[Infraclavicular block: the results of neurostimulation versus ultreasound plus neurostimulation]

Infraclavicular nerve block [ICNB] is one of the most efficacious peripheral nerve blocks for upper extremity procedures, associated with several potential complications. Recently, some authors have recommended ultrasound-guided ICNB. The current study is aimed to compare the outcomes of ICNB utilizing combined ultrasound guidance and neurostimulation with the outcomes of ICNB using neurostimulation alone. There were 60 patients, candidate for elective upper extremity surgery, who contributed in the current double-blinded randomized clinical trail. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups of either ultrasound plus neurostimulation [UN] guided block or neurostimulation [N] group. The procedure time, time interval between injection and drug effect, the rate of successful blocks, sensory and motor block duration, and complications were compared between the two groups. The mean procedure time and the time interval between injection and drug effect were comparable. We found significantly longer sensory [66.8 +/- 11.7 V.s 60.9 +/- 10.2 min; p=0.04] and motor [57 +/- 11.4 V.s 50.8 +/- 10.4 min; p=0.032] block duration in UN group. ICNB failed in 10 patients in the N group and 2 patients in the UN group [p=0.021]. There were one patient with subcutaneous hematoma in the UN group and 3 patients in the N group. ICNB utilizing ultrasound guidance combined with neurostimulation is a safe and efficacious technique with a higher success rate compared to neurostimulation alone

Conjugated Linoleic Acid and lipid profile of postmenopausal women

Most animal studies have shown that trans-10 and cis-12 isomers of Conjugated linoleic Acid, [CLA] tend to increase insulin resistance. But the effect of equal isomers of CLA [50:50 ratios of cis-9, trans-11: trans-10, cis-12 isomers] on lipid profiles, glucose, and insulin resistance and sensitivity in postmenopausal women is not clear. In the present study, we performed a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial to examine the changes in lipid profiles, glucose, and insulin concentration following 4 CLAG80 capsules containing 3.2g CLA [50:50 ratios of cis-9,trans-ll: trans-10, cis-12 isomers] or 4 placebo capsules supplementation for 12 weeks in postmenopausal women. Seventy six healthy postmenopausal women were randomized to receive placebo or 3.2 g CLA for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were done. Blood samples were collected after 12-14 hours fasting before and after intervention. Insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity were estimated based on the homeostasis [HOMA] and QUIKI models. In weeks 0, 6 and 12 during the trial, subjects completed 3d dietary records. These dietary records were coded by the same dietitian, and analyzed with the Food Processor program. There were no significant effect on serum lipids, insulin, glucose, insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity over 12 weeks in postmenopausal women. Mixed isomer CLA supplementation had no effect on serum insulin, lipids profile, glucose and insulin resistance/sensitivity during 12 weeks of intervention in postmenopausal women