Claremont I and II - Were They Rightly Decided, and Where Have They Left Us?

[Excerpt] “Our children embody the enduring wonder of life. They hold our hopes for the future. We want them to be happy, to succeed in whatever they do both in work and in play. We want them to contribute to our country and the world in constructive ways. But for these hopes to be realized our children must be educated-they must possess the requisite skills and knowledge to function well in this ever changing world. Yet, are we, as a society, meeting our responsibility to educate our children? What do we expect of our public schools? How important are these schools to us? Is a public education fit for the times guaranteed as a constitutional matter? These questions loomed large in the New Hampshire Supreme Court\u27s decisions in Claremont I and Claremont II, issued respectively in 1993 and 1997. Constituting New Hampshire\u27s core education rulings, they are among the Court\u27s most controversial exercises of constitutional jurisprudence. […] This article concludes that the New Hampshire Supreme Court correctly determined in Claremont I that Article 83 established enforceable positive constitutional rights for the provision and funding of an adequate public education. The Court acted properly in recognizing that the judiciary had an important role to play to assure these important constitutional rights. Claremont I properly upheld the State\u27s constitutional obligation to accord the State\u27s public school children with access to an education that would at all times enable them to be good citizens productive in their work. The decision also reflected proper regard for the prerogatives of the elected branches by leaving to them, at least initially, the development of an operational definition of adequacy in education, along with the responsibility to fashion the appropriate means to provide for it. The Claremont II decision, however, does not earn like approbation. It fails to stand up strongly as a tax ruling. It does not constitute a good appellate review of the other Superior Court rulings against the petitioners. The Court majority, after issuing its decision, deferred to the elected branches to give them time to fashion a remedy. Its decision, however, was not well received, or easily accepted, by many in the Legislature. Only after much resistance and much delay did the elected branches manage to put in place certain educational adequacy /funding reforms. Whatever their merits or flaws, this article sees these two decisions as having importantly and positively impacted New Hampshire\u27s public education system. The decisions had a good deal to do with ushering in needed reforms, so that the education system now operates with a specific definition for a constitutionally adequate education, regular assessment and accountability tools, and a costing out of adequacy linked to associated funding. The decisions have thus better positioned the public education system to meet the challenges of the future.

The Circle Nephrostomy Tube: An Attractive Nephrostomy Drainage System Following Complex Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Objective To describe our experience with the circle nephrostomy tube (NT) (Cook Medical), a drainage system uniquely designed for use after multiple-access percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). Methods A retrospective review of 1317 consecutive patients undergoing 1599 PNLs at IU Health Methodist Hospital was performed. All multiple access cases utilizing circle NTs were reviewed and analyzed. The method of insertion of circle NT was demonstrated. Results A total of 1843 accesses were obtained in 1599 renal units (RUs): 380 upper pole, 129 interpolar, and 1334 lower pole. Multiple accesses in this series were required in 282 RUs (17.6%). Following multiple-access PNL, circle NTs, Cope loop, and reentry Malecot NTs were inserted in 91 RUs (32.3%), 208 RUs (73.8%), and 31 RUs (11%), respectively. None of the patients who had circle NT experienced clogging, dislodgement, or obstruction of the tube. The cost of circle, Cope loop, and Malecot NTs are 121.73 USD, 95.20 USD, and 81 USD, respectively. Conclusion Circle NTs are easy to insert, secure, cost-effective compared with inserting two NTs. Circle NTs provide excellent drainage and facilitate secondary procedures

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor with atypical presentation: MRI and diffusion tensorcharacteristics

We report the neuroimaging findings of a 26-year-old female patient with a biopsy-proven dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET). DNETs are an uncommon, usually benign, glial-neural cortical neoplasm of children and young adults who typically present with intractable seizures. DNETs may occur in any region of the supratentorial cortex, but have a predilection for the temporal lobes. Accurate neuroimaging diagnosis is essential since patients with DNET benefit from complete resection. However, accurate differentiation from other cortical lesions may be challenging. Typical conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) features can help in the differentiation from other similar cortical tumors. Diffusion tensor imaging can also provide important additional diagnostic information regarding the degree of involvement of adjacent parenchyma and white matter tracts. In this case, tractography and fractional anisotropy maps demonstrated that fiber tracts surrounding the lesion were displaced, but fiber integrity was maintained, which is more suggestive of a DNET rather than a more aggressive neoplasm. Accurate identification of DNETs is essential for the purpose of rendering a timely diagnosis and start appropriate treatment

Papillary Ductal Plugging Is a Mechanism for Early Stone Retention in Brushite Stone Disease

Purpose Mechanisms of early stone retention in the kidney are under studied and poorly understood. To date attachment via Randall plaque is the only widely accepted theory in this regard, which is best described in idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers. Brushite stone formers are known to have distinct papillary morphology relative to calcium oxalate stone formers. As such we sought to determine whether stone attachment mechanisms in such patients may be similarly unique. Materials and Methods Patients undergoing percutaneous and or ureteroscopic procedures for stone removal consented to endoscopic renal papillary examination and individual stone collection. Each removed stone was processed using micro computerized tomography to assess the 3-dimensional microstructure and the minerals contained, and search for common structural features indicative of novel mechanisms of early growth and attachment to renal tissue. Results A total of 25 intact brushite stones were removed from 8 patients and analyzed. Video confirmed attachment of 13 of the 25 stones with the remainder believed to have been accidently dislodged during the procedure. Microscopic examination by light and computerized tomography failed to show evidence of Randall plaque associated with any stone containing brushite. Conversely each brushite stone demonstrated microstructural evidence of having grown attached to a ductal plug formed of apatite. Conclusions Three-dimensional analysis of small brushite stones suggests overgrowth on ductal apatite plugs as a mechanism of early stone growth and retention. Such findings represent what is to our knowledge the initial supporting evidence for a novel mechanism of stone formation which has previously been hypothesized but never verified

A Proposed Grading System to Standardize the Description of Renal Papillary Appearance at the Time of Endoscopy in Patients with Nephrolithiasis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The appearance of the renal papillae in patients with nephrolithiasis can be quite variable and can range from entirely healthy to markedly diseased. The implications of such findings remain unknown. One potential reason is the lack of a standardized system to describe such features. We propose a novel grading scale to describe papillary appearance at the time of renal endoscopy. METHODS: Comprehensive endoscopic renal assessment and mapping were performed on more than 300 patients with nephrolithiasis. Recurring abnormal papillary characteristics were identified and quantified based on degree of severity. RESULTS: Four unique papillary features were chosen for inclusion in the PPLA scoring system- ductal Plugging, Pitting, Loss of contour, and Amount of Randall's plaque. Unique scores are calculated for individual papillae based on reference examples. CONCLUSIONS: The description and study of renal papillary appearance in stone formers have considerable potential as both a clinical and research tool; however, a standardized grading system is necessary before using it for these purpos

Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes Between Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate and Robot-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy

Objectives: To compare perioperative outcomes for patients undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RSP) for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).Methods: Patient demographics and perioperative outcomes were compared between 600 patients undergoing HoLEP and 32 patients undergoing RSP at two separate academic institutions between 2008 and 2015.Results: Patients undergoing HoLEP and RSP had comparable ages (71 vs 71, p = 0.96) and baseline American Urological Association Symptom Scores (20 vs 24, p = 0.21). There was no difference in mean specimen weight (96 g vs 110 g, p = 0.15). Mean operative time was reduced in the HoLEP cohort (103 minutes vs 274 minutes, p < 0.001). Patients undergoing HoLEP had lesser decreases in hemoglobin, decreased transfusions rates, shorter hospital stays, and decreased mean duration of catheterization. There was no difference in the rate of complications Clavien grade 3 or greater (p = 0.33).Conclusions: HoLEP and RSP are both efficacious treatments for large gland BPH. In expert hands, HoLEP appears to have a favorable perioperative profile. Further studies are necessary to compare long-term efficacy, cost, and learning curve influences, especially as minimally invasive approaches become more widespread

Endoscopic Evidence That Randall's Plaque is Associated with Surface Erosion of the Renal Papilla

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the reliability and precision of an endoscopic grading scale to identify renal papillary abnormalities across a spectrum of equipment, locations, graders, and patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intra- and interobserver reliability of the papillary grading system was assessed using weighted kappa scoring among 4 graders reviewing a single renal papilla from 50 separate patients on 2 occasions. Grading was then applied to a cohort of patients undergoing endoscopic stone removal procedures at two centers. Patient factors were compared with papillary scores on the level of the papilla, kidney, and patient. RESULTS: Graders achieved substantial (kappa >0.6) intra- and inter-rater reliability in scored domains of ductal plugging, surface pitting, and loss of contour. Agreement for Randall's Plaque (RP) was moderate. Papillary scoring was then performed for 76 patients (89 kidneys, 533 papillae). A significant association was discovered between pitting and RP that held both within and across institutions. A general linear model was then created to further assess this association and it was found that RP score was a highly significant independent correlate of pitting score (F = 7.1; p < 0.001). Mean pitting scores increased smoothly and progressively with increasing RP scores. Sums of the scored domains were then calculated as a reflection of gross papillary abnormality. When analyzed in this way, a history of stone recurrence and shockwave lithotripsy were strongly predictive of higher sums. CONCLUSIONS: Renal papillary pathology can be reliably assessed between different providers using a newly described endoscopic grading scale. Application of this scale to stone-forming patients suggests that the degree of RP appreciated in the papilla is strongly associated with the presence of pitting. It also suggests that patients with a history of recurrent stones and lithotripsy have greater burdens of gross papillary disease

Alkalinizing Agents: A Review of Prescription, Over-the-Counter, and Medical Food Supplements.

Introduction Kidney stones affect 1 in every 11 people in the United States each year. There is a significant high recurrence rate without a stone prevention protocol. Alkali citrate is beneficial in decreasing stone recurrence, but due to the cost and gastrointestinal side effects there is a low adherence rate. This study aims to serve as a review of some of the most commonly used alkalizing over‐ the‐ counter supplements that are advertised to prevent and treat kidney stones. Methods Data was gathered by a comprehensive online literature search and company inquiries for kidney stone prevention supplements. An additional informal poll of the authors selected supplements that are most commonly taken by their patients. A total of eight supplements were evaluated for cost, alkali equivalent provided, dosing and regulatory information. Results Eight of the most commonly used supplements were reviewed with a focus on alkalizing agents. Information reviewed revealed dosing recommendations resulting in decreased citrate alkali equivalents per day compared to prescription‐strength potassium citrate. Cost, peer‐reviewed study results and regulatory data were reviewed, tabulated and analyzed. Cost per alkali equivalent was substantially decreased for each supplement compared to the prescribed drug. All supplements were found to be readily available online. Conclusion Over‐ the‐ counter alkalizing agents are available to patients and may be an appropriate alternative to cost prohibitive potassium citrate when treating urolithiasis patients. Additional testing will be necessary in the future to determine the efficacy of these supplements in the treatment and prevention of urinary stone disease

Randomized controlled trial comparing three different modalities of lithotrites for intracorporeal lithotripsy in pcnl

Purpose: To compare the efficiency (stone fragmentation and removal time) and complications of three models of intracorporeal lithotripters in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Materials and Methods: Prospective, randomized controlled trial at nine centers in the North America from 2009 to 2016. Patients were randomized to one of three lithotripter devices: the Cyberwand, a dual probe ultrasonic device; the Swiss Lithoclast Select, a combination pneumatic and ultrasonic device; and the StoneBreaker, a portable pneumatic device powered by CO2 cartridges. Since the StoneBreaker lacks an ultrasonic component, it was used with the LUS‐II ultrasonic lithotripter to allow fair comparison with combination devices. Results: 270 patients were enrolled, 69 were excluded after randomization. 201 patients completed the study: 71 in the Cyberwand group, 66 in the Lithoclast Select, and 64 in the StoneBreaker group. The baseline patient characteristics of the three groups were similar. Mean stone surface area was smaller in the StoneBreaker group at 407.8mm2 vs 577.5mm2 (Lithoclast Select) and 627.9mm2 (Cyberwand). The stone clearance rate was slowest in the StoneBreaker group at 24.0 mm2/min vs 28.9 mm2/min and 32.3 mm2/min in the Lithoclast Select and Cyberwand groups respectively. After statistically adjusting for the smaller mean stone size in the StoneBreaker group, there was no difference in the stone clearance rate among the three groups (p=0.249). Secondary outcomes, including complications and stone free rates, were similar between the groups. Conclusions: The Cyberwand, Lithoclast Select, and the StoneBreaker lithotripters have similar adjusted stone clearance rates in PCNL for stones > 2cm. The safety and efficacy of these devices are comparable