BACKGROUND: The ultrasound-guided transverse abdominis plane block (TAPB) reduces postoperative pain after laparoscopic abdominal surgery. But, its effect post laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair (TEP) is not clear. In this study, we evaluated the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided TAPB in TEP. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized study, forty adult patients (ASA I-II) scheduled for a TEP under general anesthesia were studied. In the TAPB group (n = 20), an ultrasound-guided bilateral TAPB was performed with 0.375% ropivacaine 15 ml on each side after the induction of general anesthesia. The control group (n = 20) did not have TAPB performed. Fentanyl 50 microg was repeatedly injected as per the patient's request in the recovery room. Pain scores at rest and on coughing were assessed postoperatively in the recovery room (20 min, at discharge) and at 4, 8, and 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS: In the recovery room, pain scores (numeric rating scale, 0-10) at postoperative 20 min were lower in the TAPB group (3.9 +/- 1.6, 4.9 +/- 1.8) than the control group (6.9 +/- 1.6, 8.0 +/- 1.6) at rest and on coughing. Also, pain scores upon discharge from the recovery room were lower in the TAPB group (3.2 +/- 1.2, 4.2 +/- 1.5) than the control group (5.3 +/- 1.6, 6.5 +/- 1.8) at rest and on coughing. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound-guided TAPB in patients that had undergone TEP reduced postoperative pain scores and the fentanyl requirement in the recovery room. Also, pain scores on coughing were reduced until postoperative 8 hours.
Adult ; Amides ; Anesthesia, General ; Benzamidines ; Cough ; Fentanyl ; Hernia ; Herniorrhaphy ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Pain, Postoperative ; Prospective Studies ; Pyrazines ; Recovery Room

BACKGROUND: Incisional pain is particularly troublesome after hysterectomy. A method called transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) has shown promise in managing postoperative pain. In this study, we evaluated the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided TAPB after hysterectomy at different time points and at each time point separately for 48 hours. METHODS: Forty-two patients (ASA I, II) who were electively chosen to undergo total abdominal hysterectomy were divided into 2 groups, control (group C) and intervention (group I). Twenty-one patients underwent TAPB (group I) and 21 patients received only the standard treatment with a fentanyl pump (group C). Both groups received standard general anesthesia. For patients in group I, following the surgery and before emergence from anesthesia, 0.5 mg/kg of ropivacaine 0.2% (about 20 cc) was injected bilaterally between the internal oblique and transverse abdominis muscles using sonography. Pain scores using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and drug consumption were measured at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after TAPB. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographics between the two groups. VAS scores appeared to be lower in group I, although there was no interaction with time when we compared mean VAS measurements at different time points between group I and group C (P > 0.05). The amount of fentanyl flow was consistently higher in group C, but when we compared the two groups at each time point separately, the observed difference was not statistically significant (P < 0.053). The incidence of vomiting was 10% in group I and 28% in group C. There were no complaints of itching, and sedation score was 0 to 3. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that TAPB did not result in a statistically significant decrease in VAS scores at different time points. TAPB did lead to decreased fentanyl flow, but when we compared the two groups at each time point separately, the observed difference was not statistically significant.
Amides ; Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, General ; Benzamidines ; Control Groups ; Demography ; Fentanyl ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Incidence ; Muscles ; Pain Management ; Pain, Postoperative ; Pruritus ; Vomiting

A series of biarylbenzamidine analogs were synthesized and tested for their biological activities of inhibiting the reuptake of 5-HT. All of them were new compounds, and their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR and HRMS. Preliminary in vitro pharmacological tests showed that all target compounds exhibited 5-HT reuptake inhibition activity. Among the tested compounds, 5i, 4a and 5m exhibited potent inhibitory activity against 5-HT reuptake in vitro. It is a chance to find a better precursor of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) for further optimization of compounds.
Animals ; Antidepressive Agents ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Benzamidines ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mice ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Serotonin ; analysis ; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; Structure-Activity Relationship

99mTc tricarbonyl glycine monomers, trimers, and pentamers were synthesized and evaluated for their radiolabeling and in vivo distribution characteristics. We synthesized a 99mTc-tricarbonyl precursor with a low oxidation state (I). 99mTc(CO)3(H2O)3 + was then made to react with monomeric and oligomeric glycine for the development of bifunctional chelating sequences for biomolecules. Labeling yields of 99mTc-tricarbonyl glycine monomers and oligomers were checked by high-performance liquid chromatography. The labeling yields of 99mTc-tricarbonyl glycine and glycine oligomers were more than 95%. We evaluated the characteristics of 99mTc-tricarbonyl glycine oligomers by carrying out a lipophilicity test and an imaging study. The octanol-water partition coefficient of 99mTc tricarbonyl glycine oligomers indicated hydrophilic properties. Single-photon emission computed tomography imaging of 99mTc-tricarbonyl glycine oligomers showed rapid renal excretion through the kidneys with a low uptake in the liver, especially of 99mTc tricarbonyl triglycine. Furthermore, we verified that the addition of triglycine to prototype biomolecules (AGRGDS and RRPYIL) results in the improvement of radiolabeling yield. From these results, we conclude that triglycine has good characteristics for use as a bifunctional chelating sequence for a 99mTc-tricarbonyl-based biomolecular imaging probe.
Chromatography, Liquid ; Glycine ; Kidney ; Lifting ; Liver ; Oligopeptides ; Pentamidine ; Tomography, Emission-Computed

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMX-SMZ) is the initial treatment for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. About 20% of patients do not complete the TMX-SMZ treatment due to treatment failure or adverse reactions. Pentamidine isethionate has been used for P. jiroveci pneumonia as a second-line regimen. Although hypoglycemia is a common adverse effect of pentamidine, pentamidine-induced hypoglycemia has not been reported in Korea. We present an HIV patient with grand mal seizures caused by pentamidine-induced hypoglycemia who was managed successfully with IV dextrose infusion. Mental changes can occur during pentamidine treatment, but hypoglycemia is often ignored and misdiagnosed as epilepsy or stroke. It can result in seizures, coma, and even death. We should be aware of pentamidine-induced hypoglycemia, which can lead to severe neurologic deficits and diabetes mellitus.
Coma ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Epilepsy ; Glucose ; HIV ; Humans ; Hypoglycemia ; Korea ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Pentamidine ; Pneumocystis ; Pneumocystis jirovecii ; Pneumonia ; Seizures ; Stroke ; Treatment Failure ; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

BACKGROUND: Wear debris-induced osteolysis leads to periprosthetic loosening and subsequent prosthetic failure. Since excessive osteoclast formation is closely implicated in periprosthetic osteolysis, identification of agents to suppress osteoclast formation and/or function is crucial for the treatment and prevention of wear particle-induced bone destruction. In this study, we examined the potential effect of pentamidine treatment on titanium (Ti) particle-induced osteolysis, and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis. METHODS: The effect of pentamidine treatment on bone destruction was examined in Ti particle-induced osteolysis mouse model. Ti particles were implanted onto mouse calvaria, and vehicle or pentamidine was administered for 10 days. Then, calvarial bone tissue was analyzed using micro-computed tomography and histology. We performed in vitro osteoclastogenesis assay using bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) to determine the effect of pentamidine on osteoclast formation. BMMs were treated with 20 ng/mL RANKL and 10 ng/mL macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the presence or absence of pentamidine. Osteoclast differentiation was determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Pentamidine administration decreased Ti particle-induced osteoclast formation significantly and prevented bone destruction compared to the Ti particle group in vivo. Pentamidine also suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and actin ring formation markedly, and inhibited the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cell c1 and osteoclast-specific genes in vitro. Additionally, pentamidine also attenuated RANKL-mediated phosphorylation of IκBα in BMMs. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that pentamidine is effective in inhibiting osteoclast formation and significantly attenuates wear debris-induced bone loss in mice.
Acid Phosphatase ; Actins ; Animals ; Bone and Bones ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; In Vitro Techniques ; Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Macrophages ; Mice ; Osteoclasts ; Osteolysis ; Pentamidine ; Phosphorylation ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Skull ; Titanium

PURPOSE: To recognize the anatomical positions of the superior oblique muscle in enucleated eyes using trypan blue. METHODS: Twenty-two surgically-enucleated eyes of 11 bodies were studied. The shortest distance from the nasal insertion of superior rectus to the anterior end of the superior oblique tendon, the distance from the temporal insertion of superior rectus to the anterior end of the superior oblique insertion, and the greatest width of superior oblique tendon insertion were measured by caliper 3 consecutive times. The average values in each of the above 3 points were calculated, and values prior to and after trypan blue staining were compared. RESULTS: Prior to staining with trypan blue, the average distance from the nasal insertion of superior rectus to the anterior end of the superior oblique tendon was 4.97 mm and the average distance from the temporal insertion of superior rectus to the anterior end of the superior oblique insertion was 7.57 mm; after staining with trypan blue, the average values were 5.09 mm and 7.65 mm, respectively. There was no statistically meaningful difference in values prior to and after staining (p > 0.05). Prior to staining, the average value of the greatest width of the superior oblique tendon was 10.32 mm, and after staining with trypan blue, the average value increased to 10.76 mm. There was a statistically meaningful difference between the values (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Trypan blue staining helped to recognize the location and the width of the superior oblique tendon more precisely.
Diminazene ; Eye ; Muscles ; Tendons ; Trypan Blue

To obtain basic information on the detection of cellulolytic activity in Auricularia auricula-judae, the influences of dye reagent, pH, and temperature were assessed. Chromogenic dye (congo red, phenol red, remazol brilliant blue, and trypan blue) was individually incorporated into a medium containing either carboxymethyl-cellulose, Avicel, or D-cellobiose as a polysaccharide carbon substrate. The other assessments utilized pHs ranging from 4.5 to 8.0 and temperatures from 15~35degrees C. Overall, when A. auricula-judae species were transferred onto media contained Congo red and adjusted pH 7.0 and then incubated at 25degrees C for 5 days, the clear zone indicative of cellulolytic activity was more pronounced.
Benzenesulfonates ; Carbon ; Cellulose ; Congo Red ; Diminazene ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Phenolsulfonphthalein

BACKGROUND: The viability of cord blood is an important measure of product quality. Trypan blue (TB) stain is the most commonly and conveniently used method to measure the viability of the cord blood. Recently, cytometric analysis using 7-Aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) was introduced. Staining with 7-AAD is more sensitive in detecting cellular damage than staining with TB. In addition to this, 7-AAD allows specific measurement of the viability of total nucleated cells (TNC), mononuclear cells (MNC) and CD34+ cells. In this study, we compared the viability of TNC between the TB and 7-AAD method, as well as analyzing the viability of each cell population. METHODS: From February to July 2010, 102 cord blood units were collected and assessed for the viability of TNC by the TB and 7-AAD methods. The viability of mononuclear cells (MNC) and CD34+ cells was assessed by 7-AAD method. RESULTS: The TB and 7-AAD methods were used to assess the viability of TNC, which was 90.1+/-5.7% and 68.4+/-8.0%, respectively. The viability of MNC and CD34+ cells measured by the 7-AAD method was 91.8+/-4.3% and 93.4+/-5.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The TNC viability of 7-AAD method was significantly lower than that of TB method. In 7-AAD method, the viabilities of MNC and CD34+ cells were significantly higher than that of TNC. As those are important prognostic factors and measures for successful engraftment after the transplantation, the measurement of the viabilities of MNC and CD34+ cells by 7-AAD method would be helpful to the quality control of the cord blood product.
Cell Survival ; Cryopreservation ; Dactinomycin ; Diminazene ; Fetal Blood ; Quality Control ; Transplants ; Trypan Blue ; Umbilical Cord

Human fibroblasts that maintain the structural integrity of connective tissues by secreting precursors of the extracellular matrix are typically cultured with serum. However, there are potential disadvantages of the use of serum including unnatural interactions between the cells and the potential for exposure to animal pathogens. To prevent the possible influence of serum on fibroblast cultures, we devised a serum-free growth method and present in vitro data that demonstrate its suitability for growing porcine fetal fibroblasts. These cells were grown under four different culture conditions: no serum (negative control), 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, positive control), 10% knockout serum replacement (KSR) and 20% KSR in the medium. The proliferation rates and viabilities of the cells were investigated by counting the number of cells and trypan blue staining, respectively. The 10% FBS group showed the largest increase in the total number of cells (1.09 x 10(5) cells/ml). In terms of the rate of viable cells, the results from the KSR supplementation groups (20% KSR: 64.7%; 10% KSR: 80.6%) were similar to those from the 10% FBS group (68.5%). Moreover, supplementation with either 10% (3.0 x 10(4) cells/ml) or 20% KSR (4.8 x 10(4) cells/ml) produced similar cell growth rates. In conclusion, although KSR supplementation produces a lower cell proliferation rate than FBS, this growth condition is more effective for obtaining an appropriate number of viable porcine fetal fibroblasts in culture. Using KSR in fibroblast culture medium is thus a viable alternative to FBS.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation ; Connective Tissue ; Diminazene ; Extracellular Matrix ; Fibroblasts ; Humans ; Trypan Blue