Fasting GI myoelectric activity, including the return of MMCs and the presence of gastric dysrhythmias, does not accurately predict fed-state gastrointestinal GI function following abdominal surgery.

ObjectiveThe authors investigate the recovery of gastrointestinal motility in the fed and fasted state after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. Summary Background DataClinical recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is known to be more rapid than after conventional open cholecystectomy. However, the actual effect of a laparoscopic approach on gastrointestinal motility, particularly fed-state motility, is not well investigated. MethodsLaparoscopic (LAP, n = 6) or open (OPEN, n = 6) cholecystectomy was performed in 12 dogs. Bipolar recording electrodes were placed on the antrum, small intestine, and the transverse and descending colon, and fasting myoelectric data were recorded after operation. Solid meal gastric emptying studies were performed before surgery and on postoperative days 1 and 2. Transit time studies were performed using 10 radiopaque markers. ResultsGastric emptying was significantly delayed in the OPEN group at 120 minutes on postoperative day 1 compared with pre-operative emptying (p < 0.05), but was not delayed on postoperative day 2. Gastric emptying was not delayed in the LAP group after operation. Transit time was the same between groups. Gastric dysrhythmias were more frequent on postoperative day 3 (p < 0.05) in the OPEN group. There were no significant differences in the presence, cycle length, or propagation velocity of the migrating motor complex on any postoperative day. Discrete or continuous electrical response activity in the colon was observed by postoperative day 1 in both groups. ConclusionsFed-state gastric motility is the only parameter for which laparoscopic cholecystectomy showed an improvement in postoperative recovery. Recovery of fasted gastrointestinal motility in dogs is equally rapid after either operation. 413

The number of cardiac catheterizations performed yearly is growing with correspondingly increasing amounts of morbidity, complications, and hospital costs. This study suggests that fibrin sealant instillation via an arterial sheath at the completion of femoral catheterization may improve hemostasis. Results using fibrin sealant in 12 unheparinized dogs documented significant reductions (McNemar's exact test) versus control for groin ecchymoses (1 versus 8, P = .008) and radiolabeled hematoma formation (0 versus 7, P = .016). Also swelling was less in the fibrin sealant treated groins when compared to control groins (1 versus 6, P = .125), but failed to reach statistical significance. Results in eight heparinized dogs (activated clotting time 374 +/- 22, mean +/- SEM) revealed a statistically significant reduction in signs of gross bleeding in the fibrin sealant-treated groins (1 versus 8, P = .016). This method may contribute to reduced morbidity, complications, and length of hospitalization. It may also allow for earlier patient mobilization after cardiac catheterization.

We have used cross-linked, bispecific monoclonal antibody heteropolymers, specific for primate erythrocyte (E) complement receptor (CR1) and target antigen (Ag), to attach 125I-labeled Ag to 51Cr-labeled monkey erythrocytes (E) in vitro. Injection of these sensitized E into monkeys leads to rapid clearance from the circulation of several different 125I-labeled Ag with little, if any sequestration, lysis, or clearance of the E. It should now be possible, in principle, to use the heteropolymer-E system to facilitate the clearance of blood-borne pathogens from the circulation.

The recovery of gastrointestinal motility was compared in dogs undergoing either laparoscopic or open sigmoidectomy. During surgery, bipolar recording electrodes were placed on the proximal and distal antrum, mid- and distal colon, and the rectum. Fasting myoelectric data were recorded postoperatively. Scintigraphic gastric emptying studies employing a solid test meal were performed before and after [postoperative day (POD) 2] operation. Ten radiopaque markers were given just before operation and retained markers were counted daily by abdominal x-ray. Gastric emptying on POD 2 was significantly delayed in the open group at 120 min compared with preoperative studies for the open group and compared with the laparoscopic group on POD 2 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). A significant difference in the number of retained markers was observed between the groups on POD 4 (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in slow-wave frequency, presence of dysrhythmias in the proximal and distal antrum, or presence of either discrete or continuous electrical response activity in the colon and rectum between groups on any days. We conclude that using a laparoscopic approach results in more rapid recovery of fed-state gastrointestinal motility following colon resection. These data also suggest that myoelectric activity alone is not a sensitive enough parameter to detect these differences in recovery in this animal model.

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The continued desire to utilize an alternative to lead-based solder materials for electrical interconnections has led to significant research interest in Anisotropic Conductive Adhesives (ACAs). The use of ACAs in electrical connections creates bonds using a combination of metal particles and epoxies to replace solder. The novel ACA discussed in this paper allows for bonds to be created through aligning columns of conductive particles along the Z-axis. These columns are formed by the application of a magnetic field, during the curing process. The benefit of this novel ACA is that it does not require precise printing of the adhesive on pads and also enables the mass curing without creating shorts in the circuitry. This paper will present the findings of the thermal conductivity performance tests using the novel ACA and its applicability as a thermal interface material and for assembling bottom termination components, power devices, etc. The columns that act as electrical conduction paths also contribute towards the thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of the novel ACA was measured utilizing a system that is similar to that in ASTM (American Society of Testing Materials) D5470 standard. The goal was to examine the influence of Bond Line Thickness (BLT), particle loading densities, particle diameters and adhesive matrix curing conditions on the electrical and thermal performance of the novel ACA. This paper will also present a numerical model to describe the thermal behavior of the novel ACA. The novel ACA’s applicability for PCB-level assembly has also been successfully demonstrated by RIT, including base material characterization, effect of process parameters, failures, and long-term reliability. Reliability testing included the investigation of the assembly performance in temperature and humidity aging, thermal aging, air-to-air thermal cycling, and drop testing.