Accommodative and convergence anomalies in patients with opioid use disorder.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Considering the significant relationship between opioid abuse and some accommodative and convergence disorders, opioid use should be considered in the differential diagnosis and will directly affect the management plan. BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence of accommodative and convergence anomalies and their related factors in a population of male young adults with opioid use disorder (OUD). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling method in 2019. The study sample included male young adults with OUD who had been referred to a specialised drug-dependence rehabilitation centre in Mashhad, Iran. The diagnosis of OUD was made by a psychologist based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria. All patients underwent complete optometric examinations. RESULTS: Eighty male young adults with OUD were included in this study. The mean age of participants was 30.5 ± 3.9 years (age range 19 to 35 years). The prevalence of accommodative and convergence disorders was 33.75% (95% CI: 23.55-45.19) and 25.00 (95% CI: 15.99-35.94), respectively. Accommodative insufficiency (22.5%, 95% CI: 13.91-33.21) had a higher prevalence than accommodative excess (3.75%, 95% CI: 0.78-10.57) and accommodative infacility (7.50%, 95% CI: 2.80-15.61). Convergence insufficiency (18.75%, 95% CI: 10.89-29.03) had a higher prevalence compared to convergence excess (3.75%, 95% CI: 0.78-10.57) and basic exophoria (2.50%, 95% CI: 0.30-8.74). According to the multiple logistic regression, a significant inverse relationship was observed between pupil size with accommodative insufficiency (OR = 0.45), accommodative infacility (OR = 0.67), and convergence insufficiency (OR = 0.55). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed a higher prevalence of some accommodative and convergence disorders in OUD patients compared to the prevalence reported in previous studies conducted on the normal populations with a similar age range.

The Effect of Diltiazem on Microcirculation of Transplanted Tissue Flaps: Experimental Study on Rabbits.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the presented study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of diltiazem on the microcirculation of the tissue flaps created in the delay phenomenon applied rabbits. METHODS: The experiment was performed in Central Research Laboratory of Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku, Azerbaijan in 2018. Ischemia model on the flaps were formed in 30 rabbits for experiment. The subjects were divided into three groups: I (control) group - consists of 10 rabbits who underwent ischemia model, but no medication had been used during the duration of the experiment; II (comparative) group - consists of 10 rabbits who underwent ischemia model, and during 14 d, with a daily dose of 60 mсg nitroglycerin had been applied; III (main) group - consists of 10 rabbits who underwent ischemia model, and during 14 d, with a daily dose of 45 mg diltiazem had been applied. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference between the control and the main groups when comparing the mean values of endothelial hyperplasia (P=0.001). However, we found a statistically significant difference when compared the mean values of the arterial vessel wall thickening in the main and the control groups (P=0.022); and the mean values of thrombosis in the main and the comparative groups (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: With prescription of diltiazem, endothelial hyperplasia on microcirculatory system, the thickening of arterial vessel walls, the thrombosis in vessel's passage was rarely seen by statistical difference. The main achievement of our study was to discover the correlation between diltiazem and endothelial hyperplasia.

Crosstalk between Sleep Disturbance and Opioid Use Disorder: A Narrative Review.

Recent studies have revealed a growing number of patients affected by opioid use disorders (OUDs). Comorbid disorders are suspected to increase the risk of opioid-related adverse effects or treatment failure. The correlation of opioid use with sleep disturbances has been reported in many different studies and suggested to be linked to the brain regions involved in reward processing. This narrative review was intended to discuss the most recent developments in our understanding of the intricate interaction between sleep disturbance and OUD. In addition, in this study, the effects of sleep problems on the occurrence of unpleasant consequences in addiction management, such as craving and relapse in OCD patients, were highlighted. It has been shown that drug use may trigger the induction of sleep disturbances, and those suffering from difficulties in sleeping are prone to relapse to drug use, including opioids. Moreover, pharmaceutical sleep aids are likely to interfere with opiate use.

Rn7SK small nuclear RNA is involved in cellular senescence.

Rn7SK is a conserved small nuclear noncoding RNA which its function in aging has not been studied. Recently, we have demonstrated that Rn7SK overexpression reduces cell viability and is significantly downregulated in stem cells, human tumor tissues, and cell lines. In this study, we analyzed the role of Rn7SK on senescence in adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs). For this purpose, Rn7SK expression was downregulated and upregulated via transfection and transduction, respectively, in AD-MSCs and subsequently, various distinct characteristics of senescence including cell viability, proliferation, colony formation, senescence-associated ß galactosidase activity, and differentiation potency was analyzed. Our results demonstrated the transient knockdown of Rn7SK in MSCs leads to delayed senescence, while its overexpressions shows opposite effects. When osteogenic differentiation was started, however, they exhibited a greater differentiation potential than the original MSCs, suggesting a potential tool for stem cell-based regenerative medicine.

The Satisfaction Rate among Patients and Surgeons after Periareolar Surgical Approach to Gynecomastia along with Liposuction.

BACKGROUND: Surgery, as the main approach in higher stages of gynecomastia, has different techniques regarding the staging of the disease. The more the grade of gynecomastia, the more complicated the used surgical techniques, conventionally. This study assessed the success rate of the simplest surgical technique in higher grades of gynecology as well as the satisfaction rate in patients and surgeon to offer using the technique for higher grades of the disease. METHODS: To evaluate the success and the satisfaction rates of periareolar incision and liposuction among patients with grade II and III gynecomastia, this cross-sectional study was conducted. RESULTS: The satisfaction rate was the main concern of the present study. The patients had a mean satisfaction score of 8.1±1.396 with the range of 5-10 from total 10 score. The majority of the patients expressed their satisfaction by 9 score. The total mean of physician satisfaction score was 8.36 at all levels. CONCLUSION: Like aesthetic reasons which lead individuals to seek solutions for their annoying gynecomastia, aesthetic satisfaction is a prominent concern for people who undergo surgical approach. So, the least surgical scar and complications are absolutely the most area of focus in this regard.

The Application of Virtual Planning and Navigation Devices for Mandible Reconstruction and Immediate Dental Implantation.

Routine reconstruction of subtotal defects of the mandible and orthopedic rehabilitation supported by dental implants is achieved by means of detailed planning and lasts over a year. This article shows the outcomes of single-stage surgical treatment and immediate orthopedic rehabilitation performed with the help of preoperative virtual computer simulation. 3D investigation of pathological and donor sites, virtual simulation of tumor resection, positioning of the dental implants into fibula, virtual flap bending and transfer, virtual bending of fixing reconstruction plates, and fabrication of navigation templates and bridge prosthesis supported by dental implants were done preoperatively. The surgery included tumor resection, insertion of dental implants into fibula, elevation of fibula osteocutaneous free flap, rigid fixation within recipient site, and immediate loading by bridge orthopedic device. On 10-month follow-up, functional and esthetic results were asses as reasonable. Radiography showed dental implants to be integrated and positioned appropriately. We found that successful rehabilitation of the patients with extensive defects of the jaws could be achieved by ablative tumor resection, dental implants insertion prior to flap elevation guided by navigation templates, further osteotomy, modeling of the flap based on navigation template, flap transfer, and rigid fixation within recipient site by prebended plates, with application of prefabricated prosthesis.

The Comparison of Infusion of Two Different Sedation Regimens with Propofol and Ketamine Combination During Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Anesthetic agents are often combined to enhance their therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different sedation regimens of ketamine and propofol combination via infusion on perioperative variables in patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery. METHODS: This randomized double-blind clinical trial was done on 80 patients who were randomized to two groups; group 1 (n = 40) received a 2:1 mixture of 9 mg/ml propofol and 4.5 mg/ml ketamine, and group 2 (n = 40) received a 4:1 mixture of 9 mg/ml propofol and 2.25 mg/ml ketamine. After premedication and before local anesthetic injection, the infusion of mixtures was adjusted to attain the Ramsay sedation scores of 5 in both groups. We recorded induction time, sedation efficacy, cardiovascular and respiratory events, recovery time, and incidence of adverse events during and after the procedure. RESULTS: The mean of volume infusion of mixtures in the beginning of the procedure was higher in group 2 (3.2 ± 1. 2 ml) than in group 1 (2.4 ± 0.8 ml) (p < 0.001). The induction time for sedation was 2.8 ± 0.8 min and 2.6 ± 0.4 min in group 1 and group 2, respectively (p = 0. 92). The number of oversedated patients was greater in group 2 compared to group 1 but not statistically significant (p = 0. 80). The sedation efficacy was similar between the two groups. The hemodynamic changes during the procedure were greater in group 2 compared to group 1 (p = 0. 001). The recovery time was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.43). The mean pain score in the recovery room was lower in group 1 than group 2 (1.2 ± 0.8 vs 2.8 ± 1.8, p = 0. 01). Moreover, 4 (10 %) patients in group 1 and 10 (25 %) patients in group 2 needed opioid administration (p = 0. 02). Other postoperative adverse events were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: We recommend the use of a 2:1 combination of propofol-ketamine, because it reduced the rescue propofol requirement and consequently produced lower cardiovascular and respiratory depression effects and also less postoperative pain.

The healing effect of silicone gel on sciatic nerve injuries in experimental rat.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve repair is often complicated by fibroblastic scar formation, nerve dysfunction, and traumatic neuroma formation. Use of silicone may improve outcomes of these repairs. In this study, we tried to evaluate effectiveness of silicone gel on rats' sciatic nerve repair, axon regeneration and scar formation around and in the nervous tissues. METHODS: This experimental study was performed on 18 rats. They underwent bilateral sciatic nerve dissection. Then, right and left damaged sciatic nerves were sutured. In left side, silicone gel was applied. Two months later, both sides were evaluated regarding to myelin fiber diameter (µm), total fascicular area (mm(2)), axon diameter (µm), myelin thickness (µm), G- ratio (axon diameter/myelin thickness), connective tissue area, ratio of connective tissue area/fascicular area, neuroma and foreign body formation in liver and lungs and spleen reaction. Results of right and left sides were compared. RESULTS: Silicone was significantly more effective in increasing myelin thickness in the side that silicone was applied) than the control side. It was not associated with inflammation, scar formation, granuloma, and neuroma formation. No foreign body reaction occurred in liver, spleen and lungs after silicone application; but axonal regeneration did not improve with after its use. CONCLUSION: According to our findings, it seems that silicone application in the cases with significant complications or in the cases that nerve graft is not possible would be an ideal option.

The evaluation of perioperative safety of local anesthesia with lidocaine containing epinephrine in patients with ischemic heart disease.

The use of local anesthesia with lidocaine containing epinephrine in patients with cardiac disease is controversial in the literature. The aim of our study was determining the safety of use the local anesthesia contain epinephrine in patients with ischemic heart disease that undergoing reconstructive surgery. Thirty two patients that had known ischemic heart disease and candidate to undergo reconstructive surgery for skin tumor enrolled in this study.  All patients continued their medication for cardiac disease till morning of the operation. 10 ml lidocaine 2% containing 1:100,000 epinephrine was injected in patients for local anesthesia. The hemodynamic changes and electrocardiographic variables before injection were compared with them after injection, during surgery and till 6 hours postoperation period. A 12 lead electrocardiogram was recorded in all our cases for detection of myocardial ischemic changes. The mean age, weight and height were 58.2±10.4, 74.8.±14.4 kg and 164.5± 8 cm respectively. Twelve patients (37.5%) were diagnosed with systemic hypertension and 10 patients with diabetes (31.2%). The comparison of change of systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure between baseline, during procedure and after operation defined that our subjects did not have any significant disturbance in blood pressure in perioperative period. The comparison of baseline heart rate with heart rate after injection, during procedure and in postoperation period indicated a significant changes in this variable (P=0.044). The heart rhythm during the perioperative period also failed to exhibit alterations. The ischemic change was not recorded in our patients before injection compared to after injection. None of our patients have any early complications because of infiltration of local anesthetic containing epinephrine in our patients. The use of 10 ml 2% lidocaine with epinephrine 1:100,000 in patients with cardiac disease represent a safe anesthetic procedure. These patients experienced a more profound anesthesia with hemodynamic stability and without myocardial ischemic changes.

S-shaped reverse sural flap for reconstruction of tissue defect on heel.

Traumatic limb injury is a prevalent lesion in Iran. Motorcycle accidents are responsible for most of these traumatic lesions. Despite various reported techniques, the coverage of the Achilles tendon, malleoli, ankle and heel is still daunting and demanding procedure. S-shaped reverse sural flap is a modified technique of reconstruction. In this report of 6 patients underwent surgical reconstruction by this modified technique we discuss about the technique as a simple and safe technique with low morbidity rate and recommend using this technique in complex injuries.

The anatomy of superficial inferior epigastric artery flap / Anatomia do retalho com a artéria epigástrica superficial

PURPOSE: To describe the anatomical variations of superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap as a muscle-sparing flap. METHODS: A series of 40 dissections were performed on 20 preserved or fresh male cadavers. The site origin and drainage of vessels, caliber, length, and correlation between diameter and length of pedicle were identified. RESULTS: The SIEA and SIEV were identified at inguinal ligament level in 38 (95 percent) and 40 (100 percent) dissections, respectively. The SIEA originated directly from a common femoral artery 22 (57.9 percent) or a common trunk with other arteries. The SIEA was found within 1 cm of the midpoint of the inguinal ligament in 33 of 38 cases. The meanSD length of SIEA was 3.041.73 (0.5-7) cm. The meanSD caliber of SIEA was 1.450.35 (0.7-2.1) mm. The length of SIEV ranged from 2.2 to 12 cm with a meanSD of 5.452.08 cm. The caliber of SIEV ranged from 1.6 to 4 mm with a meanSD of 2.140.45 mm. The length of SIEA correlated with caliber of arterial pedicle (p<0.001 and correlation coefficient = 0.517). CONCLUSION: The inferior epigastric artery flap can be applied to microsurgical flap transfer, potentially in breast reconstruction, hemifacial atrophy, phalloplasty, or when extremely large amounts of skin coverage are required.

OBJETIVO: Descrever as variações anatômicas do retalho muscular com artéria epigástrica superficial. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas uma série de 40 dissecções em cadáveres do gênero masculino, preservados ou recentes, Foram identificados o local de origem e drenagem dos vasos: calibre, comprimento e correlação entre diâmetro e comprimento do pedículo. RESULTADOS: As artérias e veias epigástricas superficiais foram identificadas no nível do ligamento inguinal respectivamente em 38 (95 por cento) e 40 (100 por cento) das dissecções. A artéria epigástrica superficial originava diretamente da artéria femoral em 22 (57,9 por cento) ou de um tronco comum com outras artérias. A artéria foi encontrada em um cm do ponto médio do ligamento inguinal em 33 de 38 casos. A média do comprimento da artéria epigástrica superficial foi de 3.04 1.73 (0,5-7) cm. A média do calibre da artéria foi 1.45 0.35 (0.7-2.1). O comprimento da veia epigástrica superficial foi de 2.2 a 12 cm com média de 5.452.08 cm. O calibre da veia era de 1.6 a 4 mm com média de 2.140.45 mm. O comprimento da artéria epigástrica superficial foi correlacionado com o calibre do pedículo arterial. CONCLUSÃO: O retalho com a artéria epigástrica superficial pode ser aplicado em microcirurgia de retalhos, potencialmente em reconstrução mamária, atrofia hemifacial, faloplastia ou quando se faz necessário aplicar em perdas acentuadas de pele.

The anatomy of superficial inferior epigastric artery flap.

PURPOSE: To describe the anatomical variations of superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap as a muscle-sparing flap. METHODS: A series of 40 dissections were performed on 20 preserved or fresh male cadavers. The site origin and drainage of vessels, caliber, length, and correlation between diameter and length of pedicle were identified. RESULTS: The SIEA and SIEV were identified at inguinal ligament level in 38 (95%) and 40 (100%) dissections, respectively. The SIEA originated directly from a common femoral artery 22 (57.9%) or a common trunk with other arteries. The SIEA was found within 1 cm of the midpoint of the inguinal ligament in 33 of 38 cases. The meanSD length of SIEA was 3.041.73 (0.5-7) cm. The meanSD caliber of SIEA was 1.450.35 (0.7-2.1) mm. The length of SIEV ranged from 2.2 to 12 cm with a meanSD of 5.452.08 cm. The caliber of SIEV ranged from 1.6 to 4 mm with a meanSD of 2.140.45 mm. The length of SIEA correlated with caliber of arterial pedicle (p<0.001 and correlation coefficient = 0.517). CONCLUSION: The inferior epigastric artery flap can be applied to microsurgical flap transfer, potentially in breast reconstruction, hemifacial atrophy, phalloplasty, or when extremely large amounts of skin coverage are required.