Articles: function.
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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.
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Intensive care medicine · Jun 2014
International guideline development for the determination of death.
This report summarizes the results of the first phase in the development of international guidelines for death determination, focusing on the biology of death and the dying process, developed by an invitational forum of international content experts and representatives of a number of professional societies. ⋯ Precise terminology was developed in order to improve clarity in death discussion and debate. Critical events in the physiological sequences leading to cessation of neurological and/or circulatory function were constructed. It was agreed that death determination is primarily clinical and recommendations for preconditions, confounding factors, minimum clinical standards and additional testing were made. A single operational definition of human death was developed: 'the permanent loss of capacity for consciousness and all brainstem functions, as a consequence of permanent cessation of circulation or catastrophic brain injury'. In order to complete the project, in the next phase, a broader group of international stakeholders will develop clinical practice guidelines, based on comprehensive reviews and grading of the existing evidence.
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Congenital tracheal anomalies occur in 1:10,000 births and can be associated with congenital cardiac disease. This patient presented with right mainstem atresia, right bronchoesophageal fistula without esophageal atresia (H-type esophageal lung), and left pulmonary arterial (PA) sling. ⋯ To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of esophageal lung in conjunction with a PA sling, as well as the first documented use of an expandable prosthesis to prevent acute postpneumonectomy syndrome. This case can provide clinicians with increased clinical knowledge for treatment of this rare and potentially lethal combination of congenital anomalies.
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Phenotypic differences in physiologic, radiologic, and clinical characteristics are increasingly recognized in COPD. The factors associated with a 1 -antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD)physiologic phenotypes and how they progress with time have yet to be explained. ⋯ There are distinct physiologic phenotypes in A1AD with differing demographic features that relate to progression.
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Perioperative airway problems frequently result in significant morbidity and mortality in children. Therefore, proficiency in airway management is one of the most important key elements in the safe conduct of paediatric anaesthesia. This review includes important anatomical and physiological aspects of the paediatric airway, challenges encountered, and their management with commonly available resources. ⋯ The benefits of a supraglottic airway device and a cuffed tracheal tube in paediatric airway management are discussed. The primary goal of mastering the paediatric airway is to ensure oxygenation and ventilation. This requires intricate knowledge, regular practice and experience.