CSDE1 promotes miR-451 biogenesis.

MicroRNAs are sequentially processed by RNase III enzymes Drosha and Dicer. miR-451 is a highly conserved miRNA in vertebrates which bypasses Dicer processing and instead relies on AGO2 for its maturation. miR-451 is highly expressed in erythrocytes and regulates the differentiation of erythroblasts into mature red blood cells.

Brachial plexus block with or without ultrasound guidance.

Purpose Of Review: Should ultrasound or nerve stimulation be used for brachial plexus blocks? We investigated last year's literature to help answer this question.

Recent Findings: Many of the reports concluded that ultrasound guidance may provide a higher success rate for brachial plexus blocks than guidance by nerve stimulator. However, the studies were not large enough to conclude that ultrasound will reduce the risk of nerve injury, local anesthetic toxicity or pneumothorax.

Current threshold for nerve stimulation depends on electrical impedance of the tissue: a study of ultrasound-guided electrical nerve stimulation of the median nerve.

Background: Understanding the mechanisms causing variation in current thresholds for electrical nerve stimulation may improve the safety and success rate of peripheral nerve blocks. Electrical impedance of the tissue surrounding a nerve may affect the response to nerve stimulation. In this volunteer study, we investigated the relationship between impedance and current threshold needed to obtain a neuromuscular response.

Electrical nerve stimulation or ultrasound guidance for lateral sagittal infraclavicular blocks: a randomized, controlled, observer-blinded, comparative study.

Background: Ultrasound guidance is frequently used to perform infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks. In this study, we compared electrical nerve stimulation and ultrasound guidance for the lateral sagittal infraclavicular block.

Methods: Eighty patients, ASA 1-2, were randomized for either nerve stimulation (group NS) or ultrasound-guided blocks (group US).

Ultrasound controlled nerve stimulation in the elbow region: high currents and short distances needed to obtain motor responses.

Background: Electrical nerve stimulation is commonly used to perform peripheral nerve blocks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between stimulating currents and the distance between the needle-tip and stimulated nerves.

Methods: In 18 volunteers the radial and ulnar nerves were stimulated in the elbow region from opposite directions.