Nonparametric statistical analysis of system resilience migration and application for electric distribution structures

This paper proposes a set of nonparametric statistical tools for analyzing the system resilience of civil structures and infrastructure and its migration upon changes in critical system parameters.The work is founded on the classic theoretic framework that system resilience is defined in multiple dimensions for a constructed system.Consequentially,system resilience can lose its parametric form as a random variable,falling into the realm of nonparametric statistics.With this nonparametric shift,traditional distribution-based statistics are ineffective in characterizing the migration of system resilience due to the variation of system parameters.Three statistical tools are proposed under the nonparametric statistical resilience analysis(npSRA)framework,including nonparametric copula-based sensitivity analysis,two-sample resilience test analysis,and a novel tool for resilience attenuation analysis.To demonstrate the use of this framework,we focus on electric distribution systems,commonly found in many urban,suburban,and rural areas and vulnerable to tropical storms.A novel procedure for considering resourcefulness parameters in the socioeconomic space is proposed.Numerical results reveal the complex sta-tistical relations between the distributions of system resilience,physical aging,and socioeconomic parameters for the power distribution system.The proposed resilience distance computing and resilience attenuation anal-ysis further suggests two proper nonparametric distance metrics,the Earth Moving Distance(EMD)metric and the Cramévon Mises(CVM)metric,for characterizing the migration of system resilience for electric distribution systems.

Synthetic data as an investigative tool in hypertension and renal diseases research

There is a growing body of clinical research on the utility of synthetic data derivatives,an emerging research tool in medicine.In nephrology,clinicians can use machine learning and artificial intelligence as powerful aids in their clinical decision-making while also preserving patient privacy.This is especially important given the epidemiology of chronic kidney disease,renal oncology,and hypertension worldwide.However,there remains a need to create a framework for guidance regarding how to better utilize synthetic data as a practical application in this research.

Prognostic significance of red blood cell distribution width in gastrointestinal disorders

The red blood cell distribution width(RDW) is a routinely measured and automatically reported blood parameter,which reflects the degree of anisocytosis. Recently,the baseline RDW was found to have clinical significance for assessing clinical outcome and severity of various pathological conditions including cardiovascular diseases,sepsis,cancers,leukemia,renal dysfunction and respiratory diseases. A myriad of factors,most of which ill-defined,have an impact on the red cell population dynamics(i.e.,production,maturation and turnover). A delay in the red blood cell clearance in pathological conditions represents one of the leading determinants of increased anisocytosis. Further study of RDW may reveal new insight into inflammation mechanisms. In this review,we specifically discuss the current literature about the association of RDW in various disease conditions involving the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems. We also present some of the related measurements for their value in predicting clinical outcomes in such conditions. According to our data,RDW was found to be a valuable prognostic index in gastrointestinal disorders along with additional inflammatory biomarkers(i.e.,C reactive protein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,and platelet count) and current disease severity indices used in clinical practice.

Involvement of aquaporins in a mouse model of rotavirus diarrhea

Rotavirus diarrhea is a major worldwide cause of infantile gastroenteritis; however, the mechanism responsible for intestinal fluid loss remains unclear. Water transfer across the intestinal epithelial membrane seems to occur because of aquaporins(AQPs). Accumulating evidence indicates that alterations in AQPs may play an important role in pathogenesis. Here, we focus on changes in AQPs in a mouse model of rotavirus diarrhea. In the present study, 32 of 35 mice developed diarrhea and mild dehydration within 24 hours after infection with rotavirus strain SA11. Intestinal epithelial cells demonstrated cytoplasmic vacuolation, malaligned villi, and atrophy. AQP1 expression was significantly attenuated in the ileum and colon in comparison with controls; likewise, AQP4 and-8 protein expression were significantly decreased in the colon of rotavirus diarrhea-infected mice. In contrast, AQP3 protein expression was significantly increased in the colon of rotavirus-infected mice in comparison with controls. These results indicate that rotavirus diarrhea is associated with the downregulation of AQP1,-4, and-8 expression. Therefore, AQPs play an important role in rotavirus diarrhea.

Genetic risks and familial associations of small bowel carcinoma

Adenocarcinoma of small intestines(SBA) is a relatively rare malignancy with poor outcomes due to delayed diagnosis.Fifty percent of patients have metastases on presentation and therefore early detection and treatment offers the best long term outcomes.Certain genetic polyposis syndromes and familial diseases are associatedwith increased risks for SBA.These include familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP),Lynch syndromes(LS),Juvenile polyposis syndrome,Peutz-Jeghers syndrome,Crohn's disease(CD) and celiac disease.Mutations in APC gene,Mismatch repair genes,STK11 gene,and SMAD4 gene have been implicated for the genetic diseases respectively.While there are no specific inherited genetic mutations for CD,genome-wide association studies have established over 140 loci associated with CD.CpG island mutations with defects in mismatch repair genes have been identified in celiac disease.Significant diagnostic advances have occurred in the past decade and intuitively,it would seem beneficial to use these advanced modalities for surveillance of these patients.At present it is debatable and no clear data exists to support this approach except for established guidelines to diagnose duodenal polyps in FAP,and LS.Here we discuss the genetic alterations,cancer risks,signaling mechanisms and briefly touch the surveillance modalities available for these genetic and clinical syndromes.English language articles from Pub Med/Medline and Embase was searched were collected using the phrases "small-bowel adenocarcinoma,genetics,surveillance,familial adenomatous polyposis,lynch syndromes,Peutz-Jeghers syndrome,juvenile polyposis syndrome,CD and celiac disease".Figures,tables and schematic diagram to illustrate pathways are included in the review.

Goblet cell carcinoids of the appendix:Tumor biology,mutations and management strategies

Malignant neoplasms of the appendix are rare and represent less than 1% of gastrointestinal cancers.Goblet cell carcinoids(GCC) tumors are a distinctive group of heterogeneous appendiceal neoplasm that exhibit unique clinical and pathologic features.This review focuses on the current diagnostic procedures,pathogenesis,possible signaling mechanisms and treatment options for GCC.Perspectives for future research are discussed.The tumor likely arises from pluripotent intestinal epithelial crypt base stem cells.Previous findings of Notch signaling as a tumor suppressor in Neuroendocrine tumors may have a similar role in this tumor too.Loss of Notch signaling may be the driver mutation with other successive downstream mutations likely favors them into progressing and behavior similar to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with minimal neuroendocrine differentiation.A multidisciplinary approach is suggested for optimal outcomes.Surgery remains the main treatment modality.Simple appendectomy may be sufficient in early stages while right hemicolectomy is recommended for advanced tumors.Cytoreductive surgery with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy may improve survival in a select few with metastatic peritoneal disease.These tumors have an unpredictable behavior even in early stages and local recurrence and delayed metastases may be seen.Lifelong surveillance is warranted.

Comparison of the use of wireless capsule endoscopy with magnetic resonance enterography in children with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) are equally accepted modalities for noninvasive screening of small bowel involvement (SBI) in children with Crohn’s disease (CD) and indeterminate colitis (IC) albeit there is a paucity of data comparing the two and thereby guiding the clinician in selecting the ideal diagnostic approach. Therefore, the goal of this study is to provide additional evidence for capsule endoscopy role in the evaluation of established Crohn’s disease exacerbation compared to MRE in relation to Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI), and histological indices. AIM To prospectively compare the findings of MRE and WCE and their agreement with PCDAI or histology in children with CD or IC. METHODS Consecutive patients diagnosed with CD and IC were screened for inclusion. After informed consent, patient’s demographic and clinical data was abstracted. The current pediatric disease activity index (PCDAI) and endoscopic findings were included. Patients underwent MRE and WCE including preprocedural patency capsule within a maximum of 7 d of each other. Pathological presence of active small bowel disease in ileal and duodenal biopsies were collected if the endoscopy was performed within 2 mo of the WCE study. Patients who failed to pass the PC were excluded from the study. WCE was read by two different experienced gastroenterologists (Attard TM and Colombo JM) blinded to each other's findings and to the findings on MRE (Mardis NJ). Agreement between WCE reviewers, WCE and MRE findings and concordance between positive PCDAI and SBI based on MRE compared with WCE was computed. RESULTS Forty-five patients were included in the study, 18 withdrew and 27 (20 males and 20 CD), mean age (standard deviation) 13.46 (2.4) years, completed the study protocol. There were no instances of capsule retention. Concordance between gastroenterologist reviewers was excellent for the diagnosis of small intestinal CD with good correlation between the two Lewis scores (r=0.875, P<0.001). Concordance between WCE and MRE was poor (69%). In CD patients, when both MRE and WCE were compared using PCDAI>10 as the standard reference reflecting active small intestinal CD, the sensitivity of MRE and WCE were 100% and 83% respectively and the specificity of MRE and WCE were 57.14% and 78.6%, respectively. If the histology in ileum or/and duodenum was used as the reference for active small bowel involvement, WCE had a higher specificity as compared to MRE (83.3% vs 50%). In patients with Crohn’s disease, those with a positive PCDAI (>10) were more likely to have a positive WCE as compared to those with a negative PCDAI (83% vs 21%;P=0.018). CONCLUSION We suggest that MRE and WCE have a complementary role in the assessment of SBI in CD. WCE detected SBI with a much higher specificity while MRE had a higher sensitivity.

Anal carcinoma in giant anal condyloma, multidisciplinary approach necessary for optimal outcome:Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Anal cancers are caused by human papilloma virus(HPV). Buschke-Lowenstein tumor also known as giant anal condyloma(GCA) is a variant of giant neglected anal tumors arising from warts caused by HPV infection. HPV are a family of double-stranded DNA viruses and primarily cause sexually transmitted disease of the genitalia and oropharyngeal mucosa. These tumors are slow growing;locally destructive large verrucous masses.CASE SUMMARY We present a series of two cases with large anal tumors harboring invasive cancers and highlight their presentation and management. Tumors with high risk HPV subtypes(HPV 16, 18, 31, 33) may progress into invasive squamous cell carcinoma(SCC). Untreated GCA can attain enormous size and extend into the pelvic organs and bony structures. Some tumors show malignant degeneration into SCC and are often difficult to diagnose given the large size of the tumors.Complete surgical excision with negative margins is the treatment of choice and necessary to prevent recurrence. This is often not feasible and leaves large surgical wounds with tissue defects with delay in healing and increases postoperative morbidity. Pelvic reconstructive techniques including muscle flaps and grafts are often necessary to close the defects. Human immunodeficiency virus and immunocompromised patients generally do poorly with standard treatments.CONCLUSION A multidisciplinary team of colorectal and plastic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists along with combination treatment modalities are necessary when malignant transformation occurs in GCA, for optimal outcomes.

Jejunoileal bypass:A surgery of the past and a review of its complications

Jejunoileal bypass(JIB),popular in the 1960s and 1970s,had remarkable success in achieving weight loss by creating a surgical short bowel syndrome.Our patient had an unusual case of liver disease and provided no history of prior bariatric surgery.Later,it was recognized that he had a JIB in the 1970s,which was also responsible for the gamut of his illnesses.Patients with JIB are often not recognized,as they died of complications,or underwent reversal of their surgery or a liver-kidney transplant.Early identification with prompt reversal,and the recognition and treatment of the life-threatening consequences play a critical role in the management of such patients.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in isolated pancreatic metastasis from lung cancer

A case is reported of a 50-year-old woman with a history of small-cell lung cancer admitted with pancreatic head lesions, discovered during investigation for obstructive jaundice. Endoscopic ultrasound assisted fine needle aspiration of the pancreatic mass was consistent with small cell carcinoma, presenting as an isolated metastasis from the previously diagnosed lung cancer. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancrea- tography (ERCP) showed extrinsic compression and a bile duct stricture, requiring sphincterotomy and stent insertion. This case highlights that acute pancreatitis and biliary obstruction can occur as a manifestation of small cell lung cancer metastasizing to the pancreas. EUS is a safe, low risk and rapid diagnostic tool in such cases, and ERCP with stenting offers a safe and effective treatment option.

Safety of gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients with acute coronary syndrome and concomitant gastrointestinal bleeding

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal bleeding(GIB)is a major concern in patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome(ACS)due to the common use of both antiplatelet medications and anticoagulants.Studies evaluating the safety of gastrointestinal endoscopy(GIE)in ACS patients with GIB are limited by their relatively small size,and the focus has generally been on upper GIB and esophago-gastroduodenoscopy(EGD)only.AIM To evaluate the safety profile and the hospitalization outcomes of undergoing GIE in patients with ACS and concomitant GIB using the national database for hospitalized patients in the United States.METHODS The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried to identify patients hospitalized with ACS and GIB during the same admission between 2005 and 2014.The International Classification of Diseases Code,9th Revision Clinical Modification was utilized for patient identification.Patients were further classified into two groups based on undergoing endoscopic procedures(EGD,small intestinal endoscopy,colonoscopy,or flexible sigmoidoscopy).Both groups were compared regarding demographic information,outcomes,and comorbidities.Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with mortality and prolonged length of stay.Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables,while Student’s t-test was used to compare continuous variables.All analyses were performed using SAS 9.4(Cary,NC,United States).RESULTS A total of 35612318 patients with ACS were identified between January 2005 and December 2014.269483(0.75%)of the patients diagnosed with ACS developed concomitant GIB during the same admission.At least one endoscopic procedure was performed in 68%of the patients admitted with both ACS and GIB.Patients who underwent GIE during the index hospitalization with ACS and GIB had lower mortality(3.8%)compared to the group not undergoing endoscopy(8.6%,P<0.001).A shorter length of stay(LOS)was observed in patients who underwent GIE(mean 6.59±7.81 d)compared to the group not undergoing endoscopy(mean 7.84±9.73 d,P<0.001).Multivariate analysis showed that performing GIE was associated with lower mortality(odds ratio:0.58,P<0.001)and shorter LOS(-0.36 factor,P<0.001).CONCLUSION Performing GIE during the index hospitalization of patients with ACS and GIB was correlated with a better mortality rate and a shorter LOS.Approximately twothirds of patients with both ACS and GIB undergo GIE during the same hospitalization.

The Role of Prophylactic Antibiotic Use in Prevention of Endophthalmitis Following Intravitreal Injection of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents: A Meta-Analysis

Purpose: To determine the role of prophylactic antibiotic use in preventing endophthalmitis following intravitreal injections of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents (anti-VEGF).Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted for studies reporting the rates of endophthalmitis following injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents for a variety of disorders. Inclusion criteria included reporting how many patients were given post-injection antibiotic drops, and how many patients were diagnosed with endophthalmitis (both with and without antibiotic drops). Results: The reported rate of endophthalmitis following intravitreal anti-VEGF agents has varied significantly based on the study, with a range between 0.009% to 0.87%. In our meta-analysis, the rate of endophthalmitis in patients receiving post-injection antibiotics was found to be 0.081%, compared to 0.072% for patients who did not receive antibiotics. This difference was not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Although the rate of endophthalmitis is extremely low following intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, the controversy regarding the best prevention of this dreaded complication continues. According to our meta-analysis, the answer does not seem to lie in post-injection antibiotic use.

Atrophy and Fibrosis of Extra-Ocular Muscles in Anti-Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder involving the neuromuscular junction that frequently affects the extra-ocular muscles (EOMs). It has been described as a very rare cause of bilateral EOM atrophy, but histological analysis of such cases is lacking. A 66-year-old man presented with two months of right eyelid drooping and vertical diplopia. Examination showed bilateral ophthalmoparesis and complete right ptosis. The remainder of his exam was normal, and an MRI showed small EOMs. Acetylcholine receptor antibodies were elevated, establishing the diagnosis of MG. Oral corticosteroids and pyridostigmine followed by azathioprine improved his ptosis, but not his ophthalmoparesis. One year later he had surgical correction of his diplopia, and the resected superior rectus muscle showed complete replacement of EOM by connective tissue. MG can rarely cause bilateral EOM atrophy, which is characterized histologically by fibrosis in the muscle itself. Atrophy in the EOMs of a myasthenic patient may indicate a poor response to medical management alone.

Safety and outcomes of hip and knee replacement surgery in liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND Liver transplant(LT)is becoming increasingly common with improved life expectancy.Joint replacement is usually a safe procedure;however,its safety in LT recipients remains understudied.AIM To evaluate the mortality,outcome,and 90-d readmission rate in LT patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery.METHODS Patients with history of LT who underwent hip and knee replacement surgery between 2016 and 2019 were identified using the National Readmission Database.RESULTS A total of 5046119 hip and knee replacement surgeries were identified.3219 patients had prior LT.Mean age of patients with no history of LT was 67.51[95%confidence interval(CI):67.44-67.58],while it was 64.05(95%CI:63.55-64.54)in patients with LT.Patients with history of LT were more likely to have prolonged length of hospital stay(17.1%vs 8.4%,P<0.001).The mortality rate for patients with no history of LT was 0.22%,while it was 0.24%for patients with LT(P=0.792).Patients with history of LT were more likely to have re-admissions within 90 d of initial hospitalization:11.4%as compared to 6.2%in patients without history of LT(P<0.001).The mortality rate between both groups during readmission was not statistically different(1.9%vs 2%,P=0.871)respectively.CONCLUSION Hip and knee replacements in patients with history of LT are not associated with increased mortality;increased readmissions were more frequent in this cohort of patients.Chronic kidney disease and congestive heart failure appear to predict higher risk of readmission.

The Epidemiology of Cardio-Vascular Diseases in Relation to the Air Quality of Abattoirs in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

This study investigated the spatial occurrence of cardiovascular diseases associated with the air quality of selected abattoirs in Port Harcourt. Using the simple random sampling technique, the Trans-Amadi, Rumuokoro, Rukpokwu and Elelenwo abattoirs were selected and used for the study. However, both gases and particulates matter which include NO2, SO2, H2S, CH4, CO, PM2.5, and PM10 were collected at distances of 0, 20, 50, 100, 200 m with the aid of a hand held multi-gas monitor. The questionnaire was used to obtain the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, duration of job in years, as well as individual frequency of hospital visitation based on symptoms of cardiovascular diseases. The electrocardiogram was employed to diagnose manifestations of ischemic heart disease among the workers especially in the roasting section. Analysis of data collected was done using the Step-wise multiple regression technique. Result showed that occurrence of cardiovascular diseases is a function of pollutant concentration (CO - r = 0.57) at Rumuokoro abattoir;(O3 - r = 0.40, SO2 - r = 0.23, CO - r = 0.14) at Rukpokwu abattoir, duration of exposure (DOE - r = 0.22) at Rumuokoro abattoir, (DOE ? r = 0.40) at Trans-Amadi abattoir;and (DOE - r = 0.20) at Elelenwo abattoir;age of worker (r = 0.06) at Rukpokwu abattoir, (r = 0.30) at Elenlewo abattoir and daily duration on the job (JOBD - r = 0.13) at Elelenwo abattoir. Findings indicate that there is a positive correlation between occurrence of vascular diseases and pollutant concentration, duration of exposure, age and duration on the job but varies from location to location. Periodic epidemiological and air quality assessment of workers at the abattoirs are strongly advocated.

Validation of methods to assess potential biomarkers in pediatric patients with esophageal eosinophilia

AIM:To validate methods for determining mast cell density,extracellular major basic protein content,and presence of fibrosis in esophageal eosinophilia.METHODS:Twenty specimens with > 20 eosinophils/high-power field(hpf) classified as high eosinophil density(HE) and 20 specimens with < 5 eosinophils/hpf classified as low esophageal density(LE) were identified.All 40 specimens underwent immunohistochemical staining and trichrome staining.Mast cell density,extracellular major basic protein(MBP) density,and presence of subepithelial fibrosis were assessed in a standardized manner.All specimens were evaluated by two separate observers and by a single observer on two separate occasions to evaluate reproducibility of the methods.RESULTS:A strong inter-observer correlation was noted for both peak and mean mast cell counts(r = 0.725,P < 0.0001 and r = 0.823,P < 0.0001).A strong intraobserver correlation also was noted for both peak and mean mast cell counts(r = 0.752,P < 0.0001 and r =0.878,P < 0.0001).A very strong inter-observer correlation was noted for both peak(τ = 0.867,P < 0.0001)and mean extracellular MBP densities(r = 0.925,P <0.0001).A very strong intra-observer correlation was noted for both peak(τ = 0.875;P < 0.0001) and mean extracellular MBP densities(r = 0.956,P < 0.0001).Excellent inter-rater reliability was found for fibrosis(κ= 0.887).Mast cell and MBP densities,as well as presence of fibrosis,were significantly increased in HE vs LE.The HE group had significantly higher intraepithelial mast cell peak(29.35 ± 21.61 vs 12.45 ± 8.26,P =0.002) and mean(19.84 ± 15.81 vs 6.35 ± 4.5,P =0.001) densities than the LE group.The HE group had significantly higher peak extracellular MBP(2.35 ± 0.67vs 0.45 ± 0.61,P < 0.001) and mean extracellular MBP(1.95 ± 0.76 vs 0.20 ± 0.29,P < 0.0001) densities than the LE group.Seventy-three percent of patients with HE(11/15) had fibrosis,whereas only 10% of patients with LE(1/10) had fibrosis(P < 0.01).MBP performed the best in predicting classification of HE vs LE,with mean MBP demonstrating 100% sensitivity and95% specificity at the optimal cut point.CONCLUSION:This study provides methodology and proof-of-concept for future evaluation of these biomarkers for differentiating esophageal eosinophilic diseases such as reflux esophagitis and eosinophilic esophagitis.

Assessment of tmiispai*ent and reproducible research practices in the psychiatry literature

Background Reproducibility is a cornerstone of scientific advancement;however,many published works may lack the core components needed for study reproducibility.Aims In this study,we evaluate the state of transparency and reproducibility in the field of psychiatry using specific indicators as proxies for these practices.Methods An increasing number of publications have investigated indicators of reproducibility,including research by Harwicke etal,from which we based the methodology for our observational,cross-sectional study.From a random 5-year sample of 300 publications in PubMed-indexed psychiatry journals,two researchers extracted data in a duplicate,blinded fashion using a piloted Google form.The publications were examined for indicators of reproducibility and transparency,which included availability of:materials,data,protocol,analysis script,open-access,conflict of interest,funding and online preregistration.Results This study ultimately evaluated 296 randomlyselected publications with a 3.20 median impact factor.Only 107 were available online.Most primary authors originated from USA,UK and the Netherlands.The top three publication types were cohort studies,surveys and clinical trials.Regarding indicators of reproducibility,17 publications gave access to necessary materials,four provided in-depth protocol and one contained raw data required to reproduce the outcomes.One publication offered its analysis script on request;four provided a protocol availability statement.Only 107 publications were publicly available:13 were registered in online repositories and four,ten and eight publications included their hypothesis,methods and analysis,respectively.Conflict of interest was addressed by 177 and reported by 31 publications.Of 185 publications with a funding statement,153 publications were funded and 32 were unfunded.Conclusions Currently,Psychiatry research has significant potential to improve adherence to reproducibility and transparency practices.Thus,this study presents a reference point for the state of reproducibility and transparency in Psychiatry literature.Future assessments are recommended to evaluate and encourage progress.

The Importance of Adjuvant Agents in Acute Intrathecal Baclofen Withdrawal: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Objective: Baclofen (β-p-chlorophenyl-GABA) selectively activates the GABAB subtype of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, a group of receptors known to provide inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Available for over thirty years in oral form for the treatment of skeletal muscle spasticity, its availability now includes continuous intrathecal infusion via an internally implanted pump. While ideal for long-term attenuation of symptoms, this treatment modality can also become disastrous should the pump empty and withdrawal subsequently ensue. Case Report: A 48-year-old male with a past medical history of T8 spinal cord injury from a motor vehicle crash originally presented with altered mental status. Because of resultant paraplegia and spasticity from his injuries, a neurosurgeon implanted an intrathecal baclofen pump three years prior to presentation with symptomatic relief. Further exploration revealed that he had missed his scheduled pump refill appointment and interrogation of his pump confirmed a completely empty reservoir. The patient endured a protracted hospital course that included rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, lactic acidosis, respiratory failure, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Treatment included benzodiazepines, dantrolene, aggressive hydration, opiates, and refill of his intrathecal baclofen pump. His mentation and ventilatory status improved with recovery from his critical illness and eventual discharge. Conclusions: Treatment of intrathecal baclofen withdrawal should focus on restoration of previous intrathecal baclofen levels by refill of the intrathecal pump. Adjuvant medications such as benzodiazepines, propofol, cyproheptadine, dantrolene, tizanidine, and opiates may prove crucial in helping with muscle spasticity while these levels are reestablished. A high index of suspicion, leading to timely initiation of proper treatment, may serve as the most important factor in successful recovery from this life-threatening syndrome.

A Mathematical Model to Analyze Spread of Hemorrhagic Disease in White-Tailed Deer Population

Hemorrhagic disease (HD) is a fatal vector-borne disease that affects white-tailed deer and many other ruminants. A vector-borne disease model is proposed in the present work, which takes into account migrating effects of deer population using distributed delay terms. The model is employed to analyze the effects of deer migration on the HD spread. This is carried out in three steps. First, the conditions for existence and stability of the endemic and the disease free equilibria are established. Second, using the method of the Next Generation Matrix, the basic reproduction expression R0 is derived from the model. Third, using the R0 expression and its numerical simulations, it is illustrated that the severity of an HD outbreak is directly influenced by the migration rates of infected and susceptible deer (i.e., dI and dS, respectively). For small values of dS, the value of R0 is increased with dI, whereas R0 decreases with dI when dS is large. Using the method of chain trick, the proposed model with distributed delay is reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations where the convergence of the system to endemic and diseases free equilibrium is numerically explored.

Combination of the MODS Assay with the Sensititre^TMMYCOTB Plate for Rapid Detection of MDR- and XDR-TB

We combined the new SensititreTM MYCOTB test with the MODS assay for detection of MDR- and XDR-TB. Categorical agreement of the MODS assay with the critical concentrations at 3 days of incubation was highest for INH (91.4%) and RIF (100%) and at 5 days 86.7% and 94.6% for the fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides, respectively. By combining these two methods, it is possible to identify MDR-TB in as little as 3 days and XDR- or pre-XDR-TB within 5 days.