824 research outputs found
Epidural catheter connectors: A laboratory-based comparison of the Portex Tuohy-Borst and EpiFuseTM designs
No full textDisconnection of an epidural catheter from its connector may result in patient harm and commonly requires resiting of
the epidural. Clamp-connector designs such as the novel Portex EpiFuseTM potentially offer an improved safety profile
over screw-cap designs such as the Tuohy-Borst, but comparative studies are limited. We therefore compared the tensile
strength of EpiFuse and Tuohy-Borst connectors in a laboratory setting.We further sought to establish whether operator
modification of the EpiFuse increased its vulnerability to disconnection. The median (IQR [range]) force to induce
disconnection was 8.0 (4.1–12.8 [0.0–22.6]) N for Tuohy-Borst connectors and 16.4 (15.2–17.7 [5.7–18.9]) and 15.9
(15.0–16.9 [5.8–18.1]) N for standard and modified EpiFuse connectors, respectively (p < 0.0001). The Tuohy-Borst was
also less likely to meet British Standard requirements (13 ⁄ 20 sets vs 19 ⁄ 20 and 20 ⁄ 20, p = 0.002). Modification of the
EpiFuse did not affect lumen patency or connection strength
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Production of angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity in milk fermented with probiotic strains: Effects of calcium, pH and peptides on the ACE-inhibitory activity
No full textRecently, probiotic fermented milk products have raised interest regarding their potential anti-hypertensive activity mainly due to the production of angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides. Ionic calcium released upon milk acidification during fermentation is also known to exert hypotensive activity. Thus, the main aim of this study was to screen probiotic strains for their ability to induce ACE-inhibitory activity upon fermentation of milk. The relationship of ACE-inhibitory activity percentage (ACEi%) with cell growth, pH, degree of hydrolysis and the concentration of ionic calcium released during the fermentation was also investigated. Compared with other lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus casei YIT 9029 and Bifidobacterium bifidum MF 20/5 were able to induce strong ACE-inhibitory activity. Furthermore, it was found that the ionic calcium released during milk fermentation could contribute to the ACE-inhibitory activity. These findings will contribute to the development of new probiotic dairy products with anti-hypertensive activity
Thermal performance of a naturally ventilated building using a combined algorithm of probabilistic occupant behaviour and deterministic heat and mass balance models
No full textThis study explores the role of occupant behaviour in relation to natural ventilation and its effects on summer thermal performance of naturally ventillated buildings. We develop a behavioural algorithm (the Yun algorithm) representing probablistic occupant behaviour and implement this within a dynamic energy simulation tool. A core of this algorithm is the use of Markov chain and Monte Carlo methods in order to integrate probablistic window use models into dynamic energy simulation procedures. The comparison between predicted and monitored window use patterns shows good agreement. Performance of the Yn algorithm is demonstrated for active, medium and passive window users and a range of office constructions. Results indicate, for example, that in some cases, the temperature of an office occupied by the active window user in summer is up to 2.6ºC lower than that for the passive window user. A comparison is made with results from an alernative bahavioural algorithm developed by Humphreys [H.B. Rijal, P. Tuohy, M.A. Humphreys, J.F. Nicol, A. Samual, J. Clarke, Using results from field surveys to predict the effect of open windows on thermal comfort and energy use in buildings, Energy and Buildings 39(7)(2007) 823-836.]. In general, the two algorithms lead to similar predictions, but the results suggest that the Yun algorithm better reflects the observed time of day effects on window use (i.e. the increased probability of action on arrival)
Diet-microbe interactions in the gut: effects on human health and disease
No full textState of the art post genomics studies are highlighting the important role played by our resident intestinal microbiota in determining human health and disease. Many chronic human diseases associated with modern lifestyles and diets, including those localised to the intestinal tract like inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease, and more pervasive systemic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are characterised by aberrant profiles of gut bacteria or their metabolites. Many of these diseases have an inflammatory basis, often presenting with a chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, hinting at persistent and inappropriate activation of inflammatory pathways. Recent nutrition studies are providing novel insight into the possible mechanisms underpinning the disease processes associated with these pathologies, with high fat diets appearing to predispose to disease, and biologically active plant components, mainly fiber and polyphenols, appearing to reduce the risk of chronic disease development. Importantly, many of these plant food bioactives appear to work through the human gut microbiota. The picture that is emerging is that many of the chronic diseases associated with modern living may have an underlying aetiology linked to deviation from traditional human diets rich in whole plant foods, down regulation of our closely co-evolved gut microbiota, reduced exposure to environmental/food microorganisms and resultant dysregulation of immunological defences, in particular, disruption of the intestinal barrier and compromised immune homeostasis. Drawing on expert opinions from the fields of nutrition, gut microbiology, mammalian physiology, food science and immunology, this book presents the evidence for a unified disease mechanism working through the gut and its resident microbiota and linking many inflammation related chronic diet associated diseases
Efficacy of tuohy needle in oocytes collection from excised mare ovaries
No full textOocyte aspiration from equine follicles gives a low recovery rate and yields oocytes largely denuded of cumulus cells. Follicle scraping is labour intensive and increases the time required for collection,
extending the holding time of oocytes that delays their maturation.
The aim of this work was to develop an effective method for collecting equine oocytes combining the feature of aspiration (fastness) with that of scraping (high recovery rate of cumulus-intact oocytes). Furthermore, we examined differences in cumulus morphology and maturation rates, comparing this technique to aspiration and scraping, with or without tunica albuginea removal. Collection by vacuum pump aspiration was performed using a 16 g needle while the combination of aspiration and scraping was performed using a Tuohy needle (16 g) that is usually employed for inserting an epidural catheter and its tip shape is similar to a small curette. In unpeeled ovaries, the recovery rates by the Tuohy needle was higher (p < 0.05) than in the 16 g needle aspiration and in the scraped ovaries (57% vs. 36% and 47%) while the rate of cumulus-intact oocytes was higher than aspiration (46.9% vs. 39.36%) but lower than scraping (46.97%) (p < 0.001). In unpeeled ovaries there was no difference in maturation rate of oocytes recovered by Tuohy needle in respect to scraping in peeled ovaries (58.54% vs. 58.24% respectively; p < 0.05). In conclusion, combination of aspiration and scraping by Tuohy needle allows a faster and reliable collection of oocytes suitable for horse IVM
Twenty first century standards for thermal comfort : fostering low carbon building design and operation
No full textNearly 50% of energy consumed in the developed world is consumed in buildings. Despite regulation intent, many new buildings are energy profligate. Thermal comfort standards are partly responsible for this increase in consumption. In this volume, Roaf et al. have described the evolution of current comfort standards and problems inherent in buildings they shape, and have discussed two new methods of regulating thermal comfort in buildings which recognize human adaptation and have potential for reduced energy demand. These new methods incorporate adaptation through a fixed heating and cooling threshold approach (similar to Japanese Cool-Biz) or through heating and cooling setpoints calculated based on outdoor conditions(using CEN standard equations). The impact on comfort and energy demand of these new approaches is investigated for a London office building. Variables such as future climate, future building upgrades, setback temperatures, internal gains and ventilation are also explored. Adoption of the new approaches gave a 50% reduction in heating and cooling energy for the simulated office. The new approach together with optimized setback temperatures, ventilation strategies and higher efficiency equipment gives predicted heating and cooling energy demand close to zero. Recommendations for future regulation, design and operation of buildings are proposed
A comparative in vitro investigation into the effects of cooked meats on the human faecal microbiota
No full textProtein fermentation is one of the important microbial activities in the human colon. Meat foods rich in protein provide substantial resource for this metabolic activity. However, little information exists on the relative impact of different meats on the composition and activities of the human gut microbiota. Similarly, little information is available on the confounding effects of cooking on these activities. In this study, beef, chicken and fish (salmon) were examined in vitro for their impact on the human faecal microbiota. The influence of cooking method was also investigated by using either frying or boiling. Upon fermentation over 48 h the Clostridium perfringens/histolyticum group increased significantly in number in the beef fermentations, either fried (p = 0.023) or boiled (p = 0.017). Cooking method appeared to influence Clostridium spp. growth, with higher numbers in fried meat compared to boiled meats after 5 h (p = 0.024) and 48 h (p = 0.003) fermentation. Significant differences between meat types were also seen for numbers of Bifidobacterium spp. at 48 h (p = 0.028), Bacteroides group at 24 h (p = 0.016) as well as Coriobacterium/Atopobium group at 10 h (p = 0.038). Most types of short chain fatty acids increased significantly in concentration over the experiment (p < 0.05). Significant differences between meat types were found in n-butyric acid production at 24, 30 and 48 h (p = 0.015, p = 0.024 and p = 0.035 respectively) and in i-valeric acid production at 10, 24, 30 and 48 h (p = 0.026, p = 0.002, p = 0.019 and p = 0.022 respectively). The concentration of i-valeric acid differed significantly between cooking methods at 24 h (p = 0.042). These findings suggest that both the type of meat and cooking process can influence fermentation profiles within the human gut microbiota. Interactions between ingested cooked meats and the gut microbiota may represent a novel corollary to mechanisms underlying the observed increased risk of intestinal and systemic diseases associated with high intake of certain meats/processed meats. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd
Microbiota and Hepatic Encephalopathy: microbial dynamics and metabolism upon prebiotic, antibiotic and probiotic treatment
No full textObjectives: Gut microorganisms may play a fundamental role in the pathogenesis and worsening of liver disease and pathology [1], where of their composition and the production of toxic compounds are considered as trigger actors [2]. Clinically widely studied, Hepatic Encephalopathy treatment with prebiotic, antibiotic and probiotic, generally evidences a reduction of ammonia production by gut microbial activity and an increase in neurocognitive tests and mental status. Nevertheless from a strictly microbiological point of view, little is known about the dynamics, interaction and metabolite production among the main bacterial groups in liver diseases [3]. Thus we investigated, how lactulose, rifaximin or VSL#3 and their combination affect gut microbial composition, determining changes in ammonia and metabolites levels during cirrhosis treatment,Methodology: Samples in independent batch culture fermentations were used to assess microbial population dynamics using flow cytometry FISH, ammonia concentrations and short chain fatty acid production.Results: Microbial
modulation by prebiotic, antibiotic and probiotic treatment differently effect the population dynamics and its metabolism, as revealed by the different short chain fatty acid profiles and the specific increase in beneficial bacteria.Conclusions: The reduction of ammonia and regulation of metabolite production observed emphasize the importance of gut microbiota handling in HE treatment
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A Comparison of Espocan® and Tuohy Needles for the Combined Spinal-Epidural Technique for Labor Analgesia
No full textWhen using the needle-through-needle combined spinal-epidural (CSE) technique for labor analgesia, failure to obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), paresthesias, and intrathecal or intravascular migration of the catheter are of concern. Epidural needles with spinal needle apertures, such as the back-hole Espocan® (ES) needles, are available and may reduce these risks. We describe the efficacy and adverse events associated with a modified epidural needle (ES) versus a conventional Tuohy needle for CSE. One-hundred parturients requesting labor analgesia (CSE) were randomized into 2 groups50—ES 18-gauge modified epidural needle with 27-gauge Pencan® atraumatic spinal needle, 50—conventional 18-gauge Tuohy needle with 27-gauge Gertie Marx atraumatic spinal needle. Information on intrathecal or intravascular catheter placement, paresthesia on introduction of spinal needle, failure to obtain CSF through the spinal needle after placement of epidural needle, unintentional dural puncture, and epidural catheter function was obtained. No intrathecal catheter placement occurred in either group. Rates of intravascular catheter placement and unintentional dural puncture were similar between the groups. Significant differences were noted regarding spinal needle-induced paresthesia (14% ES versus 42% Tuohy needles, P = 0.009) and failure to obtain CSF on first attempt (8% ES versus 28% Tuohy needles, P < 0.02). Use of ES needles for CSE significantly reduces paresthesia associated with the insertion of the spinal needle and is associated with more frequent successful spinal needle placement on the first attempt
The Microbiota of the human gastrointestinal tract: a molecular view
No full textThe human gut microbiota represents a complex collection of microorganisms, which contribute considerably to host health. They occupy different ecological niches and habitats within the gastrointestinal tract and vary both in compositional make up and metabolic output at different sites along the gut. In this chapter, we describe the microbial “geography” within the human gastrointestinal tract and discuss available methods for studying the gut microbiota at both taxonomic and metabolic levels. Tremendous advances have been made in
culture independent molecular microbiology over the past 20 years giving previously undreamt of insight into the architecture of the gut microbiota. Similarly, advances in “omics” technologies, especially metagenomics and metabolomics, are providing the tools necessary to give, for the first time, a real insight into both the gut
microbiota metabolic potential (encoded by the genes of microbiota metagenome) and the metabolic kinetic (comprising the flux of microbially derived metabolites) and how these then interact with host physiology
influencing health and disease ris
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