Maximizing Polysaccharides and Phycoerythrin in Porphyridium purpureum via the Addition of Exogenous Compounds: A Response-Surface-Methodology Approach.

Phycoerythrin and polysaccharides have significant commercial value in medicine, cosmetics, and food industries due to their excellent bioactive functions. To maximize the production of biomass, phycoerythrin, and polysaccharides in Porphyridium purpureum, culture media were supplemented with calcium gluconate (CG), magnesium gluconate (MG) and polypeptides (BT), and their optimal amounts were determined using the response surface methodology (RSM) based on three single-factor experiments. The optimal concentrations of CG, MG, and BT were determined to be 4, 12, and 2 g L-1, respectively. The RSM-based models indicated that biomass and phycoerythrin production were significantly affected only by MG and BT, respectively. However, polysaccharide production was significantly affected by the interactions between CG and BT and those between MG and BT, with no significant effect from BT alone. Using the optimized culture conditions, the maximum biomass (5.97 g L-1), phycoerythrin (102.95 mg L-1), and polysaccharide (1.42 g L-1) concentrations met and even surpassed the model-predicted maximums. After optimization, biomass, phycoerythrin, and polysaccharides concentrations increased by 132.3%, 27.97%, and 136.67%, respectively, compared to the control. Overall, this study establishes a strong foundation for the highly efficient production of phycoerythrin and polysaccharides using P. purpureum.

Calcium gluconate-based flame retardant towards simultaneously high-efficiency fire safety and mechanical enhancement for epoxy resin.

Flame retardants containing biomass receive growing interest in environmental friendliness and sustainability but usually face the low flame-retardant efficiency and deterioration on mechanical property of matrix. Herein, a calcium gluconate-based flame retardant (CG@APP) was chemically prepared using calcium gluconate (CG) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) via ion exchange reaction, and enabled the excellent fire safety and mechanical enhancement for epoxy resin (EP). The resulted EP composites containing 6 wt% CG@APP (EP/CG@APP6) exhibited V-0 ratings in UL-94 test. Furthermore, with respect to EP/APP6, the peak of heat release rate (pHRR) and peak of smoke production rate (pSPR) of EP/CG@APP6 decreased by 70.5 % and 50.0 %, respectively. The well synergistic flame-retardant mechanism of CG@APP between gaseous and solid phases was revealed to generate denser and more continuous charring residuals, which could do well work on insulation for heat transfer and fuel diffusion. In addition, the shell rich in hydroxyl group and Ca2+ on the surface of CG@APP well enhanced the interface compatibility through the hydrogen bond and coordinated bond, thus the tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength of EP/CG@APP6 increased by 18.2 %, 4.5 % and 9.1 % compared with pure EP, respectively. This work provided a simple and sustainable way to construct excellent fire-safety composites.

Denosumab-induced hypocalcemia post bariatric surgery-a severe and protracted course: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Denosumab is known to cause abnormalities in calcium homeostasis. Most of such cases have been described in patients with underlying chronic kidney disease or severe vitamin D deficiency. Previous bariatric surgery could also contribute to hypocalcemia and deterioration in bone health. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 61-year-old Malay female with worsening bilateral limb weakness, paresthesia, and severe carpopedal spasm a week after receiving subcutaneous denosumab for osteoporosis. She had a history of gastric bypass surgery 20 years ago. Post gastric bypass surgery, she was advised and initiated on lifelong calcium, vitamin D, and iron supplementations that she unfortunately stopped taking 5 years after surgery. Her last serum blood tests, prior to initiation on denosumab, were conducted in a different center, and she was told that she had a low calcium level; hence, she was advised to restart her vitamin and mineral supplements. Laboratory workup revealed severe hypocalcemia (adjusted serum calcium of 1.33 mmol/L) and mild hypophosphatemia (0.65 mmol/L), with normal magnesium and renal function. Electrocardiogram showed a prolonged QTc interval. She required four bolus courses of intravenous calcium gluconate, and three courses of continuous infusions due to retractable severe hypocalcemia (total of 29 vials of 10 mL of 10% calcium gluconate intravenously). In view of her low vitamin D level of 33 nmol/L, she was initiated on a loading dose of cholecalciferol of 50,000 IU per week for 8 weeks. However, despite a loading dose of cholecalciferol, multiple bolus courses, and infusions of calcium gluconate, her serum calcium hovered around only 1.8 mmol/L. After 8 days of continuous intravenous infusions of calcium gluconate, high doses of calcitriol 1.5 µg twice daily, and 1 g calcium carbonate three times daily, her serum calcium stabilized at approximately 2.0 mmol/L. She remained on these high doses for over 2 months, before they were gradually titrated down to ensure sustainability of a safe calcium level. CONCLUSION: This case report highlights the importance of screening for risk factors for iatrogenic hypocalcemia and ensuring normal levels before initiating denosumab. The patient history of bariatric surgery could have worsened the hypocalcemia, resulting in a more severe presentation and protracted response to oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

[Effects of Different Treatment Methods on the Contents of Related Growth Factors Released by Platelet Rich Plasma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of sonication, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, calcium salt solution and their combination on the content of related growth factors (GFs) released by platelet rich plasma (PRP). METHODS: Twenty PRPs from healthy blood donors were divided into 9 groups, including sonication group, freeze-thaw group, calcium gluconate group, calcium chloride group, sonication + calcium gluconate group, sonication + calcium chloride group, freeze-thaw + calcium gluconate group, freeze-thaw + calcium chloride group, and sonication + freeze-thaw group. After PRP activated by above 9 methods, the content of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: The platelet concentration of the samples was (966.7±202.6)×109/L. The content of TGF-ß1 in sonication + freeze-thaw group was the highest, while the lowest was in freeze-thaw group. The content of VEGF in freeze-thaw + calcium chloride group was the highest, while the lowest was in calcium gluconate group. The content of PDGF-BB in sonication + freeze-thaw group was the highest, while the lowest was in calcium gluconate group. There was no significant differences in the three GFs between calcium gluconate group and calcium chloride group. CONCLUSION: Among the 9 activated methods of PRP, there is no difference between two calcium salt solutions. And the combination of repeated freeze-thaw cycles and sonication may be the best treatment method to promote PRP to release GFs, while calcium gluconate is the weakest way.

Calcium gluconate infusion is not as effective as dopamine agonists in preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of calcium gluconate and cabergoline therapy in the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight hundred and forty-five women who underwent GnRH antagonist protocol and at high risk for developing OHSS were divided into two groups, those given cabergoline (n=435) or calcium gluconate (n=410). In cabergoline group, 0.5 mg of cabergoline was administered once daily p.o. starting on the day of ovulation trigger and continued until the following 8 days. In calcium gluconate group, intravenous calcium gluconate was administered daily for four days starting on the day of oocyte pickup (OPU). 10 ml of 10% calcium gluconate solution was dissolved in 200 ml of physiological saline and administered by intravenous route within 40 minutes. Infusion was started within the first 30 minutes following the OPU and continued on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days after OPU. RESULTS: Mild OHSS was developed in 367 (89%) patients receiving calcium gluconate infusion, while 251 patients (57%) in the cabergoline group developed mild OHSS. The frequency of mild OHSS in the calcium group was significantly higher than the cabergoline group (p<.001). Moderate OHSS was observed in 32 people (7.8%) in the calcium gluconate group, while it was observed in 184 people in the cabergoline group (42.3%). Calcium gluconate infusion significantly reduced the development of moderate OHSS compared to cabergoline therapy (p<.001). Severe OHSS developed in 11 patients (2.7%) in the calcium gluconate group, while severe OHSS did not develop in those given cabergoline (0%, p<.001). Clinical pregnancy, live birth and abortion rates were similar in the two groups. When logistic regression analysis was performed, a significant correlation was found between age, BMI, AMH, the number of antral follicle count, OHSS history, paracentesis, progesterone on the day of hCG, 2 PN zygotes, and HbA1c levels and the development of OHSS. No correlation was found between the use of metformin or cetrotide and the development of OHSS. CONCLUSIONS: Calcium gluconate treatment is not effective in the prevention of OHSS.

Iatrogenic calcinosis cutis in 9-month-old baby boy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Calcinosis cutis is a rare condition, characterized by an accumulation of calcium salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissue. There are several types of this condition, including dystrophic, metastatic, idiopathic, calciphylaxis, and iatrogenic calcinosis cutis. The type related to our case is iatrogenic calcinosis cutis, and one its possible causes is calcium intravenous infusion. Physicians should be aware of this condition when giving calcium infusion. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report the case of a 9-month-old Arabic - Saudi baby boy, who presented with abnormal movement for 1 day. Upon further investigation, his abnormal movement was found to be a manifestation of hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency. He was treated with intravenous calcium gluconate. Later, he had a treatment-related complication of intravenous calcium at the site of venipuncture causing swelling, which was initially soft but progressed to hard, over the left hand. Eventually, he was diagnosed with a case of iatrogenic calcinosis cutis due to intravenous calcium treatment. CONCLUSION: There are multiple differential diagnoses of calcinosis cutis, as it resembles many other conditions. Careful history-taking, physical examination, and other investigations, such as radiological investigations, will aid in reaching a more accurate diagnosis and, thus, early treatment and intervention. Frequently checking the intravenous line and diluting the intravenous calcium may help reduce the occurrence of iatrogenic calcinosis cutis.

High particle counts in neonatal parenteral nutrition solutions with added cysteine: Relationship to crystal formation and effect of filtration on cysteine content.

BACKGROUND: Parenteral nutrition(PN) solutions containing calcium gluconate and cysteine have elevated particle counts when analyzed using laser light obscuration (LO) as recommended by the United States Pharmacopeia. It is unclear whether increased particle formation in these solutions results in decreased availability of cysteine to neonatal patients due to filtration. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to measure cysteine concentrations in neonatal PN solutions before and after filtration as well as analyze precipitates on filters. METHODS: Solutions of PN containing amino acids with and without cysteine that were compounded with calcium chloride or calcium gluconate plus potassium phosphate were analyzed using LO. Concentrations of cysteine were measured before and after filtration. The effect on particle formation of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4 ) and D70 was also evaluated. RESULTS: Multiple additives including the specific calcium or D70 additive, cysteine, and MgSO4 influenced particle formation of particles detected using LO. There was no significant decrease in cysteine concentration because of filtering and there was no difference in the amount of calcium on filters of various solutions after filtration regardless of LO particle counts. Scanning electron micrographic (SEM) analysis found no significant differences in crystal composition. Light microscopic and SEM examination did not show evidence of high particle counts on filters. CONCLUSION: The increased particle counts detected in neonatal PN solutions containing cysteine added at the time of compounding does not appear to result in increased precipitate or crystal formation. It is not associated witha decrease in cysteine delivery to patients.

Effectiveness of supplemental oral calcium drink in preventing citrate-related adverse effects in peripheral blood progenitor cell collection.

Peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) are a predominant graft source in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Citrate-induced hypocalcemia remains the most frequent side effect of PBPC apheresis. Although the method for preventing severe adverse events is established, more efficient prophylaxis is required so that volunteer donors can donate PBPCs without pain and anxiety. We studied 80 healthy donors who underwent PBPC harvest between February 2014 and June 2020. Of these, 23 donors who underwent apheresis between February 2014 and December 2015 received only the standard prophylaxis of intravenous calcium gluconate. Oral calcium drinks were provided to 57 donors who underwent apheresis from January 2016 to June 2020 to supplement intravenous calcium gluconate prophylaxis. The ionized calcium (ICa) levels at multiple time intervals and the hypocalcemic symptoms were evaluated. Oral supplementation with a calcium drink maintained significantly higher ICa levels. Analysis using the inverse probability weighted regression adjustment method suggested that calcium drinks reduced the frequency of citrate-related reactions by 39.2 %. Administering a prophylactic oral calcium drink before apheresis with intravenous administration of calcium gluconate is promising to further reduce citrate-induced hypocalcemia in volunteer donors.

Hiperparatiroidismo primario por carcinoma paratiroideo: caso problema y revisión / Primary hyperparathyroidism by parathyroid cancer: case report and review

El carcinoma paratiroideo (CP) es una neoplasia maligna con una incidencia de 0,015 cada 100.000 habitantes por año. Representa el 1% de los diagnósticos de hiperparatiroidismo primario y se manifiesta entre la 4.a y 5.a década de la vida, con una incidencia similar entre hombres y mujeres. La etiología del CP es incierta, ha sido asociada a formas esporádicas o familiares. Está caracterizado por altos niveles séricos de calcio y PTH y el desafío clínico-quirúrgico es el diagnóstico diferencial con otras entidades benignas como el adenoma o la hiperplasia de paratiroides. Aunque el diagnóstico de certeza es anatomopatológico, la sospecha clínica y el uso de métodos de baja complejidad (ecografía) con operadores avezados permite una correcta localización y abordaje pertinente del paciente para dirigir el tratamiento quirúrgico adecuado (resección en bloque) evitando persistencias y recurrencias de enfermedad. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente masculino que ingresa por síndrome de impregnación asociado a hipercalcemia, su abordaje diagnóstico, tratamiento y manejo interdisciplinario con discusión y revisión bibliográfica. (AU)

Parathyroid carcinoma (CP) is a malignant disease with an incidence of 0.015 per 100,000 inhabitants per year. It accounts for 1% of primary hyperparathyroidism diagnoses and occurs between the 4th and 5th decade of life, with a similar incidence between men and women. The etiology of CP is uncertain and has been associated with sporadic or family forms. CP is characterized by high serum calcium and PTH levels and the clinical-surgical challenge is the differential diagnosis with other benign entities such as parathyroid adenoma or hyperplasia. Although the diagnosis of certainty is achieved by pathological anatomy examination, the clinical suspicion and the use of low complexity methods (ultrasound) by experienced operators allows a correct localization and a patient-specific approach to direct the appropriate surgical treatment (block resection), avoiding persistence and recurrences of disease. The clinical case of a male patient admitted for severe hypercalcemia with multiple organ disfunction, the diagnostic approaches, treatment, and interdisciplinary management, together with review and discussion of the current literature are presented. (AU)

Malignant prolongation of the QTc interval due to severe vitamin D deficiency: an unusual presentation.

Long QT syndrome with Torsades de Pointes (TdP) is a life-threatening polymorphic ventricular arrhythmia. The corrected QT (QTc) prolongation >500 milliseconds (ms) has been associated with TdP. Hypocalcaemia due to severe vitamin D deficiency is an uncommon cause of acquired long QT. We hereby present a case of a 40-year-old woman with sensorineural deafness and having symptoms of palpitations and presyncope. She had a QTc interval of 556 ms (reference range, QTc 451-470 ms in adult healthy woman) on 24-hour Holter analysis. Genetic analysis for congenital long QT syndrome was negative. She was diagnosed with severe hypocalcaemia secondary to severe vitamin D deficiency. After treatment with intravenous calcium gluconate, followed by oral vitamin D and calcium supplementation, the QTc became normalised and no further episode of palpitations or presyncope occurred. The causes of vitamin D deficiency was due to inadequate exposure to sunlight and a strict vegan diet.

Theophylline toxicity: Successful management of a patient with distributive shock secondary to drug overdose.

Presenting a case of acute theophylline and salbutamol overdose with distributive shock. Twenty one years old lady presented with history of consumption of 3 gram of theophylline and 40 mg of salbutamol. On admission she had altered sensorium with the systolic blood pressure of 60 mmHg, unrecordable diastolic blood pressure and heart rate of 147/min. Investigations revealed severe metabolic acidosis, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia which was managed by intravenous fluids, vasopressors, infusion of injection calcium gluconate and injection potassium chloride. As her hemodynamic status did not improve, she has been initiated on 1.5 mL/kg of lipid emulsion as bolus and then 0.5 mL/kg/h as infusion. Her hemodynamic status improved gradually and she was discharged in 24 h. Lipid emulsion had been used in local anesthetics and many tablet overdoses. In this patient timely administration of lipid emulsion resulted in early recovery of shock.

Hipoparatiroidismo y calcificaciones cerebrales: reporte de caso / Hypoparathyroidism and brain calcifications: a case report

Introducción. El hipoparatiroidismo es una enfermedad caracterizada por la ausencia o concentraciones inadecuadamente bajas de hormona paratiroidea (PTH), que conduce a hipocalcemia, hiperfosfatemia y excreción fraccional elevada de calcio en la orina. Las calcificaciones del sistema nervioso central son un hallazgo frecuente en estos pacientes. Caso clínico. Mujer de 56 años con antecedente de hipotiroidismo, que ingresó por un cuadro de 6 días de evolución caracterizado por astenia, parestesias periorales y movimientos anormales de manos y pies. Las pruebas de laboratorio demostraron hipocalcemia, hiperfosfatemia y niveles bajos de hormona paratiroidea. Se realizó una tomografía computarizada de cráneo que mostró áreas bilaterales y simétricas de calcificaciones en hemisferios cerebelosos, ganglios basales y corona radiata. No se evidenciaron trastornos en el metabolismo del cobre y hierro. Se estableció el diagnóstico del síndrome de Fahr secundario a hipoparatiroidismo y se inició tratamiento con suplementos de calcio y vitamina D con evolución satisfactoria. Discusión. El síndrome de Fahr es un trastorno neurológico caracterizado por el depósito anormal de calcio en áreas del cerebro que controlan la actividad motora. Se asocia a varias enfermedades, especialmente, hipoparatiroidismo. La suplementación con calcio y vitamina D con el objetivo de normalizar los niveles plasmáticos de estos cationes es el tratamiento convencional. (AU)

Introduction. Hypoparathyroidism is a disease characterized by absence or inappropriately low concentrations of circulating parathyroid hormone, leading to hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and elevated fractional excretion of calcium in the urine. Central nervous system calcifications are a common finding in these patients. Case report. 56-year-old woman with a history of hypothyroidism who was admitted for a 6-day course of illness characterized by asthenia, perioral paresthesias, and abnormal movements of the hands and feet. Laboratory tests showed hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and low parathyroid hormone levels. A cranial computed tomography was performed. It showed bilateral and symmetrical areas of calcifications in the cerebellar hemispheres, basal ganglia, and radiata crown. No disorders of copper or iron metabolism were evident. The diagnosis of Fahr syndrome secondary to hypoparathyroidism was established and treatment with calcium and vitamin D supplements was started with satisfactory evolution. Discussion. Fahr's syndrome is a neurological disorder associated with abnormal calcium deposition in areas of the brain that control motor activity. It is associated with various diseases, especially hypoparathyroidism. The conventional treatment is supplementation with calcium and vitamin D, with the aim of normalizing their plasma levels. (AU)

Diagnostic accuracy of selective arterial calcium injection test for localization of gastrinoma.

The appropriate localization of gastrinoma is still difficult. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of selective arterial calcium injection (SACI) for localization of gastrinomas including multiple lesions. This retrospective study included ten patients with surgically proven gastrinomas (gastrinoma group) and six patients without any findings suggesting Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (non-gastrinoma group). For SACI, calcium gluconate was injected into the arteries supplying pancreas, duodenum, and liver. Blood samples from the hepatic vein were obtained before and 30, 60, and 120 seconds after each injection. The results were considered positive when the increase in serum immunoreactive gastrin (IRG) levels within 60 seconds of calcium gluconate injection were more than 80 pg/mL and more than 20% from baseline. We evaluated the efficacy of SACI by comparing the SACI responses with definitive locations diagnosed by clinical and histopathological findings. In the gastrinoma group, false-positive responses were confirmed in seven of the ten patients. False-negative response was observed in one of the feeding arteries of one patient with gastrinomas in multiple locations. Conversely, the greatest increase in serum gastrin levels from baseline at 30 seconds indicated the true-positive responses in all patients with gastrinomas. In the non-gastrinoma group, calcium gluconate injection into gastroduodenal artery evoked positive responses in five of the six patients. In conclusion, our data suggest the strongest gastrin response evoked by SACI indicates the definitive location in patients with gastrinomas. In contrast, SACI could not accurately locate multiple gastrin-secreting lesions due to poor specificity.

Avaliação de agente clareador para uso profissional contendo trimetafosfato e fluoreto sobre a alteração de cor, penetração trans-amelodentinária, dureza e citotoxicidade: estudo in vitro / Evaluation of bleaching agent for professional use containing trimetaphosphate and fluoride on color alteration, trans-amelodentinal penetration, hardness and cytotoxicity: in vitro study

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a adição de trimetafosfato de sódio (TMP) e / ou fluoreto de sódio (NaF) ou gluconato de cálcio (CaGlu) a um gel clareador de peróxido de hidrogênio 35% (H2O2) sobre a alteração de cor, microdureza do esmalte, penetração e citotoxicidade transamelodentinária. Discos de esmalte / dentina bovinos (n = 288) foram divididos de acordo com o gel clareador: 35% H2O2; 35% H2O2 + 0,05% NaF; 35% H2O2 + 0,25% TMP; 35% H2O2 + 0,05% NaF + 0,25% TMP; 35% H2O2 + 0,1% NaF + 1% TMP e 35% H2O2 + 2% CaGlu. Os géis clareadores foram aplicados três vezes (40 min / sessão) com intervalo de 7 dias entre cada aplicação. Em seguida, a alteração de cor, porcentagem de perda de dureza de superfície (% SH), dureza em secção transversal (ΔKHN), penetração trans-amelodentinária de H2O2, viabilidade e morfologia celular (células odontoblastoides MDPC-23), atividade de fosfatase alcalina (ALP) e deposição de nódulos de mineralização foram determinados. Os dados foram submetidos à ANOVA seguido do teste de Student-Newman-Keuls (p< 0,05). Todos os géis clareadores apresentaram alterações de cor significativas após o tratamento (p< 0,001). A perda mineral (% SH e ΔKHN) e a penetração de H2O2 foram menores para 35% H2O2 / 0,1% NaF / 1% TMP, e 35% H2O2 / 2% CaGlu apresentaram maiores valores, em comparação com os outros grupos (p< 0,001). A viabilidade celular foi em torno de 9%, exceto para o gel clareador contendo 35% H2O2 / 0,1% NaF / 1% TMP com 12,8% (p< 0,05). ALP foi maior para os grupos contendo TMP em comparação com outros géis clareadores (p < 0,05). A formação de nódulos de mineralização foi maior nos géis contendo NaF / TMP ou CaGlu (p < 0,05). As alterações da morfologia celular foram intensas para todos os géis clareadores. Concluiu-se que a adição de NaF / TMP em consultório não interferiu na eficácia do clareamento e reduziu a desmineralização do esmalte, a penetração do H2O2 e a citotoxicidade(AU)

This study evaluated the addition of sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) and/or sodium fluoride (NaF) or calcium gluconate (CaGlu) to a 35% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) bleaching gel on the color change, enamel microhardness, penetration and cytotoxicity trans-amelodentinal. Bovine enamel/dentin disks (n=288) were divided according to the bleaching gel: 35% H2O2; 35% H2O2 + 0.05% NaF; 35% H2O2 + 0.25% TMP; 35% H2O2 + 0.05% NaF + 0.25% TMP; 35% H2O2 + 0.1% NaF + 1% TMP and 35% H2O2 + 2% CaGlu. The bleaching gels were applied thrice (40 min/session) at the intervals of 7 days between each application. Then, the color change, percentage of surface hardness loss (%SH), cross-sectional hardness (ΔKHN), transamelodentinal penetration of H2O2, cell viability and morphology (MDPC-23 odontoblast-like cells), alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and deposition of mineralization nodules were determined. The data were submitted to ANOVA followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test (p< 0.05). All bleaching gels showed significant color changes after treatment (p< 0.001). Mineral loss (%SH and ΔKHN) and H2O2 penetration were lower for 35% H2O2/0.1% NaF/1% TMP, and 35% H2O2/2% CaGlu showed higher values, compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). The cell viability was around 9%, except for bleaching gel containing 35% H2O2/0.1% NaF/1% TMP with 12.8% (p< 0.05). ALP was higher for groups containing TMP compared to others whitening gels (p< 0.05). The formation of mineralization nodules was greater for gels containing NaF/TMP or CaGlu (p< 0.05). The alterations of cell morphology were intense for all bleaching gels. It was concluded that the addition of NaF/TMP in-office bleaching did not interfere in the bleaching efficacy, and reduced enamel demineralization, H2O2 penetration and cytotoxicity(AU)

A case of advanced chronic kidney disease with severe hypocalcemia, how to safely manage and dialyze?

Patients often present with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) complicated with severe hypocalcemia that may be accompanied by electrocardiographic changes. The management of this kind of patients may require hemodialysis (HD). However, initiation of renal replacement therapy in this scenario needs special attention to avoid complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. A 22-year-old male presented to our emergency department with severe renal failure, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, severe acidosis, and QT prolongation on electrocardiography. The patient was kept in the emergency department under cardiac monitoring. He was started on IV calcium gluconate 1 g every 6 h aiming to increase his adjusted calcium level to 1.8 mmol/L. He subsequently received the first HD session with low blood flow, increased calcium, and decreased bicarbonate dialysate bath. There were no arrhythmias or hemodynamic instability. Intravenous calcium was discontinued; adjusted calcium improved progressively after dialysis and reached 1.9 mmol/L by the time of discharge and after receiving three sessions of HD. This case describes a not so infrequent presentation of advanced renal impairment with profound hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia in the setting of CKD-associated mineral bone disorder. Intravenous calcium administration may promote vascular and metastatic calcification, particularly with the coexistence of hyperphosphatemia, and hence, it is best avoided. There are no guidelines to direct initiating HD in this context. However, it appears that using a high calcium bath is prudent to minimize cardiovascular complications, particularly if there is the prolongation of the corrected QT interval on electrocardiography.

Hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy: a rare presenting manifestation of hypoparathyroidism.

Hypoparathyroidism patients present with features of hypocalcemia like carpopedal spasm, numbness and paresthesias but hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy leading to congestive heart failure (CHF) is a rare presentation. We present here a case of 55-year-old Asian man who was a known case of dilated cardiomyopathy for 6 months, presented with the chief complaints of shortness of breath on exertion and decreased urine output. On general physical examination, features suggestive of CHF were seen. Chvostek and Trousseau's sign was positive. The patient had a history of cataract surgery of both eyes 15 years ago. Further investigations revealed hypocalcemia. Echo showed severe global hypokinesia of left ventricle with left ventricle ejection fraction 15%. This CHF was refractory to conventional treatment, though, with calcium supplementation, the patient improved symptomatically. On follow-up after 3 months, an improvement was seen in the echocardiographic parameters with ejection fraction improving to 25%.

Analysis of Epineurial Lidocaine Injection for Nerve Transfers in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Model.

PURPOSE: Nerve transfers for peripheral nerve injuries can result in variable outcomes. We investigated the neuroprotective effect of epineurial lidocaine injection in the donor nerve prior to transection, with the hypothesis that proximal axon loss would be decreased with consequent increased neuroregeneration and functional recovery. METHODS: A rat sciatic nerve model was used with 4 intervention groups: (1) lidocaine; (2) lidocaine/calcium gluconate (CG); (3) CG; or (4) saline (control). Behavioral testing and qualitative and quantitative histological evaluation was performed at 8 and 12 weeks. Histological assays included transmission electron microscopy, retrograde fluorogold labeling, and whole mount immunostaining. RESULTS: Functional assessments through the sciatic functional index and Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale showed a statistically significant increase in recovery at 8 and 12 weeks with lidocaine treatment. Significantly higher axonal counts were obtained in the lidocaine-treated groups. Fragmentation and increased myelin damage was present in the CG and saline groups. Retrograde fluorogold labeling showed a statistically significant increase in the number of L4-6 dorsal root ganglion neurons in the lidocaine-treated groups. Whole mount immunostaining identified extension of the axonal growth cone past the nerve coaptation site in lidocaine-treated groups, but not in CG and saline groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that epineurial lidocaine injection prior to donor nerve transection for nerve transfer has a neuroprotective effect, resulting in increased proximal axon counts and improved functional recovery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings may have direct clinical application because epineurial lidocaine can be used in surgery as a simple and inexpensive intervention for promoting improved clinical outcomes after nerve transfer.

Haemostasis and analgesia with autologous platelet-rich plasma in tonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVE: A single-centre, single-blinded prospective experimental study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich plasma applied to the tonsillar bed post-operatively in reducing post-operative pain and haemorrhage. METHODS: Platelet-rich plasma, prepared prior to surgery, was applied with calcium gluconate to one randomly chosen tonsillar fossa. Pain and haemorrhage were analysed, using a visual analogue scale and a pre-defined grading scale respectively, four times on the day of surgery at 2-hourly intervals, and thrice on the following day. RESULTS: The pain score and haemorrhage grade on the test side were lower than on the control side. These findings were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This pilot study, conducted in India, revealed valid positive results for a promising new technology. The manual preparation of platelet-rich plasma could be automated in the future to allow a larger sample size.