The invention relates to a method of reducing nitric oxide production by a cell in vitro or in a mammal by a cell by contacting the cell with chitosan or its derivatives in an amount effective to reduce nitric oxide production in the cell. In a preferred embodiment, the drag reducing polymers are a mixture of polyethylene oxide in a carrier solution. The apparatus also includes a heat transfer element attached to the body via the plurality of chambers such that the plurality of chambers is in fluid communication with the heat transfer element. The method of another embodiment further comprises the steps of: d) applying a curable composition to form a coating on ink-receptive cured areas; e) curing the coating on the cured areas; and f) repeating steps d) and e) to attain a desired relief depth for the ink-receptive cured areas. This invention further provides a laryngoscope blade comprising at its front portion a first surface for lifting the epiglottis of a patient and a second surface for fixing the portion of the posterior part of the vocal cords of the patient. The sound waves are detected with a portable device and an audio signal representing the sound waves is generated.