Is there a difference between the STOP-BANG and the Berlin Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome questionnaires for determining respiratory complications during the perioperative period?

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the efficiency of the STOP-BANG and Berlin Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome questionnaires for evaluating potential respiratory complications during the perioperative period. BACKGROUND: Questionnaires that are used to determine obstructive sleep apnoea risk are not widely used for surgical patients. Among the questionnaires that are commonly used for obstructive sleep apnoea screening, it remains unclear whether the STOP-BANG or Berlin Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome questionnaire is more effective in terms of ease of use, usage period and diagnosis of surgical patients with obstructive sleep apnoea risk. DESIGN: This study was designed as a descriptive and prospective study. METHODS: The study included 126 patients over 18 years of age who were American Society of Anesthesiologists classification class I-II and underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. To determine the potential obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome risk, the STOP-BANG and Berlin questionnaires were administered. Respiratory complications were then observed during the perioperative period. RESULTS: During intubation and extubation, we observed statistically significant differences in difficult intubation, difficult facemask ventilation and desaturation frequency between the high- and low-risk groups for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, as determined by the STOP-BANG questionnaire. During extubation, statistically significant differences in coughing, breath-holding and desaturation frequency were observed between the high-risk and low-risk groups, according to the Berlin questionnaire. In the post-anaesthesia care unit, both questionnaires found statistically significant differences between the low- and high-risk groups. CONCLUSION: Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome screening questionnaires administered during the preoperative period are useful for predicting perioperative respiratory complications. It may be most useful to administer the STOP-BANG questionnaire as the initial evaluation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Questionnaires may be used to determine the risk of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, which could impact the anaesthetisation of surgical patients. Questionnaires for determining the risk of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome should be used regularly for surgical patients, and these questionnaires should be used to improve clinical protocols for anaesthesia and postanaesthesia care.

CiliaMiner: an integrated database for ciliopathy genes and ciliopathies.

Cilia are found in eukaryotic species ranging from single-celled organisms, such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, to humans, but not in plants. The ability to respond to repellents and/or attractants, regulate cell proliferation and differentiation and provide cellular mobility are just a few examples of how crucial cilia are to cells and organisms. Over 30 distinct rare disorders generally known as ciliopathy are caused by abnormalities or functional impairments in cilia and cilia-related compartments. Because of the complexity of ciliopathies and the rising number of ciliopathies and ciliopathy genes, a ciliopathy-oriented and up-to-date database is required. Here, we present CiliaMiner, a manually curated ciliopathy database that includes ciliopathy lists collected from articles and databases. Analysis reveals that there are 55 distinct disorders likely related to ciliopathy, with over 4000 clinical manifestations. Based on comparative symptom analysis and subcellular localization data, diseases are classified as primary, secondary or atypical ciliopathies. CiliaMiner provides easy access to all of these diseases and disease genes, as well as clinical features and gene-specific clinical features, as well as subcellular localization of each protein. Additionally, the orthologs of disease genes are also provided for mice, zebrafish, Xenopus, Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. CiliaMiner (https://kaplanlab.shinyapps.io/ciliaminer) aims to serve the cilia community with its comprehensive content and highly enriched interactive heatmaps, and will be continually updated. Database URL: https://kaplanlab.shinyapps.io/ciliaminer/.

NeRNA: A negative data generation framework for machine learning applications of noncoding RNAs.

Many supervised machine learning based noncoding RNA (ncRNA) analysis methods have been developed to classify and identify novel sequences. During such analysis, the positive learning datasets usually consist of known examples of ncRNAs and some of them might even have weak or strong experimental validation. On the contrary, there are neither databases listing the confirmed negative sequences for a specific ncRNA class nor standardized methodologies developed to generate high quality negative examples. To overcome this challenge, a novel negative data generation method, NeRNA (negative RNA), is developed in this work. NeRNA uses known examples of given ncRNA sequences and their calculated structures for octal representation to create negative sequences in a manner similar to frameshift mutations but without deletion or insertion. NeRNA is tested individually with four different ncRNA datasets including microRNA (miRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA). Furthermore, a species-specific case analysis is performed to demonstrate and compare the performance of NeRNA for miRNA prediction. The results of 1000 fold cross-validation on Decision Tree, Naïve Bayes and Random Forest classifiers, and deep learning algorithms such as Multilayer Perceptron, Convolutional Neural Network, and Simple feedforward Neural Networks indicate that models obtained by using NeRNA generated datasets, achieves substantially high prediction performance. NeRNA is released as an easy-to-use, updatable and modifiable KNIME workflow that can be downloaded with example datasets and required extensions. In particular, NeRNA is designed to be a powerful tool for RNA sequence data analysis.

Effect of headphones on sevoflurane requirement for MRI.

BACKGROUND: Acoustic noise may have adverse effects, even in patients under general anesthetic. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the effect of headphones on sevoflurane requirements in children undergoing general anesthesia for an MRI scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children scheduled for MRI were enrolled in the study. Sevoflurane was used for general anesthesia in all children. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, one to wear headphones and the other none. After reaching a predetermined end-tidal concentration, the MRI scan was initiated, and the patient was evaluated by an observer blinded to the concentration of sevoflurane. Awakening was defined as eye opening, onset of continued purposeful movement or phonation. Using the Dixon up-and-down method, each target concentration was determined by the response of the previous child in the same group. RESULTS: The study included 28 children undergoing MRI. There was a significant difference in ED50 between the two groups (0.92, 0.81-1.02, vs. 0.47, 0.42-0.63; P < 0.001). The times to spontaneous arm and leg movements, eye opening and discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit were significantly shorter in patients with headphones than in those without (P < 0.001). However, there was no difference in times to hospital discharge (P = 0.056). CONCLUSION: Noise-concealing headphones decrease inhalational anesthetic requirements and facilitate recovery. We recommend the routine use of headphones in children undergoing an MRI scan.

Efficacy of different concentrations of sevoflurane administered through a face mask for magnetic resonance imaging in children.

BACKGROUND: The main aim of this study was to use a non-invasive method such as a face mask to maintain anesthesia in children during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The secondary aim was to ascertain hemodynamic-respiration parameters, recovery time and complications of anesthesia with the administration of different concentrations of sevoflurane. METHODS: This prospective and randomized study included 96 ASA I-II children, aged 1-10, scheduled to undergo MRI with anesthesia with sevoflurane through a face mask. All patients were administered midazolam 0.5 mg·kg(-1) orally 30 min before anesthesia induction. Sevoflurane 8% was given to induce anesthesia under assisted-controlled ventilation for 2 min, and an intravenous route was opened on the hand. Three different concentrations of sevoflurane were administered through a face mask under spontaneous respiration to maintain anesthesia. A mixture of sevoflurane, oxygen, and air of 5 l·min(-1) was given through a face mask for anesthesia. Group 1 (n = 32) received 1.5% sevoflurane, Group 2 (n = 32) 1.25% sevoflurane, and Group 3 (n = 32) 1.0% sevoflurane. Recovery time, removal from the MRI room, postanesthesia care unit discharge data, and complications were also recorded. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), respiration rate, and anesthesia adequacy were recorded every 5 min from the time of induction until completion of the MRI. RESULTS: All three groups were similar in demographic and hemodynamic respiratory features. MRI was successfully performed in 96.6% of all patients without additional intervention. Sevoflurane concentrations were increased for a short time in one patient in Group 1 and in two patients in Group 3. Oxygen flow was increased in one patient in Group 1 and in one patient in Group 2 as SpO(2) was lower than 95%. The mean time to eye opening (from discontinuation of sevoflurane to eye opening) was 155.8 ± 50.0 s in Group 1, 89.5 ± 16.0 s in Group 2, and 53.5 ± 10.0 s in Group 3; differences between the groups were statistically significant (P = 0.001). Airways were not used on any of the patients, and none vomited or required endotracheal intubation or laryngeal mask anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the administration of sevoflurane at a concentration of 1% via a face mask under spontaneous respiration may provide light anesthesia without complications to induce an unarousable sleep for children during MRI.

Comparison of two different oxygen delivery methods in the early postoperative period: randomized trial.

AIM: This paper is a report of a study conducted to compare the effects of two different oxygen delivery methods on both patient peripheral oxygen saturation and patient satisfaction. BACKGROUND: One of the most serious problems encountered in the early postoperative period is hypoxemia. Giving oxygen to patients in the perioperative period reduces the incidence of hypoxemia. Oxygen is generally delivered to patients through oxygen masks or nasal cannulae. Previous studies have shown that face masks and nasal cannulae are effective in the early postoperative period. METHOD: A randomized trial was conducted between 2007 and 2008 with patients undergoing thyroidectomy. In the early postoperative period, 5 L/minute of oxygen was given to patients via an oxygen mask (n = 53) or nasal cannulae (n = 53). Peripheral oxygen saturation were measured by pulse oxymeter every 5 minutes for a 30-minute period. The Postoperative Nausea Vomiting Scale was used and patient satisfaction was evaluated using a 10-point scale. RESULTS: Average peripheral oxygen saturation for the nasal cannulae group was statistically significant higher than that in the mask group. This difference arose from more frequent removal of the oxygen mask than the nasal cannulae by patients and healthcare professionals. Average satisfaction scores for patients in the nasal cannulae group were statistically significantly higher than those in the mask group. CONCLUSION: During the early postoperative period, using nasal cannulae for patients undergoing thyroidectomy increases oxygenation.

[A clinic's experiences in postoperative patient controlled analgesia]. / Postoperatif hasta kontrollü analjezide bir klinigin deneyimleri.

OBJECTIVES: Postoperative analgesia technique varies depending on the operation, patient, anesthetist, and circumstances. PCA (patient controlled analgesia) is an effective way of supporting postoperative analgesia. In this study, we aimed to present the efficacy and safety of our postoperative PCA treatment and the patient profile along with the requirements, preferences and decision-making process. METHODS: We discuss herein the PCA protocols of our clinic, the overall distribution of operations for which PCA was applied and the principles by which a pain team works. RESULTS: The operations for which PCA was applied included knee prosthesis, cesarean section, hip prosthesis, lower extremity trauma surgery, painless delivery, gastrointestinal surgery, multiple trauma surgery, thoracotomy, hysterectomy, laminectomy, and urogenital surgery. Postoperative PCA alone was successful in 89% of the patients, and with the supplemental analgesic agent, it was successful in an additional 6% of the patients, thus achieving a total success rate of 95%. CONCLUSION: We believe the epidural and intravenous PCA protocols applied in our clinic for postoperative analgesia are effective and safe.

[Pain treatment practice according to the WHO analgesic ladder in cancer patients: eight years experience of a single center]. / Kanser hastalarinda WHO analjezik basamak tedavisine göre agri tedavisi. Bir merkezin sekiz yillik deneyimi.

In this study we evaluated the results of pain treatment practices according to the World Health Organization analgesic ladder treatment. and other treatment modalities in cancer patients who were admitted to an anesthesiology-based pain service. Patient characteristics, distribution of the patients according to the primary pathologic sites, initial and last distribution of the patients according to analgesic ladder treatment, other invasive or non-invasive treatment modalities, side effects, and other data related with the patients were examined. 416 of 475 (87.5%) patients were treated using the WHO analgesic ladder treatment, 57 patients (12 %) were treated by invasive techniques. The number of successfully treated patients in step I, II and III were 49 (11.77%), 307 (73.79%) and 60 (14.42) respectively. 181 of 416 (43.50%) patients used anticonvulsants or neuroleptics, 341 of 416 (81.97%) patients used antidepressants. In 31 of 416 patients (7.5%), non-invasive or invasive treatment modalities had become necessary to augment the WHO analgesic ladder treatment. Over the entire treatment period, side effects were reported in 17.05% of the patients. The follow-up time for the patients was 42 +/- 109.7 days, the mean interview number was 5.6+/-7.6, the longest follow-up time was 1380 days, and the maximum number of the interviews made by the same patient was 68. In conclusion, we think that, using the World Health Organization analgesic ladder treatment and administering appropriate analgesics and adjuvants in appropriate oral doses determined for appropriate subjects could successfully treat a great number of these patients.

[Pain treatment in burn patients]. / Yanik hastalarinda agri ve tedavisi.

Burn injuries can be causing the most intense and prolonged types of pain. Pain in such patients can also cause psychologic and functional difficulties, and is difficult to predict from wound depth. The fundamental problem of the burn pain treatment is insufficient analgesia. The pain management of the burn patient can be very difficult and necessitate enough experience because of individual differences of the patients and pain that involve different components. The psychological support and treatment is also as important as pharmacological treatment. The success rate of the pain treatment of the burn patient can be increased with the multidisciplinary approach based on the decision of the most appropriate pain treatment modalities for individual patient and the principles of the pain treatment.

An alternative simple method in laryngoscope blade decontamination.

The cleaning and disinfection of laryngoscope blades is controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of two different chemical disinfectant agents and tap water where the laryngoscope blades were contaminated by different microorganisms and try to create a simple, effective and easy decontamination method. The results of our study demonstrate that the decontamination of the laryngoscope blades, which are cleansed with tap water, is not a reliable approach. In conclusion, mechanical cleaning of blades with water and the immersion in 2% glutaraldehyde or 10% polyvinyl pyrrolidine iodine for 10 minutes is an effective method for decontamination of laryngoscope blades.

[Assessment of the effectiveness of lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection for low back pain]. / Terapotik lomber transforaminal epidural steroid enjeksiyonu uygulamasinin etkinliginin degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: Transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) is a minimally invasive technique used for low back pain. We aimed to assess the efficiency of TFESI in patients with low back pain who did not respond to conservative or surgical methods. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of the records of 37 patients (range: 24-80 years) who presented to our clinic with low back pain and were treated by TFESI. Outcomes were assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) measured at the 3rd week and 6th month. RESULTS: Median age of the patients was 50 years, and mean duration of symptoms was 48 months. Diagnosis was lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in 51%, failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) in 38%, and spinal stenosis (SS) in 11% of the patients. Baseline VAS scores were similar between the three groups. The 3rd week and 6th month VAS scores of LDH and FBSS cases were significantly decreased compared to baseline scores (p<0.001, p=0.001), and no significant change was observed between the VAS scores at the 3rd week and 6th month (p>0.05). If success is defined as 50% or more decrease in VAS scores, the success rate of TFESI was 84% at the 3rd week and 78% at the 6th month. CONCLUSION: TFESI significantly reduced the intensity of low back pain in most of the patients with LDH, FBSS or SS; thus, it may be considered as an effective method in the treatment of low back pain.

Comparison of the local anesthetic effects of chlorpheniramine, midazolam, lidocaine, and normal saline after intradermal injection.

BACKGROUND: Local anesthetic effects of antihistamines are well known, but have been tested more for diphenhydramine than for chlorpheniramine. Midazolam, a benzodiazepine gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor agonist, induces spinally mediated analgesia. However, the local anesthetic effects of chlorpheniramine and midazolain have not been adequately studied. The purpose of this study was to assess the infiltration pain and the local anesthetic effects of intradermial chlorpheniramine and midazolam. MATERIAL/METHODS: This prospective, double-blind study compared the effects of intradermal chlorpheniramine, midazolam, lidocaine, and saline for pain on injection and degree of local anesthesia in adult volunteers. Each received 0.5 ml of the four solutions as intradermal injections in a standardized manner on the volar side of the forearm. Pain on injection and the degree of local anesthesia (tested by pinprick, light touch, and cold) at each site was evaluated on a 0-3 scale at designated time intervals. RESULTS: Pain on injection of chlorpheniramine was more intense than saline (p=0.047) and lidocaine (p<0.001). Midazolam was significantly more painful than lidocaine (p<0.001), but not different from saline (p=0.170). Lidocaine caused a significant reduction in sensation to pinprick, touch, and cold during the study period compared with saline and midazolam. Chlorpheniramine also produced a significant reduction in sensation to pinprick and cold until the 120th minute and in sensation to touch until the 90th minute compared with saline. CONCLUSIONS: Intradermal chlorpheniraline, but not midazolam, produced a local anesthetic effect; however, the duration of this effect of chlorpheniramine was shorter than that of lidocaine.

Severe rhabdomyolysis due to malignant hyperthermia during renal transplantation procedure can cause delayed graft function.

A case of rhabdomyolysis from malignant hyperthermia occurred during renal transplantation surgery is presented. After the completion of vascular and uretherovesical anostomosis, the patient's heart rate began to rise, sweatiness was observed and body temperature increased to 41 degrees C. Additionally, metabolic and respiratory acidosis and hyperkalemia were detected. Serum creatine kinase and lactic dehydrogenase levels were increased significantly. After external cooling and the administration of dantrolene sodium, body temperature and heart rate were decreased. During this period; furosemide, mannitol and sodium bicarbonate were given. Three hours after the completion of surgery, urine output was begun and urine myoglobin was found to be positive. Renal function improved gradually and serum creatinine level decreased to 1.6 mg/dl on the 14th postoperative day. Malignant hyperthermia can lead to severe rhabdomyolysis and delayed graft function in renal transplant recipients. Early diagnosis and intervention is crucial for protecting renal function.