Dietary acid load is associated with waist circumference in university students with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet: The potential role of ultra-processed foods.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dietary acid load (DAL), as expressed by potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net acid production (NEAP), is connected to cardiometabolic disorders and obesity. Mediterranean diet relates to lower, while western diets to higher DAL values. The present study aimed to assess the association of PRAL and NEAP with adiposity measures in young adults (19.61 ± 3.15 years, mean ± standard deviation) and explore the implication of Mediterranean diet adherence and ultra-processed foods (UPF) intake in this relation. METHODS: 346 students (269 women) participated. Anthropometry was performed, and a food frequency questionnaire was administered. The MedDietScore was calculated, UPF consumption was calculated based on the NOVA classification and PRAL/NEAP was estimated from published equations. Waist Circumference (WC) was transformed to WC-1 (1/WC) in order to achieve normality and run linear regression models. RESULTS: In subjects with MedDietScore ≤ 28.00, PRAL and NEAP were negatively associated with 1/WC (B = -1.594 × 10-5± 8 × 10-6, p = 0.044 for PRAL and B = -2.84 × 10-5 ± 1 × 10-5, p = 0.048 for NEAP). Moreover, in this subgroup, subjects with medium to high UPF intake i.e., in the 2nd or 3rd tertile of UPF intake representing more than 34.16% of energy, PRAL (2nd tertile B = -0.00007, SE = 0.00003, p = 0.018; 3rd tertile B = -0.00002, SE = 0.00001, p = 0.024) and NEAP (2nd tertile B = -0.00004, SE = 0.00002, p = 0.040; 3rd tertile B = -0.00007, SE = 0.00004, p = 0.055) were connected to central obesity. In similar models, PRAL and NEAP were not significant predictors of BMI. CONCLUSION: The DAL may be related to central obesity, especially in individuals with worse dietary quality, as reflected by lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and high intake of UPF. Nutrition guidance aiming at the reduction of DAL may be useful in the reduction of central obesity in these subgroups.

Modified tension band wiring technique by safely inserting K-wires in olecranon fracture osteosynthesis.

AIM: The present study presents the results of a modified tension band technique by surgically inserting K-wires to treat olecranon fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The modification includes inserting the K-wires from the olecranon's upper tip and directing them to the ulna's dorsal surface. Twelve patients (three males and nine females) from 35 to 87 years of age were operated for olecranon fracture. After the standard approach, the olecranon was reduced and fixed with two K-wires from the tip to the dorsal ulnar cortex. Then the standard tension band technique was carried out. RESULTS: The average operating time was 17.25±3.08 min. No image intensifier was used since the wires' discharge was either visible, penetrating the dorsal cortex, or palpable through this area's skin. The time needed for the bone union was six weeks. In one female patient, the wires were cut out. This patient showed a satisfactory painless range of motion (ROM) of the elbow but did not achieve full ROM. However, this particular patient had a previous removal of the radial head, and she spent some time in the ICU intubated. The modified technique used here is as stable as the classic operation, and it is safe since there is no risk of injuring the nerves and vessels of the olecranon fossa. There is less or no need for an image intensifier. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of the present study are entirely satisfactory. However, many patients and randomized studies are needed to establish this modified tension band wiring technique.

Relation of Minimally Processed Foods and Ultra-Processed Foods with the Mediterranean Diet Score, Time-Related Meal Patterns and Waist Circumference: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in University Students.

Ultra-processed foods are associated with chronic diseases, cardiometabolic factors and obesity. According to the NOVA system, foods are classified into four categories (from 1 = unprocessed to 4 = ultra-processed foods). The purpose of the present study was to assess the consumption of minimally processed foods (MPF) and ultra-processed foods (UPF) in university students and their relationship with obesity, Mediterranean diet adherence and meal patterns. In total, 346 students (269 women) of the University of Peloponnese participated. A food frequency questionnaire was used, and the MedDietScore was calculated. The % energy contribution of MPF and UPF was calculated. The identification of meal patterns was performed via principal component analysis. Both multivariate regression and Spearman's correlations were used to measure the association of UPF/MPF consumption with anthropometric indices (body mass index, BMI and waist circumference, WC), Mediterranean diet adherence and early/late meal patterns. UPF and MPF provided 40.7 ± 13.6% and 44.3 ± 11.9% (mean ± standard deviation) of energy intake, respectively. In multi-adjusted linear regression models UPF consumption (% energy) was positively associated with WC in men but it was not related to BMI (total sample, men, women). UPF consumption was negatively related to the MedDietScore (Spearman rho = -0.214, p < 0.001) and an "early eating" pattern (Spearman rho = -0.120, p = 0.029) and positively associated with a "late eating" meal pattern (Spearman rho = 0.190, p = 0.001). MPF consumption was positively associated with the MedDietScore (Spearman rho = 0.309, p < 0.001) and an "early eating" pattern (Spearman rho = 0.240, p < 0.001). In conclusion, UPF consumption was positively related to WC in male university students. Nutritional and sociodemographic correlates of UPF consumption, such as low Mediterranean diet adherence and having a "late eating" pattern serve as a basis to better understand the UPF consumption-central obesity relation in young adults and should be considered in nutrition education programs for young adults.

Mediterranean Diet, a Posteriori Dietary Patterns, Time-Related Meal Patterns and Adiposity: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in University Students.

The transition to university is connected to potentially obesogenic dietary changes. Our aim was to assess the relation of Mediterranean diet adherence, and a posteriori dietary and meal patterns with adiposity in Greek students at the University of the Peloponnese. A total of 346 students (269 women) participated. Anthropometry was performed, and a food frequency questionnaire was administered. The MedDietScore was higher in women and was not linearly related to adiposity. Principal component analysis revealed six patterns: (1) legumes/vegetables/fruits/tea/dairy/whole grains, (2) juice/sodas/liquid calories, (3) olive oil/fats, (4) meat/poultry/fish, (5) alcohol/eggs/dairy and (6) fast foods/sweets. Patterns 4 and 6 were related to overweight/obesity probability (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.995-2.538 and OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.07-6.06, respectively) and higher waist circumference (men). Men "early eaters" (breakfast/morning/afternoon snack) had a higher MedDietScore and lower overweight probability (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.220-1.020). Poor meal and dietary patterns relate to overweight and central obesity, which is important for targeted health promotion programs.

Development of a Tool for Determining the Equivalence of Nutritional Supplements to Diabetic Food Exchanges.

Malnutrition is a prevalent issue in hospitals, nursing homes and the community setting. Nutritional products can be used by dietitians to supplement people's diet by adding energy, macronutrients and other constituents. The aim of the present work was (i) to create a database of nutritional products with information on their energy and macronutrient content, (ii) to estimate the food exchanges of each product and assist in diet plan development for malnourished persons and (iii) to provide a tool for calculation of food exchanges of newly developed products not included in the database. We searched the web for nutritional supplements, and an electronic database with 461 products was generated with data regarding the contained energy and macronutrients of each entry. The following companies were included: Abbott Nutrition, Nestle Nutrition, Nutricia North America, Nutricia Global, Nutricia Europe & Middle East, Axcan Pharma Inc., Kate Farms, Global Health, High Protein, NutriMedical BV, Hormel Health Labs, Hormel Health Labs/Diamond Crystal Brands, Lyons Magnus, Mead Johnson, Medical Nutrition USA Inc., Medtrition, Nutritional Designs Inc., Nutrisens, Humana (Germany), and Vitaflo USA. The created database facilitates product comparisons and categorization into several groups according to energy and protein content. In addition, a tool was created to determine food exchanges for each supplement per serving and/or food exchanges for newly developed products by simply inserting their macronutrient content. The developed tool can facilitate dietitians in comparing products and incorporating them into diet plans, if needed. Such tools may thus serve clinical practice, may be used in dietary or other smart applications and can familiarize dietitians with the digital epoch.

Clinical Application of the Food Compass Score: Positive Association to Mediterranean Diet Score, Health Star Rating System and an Early Eating Pattern in University Students.

Nutrient profiling systems (NPS) assist consumers in food choices. Several scores based on NPS have been proposed, but data on their clinical application are lacking. The food compass score (FCS) is a newly developed NPS per 100 kcal (from 1 "least healthy" to 100 "most healthy"). We examined the correlations of FCS with other indices, food groups, and meal patterns. A total of 346 students of the University of the Peloponnese (269 women and 77 men) participated. Dietary habits were evaluated with a food frequency questionnaire, and FCS, health star rating score (HSR), and MedDietScore were computed. Meal and snack frequency consumption was reported. Principal component analysis revealed three meal patterns: "early eater" (breakfast, morning snack and afternoon snack), "medium eater" (lunch and dinner), and "late eater" (bedtime snack). Pearson partial correlations between ranked variables were used to test the correlation coefficients between FCS, other scores, and meal patterns, after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and underreporting. FCS was positively correlated to HSR (rho = 0.761, p ≤ 0.001) in a multi-adjusted analysis. In the highest tertile of MedDietScore FCS was also positively correlated to MedDietScore (rho = 0.379, p < 0.001). The FCS was positively correlated with juices, high-fat dairy, vegetables, legumes, fruits, and olive oil and negatively correlated with sodas, alcoholic drinks, red meat, refined grains, sweets, fats other than olive oil, fast foods, and coffee. In addition, it related positively to the "early eater" pattern (rho = 0.207, p < 0.001). The FCS was associated with other quality indices and better nutritional habits, such as being an early eater.

Managing anxiety disorders with the neuro-biofeedback method of Brain Boy Universal Professional.

Background: Biofeedback is a non-invasive therapeutic method used independently or as an adjunct alongside other methods. Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy of biofeedback in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Methods: The sample consisted of 85 individuals with anxiety symptoms who underwent neuro-biofeedback therapy using Brain Boy Universal Professional. Anxiety was assessed by both the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) and Zung Anxiety Self-Assessment Scale (SAS) before the initiation and after completing ten sessions with biofeedback. Results: Before biofeedback and based on the HAM-A scale, 27.0% of the individuals showed mild to moderate anxiety, 16.5% medium anxiety, and 56.5% severe anxiety. After the completion of biofeedback, 90.6% of the individuals experienced mild to moderate anxiety, 5.9% medium anxiety, and 3.5% severe anxiety. Based on the SAS scale, before biofeedback, 42.4% of the individuals showed minimal to moderate anxiety, 21.2% marked severe anxiety and 36.5% most extreme anxiety. After the biofeedback, 68.2% of the individuals were within a normal range, 27.1% had minimal to moderate anxiety, 4.7% marked severe anxiety, and none in most extreme anxiety. Conclusion: Both HAMA-A and SAS scales showed statistically reduced anxiety levels after biofeedback therapy. Thus, the primary symptom of anxiety can be addressed by the biofeedback method.

Factors Associated With Fatigue in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.

Background and objective Fatigue is frequently experienced by patients undergoing hemodialysis and it has a negative effect on their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with fatigue in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods In this quantitative cross-sectional study, 100 patients on hemodialysis participated. Fatigue was evaluated via the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Participants also completed a questionnaire about demographics and clinical characteristics. The Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman's rho criterion were used to assess the association between fatigue score and patient characteristics. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess the effect of the characteristics on patients' fatigue. Results Statistically significant high levels of physical or mental fatigue were found in older patients (p=0.001 and p=0.001), divorced/widowed patients (p=0.001 and p=0.014), those who had children (p=0.019), those who had primary education (p=0.015), those who were not informed about their health problems (p=0.003 and p=0.006), those who had comorbid diseases (p=0.001 and p=0.001), those who believed that regular information did not help to reduce stress (p=0.005 and p=0.004), patients who had insomnia (p=0.001 and p=0.001), patients who felt tired after hemodialysis (p=0.001 and p=0.001), those who thought they had a change in body image (p=0.001 and p=0.001), those who often felt stiffness (p=0.001 and p=0.001), those who sometimes felt nausea (p=0.015 and p=0.038), and those who had limitations in the clothes they could wear (p=0.001 and p=0.001). Conclusions The findings of this study showed that physical or mental fatigue had a strong association with advanced age, comorbidities, marital status, level of education, inadequate information about the disease, insomnia, and change in body appearance. Hence, renal professionals need to properly educate dialysis patients on the complicated nature of fatigue in order to manage it effectively and improve their physical, cognitive, and social wellbeing.

Factors Associated With Insomnia in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder among patients on hemodialysis and has a strong relation with fatigue, depression, low immune system, increased risk of cardiovascular problems, and low quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with insomnia in patients undergoing hemodialysis.  Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients on hemodialysis (75 males and 25 females) from a hemodialysis center in Greece were included. Insomnia was assessed via the "Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS)" and a questionnaire about demographic and clinical characteristics. The Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney tests, and Spearman's rho criterion were used to evaluate the association between insomnia score and patients' characteristics. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess the effect of characteristics on patients' insomnia. RESULTS: Statistically significantly high levels of insomnia were found in patients over the age of 60 years (p = 0.002), in divorced/widowed patients (p = 0.007), in patients who had comorbid diseases (p = 0.001), in patients who felt tired after hemodialysis (p = 0.001), in those who had continuous fatigue (p = 0.001) and change in body image (p = 0.003), in those who often had itching (p = 0.007) and stiffness in joints (p = 0.001) and in patients who had limitations in the clothes they could wear (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study showed that insomnia had a strong association with increased age of patients, comorbidities, fatigue, change in body appearance, pruritus, and limitation in clothes they could wear. Therefore, there is a necessity for early assessment of sleep quality and effective treatment of sleep disorders in hemodialysis patients in order to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of their life.

Incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Its Effect on Health-Related Quality of Life Among Nurses of Greek Public Hospitals: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Vein thrombosis (VTE) is a collective term for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of DVT and its association with health-related quality of life among Greek nurses. METHODS: This is a multicenter descriptive correlation study. The sample of the study was nursing staff working in Greek public hospitals. The diagnosis of DVT was set by Hicks's clinical criteria. RESULTS: The study included 6304 nurses with a mean age of 47.4 ± 4.9 years. Diagnosed by a physician, DVT had 544 (8.6%) participants. The mean score of the overall dimension of physical health-related quality of life was 68.1 ± 21.9 and the overall score of mental health scale was 53.3 ± 10.4. The odds of DVT occurrence increased dramatically for female gender (CI: 27.76, 95% CI: 8.12-94.89, p = 0.001). Increased odds were found also for advanced age (CI: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09-1.33, p = 0.001), advanced BMI (CI: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10, p = 0.001), and smoking (CI: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.51-4.90, p = 0.001). Moreover, previous pregnancy (CI: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.21-2.29, p = 0.002), work experience (CI: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.23, p = 0.008), and Rhesus (CI: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.11-5.84, p = 0.027) were found to be risk factors for DVT. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses are potentially a professional group for developing deep vein thrombosis, and given the high incidence found in this study, as well as the lower proportion of nurses who were undiagnosed while meeting the clinical criteria of Hick, it is essential for nurses to check their lower extremities for DVT annually.

Linezolid: a Promising Agent for the Treatment of Multiple and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is a severe, infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The aim of this review was to present the efficacy of linezolid as an agent against multidrug and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis as gathered from many recent research studies. Linezolid seems to have strongly the potential of being used as an anti-tuberculosis agent because it blocks bacterial ribosomal protein synthesis. Nevertheless caution is required because of the adverse effects it causes, especially when the linezolid daily dosage exceeds 600 mg. The most severe adverse effects include anemia, peripheral neuropathy, optic neuropathy and thrombocytopenia. Still, more trials and research need to be done in order to gather more information and value the cost-benefit dosage of the treatment.

Comparison of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy with ultrasound therapy in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

PURPOSE: Patients suffering from lateral epicondylitis exhibit diminished mobility due to pain. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of both shockwave and ultrasound therapies in patients with lateral epicondylitis. METHODS: The shockwave group consisted of 117 patients, 63 patients constituted the ultrasound group, and 18 patients made up the control group. The "University of Peloponnese Pain, Functionality and Quality of Life Questionnaire" was used for the evaluation of pain, functionality, and quality of life on a five-point Likert scale, pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 4-week follow-up. RESULTS: The pain was reduced and the functionality and quality of life were improved in both the shockwave and ultrasound groups post-treatment (p < 0.001) and at 4-week follow-up (p < 0.001), but the results in the ultrasound group were not as pronounced as in the shockwave group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both radial shockwave and ultrasound therapies were significantly effective in patients with lateral epicondylitis. However, ultrasound therapy was less effective than shockwave therapy.

The Contribution of Biofeedback Brain Boy Method to the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Anxiety management is one of the most important health issues which is being faced by humans today. Biofeedback, as a method of neurophysiology, has been added to the methods recommended for this purpose. AIM: The aim of the study was to measure the effectiveness of biofeedback method by using Brain Boy Universal Professional in the treatment of anxiety disorders. METHODS: The sample of this research study consisted of 50 individuals, suffering from symptoms of anxiety, who underwent biofeedback therapy. For the purposes of this study, the self-administered questionnaire Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety was completed by the individuals both before the initiation of the therapy and after individuals had completed ten sessions of treatment with biofeedback. RESULTS: Prior to biofeedback, 26% of the participants showed mild to moderate anxiety, 12% a medium severity of anxiety and the remaining 62% severe anxiety. After the completion of 10 sessions of biofeedback, 78% of the participants was found to experience mild to moderate anxiety, 12% a medium severity of anxiety and only 10% of severe anxiety. CONCLUSION: Biofeedback can be a therapeutic method for the treatment of anxiety disorders, giving treatment to patients who do not respond to drugs but also to patients who want to apply to undergo such treatment alongside other therapeutic methods including drugs.

Radial Extra Corporeal Shockwave Therapy Versus Ultrasound Therapy in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with plantar fasciitis usually suffer from reduced mobility due to the pain caused by the movement of the tendons involved. AIM: This study was aimed to compare both shockwave and ultrasound therapies in patients with plantar fasciitis by assessing the pain intensity, and both the functionality of the lower limbs and the quality of life impairments. METHODS: Total amount of 88 patients with plantar fasciitis constituted the shockwave group, 56 the ultrasound group and 15 the control group. The self-administered questionnaire "University of Peloponnese Pain, Functionality and Quality of Life Questionnaire" was used. The intensity of pain, functionality impairment and quality of life impairment were evaluated on a five-point Likert scale, before treatment, immediately after and at 4-week follow-up. RESULTS: The pain reduction and the improvement of functionality and quality of life after shockwave treatment and ultrasound treatment significantly increased both post-treatment (p<0,001) and at the 4-week follow-up (p<0,001) compared to post-treatment. However, the improvements in the ultrasound group were not as pronounced as in shockwave group (p<0,001). CONCLUSIONS: Although both radial shockwave and ultrasound therapies were found to be effective in patients with plantar fasciitis, the statistical analysis showed that radial shockwave is significantly more effective than ultrasound therapy.

Comparison of Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy versus Ultrasound Therapy in the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy.

INTRODUCTION: People suffering from rotator cuff tendinopathy exhibit reduced mobility due to pain. The pain and the limited functionality affect negatively the overall quality of life. AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the intensity of pain, the functionality of the upper limbs and the quality of life of patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy by using two different therapeutic modalities, shockwave and ultrasound, whose outcomes were assessed pre-treatment and post-treatment as well as after a 4-week follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of the total sample of 115 patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy, 56 patients constituted the shockwave intervention group, 47 patients constituted the therapeutic ultrasound group and 12 patients made up the control group. The self-administered questionnaire "The University of Peloponnese Pain, Functionality and Quality of Life Questionnaire, UoP ­ PFQ" was used where the intensity of pain, functionality and quality of life of the upper limbs were evaluated on a five-point Likert scale, pre-treatment, post-treatment and at a 4-week follow-up. RESULTS: The pain intensity was reduced and both the functionality and quality of life were improved after shockwave therapy post-treatment (p<0.001) and at a 4-week follow-up (p<0.001) compared with those found after the treatment. Similar improvements in all three parameters were also observed after ultrasound treatment but the outcomes were not as pronounced as in the shockwave group. CONCLUSION: Both radial shockwave and ultrasound therapies were found to be effective in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy, the statistical analysis showing that radial shockwave therapy was superior to the ultrasound therapy post-treatment and at the 4-week follow-up.

Effectiveness and Safety of Shockwave Therapy in Tendinopathies.

INTRODUCTION: People suffering from tendinopathies exhibit reduced mobility due to the pain caused by the movement of the tendons involved. Recently, shockwave therapy has been used as a treatment option, which is non-invasive, simpler, faster and safer. AIMS: To record the intensity of the pain, the functionality of the upper and lower limbs and quality of life before treatment with shock waves, immediately after the treatment and the 4-week follow-up. METHODOLOGY: The sample consisted of 384 patients, suffering from a tendinopathy. 326 patients constituted the shockwave intervention groups and 58 patients made up the control groups. The researchers created a self-administered questionnaire (University of Peloponnese Pain, Functionality and Quality of Life Questionnaire) in which the intensity of pain, functionality and quality of life were evaluated on a five-point Likert scale, before, immediately after the treatment and at a 4-week follow-up. RESULTS: The pain reduction and the improvement of functionality and quality of life after shockwave treatment increased by at least two points on the five-point Likert scale both post-treatment (p<0,001) and at a 4-week follow-up (p<0,001) compared to post-treatment in elbow tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis and rotator cuff tendinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Shockwave therapy significantly reduced the pain that accompanies tendinopathies and improves functionality and quality of life. It might be first choice because of its effectiveness and safety.

Ondansetron-droperidol combination vs. ondansetron or droperidol monotherapy in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with a high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. In this study we investigated comparatively the efficacy of combination therapy with ondansetron plus droperidol versus monotherapy with each agent alone in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting following elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-seven patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were included in the study, and assigned to one of the following three groups according to the antiemetic drug given intravenously at the end of the surgery: droperidol 1.25 mg in group D, ondansetron 4 mg in group O, and a combination of droperidol and ondansetron at the doses mentioned above in group D + O. Incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and doses of given rescue antiemetics were recorded during the first postoperative day. The total drug cost per patient spent for postoperative nausea and vomiting management (including prophylactic antiemetics plus rescue postoperative antiemetics) was calculated. RESULTS: Combination therapy significantly reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting at 30 min, 3 h and 6 h after surgery compared with group D (p < 0.01 for all time points) and O (p < 0.01 at 30 min, p < 0.05 at 3 h) and required less rescue antiemetic treatment (p < 0.01). Total antiemetic cost analyses revealed no significant differences among the three groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with ondansetron plus droperidol is more effective than monotherapy in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, without increasing the cost comparatively.

Effect of 5-HT7 receptor blockade on liver regeneration after 60-70% partial hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Serotonin exhibits a vast repertoire of actions including cell proliferation and differentiation. The effect of serotonin, as an incomplete mitogen, on liver regeneration has recently been unveiled and is mediated through 5-HT2 receptor. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 5-HT7 receptor blockade on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were subjected to 60-70% partial hepatectomy. 5-HT7 receptor blockade was applied by intraperitoneal administration of SB-269970 hydrochloride two hours prior to and sixteen hours after partial hepatectomy and by intraperitoneal administration of SB-258719 sixteen hours after partial hepatectomy. Animals were sacrificed at different time points until 72 h after partial hepatectomy. Liver regeneration was evaluated by [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation into hepatic DNA, the mitotic index in hematoxylin-eosin (HE) sections and by immunochemical detection of Ki67 nuclear antigen. Reversion of 5-HT7 blockade was performed by intraperitoneal administration of AS-19. Serum and liver tissue lipids were also quantified. RESULTS: Liver regeneration peaked at 24 h ([(3)H]-thymidine incorporation into hepatic DNA and mitotic index by immunochemical detection of Ki67) and at 32 h (mitotic index in HE sections) in the control group of rats. 5-HT7 receptor blockade had no effect on liver regeneration when applied 2 h prior to partial hepatectomy. Liver regeneration was greatly attenuated when blockade of 5-HT7 receptor was applied (by SB-258719 and SB-269970) at 16 h after partial hepatectomy and peaked at 32 h ([(3)H]-thymidine incorporation into hepatic DNA and mitotic index by immunochemical detection of Ki67) and 40 h (mitotic index in HE sections) after partial hepatectomy. AS-19 administration totally reversed the observed attenuation of liver regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, 5-HT7 receptor is a novel type of serotonin receptor implicated in hepatocyte proliferation.

Manuka honey-impregnated dressings in the treatment of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.

In this study, we investigate the effect of manuka honey-impregnated dressings (MHID) on the healing of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers (NDFU). A total of 63 Caucasians, type 2 diabetic patients followed up in the diabetic foot outpatient clinic comprised the study population. Patients were randomised in two groups as follows: group I patients were treated with MHID and group II patients were treated with conventional dressings (CD). The patients were followed up on a weekly basis for 16 weeks. Mean healing time was 31 ± 4 days in group I versus 43 ± 3 days in group II (P < 0·05). In group I patients 78·13% of ulcers became sterile during the first week versus 35·5% in group II patients; the corresponding percentages for weeks 2, 4 and 6 were 15·62% versus 38·7%, 6·25% versus 12·9% and 0% versus 12·9% respectively. The percent of ulcers healed did not differ significantly between groups (97% for MHID and 90% for CD). MHID represent an effective treatment for NDFU leading to a significant reduction in the time of healing and rapid disinfection of ulcers.