Evaluation of the effect of pitavastatin on motor deficit and functional recovery in sciatic nerve injury: A CatWalk study.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the electrophysiological, scintigraphic, and histopathological effects of pitavastatin and its impact on functional status in rats with sciatic nerve injury. Materials and methods: A total of 30 Wistar albino rats were divided into three equal groups including 10 rats in each group: sham group (no injury), control group (nerve injury induced), and pitavastatin group (nerve injury induced and 2 mg/kg of pitavastatin administered orally once a day for 21 days). Before and at the end of intervention, quantitative gait analysis with the CatWalk system and sciatic nerve conduction studies were performed. After the intervention, the gastrocnemius muscle was scintigraphically evaluated, and the sciatic nerve was histopathologically examined. Results: There was no significant difference in the sciatic nerve conduction before the intervention and Day 21 among the groups (p>0.05). According to the quantitative gait analysis, there were significant differences in the control group in terms of the individual, static, dynamic, and coordination parameters (p<0.05). The histopathological examination revealed a significant difference in the total myelinated axon count and mean axon diameter among the groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: Pitavastatin is effective in nerve regeneration and motor function recovery in rats with sciatic nerve injury.

The effect of intraurethral hyaluronic acid on healing and fibrosis in rats with experimentally induced urethral trauma.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of hyaluronic acid (HA) application after urethral trauma for preventing spongiofibrosis and inflammation in the early period. METHODS: A total of twenty-four rats were divided into 3 groups, with 8 rats in each. The urethra was traumatized with a 24 G needle sheath in all rats. Group 1 of rats were applied 0.9% saline solution twice a day, Group 2 were applied 0.9% saline solution and sodium HA 1% once a day, Group 3 were applied 1.0% HA twice a day. After 21 days, penectomy was performed in all rats. Inflammation, spongiofibrosis, hyperemia and edema in the urethra were investigated for each group. RESULTS: Histopathologic analysis revealed less fibrosis in both group 2 and group 3 compared to Group 1 (p = 0.004). There were no statistically significant differences among the groups in terms of inflammation, hyperemia, edema and congestion (p = 0.563, p = 0.069, p = 0.069, p = 0.068, respectively). Severe fibrosis was observed in 6 (75%) rats in Group 1, and in none of the rats of Group 2 or Group 3. With respect to spongiofibrosis compared to the control group, both Group 2 and Group 3 have statistically significant differences (p = 0.004). Moderate spongiofibrosis was observed in 5 (62.5%) rats in Group 2 and in 3 (37.5%) rats in Group 3. Statistically, there were no significant differences in respect of severity between Group 2 and Group 3 (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Intraurethral HA application after urethral trauma can decrease spongiofibrosis.

Pregnancy outcome of freeze thaw cycles of polycystic ovary syndrome patients regarding the anti-Müllerian hormone percentile.

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome display increased levels of anti-Müllerian hormone. Frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) prevents ovarian hyperstimulation and results in better pregnancy outcome in PCOS patients. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of serum AMH levels on the pregnancy outcome of FET cycles in PCOS patients. 110 infertile women with PCOS who were recommended for embryo cryopreservation followed by FET. The patients' AMH levels were evaluated, and the age-related AMH percentiles were determined. The patients were then grouped according to AMH percentiles, namely, 75th-90th percentile (Group 1) and higher than the 90th percentile (Group 2).A total of 110 PCOS patients who conceived in Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)-In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF) cycles were included in this study. The preterm delivery rates in FET cycles were higher in the group of PCOS patients with AMH levels greater than the 90th percentile than in patients in the 75th-90th percentile group (50% vs 28.8%, p = .024). In conclusion, PCOS patients with AMH levels higher than the 90th percentile had substantially higher preterm delivery rates than those with AMH levels at the 75th-90th percentile, suggesting the need for closer follow-up. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind this correlation.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? The association of AMH levels with the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes has been previously investigated. In women with PCOS, substantially elevated AMH levels were significantly associated with preterm birth.What do the results of this study add? Results showed that the PCOS patients with higher AMH levels and underwent assisted reproductive treatment demonstrated an increased risk of preterm labour than the PCOS patients with lower AMH levels.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In women with PCOS, substantially elevated AMH levels were significantly related to preterm birth, suggesting the need for closer follow-up in this population and the need for further studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind this correlation.

Histopathological effects of aloe vera on wound healing process in penile fracture model: an experimental study

Background/aim: This study assessed the histopathological effects of aloe vera (AV) on penile fractures (PF) formed experimentally in rat model. Materials and methods: Thirty-two Wistar adult male rats (220 to 250 g) were used. The PF model was created experimentally with a number 15 lancet. After the interventions, all of the rats were randomly and equally divided into 4 groups. In the first group, incision was not closed (group C). In the second group, AV was locally applied onto incision without suturing for 3 days (group AV). In the third group, the incision line was closed primarily (group PR). In the last group, AV was applied to primary repair region for 3 days (group PAV). All groups were compared to each other according to presence of fibrosis, inflammation, and hyperemia-bleeding. Results: Hyperemia and bleeding were seen in all groups with varying degrees and the difference between groups was insignificant (p = 1.000). According to inflammation, there was a significant difference between all groups (p = 0.031). No significant inflammation was observed in group AV and therefore, group AV had a better score than group PR (p = 0.026). In group PAV, inflammation was less seen than group PR, however, the difference was insignificant (p = 0.119). According to fibrosis, group AV and group PAV had same fibrosis rates. Fibrosis was observed in 2 (25%) rats in each group. When group PR was compared with group AV and group PAV, there were no significant differences according to cavernosal tissue healing with fibrosis (p = 0.132 and p = 0.132, respectively). Conclusion: Local application of AV onto the PF region without closing with suture decreased inflammation in rats.

The outcomes of dexmedetomidine and calcitriol on flap viability.

PURPOSE: To evaluate protective effects of dexmedetomidine, calcitriol and their combination. METHODS: Forty Wistar-albino rats were divided into 4 groups; group of Sham (Group Sham); group of dexmedetomidine (Group DEX); group of calcitriol (Group CAL) and group of dexmedetomidineandcalcitriol (Group DEX-CAL). Photographic analysis was used for macroscopic analysis and perfusion analyses were evaluated by scintigraphy. Additionally, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant activity (TAS) were recorded and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Each flap was assessed by histopathology. RESULTS: Compared to Group Sham, the viable flap areas were higher in all treatment groups both by photographic image analyses and perfusion analyses (p<0.05). Group DEX-CAL had the highest viable flap percentage both in scintigraphic and photographic analyses; whereas Group Sham had the lowest viable flap percentage. Similarly, TAS and MDA levels were elevated and TOS levels were declined in all treatment groups compared to Group Sham (p<0.005). Histopathological analysis at flap demarcation zone confirmed neovascularization was significantly higher and edema, necrosis and inflammation were significantly lower in all treatment groups compared to Group Sham. CONCLUSION: The outcomes show that additional premedication with either dexmedetomidine or calcitriol or their combination reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury of flap area and show significant increase in the percentage of viable flap tissue.

Antioxidant effects of dexmedetomidine against hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage in vitro by alkaline Comet assay

Background/aim: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that is commonly used as a sedative and anesthetic. The protective effects of DEX against oxidative damage under both in vitro and in vivo conditions have been demonstrated. It was aimed to evaluate and compare the protective effects of DEX and vitamin C (Vit C) on DNA against H2O2-induced DNA damage in human lymphocyte cell cultures in vitro by alkaline Comet assay. Materials and methods: Lymphocyte cell cultures were divided into 5 groups, as the negative control, solvent control, positive control, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 150 µM) + DEX (1 µM; 2.5 µM; 5 µM), and H2O2 (150 µM) + Vit C (1 µM; 2.5 µM; 5 µM), and incubated at 37 °C for 1 h. Cell viability was measured using the Trypan blue test. DNA damage was measured using the Alkali Comet Technique and the % percent tail intensity was evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey multiple comparison test. Results: It was observed that H2O2 significantly induced DNA damage in the lymphocytes and this damage was decreased significantly with Vit C and DEX. It was observed that Vit C at doses of 1 µM and 2.5 µM had a significantly stronger antioxidant effect, but there was no significant difference between the antioxidant effects of Vit C and DEX with a dose of 5 µM. The dose of 5 µM DEX was found to be the most effective in reducing oxidative DNA damage. Conclusion: There is limited data on the protective effects of DEX against oxidative DNA damage. The primary effect might be cytoprotection. The results herein showed that DEX was protective against H2O2-induced in vitro oxidative DNA damage in lymphocyte cell cultures in a dose-dependent manner. DEX might have a potential therapeutic value in the prevention of oxidative DNA damage in patients.

The outcomes of dexmedetomidine and calcitriol on flap viability

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate protective effects of dexmedetomidine, calcitriol and their combination. Methods: Forty Wistar-albino rats were divided into 4 groups; group of Sham (Group Sham); group of dexmedetomidine (Group DEX); group of calcitriol (Group CAL) and group of dexmedetomidineandcalcitriol (Group DEX-CAL). Photographic analysis was used for macroscopic analysis and perfusion analyses were evaluated by scintigraphy. Additionally, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant activity (TAS) were recorded and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Each flap was assessed by histopathology. Results: Compared to Group Sham, the viable flap areas were higher in all treatment groups both by photographic image analyses and perfusion analyses (p<0.05). Group DEX-CAL had the highest viable flap percentage both in scintigraphic and photographic analyses; whereas Group Sham had the lowest viable flap percentage. Similarly, TAS and MDA levels were elevated and TOS levels were declined in all treatment groups compared to Group Sham (p<0.005). Histopathological analysis at flap demarcation zone confirmed neovascularization was significantly higher and edema, necrosis and inflammation were significantly lower in all treatment groups compared to Group Sham. Conclusion: The outcomes show that additional premedication with either dexmedetomidine or calcitriol or their combination reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury of flap area and show significant increase in the percentage of viable flap tissue.

Comparison of prognostic value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in septic and non-septic intensive care patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to compare the prognostic value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in septic and non-septic intensive care patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) were enrolled in either the septic or non-septic group according to the criteria in the International Sepsis Definitions Conference in 2001. Demographic and clinical data, procalcitonin and lactate levels at admission, and death within 28 days were registered. Five blood samples were collected from all patients for NT-proBNP measurements. RESULTS: Septic patients had higher APACHE II (19 (16.00-24.25) vs. 16 (13.00-18.25)), and SOFA (8 (5-10) vs. 6 (4-7)) scores (p <0.05). Procalcitonin levels were also higher in septic patients (3.33 (1.06-10.96) vs. 0.46 (0.26-1.01) ng/ml) and more patients required vasopressors in this group (9 (36%) vs. 2 (8%)) (p < 0.05). In the septic group, the correlation between mortality and the level of NT-proBNP was significant for each measurement, starting from the admission. In the non-septic group the correlation between mortality and the level of NT-proBNP was significant only at the 120th h. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the level of NT-proBNP at admission is well correlated with 28-day mortality in septic ICU patients. However, single measurement of NT-proBNP levels in non-septic patients does not correlate with the 28-day mortality. Repeated measurements and an increasing trend of the NT-proBNP levels may show a correlation with mortality in non-septic intensive care patients.

Comparison of Four Different Supraglottic Airway Devices in Terms of Efficacy, Intra-ocular Pressure and Haemodynamic Parameters in Children Undergoing Ophthalmic Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare insertion parameters of four different types of supraglottic airway devices (SGAD) (Classic LMA, I-gel LMA, Proseal LMA, Cobra PLA) in children undergoing ophthalmic surgery and to determine the effect on intra-ocular pressure (IOP) and haemodynamic responses during insertion. METHODS: Sixty American society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II children aged 1-10 years undergoing extra-ocular ophthalmic surgery were randomly divided into four groups (Group LMA, Group I-gel LMA, Group PLMA and Group CPLA) in this prospective, randomised study. Anaesthesia was induced with decreasing sevoflurane concentrations (8%-2%) in a mixture of 50% N2O-O2. All SGADs were inserted under deep anaesthesia. The characteristics of insertion (number of attempts, ease and time), oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP) and complications were recorded. IOP in both eyes, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and EtCO2 were measured before and 2 and 5 min after insertion of the SGADs. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in terms of the characteristics of insertion. The mean IOP did not increase significantly in all groups. MAP and HR changes were similar among the groups during follow-up. In all groups, HR increased 2 min after insertion (statistically insignificant) and returned to the baseline value 5 min after insertion. A statistically significant correlation was seen between HR increase and IOP values before and after insertion of the SGADs (p=0.006, correlation coefficient=0.352). Desaturation was seen in one patient in Groups LMA, PLMA and CPLA, and laryngospasm was seen in two patients in Group CPLA and in one patient in Group LMA. CONCLUSION: It was seen that during insertion of Classic LMA, I-gel LMA, Proseal LMA and Cobra PLA, IOP did not increase and haemodynamic stability was maintained in children undergoing extra-ocular ophthalmic surgery.

The effects of intravenous fentanyl and intravenous fentanyl combined with bupivacaine infiltration on the hemodynamic response to skull pin insertion.

This study was conducted to compare the effects of intravenous fentanyl and intravenous fentanyl combined with bupivacaine infiltration on the hemodynamic response to skull pin insertion. 120 ASA I-II patients scheduled for elective craniotomy were included. The fentanyl group (group F, n = 60) received fentanyl during induction and prior to skull pin insertion (2 and 1 microg . kg, respectively). The fentanyl-bupivacaine group (group FB, n = 60) received the same doses of fentanyl as well as scalp infiltration with 0.25% bupivacaine. The heart rate (HR) was not significantly different between the groups. HR, at 5 minutes after skull pin insertion in the group F and at 1 and 5 minutes after skull pin insertion in group FB, significantly decreased in comparison to the baseline values (P < 0.05). In both groups, HR at 1 and 5 minutes after skull pin insertion was significantly lower than HR just before skull pin insertion (P < 0.05). In group FB, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 1 and 5 minutes after skull pin insertion were significantly lower than that in group F (P < 0.05). In group F, MAP at 1 minute after skull pin insertion was higher than that of just before skull pin insertion (P < 0.05); however, MAP at 5 minutes after skull pin insertion was lower than that of just before skull pin insertion (P < 0.05). In group FB, MAP at 1 and 5 minutes after skull pin insertion was lower than that of just before skull pin insertion (P < 0.05). The hemodynamic response to skull pin insertion was effectively suppressed with both methods. Still, the addition of scalp infiltration to fentanyl did not provide any additional benefit. Administering an additional dose (1 microg . kg) of fentanyl just before skull pin insertion is recommended as a simple and effective option that requires no extra time.

Effects of isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane on platelet function: A prospective, randomized, single-blind, in vivo study.

BACKGROUND: The primary physiologic function of platelets is to facilitate hemostasisby aggregation. Volatile anesthetics have been reported to decrease platelet aggregation in vivo and in vitro. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the hematologic effectsof the anesthetics isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane on hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and platelet aggregation after minor surgery. METHODS: Patients aged 20 to 60 years who were scheduled to undergominor surgery and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status P1 or P2 (healthy or mild systemic disease) were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane, sevoflurane, or desflurane. None of the patients received premedication. Anesthesia was induced using IV thiopental 5 to 6 mg/kg, fentanyl 1 to 2 µg/kg, and vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg, and maintained with 1 MAC of isoflurane, sevoflurane, or desflurane in 66% nitrous oxide and 33% oxygen. Vecuronium 0.03 mg/kg was given when necessary for muscle relaxation. All patients were monitored throughout surgery; isotonic saline was given at a rate of 5 mL/kg · h. Hematologic studies were performed preoperatively, 15 minutes after intubation, and 1 hour after the end of surgery. Platelet aggregation tests were performed in a laboratory using a platelet function analyzer (PFA), collagen/epinephrine PFA test cartridges, collagen/adenosine diphosphate PFA test cartridges, and PFA trigger solution. RESULTS: This prospective, randomized, single-blind, in vivo study was conducted at Gevher Nesibe Teaching Hospital, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey. Thirty patients (15 men, 15 women) were randomized to the 3 treatment groups (each, n = 10). Hb, Hct, platelet count, aPTT, PT, and INR were statistically similar between all 3 groups. The measured parameters were not significantly different between the isoflurane and desflurane groups at any time point. However, in the sevoflurane group, mean (5D) platelet aggregation was significantly delayed 15 minutes after intubation and 1 hour after surgery compared with the preoperative values (collagen/epinephrine, 81.70 [9.85] seconds vs 196.20 [27.84] seconds and 115.40 [25.80] seconds; both, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study of the effects of isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane in patients undergoing minor surgery, clinically relevant antithrombotic effects were observed 15 minutes after intubation with all 3 drugs, although the effects in patients receiving sevoflurane were significantly greater compared with those in patients receiving isoflurane and desflurane. The antithrombotic effects of isoflurane and desflurane were not continued at 1 hour after surgery; however, the inhibitory effects of sevoflurane on platelet function were continued at 1 hour after surgery but were significantly decreased from levels found at 15 minutes after intubation.

Hemodynamic and blockade effects of high/low epinephrine doses during axillary brachial plexus blockade with lidocaine 1.5%: A randomized, double-blinded study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although epinephrine commonly is added to local anesthetics for regional anesthesia, rarely it may cause undesirable hemodynamic side effects. This study compared the hemodynamic and blockade effects of 25 and 200 microg epinephrine during axillary brachial plexus blockade with lidocaine 1.5%. METHODS: Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologist classification I or II patients were divided randomly into 3 groups. Patients in group 1 received 5 mL of saline containing 25 microg epinephrine and then 35 mL of 1.5% lidocaine; patients in group 2 received 5 mL of saline alone and then 200 microg of epinephrine mixed with 35 mL of 1.5% lidocaine; patients in group 3 received 5 mL of saline alone and then 35 mL of 1.5% lidocaine. Hemodynamic data were measured for 1 to 10 minutes at 1-minute intervals after axillary injection. The duration time of motor and sensory block was recorded. RESULTS: Complete anesthesia was achieved in 85% of patients in groups 1 and 3 and 90% in group 2. Motor block duration was significantly longer in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3 (P <.05). There were no significant differences in analgesia between groups 1 and 2. Analgesia duration was significantly longer in groups 1 and 2 than in group 3 (P <.05). Heart rate from the 3rd to 6th minute was higher in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3 (P <.05). Systolic arterial pressure from the 3rd to 5th minute and diastolic arterial pressure from 2nd to 6th minute were higher in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3 (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose epinephrine offers more stable hemodynamics and similar blockade, and thus may be beneficial for patients undergoing forearm and hand surgery who are at risk for tachycardia and/or hypertension.