Fluoxetine alleviates postoperative cognitive dysfunction by attenuating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway activation in aged mice.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication following surgery among elderly patients. Emerging evidence demonstrates that neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of POCD. This study tested the hypothesis that fluoxetine can protect against POCD by suppressing hippocampal neuroinflammation through attenuating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway activation. SUBJECTS: Aged C57BL/6 J male mice (18 months old) were studied. TREATMENT: Aged mice were intraperitoneally injected with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) or saline for seven days before splenectomy. In addition, aged mice received an intracerebroventricular injection of a TLR4 agonist or saline seven days before splenectomy in the rescue experiment. METHODS: On postoperative days 1, 3, and 7, we assessed hippocampus-dependent memory, microglial activation status, proinflammatory cytokine levels, protein levels related to the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, and hippocampal neural apoptosis in our aged mouse model. RESULTS: Splenectomy induced a decline in spatial cognition, paralleled by parameters indicating exacerbation of hippocampal neuroinflammation. Fluoxetine pretreatment partially restored the deteriorated cognitive function, downregulated proinflammatory cytokine levels, restrained microglial activation, alleviated neural apoptosis, and suppressed the increase in TLR4, MyD88, and p-NF-κB p65 in microglia. Intracerebroventricular injection of LPS (1 µg, 0.5 µg/µL) before surgery weakened the effect of fluoxetine. CONCLUSION: Fluoxetine pretreatment suppressed hippocampal neuroinflammation and mitigated POCD by inhibiting microglial TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway activation in aged mice.

Measurement and multiplexing of ultra-low duty cycle Nyquist pulse sequences.

In this paper, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, method to our knowledge for generating and accurately measuring Nyquist pulse sequences with an ultra-low duty cycle of only 0.037, which breaks the limitations caused by the noise and bandwidth of the optical sampling oscilloscope (OSO) by using a narrow-bandwidth real-time oscilloscope (OSC) and an electrical spectrum analyzer (ESA). By this method, it is found that the bias point drift of the dual parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (DPMZM) is the main cause of the distortion of the waveform. In addition, we increase the repetition rate of Nyquist pulse sequences by a factor of 16 by multiplexing the unmodulated Nyquist pulse sequences.

Experimental Design of Vertical Distraction Osteogenesis Using Simple 3 Screws.

Distraction osteogenesis devices are complicated. To simplify these devices, we used 3 simple screws and 1 rubber band to realize the idea and analyzed histologic changes induced by mechanical forces. Ten female New Zealand white rabbits were studied. A left or right side of the mandible was randomly selected as the experimental side (ES). The unilateral mandible was distracted, and 2 fixation screws and 1 traction screw were implanted. When the traction screw was rotated downward, the opposite force made the osteotomy block move in opposite directions to increase the bone height. The control side (CS) was not processed. The results were assessed after 20 days of traction. Bone height in the ES increased by 5 mm. Toluidine blue staining showed that the number of osteoblasts per unit area on the ES was higher than that of the CS ( P <0.01). PerkinElmer showed that the expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen ( P =0.016) and collagen-I ( P =0.000) on the ES were higher than those on the CS. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the number of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus on the ES was significantly greater than the CS. The results confirmed that the 3 screws vertically increase the bone height. Mechanical force signals stimulate tissue activity and lead to significant cell proliferation and differentiation in the traction zone. Collagen-I may induce osteogenesis in the early stage of traction.

Validation of the translated version of the EVAN-G scale in a Chinese-speaking population.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to translate the French version of a perioperative satisfaction questionnaire (EVAN-G) scale, a validated questionnaire for assessing perioperative patient satisfaction, into a Chinese version and validate it in Chinese-speaking patients. METHODS: We developed the Chinese version of the EVAN-G (EVAN-GC) scale based on the original French version of the EVAN-G. The EVAN-GC scale, the Short version of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (S-STAI), and the McGill pain questionnaire (MGPQ) were administered on the WeChat mini program. We invited patients to complete these questionnaires within 4 to 24 h after surgery. The psychometric validation of the EVAN-GC scale included validity, reliability, and acceptability. RESULTS: Among 220 patients, 217 (98.6%) completed the EVAN-GC scale after surgery. The item-internal consistency revealed good construct validity. Compared with the total scores of the S-STAI and MGPQ, the EVAN-GC scale showed excellent convergent validity (ρ = - 0.32, P < 0.001; ρ = - 0.29, P < 0.001). The EVAN-GC scale could differentiate between groups, which showed good discriminate validity. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.85) of the translated scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency reliability, and a 36-patient subsample retest evidenced good test-retest reliability (ρ = 0.82, P < 0.001). In addition, the median [interquartile range] time of completing the EVAN-GC scale was 3.7 [2.9-4.9] min. CONCLUSIONS: The EVAN-GC scale has good psychometric properties similar to those of the original French version. The EVAN-GC scale is a valid and reliable measurement to assess patient satisfaction in Chinese-speaking patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100049555.

Discharge readiness after remimazolam versus propofol for colonoscopy: A randomised, double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: Remimazolam is an ultrashort-acting benzodiazepine that is potentially a practical option for procedural sedation in colonoscopy. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that remimazolam could provide a noninferior discharge time to propofol for ambulatory colonoscopy. DESIGN: A prospective, randomised, double-blind, noninferiority clinical trial. SETTING: Ambulatory endoscopy centre. PATIENTS: A total of 132 adult participants undergoing ambulatory colonoscopy were enrolled. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly assigned in a 1 : 1 ratio to receive propofol or remimazolam for sedation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was discharge time after a colonoscopy, assessed using the Modified Postanaesthetic Discharge Scoring System scale. Secondary outcomes included induction time, emergence time, the extent of recovery upon arrival in the postanaethesia care unit, fatigue, endoscopist and patient satisfaction and adverse events. RESULTS: The median discharge time was 24 min in the remimazolam group versus 21 min in the propofol group, with a difference of 2 min [95% confidence interval (CI), 0 to 4 min], meeting the criteria for noninferiority. Injection pain occurred in 11 of 66 (17%) participants receiving remimazolam versus 32 of 66 (49%) participants receiving propofol ( P  < 0.001); hypotension occurrence was 20% versus 47%, ( P  < 0.001), respectively, and bradycardia 6% versus 20%, ( P  = 0.019), respectively. Compared with propofol, the patient satisfaction score was higher in the remimazolam group ( P  < 0.001). CONCLUSION: For sedation in ambulatory colonoscopy, compared with propofol, remimazolam provides a noninferior discharge time. Furthermore, remimazolam is associated with less injection pain, lower risks of hypotension and bradycardia, and improved patient satisfaction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, identifier: ChiCTR2100048678.

Intranasal dexmedetomidine versus oral midazolam premedication to prevent emergence delirium in children undergoing strabismus surgery: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine is being used increasingly as a premedicant in the paediatric population. However, the effectiveness of pre-operative intranasal dexmedetomidine premedication, compared with oral midazolam, for emergence delirium is not well characterised. OBJECTIVE: To identify the effectiveness of pre-operative intranasal dexmedetomidine for emergence delirium in the paediatric patient population following general anaesthesia. DESIGN: A prospective, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Single university teaching hospital, from September 2013 to August 2014. PATIENTS: One hundred and fifty-six patients undergoing anaesthesia for strabismus surgery were included in the study. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomised in a 1 : 1 : 1 ratio to receive premedication with intranasal dexmedetomidine 2 µg kg (the dexmedetomidine group), oral midazolam 0.5 mg kg (the midazolam group), or 0.9% saline (the placebo group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence delirium assessed by the Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scale. Secondary outcomes included the quality of the inhalational induction, emergence time, postoperative pain intensity, length of stay in the postanaesthesia care unit, the incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting (PONV) and parents' satisfaction. RESULTS: The incidence of emergence delirium was lower in patients given dexmedetomidine compared with that in patients given midazolam (11.5 versus 44%, relative risk = 0.262, 95% confidence interval 0.116 to 0.592) or 0.9% saline (11.5 versus 49%, relative risk = 0.235, 95% confidence interval 0.105 to 0.525). Likewise, the incidence of PONV was lower in the dexmedetomidine group (3.8%) than that in the midazolam (22%; P = 0.006) or placebo (29.4%; P < 0.001) groups. However, there was no difference among the groups concerning postoperative pain scores and length of postanaesthesia care unit stay. CONCLUSION: In paediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery intranasal dexmedetomidine 2 µg kg premedication decreases the incidence of emergence delirium and PONV, and improves parents' satisfaction compared with oral midazolam. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT01895023).

Ultrasound-guided serratus plane block enhances pain relief and quality of recovery after breast cancer surgery: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal analgesia can improve postoperative pain and possibly accelerate functional recovery after surgery. Serratus plane block (SPB) is a novel, ultrasound-guided regional anaesthetic technique for complete analgesia of the anterolateral chest wall. But, the effect of SPB on the quality of recovery after breast cancer surgery has not been established. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that pre-operative SPB would enhance the quality of recovery following breast cancer surgery. DESIGN: A randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Single university teaching hospital, from March 2016 to June 2017. PATIENTS: Seventy-two women scheduled for breast cancer surgery. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomised in a 1 : 1 ratio to receive SPB with 25 ml of ropivacaine 0.5% or physiological saline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint was the 40-item Quality of Recovery questionnaire score 24 hours postoperatively hours. Secondary endpoints were postoperative pain intensity, cumulative opioid consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting, dizziness, post anaesthesia care unit discharge time and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The global median [IQR] 40-item Quality of Recovery questionnaire score at 24 postoperative hours was significantly higher in the SPB group (158 [153.8 to 159.3]) than the control group (141 [139 to 145.3]) with a median difference of 15 (95% confidence interval: 13 to 17, P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, postoperative pain scores at rest were significantly lower up to 24 h in the SPB group. Pre-operative SPB reduced postoperative cumulative opioid consumption, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and the post anaesthesia care unit discharge time. In addition, patient satisfaction scores were higher in the SPB group. CONCLUSION: Pre-operative administration of SPB with ropivacaine improved the quality of recovery, postoperative analgesia and patient satisfaction following breast cancer surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT02691195).

Caudal and intravenous dexmedetomidine similarly prolong the duration of caudal analgesia in children: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine can prolong the duration of action of a local anesthetic agent, but the route of administration that is the most beneficial remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness of caudal or intravenous dexmedetomidine administration on postoperative analgesia in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair given caudal levobupivacaine. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Ninety ASA I subjects, aged 2-5 year, undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair were enrolled. The children were randomized in a double-blind fashion to three groups. The L-Dcau group received 1 mL/kg of caudal 0.25% levobupivacaine plus 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine and IV 20 mL saline. The L-Div group received 1 mL/kg of caudal 0.25% levobupivacaine and IV 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine in 20 mL saline. The L group received 1 mL/kg of caudal 0.25% levobupivacaine and IV 20 mL saline. The primary outcome was the duration of analgesia, which was defined as the time from the caudal block to a Postoperative Pain Scale (CHIPPS) score ≥4. Secondary outcomes were the number of patients requiring rescue analgesia, pain intensity, the incidence of emergence agitation, intraoperative hemodynamic variations, residual motor block, and adverse effects. RESULTS: The median duration of analgesia in the L-Dcau group was 14.2 hour compared to 6 hour in the L group with a median difference of 8.5 hour [95% CI (6.5, 10.5), P < 0.001]. The median duration of analgesia in the L-Div group was 12.4 hour compared to 6 hour in the L group with a median difference of 6.4 hour [95% CI (4, 8.5), P < 0.001]. Fewer patients in the L-Dcau and L-Div groups required rescue analgesia in the first 24 hour postoperatively compared to the L group, although there was no significant difference between the L-Dcau and L-Div groups for these outcomes. Both dexmedetomidine routes reduced the pain and the incidence of emergence agitation. No bradycardia, hypotension, or motor block was observed in any of the three groups. CONCLUSION: Caudal and IV dexmedetomidine similarly prolong the duration of analgesia produced by caudal levobupivacaine.

Dexmedetomidine Ameliorate CLP-Induced Rat Intestinal Injury via Inhibition of Inflammation.

The aim was to verify that dexmedetomidine (DEX) can attenuate CLP-induced intestinal injury via inhibition of inflammation. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated into Sham group and the other three CLP model groups, in terms of different treatments: placebo, DEX, and yohimbine plus DEX (DEX + YOH) groups. Pathology examination was conducted with HE stain. To identify differences among groups, the levels of DAO, and D-lactate in serum were measured by spectrophotometry, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in serum and organ were measured by ELISA. The expressions of occludin and TLR4 in tissue were detected by Western blot. The survival rate of an additional group of animals within 7 d was recorded. In DEX group, mortality was lower, histology change was minor, DAO, and D-lactate levels were reduced, and occludin expression was increased; the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TLR4 were also decreased in DEX group. These results indicated that acute intestinal injury induced by CLP was mitigated by DEX treatment. However, these effects of DEX were significantly attenuated by yohimbine in DEX + YOH group. Our study indicated the protective effects of DEX on CLP-induced injury, which may be associated with the inhibition of inflammation via modulating TLR4 pathway and can be blocked by yohimbine.

Intranasal dexmedetomidine premedication reduces minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane for laryngeal mask airway insertion and emergence delirium in children: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to verify the hypothesis that intranasal dexmedetomidine premedication can reduce the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane for laryngeal mask airway insertion in children. METHODS: Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I subjects, aged 3-7 years, were randomized to three equal groups to receive saline (Group S), dexmedetomidine 1 µg · kg(-1) (Group D1 ), or dexmedetomidine 2 µg · kg(-1) (Group D2 ) approximately 45 min before anesthesia. The minimum alveolar concentration for laryngeal mask airway insertion of sevoflurane was determined according to the Dixon's up-and-down method. Emergence delirium was evaluated using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). RESULTS: Dexmedetomidine premedication of 1 and 2 µg · kg(-1) was associated with reduction in sevoflurane from 1.92% to 1.53% and 1.23%, corresponding to decrease of 20% and 36%, respectively. The peak PAED scores (median [IQR]) were 9 [8-11.5], 5 [3-5.3], and 3 [2-4] in Group S, Group D1, and Group D2 , respectively. The incidence of emergence delirium (defined as peak PAED score ≥ 10) was significantly lower in Groups D1 and D2 than in Group S (P < 0.001). Simultaneously, the induction qualities and the parent's satisfaction scores were significantly higher in Groups D1 and D2 than in Group S (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Intranasal dexmedetomidine premedication produces a dose-dependent decrease in the minimum alveolar concentration for laryngeal mask airway insertion of sevoflurane and emergence delirium in the PACU.

Systemic lidocaine versus erector spinae plane block for improving quality of recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A randomized controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare intravenous lidocaine, ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB), and placebo on the quality of recovery and analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. DESIGN: A prospective, triple-arm, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled non-inferiority trial. SETTING: A single tertiary academic medical center. PATIENTS: 126 adults aged 18-65 years undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly allocated to one of three groups: intravenous lidocaine infusion (1.5 mg/kg bolus followed by 2 mg/kg/h) plus bilateral ESPB with saline (25 mL per side); bilateral ESPB with 0.25% ropivacaine (25 ml per side) plus placebo infusion; or bilateral ESPB with saline (25 ml per side) plus placebo infusion. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the 24-h postoperative Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) score. The non-inferiority of lidocaine versus ESPB was assessed with a margin of -6 points and 97.5% confidence interval (CI). Secondary outcomes included 24-h area under the curve (AUC) for pain scores, morphine consumption, and adverse events. MAIN RESULTS: 124 patients completed the study. Median (IQR) 24-h QoR-15 scores were 123 (117-127) for lidocaine, 124 (119-126) for ESPB, and 112 (108-117) for placebo. Lidocaine was non-inferior to ESPB (median difference  -1, 97.5% CI: -4 to ∞). Both lidocaine (median difference 9, 95% CI: 6-12, P < 0.001) and ESPB (median difference 10, 95% CI: 7-13, P < 0.001) were superior to placebo. AUC for pain scores and morphine use were lower with lidocaine and ESPB versus placebo (P < 0.001 for all), with no significant differences between lidocaine and ESPB. One ESPB patient reported a transient metallic taste; no other block-related complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: For patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, intravenous lidocaine provides a non-inferior quality of recovery compared to ESPB without requiring specialized regional anesthesia procedures. Lidocaine may offer a practical and accessible alternative within multimodal analgesia pathways.

Efficacy of intraoperative systemic lidocaine on quality of recovery after laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Many clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of intraoperative systemic lidocaine administration in major abdominal surgeries. We tested the hypothesis that systemic lidocaine is associated with an enhanced early quality of recovery in patients following laparoscopic colorectal resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We randomly allocated 126 patients scheduled for laparoscopic colorectal surgery in a 1:1 ratio to receive either lidocaine (1.5 mg kg-1 bolus over 10 min, followed by continuous infusion at 2 mg kg-1 h-1 until the end of surgery) or identical volumes and rates of saline. The primary outcome was the Quality of Recovery-15 score assessed 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were areas under the pain numeric rating scale curve over time, 48-h morphine consumption, and adverse events. RESULTS: Compared with saline, systemic lidocaine improved the Quality of Recovery-15 score 24 h postoperatively, with a median difference of 4 (95% confidence interval: 1-6; p = 0.015). Similarly, the area under the pain numeric rating scale curve over 48 h at rest and on movement was reduced in the lidocaine group (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, these differences were not clinically meaningful. Lidocaine infusion reduced the intraoperative remifentanil requirements but not postoperative 48-h morphine consumption (p < 0.001 and p = 0.34, respectively). Additionally, patients receiving lidocaine had a quicker and earlier return of bowel function, as indicated by a shorter time to first flatus (log-rank p < 0.001), yet ambulation time was similar between groups (log-rank test, p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery, intraoperative systemic lidocaine resulted in statistically but not clinically significant improvements in quality of recovery (see Graphical Abstract).Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; ChiCTR1900027635.

Systemic lidocaine failed to clinically improve the overall quality of recovery following laparoscopic colorectal resection.Systemic lidocaine reduced intraoperative remifentanil and time to first flatus but not postoperative 48-h morphine consumption.No differences emerged in patient-reported outcomes like opioid side effects, mobility, or satisfaction between groups postoperatively.

Dexmedetomidine Prolongs Lidocaine Intravenous Regional Anesthesia in Rats by Blocking the Hyperpolarization-Activated Cation Current.

Purpose: Intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) using lidocaine provides effective localized analgesia but its duration is limited. The mechanism by which dexmedetomidine enhances lidocaine IVRA is unclear but may involve modulation of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels. Materials and Methods: Lidocaine IVRA with varying dexmedetomidine concentrations was performed in the tails of Sprague-Dawley rats. Tail-flick and tail-clamping tests assessed IVRA analgesia and anesthesia efficacy and duration. Contributions of α2 adrenergic receptors and HCN channels were evaluated by incorporating an α adrenergic receptor antagonist, the HCN channel inhibitor ZD7288, and the HCN channel agonist forskolin. Furthermore, whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology quantified the effects of dexmedetomidine on HCN channels mediating hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) in isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons. Results: Dexmedetomidine dose-dependently extended lidocaine IVRA duration and analgesia, unaffected by α2 receptor blockade. The HCN channel inhibitor ZD7288 also prolonged lidocaine IVRA effects, while the HCN channel activator forskolin shortened effects. In dorsal root ganglion neurons, dexmedetomidine concentration-dependently inhibited Ih amplitude and shifted the voltage-dependence of HCN channel activation. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine prolongs lidocaine IVRA duration by directly inhibiting HCN channel activity, independent of α2 adrenergic receptor activation. This HCN channel inhibition represents a novel mechanism underlying the anesthetic and analgesic adjuvant effects of dexmedetomidine in IVRA.

Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Paravertebral Block on Postoperative Quality of Recovery in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block on postoperative quality of recovery in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Patients and Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we enrolled patients scheduled for unilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Patients were randomly allocated to receive thoracic paravertebral block either with 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine (PVB group) or an equal volume of saline (control group). The primary outcome was the quality of patient recovery at 24 h postoperatively, assessed using the 15-item Quality of Recovery scale. The secondary outcomes included the area under the curve of pain scores over time, time to first rescue analgesia, and postoperative 24 h morphine consumption. Results: We analyzed the data of 70 recruited participants. The median Quality of Recovery-15 score at 24 h postoperatively was 127 (interquartile range, 117-133) in the PVB group, which was significantly higher than 114 (interquartile range, 109-122) in the control group, with a median difference of 10 points (95% confidence interval, 5-14; P<0.001). The area under the curve of pain scores over time was lower in patients receiving thoracic PVB than in those receiving saline block (P<0.001). The median time to first rescue analgesia in the PVB group (10.8 h, interquartile range 7.1-22.8 h) was longer than that in the control group (1.9 h, interquartile range 0.5-4.3 h) (P<0.001). Similarly, the median postoperative 24-hour morphine consumption was nearly half as low in the PVB group as in the control group (P<0.001). The occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and pruritus were significantly higher in the control group (P=0.016 and P=0.023, respectively). Conclusion: Preoperative ultrasound-guided single injection of thoracic paravertebral block with ropivacaine improved the postoperative quality of recovery and analgesia in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Enhancing bone formation using absorbable AZ31B magnesium alloy membranes during distraction osteogenesis: A new material study.

Purpose: To investigate whether the use of absorble AZ31B magnesium alloys over distraction gaps improves the quality and quantity of regenerated bone better than the use of Collagen membranes. Methods: Fifteen mixed-breed dogs were randomly divided into the experimental (n = 10) and control (n = 5) groups. In the experimental group, two devices were implanted along the mandible; one side with absorble AZ31B and the other side with Collagen. The control animals did not undergo osteotomy or distraction. After a consolidation time of two months, 30 specimens were harvested, and newly created bone was identified using CBCT and micro-CT. Results: The Collagen membranes were absorbed completely, and the AZ31B membranes became irregular and rough. Mandible length was successfully extended approximately 1 cm. More bone formation was found after using AZ31B than Collagen, and there was a significant difference in width reduction between experimental sites treated with AZ31B (0.11 ± 0.04 cm) and Collagen (0.42 ± 0.06 cm) (p < 0.05). Trabecular thickness was also significantly higher in AZ31B (0.338 ± 0.08 cm) and control (0.417 ± 0.05 cm) than Collagen (0.178 ± 0.04 cm) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: An AZ31B membrane barrier is biocompatible and absorbable which can maintain the distraction gap and provide support to the attached osteoprogenitors by providing space for them to proliferate.

Regional versus systemic dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to lidocaine for intravenous regional anaesthesia in healthy volunteers: a randomized crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine enhances the quality and duration of lidocaine intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA). However, the two administration routes have not been directly compared regarding effects on tourniquet tolerance time with lidocaine IVRA. Additionally, it remains unclear whether the prolonged tourniquet tolerance stems from the direct peripheral action of dexmedetomidine or indirect systemic analgesic effects. METHODS: We conducted forearm IVRA in 12 healthy volunteers using a crossover design on two separate study days. One day, the systemic dexmedetomidine group received an intravenous infusion of 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine (20 mL) in one arm, followed by 0.5% lidocaine (25 mL) forearm IVRA in the contralateral arm. On the other day, the regional dexmedetomidine group received an intravenous 0.9% saline infusion (20 mL) in one arm, followed by combined 0.5% lidocaine (25 mL) and 0.5 µg/kg dexmedetomidine forearm IVRA in the opposite arm. After a two-week washout period, participants crossed over to receive the alternate treatment. The primary outcome was tourniquet tolerance time, from initiating IVRA until the patient-reported tourniquet pain numerical rating scale exceeded three. RESULTS: The tourniquet tolerance time was longer with regional versus systemic dexmedetomidine (36.9 ± 7.6 min vs 23.3 ± 6.2 min, respectively), with a 13.6 min mean difference (95% CI: 10.8 to 16.4 min, p < 0.001). Regional dexmedetomidine also hastened sensory onset and extended sensory recovery compared to systemic administration. Delayed sedation after tourniquet release occurred in 5 of 12 subjects receiving regional dexmedetomidine. CONCLUSION: The addition of regional dexmedetomidine to lidocaine prolonged tourniquet tolerance time in forearm IVRA to a greater extent compared to systemic dexmedetomidine in healthy volunteers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300067978.

The addition of regional dexmedetomidine prolongs tourniquet tolerance time with lidocaine forearm IVRA.Regional dexmedetomidine accelerates sensory block onset time and extends sensory block recovery time when supplemented with lidocaine forearm IVRA.Delayed sedative effects following tourniquet release were witnessed in some participants administered regional dexmedetomidine.

Efficacy of systemic lidocaine in postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery: study protocol for a multicentre, prospective, double-blind, randomised, parallel-group, superiority, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic lidocaine may reduce pain intensity and accelerate postoperative recovery. However, the efficacy of systemic lidocaine in cognitive function has not been established. This study protocol is designed to clarify the effectiveness of lidocaine in postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a prospective, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial. One thousand and twenty elderly patients will be randomly allocated in a ratio of 1:1 to receive either systemic lidocaine (a bolus of 1.5 mg/kg, followed by an infusion of 1.5 mg/kg/hour until the end of the surgery) or identical volumes and rates of 0.9% saline. The primary outcome measure is the prevalence of POD during the first 5 postoperative days. Secondary outcomes include emergence agitation, the area under the curve of the Numeric Rating Scale pain scores over 48 hours, postoperative 48-hour cumulative opioid consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), recovery of bowel function, quality of recovery, and patient satisfaction with postoperative analgesia. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Ethical Committee of the Fujian Provincial Hospital approved the study protocol (ref: K2021-06-018). Other participating subcentres must also obtain ethics committee approval before the start of the study. We will obtain written informed consent from each patient before they are randomised. This study will be presented at scientific conferences and submitted to international journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100050314.

Fluoxetine for reducing postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after total knee replacement: study protocol for a single-centre, double-blind, randomised, parallel-group, superiority, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication following major surgical procedures. The underlying pathophysiology is poorly understood, but the role of neuroinflammation is strongly implicated. Given the antineuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects of fluoxetine, we hypothesise that fluoxetine may reduce the cumulative incidence of POCD in elderly patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a prospective, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, superiority trial. Five hundred elderly patients undergoing unilateral TKA will be randomly assigned to the fluoxetine and placebo groups. The fluoxetine group will receive fluoxetine 20 mg daily 8 weeks preoperatively, and the placebo group will receive placebo capsules daily 8 weeks preoperatively. The primary outcome is the cumulative incidence of POCD at 1 month postoperatively. The secondary outcomes include the occurrence of delirium, the area under the curve of the Numeric Rating Scale pain scores over time, and sleep disturbance. Data on all the results, risk factors and adverse events will also be collected and analysed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Fujian Provincial Hospital Ethics Board has approved the protocol for this trial (identifier number: K2021-01-009). All participants will be required to provide written informed consent before any protocol-specific procedures. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100050424.

Remimazolam for the Prevention of Emergence Delirium in Children Following Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy Under Sevoflurane Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Purpose: To identify the effectiveness of remimazolam at the end of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for preventing emergence delirium in children under sevoflurane anesthesia. Patients and Methods: One hundred and four patients aged 3-7 years scheduled for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy under sevoflurane anesthesia were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either remimazolam 0.2 mg kg-1 (intervention, n=52) or 0.9% normal saline (control, n=52) at the end of the procedure. The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence delirium, defined as a Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) score ≥10. Secondary outcomes were peak PAED score, emergence time, postoperative pain intensity, length of postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, parental satisfaction, and postoperative behavior changes three days postoperatively. Results: Emergence delirium occurred in 6 of 51 (12%) patients receiving remimazolam versus 22 of 50 (44%) patients receiving saline (risk difference 32% [95% confidence interval, 16% to 49%], relative risk 0.27 [95% confidence interval, 0.12 to 0.60]; P<0.001). The peak PAED scores (median [interquartile range]) were lower in the remimazolam group than in the saline group (7 [6-8] versus 9 [8-11], P<0.001). Likewise, parental satisfaction was improved in the remimazolam group compared with the saline group (9 [8-10] versus 8 [7-8], P<0.001). There was no difference between groups concerning postoperative pain scores, length of PACU stay, or postoperative behavior changes. Conclusion: In children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, administration of remimazolam 0.2 mg kg-1 at the end of the surgery, compared with 0.9% saline, resulted in a significantly lower likelihood of emergence delirium after sevoflurane anesthesia.

Synergistic enhancement of new bone formation by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 and osteoprotegerin in trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis: a pilot study in dogs.

PURPOSE: The previous decade has witnessed increasing emphasis on the technique of trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis (TSDO), a new and challenging procedure to reconstruct deficiencies in craniomaxillofacial bone. The purpose of this study was to determine if locally administered recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2)/Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/Fibrin sealant and recombinant human osteoprotegerin recombinant OPG fusion protein improves osteoblastogenesis and new bone formation by TSDO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two dogs were divided into 4 groups: control, BMP-2, OPG, or BMP-2 plus OPG. Two dogs from each group were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after initiating the DO protocol. Immunohistochemical, histomorphometric, and electron microscopic assessments were performed to investigate the effects of BMP-2 or OPG induced by TSDO. RESULTS: The animals demonstrated significant overgrowth of the maxilla (control, 19.5 ± 2.61 mm; BMP-2, 19.9 ± 1.47 mm; OPG, 18.3 ± 1.2 mm; BMP-2 + OPG, 20.5 ± 2.65 mm). Histologically, the palatine suture widened dramatically within 2 weeks after distraction. Osteoblast number, trabecular thickness, content of alkaline phosphatase, and integrated optical density of BMP-2 increased obviously in the BMP-2 + OPG group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: TSDO in growing dogs is a safe, well-tolerated technology. The study found that OPG alone did not improve bone regeneration, but that it acted synergistically with BMP-2 to increase recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells and led to a significant enhancement of bone formation and healing. The temporal pattern of BMP-2 expression is consistent with a role in the regulation of mechanical and biological interventions designed to promote bone regeneration.