We have identified a reliable sclerosant of the gallbladder in rabbits. After ligating the cystic ducts with a silk ligature in 24 rabbits and aspirating the bile from the gallbladder, we instilled a mixture of 95% ethanol and either 2 M% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) or 5 M% TFA into the gallbladder. The animals were killed after 6 or 8 weeks. Ethanol with TFA resulted in replacement of gallbladder lumen with fibrous tissue in 22 rabbits. The two sclerosants were equally reliable and produced quantitatively similar fibrosis in the rabbits. The tendency for normal biliary mucosa to repopulate a sclerosed gallbladder can be obviated by complete occlusion of the cystic duct. The parameters for successful transcatheter sclerosis of the gallbladder have now been defined in an animal model.
This experimental plan describes research being conducted by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), in coordinatation with Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), Florida HERO, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to evaluate the impact of ventilation rate on interior moisture levels, temperature distributions, and indoor air contaminant concentrations. Specifically, the research team will measure concentrations of indoor air contaminants, ventilation system flow rates, energy consumption, and temperature and relative humidity in ten homes in Gainesville, FL to characterize indoor pollutant levels and energy consumption associated with the observed ventilation rates. PNNL and FSEC have collaboratively prepared this experimental test plan, which describes background and context for the proposed study; the experimental design; specific monitoring points, including monitoring equipment, and sampling frequency; key research questions and the associated data analysis approach; experimental logistics, including schedule, milestones, and team member contact information; and clearly identifies the roles and responsibilities of each team in support of project objectives.
We present a case of bilateral hydrothorax after internal jugular vein catheterization. 60 hours after placing the catheter, the patient showed an abrupt picture of jugular ingurgitation, abolished vesicular breath sounds, and displaced cardiac tones. It was necessary to immediately drain one hemithorax to guarantee ventilation of the patient. The present article examines iatrogenicity derived from the placement of central catheters, and special attention is given to the need for post-insertion x-ray control.
The well-sealed, highly insulated building enclosures constructed by today's home building industry coupled with efficient lighting and appliances are achieving significantly reduced heating and cooling loads. These low-load homes can present a challenge when selecting appropriate space-conditioning equipment. Conventional, fixed-capacity heating and cooling equipment is often oversized for small homes, causing increased first costs and operating costs. Even if fixed-capacity equipment can be properly specified for peak loads, it remains oversized for use during much of the year. During these part-load cooling hours, oversized equipment meets the target dry-bulb temperatures very quickly, often without sufficient opportunity for moisture control. The problem becomes more acute for high-performance houses in humid climates when meeting ASHRAE Standard 62.2 recommendations for wholehouse mechanical ventilation.