Atomic-level insight of sulfidation-engineered Aurivillius-related Bi_(2)O_(2)SiO_(3) nanosheets enabling visible light low-concentration CO_(2) conversion

Unraveling atomic-level active sites of layered photocatalyst towards lowconcentration CO_(2) conversion is still challenging.Herein,the yield and selectivity of photocatalytic CO_(2) reduction of the Aurivillius-related oxide semiconductor Bi_(2)O_(2)SiO_(3) nanosheet(BOSO)were largely improved using a surface sulfidation strategy.The experiment and theoretical calculation confirmed that surface sulfidation of the Bi_(2)O_(2)SiO_(3) nanosheet(S-BOSO,6.28 nm)redistributed the charge-enriched Bi sites,extended the solar spectrum absorption to the whole visible range,and considerably enhanced the charge separation,in addition to creating new reaction active sites,as compared to pristine BOSO.Subsequently,surface sulfidation played a switchable role,wherein S-BOSO showed a very high CH_(3)OH generation rate(12.78μmol g^(-1) for 4 h,78.6%selectivity)from low-concentration CO_(2)(1000 ppm)under visible light irradiation,which outperforms most of the state-of-the-art photocatalysts under similar conditions.This study presents an atomic-level modification protocol for engineering reactive sites and charge behaviors to promote solar-to-energy conversion.

Analgesic Efficacy of Intrathecal Bupivacaine with or without Morphine in Lower Limb Orthopedic Surgery. A Comparative Study

Background: Lower limb orthopaedic surgeries are commonly associated with moderate to severe postoperative pain. Adequate pain relief is essential for patients undergoing such procedures, as uncontrolled pain can lead to delayed recovery, prolonged hospitalization, and increased morbidity. Intrathecal administration of bupivacaine, a long-acting local anesthetic, has been shown to provide effective analgesia after lower limb orthopaedic surgery. However, the duration of analgesia with bupivacaine alone is limited, and the addition of an opioid, such as morphine, can prolong the duration of analgesia. Objective: The objective of this study was to document the comparative effect of adding morphine to intrathecal bupivacaine or only intrathecal bupivacaine for lower limb trauma orthopedic surgeries in terms of onset of action, duration of analgesia, pain severity, and side effects. Methods: This was a comparative longitudinal study design conducted at the Orthopaedic Unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit 60 patients. A standard structured questionnaire was also used to collect data on the socio-demographics, and clinical features of patients, drug used,side effects and severity of pain at 24,48 and 72 hrs after surgery. Results: Co-administration of intrathecal bupivacaine with morphine produced good and long-lasting postoperative analgesia with a mean time of 1004.25 ± 310.43 minutes, whiles using only bupivacaine produced shorter postoperative analgesia with a mean time of 294.75 ± 195.53 minutes. The p-value p values of p = 0.635 and p = 0.689 respectively. Conclusion: The study revealed that co-administration of intrathecal bupivacaine with morphine emerged as a better option for postoperative pain management after lower limb orthopedic surgeries as compared to administering only bupivacaine regarding the duration of analgesia. Milder side effects like pruritus, nausea, and vomiting were seen in group B than in group A and were promptly well managed to the patient’s satisfaction.

Liposomal Bupivacaine in Erector Spinae Plane Block and Interscalene Block for Scapular and Proximal Humerus Resections

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel fascial plane block that was first described in 2016. It is considered an alternative for brachial plexus blocks in shoulder surgeries as the erector spinae muscle extends to the cervical level. Herein, we present a successful multilevel ESPB plus an interscalene block using liposomal bupivacaine in a 45-year-old female patient with metastatic sarcoma who presented for scapula and proximal humerus resection. The post-operative course was smooth, and the patient was discharged home on post-operative day 2 with minimal narcotic requirements.

Effects of Ropivacaine and Bupivacaine on Rabbit Myocardial Energetic Metabolism and Mitochondria Oxidation

To compare the cardiotoxicity induced by ropivacaine and bupivacaine and to investigate the mechanism of cardiotoxicity, 24 mature New Zealand rabbits were divided randomly into control group (group C), ropivacaine group (group R) and bupivacaine group (group B). Hearts were drawn out rapidly from the anesthetized animals and cardiac perfu-sion was performed immediately. Ropivacaine 500 ng/ml (group R) or bupivacaine 500 ng/ml (group B) was added to the perfusion solution. Ventricular myocardial ATP, ADP and AMP were measured with high performance liquid chro-matogram. The ability of myocardial mitochondria oxidation to pyruvate or palmitoylcarnitine was detected with Clark electrode. Our results showed that myocardial ATP and ADP decreased significantly (P<0. 05) in group R and most significantly (P<0. 01) in group B as compared with group C. Myocardial ATP and ADP decreased most significantly (P<0. 01) in group B as compared with group R. The changes of myocardial AMP revealed significant difference among three groups. The changes of pyruvate oxidation exibited no significant difference among the three groups. Palmitoylcarnitine oxidation decreased markedly (P<0. 05) in group R and most significantly (P<0. 01) in group B as compared with group C. The present study indicated that the inhibition of lipid substrate oxidation may be responsible for the cardiotoxicity induced by bupivacaine and ropivacaine. The cardiotoxicity induced by ropivacaine is far more less than bupivacaine.

Extracts from rabbit skin inflamed by the vaccinia virus attenuate bupivacaine-induced spinal neurotoxicity in pregnant rats

Extracts from rabbit skin inflamed by the vaccinia virus can relieve pain and promote repair of nerve injury. The present study intraperitoneally injected extracts from rabbit skin inflamed by the vaccinia virus for 3 and 4 days prior to and following intrathecal injection of bupivacaine into pregnant rats. The pain threshold test after bupivacaine injection showed that the maximum possible effect of tail-flick latency peaked 1 day after intrathecal injection of bupivacaine in the extract-pretreatment group, and gradually decreased, while the maximum possible effect in the bupivacaine group continued to increase after intrathecal injection of bupivacaine. Histological observation showed that after 4 days of intrathecal injection of bupivacaine, the number of shrunken, vacuolated, apoptotic and caspase-9-positive cells in the dorsal root ganglion in the extract-pretreatment group was significantly reduced compared with the bupivacaine group. These findings indicate that extracts from rabbit skin inflamed by the vaccinia virus can attenuate neurotoxicity induced by intrathecal injection of bupivacaine in pregnant rats, possibly by inhibiting caspase-9 protein expression and suppressing nerve cell apoptosis.

Rheology and influence factor of low-concentration Konjac gum solutions

Rheological properties of low-concentration Konjac gum and impacts of concentration,shearing rate,pH value and stirring time on its viscosity were studied.The results show that the viscosity of low-concentration Konjac gum increases with the increase of its concentration.The solution presents pseudo-plasticity fluid,which shows the characters of shear thinning as follows:first,its viscosity decreases gradually as the temperature increases,and then increases with the increase of temperature.The viscosity decreases sharply at both acid and alkaline conditions,indicating that it is influenced apparently by pH value.And the viscosity of low-concentration Konjac gum is also impacted by the stirring time.

Subrectal and Subcutaneous Wound Infiltration with Bupivacaine versus Pethidine for Post Cesarean Section Pain Relief: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Cesarean section (CS), one of the most common major operative procedures, performed all over the world. Incisional infiltration with local anesthetics is a simple, cheap and effective mean of providing good analgesia for surgical operations without any major side effects & allowing early patients’ mobilization & postoperative recovery, so the purpose of study is to compare between the effect of wound infiltration with bupivacaine versus pethidine for post cesarean section pain relief. Patients and Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in Ain Shams University Maternity hospital in the period from August 2016 and January 2017. 100 full term pregnant females randomized into two groups: Group A (50 patients) Bupivacaine group: Subcutaneous and subrectal infiltration with 10 ml 0.25% Bupivacaine (2.5 mg/ml) diluted in 10 ml normal saline before closure of the wound was done;Group B (50 patients) Pethidine group: Subcutaneous and subrectal infiltration with 1 ml pethidine (50 mg/ml) diluted in 19 ml normal saline before closure of the wound was done. All patients had cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Study outcome measures post-operative pain scores using visual analogue scale, post-operative analgesia requirement time to first rescue analgesia, onset of mobilization, side effect of local anesthetic, wound infection (after one week). It was registered on clinical trials.gov with ID: NCT03652116. Results: Visual analogue scale values differ significantly between pethidine group and that of bupivacaine at rest and on coughing at 4, 8, 12, 24 hours & analgesic consumption (P value st time request analgesia per minute comparing group A to group B (P value 0.001). There is no significant difference between bupivacaine and pethidine regarding time of ambulation, side effects or complications. Conclusion: Infiltration of the wound of cesarean section with pethidine gives effective analgesia for several hours as compared to Bupivacaine.

Effects of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine on rat myometrium

Objective: To study the effect of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine on the contractility of isolated uterine muscle strips from pregnant and non-pregnant female rats. Methods: Full-thick myometrial strips were prepared from 18- to 21-day pregnant (n=8) and non-pregnant rats (n=7). After contractions became regular, strips were exposed to cumulative concentrations of the two drugs from 10?8 to 10?4 mol/L, amplitude and frequency of the uterine contraction was recorded. Results: Two local anesthetics caused a concentration dependent inhibition on contractility of myometrial strips from pregnant and non-pregnant rats. In the myometrium from non-pregnant rats, ?logIC50 of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine were 4.85 and 4.25 respectively. In the myo- metrium from pregnant rats, similar concentrations of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine were observed, ?logIC50 were 2.7 and 2.9 respectively. Levobupivacaine produced an increase in amplitude of contractions, while bupivacaine showed an increased trend in frequency. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that levobupivacaine and bupivacaine may inhibit myometrium contractility. The inhibitory effect of levobupivacaine or bupivacaine is not enhanced by gestation in rat. Levobupivacaine may have more positive influence than bupivacaine in pregnant myometrium.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Liposomal Bupivacaine Infiltrated into the Posterior Capsule for Postoperative Analgesia after Total Knee Arthroplasty—A Randomized Double Blind Clinical Trial

Achieving adequate control of postsurgical pain remains a challenge in patients undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). The objective of this study was to assess if liposomal bupivacaine injected into the posterior capsule, in combination with a femoral nerve block and multimodal pain control regimen, would result in better pain control. The two groups were similar with regards to demographics and method of intraoperative anesthesia. Infiltration into the posterior capsule with liposomal bupivacaine had significantly lower resting pain scores compared to the saline group. Patients in the liposomal bupivacaine group also used slightly less breakthrough narcotic (5.75 to 4.31 mg of morphine equivalence). We recommend the use of infiltration of liposomal bupivacaine into the posterior capsule as an adjunct in multimodal analgesia in TKA patients to reduce pain and resultant narcotic use.

Comparing the Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine When Used as an Adjuvant to Bupivacaine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blocks under Ultrasound-Guided

Background: Ultrasound-guided for regional anesthesia offers many potential benefits in the emergency setting. Analgesia can be explicitly targeted to the region of pain and provide relief for many hours and decrease needing to the large volume of local anesthetic. The aim of the work: Comparing the efficacy of dexmedetomidine when used as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks on the onset of sensory, motor blockade and postoperative analgesia. Patients and methods: This prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical study conducted on 60 patients underwent upper limb surgery done by ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block;these patients allocated into two equal groups: Group I (control) received 20 ccs (19 cc bupivacaine 0.5% + 1 cc saline), Group II received 20 cc (19 cc bupivacaine 0.5% + 1 cc volume of Dexmedetomidine 1 ug/kg). Results: Demographic data and surgical characteristics were comparable in both groups. The onset times for sensory and motor blocks were significantly shorter in Group II than Group I (P Conclusion: We recommend adding Dexmedetomidine to local anesthetics in peripheral nerve blocks to take advantage of the prolonged time of both sensory and motor blocks and prolonged postoperative analgesia.

A Retrospective Comparison of Interscalene Continuous Catheter Verse Single-Injection with Liposomal Bupivacaine in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Background: One common method of pain control for total shoulder arthroplasty is long-duration delivery of local anesthetic via interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) with a continuous catheter. Alternatively, liposomal bupivacaine has also been administered as an ISB as a means to prolong the analgesic effect. This study was completed to measure the non-inferiority of single-injection ISB with liposomal bupivacaine compared with ISB continuous catheter for total shoulder arthroplasty. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty using either an ISB continuous catheter or a single injection ISB with liposomal bupivacaine for post operative analgesia. The primary goal of this study was to determine if single-injection with liposomal bupivacaine conferred non-inferior pain scores compared to the continuous catheter. Secondary outcomes evaluated oxygen saturation as a measure of hemidiaphragmatic paresis, post operative opioid requirements, and difference in cost. Results: We identified 333 patients for the study: 126 received continuous catheter and 207 received single-injection with liposomal bupivacaine. The median length of stay was 1 day. Pain scores for those treated with single-injection with liposomal bupivacaine were non-inferior to pain scores of those treated with the continuous catheter on post-op days 0, 1 and 2. Pain scores were lower for single-injection with liposomal bupivacaine patients on days 3 and 4, however they did not reach statistical significance. There was no significant difference in oxygen saturation between the two groups. Both groups had similar daily morphine milligram equivalent requirements. Liposomal bupivacaine ISB was also found to be less expensive. Conclusion: Single-injection ISB with liposomal bupivacaine provides non-inferior analgesia at a reduced cost compared with continuous catheter ISB for total shoulder arthroplasty.

Effects of labor analgesia on maternal and neonatal outcome by epidural low concentration of bupivacaine combined with anisodamine

Objective To observe the effects of labor analgesia on maternal and neonatal outcome by epidural application of 0.125% bupivacaine combined with anisodamine on the labor stage, and modes of delivery and neonatal Apgar’s score. Methods A total of 220 primiparaes with full-term pregnancy, monocyesis and fetal head presentation without any obstetrical or systematic complications were chosen and divided into analgesic group and control group (110 in each group). The mixture of bupivacaine and anisodamine was injected into the epidural space of the parturients in the analgesic group while those patients in the control group did not receive any analgesics. Results The analgesic effect was satisfactory (91.8%), and no side effects occurred in the second stage of labor. The instrument delivery rate was lower in the analgesic group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups in neonatal Apgar’s score. Conclusion The method is feasible in clinic for labor pain relief without increasing the rate of dystocia and complications of delivery.

Treatment of intractable chronic pelvic pain syndrome by injecting a compound of Bupivacaine and Fentanyl into sacral spinal space

Objective:To investigate the effect of injecting a compound of Bupivacaine and Fentanyl into sacral spinal space to treat chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). Methods: A total of 36 men with recalcitrant CPPS refractory to multiple prior therapies were treated with the injection of a compound of Bupivacaine and Fentanyl (10 ml of 0. 125% Bupivacaine, 0. 05 mg Fentanyl, 5 mg Dexamethasone, 100 mg Vitamin B1 and 1 mg Vitamin B12) into sacral space once a week for 4 weeks. The National Institute of Health Chronic Proslatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), maximum and average flow rate were performed at the start and the end of 4 weeks' therapy. Results :Mean NIH-CPSI total score was decreased from 26. 5±1. 6 to 13. 4±2. 0 (P<0. 001). Significant improvement was seen in each subscore domain. A total of 32 patients (89%) had at least 25% improvement on NIH-CPSI and 22 (61 %) had at least 50% improvement. Maximal and average flow rate were increased from 19. 5±3. 8 to 23. 6±4. 2 and 10. 9±2. 6 to 14. 3±2. 4 respectively. Conclusion: Injection of this compound of Bupivacaine, Fentanyl and Dexamethasone into sacral spinal space is an effective and safe approach for recalcitrant CPPS. Further study of the mechanisms and prospective placebo controlled trials are warranted.

NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHESIS INHIBITION ENHANCES BUPIVACAINE CARDIOTOXICITY

There is evidence that local anesthetic-induced seizures may be mediated by NMDA receptors which activate production of nitric oxide(NO).The objective of this study was to determine the effects,if any,of inhibition of NO synthesis on the responses of the central nervous and cardiovascular systems to bupivacaine.Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to two groups.The lightly anesthetized (0.5% halothane,70% N2O) and paralyzed (doxacurium) animals were given a NO synthase inhibitor[L-NAME,2 mg/(kg.min);n=6 ] of saline(n=5) i.v.for 30 min.Then bupivacaine was administered i.v. [2mg/(kg. min)]to both groups of animals until asystole.Arterial blood samples for bupivacaine concentration analysis (by HPLC)were taken during the stabilization period and during local anesthetic infusion. Student's t-test was used to determine significant differences(P< 0. 05) between groups. Average doses of bupivacaine that produced arrhythmias and asystole were remarkably lower in L-NAME vs. saline treated rats[arrhythmias (5.1±2.0)vs.(15.8±3. 8)mg/kg; asystole (15. 9±3. 2)vs.(27. 8±6.1)mg/kg; both P<0.05 ].The doses producing seizures and isoelectric EEG,and the duration of seizures did not differ significantly between the 2 treatment groups.However, EEG epileptiform activity was less intense (lower amplitude,shorter duration ietal activity) in the L-NAME treated animals.Arterial plasma concentrations of bupivacaine 5 min after the start of bupivacaine infusion were significantly higher in the L-NAME group.[(22, 3 ±2. 9)vs. (12. 8±1.5)mg/L, P<0. 05 ].These results suggest that NO synthase inhibition by L-NAME enhances the cardiac toxicity of bupivacaine probably by a pharmacokinetic action and reduces the central nervous system toxicity of bupivacaine probably by a pharmacodynamic action.

A Comparative Study of Intrathecal Injection of Bupivacaine Alone or with Fentanyl, Clonidine, and Neostigmine in Lower Abdominal Surgeries

Background: Anesthesiologists are responsible for the development of pain services in the current era. Hence ideal adjuvants that can be used with bupivacaine for stable intraoperative conditions and prolonging the postoperative analgesia with fewer side effects are being investigated. Opioids, despite useful as adjuvants, are associated with undesirable side effects. Aim of the work: The study was done to compare analgesic efficacy and hemodynamic of intrathecal injection of bupivacaine alone or with fentanyl, clonidine, and neostigmine in lower abdominal surgeries, over the first 24 postoperative hours, in a randomized, double-blind, and clinical trial. Methods: 100 Patients were randomized into four equal groups, 25 patients in each group;Group B patients received 2.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 0.5 ml of normal saline. Group BF patients received 2.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with (25 mics) of fentanyl. Group BC patients received 2.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 0.5 ml (75 mics) of clonidine. Group BN patients received 2.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 0.1 ml of neostigmine (50 mics) and 0.4 ml of normal saline. Intrathecal anesthesia was done with a recording of parameters intraoperative and the post-operative period. Each patient was assessed for hemodynamic parameters and effective analgesia in operation, and presence of complications (nausea, vomiting, sedation and pruritus) visual analogue pain score (VAS) postoperatively by a blinded investigator in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 12, 18 and 24 h postoperatively. Results: The postoperative analgesia is more effective with group BC (the gold standard) than group B, group BF, and group BN. As regard complications during the study in all groups, complications as nausea, and vomiting were mainly with group BN;hypotension was primarily in group BC. Conclusion: Bupivacaine clonidine, bupivacaine neostigmine, and bupivacaine fentanyl intrathecal anesthesia produced a longer duration of postoperative analgesia after lower abdominal surgery in patients than bupivacaine alone. Bupivacaine clonidine mixture had the most extended period of analgesia, but with hypotension. So bupivacaine fentanyl mixture with moderate duration of analgesia and minimal side effects is most safe for a patient.

Use of Liposomal Bupivacaine (Exparel) for Reduction in the Use of Postoperative Narcotics in an Obese Patient Undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy

Background: Obesity, particularly in the setting of comorbid disease, presents a unique challenge. Clinicians are pursuing areas of multimodal analgesia in an effort to minimize narcotic dosages. Post-operatively, their pain management can be even more challenging, which includes appropriate use of narcotics in a patient that has a high probably of sleep apnea. Aim: To show that the use of liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) can provide effective post-operative pain relief and decrease the use of post-operative narcotics. Case: We report on a 62 years old female with a history of hypertension, obesity and a greater than a 40 pack year history of smoking who presented for a modified radical mastectomy with a lymph node dissection. At the end of the case, the patient’s wound was infiltrated with both free bupivacaine and Exparel that minimized her need for post-operative narcotics. Conclusion: We believe that the use of extended release local anesthetics should be considered when there is a need to reduce the use of post-operative narcotics.

Ultrasound Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block with 0.5% Bupivacaine and Additives: Case Series at Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura

Introduction: Supraclavicular block (SCB) is associated with excellent postoperative patient outcomes for upper limb surgeries. Bupivacainei is a longacting regional anaesthetic, efficacy of which is altered with the co-administration of additives. Aim: Aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of supraclavicular block with 0.5% bupivacaine compared to co-administration of additives and the associated complications. Method: Following ethical clearance and informed written consent, over 5 months from July 2020, 152 adult patients at Teaching Hospital Anuradhapura Sri Lanka undergoing upper limb surgeries were divided into 4 groups & prospectively followed-up. All groups received 0.5% of Bupivacaine while additives 2% Lidocaine, 8.4% sodium bicarbonate & 8 mg Dexamethasone were added to the other 3 groups. Sensory and Motor block onset time, duration of post-block analgesia, acute and late complications and patient satisfaction were noted. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics & ANOVA, using SPSS V.25. Results: Successful surgical anesthesia was achieved in all patients with 0 cases of long-term neurological complications with 94% patient satisfaction. The motor & sensory block onset time & post block analgesia duration respectively for Lidocaine (9.74 min, 9.74 min & 7.07 h), Bicarbonate (12.89 min, 16.32 min & 12.09 h), dexamethasone (19.34 min, 17.24 min & 20.87 h) & Bupivacaine were (20.39 min, 18.42 min & 13.15 h). Conclusion: The differences between bupivacaine and lidocaine groups for sensory & motor block onset times & between Bupivacaine & dexamethasone groups for post-block analgesia duration were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Supraclavicular block has minimal associated complications & additives Lidocaine shortens the onset of anaesthesia and the duration of analgesia while dexamethasone prolongs the duration of analgesia significantly.

Comparison of Parasternal Intercostal Block Using Ropivacaine or bupivacaine for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of 0.5% ropivacaine and 0.25% bupivacaine for parasternal intercostal block for postoperative analgesia in children undergoing cardiac surgery. Design: A randomized, controlled, prospective, double blind study. Setting: A tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants: One Hundred children scheduled for cardiac surgery through a median sternotomy were divided into 3 groups of at least 33 children each, receiving either ropivacaine, bupivacaine or saline (control). Interventions: A bilateral parasternal block performed either with 0.5% ropivacaine or 0.25% bupiacaine or 0.9% saline with 5 doses of 0.5 mL on each side in the 2nd to 6th parasternal intercostal spaces 1 to 1.5 cm lateral to the sternal edge, before sternal wound closure. Measurements and Main Results: The time to extubation was significantly less in children administered the parasternal blocks with ropivacaine or bupivacaine compared to the saline (control) group. The pain scores were lower and comparable in the ropivacaine and bupivacaine groups compared to the saline group. The cumulative fentanyl dose requirement over a 24-hour period was higher in the saline group than the ropivacaine (p < 0.001) and bupivacaine group. No side effects were observed in any of the children. Conclusions: Parasternal blocks either with ropivacaine or bupivacaine appear to be a simple, safe, and useful technique for supplementation of postoperative analgesia in children undergoing cardiac surgery with a median sternotomy.

Neuroprotective effects of low-concentration alpha-tocopherol Confocal laser microscopy observations

BACKGROUND： Alpha-tocopherol （ α-tocopherol） can effectively relieve neuronal damage induced by oxygen-centered free radicals. However, the effective dose remains controversial. OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the protective effects of low-concentration α-tocopherol on neuronal membranes. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Contrast observation and in vitro study, performed at Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital between April and September 2006. MATERIALS： Fetal cortical neurons were derived from two 14-day pregnant SD rats, and α-tocopherol was provided by Sigma, USA. METHODS： The neurons were randomly assigned to six groups： （1） normal： neurons were cultured under normal conditions; （2） oxidative damage： oxidative free radicals was damaged using the Fenton reaction; （3） α-tocopherol： neurons were cultured in different concentrations of -tocopherol 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L for 2 hours, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Neuronal membrane damage was observed using a confocal laser microscope, and malonaldehyde production was detected using the thiobarbituric acid method. RESULTS： At normal, biological concentrations （10 mg/L）, α-tocopherol induced no change in the damaged neurons （P 〉 0.05）. However, at a concentration of 80 mg/L, the number of damaged neurons was significantly reduced, compared with the damage group （P 〈 0.05）. Malonaldehyde levels following 80 mg/L α-tocopherol treatment were less than the oxygen free radical damage group （P 〈 0.05）, but greater than the control group （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： A concentration of 80 mg/L α-tocopherol can effectively protect the neuronal cell membrane from oxidative damage

The Impact of Adding Magnesium Sulfate to Bupivacaine versus Bupivacaine Alone in Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block in Burn Patients Undergoing Skin Grafting Procedures;Comparative Study

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the analgesic effect of adding magnesium sulfate to bupivacaine in Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block (FI-CB). Patients and Methods: Ninety-six burn patients scheduled for skin-grafting procedures were allocated into two equal groups. After induction of general anaethesia, forty-eight patients received US guided FICB using 35 ml bupivacaine 0.25% + 5 ml isotonic sodium chloride solution with a total volume of 40 ml. The other forty-eight patients received 35 ml bupivacaine 0.25% + 250 mg of magnesium sulfate with a total volume of 40 ml. Results: Total postoperative pethidine consumption in the first 24 h post-operative showed a highly statistically significant decrease in the magnesium group in comparison to the bupivacaine group. Conclusion: Adding magnesium sulfate to bupivacaine in FICB in skin grafting procedures decreased the pain scores post-operative, delayed the first request of analgesia and reduced the total analgesic consumption in the first 24 h post-operative without any significant side effects.