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We present a case of a woman with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung adenocarcinoma who received gefitinib for 2 years and obtained a partial response. The patient then developed liver metastasis and a breast lesion, displaying high estrogen receptor (ER) expression and harboring the same EGFR mutation. From the radiological studies, it was not possible to make a differential diagnosis between primary breast cancer and breast metastasis from lung cancer. After the removal of the breast nodule, thanks to the clinical history, radiology, and above all, molecular and immunohistochemical investigations, a diagnosis of breast metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma was made. This case emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive clinical, pathological, and molecular analysis in the differential diagnosis between primary breast cancer and metastases from extramammary tumor to guide adequate treatment decision making.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background and Purpose: Case series indicating cerebrovascular disorders in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been published. Comprehensive workups, including clinical characteristics, laboratory, electroencephalography, neuroimaging, and cerebrospinal fluid findings, are needed to understand the mechanisms. Methods: We evaluated 32 consecutive critically ill patients with COVID-19 treated at a tertiary care center from March 9 to April 3, 2020, for concomitant severe central nervous system involvement. Patients identified underwent computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalography, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and autopsy in case of death. Results: Of 32 critically ill patients with COVID-19, 8 (25%) had severe central nervous system involvement. Two presented with lacunar ischemic stroke in the early phase and 6 with prolonged impaired consciousness after termination of analgosedation. In all but one with delayed wake-up, neuroimaging or autopsy showed multiple cerebral microbleeds, in 3 with additional subarachnoid hemorrhage and in 2 with additional small ischemic lesions. In 3 patients, intracranial vessel wall sequence magnetic resonance imaging was performed for the first time to our knowledge. All showed contrast enhancement of vessel walls in large cerebral arteries, suggesting vascular wall pathologies with an inflammatory component. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions for SARS-CoV-2 in cerebrospinal fluid were all negative. No intrathecal SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG synthesis was detectable. Conclusions: Different mechanisms of cerebrovascular disorders might be involved in COVID-19. Acute ischemic stroke might occur early. In a later phase, microinfarctions and vessel wall contrast enhancement occur, indicating small and large cerebral vessels involvement. Central nervous system disorders associated with COVID-19 may lead to long-term disabilities. Mechanisms should be urgently investigated to develop neuroprotective strategies.

Objective Case series with different clinical presentations indicating central nervous system (CNS) involvement in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been published. Comprehensive work-ups including clinical characteristics, laboratory, electroencephalography (EEG), neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings are needed to understand the mechanisms.DesignWe evaluated 32 consecutive patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection treated at a tertiary care centre from March 09 to April 03, 2020 for concomitant severe central nervous system (CNS) symptoms occurring during their critical disease state. Those with CNS disorders were examined in detail regarding clinical characteristics and undergoing additional examinations, e.g. computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), (EEG), (CSF) analysis and autopsy if they had died.ResultsOf 32 critically ill patients with COVID-19 eight (18%) had severe CNS involvement (mean [SD] age, 67.6 [6.8] years; seven men; two patients died). All eight patients had cardiovascular risk factors, most frequently arterial hypertension. Two patients presented with lacunar ischemic stroke and one with status epilepticus in the early phase. As most common presentation, six patients presented with prolonged impaired consciousness after termination of analgosedation. In all but one with delayed wake-up, neuroimaging or autopsy showed multiple cerebral microbleeds, in three of them with additional subarachnoid haemorrhage and in another two with additional small ischemic lesions. In three patients intracranial vessel wall sequence MRI was performed, for the first time to our knowledge. All cases showed contrast-enhancement of vessel walls in large and middle-sized cerebral arteries, suggesting vascular wall pathologies with an inflammatory component. CSF analysis showed normal cells counts and chemistry. RT-PCRs for SARS-CoV-2 in CSF were all negative, and no intrathecal SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG synthesis was detectable.ConclusionsCNS disorders are common in patients with severe COVID-19. Different mechanisms might be involved. Besides unspecific encephalopathy and encephalitic syndromes, large vessel strokes might occur early after disease onset. In a later phase, microbleeds and microinfarctions indicate potential CNS small vessel disease. MRI vessel wall contrast enhancement suggests cerebral vascular wall pathologies with an inflammatory component. CNS disorders associated with COVID-19 may lead to long-term disabilities aggravating socio-economic damage. The mechanisms have to be investigated urgently in order to develop preventive and therapeutic neuroprotective strategies.

Background: Unrecognized reduction of blood supply to intestinal organs is associated with significant postoperative morbidity in abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to determine whether—in the absence of hypovolemia—intestinal hypoperfusion as a result of blood flow redistribution occurs after abdominal surgery. Methods: Standardized operative trauma was induced in 14 healthy pigs. Systemic, regional, and local blood flow, intestinal and gastric intraluminal-to-end-tidal pCO2 gradients representing mucosal perfusion, and oxygen transport variables were measured for 10 postoperative hours. Normovolemia was maintained using continuous infusion of Ringer's lactate and additional boluses of colloids in response to blood pressure, pulmonary wedge pressure, and urinary output. Results: Postoperative blood flow was significantly increased in the celiac trunk (76% increase [percentage of baseline flow], p=0.003) and the hepatic (136% increase, p=0.002) and splenic (36% increase, p=0.025) arteries. Blood flow was significantly decreased in the mesenteric artery (25% decrease, p=0.007) and portal vein (13% decrease, p=0.028). Carotid and renal artery blood flow remained unchanged. Conclusions: Maintenance of normovolemia is insufficient to protect from intestinal hypoperfusion after abdominal surgery. Postoperative redistribution of cardiac output results in decreased intestinal and increased hepatic and splenic arterial blood flow

Purpose: Neuromuscular abnormalities are common in ICU patients. We aimed to assess the incidence of clinically diagnosed ICU-acquired paresis (ICUAP) and its impact on outcome. Methods: Forty-two patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome on mechanical ventilation for ≥48h were prospectively studied. Diagnosis of ICUAP was defined as symmetric limb muscle weakness in at least two muscle groups at ICU discharge without other explanation. The threshold Medical Research Council (MRC) Score was set at 35 (of 50) points. Activities in daily living were scored using the Barthel Index 28 and 180days after ICU discharge. Results: Three patients died before sedation was stopped. ICUAP was diagnosed in 13 of the 39 patients (33%). Multivariate regression analysis yielded five ICUAP-predicting variables (P

International audience; Cereals were very important in ancient diets, however evidence from archaeological sites of the vessels used for processing or storing cereals is comparatively rare. Microorganisms , as well as chemical-physical effects can easily degrade cereals during the burial period. This can lead to a complete cereal decay and to serious difficulties in estimating the intensity of use of the cereals by ancient populations. Here, we present a novel biomarker approach entailing the detection of secondary lipid metabolites produced by ergot fungi (genus Claviceps), which are common cereal pests. The aim was to identify the original presence of Gramineae and to indirectly establish if vessels were used for cereal storage/ processing. The fatty acid and TAG-estolide profiles of the remains from more than 30 archaeological vessels were investigated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and high performance liquid chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-Q-ToF). The detection of lipids derived from ergot in archaeological and historic contexts rests on its complex chemistry, providing a unique and relatively recalcitrant chemical signature for cereals. This research demonstrated that the combination of our innovative biomarker approach along with environmental and archaeological evidence can provide unprecedented insights into the incidence of cereals and related processing activities in ancient societies. Although cereals played a key role in ancient times, e.g. in the Neolithic diet, their botanical and chemical remains are relatively rare at archaeological sites. When cereals are morphologically preserved or even found as charred remains, the analysis of the DNA, phytoliths as well as mass spectrometric analysis of the organic remains can lead to interesting conclusions regarding the artefact functions and cereals diffusion 1-4. Cereals are lignocellu-losic substrates and thus prone to attack by insects, bacteria or other microorganisms , as well as degradation by chemical-physical processes occurring during the burial period 5. Charred cereals are comparatively less prone to microbial degradation, and are thus more easily found at archaeological sites. Some attempts to determine the presence of cereals from the analysis of charred remains have been reported in the literature 6-9. However, understanding the importance of cereals in ancient times remains a difficult and unexplored task. This paper presents an innovative biomarker approach entailing the recognition of the exclusive lipids bio-synthesized by ergot fungi of the genus Claviceps. Claviceps fungi (ergot) are common pests of Gramineae 10 , and they metabolically produce lipids characterized by a complex mixture of more than 70 compounds, consisting of a series of diglycerides, triglycerides and high molecular weight estolides, with ricinoleic acid (12-hydroxy-9-octadecenoic acid) being the most abundant acyl substituent 11. Estolides (Fig. 1) result from secondary acylation reactions, where additional fatty acids are esterified to the hydroxyl moieties of ricinoleic acid

The interactions between DNA and AuNPs is one of the most interesting subjects of modern nanotechnology, giving rise to plenty of applications. The studies on the identification of the binding sites between DNA components and gold nanoparticle are continuously in progress; however, information about how the interaction influences the conformation of guanine compounds is still lacking. In this paper, we report on the preparation of AuNPs modified by guanine ligands via a one-pot reduction method in aqueous solution. The nanoparticles were fully characterized by UV–vis, TEM, DLS, and zeta-potential methods. The research on gold–ligand binding sites and the conformational changes in the molecular structure of ligands was performed making use of ATR-FTIR and NMR techniques. Notably, novel interesting results on the conformational rearrangements of ribose moiety were obtained.

Orotracheal intubation is the gold standard technique to secure the airways during general anesthesia, in the intensive care unit and in the often hostile prehospital setting. Major complications during airway management are mainly due to inability to secure or maintain the airways, because of an unexpected difficult tracheal intubation, an esophageal intubation, gastric aspiration, and/or iatrogenic trauma of the upper airways [1]. According to one of the most recent observational studies, difficult endotracheal intubation or problematic airway management may be not infrequent. Severe complications are reported to be close to 1/22,000, while death or brain damage occurs in 1:150,000 [2]; these complications are the main cause of anesthesia-related injury, possibly leading to major morbidity and mortality [3]. Large part of the perioperative adverse events associated with a problematic airway management occur to healthy individuals undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. Obesity and upper airway obstruction are since long-recognized risk factors for difficult airways, accounting by themselves for approximately 80 % of major complications. In “cannot ventilate and cannot intubate” situations, reiterations of attempts before changing strategy or considering alternative devices are associated with poor outcomes such as death and brain damage [2, 3]. Prediction of a difficult airway management is sometimes unreliable, being at best an inexact science, with poor sensitivity and specificity. Bedside predictors of difficulty are thyromental distance, sternomental distance, mouth opening, or a combination of tests and the laryngeal view obtained. Mallampati and more recently and perhaps more precisely El Ganzouri classifications can be used to predict difficult intubation [4]. Difficult glottic vision during intubation attempts is more frequent in emergency situations and in the critical care setting than during general anesthesia (grade III Cormack & Lehane: 13 % in emergency vs 5 % in general anesthesia; grade IV Cormack–Lehane 7 % vs 1 %, respectively) [2]. After the introduction in the early 1940s of Miller (1941) and Macintosh (1943), straight and curved laryngoscope blades to ease direct laryngoscopy, laryngoscopes (LA) remained largely unchanged for more than 50 years. With the development of rigid fiber-optic laryngoscopes – the first generation of video laryngoscopes – clinicians benefited from advances such as eyepieces that could be attached to optional video cameras. Rigid fiber-optic laryngoscopes placed the observer’s eye close to but above the glottis, allowing a controlled insertion and advancement of an endotracheal tube between the vocal cords. Flexible bronchoscopic intubation in case of intrahospital difficult airway management is today the standard method; this technique, however, requires adequate training and a routine use to be effective. In recent years the development of digital photographic and video techniques has led to video laryngoscopes (VDLs). These devices offer an improved (and shared) indirect view of the glottis on a remote or built-in video screen. A handle and a blade are the components of both LA and VDL, the latter having a fiber-optic or microvideo camera encased close to the end of the blade. The particular shape of the curve blade allows a wider viewing angle, making oral pharyngeal and tracheal axes alignment unnecessary, optical alignment being achieved by the video camera. According to Donati et al., VDLs are generally classified in three groups: (1) standard or Macintosh blade type, (2) angulated blade type, and (3) anatomically shaped with a guide channel [5]. The majority of these devices use a digital camera on the tip of a standard Macintosh or Miller laryngoscope blade providing the indirect visualization of the glottis on a video display (C-MAC, Glidescope, McGrath, Pentax Airway Scope). Less frequent is the use of fiber-optic cables connected to a display (Airtraq). Video laryngoscopes lack the versatility of flexible bronchoscopic intubation (FBI), but are more easy to use, less fragile, and provide a supraglottic vantage point. Learning curve, however, is not as short as proposed by someone.

All bound up: A small variant of protein A (red; see picture) was used as a biotemplate for the synthesis and biofunctionalization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). These functionalized AuNPs were able to bind to antibodies (green blocks, trastuzumab; TZ) with a defined orientation, thus showing promise as bio-nanoparticle systems suitable for selective cell labeling by membrane-receptor-specific recognition.

The relevance of tissue oxygenation in the pathogenesis of organ dysfunction during sepsis is controversial. We compared oxygen transport, lactate metabolism, and mitochondrial function in pigs with septic shock, cardiogenic shock, or hypoxic hypoxia.

Gold nanoparticles were obtained by reduction of a tetrachloroaurate aqueous solution in the presence of a RGD-(GC)(2) peptide as stabilizer. As comparison, the behavior of the (GC)(2) peptide has been studied. The (GC)(2) and RGD-(GC)(2) peptides were prepared ad hoc by Fmoc synthesis. The colloidal systems have been characterized by UV-visible, TGA, ATR-FTIR, mono and bidimensional NMR techniques, confocal and transmission (TEM) microscopy, ζ-potential, and light scattering measurements. The efficient cellular uptake of Au-RGD-(GC)(2) and Au-(GC)(2) stabilized gold nanoparticles into U87 cells (human glioblastoma cells) were investigated by confocal microscopy and compared with the behavior of (GC)(2) capped gold nanoparticles. A quantitative determination of the nanoparticles taken up has been carried out by measuring the pixel brightness of the images, a measure that highlighted the importance of the RGD termination of the peptide. Insight in the cellular uptake mechanism was investigated by TEM microscopy. Various important evidences indicated the selective uptake of RGD-(GC)(2) gold nanoparticles into the nucleus.

Nanostructured Au/Al(2)O(3)-CeO(2) catalysts with a low content of precious metal (0.9% wt.) were prepared immobilizing two different stabilized Au sols on a high surface area Al(2)O(3)-CeO(2) mixed oxide with a uniform pore size distribution, synthesized by a one-pot methodology. The samples were characterized by elemental analysis, N(2) physisorption, XRPD, TEM and (27)Al-MAS NMR techniques. The catalytic activity of the two samples in the preferential oxidation of CO in excess of H(2) (CO-PROX) was comparatively evaluated in the 35-110 degrees C temperature range. The Au-THPS/AlCe20 sample, prepared immobilizing a sol obtained reducing an aqueous solution of gold tetrachloroaurate salt with bis[tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium sulfate], resulted very active and selective at low temperatures and its catalytic activity was correlated with the structural characteristics of the metal particles and of the ordered mesoporous support.

We report the evidence for the cellular uptake of gold nanoparticles via the phagocytosis mechanism in murine macrophage cells strongly supported by TEM and optical microscopy. Nanoparticles were prepared using several biocompatible molecules of choice (5-aminovaleric acid, l-DOPA, melatonin, and serotonin hydrochloride) as stabilizers for gold colloids. Their surface chemistry was fully characterized by UV-vis, ATR-FTIR, (1)H NMR, and HR-MAS (1)H NMR spectroscopies, and size distribution was determined by CPS disc centrifuge and TEM. Differences in coatings were evaluated against cellular uptake, and a preferential movement of macrophages toward 5-aminovaleric acid-modified gold nanoparticles was shown, leading to the fast accumulation of nanoparticles in the cytosol.

Catecholamines are frequently used in sepsis, but their interaction with mitochondrial function is controversial. We incubated isolated native and endotoxin-exposed swine liver mitochondria with either dopamine, dobutamine, noradrenaline or placebo for 1 h. Mitochondrial State 3 and 4 respiration and their ratio (RCR) were determined for respiratory chain complexes I, II and IV. All catecholamines impaired glutamate-dependent RCR (p = 0.046), predominantly in native mitochondria. Endotoxin incubation alone induced a decrease in glutamate-dependent RCR compared to control samples (p = 0.002). We conclude that catecholamines and endotoxin impair the efficiency of mitochondrial complex I respiration in vitro.

Intermittent (IT) and continuous (CT) thermodilution and esophageal Doppler (ED), are all used for hemodynamic monitoring. The aim of this study was to test the agreement between these methods during endotoxin (ET) and dobutamine infusion.Twenty-two pigs (39 +/- 1.8 kg body weight) were randomized to general anesthesia and either continuous ET (n = 9) or placebo (PL, n = 13) infusion. After 18 hours of ET or PL infusion, the animals were further randomized to receive dobutamine (n = 3 in ET, n = 5 in PL) or PL. A set of measurements using the three methods were obtained every hour, and the relative blood flow changes between two subsequent measurements were calculated.Bias or limits of agreement for flows were 0.73 L/min or 1.80 L/min for IT and CT, -0.33 L/min or 4.29 L/min for IT and ED, and -1.06 or 3.94 for CT and ED (n = 515, each). For flow changes they were 1% or 44%, 2% or 59%, and 3% or 45%, respectively. Bias and limits of agreement did not differ in ET- and PL-treated animals or in animals with or without dobutamine. Despite significant correlation between any two methods, the respective correlation coefficients (r) were small (IT vs. CT: 0.452; IT vs. ED: 0.042; CT vs. ED: 0.069; all p0.001). The same directional changes were measured by any two methods in 49%, 40%, and 50%. When IT flows5 L/min were compared with IT flows/=5 L/min, the latter had 49% (p0.001), 23% (p0.001), and 24% smaller limits of agreement than the former (p = 0.012).IT and CT cardiac output agree only to a moderate level, and agreement between the respective relative blood flow changes is even worse. ED has poor agreement with both thermodilution methods, especially when cardiac output is5 L/min.

Novel reproducible preparations of gold nanoparticles capped by aminoalcohols have been set up by reduction of HAuCl4 with NaBH4 in aqueous solution. The characterization of Au@aminoalcohol nanoparticles performed by 1H NMR, ATR-FTIR, UV-vis spectroscopies, and TEM microscopy highlighted the binding site and the nature of the Au-NH bond.

Au nanoparticles are known to be a good catalyst or an effective promoter for a wide range of catalytic reactions. Bimetallic Au−Pd nanoparticles supported on activated carbon were synthesized following a two-step procedure: immobilization of Au sol onto activated carbon followed by immobilization of Pd(0). The catalysts showed superior activities compared to monometallic Pd or Au nanoparticles on the same support. A series of catalysts with Au:Pd ratios varying from 9.5:0.5 to 2:8 were prepared. These catalysts were characterized by TEM, HRTEM, EDX, and X-ray mapping techniques to obtain morphological information, particle size distributions, crystalline structure, and distribution of the two metals. Correlating with the result from catalytic tests of selective oxidation of glycerol to glyceric acid, we found that the surface configuration of Pd monomers isolated by Au atoms has a substantial effect on activity and stability. The Au:Pd ratio on the surface of the particles is the key parameter and can be...

BACKGROUND: Acute endotoxinemia elicits an early fibrinolytic response. This study analyzes the effects of the dose and duration of endotoxin infusion on arterial levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and pulmonary, mesenteric and hepatic plasma tPA fluxes. METHODS: Pigs were randomized to receive an acute, high-dose (for 6 h, n=13, high ETX) or a prolonged, low-dose (for 18 h, n=18, low ETX) infusion of endotoxin or saline vehicle alone (for 18 h, n=14, control). All animals were fluid resuscitated to maintain a normodynamic circulation. Systemic and regional blood flows were measured and arterial, pulmonary arterial, portal and hepatic venous blood samples were analyzed to calculate regional net fluxes of tPA. Plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) levels were analyzed. RESULTS: Mesenteric tPA release and hepatic uptake increased maximally at 1.5 h in ETX groups related to dose. Maximal mesenteric tPA release [high ETX 612 (138-1185) microg/min/kg, low ETX 72 (32-94) microg/min/kg, median+/-interquartile range] and hepatic tPA uptake [high ETX -1549 (-1134 to -2194) microg/min/kg, low ETX -153 (-105 to -307) microg/min/kg] correlated to TNF-alpha levels. Regional tPA fluxes returned to baseline levels at 6 h in both ETX groups and also remained low during sustained low ETX. No changes were observed in control animals. CONCLUSIONS: Endotoxemia induces an early increase in mesenteric tPA release and hepatic tPA uptake related to the severity of endotoxemia. The time patterns of changes in mesenteric and hepatic tPA fluxes are similar in acute high-dose endotoxemia and sustained low-dose endotoxemia.

Two dipeptides (GK and GC) and two 15-aminoacid peptides (GK15 and GC15) were used as capping agents in the preparation of monolayer-protected gold nanoparticles (MPCs). They were characterized by TEM microscopy, UV–vis, NMR and IR spectroscopy.

The synthesis and characterization of Ru(II) and Ru(II)–Ag(I) compounds are described, in view of their potential use in on/off switchable metal–ridge–metal nanodevices. The compound trans -Ru(bipy) 4 Cl 2 ( 1 ) [bipy, 4,4′-bipyridine] has been prepared by Ru(DMSO) 4 Cl 2 ( 2 ) (DMSO, dimethylsufoxide) and an excess of bipy. The compound has been fully characterised by physico-chemical, spectroscopic and single crystal X-ray determinations. trans -Ru(bipy) 4 Cl 2 has been employed as building block in a self-assembly reaction with AgNO 3 obtaining the inorganic polymer {[Ru(bipy) 4 Cl 2 Ag]NO 3 (CHCl 3 )·6H 2 O} n ( 3 ). The self-assembled Ru–Ag compound has been investigated by infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV) and visible (vis) spectroscopy, elemental analyses, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and thermogravimetric analysis coupled with infrared detector (TGA-IR). The electrochemical behaviour of 1 and 3 have been studied by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). 1 and 3 have been tested both as soluble species in non-aqueous solvents and as self-assembled molecules on gold electrodes in aqueous medium. The electrochemical behaviour of the parent compounds trans -Ru(pyz) 4 Cl 2 ( 4 ) [pyz, pyrazine] and {[Ru(pyz) 4 Cl 2 Ag]NO 3 } n ( 5 ) have been also investigated for comparison.

Introduction.Results on mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis are controversial. We aimed to assess effects of LPS at wide dose and time ranges on hepatocytes and isolated skeletal muscle mitochondria.Methods.Human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) were exposed to placebo or LPS (0.1, 1, and 10 μg/mL) for 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours and primary human hepatocytes to 1 μg/mL LPS or placebo (4, 8, and 16 hours). Mitochondria from porcine skeletal muscle samples were exposed to increasing doses of LPS (0.1–100 μg/mg) for 2 and 4 hours. Respiration rates of intact and permeabilized cells and isolated mitochondria were measured by high-resolution respirometry.Results.In HepG2 cells, LPS reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and cellular ATP content but did not modify basal respiration. Stimulated complex II respiration was reduced time-dependently using 1 μg/mL LPS. In primary human hepatocytes, stimulated mitochondrial complex II respiration was reduced time-dependently using 1 μg/mL LPS. In isolated porcine skeletal muscle mitochondria, stimulated respiration decreased at high doses (50 and 100 μg/mL LPS).Conclusion.LPS reduced cellular ATP content of HepG2 cells, most likely as a result of the induced decrease in membrane potential. LPS decreased cellular and isolated mitochondrial respiration in a time-dependent, dose-dependent and complex-dependent manner.

INTRODUCTION: Mitochondrial respiration is impaired during endotoxemia. While catecholamines are frequently used in sepsis, their effects on mitochondrial function are controversial. We assessed effects of dobutamine and dopamine endotoxin on isolated muscle mitochondria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sternocleidomastoid muscle mitochondria were isolated from six anesthetized pigs. Each sample was divided into six different groups. Three groups were incubated with endotoxin, three with vehicle. After 1 h, dopamine and dobutamine at final concentrations of 100 microM were added to the vehicle and endotoxin groups. After 2 h, state 3 and 4 respiration rates were determined for all mitochondrial complexes. Oxygen consumption was determined with a Clark-type electrode. RESULTS: Endotoxin increased glutamate-dependent state 4 respiration from 9.3 +/- 3.6 to 31.9 +/- 9.1 (P = 0.001) without affecting state 3 respiration. This reduced the efficiency of mitochondrial respiration (RCR; state 3/state 4, 9.9 +/- 1.9 versus 3.6 +/- 0.6; P < 0.001). The other complexes were unaffected. Catecholamine partially restored the endotoxin-induced increase in complex I state 4 respiration rate (31.9 +/- 9.1 versus 17.1 +/- 6.4 and 20.1 +/- 12.2) after dopamine and dobutamine, respectively (P = 0.007), and enhanced the ADP:O ratio (P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Dopamine and dobutamine enhanced the efficiency of mitochondrial respiration after short-term endotoxin exposure.

The use of gold on promoting PGM (platinum group metal) catalysts for the selective oxidation of various primary alcohols under mild conditions was investigated. Au/Pd and Au/Pt catalysts showing a single alloyed phase were prepared. It was found that using these bimetallic catalysts instead of monometallic ones caused a significant change in activity in the liquid-phase oxidation of alcohols. Au/Pd catalyst showed a positive synergistic effect; Au/Pt, a negative one. By using aqueous solvent instead of organic solvent (toluene), activity was enhanced for both Au/Pd and Au/Pt catalysts, with some changes in selectivity as well. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVE: Measuring peritoneal lactate concentrations could be useful for detecting splanchnic hypoperfusion. The aims of this study were to evaluate the properties of a new membrane-based microdialyzer in vitro and to assess the ability of the dialyzer to detect a clinically relevant decrease in splanchnic blood flow in vivo. DESIGN: A membrane-based microdialyzer was first validated in vitro. The same device was tested afterward in a randomized, controlled animal experiment. SETTING: University experimental research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Twenty-four Landrace pigs of both genders. INTERVENTIONS: In vitro: Membrane microdialyzers were kept in warmed sodium lactate baths with lactate concentrations between 2 and 8 mmol/L for 10-120 mins, and microdialysis lactate concentrations were measured repeatedly (210 measurements). In vivo: An extracorporeal shunt with blood reservoir and roller pump was inserted between the proximal and distal abdominal aorta, and a microdialyzer was inserted intraperitoneally. In 12 animals, total splanchnic blood flow (measured by transit time ultrasound) was reduced by a median 43% (range, 13% to 72%) by activating the shunt; 12 animals served as controls. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In vitro: The fractional lactate recovery was 0.59 (0.32-0.83) after 60 mins and 0.82 (0.71-0.87) after 90 mins, with no further increase thereafter. At 60 and 90 mins, the fractional recovery was independent of the lactate concentration. In vivo: Abdominal blood flow reduction resulted in an increase in peritoneal microdialysis lactate concentration from 1.7 (0.3-3.8) mmol/L to 2.8 (1.3-6.2) mmol/L (p = .006). At the same time, mesenteric venous-arterial lactate gradient increased from 0.1 (-0.2-0.8) mmol/L to 0.3 (-0.3 -1.8) mmol/L (p = .032), and mesenteric venous-arterial Pco2 gradients increased from 12 (8-19) torr to 21 (11-54) torr (p = .005). CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal membrane microdialysis provides a method for the assessment of splanchnic ischemia, with potential for clinical application.

Monometallic and bimetallic catalysts based on Au and Pt metal supported on carbon, were synthesized by varying the nature of Pt precursor and the reducing agent. It was found that the nature of Pt precursor in combination with reducing agent, significantly affected the process of reduction and particle growth. The catalytic performance of the synthesized Pt/C catalysts in the liquid phase oxidation of glycerol was considerably affected in terms of activity and distribution of products. Reduction by H2 and NaBH4 depending on the nature of the Pt precursor resulted in the most active and selective catalysts. Improvement of activity was found by addition of Au. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The influence of metal particle size of monometallic and bimetallic supported catalysts (Au, Pd, Au-Pd)/C was studied using as a model reaction the liquid phase oxidation of glycerol. By tuning the metal particle size from 2 to 16 nm a progressive decrease of activity and simultaneously an increase in the selectivity to sodium glycerate was observed. Moreover, the influence of the temperature was studied and it was found that by increasing the temperature, only with a large particle size the formed glycerate was retained and not over-oxidized to tartronate. © 2006 Springer Sdence+Business Media, Inc.

Twelve novel coordination polymers and supramolecular architectures have been obtained using the bent ditopic ligand 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (dadpm) and different metal salts (chlorides and nitrates), and their structures have been elucidated by single crystal X-ray analysis. The new products include some examples of simple zigzag chains, as in [MCl2(dadpm)] [M = Co (1); M = Cd (2)] and [Ag(NO3)(dadpm)] (3). The chains are connected via weaker interactions (H-bonds or contacts with the anions) to give 2-D layers. In [Ni(H2O)2(dadpm)2]Cl2 (4) the polymeric 1-D chains consist of parallel ribbons of rings with the non-coordinated chloride anions generating a 3-D architecture via NH⋯Cl bonds. Noteworthy, compound 5a, [Ni(H2O)2Cl2(dadpm)2], has an identical composition but a different structure, thus representing a novel case of supramolecular isomerism: it contains mononuclear octahedral complexes, with two trans coordinated H2O molecules, two trans Cl anions and two trans monodentate dadpm ligands. The dangling ends of the dadpm ligands, however, form H-bonds with the H2O molecules coordinated on adjacent complexes, thus giving rise to double-stranded chains resembling the ribbons of rings present in 4. Compound 5b, [Mn(H2O)2Cl2(dadpm)2], is isomorphous with 5a and also compound 6, [Ni(H2O)2(NO3)2(dadpm)2], shows a similar structure. Compounds [MCl2(dadpm)] [M = Cd (7); M = Mn (8)] are isostructural, but not isomorphous, and contain single 3-D networks with the ths (ThSi2) topology. In compound 9, [CdCl2(dadpm)], complex 2-D layers of (6,3) topology are observed. The structure of [Cd3Cl6(dadpm)2] (10) is comprised of complex Cd/Cl chains inter-connected by double bridging dadpm ligands to give a 3-D network with the cds (CdSO4) topology (or, alternatively, the cds-a augmented topology). In [Ag(dadpm)3](NO3) (11) the Ag centres are octahedrally coordinated by six bridging dadpm ligands, resulting in a 3-D network with the pcu (α-Po) topology. It is worth mentioning that three compounds (2, 7 and 9, of composition [CdCl2(dadpm)]) show a remarkable case of supramolecular isomerism.

The activity of Au/C catalysts has been reviewed in the liquid phase oxidation of alcohols as a function of preparation method, particle size and dispersion, surface exposure and nature of the support. A strong influence of substrate structure has also been observed. Monometallic Au on carbon catalysts show a unique behaviour in the liquid phase oxidation of alcohols compared with Pt- and Pd-based systems, characterised by a higher resistance to poisoning from both oxygen and (by)products normally affecting other catalysts.

The selective oxidation of glycerol was performed using mono and bimetallic catalysts based on Au and Pd and supported on graphite. Moreover, the preparation of bimetallic systems (Au–Pd) was investigated by using different procedures based on sol immobilisation method. The results showed that the use of a bimetallic system significantly improved the activity with respect to the monometallic system; whereas, the selectivity to glyceric acid showed to be dependent upon the reaction temperature and the preparation method used.

BACKGROUND Sepsis may impair O(2) extraction due to blood flow redistribution or decreased utilization of the available oxygen. METHODS We assessed the effect of endotoxemia on systemic and regional O(2) extraction and lactate handling in pigs, randomized to receive either endotoxin (0.4 microg kg(-1) h(-1); n = 10) or saline infusion (controls; n = 9) for 12 h. RESULTS High baseline regional and systemic O(2) extraction in the endotoxin group (median 56%, range 45-77%) and in the controls (67%, 49-72%) was maintained until the end of the experiment (endotoxin group: 60%, 50-71%; controls: 60%, 50-74%) despite hypotension and a decrease in stroke volume in endotoxic animals. Hepatic lactate exchange decreased during endotoxemia from 14 micromol kg(-1) min(-1) (range 10-28 micromol kg(-1) min(-1)) to 10 (range 3-15) micromol kg(-1) min(-1); P < 0.01), but remained stable in the controls, with 13 micromol min(-1) (4-18 micromol min(-1)) at baseline and 7 micromol min(-1) (3-17 micromol min(-1)) after 12 h of saline infusion. CONCLUSIONS The high and sustained oxygen consumption and oxygen extraction in this endotoxemic model speak against any major impairment of hepatosplanchnic or systemic oxygen extraction and oxidative metabolism. The reduced hepatic lactate exchange despite an unchanged hepatic lactate influx suggests altered metabolic activities independent of oxygen consumption.

ZrO2–SO4 powders were prepared through a single step sol–gel reaction by modulating the conditions of the alkoxide hydrolysis and polycondensation steps. Sulfuric acid or (NH4)2SO4 was employed as the sulfating agent. The samples were calcined at 890 K and characterized as to phase composition crystallinity (XRD) and surface area porosity (BET method). Surface functionalities were investigated by TGA/FTIR, FTIR, DRIFTS, and XPS analyses. The liquid-medium catalytic activity was tested in the esterification of benzoic acid to methylbenzoate. The role played by the conditions of the sol–gel reaction, in affecting the surface state and the catalytic properties of the powders, is discussed.

Glycerol was oxidised with oxygen in the presence of gold on carbon as the catalyst. Two types of catalysts were identified: one, characterised by well-dispersed nanoparticles with a mean diameter centred at 6 nm, did not maintain the initial selectivity of the oxidation at full conversion; the other, characterised by larger particles (>20 nm), showed constant selectivity from the beginning to the end of the reaction. The experimental conditions were studied to optimise glycerate production with selected catalysts, with particular regard to the effect of the NaOH/glycerol ratio, glycerol concentration, temperature, and glycerol/catalyst ratio. The best result was 92% selectivity to glycerate at full conversion, obtained by oxidising glycerol at 30 °C, with a NaOH/glycerol ratio of 4, a glycerol/Au = 500, and 0.3 M concentration.

Au(0) sols were obtained in aqueous solutions by reduction of NaAuCl 4 with NaBH 4 in the presence of protective agents [the long chain compound poly(oxyethylene(23)lauryl ether (C12E23), the polymer poly{bis(2-chloroethyl)ether- alt -1,3-bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]urea} (PEG), the poly quaternary salt obtained by reaction of a polyethyleneglycole with the bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (PEU), and a polysaccharide (dextrin)]. The sols, characterized by TEM microscopy and UV-Vis spectroscopy, consisted of nanoparticles of different size (2.6–6.9 nm) depending on the used stabilizing agent. The colloidal solutions were immobilized on activated carbon. The carbon-supported gold catalysts were used in a model reaction for the selective liquid phase oxidation of ethylene glycol to glycolate ( p O 2 =300 kPa, T =343 K, r.t. = 1 h, [EG]=0.5 M, EG/Au=1000, EG/NaOH=1, EG=ethylene glycol). A comparison of the catalytic activity underlines the importance of the stabilizing agent in both the steps of sol formation and support impregnation.

N-dodecil-N,N-dimethyl-3-amino-1-propan sulphonate was used for stabilizing gold nanoparticles in water that afforded Au/C (SB-Au/C) when immobilized on activated carbon. Characterization by XPS revealed a high atomic percentage of superficial gold (% at. Au(4f)/C(2s)), compared with other Au/C catalysts prepared by the immobilization of different sols. The activity of the SB-Au/C catalyst was found to be superior to that observed in the liquid-phase oxidation of ethylene glycol using other gold-on-carbon catalysts.

Clear W/O microemulsions of NaAuCl4 and NaBH4 can be obtained using the four components: cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, 1-butanol, n-octane and aqueous solutions of inorganic salts. They can be mixed giving microemulsions of Au(0) nanoparticles in the micellar cores. The red gold systems have been supported on activated carbon and tested in the catalytic liquid phase selective oxidation of glycol to glycolate by O2.

Objective: To identify objective trends of the course of illness that might be used as benchmarks in the auditing of the organization/performance of Intensive Care Units (ICU). Design: Retrospective analysis. Patients and setting: A group of 12,615 patients and 55,464 patient-days prospectively collected in 89 ICUs of 12 European countries. Methods: The complexity of daily care in the ICU was classified as high (HT) or low (I-T), according to six activities registered in NEMS, a daily therapeutic index for ICUs. Results: Six trends of clinical course were identified: LT during the whole ICU stay (5,424 patients, mortality 1.8%); HT (3,480 patients, mortality 30.4%); HT followed by LT (2,781 patients, mortality 2.8%); LT followed by HT (197 patients, mortality 39.1%); finally, LT/HT/LT in 298 patients (mortality 10.5%); and HT/LT/HT (mortality 20.1%) in 438 patients. A group of 930 patients had the complexity of treatment increased (mortality 21.1%) and 3,711 patients received both treatments. Low-care before high-care periods had a mean duration of 2.2+/-3.5 days, low-care after high-care 2.7+/-3.1 days, and between two high-care periods 2.1+/-2.2 days. A group of 1,538 'surgical scheduled' patients only received LT, whereas 2,231 received HT (whether or not exclusively). Overall ICU mortality rate was low (3%) and the length of stay short, regardless of diagnosis and complexity of care received. Conclusions: The use of therapeutic indexes help to classify the daily complexity of ICU care. The classification can be used as an indicator of clinical performance and resource utilization.

Differently stabilised metal sols have been used as precursors in the preparation of heterogeneous gold catalysts for liquid phase oxidation in water solution. The methodology of sols generation appears to be fundamental to obtaining nanoparticles; the support, instead, plays an important role in maintaining particle dimension and morphology. Three different materials (γ-Al2O3, SiO2 and activated carbon) have been used as the supporting agents for different gold sols that were obtained by reducing HAuCl4 with NaBH4 in the presence of polyvinylalcohol (PVA) or polyvinylpirrolidone (PVP) and with the tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (THPC)/NaOH system. During the immobilisation step, the maintenance of the particle dimension observed in solution depends on both the support and the type of sol. The gold particle mean size of the colloidal suspension is more easily maintained on oxidic supports than on carbon, the latter apparently needing both steric and polar stabilisation of the gold particle. Comparison of Au/γ-Al2O3 and Au/C catalyst activity in the liquid phase oxidation of ethylene glycol to glycolate highlighted the peculiarity of gold on carbon catalysts; in fact, the normally observed trend of reactivity is partially reversed, medium sized gold particle being the most active.

The ortho , meta and para mono substituted anilines R–C 6 H 4 NH 2 (R=4-Me, 3-Me, 2-Me, 4-Et, 2-Et, 4-Br, 3-Br, 2-Br; 4-Cl, 3-Cl, 2-Cl, 4-F, 4-Pr i , 4-Bu t ) were catalytically oxidised by H 2 O 2 , in the presence of cis -Mo(O) 2 (acac) 2 , (acacH=CH 3 C(O)CH 2 C(O)CH 3 ), producing the corresponding C-nitroso derivatives, R–C 6 H 4 NO. High conversions and selectivities were obtained.

Au/C and Au/oxide (Al2O3, TiO2) have been compared in the liquid phase oxidation of glycols and a different trend in reactivity revealed. On the oxides the activity of supported gold increases by decreasing particle size, whereas on carbon maximum activity is achieved with gold particle mean diameter around 7–8 nm. XPS revealed that in the latter case activity depends not only on the size of the gold particle but also on its surface concentration.

Nanoparticles of Cu2L2O5 (L=Ho, Er) (15–25 nm in size) were synthesised by the intermediate use of W/O microemulsions. In this process the aqueous cores of water/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide/n-octane/1-butanol microemulsions were used as microreactors for the precipitation of Cu2Ho2(CO3)4(OH)2 (25–30 nm) and Cu2Er2(CO3)4(OH)2 (10–40 nm) as precursors. These mixed salts were separated and further decomposed to the corresponding mixed oxides at 900°C for 16 h. All solids were characterised by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, IR, XRPD, ICP-OES, TGA, XPS measurements and elemental analyses.

Monodispersed nickel(II) particles were achieved by ageing aqueous solutions of NiSO4·6H2O in the presence of urea, at 90°C for 3.5 h. Working up this colloidal dispersion led to a green powder with the stoichiometry 5[Ni3(OH)5(NCO)]·[NiCO3]·[H2O]. This mixed salt was characterised by extensive spectroscopic investigations and chemical–physical analyses. The nickel intermediate was further thermally decomposed at various temperatures, under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and gave black mono dispersed particles of Ni(II) and Ni(III) oxides. The phase transformations were studied in detail and the oxidation products (NiO and NiO(OH)) were characterised.

We report that Au(0) nanoparticles, stabilized by 5-aminovaleric acid, selectively penetrate into K562 cancer cells in a short time. These experiments were carried out in order to verify the specific recognition of gold sol by abnormal cells. The observed selectivity towards gold nanoparticles by K562 makes the metallic system attractive for cancer therapy.

The catalytic reactions of M(TPP)Cl (M = Fe ( 1 ), Mn ( 2 )), Fe(TMP)Cl ( 3 ), and Fe(TDCPP)Cl ( 4 ) (H 2 TPP = 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin; H 2 TMP = 5,10,15,20-tetramesitylporphyrin; H 2 TDCPP = 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2,6-dichlorophenyl)porphyrin) with 2,4-diaminotoluene ( 5 ) and p -phenylenediamine ( 6 ) were carried out using t -BuOOH (3 M isooctane solution) as oxidant. With the former substrate, the nitro derivatives 2-amino-4-nitrotoluene ( 5a ) and 2,4-dinitrotoluene ( 5b ) (total yield of 5a + 5b ranges between 27–55%) were obtained with low yields and their amounts depend on the catalyst used. An other oxidation product of 5 was 3-amino-4( tert -butyldioxy)-4-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-imine hydrochloride ( 5c ) (20%). In the oxidation reaction of 6 , 4-nitroaniline ( 6a ) (11%) was obtained only with catalyst 1 , being an unidentified black solid ( 6b ) the major oxidation product. 6b was always the main product with all the studied catalysts ( 1–3 ), while the yields and nature of the recovered azobenzenes depend on the metalloporphyrin used: the highest yield of 4,4′-dinitroazobenzene ( 6c ) (37%) was obtained with 3 in the presence of acetic acid, 4,4′-diaminoazobenzene ( 6d ) (19%) was obtained with 4 , and 4-amino,4′-nitroazobenzene ( 6e ) (17%) with 3 . The catalytic reactions of Mo(O)(O 2 ) 2 (H 2 O)(HMPA) ( 7 ) (HMPA = hexamethylphosphotriamide), with 5, 6 , and 4-aminodiphenylamine ( 8 ), in the presence of H 2 O 2 (35% w/w water solution) as oxidant, were studied. The corresponding mononitro derivatives, 5a, 6a , and 4-nitrodiphenylamine ( 8a ) were obtained with fair selectivity (35, 70, and 60%, respectively).

The carbonylation reactions of Rh(PPh 3 ) 3 Cl ( 1 ) and Ru(PPh 3 ) 3 Cl 2 ( 2 ) in the solid state with carbon monoxide at atmospheric pressure were studied; the known complexes Rh(PPh 3 ) 2 (CO)Cl ( 3 ) and Ru(PPh 3 ) 2 (CO) 2 Cl 2 ( 4 ), previously achieved in solution, were obtained under these conditions. These reactions were revisited with techniques useful for the characterisation of compounds in the solid state. In the case of the carbonylation reaction of Rh(PPh 3 ) 3 Cl, the pentacoordinated species Rh(PPh 3 ) 3 (CO)Cl is strongly indicated as the reaction intermediate.

The oxidation of benzylic amines ArCH 2 NH 2 ( 3–10 ) to the corresponding imines ArCH = NCH 2 Ar ( 3a–10a ) has been observed in catalytic systems containing Bu t OOH and metallo(III) tetraphenyl porphyrins (metallo = Fe, Mn) in the presence of 1-methyl imidazole as axial ligand. Secondary amines, (ArCH 2 ) 2 NH ( 3b–10b ) have been obtained by further reduction of the reaction products with NaBH 4 .

Colloidal spherical particles with narrow size distribution, of mixed compounds of copper and rare earth ions, were obtained by ageing solutions containing Cu(NO3)2 + L(NO3)3, (L = Gd, Dy, Ho, Er) in the presence of urea. The amorphous products consisting of mixed basic hydrous carbonates of Cu and L were converted by calcination to the corresponding ternary oxides with well-defined composition. Composition and magnetic properties of these oxides are discussed.

The oxo-diperoxo complex of molybdenum (VI), Mo(O)(O 2 ) 2 (HMPA) a , (H 2 O) reacts with ClC 6 H 4 CH 2 NH 2 to give the cis-dioxoperoxo complex Mo(O) 2 (O 2 )(ClC 6 H 4 CH 2 NH 2 ) 2 b . The amorphous complex b has been fully characterized by elemental and thermogravimetric analyses, IR, Raman spectroscopy, conductivity, EPR and NMR measurements, and XPS analyses. The results lead to the conclusion that the compound b is an octahedral complex of molybdenum (VI) bearings two oxo-oxygens, a side-on peroxo ligand and two cis-amine ligands.

Insufficient cardiac preload and impaired contractility are frequent in early sepsis. We explored the effects of acute cardiac preload reduction and dobutamine on hepatic arterial (Qha) and portal venous (Qpv) blood flows during endotoxin infusion. We hypothesized that the hepatic arterial buffer response (HABR) is absent during preload reduction and reduced by dobutamine. In anesthetized pigs, endotoxin or vehicle ( n = 12, each) was randomly infused for 18 h. HABR was tested sequentially by constricting superior mesenteric artery (SMA) or inferior vena cava (IVC). Afterward, dobutamine at 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 μg/kg per minute or another vehicle ( n = 6, each) was randomly administered in endotoxemic and control animals, and SMA was constricted during each dose. Systemic (cardiac output, thermodilution) and carotid, splanchnic, and renal blood flows (ultrasound Doppler) and blood pressures were measured before and during administration of each dobutamine dose. HABR was expressed as hepatic arterial pressure/flow ratio. Compared with controls, 18 h of endotoxin infusion was associated with decreased mean arterial blood pressure [49 ± 11 mmHg vs. 58 ± 8 mmHg (mean ± SD); P = 0.034], decreased renal blood flow, metabolic acidosis, and impaired HABR during SMA constriction [0.32 (0.18–1.32) mmHg/ml vs. 0.22 (0.08–0.60) mmHg/ml; P = 0.043]. IVC constriction resulted in decreased Qpv in both groups; whereas Qha remained unchanged in controls, it decreased after 18 h of endotoxemia ( P = 0.031; constriction-time-group interaction). One control and four endotoxemic animals died during the subsequent 6 h. The maximal increase of cardiac output during dobutamine infusion was 47% (22–134%) in controls vs. 53% (37–85%) in endotoxemic animals. The maximal Qpv increase was significant only in controls [24% (12–47%) of baseline ( P = 0.043) vs. 17% (−7–32%) in endotoxemia ( P = 0.109)]. Dobutamine influenced neither Qha nor HABR. Our data suggest that acute cardiac preload reduction is associated with preferential hepatic arterial perfusion initially but not after established endotoxemia. Dobutamine had no effect on the HABR.

We hypothesized that fluid administration may increase regional splanchnic perfusion after abdominal surgery-even in the absence of a cardiac stroke volume (SV) increase and independent of accompanying endotoxemia. Sixteen anesthetized pigs underwent abdominal surgery with flow probe fitting around splanchnic vessels and carotid arteries. They were randomized to continuous placebo or endotoxin infusion, and when clinical signs of hypovolemia (mean arterial pressure,60 mmHg; heart rate,100 beats · min(-1); urine production,0.5 mL · kg(-1) · h(-1); arterial lactate concentration,2 mmol · L(-1)) and/or low pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (target 5-8 mmHg) were present, they received repeated boli of colloids (50 mL) as long as SV increased 10% or greater. Stroke volume and regional blood flows were monitored 2 min before and 30 min after fluid challenges. Of 132 fluid challenges, 45 (34%) resulted in an SV increase of 10% or greater, whereas 82 (62%) resulted in an increase of 10% or greater in one or more of the abdominal flows (P0.001). During blood flow redistribution, celiac trunk (19% of all measurements) and hepatic artery flow (15%) most often decreased, whereas portal vein (10%) and carotid artery (7%) flow decreased less frequently (P = 0.015, between regions). In control animals, celiac trunk (30% vs. 9%, P = 0.004) and hepatic artery (25% vs. 11%, P = 0.040) flow decreased more often than in endotoxin-infused pigs. Accordingly, blood flow redistribution is a common phenomenon in the postoperative period and is only marginally influenced by endotoxemia. Fluid management based on SV changes may not be useful for improving regional abdominal perfusion.