: The move to the Accountable Care Organization model of care calls for broad-sweeping structural, operational, and cultural changes in our health care systems. The use of predictive modeling as part of the discharge process is used as a way to highlight just one of the common processes that will ...

The proper renewal and maintenance of tissues by stem cell populations is simultaneously influenced by anatomical constraints, cell proliferation dynamics and cell fate specification. However, their relative influence is difficult to examine in vivo. To address this difficulty we built, as a test case, a cell-centered state-based computational model of ...

The reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a sensitive technique for the quantification of steady-state mRNA levels, particularly in samples with limited quantities of extracted RNA, or for analysis of low level transcripts. The procedure amplifies defined mRNA transcripts by taking advantage of retroviral enzymes with reverse transcriptase ...

Ablation is a treatment option for selected patients with atrial fibrillation that is being used more frequently, increasing the importance of awareness of both its risks and benefits. This review discusses the thromboembolic and bleeding risks during ablation, strategies to minimize these risks and use of long-term oral anticoagulation post ...

Using the combination of bacterial gene mutation assay and chromosomal aberrations test in mammalian cells may not detect a small proportion of mammalian specific mutagenic agents. Therefore, at the current time a third assay should be used, except for compounds for which there is little or no exposure (DOH (2000) ...

The incidence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), which is the eighth most common malignancy worldwide, is highest in China. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between nitrogen compounds in drinking water with the incidence of ESCC by geographical spatial analysis. The incidence of ESCC is ...

The single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay, more commonly known as the comet assay, due to the "comet-like" appearance of the cells, was originally developed as a technique to measure the presence of DNA single-strand breaks. The assay is performed on single cells embedded in agar and placed in an ...

Prediction of mutagenicity by computer is now routinely used in research and by regulatory authorities. Broadly, two different approaches are in wide use. The first is based on statistical analysis of data to find patterns associated with mutagenic activity. The resultant models are generally termed quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR). The ...

With the rapid evolution of transcatheter aortic valve implantation over the past few years, transapical access has evolved to be a routine approach for the implantation of transcatheter aortic valve prostheses. The approach itself has demonstrated feasibility, safety and reproducibility associated with low complication rates. As the access allows for ...

The short-term in vitro mammalian cell chromosome aberration test is used to assess potential genotoxic hazard of test substances. Mammalian cells are cultured in vitro, exposed to a test substance, harvested, and the frequency of asymmetrical structural chromosome aberrations is measured. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes do not normally divide. The ...

Aim:  The total number of lymph nodes examined after salvage colectomy for endoscopically removed malignant polyps was evaluated and an attempt was made to determine whether there was an optimal number of lymph nodes that should be harvested. Method:  From 2000 to 2009, 531 patients underwent segmental resection for non-metastatic ...

Endovascular procedures have evolved to the mainstream treatment of choice for revascularization of infrapopliteal obstructive disease, especially in patients suffering from critical limb ischemia and multiple comorbidities. However, standard balloon angioplasty is limited by the potential of a suboptimal acute outcome due to elastic recoil and/or flow-limiting dissection, followed by ...

Berberine, a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid, is present in a number of important medicinal plants. Berberine has a wide range of biochemical and pharmacological effects, including anticancer effects. In this study, we elucidated the mechanism of antiangiogenic activity of berberine using in vivo and in vitro models. In vivo antiangiogenic ...

Epigenetic modifications are crucial for the identity and stability of cells, and, when aberrant, can lead to disease. During mouse development, the genome-wide epigenetic states of pre-implantation embryos and primordial germ cells (PGCs) undergo extensive reprogramming. An improved understanding of the epigenetic reprogramming mechanisms that occur in these cells should ...

One of the most promising methods to treat neurodegeneration is noninvasive transcranial near-infrared laser therapy (NILT), which appears to promote acute neuroprotection by stimulating mitochondrial function, thereby increasing cellular energy production. NILT may also promote chronic neuronal function restoration via trophic factor-mediated plasticity changes or possibly neurogenesis. Clearly, NILT is ...

In vivo methods are described to detect clastogenic and aneugenic effects of chemical agents in male and female germ cells in vivo. The knowledge of stages of germ cell development and their duration for a given test animal is essential for these experiments. Commonly, mice or rats are employed. Structural ...

Branching morphology is a hallmark feature of axons and dendrites and is essential for neuronal connectivity. To understand how this develops, I analyzed the stereotyped pattern of Drosophila mushroom body (MB) neurons, which have single axons branches that extend dorsally and medially. I found that components of the Wnt/Planar Cell ...

The mouse lymphoma TK assay (MLA) is part of an in vitro battery of tests designed to predict risk assessment prior to in vivo testing. The test has the potential to detect mutagenic and clastogenic events at the thymidine kinase (tk) locus of L5178Y mouse lymphoma tk ( +/- ) ...

Incorrect patellar resection during total knee arthroplasty can lead to anterior knee pain, patellar maltracking, patellofemoral impingement, patellar fracture, component loosening and reduced range of motion. A computer-assisted surgery (CAS) system was developed to improve the accuracy of the patellar cut. Twelve cadaveric knee specimens (6 pairs) were surgically prepared ...

Dislocation after total hip arthroplasty remains a major problem and hip instability is the most common reason for revision. These complications are costly to both patients and the healthcare system, and efforts to reduce them have had varied degrees of success. Although there are well documented patient and surgical risk ...

Analytical methods for regulatory tests usually must be defined before testing. To take this into account and to minimise equivocal interpretations, a sequential strategy is recommended. Assay validity must be verified and results then classed as clearly negative, clearly positive, or uncertain based on historical data. Where there is uncertainty, ...

The mouse embryo generates multiple cell lineages, as well as its future body axes in the early phase of its development. The early cell fate decisions lead to the generation of three lineages in the pre-implantation embryo: the epiblast, the primitive endoderm and the trophectoderm. Shortly after implantation, the anterior-posterior ...

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) has been successfully applied in tumor therapy. For a successful HIFU therapy, it is crucial to localize the tumor region accurately. In this paper, we present a semi-automatic non-rigid registration method for implementing image guided surgery navigation and localization by matching pre-operative CT/MR images and ...

Catheter ablation by radiofrequency (RF) energy has successfully eliminated cardiac tachyarrhythmias. RF ablation lesions are created by thermal energy. Electrode catheters with 4-mm-tips have been adequate to ablate arrhythmias located near the endocardium; however, the 4-mm-tip electrode does not readily ablate deeper tachyarrhythmia substrate. With 8- and 10-mm-tip RF electrodes, ...

The detection and characterisation of DNA adducts can provide mechanistic information on mode of action for genotoxic chemicals and in this context is vital for human risk assessments. Adducts are measured extensively in biomonitoring studies to examine exposure to environmental, dietary, and occupational chemicals and as biomarkers of efficacy for ...

: This article describes an innovation representing a paradigm shift away from the traditional nursing skills fair passive method of learning toward a dynamic, immersive learning experience utilizing simulation. : There are many hospitals that review yearly competencies through a skills fair methodology. There is no evidence to support that ...

Objective: To investigate the value of CT 3D reconstruction in the diagnosis and treatment of incisional hernia and the related factor of abdominal cavity volume. Methods: Abdominal wall defect and herniary volume were measured using 3D reconstruction based on plain CT scans in 17 patients with incisional hernias. Results: The ...

The most widely used assays for detecting chemically induced gene mutations are those employing bacteria. The plate incorporation assay using various Salmonella typhimurium LT2 and E. coli WP2 strains is a short-term bacterial reverse mutation assay specifically designed to detect a wide range of chemical substances capable of causing DNA ...

The purpose of this article is to delineate what we know about adherence with sedation withdrawal protocols and guidelines. Reasons for lack of adherence and associated outcomes are explored in addition to potential solutions. Research has demonstrated the positive outcomes associated with sedation withdrawal in ventilated patients, such as decreased ...

In the past, segments were defined by landmarks such as muscle attachments, notably by Snodgrass, the king of insect anatomists. Here, we show how an objective definition of a segment, based on developmental compartments, can help explain the dorsal abdomen of adult Drosophila. The anterior (A) compartment of each segment ...

Species of filamentous brown algae in the family Ectocarpaceae are significant members of fouling communities. However, there are few systematic studies on the influence of surface physico-chemical properties on their adhesion. In the present paper the development of a novel, laboratory-based adhesion bioassay for ectocarpoid algae, at an appropriate scale ...

Cellular phenotypes can be applied as biomarkers to differentiate normal from abnormal biological -conditions. Several cytogenetic methods have been developed and allow the accurate detection of such phenotypic changes.Based on their mechanisms of formation, cellular phenotypes may be used either as biomarkers of exposure or as biomarkers of effect. Therefore, ...

The concept of an electronic visual prosthesis has been investigated since the early 20th century. While the first generation of long-term implantable devices were defined by the turn of the millennium, the greatest progress has been achieved in the past decade. This review describes the current state of the art ...

Mutagens, clastogens, and aneugens cause increased expression of the human GADD45a gene. This has been exploited in the GreenScreen HC genotoxicity assay in which the gene's expression is linked to the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP). The host for the reporter construct is the human lymphoblastoid cell line TK6. ...

: Autism spectrum disorders are the most common developmental disorders, affecting 1 in 165 Canadian children. Although the experiences of the caregivers of children with autism have been examined to some extent, a thorough investigation of the benefits of this experience is warranted. : The lived experiences of 8 married ...

Objective: The widespread use of image guided surgery in the frontolateral skull base region has been limited by the need for a reliable and non-invasive registration procedure that provides sub-millimetric accuracy. We developed and validated preclinically a non-invasive, easy-to-use registration device based on a dental splint with a laterally mounted ...

The shortage of appropriate donor hearts and the expanding pool of patients waiting for a heart transplantation have led to growing interest in alternative strategies, particularly in mechanical circulatory support. With expanding clinical experience and continued technical advances, continuous-flow pumps are evolving from bridge to transplantation to destination therapy for ...

Since its advent, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) intra-operative defibrillation testing (DFT) has been a standard practice to confirm its optimal configuration. However, due to advances in device and lead technology, which now facilitate successful device implantation, and due to growing number of ICD primary prevention patients, the need for DFT ...

The in vitro micronucleus test detects genotoxic damage in interphase cells. The in vitro micronucleus test provides an alterative to the chromosome aberration test, and because the in vitro micronucleus test examines cells at interphase, the assessment of micronuclei can be scored faster, as the analysis of damage is thought ...

Chromosome aberration analysis has been the basis of one of core tests in genetic toxicology since guidelines were first established (DHSS (1981) Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals for Mutagenicity. Prepared by the Committee on Mutagenicity of Chemcials in Food, Consumer Products, and the Environment, Department of Health and Social ...

32P-postlabelling is a technique originally described by Kurt Randerath and colleagues for the sensitive detection of damage produced in DNA by reactive chemicals or genotoxins. The procedure essentially entails the enzymatic digestion of DNA to nucleoside 3'-monophosphates which are then radioactively labelled using T4 polynucleotide kinase and [γ(32)P]-adenosine triphosphate. Adducted ...

Engrailed 1 and engrailed 2 homeoprotein transcription factors (collectively Engrailed) display graded expression in the chick optic tectum where they participate in retino-tectal patterning. In vitro, extracellular Engrailed guides retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons and synergises with ephrin A5 to provoke the collapse of temporal growth cones. In vivo disruption ...

In regulatory genetic toxicology, the endpoints available for routine study in vivo have been limited to looking at chromosomal damage or unscheduled DNA synthesis in a very limited number of tissues. With the development of transgenic gene mutation systems in rodents came the opportunity to investigate a new endpoint. The ...

The design of medical devices requires an understanding of a large number of factors, many of which are difficult to teach in the traditional educational format. This subject benefits from using a challenge-based learning approach, which provides focused design challenges requiring students to understand important factors in the context of ...

The strategy for testing for genotoxicity covers three main areas, namely gene mutation, chromosome aberration or breakage (clastogenicity), and chromosome loss or gain (aneuploidy). The current generalized strategy consists of assays capable of detecting all of these endpoints using in vitro assays such as the Ames test for detecting gene ...

Chromosome aberration assays are employed to detect the induction of chromosome breakage (clastogenesis) in somatic and germ cells by direct observation of the chromosomal damage during metaphase analysis, or by indirect observation of chromosomal fragments. Thus, various types of cytogenetic change can be detected such as structural chromosome aberrations (CA), ...

: The aims of this study were to determine whether bowel sounds auscultation is necessary in critically ill patients and to forecast the prospect of bowel sounds as a monitoring measurement in the intensive care unit (ICU). : It has been suggested recently that bowel sounds are not an objective ...

As the new health care laws and regulations are defined and quickly changing, we must be nimble, allow our colleagues to attempt new ways of solving old problems, make mistakes if necessary, observe, take note, and discover the new best practices.

Current guidelines, initially published in 1995, recommend antenatal corticosteroids for mothers with preterm labor from 24 to 34 weeks' gestational age, but not before 24 weeks due to lack of data. However, many infants born before 24 weeks' gestation are provided intensive care. To determine if use of antenatal corticosteroids ...

Whether androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) causes excess cardiovascular deaths in men with prostate cancer is highly controversial and was the subject of a joint statement by multiple medical societies and a US Food and Drug Administration safety warning. To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials to determine ...