Does intravenous patient-controlled analgesia or continuous block prevent rebound pain following infraclavicular brachial plexus block after distal radius fracture fixation? A prospective randomized controlled trial / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of opioid-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) or continuous brachial plexus block (BPB) in controlling rebound pain after distal radius fracture (DRF) fixation under BPB as well as total opioid consumption. @*Methods@#A total of 66 patients undergoing surgical treatment for a displaced DRF with volar plate fixation were randomized to receive a single infraclavicular BPB (BPB only group) (n = 22), a single infraclavicular BPB with IV PCA (IV PCA group) (n = 22), or a single infraclavicular BPB with continuous infraclavicular BPB (continuous block group) (n = 22). The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the amount of pain medication were recorded at 4, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 48 h and two weeks postoperatively. @*Results@#At postoperative 9 h, the pain VAS score was significantly higher in the BPB only group (median: 2; Q1, Q3 [1, 3]) than in the IV PCA (0 [0, 1.8], P = 0.006) and continuous block groups (0 [0, 0.5], P = 0.009). At postoperative 12 h, the pain VAS score was significantly higher in the BPB only group (3 [3, 4]) than in the continuous block group (0.5 [0, 3], P = 0.004). The total opioid equivalent consumption (OEC) was significantly higher in the IV PCA group (350.3 [282.1, 461.3]) than in the BPB only group (37.5 [22.5, 75], P < 0.001) and continuous block group (30 [15, 75], P < 0.001); however, OEC was not significantly different between the BPB only group and the continuous block group (P = 0.595). @*Conclusions@#Although continuous infraclavicular BPB did not reduce total opioid consumption compared to BPB only, this method is effective for controlling rebound pain at postoperative 9 and 12 h following DRF fixation under BPB.

Aquaporin-3 Downregulation in Vitiligo Keratinocytes Increases Oxidative Stress of Melanocytes

Oxidative stress-induced melanocyte apoptosis is linked to the immune system and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Aquaporin-3 (AQP3), which is downregulated in vitiligo keratinocytes, regulates intracellular H2O2 accumulation. However, the role of AQP3 in oxidative stress is uncertain in vitiligo. This study investigated the effect of downregulated AQP3 on oxidative stress in vitiligo using lesional and non-lesional skin specimen sets from vitiligo patients and primary cultured adult normal human epidermal keratinocytes, with or without downregulation and overexpression of AQP3 in the presence or absence of H2O2 treatment. The levels of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and/or its main target, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO-1), were lower in the lesional keratinocytes and cultured keratinocytes with AQP3 knockdown, but were increased in keratinocytes upon AQP3 overexpression. Ratios of NRF2 nuclear translocation and NQO-1 expression levels were further reduced in AQP3-knockdown keratinocytes following H2O2 treatment. The conditioned media from AQP3-knockdown keratinocytes treated with H2O2 contained higher concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, the number of viable melanocytes was reduced when the conditioned media were added to the culture media. Overall, AQP3 downregulation in the keratinocytes of patients with vitiligo can induce oxidative stress in neighboring melanocytes, leading to melanocyte death.

Evaluation of serum immunoglobulin G4 concentrations in canine pancreatitis

The goal of this study was to measure immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) concentrations and to evaluate the significance of these values in the management of canine pancreatitis. The medical records of 24 dogs that visited the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between December 2016 and June 2018 were retrospectively reviewed to identify dogs that had been diagnosed with pancreatitis. The serum C-reactive protein and serum IgG4 concentration in the affected dogs were highly increased compared to the healthy group. Particularly, serum IgG4 measured significantly higher in dogs with pancreatitis and concurrent immune-mediated disease (p < 0.05). In conclusion, increased serum IgG4 concentrations are a characteristic finding in dogs with pancreatitis. The results of this research indicate that an elevation in IgG4 has the potential of being used as a tool for the diagnosis of pancreatitis and concurrent immune-mediated disease.

Eextermination Speed of an Imidacloprid and Flumethrin Polymer Matrix Collar against Larvae, Nymphs and Adults of Haemaphysalis longicornis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an imidacloprid 10% and flumethrin 4.5% polymer matrix collar against the developmental stages of Haemaphysalis longicornis infesting dogs using the hair from treated dogs in a semi-in-vitro assay set. When incubated with 0.5 g of the hair collected from the dogs installed with the drug-embedded collar after 10 days, average death rate of the larval, nymphal, and adult H. longicornis was 21.5%, 77.9%, and 100% at 30 min, 1 hr, and 2 hr, respectively. This study showed the larval stages as well as the nymphal and adult stages of H. longicornis ticks are killed upon contact with the hair from dogs treated with the collar within 2 hr.

Clinical application of insect-based diet in canine allergic dermatitis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of the short-term application of insect-based diet in canine allergic dermatitis. Total 19 atopic dogs with concurrent cutaneous adverse food reactions were enrolled and classified into 3 groups. The treatment group (n = 7) was fed insect-based diet, the positive control group (n = 6) was fed salmon-based diet, and the negative control group (n = 6) was fed commercial or homemade diet for 12 weeks. The degree of skin lesions was evaluated based on canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI-4). Additionally, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and pruritus visual analog scale were evaluated. All indices were evaluated every 4 weeks after the initial administration of hypoallergenic diets. In the treatment group, significant decrease in the CADESI-4 score was observed at 8 weeks compared to the baseline score (p = 0.031). There were significant differences in the CADESI-4 score between the groups at 8 weeks (p = 0.008), 12 weeks (p = 0.012), and TEWL at 12 weeks (p = 0.022). This preliminary result demonstrates the potential hypoallergenicity of an insect-based diet through features that diminish cutaneous lesions and skin barrier dysfunction.

Evaluation of serum immunoglobulin G4 concentrations in canine pancreatitis

The goal of this study was to measure immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) concentrations and to evaluate the significance of these values in the management of canine pancreatitis. The medical records of 24 dogs that visited the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between December 2016 and June 2018 were retrospectively reviewed to identify dogs that had been diagnosed with pancreatitis. The serum C-reactive protein and serum IgG4 concentration in the affected dogs were highly increased compared to the healthy group. Particularly, serum IgG4 measured significantly higher in dogs with pancreatitis and concurrent immune-mediated disease (p < 0.05). In conclusion, increased serum IgG4 concentrations are a characteristic finding in dogs with pancreatitis. The results of this research indicate that an elevation in IgG4 has the potential of being used as a tool for the diagnosis of pancreatitis and concurrent immune-mediated disease.

Antibiotics-Induced Dysbiosis of Intestinal Microbiota Aggravates Atopic Dermatitis in Mice by Altered Short-Chain Fatty Acids

PURPOSE: Alterations in the intestinal microbiota in early life affects the development of atopic dermatitis (AD) in humans. This study aimed to further investigate the effects of gut dysbiosis in early life in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse model of AD. METHODS: The AD mouse model was developed by serial OVA sensitization and mice were treated with an antibiotic cocktail in their drinking water for 2 weeks before primary sensitization. Probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus, 1 × 10⁹ CFU) or 100 µL of fresh fecal supernatant were orally administered daily from 1 week before the first sensitization until the end of the study. RESULTS: The AD mice which received antibiotics had significantly aggravated phenotypes, including clinical score, transepidermal water loss, and histopathology, compared to those treated with healthy feces or probiotics. Total systemic immunoglobulin E production and skin interleukin (IL) 4 levels were significantly increased in the antibiotic-treated mice compared to the other groups. Antibiotic treatment also increased the levels of IL17 and group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3) in the gut and significantly suppressed the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and decreased the number FOXP3⁺ cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the status of the gut microbiota in early life in the mouse may play a crucial role in AD development through intestinal SCFA production through regulate the numbers of CD4⁺IL17⁺/CD4⁺FOXP3⁺ regulatory T cells and ILC3s.

Current use of neuromuscular blocking agents and antagonists in Korea: a 2018 survey

BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and neuromuscular monitoring in anesthetic management are integral for endotracheal intubation, better visualization of the surgical field, and prevention of residual neuromuscular blockade and pulmonary complications. Sugammadex is a drug that reduces risk of residual neuromuscular blockade, with more rapid recovery compared to anticholinesterase. The purpose of this study was to investigate current usage status of NMBAs and antagonist with neuromuscular monitoring, among anesthesiologists in Korea.METHODS: Anesthesiologists working in Korea were invited to participate in an online survey via email January 2–February 28, 2018. The questionnaire consisted of 45 items, including preferred NMBAs, antagonists, neuromuscular monitoring, and complications related to the use sugammadex. A total of 174 responses were analyzed.RESULTS: Rocuronium was a commonly used NMBA for endotracheal intubation (98%) of hospitals, and maintenance of anesthesia (83.3%) in of hospitals. Sugammadex, pyridostigmine, and neostigmine were used in 89.1%, 87.9%, and 45.4% of hospitals. Neuromuscular monitoring was employed in 79.3% of hospitals; however only 39.7% of hospitals used neuromuscular monitoring before antagonist administration. Usual dosage range of sugammadex was 2.1–4 mg/kg in 35.1% of hospitals, within 2 mg/kg in 34.5% of hospitals, and 1 vial regardless of body weight in 22.4% of hospitals. Sugammadex-related complications were encountered by 14.9% of respondents.CONCLUSIONS: This survey indicates several minor problems associated with the use of antagonists and neuromuscular monitoring. However, most anesthesiologists appear to have appropriate information regarding the usage of NMBAs and sugammadex.

Protease-Activated Receptors 2-Antagonist Suppresses Asthma by Inhibiting Reactive Oxygen Species-Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Inflammation and Epithelial Tight Junction Degradation

PURPOSE: Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) reportedly triggers the immune response in allergic asthma. We aimed to investigate the mechanism on allergic inflammation mediated by PAR2. METHODS: Human lung epithelial cells (A549 cells) were used for in vitro, and the German cockroach extract (GCE)-induced mouse model was developed for in vivo studies. RESULTS: In A549 cells, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) were significantly increased by GCE treatment, but were suppressed by PAR2-antagonist (PAR2-ant) or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment. Claudin-1 was degraded by GCE, and was restored by PAR2-ant or NAC in the cells. In the mouse model, the clinical appearance including bronchial hyperresponsiveness, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis and total immunoglobulin E were significantly suppressed by PAR2-ant or NAC. Moreover, TSLP levels in the lung were suppressed by the same treatments in the lung. Claudin-1 was also degraded by GCE, and was restored by PAR2-ant or NAC. CONCLUSIONS: ROS generation and epidermal tight junction degradation are triggered by protease, followed by the induction of TSLP in allergic asthma. Our findings could suggest that PAR2-ant or anti-oxidants could be considered for allergic diseases as preventive alternatives.

Malignant hyperthermia and dantrolene sodium / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

Effects of adenosine receptor agonist on the rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block and sugammadex-induced recovery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Several types of receptors are found at neuromuscular presynaptic membranes. Presynaptic inhibitory A1 and facilitatory A2A receptors mediate different modulatory functions on acetylcholine release. This study investigated whether adenosine A1 receptor agonist contributes to the first twitch tension (T1) of train-of-four (TOF) stimulation depression and TOF fade during rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade, and sugammadex-induced recovery. METHODS: Phrenic nerve-diaphragm tissues were obtained from 30 adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Each tissue specimen was randomly allocated to either control group or 2-chloroadenosine (CADO, 10 μM) group. One hour of reaction time was allowed before initiating main experimental data collection. Loading and boost doses of rocuronium were sequentially administered until > 95% depression of the T1 was achieved. After confirming that there was no T1 twitch tension response, 15 min of resting time was allowed, after which sugammadex was administered. Recovery profiles (T1, TOF ratio [TOFR], and recovery index) were collected for 1 h and compared between groups. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences on amount of rocuronium (actually used during experiment), TOFR changes during concentration-response of rocuronium (P = 0.04), and recovery profiles (P < 0.01) of CADO group comparing with the control group. However, at the initial phase of this experiment, dose-response of rocuronium in each group demonstrated no statistically significant differences (P = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: The adenosine A1 receptor agonist (CADO) influenced the TOFR and the recovery profile. After activating adenosine receptor, sugammadex-induced recovery from rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block was delayed.

Effects of sugammadex on the coronary circulation: direct effects on coronary vessels or hypersensitivity (Kounis syndrome)? / 대한마취과학회지

No abstract available.

First Blindness Cases of Horses Infected with Setaria Digitata (Nematoda: Filarioidea) in the Republic of Korea

Ocular setariases of cattle were reported but those of equine hosts have never been reported in the Republic of Korea (Korea). We found motile worms in the aqueous humor of 15 horses (Equus spp.) from 12 localities in southern parts of Korea between January 2004 and November 2017. After the affected animals were properly restrained under sedation and local anesthesia, 10 ml disposable syringe with a 16-gauge needle was inserted into the anterior chamber of the affected eye to successfully remove the parasites. The male worm that was found in 7 of the cases showed a pair of lateral appendages near the posterior terminal end of the body. The papillar arrangement was 3 pairs of precloacal, a pair of adcloacal, and 3 pairs of postcloacal papillae, plus a central papilla just in front of the cloaca. The female worms found in the eyes of 8 horses were characterized by the tapering posterior terminal end of the body with a smooth knob. Worms were all identified as Setaria digitata (von Linstow, 1906) by the morphologic characteristics using light and electron microscopic observations. This is the first blindness cases of 15 horses infected with S. digitata (Nematoda: Filarioidea) in Korea.

Comparison of warming methods for core temperature preservation during total knee arthroplasty using a pneumatic tourniquet

BACKGROUND: It is important to ensure that patients are normothermic during surgery. In total knee arthroplasty, the pneumatic tourniquet affects body temperature. We compared the ability of two warming devices to preserve core temperature in patients using a lower limb tourniquet under general anesthesia. METHODS: We included 132 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II who were scheduled to undergo total knee arthroplasty. The patients were randomly divided into four groups (n = 33): group 1, without any heating method; group 2, with fluid warming; group 3, with forced-air warming; and group 4, with a combination of the two heating methods. After the induction of anesthesia, the esophageal and urinary bladder temperatures were monitored and recorded every 5 min before tourniquet deflation and every 1 min after tourniquet deflation. RESULTS: Before tourniquet deflation, compared with group 1, the odds ratios of groups 3 and 4 were less than 1. After tourniquet deflation, compared with group 1, the odds ratios of all groups using warming devices were less than 1. In particular, group 4 showed the largest hypothermia-preventive effect among the four groups. There was a significant correlation between esophageal temperature and bladder temperature before and after tourniquet deflation. CONCLUSIONS: After tourniquet deflation, a combination of a fluid warmer and forced-air warmer is the most effective method to prevent hypothermia, although either a fluid warmer or forced-air warmer alone could help to prevent hypothermia. Urinary bladder temperature changes correlate well with esophageal temperature changes throughout this operation.

Sudden cardiovascular collapse after platelet transfusion during liver transplantation: flat-line thromboelastometry and inferred pulmonary thromboembolism: A case report

Despite the well-known bleeding diathesis in patients with end-stage liver disease, inappropriate hypercoagulation is also emerging as a major concern. Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a major cause of perioperative morbidity and mortality during liver transplantation (LT). Flat-line thromboelastography is reported to predict PTE during LT. In this case, a 52-year-old woman with hepatocellular carcinoma underwent living-related LT. During the pre-anhepatic phase, one unit of apheresis platelets was transfused because of thrombocytopenia (32,000 /ml). After 20 minutes, blood pressure became unstable and circulatory collapse suddenly developed. In the middle of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, transesophageal echocardiography was immediately conducted, which revealed flail thrombi in the right atrium. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) conducted at that time was surprisingly flat in 4 channels, contradictory to the finding of hypercoagulation. This finding lead to a management dilemma during LT. Flattening in ROTEM requires caution in interpretation of severe hypocoagulation or ongoing PTE.

Interactions Between Innate Immunity Genes and Early-Life Risk Factors in Allergic Rhinitis

PURPOSE: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common chronic disease. Many factors could affect the development of AR. We investigated early-life factors, such as delivery mode, feeding method, and use of antibiotics during infancy, which could affect the development of AR. In addition, how interactions between these factors and innate gene polymorphisms influence the development of AR was investigated. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 1,828 children aged 9-12 years was conducted. Three early-life factors and AR were assessed by a questionnaire. Skin prick tests were done. Polymorphisms of TLR4 (rs1927911) and CD14 (rs2569190) were genotyped. RESULTS: Use of antibiotics during infancy increased the risk of AR (aOR [95% CI] 1.511 [1.222-2.037]) and atopic AR (aOR [95% CI], 1.565 [1.078-2.272]). There were synergistic interactions between caesarean delivery, formula feeding, and use of antibiotics in the rate of atopic AR (aOR [95% CI], 3.038 [1.256-7.347]). Additional analyses revealed that the risk for the development of AR or atopic AR subjects with the TLR4 CC genotype were highest when all the 3 early-life factors were present (aOR [95% CI], 5.127 [1.265-20.780] for AR; 6.078 [1.499-24.649] for atopic AR). In addition, the risk for the development of AR or atopic AR in subjects with the CD14 TT genotype were highest when all the 3 early-life factors were present (aOR [95% CI], 5.960 [1.421-15.002] for AR; 6.714 [1.440-31.312] for atopic AR). CONCLUSIONS: Delivery mode, feeding method, and use of antibiotics during infancy appeared to have synergistic interactions in the development of AR. Gene-environment interactions between polymorphism of innate genes and early- life risk factors might affect the development of AR.

Alopecia areata in a spayed pug: clinical and immunohistochemical findings / 대한수의학회지

A two-year-old spayed female pug presented with symmetrical hyperpigmented alopecic lesions on her axillary and inguinal regions. There were no remarkable findings in dermatologic examinations and hormonal assays. Histological examination of biopsied tissues revealed prominent lymphocytic perifolliculitis along with shrunk hair follicles. Immunohistochemistry for CD3, CD79a, CD4, and CD8 showed a positive stain for CD4 antigen around hair bulbs, suggesting CD4 positive T lymphocyte infiltration. This case suggests the possibility that CD4 T lymphocyte-mediated inflammatory reaction could be a main mechanism in canine alopecia areata. Additional studies are warranted to investigate the immunological mechanism in canine species.

Sensitization rates of causative allergens for dogs with atopic dermatitis: detection of canine allergen-specific IgE

Allergen-specific IgE serology tests became commercially available in the 1980s. Since then these tests have been widely used to diagnose and treat allergic skin diseases. However, the relationship between a positive reaction and disease occurrence has been controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate allergens using a serologic allergy test in dogs with atopic dermatitis (AD). Dogs clinically diagnosed with AD (n=101) were tested using an allergen-specific IgE immunoassay. Among the total 92 environmental and food allergens, house dust and house dust mites were the most common. Several allergens including airborne pollens and molds produced positive reactions, and which was considered increasing allergens relating to the climate changes. The presence of antibodies against staphylococci and Malassezia in cases of canine AD was warranted in this study. Additionally, strong (chicken, turkey, brown rice, brewer's yeast, and soybean) and weakly (rabbit, vension, duck, and tuna) positive reactions to food allergens could be used for avoidance and limited-allergen trials.

A Novel Synthetic Mycolic Acid Inhibits Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness and Allergic Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Asthma

PURPOSE: Recognition of microbes is important to trigger the innate immune system. Mycolic acid (MA) is a component of the cell walls of mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin. MA has immunogenic properties, which may modulate the innate and adaptive immune response. This study aimed to investigate whether a novel synthetic MA (sMA) inhibits allergic inflammatory responses in a mouse model of asthma. METHODS: BALB/c mice were injected intraperitoneally with sMA followed by sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin (OVA). Mice were examined for bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), the influx of inflammatory cells into the lung tissues, histopathological changes in the lungs and CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in the spleen, and examined the response after the depleting regulatory T cells (Tregs) with an anti-CD25mAb. RESULTS: Treatment of mice with sMA suppressed the asthmatic response, including BHR, bronchoalveolar inflammation, and pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation. Anti-CD25mAb treatment abrogated the suppressive effects of sMA in this mouse model of asthma and totally depleted CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in the spleen. CONCLUSIONS: sMA attenuated allergic inflammation in a mouse model of asthma, which might be related with CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cell.

Association between Recent Acetaminophen Use and Asthma: Modification by Polymorphism at TLR4

The risk of asthma has been increasing in parallel with use of acetaminophen, which is a potential source of oxidative stress. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a critical role not only in innate immunity, but also in mediating reactive oxygen species induced inflammation. Therefore, we investigated associations between acetaminophen usage and TLR4 polymorphism on asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). The number of 2,428 elementary school children in Seoul and Jeongeup cities was recruited. Subjects who used acetaminophen with a family history of asthma had an increased risk of both asthma diagnosis ever and current asthma. Individuals with CT+TT genotypes at the TLR4 polymorphism, in combination with acetaminophen usage, also demonstrated an increased risk of asthma diagnosis ever (aOR, 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-3.92). Family history of asthma and acetaminophen usage were risk factors for BHR. Although TLR4 was not an independent risk factor for BHR, individuals with CT+TT genotypes at the TLR4 polymorphism had an increased risk of BHR when combined with acetaminophen usage (aOR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.03-2.94). In conclusion, acetaminophen usage may be associated with asthma and BHR in genetically susceptible subjects. This effect may be modified by polymorphism at TLR4.