Group GS Research Articles

Postoperative pain, recovery and discharge after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: A multicentre, single blinded, randomised controlled trial.

General anaesthesia is standard of care for patients undergoing robot assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). However, postoperative pain and bladder discomfort remains an issue, and optimising pain management could improve recovery and promote earlier home discharge. The main objective of this trial was to evaluate if patients receiving spinal anaesthesia are more frequently home ready at 8 pm on the same day compared with multimodal pain management following RALP under general anaesthesia. This pragmatic, randomised controlled, multicentre trial was performed between January 2019 to December 2021. Patients undergoing RALP under general anaesthesia were randomised to either multimodal analgesia using parecoxib and morphine intra-operatively (Group GM) or spinal anaesthesia with bupivacaine and sufentanil (Group GS). The primary aim, home readiness, was assessed using a post-anaesthesia discharge scoring system. Of 202 patients analysed, 27% patients reached home readiness criteria after 12 h, 46% after 24 h and 79% after 48 h, without differences between the groups. Urge to pass urine was greater in group GM than in group GS (p ⟨0.001) and lasted for a median of two hours in both groups. More patients expressed satisfaction with postoperative care in group GS (p ⟨0.001). No other significant differences were found between the groups. We found no difference in time to home readiness between the groups. Approximately one-fourth of the patients achieved home readiness the same day after surgery without difference between the groups. Fewer patients had urge, and patient satisfaction was greater in group GS.

A Comparative Investigation of the Bile Microbiome in Patients with Choledocholithiasis and Cholecystolithiasis through Metagenomic Analysis.

While the precise triggers of gallstone formation remain incompletely understood, it is believed to arise from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. The bile microbiome is being increasingly recognized as a possible contributor to the onset of gallstone disease. The primary objective of this study was to investigate distinctions in the microbial communities within bile specimens from patients with choledocholithiasis (common bile duct stones) and cholecystolithiasis (gallbladder stones). We employed massively parallel sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to examine the microbial communities within bile samples obtained from 28 patients with choledocholithiasis (group DS) and cholecystolithiasis (group GS). The taxonomic composition of the bile microbial communities displayed significant disparities between the group DS and the group GS. Within the 16 prevalent genera, only Streptococcus, Ralstonia, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcus were predominantly found in the group GS. In contrast, the group DS displayed a more diverse range of genera. The alpha diversity of bile specimens was also notably lower in the group GS compared to the group DS (p = 0.041). Principal coordinate analysis unveiled distinct clustering of bile microbial communities depending on the location of the gallstone. Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis, with a score threshold of >3 and the Kruskall-Wallis test (α < 0.05), recognized Bacilli and Lactobacillales as potential taxonomic markers for distinguishing patients with cholecystolithiasis limited to the gallbladder. Significant variations were found in the distribution and diversity of bile microbial communities between patients with choledocholithiasis and cholecystolithiasis. This observation suggests that alterations in the bile microbiome may contribute to the development of gallstones in these patients.

Association between serum PCSK9 and coronary heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and aimsProprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is considered a new biomarker for atherosclerosis, but its ability to predict cardiovascular outcomes has been controversial. This study aimed to address the lack of data on PCSK9, coronary heart disease (CHD) severity, and major cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsA total of 2984 T2DM patients underwent selective coronary angiography, and their serum PCSK9 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlation and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between PCSK9 expression and CHD severity. This study used Cox regression analysis to assess the association between circulating PCSK9 levels and the risk of MACEs.ResultsCirculating PCSK9 levels were significantly higher in the CHD group than in the non-CHD group [554.62 (265.11) ng/mL vs. 496.86 (129.05) ng/mL, p < 0.001]. Circulating PCSK9 levels positively correlated with CHD severity (diseased vessels: r = 0.35, p < 0.001; Gensini score: r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Elevated PCSK9 levels are an independent risk factor for CHD risk and severity (CHD group vs. non–CHD group: OR = 2.829, 95% CI: 1.771–4.520, p < 0.001; three vessel disease group vs. one vessel disease group: OR = 4.800, 95% CI: 2.387–9.652, p < 0.001; high GS group vs. low GS group: OR = 5.534, 95% CI: 2.733–11.208, p < 0.001). Through a six-year follow-up and multivariate Cox regression analysis, elevated circulating PCSK9 levels were found to be independently associated with MACEs in all participants (HR: 3.416, 5% CI: 2.485–4.697, p < 0.001; adjusted HR: 2.780, 95% CI: 1.930–4.004, p < 0.001).ConclusionsSerum PCSK9 levels were positively correlated with multi-vessel CHD and Gensini score. Elevated circulating PCSK9 levels are an independent risk factor for CHD and increased incidence of MACEs in T2DM.

Global scheme of the basic interactions and their geometrical interpretations

Our space-time consists of three 3-dimensional spaces: space S, space rotations SR and time T. First are considered the basic possible 4 cases for exchange among them: 1. r ? s, 2. s ? r, 3. r ? t, and 4. s ? t, where s ? S, r ? SR, and t ? T. Analogous to the affine group of translations and rotations A, it is considered a space group Gs of 6 ? 6 matrices, which is isomorphic to the group Spin(4). The space metric observed by the particles is found. Further are considered 4 generalized exchanges 1*, 2*, 3* and 4*, induced by the cases 1, 2, 3, and 4. The case 1* leads to the electro-weak interaction, and it is a consequence of non-commutativity between one translation and one rotation in the space group Gs. The case 2* leads to the strong interaction, and it is a consequence of non-commutativity between two translations in the space group Gs. It leads also to the galactic acceleration which is observed at the periphery of each galaxy, and now we do not need dark matter in order to explain the motion of the distant stars in the galaxies. The case 3* leads to electromagnetic interaction, and it is a consequence of non-commutativity between one translation and one rotation in the affine group A. The case 4* leads to gravitational interaction and it is a consequence of non-commutativity between one translation and one ?radial translation? in the affine group A. The corresponding accelerations are deduced and for a fixed space positions they are of type a = rot(??) (gauge invariant), but the quantum and wave effects are neglected. It is also predicted a new gravity-weak interaction, which belongs to the case 2*.

High-Fat or High-Carbohydrate Meal-Does It Affect the Metabolism of Men with Excess Body Weight?

Excessive adipose tissue in the body may lead to adverse health effects, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a standardized high-fat meal (HF) on changes in energy expenditure and changes in the oxidation of energy substrates as well as the concentration of glucose, insulin, triglycerides and homocysteine in blood serum in relation to a standardized high-carbohydrate (non-fat, HC) meal in men with different nutritional status. In this study, 26 men (aged 19–60) without carbohydrate disorders (study group GS = 13 overweight/obese; control group GC = 13 normal body weight) were examined. It was observed that following a high-fat or high-carbohydrate meal, men with excessive body weight metabolized the main nutrients differently than men with normal body weight, and postprandial insulin secretion was also different (even without any significant differences in glucose concentrations). Overweight/obesity, which is in itself a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, contributes to an increase in the concentration of other risk factors, such as the concentration of homocysteine and triglycerides, which is referred to as cardiometabolic risk. Consumption of a high-fat meal increased the number of potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease (homocysteine and triglycerides) compared to a high-carbohydrate meal.

Elevated lipoprotein(a) and genetic polymorphisms in the LPA gene may predict cardiovascular events

Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), but there are few studies on the prediction of future cardiovascular events by Lp(a) and its LPA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The aim of this study was to investigate whether elevated Lp(a) and its SNPs can predict cardiovascular events. We evaluated whether Lp(a) and LPA SNPs rs6415084 and rs12194138 were associated with the incidence rate and severity of CHD. All participants were followed up for 5 years. Elevated Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for the risk and severity of CHD (CHD group vs. control group: OR = 1.793, 95% CI: 1.053–2.882, p = 0.043; multiple-vessel disease group vs. single-vessel disease group: OR = 1.941, 95% CI: 1.113–3.242, p = 0.027; high GS group vs. low GS group: OR = 2.641, 95% CI: 1.102–7.436, p = 0.040). Both LPA SNPs were risk factors for CHD, and were positively associated with the severity of CHD (LPA SNPs rs6415084: CHD group vs. control group: OR = 1.577, 95% CI: 1.105–1.989, p = 0.004; multiple-vessel disease group vs. single-vessel disease group: OR = 1.613, 95% CI: 1.076–2.641, p = 0.030; high GS group vs. low GS group: OR = 1.580, 95% CI: 1.088–2.429, p = 0.024; LPA SNPs rs12194138: CHD group vs. control group: OR = 1.475, 95% CI: 1.040–3.002, p = 0.035; multiple-vessel disease group vs. single-vessel disease group: OR = 2.274, 95% CI: 1.060–5.148, p = 0.038; high GS group vs. low GS group: OR = 2.067, 95% CI: 1.101–4.647, p = 0.021). After 5 years of follow-up, elevated Lp(a) and LPA SNPs rs6415084 and rs12194138 can independently predict cardiovascular events. The increase of serum Lp(a) and LPA SNPs rs6415084 and rs12194138 are associated with increased prevalence and severity of CHD, and can independently predict cardiovascular events.

Lambs are more stressed at early weaning when housed with their twin.

The objective of this study was to compare the behavioural and immunological responses of twin lambs housed together with their siblings or not after weaning. The study was performed with seven multiparous Milchschaf ewes and their twin lambs (n = 14), which were weaned abruptly at 63days of age and assigned to two experimental groups: (1) lambs that were housed together with their sibling after weaning (group GT, n = 6) and (2) lambs that were separated from their siblings and remained with other lambs from the same flock (group GS, n = 8). Before and after weaning, the distance between twins, the number of times in which the sibling was the closest lamb, the lambs' behaviours, and the average daily gain were recorded. The lambs' immune response was assessed with the phytohemagglutinin skin test after weaning. The closest lamb before weaning was the sibling in all cases (P < 0.0001 for all). The frequency in which GT lambs were observed closest from its twin increased on the day of weaning (P = 0.002). During the day of weaning, GT lambs vocalised and paced more than GS lambs (P = 0.001 and P = 0.01, respectively). Twenty-four h after the phytohemagglutinin injection, the skinfold thickness was greater in GS than GT lambs (P = 0.03). In conclusion, twin lambs housed together with their siblings were more stressed at weaning, displaying more intensive behavioural changes and a poorer immunological status than twin lambs housed separated from their siblings.

Grape seed alleviates lindane-induced oxidative stress and improves growth performance, caecal fermentation and antioxidant capacity in growing rabbits.

This study evaluated the protective effect of grape seed on performance, caecal characteristics, blood metabolites and liver antioxidant status in lindane-treated rabbits. Four-week-old New Zealand White rabbits (n=96) with an initial body weight of 0.750 ± 0.23g were randomly divided into four groups (n=24). One group was the control received only corn oil orally, while group L were received lindane daily via gavage in corn oil (4mg/kg BW; 1/50 LD50 for oral dose), group GS was treated with 50g grape seed /kg diet, and group LGS treated with a combination of both L and GS for 98days. Results revealed that final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake and feed efficiency (FE) were similar between GS and control groups, and achieved the highest FBW and ADG, and the best FE. Caecum pH of the L group increased, while the caecum pH of the GS group decreased sharply. There was a significant increase in the concentration of total VFA, acetic acid, propionic acid and NH3 -N in the GS group, but butyric acid level decreased. GS treatment resulted in a significant increase in the concentrations of total protein, albumin and AChE. GPx, GST, CAT and SOD activity decreased, but TBARS activity significantly increased in the group L, while GS caused a significant elevation of antioxidant activity in the liver. These results confirm that the antioxidant compounds present in grape seed can alleviate the oxidative stress caused by lindane-induced hepatotoxicity and could be a useful supplement to maintain health and improve performance in rabbits.

Effects of dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae and β‐glucan on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity and immunity response in Macrobrachium rosenbergii

A 60-d feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and β-glucan on the growth performance, feed utilization and immunity response of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Prawns (0.19 ± 0.01 g) were fed with the basal diet (group C) or other three experimental diets supplemented with S. cerevisiae (group S), β-glucan (group G) or their combination (group GS), respectively. Results showed that the growth performance of prawns was significantly promoted in group S and GS (p < 0.05). Immunostimulants supplementation significantly increased the protease activity and the highest amylase activity was found in group G (p < 0.05). The highest phagocytic index of prawns was observed in group GS (p < 0.05), and the respiratory burst activity was significantly improved in group S and GS (p < 0.05). Furthermore, immunostimulant supplementation significantly increased the gene expression of the antioxidant and antimicrobial enzymes of prawns (p < 0.05). Immunostimulant supplementation also significantly increased the gene expression of prophenoloxidase, toll-like receptors, heat shock protein 70 and lectins(p < 0.05). Conclusively, S. cerevisiae and β-glucan both could be used as potential immunostimulants in prawns farming. Considering the comprehensive effects, their combination was more effective in promoting the growth and immunity of prawns.

Effect of Salvage Radiotherapy and Endocrine Therapy on Patients with Biochemical Recurrence After Prostate Cancer Operation- a Meta‑Analysis.

Context:Several studies reported the application of androgen deprivation therapy and radiotherapy in patients with biochemical recurrence after prostate cancer operation.Objective:To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating of endocrine therapy and radiotherapy in patients with biochemical recurrence after prostate cancer surgery. The primary end point was biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS). Secondary end point was overall survival (OS).Methods:A systematic review of PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases to identify relevant studies published in English up to March 2020. Twelve studies were selected for inclusion.Results:There were 11 studies included in the present study. Including two randomized controlled trials and nine cohort studies. The meta-analysis shows a significant bPFS benefit from androgen deprivation therapy and radiotherapy in patients with biochemical recurrence after prostate cancer operation. (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.57; 95% confidence interval CI, 0.52–0.63; p < .001). For patients with GS < 7 and low-risk patients, combined treatment can have a benefit for BPFs (HR: 0.53; 95% CI, 0.37–0.76; HR: 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36–0.93). Androgen deprivation therapy and radiotherapy in patients with biochemical recurrence was associated with a slightly OS improvement (HR: 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57–0.93; p = 0.01).Conclusions:Compared with salvage radiotherapy alone, This meta-analysis shows a significant bPFS benefit from endocrine therapy combined with salvage radiotherapy in patients with biochemical recurrence after prostate cancer operation. And benefit more for high-risk groups. However, there was no significant benefit in group GS ≥ 8. It shows a slightly OS benefit from endocrine therapy combined with salvage radiotherapy in patients with biochemical recurrence.

Quantifying influence of epidural analgesia on entropy guided general anaesthesia using sevoflurane - A randomised controlled trial.

Background and Aims:Minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of inhalational agent denotes the requirement of it to maintain adequate plane of general anaesthesia. The precision to the maintenance of anaesthesia can be further guided by use of entropy to titrate the depth of anaesthesia. Regional anaesthesia and the concomitant deafferentation will decrease the need of general anaesthetics. We conducted a randomised double-blind trial to quantify the effect of addition of regional anaesthesia to sevoflurane based general anaesthesia technique guided by entropy to achieve satisfactory depth of anaesthesia.Methods:Forty patients posted for elective laparotomies were randomised to two groups. All patients received a bolus followed by an epidural infusion. Group GE (general anaesthesia + epidural bupivacaine) received 0.25% epidural bupivacaine and Group GS received epidural saline. Both groups received narcotic, relaxant and sevoflurane anaesthesia guided by entropy monitoring. The state entropy (SE) was maintained at 40–60 by titrating end tidal sevoflurane concentration (ETsevo). Heart rate, blood pressure, SpO2, end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) and sevoflurane were recorded.Results:Both groups were similar in heart rate and mean blood pressure during anaesthesia maintenance. The minimum ETSevo required to maintain entropy between 40 and 60 in group GE was 0.53% compared to 0.95% in group GS the epidural saline group (P < 0.001). The end-tidal sevoflurane requirement to maintain adequate depth of anaesthesia dropped by 44.2% in group GE.Conclusion:Lower concentrations of volatile anaesthetic are required when entropy-guided general anaesthesia is combined with regional blockade.

Influence of Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique on Peri-Implant Tissues; Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial with Three-Year Follow-Up. Part II: Soft Tissues.

Purpose: The objective of this prospective randomized clinical trial (RCT) was to analyze and compare the clinical behavior of three types of prosthesis supported by single implants in the posterior region after three years of functional loading. Materials and methods: Seventy-five implants were divided into three groups according to the type of prosthetic restoration: screw-retained crown (group GS); cemented crown without finishing line (biologically oriented preparation technique) (group GBOPT); and conventional cemented crown with finishing line (group GCC). After three years in function, clinical parameters (presence of keratinized mucosa, probing depths, bleeding on probing, and radiographic bone loss) were compared between the three experimental groups. The possible correlation between soft tissue clinical parameters and bone loss was also analyzed. Results: Statistical analysis found significant differences in clinical parameters between the different types of crown, with the cemented restoration without finishing line (BOPT) presenting fewer complications and better peri-implant health outcomes including: significantly different KMW data (mm), with significant differences between groups GBOPT and GCC (p < 0.001, Kruskal–Wallis test), with GBOPT obtaining larger quantities of keratinized mucosa (KM); statistically significant differences in probing depth (PD) values between groups GBOPT and GCC (p = 0.010, Kruskal–Wallis test); significant differences in bleeding on probing (BOP) between groups GBOPT and GCC (p = 0.018, Chi2 test) in favor of GBOPT. Conclusions: Soft tissue behavior around implants is related to the type of prosthetic restoration used, with cemented prostheses with BOPT presenting better peri-implant soft tissue behavior.

Influence of Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique on Peri-Implant Tissues; Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial with Three-Year Follow-Up. Part I: Hard Tissues.

Purpose: The objective of this prospective randomized clinical trial (RCT) was to analyze and compare the clinical behavior of three types of prosthesis supported by single implants in the posterior region after three years functional loading. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five implants were divided into three groups according to the type of prosthetic restoration: screw-retained crown (Group GS); cemented crown without finishing line (biologically oriented preparation technique) (Group GBOPT); and conventional cemented crown with finishing line (Group GCC). The clinical behavior of each restoration type was analyzed after 3 years functional loading by analyzing radiographic peri-implant bone loss. Results: GBOPT obtained the least bone loss (p < 0.01) in comparison with GS and GCC. Conclusions: Bone loss around implants is related to the type of prosthetic restoration it supports, whereby cemented BOPT crowns present less bone loss.

Systematics of consistent truncations from generalised geometry

We present a generalised geometry framework for systematically constructing consistent truncations of ten- and eleven-dimensional supergravity preserving varying fractions of supersymmetry. Truncations arise when there is a reduced structure group GS of the exceptional generalised geometry, such that the intrinsic torsion is a GS -singlet. The matter content of the truncated theory follows from group-theoretical arguments, while the gauging is determined by the sub-algebra of generalised diffeomorphisms generated by the GS -singlet vectors. After discussing the general ideas across different spacetime dimensions and amounts of supersymmetry, we provide detailed formulae for truncations to gauged half-maximal supergravity in five dimensions. In particular, we establish an expression for the generalised metric on the exceptional tangent bundle, which determines the scalar truncation ansatz. As applications, we show that this formalism gives a simple derivation of a new consistent truncation of type IIB supergravity on β-deformed Lunin-Maldacena geometries, yielding half-maximal supergravity coupled to two vector multiplets, and of the truncation of eleven-dimensional supergravity on Maldacena-Núñez geometries, given by S4 twisted over a Riemann surface, which leads to half-maximal supergravity coupled to three vector multiplets.

Efficacy of TEAS for general anesthesia preserving spontaneous breathing in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for general anesthesia preserving spontaneous breathing in the patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. Methods Forty patients of both sexes, aged 18-67 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ, with Mallampati physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled for elective thoracoscopic lobectomy, were divided into 2 groups (n=20 each) using a random number table method: general anesthesia preserving spontaneous breathing group (group GS) and TEAS plus general anesthesia preserving spontaneous breathing group (group TE+ GS). Anesthesia was routinely induced and maintained, a laryngeal mask was placed, and patients kept spontaneous breathing in two groups.The bispectral index value was maintained at 45-60.Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia was used after operation, and visual analogue scale score was maintained<4 points.In group TE+ GS, Xinshu and Feishu acupoints ipsilateral to the operated side and bilateral Hegu and Neiguan acupoints were stimulated with a disperse-dense wave, frequency 2/100 Hz and intensity 5-15 mA starting from 30 min before anesthesia induction until the end of surgery.The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) were recorded before induction of anesthesia, immediately after start of operation, during thoracic exploration, immediate after lobectomy , and at 30 min and 1 h after lobectomy.The intraoperative MAP, HR, and RR were recorded when clinically significant events occurred in two groups.Central venous blood samples were simultaneously collected for determination of concentrations of cortisol, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and blood glucose in serum (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The highest value of PETCO2, the lowest value of SpO2, and consumption of anesthetic drugs were recorded.Duration of post-anesthesia care unit stay, time to first flatus, ambulation time, occurrence of nausea and vomiting, chest tube drainage time, development of surgical complications, length of postoperative hospital stay and hospitalization expenses were recorded. Results MAP, HR and RR all fluctuated within the normal range, and no clinically significant events occurred in two groups.Compared with group GS, the highest value of PETCO2 was significantly decreased, the lowest value of SpO2 was increased, the MAP and HR were decreased, the consumption of propofol and remifentanil was decreased, the cortisol, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and blood glucose concentrations in serum were decreased, the time to first flatus, ambulation time, chest tube drainage time and length of postoperative hospital stay were shortened, and the incidence of nausea and vomiting and hospitalization expenses were decreased in group TE+ GS (P<0.05). Conclusion TEAS can reduce the amount of opioids consumed in the perioperative period, effectively inhibits intraoperative stress responses, and is helpful in improving the early outcomes when used for general anesthesia preserving spontaneous breathing in the patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. Key words: Electric stimulation therapy; Anesthesia, general; Thoracoscopy

Voice Quality and Auditory Processing in Subjects with and Without Musical Experience

The relationship between voice and auditory processing is complex and has aroused increasing scientific interest in the last decades. Little is known about the relationship between voice quality and auditory processing in individuals with and without musical experience. To assess voice quality and auditory processing in subjects with and without musical experience. Total 120 individuals were split into three groups: GS = singers (N = 47), GI = instrumentalists (N = 43), and NM = nonmusicians (N = 30); group GS was subdivided into GS = 20 singers only and GSI = 27 singers and instrumentalists at the same time. Subjects were undertaken vocal assessment by means of Perceptual Assessment of voice recording followed by self-assessment of a potential voice problem using the Brazilian validated version of the Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) (Escala de Sintomas Vocais - ESV). The central auditory processing was carried out following such temporal processing tests: Frequency Pattern Test (FPT), Random Gap Detection Test (RGDT), and auditory-perceptual analysis of distorted speech as indicated: Synthetic Sentence Identification (SSI) test, with Ipsilateral Competing Message. GSI reported a higher number of voice symptoms compared to the other groups for the VoiSS. Throughout the groups, most individuals did not present voice disorders and, when presented, were mild. Subgroup GSI showed the best auditory abilities of temporal ordering for the FPT-Humming and FPT-Verbal, whereas NM had the worst performance. Negligible correlation strength alone was found between the different central auditory processing tests, the overall degree of vocal deviation in the auditory-perceptual analysis of voice quality, and the total score of the Voice Symptom Scale protocol. The voice quality of musicians and nonmusicians was correlated with their auditory processing; although with negligible strength. It was verified that singers-instrumentalist reported more voice symptoms compared to the other groups. Despite the large variation throughout the groups concerning auditory processing, musicians, especially singers-instrumentalists, have shown better auditory abilities of temporal ordering, suggesting that musical training and experience may account for such performance.

Parker Flex-It stylet is as effective as GlideRite Rigid stylet for orotracheal intubation by Glidescope.

Objectives:To evaluate Parker Flex-It stylet as an alternative to GlideRite Rigid stylet to aid tracheal intubation with the Glidescope.Methods:This prospective randomized trial was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between May and December 2014. Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II patients were randomly assigned to one of 2 equal groups receiving intubation by Glidescope using either GlideRite Rigid stylet (Group GS) or Parker Flex-It stylet (Group PS). The total intubation time, ease of intubation, incidences of successful intubation at first attempt, number of intubation attempts, use of optimization maneuvers, and possible complications were recorded.Results:No significant differences between both groups regarding the total intubation time (p=0.08) was observed. Intubation was significantly easier in group PS compared with group GS as measured by visual analogue scale (p=0.001) with no significant differences between the groups regarding the rate of successful tracheal intubation from first attempt (p=0.524). However, the number of attempts at intubation and usage of external laryngeal manipulation were similar in both groups (p>0.05). The incidence of sore throat, dysphagia, hoarseness, and trauma were significantly higher in group GS (p<0.05).Conclusion:Parker Flex-It stylet is as effective as GlideRite Rigid stylet when used by experienced operators in patients with normal airways using Glidescope; however, it is easier and less traumatic.

Risk factors for perioperative ischemic stroke in cardiac surgery.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for ischemic stroke in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.MethodsFrom January 2010 to December 2012, 519 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery were analyzed prospectively. The sample was divided into two groups: patients with stroke per and postoperative were allocated in Group GS (n=22) and the other patients in the group CCONTROL (n=497). The following variables were compared between the groups: gender, age, carotid stenosis ≥ 70%, diabetes on insulin, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, peripheral arteriopathy, unstable angina, kidney function, left ventricular function, acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary arterial hypertension, use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Ischemic stroke was defined as symptoms lasting over 24 hours associated with changes in brain computed tomography scan. The variables were compared using Fisher’s exact test, Chi square, Student’s t-test and logistic regression.ResultsStroke occurred in 4.2% of patients and the risk factors statistically significant were: carotid stenosis of 70% or more (P=0.03; OR 5.07; IC 95%: 1.35 to 19.02), diabetes on insulin (P=0.04; OR 2.61; IC 95%: 1.10 to 6.21) and peripheral arteriopathy (P=0.03; OR 2.61; 95% CI: 1.08 to 6.28).ConclusionRisk factors for ischemic stroke were carotid stenosis of 70% or more, diabetes on insulin and peripheral arteriopathy.

Induction of low-nutritious food intake by subsequent nutrient supplementation in sheep (Ovis aries)

Acceptance of and preference for a particular food depends not only on its intrinsic (e.g. nutritional) properties but also on expected or recent food experiences. An instance of this type of phenomenon has been called induction effect, which consists of an increased intake of a type of food when it precedes a hedonically preferred food in a sequence familiar to the animal, relative to controls that have access only to the less-preferred food. The purpose of our study was to assess intake induction of a low-nutritious food when followed by different high-nutritious supplements in sheep (Ovis aries). In this experiment, we ran a supplemented phase where animals fed oat hay (a low-nutritious food) in the first part of the daily feeding sessions followed by a supplement with either a high (soya bean meal; group GS) or a low (ground corn; group GC) protein–energy ratio in the second part ate more oat hay than controls that were fed oat hay in both parts of sessions (group GH). In addition, supplemented animals presented a stronger preference for oat hay over alfalfa hay than controls in a subsequent choice. When all animals received no food in the second part of the sessions (Non-supplemented phase), intake of oat hay converged to the control's intake level in all the groups, suggesting that the presence of supplements after access to oat hay was responsible for intake induction. Lastly, we repeated the supplemented phase with a different control group where animals received oat hay in the first part of the sessions and no food in the second part (group NF), thus equalizing groups in terms of the time of access to oat hay in a session. Groups GS and GC still developed higher intake of oat hay than group NF. In both supplemented phases of the experiment, we estimated animals’ daily metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) intake. CP intake was higher in group GS than in groups GC, GH and NF, but there was no difference between group GC and the controls. In turn, groups did not differ in ME intake in the First supplemented phase, and only group GS presented higher ME intake than the rest of the groups in the Second supplemented phase. Therefore, a nutritional account of the present induction effect seems insufficient. We propose that a learned association between oat hay and the post-ingestive feedback from the subsequent high-nutritious supplements underlay sheep's intake induction and increased preference for oat hay.

Avaliação do exercício físico como fator de analgesia em um modelo experimental de ciatalgia

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia do exercício físico (natação e salto) atuando na redução do quadro álgico de ratos submetidos a um modelo experimental de ciatalgia. MÉTODOS: 24 ratos Wistar foram divididos em quatro grupos: grupo Placebo (GP), grupo Natação (GN), grupo Natação 10% (GN10) e grupo Salto (GS). Todos os grupos foram submetidos ao modelo de ciatalgia e avaliados em relação à dor pós-exercício pelo teste de incapacidade funcional e pelo filamento de Von Frey. RESULTADOS: Na comparação intragrupos houve diferenças significativas, para todos os grupos, nos momentos pós-lesão comparados com o pré-lesão, por ambos os instrumentos de avaliação. Com o filamento de Von Frey observou-se diferença significativa nos grupos GN10 e GS nos momentos finais de avaliação. Na comparação intergrupos não houve diferenças significativas com nenhum instrumento de avaliação. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento com exercício físico não foi eficaz para reduzir o quadro álgico de ratos submetidos à ciatalgia.