Development of a high-fidelity minimally invasive mitral valve surgery simulator

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop a high-fidelity minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) simulator.

Varicose veins of the legs among nurses: Occupational and demographic characteristics

This study aims to determine the relationship between occupational and demographic hazards that characterize varicose veins (VV) in the legs and their intensity among nurses.A cross‐sectional study was carried out among 203 nurses from three general hospitals in Amol, Iran. The required subjects' information was collected through a self‐filled questionnaire and the physical examination of the VV intensity was based on the Clinical finding using the Etiology, Anatomic finding, Pathophysiological standards. The prevalence of VV, with different degrees, was 72.4% (95% CI 65.7–78.4), with women having a higher prevalence compared with men (77.9% vs. 56.9%, P = 0.004). The other non‐interventional risk variable was having longer years of service. Interventional variables were long‐standing hours, overtime work and body mass index status. This study had determined the occupational risk variables on VV which could be interventional in improving the working nurses' environment and quality of life for their long‐term career.     

Neurobehavioral Profiles in Individuals with Hyperimmunoglobulin E Syndrome (HIES) and Brain White Matter Hyperintensities

Purpose

Individuals with hyperimmunoglobulin E Syndrome (HIES) have central nervous system abnormalities, including focal white matter hyperintensities (WMH), or unidentified bright objects. This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the cognitive and emotional functioning and quality of life of people with HIES. We also sought to explore the relationship between cognitive functioning and WMHs in this population.

Methods

Twenty-nine individuals (13 males) with autosomal-dominant HIES (mean age?=?35.1 years, range 16–55) were administered a comprehensive psychological assessment as part of a natural history protocol. The assessment included measures of global cognitive functioning (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III), memory (California Verbal Learning Test-II, Wechsler Memory Scale-III), executive skills (Delis Kaplan Executive Function System), and attention (Test of Everyday Attention). Emotional symptoms and quality of life also were assessed.

Results

All mean cognitive scores were within normal limits. Mean scores on memory and executive functioning measures were significantly lower than Full Scale IQ scores (ps?<?.05). Substantial percentages of patients self-reported executive skills to be in the clinical range. Patients with fewer (1–20) versus more (21+) WMHs scored significantly better on measures of global cognitive skills, visual-perceptual skills, and working memory. Mean scores on emotional symptom and quality of life measures were in the average range and unrelated to WMHs.

Conclusions

Global cognitive functioning was average to high average in our sample of individuals with HIES. However, focal brain lesions were associated with lower scores in specific domains. Emotional functioning and quality of life are within normal limits in this sample.     

Pharmacosimulation of delays and interruptions during administration of tirofiban: a systematic comparison between EU and US dosage regimens

Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis - Tirofiban is a glycoproteine (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist, which inhibits platelet-platelet aggregation and is a potential adjunctive antithrombotic...