TASK DEFINITION: Given an abstract, generate a keyword (a noun phrase) that best describes the focus or contribution of the paper. Such keywords can be directly from the given abstract or outside it.
PROBLEM: Abstract: The ability of extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery to alter favorably the natural history of ischemic cerebrovascular disease remains in question. A recently completed prospective randomized multicenter cooperative trial failed to confirm the hypothesis that the procedure prevents further cerebral ischemia in patients with atherosclerotic internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery disease. We analyze findings of the study in detail, including possible effects on the natural history of the disease beyond the immediate perioperative period. Potential sources of bias that may have unpredictably affected the study are discussed. These include observational bias (patient and therapist not blinded), "randomization-to-treatment" bias (high morbidity after randomization but before operation), and "prerandomization" or allocation bias (patients in the study representing a selected sample of the population with cerebrovascular disease). The extensive analysis of secondary subgroups with small numbers of patients is discussed in light of the statistical methods used. Two particular classes of patients not addressed in the study who might benefit from the procedure are defined. They are patients failing the best available medical therapy and patients with clearly documented hemodynamic compromise. Possible indications for bypass surgery are suggested for the various lesions in light of the trial and of recent reports on the natural history and pathophysiology of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Selected cases illustrating these indications are presented.

SOLUTION: Adult

PROBLEM: Abstract: For the treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia, Liposorber LA-40 was clinically applied. The Liposorber is a commercially developed affinity adsorbent for plasma perfusion which selectivity adsorbs low density lipoproteins and very low density lipoproteins and is specially designed for plasmapheretic treatment of hypercholesterolemia. The Liposorber column, containing activated cellulose beads having an affinity for lipoprotein containing apolipoprotein-B, has an excellent adsorption capacity, excellent selectivity, minimum albumin loss. This new apheresis system was applied to 2 clinical cases. After seven months of trial perfusion every 2 weeks, patient condition was good, with a level of total cholesterol under 300 mg/dl. No replacement fluids were given during or after treatment. In this paper, clinical results of these patients were shown and the mechanism of adsorption of this specific adsorbent was discussed.

SOLUTION: Adsorption

PROBLEM: Abstract: Pulmonary edema due to upper airway obstruction can be observed in a variety of clinical situations. The predominant mechanism is increased negative intrathoracic pressure, although hypoxia and cardiac and neurologic factors may contribute. Laryngospasm associated with intubation and general anesthesia is a common cause of pulmonary edema in children. However, only seven cases of pulmonary edema presumably due to laryngospasm have been reported in adolescents and adults. Five of the seven had other risk factors for upper airway obstruction, and in four, the diagnosis of "laryngospasm" could be explained by other factors. Patients with underlying risk factors for upper airway obstruction, such as a forme fruste of sleep apnea or nasopharyngeal abnormalities, appear to be at increased risk for the development of pulmonary edema in the setting of intubation and anesthesia. This form of pulmonary edema usually resolves rapidly without the need for aggressive therapy or invasive monitoring.

SOLUTION:
Airway Obstruction