Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3516/1410051

Extubation Outcome using Cough Expiratory Flow in Surgical Patients: An Observational Study

Ming-Shian Lu, Tsung-Ming Yang, Cheng-Chih Chang, Chien-Chao Lin, Yao-Kuang Huang and Ying-Huang Tsai

Article Type: Original Article | First Published: August 16, 2016

We conducted a one-year prospective observational study of adult post-surgical patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit and mechanically ventilated for more than 24 hours. Forced cough peak expiratory flow (FCPEF) was assessed by using a digital peak flow meter placed in-line with the endotracheal before extubation after passing previously a spontaneous breathing trial....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2572-3286.1510013

Evaluation of the Change in Serum Potassium Levels after Potassium Administration

Houda Aboujamous, Ted Walton and John J Doran

Article Type: Research Article | First Published: September 15, 2016

The objective of this study was to quantify the change in serum potassium level after intravenous or oral potassium administration. Secondary objectives include investigating the possible influence of concurrent medications, renal function, and Body Mass Index (BMI)....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3656/1410128

A Case of Spontaneous Regression of High-Grade Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Ghufran A, Agni R, Winslow E, Dalvie P and Agarwal PD

Article Type: Case Report | First Published: September 08, 2016

A 70-year-old South African male with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with vague abdominal discomfort of 2 months' duration. This was associated with anorexia and 15-pound weight loss over the preceding 6 months....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3656/1410127

Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma in a Clerk: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Victoria Achaval Rodriguez, Patricia Moreira, Maria Camara, Pilar Rondon, Maria Garrido, Ricardo Hitt and Maria Jose Echarri

Article Type: Case Report | First Published: September 05, 2016

Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) represents one-fourth of all mesotheliomas. Association of asbestos exposure with DMPM has been observed, especially in males. Incidence is increasing worldwide and is not expected to peak for another 5 to 20 years. The majority of patients present with abdominal pain and distension, caused by accumulation of tumors and ascitic fluid....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2378-3656/1410126

HIV-Infected Patient with Refractory Giardiasis and Lingua Villosa Nigra: A Case Report

Nina Yancheva, Nina Tsvetkova, Maria Nikolova, Ivo Alexiev and Tatyana Tchervenyakova

Article Type: Case Report | First Published: August 22, 2016

Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that can cause diarrhea in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. The most frequent complaints associated with Giardia infection are loose, bulky, frothy and/or greasy stool with the absence of blood or mucus, flatulence, bloating, anorexia, cramps and foul belching. We report the case of a 34-year-old HIV-infected male patient with refractory giardiasis. He had two relapses of giardiasis with nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, bloating, foul belchi...

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2572-4193.1510023

Calcitonin-Secreting Moderately Differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of Larynx with Solitary Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report with Immunohistochemical Study

Hanadi Fatani, Faraj Alotaiby and Saleh F Aldhahri

Article Type: Case Report | First Published: August 12, 2016

A 51-year-old female presented with 2 months' history of sore throat, change in voice, odynophagia, along with neck and thyroid nodule. CT/PET scan showed thickening of epiglottis with enhancement after intravenous contrast. Laser resection of epiglottis was done and histopathology revealed moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma. A week later patient underwent total thyroidectomy with bilateral modified radical neck dissection. Adjuvant external beam radiotherapy to the larynx and ne...

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2572-4010.1510016

A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Obesity Risk Reduction Behaviors and Demographic Factors among Chinese Americans

Doreen Liou, Kathleen D Bauer and Yeon Bai

Article Type: Research Article | First Published: September 20, 2016

The obesity epidemic is widely recognized as a salient health issue in the United States, affecting all races, ethnic and age groups including Chinese Americans. An increased risk for obesity-related diseases at lower body mass indexes magnify the urgency of investigating obesity related issues in this population....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2572-4010.1510015

Oral and Intestinal Sweet Taste T1R2/R3 Receptors in Mice; Effect on Consumption, Overweight, Blood Glucose and Insulin Levels

Goran Hellekant, Eric Kaplan, Jared Schmolling, Teresa Rose-Hellekant and Philippe Marambaud

Article Type: Research Article | First Published: August 26, 2016

Sweet taste is an innate taste quality linked to consumption. It encourages over-consumption beyond basic needs and obesity has become one of the most prevalent problems in the Western world. Obesity permeates all facets of life with negative consequences from daily discomfort to prolonged health effects, including increased risk of diabetes....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2572-3243.1510021

The Effects of an Audible Low Frequency Acoustic Waveform on Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study

Harvey W Wallmann and William R VanWye

Article Type: Research Article | First Published: September 15, 2016

Osteoarthritis (OA), referred to as degenerative joint disease, affects over 30 million U.S. adults, accounting for billions of dollars spent on joint replacements and lost work. Modifiable risk factors for developing OA include excessive body mass, joint injury, muscle weakness, and occupation as well as non-modifiable factors such as female gender, increasing age, and genetic predisposition....

 Open Access DOI:10.23937/2572-3243.1510020

The Chondral Tissue and PRP. Theory to Support the Use

Marcus Vinicius Danieli

Article Type: Short Review | First Published: September 12, 2016

The hyaline cartilage structure is very complex, with few cells, and without blood and lymphatic vessels or nerves. This makes the healing potential very limited. Knee cartilage injuries are very common, and its treatment is a major challenge. Surgical options available nowadays like chondroplasty, microfractures, mosaicplasty and autologous chondrocyte transplantation still doesn't have satisfactory results, mainly in long term....