Pulmonary CT perfusion robustly measures cardiac output in the context of multilevel pulmonary occlusion: a porcine study.

Background: To validate pulmonary computed tomography (CT) perfusion in a porcine model by invasive monitoring of cardiac output (CO) using thermodilution method.

Methods: Animals were studied at a single center, using a Swan-Ganz catheter for invasive CO monitoring as a reference. Fifteen pigs were included.

Measurement of Electrical Impedance Tomography-Based Regional Ventilation Delay for Individualized Titration of End-Expiratory Pressure.

Rationale: Individualized positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titration might be beneficial in preventing tidal recruitment. To detect tidal recruitment by electrical impedance tomography (EIT), the time disparity between the regional ventilation curves (regional ventilation delay inhomogeneity [RVDI]) can be measured during controlled mechanical ventilation when applying a slow inflation of 12 mL/kg of body weight (BW). However, repeated large slow inflations may result in high end-inspiratory pressure (P), which might limit the clinical applicability of this method.

Assessing volume responsiveness using right ventricular dynamic indicators of preload.

Purpose: Dynamic indicators of preload currently only do reflect preload requirements of the left ventricle. To date, no dynamic indicators of right ventricular preload have been established. The aim of this study was to calculate dynamic indicators of right ventricular preload and assess their ability to predict ventricular volume responsiveness.

Cholecystokinin-8 treatment reduces acinar necrosis and edema of pigs with induced pancreatitis.

Background: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory process of the pancreas and a leading cause of hospitalization amongst gastrointestinal disorders. Previously, cholecystokinin (CCK) has been described to play a role in regeneration of pancreas. The aim of this study was to analyse the function of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) during induced pancreatitis in an animal model.

Melatonin treatment of pigs with acute pancreatitis reduces inflammatory reaction of pancreatic tissue and enhances fitness score of pigs: experimental research.

Background: Severe acute pancreatitis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Melatonin is known as the activator of antioxidant enzymes. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of melatonin treatment in a pig model with induced acute pancreatitis.