946 research outputs found
Dextran sulfate activates contact system and mediates arterial hypotension via B2 kinin receptors
To define some of the mechanisms underlying dextran sulfate (DXS)-induced hypotension, we investigated the effects of either the plasma kallikrein inhibitor des-Pro2-[Arg15] aprotinin (BAY x 4620) or the specific bradykinin B2-receptor antagonist Hoe-140 on the hypotensive response to DXS. In the first study, anesthetized miniature pigs were given DXS alone, DXS plus BAY x 4620 in various doses, or saline. As expected, DXS alone produced a profound but transient systemic arterial hypotension with a concomitant reduction in kininogen. Circulating kinin levels, complement fragment des-Arg-C3a, and fibrin monomer were all increased. Treatment with BAY x 4620 produced a dose-dependent attenuation of these effects with complete blockade of the hypotension as well as the observed biochemical changes at the highest dose (360 mg). In a second study, two groups of pigs were given either DXS alone or DXS plus Hoe-140. DXS-induced hypotension was completely blocked by Hoe-140 pretreatment; however, kininogen was again depleted. We conclude, therefore, that DXS-induced hypotension is produced by activation of plasma kallikrein that results in the production of bradykinin and that liberation of bradykinin and its action on B2 receptors in the vasculature are both necessary and sufficient to produce the observed effects on circulatory pressure
Dextran sulfate activates the contact system and mediates arterial hypotension via B2 kinin receptors
Investigating Formations on Titanium Surfaces for Enhanced Fluid-Surface Interactions
Undergraduat
Triple GEM Detectors for the Forward Tracker in STAR
Future measurements of the flavor-separated spin structure of the proton via
parity-violating W boson production at RHIC require an upgrade of the forward
tracking system of the STAR detector. This upgrade will allow the
reconstruction of the charge sign of electrons and positrons produced from
decaying W bosons. A design based on six large area triple GEM disks using GEM
foils produced by Tech-Etch Inc. has emerged as a cost-effective solution to
provide the necessary tracking precision. We report first results from a beam
test of three test detectors using Tech-Etch produced GEM foils and a laser
etched two dimensional strip readout. The detectors show good operational
stability, high efficiency and a spacial resolution of around 70 um or better,
exceeding the requirements for the forward tracking upgrade. The influence of
the angle of incidence of the particles on the spatial resolution of the
detectors has also been studied in detail.Comment: 5 pages, 8 figures, presented at the IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium
in Honolulu, HI, USA, October 27 - November 3, 200
Soil Moisture Survey
Each spring and fall a soil moisture survey is conducted to determine the amount of plant-available moisture in the top five feet of many of the major soils in Iowa. Several of the sites are located in the Wallace Foundation for Rural Research and Development (WFRRD) area. Many producers make or alter their crop management plans according to expected soil moisture levels
Telemedicine coverage for post-operative ICU patients.
Introduction There is an increased demand for intensive care unit (ICU) beds. We sought to determine if we could create a safe surge capacity model to increase ICU capacity by treating ICU patients in the post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) utilizing a collaborative model between an ICU service and a telemedicine service during peak ICU bed demand. Methods We evaluated patients managed by the surgical critical care service in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) compared to patients managed in the virtual intensive care unit (VICU) located within the PACU. A retrospective review of all patients seen by the surgical critical care service from January 1st 2008 to July 31st 2011 was conducted at an urban, academic, tertiary centre and level 1 trauma centre. Results Compared to the SICU group ( n = 6652), patients in the VICU group ( n = 1037) were slightly older (median age 60 (IQR 47-69) versus 58 (IQR 44-70) years, p = 0.002) and had lower acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II scores (median 10 (IQR 7-14) versus 15 (IQR 11-21), p \u3c 0.001). The average amount of time patients spent in the VICU was 13.7 + /-9.6 hours. In the VICU group, 750 (72%) of patients were able to be transferred directly to the floor; 287 (28%) required subsequent admission to the surgical intensive care unit. All patients in the VICU group were alive upon transfer out of the PACU while mortality in the surgical intensive unit cohort was 5.5%. Discussion A collaborative care model between a surgical critical care service and a telemedicine ICU service may safely provide surge capacity during peak periods of ICU bed demand. The specific patient populations for which this approach is most appropriate merits further investigation
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