Time Points T1 Research Articles

Wastewater COD characterization: RBCOD and SBCOD characterization analysis methods

Wastewater characterization is the basis for process design and operation optimization of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this work, a comprehensive study of the respirometry method has been performed to evaluate the biodegradable organic matters of wastewater. First, the optimal initial substrate to biomass ratio (S0/X0) was confirmed. Second, under the optimal S0/X0, the degradation curves of wastewater carbon oxygen demand (COD) components rapidly biodegradable COD (RBCOD) and slowly biodegradable COD (SBCOD) were obtained. Third, the Mann–Kendall test was performed to confirm the time point (t2) when endogenous respiration levels were reached, and the hydrolysis model was used to determine the time point (t1) of the SBCOD degradation stage. Considering the results, an adequate wastewater COD characterization method for RBCOD and SBCOD has been proposed. This study provides strong support to carry out effective and feasible process design, process diagnosis and optimization capability, can help achieve refined and stable operational management of WWTPs.

Effects of dexmedetomidine on the onset and duration of action in non-depolarizing neuromuscular relaxant rocuronium

To determine the impact of two varying doses of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on the onset and duration of neuromuscular blockade of rocuronium (ROC) under the condition of sevoflurane anesthesia. Eighty-one patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists Class I–II, were stochastically allocated to control group (group C) and two DEX groups (group D1 and group D2). In group D1 and group D2, DEX (0.5 and 1.0 µg/kg, respectively) was administrated 10 min before induction of general anesthesia. In group C, equivalent saline was infused by the same way. We monitored heart rate (HR), blood pressure, and train-of-four (TOF) values of all subjects in the period of anesthesia. We recorded times to reach TOF value 0 (T0, from injection of ROC to disappearance of all four twitches) as the onset time and TOF value 25% (T25, ratio of fourth twitch to first twitch,) as clinical duration of neuromuscular blockade. A total of 81 patients were randomized, 75 of whom accepted treatment, including group D1 ( n = 25), D2 ( n = 25), and C ( n = 25). T0 time of three groups was found to be similar. The duration of action for ROC in group D2 was 62.76 ± 6.33 min, which was much longer than that in group D1 and group C, which were 42.64 ± 3.92 and 42.56 ± 4.04 min ( p < 0.05), respectively. At T2 (after DEX administration) and T4 time point (10 min after trachea intubation), compared with group C, the changes of heart rate (HR) and blood pressure in DEX groups (group D1 and group D2) show greatly differences. Otherwise, there were no obvious differences among different groups at the other monitoring point-in-time. DEX infusion in general anesthesia has no obvious effect on the onset of ROC, but it is capable of prolonging its clinical effect time, which can provide reference for rational application of DEX and ROC in general anesthesia.

KEPT-app trial: a pragmatic, single-blind, parallel, cluster-randomised effectiveness study of pelvic floor muscle training among incontinent pregnant women: study protocol

IntroductionPelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) strongly recommended to incontinent pregnant women. The Kegel Exercise Pregnancy Training-app trial is a multicentre cluster-randomised study aims to assess the effectiveness and its cost-effectiveness...

Factors influencing multiple ovulation in dairy cows from Latvian brown, Latvian blue, and Danish red breeds at risk in Latvia

The aim of this study was to determine the general factors that influence multiple ovulation (MO) in the donor cows from the breed Latvian Brown (LB), Latvian Blue (LBl), and Danish Red (DR) using a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or equine chorion gonadotropin (eCG). The 30 cows aged 2 to 15 years were selected for MO and embryo flushing (EF) from the database of the Agricultural Data Center of the Republic of Latvia, of which 13 were LB cows, 7 were LBl cows, and 10 were DR. Serum biochemistry parameters and serum progesterone (P4) concentrations were determined in the donor cows on the day of starting MO treatment (time point T1). Serum P4 detection was repeated at 4 additional time points: before injection of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) (T2), on the days of the 1st and 2nd artificial insemination (AI) (T3 and T4), and the day of EF (T5). On the day of EF, ovaries were examined by ultrasonography, and the success of MO was assessed according to the number of corpora lutea (CL). On average, 7.7 (range 1 – 19) CL were found per cow. A successful response to the MO treatment (CL≥3) was observed in 24 cows (80%). The cows that failed to respond to MO treatment were equally distributed among cow breeds. The P4 concentration of the donor cows with a successful response to MO treatment was significantly higher than in cows without the response at T1, T2, and T5. The results of multivariable negative binomial regression showed that the number of CL was positively influenced by P4 level, phosphorus, and cholesterol concentration in the blood serum before MO treatment. It was concluded that cows from breeds LB, LBl, and DR at risk in Latvia effectively responded to MO treatment.

The effect of sevoflurane on the spatial recall ability and expression of apolipoprotein E and β amyloid in the hippocampus in rats

This study aimed to observe the recent spatial recall ability and the changes of expression of hippocampal apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and amyloid β protein (Aβ) in adult rats after inhaling sevoflurane anesthetic drugs, and to analyze the mechanism of action. For this purpose, a total of 54 adult SD clean-grade rats were selected in this study and were randomly divided into the sevoflurane anesthesia group, carrier gas group and control group, 18 rats in each group. The rats in the carrier gas group were inhaled with 1 L/min of oxygen O2+1 L/min air mixed carrier gas for 2 h, and the rats in the sevoflurane anesthesia group were given 3.2%sevoflurane for 2 hours based on the carrier gas group, the control rats were naturally reared. Before the model was copied, the Morris water maze experiment was performed before the material was taken. Some rat brain tissues were extracted on the first day (T1), the third day (T3), and the seventh day (T7) after model replication. The immunohistochemistry was used to measure the mean optical density (MOD) value of APOE and Aβ in hippocampal CA1, CA3 and DG regions. The indicators above at different time points of each group were compared and analyzed. Results showed that the number of crossing the original platform at each time point, the residence time of the original platform quadrant, the number of entering the original platform quadrant, and the percentage of the original platform quadrant residence time in the sevoflurane anesthesia group and the carrier gas group were compared, and there were no significant differences between two groups (P>0.05). Compared with the carrier gas group, the MOD values of APOE in the hippocampus at T1 and T3 time points in the sevoflurane anesthesia group were decreased (P<0.05), the MOD values of Aβ in the hippocampus at the T7 time point were increased (P<0.05). It concluded that Inhalation of 3.2%sevoflurane has no obvious damage to the recent spatial recall ability of adult rats. Within 7 days after inhalation of 3.2% sevoflurane, it can inhibit hippocampus Aβ deposition through down-regulating APOE expression level. The critical time point for hippocampal Aβ increasing was 7 days after anesthesia.

Flujometría por láser Doppler como método de análisis para la evaluación de la mucositis oral inducida por quimioterapia: Un estudio piloto

Background: Oral mucositis (OM) is an inflammation of the oral mucosa due to cancer therapy that compromises the patient’s quality of life. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a non-invasive method to monitor microvascular blood flow (BF) in real-time. Purpose: Develop a method to evaluate BF in the genian region cheek in patients undergoing chemotherapy by LDF and compare the degrees of OM and pain with evaluation of BF. Material and methods: Evaluation of OM was performed using the World Health Organization (WHO) and Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS) scales and the visual analog scale for pain evaluation. For flowmetry analysis, a laser Doppler flowmeter (moorVMSTM™, 780 nm wavelength and VP3 probe), fixed by an acrylic resin support was used; VP3 probe was positioned on the genian region and the patient’s head was stabilized with a neck pillow for an accurate measurement. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the flowmetry results at the studied times. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate relationships between BF and the WHO, OMAS and visual analog scales. Results: Eleven patients of both sexes, aged between 30 and 78 years, with OM were included. An increase in cutaneous BF was observed at the initial times of OM, with progressive reduction during the chemotherapy cycle. There was a statistical difference (p<0.05) between time point T0 (first consultation) and time point T6 (last consultation). Conclusion: The method developed in this pilot study is effective, reliable, and reproducible, and allows the evaluation of BF dynamics in the genian region using LDF of patients undergoing chemotherapy at risk of developing OM.

Chronic disorders of consciousness: a case report with longitudinal evaluation of disease progression using 7\u2009T magnetic resonance imaging

BackgroundOutcome prediction for patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) is essential yet challenging. Evidence showed that patients with DOC lasting 1 year or longer after a brain injury were less likely to recover. However, the reasons why outcomes of DOC patients differ greatly remain unclear. With a variety of analytical methods and through quantitative behavioral assessments, we aimed to track the progression of a patient with severe brain injury, in order to advance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of DOC.Case presentationWe performed a longitudinal study for a 52-year-old male DOC patient who has remained in the state for 1.5 years with comprehensive rehabilitative therapies. The patient underwent 3 times of assessments of Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) and ultra-high-field 7 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both topologic properties and brain microstructure were analyzed to track disease progression. We observed dynamic increases of fiber densities with measurements at three time points (t1:1.5 M, t2:7.5 M t3:17.5 M). Specifically, fiber densities of the superior longitudinal fasciculus and arcuate fasciculus nerve fiber bundles improved mostly in the visual, verbal, and auditory subscales, which was consistent with the CRS-R scores. Moreover, the graph-theory analyses demonstrated that network topologic properties showed an improvement although the disease duration exceeded 1 year.ConclusionsDOC patients with a course longer than 1 year remain possible to improve, and including evaluation methods such as WM connectome analysis and graph theory could be potentially valuable for a more precise assessment of patients with a longer course of DOC.

Sedative effects of acepromazine in combination with nalbuphine or butorphanol, intramuscularly or intravenously, in healthy cats: a randomized, blinded clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to compare the sedative effects in cats administered acepromazine-nalbuphine and acepromazine-butorphanol, intramuscularly (IM) and intravenously (IV), and the occurrence of adverse cardiorespiratory effects. Forty-six cats were randomly divided into four groups and administered acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg) combined with nalbuphine (0.5 mg/kg) or butorphanol (0.4 mg/kg), IV (ACP-NALIV and ACP-BUTIV groups, respectively) or IM (ACP-NALIM and ACP-BUTIM groups, respectively). Sedation scores, ease of intravenous catheter placement (simple descriptive scale [SDS] scores), physiologic variables, venous blood gases and the propofol dose required for anesthetic induction were recorded. Mild sedation was observed in all groups approximately 30 mins after treatment administration (timepoint T1, prior to propofol administration). Sedation scores at T1 increased above baseline in all groups (P <0.05), but no significant difference was observed among groups. Dynamic interactive visual analogue scale sedation scores (range 0-100 mm) recorded at T1 were (median [interquartile range]): ACP-NALIM, 12 (10-12); ACP-NALIV, 11 (6-16); ACP-BUTIM, 11 (7-14); and ACP-BUTIV, 12 (7-19). Overall, SDS scores did not change from baseline at T1 and there was no significant difference among groups. The propofol dose did not differ among groups. Blood gases remained within the reference intervals for cats. Significant decreases from baseline were detected for all groups in systolic arterial pressure (SAP). Mean ± SD values at T1 were (mmHg): ACP-NALIM, 108 ± 13; ACP-NALIV, 102 ± 10; ACP-BUTIM, 97 ± 13; and ACP-BUTIV, 98 ± 21. Arterial hypotension (SAP <90 mmHg) was recorded at T1 in 0/11, 1/13, 4/11 and 5/11 cats in groups ACP-NALIM, ACP-NALIV, ACP-BUTIM and ACP-BUTIV, respectively, and was further exacerbated after the induction of anesthesia with propofol. In healthy cats administered acepromazine-nalbuphine and acepromazine-butorphanol, IM and IV, the degree of sedation was mild regardless of the protocol and the route of administration. The main adverse effect observed was a reduction in arterial blood pressure.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Lung Injury during One-Lung Ventilation in Thoracoscopic Surgery.

Objective To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative lung injury in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. Methods From March 2019 to October 2019, 40 patients were randomly divided into two groups: dexmedetomidine group (group D) and control group (group C). Except recording the general condition of the patients in both groups preoperatively and intraoperatively, the oxygenation index (OI) and alveolar-arterial oxygen partial pressure difference (A-aDO2) were monitored at admission (T0), immediately after one-lung ventilation (T1), 0.5 h after one-lung ventilation (T2), and 15 minutes after inhaling air before leaving the room (T3). The content of IL-8 in arterial blood was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at T0 and T2, and the expression of AQP1 protein in isolated lung tissue was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (atelectasis, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome) was used as the index of lung injury. Results There was no significant difference in the general condition before and during operation between the two groups. There was no significant difference in arterial blood IL-8 content between the two groups at the T0 time point, but the arterial blood IL-8 content at the T2 time point was significantly higher than that at the T0 time point, especially in group C. The results of immunohistochemistry and Western blot showed that the expression level of AQP1 protein in the isolated lung tissue of group D was significantly higher than that of group C (P < 0 05). At T3, the OI of group D was significantly higher than that of group C, and the A-aDO2 of group D was significantly lower than that of group C (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative PPCs between the two groups. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can reduce the level of plasma IL-8 and upregulate the expression of AQP1 in the lung tissue of patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery under one-lung ventilation, but it has no significant effect on the incidence of postoperative PPCs. Dexmedetomidine can be safely used in thoracoscopic surgery and has a certain protective effect on lung injury.

Predictive value of the morphology of proximal tibiofibular joint for total knee replacement in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

The association between proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) and knee osteoarthritis (OA) has been understudied. The objective of this study was to determine whether the morphology of PTFJ has predictive value for the risk of total knee replacement (TKR). Case knees from Osteoarthritis Initiative participants with TKR at 24-60 months follow up (cases) were 1:1 matched with control knees (no TKR throughout 60 months) by baseline age, sex, and Kellgren-Lawrence grade. PTFJ morphological parameters, including coronal inclination angle (angle α), sagittal inclination angle (angle β), fibular contacting area (S), load-bearing area (Sτ), lateral stress-bolstering area (Sφ), and posterior stress-bolstering area (Sυ) were assessed using coronal and sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), respectively. Associations of the morphological measures at baseline and the time point before TKR (T0 ) and their changes with TKR risks were examined using conditional logistic regression analyses. Two hundred and twenty-three knees of 193 participants received TKR between 12 and 60 months and therefore were matched with 223 control knees. Of these, 173 paired knees had MRI readings available both at baseline and T0 time point. While baseline angle α was positively associated with TKR risk, other measures at baseline and all measures at T0 were not significantly associated with TKR risk. Changes in S, Sτ, and Sυ were significantly and negatively associated with the risk of TKR (ΔS, odds ratio [OR] = 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19-0.76; ΔSτ, OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.16-0.87; ΔSυ, OR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08-0.62, respectively). This data shows that morphological changes of PTFJ predict the risk of TKR, suggesting PTFJ may play a role in knee OA.

Health-related quality of life became worse in short-term during treatment in head and neck cancer patients: a prospective study

BackgroundQuality of life (QoL) is influenced in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients by a set of factors related to diagnosis, treatment and tumor impacts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Quality of Life (QoL) changes in Head and Neck cancer (HNC) patients during treatment (radiotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy).MethodsQoL was evaluated prospectively in 63 HNC patients during radiotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy at three moments: before or at beginning (T0), in the middle (T1 ~ four weeks) and immediately at the end (T2 ~ eight weeks) of treatment. The differences between the scores at different time points was verified using Friedman’s non-parametric test. Negative changes between time points were evaluated, with differences (delta) of ±10 points being considered to be clinically significant.ResultsThe total mean age was 59.1 ± 9.5y, and 82.5% were male. The oral cavity and larynx were more frequent tumors. The functional score for ‘role’ was decreased at time points T1 and T2 as compared to T0, while an improvement in scores was observed for cognitive function. Several physical symptoms also worsened over time, such as: fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth and sticky saliva, swallowing and skin symptoms, senses and teeth problems. A high frequency of altered and clinically meaningful values were observed for most of domains, ranging from 6 to 74%.ConclusionsThe QoL became worse at approximately one month after treatment beginning in HNC patients, and this remained until the end of therapy. Protocols directing to early nutritional counseling and management of symptoms of nutritional impact are important to improve clinical outcomes. This is part of preventive actions aiming to make the exhausting treatment process less traumatic and easier to complete.

Is it feasible to assess self-reported quality of life in individuals who are deaf and have intellectual disabilities?

PurposeThere is consensus that Quality of Life (QOL) should be obtained through self-reports from people with intellectual Disability (ID). Thus far, there have been no attempts to collect self-reported QOL from people who are deaf and have ID.MethodsBased on an established short measure for QOL (EUROHIS-QOL), an adapted easy-to-understand sign language interview was developed and applied in a population (n = 61) with severe-to-profound hearing loss and mild-to-profound ID. Self-reports were conducted at two time points (t1 and t2), 6 months apart. The Stark QOL, an established picture-based questionnaire, was also obtained at t2 and three Proxy ratings of QOL (from caregivers) were conducted for each participant at t1.ResultsSelf-reported QOL was successfully administered at both time points for 44 individuals with mild and moderate ID (IQ reference age between 3.3 and 11.8 years).The self-reports showed sufficient test–retest reliability and significant correlations with the Stark QOL. As anticipated, self-reported QOL was higher than proxy-reported QOL. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency were good for self-reported QOL.ConclusionReliable and valid self-reports of QOL can be obtained from deaf adults with mild-moderate ID using standard inventories adapted to the linguistic and cognitive level of these individuals.

Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of the desensitizing and remineralizing agent in the reduction of dentin hypersensitivity after orthodontic debonding - a randomized clinical trial.

IntroductionEnamel loss is a common problem during various orthodontic procedures. The study aims to compare the efficacy of a desensitizer and remineralizer in the reduction of the dentin hypersensitivity (DH) associated with enamel microcracks after orthodontic debonding.MethodsA unicentric two arm parallel study with 30 subjects randomly assigned to each groups following debonding. Group-1 subjects were treated with Gluma® desensitizer (5% glutaraldehyde and 35% hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)) and the Group-2 intervention included a remineralizing agent GC Tooth Mousse Plus® (casein phospho peptide and amorphous calcium Fluro phosphate (CPP:ACFP)). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was utilized to evaluate DH as subjective perception of pain following the Air blast test and Cold test. The VAS scale was indexed from 0–10 markings based on the intensity of perception. Five different time points T0 and T1 - immediately after debonding and intervention on day 1, T2 – 48 hours, and T3 after 72 hours were taken for the assessment of VAS scores.ResultsThe VAS scores for the airblast test for group 1 were (2.73, 0, 0.06, 0.03) and group 2 (2.46, 0, 0.16, 0.13) at different periods. The sensitivity scores for the cold blast test for group 1 were (2.73, 0, 0.13, 0.03) and for group 2 (2.46, 0, 0.16, 0.13). There was 98 percent reduction in DH between T0 and T3 and was statistically significant (p<0.05) for both the groups.ConclusionGluma® desensitizer and GC Tooth Mousse Plus® are equally effective in the reduction of DH in the orthodontic patient following debonding.

Structural Changes in Boreal Forests Can Be Quantified Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) has been adopted as a feasible technique to digitize trees and forest stands, providing accurate information on tree and forest structural attributes. However, there is limited understanding on how a variety of forest structural changes can be quantified using TLS in boreal forest conditions. In this study, we assessed the accuracy and feasibility of TLS in quantifying changes in the structure of boreal forests. We collected TLS data and field reference from 37 sample plots in 2014 (T1) and 2019 (T2). Tree stems typically have planar, vertical, and cylindrical characteristics in a point cloud, and thus we applied surface normal filtering, point cloud clustering, and RANSAC-cylinder filtering to identify these geometries and to characterize trees and forest stands at both time points. The results strengthened the existing knowledge that TLS has the capacity to characterize trees and forest stands in space and showed that TLS could characterize structural changes in time in boreal forest conditions. Root-mean-square-errors (RMSEs) in the estimates for changes in the tree attributes were 0.99–1.22 cm for diameter at breast height (Δdbh), 44.14–55.49 cm2 for basal area (Δg), and 1.91–4.85 m for tree height (Δh). In general, tree attributes were estimated more accurately for Scots pine trees, followed by Norway spruce and broadleaved trees. At the forest stand level, an RMSE of 0.60–1.13 cm was recorded for changes in basal area-weighted mean diameter (ΔDg), 0.81–2.26 m for changes in basal area-weighted mean height (ΔHg), 1.40–2.34 m2/ha for changes in mean basal area (ΔG), and 74–193 n/ha for changes in the number of trees per hectare (ΔTPH). The plot-level accuracy was higher in Scots pine-dominated sample plots than in Norway spruce-dominated and mixed-species sample plots. TLS-derived tree and forest structural attributes at time points T1 and T2 differed significantly from each other (p &lt; 0.05). If there was an increase or decrease in dbh, g, h, height of the crown base, crown ratio, Dg, Hg, or G recorded in the field, a similar outcome was achieved by using TLS. Our results provided new information on the feasibility of TLS for the purposes of forest ecosystem growth monitoring.

Dexmedetomidine combined with protective lung ventilation strategy provides lung protection in patients undergoing radical resection of esophageal cancer with one-lung ventilation

To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine combined with pulmonary protective ventilation against lung injury in patients undergoing surgeries for esophageal cancer with one-lung ventilation (OLV). Forty patients with undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer with OLV were randomly divided into pulmonary protective ventilation strategy group (F group) and dexmedetomidine combined with protective ventilation strategy group (DF group; n=20). In F group, lung protective ventilation strategy during anesthesia was adopte, and in DF group, the patients received intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride (0.3 μg · kg-1 ·h-1) during the surgery starting at 10 min before anesthesia induction in addition to protective ventilation strategy. Brachial artery blood was sampled before ventilation (T0), at 30 and 90 min after the start of OLV (T1 and T2, respectively) and at the end of the surgery (T3) for analysis of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), arterial oxygenation pressure (PaO2), oxygenation index (OI) and lung compliance (CL). At the time points of T1, T2 and T3, SOD level was significantly higher and IL-6 level was significantly lower in the DF group than in F group (P &lt; 0.05). The patients in DF group showed significantly higher PaO2, OI and CL index than those in F group at all the 3 time points. Dexmedetomidine combined with pulmonary protective ventilation strategy can reduce perioperative lung injury in patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer with OLV by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress to improve lung function and reduce adverse effects of the surgery.

Systematic Approach to Evaluate the Potential of Dexmedetomidine in Attenuating the Pressor Response and the Quality of Intubation during Laryngoscopy

Background: Onset of hemodynamic changes is often associated with procedures such as laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. This poses an increased risk of fatality in high-risk patients with diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. Several attempts utilizing singular parameters have been used to combat this clinical manifestation. In this study, we have used a holistic approach, in combination with the pre-recommended parameters, to attenuate the pressor responses during the procedure. Subjects and Methods: Sixty adult patients were randomized into two groups, receiving two different doses of dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg or 1 µg) per kilogram of the bodyweight. In addition, the quality of the intubation was also assessed using the scoring system adapted from McNeil et al., 2000. Longitudinal monitoring of various physiological parameters such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and O2 saturation (SpO2) was performed at four different time points during the procedure. Results: Our results revealed that dexmedetomidine administration results in a transient decrease in these parameters in the patients from both the groups, with more prominent effects in the Group I patients, received 1 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine. Moreover, at time-point T3 (60 sec after intubation), a transient increase was observed in almost all the tested parameters. The assessment of the intubating conditions revealed no significant differences among the groups. Conclusion: A higher dosage of dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg) showed better management of hemodynamic responses during laryngoscopy and intubation.

Evaluation of the effect of the mouth gag use on optic nerve sheath diameter of pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy or Adenotonsillectomy: An observational study

BackgroundA mouth gag is usually used during tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy surgeries, cleft palate repair, obstructive sleep apnea surgery, and intraoral tumor excision. The placement of the gag causes hemodynamic changes similar to laryngoscopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mouth gag placement on the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) of pediatric patients. The secondary aim was to assess the relationship between neck extension and changes in ONSD.MethodsThe trial was prospectively registered to the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (Trial ID: ACTRN12618000551291) on 12.04.2018. This prospective, observational study was performed in a tertiary university hospital operating room between 01.05.2018–01.07.2018. Thirty-five children aged < 18 years, with ASA I status, who were scheduled for tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy surgeries were prospectively included in the study. Measurements of ONSD were performed (T0) after induction of anesthesia, (T1) after endotracheal intubation, (T2) after mouth gag placement, and (T3) 20 min after mouth gag placement. After the mouth gag was placed and the head was positioned for surgery, the degree of neck extension was calculated.ResultsAll participants completed the study. There were significant differences in ONSD values at time points T1, T2, and T3 (p < 0.001, CI: − 0.09,-0.05; p < 0.001, CI: − 0.09,-0.05; p < 0.001, CI: − 0.05,-0.02; respectively). The maximum increase in ONSD was after intubation (0.69 ± 0.06 mm) and immediately after mouth gag placement (0.67 ± 0.07 mm). ONSD values continued to increase 20 min after gag placement (0.36 ± 0.04). There was no relation between the degree of neck extension and ONSD values (β = 0.63, p = 0.715).ConclusionsThe use of a mouth gag causes significant increases in ONSD measurements of children. Therefore, attention to the duration of mouth gag placement should be considered during surgery.Trial registrationThe trial was prospectively registered to the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (Trial ID: ACTRN12618000551291) on 12.04.2018.

Acute Effects of Self-myofascial Release using a Foam Roller on Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Young Adults

This study aimed to investigate whether a single bout of Self-myofascial Release (SMR) has a beneficial effect on peripheral and central Blood Pressure (BP) and different parameters of arterial stiffness. Twenty nine healthy male recreational athletes (26.1 ± 2.9 years, BMI 23.4 ± 1.5 kg/m2) completed an instructed SMR using a foam roller. Peripheral and central BP and different parameters of arterial stiffness were measured noninvasively before SMR and at different time points (t1, t15, t30) during a subsequent 30-min recovery phase. There was a significant decrease in both systolic (t15, −2.36 ± 4.45 mmHg, p = 0.05; t30, −4.01 ± 4.47 mmHg, p = 0.003) and diastolic (t30, −2.45 ± 5.45 mmHg, p = 0.025) peripheral pressure during the recovery phase after SMR. Regarding central BP, only systolic pressure showed a significant decrease (t30, −3.64 ± 5.83 mmHg, p = 0.003). Mean arterial pressure (t15, −1.91 ± 3.36, p = 0.03; t30, −3.05 ± 2.88 mmHg, p < 0.001), augmentation pressure (t30, −1.60 ± 2.40 mmHg, p = 0.009), peripheral resistance (t30, −0.09 ± 0.10 s* mmHg/ml, p < 0.001), and stiffness index β0 (t30, −0.33 ± 0.55, p = 0.021) were significantly reduced after SMR. No significant changes were determined for reflection coefficient, augmentation index, cardiac output, and heart rate, respectively. SMR showed effects on peripheral and central BP and different parameters of arterial stiffness in healthy young adults.

The Effects of Protein and Carbohydrate Supplementation on Muscular Regeneration After Intense Resistance Training in Soccer Players

Abstract Objectives Nutrition is a key element in post-exercise regeneration. Various studies suggest that ingestion of combined carbohydrates and proteins after exercise result in a decrease of inflammatory processes and consequently in an increase of regeneration and physical performance. Recent studies compared the pro-regenerative effects of protein/carbohydrate shakes with the intake of foodstuffs (white bread and high protein cheese) on the skeletal muscle after acute endurance exercise. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a conventional curd/juice shake on the regenerative capacity of soccer players after intensive strength training. Methods Therefore, sixteen young healthy in-season football payers run through a placebo checked double-blind crossover study with two groups. After a standardized training protocol, 3 sets of 12 reps deep back squats and 3 sets of 15 reps drop jumps, the participants ingested either a placebo shake (placebo-group, total calories &amp;lt; 10 kcal) or a conventional shake of 300 g curd and 200 ml grape juice (protein 35.8 g, carbohydrates 43.6 g, fat 0.9 g, total calories 338 kcal). To evaluate the muscle damage effects, serum creatin kinase (CK) as a physiological parameter as well 10 m sprint, counter movement jump (CMJ) and 3RM-squat as functional markers were measured at two time points (t0, t24). In addition, the CK of five players was analysed after a soccer match. Results The results show a positive trend concerning sprint and squat performance in the shake group. Especially in the squat group a significant decrease of performance was observed in the placebo group compared to the shake group (PL: −5.0 kg, P ≤ 05, SH: −3,2 kg, P = .10). In CMJ and CK no difference was observed between the two groups. In both groups, the jump in CMJ decreased and the CK value increased significantly. The increase in CK due to intensive resistance training is also comparable to the muscle damage after a football match. Conclusions In summary, it was found that a quark/juice shake has a positive influence on strength performance in soccer players after intensive strength training. These findings confirm observations from previous studies. However, the positive effects on CK could not be observed in this study. Therefore, further research on conventional foodstuff after resistance training is necessary. Funding Sources No funding.

DOES PRESTERILIZATION HAS ANY INFLUENCE ON CONSERVATIVE AND ENDODONTIC MATERIAL STERILITY, IMMEDIATELY AFTER UNPACKING AND POST EXPOSURE TO CLINICAL ENVIRONMENT FOR 15 DAYS - AN EX VIVO STUDY.

Background: Instruments used in the operative area are colonised by various microbial organisms during usage. Sterilization is an important prerequisite to avoid cross contamination.&#x0D; Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether presterilization has any influence on conservative and endodontic material sterility, immediately after unpacking and post exposure to clinical environment for 15 days.&#x0D; Methods: Gutta percha cones, Rubber dam clamps, Impression trays, Dental burs (#245 bur, Access opening bur) were tested.Materials were randomly sampled at 2 time points (t0, at package opening; t1, at 15days) during their clinical usage. Vortexing, centrifuging, streak and inoculation was done. Colony formation under aerobic conditions was observed on media before and after presterilization.&#x0D; Statistical analysis: Wilcoxon matched pairs test was done for comparison of data before and after pre sterilization with status of aerobic organisms at to (immediately after opening) and t1 (during clinical usage).&#x0D; Conclusion: Presterilization effectively eliminates cross contamination of various aerobic microorganisms in conservative and endodontic material immediately unpacked and post exposure to clinical environment for 15 days.