Exaggerated Pulmonary Hypertension During Mild Exercise in Chronic Mountain Sickness

Chronic mountain sickness (CMS) is an important public health problem and is characterized by exaggerated hypoxemia, erythrocytosis, and pulmonary hypertension. While pulmonary hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with CMS, it is relatively mild and its underlying mechanisms are not known. We speculated that during mild exercise associated with daily activities, pulmonary hypertension in CMS is much more pronounced.

Mild cognitive impairment in medical inpatients: the mini-mental state examination is a promising screening tool

AIM: To assess the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in medical inpatients aged 55-85 years without known cognitive deficits, and how often ward physicians mentioned MCI in their discharge notes. Moreover, we aimed to identify variables associated with MCI and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for MCI. METHODS: Two neuropsychologists administered a 60-min battery of validated tests to evaluate different cognitive domains. The diagnosis of MCI was based on a prespecified algorithm. The sensitivity and specificity of the MMSE for MCI were calculated. RESULTS: Fifteen patients showed a normal cognitive profile (21.4%), while 55 patients (78.6%) showed MCI. Ward physicians, blinded to the results of the neuropsychological evaluation, did not mention MCI in their discharge notes of any of the evaluated patients. The only variable independently associated with MCI was the MMSE. A MMSE score of < or =28 showed a sensitivity of 85.5% and a specificity of 66.7% for MCI. CONCLUSION: MCI is frequent albeit overlooked in elderly medical inpatients without previously known cognitive deficits. In view of therapies preventing the progression of MCI to dementia, MCI screening will be crucial. The MMSE represents a promising screening tool for MCI in medical inpatients.

In situ pinning with arthroscopic osteoplasty for mild SCFE: A preliminary technical report

There is emerging evidence that even mild slipped capital femoral epiphysis leads to early articular damage. Therefore, we have begun treating patients with mild slips and signs of impingement with in situ pinning and immediate arthroscopic osteoplasty. DESCRIPTION OF TECHNIQUES: Surgery was performed using the fracture table. After in situ pinning and diagnostic arthroscopy, peripheral compartment access was obtained and head-neck osteoplasty was completed.

Mannan-binding lectin deficiency results in unusual antibody production and excessive experimental colitis in response to mannose-expressing mild gut pathogens

In Crohn's disease (CD) the deficiency of mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is associated with an increased prevalence of anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) and with complicated phenotypes of the disease. However, the role of MBL in intestinal inflammation is currently unclear. A study was undertaken to analyse local MBL expression in human intestine and the consequences of MBL deficiency in experimental colitis and yeast infection.

Long-Term outcome in patients with mild traumatic brain injury: A prospective observational study

Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is common; up to 37% of adult men have a history of MTBI. Complaints after MTBI are persistent headaches, memory impairment, depressive mood disorders, and disability. The reported short- and long-term outcomes of patients with MTBI have been inconsistent. We have now investigated long-term clinical and neurocognitive outcomes in patients with MTBI (at admission, and after 1 and 10 years).

Conjunctival Proliferation After a Mild Pepper Spray Injury in a Young Child

PURPOSE To report a case of conjunctival proliferation in a 2.5-year-old boy after initial evidence of a mild chemical injury after ocular exposure to pepper spray (oleoresin capsicum). METHODS Case report with ophthalmologic and histologic findings. RESULTS A child presented with mild conjunctival injection and chemosis without any corneal erosion after direct exposure to pepper spray. Three weeks later, a significant conjunctival proliferation was found at the limbus, which was refractory to treatment with topical corticosteroids. Finally, proliferative tissue was surgically excised without clinical recurrence during 2 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS We hypothesize that the young age of the patient may have been an important factor for the severe conjunctival proliferation in comparison to a mainly uncomplicated course of pepper spray injuries in most adults. We recommend the use of topical antiinflammatory treatment even in apparently mild pepper spray injuries, especially in young children.

Efficacy and safety of the Betamethasone valerate 0.1% plaster in mild-to-moderate chronic plaque psoriasis: a randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled, phase III study

Corticosteroids are a versatile option for the treatment of mild-to-moderate psoriasis due to their availability in a wide range of potencies and formulations. Occlusion of the corticosteroid is a widely accepted procedure to enhance the penetration of the medication, thereby improving its effectiveness. Betamethasone valerate (BMV) is a moderately potent corticosteroid that is available as a cream, ointment, and lotion. A ready-to-use occlusive dressing, which provides a continuous sustained release of BMV, has been developed for the treatment of psoriasis.

Trunk sway in patients with and without, mild traumatic brain injury after whiplash injury

This study assessed the addition effect of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) on the balance control of patients who simultaneously suffered a whiplash associated disorder (WAD).

Classification of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer Disease Using Model-Based MR and Magnetization Transfer Imaging

Early stratification of degenerative processes is a prerequisite to warrant therapeutic options in prodromal Alzheimer disease. Our aim was to investigate differences in cerebral macromolecular tissue composition between patients with AD, mild cognitive impairment, and age- and sex-matched healthy controls by using model-based magnetization transfer with a binary spin-bath magnetization transfer model and magnetization transfer ratio at 1.5 T.

Mild hypothermia during global cardiac ischemia opens a window of opportunity to develop heart donation after cardiac death

Although heart donation after cardiac death (DCD) could greatly improve graft availability, concerns regarding warm ischemic damage typically preclude transplantation. Improving tolerance to warm ischemia may thus open a window of opportunity for DCD hearts. We investigated the hypothesis that, compared with normothermia, mild hypothermia (32° C) initiated after ischemic onset improves cardiac functional recovery upon reperfusion. Isolated, working hearts from adult, male Wistar rats underwent global, no-flow ischemia, and reperfusion (n = 28). After ischemic onset, temperature was maintained at either 37° C for 20 or 30 min or reduced to 32° C for 40, 50, or 60 min. Recovery was measured after 60-min reperfusion. Following normothermic ischemia, recovery of rate-pressure product (RPP; per cent of preischemic value) was almost complete after 20-min ischemia (97 ± 9%), whereas no recovery was detectable after 30-min ischemia. After mildly hypothermic ischemia (32° C), RPP also recovered well after 40 min (86 ± 4%). Markers of metabolism and necrosis were similar in 37° C/20 min and 32° C/40 min groups. Simple reduction in cardiac temperature by a few degrees after the onset of global ischemia dramatically prolongs the interval during which the heart remains resistant to functional deterioration. Preservation of hemodynamic function is associated with improved metabolic recovery and reduced necrosis. The application of mild hypothermia may be a simple first step towards development of clinical protocols for DCD heart recovery.