Endometrial cell-derived conditioned medium in combination with platelet-rich plasma promotes the development of mouse ovarian follicles.

Fertility preservation is one of the most important issues in assisted reproductive technology. Previous studies have shown that cytokines and growth factors can improve follicle growth. The endometrial stromal cells secrete various factors that are involved in maintaining the integrity of uterine and epithelial secretory function. The platelet-rich plasma contains a large assembly of platelets suspended in plasma that successfully improves the viability and growth of various cell lines. This work aimed to investigate the influences of conditioned medium (CM) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the development of ovarian follicles in infertile mice due to cyclophosphamide (CYC) exposure. In this study, 65 healthy BALB/c female mice (∼28-30 g and 6-8 weeks old) in five groups were studied. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9)-positive cells. The mRNA expression levels of SMAD1, SMAD2, and BMP15 was assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. The expression levels of SMAD1, GDF9, BMP15, and SMAD2 in the CM+PRP group was significantly more than in the CM and PRP groups. In addition, live birth occurred in the CM+PRP group. Treatment with CM+PRP in infertile mice due to Cy exposure increased fertility and live-birth rate. In general, our study suggested that the CM and PRP combination could improve the growth of mice ovarian follicles in vivo.

Anticonvulsant effect of dextrometrophan on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice: Involvement of nitric oxide and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors.

Dextrometrophan (DM), widely used as an antitussive, has recently generated interest as an anticonvulsant drug. Some effects of dextrometrophan are associated with alterations in several pathways, such as inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzyme and N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anticonvulsant effect of acute administration of dextrometrophan on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures and the probable involvement of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway and NMDA receptors in this effect. For this purpose, seizures were induced by intravenous PTZ infusion. All drugs were administrated by intraperitoneal (i.p.) route before PTZ injection. Our results demonstrate that acute DM treatment (10-100mg/kg) increased the seizure threshold. In addition, the nonselective NOS inhibitor L-NAME (10mg/kg) and the neural NOS inhibitor, 7-nitroindazole (40mg/kg), at doses that had no effect on seizure threshold, augmented the anticonvulsant effect of DM (3mg/kg), while the inducible NOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine (100mg/kg), did not affect the anticonvulsant effect of DM. Moreover, the NOS substrate l-arginine (60mg/kg) blunted the anticonvulsant effect of DM (100mg/kg). Also, NMDA antagonists, ketamine (0.5mg/kg) and MK-801 (0.05mg/kg), augmented the anticonvulsant effect of DM (3mg/kg). In conclusion, we demonstrated that the anticonvulsant effect of DM is mediated by a decline in neural nitric oxide activity and inhibition of NMDA receptors.

Effect of endometrial cell-conditioned medium and platelet-rich plasma on the developmental competence of mouse preantral follicles: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and conditioned medium (CM) derived from endometrial stromal cells on mouse preantral follicle culture in a two-dimensional system to produce competent mature oocytes for fertilization. METHODS: In total, 240 preantral follicles were isolated from female mouse ovarian tissue and divided into four groups. The preantral follicles were isolated three times for each group and then cultured, respectively, in the presence of alpha minimum essential medium (control), PRP, CM, and PRP+CM. The in vitro growth, in vitro maturation, and cleavage percentage of the preantral follicles were investigated. Immunocytochemistry (IHC) was also conducted to monitor the meiotic progression of the oocytes. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of the two folliculogenesis-related genes (Gdf9 and Bmp15) and two apoptosis-related genes (Bcl2 and Bax) were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In the PRP, CM, and PRP+CM groups, the preantral follicle maturation (evaluated by identifying polar bodies) were greater than the control group. The cleavage rate in the CM, and PRP+CM groups were also greater than the control group. IHC analysis demonstrated that in each treatment group, meiotic spindle was normal. In the PRP+CM group, the gene expression levels of Bmp15, Gdf9, and Bcl2 were greater than in the other groups. The Bax gene was more strongly expressed in the PRP and control groups than in the other groups. CONCLUSION: Overall, the present study suggests that the combination of CM and PRP can effectively increase the growth and cleavage rate of mouse preantral follicles in vitro.

Bilateral total hip arthroplasty: one-stage versus two-stage procedure.

BACKGROUND:: Despite several studies, controversy has prevailed over the rate of complications following 1-stage and 2-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA). In the current study, we compare the complications and functional outcomes of 1-stage and 2-stage procedures. METHODS:: One hundred and eighty patients (ASA class I or II) with bilateral hip osteoarthritis were assigned randomly to two equal groups. The two groups were matched in terms of age and sex. All of the surgeries were performed via the Hardinge approach using uncemented implants. In 2-stage procedures, surgeries were performed with a 6-month to 1-year interval. All patients were evaluated 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS:: The Harris Hip Score (HHS) averaged 84.1 and 82.6 in 1-stage and 2-stage groups, respectively ( p = 0.528). The hospital stay was significantly longer in the 2-stage group (9.8 days vs. 4.9 days). The cumulative haemoglobin drop and the number of transfused blood units were the same. One patient in each group developed symptomatic deep venous thrombosis which was managed successfully. There was no patient with perioperative death, pulmonary embolism, infection, dislocation, periprosthetic fracture or heterotrophic ossification. No patient required reoperation. Two patients in the 1-stage group developed unilateral temporary peroneal nerve palsy, which was resolved after 3-4 months. CONCLUSION:: 1-stage bilateral THA can be used successfully for patients with bilateral hip disease without increasing the rate of complications. Functional and clinical outcomes are comparable and hospital stay is significantly shorter.

Pain management via Ultrasound-guided Nerve Block in Emergency Department; a Case Series Study.

INTRODUCTION: Pain is the most common complaint of patients referring to emergency department (ED). Considering the importance of pain management in ED, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks in this setting. METHODS: 46 patients who came to the ED with injured extremities were enrolled in the study and received either femoral, axillary or sciatic nerve block depending on their site of injury (1.5 mg Bupivacaine per kg of patient's weight). Patients were asked about their level of pain before and after receiving the nerve block based on numerical rating scale. The difference between pre and post block pain severity was measured. Both patients and physicians were asked about their satisfaction with the nerve block in 5 tiered Likert scale. RESULTS: 46 patients with the mean age of 37.5 ± 12.5 years (8-82 years) received ultrasound-guided nerve block (84.8% male). 6 Sciatic, 25 axillary, and 15 femoral nerve blocks were performed. Mean pain severity on NRS score at the time of admission was 8.1 ± 1.4, which reduced to 2.04 ± 2.06 after block. 25 (54.3%) patients were highly satisfied (Likert scale 5), 15 (32.6%) were satisfied (Likert scale 4), 3 (6.5%) were neutral and had no opinion (Likert scale 3), 1 (2.1%) was not satisfied (Likert scale 2), and 2 (4.3%) were highly unsatisfied (Likert scale 1). There was no significant difference among the satisfaction scores within the three block locations (p = 0.8). There was no significant difference in physicians' level of satisfaction between the three block locations either (p = 0.9). 1 (2.1%) case of agitation and tachycardia and 1 (2.1%) case of vomiting were observed after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided nerve block of extremities is a safe and effective method that can be used for pain management in the ED. It results in high levels of satisfaction among both patients and physicians.

A comparison of prophylactic use of meperidine, meperidine plus dexamethasone, and ketamine plus midazolam for preventing of shivering during spinal anesthesia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of combination of meperidine and dexamethasone with that of placebo, meperidine alone, and the combination of ketamine and midazolam in preventing shivering during spinal anesthesia. DESIGN: This is a prospective, placebo-controlled study. SETTING: The setting is at an operating room of a university-based teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Two hundred American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II patients undergoing orthopedic and urologic surgery under spinal anesthesia were included. INTERVENTIONS: Subarachnoid anesthesia was performed by using 15mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Patients were randomly allocated to receive saline (placebo, group C), meperidine 0.4mg/kg (group Me), ketamine 0.25mg/kg plus midazolam 37.5µg/kg (group KMi), and meperidine 0.2mg/kg plus dexamethasone 0.1mg/kg (group MeD). All drugs were given as an intravenous bolus immediately after intrathecal injection. MEASUREMENTS: During surgery and stay in the recovery room, shivering score, blood pressure, and some other adverse effects were recorded at 5-minute intervals. Axillary and tympanic temperatures were recorded at 15-minute intervals during the perioperative period. MAIN RESULTS: The incidence of shivering after 30minutes of spinal anesthesia in groups C, Me, KMi, and MeD was 64%, 20%, 20%, and 4%, respectively, which was significantly higher in group C compared with other groups (P<.0001). Regarding adverse effects, there was no significant difference between groups (P≥.2). Axillary temperature significantly increased in the 15th-120th-minute interval in groups Me, KMi, and MeD (P<.0001) and in group MeD was higher than that in other groups. Core temperature decreased in the 15th-120th-minute interval in group MeD, lower than that in other groups (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic use of meperidine 0.2mg/kg plus dexamethasone 0.1mg/kg was more effective than meperidine 0.4mg/kg as a sole agent or the combination of ketamine 0.25mg/kg and midazolam 37.5µg/kg in preventing shivering resulting from spinal anesthesia.

Intravenous Paracetamol Versus Patient-Controlled Analgesia With Morphine for the Pain Management Following Diagnostic Knee Arthroscopy in Trauma Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Most patients undergoing outpatient surgeries have the unpleasant experience of high level pain after surgery. Compared with open surgeries, arthroscopic procedures are less painful; however, inadequate pain management could be associated with significant concerns. Opioids alone or in combination with local anesthetics are frequently used for diminishing postoperative pain using intravenous or epidural infusion pumps. Despite morphine various disadvantages, it is commonly used for controlling pain after surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare intravenous paracetamol and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine for the pain management following diagnostic knee arthroscopy in trauma patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty trauma patients who were scheduled to undergo knee arthroscopy were randomly divided into two groups. Patients immediately received intravenous infusion of 1 g paracetamol within 15 minutes after surgery and every 6 hours to 24 hours in the paracetamol group. The patient-controlled analgesia group received morphine through PCA infusion pump at 2 mL/h base rate and 1mL bolus every 15 minutes. Pain level, nausea and vomiting, and sedation were measured and recorded during entering the recovery, 15 and 30 minutes after entering the recovery, 2, 6, and 24 hours after starting morphine pump infusion in the morphine and paracetamol in the paracetamol groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference regarding the pain level at different times after entering the recovery between the two groups. No one from the paracetamol group developed drug complications. However, 22.3% in the PCA morphine suffered from postoperative nausea; there was a statistically significant difference regarding the sedation level, nausea, and vomiting at various times between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous administration of paracetamol immediately after knee arthroscopy improved postoperative pain, decreased analgesic administration, maintained stable hemodynamic parameters, had no complications related to opiates, no nausea and vomiting, and increased patient satisfaction and comfort in comparison to PCA with morphine.

Comparison of Transforaminal and Parasagittal Epidural Steroid Injections in Patients With Radicular Low Back Pain.

BACKGROUND: Epidural steroid injection (ESI), including transforaminal (TF) epidural injections and interlaminar (IL) epidural steroid injections are commonly performed procedures for the management of lumbosacral radicular pain. Parasagittal interlaminar (PIL) approach could enable higher ventral epidural spread, with fewer complications than TF. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of PIL and TF ESI in relieving the pain and disability of patients with lumbosacral pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 64 patients, aged between 18 to 75 years, with a diagnosis of low back pain and unilateral lumbosacral radicular pain. The patients were randomized to receive fluoroscopically guided epidural injection, through either the PIL or TF approach. Patients were evaluated for effective pain relief [numerical rating scale (NRS) < 3] by 0 - 10 numeric rating scale (NRS) and functional improvement by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: Effective pain relief [numeric rating scale (NRS) < 3] was observed in 77.3% (95% CI: 67‒90.5%) of patients in PIL group and 74.2% (95% CI: 62.4 - 89.4%) of patients in the TF group (P = 0.34), at 4 weeks. Mean NRS score was not significantly different between the PIL group compared to the TF group, at 4 weeks (P = 0.19). Number of patients with improved disability (measured by ODI < 20%) was not significantly different in PIL group (78% of cases) compared to the TF group (76% of cases), at 4 weeks (P = 0.21). There were no adverse effects observed in any of our patients. CONCLUSIONS: The PIL epidural injection is as effective as TF epidural injection in improving pain and functional status, in patients with chronic lumbosacral low back pain, due to disc degeneration.

Do the Concentration and Volume of Local Anesthetics Affect the Onset and Success of Infraclavicular Anesthesia?

BACKGROUND: Although local anesthesia is a suitable method for upper limb surgeries, there is debate regarding the effects of appropriate dosing. OBJECTIVES: In the current study, we investigated the effects of the concentration and volume of a local anesthetic on the beginning and quality of anesthesia during upper limb orthopedic surgeries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This double-blinded, randomized, clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients aged between 18 and 85 years candidated for upper limb orthopedic operations. The patients were equally and randomly distributed into two groups (n = 30). Under ultrasound imaging guidance, the first group received 7 mL of 2% lidocaine and the second group 10 mL of 1.3% lidocaine into the brachial plexus cords. The onset of block and the level of sensory and motor block were documented for each nerve territory. RESULTS: The onset of sensory and motor block was significantly shorter in the 1.3% lidocaine group than in the 2% lidocaine group (P ≤ 0.05). The success rate of sensory and motor block was not different. The quality (completeness) of sensory block for the musculocutaneous nerve and that of motor block for the radial nerve were significantly better in the 1.3% lidocaine group than in the 2% lidocaine group. CONCLUSIONS: The volume of the injected anesthetic accelerated the onset of sensory and motor block without affecting the rate of success in our patients.