EEG processing with TESPAR for depth of anesthesia detection

Poster presentation: Introduction Adequate anesthesia is crucial to the success of surgical interventions and subsequent recovery. Neuroscientists, surgeons, and engineers have sought to understand the impact of anesthetics on the information processing in the brain and to properly assess the level of anesthesia in an non-invasive manner. Studies have indicated a more reliable depth of anesthesia (DOA) detection if multiple parameters are employed. Indeed, commercial DOA monitors (BIS, Narcotrend, M-Entropy and A-line ARX) use more than one feature extraction method. Here, we propose TESPAR (Time Encoded Signal Processing And Recognition) a time domain signal processing technique novel to EEG DOA assessment that could enhance existing monitoring devices. ..

Impact of propofol on mid-latency auditory-evoked potentials in children†

Background Propofol is increasingly used in paediatric anaesthesia, but can be challenging to titrate accurately in this group. Mid-latency auditory-evoked potentials (MLAEPs) can be used to help titrate propofol. However, the effects of propofol on MLAEP in children are unclear. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between propofol and MLAEP in children undergoing anaesthesia. Methods Fourteen healthy children aged 4-16 yr received anaesthesia for elective surgery. Before surgery, propofol was administered in three concentrations (3, 6, 9 µg ml−1) through a target-controlled infusion pump using Kataria and colleagues' model. MLAEPs were recorded 5 min after having reached each target propofol concentration at each respective concentration. Additionally, venous propofol blood concentrations were assayed at each measuring time point. Results Propofol increased all four MLAEP peak latencies (peaks Na, Pa, Nb, P1) in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the differences in amplitudes were significantly smaller with increasing propofol target concentrations. The measured propofol plasma concentrations correlated positively with the latencies of the peaks Na, Pa, and Nb. Conclusions Propofol affects MLAEP latencies and amplitudes in children in a dose-dependent manner. MLAEP measurement might therefore be a useful tool for monitoring depth of propofol anaesthesia in childre

Evolution of the nucleus

Under a Creative Commons license.The nucleus represents a major evolutionary transition. As a consequence of separating translation from transcription many new functions arose, which likely contributed to the remarkable success of eukaryotic cells. Here we will consider what has recently emerged on the evolutionary histories of several key aspects of nuclear biology; the nuclear pore complex, the lamina, centrosomes and evidence for prokaryotic origins of relevant players.Work in our laboratories was supported by the following agencies, and which is gratefully acknowledged; MRC and Wellcome Trust (MR/K008749/1 and 090007/Z/09/Z respectively, to MCF), C2A Junta de Andalucia to DPD and DFG GR1642/4-1 to RG.Open Access funded by Wellcome Trust.Peer Reviewe

The mammalian centrosome and its functional significance

Primarily known for its role as major microtubule organizing center, the centrosome is increasingly being recognized for its functional significance in key cell cycle regulating events. We are now at the beginning of understanding the centrosome’s functional complexities and its major impact on directing complex interactions and signal transduction cascades important for cell cycle regulation. The centrosome orchestrates entry into mitosis, anaphase onset, cytokinesis, G1/S transition, and monitors DNA damage. Recently, the centrosome has also been recognized as major docking station where regulatory complexes accumulate including kinases and phosphatases as well as numerous other cell cycle regulators that utilize the centrosome as platform to coordinate multiple cell cycle-specific functions. Vesicles that are translocated along microtubules to and away from centrosomes may also carry enzymes or substrates that use centrosomes as main docking station. The centrosome’s role in various diseases has been recognized and a wealth of data has been accumulated linking dysfunctional centrosomes to cancer, Alstrom syndrome, various neurological disorders, and others. Centrosome abnormalities and dysfunctions have been associated with several types of infertility. The present review highlights the centrosome’s significant roles in cell cycle events in somatic and reproductive cells and discusses centrosome abnormalities and implications in disease

COVID-19-Ratio zur aktuellen Abschätzung der intensivmedizinischen Belastungsgrenze

<jats:title>Zusammenfassung</jats:title><jats:sec> <jats:title>Hintergrund</jats:title> <jats:p>Einsätze in Notfallsituationen bei Patienten mit fortgeschrittener, unheilbarer Erkrankung stellen für das Rettungsdienstpersonal eine besondere Belastung dar. Für ersteintreffendes nichtärztliches Rettungsdienstpersonal ergeben sich dabei Situationen, in denen Entscheidungen getroffen werden müssen, die außerhalb des erlernten oder rechtlich zugesicherten Kompetenzbereichs liegen. Ziel dieser Arbeit war daher die Darstellung von Konflikten und deren Belastungsauswirkung sowie die Diskussion über eine mögliche Erweiterung der therapeutischen Entscheidungskompetenz des nichtärztlichen Rettungsdienstpersonals als Entlastungsoption.</jats:p> </jats:sec><jats:sec> <jats:title>Material/Methoden</jats:title> <jats:p>Online-Befragung von Rettungsassistenten und Notfallsanitätern („mixed methods design“) zu deren Konflikten und wahrgenommenen Belastungen. Analyse der Freitextantworten mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse (Mayring). Deskriptiv-statistische Analyse der wahrgenommenen Belastungsintensitäten und Belastungshäufigkeiten.</jats:p> </jats:sec><jats:sec> <jats:title>Ergebnisse</jats:title> <jats:p>Im Umgang mit Patienten mit fortgeschrittener unheilbarer Erkrankung erlebt das nichtärztliche Rettungsdienstpersonal einen konflikthaften und belastenden Entscheidungs- und Handlungsdruck. Die Konflikte können in vier Dimensionen eingeordnet werden: a) patientenbezogen, b) strukturell, c) persönlich und d) interprofessionell. Eine Erweiterung der therapeutischen Entscheidungskompetenz des nichtärztlichen Rettungsdienstpersonals zur Therapiebegrenzung wurde kritisch und vorbehaltlich wahrgenommen.</jats:p> </jats:sec><jats:sec> <jats:title>Diskussion</jats:title> <jats:p>Die vom nichtärztlichen Rettungsdienstpersonal beschriebenen Konflikte erfordern vielschichtige Lösungsansätze, wie zum Beispiel themenspezifische Fort- und Weiterbildungsprogramme wie auch regional-strukturelle Konzepte einer gesundheitlichen Versorgungsplanung.</jats:p> </jats:sec&gt