Multilocular Thymic Cyst in a Patient with Untreated HIV/AIDS: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Multilocular thymic cysts (MTCs) in adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are rarely reported. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of symptomatic MTC in a male with untreated HIV. A presumptive diagnosis was established based on radiographic imaging and biopsy. Pathologic diagnosis and exclusion of malignancy were ultimately confirmed following thymectomy. In conjunction with starting antiretroviral therapy, the patient recovered well post-operatively with a resolution of his presenting symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our case report and review of the literature serve to highlight MTCs as an important clinical entity occurring in persons with HIV.

Recyclable, Strong, and Highly Malleable Thermosets Based on Boroxine Networks.

Traditional thermoset materials have favorable material properties but are unable to reprocess and are difficult to recycle. Small molecule boroxines have been shown to undergo a reversible exchange reaction. Herein we employ boroxine as dynamic cross-links to construct a novel type of thermoset material that is strong, highly malleable, and recyclable. The synthesis and dynamic mechanical properties of boroxine networks are described. Upon heating in water the material can be recycled back to its monomer. With a multitude of tunable variables, we anticipate this system to be a platform for the development of a range of new dynamic materials.

Recovery of a Missile Embolus From the Right Ventricle.

Missile embolism is a clinical entity in which a projectile object enters a blood vessel and is carried to a distant part of the body. We present a case of the discovery of an iliac vein to right ventricle missile embolus in a young man, with successful extraction through a right atriotomy. We provide a historical overview of the literature concerning missile embolism, and we argue that whereas acute embolized projectiles should be removed in almost all cases, it may be reasonable to simply observe an asymptomatic chronic missile embolus.

Creation and Global Deployment of a Mobile, Application-Based Cognitive Simulator for Cardiac Surgical Procedures.

Several modern learning frameworks (eg, cognitive apprenticeship, anchored instruction, and situated cognition) posit the utility of nontraditional methods for effective experiential learning. Thus, development of novel educational tools emphasizing the cognitive framework of operative sequences may be of benefit to surgical trainees. We propose the development and global deployment of an effective, mobile cognitive cardiac surgical simulator. In methods, 16 preclinical medical students were assessed. Overall, 4 separate surgical modules (sternotomy, cannulation, decannulation, and sternal closure) were created utilizing the Touch Surgery (London, UK) platform. Modules were made available to download free of charge for use on mobile devices. Usage data were collected over a 6-month period. Educational efficacy of the modules was evaluated by randomizing a cohort of medical students to either module usage or traditional, reading-based self-study, followed by a multiple-choice learning assessment tool. In results, downloads of the simulator achieved global penetrance, with highest usage in the USA, Brazil, Italy, UK, and India. Overall, 5368 unique users conducted a total of 1971 hours of simulation. Evaluation of the medical student cohort revealed significantly higher assessment scores in those randomized to module use versus traditional reading (75% ± 9% vs 61% ± 7%, respectively; P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study represents the first effort to create a mobile, interactive cognitive simulator for cardiac surgery. Simulators of this type may be effective for the training and assessment of surgical students. We investigated whether an interactive, mobile-computing-based cognitive task simulator for cardiac surgery could be developed, deployed, and validated. Our findings suggest that such simulators may be a useful learning tool.

Synthesis, electrochemical properties, and crystal packing of perfluororubrene.

A synthesis of perfluorinated rubrene is reported. Electrochemical analysis revealed the significantly increased electron affinity of perfluororubrene compared with non-modified rubrene. Crystallographic investigation revealed two polymorphs and a solvate, each displaying twisted backbone conformations of perfluororubrene. Taken together, these results suggest perfluororubrene will find applications as a new n-type semiconductor.

A Rare Case of Plastic Bronchitis in an Adult Patient After Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Plastic bronchitis is a rare life-threatening complication observed after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We describe a case of a 54-year-old man in whom a fulminant case of plastic bronchitis developed after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and mitral valve repair. A brief review of the literature is also presented.

Osteoarthritic knee pain: a behavioral analysis.

This study used behavioral assessment techniques to analyze pain in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Eighty-seven OA patients having chronic knee pain served as subjects. Pain behavior was evaluated using a standard observation method and functional impairment was assessed using the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales. Data analysis revealed that pain and limitations in physical activities were the most common functional impairments and that the most frequently observed pain behavior was guarded movement. Predictive analyses indicated that disability support status and scores on a Pain Control and Rational Thinking factor of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ) were predictive of functional impairment. Patients receiving disability support payments were much more functionally limited than those not receiving this financial support. Patients scoring high on the Pain Control and Rational Thinking factor of the CSQ were much less functionally impaired, walked a 5 m course more rapidly and moved from a standing to a sitting or reclining position more quickly than patients scoring low on this factor. The implications of these results for behavioral treatment of OA knee pain are discussed.