Singap Med J
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Paraquat (PQ) intoxication is frequently associated with a high mortality rate. No specific treatment has been shown to reduce mortality in victims within the first 72 hours. We investigated the protective effects of rapamycin (Rapa) against PQ-induced toxicity in a zebrafish model. ⋯ Rapa can increase the rate of survival of PQ-intoxicated zebrafish by inhibiting mTOR complex 1 and activating autophagy. Rapa could be an alternative first-line drug in the treatment of PQ poisoning.
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In patients undergoing haemodialysis, cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, characterised by accelerated atherosclerosis and increased inflammation, are elevated. Salusins are newly defined molecules in the atherosclerotic processes, and while salusin-alpha (Sal-α) acts as an antiatherogenic factor, salusin-beta (Sal-β) has a proatherogenic role. Their roles are as yet undefined in patients undergoing haemodialysis. ⋯ Patients undergoing haemodialysis have higher Sal-β and Sal-α levels, and their higher Sal-β/Sal-α ratio, in comparison with healthy controls, might have cardiovascular risk implications.
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Since the first use of the flexible fibreoptic bronchoscope, a plethora of new airway equipment has become available. It is essential for clinicians to understand the role and limitations of the available equipment to make appropriate choices. ⋯ Given the many modern airway adjuncts that are available, we aimed to define the role of flexible fibreoptic intubation in decision-making and management of anticipated and unanticipated difficult airways. We also reviewed the recent literature regarding the role of flexible fibreoptic intubation in specific patient groups who may present with difficult intubation, and concluded that the flexible fibrescope maintains its important role in difficult airway management.