Nitrated fatty acids suppress angiotensin II-mediated fibrotic remodelling and atrial fibrillation.

Aim: Atrial fibrosis, one of the most striking features in the pathology of atrial fibrillation (AF), is promoted by local and systemic inflammation. Electrophilic fatty acid nitroalkenes, endogenously generated by both metabolic and inflammatory reactions, are anti-inflammatory mediators that in synthetic form may be useful as drug candidates. Herein we investigate whether an exemplary nitro-fatty acid can limit atrial fibrosis and AF.

Point-of-care determination of neonatal bilirubin with the blood gas analyzer RapidLab 1265.

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the comparability of the new neonatal bilirubin method on the RapidLab 1265 blood gas analyzer. This point-of-care testing (POCT) device has the option for the determination of neonatal bilirubin, making it potentially valuable for use in neonate intensive care units or in outpatient ambulances.

Methods: We paired 240 patient samples for intermethod comparisons between the new POCT method and the routine laboratory method (Vitros 350 chemistry system with BuBc slide).

The effect of sevoflurane and propofol on cerebral neurotransmitter concentrations during cerebral ischemia in rats.

Unlabelled: Sevoflurane and propofol are neuroprotective possibly by attenuating central or peripheral catecholamines. We evaluated the effect of these anesthetics on circulating catecholamines and brain neurotransmitters during ischemia in rats. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of the following treatment groups: fentanyl and N(2)O/O(2) (control), 2.