Novice performance of ultrasound-guided needle advancement: standard 38-mm transducer vs 25-mm hockey stick transducer.

The optimal method to develop expertise in ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia is unknown. Studies of laryngoscopic expertise in novices demonstrate that the choice of laryngoscope affects performance. In this study, we aimed to compare the effect of two different linear array transducers (38-mm standard vs 25-mm hockey stick) on novice performance of ultrasound-guided needle advancement. Following randomisation, participants watched a video model of expert performance of ultrasound-guided needle advancement. Recruits performed the modelled task on a turkey breast model. The median (IQR [range]) composite error score was statistically significantly larger for participants in the hockey stick transducer group compared with the standard transducer group; 10.0 (7.3-14.3 [2.5-29.0]) vs 7.5 (4.5-10.0 [2.0-28.0]) respectively, (p = 0.01). This study has demonstrated that performance of ultrasound-guided needle advancement by novice operators after simple video instruction is better (as assessed using a composite error score) with a standard 38-mm transducer than with a 25-mm hockey stick transducer.

Ultrasound-guided spinal accessory nerve blockade in the diagnosis and management of trapezius muscle-related myofascial pain.

We report the first description of ultrasound-guided spinal accessory nerve blockade using single-shot and subsequently continuous infusion (via a perineural catheter) local anaesthetic techniques, for the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain affecting the trapezius muscle. A 38-year-old man presented with a two-year history of incapacitating left suprascapular pain after a fall onto his outstretched hand. The history and clinical examination was suggestive of myofascial pain affecting the trapezius muscle. This had been unresponsive to pharmacological therapy, physiotherapy or suprascapular nerve blockade. Following identification of the spinal accessory nerve in the posterior triangle of the neck, we performed ultrasound-guided nerve blocks, first using a single injection of local anaesthetic and subsequently using a continuous infusion via a perineural catheter, to block the nerve and temporarily relieve the patient's pain. We have demonstrated that the spinal accessory nerve is identifiable in the posterior triangle of the neck and can be blocked successfully using ultrasound guidance. This technique can aid the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain originating from the trapezius muscle.

Serological cross-reactions between crab saxitoxin-induced protein and paralytic shellfish poison-contaminated shellfish.

A polyclonal antiserum generated against crab saxitoxin-induced protein was tested against paralytic shellfish poison (PSP)-contaminated crabs and shellfish. Antibody-reactive proteins in PSP-contaminated bivalve mollusc extracts were localized using SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. PSP-contaminated clams and oysters possessed a higher degree of immunoreactivity to the saxitoxin-induced protein found in PSP-resistant crabs than their respective non-contaminated controls.

Appearance and partial purification of a high molecular weight protein in crabs exposed to saxitoxin.

This paper provides evidence for a protein component which appears to be involved in the seasonal resistance of small shore crabs, Hemigrapsus oregonesis and Hemigrapsus nudus to saxitoxin, a principle neurotoxin involved in paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). This unique protein complex was isolated and partially purified by ion exchange chromatography using DEAE-cellulose from visceral tissue extracts of resistant crabs. The complex was absent in control crabs that were sensitive to saxitoxin. In addition, the protein complex was induced in the crab after acute administration of low doses of saxitoxin. Results indicate that the protein complex is acidic in nature and has an apparent mol. wt of 145,000.

Analysis of an Effective Antibiotic (Chaetomacin) Isolated from a Thermophilic Bacillus sp. Against Olive Green Mold.

Successful methods to control the damaging weed mold Chaetomium olivaceum (olive green mold) in mushroom beds are not known. An effective antibiotic (named chaetomacin) against C. olivaceum was isolated from a thermophilic Bacillus sp. This compound was shown to be an extremely potent and stable antibiotic, effective over a wide range of both pH (2 to 10) and temperature (-15 to 150 degrees C). Chaetomacin is soluble in most polar solvents and insoluble in nonpolar solvents. It is produced only at mesophilic temperatures and is also active against other Bacillus spp. and various eucaryotes, but it demonstrates no activity against gram-negative rods or gram-positive cocci. Final purification of chaetomacin was accomplished through thin-layer chromatography on silica gel analytical plates. Amino acid analysis revealed the antibiotic to be a peptide, acidic in nature. Examination of the literature reveals no other previously isolated antibiotics identical to chaetomacin.

Cultivation of Tripterygium wilfordii Tissue Cultures for the Production of the Cytotoxic Diterpene Tripdiolide.

The production of the cytotoxic agent tripdiolide employing plant tissue cultures of TRIPTERYGIUM WILFORDII is demonstrated. Detailed investigations of a developed cell line of T. WILFORDII in terms of tripdiolide production versus variations in growth conditions, for example media composition, are presented. Also the age and size of the inoculum and the incubation period with respect to tripdiolide formation are evaluated.

Biological Control of Olive Green Mold in Agaricus bisporus Cultivation.

Successful methods to control the damaging weed mold Chaetomium olivaceum (olive green mold) in mushroom beds are not presently known. An attempt was made to control C. olivaceum by biological means. A thermophilic Bacillus sp. which showed dramatic activity against C. olivaceum on Trypticase soy agar (BBL Microbiology Systems)-0.4% yeast extract agar plates was isolated from commercial mushroom compost (phase I). When inoculated into conventional and hydroponic mushroom beds, the bacillus not only provided a significant degree of protection from C. olivaceum, but also increased yields of Agaricus bisporus.

Ascorbic acid in cultured tissue of briar rose, Rosa rugosa Thunb.

Ascorbic acid synthesis was studied using suspension cultured cells from the fleshy portion of the fruit of the rose, Rosa rugosa Thunb. Cells cultured in the dark contained ascorbic acid at a level of 13 mg/100 g wet wt. This value increased several fold when the cells were grown under light. Ascorbic acid does not accumulate in the growth medium possibly due to its rapid oxidation. L-galactono-1,4-lactone was readily converted to ascorbic acid whereas L-gulono-1,4-lactone was used to a much lesser degree. D-glucose, D-fructose, D-galactose. D-glucurono-1,4-lactone and myoinositol did not stimulate increased ascorbic acid synthesis. Reducing the sucrose content of the medium reduced the ascorbic acid content of the cells without altering cell yield.