British journal of anaesthesia
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Differential effects of serum from patients administered distinct anaesthetic techniques on apoptosis in breast cancer cells in vitro: a pilot study.
In vitro and retrospective clinical studies suggest an association between anaesthetic technique during primary breast cancer surgery and cancer outcome. Apoptosis is an important step in the mechanism of breast cancer metastasis, but whether it is influenced by anaesthetic technique is unknown. Using serum from breast cancer surgery patients randomized to receive distinct anaesthetic techniques, we investigated its effect on apoptosis in oestrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer cells in vitro. ⋯ Serum from patients given sevoflurane anaesthesia and opioids for primary breast cancer surgery reduces apoptosis in ER-negative breast cancer cells to a greater extent than serum from patients given propofol-paravertebral anaesthesia. Anaesthetic technique might affect the serum milieu in a manner that impacts cancer cell apoptosis, and thereby tumour metastasis.
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Controlled Clinical Trial
Effect of supervised aerobic exercise rehabilitation on physical fitness and quality-of-life in survivors of critical illness: an exploratory minimized controlled trial (PIX study).
Evidence is limited for the effectiveness of interventions for survivors of critical illness after hospital discharge. We explored the effect of an 8-week hospital-based exercise-training programme on physical fitness and quality-of-life. ⋯ Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN65176374 (http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN65176374).
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Controlled Clinical Trial Observational Study
Pre-procedure ultrasound increases the success and safety of central venous catheterization.
Real-time ultrasound (US) in central venous catheterization is superior to pre-procedure US. However, moving real-time US into routine practice is impeded by its perceived expense and difficulty. Currently, pre-procedure US and landmark (LM) methods are most widely used. We investigated these techniques in internal jugular vein (IJV) catheterization in respect of operator experience, complications, and risk factors. ⋯ Pre-procedure US for IJV catheterization is safe, quick, and superior to LM.
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Anaesthetists have traditionally ventilated patients' lungs with tidal volumes (TVs) between 10 and 15 ml kg(-1) of ideal body weight (IBW), without the use of PEEP. Over the past decade, influenced by the results of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Network trial, many anaesthetists have begun using lower TVs during surgery. It is unclear whether the benefits of low TV ventilation can be extended into the perioperative period. ⋯ Use of low intraoperative TV with minimal PEEP is associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality.