Block Characteristics Research Articles

COMPARISON OF HYPERBARIC LEVOBUPIVACAINE/ BUPIVACAINE FOR CESEREAN SECTION

Background : Bupivacaine is the most popular local anesthetic agent in obstetric practice Levobupivacaine showed a lower risk of cardiovascular and central nervous system (CNS) toxicity compared to Bupivacaine The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of levobupivacaine compared with hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia for cesarean section. Methods: 60 pregnant women in ASA I - II group scheduled to have elective cesarean operation were allocated into the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. 10 mg levobupivacaine (0.5%) for Group L (n = 30) patients, 10 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%) for B (n = 30) patients were intrathecally administrated a total of 2.0cc. Sensory and motor block characteristics of the groups were assessed with pinprick and Bromage scale observed hemodynamic changes and side effects were recorded. Results: The time to reach maximum dermatome for the sensory block, time to regression by two dermatomes and time to regress to T12 dermatome was found to be significantly long in Group B. It was observed that in Group B, the motor block was faster and lasted longer. Where as hypotension, bradycardia and nausea were less in Group L, the need for ephedrine was higher in Group B (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Since motor block time is shorter, and side effects like hypotension, bradycardia and nausea are less, levobupivacaine can be a good alternative in cesarean sections.

Experimental Study on Migration and Intrusion Characteristics of Pulverized Coal in Propped Fractures

Aiming at the problem of pulverized migration and plugging propped fractures during coal seam fracturing, we experimentally studied the pressure changes and pulverized coal blocking characteristics with deionized water and solutions of three surfactants including 1227 (C21H38ClN), SDS (C12H25SO4Na) and TX-100 (C34H62O11). A device capable of visualizing propped fractures was established, and simulation experiments were conducted with solutions of different surfactants at different injection flow rates. The obtained images were binarized and analyzed to quantify the pulverized coal blockage degrees of facture under different conditions. The experimental results show that: (1) The higher the injection flow rate, the higher the inlet pressure. (2) All three surfactants can lower the injection pressure, as compared with water alone. SDS decreases the injection pressure more obviously at low injection flow rates, and the other two perform better at high injection flow rates. (3) Similar to their effects on inlet pressure, the ratio of pulverized coal in SDS solution is lower at low injection flow rates, while TX-100 and 1227 solutions show lower ratios of pulverized coal at high injection flow rates. Our work has provided a theoretical support for coal blockage removal and pressure reduction in propped fractures during coal seam fracturing to improve coal seam permeability and further improves the dust prevention effect of coal seam water injection.

The Impacts of El Niño Diversity on Northern Hemisphere Atmospheric Blocking

AbstractAtmospheric blocking events are persistent quasi‐stationary geopotential height anomalies that divert the jet stream from its climatological path in the mid‐ to high‐latitudes. Previous studies have found that different phases of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influence the characteristics of blocking, but none have considered the spatial diversity of El Niño. In this study, we examine Northern Hemisphere blocking events with respect to the “Central Pacific” (CP) and “Eastern Pacific” (EP) flavors of El Niño in 83 years of ERA5 reanalysis. The two El Niño flavors have dissimilar patterns of forcing on atmospheric circulation that impact the strength and placement of the upper‐level jet stream, thus affecting blocking event frequency and duration. Significant contrasts in blocking characteristics between CP and EP years are disregarded when a single ENSO index is used, and we emphasize that El Niño flavors should be considered in future investigations of blocking and ENSO‐related variability.

Research on the improvement of tilt characteristics for the axial piston pump cylinder block based on the magnetic auxiliary support for distributing pair

Due to the unbalanced effect of force and torque on the axial piston pump cylinder block, a wedge angle of oil film exists between the valve plate and the cylinder block. The cylinder block tilt seriously affects the oil film and the distributing pair lubrication state, leading to boundary lubrication appears in some cases. To reduce the impact of the tilt on the cylinder block of axial piston pump, the magnetic auxiliary support (MAS) for the pair is proposed. The MAS reduces the overturning torque on the cylinder block by the auxiliary magnetic support. Then the tilt characteristics of the cylinder block are improved. In this paper, the cylinder block overturning torque equations under the support of MAS are established, and the improvement of overturning torque is analyzed. An experimental platform was constructed to measure the thickness of the oil film of the pair and test the tilt of the cylinder block. The experimental results showed that the MAS can effectively improve the tilt of the cylinder block and the performance of the axial piston pump. This method has certain reference significance for the research of axial piston pumps.

Novel double channel reverse conducting GaN HEMT with an integrated MOS-channel diode

A novel normally-off double channel reverse conducting (DCRC) HEMT with an integrated MOS-channel diode (MCD) is proposed and investigated by TCAD simulation. The proposed structure has two features: one is double heterojunctions to form dual 2DEG channels named the 1st path and the 2nd path for reverse conduction, and the other is the MCD forming by the trench source metal, source dielectric, and GaN. At the initial reverse conduction stage, the MCD acts as a switch to control the 1st path which would be turned on prior to the 2nd path. Because of the introduction of the 1st path, the DCRC-HEMT has an additional reverse conducting channel to help enhance the reverse conduction performance. Compared with the conventional HEMT (Conv. HEMT), the DCRC-HEMT can obtain a low reverse turn-on voltage (V RT) and its V RT is independent of the gate–source bias (V GS) at the same time. The DCRC-HEMT achieves the V RT of 0.62 V, which is 59.7% and 75.9% lower than that of the Conv. HEMT at V GS = 0 V and −1 V, respectively. In addition, the forward conduction capability and blocking characteristics almost remain unchanged. In the end, the key fabrication flows of DCRC-HEMT are presented.

Rhomboid intercostal block or thoracic paravertebral block for postoperative recovery quality after video-assisted thoracic surgery: A prospective, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial.

The analgesic characteristics of rhomboid intercostal block (RIB) remain unclear. Before it can be fully recommended, we compared the recovery quality and analgesic effects of RIB and thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The current study aimed to investigate whether there is a difference in postoperative recovery quality between TPVB and RIB. A prospective, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial. Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University in China from March 2021 to August 2022. Eighty patients aged 18 to 80 years, with ASA physical status I to III, and scheduled for elective VATS were enrolled in the trial. Ultrasound-guided TPVB or RIB was performed with 20 ml 0.375% ropivacaine. The primary outcome of the study was the mean difference of quality of recovery-40 scores 24 h postoperatively. The non-inferiority margin was defined as 6.3. Numeric rating scores (NRS) for pain at 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively in all patients were also recorded. A total of 75 participants completed the study. The mean difference of quality of recovery-40 scores 24 h postoperatively was -1.6 (95% CI, -4.5 to 1.3), demonstrating the non-inferiority of RIB to TPVB. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the area under the curve for pain NRS over time, at rest and on movement, at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h postoperatively (all P > 0.05), except for the area under the curve pain NRS over time on movement at 48 h postoperatively (P = 0.046). There were no statistical differences between the two groups in the postoperative sufentanil use at 0 to 24 h or 24 to 48 h (all P > 0.05). Our study suggests that RIB was non-inferior to TPVB for the quality of recovery, with almost the same postoperative analgesic effect as TPVB after VATS. chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR2100043841.

Comparison of Different Local Anesthetic Volumes for Saddle Block Anesthesia in Ambulatory Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

Saddle block anesthesia (SBA) is a frequently preferred method for ambulatory anorectal surgery. This study aimed to observe the effects of two different dose SBAs on discharge times and perioperative block characteristics in patients undergoing ambulatory anorectal surgery. The study was conducted as a prospective, randomized controlled study. Patients over the age of 18 who were scheduled for ambulatory anorectal surgery and had American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II were included in the research. Patients were divided into two groups: 5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (Group I; n=34) and 3 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (Group II; n=34). The primary outcome was discharge time. Characteristics of the spinal block like time to reach S4 blockade, maximum blocked dermatome, regression time of sensorial, first analgesic need time, voiding time, mobilization time, and side effects were the secondary outcomes. Sixty-eight patients were included in the study. The groups were similar in terms of demographic and surgical characteristics (p > 0.05). In Group II, S4 sensory dermatome blockade time was statistically longer (p: 0.007) and the time to the disappearance of the sensory block was statistically shorter (p < 0.001). Also, voiding time and discharge times were statistically shorter in Group II (p: 0.049, p < 0.001, respectively). SBA provided adequate anesthesia, and the complication rates were limited. Saddle block can be considered an advantageous technique because of conditions that adversely affect recoveries, such as postoperative cognitive problems, nausea, and vomiting due to general anesthesia. In addition, better recovery results and optimal surgical condition with 3 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine in our study suggest that this dose may be a good alternative.

An environmental sustainability roadmap for partially substituting agricultural waste for sand in cement blocks

Agricultural waste can be used in cement block production for a number of reasons, including its environmental, economic, and labor benefits. This study examines the mechanical, durability, and cost-effectiveness characteristics of cement blocks. A cement block made from agriculture waste promotes sustainable construction practices, since waste agriculture is often dumped in landfills and regarded as a waste material. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced by the construction sector, either from the firing of clay bricks or from the production of cement, contribute significantly to global warming. In many developing countries, air pollution from agricultural activities is primarily accounted for the emissions from agricultural machinery and openly burning agro-waste. Farming is one of the leading causes of water and soil pollution. Hence, adopting agricultural waste into cement production would significantly reduce the environmental impact of concrete structures. The goal of this research is to determine whether agricultural waste products, such as vermiculite, pistachio shells, sugarcane bagasse, and coconut husks, can be used to substitute sand in concrete blocks. The water absorption capacity of waste materials, density, flexural strength, fire resistance, and compressive strength of waste materials as admixtures in concrete were evaluated using experimental tests. In most cases, the concrete blocks made from agricultural waste were strong enough to satisfy ASTM standards. The specimens containing coconut husks and pistachio shells, among others, were found to be fairly strong and durable, even when isolating them from water.

Research on Blockchain Data Availability and Storage Scalability

Blockchain adopts a chain data structure, and the characteristics of blocks that can only be added and cannot be deleted make the total number of blocks accumulate over time, forcing resource-constrained nodes to become degraded nodes in order to alleviate increasingly severe storage pressure. Degraded nodes only store partial blocks, although improving the scalability of blockchain storage and reducing data redundancy will lead to a decrease in data availability. To address the problem of storage scalability, quantitative research is needed on data availability. Based on a summary of the existing definitions of data availability, we propose a definition of data availability for blockchain. By analyzing the data synchronization process and the transaction lifecycle, key factors affecting data availability were extracted, and a data availability measurement model was constructed based on node types. On this basis, a relationship model linking data availability and storage scalability was constructed to find the range of data redundancy that meets the target data availability. The experimental results indicate that the data availability measurement model for blockchain can measure the data availability levels of different scalable storage schemes. The model of the relationship between data availability and storage scalability can guide the setting of data redundancy in scalable storage schemes.

Building a Sustainable Future from Theory to Practice: A Comprehensive PRISMA-Guided Assessment of Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB) for Construction Applications

Compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs) offer a cheaper and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional building materials for construction. In addition to addressing waste disposal difficulties, the inclusion of waste additives may improve the characteristics of compressed earth blocks (CEBs). This article attempts to outline the findings of researchers who have utilized the various manufacturing processes and investigated the influence of binders and fibers on the properties of CEBs. A systematic search of Web of Science and Scopus electronic databases for works on soil blocks published between 2012 and 2022 yielded 445 articles, while reports, case studies, conference papers, and non-English articles were omitted. Keywords such as “Soil blocks”, “Earth bricks”, and others were used to identify eligible studies. This study has been segmented into five sections, including a descriptive examination of articles and authors who have investigated soil blocks, a comparative analysis based on their manufacturing processes, and physical, mechanical, and durability aspects of the CSEBs, which were analyzed to determine the impact of additives. The PRISMA 2020 standards were followed in the evaluation of each record, which resulted in the identification of 61 articles that were pertinent to the study’s objective. The comparative analysis of the articles reveals that the binders were more significant in improving the compressive strength, cyclic wetting-drying and erosion (durability) aspects of the soil blocks, while fibers were effective in enhancing their flexural and thermal performance. The literature review indicates that if the minimum permissible limits are met, waste materials have the potential to partially replace the soil. In addition, this study suggests establishing standardized manufacturing norms and testing protocols to ascertain the quality and safety of CSEBs used in construction. However, this study is constrained by the limited databases used, governed by keywords, electronic resources and timeframe that could be used as research avenues in the future.

Cataclastic Characteristics and Formation Mechanism of Dolomite Rock Mass in Yunnan, China

The dolomite rock mass on the slope of the Yanhe domestic waste incineration power plant was used as the research object. The macro- and micro-structural characteristics of intact rock blocks and rock discontinuities were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using in-hole television, wave velocity testing, three-dimensional laser scanning techniques, photogrammetry, image processing techniques, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study shows that the degree of fracturing generally decreases with depth over the exposed borehole depth range, and the rock masses are generally very fractured. The wave velocity of dolomite generally increases with the depth of the borehole, and the integrity of the dolomite is either broken or extremely broken. The excavation profile reveals six sets of discontinuities and joints that are straight, smooth, interconnected, and largely unfilled. The angles of the structural bodies of different grain sizes are sharp, with roundness being angular and sharp-angled. The smaller the blocks, the more complex the surface morphology. SEM observations show that the ultramicroscopic fractures are not flat and smooth, and the fractures are folded. Fracturing mainly occurs along intercrystalline and crystal interfaces. These fracture features suggest that the fracturing of dolomite is mainly related to the original sedimentary construction and tectonism.

Dexmedetomidine vs. fentanyl as adjuvants to hyperbaric bupivacaine for unilateral spinal anesthesia in lower limb orthopedic surgeries: a randomized trial

Background &amp; Objective: Opioids and α2 adrenergic receptor agonists are commonly used as adjuvants to intrathecal local anesthetics to improve the quality and duration of spinal anesthesia (SA). Fentanyl and dexmedetomidine (DEX) are the most commonly used opioid and α2 agonist respectively. We compared the efficacy of these two when used as adjuvants to hyperbaric bupivacaine for SA for lower limb surgeries.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 54 patients were randomly assigned to receive unilateral spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine 2.5 ml. Group F (n = 27) received 25 μg fentanyl, and Group D received 10 μg DEX added to the spinal bupivacaine. Time to first analgesic request was the primary outcome, while sensory and motor block characteristics, nalbuphine consumption as rescue analgesic, pain scores, side effects and sedation levels were the secondary outcomes.&#x0D; Results: Patients receiving dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to hyperbaric bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia for lower limb surgeries had a significantly longer time to rescue analgesia than those receiving fentanyl. The mean time to rescue analgesia in Group D was 409.63 ± 74.60 min vs. 295.93 ± 36.72 min (P = 0.000) in the Group F. Also, patients in Group D had significantly longer sensory and motor blocks.&#x0D; Conclusion: Intrathecal dexmedetomidine 10 μg seems to be a good alternative to fentanyl 25 μg when used as an adjuvant in unilateral spinal anesthesia for lower limb orthopedic surgeries with better quality postoperative analgesia and with minimal side effects.&#x0D; Abbreviations: DEX - Dexmedetomidine; NYHA - New York Heart Association; BMI - Body mass index; MBP - Mean blood pressure; SBP- Systolic blood pressure; DBP- Diastolic blood pressure; VAS - Visual Analog Scale&#x0D; Key words: Dexmedetomidine; Fentanyl; Bupivacaine; Anesthesia, Spinal&#x0D; Citation: Ghaly SI, Shafik AM, AlTaher WAMM, Motawashleh MG, Alansary AM. Dexmedetomidine vs. fentanyl as adjuvants to hyperbaric bupivacaine for unilateral spinal anesthesia in lower limb orthopedic surgeries: a randomized trial. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2023;27(4):456−463. DOI: 10.35975/apic.v27i4.2191&#x0D; Received: March 30, 2023; Reviewed: April 22, 2023; Accepted: April 22, 2023

A comparison between axillary brachial plexus block and elbow block using ultrasound in patients undergoing surgeries of wrist and hand

Background: Both the axillary brachial block and elbow block are easy to learn and perform. Elbow block was previously used to as a rescue block to supplement the inadequacy of proximal nerve plexus block. Recently, elbow block is emerging as a primary anesthetic technique for wrist and hand surgeries. However, no such study in Indian scenario exists comparing axillary brachial plexus block and elbow block using ultrasound (US) guidance during wrist and hand surgeries. Aims and Objectives: The present study was designed to compare axillary brachial plexus block and elbow block for hand and wrist surgery in terms of duration of post-operative analgesia (Primary outcome), procedure times, other characteristics of block, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. Materials and Methods: This open-label parallel-group randomized study was performed in 78 adults, aged 18–70 years, ASA I-II, undergoing elective surgeries of wrist and hand. The patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups to receive either axillary brachial plexus block (Group A, n=39) or elbow block (Group B, n=39), both under US guidance. The time to first rescue analgesia was the primary outcome measure. Other outcome measures were different characteristics of nerve blocks, procedure duration, 24-h analgesic consumption, patient’s satisfaction score, and adverse events. Results: The time to first analgesic administration was considerably higher in axillary block compared with elbow block (15 vs. 14 h, P&lt;0.001). However, the post-operative analgesia with elbow block was not clinically insignificant. The onset of blocks was faster with axillary block compared with elbow block (sensory block 15 vs. 24 min, P&lt;0.001; motor block 20 vs. 30 min, P&lt;0.001). Overall, a higher number of patients were more satisfied with elbow block. Conclusion: Using US, elbow block can be a better alternative to axillary block for hand surgeries in terms of sufficient post-operative analgesia, comparatively shorter motor block, and better patient satisfaction.

Study on Parameters Optimization and Adaptation of Nitrogen Foam Flooding in Reservoirs with High Water Cut and High Permeability

Most oil reservoirs in China have entered the stage of high water cut. Affected by the heterogeneity of the reservoir, the water flow dominance channel is easily formed between injection-production wells in the plane direction of such reservoirs, and the phenomenon of water channelling is intensified. Therefore, a numerical simulation study of nitrogen foam flooding is carried out in this paper. According to the reservoir characteristics of the target block, the adaptability of nitrogen foam flooding to reservoirs in the ultra-high water cut stage is studied, the parameters of injection and production are optimized, and the applicable limits of nitrogen foam and the sensitivity of reservoir parameters are analysed. The optimization results of foam flooding indexes obtained through numerical simulation are as follows: the injection method of nitrogen foam is a mixed injection, the injection volume is 0.3 PV, the injection rate is 200 m3/d, the concentration of foaming agent is 0.5 wt%, and the gas–liquid ratio is 1: 1. The results show that for high-water-cut reservoirs, nitrogen foam flooding technology can effectively improve the water flooding effect of reservoirs and enhance oil recovery. It exhibits excellent adaptability to such reservoirs and has a very board application prospect. The results of numerical simulation optimization can provide theoretical guidance for field applications.

Polarization characteristics of human body scattering in THz waves

As the 6th generation mobile communication system is expected to use the terahertz wave band, it is essential to clarify the human body blocking and scattering characteristics as many small cells for indoor and outdoor use will be needed. In addition, since it is important to use high-gain antennas with orthogonal polarization to realize efficient MIMO transmission, it is necessary to clarify the polarization characteristics of human body blocking and scattering. Experiments conducted to investigate human body scattering in the terahertz wave band show that the scattering characteristics are polarization dependent.

A Comparative Study of Intravenous Magnesium Sulphate Versus Intrathecal Magnesium Sulphate in 0.5% Hyperbaric Bupivacaine Spinal Anaesthesia for Elective Infraumbilical Surgery

BACKGROUND&#x0D; In this study, we wanted to compare the characteristics of subarachnoid block when intrathecal versus intravenous magnesium sulphate was used with 0.5 % hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anaesthesia in elective infraumbilical surgery.&#x0D; METHODS&#x0D; This was a hospital based prospective randomized clinical parallel arm study double-blinded (patient and observer blinded) single hospital study conducted among 100 patients who presented with elective infraumbilical surgery under spinal anaesthesia to the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, from 1st June 2021 to 31st May 2022 after obtaining clearance from the institutional ethics committee and written informed consent from the study participants.&#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; The onset of sensory block, and comparison of duration of analgesia with respect to time to first analgesic request was found to be statistically significant. While comparing, duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in the intravenous group. Magnesium administered intravenously or intrathecally was not linked to any harmful side effects.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS&#x0D; Infraumbilical procedures that use intravenous magnesium sulphate as an adjuvant to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anaesthetic extend the time that post-operative analgesia lasts. Intrathecal co-administration of Magnesium sulphate with 0.5% hyperbaric bupicavaine delays the onset of sensory block compared to intravenous MgSO4.

Rate of occurrence of respiratory complications in patients who undergo shoulder arthroplasty with a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block and associated risk factors

IntroductionContinuous interscalene nerve block techniques are an effective form of targeted non-opioid postoperative analgesia for shoulder arthroplasty patients. One of the limiting risks, however, is potential phrenic nerve blockade with...

Refractory material inspired ultra-wideband solar absorber for thermoelectric photovoltaic performance enhancement with ML inspired prediction

A U-shaped Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) solar energy absorber is simulated, and designed in this paper. Tungsten is utilized as the base metal layer because of its transmission blocking characteristics, the SiO2 is used as a dielectric insulator and a U-shaped resonator made of titanium as a radiation absorber to achieve a near perfect Solar energy absorber as it provides the impedance matching abilities. The proposed structure is simulated over the solar spectrum which covers the wavelengths from 0.2 to 2.5 µm which includes the ultraviolet (UV) to near infrared (NIR) bands, the absorbed energy is of 94.52%, 97.06%, and 96.67%, respectively. Furthermore, the additional investigation under solar radiation is conducted and the proposed structure is absorbing most of the energy while the minimal amount is missed in visible range. The main contribution of this work lies in its broadband absorption spectrum which is achieved employing a very simple and easy to fabricate structure. In addition, the structure also achieves the angle and polarization insensitiveness. The major contribution is the prediction of absorption at an intermediate wavelengths with locally weighted linear regression with a R2 score of 0.9999. The proposed structure can be used for the efficiency enhancement of thermoelectric photovoltaic devices.

Comparative Evaluation of Dexmedetomidine and Dexamethasone as Adjuvants in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block.

Introduction Currently, peripheral nerve block has shown immense potential with effective patient satisfaction. In the event of upper limb surgeries, the supraclavicular brachial plexus approach under ultrasound guidance renders quick and dense anesthesia. In addition, the clinical utility of adjuvants with local anesthetics elicits a good quality of nerve block with improved duration and inset. So the aim of the present study was tocompare the block characteristics of dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone during supraclavicular brachial plexus block in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries. Materials and methods The present study was conducted on 100 patients aged 20-60 years with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)-I and ASA-II classification who were scheduled for upper limb surgeries. These patients were divided equally into two groups, namely group D (who received 20mL of 0.5% bupivacaine + 50 mcg (0.5mL) of dexmedetomidine +1.5mL normal saline) and group X (who received 20mL of 0.5% bupivacaine +8mg of dexamethasone), ensuring a total volume of 22mL administered to both groups. The time of onset and duration of the sensory and motor blocks, as well as the quality of intraoperative analgesia, were assessed. Results The addition of dexmedetomidine (50mcg) and dexamethasone (8mg) to 0.5% bupivacaine ensured a faster onset and prolonged duration of the sensory and motor blocks. Additionally, dexmedetomidine resulted in more prolonged postoperative analgesia, a lower mean visual analogscale score in the first 24 hours, and lesser opioid consumption in 24 hours than dexamethasone. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine is superior to dexamethasone as an adjuvant to bupivacaine during supraclavicular brachial plexus block in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries.

To Compare the Onset and Duration of Sensory and Motor Block of Dexmedetomidine and Clonidine as an Adjuvant to Intrathecal Bupivacaine in Patients Undergoing total Abdominal Hysterectomy

Background: Spinal anaesthesia is commonly used in gynaecological surgeries, with Bupivacaine being the most commonly used anaesthetic. Bupivacaine, on the other hand, has a shorter duration of action. This clinical study was conducted to evaluate the behaviour of intrathecal clonidine and dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in augmenting block characteristics in patients undergoing gynaecological procedures.&#x0D; Methods: A prospective randomized single blind study was conducted in the Department of Anesthesia IGMC SHIMLA at Kamla Nehru state hospital.&#x0D; Results: The mean onset time of sensory block at T6 level was significantly more in group C and was 175.09± 68.01secand was 124.44± 20.64 sec in group D. (p=0.001). The mean time to reach the maximum sensory height was significantly early in group D and was 18.64± 4.82 min in Group C and 13.53± 2.97 min in Group D respectively. (p=0.001). Mean time to two segment regression of the block was significantly early in group C and was 103.58± 11.25 min in Group C and 115.24± 8.91 min In Group D respectively. (p=0.001). Mean onset motor time in seconds (modified bromage scale ≤2)for Group C and Group D was115± 8.11 and 74.6± 14.19 respectively. Group C had notably higher onset motor time than group D (p=0.001). Mean Duration of motor blockade in minutes (modified bromage scale =6) for Group C and Group D were 273.51± 18.95 and 316.67± 21.39 respectively. The difference between the groups were statistically significant (p=0.001). &#x0D; Conclusion: We observed statistically significant, early onset, prolonged duration of sensory and motor block in patients where dexmeditomidine 5µg was used as an adjuvant to bupivacaine 0.5% heavy in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomies without any significant side effects as compared to 30 µg clonidine.&#x0D; Keywords: Dexmedetomidine, Clonidine, Bupivacaine, motor, sensory