Articles: function.
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Volatile anesthetics induce hyperpolarizing potassium currents in spinal cord neurons that may contribute to their mechanism of action. They are induced at lower concentrations of isoflurane in noncholinergic neurons from mice carrying a loss-of-function mutation of the Ndufs4 gene, required for mitochondrial complex I function. The yeast NADH dehydrogenase enzyme, NDi1, can restore mitochondrial function in the absence of normal complex I activity, and gain-of-function Ndi1 transgenic mice are resistant to volatile anesthetics. The authors tested whether NDi1 would reduce the hyperpolarization caused by isoflurane in neurons from Ndufs4 and wild-type mice. Since volatile anesthetic behavioral hypersensitivity in Ndufs4 is transduced uniquely by glutamatergic neurons, it was also tested whether these currents were also unique to glutamatergic neurons in the Ndufs4 spinal cord. ⋯ Bypassing complex I by overexpression of NDi1 eliminates increases in potassium currents induced by isoflurane in the spinal cord. The isoflurane-induced potassium currents in glutamatergic neurons represent a potential downstream mechanism of complex I inhibition in determining minimum alveolar concentration.
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The aim of this registry study was to evaluate the efficacy of Pycnogenol® in controlling signs/symptoms and temporary impairment of cognitive function (COFU) associated with jet lag. Previous flight studies have shown a decrease in the level of jet lag symptoms with Pycnogenol®. The control of jet lag signs/symptoms appeared to be correlated with flight-related microangiopathy and peripheral edema. Pycnogenol® - a standardized extract from the bark of French maritime pine - has significant antiedema, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. ⋯ In conclusion, in this registry study Pycnogenol® was effective in preventing jet lag-related symptoms and preserving cognitive functions without tolerability problems. These observations should be tested in a larger group of subjects including complex individuals prone to edema (i.e. diabetics, hypertensive or older patients).
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A 38-year-old previously healthy woman was referred to our sleep center for recurrent witnessed breathing arrest during sleep. She had been brought to the ED 3 months earlier because of sudden onset of dizziness with nausea and vomiting, numbness and weakness of the left limb, less clear speech, double vision, dysphagia, and choking cough while drinking water. ⋯ Antiplatelet aggregation, lipid reduction, plaque stabilization, and trophic nerve treatments were administered, and the left limb strength, speech, and swallowing function improved. She complained of poor sleep and difficulties with memory.
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Case Reports
Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity in Cardiac Surgery Patient with Erector Spinae Plane Catheter: A Case Report.
Regional anesthesia nerve blocks are increasingly used for patients undergoing cardiac surgery as part of multimodal pain management. Though rare, local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is a severe complication that requires vigilant monitoring. ⋯ This episode was determined to be a result of impaired lidocaine metabolism from liver shock caused by worsening pulmonary hypertension. Even under continuous monitoring, patients with cardiac or liver dysfunction are at increased risk of complications from local anesthetics.
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Observational Study
Incidence and risk factors for non-cardiac syncope in a cohort of patients addressing an accredited Arterial Hypertension Center: the Innocent Study.
Hypotensive susceptibility in hypertensive patients could facilitate orthostatic hypotension, syncope and fall. The aim of this study was to identify incidence, clinical form, complications and risk factors for non-cardiac syncope in a cohort of hypertensive patients. ⋯ To identify hypertensive patients at higher risk for syncope and falls, physicians should focus on comorbidities and current drug regimens, systematically perform an active standing test to identify orthostatic hypotension, employ ABPM to compare BP values with the pre-established target and highlight systolic BP drops and abnormalities suggesting concomitant autonomic dysfunction. The modulation of antihypertensive therapy is an effective tool to counteract the risk of non-cardiac syncope, with possible trauma or other negative influences.