Relationship Among MRTA, DXA, and QUS

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative ultrasound (QUS) are the accepted modalities for the evaluation of fracture risk in the clinical setting. However, neither method provides a direct measurement of bone mechanics. In this study, we investigated a prototype device, known as a mechanical response tissue analyzer (MRTA), which provides direct mechanical measurements of mechanical properties of bone. A total of 56 healthy volunteers (20 men and 36 women) between the ages of 18 and 83 were recruited. The MRTA was used to measure the cross-sectional bending stiffness (EI) of the ulna bone. Axial speed of sound (SOS) at the ulna bone was determined by QUS; bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were determined by DXA. Correlations, regression analysis, and analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were used to compare the three modalities. These analyses revealed that although there are strong linear relationships among the data collected by the various technologies, the bone properties reflected by MRTA are not fully explained by DXA and QUS. We conclude that the total information conveyed by MRTA measurements is unique. Further research is needed to delineate the different qualities of bone strength that are captured by MRTA, but not by DXA or QUS.     

Erste-Hilfe-Ausbildung in der Grundschule

To shorten the interval between the occurrence of an emergency situation when the patient remains without treatment until the time when therapeutic measures can be initiated, in Germany improved training particularly for laypersons is necessary. Although a large proportion of the population has already participated in a first aid course, there is much uncertainty over how to proceed. Repeated teaching units, begun early and adapted to the various age groups, serve as countermeasures. Thus, a project was developed in the Saarland involving the on-site educators who teach the first basic principles of first aid. The project is aimed specifically at shortening the time interval when the injured receive no treatment and deals with the topics of emergency call, monitoring and maintaining vital functions, and organization of emergency medical services. The present article describes initial experiences gathered during implementation of the project.     

Die laparoskopische Chirurgie des Kolonkarzinoms. Kommentar aufgrund der aktuellen Studienlage

Zusammenfassung Die genauere Bestimmung von Leitfunktionen soll das früher zum strukturdynamischen Ansatz Gesagte ergänzen, korrigieren und zum Abschluss bringen. Auf vormenschlichen Entwicklungsstufen geht es um die autopraktischen Antriebe der Lebensbewegung und ihre instinktive Hemmung und Aktivierung. Auf der menschlichen Ebene hat sich die Richtung der Antriebe differenziert. Ihre Autopraxis als das bewegende Prinzip ist geblieben. Hemmung und Aktivierung sind in die Entwicklung einer Innenwelt und ihres strukturellen Hintergrundes einbezogen worden und haben sich aus der instinktiven Abhängigkeit gelöst. An der Funktion der Aktivierung hat sich wenig geändert. Hemmung hat sich in die komplexe Funktion der Desaktualisierung ausgeweitet; sie greift als steuerndes Prinzip in das autopraktische Geschehen ein. Abschließend werden mit einem Exkurs in die Willensthematik die Funktionen von Autopraxis, Desaktualisierung und Aktivierung in ihrem Zusammenwirken erläutert.

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