Cadmium induces microcytosis and anisocytosis without anaemia in hypertensive rats.

Dietary cadmium (Cd) intake is implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension and anaemia, but there is a paucity of information on the haematological changes in hypertensive conditions. This study, therefore, aims to evaluate the effects of Cd on blood pressure (BP) and haematological indices in the Sprague-Dawley rat model. Three cohorts (n = 10 each) of control and Cd-fed male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected.

Cadmium-induced hypertension is associated with renal myosin light chain phosphatase inhibition via increased T697 phosphorylation and p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase levels.

Dietary intake of the heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is implicated in hypertension, but potassium supplementation reportedly mitigates hypertension. This study aims to elucidate the hypertensive mechanism of Cd. Vascular reactivity and protein expression were assessed in Cd-exposed rats for 8 weeks to determine the calcium-handling effect of Cd and the possible signaling pathways and mechanisms involved.

Comparison of Video Versus Direct Laryngoscopy: A Prospective Prehospital Air Medical Services Study.

Objective: Videolaryngoscopy (VL) in the prehospital setting remains controversial, with conflicting data on its utility. We compared C-MAC VL (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany) versus direct laryngoscopy (DL) in the prehospital setting, recording the grade of the glottic view, first pass success (FPS), overall success, and equipment functionality.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study with a convenience sample of 49 adult patients who were intubated by flight crew nurses and paramedics using the C-MAC videolaryngoscope from April to November 2013.

Changes in Pediatric-Sized Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure With Elevation Gain: Observations in Ex Vivo Simulations and In Vivo Air Medical Transport.

Objectives: Prolonged excessive endotracheal cuff pressure greater than 30 cmH2O is thought to cause ischemic airway injury. Excessive cuff pressure with altitude gain during air medical transport has been previously described in adult patients. It is poorly understood how pediatric-sized endotracheal tube (ETT) cuffs behave with atmospheric pressure change during flight.

Beta Cell Regenerating Potential of (Neem) Extract in Diabetic Rats.

Objective: This study evaluated the ability of 0.8% neem leaf extract (NLE) to treat diabetes mellitus by assessing its effects on blood glucose, insulin levels and islet morphology in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats.

Methods: Diabetes was induced in two to three-day old rat pups by STZ intraperitoneally (60 mg/kg), followed by a further 40 mg/kg dose 12-23 weeks later.