[Sensory evaluation test: odor component analysis and endotoxin content of Krestin and Carbocrin (generic drug) to compare palatability].

We conducted a sensory evaluation test to demonstrate the difference in palatability between Krestin and Carbocrin (generic drugs). In addition,we analyzed the odorous components and endotoxin contents of the two products to clarify the difference in physicochemical properties. In the sensory evaluation test, questions were asked on the odor, taste, feeling on the tongue, and overall evaluation, to find out which is easier to swallow. Krestin is significantly superior to Carbocrin, showing a clear difference in palatability between the two products. In odor component analysis, chemicals estimated to be n-heptane and 4-methyl-3-penten-2-one or its isomer (ketone containing 6-carbon double bonding) were detected. In addition, endotoxin content was also different between the two products. According to the above results, Carbocrin is definitely different from Krestin. Prior to administration, it is necessary to give this information to patients and obtain consent before use.

Evaluation of dilators for central venous catheterization using an experimental model.

PURPOSE: Skin incision before percutaneous central venous catheterization may cause serious hemorrhage and/or skin cicatrization. To minimize these adverse effects, we improved the shape of a dilator and coated it with lubricant to reduce insertion load. METHODS: We selected three types of dilators from different manufacturers. Each brand was widely available on the market in Japan. We redesigned one model with modified multitapering angles. Six types of dilators in total (three manufactured dilators, one manufactured dilator with lubricant, and the newly modified dilator +/- lubricant) were examined regarding load of insertion using pork muscle covered with porcine skin. Among these dilators, two manufactured dilators and the newly modified one with lubricant were also investigated regarding insertion load with or without skin incision. RESULTS: The minimum load of insertion was observed in the newly modified dilator with lubricant. The modified dilator attenuated the insertion load by up to 50% of the manufactured dilator, and the lubricant also reduced load by up to 16%. The insertion load of the modified dilator coated with lubricant was comparable to that of the manufactured dilators inserted with a 2-mm skin incision. CONCLUSION: The lubricant-coated dilator with multitapering angles was associated with decreased insertion load and thus facilitated its insertion without skin incision.

Effect of core body temperature on ventilator-induced lung injury.

OBJECTIVE: Ventilator-induced lung injury is a risk in patients requiring elevated ventilatory support pressures. We hypothesized that thermal stress modulates the development of ventilator-induced lung injury. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: University laboratory. SUBJECTS: Anesthetized rabbits. INTERVENTIONS: Two experimental studies were designed to determine the role of temperature as a cofactor in ventilator-induced lung injury. In the first study, three groups of anesthetized rabbits were randomized to be ventilated for 2 hrs at core body temperatures of 33, 37, or 41 degrees C while ventilated with pressure control ventilation of 15/3 cm H2O (noninjurious settings-control) or 35/3 cm H2O (potentially injurious settings-experimental). To exclude effects arising from cardiac output fluctuations or from extrapulmonary organs, an isolated lung model was used for the second study, perfused at a fixed rate and studied at either 33 degrees C or 41 degrees C. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In the first study, the hyperthermic group compared with the hypothermic animals had significantly reduced mean PaO2 (-114 vs. + 14 mm Hg, p <.05), increased lung edema formation (mean wet weight/dry weight ratio of 8.1 vs. 5.7), and altered pressure-volume curves. The hyperthermic isolated, perfused lungs had an increased ultrafiltration coefficient, formed more edema, and experienced greater alveolar hemorrhage than hypothermic lungs. CONCLUSIONS: In two studies of ventilator-induced lung injury in rabbits, maintaining hyperthermia compared with hypothermia augmented the development of lung injury. Similar results from both the in vivo and isolated, perfused lung studies suggest that the observed effects were not due to cardiovascular factors or consequences of heating nonpulmonary organs.