Preduodenal Portal Vein And Polysplenia: A Case Report and Review Of Literature

Preduodenal portal vein (PDPV) is a rare anomaly in which the portal vein courses anterior to the second part of the duodenum. PDPV is often associated with other congenital anomalies such as polysplenia, malrotation and pancreatic anomalies. We report an elderly male with Stage IIB esophageal adenocarcinoma. Incidental findings on staging computed tomography (CT) included an anomalous preduodenal and presplenic portal vein and polysplenia, though the patient did not present with any symptoms related to these findings. Post-neoadjuvant chemoradiation, the patient underwent an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. Appreciating the anomalous tract of the portal vein anterior to the pancreas and duodenum from the preoperative images, we were able to perform duodenal mobilization (Kocher manuever) without vessel injury. Since, PDPV is often an asymptomatic and incidental finding in adults, serious surgical complications may occur if not appreciated on preoperative imaging or intraoperatively. Heightened awareness of PDPV and other associated anomalies remains vital to a safe procedure in all ages

Production of fiberboards from shives collected after continuous fiber mechanical extraction from oleaginous flax

In this study, fiberboards were produced from shives collected after continuous fiber mechanical extraction from oleaginous flax straw. Fiberboards were produced through thermo-pressing, and their mechanical and thermomechanical properties were studied, as well as their water resistance. The influence of two pretreatments for shives and lignin addition was investigated on the different properties. Boards obtained were all cohesive hardboards. The optimal board was obtained from fibers extruded from the shives and without addition of any supplementary lignin amount. Looking at its characteristics and standard NF EN 312, the latter perfectly complied with the requirements for type P1 boards, i.e., boards for general uses in dry conditions

A healthy mistrust: how worldview relates to attitudes about breast cancer screening in a cross-sectional survey of low-income women

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Perceived racial discrimination is one factor which may discourage ethnic minorities from using healthcare. However, existing research only partially explains why some persons do accept health promotion messages and use preventive care, while others do not. This analysis explores 1) the psychosocial characteristics of those, within disadvantaged groups, who identify their previous experiences as racially discriminatory, 2) the extent to which perceived racism is associated with broader perspectives on societal racism and powerlessness, and 3) how these views relate to disadvantaged groups' expectation of mistreatment in healthcare, feelings of mistrust, and motivation to use care.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using survey data from 576 African-American women, we explored the prevalence and predictors of beliefs and experiences related to social disengagement, racial discrimination, desired and actual racial concordance with medical providers, and fear of medical research. We then used both sociodemographic characteristics, and experiences and attitudes about disadvantage, to model respondents' scores on an index of personal motivation to receive breast cancer screening, measuring screening knowledge, rejection of fatalistic explanatory models of cancer, and belief in early detection, and in collaborative models of patient-provider responsibility.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Age was associated with lower motivation to screen, as were depressive symptoms, anomie, and fear of medical research. Motivation was low among those more comfortable with African-American providers, regardless of current provider race. However, greater awareness of societal racism positively predicted motivation, as did talking to others when experiencing discrimination. Talking was most useful for women with depressive symptoms.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Supporting the Durkheimian concepts of both anomic and altruistic suicide, both disengagement (depression, anomie, vulnerability to victimization, and discomfort with non-Black physicians) as well as over-acceptance (low awareness of discrimination in society) predict poor health maintenance attitudes in disadvantaged women. Women who recognize their connection to other African-American women, and who talk about negative experiences, appear most motivated to protect their health.</p