“
“Background Few published studies have analyzed serum lidocaine levels and individual patient characteristics

affecting metabolism after application of compounded topical anesthetics. Objective To measure serum lidocaine levels during and cutaneous side effects after standardized application of 23% lidocaine/7% tetracaine compounded anesthetic to the face of healthy volunteers. Methods and Materials Fifty-two volunteers were enrolled, and compounded 23% lidocaine/7% tetracaine ointment was applied to their faces for 2hours. Lidocaine levels were determined every 30minutes during application and for 2hours after removal. APR-246 Follow-up telephone calls 3days later assessed cutaneous side effects. Results Median peak lidocaine level was 1.15 mu g/mL, and the highest peak lidocaine level in an individual was 3.4 PND-1186 mw mu g/mL. Higher serum lidocaine levels were found in men (p<.01), nonwhite volunteers (p=.02), and those with larger facial surface area (p=.04). Age and body mass index did not affect lidocaine levels. Irritant contact dermatitis was common, resulting in hyperpigmentation in some patients. Conclusion Facial surface area, male

sex, and nonwhite ethnicity were associated with higher serum lidocaine levels after topical application of lidocaine. Compounded anesthetics containing lidocaine should be used with caution under the direct supervision of a physician.”
“Background:

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is performed as a definitive treatment of acute and chronic liver failure. The prevalence of acute and chronic kidney diseases is substantially higher in this population secondary to diverse etiologies. Combined kidney-liver transplantation (CKLT) is widely performed in some centers,

even though there are no definitive studies which support or contradict this practice.

Methods:

We comprehensively reviewed OLT as well as CKLT data from US transplant centers provided by United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS).

Results:

The incidence of CKLT as a percentage of total OLTs performed has been increasing, especially in the post-MELD era (2002 Blebbistatin in vivo and after). Moreover, there is a great disparity among centers in regard to percentage of CKLTs to total OLTs.

Conclusion:

We conclude that there is much difference of opinion among US transplant centers as to indications for CKLT. A more scientific approach to this problem including studies to assess the role of kidney biopsy in determining renal outcome after OLT is needed.”
“Reversible assembly of magnetized particles and cells has been proposed and implemented. The approach is based on magnetized particles or magnetically labeled cell immobilization in an array of individual particle/cell for optical counting. The device has been tested for few types of magnetic particles and one water-borne pathogen: Giardia Lamblia. An individual particle immobilization efficiency of 92% was achieved.