Successful Use of Surgically Placed Impella 5.0 and Central Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Circuit in a Patient with Postcardiotomy Shock

The Impella 5.0, a percutaneously inserted left ventricular assist device, has been used to support patients who have severe heart failure or who are undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. We report our surgical placement of the Impella 5.0, through a graft sewn to the aorta, to unload the left ventricle of a 59-year-old man who was undergoing venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for postcardiotomy shock. The patient underwent successful placement of a long-term left ventricular assist device before his discharge from the hospital. The versatility of the Impella 5.0 is exemplified in this patient who was successfully bridged to long-term support.     

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinoma: characterization of a distinct phenotype.

We have recently shown that HPV-positive tonsillar carcinoma in young patients exhibits nonkeratinizing basaloid morphology and a characteristic immunophenotype. The purpose of this study was to review a large number of cases of oropharyngeal carcinomas, in all age groups, and to identify tumors with nonkeratinizing morphology. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the prevalence and type of HPV DNA was determined in representative cases and in a control group of conventional keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas. The tumors were further characterized with a panel of immunohistochemical stains. A total of 235 carcinomas were reviewed; 141 of the tonsils and 94 in the base of tongue. Ninety (36%) of the tonsillar and 30 (32%) of the base of tongue carcinomas were nonkeratinizing (NKCa) with basal cell features; the rest were classical keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas (KSCC). HPV DNA, particularly type 16, was identified in 10 (100%) of 10 of NKCA and in only 2 (20%) of 10 of KSCC (P = .0014). NKCas were strongly reactive to p16 antibodies while KSCC showed weak and focal reactivity. Higher Ki67 and lower p53 staining scores were observed in NKCa as compared to KSCC. It is concluded that NKCa of the tonsils and base of tongue is a distinct subtype of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with high prevalence of HPV DNA and a characteristic immunophenotype.     

Enantiomeric interaction of flurbiprofen in the rat

Flurbiprofen [FL, (+/-)-2-(2-fluoro-4-biphenylyl)propionic acid] is a 2-arylpropionic acid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug which is commercially available as a racemate. The anti-inflammatory activity of FL, however, appears to be mainly due to the S enantiomer. Recently, it has been postulated that, in both humans and rats, the two enantiomers of FL may interact when racemic doses are given. This study examines the above postulate in the rat by administration of single iv doses of racemic FL (10 mg/kg), and R- and S-FL (5 mg/kg of each). Plasma concentrations (0-12 h) of the enantiomers were measured using a stereospecific HPLC assay. A significant interaction was noticed between the enantiomers: mean AUC +/- SD of R-FL was reduced from 115.3 +/- 21.3 to 49.0 +/- 10.4 mg/L.h as a result of S-FL coadministration. A trend towards reduced S-FL plasma concentration was also evident when the enantiomer was given as the racemate [mean AUC +/- SD; 176.8 +/- 37.7 racemate versus 241.4 +/- 86.2 mg/L.h alone]. The reduction in S-FL, however, was not significant due perhaps to the observed interanimal variation. While the enantiomeric interaction caused a significant enlargement of the volume of distribution of R-FL, it failed to alter the terminal half-life of the enantiomer. It is suggested that the interaction is a result of displacement from plasma protein binding sites of one enantiomer by the other.     

Musical obsession or pseudohallucination: Electrophysiological standpoint

Reported herein is a case of obsessive–compulsive disorder with persistent and distressing musical obsessions along with other symptoms. Advanced source analysis of electroencephalographic data indicated high spectral power over the bifrontal region. The musical symptoms were resistant to pharmacotherapy but there was some reduction in frequency and duration of musical obsessions with thought-stopping technique.     

Linear and angular measurements of computer-generated models: are they accurate, valid, and reliable?

INTRODUCTION: Traditional advanced imaging modalities such as CT and MRI are limited in their ability to perform accurate linear distance and angular measurements regardless of anatomical orientation. The construction of 3D models has been used to perform anthropometric analyses as well as in the reconstruction of rapid prototypes. We hypothesized that such measurements would be precise to within 2 mm or 2 degrees of measurements performed with a coordinate measurement machine (CMM). We also hypothesized that there would be a high degree of interobserver reliability with these measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multiple aluminum screws were implanted in various positions in three foam pelvises which were subsequently scanned by CT and rendered as 3D models using a commercially available software package (Mimics). Linear and angular measurements were performed using a CMM machine, the software package, and a dial caliper or goniometer. The deviation of the measurements from the CMM data was compared using ANOVA. The interobserver reliability of both the manual and computer-generated measurements was calculated. RESULTS: The mean difference between the CMM distances and those measured manually and with the software was 2.12 +/- 1.20 mm and 1.57 +/- 1.05 mm, respectively. The mean difference between the CMM angular measurements and the angular measurements performed manually and with the software was 4.07 +/- 4.70 degrees and 1.62 +/- 1.32 degrees, respectively. In all cases, the manual measurements were significantly less accurate (p < 0.0001) and there was a high degree of interobserver reliability. CONCLUSIONS: Computer-generated measurements taken from three-dimensionally reconstructed models are more accurate than manual measurements and are within 2 mm and 2 degrees of measurements performed with a CMM. These measurements have high interobserver reliability.     

Impact of surgeon handedness and laterality on outcomes of total knee arthroplasties: should right-handed surgeons do only right TKAs?

In this study, we examined the impact of surgeon handedness on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes. From 1997 to 2001, a right-handed surgeon performed 728 primary TKAs while standing on the side of the operative extremity--377 on the right and 351 on the left. Extension and Knee Society Function and Pain scores were significantly better for right knees than for left knees 1 year after surgery. This is the first report that shows that handedness can play a role in TKA outcomes. Reasons for the difference have not been determined but may be related to dexterity or proprioception. A surgeon should be aware of this potential problem and take precautions to prevent diminished results when operating.