Subcutaneous depth in a traumatized lower extremity.

Background: Acute compartment syndrome is a rare but serious consequence of traumatic leg injury. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is able to measure oxygenation to a depth of 2 cm to 3 cm below the skin, raising concerns over the ability of NIRS to accurately determine oxygenation of injured leg compartments in the presence of swelling and in the obese. The purpose of this study was to measure the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue overlying the posterior muscle compartment in subjects with tibia fractures to determine if it might compromise rSO₂ measurement in the muscle.

Assessment of the smoke-free outdoor regulation in the WHO European Region.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the level of protection of secondhand smoke in outdoor locations among countries belonging to the WHO European Region.

Method: This cross-sectional study measures the level of protection provided by laws in outdoor locations. A protocol to evaluate the outdoor smoke-free legislation was developed according to the recommendations provided by the WHO Guidelines for implementing smoke-free outdoor places.

Protection from secondhand smoke in countries belonging to the WHO European Region: an assessment of legislation.

Objectives: Comprehensive smokefree laws, as recommended by the WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), are the most effective tool to protect the population from secondhand smoke (SHS) and to ensure healthy environments. Studies evaluating how laws govern SHS protection are scarce. This study assessed the level of protection from SHS of laws from countries belonging to the WHO European Region.

Translation of neurological biomarkers to clinically relevant platforms.

Like proteomics more generally, neuroproteomics has recently been linked to the discovery of biochemical markers of central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease. Although neuroproteomics has enjoyed considerable success in discovery of candidate biomarkers, there are a number of challenges facing investigators interested in developing clinically useful platforms to assess biomarkers for damage to the CNS. These challenges include intrinsic physiological complications such as the blood-brain barrier.

Traumatic brain injury biomarkers: from pipeline to diagnostic assay development.

In recent years, the term proteomics is often mentioned together with biomarker discovery, as proteomic studies have the capability of identifying unique and unobvious protein biomarkers from tissues or biofluids derived from animal models or human clinical samples inflicted with various diseases. Proteomics has yielded hundreds of potential biomarker candidates. However, biomarker discovery is only the beginning of a long road for generating a validated, clinically relevant, and FDA-approved biomarker assay.

Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase is a novel biomarker in humans for severe traumatic brain injury.

Objective: Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase (UCH-L1), also called neuronal-specific protein gene product (PGP 9.3), is highly abundant in neurons. To assess the reliability of UCH-L1 as a potential biomarker for traumatic brain injury (TBI) this study compared cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of UCH-L1 from adult patients with severe TBI to uninjured controls; and examined the relationship between levels with severity of injury, complications and functional outcome.

Gynaecological ultrasound in community sexual and reproductive health clinics.

Background And Methodology: Many women seen in community sexual and reproductive health (SRH) clinics have gynaecological problems and a pelvic ultrasound scan forms part of their investigation. We present a retrospective analysis of 24 months' provision of a gynaecological ultrasound service in the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, Southwark Primary Care Trust, London, UK.

Results: A total of 327 women attended for ultrasound examination; 258 required a pelvic scan and 69 had an Implanon-related problem.

Neuroproteomics and systems biology-based discovery of protein biomarkers for traumatic brain injury and clinical validation.

The rapidly growing field of neuroproteomics has expanded to track global proteomic changes underlying various neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. TBI remains a major health problem with approximately 2 million incidents occurring annually in the United States, yet no affective treatment is available despite several clinical trials. The absence of brain injury diagnostic biomarkers was identified as a significant road-block to therapeutic development for brain injury.

Use of biomarkers for diagnosis and management of traumatic brain injury patients.

Background: Advances in the understanding of human biochemistry and physiology have provided insight into new pathways by which we can understand traumatic brain injury (TBI). Increased sophistication of laboratory techniques and developments in the field of proteomics has led to the discovery and rapid detection of new biomarkers not previously available.

Objective: To review recent advances in biomarker research for traumatic brain injury, describe the features of the ideal biomarker and to explore the potential role of these biomarkers in improving clinical management of brain injured patients.

Neuroprotection targets after traumatic brain injury.

Purpose Of Review: The scarcity of pharmacological neuroprotective treatments for traumatic brain injury is a concern being targeted on various fronts. This review examines the latest treatments under investigation.

Recent Findings: In the last 12-18 months, no drug has completed phase III clinical trials as a clearly proven method to treat traumatic brain injury.