Comparison between conventional-dose and high-dose rocuronium use in general anesthesia for Cesarean section.

Background: There have been few studies comparing the effects of high- and low-dose rocuronium during cesarean section by directly measuring the concentration. Therefore, we conducted a study to examine the blood concentrations and clinical effects of both doses of rocuronium on mothers and fetuses. Methods: Eighteen patients were randomly assigned to two groups: C Group (0.6 mg/kg), and H Group, (1.0 mg/kg). The primary outcome was the comparison of umbilical vein rocuronium concentration between two groups. We assessed ease of intubation, time from rocuronium administration to some TOF points, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay time, infused remifentanil dose, maternal rocuronium concentration, and Apgar scores. Results: No differences were observed in demographic data, ease of intubation, PACU stay time, 1 min Apgar scores, umbilical venous blood gas analysis between both groups. However, the time from rocuronium administration to T3 disappearance was shorter (p=0.009) and time to T1 and T2 reappearance were longer (p=0.003, p=0.009) in H group than that in C group. The administered remifentanil dose (p=0.042) was lower in the H group than in the C group. Rocuronium concentrations in the umbilical vein (p=0.004) and maternal vein before cord clamping (p=0.002) and at discharge (p<0.001) were also found to be higher in the H group than in the C group. Conclusions: We observed no prolongation of PACU stay, and no differences in Apgar scores in H group compared to C group. It suggests that 1.0 mg/kg of rocuronium has no negative effects on the fetus and mother in cesarean section.

Objective Assessment of Perioperative Anxiety using Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy in Elderly Patients: A Prospective Randomized Observational Pilot Study.

Background: Assessing and managing patient anxiety is essential to reduce postoperative complications in elderly patients. However, monitoring patient anxiety objectively is impossible. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the level of fNIRS signals and anxiety in patients aged 65 and older undergoing artificial joint replacement surgery. Material and Methods: Sixty patients aged ≥65 years scheduled for elective total knee arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia were included. To differentiate the degree of anxiety, the patients were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of 20 patients (group 1: administered normal saline as a placebo; groups 2 and 3: administered dexmedetomidine at a rate of 0.2 and 0.5 µg/kg/h, respectively, for 10 min). Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was measured continuously for 10 min in each session (session 1: pre-anesthetic period; session 2: immediately after the spinal anesthesia period; session 3: normal saline or dexmedetomidine receiving period) in all patients. Vital signs were measured thrice at 5-min intervals during each session. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory -S (STAI-S) and Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) scores were assessed at the end of each session. Results: The STAI-S score was significantly correlated with power of bandwidth (p = 0.034). In addition, the RSS score was significantly correlated with BW 1, 2, and 3 (p = 0.010, p < 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: The STAI-S score and BW 3 were significantly correlated, suggesting that fNIRS might help objectively and directly monitor anxiety levels.

A Study of 57 Patients with Prostate Cancer to Compare Outcomes of Estimated Blood Loss and Postoperative Pain Between Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy and Standard Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is becoming an increasingly common method for treatment of prostate cancer. This study aimed to compare outcomes of estimated blood loss and postoperative pain, determined by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), between RARP and standard laparoscopic radical -prostatectomy (LRP). MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 57 patients who had localized prostate cancer (28 patients in RARP, 29 patients in LRP). Primary outcomes were estimated blood loss (EBL) measured by gravimetric method for gauze and visual estimation for suction bottle, and PCA bolus count that the bolus doses were injected at the 1st, the 6th, the 24th, and the 48th hour after the operation. We recorded anesthesia and operation time, pneumoperitoneum duration, vital signs, fluid volume, and remifentanil use. Using the numeric rating scale (NRS), adverse effects were checked at the 1st, the 6th, the 24th, and the 48th hour and patient satisfaction was assessed at the 48th hour after the operation. RESULTS Anesthesia time, operation time, and gas insufflation time were longer (P=0.001, P=0.003, P=0.021), and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) bolus counts at the 1st hour after the operation and volumes of administered crystalloid and remifentanil were higher in the RARP group than in the LRP group (P=0.013, P=0.011, P=0.031). There were no significant differences in EBL. CONCLUSIONS The RARP group required longer anesthetic time and more analgesics during the acute postoperative period compared to the LRP group. Regarding anesthesia, LRP is as good a surgical procedure as RARP until the operation time and the number of ports are reduced.

Impact of Nonselective and Selective α-1 Adrenergic Blockers on the Sedative Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine in Urologic Surgery: A Prospective, Observational Study.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to compare the impact of a-1 adrenergic blockers - nonselective (alfuzosin, doxazosin, and terazosin) and selective (silodosin and tamsulosin) - on the sedative effects of the alpha-2 adrenergic agonist dexmedetomidine (DMT) in patients undergoing urologic surgery. The primary outcome was the sedative effect of DMT as determined by the bispectral index (BIS) and Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (MOAA/S) scale scores. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred eighteen patients undergoing elective urologic surgery with spinal anesthesia were recruited. Patients were assigned based on their medication status to group N (no medication; n=33), group NS (nonselective alpha-1 blocker; n=27), or group S (selective alpha-1 blocker; n=58). Mean blood pressure (MBP), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), BIS, and MOAA/S scale scores were recorded at 5-minute (min) intervals after DMT administration. RESULTS Group NS had significantly higher BIS scores than groups N and S at 25 min (P=0.045) and 30 min (P=0.030) after DMT administration, indicating lower sedation levels. MBP significantly differed between the 3 groups at all time points, with group N experiencing a lower MBP than groups NS and S. No significant differences were found between the groups in MOAA/S scale scores, SpO2, or HR. CONCLUSIONS Nonselective alpha-1 adrenergic blockers can reduce the sedative effects of DMT. Consequently, there may be a need for individualized anesthesia management considering the specific subtype of alpha-1 adrenergic blocker medication.

Incidental operating room fire from a breathing circuit warmer system: a case report.

BACKGROUND: An airway-associated fire in an operating room can have devastating consequences for patients. Breathing circuit warmers (BCWs) are widely used to provide heated and humidified anesthetic gases and eventually prevent hypothermia during general anesthesia. Herein, we describe a case of a BCW-related airway fire. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case, an electrical short within a BCW wire caused a fire inside the circuit. Simultaneously, the fire was extinguished, ventilation was stopped, and the endotracheal tube was disconnected from the BCW. The patient was exposed to the fire for less than 10 s, resulting in burns to the trachea and bronchi. Immediately after airway burn, bronchoscopy showed no edema or narrowing except for soot in the trachea and both main bronchus. After the inhalation burn event, prophylactic antibiotics, bronchodilator, mucolytics nebulizer, and corticosteroid nebulizer were started. On bronchoscopy 3 days after the inhalation burn, mucosal erythematous edema was observed and the inflammatory reaction worsened. The inflammatory reaction showed aggravation for up to 2 weeks, and then gradually recovered, and the epithelium and mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract returned to normal after 4 weeks. Eventually, the patient recovered without long-term complications and was successfully discharged. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a fire caused by BCW. We wanted to share our experience of how we responded to an airway-related fire in an OR and treated the patient. It cannot be overemphasized that the electrical medical appliance associated with the airways are fatal to the patient in the event of a fire, so caution should always be exercised.

Sleep quality and emergence delirium in children undergoing strabismus surgery: a comparison between preschool- and school-age patients.

BACKGROUND: Emergence delirium (ED) is common in pediatric patients undergoing general anesthesia with sevoflurane. Preoperative sleep quality is associated with the risk factors for ED. However, research on the relationship between sleep quality and ED is limited. We aimed to investigate the relationship between ED and preoperative sleep quality in pediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery. METHODS: This clinical trial included pediatric patients aged 4-12 years who underwent elective strabismus surgery. The patients and their parents were questioned about the patients' preoperative sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. For anesthesia induction, thiopental (5 mg/kg) and rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg) were used, and anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane (minimum alveolar concentration, 1-1.5). After administration of a reversal drug, extubation was performed, and the patients were transferred to a post-anesthesia recovery unit. At 10 min after extubation, the degree of ED was measured using the pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) and Watcha scale scores. RESULTS: Of the 62 enrolled patients, three pediatric patients were excluded. The overall incidence of ED was 22%. A total of 59 patients were divided into the two groups. The ED group and the non-ED group comprised 13 and 46 patients. Age, height and weight were significantly lower in the ED group than in the non-ED group. Preoperative PSQI and Watcha scale score were significantly higher in the ED group than in the non-ED group. Multivariate analysis showed that age (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 0.490 [0.290-0.828], p = 0.008) and preoperative PSQI score (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 2.149[1.224-3.771], p = 0.008) was associated with ED. In sub-group analysis, PAED scale and Watcha scale scores showed a moderate correlation with preoperative sleep quality in preschool-age patients. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the incidence of ED tended to be higher in younger age and poorer preoperative sleep quality in pediatric patients. In particular, the poorer sleep quality score was associated with higher incidence of ED in the preschool-age. Large-scale clinical studies and long-term follow-up studies on ED and sleep quality are required. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT03332407 ) at November 5th 2017.

Locking Multi-Laser Frequencies to a Precision Wavelength Meter: Application to Cold Atoms.

We herein report a simultaneous frequency stabilization of two 780-nm external cavity diode lasers using a precision wavelength meter (WLM). The laser lock performance is characterized by the Allan deviation measurement in which we find σy=10-12 at an averaging time of 1000 s. We also obtain spectral profiles through a heterodyne spectroscopy, identifying the contribution of white and flicker noises to the laser linewidth. The frequency drift of the WLM is measured to be about 2.0(4) MHz over 36 h. Utilizing the two lasers as a cooling and repumping field, we demonstrate a magneto-optical trap of 87Rb atoms near a high-finesse optical cavity. Our laser stabilization technique operates at broad wavelength range without a radio frequency element.

The effect of combined Epidural-general Anesthesia on Hemodynamic Instability during Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma Surgery: A multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of combined epidural-general anesthesia with those of general anesthesia alone on hemodynamic instability (intraoperative hypotension and hypertensive crisis) during pheochromocytoma and sympathetic paraganglioma surgery. Methods: A total of 119 patients' medical records were reviewed who were diagnosed as having pheochromocytoma and sympathetic paraganglioma on the basis of histological findings. Intraoperative hypotension was defined as a mean blood pressure < 60 mmHg or a decrease > 30% in baseline systolic blood pressure after adrenal vein ligation. Hypertensive crisis was defined as a systolic blood pressure > 200 mmHg or an increase > 30% in baseline systolic blood pressure during the operation. The predictor variables for intraoperative hypotension and hypertensive crisis were analyzed with logistic regression models. Data were presented as adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. Results: The independent predictors of intraoperative hypotension were an increased attenuation number on unenhanced computed tomography (1.112 [1.009-1.226], p = 0.033), a high baseline mean blood pressure (1.063 [1.012-1.117], p = 0.015), and the combined epidural-general anesthesia (5.439 [1.410-20.977], p = 0.014). In contrast, an increased attenuation number on unenhanced computed tomography was the only independent predictor of hypertensive crisis (1.087 [1.021-1.158], p = 0.009). Conclusions: The combined epidural-general anesthesia was not effective in attenuating hypertensive responses, but could have exacerbated intraoperative hypotension. These findings should be taken into account before selecting the anesthetic technique in pheochromocytoma and sympathetic paraganglioma surgery.

Propofol attenuates osteoclastogenesis by lowering RANKL/OPG ratio in mouse osteoblasts.

Bone remodeling plays an important role in the bone healing process; for example, following fracture. The relative ratio of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL)/ osteoprotegerin (OPG) controls osteoclast differentiation, thereby playing a pivotal role in the regulation of bone remodeling. Propofol, a widely used anesthetic agent in orthopedic procedures, is considered to possess potential antioxidant properties owing to its structural similarity to α-tocopherol. Antioxidants are known to enhance bone healing. Accordingly, in the present study, we aimed to investigate osteoblastic differentiation and RANKL/OPG expression following propofol administration, in order to assess the potentially beneficial effects of this drug on the bone remodeling process, using calvarial primary osteoblasts from newborn mice. Calvarial pre-osteoblast cells were cultured in media containing clinically relevant concentrations of propofol, and cytotoxicity, effects on cell proliferation, osteogenic activity, and osteoclastogenesis were examined. The present findings indicated that propofol did not exert cytotoxic effects or alter cell proliferation in primary calvarial osteoblasts. Further, propofol did not affect osteoblast differentiation. The RANKL/OPG ratio was found to be decreased following propofol administration, and osteoclastogenesis was significantly reduced, indicating that propofol attenuated the osteoclastogenesis-supporting activity of osteoblasts. The results demonstrate that propofol, at clinically relevant concentrations, exerts beneficial effects on bone remodeling by attenuating osteoclastogenesis via suppression of the RANKL/OPG expression axis.

A prospective pilotstudy comparing the anesthetic effects of an alpha-2 agonist during holmium laser resection of the prostate and transurethral resection for prostate surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia patients using selective alpha-1 blockers.

BACKGROUND: To examine the response to an α2receptor agonist used as a sedative for patients using long-term selective α1 blockers. METHODS: Sixty-nine consecutive patients undergoing transurethral prostate resection or holmium laser resection of the prostateunder spinal anesthesia were divided into two groups; group N (n = 37), which did not receive α1 blockers, and group T (n = 32), which was administered tamsulosin for at least 1 month before the study. Bispectral index scores, Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale scores, heart rate, and mean blood pressure were obtained under sedation using dexmedetomidine for 30 min during surgery. RESULTS: The only significant difference found between the groups were mean bloodpressure 15 min after the first loading dose injection of dexmedetomidine. Differencesbetween both groupswere noted at 15 min(group T: 100.2 ± 12.9 mmHg; group N: 90.0 ± 17.5 mmHg; P = 0.08), 20 min (group T: 99.8 ± 12.3 mmHg; group N: 87.4 ± 15.0 mmHg; P < 0.00), 25 min (group T: 99.3 ± 13.4 mmHg; group N: 85.4 ± 13.8 mmHg; P < 0.00), and 30 min (group T: 98.8 ± 13.1 mmHg; group N: 84.5 ± 13.5 mmHg; P < 0.00). CONCLUSIONS: The use of α2 agonists is appropriate during surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia patients using tamsulosin, and there is no need to alter the dose. Alertness with anesthesia involving α2 agents was maintained for patients using long-term tamsulosin and patients who did not use tamsulosin. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered with the Clinical Research Informational Service ( KCT0002967 , July 2, 2018).

Observations on significant hemodynamic changes caused by a high concentration of epidurally administered ropivacaine: correlation and prediction study of stroke volume variation and central venous pressure in thoracic epidural anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) exacerbates hypotension due to peripheral vasodilator effects following the use of general anesthetics. This study aimed to compare the hemodynamic changes caused by three different concentrations of epidural ropivacaine and to evaluate the performance of the stroke-volume variation (SVV) and central venous pressure (CVP) during TEA with general anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 120 patients were administered 8 mL of ropivacaine solution via epidural injection, following randomization into one of three groups based on the concentration of ropivacaine in the study solution: 0.75%, 0.375%, or 0.2%. Hemodynamics were monitored for 30 min after loading. We analyzed the hemodynamic changes in the subgroups according to an age cutoff of 60 years. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to characterize the relationship of the SVV, CVP, and a 20% decrease in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) following TEA. RESULTS: Data from 109 patients were analyzed. MAP and systemic vascular resistance index were significantly decreased, and SVV was significantly increased after epidural loading only in the 0.75% ropivacaine group. There was a significant difference in hemodynamics between young and elderly subgroups in the 0.75% ropivacaine group. SVV showed a negative correlation with MAP, whereas CVP showed no correlation. The ROC analysis of SVV demonstrated a weak predictive ability of a 20% decrease in MAP at 10 min after the loading dose, with an area-under-the-curve of 0.687 and a 9.5% optimal cutoff value (sensitivity, 60.6%; specificity, 68.9%). CONCLUSIONS: A high concentration of ropivacaine through TEA caused a significant decrease in the systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure. More significant decreases were shown in the elderly patients. Though the change of SVV showed a negative correlation with hypotension and indicated functional hypovolemia after TEA, the predictability was limited. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: Number: NCT01559285 , date: January 24, 2013.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Nefopam versus Ketorolac Combined With Oxycodone in Patient-Controlled Analgesia after Gynecologic Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Nefopam is a centrally-acting non-opioid analgesic, which has no effect on bleeding time and platelet aggregation. There has been no study about nefopam and oxycodone combination for postoperative analgesia. In this study, we present efficacy and side effects of nefopam/oxycodone compared with ketorolac/oxycodone in patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) after gynecologic surgery. METHODS: 120 patients undergoing gynecologic surgery were divided randomly into two groups: Nefopam group treated with oxycodone 1 mg and nefopam 1 mg bolus; and Ketorolac group treated with oxycodone 1 mg and ketorolac 1.5 mg bolus. After the operation, a blinded observer assessed the pain with a numeric rating scale (NRS), infused PCA dose and sedation score at 1, 4, 24, and 48 h, nausea, vomiting, headache, shivering, pruritus and delirium at 6, 24 and 48 h, and satisfaction at 48 h after the operation. RESULTS: Nefopam group showed less nausea than Ketorolac group within 6 h after the operation. There were no significant differences in demographic data and other complications between both groups. At 48 h after operation, satisfaction and the infused PCA volumes of Nefopam group (34.0± 19.7 ml) showed no significant differences compared to Ketorolac group (30.7± 18.4 ml, P-value= 0.46). CONCLUSION: Nefopam showed a similar efficacy and lower incidence of nausea within 6 h after the operation to that of ketorolac in PCA. Nefopam may be a useful analgesic drug for the opioid-based PCA after gynecologic surgery. Further evaluation of accurate equivalent dose of nefopam as well as pharmacokinetics of bolus administration is required.

Oxycodone vs. fentanyl patient-controlled analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Oxycodone is semi-synthetic opioid, oral and parenteral preparations have been widely used for acute and chronic pain. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and side effects of oxycodone and fentanyl in patient controlled analgesia (PCA) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted. 81 patients were randomly divided into two groups; fentanyl (10 mcg fentanyl and 1.5 mg ketorolac) and oxycodone group (1 mg oxycodone and 1.5 mg ketorolac). After the operation, a blinded observer assessed pain using a numerical rating scale (NRS), infused PCA dose, side effects, sedation levels, and satisfaction. RESULTS: Cumulative PCA dose of oxycodone group at 48 h (31.4 ± 16.0 ml) was significantly less than that of fentanyl group (43.8 ± 23.1 ml, P = 0.009). Oxycodone group showed more nausea at 6-24 h after the operation (P = 0.001), but there was no difference in satisfaction score (P = 0.073). There were no significant differences in other side effects, sedation and NRS scores between two groups. CONCLUSION: Oxycodone showed comparable effects for pain relief compared to fentanyl in spite of less cumulative PCA dose. Based on these results, we could conclude that oxycodone may be useful as an alternative to fentanyl for PCA after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Effect of blind versus fluoroscopic guidance epidural blood patch in patients with intracranial hypotension.

Epidural blood patch (EBP)-the most effective treatment for intracranial hypotension (IH)-can be performed using the blind technique in the lateral position or under fluoroscopic guidance in the prone position. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of EBP in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (sIH) and iatrogenic intracranial hypotension (iIH) when performed with the blind technique in the lateral decubitus position or fluoroscopic guidance in the prone position. We reviewed IH patients who underwent EBP between January 2015 and September 2019 in a single hospital and divided them into two groups according to the type of IH. Of the 84 included patients, 36 had sIH and 48 had iIH. We compared the effectiveness of EBP using the two methods in each group. There was no significant difference in the effect of EBP between the patients with iIH (p > 0.05). For patients with sIH, fluoroscopic guidance in the prone position technique showed better improvement than the blind technique in the lateral decubitus position (p < 0.05). We observed similar outcomes after blind EBP versus fluoroscopic guidance EBP in patients with iIH. However, procedure-dependent differences were observed in patients with sIH. For patients with sIH, it would be effective to consider fluoroscopic EBP first. Further study is needed to investigate interactions between method of EBP and other factors that affect the effectiveness of EBP.

A prospective double-blinded randomized control trial comparing erector spinae plane block to thoracic epidural analgesia for postoperative pain in video-assisted thoracic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the analgesic efficacies of erector spinae plane (ESP) block and thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing VATS received patient-controlled TEA with a basal rate of 3 ml/hour (h), a bolus of 3 ml (Group E), or ESP block with programmed intermittent bolus infusions of 15 mL/3 h and a bolus of 5 ml (Group ES) for 2 postoperative days. The primary outcome was to compare pain scores at rest 24 h postoperatively between the 2 groups. Secondary outcomes included NRS score for 48 h, procedural time, dermatomal spread, use of rescue medication, adverse events, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Patients with continuous ESP block had a higher NRS score than those with TEA but no statistical difference at a specific time. The dermatomal spread was more extensive in the TEA group than in the ESP block group (p=0.016); cumulative morphine consumption was higher in the ESP block group (p=0.047). The incidence of overall adverse events in the TEA group was higher than in the ESP block group (p=0.045). CONCLUSION: Erector spinae plane block may be inferior to TEA for analgesia following VATS, but it could have tolerable analgesia and a better side effect profile than TEA. Therefore, it could be an alternative to TEA as a component of multimodal analgesia.

Perioperative considerations of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency: a case report of two consecutive anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) deficiency is a rare mitochondrial disorder caused by a genetic mutation affecting the activity of the PDHC enzyme, which plays a major role in the tricarboxylic cycle. Few cases of surgery or anesthesia have been reported. Moreover, there is no recommended anesthetic method. CASE: A 24-month-old child with a PDHC deficiency presented to the emergency room with respiratory failure, mental decline, systemic cyanosis, and lactic acidosis. During hospitalization period, the patient presented with pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, and multiple air pockets in the heart. Two surgeries were performed under general anesthesia using an inhalational anesthetic agent. The patient was discharged with home ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesiologists should be wary of multiple factors when administering anesthesia to patients with PDHC deficiency, including airway abnormalities, acid-base imbalance, intraoperative fluid management, selection of appropriate anesthetics, and monitoring of lactic acid levels.

Eucalyptol induces osteoblast differentiation through ERK phosphorylation in vitro and in vivo.

Eucalyptol (EU) is monoterpene oxide that is the main component of the essential oil extracted from aromatic plants such as Eucalyptus globules. EU has therapeutic effects such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in chronic diseases including inflammation disorder, respiratory disease, and diabetic disease. However, the effects of EU on osteoblast differentiation and bone diseases such as osteoporosis have not been studied. The present study investigated the effects of EU on osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. EU induces mRNA and protein expression of osteogenic genes in osteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1 and primary calvarial osteoblasts. EU also promoted alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization. Here, the osteoblast differentiation effect of EU is completely reversed by ERK inhibitor. These results demonstrate that osteoblast differentiation effect of EU is mediated by ERK phosphorylation. The efficacy of EU on bone formation was investigated using surgical bone loss-induced animal models. EU dose-dependently promoted bone regeneration in zebrafish caudal fin rays. In the case of ovariectomized mice, EU increased ERK phosphorylation and ameliorated bone loss of femurs. These results indicate that EU ameliorates bone loss by promoting osteoblast differentiation through ERK phosphorylation. We suggest that EU, plant-derived monoterpenoid, may be useful for preventing bone loss. KEY MESSAGES: Eucalyptol (EU) increases osteoblast differentiation in pre-osteoblasts. EU up-regulates the osteogenic genes expression via ERK phosphorylation. EU promotes bone regeneration in partially amputated zebrafish fin rays. Oral administration of EU improves ovariectomy-induced bone loss and increases ERK phosphorylation.

Transcriptomic patterns in early-secretory and mid-secretory endometrium in a natural menstrual cycle immediately before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the endometrial transcriptomic patterns in the early secretory phase (ESP) and mid-secretory phase (MSP) of the natural menstrual cycle before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: Thirty patients whose endometrial tissues were obtained from the ESP or MSP of a natural menstrual cycle immediately before IVF-ET were included. Endometrial dating was histologically confirmed as ESP (cycle days 16-18) or MSP (cycle days 19-21), according to the noyes criteria. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the IVF-ET outcome: pregnant (n=14; 7 in ESP and 7 in MSP) or non-pregnant (n=16; 8 in ESP and 8 in MSP). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the MSP, compared to the ESP, were identified using NanoString nCounter (NanoString Technologies, Seattle, WA, USA) data for both the pregnant and non-pregnant groups. RESULTS: Thirteen DEGs in the pregnant group and 11 DEGs in the non-pregnant group were identified in the MSP compared to those in the ESP. In both groups, adrenoceptor alpha 2A, interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase 2, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin repeats 15 (ADAMTS15), serpin family E member 1, integrin subunit beta 3, transmembrane protein 252 (TMEM252), huntingtin associated protein 1, C2 calcium-dependent domain containing 4A, and integrin subunit alpha 2 were upregulated in the MSP, compared to the ESP. TMEM37, galactosidase beta 1 like 2, Rho family GTPase 3, and cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1 were upregulated in the MSP only in the pregnant group. ADAMTS8 was downregulated and monoamine oxidase A was upregulated in the MSP only in the non-pregnant group. CONCLUSION: Transcriptomic patterns in the endometrium immediately before IVF-ET appear to differ according to the IVF-ET outcome. These novel DEGs, which have not been previously studied, may have functional significance during the window of implantation and serve as potential biomarkers of endometrial receptivity.

The EZ-Blocker® for one-lung ventilation in a patient with Kartagener syndrome and tracheal bronchus -a case report.

BACKGROUND: The tracheal bronchus in Kartagener syndrome is a rare case that may cause difficulty in one-lung ventilation (OLV). Here we reported a case of successful OLV using bronchial blocker in a patient with tracheal bronchus and Kartagener syndrome (KS). CASE: A 66-year-old female patient with Kartagener syndrome was admitted for left-side diaphragmatic plication. The patient's preoperative computed tomography image showed a tracheal bronchus of the apical segment in the right upper lobe. The patient received epidural analgesia and general anesthesia through total intravenous anesthesia. An EZ-Blocker® (Teleflex Life Sciences Ltd., Ireland) was used to perform OLV. CONCLUSIONS: OLV through an EZ-Blocker® can be successfully performed in tracheal bronchus patients with Kartagener syndrome without side effects.

Secondary cytoreductive surgery with and without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer.

Background: Secondary cytoreductive surgery (CRS) can afford promising results in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer; however, the impact of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) remains unclear. We compared the outcomes of secondary CRS combined with and without HIPEC in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who underwent secondary CRS, with or without HIPEC (n=46), at the Yonsei Cancer Center between January 2006 and February 2021. Of the 46 included patients, 20 underwent secondary CRS-plus-HIPEC, while 26 underwent secondary CRS without HIPEC (henceforth referred to as secondary CRS-only). Results: Of the 46 patients, 84.8% and 89.1% had undergone optimal surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, respectively, as the initial treatment before the first relapse. Overall, 32.6% of patients received maintenance therapy, such as bevacizumab or polyadenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase inhibitors. The median follow-up period was 15.9 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 32.7 and 25.1 months in the secondary CRS-plus-HIPEC and secondary CRS-only groups, respectively; however, both groups failed to reach the median overall survival (OS). Based on the Kaplan-Meier analysis, there was no difference in PFS (P=0.587) or OS (P=0.239) between the two groups. We identified patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and found that the median PFS was 25.1 months in the secondary CRS-only group; this was not achieved in the secondary CRS-plus-HIPEC group (P=0.244). Conclusions: In patients with recurrent ovarian cancer, secondary CRS with HIPEC did not improve survival when compared with CRS without HIPEC. However, on subgrouping patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, the addition of HIPEC to secondary CRS tended to improve PFS.