3 mm), and lateral (21.8 +/- 5.7 mm) regions. All pairwise comparisons of regional differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05), except for the comparison between the ventral and medial regions (P = 0.88). Evaluation of the CCT while controlling for age (2-5 years vs. 6-10 years) demonstrated an increased CTT with an increasing age for the central, ventral, medial and lateral regions. A decrease in the CTT of the dorsal region was noted with increasing age.
Conclusion
and Clinical Relevance Corneal touch threshold values in 40 eyes of 20 healthy adult alpacas were determined using a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer. This study demonstrated the central corneal region to be most sensitive. Values obtained may serve as reference values in subsequent studies.”
“A new nortriterpenoid saponin, 3,17-dihydroxy-28-nor-12-oleanen-16-one 3-O–d-galactopyranosyl (12)-CHEM1 selleck chemicals llc (1),
along with two pairs of known isomers, was isolated from the roots of Symplocos caudata Wall. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and chemical methods.”
“OBJECTIVE: To determine the decision-making process of withholding and/or withdrawal (WH/WD) of life-sustaining treatment in cardiac intensive care units (ICUs) in Germany.
METHODS: A questionnaire regarding 16 medical and 6 ethical questions of WH/WD of life-sustaining treatment was distributed to the clinical director, senior ICU physician and head nurses of all German heart surgery centres (n=237 questionnaires). Furthermore, we present a literature survey using the key words ‘End-of-life care AND withholding/withdrawal of life support therapy AND intensive care unit’.
RESULTS: We received replies from 86 of 237
(36.3%) contacted persons. Concerning medical reasons, cranial computed tomography (CCT) with poor prognosis (91.9%), multi-organ failure (70.9%) and failure of assist AG-014699 supplier device therapy (69.8%) were the three most frequently cited medical reasons for WH/WD life-sustaining treatment. Overall, 32.6% of persons answered that ethical aspects influence their decision-making processes. Poor expected quality of life (48.8%), the patient’s willingness to limit medical care (40.7%) and the families’ choice (27.9%) were the top three reported ethical reasons. There was a significant difference regarding the perception of the three involved professional groups concerning the decision-making parameters: multi-organ failure (P = 0.018), failure of assist device therapy (P = 0.001), cardiac index (P = 0.009), poor expected quality of life (P = 0.009), the patient’s willingness to limit medical care (P = 0.002), intraoperative course (P = 0.054), opinion of family members (P = 0.032) and whether decision-making process are done collaboratively (clinical director, 45.7%; ICU physician, 52%; and head of nursing staff, 26.9%). Palliation medication in patients after WH/WD of life-support consisted of morphine (92%) and benzodiazepines (88%).