[Effect of different training methods on the use of the i-gel laryngeal mask by lay persons on a manikin]

BACKGROUND

Several studies have described the successful application of extraglottic airways by lay people to a phantom.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the influence of the training method on the success of the application.

METHODS

A total of 150 visitors of a shopping mall were asked to place an i‑gel laryngeal mask (Intersurgical GmbH, Sankt Augustin, Germany) on a manikin. The short instruction was randomized and performed either as a practical demonstration or through the self-study of an illustrated manual.

RESULTS

Application success in the first attempt was 95.8 % for the practical demonstration group and 78.5 % for the written instruction group (p = 0.001). Placement times were also significantly different (median 11.5 s vs. 22.5 s, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Learning success can be achieved with both training methods. Initially, a hands-on training should be carried out with a practical demonstration.

Physics at the [Formula: see text] linear collider

A comprehensive review of physics at an [Formula: see text] linear collider in the energy range of [Formula: see text] GeV-3 TeV is presented in view of recent and expected LHC results, experiments from low-energy as well as astroparticle physics. The report focusses in particular on Higgs-boson, top-quark and electroweak precision physics, but also discusses several models of beyond the standard model physics such as supersymmetry, little Higgs models and extra gauge bosons. The connection to cosmology has been analysed as well.

Plerixafor with and without chemotherapy in poor mobilizers: results from the German compassionate use program

The CXCR4-inhibitor plerixafor mobilizes hematopoietic stem cells amplifying the effects of granulocyte-CSF (G-CSF). Before approval plerixafor was used in a compassionate use program (CUP) for patients who failed a previous mobilization. In the German CUP 60 patients from 23 centers (median age 56.5 years (2-75)) were given 240 μg/kg plerixafor SC 9-11 h before apheresis. A total of 78.3% (47/60) received G-CSF for 4 days before plerixafor administration; 76.6% of those (36/47) yielded at least 2.0 × 10(6) CD34(+) cells/μL. The median cell yield was 3.35 × 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg (0-29.53). Nine patients received plerixafor alone or with G-CSF for less than 4 days mobilizing a median of 3.30 × 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg (1.6-5.6). There was no significant difference between G-CSF application for 4 days and for a shorter period of time (P=0.157). A total of 47 patients received plerixafor plus G-CSF combined with chemotherapy yielding a median of 3.28 × 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg (0-24.79). In all, 40 of 60 patients (66.7%) proceeded to transplantation, and achieved a timely and stable engraftment. Side effects were rare and manageable. In conclusion, mobilization with plerixafor in poor mobilizers is safe and results in a sufficient stem cell harvest in the majority of patients.

[Steady-state responses of the auditory system: a comparison of different methods]

BACKGROUND

Determining the hearing threshold in children is one of the most important topics in audiology. Because the existing methods-brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) and cortical evoked response audiometry (CERA)-show some severe insufficiencies, it is necessary to look for improved methods. A promising approach may be amplitude modulation following responses (AMFR). In contrast to the conventional transient auditory evoked potentials, these responses show a high-frequency specificity, and they possibly allow statements about the hearing threshold in the low-frequency range.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The purpose of our study was to objectively detect the hearing threshold in normal-hearing persons of various ages. Pure-tone audiometry served as a subjective control test. For objective tests, we used the measurement of AMFR (two different systems with distinct parameters) and CERA. We compared the different methods with regard to accuracy of the determination of the hearing threshold and investigated the practicability.

RESULTS

The results showed some large deviations between the subjective hearing threshold and the objectively determined responses. The lowest deviations appeared at low frequencies. With respect to the variability of results, CERA was clearly superior to AMFR.

CONCLUSION

Despite large deviations in the responses objectively determined by AMFR, we think AMFR is suitable to close some gaps in determining objective hearing thresholds, at least at low frequencies.