The minimum effective concentration (MEC90) of bupivacaine for an ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block for analgesia in knee surgery: a dose-finding study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the suprainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block (SFICB) has become more common in clinical practice. This assessor-blinded dose-finding study aimed to determine the minimum effective concentration (MEC90, MEC95) of bupivacaine for a single-injection SFICB in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament repair. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital (postoperative recovery room and ward). The SFICB was performed as a postsurgical intervention after spinal anesthesia. Seventy patients were allocated using the biased-coin design up-and-down sequential method. The ultrasound-guided SFICB was performed using different bupivacaine concentrations, and standard multimodal analgesia was administered to all patients. Block success was defined as the absence of pain or presence of only tactile sensation during the pinprick test conducted on the anterior and lateral regions of the mid-thigh six hours postoperatively. RESULTS: According to isotonic regression and bootstrap CIs, the MEC90 value of bupivacaine for a successful SFICB was 0.123% (95% CI [0.098, 0.191]) and the MEC95 value was 0.188% (95% CI [0.113, 0.223]). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the MEC90 and MEC95 values for bupivacaine administered via an SFICB for analgesia were 0.123% and 0.188%, respectively. One advantage of using lower concentrations of bupivacaine is the associated reduction in quadriceps weakness.

The effects of dexmedetomidine on trauma-induced secondary injury in rat brain.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex), a sedative drug with little or no depressant effect on respiratory centers, on secondary injury in rat brain tissue by means of the Na+/K+ ATPase enzyme, which maintains the cell membrane ion gradient; malondialdehyde, an indicator of membrane lipid peroxidation; glutathione, an indicator of antioxidant capacity; and histopathological analyses. METHODS: Eighteen rats were randomized into three groups: the trauma group received anesthesia, followed by head trauma with a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Apparatus; the Trauma+Dex group received an additional treatment of 100 µg/kg intraperitoneal dexmedetomidine daily for three days; the Control group received anesthesia only. RESULTS: The highest MDA levels compared to the Control group were found in the Trauma group. Mean levels in the Trauma+Dex group were lower, albeit still significantly high compared to the Control group. Glutathione levels were similar in all groups. Na/K-ATPase levels were significantly lower in the Trauma group compared to both the Control group and the Trauma+Dex group. Histopathologic findings of tissue degeneration including edema, vascular congestion and neuronal injury, and cleaved caspase-3 levels were lower in the Trauma+Dex group compared with the Trauma group. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine administered during the early stage of traumatic brain injury may inhibit caspase-3 cleavageHowever, the mechanism does not seem to be related to the improvement of MDA or GSH levels.

The effects of mobile phone exposure on mast cells in rat dura mater / Efectos de la exposición del teléfono móvil en los mastocitos de la duramadre de ratas

Mobile phone use has increased rapidly. The central nervous system has been shown to be adversely affected by its electromagnetic field (EMF) resulting in headache and sleep disturbances. How the cells make up the CNS and are affected by EMF is unclear. However, because of their central role in inflammation through diverse stimuli including radiation, this study aimed to investigate the effects of electromagnetic fields induced by mobile phones on mast cells in rat dura mater. A total of 18 adult, female, SpragueDawley rats were divided into two groups. The choice of female rats for his study was based on recent surveys demonstrating that mobile phone use is more frequent and prolonged among females. The study group was exposed to 900 MHz electromagnetic field (1 h/day for 45 days). In the end of the study, duramater tissue was extracted and stained using Toluidine blue. Mast cells were counted and results were analysed using Student t test. Mean mast cell number was 202.33±9.82 and 456.78±35.01 in the control and study groups, respectively (p<0.05). Analysis of serum electrolyte and immunoglobulin E levels showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). The study showed that mobile phone exposure increased mast cell number and degranulation in rat dura mater. Further studies are required to evaluate the clinical implications of these findings.

El uso del teléfono móvil ha aumentado rápidamente. Se ha demostrado que el sistema nervioso central (SNC) se ve afectado de manera adversa debido al campo electromagnético (CEM) que produce dolor de cabeza y trastornos del sueño. No está claro cómo se ve afectada la composición celular del SNC por el CEM. Sin embargo, debido a su función principal en la inflamación a través de diversos estímulos que incluyen la radiación, este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los efectos de los campos electromagnéticos inducidos por los teléfonos móviles en los mastocitos de la duramadre de ratas. Un total de 18 ratas Sprague-Dawley adultas, hembras, se dividieron en dos grupos. Se usaron ratas hembras para este estudio en base a investigaciones recientes que han demostrado que el uso de teléfonos móviles es más frecuente y prolongado en las mujeres. Los grupos de estudio fueron expuestos a un campo electromagnético de 900 MHz (1 h / día durante 45 días). Al término del estudio, fue extirpado el tejido de la duramadre y teñido con azul de toluidina. Se contaron los mastocitos y se analizaron los resultados utilizando la prueba t de Student. La cantidad media de células cebadas fue de 202,33 ± 9.82 y 456,78 ± 35,01 en los grupos control y estudio, respectivamente (p <0,05). El análisis del electrolito sérico y los niveles de inmunoglobulina E no mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los dos grupos (p> 0,05). El estudio mostró que la exposición a teléfonos móviles aumentó el número de mastocitos y la desgranulación en la duramadre de las ratas. Se requieren estudios adicionales para evaluar las implicaciones clínicas de estos hallazgos.

Comparison of King Vision video laryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope: a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial / Comparação entre o videolaringoscópio King Vision e o laringoscópio Macintosh: um ensaio clínico prospectivo randomizado e controlado

Abstract Background and objectives We compared the efficiency of the King Vision video laryngoscope and the Macintosh laryngoscope, when used by experienced anesthesiologists on adult patients with varying intubating conditions, in a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. Methods A total of 388 patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of I or II, scheduled for general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Each patient was intubated with both laryngoscopes successively, in a randomized order. Intubation success rate, time to best glottic view, time to intubation, time to ventilation, Cormack-Lehane laryngoscopy grades, and complications related to the laryngoscopy and intubation were analyzed. Results and conclusions First pass intubation success rates were similar for the King Vision and the Macintosh (96.6% vs. 94.3%, respectively, p > 0.05). King Vision resulted in a longer average time to glottic view (95% CI 0.5-1.4 s, p < 0.001), and time to intubation (95% CI 3-4.6 s, p < 0.001). The difference in time to intubation was similar when unsuccessful intubation attempts were excluded (95% CI 2.8-4.4 s, p < 0.001). Based on the modified Mallampati class at the preoperative visit, the King Vision improved the glottic view in significantly more patients (220 patients, 56.7%) compared with the Macintosh (180 patients, 46.4%) (p < 0.001). None of the patients had peripheral oxygen desaturation below 94%. Experienced anesthesiologists may obtain similar rates of first pass intubation success and airway trauma with both laryngoscopes. King Vision requires longer times to visualize the glottis and to intubate the trachea, but does not cause additional desaturation.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos Comparamos a eficiência do videolaringoscópio King Vision e do laringoscópio Macintosh, quando usados por anestesiologistas experientes em pacientes adultos com diferentes condições de intubação, em um estudo clínico prospectivo randomizado e controlado. Métodos Foram selecionados 388 pacientes com estado físico ASA I ou II (de acordo com a classificação da American Society of Anesthesiologists - ASA), programados para anestesia geral com intubação traqueal. Cada paciente foi intubado com ambos os laringoscópios sucessivamente, em uma ordem aleatória. A taxa de sucesso da intubação, o tempo até a melhor visibilização da glote, o tempo de intubação, o tempo de ventilação, a classificação de Cormack-Lehane (graus) e as complicações relacionadas à laringoscopia e intubação foram analisados. Resultados e conclusões As taxas de sucesso na intubação na primeira tentativa foram similares para o King Vision e o Macintosh (96,6% vs. 94,3%, respectivamente, p > 0,05). As médias dos tempos até a melhor visibilização da glote (IC 95% 0,5-1,4 s, p < 0,001) e de intubação (IC 95% 3-4,6 s, p < 0,001) foram maiores no King Vision. A diferença no tempo de intubação foi semelhante quando as tentativas malsucedidas de intubação foram excluídas (IC 95% 2,8-4,4 s, p < 0,001). Com base na classificação de Mallampati modificada na consulta pré-operatória, o King Vision melhorou significativamente a visibilização da glote em mais pacientes (220 pacientes, 56,7%) em comparação com o Macintosh (180 pacientes, 46,4%) (p < 0,001). Nenhum dos pacientes apresentou dessaturação periférica de oxigênio abaixo de 94%. Os anestesiologistas experientes podem obter taxas semelhantes de sucesso na primeira tentativa de intubação e de traumas das vias aéreas com ambos os laringoscópios. O King Vision requer tempos mais longos até a visibilização da glote e de intubação traqueal, mas não causa dessaturação adicional.

Avaliação in vitro das propriedades antimicrobianas de vasopressores / In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial features of vasopressors / Evaluación in vitro de las propiedades antimicrobianas de vasopresores

Justificativa e objetivo: os medicamentos administrados como perfusão intravenosa podem ser contaminados durante as várias etapas de produção ou preparação. No entanto, estudos sobre os efeitos antibacterianos de vasopressores são muito raros. Este estudo investiga a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro das formas de vasopressores usados clinicamente. Materiais e métodos: atividades antimicrobianas in vitro de substâncias vasopressoras de diferentes concentrações foram investigadas com o uso da técnica de microdiluição. Os microrganismos empregados no teste foram: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis ATCC 911, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 43251, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus cereus 702 Roma, Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC607, Candida albicans ATCC 60193 e Saccharomyces cerevisiae RSKK 251. Os ensaios antibacterianos foram feitos em caldo de cultura Mueller-Hinton (pH 7,3) e os ensaios antifúngicos em solução tampão de base nitrogenada para levedura (pH 7,0). Resultados: duas preparações diferentes de dopamina mostraram atividade antimicrobiana. Nenhuma outra substância do estudo mostrou qualquer atividade antimicrobiana. Conclusões: em nossa opinião, os efeitos antibacterianos da dopamina podem ser vantajosos para inibir a propagação de contaminação bacteriana durante a preparação das soluções para perfusão. Contudo, salientamos a importância do seguimento rigoroso das diretrizes de esterilização dos equipamentos e de assepsia durante todos os procedimentos feitos em unidades de terapia intensiva. .

Background: Drugs administered as intravenous infusion may be contaminated during several stages of production or preparation. However studies focusing on antibacterial effects of vasopressor drugs are very rare. This study investigates the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the clinically used forms of vasopressors. Materials and methods: In vitro antimicrobial activities of vasopressor drugs of different concentrations were investigated by using the micro dilution technique. Microorganisms used in the test were Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis ATCC 911, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 43251, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus cereus 702 Roma, Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC607, Candida albicans ATCC 60193, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae RSKK 251. Antibacterial assays were performed in Mueller-Hinton broth at pH 7.3 and antifungal assays were performed in buffered Yeast Nitrogen Base at pH 7.0. Results: Two different dopamine preparations showed antimicrobial activity. No other study drug showed any antimicrobial activity. Conclusions: In our opinion, dopamine's antibacterial effects may be advantageous for inhibiting the spread of bacterial contamination during the preparation of the infusion solutions. However, it is important that strict guidelines regarding the need for sterile equipment and deliverables be adhered to during all procedures performed in the intensive care units. .

Justificativa y objetivo: Los medicamentos administrados como perfusión intravenosa pueden ser contaminados durante las diversas etapas de producción o preparación. Sin embargo, son muy raros los estudios existentes sobre los efectos antibacterianos de los vasopresores. Este estudio investiga la actividad antimicrobiana in vitro de las formas de vasopresores usados clínicamente. Materiales y métodos: Actividades antimicrobianas in vitro de sustancias vasopresoras de diferentes concentraciones fueron investigadas con el uso de la técnica de microdilución. Los microrganismos usados en el test fueron: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis ATCC 911, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 43251, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus cereus 702 Roma, Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC607, Candida albicans ATCC 60193 y Saccharomyces cerevisiae RSKK 251. Los ensayos antibacterianos se hicieron en un caldo de cultivo Mueller-Hinton (pH 7,3) y los ensayos antifúngicos en una solución tapón de base nitrogenada para levadura (pH 7,0). Resultados: Dos preparaciones diferentes de dopamina mostraron actividad antimicrobiana. Ninguna otra sustancia del estudio mostró alguna actividad antimicrobiana. Conclusiones: En nuestra opinión, los efectos antibacterianos de la dopamina pueden ser ventajosos para inhibir la propagación de la contaminación bacteriana durante la preparación de las soluciones para perfusión. Sin embargo, destacamos la importancia del seguimiento riguroso de las directrices de esterilización de los equipos y de asepsia durante todos los procedimientos realizados en las unidades de cuidados intensivos. .