25 research outputs found
Etoricoxib - preemptive and postoperative analgesia (EPPA) in patients with laparotomy or thoracotomy - design and protocols
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background and Objective</p> <p>Our objective was to report on the design and essentials of the <it>Etoricoxib </it>protocol<it>- Preemptive and Postoperative Analgesia (EPPA) </it>Trial, investigating whether preemptive analgesia with cox-2 inhibitors is more efficacious than placebo in patients who receive either laparotomy or thoracotomy.</p> <p>Design and Methods</p> <p>The study is a 2 × 2 factorial armed, double blinded, bicentric, randomised placebo-controlled trial comparing (a) etoricoxib and (b) placebo in a pre- and postoperative setting. The total observation period is 6 months. According to a power analysis, 120 patients scheduled for abdominal or thoracic surgery will randomly be allocated to either the preemptive or the postoperative treatment group. These two groups are each divided into two arms. Preemptive group patients receive etoricoxib prior to surgery and either etoricoxib again or placebo postoperatively. Postoperative group patients receive placebo prior to surgery and either placebo again or etoricoxib after surgery (2 × 2 factorial study design). The Main Outcome Measure is the cumulative use of morphine within the first 48 hours after surgery (measured by patient controlled analgesia PCA). Secondary outcome parameters include a broad range of tests including sensoric perception and genetic polymorphisms.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The results of this study will provide information on the analgesic effectiveness of etoricoxib in preemptive analgesia and will give hints on possible preventive effects of persistent pain.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>NCT00716833</p
Comparison of the direct effects of sevoflurane, isoflurane and halothane on isolated canine coronary arteries
The Importance of Urban Form as an Object of Study
The importance of urban morphology is argued from three perspectives—philosophical, cultural and practical. Urban morphology makes sense of the world around us and this chapter will demonstrate the importance of ‘ways of seeing’, arguing for a philosophical approach that integrates physical, social and cultural dimensions of cities. Culturally, understanding urban morphology is a prerequisite to an awareness of urban aesthetics and the layers of meaning attached to townscapes. Through such appreciation, its study adds to the quality of life. Practically, the study of urban morphology performs a vital educational function. Through the detailed study of urban form, we learn both what not to do and how to do things better, a vital objective in achieving successful and holistic urban management. Urban morphology provides an appreciation and unique training for integrating closely related fields of practical application such as urban design, planning, architecture and conservation