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Biomedical subjects

K Brauer

Publications and source records attributed to K Brauer.

123 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Hyperphosphorylated protein tau is restricted to neurons devoid of perineuronal nets in the cortex of aged bison.

Hyperphosphorylated tau in the cortex and hippocampal formation of two aged bisons was characterized by its immunoreactivity to the phospho-epitope-recognizing monoclonal antibodies AT8, AT100, PHF-1 and TG-3. Gallyas silver staining revealed sparsely scattered cortical tangles and neuropil threads. In dual-peroxidase staining experiments, the immunocytochemical detection of vulnerable neurons was combined with the demonstration of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan-rich perineuronal nets of the extracellular matrix. Such polyanionic lattice-like neuronal coatings were revealed lectin- and immunocytochemically. Hyperphosphorylated tau was exclusively observed in neurons devoid of perineuronal nets. The present findings in the aged bison parallel previously obtained results from a quantitative study of human brains affected by Alzheimer's disease. In conclusion, the low susceptibility of different types of neurons to the abnormal phosphorylation of tau corresponds to high proportions of certain chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans in their microenvironment.

Age Factors↗

The quick look airway classification. A useful tool in predicting the difficult out-of-hospital intubation: experience in an air medical transport program.

The unpredictable nature of the out-of-hospital care environment poses unique challenges for active airway management techniques. This descriptive study was conducted in the helicopter air medical transport (AMT) environment for a period of 32 months to determine whether initial direct airway visualization classification may provide a useful tool to predict the difficulty of intubation. Data extracted from documented oral intubation attempts included initial airway visualization grade, number of attempts, final airway management method, and procedural complications. Oral intubation was attempted on 429 patients. Initial airway visualization grades were found with the following frequency for grades I through IV: 65.6%, 21.5%, 8.6%, and 5.4%, respectively. Similarly, the average number of attempts was 1.34, 1.65, 1.97, and 2.39, respectively. The serious complication rate was 24%, 46%, 62%, and 65%, respectively. A statistically significant correlation (Spearman's rho) was found between increasing grade and both the number of intubation attempts (0.52) and the number of complications (0.45). Initial visualization classification may serve as a useful indicator in the out-of-hospital environment to help anticipate the difficulty of intubation and the need for early alternative airway management strategies. In this program, such classification is used to monitor airway management skills.

Air Ambulances↗

Aggressive out-of-hospital treatment regimen for severe closed head injury in patients undergoing air medical transport.

The impact of aggressive out-of-hospital management on disposition for 1286 patients with closed head injuries in ground advanced life support (ALS) and helicopter services was evaluated over 60 months in San Diego County. The case group included 196 air medical patients with a scene Glascow coma scale (GCS) < 9 who were treated according to a standard head injury protocol. The frequency matched control group included 1090 ground ALS patients receiving airway management with hyperventilation but neither induction agents nor mannitol. The trauma registry provided admission and discharge dates, neurosurgical interventions, and disposition. Patient age, scene GCS, head and neck abbreviated injury scale (HNAIS), and injury severity score (ISS) served to stratify study groups. Case-control distribution of mortality was compared with the two-tailed Mantel-Haenszel weighted odds ratio (OR) and chisquared test; significance at P < or = 0.05. The case group displayed an 11% decreased mortality (P < 0.01), remaining significant after adjusting for age (P = 0.05) and scene GCS (P = 0.06). The case group displayed 10% (P < 0.01) greater survivor discharges to rehabilitation and 6% (P < 0.05) fewer discharges to extended care facilities. This study's data indicate a strong possibility for improved patient morbidity and mortality in severe closed head injuries treated with an aggressive treatment protocol and rapid air medical transport.

Air Ambulances↗

Marketing the by-products of development programs.

The Boeing Co., through two of its internal units, has been able to leverage the creativity of staff members and reap significant income from resources that might otherwise be underutilized.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗