An extremely luminous panchromatic outburst from the nucleus of a distant galaxy.

Variable x-ray and γ-ray emission is characteristic of the most extreme physical processes in the universe. We present multiwavelength observations of a unique γ-ray-selected transient detected by the Swift satellite, accompanied by bright emission across the electromagnetic spectrum, and whose properties are unlike any previously observed source. We pinpoint the event to the center of a small, star-forming galaxy at redshift z = 0.3534. Its high-energy emission has lasted much longer than any γ-ray burst, whereas its peak luminosity was ∼100 times higher than bright active galactic nuclei. The association of the outburst with the center of its host galaxy suggests that this phenomenon has its origin in a rare mechanism involving the massive black hole in the nucleus of that galaxy.

Application of the Cecil-Culp repair for treatment of urethrocutaneous fistulas after hypospadias surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To present our technique and results using a modification of the Cecil-Culp technique of hypospadias repair in a select group of boys with urethrocutaneous fistula during a 6-year period. Urethrocutaneous fistula remains the most common complication of hypospadias repair. Coverage of suture lines with vascularized tissue is thought to decrease fistula formation. METHODS: Between 1994 and 1999, 15 boys with hypospadias fistula underwent repair with a modified two-stage Cecil technique. The records were reviewed with respect to age, type of original hypospadias repair, number of previous fistulas, location of the fistulas, and complications. RESULTS: The average age at the time of the first stage of fistula repair was 3.5 years (range 1.8 to 6.0). Five, four, and two patients had undergone one, two, and three previous fistula repairs, respectively. Four boys in this series had deficient penile skin at the time of their first fistula repair. Most had one fistula at the time of the Cecil repair, including eight at the corona, four along the penile shaft, and three in a more proximal location. No patients had a recurrent fistula, with an average follow-up of 21 months (range 1 to 62). CONCLUSIONS: Boys with recurrent fistula, despite previous fistula repair, and deficient penile skin present a technical reconstructive challenge. The modified Cecil technique for fistula repair takes advantage of penile mobility to place it in a scrotal location, ensuring excellent vascularized tissue coverage. Although this technique requires a brief second-stage operation, no recurrent fistula has occurred in any of our patients.

Idiopathic congenital dysmorphic megascrotum.

An enlarged scrotum in the pediatric population constitutes a relatively frequent physical finding requiring evaluation. Most cases of scrotomegaly have a clearly identifiable etiology. We present a patient with an idiopathic congenital dysmorphic megascrotum.

Positioning post-outpatient cardiac catheterization.

UNLABELLED: The optimal positioning post-outpatient cardiac catheterization is a largely unexplored area of research. Traditionally, patients have been placed supine, with the head of the bed (HOB) flat. This study sought to explore the influence of three different post-procedure positions on the incidence of complications and patient perceptions of satisfaction. Sixty-nine patients were randomized into three groups immediately after hemostasis of the arterial puncture site was achieved. Group 1 patients were placed supine with the HOB flat. Group 2 patients were placed on their sides, with the affected extremity straight. Group 3 patients were placed on their backs, with the HOB at 15-30 degrees. Endpoints included the presence of any complication (bleeding, hematoma formation or expansion, back pain and urinary retention) and patient comfort and satisfaction with the randomized position. Patients were asked prior to discharge to select the position they would have preferred post-procedure. Selection of an alternative position was felt to indicate dissatisfaction with the randomized position. Ten patients in Group 1, and nine patients in Group 2 and Group 3 experienced a complication (X2 = 3.682, df = 1, p = 0.05). Eighty-five percent of Group 1 patients selected an alternative position vs. 24% of those patients in Group 2 and Group 3 (X2 = 27.6, df = 1, p < .001). CONCLUSION: varying patient position post-outpatient cardiac catheterization is at least as safe as the traditional supine position and is more comfortable for patients.