Easy flow: An eclectic cardiopulmonary bypass simulation model.

The aphorism "Primum non nocere" underscores the responsibility of healthcare professionals to prioritize patient safety. Perfusionists, experts in extracorporeal circulation, play a pivotal role in maintaining cardiac function during critical situations. However, the evolving landscape of medical technology has not been without challenges, particularly in ensuring equitable access to perfusion training. Easy Flow Cardiopulmonary Bypass Simulation Model stands out as a cost-effective alternative, utilizing routine CPB equipment found in operating theatres. The uniqueness lies in its incorporation of double reservoirs and two pumps, a novel approach not reported before in educational CPB simulation models. The benefits of this model extend beyond skill development to encompass team management, communication enhancement, and disaster management training. Multiple scenarios, from the initiation of CPB to addressing emergencies like massive air embolism, can be simulated. Although the model requires an instructor, this facilitates the integration of essential professional and communication skills into training. The adaptability of the Easy Flow model makes it a practical and sustainable solution. It provides hands-on experience for perfusion students, translating theoretical knowledge into practical competence. The model's simplicity, combined with its use of readily available materials, positions it to be an accessible tool for educational institutions and healthcare centers globally. In conclusion, the Easy Flow CPB Simulation Model not only fills a critical gap in perfusion education but also exemplifies how innovation can bridge disparities, ensuring that quality healthcare education is within reach for all. Its potential impact on global healthcare training is profound, promising a future where knowledge sharing leads to improved patient care.

Metformin and Dapagliflozin Attenuate Doxorubicin-Induced Acute Cardiotoxicity in Wistar Rats: An Electrocardiographic, Biochemical, and Histopathological Approach.

Doxorubicin is a widely used anticancer drug whose efficacy is limited due to its cardiotoxicity. There is no ideal cardioprotection available against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the anticipated cardioprotective potential of metformin and dapagliflozin against doxorubicin-induced acute cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats. At the beginning of the experiment, cardiac screening of experimental animals was done by recording an electrocardiogram (ECG) before allocating them into the groups. Thereafter, a total of thirty healthy adult Wistar rats (150-200 g) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6) and treated for eight days as follows: group I (normal control), group II (doxorubicin control), group III (metformin 250 mg/kg/day), group IV (metformin 180 mg/kg/day), and group V (dapagliflozin 0.9 mg/kg/day). On the 7th day of the treatment phase, doxorubicin 20 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneal to groups II, III, IV, and V. On the 9th day (immediately after 48 h of doxorubicin administration), blood was collected from anesthetized animals for glucose, lipid profile, CK-MB & AST estimation, and ECG was recorded. Later, animals were sacrificed, and the heart was dissected for histopathological examination. We found that compared to normal control rats, CK-MB, AST, and glucose were significantly increased in doxorubicin control rats. There was a significant reversal of doxorubicin-induced hyperglycemia in the rats treated with metformin 250 mg/kg compared to doxorubicin control rats. Both metformin (180 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg) and dapagliflozin (0.9 mg/kg) significantly altered doxorubicin-induced ECG changes and reduced the levels of cardiac injury biomarkers CK-MB and AST compared to doxorubicin control rats. Metformin and dapagliflozin protected the cellular architecture of the myocardium from doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury. Current study revealed that both metformin and dapagliflozin at the FDA-recommended antidiabetic doses mitigated doxorubicin-induced acute cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats. The obtained data have opened the perspective to perform chronic studies and then to clinical studies to precisely consider metformin and dapagliflozin as potential chemoprotection in the combination of chemotherapy with doxorubicin to limit its cardiotoxicity, especially in patients with comorbid conditions like type II diabetes mellitus.

Modulation of macronutrient metabolism in the offspring by maternal micronutrient deficiency in experimental animals.

Epidemiological evidence indicates that poor early growth is associated with increased susceptibility to visceral obesity, insulin resistance and associated diseases in adulthood. Studies in experimental animals have demonstrated a robust association between nutrient imbalance during foetal life and disease prevalence in their later life specially of those involving macronutrient metabolism. There is very little data on the role of maternal micronutrient deficiencies widely prevalent in India. This review focuses on different animal models of micronutrient restriction, mimicking human situations during pregnancy and lactation that cause aberrations in macronutrient metabolism in the offspring. These aberrations consist of altered body composition, dyslipidaemia and altered insulin sensitivity associated with modulated insulin production. These phenotypic changes were associated with altered lipid profile, fatty acid synthesis / transport, oxidative stress, glucose tolerance / tissue uptake. Further, these were also associated with altered myogenesis and insulin expression and secretion from pancreatic beta-islets. While these changes during in utero or early postnatal life serve as essential adaptations to overcome adverse conditions, these become maladaptive subsequently and set the stage for obesity and type 2 diabetes.