The effect of subhypnotic doses of propofol on the incidence of pruritus after intrathecal morphine for Caesarean section

The effect of subhypnotic doses of propofol on intrathecal morphine-induced pruritus was studied in a prospective, randomly allocated, double-blind controlled trial. Fifty-eight women undergoing elective lower segment Caesarean section for a singleton fetus received spinal anaesthesia with 2.5 ml hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine and 0.2 mg of preservative-free morphine. They then received propofol 1 ml (10 mg) or Intralipid 1 ml (control group) intravenously after delivery. Pruritus was assessed using a five-point verbal rating scale at hourly intervals for 8 h. A second dose of their allocated treatment drug was administered at the first recording of significant pruritus. The pruritus score was reassessed after 5 min and the treatment was repeated if pruritus remained. There were no differences between the groups in the onset of pruritus or its successful treatment. No adverse side-effects were associated with this dose of propofol. There were no differences in the incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting between the two groups. Subhypnotic propofol is not an effective treatment for intrathecal morphine-induced pruritus in women following Caesarean section.     

A neuromuscular monitoring system based on a personal computer

We have developed a computerized neuromuscular monitoring system (NMMS) using commercially available subsystems, i.e., computer equipment, clinical nerve stimulator, force transducer, and strip-chart recorder. This NMMS was developed for acquisition and analysis of data for research and teaching purposes. Computer analysis of the muscle response to stimulation allows graphic and numeric presentation of the twitch response and calculated ratios. Since the system can store and recall data, research data can be accessed for analysis and graphic presentation. An IBM PC/AT computer is used as the central controller and data processor. The computer controls timing of the nerve stimulator output, initiates data acquisition, and adjusts the paper speed of the strip chart recorder. The data processing functions include establishing control response values (when no neuromuscular blockade is present), displaying force versus time and calculated data graphically and numerically, and storing these data for further analysis. The general purpose nature of the computer and strip chart recording equipment allow modification of the system primarily by changes in software. For example, new patterns of nerve stimulation, such as the posttetanic count, can be programmed into the computer system along with appropriate data display and analysis routines. The NMMS has functioned well in the operating room environment. We have had no episodes of electrocautery interference with the computer functions. The automated features have enhanced the utility of the NMMS. The prime advantages of this system are (1) the ability to customize its features by altering its controlling programs, (2) the ready availability of the hardware and software, (3) the general purpose nature of the system, so that it is not limited to this one application, and (4) the adaptable nature of the system.     

Monoclonal antibodies to intermediate filament proteins: Diagnostic specificity in orbital pathology

Intermediate filaments derived from different cell types are antigenically distinct. Monoclonal antibodies to human intermediate filament proteins can, therefore, be used as tissue-specific reagents capable of distinguishing cell type in poorly differentiated neoplasms. We report a case demonstrating the specificity of antiintermediate filament protein antibodies in establishing a difficult orbital diagnosis of esthesioneuroblastoma.     

Telencephalic projections to the goldfish hypothalamus: An anterograde degeneration study

In this study, large areas of goldfish telencephalon were ablated including rostral nucleus preopticus periventriculare (rNPP), and degenerating axons were traced by a modified Fink and Heimer procedure. The lesioning procedure ablated large regions of area dorsalis telencephali pars medialis, centralis, and dorsolateral complex; and completely removed area ventralis telencephali pars dorsalis, ventralis, and lateralis. In addition, the supracommissural nucleus and rNPP were lesioned specifically because both nuclei have been thought to be involved in courtship behavior and endocrine control of reproduction. This investigation demonstrated extensive fiber projections from telencephalic nuclei and/or rNPP to the hypothalamus. Lesioned telencephalon and/or rNPP projected bilaterally to nucleus preopticus and the suprachiasmatic nucleus and unilaterally to the following tuberal nuclei: nucleus anterior tuberis, and the lateral hypothalamic nucleus. A much larger fiber projection to the inferior lobe nuclei was also observed with a large contralateral as well as ipsilateral input.     

Effect of Shenmai Injection on L-type Calcium Current of Diaphragmatic Muscle in Rats

Diaphragmaticmuscleisanimportantrespiratorymuscle,anddiaphragmaticfatiguecanleadtomanydisorders .Onlyintherecent 2 0 yearshavethesys temicresearchesbeen performedtoinvestigatethefunctionofdiaphragmanditspathophysiology .Di aphragmaticfatiguecanbeinducedby…     

Development of phantom for radiographic image optimization of standard patient in the lateral view of chest and skull examination

We present the construction of a homogeneous phantom to be used in simulating the scattering and absorption of X-rays by a standard patient chest and skull when irradiated laterally. This phantom consisted of lucite and aluminium plates with their thickness determined by a tomographic exploratory method applied to the anthropomorphic phantom. Using this phantom, an optimized radiographic technique was established for chest and skull of standard sized patient in lateral view. Images generated with this optimized technique demonstrated improved image quality and reduced radiation doses.     

Gaseous homeostasis during low-flow anaesthesia

The object of this clinical study was to investigate the circle system gas homeostasis during low-flow anaesthesia using a technique designed to keep a constant inspired oxygen fraction of 0.30. Denitrogenation was adequately accomplished with mask preoxygenation, 10 l/min, for 1 min and an initial fresh gas flow of 5 l/min for 6 min after intubation. There was no need to wash out accumulated nitrogen at intervals, since the already low nitrogen concentration in the system tended to decrease after 1 h. The fresh gas flow of nitrous oxide to oxygen ratio and the inspiratory to end-expiratory oxygen concentration difference both reflected the uptake of nitrous oxide. The calculated rates of uptake of nitrous oxide, a subject of controversy, were in accordance with those found by Severinghaus and Barton & Nunn.     

Spiral-shaped Metallic Implant in the Treatment of Achilles Tendon Ruptures: An Experimental Study on the Achilles Tendon of Sheep

There are 2 main factors contributing to the strength of tendon repair: the tensile strength of the material used in repair and the tendon-holding capacity of the suture configuration. In the current study, we aimed to find a technique with high repair strength by increasing both the tensile strength of the material and the tendon-holding capacity of the configuration. We developed metal implants (models 1 and 2) made from stainless-steel wire with 2 different spiral-shaped configurations. We measured tendon-holding capacities of these alternative implants biomechanically and compared them with frequently used suture techniques, the Bunnell and locking loop, which were achieved with 5 Ticron sutures. Sixty-four sheep Achilles' tendons were used in the study as 16 tendons in each group. Model 2 was more resistant to deformation under loading when compared with model 1. The results demonstrated that model 2 was superior to model 1 and both suture techniques. This study could be accepted as a step for reaching a strong tendon repair technique. It should be emphasized that the technique needs to be improved technically to make it convenient for clinical use.