Therapeutic efficacy of candidate antischistosomal drugs in a murine model of schistosomiasis mansoni.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease associated with considerable morbidity. Praziquantel (PZQ) is effective against adult schistosomes, yet, it has little effect on juvenile stages, and PZQ resistance is emerging. Adopting the drug repurposing strategy as well as assuming enhancing the efficacy and lessening the doses and side effects, the present study aimed to investigate the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of the widely used antiarrhythmic, amiodarone, and diuretic, spironolactone, and combinations of them compared to PZQ.

Design optimization of bidirectional arterial perfusion cannula.

Objectives: Determine if shortening the covered section of a self-expanding bidirectional arterial cannula, can enhance retrograde flow and thus reduce the risk of lower limb ischemia.

Methods: Outlet pressure vs flow rate was determined for three cannulas types: a 15F self-expanding bidirectional cannula having a covered section of 90 mm, the same cannula but with a shorter covered section of 60 mm, and a Biomedicus cannula as control. The performances of all the cannulas were compared using a computerized flow-bench with calibrated sensors and a centrifugal pump.

Effect of blood viscosity on the performance of virtually wall-less venous cannulas.

Aim: This study was designed to quantify the influence of blood as test medium compared to water in cannula bench performance assessment.

Methods: An in vitro circuit was set-up with silicone tubing between two reservoirs. The test medium was pumped from the lower reservoir by centrifugal pump to the upper reservoir.

New, optimized, dual-lumen cannula for veno-venous ECMO.

Objective: The present study was designed to assess in vivo a new, optimized, virtually wall-less, dual-lumen, bi-caval cannula for veno-venous ECMO in comparison to a commercially available cannula.

Methods: Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was carried out in a bovine study (n=5, bodyweight 75±5kg). Following systemic heparinization, ECMO was established in a trans-jugular fashion through a calibrated 23F orifice, using a new, optimized, virtually wall-less, dual-lumen, bi-caval 24F cannula (Smartcanula LLC, Lausanne, Switzerland) versus a commercially available 23F bi-caval, dual-lumen control cannula (Avalon Elite, Maquet, Rastatt, Germany) in a veno-venous ECMO setup.