Saint Francis University

About: Saint Francis University is a education organization based out in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Osteoblast. The organization has 1694 authors who have published 2038 publications receiving 87149 citations.

Complete Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion Presenting as “Seizures”

Abstract: Limb shaking is a rare and atypical presentation for a transient ischemic attack. It can be described as a “cerebral ischemic claudication” due to attenuation in an already compromised cerebral perfusion. The uncharacteristic presentation may lead to confusion and misdiagnosis, for example, focal epilepsy, delaying appropriate therapy. We describe such a case highlighting the clinical implications and options for addressing the underlying cerebrovascular pathology. A 57-years-old female with a 2 weeks history of slurred speech and involuntary shaking of the right upper and lower extremities lasting for a few minutes, which was not associated with loss of consciousness or amourosis fugax. Neuroimaging demonstrated a complete left internal carotid artery occlusion at its origin and a severe focal stenosis of the proximal external carotid artery. Supraclinoidal internal carotid artery was reconstituted via collaterals between ophthalmic artery and branches of left internal maxillary artery. The right internal carotid contributed via the anterior communicating artery. An external carotid endarterectomy was performed, resulting in a complete resolution of her symptoms. In conclusion, limb shaking as a manifestation of carotid occlusion is a rare phenomenon. To prevent misdiagnosis and appropriate treatment, cerebral ischemic claudication must always be considered in the appropriate setup. Any treatment must preserve the collaterals supplying the compromised cerebral vasculature.

Skeletal Effects of Glucocorticoids: Basic and Clinical Aspects

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO), a serious disease often overlooked and not treated. Continued exposure of skeletal tissue to Glucocorticoids leads to severe osteoporosis. Patients exposed to glucocorticoids frequently develop clinical osteoporosis. Although the entire skeleton is affected, trabecular bone loss prevails over cortical bone loss. The mechanisms involved are complex because glucocorticoids have direct and indirect effects on the skeleton and cause increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation. Following the initial exposure of skeletal tissue to glucocorticoids, there is significant bone loss and glucocorticoids, even at modest doses, increase the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Management of osteoporosis after transplantation includes optimization of bone health before surgery and prevention of bone loss after transplantation. This should include the use of bisphosphonates. Recent discoveries have provided new insights on the cellular events leading to the bone loss in GIO. Advances in the management of GIO and availability of effective therapeutic alternatives offer possible solutions to patients affected by this condition.

An FM Telemetry Demodulator for Telephone Pacemaker Clinics

Abstract: An economical wideband FM telemetry demodulator has been developed for use in telephone telemetry pacemaker clinics The device features wide bandwidth to accommodate most commercial FM telephone telemetry transmitters, automatic gain control, callback and system test capabilities