Antioxidant properties of grape seed extract on human lymphocyte oxidative defence

The distribution of polyphenolic compounds in a grape (Vitis vinifera) seed extract (GSE) was determined using LC/ESI-TOF MS, HPLC/DAD, and (13)C-NMR. The 17 identified compounds comprised gallic and protocatechuic acid, catechin and epicatechin monomers, procyanidin oligomers, and procyanidin gallates. This study addresses the in vitro effects of grape seed extract (GSE) on the frequency of micronuclei with reference to the antioxidant status in human lymphocytes. To establish the most effective protective support, we used four different concentrations of GSE, in the range 1-6 microg/mL. Treatment of lymphocytes with GSE at a concentration of 2.5 microg/mL induced a significant decrease in the frequency of micronuclei by 40%, reduction of malonyldialdehyde production by 30%, while a concentration of 5 microg/mL increased catalase and glutathione S-transferase activity by 10% and 15%, respectively. These results demonstrate that GSE may be effective in the prevention of oxidative lymphocyte damage by ROS.     

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia: successful treatment with the Nd:YAG laser.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is an uncommon idiopathic proliferation of blood vessels that manifests in adults as isolated or grouped papules, plaques, or nodules in the skin of the head and neck. We describe the case of a 31-year-old woman with a 3-year history of persistent ALHE, located on the tragus of her right ear, with no sign of spontaneous regression over a period of 3-6 months and refractory to intralesional corticosteroids. We report the successful use of the Nd:YAG laser for this condition, which offered excellent symptomatic and cosmetic results and suggests the consideration of this modality in the treatment of ALHE.     

Role of anesthesiologist in endovascular management of intracranial aneurysms

The aim is to give a review of the anesthesiological approach to neuroradiological endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysm in Croatia since 2004, when the first procedure was done. It took place at University Department of Radiology, Zagreb University Hospital Center. The optimal conduct of anesthesia in the neuroradiology suite requires careful planning of each individual procedure. Essential components are detailed patient evaluation and due understanding of the underlying neuropathology. An open channel of communication between the radiologist and the anesthesiologist is important for routine care but is crucial in case of disasters that may occur during the procedure. In the patient management the basic principles of neuroanesthesia cannot be avoided. This includes optimization of CBF, perfusion pressure, control of intracranial pressure (ICP) and close monitoring of blood pressure (BP), fluid status and body temperature. The choice of anesthetic agents and techniques remains in the hands of the anesthesiologist. The needs of the neuroradiologist and the procedure have to be considered. Most institutions have their protocols and some favor conscious sedation whereas others prefer general anesthesia. There is little evidence in favor of either technique. The better image quality obtained from the motionless patient during digital subtraction angiography favors the use of general anesthesia over any other technique. Since the procedure is becoming very complex, the need for precise BP control and preparation for potential catastrophic complication are considerations for general anesthesia. Aneurysm rupture during endovascular procedures is not common but remains a potential risk. The incidence ranges from 2.3% to 3% and even higher in patients with already ruptured aneurysms. The mortality rate is up to 20% in case of rupture, especially if massive subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs. Anesthesiologic treatment depends on the severity of bleeding and includes maintaining CPP, lowering ICP, reversal of anticoagulation and patient transfer to the neurosurgical operating room if immediate ventriculostomy is needed. During a six month period, 55 patients underwent endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysm at our hospital. They all were managed under general anesthesia. Since one of the critical roles of the anesthesiologist in the interventional radiology suite is to provide anticoagulation, the protocol of giving clopidogrel was followed, loading dose of 225 mg p. o. to each patient on the day of the procedure and immediately upon introducing microcatheter, heparin iv 70 IU/kg (average of 5000 IU), followed by boluses of 15 IU/kg (approx. 1000 IU) every 60 minutes. Activated clotting time was monitored for the effect of heparin. All patients except four were brought out of anesthesia at the table, immediately after the procedure for their neurological status to be assessed. None of the patients died during the procedure or within the first 24 hours. The mortality was up to 3.6% (two patients died on days 3 and 5 of the procedure). We had only one case of aneurysm rerupture during embolization with Guglielmi detachable coil, followed by cardiac arrest, but the patient (a 32-year-old woman) was resuscitated successfully and underwent standard neurosurgical procedure with full recovery in ICU after 14 days. There were 4 (7.2%) cases of vasospasm followed by ischemia, nimodipine treated, 2 with transient neurological dysfunction and another 2 with permanent hemianopsia. Interventional neuroradiology is rapidly and continually evolving, providing opportunities for the anesthesiologist to be part of this branch of medicine. It is essential to keep up-to-date in the knowledge of neuroanesthesia, neuropathology and interventional neuroradiology. In spite of the relatively non-invasive nature of the procedures, serious, even fatal complications may occur. Therefore, the role of anesthesiologist and his/her cooperation with neuroradiologist is crucial for successful results.     

Socially assistive robots in health and social care: Acceptance and cultural factors. Results from an exploratory international online survey

Aim

This study explored the views of an international sample of registered nurses and midwives working in health and social care concerning socially assistive robots (SARs), and the relationship between dimensions of culture and rejection of the idea that SARs had benefits in these settings.

Methods

An online survey was used to obtain rankings of (among other topics) the extent to which SARs have benefits for health and social care. It also asked for free text responses regarding any concerns about SARs.

Results

Most respondents were overwhelmingly positive about SARs' benefits. A small minority strongly rejected this idea, and qualitative analysis of the objections raised by them revealed three major themes: things might go wrong, depersonalization, and patient-related concerns. However, many participants who were highly accepting of the benefits of SARs expressed similar objections. Cultural dimensions of long-term orientation and uncertainty avoidance feature prominently in technology acceptance research. Therefore, the relationship between the proportion of respondents from each country who felt that SARs had no benefits and each country's ratings on long-term orientation and uncertainty avoidance were also examined. A significant positive correlation was found for long-term orientation, but not for uncertainty avoidance.

Conclusion

Most respondents were positive about the benefits of SARs, and similar concerns about their use were expressed both by those who strongly accepted the idea that they had benefits and those who did not. Some evidence was found to suggest that cultural factors were related to rejecting the idea that SARs had benefits.