European journal of anaesthesiology
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Nitric oxide acts as an important neurotransmitter as well as a sepsis mediator. During sepsis, high levels of nitric oxide, produced by the inducible form of the nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), may lead to disturbances concerning these conflicting roles and cause septic encephalopathy. To evaluate this theory, we aimed at first, to demonstrate cognitive dysfunction in a rat model based on systemic iNOS induction; second, to elucidate molecular mechanisms; and third, to prevent cognitive deficits in our sepsis model. ⋯ We demonstrate early, reversible cognitive deficits in a rat model of systemic inflammation with increased systemic iNOS activity. As systemic inhibition of iNOS activity prevented rats from the deficit in short-term memory, an involvement of systemic iNOS induction in this deficit is likely. Whether the reduced nNOS-protein expression and nNOS activity are connected to systemic iNOS induction, however, remains unclear.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A double bending lightwand can provide more successful endotracheal intubation in patients with a short thyromental distance: a prospective randomised study.
This study assessed the efficacy of endotracheal intubation using a double bending lightwand in patients with an anticipated difficult airway because of a short thyromental distance. ⋯ We conclude that the double bending lightwand is associated with a greater success rate of intubation in patients with an anticipated difficult airway because of a short thyromental distance.
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The present prospective study was aimed at assessing the reliability of the pulse contour method for measuring cardiac output (CO) after different routinely used therapeutic interventions that can influence vascular compliance and systemic vascular resistances in ICU patients (fluid challenges, changes in norepinephrine or dobutamine infusion rates and changes in ventilatory settings). ⋯ In ICU patients requiring therapeutic interventions, COPC is frequently in disagreement with COTD.