Group RG Research Articles

Immediate effects of red (660 nm) and infrared (808 nm) photobiomodulation therapy on fatigue of the orbicularis oris muscle: a randomized clinical study.

To compare the immediate effects of laser photobiomodulation at wavelengths of 660 nm and 808 nm on fatigue of the orbicularis oris. This is a randomized study with 60 women aged between 19 and 43 years. The participants were divided into four groups. Group RG received photobiomodulation with a laser wavelength of 660 nm at four points of the orbicularis oris; group IRG received photobiomodulation with a laser wavelength of 808 nm at the same points; the control group did not receive light treatment; and the placebo group underwent the same procedures as RG and IRG but with the equipment switched off. The irradiation was performed with a laser of 100 mW of power, 4 J of energy per point and 133.3 J/cm2 of fluency. An electromyography evaluation was performed before and after the irradiation, concomitantly with the exercise of lip protrusion maintained until the sensation of fatigue. Fatigue was evaluated by a median frequency using the electromyographic fatigue index. The amplitude of the signal was evaluated, examining the root mean square, and the values were normalized by the peak. The difference in amplitude between the upper and lower lips was also analyzed. All variables were compared before and after irradiation. No significant difference was found between the measures taken before and after irradiation. Photobiomodulation with the parameters investigated in this study had no immediate effect on orbicular oris fatigue.

P016 A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN ROBOTIC AND LAPAROSCOPIC VENTRAL AND INCISIONAL HERNIA REPAIR WITH THE ETEP - TAR TECHNIQUE

Abstract Aim The aim of this study is to present a single centre’s experience in Robotic and Laparoscopic eTEP TAR technique in ventral and incisional hernia repair. Additionally, the purpose of this study is to compare these Robotic and Laparoscopic techniques in terms of feasibility, efficacy, safety, advantages and disadvantages. Material and Methods This is a case-series comparative study of patients with M1-M5 / W3 ventral and incisional hernia that underwent Robotic or Laparoscopic eTEP-TAR repair in a single institution. Patients’ characteristics were reviewed and perioperative outcomes were extracted. All patients were followed-up at the outpatient surgical unit. Intraoperative and postoperative parameters were analyzed. Results 35 patients (19 males) with a mean age of 57 years underwent Robotic eTEP-TAR (21 patients) and Laparoscopic eTEP-TAR (14 patients) repair of M1-M3/W3 ventral (12 patients) and M2-M5/W3 incisional hernia. There were 3 conversions to open repair in the Robotic group (Rg) and 1 for the Laparoscopic group (Lg). The mean operative time in Rg was 345 minutes, while in Lg was 320 min. All patients were discharged between the first and fifth postoperative day. No major complications or recurrences were revealed during a mean postoperative follow-up time of 26 months. Conclusions Both techniques are feasible, reproducible, and safe, with no major differences in operative time, recurrence and complications rate. Nevertheless, these techniques are highly demanding procedures that should be performed by experienced hernia surgeons, in well-organized centers of excellence in hernia surgery.

Analgesic effects of a retrobulbar block with 0.75% ropivacaine in dogs undergoing enucleation

ObjectiveTo assess the analgesic effects of a retrobulbar block with ropivacaine in dogs undergoing enucleation. Study designProspective, randomized, masked placebo-controlled trial. AnimalsA total of 23 client-owned dogs. MethodsDogs were randomized to be administered a preoperative inferior-temporal palpebral retrobulbar injection of either ropivacaine 0.75% (1 mL 10 kg–1; group RG) or equivalent volume of 0.9% saline (control; group CG). Intraoperative variables recorded to detect a response to noxious stimuli included heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Three observers assessed and recorded pain using a numerical rating pain scale and visual analog scale (VAS) before anesthesia (baseline) and postoperatively at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 24 hours after extubation. Rescue analgesia was administered if intraoperative HR or MAP increased by ≥ 20% from the previously recorded surgical time point, average postoperative pain scores totaled ≥ 9/20, scored ≥ 3/4 in any one category with VAS ≥ 35/100, or if VAS was ≥ 35/100 with a palpation score > 0/4. ResultsIntraoperatively, there was no significant difference in HR or MAP between groups. Rescue analgesia was administered intraoperatively to four and one dogs and postoperatively to five and seven dogs in groups CG and RG, respectively, with no significant difference between groups. VAS scores were significantly lower in ropivacaine dogs at extubation (p = 0.02), but not at other postoperative time points. Adverse events were not observed in either group. Conclusions and clinical relevancePreoperative retrobulbar 0.75% ropivacaine injection (1 mL 10 kg−1) provided analgesia in dogs following enucleation at extubation; however, intraoperative and postoperative pain control did not differ from a placebo injection with saline. Lack of differences between groups may have been influenced by sample size limitations.

THERAPEUTIC AND PROPHYLACTIC APPLICATION OF MESODIENCEPHALIC MODULATION DURING DENTAL IMPLANTATION IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Dental implantation is stressful and can increase blood sugar levels, placing patients with diabetes mellitus at risk. There is a need for alternative treatments that can prevent mental and somatic stress manifestations during dental implantation in such patients. We investigated the therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy of mesodiencephalic modulation (MDM) in patients with mild type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent dental implantation. This clinical randomized controlled study included 67 patients with mild type 2 diabetes mellitus and a dental pathology comprising a single defect in a dental arch. Group G-1 (n = 22) received dental implants and MDM therapy during the early post-implantation period. Group TG-2 (n = 22) received dental implants and MDM therapy during pre-implantation and early post-implantation periods. Group RG (n = 23) received dental implants without MDM therapy. Patients’ blood glucose levels, heart rate, and emotional state in pre-and post-implantation periods were compared. In all groups, blood sugar levels and heart rate peaked at 5 minutes after dental procedure completion. An increase from 5 minutes before starting to 5 minutes after completing the dental procedures was significant in TG-1 and RG groups but not in the TG-2 group. Quality of life was significantly higher in both the treatment groups than in the RG group at 10 days after the procedure. MDM has therapeutic and prophylactic value for patients with mild type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing dental implantation during pre- and post-implantation periods as well as on the quality of life in the early post-surgery recovery period.

Complejidad y prevalencia de síndromes geriátricos de los pacientes atendidos en unidades sociosanitarias en Catalunya. Estudio multicéntrico del proyecto XARESS

BackgroundDescriptive study is presented on the complexity and prevalence of geriatric syndromes (GS) in Intermediate Care Units in Catalonia. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 6471 stays completed during the year 2014 in the participating centres of the XARESS network. Data was obtained by extracting the information routinely collected on the CMBD-RSS registry (Minimum Basic Dataset for the Intermediate Care Resources). The prevalence and associations between geriatric síndromes (resource group) RG category, length of stay, and destination at discharge is described. Results were stratified by type of unit (convalescence or long stay). ResultsParticipants presented a median of 3 GS at admission in long stay units, and 2 GS at admission in convalescence units. The number of GS varied with RG category, although in all RG categories, there were patients without complexity (no SG), and patients with extreme complexity (up to 9 GS). Patients with geriatric syndromes had a longer mean length of stay and greater dependence than patients without syndromes, although with great variability across GS. However, the presence of geriatric syndromes had no impact on the destination at discharge. ConclusionsThe population cared for in intermediate care units have high complexity and a high prevalence of geriatric syndromes at admission. The CMBD-RSS registry allows the characterisation of complexity of the population admitted to the Catalan convalescence and long term intermediate care units.

Clinical efficacy of oral gabapentin versus clonidine for preemptive analgesia in knee arthroplasty under epidural anesthesia with 0.75% Ropivacaine – A comparative study

Background: The preemptive analgesia for knee arthroscopic repair may reduce the postoperative pain without affecting the mobility of patients. The present study was designed to compare the clinical efficacy of oral gabapentin with clonidine as preemptive analgesic to epidural ropivacaine (0.75%) for knee arthroscopic repair, done under epidural anesthesia. Patients and Methods: Sixty adult patients of both genders of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II aged 20–58 years, scheduled for knee arthroscopic repair under epidural anesthesia, were randomized into two groups of 30 patients each. Patients of Group RG were given oral gabapentin 300 mg, and patients of Group RC received oral clonidine 100 μg, 90 min before surgery with sip of water. All patients received epidural anesthesia with 15 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine. Groups were compared for onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade and postoperative analgesia as primary end points. Intraoperative hemodynamic changes, sedation score, or any side effects were evaluated as secondary end points. Results: The onset of complete sensory block to T10 (15.4 ± 4.7 vs. 17.5 ± 3.8 min) and time to achieve complete motor block (23.7 ± 3.3 vs. 26.9 ± 1.4 min) was earlier in patients of Group RC. Postoperative analgesia was prolonged in patients of Group RG (248.17 ± 19.6 vs. 217.36 ± 12.3 min). Intraoperative hemodynamic changes showed no significant difference. There was an increased incidence of nausea and vomiting in clonidine group. Conclusion: Oral gabapentin proved to be better as preemptive adjuvant for providing postoperative analgesia and good sedation during knee arthroscopic repair.

ALEXITHYMIA AS RISK FACTOR OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

A socio-psychological survey and clinical-psycholo­gical research were conducted (level of alexithymia; intensity of internet addiction; individual-charactero­logical personality traits; individual style of coping strategies, behavioral patterns and resources of per­sonality) in the cohort of 150 people at the age of 15-24, average age: 18.9±1.64, M:F= 87:63). As a result of the randomization of subjects, 3 groups were detected: themain group (people with traces of deve­loping anaddiction from “new psychoactive substan­ces” (NPS)) (MG, 50 people); a comparison group (people with “non-chemical” forms of addiction (in­ternet addiction) (CG, 50 people) and a reference group (50 people, without addictions and deviant be­havior). The research of coping behavior methods, in the category “Search for social support” groups MG and RG significantly differ statistically (probability of passing similarity p = 0.016, t =2.45, df = 147) has shown the significance of asocial network support as in the case of NPS addiction. The total score of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-26-R showed that peo­ple from MG (average number 67.66±8.01) and RG (average number 58.92±8.36) statistically differ si­gnificantly, with a probability of passing similarity being p<0.001, t=5.3, df=147. Indicators of expres­sed alexithymia noticeably prevailed in MG and CG, in comparison with the RG. While researching in­ternet addiction using a subject oriented scale, there was a statistically significant difference between CG and RG. The probability of a passing similarity is p = 0.006, t=2.82, df =147. The received and analyzed study materials are the basis for the development of acombined preventive and rehabilitation program for those with “NPS” addiction and “internet addiction” among teenagers and youth.

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. eucalyptorum pv. nov. Causing Bacterial Leaf Blight on Eucalypt in Brazil.

Bacterial leaf blight is a major disease of eucalypt, especially under nursery conditions. Different bacterial species have been associated with the disease in several countries, and despite its importance worldwide, it is not clear to date whether similar disease symptoms are caused by the same or by different etiological agents. In this study, 43 bacterial strains were isolated from blighted eucalypt leaves collected in different geographic areas of Brazil and inoculated onto a susceptible eucalypt clone. Polyphasic taxonomy, including morphological, physiological, biochemical, molecular, and pathogenicity tests showed that only certain strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis caused symptoms of the disease. Strains varied in their aggressiveness, but no correlation with geographic origin was observed. MLSA-based phylogenetic analysis using concatenated dnaK, fyuA, gyrB and rpoD gene sequences allocated the strains in a well-defined clade, corresponding to Rade-marker’s group RG 9.6. Inoculation of nineteen plant species belonging to seven botanical families with representative strain LPF 602 showed it to be pathogenic only on Eucalyptus spp, and Corymbia spp. Based on distinct biochemical and pathogenic characteristics that differentiate the eucalypt strains from other pathovars of the X. axonopodis species, here we propose their allocation into the new pathovar X. axonopodis pv. eucalyptorum pv. nov.

A matrix CFT at multiple large charges

We investigate matrix models in three dimensions where the global SU(N ) symmetry acts via the adjoint map. Analyzing their ground state which is homogeneous in space and can carry either a unique or multiple fixed charges, we show the existence of at least two distinct fixed points of the renormalization group (rg) flow. In particular, the one type of those fixed points manifests itself via tractable deviations in the large-charge expansion from the known predictions in the literature. We demonstrate most of the novel features using mainly the example of the SU(4) matrix theory to compute the anomalous dimension of the lowest scalar operator with large global charge(s).

Local inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases reduced M2 macrophage activity and impeded recovery in spinal cord transected rats after treatment with fibroblast growth factor-1 and nerve grafts.

Alternatively activated macrophages (M2 macrophages) promote central nervous system regeneration. Our previous study demonstrated that treatment with peripheral nerve grafts and fibroblast growth factor-1 recruited more M2 macrophages and improved partial functional recovery in spinal cord transected rats. The migration of macrophages is matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) dependent. We used a general inhibitor of MMPs to influence macrophage migration, and we examined the migration of macrophage populations and changes in spinal function. Rat spinal cords were completely transected at T8, and 5 mm of spinal cord was removed (group T). In group R, spinal cord-transected rats received treatment with fibroblast growth factor-1 and peripheral nerve grafts. In group RG, rats received the same treatment as group R with the addition of 200 μM GM6001 (an MMP inhibitor) to the fibrin mix. We found that MMP-9, but not MMP-2, was upregulated in the graft area of rats in group R. Local application of the MMP inhibitor resulted in a reduction in the ratio of arginase-1 (M2 macrophage subset)/inducible nitric oxide synthase-postive cells. When the MMP inhibitor was applied at 8 weeks postoperation, the partial functional recovery observed in group R was lost. This effect was accompanied by a decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the nerve graft. These results suggested that the arginase-1 positive population in spinal cord transected rats is a migratory cell population rather than the phenotypic conversion of early iNOS+ cells and that the migration of the arginase-1+ population could be regulated locally. Simultaneous application of MMP inhibitors or promotion of MMP activity for spinal cord injury needs to be considered if the coadministered treatment involves M2 recruitment.

Long-term adherence and effects on grip strength and upper leg performance of prescribed supplemental vitamin D in pregnant and recently pregnant women of Somali and Swedish birth with 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency: a before-and-after treatment study

BackgroundMuscular weakness and severe vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in Somali (veiled) pregnant women, Sweden. The study aims here were to explore adherence to prescribed supplemental vitamin D in new mothers with vitamin D deficiency and its effects on grip strength and upper leg performance in Somali (target group TG) and Swedish women (reference group RG) from spring through winter.MethodsA before- and after study was designed. A cross-sectional sample of women in antenatal care with serum 25-OHD ≤50 nmol/L were prescribed one or two tablets daily (800 or 1600 IU vitamin D3 with calcium) for 10 months. Reminders were made by Somali nurses (TG) or Swedish doctors (RG). Baseline and 10 month measurements of plasma nmol/L 25-OHD, maximal grip strength held for 10 s (Newton, N) and ability to squat (yes;no) were done. Total tablet intake (n) was calculated. Outcome variables were changes from baseline in grip strength and ability to squat. Predicting variables for change in grip strength and ability to squat were calculated using linear and binary regression in final models. Undetectable 25-OHD values (<10 nmol/L) were replaced with ‘9’ in statistic calculations.ResultsSeventy-one women (46 TG, 1/3 with undetectable baseline 25-OHD; 25 RG) participated. At the 10-month follow up, 17% TG and 8% RG women reported having refrained from supplement. Mean 25-OHD increased 16 to 49 nmol/L (TG) and 39 nmol/L to 67 nmol/L (RG), (both p < 0.001). Grip strength had improved from 153 to 188 N (TG) (p < 0.001) and from 257 to 297 N (RG) (p = 0.003) and inability to squat had decreased in TG (35 to 9, p < 0.001). Intake of number of tablets predicted increased grip strength (B 0.067, 95%CI 0.008–0.127, p = 0.027). One tablet daily (>300 in total) predicted improved ability to squat (OR 16; 95% CI 1.8–144.6).ConclusionsAdherence to supplemental vitamin D and calcium should be encouraged as an even moderate intake was associated to improved grip strength and upper leg performance, which was particularly useful for the women with severe 25-OHD deficiency and poor physical performance at baseline.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02922803. Date of registration: September 28, 2016.

Stimulation of contractions in pregnant human myometrium is associated with 5-HT3 receptors

BackgroundSerotonin (5-HT) is known to play an important role in regulating uterine contractions. However, the specific receptors involved have not been well characterized. We evaluated whether 5-HT3 receptors exist in human myometrium, and their effects on myometrial contractility when stimulated by a 5-HT3 agonist. MethodsFour tissue samples taken from patients undergoing hysterectomy (n=2) and elective cesarean delivery (n=2) were used to detect expression of 5-HT3 receptors on the myometrium using western blotting. For isometric tension measurement, another 12 myometrial strips obtained from patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery were randomly divided into a control group (Group CON) and an RS56812 group (Group RG). In increasing doses from 10−7M to 10−4M, RS56812, a 5-HT3 receptor agonist, was used to investigate the contractile effects after bonding to the 5-HT3 receptor, following which the effects of granisetron were assessed. Amplitude, interval and duration of myometrial contractions were recorded. ResultsProteins with a molecular mass of 55kDa, consistent with 5-HT3 receptors, were detected both on non-pregnant and late-pregnant human uteri. RS56812 increased the contractile amplitude at concentrations of 10−6M, 10−5M and 10−4M, achieving maximum effect at 10−5M. A prolonged contractile interval was detected at the concentration of 10−4M. However, RS56812 showed no significant effect on contraction duration. Granisetron did not reverse the contractile effects induced by RS56812. Conclusion5-HT3 receptors are expressed on non-pregnant and pregnant uteri. RS56812 enhanced myometrial contractions, but this was not affected by granisetron, the mechanism of which requires further investigation.

Incidence of dentinal defects after preparation of severely curved root canals using the Reciproc single-file system with and without prior creation of a glide path.

To investigate the incidence of dentinal defects after preparation of severely curved root canals using the Reciproc single-file system with and without prior creation of a glide path. Mesial roots from extracted mandibular first molars were collected and scanned with CBCT to assess the morphology of the root canal systems. Three groups of 20 anatomically comparable specimens were generated. The control group was left unprepared, whilst the experimental groups were prepared with Reciproc R25 with and without a glide path (groups RG and R, respectively). Roots were then sectioned perpendicular to the long axis at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10mm from the apex, and coloured photographs of the sections at 40× were obtained. Two blinded examiners registered the presence of dentinal defects twice at 2-week interval. Data were statistically analysed using the Fisher exact and Cochran's Q tests. No defects were observed in the control group. The overall incidence of dentinal defects was 26% in group R and 24% in group RG, with no significant differences between them (P>0.05). Dentinal defects occurred significantly more often in the middle and coronal thirds compared to the apical third of the canals (P<0.05). Prior preparation of a glide path had no impact on the incidence of dentinal defects when using Reciproc files.

Faecal corticosterone levels of dogs relinquished to a shelter in Japan

This study investigated the baseline level of faecal corticosterone in dogs relinquished to a shelter and compared changes in it caused by social events that dogs experienced. Faecal corticosterone was...

Grouping previously unknown bucks is a stressor with negative effects on reproduction.

Grouping previously unknown animals produces social stress, which might have negative effects on reproduction. The aims of the experiment were to determine if grouping unknown bucks (1) triggers a stress response and produces changes in body weight; (2) affects scrotal circumference, testosterone concentration, and semen quality; and (3) has differential effects between resident and introduced bucks. One group of nine Saanen bucks was transported and introduced (introduced bucks, group IG) to a group of eight Saanen bucks (resident bucks, group RG). On day 0, cortisol concentration and rectal temperature were determined, and from day -7 to day 29, body weight, scrotal circumference, and testosterone concentration were recorded and semen quality was determined. The stress response was different between groups: on several moments on day 0, resident bucks had greater cortisol concentration (P < 0.0001), while introduced bucks had higher rectal temperature (P = 0.02). Body weight decreased similarly in both groups from day -7 to day 2 (P < 0.0001), but on day 29, IG bucks were lighter than RG bucks (P = 0.05). Also, the reproductive response differed between groups: introduced bucks had lower scrotal circumference (P < 0.01), lower testosterone concentration (P = 0.02), and lower percentage of motile spermatozoa in the ejaculate (P = 0.05). It was concluded that grouping unknown bucks was stressful and negatively affected the reproduction, being more serious for the introduced than the resident bucks.

A metabolic profiling analysis of the acute toxicological effects of the realgar (As2S2) combined with other herbs in Niuhuang Jiedu Tablet using 1H NMR spectroscopy

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNiuhuang Jiedu Tablet (NJT), composed of Realgar (As2S2), Bovis Calculus Artificialis, Borneolum Synthcticum, Gypsum Fibrosum, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (RR), Scutellariae Radix (SR), Platycodonis Radix (PR) and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GR), is an effective formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used in treating acute tonsillitis, pharyngitis, periodontitis and mouth ulcer. In the formula, significant level of realgar (As2S2) as a potentially toxic element is contained. In our pervious experiments, NJT was significantly less toxic than realgar (As2S2), and the material bases of toxicity alleviation effect to realgar (As2S2) were RR, SR, PR and GR. However, the toxicity alleviation effect of each above mentioned four herbs to realgar (As2S2) and their synergistic detoxification effects to realgar (As2S2) were still obscure. Materials and methodsMale Wistar rats were divided into 11 groups: control, group R (treated with Realgar), group RRSPG (treated with Realgar, RR, SR, PR and GR), group RRSP (treated with Realgar, RR, SR and PR), group RRSG (treated with Realgar, RR, SR and GR), group RRPG (treated with Realgar, RR, PR and GR), group RSPG (treated with Realgar, SR, PR and GR), group RR (treated with Realgar and RR), group RS (treated with Realgar and SR), group RP (treated with Realgar and PR) and group RG (treated with Realgar and GR). Based on 1H NMR spectra of urine and serum from rats, PCA and PLS-DA were performed to identify different metabolic profiles. Liver and kidney histopathology examinations and serum clinical chemistry analysis were also performed. ResultsThe metabolic profiles of groups RR, RS, RP and RG were similar to those of group R, while the metabolic profiles of groups RRSPG, RRSP, RRSG, RRPG and RSPG were almost in line with those of control group. Statistics results were confirmed by the histopathological examination and biochemical assay. ConclusionThe present work suggested that the toxicity alleviation effects of RR, SR, PR and GR to realgar (As2S2) were not obvious when combined with realgar (As2S2) respectively, but they had synergistic detoxification effects on realgar (As2S2) mutually.

Iterative path integral summation for nonequilibrium quantum transport

We have developed a numerically exact approach to compute real‐time path integral expressions for quantum transport problems out of equilibrium. The scheme is based on a deterministic iterative summation of the path integral (ISPI) for the generating function of nonequilibrium observables of interest. We apply the scheme to compute the charge current or dynamical quantities of small strongly correlated quantum systems as a quantum dot or molecules that are tunnel coupled to leads. Self‐energies due to the leads, being nonlocal in time, are fully taken into account within a finite memory time, thereby including non‐Markovian effects. Numerical results are extrapolated first to vanishing (Trotter) time discretization and, second, to infinite memory time. The method is applied to nonequilibrium transport through a single‐impurity Anderson dot in the first place. We benchmark our results in various regimes of the rich parameter space. In the respective regime of validity, iterative summation of real‐time path integrals (ISPI) results are shown to match those of other state‐of‐the art methods. Especially, we have chosen the mixed valence regime of the Anderson model to compare ISPI to time dependent density matrix renormalization group (tDMRG) and functional RG calculations. Secondly, we determine the nonequilibrium current through a molecular junction in presence of a vibrational mode. We have found an exact mapping of the single impurity Anderson–Holstein model to an effective spin‐1 problem. In analytically tractable regimes, as the adiabatic phonon or weak molecule‐lead coupling regime, we reproduce known perturbative results. Studying the crossover regime between those limits shows that the Franck–Condon blockade persists in the quantum limit. At low temperature, the Franck–Condon steps in the characteristics are smeared due to nonequilibrium conditions. The third system under investigation here is the magnetic Anderson model which consists of a spinful single‐orbital quantum dot with an incorporated quantum mechanical spin–1/2 magnetic impurity. Coulomb interaction together with the exchange coupling of the magnetic impurity with the electron spins strongly influence the dynamics. We investigate the nonequilibrium tunneling current through the system as a function of exchange and Coulomb interaction as well as the real‐time impurity polarization. From the real‐time evolution of physical observables, we are able to determine characteristics of the time‐dependent nonequilibrium current and the relaxation dynamics of the impurity. These examples illustrate that the ISPI technique is particularly well suited for the quantum regime, when all time and energy scales are of the same order of magnitude.

LINK HOMOTOPY INVARIANT QUANDLES

We consider several approaches to defining a link homotopy version of the fundamental quandle Q(L) of a link L in S3. We first define the reduced fundamental quandle RQ(L) as a quotient of Q(L). We show that RQ(L) is a link homotopy invariant that carries at least as much information as the meridian-preserving isomorphism class of Milnor's reduced group RG(L). We then show that operator reduction, a plausible alternative approach to defining RQ(L), fails to yield a link homotopy invariant. Finally, we give a geometric characterization of RQ(L), and offer a caveat regarding a seemingly simpler approach.

Surgery-Related Morbidity in Living Donors for Liver Transplantation

Complications occur in a considerable proportion of living donors for liver transplantation. In this study, the surgery-related morbidity in living donors for more than 1000 liver transplantations was investigated. The donor morbidity between June 1990 and August 2007 was analyzed retrospectively and classified by the graft type and time period. The complication severity was graded using the Clavien scoring system. During the study period, 1262 living donors underwent donor operations for liver transplantation. The donors were divided into two groups by the graft type: group RG (n=500), comprising right and extended right lobe grafts, and group LG (n=762), comprising non-right lobe grafts. The overall complication rate was significantly higher in group RG than that in group LG (44.2% vs. 18.8%, P<0.05). The complication severity was worse in group RG than in group LG. Although biliary complications were the most common complications in both the groups, the frequencies differed significantly (RG: 12.2% vs. LG: 4.9%; P<0.05). Short-term complications (within 4 weeks after the donor operation) occurred in 308 donors (24.4% of all donors). Complications after 4 weeks occurred in only 17 donors. Donor age, right lobe donation, and prolonged operation time were found to be independent risk factors for complications by multivariate analyses. Biliary complications were the most common and feared complications in living donors. There were more frequent and severe complications for right and extended right lobe donation than for non-right lobe donation. The possible risks of donor morbidity for different graft types should be understood and carefully considered.

Analgesic effects of intrathecai injecting 97-9-G4 PLGA sustained-release microspheres into the neuropathic pain rats

Objective To study the pain killing effects of intrathecal injection of 97-9-G4 PLGA sustained-release microspheres in the SD rat model of CCI of sciatic nerve. Methods SD rats with intrathecal catheter deployment were randomly divided into 4 groups（n=8）： normal saline group（NS group）, 97-9-G4 group （G group）, 97-9-G4 PLGA sustained-release microspheres group（SRG group） and blank PLGA group（P group）. On the 1 lth day after CCI, the animals in NS group and G group were administered the relevant drugs three times （7 am, 1 pm and 7 pm; i.t.）. Those in SRG group and P group were administered only once （7 am; i.t.）. Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold （PWMT） and paw withdrawal thermal latency （PWTL） were measured 5 times at the fixed time-point within the period of study. Results The drug entrapment efficiency was 80.4%, drug loading efficiency was 27.78%, and the mean diameter of microspheres was 77 wm. Two peaks of 97-9-G4 were observed in vitro release measurement. About 25.28% was released in the first 30 min and about 71.33% was accumulated released in the period from 30 min to 24 hours. Till 10 days, about 98.3% of 97-9-G4 was accumulated released from the microspheres. In vivo, compared with basic pain threshold, all groups, except sham group exhibited similar values of PWMT and PWTL at the beginning of drug administration. After drug administration, comparedwith NS group, the values of PWMT and PWTL were significantly increased at 8 am; 2 pm and 8 pm（P〈0.05）. At 12 am and 6 pm, there was no significant difference （P〉0.05）. Compared with NS group, the values of PWMT and PWTL in group SRG were significantly increased at all the time points except at 8 am. No significant difference was demonstrated in the values of group P as compared with group NS （P〉0.05）. Conclusion 97-9-G4 PLGA sustained-release microspheres demonstrate good appearance and significant in vitro sustained-release characteristics. In rat CCI models, the microspheres demonstrate good sustained-release effect and efficiently raised the PWMT and PWTL. The sustained-release effect could last more than 12 hours in vivo. Key words: 97-9-G4 ; Poly （lactic-co-glycolic acid） ; Microsphere ; Sustained-release; Intrathecal injection