Articles: function.
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Blood transfusion is frequently required in children undergoing cardiac surgery and is associated with altered postoperative outcome. This may be due to alterations in red blood cell properties related to the storage process. ⋯ Red blood cell storage duration did not influence postoperative morbidity and mortality in paediatric cardiac surgery patients transfused with one or two units of blood.
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To explore the relationship among clinical, radiological and ultrasonographical findings in knee osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ We found that joint space narrowing seemed to be associated with meniscal bulging. Moreover, increased meniscal bulging and presence of Baker's cyst/joint effusion were associated with worse pain or poorer function.
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Hyperinflation refers to a nonspecific increase in absolute lung volumes and has a poor prognosis in COPD. The relative contribution of increased airways resistance and increased parenchymal compliance to hyperinflation of each absolute lung volume is poorly understood. We hypothesized that increased residual volume (RV) and RV/total lung capacity (TLC) would be associated with reduced airway lumen dimensions, whereas increased functional residual capacity (FRC), TLC, and reduced inspiratory capacity (IC)/TLC would be associated with emphysema on CT scan. We examined whether clinical characteristics differed accordingly. ⋯ Gas trapping and hyperexpansion on plethysmography were associated with distinct differences in lung structure and clinical characteristics. Absolute lung volumes should not be considered equivalent in their estimation of hyperinflation and provide insight into the extent of airway and parenchymal abnormalities in COPD.
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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Jun 2014
Preoperative anemia impacts early postoperative recovery following autologous breast reconstruction.
Preoperative anemia impacts a significant portion of breast reconstruction patients, though this does not appear to affect surgical outcomes. The impact of anemia on postoperative physical and mental health, however, is unknown. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the role of preoperative anemia in recovery after autologous reconstruction. ⋯ Though preoperative anemia may not impact surgical outcomes, it adversely impacts the recovery of breast reconstruction patients. Subjective physical health differences were significant in early follow-up, though this did not translate to differences in mental health or satisfaction. We advocate for preoperative optimization of hemoglobin to enhance the early recovery potential of breast reconstruction patients.
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Critical care medicine · Jun 2014
Increased Activation of the Rho-A/Rho-Kinase Pathway in the Renal Vascular System Is Responsible for the Enhanced Reactivity to Exogenous Vasopressin in Endotoxemic Rats.
We evaluated the role of the renal vascular system and the Rho-A/Rho-kinase pathway in the maintenance of the pressor effects of vasopressin in endotoxemic rats. ⋯ Our data suggest that activation of Rho-kinase potentiates the vascular effects of vasopressin in the kidneys, contributing to the maintenance of the hypertensive effects of this agent during septic shock.