Effects of different verbal instructions on change of lumbar multifidus muscle thickness in asymptomatic adults and in patients with low back pain.

Background: Spinal stabilisation exercise has been shown to be effective in the rehabilitation of low back pain (LBP). Due to the isometric nature of spinal stabilisation exercise, manual therapists use various verbal instructions to elicit lumbar multifidus muscle contraction.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess whether or not three verbal instructions would alter muscle thickness of the lumbar multifidus muscle differently in asymptomatic individuals and patients with LBP.

Effects of nebulised magnesium sulphate on inflammation and function of the guinea-pig airway.

Magnesium sulphate is a potential treatment for acute severe asthma. However, the mechanisms and dose-response relationships are poorly understood. The first objective of this study was to examine whether inhaled magnesium sulphate exerts bronchodilator activity measured as bronchoprotection against histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in conscious guinea-pigs alone and combined with salbutamol.

Racial disparities in pediatric intensive care unit admissions.

Objectives: Racial disparities in therapies and outcomes in adult and neonatal ICUs are well documented; however, little is known regarding racial disparities in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Our objective was to determine whether racial disparities exist in the admission of critically ill children to the PICU.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed admissions to a PICU in a tertiary care pediatric hospital.

TPI 1020, a novel anti-inflammatory, nitric oxide donating compound, potentiates the bronchodilator effects of salbutamol in conscious guinea-pigs.

Inhaled corticosteroids are regularly co-administered with beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonists. This study evaluates in conscious guinea-pigs the bronchodilator effect, alone or combined with salbutamol, of TPI 1020, a novel anti-inflammatory corticosteroid and nitric oxide (NO) donor derived from budesonide. Guinea-pigs received inhaled histamine (3 mM) and specific airway conductance (sG(aw)) measured.

Novel animal model for teaching chest tube placement.

Background: The number of procedures available to pediatric residency trainees is few in number and patient size leaves little margin for error. Artificial simulation labs have not been developed for neonatal chest tubes. Use of live animal models is coming under increased scrutiny and is expensive.