[Case Report : Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) with Dexmedetomidine.]

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a sedative used for monitored anesthesia care (MAC). DEX has been used frequently for MAC because of its less respiratory depressant effect We used DEX in four patients with severe complications who needed surgery under MAC. We started MAC with continuous infusion of 0.5-0.9 µtg - kg(-1) . hr(-1) of DEX, without initial loading dose, combined with regional anesthesia, and gradually either increased or decreased continuous infusion according to Ramsay sedation scale (RSS). The simulated plasma concentrations of DEX were calculated by AnestAs- sistTM PK . PD(-1). All patients were well sedated and operations were completed safely, although simulated plasma concentrations of DEX were low. Remarkable cardiovascular responses and respiratory depression were not observed. Our study indicated that the usage of DEX without initial loading dose combined with regional anesthesia could be an option for patients with severe complications undergoing MAC.

Preoperative anesthesia clinic in Japan: a nationwide survey of the current practice of preoperative anesthesia assessment.

PURPOSE: In order to investigate the current practice of preoperative anesthesia assessment in Japan, we conducted a nationwide survey of the preoperative anesthesia clinic (PAC). METHODS: A written questionnaire was sent to anesthesia teaching hospitals certified by the Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were received from 789 hospitals (response rate 62.5 %). PACs were conducted in 52.0 % of these hospitals and were more frequently implemented in large hospitals. Services covered by the PAC included medical history taking, physical examination, review of laboratory data, and obtaining informed consent. Majority of the anesthesiologists at hospitals that did not have a PAC responded that although they acknowledged that a PAC is necessary, they were unable to set one up. The main obstacle preventing establishment of the PAC was shortage of human resources. CONCLUSIONS: Half the anesthesia teaching hospitals in Japan use a PAC for preoperative assessment. At such hospitals, all the procedures required before anesthesia are performed in the clinic. Lack of human resources is the major obstacle preventing establishment of PACs in all hospitals.

[Survey of patients at the preoperative evaluation clinic (PAC)].

Anesthesia requires informed consent because it is an invasive procedure with high risks. We carried out a questionnaire study in 1,050 patients who were seen at the preoperative evaluation clinic (PAC). Patients who heard about PAC for the first time accounted for 77.9% in spite of having experienced anesthesia. Many patients were provided with the information about anesthesia the day before surgery and medication control and additional checking were difficult to carry out. Some patients (34.2%) were told about anesthesia with no attendant. In particular, about complications of anesthesia, many patients did not remember what the specific explanation had been offered in the past. We thought that it is necessary to explain the complications of anesthesia even if it is the second anesthesia for patients.

Role of MicroRNA-21 in Regulating Intracellular Pathways Associated With Phagocytosis in Human Macrophages: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction The efficient clearance of bacteria by macrophages is crucial for the timely resolution of inflammation. In this study, we investigated the role of microRNA-21 (miR-21)-induced phagocytosis and its intracellular signaling pathways in human macrophages in vitro. Methods Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from whole blood collected from 15 healthy volunteers. Differentiated human macrophages were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to determine the time course of changes in phagocytic activity and miR-21 expression. The expression of candidate genes targeted by miR-21 and its downstream effectors was quantitatively assessed. The effects of miR-21 modulation were also examined via transfection with miR-21 mimics and inhibitors. Results Incubation of human macrophages with LPS upregulated both phagocytosis and miR-21 expression. Notably, changing miR-21 expression levels using miR-21 mimics or inhibitors led to significant and opposite changes in the expression of its downstream effectors. miR-21 induction in macrophages downregulated PDCD4 and PTEN, promoted the phosphorylation of Akt and the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and facilitated phagocytosis. Conclusion This study directly confirms that LPS upregulates macrophage phagocytosis and miR-21 expression. Elevated miR-21 levels in macrophages enhanced phagocytosis, contributing to an anti-inflammatory phenotype. These findings underscore the importance of miR-21 in resolving inflammation.

[Code of civil procedure for medical workers--evidence of fact finding and efficacy of judgment].

For a fair trial, fact finding shall certainly be based on evidence, and examination of evidence is performed using means, such as documentary evidence, validity, examination, and expert opinion. In fact finding, in order to eliminate a judge's arbitrariness and to secure justice, we have to make the process of fact finding rational and objective. For this reason, the court must recognize the fact used as the foundation of judgment based on the presented proof on the basis of participation of both parties concerned. As an effect of the judgment, there ensure res judicata and power of execution. They serve as a binding force to a next trial.

[Code of civil procedure for medical workers -the essential principles of proceedings and expediting of trials-].

Code of civil procedure is started when a plaintiff appeals to the law. Conversely, if a suit is not appealed, it is not started. We explain the essential principles of the code of civil procedure, and present systems associated with expediting trials (a brief, preliminary oral arguments, preparatory proceedings, inquiry to opponent, organized proceedings, technical adviser system, etc.). Amendment of law is repeated for the purpose of aiming suitably expediting trials. We should utilize the present code of civil procedure suitably, and expect the quick conclusion of trials.

[Anaphylaxis during anesthesia--especially from neuromuscular blocking agents].

Among all drugs used for general anesthesia, neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) seem to play a predominant role in the incidence of severe adverse reactions. The overall incidence of perioperative anaphylaxis is estimated at 1 in 10,000-20,000 anesthetic procedures, whereas it is estimated at 1 in 6,500 administrations of NMBAs. After anaphylaxis, allergologic assessment is essential to identify the offending agent and to prevent recurrences. The estimated sensitivity of skin tests for muscle relaxants is approximately 94% to 97%. Prick testing is advised for the diagnosis of the NMBAs responsible for an anaphylactic reaction, and intradermal testing is preferred when investing cross-reaction. The choice of the safest possible anesthetic agents should be based on the result of a rigorously performed allergologic assessment.

Phosphodiesterase 3 inhibition reduces platelet activation and monocyte tissue factor expression in knee arthroplasty patients.

BACKGROUND: Tissue damage during surgery activates platelets and provokes a prothrombic state. The current study attempted to determine the impact of phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitors on platelet activation, platelet-leukocyte aggregate formation, and monocyte tissue factor expression during and after total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Thirty-four patients undergoing scheduled total knee arthroplasty were randomly assigned to receive either the phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor milrinone or the same amount of saline perioperatively. The effects of milrinone on platelet and leukocyte function in vitro were then assessed in healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Perioperative infusion of milrinone significantly attenuated platelet activation; phosphorylation of intraplatelet p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and Akt; and platelet-leukocyte aggregation. Furthermore, perioperative tissue factor expression on monocytes and fibrin monomer complex production were reduced by milrinone infusion in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. In vitro studies using adenosine diphosphate- and collagen-stimulated blood samples from healthy volunteers confirmed the antiplatelet effects and reduced monocyte tissue factor expression by milrinone. These studies further showed that platelet aggregation and integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) activation were modified by intraplatelet phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways, and that P-selectin expression on platelets and platelet-leukocyte aggregation were modulated by intraplatelet p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. CONCLUSION: Continuous milrinone infusion has the potential to reduce platelet activation and monocyte tissue factor expression during the perioperative period in total knee arthroplasty. These events may be mediated in part by the ability of milrinone to reduce activation of intraplatelet mitogen-activated protein kinases and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. The clinical impact of phosphodiesterase 3 inhibition on perioperative hemostasis remains to be elucidated.

Cold storage conditions modify microRNA expressions for platelet transfusion.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that modulate gene and protein expression in hematopoiesis. Platelets are known to contain a fully functional miRNA machinery. While platelets used for transfusion are normally stored at room temperature, recent evidence suggests more favorable effects under a cold-storage condition, including higher adhesion and aggregation properties. Thus, we sought to determine whether functional differences in platelets are associated with the differential profiling of platelet miRNA expressions. To obtain the miRNA expression profile, next-generation sequencing was performed on human platelets obtained from 10 healthy subjects. The miRNAs were quantified after being stored in three different conditions: 1) baseline (before storage), 2) stored at 22°C with agitation for 72 h, and 3) stored at 4°C for 72 h. Following the identification of miRNAs by sequencing, the results were validated at the level of mature miRNAs from 18 healthy subjects, by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Differential expression was observed for 125 miRNAs that were stored at 4°C and 9 miRNAs stored at 22°C as compared to the baseline. The validation study by qPCR confirmed that storage at 4°C increased the expression levels (fold change 95% CI) of mir-20a-5p (1.87, p<0.0001), mir-10a-3p (1.88, p<0.0001), mir-16-2-3p (1.54, p<0.01), and mir-223-5p (1.38, p<0.05), compared with those of the samples stored at 22°C. These results show that miRNAs correlate with platelet quality under specific storage conditions. The data indicate that miRNAs could be potentially used as biomarkers of platelet quality.

[Perioperative management of a neonate with a retroperitoneal giant teratoma who underwent its extirpation under general anesthesia: a case report].

We gave anesthesia to a neonate with a retroperitoneal giant teratoma who underwent its extirpation. Even if patients have a prenatal diagnosis of teratoma like this case, there are many patients, especially infants, with severe general condition. We report the difficulty for management during anesthesia because of severe respiratory acidosis due to pressure from diaphragmatic pleura by tumor, severe circulatory disorder due to massive bleeding during operation and severe hyperkalemia due to renal failure.

Factors contributing to successful discontinuation from inhaled nitric oxide therapy in pediatric patients after congenital cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate variables that contribute to successful discontinuation from inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) therapy in children after surgical repair of congenital heart disease. DESIGN: Analysis of retrospectively collected data. SETTING: The pediatric intensive care unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 65 pediatric patients receiving iNO therapy for the purpose of pulmonary circulation control after cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients were classified into two groups: those successfully weaned from iNO therapy on the initial attempt (group A, n = 45) and those for whom the initial attempt at weaning failed (group B, n = 20). Variables including intraoperative findings, postoperative hemodynamic and ventilatory variables, medication profiles, and dose and duration of iNO therapy were compared between groups. Using a multivariate logistic regression model, iNO therapy of >72 hrs (odds ratio, 5.6) and NO dose at discontinuation of <2 ppm (odds ratio, 4.1) were found to be significantly associated with successful weaning. Those results could be emphasized in a subgroup of left-to-right shunt cardiac anomaly. CONCLUSIONS: Longer continuation (>72 hrs) and lower final concentration (<2 ppm) represent factors contributing to successful discontinuation of iNO therapy in pediatric patients after cardiac surgery, specifically for children with left-to-right shunt correction.

Effect of synthetic cell-penetrating peptides on TrkA activity in PC12 cells.

As TrkA, a high-affinity receptor of nerve growth factor (NGF), is a potential target for relieving uncontrolled inflammatory pain, an effective inhibitor of TrkA has been required for pain management. To identify a specific inhibitor of TrkA activity, we designed cell-penetrating peptides combined with amino-acid sequences in the activation loop of TrkA to antagonize tyrosine kinase activity. To select a peptide inhibiting TrkA activity, we examined the effect of cell-penetrating peptides on tyrosine kinase activity of recombinant TrkA in vitro and studied their effects on NGF-stimulated neurite outgrowth and protein phosphorylation in PC12 cells. Thereafter we investigated the effect of the selected peptide on NGF-stimulated TrkA activity and the expression of transient receptor potential channel 1 in PC12 cells. The selected peptide inhibited TrkA activity, but did not inhibit tyrosine kinase activities of other receptor-type tyrosine kinases in vitro. It also suppressed NGF-stimulated responses in PC12 cells. The selected synthetic cell-penetrating peptide antagonizing TrkA function would be a candidate for inflammatory pain therapy.

The change of plasma endothelin-1 levels before and after surgery with or without Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to elucidate the pathophysiological roles of endothelin (ET)-1 in patients with pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular obstructive disease secondary to congenital heart disease and compare the plasma levels of ET-1 between children with and without Down syndrome. METHODS: Subjects comprised 32 children with congenital heart disease aged 0.5-14 months. Patients were classified into two groups: those with Down syndrome (Group D, n = 16); and those with nonDown syndrome (Group ND, n = 16). Heparinized blood samples were taken from a radial arterial line and plasma ET-1 levels were measured preoperatively, during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), a few minutes after termination of CPB, and 2, 6 and 24 h after discontinuation of CPB. RESULTS: Plasma ET-1 levels were significantly higher in Group D than in Group ND at all times except for a few minutes after termination of CPB. In both groups, peak ET-1 values were obtained at 6 h after CPB. At 24 h after CPB, ET-1 concentrations returned to baseline levels before CPB in Group ND, but not in Group D. A correlation was identified between preoperative pulmonary to systemic pressure ratio and ET-1 concentration before and after CPB in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pre- and postoperative plasma ET-1 concentrations reflect pre- and postoperative pulmonary artery conditions in both groups. Specific features in Down syndrome could be associated with ET injury and might cause persistent increases in ET concentration and prolong artificial respiration.

Lidocaine inhibits tyrosine kinase activity of the epidermal growth factor receptor and suppresses proliferation of corneal epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Although lidocaine is recognized as an excellent topical corneal analgesic, its toxic effect on corneal epithelial cells limits its use during corneal epithelial wound healing. Mechanism of the impairment of corneal reepithelialization with lidocaine, however, has not been evaluated. The authors' previous study revealed that lidocaine inhibits the activity of tyrosine kinase receptors through the interaction with specific amino acid sequences around autophosphorylation sites, including acidic, basic, and aromatic amino acids. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a tyrosine kinase receptor with an important role in epithelial cell proliferation after corneal wounding, also possesses these amino acids sequences around autophosphorylation sites. The authors hypothesized that lidocaine would suppress tyrosine kinase activity of EGFR and would impair corneal epithelial cell proliferation. METHODS: To investigate the effect of lidocaine (4 microM-40 mM) on epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated autophosphorylation of EGFR, the authors studied purified EGFR in microtubes. They cultured human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) with EGF and lidocaine to investigate the effect of lidocaine on cell proliferation and on autophosphorylation of EGFR in HCECs. RESULTS: Lidocaine (> or =400 microM) significantly suppressed EGF-stimulated autophosphorylation of the purified EGFR. In the HCEC study, EGF alone stimulated cell proliferation and increased autophosphorylation of EGFR in HCECs. Lidocaine (> or = 400 microM) significantly suppressed both the proliferation of HCECs promoted by EGF and EGF-stimulated autophosphorylation of EGFR. CONCLUSION: Lidocaine directly inhibits tyrosine kinase activity of EGFR and suppresses the corneal epithelial cell proliferation.

Toborinone and olprinone, phosphodiesterase III inhibitors, inhibit human platelet aggregation due to the inhibition of both calcium release from intracellular stores and calcium entry.

PURPOSE: We investigated the inhibitory effects of toborinone and olprinone on human platelet aggregation and calcium mobilization.Abstract Copyright: METHODS: Washed human platelets were preincubated with toborinone or olprinone, then exposed to 0.015 U.ml-1 of thrombin. Aggregation curves were measured using an aggregometer. Effects of toborinone or olprinone on changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured fluorometrically using fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester (fura-2). Levels of intracellular cyclic 3",5"-adenosine monophosphate concentration ([cAMP]i) were also measured, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. RESULTS: The concentrations required to cause 50% inhibition of aggregation (IC50) induced by thrombin were 9.7 +/- 0.9 micro M for toborinone and 3.6 +/- 0.2 micro M for olprinone. Both drugs at IC50 significantly elevated [cAMP]i levels and significantly inhibited Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Release of [Ca2+]i induced by thrombin was 272.9 +/- 87.1 nM, 153.3 +/- 28.7 nM, and 138.9 +/- 58.2 nM in the control, toborinone, and olprinone groups, respectively ( P < 0.02). Calcium influx through calcium channels in the plasma membrane was also suppressed by toborinone and olprinone. CONCLUSION: Toborinone (9.7 micro M) and olprinone (3.6 micro M) inhibit human platelet aggregation, though these concentrations are higher than their therapeutic plasma concentrations. The inhibitory effects of both drugs are related to the inhibition of both Ca2+ release and Ca2+ entry through [cAMP]i elevation.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis for assessment of severity of illness in pediatric patients after heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether perioperative changes in bioelectrical impedance reflect the severity of illness in pediatric patients after heart surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled study. SETTING: University-affiliated children's hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 107 patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit after congenital heart surgery. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Single frequency (50 kHz) bioelectrical impedance was measured in the lower extremities before surgery and immediately, 16 hrs, and 40 hrs after admission (D0, D1, D2) to the pediatric intensive care unit. Postoperative changes in bioelectrical impedance were assessed by calculating values relative to the preoperative data (bioelectrical impedance ratio). These bioelectrical impedance ratios at D0 in both the nonsurviving and surviving patients were 0.84 +/- 0.06 and 0.85 +/- 0.01 (mean +/- SE), respectively, indicating that the initial decrease caused by surgical stress itself was not directly related to the prognosis. The bioelectrical impedance ratio showed an increase toward preoperative values in surviving patients (0.94 +/- 0.02) at D1, and they showed a sustained decrease (0.70 +/- 0.06) in nonsurviving patients. Patients with a bioelectrical impedance ratio at D1 of < 0.8 showed a higher mortality (25%) compared with those patients with a day-1 bioelectrical impedance ratio of > or = 1.0 (0%). The duration of the stay in the pediatric intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation, and inotropic support were all significantly longer in the patients with the lower bioelectrical impedance ratio. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of the relative changes in postoperative bioelectrical impedance, which reflects perioperative alterations in body composition, provides a quantitative estimation of the critical illness in pediatric patients after heart surgery.