AIM To determine if levosimendan could improve cardiac performance during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with normal preoperative left ventricular function. METHODS Twenty-four patients included in this double-blind randomized controlled trial received either placebo (n=12) or 12 microg/kg loading dose of levosimendan (n=12) during a period of 15 minutes before the surge...

This paper presents diagnostic criteria for Menière's disease jointly formulated by the Classification Committee of the Bárány Society, The Japan Society for Equilibrium Research, the European Academy of Otology and Neurotology (EAONO), the Equilibrium Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and the Korean Balance Society. The classification includes ...

The mode of operation of mini parabolic solar panels made of germanium, mild steel and aluminium were investigated experimentally, as means of providing heated water on a farmland; the process was also modelled. Angular adjustments of the solar collectors from 70-90o were adopted in order to determine, the best material of construction for the parabolic solar collector and the angular orientati...

We present an HPLC method for the determination of amino acids in plasma. The method is based on automated precolumn derivatization of amino acids with o-phthalaldehyde, separation of the derivatives by reversed-phase chromatography, and quantification by fluorescence detection. Complete separation was achieved within 12 min. Total analysis time, including derivatization, chromatography, and re...

As advances in microfluidics continue to make contributions to diagnostics and life sciences, broader awareness of this expanding field becomes necessary. By leveraging low-cost microfabrication techniques that require no capital equipment or infrastructure, simple, accessible, and effective educational modules can be made available for a broad range of educational needs from middle school demo...

Moisture management is the ability of a fabric to transport moisture away from the skin to the garment’s outer surface in multi-dimensions and it is one of key performance criteria in today’s textiles for garments for various end uses. This property has a significant effect on the human perception of moisture sensations as well as the growth of microorganisms. Plasma treatment on textiles is a ...

OBJECTIVE To investigate delays in the presentation to hospital and evaluation of patients with suspected stroke. DESIGN Multicentre prospective observational study. SETTING 22 hospitals in the United Kingdom and Dublin. PARTICIPANTS 739 patients with suspected stroke presenting to hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Time from onset of stroke symptoms to arrival at hospital, and time from a...