Beta-Adrenergic Blockade in Critical Illness.

Catecholamine upregulation is a core pathophysiological feature in critical illness. Sustained catecholamine β-adrenergic induction produces adverse effects relevant to critical illness management. β-blockers (βB) have proposed roles in various critically ill disease states, including sepsis, trauma, burns, and cardiac arrest.

Vasopressor Discontinuation Order in Septic Shock With Reduced Left Ventricular Function.

Background: The optimal vasopressor management for septic patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction has not been well established, and current evidence is conflicting regarding the optimal vasopressor discontinuation order.

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the impact of LV dysfunction on the hemodynamic management of septic shock by assessing the incidence of clinically significant hypotension after vasopressor discontinuation.

Methods: In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, adult patients were included if they met the Sepsis-3 definition of septic shock, had LV dysfunction (defined as an ejection fraction ≤40%), and received norepinephrine and vasopressin as the last vasopressors discontinued.

Catalytic ignition of ionic liquids for propellant applications.

In this proof of concept study, the ionic liquids, 2-hydroxyethylhydrazinium nitrate and 2-hydroxyethylhydrazinium dinitrate, ignited on contact with preheated Shell 405 (iridium supported on alumina) catalyst and energetically decomposed with no additional ignition source, suggesting a possible route to hydrazine replacements.

A locked knee in an adolescent boy: resolving meniscal pathology in young athletes.

A young athlete presenting with a locked knee is an uncommon occurrence in most outpatient clinics. Locked knees in children are primarily caused by meniscal tears, a discoid meniscus, or osteochondritis dissecans. When diagnosing meniscal tears, the history, physical examination, MRI, and/or arthroscopy are used to support a definitive diagnosis.