Parallelized computational 3D video microscopy of freely moving organisms at multiple gigapixels per second.

Wide field of view microscopy that can resolve 3D information at high speed and spatial resolution is highly desirable for studying the behaviour of freely moving model organisms. However, it is challenging to design an optical instrument that optimises all these properties simultaneously. Existing techniques typically require the acquisition of sequential image snapshots to observe large areas or measure 3D information, thus compromising on speed and throughput. Here, we present 3D-RAPID, a computational microscope based on a synchronized array of 54 cameras that can capture high-speed 3D topographic videos over an area of 135 cm2, achieving up to 230 frames per second at spatiotemporal throughputs exceeding 5 gigapixels per second. 3D-RAPID employs a 3D reconstruction algorithm that, for each synchronized snapshot, fuses all 54 images into a composite that includes a co-registered 3D height map. The self-supervised 3D reconstruction algorithm trains a neural network to map raw photometric images to 3D topography using stereo overlap redundancy and ray-propagation physics as the only supervision mechanism. The resulting reconstruction process is thus robust to generalization errors and scales to arbitrarily long videos from arbitrarily sized camera arrays. We demonstrate the broad applicability of 3D-RAPID with collections of several freely behaving organisms, including ants, fruit flies, and zebrafish larvae.

Shelf Life Prediction of Vacuum-Packaged Grilled Mackerel.

The current study aimed to establish the shelf life of vacuum-packaged grilled mackerel stored at 5, -5, and -20°C for 70 days. To this end, physicochemical analyses, which involved determining the pH, volatile basic nitrogen, amino nitrogen, trimethylamine (TMA), and thiobarbituric acid levels; microbiological analyses (aerobic plate count and coliform); and sensory quality determination were performed. Regression analysis on the relationship between physicochemical properties and storage time at various temperatures revealed TMA level was the most suitable parameter (R2=0.9769) for predicting changes in the quality of grilled mackerel during storage, with a quality limit value of 8.74 mg/100 g. The shelf life of vacuum-packaged grilled mackerel according to temperature was 21, 53, 62, and 75 days for 5, -5, -15, and -20°C, respectively, with the use-by date being 23 days at 5°C and 74 days at -5°C. In conclusion, TMA was the most suitable parameter for predicting changes in the quality of grilled mackerel during storage.

Unique Li deposition behavior in Li3PS4 solid electrolyte observed via operando X-ray computed tomography.

The problem of lithium dendrites must be addressed for practical lithium metal all-solid-state batteries. Herein, three-dimensional morphological changes within Li3PS4 electrolyte away from the anode were observed using operando X-ray computed tomography. We revealed that the electronic conduction of decomposition and the electrolyte/void interface cause the lithium deposition within the Li3PS4.

The Role of Some Vitamins in Respiratory-related Viral Infections: A Narrative Review.

This study aimed to find out the effect of vitamins on respiratory-related viral infections, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), through the literature reviews. From January 2000 to June 2021, the studies (cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, randomized control trials) related to vitamins (vitamin A, D, E, C, B6, folate, and B12) and COVID-19/severe acute respiratory syndrome/Middle East respiratory syndrome/cold/influenza were selected from the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries and analyzed. The relationship between vitamins and virus-related respiratory diseases was identified. Through the review, 39 studies were selected on vitamin D, one study on vitamin E, 11 studies on vitamin C, and 3 studies on folate. Regarding COVID-19, 18 studies on vitamin D, 4 studies on vitamin C, and 2 studies on folate showed significant effects of the intake of these nutrients in preventing COVID-19. Regarding colds and influenza, 3 studies on vitamin D, 1 study on vitamin E, 3 studies on vitamin C, and 1 study on folate demonstrated that the intake of these nutrients significantly prevents these diseases. Therefore, this review suggested the intake of vitamins D, E, C, and folate is important for preventing respiratory diseases related to viruses, such as COVID-19, colds, and influenza. The relationship between these nutrients and virus-related respiratory diseases should be continuously monitored in the future.

Parallelized computational 3D video microscopy of freely moving organisms at multiple gigapixels per second.

To study the behavior of freely moving model organisms such as zebrafish (Danio rerio) and fruit flies (Drosophila) across multiple spatial scales, it would be ideal to use a light microscope that can resolve 3D information over a wide field of view (FOV) at high speed and high spatial resolution. However, it is challenging to design an optical instrument to achieve all of these properties simultaneously. Existing techniques for large-FOV microscopic imaging and for 3D image measurement typically require many sequential image snapshots, thus compromising speed and throughput. Here, we present 3D-RAPID, a computational microscope based on a synchronized array of 54 cameras that can capture high-speed 3D topographic videos over a 135-cm^2 area, achieving up to 230 frames per second at throughputs exceeding 5 gigapixels (GPs) per second. 3D-RAPID features a 3D reconstruction algorithm that, for each synchronized temporal snapshot, simultaneously fuses all 54 images seamlessly into a globally-consistent composite that includes a coregistered 3D height map. The self-supervised 3D reconstruction algorithm itself trains a spatiotemporally-compressed convolutional neural network (CNN) that maps raw photometric images to 3D topography, using stereo overlap redundancy and ray-propagation physics as the only supervision mechanism. As a result, our end-to-end 3D reconstruction algorithm is robust to generalization errors and scales to arbitrarily long videos from arbitrarily sized camera arrays. The scalable hardware and software design of 3D-RAPID addresses a longstanding problem in the field of behavioral imaging, enabling parallelized 3D observation of large collections of freely moving organisms at high spatiotemporal throughputs, which we demonstrate in ants (Pogonomyrmex barbatus), fruit flies, and zebrafish larvae.

Gigapixel imaging with a novel multi-camera array microscope.

The dynamics of living organisms are organized across many spatial scales. However, current cost-effective imaging systems can measure only a subset of these scales at once. We have created a scalable multi-camera array microscope (MCAM) that enables comprehensive high-resolution recording from multiple spatial scales simultaneously, ranging from structures that approach the cellular scale to large-group behavioral dynamics. By collecting data from up to 96 cameras, we computationally generate gigapixel-scale images and movies with a field of view over hundreds of square centimeters at an optical resolution of 18 µm. This allows us to observe the behavior and fine anatomical features of numerous freely moving model organisms on multiple spatial scales, including larval zebrafish, fruit flies, nematodes, carpenter ants, and slime mold. Further, the MCAM architecture allows stereoscopic tracking of the z-position of organisms using the overlapping field of view from adjacent cameras. Overall, by removing the bottlenecks imposed by single-camera image acquisition systems, the MCAM provides a powerful platform for investigating detailed biological features and behavioral processes of small model organisms across a wide range of spatial scales.

Improvement of Dynamic Performance and Detectivity in Near-Infrared Colloidal Quantum Dot Photodetectors by Incorporating Conjugated Polymers.

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) have a unique advantage in realizing near-infrared (NIR) photodetection since their optical properties are readily tuned by the particle size, but CQD-based photodetectors (QPDs) presently show a high dark current density (Jd) and insufficient dynamic characteristics. To overcome these two problems, we synthesized and introduced two types of conjugated polymers (CPs) by replacing the p-type CQD layer in the QPDs. The low dielectric constant and insulating properties of CPs under dark conditions effectively suppressed the Jd in the QPDs. In addition, the energy-level alignment and high-hole mobility of the CPs facilitated hole transport. Therefore, both the responsivity and specific detectivity were highly enhanced in the CP-based QPDs. Notably, the dynamic characteristics of the QPDs, such as the -3 dB cut-off frequency and rising/falling response times, were significantly improved in the CP-based QPDs owing to the sizable molecular ordering and fast hole transport of the CP in the film state as well as the low trap density, well-aligned energy levels, and good interfacial contact in the CP-based devices.

The Potential Application of Human Gingival Fibroblast-Conditioned Media in Pulp Regeneration: An In Vitro Study.

Regenerative endodontic treatment based on tissue engineering has recently gained interest in contemporary restorative dentistry. However, low survival rates and poor potential differentiation of stem cells could undermine the success rate of pulp regenerative therapy. Human gingival fibroblast-conditioned medium (hGF-CM) has been considered a potential therapy for tissue regeneration due to its stability in maintaining multiple factors essential for tissue regeneration compared to live cell transplantation. This study aimed to investigate the potency of hGF-CM on stem cells from human dental pulp (DPSC) in pulp regeneration. A series of experiments confirmed that hGF-CM contributes to a significant increase in proliferation, migration capability, and cell viability of DPSC after H2O2 exposure. Moreover, it has been proved to facilitate the odontogenic differentiation of DPSC via qRT-PCR, ALP (alkaline phosphatase), and ARS (Alizarin Red S) staining. It has been discovered that such highly upregulated odontogenesis is related to certain types of ECM proteins (collagen and laminin) from hGF-CM via proteomics. In addition, it is found that the ERK pathway is a key mechanism via inhibition assay based on RNA-seq result. These findings demonstrate that hGF-CM could be beneficial biomolecules for pulp regeneration.

Pico-Watt Scanning Thermal Microscopy for Thermal Energy Transport Investigation in Atomic Materials.

The thermophysical properties at the nanoscale are key characteristics that determine the operation of nanoscale devices. Additionally, it is important to measure and verify the thermal transfer characteristics with a few nanometer or atomic-scale resolutions, as the nanomaterial research field has expanded with respect to the development of molecular and atomic-scale devices. Scanning thermal microscopy (SThM) is a well-known method for measuring the thermal transfer phenomena with the highest spatial resolution. However, considering the rapid development of atomic materials, the development of an ultra-sensitive SThM for measuring pico-watt (pW) level heat transfer is essential. In this study, to measure molecular- and atomic-scale phenomena, a pico-watt scanning thermal microscopy (pW-SThM) equipped with a calorimeter capable of measuring heat at the pW level was developed. The heat resolution of the pW-SThM was verified through an evaluation experiment, and it was confirmed that the temperature of the metal line heater sample could be quantitatively measured by using the pW-SThM. Finally, we demonstrated that pW-SThM detects ultra-small differences of local heat transfer that may arise due to differences in van der Waals interactions between the graphene sheets in highly ordered pyrolytic graphite. The pW-SThM probe is expected to significantly contribute to the discovery of new heat and energy transfer phenomena in nanodevices and two-dimensional materials that have been inaccessible through experiments.

Effects of Calcium Fortified Beverage Intake on Insulin Sensitivity and Antioxidant Metabolism in Healthy Elderly.

Calcium, one of the most important nutrients, determines the quality of life of the elderly. It has been reported that 7 out of 10 people over the age of 60 have insufficient calcium intake. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium fortified beverage (CFB) intake on insulin sensitivity and antioxidant metabolism in healthy elderly. A crossover clinical trial was performed and antioxidant status of healthy elderly (age above 65 years, n = 8) was analyzed. Subjects did not take CFB for 0-3 weeks. They then took it for 3-6 weeks. CFB supplementation decreased insulin levels (Δ3-6 weeks: 1.19 ± 0.65 µ IU/mL → Δ0-3 weeks: -0.58 ± 0.38 µ IU/mL). Increasing degree of fasting blood glucose level was suppressed by intake of CFB, although the suppression was not statistically significant. Except for insulin, there were no significant differences in results of biochemical analysis between 0-3 weeks and 3-6 weeks. Catalase activity was significantly increased by CFB supplementation (Δ3-6 weeks: 3.50 ± 5.30 K g/Hb) compared to the no CFB supplementation period (Δ0-3 weeks: -12.48 ± 4.37 K g/Hb). However, the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione-peroxidase were not significantly different between 0-3 weeks and 3-6 weeks. H2O2-induced DNA oxidative damage was also decreased significantly by CFB supplementation. Taken together, these results indicate that CFB has beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity and some antioxidant enzymes in healthy elderly.

The Effect of Intraoperative Magnesium Sulphate Infusion on Emergence Agitation after Ambulatory Ophthalmic Surgery in Children.

This study investigated whether intraoperative infusion of magnesium sulphate reduces the incidence of emergence agitation (EA) in paediatric patients who undergo ambulatory ophthalmic surgery using the Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. Ninety-two paediatric patients who were scheduled for elective ophthalmic surgery were randomly allocated to two groups: control or magnesium. In the magnesium group, patients received an initial intravenous loading dose of 30 mg/kg of 10% solution of magnesium sulphate over 10 min and then a continuous infusion of 10 mg/kg×h during the surgery. In the control group, an equal volume of 0.9% isotonic saline was administered in the same way as in the magnesium group. The PAED scale was assessed at 15-min intervals until the PAED score reached below 10 at the postanaesthetic care unit. EA was defined as a PAED score of 10 or higher. Of the 86 patients recruited, 44 and 42 were allocated to the control and magnesium groups, respectively. The incidence of EA was 77.3% in the control group and 57.1% in the magnesium group (odds ratio, 0.392; 95% confidence interval, 0.154 to 0.997; p = 0.046). The intraoperative infusion of magnesium sulphate significantly reduced the incidence of EA.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced innate immune responses are exacerbated by Prohibitin 1 deficiency and mitigated by S-adenosylmethionine in murine macrophages.

Prohibitin 1 (Phb1) is a pleiotropic protein with multiple functions in mammalian cells including cell cycle regulation and mitochondrial protein stabilization. It has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target for a variety of diseases including inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the potential immune-modulatory functions of Phb1 and anti-inflammatory properties of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) using macrophages, which play a major role in the innate immune system. The results showed that expressions of Phb1 mRNA and protein were reduced in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells (p<0.05). Phb1 knockdown further ameliorated the mRNA expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL10 in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. SAMe significantly attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory responses such as IL-1ß, IL-10, Nos2, and NO production in the presence of siPhb1. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to determine the mechanisms underlying the effects of Phb1 and SAMe on the immune system. The luciferase activity of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) was significantly increased in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, the luciferase reporter assay showed increased NF-κB activation in Phb1 knockdown RAW 264.7 cells (p<0.1) and SAMe treatment attenuated the NF-κB luciferase activity in Phb1 knockdown RAW 264.7 cells. Based on the results, we concluded that Phb1 possibly modulates the inflammatory response whereas SAMe has an anti-inflammatory effect on Phb1 knockdown macrophage cells. Furthermore, Phb1 expression level has potential properties of affecting on innate immune system by modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Different TERT Expression between Colorectal Adenoma and Serrated Polyp.

Background and Objectives: Telomere regulation have an association with colorectal cancer. Previous studies demonstrated its implication in colorectal carcinogenesis. This study aimed to identify the role of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) in colorectal carcinogenesis and determine TERT expression and their associated genes in precancerous lesions. Materials and Methods: TERT expression in 93 colorectal precursor lesions was analyzed. This included 61 tubular adenomas (TAs) and 32 serrated polyps (SPs). Furthermore, KRAS and BRAF gene mutations and microsatellite instability were analyzed. Statistical tests were performed to analyze the relationship between variables. Results: TERT expression in TAs, when compared with those observed in paired adjacent nontumor tissues, was 0.92 ± 0.78. TERT expression levels were significantly lower in SPs (0.38 ± 0.14, p < 0.001). KRAS and BRAF mutations were mutually exclusive in TAs and SPs (p < 0.001). TERT expression tended to be associated with KRAS mutations (46.7% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.098) and low-grade tumors (35.0% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.096), but this difference was insignificant. Conclusions: TERT expression has a pivotal role in progression to TAs in colorectal tissue. Considering the association between TERT expression and KRAS mutation, therapeutic drugs targeting this pathway can be developed for cancer prevention.

Comparative Analysis of Commercial Chinese Bean Sauce (Chunjang) from Korea and China Based on Antioxidant Activity.

In this study, the antioxidant effects of seven types of commercial Chunjang from China (C1∼3) and Korea (K1∼4) were compared for their ability to protect against H2O2-induced DNA damage. Outputs included total phenolic content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH RSA), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), total radical trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), and comet assays. TPC was the highest in C3 (1,250.8 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g). C1 exhibited a significantly higher DPPH RSA IC50 (7.5 mg/mL) and ORAC concentration (8.22 µM Trolox equivalent) compared with all other samples, and C1 and K1 exhibited the highest TRAPs. H2O2-induced DNA damage was effectively protected by Chunjang, with a higher observed in C2, C3, and K1 (24.2∼25.3 µg/mL) compared with the other samples (28.3∼30.0 µg/mL). Our results showed that commercial Chunjang contains polyphenol and antioxidant activities. The differences between the samples might be attributed to different origins, materials, and processing methods.

Clinical and Prognostic Significance of TZAP Expression in Cervical Cancer.

Background and Objectives: Telomeric zinc finger-associated protein (TZAP) is a telomere-associated factor that was previously called ZBTB48. This protein binds preferentially to long telomeres, competing with telomeric repeat factors 1 and 2. Genetic changes in TZAP may be associated with cancer pathogenesis; however, this relationship has not yet been elucidated for any type of cancer. In this study, we aimed to examine the clinicopathologic and prognostic value of TZAP expression in cervical cancer (CC). Materials and Methods: The data were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas cohorts by OncoLnc (21 cancer types, 7700 cancers). The prognostic value of TZAP for different stages of 264 CCs was examined using survival analysis. Results: The TZAP expression did not differ significantly between CC and normal matched tissues. Age, cancer stage, and viral infection were not associated with TZAP expression. Survival analysis revealed a shorter overall survival in CC patients with a lower TZAP expression (χ2 = 3.62, p = 0.057). The prognostic value of TZAP expression was greater in patients with N1 stage CC (χ2 = 5.64, p = 0.018). Conclusion: TZAP expression is a possible prognostic marker for CC, especially stage N1 CC.

Third head of the biceps brachii muscle originated from the greater tubercle connecting long and short heads: a case report / Tercera cabeza del músculo bíceps braquial originada en la tubrosidad mayor del húmero conectando las cabezas larga y corta: informe de un caso

Variation in the biceps brachii muscle is extremely frequent and has a clinical significance. During an educational dissection, third head of the biceps brachii muscle was found on the left side in a Korean cadaver. The short and long heads showed normal morphology and course: however, additional head originated from the greater tubercle connected to long head of biceps brachii muscle and crossed the musculocutaneous nerve perpendicularly. And then, it was inserted into short head of the biceps brachii muscle. The author describes this previously novel case report and discusses the clinical implications of such a variant.

La variación en el músculo bíceps braquial es extremadamente frecuente y tiene un significado clínico. Durante una disección educativa, se encontró la tercera cabeza del músculo bíceps braquial en el lado izquierdo de un cadáver coreano. Las cabezas cortas y largas mostraron una morfología y curso normales: sin embargo, la cabeza adicional se originó de la tuberosidad mayor conectado a la cabeza larga del músculo bíceps braquial y cruzaba el nervio musculocutáneo perpendicularmente, insertándose en la cabeza corta del músculo bíceps braquial. El autor describe este informe de un caso novedoso y discute las implicaciones clínicas de tal variante.

Postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade after reversal based on a qualitative peripheral nerve stimulator response: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Incomplete recovery of neuromuscular blockade is a common postoperative adverse event in the postanaesthesia care unit. OBJECTIVE: We examined and compared the incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade when the recommended dose of neostigmine or sugammadex was administered according to a qualitative nerve stimulator response. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial. SETTING: A tertiary care hospital in South Korea from September 2017 to November 2017. PATIENTS: Eighty patients aged between 18 and 69 years were included in this study. All were patients scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy and who had an American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status of one or two were eligible. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were allocated randomly to receive neostigmine or sugammadex at the end of surgery. The doses of the reversal agents were based on the response to peripheral nerve stimulation, which was discontinued after administration of the reversal agent. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade. The secondary outcomes were the incidences of symptoms or signs of residual neuromuscular blockade such as hypoxaemia, inability to maintain head-lift for 5 s and diplopia. RESULTS: The incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade on arrival in the recovery room was 44.4% in the neostigmine group and 0% in the sugammadex group (P < 0.0001, relative risk = 1.80, 95% confidence interval 1.36 to 2.41). The incidences of adverse events in the recovery room were low and comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: The incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade on arrival in the recovery room was significantly higher in the neostigmine group than that in the sugammadex group. However, the incidence of adverse events was similar in the neostigmine and sugammadex groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03292965.

Development of Latent Fingermarks on Surfaces of Food-A More Realistic Approach.

Latent fingermark developing methods from food (mandarin, egg, banana, apple, potato, carrot, eggplant, onion, bell pepper, and tomato) surface has been studied by 10 methods, including powdering method, small particle reagent method, and cyanoacrylate fuming method. The foods were stored under two conditions (room temperature and refrigerator) before fingermark deposition and aged for 2, 24, 48, and 72 h before fingermark development. In most of the food surfaces used in this study, cyanoacrylate fuming with 80% relative humidity was superior to the powder or small particle reagent methods. The quality of the fingermarks varied depending on the storage conditions before the fingermark deposition (in the refrigerator or at ambient temperature) and the time elapsed since the fingermark deposition. However, the storage conditions before the fingermark deposition and the time elapsed since the fingermark deposition did not show any correlation with the quality of the fingermark.

Alveolar Bone Protective Effect of Hiziki Extracts on the Progression of Periodontitis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of hiziki extract on alveolar bone loss, inflammation, and osteo-biomarker expression in hPDL cells (10, 50, 100 µg/ml final concentrations in culture medium) and on a ligature-induced periodontitis rat model (50, 100, 200 mg/kg with oral administration). Hiziki extract increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation in hPDL cell. In western blot analysis, hiziki extract resulted in increased expression of osteoblast markers, including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), SMAD anchor for receptor activation (SARA) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in hDPL cells. Additionally, expression of osteoclast markers and inflammatory cytokines was inhibited, which were receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), RANK receptor (RANKL) and nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). Hiziki extract also prevented alveolar bone loss in a ligature-induced periodontitis rat model through reducing the distance between cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest (CBJ-ABC) and furcation involvement. These findings suggested that hiziki extract has prophylactic potential for the prevention of periodontitis through anti-inflammation and, anti-bone resorption effects and the inhibition of alveolar bone destruction.

Intraoperative Nefopam Reduces Acute Postoperative Pain after Laparoscopic Gastrectomy: a Prospective, Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: We assessed whether intraoperative nefopam would reduce opioid consumption and relieve postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy. METHODS: The 60 enrolled patients were randomly assigned to the control (n = 32) or nefopam (n = 28) group. All patients were blinded to their group assignment. We administered 100 ml of normal saline only (control group) or 20 mg of nefopam mixed in 100 ml normal saline (nefopam group) after anesthesia induction and at the end of surgery. The cumulative amount of fentanyl via intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), incidence of rescue analgesic medication, and numerical rating scale (NRS) for postoperative pain were evaluated along with the total remifentanil consumption. RESULTS: The mean infusion rate of remifentanil was significantly lower in the nefopam group (0.08 ± 0.05 µg/kg/min) than in the control group (0.13 ± 0.06 µg/kg/min) (P < 0.001). Patients in the nefopam group required less fentanyl via intravenous PCA than those in the control group during the first 6 h after surgery (323.8 ± 119.3 µg vs. 421.2 ± 151.6 µg, P = 0.009). Additionally, fewer patients in the nefopam group than in the control group received a rescue analgesic during the initial 6 h postoperatively (78.6 vs. 96.9%, P = 0.028). The NRS measured while patients were in the post-anesthetic care unit was significantly lower in the nefopam group than in the control group (3.8 ± 1.1 vs. 4.8 ± 1.4, P = 0.012). The subsequent NRS obtained after patients had been transferred to the general ward was comparable between the two groups during the following postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative nefopam decreased postoperative pain and opioid consumption in the acute postoperative period after laparoscopic gastrectomy. Hence, nefopam may be considered as a component of multimodal analgesia after laparoscopic gastrectomy.