The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a role in various cellular phenomena, including autophagy, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Although recent studies have reported its involvement in nociceptive responses in several pain models, whether mTOR is involved in orofacial pain processing is currently unexplored. This study determined whether rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, reduces nociceptive responses and the number of Fos-immunoreactive (Fos-ir) cells in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) in a mouse orofacial formalin model. We also examined whether the glial cell expression and phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the TNC are affected by rapamycin. Mice were intraperitoneally given rapamycin (0.1, 0.3, or 1.0 mg/kg); then, 30 min after, 5% formalin (10 l) was subcutaneously injected into the right upper lip. The rubbing responses with the ipsilateral forepaw or hindpaw were counted for 45 min. High-dose rapamycin (1.0 mg/kg) produced significant antinociceptive effects in both the first and second phases of formalin test. The number of Fos-ir cells in the ipsilateral TNC was also reduced by high-dose rapamycin compared with vehicle-treated animals. Furthermore, the number of p-p38-ir cells the in ipsilateral TNC was significantly decreased in animals treated with high-dose rapamycin; p-p38 expression was co-localized in microglia, but not neurons and astrocytes. Therefore, the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, reduces orofacial nociception and Fos expression in the TNC, and its antinociceptive action on orofacial pain may be associated with the inhibition of p-p38 MAPK in the microglia.

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a role in various cellular phenomena, including autophagy, cell proliferation, and differentiation. Although recent studies have reported its involvement in nociceptive responses in several pain models, whether mTOR is involved in orofacial pain processing is currently unexplored. This study determined whether rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, reduces nociceptive responses and the number of Fos-immunoreactive (Fos-ir) cells in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) in a mouse orofacial formalin model. We also examined whether the glial cell expression and phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the TNC are affected by rapamycin. Mice were intraperitoneally given rapamycin (0.1, 0.3, or 1.0 mg/kg); then, 30 min after, 5% formalin (10 l) was subcutaneously injected into the right upper lip. The rubbing responses with the ipsilateral forepaw or hindpaw were counted for 45 min. High-dose rapamycin (1.0 mg/kg) produced significant antinociceptive effects in both the first and second phases of formalin test. The number of Fos-ir cells in the ipsilateral TNC was also reduced by high-dose rapamycin compared with vehicle-treated animals. Furthermore, the number of p-p38-ir cells the in ipsilateral TNC was significantly decreased in animals treated with high-dose rapamycin; p-p38 expression was co-localized in microglia, but not neurons and astrocytes. Therefore, the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, reduces orofacial nociception and Fos expression in the TNC, and its antinociceptive action on orofacial pain may be associated with the inhibition of p-p38 MAPK in the microglia.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the risk factors for peripheral intravenous catheter-related phlebitis in hospitalized neurosurgery patients. Methods: This study involved 443 neurosurgery patients who were admitted to a general hospital in Seoul. The analysis included 982 intravenous lines. Data were retrospectively extracted from electronic medical records for the period between November 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, x 2 test, and logistic regression. Results: The incidence rate of phlebitis was 13.6%, with the majority of cases classified as grade 2. Gender, present diseases, length of hospital stay, needle gauge size, and cardiovascular drugs were identified as risk factors for phlebitis in neurosurgery patients. Conclusion This study is significant as it provides basic data for the prevention and management of peripheral phlebitis in hospitalized neurosurgery patients. The risk factors identified in this study should be incorporated into nursing education to implement a systematic peripheral intravenous management program, and appropriate peripheral intravenous catheter-related nursing interventions are necessary based on the characteristics of each patient.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the risk factors for peripheral intravenous catheter-related phlebitis in hospitalized neurosurgery patients. Methods: This study involved 443 neurosurgery patients who were admitted to a general hospital in Seoul. The analysis included 982 intravenous lines. Data were retrospectively extracted from electronic medical records for the period between November 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, x 2 test, and logistic regression. Results: The incidence rate of phlebitis was 13.6%, with the majority of cases classified as grade 2. Gender, present diseases, length of hospital stay, needle gauge size, and cardiovascular drugs were identified as risk factors for phlebitis in neurosurgery patients. Conclusion This study is significant as it provides basic data for the prevention and management of peripheral phlebitis in hospitalized neurosurgery patients. The risk factors identified in this study should be incorporated into nursing education to implement a systematic peripheral intravenous management program, and appropriate peripheral intravenous catheter-related nursing interventions are necessary based on the characteristics of each patient.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the risk factors for peripheral intravenous catheter-related phlebitis in hospitalized neurosurgery patients. Methods: This study involved 443 neurosurgery patients who were admitted to a general hospital in Seoul. The analysis included 982 intravenous lines. Data were retrospectively extracted from electronic medical records for the period between November 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, x 2 test, and logistic regression. Results: The incidence rate of phlebitis was 13.6%, with the majority of cases classified as grade 2. Gender, present diseases, length of hospital stay, needle gauge size, and cardiovascular drugs were identified as risk factors for phlebitis in neurosurgery patients. Conclusion This study is significant as it provides basic data for the prevention and management of peripheral phlebitis in hospitalized neurosurgery patients. The risk factors identified in this study should be incorporated into nursing education to implement a systematic peripheral intravenous management program, and appropriate peripheral intravenous catheter-related nursing interventions are necessary based on the characteristics of each patient.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the risk factors for peripheral intravenous catheter-related phlebitis in hospitalized neurosurgery patients. Methods: This study involved 443 neurosurgery patients who were admitted to a general hospital in Seoul. The analysis included 982 intravenous lines. Data were retrospectively extracted from electronic medical records for the period between November 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, x 2 test, and logistic regression. Results: The incidence rate of phlebitis was 13.6%, with the majority of cases classified as grade 2. Gender, present diseases, length of hospital stay, needle gauge size, and cardiovascular drugs were identified as risk factors for phlebitis in neurosurgery patients. Conclusion This study is significant as it provides basic data for the prevention and management of peripheral phlebitis in hospitalized neurosurgery patients. The risk factors identified in this study should be incorporated into nursing education to implement a systematic peripheral intravenous management program, and appropriate peripheral intravenous catheter-related nursing interventions are necessary based on the characteristics of each patient.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of hyperkalemia and the contributing factors of nonoliguric hyperkalemia in low birth weight infants within 48 hours after birth. METHODS: The incidence of nonoliguric hyperkalemia and difference of clinical features between hyperkalemia (>6.7 mEq/L) and normokalemia (< or =6.7 mEq/L) groups were determined by reviewing medical records of 196 low birth weight infants who were born in Hanyang university hospital between Oct. 2001. and Jul. 2004. We analized the serum level of sodium, potassium, fluid intake, urine output, pH of blood gas and others. RESULTS: Among 196 infants, 17 infants was hyperkalemia developed in 48 hours after birth. In that cases, 10 infants were showed EKG abnormalities, such as ventricular tachycardia. In all cases, birth weight, gestational age, Apgar score, usage of surfactant, urine output, BUN and creatinine were significant. In A group gestational age, urine output, BUN, creatinin were significant, in B group BUN, creatinine were significant, in C group BUN were significant between hyperkalemia and normokalemia. Six infants with hyperkalemia died as a result of hyperkalemia induced cardiac arrhythmia. CONCLUSION: Hyperkalemia frequently occurred extremely premature infants. But hyperkalemia also be developed in low birth weight infants who were not suffered from asphyxia or tissue damage. Serum potassium level should be monitored to avoid life threatening cardiac arrhythmia in low birth weight infant.
Apgar Score ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Asphyxia ; Birth Weight ; Creatinine ; Electrocardiography ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Hyperkalemia* ; Incidence ; Infant* ; Infant, Extremely Premature ; Infant, Low Birth Weight* ; Infant, Newborn ; Medical Records ; Parturition ; Potassium ; Sodium ; Tachycardia, Ventricular

BACKGROUND: The associations of vitamin D deficiency with various clinical conditions highlighted the importance of vitamin D testing. Currently, clinicians measure only the total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration, regardless of its bioavailability. We aimed to determine the effect of vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) on 25(OH)D bioavailability. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 60 healthy controls, 50 pregnant women, and 50 patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Total 25(OH)D was quantified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, and VDBP levels were determined by using an ELISA kit (R&D Systems, USA). The bioavailable 25(OH)D levels were calculated by using total 25(OH)D, VDBP, and albumin concentrations. RESULTS: In comparison with healthy controls, the total 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in ICU patients (median, 11.65 vs 18.25 ng/mL; P<0.00001), but no significant difference was noted between pregnant women (18.25 ng/mL) and healthy controls. The VDBP level was significantly lower in ICU patients (95.58 vs 167.18 µg/mL, P=0.0002) and higher in pregnant women (225.01 vs 167.18 µg/mL, P=0.008) compared with healthy controls. Nonetheless, the calculated bioavailable 25(OH)D levels of ICU patients and pregnant women were significantly lower than those of healthy controls (1.97 and 1.93 ng/mL vs 2.56 ng/mL; P=0.0073 and 0.0027). CONCLUSIONS: A single marker of the total 25(OH)D level is not sufficient to accurately evaluate vitamin D status, especially in pregnant women. In cases where VDBP concentrations may be altered, VDBP measurements and bioavailable 25(OH)D calculations may help to determine vitamin D status accurately.
Adult ; Aged ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Intensive Care Units ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant Women ; Serum Albumin/analysis ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Vitamin D/*blood ; Vitamin D-Binding Protein/*blood

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to investigate the spectrum and the prognosis of neonate with cardiovascular malformation delivered from diabetic mothers. METHODS: From January 2004 to December 2008, 70 neonates born to diabetic mothers who were delivered at Dongsan Medical Center, Keimyung University, and received echocardiographic study between 3rd and 14th days of life to identify the presence of cardiac anomaly were included. Cases combined with chromosomal anomaly were excluded. And follow up results (rate of cardiac operation and mortality) were assessed. RESULTS: Among 67 neonates, 22 cases (32.8%) had combined cardiovascular malformation. They were interventricular septal hypertrophy (10 cases), atrial septal defect (7 cases), significant patent ductus arteriosus (5 cases), ventricular septal defect (2 cases) and tetralogy of Fallot (1 case). Among them, 20 neonates (29.9%) were preterm babies, and 21 neonates (31.3%) were large babies. On follow up echocardiograpic examination between 2 and 12 months of life, all but 2 infants (received cardiac operation due to VSD or Tetralogy of Fallot) was improved spontaneously. And combined extracardiac anomalies were tracheoesophageal fistula (2 cases), imperforated anus (1 case) and corpus callosum agenesis (1 case). Only one preterm baby was dead due to necrotizing enterocolitis, but did not have cardiac disease. CONCLUSION: Pre-existing maternal diabetes was associated with the development of neonatal cardiac anomalies, but the prognosis was good in this study.
Agenesis of Corpus Callosum ; Anal Canal ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Echocardiography ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Diseases ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; Humans ; Hypertrophy ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Mothers ; Prognosis ; Tetralogy of Fallot ; Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm that is almost always characterised by the presence of t(9;22)(q34;q11.2). Approximately 5% to 10% of CML patients lack cytogenetic evidence of t(9;22)(q34;q11.2) but have the breakpoint cluster region (BCR)/ABL1 fusion, as revealed by fl uorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) or the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We present a case of Philadelphia-negative CML with a cryptic insertion of BCR at 9q34. A 22-year-old woman incidentally presented with marked leucocytosis and anaemia. Her complete blood count results were as follows: white blood cells, 238.61x10(9)/L; haemoglobin, 9.6 g/dL; platelets, 395x10(9)/L. A peripheral blood smear showed leucocytosis with neutrophilia, basophilia, left-shifted neutrophils, and circulating blasts comprising 2% of the total leucocytes. The bone marrow showed a striking increase in megakaryocytes and granulocytic precursors. The myeloid/erythroid ratio was 7.4:1, and blasts comprised up to 1.8% of all nucleated cells. Bone marrow sections revealed active megakaryopoiesis and granulopoiesis with 100% cellularity. Chromosomal analysis revealed a normal karyotype. However, interphase FISH using a dual-colour BCR/ABL1 fusion probe showed an atypical pattern consisting of one red, two green, and one fusion (1R2G1F) signal in 97.5% of the 200 analysed cells. Metaphase FISH revealed a single BCR/ABL1 fusion signal on chromosome 9. RT-PCR was positive for BCR/ABL1 (b3a2). Quantitative PCR revealed a normalised copy number of 15.32. The patient started her treatment with imatinib, reached a complete molecular response eight months afterwards, and has been coping well without any adverse events.
Blood Cell Count ; Bone Marrow ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9 ; Cytogenetics ; Female ; Humans ; Interphase ; Karyotype ; Leukocytes ; Megakaryocytes ; Metaphase ; Neutrophils ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Strikes, Employee ; Young Adult ; Imatinib Mesylate