Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Disease-free survival is the cornerstone for colorectal cancer outcomes. Maintenance of independence may represent the preferred cancer outcome in older patients. Frailty and cognitive impairment are associated with adverse clinical outcomes after operation in patients ≥65 years. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of frailty and cognitive impairment on loss of independence (LOI) among colorectal cancer patients. ⋯ One of 5 older patients undergoing operation for colorectal cancer experience LOI, and risk factors include a decline in cognition and mobility. Future studies should evaluate risks for long-term LOI and explore interventions to optimize this patient population.
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Biography Historical Article
Judge Frank Minis Johnson, Jr: Impactful History Figure.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Analysis of Plasma Products for Cellular Contaminants: Comparing Standard Preparation Methods.
Recent reports suggest that component plasma products contain significant quantities of cellular contamination. We hypothesized that leukoreduction of whole blood before preparation of derived plasma is an effective method to prevent cellular contamination of stored plasma. ⋯ Despite widespread belief that stored plasma is functionally acellular, testing of liquid plasma from 3 regional blood banks revealed a significant amount of previously unrecognized cellular contamination. Introduction of a leukoreduction step before whole blood centrifugation essentially eliminated detectable leukocyte and platelet contaminants from plasma. Therefore, our study highlights a straightforward and cost-effective method to eliminate cellular contamination of stored plasma.