Cardiopulmonary Effects of Hemorrhagic Shock in Splenic Autotransplanted Pigs: A New Surgical Model

The spleen is an important organ for hemodynamic compensation during hemorrhagic shock. The aim of the study was to compare the hemodynamic and metabolic responses of sham-operated pigs with intact spleen, splenectomized pigs, and splenic autotransplanted pigs during hemorrhagic shock. Hemorrhagic shock was induced by 30% total blood volume bleed in sham-operated, splenectomized and splenic autotransplanted pigs (n=20). Cardiopulmonary and metabolic variables were measured before, immediately after, and at 20, 60 and 100 minutes after hemorrhage. Upon hemorrhagic shock induction, body temperature, mean arterial pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, cardiac output, cardiac index and oxygen delivery decreased, while lactate and shock index increased. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly lower in the splenectomized and splenic autotransplant groups as compared with the control group at 60 and 100 minutes after hemorrhage (p<0.05). Unlike intact spleen, splenic autotransplant could not improve hemodynamic parameters in hemorrhagic shock in pigs. In comparison to mice, rats or dogs, this species could be an interesting investigation model to test new surgical procedures during splenic related hemorrhagic shock, with potential applications in human medicine

A thematic analysis of factors influencing recruitment to maternal and perinatal trials

Background: Recruitment of eligible participants remains one of the biggest challenges to successful completion of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Only one third of trials recruit on time, often requiring a lengthy extension to the recruitment period. We identified factors influencing recruitment success and potentially effective recruitment strategies. Methods: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE from 1966 to December Week 2, 2006, the Cochrane Library Methodology Register in December 2006, and hand searched reference lists for studies of any design which focused on recruitment to maternal/perinatal trials, or if no studies of maternal or perinatal research could be identified, other areas of healthcare. Studies of nurses' and midwives' attitudes to research were included as none specifically about trials were located. We synthesised the data narratively, using a basic thematic analysis, with themes derived from the literature and after discussion between the authors. Results: Around half of the included papers (29/53) were specific to maternal and perinatal healthcare. Only one study was identified which focused on factors for maternal and perinatal clinicians and only seven studies considered recruitment strategies specific to perinatal research. Themes included: participant assessment of risk; recruitment process; participant understanding of research; patient characteristics; clinician attitudes to research and trials; protocol issues; and institutional or organisational issues. While no reliable evidence base for strategies to enhance recruitment was identified in any of the review studies, four maternal/perinatal primary studies suggest that specialised recruitment staff, mass mailings, physician referrals and strategies targeting minority women may increase recruitment. However these findings may only be applicable to the particular trials and settings studied. Conclusion: Although factors reported by both participants and clinicians which influence recruitment were quite consistent across the included studies, studies comparing different recruitment strategies were largely missing. Trials of different recruitment strategies could be embedded in large multicentre RCTs, with strategies tailored to the factors specific to the trial and institution.Rebecca L Tooher, Philippa F Middleton and Caroline A Crowthe

Aspects of the geology of the Stuart Creek area, north of Lake Torrens, South Australia

This item is only available electronically.An area to the north of Lake Torrens, encompassing the newly proclaimed Stuart Creek Precious Stones Field, was studied, with particular reference to the opal- bearing Cretaceous sediments. The pre-Mesozoic basement consists of Adelaidean rocks of the Wilpena Group in the east, separated from Lower Cambrian rocks by the Arthur Fault The relatively flat-lying Cretaceous sequence consists of two mappable units. The lower unit, called the "Stuart Creek Beds" in this thesis, is probably a transitional unit marking the transgression of the Lower Cretaceous sea. The early Aptian Marree Formation comprises bioturbated brown montmorillonitic muds with sandy and conglomeratic beds more prominent near the base. Scattered "erratics" occur. The original sediment, deposited in a marginal marine environment was black, pyritic and carbonaceous. It has been affected by a number of weathering events during the Tertiary. The uppermost portion has been very heavily weathered and bleached. Only a thin remnant exists now, due to erosion prior to Tertiary deposition The Tertiary sediments are mostly sands with some clays, silts and limestones. Milky quartz pebbles are a common characteristic. The sediments are non-marine, dominantly fluviatile. Silicification is common but variable. The sequence is correlated with the Mount Sarah Sandstone of Miocene age. Opal, occurring throughout the area, is believed to have formed associated with silicification of the Tertiary. The precious opal is notable in that it occurs within relatively fresh sediments, rather than highly weathered rocks as elsewhere in South Australia. Precious opal is only found on the Field, but all the Cretaceous must be considered potentially opal-bearing until further work is done.Thesis (B.Sc.(Hons)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Physical Sciences, 197

Policy analysis for entrepreneurship education in necessity-based contexts: a Sri Lankan case study

The development of entrepreneurs in order to stimulate economic growth is a key component of government policies (Hannon, 2006), and policy makers appear to consider entrepreneurship education and training as ‘an efficient mechanism for increasing entrepreneurial activity’ (Martinez, Levie, Kelley, Sæmundsson and Schøtt, 2010, p. 43). Government policies encouraging the education and development of entrepreneurs are evident in countries around the globe (Xavier, Kelley, Kew, Herrington and Vorderwülbecke, 2012), however evaluating the contribution of entrepreneurship education to a country and its economy has proved challenging (O’Connor, 2013). In this chapter we analyze policies for entrepreneurship education in a country that exhibits a high level of necessity-based entrepreneurship. Necessity-driven entrepreneurs are defined as ‘those who are pushed into starting businesses because they have no other work options and need a source of income’. This is contrasted with opportunity-driven entrepreneurs who undertake entrepreneurial activities in order to pursue a perceived opportunity (Xavier et al., 2012, p. 8). There is very little academic research regarding necessity-driven entrepreneurs, and even less so in countries that are in relatively early stages of development.Eva Balan-Vnuk, Manjula Dissanyake and Allan O’Conno

Densitometry of calus mineralization in a critical size defect of a rabbit radius

This study aims to investigate the use of a photodensitometry to analyze plain radiographic images and correlate them with the rate of new bone formation in a critical size defect of a rabbit radius filled with an autologous omental graft. The computer program MCID Evaluation 7.0. was used for photodensitometric processing of X-ray images taken at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after surgery. The study was conducted on 20 adult New Zealand white rabbits under general anaesthesia, critical-sized osseous defect was created in the right radius and in treated group filled with autogenous omental graft. Optical densitometry of radiographs revealed statistically significant differences between the experimental and control sites. The study showed that autogenous omental grafts promoted healing of the critical-sized defect of the rabbit radius. Key words: bone, densitometry, omentum, radiogra

Ovariectomy of a brown bear (Ursus arctos): a case report

ABSTRACT: Reproductive control is regularly implemented in bear facilities to prevent crowding of enclosures and surplus animals. Ovariectomy may represent an efficient method of sterilizing bears yet has not been reported in the literature. A 73 kg female brown bear, age two years and three months, was anesthetized for ovariectomy with tiletamin and zolazepam (Zoletil ® , Virbac S.A., Carros Cedex, France) and medetomidin hydrochloride (Domitor ® , Pfizer Animal Health, New York, USA). A 25 cm midline incision that extended from the umbilicus to the pubic brim was made. The suspensory ligament was stretched and blunt dissected so that ovaries in bursa were exposed on the surgical field. A &quot