CGRP induces migraine-like symptoms in mice during both the active and inactive phases

BackgroundCircadian patterns of migraine attacks have been reported by patients but remain understudied. In animal models, circadian phases are generally not taken into consideration. In particular, rodents are nocturnal animals, yet they are most often tested during their inactive phase during the day. This study aims to test the validity of CGRP-induced behavioral changes in mice by comparing responses during the active and inactive phases.MethodsMale and female mice of the outbred CD1 strain were administered vehicle (PBS) or CGRP (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce migraine-like symptoms. Animals were tested for activity (homecage movement and voluntary wheel running), light aversive behavior, and spontaneous pain at different times of the day and night.ResultsPeripheral administration of CGRP decreased the activity of mice during the first hour after administration, induced light aversive behavior, and spontaneous pain during that same period of time. Both phenotypes were observed no matter what time of the day or night they were assessed.ConclusionsA decrease in wheel activity is an additional clinically relevant phenotype observed in this model, which is reminiscent of the reduction in normal physical activity observed in migraine patients. The ability of peripheral CGRP to induce migraine-like symptoms in mice is independent of the phase of the circadian cycle. Therefore, preclinical assessment of migraine-like phenotypes can likely be done during the more convenient inactive phase of mice.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10194-021-01277-9.     

Local adaptations aid establishment of laparoscopic surgery in a semiurban Nigerian hospital

Background

Establishing and sustaining the routine practice of laparoscopy in resource-limited settings is extremely challenging. We present our experience implementing laparoscopic surgery at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital in Western Nigeria and the associated modifications that were necessary for success.

Methods

We reviewed all laparoscopic cases performed at our institution from January 2009 through December 2011. Operating surgeons were trained locally. Laparoscopic equipment and instrumentation was procured by both local and foreign sources.

Results

One hundred eighty-one procedures were performed in 175 patients whose ages ranged between 18 and 72 years. The procedures included cholecystectomies (n = 48, 24.5 %), appendectomies (n = 36, 20 %), diagnostic laparoscopies for staging and biopsy of intra-abdominal masses (n = 53, 30.9 %), adhesiolyses (n = 18, 11.6 %), hernia repairs (n = 6, 3.2 %), colorectal surgeries (n = 2, 1.3 %), and others (n = 18, 8.4 %). Diagnostic procedures were performed as day cases. Duration of stay for hospital admissions was 1–3 days. There were four conversions to open operation due to technical difficulties with equipment. No deaths were recorded. Local adaptation techniques facilitated cost reduction. Overall, there was improvement in the acceptance of the laparoscopic procedures among our patients and coworkers.

Conclusion

Our local institution has successfully adopted laparoscopic techniques to treat surgical diseases. Specific improvisations have helped establish and sustain this technology. We advocate similar local adaptations to increase the use of laparoscopic surgery in hospitals located in limited resource settings.     

The 7th National Audit Project (NAP7) baseline survey of individual anaesthetists: preparedness for and experiences of peri-operative cardiac arrest

The Royal College of Anaesthetists' 7th National Audit Project baseline survey assessed knowledge, attitudes, practices and experiences of peri-operative cardiac arrests among UK anaesthetists and Anaesthesia Associates. We received 10,746 responses, representing a 71% response rate. In-date training in adult and paediatric advanced life support was reported by 9646 (90%) and 7125 (66%) anaesthetists, respectively. There were 8994 (84%) respondents who were confident in leading a peri-operative cardiac arrest, with males more confident than females, but only 5985 (56%) were confident in leading a debrief and 7340 (68%) communicating with next of kin. In the previous two years, 4806 (46%) respondents had managed at least one peri-operative cardiac arrest, of which 321 (7%) and 189 (4%) of these events involved a child or an obstetric patient, respectively. Respondents estimated the most common causes of peri-operative cardiac arrest to be hypovolaemia, hypoxaemia and cardiac ischaemia, with haemorrhage coming fifth. However, the most common reported causes for the most recently attended peri-operative cardiac arrest were haemorrhage; (927, 20%); anaphylaxis (474, 10%); and cardiac ischaemia (397, 9%). Operating lists or shifts were paused or stopped after 1330 (39%) cardiac arrests and 1693 (38%) respondents attended a debrief, with ‘hot’ debriefs most common. Informal wellbeing support was relatively common (2458, 56%) and formal support was uncommon (472, 11%). An impact on future care delivery was reported by 196 (4%) anaesthetists, most commonly a negative psychological impact. Management of a peri-operative cardiac arrest during their career was reported by 8654 (85%) respondents. The overall impact on professional life was more often judged positive (2630, 30%) than negative (1961, 23%), but impact on personal life was more often negative.     

Medication-related problems among adult chronic kidney disease patients in a sub-Saharan tertiary hospital

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are prone to medication-related problems (MRPs). Few studies address the clinical relevance of MRPs among CKD...