Muscle Oxygenation During Running Assessed by Broad Band NIRS.

We used spatially resolved near-infrared spectroscopy (SRS-NIRS) to assess calf and thigh muscle oxygenation during running on a motor-driven treadmill. Two protocols were used: An incremental speed protocol was performed in 5-min stages, while a pacing paradigm modulated the step frequency (2.3 Hz [SLow]; 3.3 Hz [SHigh]) during a constant velocity for 2 min each. A SRS-NIRS broadband system was used to measure total haemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation (SO2). An accelerometer was placed on the hip joints to measure limb acceleration through the experiment. The data showed that the calf desaturated to a significantly lower level than the thigh. During the pacing protocol, SO2 was significantly different between the high and low step frequencies. Additionally, physiological data as measured by spirometry were different between the SLow vs. SHigh pacing trials. Significant differences in VO2 at the same workload (speed) indicate alterations in mechanical efficiency. These data suggest that SRS broadband NIRS can be used to discern small changes in muscle oxygenation, making this device useful for metabolic exercise studies in addition to spirometry and movement monitoring by accelerometers.

Solitary fibrous tumor of the tongue: case report and literature review.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an uncommon spindle cell neoplasm with unpredictable behavior. It was originally described in the pleura, but is now known to occur in various locations. SFT of the tongue is rare, with only four cases on record. An SFT of the anterolateral part of the left side of the tongue, which occurred in a 48 year-old man is recorded. The tumor was resected and the patient remains free of recurrence 3 years postoperatively.

Spinal cord infarction following surgery for mesenteric vascular occlusion.

We present a case of spinal cord infarction following an operation on a 64-year-old man for mesenteric vascular occlusion under combined general and epidural anesthesia. Several etiological factors, each one able to affect blood flow in the spinal cord and cause infarction, might have been present in our patient, including generalized degenerative atherosclerotic vascular disease, secondary polycythemia resulting from the patient's chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and intraoperative hypotensive episodes. This case shows that, even with careful technique, hemodynamic monitoring, and early evaluation of neurologic status, patients can experience irreversible spinal cord ischaemia that results in permanent paraplegia.

Respiratory failure after pneumonectomy in a patient with unknown hyperlipidemia.

IMPLICATIONS: We report the case of a patient who had increased lipids in his blood and who complained of dyspnea the first postoperative day after resection of his left lung. As the blood lipids were decreased, his respiration was improved. We conclude that when respiration deteriorates postoperatively, increased blood lipids should be considered as a cause.

Managing asthma: a pediatric program that works.

Valley Home Care (VHC) in Paramus, New Jersey has committed resources and staff to creating an effective pediatric asthma management program. Agencies considering similar programs can benefit from learning about how VHC achieved success with its community and home asthma management program (CHAMP).