The American journal of medicine
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Measuring immature white blood cell forms ("bands") has been considered clinically unnecessary. We performed this study to determine whether elevated band counts, with normal total white blood cells on admission, were associated with infection or in-hospital death. ⋯ Even with normal total white blood cells, patients with moderate and high bandemia on admission had significantly increased odds of having positive cultures, including blood cultures, and of in-hospital mortality.
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Recent allegations of fraud committed by one of the most prolific researchers in perioperative medicine, Don Poldermans, have left many clinicians in a state of disbelief. With over 500 peer-reviewed publications, Poldermans heavily influenced the clinical practice of perioperative beta-blockers and statins in noncardiac surgery, shaping guidelines and national policies on the use of these treatments. The effects of fraud in perioperative medicine are particularly caustic owing to a profound domino effect. ⋯ Because research misconduct in perioperative medicine can be so damaging, we present strategies to prevent such events in the future. Without such reform, fraud in research may very well continue. The price for such misconduct is simply too great to pay.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Extended-release niacin acutely suppresses postprandial triglyceridemia.
Postprandial triglyceridemia predicts cardiovascular events. Niacin might lower postprandial triglycerides by restricting free fatty acids. Immediate-release niacin reduced postprandial triglycerides, but extended-release niacin failed to do so when dosed the night before a fat challenge. The study aims were to determine whether extended-release niacin dosed before a fat challenge suppresses postprandial triglycerides and whether postprandial triglycerides are related to free fatty acid restriction. ⋯ Given right before a fat meal, even a single dose of extended-release niacin suppresses postprandial triglyceridemia. This establishes that postprandial triglycerides suppression is an acute pharmacodynamic effect of extended-release niacin, probably the result of marked free fatty acid restriction. Further study is warranted to determine whether mealtime dosing would augment the clinical efficacy of extended-release niacin therapy.