“
“Background: Non-heart-beating selleck kinase inhibitor donors suffer a period of warm ischaemia (WI) injury, resulting in higher rates of delayed graft function compared with heart-beating donors. Endothelin is believed to play a pathophysiological role in the intense vasospasm associated with WI. This study aimed to investigate renal function using normothermic
perfusion and potential therapeutic intervention with endothelin receptor antagonism.
Methods: Porcine kidneys, subjected to varying periods of in situ WI (<10, 30 and 60 minutes), underwent normothermic machine perfusion with a perfluorodecalin perfusate. Intrarenal vascular resistance (IRR) was measured throughout perfusion, and urine and perfusate biochemical analysis was performed after 1 and 3 hours. Endothelin receptor antagonism was tested by administration of BQ-123 and BQ-788.
Results:
Initial IRR during perfusion increased with WI. IRR reduced to similar levels in all WI groups after 90 minutes of perfusion, but subsequently rose after 150 minutes. BQ-123 considerably increased the initial IRR; however, it abolished the rise seen towards the end of perfusion. BQ-788 had little effect. Renal metabolism and function deteriorated with increasing WI. Perfusion had adverse effects on renal function and metabolism. Endothelin receptor antagonism had little JNK inhibitor effect on renal function.
Conclusions: This study suggests that ex vivo assessment after normothermic perfusion correlates with warm ischaemic damage. However, endothelin receptor Rigosertib antagonism does not ameliorate the rise in IRR or renal function after kidneys are subjected to a warm ischaemic insult.”
“Introduction: Similarities between the peripheral auditory and vestibular systems suggest that children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) may demonstrate associated vestibular impairments. The current study examines vestibular function in a previously reported cohort (n = 40) augmented by 113 children with profound SNHL.
Methods: The current study is prospective and cross-sectional with repeated measures. Horizontal canal function was assessed in response to caloric and rotational stimuli. Saccular
function was examined using vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP). One hundred fifty-three children were tested; 119 had unilateral cochlear implants (CIs) at time of testing, and 34 were evaluated before CI.
Results: Horizontal semicircular canal function was abnormal in response to caloric stimuli in 50% (69/139), with a proportion (18/69, 26%) reflecting mild to moderate unilateral abnormalities. Severe hypofunction or areflexia occurred in 37% (51/139). Horizontal semicircular canal function in response to rotation was abnormal in 47% (64/139). Bilateral reduction in VOR gain was seen across frequencies in 29% (40/139) and 13% (18/139) demonstrated isolated high-frequency (>= 2 Hz) loss. Saccular function was absent bilaterally in 21% (32/135) and unilaterally in 30% (40/135).