ß-Lapachone Increases Survival of Septic Mice by Regulating Inflammatory and Oxidative Response.

Sepsis is characterized by a dysregulated immune response to infection characterized by an early hyperinflammatory and oxidative response followed by a subsequent immunosuppression phase. Although there have been some advances in the treatment of sepsis, mortality rates remain high, urging for the search of new therapies. ß-Lapachone (ß-Lap) is a natural compound obtained from Tabebuia avellanedae Lorentz ex Griseb. with several pharmacological properties including bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ß-Lap in a mouse sepsis model. To this, we tested two therapeutic protocols in mice submitted to cecal ligation and puncture- (CLP-) induced sepsis. First, we found that in pretreated animals, ß-Lap reduced the systemic inflammatory response and improved bacterial clearance and mouse survival. Moreover, ß-Lap also decreased lipid peroxidation and increased the total antioxidant capacity in the serum and peritoneal cavity of septic animals. In the model of severe sepsis, the posttreatment with ß-Lap was able to increase the survival of animals and maintain the antioxidant defense function. In conclusion, the ß-Lap was able to increase the survival of septic animals by a mechanism involving immunomodulatory and antioxidant protective effects.

An evaluation of some mechanical resuscitators for use in the ambulance service.

The requirements for a mechanical resuscitator intended for use in the ambulance service are set out in detail. Seven resuscitators in current use (4 volume-cycled, 3 pressure-cycled) were subjected to a series of tests of efficiency, reliability, and robustness and their portability and foolproof qualities were evaluated. Although 3 of the machines met the functional requirements for resuscitation, only one, the volume-cycled Pneupac, fulfilled all the criteria laid down.

The evaluation of emergency care. Development of a quantitative criterion.

A method based on comparing proportions of immediate and later deaths has been used in a retrospective study of fatal road traffic accidents occurring in North Yorkshire from January 1974 to July 1976. The method enables comparative data to be expressed in terms of a care index based on morbidity distribution as indicated by the ratio of immediate to later deaths. Using this method the general practitioner scheme in operation in North Yorkshire appears to give a higher standard of emergency care than elsewhere in the county.