Articles: cations.
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Critical care nurse · Jun 2022
ReviewOral Microbes in Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: Practice and Research Implications.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia accounts for 25% of all health care-associated infections and is classified as either ventilator-associated or non-ventilator-associated pneumonia. Hospital-acquired pneumonia most frequently results from aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions into the lungs. Although preventive measures for ventilator-associated pneumonia are well established, few preventive measures exist for the nonventilator type. ⋯ Findings reaffirm the importance of consistent oral care in hospitalized patients. In addition, practices should be different in patients receiving mechanical ventilation versus patients not receiving ventilation. Results may also provide knowledge to inform future preventive measures for pneumonia, particularly for nonventilator pneumonia.
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In today's world, departments of anesthesiology and professional organizations are rightfully expected to have racial, ethnic, and gender diversity. Diversity and inclusiveness are considered important contributors to an effective and collaborative work environment by promoting excellence in patient care, education, and research. ⋯ In the present article, we review the current state of diversity in anesthesiology departments and professional organizations in the United States. We discuss strategies and important approaches to further enhance diversity to promote an inclusive perioperative work environment.
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Critical care nurse · Jun 2022
ReviewRisk Stratification in Noninvasive Respiratory Support Failure: A Narrative Review.
The use of noninvasive respiratory support, including noninvasive ventilation and high-flow nasal cannula therapy, has increased over the years. Failure of noninvasive respiratory support, defined as the need for invasive mechanical ventilation, increases the mortality rate. ⋯ Future research opportunities include improving study design for risk stratification and implementing preventive strategies for patients requiring noninvasive respiratory support. Clinically, risk stratification can provide an opportunity to share knowledge and facilitate conversations with patients and families.
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Lung imaging is a cornerstone of the management of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), providing anatomical and functional information on the respiratory system function. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of mechanisms and applications of conventional and emerging lung imaging techniques in critically ill patients. ⋯ Clinicians should be confident with the technical aspects, indications, and limitations of each lung imaging technique to improve patient care.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Modulation of LTCC Pathways by A Melusin Mimetic Increases Ventricular Contractility During LPS-Induced Cardiomyopathy.
Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy is commonplace and carries an increased risk of death. Melusin, a cardiac muscle-specific chaperone, exerts cardioprotective function under varied stressful conditions through activation of the AKT pathway. The objective of this study was to determine the role of melusin in the pathogenesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiac dysfunction and to explore its signaling pathway for the identification of putative therapeutic targets. ⋯ This study identifies AKT / Melusin as a key pathway for preserving cardiac function following LPS challenge. The cell-permeable mimetic peptide (R7W-MP) represents a putative therapeutic for sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy.