Minerva anestesiologica
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Recent data show an alarming increasing trend in obesity around the world. Mechanical ventilation in this population requires specific ventilatory settings due to the mechanical and inflammatory alterations observed in obesity. ⋯ In order to reduce lung stress and strain, as well as minimize the risk of ventilator associated lung injury, mechanical ventilation management should be conducted with the following strategies: 1) stepwise recruitment maneuver before positive end-expiratory pressure application, which requires titration according to respiratory system dynamic compliance; and 2) tidal volume (VT) titration according to inspiratory capacity. In summary, the overall objective is to ensure an adequate setting of ventilator parameters in order to minimize the inflammatory impact already present in obese patients as well as prevent further lung damage.
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Minerva anestesiologica · Oct 2012
The use of social networking to explore knowledge and attitudes toward organ donation in Italy.
Currently, online social media have become increasingly popular and can provide the opportunity to provide and acquire information regarding knowledge and attitudes toward organ donation and transplantation. To evaluate participants' knowledge about organ donation, information sources and donation principles, an on-line survey was distributed through social network in Italy. ⋯ Efforts must be aimed at involving schools and family doctors in education about donation; the use of social networks can represent a way of improving such knowledge.