The red eye

A red eye is a cardinal sign of ocular inflammation. Most cases are benign and can be managed by the primary care provider. The key is recognizing cases requiring ophthalmological consultation by differentiating between ciliary and conjunctival injection. Ciliary injection indicates inflammation of the cornea, iris, or ciliary body, whereas conjunctival injection mainly affects the posterior conjunctival blood vessels. The author has stated that he does not have a significant financial interest or other relationship with any product manufacturer or provider of services discussed in this article. The author also does not discuss the use of off-label products, which includes unlabeled, unapproved, or investigative products or devices.     

Characterization of bortezomib-adapted I-45 mesothelioma cells

Background  

Bortezomib, a proteasome-specific inhibitor, has emerged as a promising cancer therapeutic agent. However, development of resistance to bortezomib may pose a challenge to effective anticancer therapy. Therefore, characterization of cellular mechanisms involved in bortezomib resistance and development of effective strategies to overcome this resistance represent important steps in the advancement of bortezomib-mediated cancer therapy.     

Effects of growth hormone on glucose and fat metabolism in human subjects.

This article focuses on in vivo data from tests performed in normal subjects and in patients who had abnormal growth hormone (GH) status. Experimental data in human subjects demonstrate that GH acutely inhibits glucose disposal in skeletal muscle. At the same time GH stimulates the turnover and oxidation of free fatty acid (FFA), and experimental evidence suggests a causal link between elevated FFA levels and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Observational data in GH-deficient adults do not indicate that GH replacement is associated with significant impairment of glucose tolerance, but it is recommended that overdosing be avoided and glycemic control be monitored.     

Genetic variation in serotonin transporter alters resting brain function in healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: Perfusion functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to investigate the effect of genetic variation of the human serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene (5-HTTLPR, SLC6A4) on resting brain function of healthy individuals. METHODS: Twenty-six healthy subjects, half homozygous for the 5-HTTLPR short allele (s/s group) and half homozygous for the long allele (l/l group), underwent perfusion functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging during a resting state. The two genotype groups had no psychiatric illness and were similar in age, gender, and personality scores. RESULTS: Compared with the l/l group, the s/s group showed significantly increased resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the amygdala and decreased CBF in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. The effect of functional modulation in these regions by 5-HTTLPR genotype cannot be accounted for by variations in brain anatomy, personality, or self-reported mood. CONCLUSIONS: The 5-HTTLPR genotype alters resting brain function in emotion-related regions in healthy individuals, including the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Such alterations suggest a broad role of the 5-HTT gene in brain function that may be associated with the genetic susceptibility for mood disorders such as depression.     

Calcaneal fractures

Fractures of the calcaneus generally occur in the event of high-energy trauma, resulting in complex, three-dimensionally oriented fracture patterns. Surgical management is generally indicated for displaced intra-articular fractures, which allows restoration of calcaneal height, width and overall morphology, in addition to the posterior facet articular surface where possible, and allows for a late in situ arthrodesis as a means of salvage in the event of posttraumatic arthritis. What follows is a brief discussion of our preferred methods in the diagnosis and management of calcaneal fractures.     

Endoscopic T-tube placement in the management of lye-induced esophageal perforation: Case report of a safe treatment strategy

Esophageal perforation is associated with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. We report herein a case of lye-induced esophageal perforation managed successfully by employing endoscopic T-tube placement with a successful outcome.