Characterizing Normal-use Temperature Conditions of Pumped Insulin

In this study, the temperature profiles of insulin pump reservoirs during normal wear conditions across multiple seasons were characterized. Thermocouples secured in reservoirs filled with insulin diluent were loaded in infusion pumps worn by volunteers. Reservoir and ambient environmental temperature data and activity levels were logged during the course of normal daily activities in February (winter), April (spring), and August (summer). Each seasonal data set comprised 7 to 14 days of wear from 3 to 5 volunteers. Reservoir temperature profiles were generally higher than ambient temperatures, likely due to heat transfer from the wearer when the pump was placed close to the body. Temperature conditions inside pump reservoirs fluctuated between 25°C and 37°C regardless of seasonal variations. The average reservoir temperature remained close to 30°C across all seasons, notably lower than used in previously published compatibility and stability protocols (37°C). Results from this study could be utilized to develop more accurate stability and compatibility testing procedures for new insulin formulations and/or delivery devices.     

Genital prolapse with and without urinary incontinence

Procidentia, vaginal vault prolapse and severe cystocele may be associated with potential urinary incontinence, which becomes overt only after surgical repair of the genital prolapse. The normal support of the pelvic organs is provided by the pelvic diaphragm (levator ani and coccygeus muscles). The levator plate is a firm, muscular plate between the coccyx and anus formed by fusion of the levator ani muscles on each side. Recent investigators have indicated that the main mechanism for weakening the pelvic muscles occurs as a result of childbearing, when stretch injury of the pudendal nerve causes denervation of the muscles. This injury is aggravated with the changes of aging and has effects on anogenital prolapse and stress incontinence. There may be iatrogenic causes of both prolapse and stress incontinence when an operation produces a change in the direction of tissue forces or removes a prior barrier to incontinence. The evaluation of patients must include the actual and potential aspects of genital prolapse and incontinence. Testing for stress incontinence must be performed before and after reduction of the genital prolapse. Surgical repair should be planned carefully to correct all the significant and potential defects in the urogenital tract. Ideally a normal vaginal axis with adequate length will be restored, and urinary function will not be compromised.     

The role of endoscopy in evaluating patients with head and neck cancer. A multi-institutional prospective study

In a prospective multi-institutional study of 384 patients undergoing endoscopy, an 8.9% incidence of second primary neoplasms was discovered simultaneously in the lung (3.3%), esophagus (1.8%), and other head and neck sites (3.6%). The endoscopy was the only source of detection of these tumors in 58% of cases. A trend indicates that flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy was more effective than rigid bronchoscopy in discovering lung tumors (7.5% vs 2.3%). Nevertheless, the chest roentgenogram remains an important tool in the diagnosis of second primary lesions in the lung. Panendoscopy is safe, takes little time, and can add invaluable information concerning therapy in patients with head and neck cancers.     

Elevation of serum CA125 in carcinomas of the fallopian tube, endometrium, and endocervix

An immunoradiometric assay with the use of a monoclonal antibody can detect an antigenic determinant (CA125) in peripheral blood from more than 80% of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. In this report elevated levels of CA125 were detected in serum from patients with adenocarcinomas of the fallopian tube, endometrium, and endocervix. Among patients with endometrial cancer, CA125 levels were elevated in recurrent or disseminated disease but not with tumors confined to the uterus.     

Shark cartilage monograph: a clinical decision support tool

The use, adverse effects, mechanism of action, pharmacology, interactions and supporting evidence of shark cartilage is presented. Dosage, toxicology and safety parameters are also discussed.     

Kava monograph: a clinical decision support tool

The proposed uses, dosing parameters, adverse effects, toxicology, interactions and mechanism of action of kava is systematically reviewed in monograph format.