Inherent variability in airway characteristics of simulation manikins: is it time we standardised assessments of crisis management skills?

Introduction: Learning of simulation-based crisis management skills involves technologically advanced manikins and use of automated scenarios. Progressions in preprogrammed scenarios require finite task completion such as successful airway intubations for achieving optimal learning outcomes aligned to curricular goals. The study was set to explore the existing variability among various simulation manikins in use at our institute for undergraduate medical education.

Tissue kallikrein and kininogen levels in fetoplacental tissues from normotensive pregnant women and women with pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Objectives: An imbalance of vasoconstrictor and vasodilator substances in the placenta has been postulated in the pathogenesis of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). There is however little information available on the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) in women with PIH. The aim of this study therefore was to determine tissue kallikrein and kininogen levels and their distribution patterns in fetoplacental tissues from both normotensive pregnant (NTP) women and women with PIH.

Raised prorenin and renin concentrations in pre-eclamptic placentae when measured after acid activation.

Aim: The aim of the study was to ascertain if there was any difference in the levels of prorenin and active renin between pre-eclamptic and normotensive feto-placental tissues.

Methods: Supernatants of homogenates from fresh, vaginally delivered placentae from 15 normotensive and 15 pre-eclamptic women were measured for renin concentration (RC), prorenin concentration and renin activity (RA). RA and RC were measured in the absence and presence of nephrectomised sheep plasma, respectively.

Relationship between Type A and B personality and debrisoquine hydroxylation capacity.

Aim: A person with Type A personality is an 'aggressor' compared with the rarely harried Type B. Although debrisoquine hydroxylase (CYP2D6) capacity has been associated with personality, no study has specifically investigated its association with personality Type A and B. Therefore the aim of this research was to study the impact of CYP2D6 on Type A and B personality.

Endothelin-l in feto-placental tissues from normotensive pregnant women and women with pre-eclampsia.

Aims: The pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia is still unclear. Placental hypoperfusion, which precedes the maternal manifestations of pre-eclampsia, could be due to some vasoconstrictor factor/s like endothelin-1. The aim of the study therefore was to estimate the levels of endothelin-1 in feto-placental tissue homogenates from normotensive pregnant women and women with pre-eclampsia.