The radioprotective effect of Nigella sativa on nitrosative stress in lens tissue in radiation-induced cataract in rat.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and radioprotective effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and thymoquinone (TQ) against ionizing radiation-induced cataracts in lens after total cranium irradiation (IR) of rats with a single dose of 5 gray (Gy). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-four Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the experiment. The rats were randomly divided into six groups. Group A received total cranium IR plus NSO (1 g kg(-1) d(-1)) orally through an orogastric tube. Group B received total cranium IR plus TQ (50 mgkg(-1) d(-1)) daily by intraperitoneal injection. Group C received 5 Gy of gamma IR as a single dose to total cranium plus 1 ml saline. Group D1 just received 1 ml saline. Group D2 just received dimethyl sulfoxide. Group D3 did not receive anything. RESULTS: At the end of the 10th d, cataract developed in 80% of the rats in IR group only. After IR, cataract rate dropped to 20% and 50% in groups which were treated with NSO and TQ, respectively, and was limited at grades 1 and 2. Nitric oxide synthase activity, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite levels in the radiotherapy group were higher than those of all other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results implicate a major role for NSO and TQ in preventing cataractogenesis in ionizing radiation-induced cataracts in the lenses of rats, wherein NSO were found to be more potent.

Effect of Ramadan fasting on serum concentration of apelin-13 and new obesity indices in healthy adult men.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine how Ramadan fasting (RF) affected the recently described new obesity indices [visceral adiposity index (VAI), waist circumference to height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI)], and serum concentration of apelin-13 (RF) in healthy adult men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this purpose, 42 healthy adult men were selected. Anthropometric parameters were measured and a sample of venous blood was obtained for biochemical assays on the first and last days of Ramadan. When all subjects were evaluated, all anthropometric parameters changed except VAI. Serum apelin-13, triglyceride (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and insulin levels did not change. When patients were divided into 3 groups according to body mass index (BMI), BAI decreased in normal-weight subjects and WHtR decreased in other groups, but VAI and apelin-13 did not change in any groups. RESULTS: We demonstrate for the first time that while some anthropometric parameters changed, VAI and serum apelin-13 levels did not change with RF. BMI, waist circumference (WC), TG, and HDL-C were evaluated together in calculation of VAI. TG, VAI, and HDL-C remained unchanged by RF. Even if body weight (BW) and BMI decreased, apelin-13 was not affected by RF. The data on serum apelin-13 may have been influenced by the small-percentage decrease in BW, as well as insignificant improvements in metabolic parameters such as lipid profiles, glucose, and insulin. CONCLUSIONS: We found that Ramadan fasting in healthy adult men was associated with significant decreases in BW, BMI, WHtR, and BAI, but we found no significant changes in VAI and serum apelin-13 concentrations.

Does rocuronium-sugammadex reduce myalgia and headache after electroconvulsive therapy in patients with major depression?

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare the effects of succinylcholine and rocuronium-sugammadex on development of myalgia and headache after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). METHODS: Forty-five patients undergoing ECT were enrolled in the study. Anesthesia induction was provided with propofol 1 mg/kg intravenously (IV) + succinylcholine 1 mg/kg IV in group S (n = 24) and propofol 1 mg/kg IV + rocuronium 0.3 mg/kg IV in group R (n = 21). Sugammadex 4 mg/kg IV was administered to group R after the motor seizure. The first 3 ECT sessions were evaluated on the basis of time to onset of spontaneous respiration following the induction, time to eye-opening response to verbal stimuli, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for myalgia and headache at hours 2, 6, 12, and 24 following the ECT for all patients. RESULTS: The times to onset of spontaneous respiration and eye-opening response to verbal stimuli were significantly shorter in all the 3 sessions in group R compared with group S (P < 0.002). Myalgia VAS scores at hours 2, 6, and 12 and the headache VAS scores at hours 2 and 6 were significantly higher in group S versus group R (P < 0,015). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the rates of myalgia and headache after ECT were significantly lower in group R than in group S, and also the awakening time (spontaneous respiration and opening the eyes in response to verbal stimuli) was significantly shorter in group R compared with group S.

GlideScope video laryngoscopy use tracheal intubation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a series of four cases and literature review.

Airway management in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a challenging problem for anesthesiologists. The GlideScope video laryngoscope (GVL) is designed to assist tracheal intubation for patients with a difficult airway. The aim of the study was to report the successful intubation by GVL of four AS patients, and to discuss the use of GVL for tracheal intubation in patients with AS by performing a review of the literature. Four patients with chronic, severe AS were evaluated preoperatively; all had features associated with a difficult direct laryngoscopy. We performed the necessary preparations for difficult airway and intubation. Patients were kept in supine position, with their head and neck supported on pillows. Following sufficient preoxygenation, patients received i.v. remifentanil at 1 µg kg(-1), propofol at 2 mg kg(-1), and succinylcholine at 1 mg kg(-1). GVL intubation was provided after full muscle relaxation. GVL is reasonable alternative to awake fiberoptic bronchoscopy or any other device, as it appears that less training and skill is involved in the actual intubation process. Adequate laryngeal exposure was obtained in all patients were successfully intubated in the first attempt. As with any challenging airway management, it is essential to have a rescue strategy. We believe that GVL can be a good alternative for oral endotracheal intubation in patients with AS. This series is very small and the reader should be very cautious about drawing broad conclusions regarding the GVL and patients with AS.

Influence of recurrent electroconvulsive therapy on cardiac function.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of recurrent electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on cardiac function as assessed by echocardiography. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients (11 males and 12 females) with different psychiatric disorders who were apparently free of any cardiovascular disorders and underwent ECT were enrolled in the study. Echocardiographic findings including diastolic mitral inflow and tissue Doppler features were recorded at baseline and at the end of the 7th and last ECT in all patients. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 37.95 ± 13.28 years (range 19-71). There was no significant difference in mitral E wave velocities and tissue Doppler E' velocities between the baseline and after the 1st ECT (p = 0.161 and p = 0.083, respectively). The results were similar after the last ECT session (p = 0.463 and p = 0.310, respectively). However, there was a significant increase in transmitral A wave velocity after the 1st and 7th ECT session compared to the values at baseline (p = 0.008 and p = 0.017, respectively). CONCLUSION: The mitral diastolic inflow A wave velocity increased 20 min after ECT, and this increase persisted after recurrent ECT sessions. This finding could be considered as an indicator of acutely increased sympathetic tone.

Does dexmedetomidine affect intraoperative blood loss and clotting tests in pediatric adenotonsillectomy patients?

BACKGROUND: We hypothesize that dexmedetomidine (DEX), a selective α(2) adrenergic receptor agonist, may affect the intraoperative blood loss and clotting tests such as prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and international normalized ratio in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy (ADT). METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for elective ADT under general anesthesia. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either DEX 0.5 µg/kg (group D) or placebo bolus (group C) with a total volume of 10 mL, 10 min before the induction of anesthesia. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, blood loss, preoperatively and immediately after awakening clotting tests, agitation, sedation, visual analog scale, and analgesic requirement, were assessed and recorded. RESULTS: The postoperative hemoglobin was significantly lower than the preoperative value in both groups (P < 0.05). The postoperative agitation scale and analgesic requirement and visual analog scale at the 15th min were significantly lower in group D than those in group C (P < 0.05). Total blood loss and postoperative sedation score in group D was significantly higher than that in group C (P < 0.05). The postoperative prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio tests between the groups, additionally pre-postoperative MAP, heart rate, and clotting tests were similar in each group. CONCLUSIONS: The premedication with DEX 0.5 µg/kg decreased postoperative agitation, pain, and analgesic requirement without significant change in the clotting tests and MAP but increased bleeding slightly during ADT.

Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in children: a randomised comparison with wound infiltration.

CONTEXT: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a new regional anaesthesia technique applicable to infants and children. OBJECTIVE(S): The present study was designed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided TAP block with high volume local anaesthetic (0.5  ml kg) during the first 24 h after surgery in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair. DESIGN: Randomised comparative study. SETTING: Gaziantep University Hospital between December 2010 and May 2011. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-seven children between 2 and 8 years of age undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair were randomised to TAP block (group T, n = 29) or to wound infiltration (group C, n = 28). INTERVENTION(S): A TAP block using ultrasound guidance with 0.25% levobupivacaine 0.5  ml kg(-1) or wound infiltration with 0.2  ml kg(-1) 0.25% levobupivacaine, was performed on the same side as the hernia under general anaesthesia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Time to first analgesic, cumulative number of doses of analgesic, pain scores and adverse effects were assessed over the course of 24  h. RESULTS: The time to first analgesic (mean ±â€ŠSD) was significantly longer in group T than in group C (17 ±â€Š6.8 vs. 4.7 ±â€Š1.6 h, respectively; P < 0.001). Thirteen (45%) patients in group T did not require any analgesic within the first 24 h. The cumulative number of doses of analgesic was significantly lower in group T than in group C (1.3 ±â€Š1.2 vs. 3.6 ±â€Š0.7, respectively, P < 0.001). Pain scores were significantly different between the groups at all time points except at 1, 20 and 24  h (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided TAP block with high volume (0.5 ml kg) 0.25% levobupivacaine provides prolonged postoperative analgesia and reduced analgesic use without any clinical side-effects after unilateral hernia repair in children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12611000585921 (7/06/2011) from Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.

The effects of DEX premedication on volatile induction of mask anesthesia (VIMA) and sevoflurane requirements.

We investigated the effect of intravenous premedication with single dose of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on volatile anesthetic induction time and sevoflurane requirements of anesthesia maintenance in adults by monitoring the bispectral index (BIS). Sixty adult patients with status of ASA I-II undergoing general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were randomly divided into two groups: The first group; a control group (group C, n = 30) and the second group; DEX group (group D, n = 30). Each patient in group D was premedicated with intravenous DEX 0.5 µg/kg or placebo 10 min before the induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced by fentanyl 1 µg/kg, 1:1 ratio of nitrous oxide and oxygen and sevoflurane of 5-8 % and rocuronium bromur (Esmeron) 0.5 mg/kg keeping BIS values at 40-50. Time to induction of anesthesia, BIS, End-tidal sevoflurane concentration (Etsevoflurane), End-tidal CO2 concentration, duration of surgery, recovery time, hemodynamic variables, adverse effects were recorded intraoperatively. Analgesic requirement was noted in postoperative 24 h-period. The time to induction of anesthesia (p < 0.0001) and Etsevoflurane at 1 min (p < 0.05) were significantly lower in group D than in group C. Intravenous premedication with 0.5 µg/kg of DEX decreased the induction time by almost 75 % and provided a significant decrease in Etsevoflurane.

Antioxidant properties of propofol and erythropoietin after closed head injury in rats.

Reactive oxygen species play a role during brain injury due to closed head trauma. Enzymatic or nonenzymatic antioxidants may protect brain tissue against oxidative damage. The present study was performed to assess the changes of endogenous indices of oxidative stress in serum from rats subjected to head trauma and whether treatment with propofol and/or erythropoietin (EPO) modifies the levels of endogenous indices of oxidative stress. For these purposes, female Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups: non-traumatic sham group, trauma performed control, trauma with propofol (i.p.), trauma with EPO (i.p.) and trauma with propofol and EPO performed study groups. At the end of the experimental procedure, blood was taken by cardiac puncture to determine superoxide dismutase (SOD) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activities as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in serum. Serum MDA level of control traumatic brain injury (TBI) group was significantly higher than sham operation group (p<0.012). Serum MDA levels in propofol, EPO and propofol+EPO groups were found to be decreased in comparison with control group (p<0.039, p<0.030 and p<0.018, respectively). Serum NO level was found to be increased in TBI group, but difference was not statistically significant when compared to sham-operated group (p=0.092). Propofol, EPO and propofol+EPO administration efficiently reduced serum NO levels to reach sham-operated group (p<0.002, p<0.001 and p<0.015, respectively). These results suggested that acute administration of both propofol and EPO altered the indices of oxidative stress similarly against brain injury due to trauma.

Endotracheal intubation of a paediatric patient with an umbrella wire embedded in the palate to the posterior wall of the nasopharynx using a GlideScope video laryngoscope.

The penetration of foreign bodies into the oropharynx can be life-threatening. Airway management in patients who have a foreign body penetrated into their oropharynx is a challenging problem for the anaesthetist. In this case report, we aimed to share our experience of endotracheal intubation performed with GlideScope video laryngoscopy in a 3-year-old, 15 kg patient. The patient underwent general anaesthesia to facilitate the removal of an umbrella wire that had become embedded in her soft palate.

Glidescope Video Laryngoscope Use for Tracheal Intubation in a Patient with CHARGE Syndrome.

CHARGE syndrome is an autosomal dominant syndrome in which ocular coloboma (C), heart defects (H), choanal atresia (A), growth retardation (R), genital hypoplasia (G), ear abnormalities (E), and tracheoesophageal fistula, dysphagia, cleft palate, micrognathia, facial paralysis, hypopituitarism, and brain abnormalities may be seen in patients. The patients with CHARGE syndrome face surgical procedures many times from birth. Especially, the problems we meet in the airway may be special. In this case report, we aimed to share our experience of endotracheal intubation performed with Glidescope video laryngoscopy for a patient at the age of 20 months, weight 7.5 kg and height 70 cm, with CHARGE syndrome who was undergoing cochlear implantation.

Intramedullary nailing and angulation prevention in distal metaphyseal tibial fractures.

Intramedullary nailing, which is preferred in tibial diaphyseal fractures, is also frequently used in distal third tibial fractures. Various angular deformities, including varus/valgus deformity, may be observed during postintramedullary nailing. Orthopedic surgeons use several methods to prevent this problem.In this study, at least 2 static locking screws were placed proximal and distal to the nail during intramedullary nailing of distal third tibial fractures. No additional supportive methods were used. The efficacy of this technique in the prevention of postoperative angular deformities was retrospectively investigated. Thirty-four patients with distal third tibial fractures who were treated with intramedullary nailing were included in the study. Angulations were measured in the anteroposterior and lateral planes on plain radiographs obtained preoperatively, on postoperative day 1, and after fracture union. Angulations measured on postoperative day 1 were compared with those measured after fracture union, and an increase was observed. Based on statistical analyses, the increase in the angulations was not significant.In distal third tibial fractures, when fixation was performed by placing 2 static screws distal and proximal to the intramedullary nail following adequate reduction, the angulations that developed during the period until union were not significant in terms of causing deformity, although additional fixation methods are not used.