5367 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery were preoperatively selected for postoperative admission in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) and were included in this study. These patients were then transferred to the ordinary ward on the same day of the operation.