Digital Commons Network^™

On The Incidence Of Pulmonary Embolism In Spinal Arthrodesis And The Need For Better Evidence And Prevention Guidelines, Zachary J. Senders, Bs, Benjamin Zussman, Bs, James S. Harrop, Md

JHN Journal

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a rare but serious event that may occur after spinal surgery. Vascular endothelial damage during surgery and immobilization of the patient after surgery contribute to a higher risk of thrombosis and subsequent PE. Prophylaxis including intermittent pneumatic compression stockings, heparin, and other interventions is often employed by the treatment team to lower the risk of thromboembolic complications. In orthopedic, trauma, burn and other high-risk surgical patients, the incidence of PE has been thoroughly studied, and this knowledge has been used to establish prophylaxis guidelines specifically for these patients. The incidence of PE in spinal fusion patients, …

Surgical Management Of Fungal Vertebral Osteomyelitis, Benjamin M. Zussman, Bs, David L. Penn, Ms, James S. Harrop, Md

JHN Journal

Fungal vertebral osteomyelitis (FVO) is an uncommon but aggressive disease that may cause spinal instability, neurological insult, and possible death. Little data about treatment strategies and patient outcomes exist. A retrospective review of medical and surgical management with follow-up of this disease was performed.

Bevacizumab: A Controversial Agent Against High-Grade Gliomas, Sussan Salas, Md, Miguel Guzman, Md, Kevin Judy, Md

JHN Journal

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults. Despite the current regimen of surgical resection with subsequent external beam radiotherapy and temozolomide, mean survival is 14.6 months and 2-year survival is 26%. GBM is a highly vascular tumor, a result of its increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) compared to other brain tumors. VEGF promotes endothelial cell proliferation, and is thought to have a pivotal role during tumor progression. Multiple treatment modalities have targeted VEGF and VEGF receptors (VEGFTs) due to their essential roles in the regulation of angiogenic processes. Bevacizumab is a …

Case Report On Intracranial Hemorrhage Related To Type I Cryoglobulinemia, Richard Dalyai, Md, L. Fernando Gonzalez, Md

JHN Journal

A traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a common neurosurgical pathology that affects about 20 of 100,000 people every year with a mortality of at least 40%. However, a specific etiology, cannot be identified in about 30% of spontaneous ICH. Here, we present a rare case of ICH related to a patient's previously undiagnosed cryoglobinemia.

Childhood Obesity And Blood Pressure: Back To The Future?, Bonita Falkner, Samuel Gidding

Department of Pediatrics Faculty Papers

The prevalence of childhood hypertension is increasing.^{1, 2} Studies that apply the 95^th percentile definition and repeat measurements on three separate visits, report a pediatric hypertension prevalence of approximately 3.5%^{3, 4}, and among obese children and adolescents the prevalence of both hypertension and prehypertension is even greater. The recently documented increase in hypertension among the young is due largely to the childhood obesity epidemic and possibly other secular changes in lifestyles. These publications and others confirm that hypertension is a prevalent child health condition, especially among overweight and obese children. A consistent positive association between body …

Individual Agency, Community Capacity Building, And Chronic Illness Care: Using Participatory Methods To Implement The Stanford Chronic Disease Self Management Program In A Housing First Program, Lara Carson Weinstein, Md, Mph, Abbie Santana, Msph, Carolyn Armour, Cornelius Crossan, James Lawson, Karen Webb

Department of Family & Community Medicine Presentations and Grand Rounds

Research questions:

Is a standardized chronic disease self management program (CDSMP) experienced as a valuable intervention by Pathways' consumers?

What is the impact of collaborative inquiry into health program development on participant's critical agency?

Neuronavigation Assisted Endoscopic Sinus Surgery, Masaud Mohyuddin, Zain A Sobani, Montasir Junaid, Shehzad Ghaffar

Section of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery

In the past two decades, endoscopic sinus surgeries (ESS) have been widely advocated as a safe and effective treatment for disorders of paranasal sinuses that are refractory to medical therapy. ESS caters surgeons with two-dimensional visualization of the anatomical structures; however in scenarios where there is a close anatomical relation between the disease and delicate intracranial or intraorbital structures drastic complications can occur. Hence, endoscopic procedures had to be converted into open surgical procedures if the extent of the disease could not be visualized or cleared thoroughly. Recently however; neuronavigation systems have been combined with ESS to yield better results …

Non-Geometric Echocardiographic Indices Of Ventricular Function In Patients With A Fontan Circulation., Jonathan Rhodes, Renee Margossian, Lynn A. Sleeper, Piers Barker, Timothy J. Bradley, Minmin Lu, Mark Fogel, Matthew A. Harris, Wyman W. Lai, Andrew J. Powell, Michael D. Puchalski, Girish S. Shirali, Steven D. Colan, Pediatric Heart Network Investigators

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Complex anatomy and limited windows complicate echocardiographic assessments of ventricular function in Fontan patients. For the Pediatric Heart Network Fontan Cross-Sectional Study, data were acquired from which mean ventricular pressure change during isovolumetric contraction (dP/dt(ic)), Tei index, and maximal systolic annular velocity (S') could be measured. The purpose of this study was to compare these nongeometric indices of ventricular function to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) measurements of ventricular ejection fraction (EF).

METHODS: Echocardiographic and CMR studies were performed prospectively using standardized protocols; measurements were completed by core laboratories. Data from both modalities were available from 137 patients.

RESULTS: A …

Can Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (Ssri) Improve Motor Recovery After Stroke? What Is The Role Of Neuroplasticity?, Farzin Majeed, Ayeesha Kamran Kamal

Section of Neurology

No abstract provided.

Can Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (Ssri) Improve Motor Recovery After Stroke? What Is The Role Of Neuroplasticity?, Farzin Majeed, Ayeesha Kamran Kamal

Department of Medicine

No abstract provided.

Abca12-Mediated Lipid Transport And Snap29-Dependent Trafficking Of Lamellar Granules Are Crucial For Epidermal Morphogenesis In A Zebrafish Model Of Ichthyosis., Qiaoli Li, Michael Frank, Masashi Akiyama, Shiu-Ying Ho, Hiroshi Shimizu, Christine Thisse, Bernard Thisse, Eli Sprecher, Jouni Uitto

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) can serve as a model system to study heritable skin diseases. The skin is rapidly developed during the first 5-6 days of embryonic growth, accompanied by expression of skin-specific genes. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of wild-type zebrafish at day 5 reveals a two-cell-layer epidermis separated from the underlying collagenous stroma by a basement membrane with fully developed hemidesmosomes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals an ordered surface contour of keratinocytes with discrete microridges. To gain insight into epidermal morphogenesis, we have employed morpholino-mediated knockdown of the abca12 and snap29 genes, which are crucial for secretion of lipids and …

Clinical Profile And Outcomes Of Paediatric Patients With Diabetic Ketoacidosis At A Tertiary Care Hospital In Pakistan, Madiha Syed, Fariha Batool Khawaja, Taimur Saleem, Umair Khalid, Abdul Rashid, Khadija Nuzhat Humayun

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to present an experience in the management and clinical features of 88 children presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) from Pakistan.

METHODS: A retrospective medical chart review of all patients, < or = 15 years of age, who presented to the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan in the last ten years with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis was carried out. Severity of DKA was defined as mild (venous pH < 7.30 or bicarbonate=15mEq/l), moderate (venous pH < 7.2 or bicarbonate = 10 mEq/l) and severe (venous pH < 7 or bicarbonate < 5 mEq/l). These classes correspond to 1st, 2nd and 3rd degrees of diabetic ketoacidosis severity respectively. Cases in which diabetic ketoacidosis had occurred at onset of diabetic diagnosis were not included in the study.

RESULTS: Mean age was 7.5 +/- 3.6 years; 58 (66%) patients were male. Twenty six patients had mild diabetic ketoacidosis, 44 had moderate while 18 had severe diabetic ketoacidosis at the time of presentation. Severity of diabetic ketoacidosis was significantly associated with the presence of infection, history of omission of insulin, poor compliance, presence of shock at time of presentation, length of stay in the hospital, final …

Foetus-In-Foetu, Syed Rehan Ali, Maqbool Qadir, Shakeel Ahmed, Prem Kumar

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Foetus-in-foetu is a rare malformation in which a monozygotic diamniotic parasitic twin is incorporated into the body of its fellow twin and grows inside it. Less than 100 cases have been reported in literature. One day old newborn male was admitted with antenatal diagnosis of abdominal mass. It was cystic/solid in nature with pressure effects on left ureter and urinary bladder, most likely to be a germ cell tumour. Birth history was uneventful. Exploratory laparotomy was performed and the mass was excised. Physical examination confirmed the diagnosis of foetus-in-foetu. Although it is a rare condition, imaging may play an important …

Participatory Research At Pathways To Housing-Pa: A Consumer Perspective, Patways To Housing Consumer Health Research Team And Department Of Family And Community Medicine

Department of Family & Community Medicine Presentations and Grand Rounds

Research Question: How does housing affect healthcare decision making?

Methods: 11 Clients took part in a 9-week project focused on health. Using qualitative methodology, weekly meetings were recorded, transcribed, then analyzed resulting in the development of thematic findings.

Baseline Monitoring Of Standard Health Indicators In A Formerly Homeless Population, Lara Carson Weinstein, Md, Mph, Marianna Lanoue, Phd, Elizabeth Collins, Bs

Department of Family & Community Medicine Presentations and Grand Rounds

Research Question: What are the rates of baseline health status indicators recording at Pathways to Housing (PTH) using select recommended measures from the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) and the Healthcare Effectiveness Data Information Set (HEDIS)?

How do health indicators compare between clients receiving direct clinical care in the integrated care program vs non-integrated care clients?

Cervical Cancer Screening Outcomes In A Refugee Population, Sarah Pickle, Md, Marc Altshuler, Md, Kevin Scott, Md, Christina Hillson, Md, R. Patrick Mcmanus, Md, Mazvita Nyamukapa, Michael Walker

Department of Family & Community Medicine Presentations and Grand Rounds

The purpose of our study was to determine the prevalence of abnormal Pap smears and high-risk HPV genotypes within our refugee population.

Anaesthesia As A Career Choice In A Developing Country; Effect Of Clinical Clerkship, Fauzia Khan, Fauzia Nasim Minai, Shahla Siddiqui

Department of Anaesthesia

OBJECTIVE: To explore the fourth year medical student's knowledge regarding anaesthesia as a specialty, their attitude towards anaesthesia as a career choice and the effect of clinical clerkship on these.

METHODS: This survey was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesia of a university medical centre in a developing country. One hundred and fifty year four medical students rotating in anaesthesia were enrolled. They were asked to fill a structured questionnaire before (pre) and after (post) their anaesthesia rotation. The questionnaire sought information on their perception of anaesthesia as a specialty, role of anaesthetists clerkship duration, and reasons for considering or …

Efficacy Of L-Ornithine-L-Aspartate As An Adjuvant Therapy In Cirrhotic Patients With Hepatic Encephalopathy, Shahab Abid, Wasim Jafri, Khalid Mumtaz, Muhammad Islam, Zaigham Abbas, Hasnain Ali Shah, Saeed Hamid

Section of Gastroenterology

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of L-ornithine-L-aspartate (LOLA) as an adjuvant therapy in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE).

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized placebo controlled study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi in the year 2003-2004.

METHODOLOGY: Patients with HE were randomized to receive LOLA or placebo medicine as an adjuvant to treatment of HE. Number connection test-A (NCT-A), ammonia level, clinical grade of HE and duration of hospitalization were assessed.

RESULTS: Out of 120 patients, there were 62 males with mean age of 57 11 years. Improvement in HE was higher (n=40, 66.7%) in LOLA …

Lymphotoxin-Beta Receptor Blockade Reduces Cxcl13 In Lacrimal Glands And Improves Corneal Integrity In The Nod Model Of Sjögren's Syndrome, Roy A. Fava, Susan M. Kennedy, Sheryl G. Wood, Anne I. Bolstad, Jadwiga Bienkowska, Adrian Papandile, John A. Kelly

Dartmouth Scholarship

In Sjögren's syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) is associated with infiltration of lacrimal glands by leukocytes and consequent losses of tear-fluid production and the integrity of the ocular surface. We investigated the effect of blockade of the lymphotoxin-beta receptor (LTBR) pathway on lacrimal-gland pathology in the NOD mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome.

The Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Acute Myocardial Infarction (Ami) After Acute Ischemic Stroke (Ais) In The United States, Ali Seifi, Md, Fred Rincon, Md, Msc, Michael Moussouttas, Md, Mitchell Maltenfort, Phd, Matthew Vibbert, Md, Rodney Bell, Md, Maria Carissa Pineda, Md, Diana Tzeng, Md, Jacqueline Urtecho, Md, Anish Koka, Md, William Mcbride, Md

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for, and the association with in-hospital mortality of, AMI after AIS, and to study the effect of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) in this setting. We hypothesized that AMI would be associated with lower survival rate at hospital discharge but that intravenous r-tPA would be associated with lower risk of AMI.

Diagnosis Of Hepatoma Using Grayscale And Doppler Ultrasound In Patients With Chronic Liver Disease., W. Memon, Zishan Haider, Mirza Amanullah Beg, Muhammad Idris, Tanveer Ul Haq, Sidra Idris

Department of Radiology

Objective:To determine the diagnostic accuracy of liver ultrasound for the detection of hepatoma in chronic liver disease (CLD) Patients by either taking histopathology or serum alpha-fetoprotein levels or a biphasic computed tomography (CT) scan (whichever is available) as the gold standard. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Place And Duration Of Study: Radiology Department, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from January 2007 to January 2010.

Methods:

A total of 239 Patients (156 males and 83 females) with clinical suspicion or surveillance of hepatoma in CLD referred to the radiology department for ultrasound evaluation followed by either liver biopsy and histopathology …

About The Authors

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

List of authors for Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry, Volume 8, Number 1, 1990.

Letters To The Editor

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Letters to the Editor for Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry, Volume 8, Number 1, 1990.

Book Review: Biologic Psychiatry For The Biologist, John P. Seibyl, M.D.

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY: THE THIRD GENERATION OF PROGRESS

Edited by Herbert Y. Meltzer, M.D .New York, Raven Press, 1987

1824 pages, $160.00

Book Review: Illness Or Person?, Beth Z. Mark, M.D.

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Book Review of:

PSYCHOTHERAPY OF NEUROTIC CHARACTER

Dana Shapiro

New York, Basic Books, 1989

In Response: A Practical Approach To The Assessment And Management Of Psychiatric Emergencies, William R. Dubin, M.D.

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

I would like to respond to the article entitled "A Practical Approach to the Assessment and Management of Psychiatric Emergencies" (Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 7:8 I-9 1, 1989). The authors are to be congratulated for their concise distillation of the major clinical problems encountered in emergency psychiatry. However, there are several aspects of this review which require further amplification and clarification.

Psychiatrists' Knowledge And Attitudes About The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Carol L. Alter, M.D., Ellen S. Dickinson, M.D., Greg Miller, M.D.

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Since 1981 the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has become the primary health care issue in this nation. Psychiatrists have had a central role in caring for AIDS patients: they have been asked to evaluate and treat patients with neuropsychiatric manifestations of AIDS and emotional reactions to the illness itself, as well as to treat those who are fearful of acquiring AIDS. Numerous studies in the literature have explored the physician and lay population's knowledge and attitudes about AIDS. To date no study has addressed these issues in psychiatrists in specific (1- 9).

Most studies suggest that individuals who have …

The Homicide Witness And Victimization; Ptsd In Civilian Populations: A Literature Review, Gerald M. Streets, M.D.

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

People who witness the murder of an individual, whether a family member or acquaintance, often experience their loss as a psychic trauma. This described trauma is revealed by the symptom complex defined in the DSM-III-R as post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Children, in particular, frequently suffer from debilitating grief, which hinders their emotional and cognitive development. This grief may masquerade as a learning disability, hyperactivity, or an attention deficit disorder. Witnessing murder and being victimized (i.e, rape, incest, and physical abuse) are equivalent experiences in their potential for generating massive intrapsychic conflict. Being poor is a predisposing factor which puts …

Exploring Frontal Lobe Dysfunction In Schizophrenia With Positron Emission Tomography, Donald P. Hall, Jr., M.D.

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Frontal lobe dysfunction in schizophrenic pa tients has been highly suspected for many years. Many psychiatrists and patients, however, are awaiting solid proof of a biological manifestation of this disease. While positron emission tomography does not uniformly demonstrate such a manifestation, it does demonstrate a prefrontal cortex deficit in most reported studies. Further, a localization of the attention deficit of schizophrenia, in the prefrontal cortex, is strongly suggested by some studies.

INTRODUCTION

Positron emission tomography (PET) has enabled investigators in modern clinical psychiatry to demonstrate that schizophrenia is, at least in part, a frontal lobe disorder. PET studies of many …

A Case Of Conversion Catatonia Misdiagnosed For 24 Years, Pauline K. Wiener, M.D.

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Catatonia is a syndrome whose etiology may be both diverse and difficult to substantiate. Ms. H. is a 45-year-old black female with 18 previous psychiatric hospitalizations beginning at age 21. A common characteristic to all hospitalizations was a catatonic presentation (i.e ., the patient was mute with marked muscular rigidity; she would refuse to eat or follow orders). In each of her previous 18 hospitalizations, the patient was thought to be psychotic.

It was found that each catatonic episode could be related to a severe psychological stressor. The patient's illness never involved delusions, hallucinations or disturbances in thought form. Upon …