British journal of anaesthesia
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Observational Study
Blood flow index as an indicator of successful sciatic nerve block: a prospective observational study using laser speckle contrast imaging.
Laser speckle contrast imaging allows real-time, non-invasive, quantitative measurements of regional blood flow. The objectives of this prospective observational study were to use laser speckle contrast imaging to evaluate blood flow changes after sciatic nerve block, and to determine whether this novel optical technique can evaluate block success. ⋯ NCT03169517.
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There is a need for high quality research to improve perioperative patient care in Africa. The aim of this study was to understand the particular barriers to clinical research in this environment. ⋯ Barriers to successful participation in ASOS related to resource limitations and not motivation of the clinician investigators. Practical solutions to individual barriers may increase the success of multi-centre perioperative research in Africa.
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Low positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can result in alveolar derecruitment, and high PEEP or high tidal volume (VT) in lung overdistension. We investigated cardiogenic oscillations (COS) in the airway pressure signal to investigate whether these oscillations can assess unfavourable intratidal events. COS induce short instantaneous compliance increases within the pressure-volume curve, and consequently in the compliance-volume curve. We hypothesised that increases in COS-induced compliance reflect non-linear intratidal respiratory system mechanics. ⋯ Heartbeat-induced oscillations within the course of the inspiratory pressure-volume curve reflect non-linear intratidal respiratory system mechanics. The analysis of these cardiogenic oscillations can be used to detect intratidal derecruitment and overdistension and, hence, to guide PEEP and VT settings that are optimal for respiratory system mechanics.
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The metastatic potential of breast cancer cells has been strongly associated with overexpression of the chemokine CXCL12 and the activity of its receptor CXCR4. Lidocaine, a local anaesthetic that can be used during breast cancer excision, inhibits the growth, invasion, and migration of cancer cells. We therefore investigated, in a breast cancer cell line, whether lidocaine can modulate CXCL12-induced responses. ⋯ At clinical concentrations, lidocaine significantly inhibits CXCR4 signalling. The results presented shed new insights on the molecular mechanisms governing the inhibitory effect of lidocaine on cell migration.