A robust treatment planning approach for chest motion in postmastectomy chest wall intensity modulated radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: Chest wall postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) should consider the effects of chest wall respiratory motion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of robustness planning intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for respiratory movement, considering respiratory motion as a setup error. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study analyzed 20 patients who underwent PMRT (10 left and 10 right chest walls). The following three treatment plans were created for each case and compared. The treatment plans are a planning target volume (PTV) plan (PP) that covers the PTV within the body contour with the prescribed dose, a virtual bolus plan (VP) that sets a virtual bolus in contact with the body surface and prescribing the dose that includes the PTV outside the body contour, and a robust plan (RP) that considers respiratory movement as a setup uncertainty and performs robust optimization. The isocenter was shifted to reproduce the chest wall motion pattern and the doses were recalculated for comparison for each treatment plan. RESULT: No significant difference was found between the PP and the RP in terms of the tumor dose in the treatment plan. In contrast, VP had 3.5% higher PTV Dmax and 5.5% lower PTV V95% than RP (p < 0.001). The RP demonstrated significantly higher lung V20Gy and Dmean by 1.4% and 0.4 Gy, respectively, than the PP. The RP showed smaller changes in dose distribution affected by chest wall motion and significantly higher tumor dose coverage than the PP and VP. CONCLUSION: We revealed that the RP demonstrated comparable tumor doses to the PP in treatment planning and was robust for respiratory motion compared to both the PP and the VP. However, the organ at risk dose in the RP was slightly higher; therefore, its clinical use should be carefully considered.

Evaluation of the availability of single-position treatment with a rotating gantry and the validity of deformable image registration dose assessment for pancreatic cancer carbon-ion radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical acceptability of rotational gantry-based single-position carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) to reduce the gastrointestinal (GI) dose in pancreatic cancer. We also evaluated the usefulness of the deformable image registration (DIR)-based dosimetry method for CIRT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with pancreatic cancer were analyzed. The treatment plans were developed for four beam angles in the supine (SP plan) and prone (PR plan) positions. In the case of using multiple positions, the treatment plan was created with two angles for each of the supine and prone position (SP + PR plan). Dose evaluation for multiple positions was performed in two ways: by directly adding the values of the DVH parameters for each position treatment plan (DVH sum), and by calculating the DVH parameters from the accumulative dose distribution created using DIR (DIR sum). The D2cc and D6cc of the stomach and duodenum were recorded for each treatment plan and dosimetry method and compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among any of the treatment planning and dosimetry methods (p > 0.05). The DVH parameters for the stomach and duodenum were higher in the PR plan and SP plan, respectively, and DVH sum tended to be between the SP and PR plans. DVH sum and DIR sum, DVH sum tended to be higher for D2cc and DIR sum tended to be higher for D6cc. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in the GI dose, which suggests that treatment with a simple workflow performed in one position should be clinically acceptable. In CIRT, DIR-based dosimetry should be carefully considered because of the potential for increased uncertainty due to the steep dose distributions.

A comparative study using gastric ultrasound to evaluate the safety of shortening the fasting time before pediatric echocardiography: a randomized controlled non-inferiority study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to demonstrate that the gastric cross-sectional area (CSA) in the right lateral decubitus position (RLDP) during a 2-h fasting period is not larger than that during a conventional 4-h fasting period prior to pediatric echocardiography. METHODS: 93 patients aged under 3 years scheduled for echocardiography under sedation were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups; 2-h fasting vs 4-h fasting. For group 4 h (n = 46), the patients were asked to be fasted for all types of liquid for more than 4 h, while group 2 h (n = 47) were asked to be fasted for all types of liquid for 2 h before echocardiography. Gastric ultrasound was performed before echocardiography, and CSARLDP was measured. We compared CSARLDP, incidence of at-risk stomach, fasting duration, and the incidence of major (pulmonary aspiration, aspiration pneumonia) and minor complications (nausea, retching, and vomiting, apnea, and bradycardia) between two groups. RESULTS: The mean difference of CSARLDP (group 2 h-group 4 h) was 0.49 (- 0.18 to 1.17) cm2, and it was within the non-inferiority margin (Δ = 2.1 cm2). There was no difference in the incidence of at-risk stomach (P = 0.514). There was no significant difference in the incidence of major and minor complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Two-hour fasting in pediatric patients who need an echocardiography did not increase major and minor complications and CSA significantly.

Error on the stopping power ratio of ERKODENT's mouthpiece for head and neck carbon ion radiotherapy treatment.

The errors on the stopping power ratio (SPR) of mouthpiece samples from ERKODENT were evaluated. Erkoflex and Erkoloc-pro from ERKODENT and samples that combined Erkoflex and Erkoloc-pro were computed tomography (CT)-scanned using head and neck (HN) protocol at the East Japan Heavy Ion Center (EJHIC), and the values were averaged to obtain the CT number. The integral depth dose of the Bragg curve with and without these samples was measured for 292.1, 180.9, and 118.8 MeV/u of the carbon-ion pencil beam using an ionization chamber with concentric electrodes at the horizontal port of the EJHIC. The average value of the water equivalent length (WEL) of each sample was obtained from the difference between the range of the Bragg curve and the thickness of the sample. To calculate the difference between the theoretical and measured values, the theoretical CT number and SPR value of the sample were calculated using the stoichiometric calibration method. Compared with the Hounsfield unit (HU)-SPR calibration curve used at the EJHIC, the SPR error on each measured and theoretical value was calculated. The WEL value of the mouthpiece sample had an error of approximately 3.5% in the HU-SPR calibration curve. From this error, it was evaluated that for a mouthpiece with a thickness of 10 mm, a beam range error of approximately 0.4 mm can occur, and for a mouthpiece with a thickness of 30 mm, a beam range error of approximately 1 mm can occur. For a beam passing through the mouthpiece in HN treatment, it would be practical to consider a mouthpiece margin of 1 mm to avoid beam range errors if ions pass through the mouthpiece.

Association between body composition and chronic low back pain in Korean adults aged over 50 years: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010-2011.

Background The relationship between overweight or obesity and low back pain (LBP) has previously been investigated. Several recent studies have focused on the relationship between other indicators of obesity, particularly indicators of fat and the risk of LBP. However, the results of body composition and LBP have been inconsistent. Methods All data for the present retrospective, cross-sectional study was extracted from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) versions V-1 and 2 conducted in 2010 and 2011 by the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In KNHANES V-1 (2010) and V-2 (2011), those over 50 years of age completed the surveys on LBP, body weight, and body composition assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were included. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between the presence of chronic LBP and body composition adjusting for confounders. Results We analyzed 3,579 persons who completed the question. In the multivariable analyses adjusting for age and sex, none of the variables, including fat mass and fat-free mass, remained positively or negatively associated with LBP. Additionally, when depression, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, diabetes mellitus, and fat or lean tissue mass were included in the multivariable logistic model, no significant associations were found between all measures of fat mass, fat-free mass, and LBP Conclusion This study is contrary to previous studies that concluded that there is a correlation between obesity and fat mass and LBP. LBP is not associated with increased levels of obesity and fat mass.

Dynamic Arterial Elastance as a Predictor of Supine-to-Prone Hypotension (SuProne Study): An Observational Study.

Background and Objectives: Supine-to-prone hypotension is caused by increased intrathoracic pressure and decreased venous return in the prone position. Dynamic arterial elastance (Eadyn) indicates fluid responsiveness and can be used to predict hypotension. This study aimed to investigate whether Eadyn can predict supine-to-prone hypotension. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, observational study, 47 patients who underwent elective spine surgery in the prone position were enrolled. Supine-to-prone hypotension is defined as a decrease in Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) by more than 20% in the prone position compared to the supine position. Hemodynamic parameters, including systolic blood pressure (SAP), diastolic blood pressure, MAP, stroke volume variation (SVV), pulse pressure variation (PPV), stroke volume index, cardiac index, dP/dt, and hypotension prediction index (HPI), were collected in the supine and prone positions. Supine-to-prone hypotension was also assessed using two different definitions: MAPprone < 65 mmHg and SAPprone < 100 mmHg. Hemodynamic parameters were analyzed to determine the predictability of supine-to-prone hypotension. Results: Supine-to-prone hypotension occurred in 13 (27.7%) patients. Eadyn did not predict supine-to-prone hypotension [Area under the curve (AUC), 0.569; p = 0.440]. SAPsupine > 139 mmHg (AUC, 0.760; p = 0.003) and dP/dtsupine > 981 mmHg/s (AUC, 0.765; p = 0.002) predicted supine-to-prone hypotension. MAPsupine, SAPsupine, PPVsupine, and HPIsupine predicted MAPprone <65 mm Hg. MAPsupine, SAPsupine, SVVsupine, PPVsupine, and HPIsupine predicted SAPprone < 100 mm Hg. Conclusions: Dynamic arterial elastance did not predict supine-to-prone hypotension in patients undergoing spine surgery. Systolic arterial pressure > 139 mmHg and dP/dt > 981 mmHg/s in the supine position were predictors for supine-to-prone hypotension. When different definitions were employed (mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg in the prone position or systolic arterial pressure < 100 mmHg in the prone position), low blood pressures in the supine position were related to supine-to-prone hypotension.

Clinical outcomes according to intentionality of acute pesticide poisoning in South Korea: Retrospective observation study.

Objectives: To investigate if intentional pesticide intake could have different clinical outcomes compared to unintentional poisoning, and whether acute alcohol consumption correlated with intentional poisoning. METHODS: The retrospective observational study was conducted in South Korea and comprised data from the Emergency Department-based Injury In-depth Surveillance Registry of all adults with pesticide poisoning from 2009 to 2017. The primary outcome was overall mortality. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals of the exposures on clinical outcomes were calculated. Data was analysed using SAS 9.4. RESULTS: Among the 7,320 patients, intentional poisoning had higher odds of overall mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 1.88; 95% confidence interval: 1.56-2.25) and major adverse outcomes (adjusted odds ratio: 2.64; 95% confidence interval: 2.32-2.99), while acute alcohol consumption showed a higher incidence of intentional poisoning (adjusted odds ratio: 2.43; 95% confidence interval: 2.11-2.80). CONCLUSIONS: Intentional poisoning showed higher mortality rate and major adverse outcomes. It is important to consider host factors before poisoning, such as acute alcohol consumption, which may contribute to the clinical outcomes of pesticide poisoning cases.

Gastric Ultrasound Assessing Gastric Emptying of Preoperative Carbohydrate Drinks: A Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Study.

BACKGROUND: Tools for the evaluation of gastric emptying have evolved over time. The purpose of this study was to show that the risk of pulmonary aspiration is not increased with carbohydrate drink, by demonstrating that the gastric antral cross-sectional area (CSA) of the NO-NPO group is either equivalent to or less than that of the NPO (nil per os) group. METHODS: Sixty-four patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic benign gynecologic surgery were enrolled and randomly assigned to the NPO group (n = 32) or the NO-NPO group (n = 32). After having a regular meal until midnight before surgery, the NPO group fasted until surgery, while the NO-NPO group ingested 400 mL of a carbohydrate drink at midnight and freely up to 2 hours before anesthesia. The primary outcome was the gastric antral CSA by gastric ultrasound in right lateral decubitus position (RLDP). Noninferiority was defined as a mean difference of CSA <2.8 cm2. Secondary outcomes included CSA in supine position, gastric volume (GV), GV per weight (GV/kg), GV/kg >1.5 mL/kg, and Perlas grade. RESULTS: CSA in RLDP was not different between the NPO group (6.25 ± 3.79 cm2) and the NO-NPO group (6.21 ± 2.48 cm2; P = .959). The mean difference of CSA in RLDP (NO-NPO group - NPO group) was 0.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.56 to 1.64), which was within the noninferiority margin of 2.8 cm2. CSA was not different between the 2 groups (4.17 ± 2.34 cm2 in NPO group versus 4.28 ± 1.23 cm2 in NO-NPO group; P = .828). GV in NPO group (70 ± 56 mL) was not different from NO-NPO group (66 ± 36 mL; mean difference, 3.66; 95% CI, -20 to 27; P = .756). GV/kg in the NPO group (1.25 ± 1.00 mL/kg) was not different from the NO-NPO group (1.17 ± 0.67 mL/kg; P = .694). The incidence of GV/kg > 1.5 mL/kg was not different between NPO (31.3%) and NO-NPO group (21.9%; P = .768). The median (interquartile range) of the Perlas grade was 1 (0-1) in NPO group and 0.5 (0-1) in NO-NPO group (P = .871). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative carbohydrates ingested up to 2 hours before anesthesia do not delay gastric emptying compared to midnight fasting, as evaluated with gastric ultrasound.

Effects of prophylactic atropine on the time to tracheal intubation with the pre-administration of remifentanil.

BACKGROUND: Pre-administration of remifentanil in target-controlled propofol and remifentanil anaesthesia could prolong the time of onset of muscle relaxation owing to haemodynamic effects, thereby prolonging the time to tracheal intubation. Although the sympatholytic effects of remifentanil result in bradycardia and hypotension, these responses can be attenuated by the administration of atropine. Therefore, we investigated whether prophylactic administration of atropine could prevent the prolongation of the time to tracheal intubation. METHODS: Sixty-four patients were included in this study. They were randomised into Group A (atropine 0.5 mg, n = 32) and Group S (saline 0.9%, n = 32), immediately before the pre-administration of remifentanil. The primary outcome was the time to tracheal intubation and the secondary outcomes were rocuronium onset time, time to loss of consciousness (LOC), time to reach a value of 60 on the bispectral index (BIS) and haemodynamic variables. RESULTS: The median [Interquartile range] of the time to tracheal intubation was 240 [214, 288]s in Group S and 190 [176, 212]s in Group A(median difference: 50 s, 95% confidence interval: 27-80 s, P = .001). Rocuronium onset time was significantly decreased in Group A compared to that in Group S (129 [110, 156] vs 172 [154, 200], P = .001). The times to LOC and reach 60 on the BIS were not significantly different between the two groups. Cardiac output(CO) and heart rate were less decreased in Group A than in Group S (P = .02, P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic administration of atropine could compensate for the reduction in CO in cases pre-administered with remifentanil in target-controlled propofol and remifentanil anaesthesia. This in turn prevented the prolongation of rocuronium onset time and reduced the time to tracheal intubation.

Calculation of Stopping-Power Ratio from Multiple CT Numbers Using Photon-Counting CT System: Two- and Three-Parameter-Fitting Method.

The two-parameter-fitting method (PFM) is commonly used to calculate the stopping-power ratio (SPR). This study proposes a new formalism: a three-PFM, which can be used in multiple spectral computed tomography (CT). Using a photon-counting CT system, seven rod-shaped samples of aluminium, graphite, and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and four types of biological phantom materials were placed in a water-filled sample holder. The X-ray tube voltage and current were set at 150 kV and 40 µA, respectively, and four CT images were obtained at four threshold settings. A semi-empirical correction method that corrects the difference between the CT values from the photon-counting CT images and theoretical values in each spectral region was also introduced. Both the two- and three-PFMs were used to calculate the effective atomic number and electron density from multiple CT numbers. The mean excitation energy was calculated via parameterisation with the effective atomic number, and the SPR was then calculated from the calculated electron density and mean excitation energy. Then, the SPRs from both methods were compared with the theoretical values. To estimate the noise level of the CT numbers obtained from the photon-counting CT, CT numbers, including noise, were simulated to evaluate the robustness of the aforementioned PFMs. For the aluminium and graphite, the maximum relative errors for the SPRs calculated using the two-PFM and three-PFM were 17.1% and 7.1%, respectively. For the PMMA and biological phantom materials, the maximum relative errors for the SPRs calculated using the two-PFM and three-PFM were 5.5% and 2.0%, respectively. It was concluded that the three-PFM, compared with the two-PFM, can yield SPRs that are closer to the theoretical values and is less affected by noise.

Machine Learning Approaches to Predict Chronic Lower Back Pain in People Aged over 50 Years.

Background and Objectives: Chronic lower back pain (LBP) is a common clinical disorder. The early identification of patients who will develop chronic LBP would help develop preventive measures and treatment. We aimed to develop machine learning models that can accurately predict the risk of chronic LBP. Materials and Methods: Data from the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2014 and 2015 (KNHANES VI-2, 3) were screened for selecting patients with chronic LBP. LBP lasting >30 days in the past 3 months was defined as chronic LBP in the survey. The following classification models with machine learning algorithms were developed and validated to predict chronic LBP: logistic regression (LR), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), naïve Bayes (NB), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), gradient boosting machine (GBM), support vector machine (SVM), and artificial neural network (ANN). The performance of these models was compared with respect to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results: A total of 6119 patients were analyzed in this study, of which 1394 had LBP. The feature selected data consisted of 13 variables. The LR, KNN, NB, DT, RF, GBM, SVM, and ANN models showed performances (in terms of AUROCs) of 0.656, 0.656, 0.712, 0.671, 0.699, 0.660, 0.707, and 0.716, respectively, with ten-fold cross-validation. Conclusions: In this study, the ANN model was identified as the best machine learning classification model for predicting the occurrence of chronic LBP. Therefore, machine learning could be effectively applied in the identification of populations at high risk of chronic LBP.

Predisposing factors for chronic syndesmotic instability following syndesmotic fixation in ankle fracture: Minimum 5-year follow-up outcomes.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify risk factors for chronic syndesmotic instability following syndesmotic fixation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who had sustained ankle fractures requiring syndesmotic fixation. Patients available for a minimum 5 years of follow-up were classified into 2 groups according to the presence of syndesmotic instability. Statistical binary logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the significance of various risk factors. Functional outcomes were assessed using the FAOS. RESULTS: In total, 166 patients who met the study inclusion criteria underwent analysis. The overall postoperative instability rate was 20.5%, which was significantly affected due to BMI (p = 0.018; OR 6.72), and concomitant posterior malleolar fracture (p = 0.032, OR 2.77). The mean scores in the syndesmotic instability (SI) group were significantly lower than those in the no syndesmotic instability (NSI) group (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and concomitant posterior malleolar fracture were significant risk factors for postoperative syndesmotic instability.

Comparison of vasodilatory properties between desflurane and sevoflurane using perfusion index: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The perfusion index (PI), calculated from the photoplethysmographic waveform, reflects peripheral vasomotor tone. As such, the PI serves as a surrogate for quantitative measures of drug-induced vasoconstriction or vasodilation. This study aimed to compare the effect on the PI of desflurane and sevoflurane at equi-anaesthetic concentrations in patients undergoing single-agent inhalation anaesthesia, where equi-anaesthetic dose was based on the known minimum alveolar concentration of these agents. METHODS: We randomly allocated patients scheduled for arthroscopic knee surgery to receive either desflurane or sevoflurane general anaesthesia after target-controlled induction of anaesthesia with propofol. Anaesthesia was maintained at age-corrected minimum alveolar concentration 1.0, under neuromuscular block (rocuronium). The PI and haemodynamic data were recorded every minute for 35 min after induction of anaesthesia and after standardised nociceptive stimulation. The primary outcome was PI, compared between the groups over time (repeated-measures analysis of variance). Secondary outcomes included MAP and HR. RESULTS: Sixty-nine participants (mean [range] age: 42 yr [19-65 yr]; 49% females) were assigned to either desflurane (n=34) or sevoflurane (n=35). The PI remained higher under desflurane compared with sevoflurane, both before (mean difference [MD]: 3.3; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 2.0-4.7; P<0.001) and after tetanic stimulation (MD: 2.8; 95% CI: 2.0-3.7; P<0.001). Higher PI paralleled lower MAP in participants assigned to desflurane anaesthesia (P<0.001), both before (MD: 8 mm Hg; 95% CI: 4-12) and after nociceptive stimulation (MD: 14 mm Hg; 95% CI: 7-22). HR was similar throughout. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that at equipotent doses, desflurane exerts more potent vasodilatory properties and lowers blood pressure by a magnitude potentially associated with harm. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03570164.

Case Series of All-Arthroscopic Treatment for Terrible Triad of the Elbow: Indications and Clinical Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of all-arthroscopic treatment of the terrible triad of the elbow, a combination of elbow dislocation, radial head dislocation, and coronoid process fracture, and its complications. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients with terrible triad who underwent all-arthroscopic treatment between January 2011 and December 2016. All-arthroscopic treatment was performed in the unstable elbows after manual reduction. Clinical evaluation was performed at least 2 years postoperatively. Patients with another fracture in the upper extremity and previous fracture of the affected elbow were excluded. A radial head fracture that was stable enough to reduce or involved less than 25% of the articular surface for partial excision and Regan-Morrey classification type I and type II coronoid process fractures were treated arthroscopically. Range of motion, radiologic outcomes, surgical complications, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score were evaluated at the final follow-up. The Mann-Whitney test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients met the inclusion criteria, and the average age was 47.6 years. Coronoid process fractures were fixed in all patients, by use of Kirschner wires in 15 (62.5%) and pullout sutures in 9 (37.5%). Radial head fractures were treated using screw or K-wire fixation in 4 patients (16.7%); only the fragment of the fracture was resected in 11 patients (45.8%). In all 24 cases (100%), the lateral collateral ligaments were repaired. At the final follow-up, the mean flexion contracture angle was 4.8° ± 1.1° and the mean flexion angle was 132.5° ± 6.3°. Clinical scores were satisfactory, with a mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score of 93 points. However, nonunion of coronoid fractures was observed in 4 patients (16.7%). There was 1 case of pin-site irritation. CONCLUSIONS: All-arthroscopic treatment for the terrible triad can provide an excellent safety profile without the need for a large incision if the indications are met. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Anti-Allodynic Effects of Polydeoxyribonucleotide in an Animal Model of Neuropathic Pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model is one of the representative models of the neuropathic pain model. Neuropathic pain in a chronic post-ischemic pain (CPIP) mimics the symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The administration of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which has regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects, has been studied and is used in clinical practice treating various diseases. However, the analgesic effect of PDRN in a neuropathic pain or CRPS model remains unknown. METHODS: PDRN (3.3, 10, and 20 mg/kg) was administered into the subcutaneous (SC) layer of the hind paws of SNL and CPIP models. Mechanical anti-allodynic effects were then investigated using the von Frey test. In the immunohistochemical examination, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the spinal cord were harvested and examined for the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) after the 20 mg PDRN injection. RESULTS: Mechanical allodynia was significantly alleviated by administration of PDRN in SNL and CPIP mice at all of the time point. As the dose of PDRN increased, the effect was greater. The 20 mg PDRN injection was found to have the most effective anti-allodynic effect. The increased expression of GFAP in DRG and the spinal cord of SNL and CPIP model decreased following the administration of PDRN than vehicle. CONCLUSION: SC administration of PDRN results in the attenuation of allodynia and activation of astrocytes in neuropathic pain or CRPS models. We propose that PDRN can have significant potential advantages in neuropathic pain treatment.

Longitudinal Bone Growth Stimulating Effect of Allium macrostemon in Adolescent Female Rats.

Allium macrostemon (AM) may affect bone growth by regulating bone formation and resorption. To examine the effect of AM on bone growth, 48 rats were divided into four administration groups in which either distilled water, AM (100 and 300 mg/kg), or recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH; 20 µg/kg) was administered for 10 days. On day 9, all animals were intraperitoneally injected with tetracycline hydrochloride (20 mg/kg), and 48 h after the injection, the rats were sacrificed. Their tibial sections were photographed to measure bone growth. Antigen-specific immunohistochemistry was performed to detect insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). The food intake of the AM 100 mg/kg group was higher; however, the food intake of the AM 300 mg/kg group was less than that of the control group. The rhGH and AM 100 mg/kg groups showed greater rates of bone growth (359.0 ± 23.7 and 373.1 ± 28.0 µm/day, respectively) compared with the control group. IGF-1 and BMP-2 in the AM and rhGH groups were highly expressed. Indigestion at higher doses of AM led to nonsignificant bone growth in spite of increased IGF-1 and BMP-2 expression. Therefore, a suitable amount of AM could increase bone growth.

Comparison of single minimum dose administration of dexmedetomidine and midazolam for prevention of emergence delirium in children: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Emergence delirium (ED) is common in children after sevoflurane anesthesia and should be prevented for patient safety. A prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled study was performed to compare the efficacy of minimal dosage of midazolam versus dexmedetomidine to prevent ED in children undergoing tonsillectomy. METHODS: Seventy children aged 24 months to 12 years were allocated to receive midazolam (0.03 mg/kg) or dexmedetomidine (0.3 µg/kg) 5 min before the end of surgery. The incidence and severity of ED were assessed using a four-point scale and the pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium scale, respectively. The emergence time and postoperative pain scores were also evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of ED was 31.3% in the midazolam group and 26.5% in the dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.668). The severity of ED was similar in both groups (9.6 ± 5.8 in the midazolam group, vs. 8.1 ± 5.9 in the dexmedetomidine group, P = 0.299). The emergence time was comparable in the two groups [11.0 (8.3-13.8) min in midazolam group vs. 12.0 (10.0-13.5) min in dexmedetomidine group (P = 0.218)]. Postoperative pain score was higher in the midazolam group [0 (0-1)] than in the dexmedetomidine group [0 (0-0)] (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine and midazolam at single minimum dosages had equal effectiveness to prevent ED in children without delaying emergence time, when administered at the end of surgery. With regards to postoperative analgesic efficacy, although dexmedetomidine showed statistically significant higher analgesic effect than midazolam, further clinical investigations are needed to validate our findings.

Comparison of impacts of intraperitoneal saline instillation with and without pulmonary recruitment maneuver on post-laparoscopic shoulder pain prevention: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Intraperitoneal isotonic saline instillation (SI) and pulmonary recruitment maneuver (RM) were indicated to alleviate post-laparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP) effectively. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the single strategy using SI alone and the combined strategy using SI and RM on PLSP reduction. METHODS: Subjects undergoing elective gynecologic laparoscopy were randomly allocated to a control group (no intervention, n = 48) and two intervention groups (single strategy of SI alone, n = 48; combined strategy of SI and RM, n = 48). In the control group, carbon dioxide was removed only via passive evacuation through the port sites at the completion of the laparoscopic procedure. In the saline instillation group, 20-mL/kg of body weight SI was performed. In the combined strategy group, RM using five pulmonary inflations was performed, in addition to SI. The PLSP scores, which were the primary outcome, were recorded using a visual analog scale postoperatively. RESULTS: The PLSP scores 24 and 48 h after surgery were significantly lower in the two intervention groups than in the control group (P = 0.014 and P = 0.001, respectively), while no significant differences were observed between the two intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS: The single strategy using SI alone is as effective as the combined strategy of SI and RM for removing residual carbon dioxide and consequently preventing PLSP. Therefore, considering the potential risks of pulmonary or hemodynamic complications associated with RM, the single strategy using SI alone might be a better choice than the combined strategy.

Effects of Eleutherococcus Extract Mixture on Endochondral Bone Formation in Rats.

Eleutherococcus extract mixture (EEM) is an herbal mixture of dried stem of Eleutherococcus sessiliflorus and germinated barley, which has been highly effective, in previous screening and among the traditional medicines to tonify innate qi and acquired qi, respectively. In this study, we investigate the effects of EEM on endochondral bone formation. Female adolescent rats were given EEM, growth hormone or vehicle for 10 days. Tetracycline was intraperitoneally injected to light the fluorescent band 72 h before sacrifice to determine endochondral bone formation. In order to evaluate endocrine or paracrine/autocrine mechanisms, expressions of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), or bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) were evaluated after EEM administration in liver or growth plate (GP). EEM oral administration significantly increased endochondral bone formation and proliferative and hypertrophic zonal heights of tibial GP. EEM also upregulated hepatic IGF1 and IGFBP3 mRNA expressions, and IGF1 and BMP2 expressions in GP. Taken together, EEM increases endochondral bone formation through stimulating proliferation and hypertrophy with upregulation of hepatic IGF1 and IGFBP3 expressions. Considering immunohistochemical studies, the effect of EEM may be due to increased local IGF1 and BMP2 expression in GP, which may be considered growth hormone (GH)-dependent endocrine and autocrine/paracrine pathways.

Outcomes of ureteroscopic double-J ureteral stenting for distal ureteral injury after gynecologic surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Ureteral injuries are well-known complications of any gynecologic surgery. We evaluated the safety and feasibility of ureteroscopic double-J (DJ) ureteral stenting in patients with distal ureteral injuries after gynecologic surgery. METHODS: Eleven consecutive patients with an iatrogenic ureteral injury in the distal ureter secondary to gynecologic surgery underwent DJ ureteral stenting between March 2008 and January 2016. Ureteral leakage and stricture were appraised using intravenous pyelography. The operative and clinical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The DJ ureteral stent was successfully inserted using ureteroscopy in all patients, none of whom showed major or minor complications during the intraoperative and perioperative follow-up periods. Intravenous pyelography performed every 3 months during the follow-up period verified recovery at the ureteral injury site, without urine leakage. However, five patients experienced ureteral stricture. Balloon dilatation or Holmium laser endoureterotomy was performed successfully in all patients. One patient with recurring ureteral stricture was retreated using Holmium laser endoureterotomy and balloon dilatation; during 12 months of follow-up, there was no recurrence. Overall long-term success rate was 100%, with a mean follow-up of 20.4 months. CONCLUSION: DJ stenting using ureteroscopy diminishes the necessity for invasive surgical procedures and is regarded as one of the available management options for patients with an iatrogenic ureteral injury before considering an invasive operation. However, since ureteral stricture frequently occurs after ureteroscopic procedures, it is essential to select the appropriate patients.