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Background: The noble gases argon and xenon are potential novel neuroprotective treatments for acquired brain injuries. Xenon has already undergone early-stage clinical trials in the treatment of ischaemic brain injuries, with mixed results. Argon has yet to progress to clinical trials as a treatment for brain injury. Here, we aim to synthesise the results of preclinical studies evaluating argon and xenon as neuroprotective therapies for brain injuries.Methods: After a systematic review of the MEDLINE and Embase databases, we carried out a pairwise and stratified meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was examined by subgroup analysis, funnel plot asymmetry, and Egger's regression.Results: A total of 32 studies were identified, 14 for argon and 18 for xenon, involving measurements from 1384 animals, including murine, rat, and porcine models. Brain injury models included ischaemic brain injury after cardiac arrest (CA), neurological injury after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and ischaemic stroke. Both argon and xenon had significant (P<0.001), positive neuroprotective effect sizes. The overall effect size for argon (CA, TBI, stroke) was 18.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.1-28.1%), and for xenon (CA, TBI, stroke) was 34.1% (95% CI, 24.7-43.6%). Including the CPB model, only present for xenon, the xenon effect size (CPB, CA, TBI, stroke) was 27.4% (95% CI, 11.5-43.3%). Xenon, both with and without the CPB model, was significantly (P<0.001) more protective than argon.Conclusions: These findings provide evidence to support the use of xenon and argon as neuroprotective treatments for acquired brain injuries. Current evidence suggests that xenon is more efficacious than argon overall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have emphasised the important role of amino acids in cancer metabolism. Cold physical plasma is an evolving technology employed to target tumour cells by introducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, limited understanding is available on the role of metabolic reprogramming in tumour cells fostering or reducing plasma-induced cancer cell death.Methods: The utilisation and impact of major metabolic substrates of fatty acid, amino acid and TCA pathways were investigated in several tumour cell lines following plasma exposure by qPCR, immunoblotting and cell death analysis.Results: Metabolic substrates were utilised in Panc-1 and HeLa but not in OVCAR3 and SK-MEL-28 cells following plasma treatment. Among the key genes governing these pathways, ASCT2 and SLC3A2 were consistently upregulated in Panc-1, Miapaca2GR, HeLa and MeWo cells. siRNA-mediated knockdown of ASCT2, glutamine depletion and pharmacological inhibition with V9302 sensitised HeLa cells to the plasma-induced cell death. Exogenous supplementation of glutamine, valine or tyrosine led to improved metabolism and viability of tumour cells following plasma treatment.Conclusion: These data suggest the amino acid influx driving metabolic reprogramming in tumour cells exposed to physical plasma, governing the extent of cell death. This pathway could be targeted in combination with existing anti-tumour agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation (coblation) and Nd:YAG laser in treating recurrent nasolacrimal duct obstruction. A prospective study was performed on patients who agreed to be treated with coblation or Nd:YAG laser for recurrent nasolacrimal duct obstruction after failed lacrimal Nd:YAG laser combined with silicone intubation. The visual analogue scale (VAS) pain grade was assessed at baseline, immediately, and 3 and 7 days after surgery. The degree of watering, lacrimal passage irrigation, and complications were also evaluated 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Ninety-five patients who met the criteria for recurrent nasolacrimal duct obstruction from February 2018 to February 2019 were included in this study, with 46 patients receiving coblation and 49 patients Nd:YAG laser. The intraoperative and postoperative (3 days after surgery) VAS pain grades of the patients who received coblation were significantly lower than those who received Nd:YAG laser (P < 0.001). The number of patients in the coblation group who achieved complete clinical relief (no epiphora symptoms with fluent lacrimal passage irrigation) was significantly larger than that in the lacrimal Nd:YAG laser group at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery (P = 0.033, P = 0.006, P = 0.003, respectively). During the follow-up period, there were no unexpected complications in either group. Compared with Nd:YAG laser, coblation performed well in alleviating pain and maintaining sustained disease relief and may therefore be an alternative to conventional laser or dacryocystorhinostomy surgery in the management of recurrent nasolacrimal duct obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To introduce the combined laser technique, argon laser peripheral iridoplasty (ALPI) and argon laser pupilloplasty (ALPP), in the management of medically unresponsive acute primary angle closure (APAC). Design. Retrospective study. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 23 patients (27 eyes) with APAC, who were applied ALPI and ALPP when traditional treatment failed. The visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) were monitored before surgery and at 1, 2, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Additionally, the angle-opening status was monitored before surgery and 48 h after the treatment by using an ultrasonic biological microscope (UBM), and the presurgical and postsurgical cornea edema statuses were observed by using a slit lamp. We also documented the complications of laser treatment. Results. For the ALPI + ALPP laser-effective group, the presurgical IOP was 52.1 ± 9.3 mmHg and the postsurgical IOP was 37.6 ± 10.9 mmHg (1 h), 28.4 ± 12.4 mmHg (2 h), 19.9 ± 9.0 mmHg (6 h), 16.8 ± 7.3 mmHg (12 h), 15.9 ± 5.9 mmHg (24 h), and 14.9 ± 5.0 mmHg (48 h), with statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in each time point. It was observed in all the patients that the corneal edema alleviated, the angles opened, and visual acuity recovered with varying degrees at 48 h after applying combined laser treatment. For the ALPI + ALPP laser-ineffective group, further interventions were taken. Definite treatment was given in both groups to maintain the long-term IOP control. Conclusions. Although the combination of ALPI and ALPP is a temporizing therapeutic strategy for APAC, it is effective in relieving pupillary block which is unresponsive to miotic agents, opening the closed angle to a certain extent, restoring the transparency of cornea, and reducing IOP to a safe level for further definitive treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Xenon is a noble gas with neuroprotective properties that can improve short and long-term outcomes in young adult mice after controlled cortical impact. This follow-up study investigates the effects of xenon on very long-term outcomes and survival.Methods: C57BL/6N young adult male mice (n=72) received single controlled cortical impact or sham surgery and were treated with either xenon (75% Xe:25% O2) or control gas (75% N2:25% O2). Outcomes measured were: (i) 24 h lesion volume and neurological outcome score; (ii) contextual fear conditioning at 2 weeks and 20 months; (iii) corpus callosum white matter quantification; (iv) immunohistological assessment of neuroinflammation and neuronal loss; and (v) long-term survival.Results: Xenon treatment significantly reduced secondary injury (P<0.05), improved short-term vestibulomotor function (P<0.01), and prevented development of very late-onset traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related memory deficits. Xenon treatment reduced white matter loss in the contralateral corpus callosum and neuronal loss in the contralateral hippocampal CA1 and dentate gyrus areas at 20 months. Xenon's long-term neuroprotective effects were associated with a significant (P<0.05) reduction in neuroinflammation in multiple brain areas involved in associative memory, including reduction in reactive astrogliosis and microglial cell proliferation. Survival was improved significantly (P<0.05) in xenon-treated animals compared with untreated animals up to 12 months after injury.Conclusions: Xenon treatment after TBI results in very long-term improvements in clinically relevant outcomes and survival. Our findings support the idea that xenon treatment shortly after TBI may have long-term benefits in the treatment of brain trauma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the changes in the macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness and central macular thickness (CMT) as measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) post-argon laser panretinal photocoagulation (PRP).Methods: The medical records of 25 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) who underwent PRP, 29 patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and 29 patients with diabetes but without diabetic retinopathy (DR) were analyzed. The patients who received PRP were followed up for one year. The follow-up measurements were evaluated at baseline, and months 1, 6, and 12 post-argon laser PRP. The baseline values of CMT and GCC thickness were compared among the groups to assess changes with PRP therapy.Results: The CMT gradually increased in months 1 and 6 and then decreased; however, it was significantly higher than the baseline value at month 12 in the PDR group post-PRP. The GCC thickness also increased at months 1 and 6 in almost all segments of the macula, but at month 12 decreased to the baseline value. There was no correlation between the increasing thickness of the macula and change in the GCC thickness post-PRP period in the PDR group. In addition, no significant correlation was detected between the GCC thickness and best-corrected visual acuity during all follow-up visits.Conclusions: GCC thickness increased significantly until month 6 compared with baseline values in most of the macular segments post-PRP in the PDR group. The GCC thickness at month 12 was not different from the baseline thickness in any of the macular segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To evaluate the outcome of 23 G PPV and ILM peeling with 14% C3F8 compared with silicone oil tamponade in cases of TMHs without spontaneous closure. Methods. A retrospective comparative study included 33 eyes with TMHs; 7 eyes healed spontaneously, and the remaining 26 eyes have been treated with PPV and ILM peeling. Silicone oil was used as a tamponade for children or adults who refused to adopt face-down position (10 cases). In all other cases (16 cases), 14% C3F8 was used. These cases were followed up for 6 months postoperatively. Results. 26 cases (22 males and 4 females) were reviewed, including 10 cases treated with silicone oil and 16 cases treated with 14% C3F8. Patients’ age ranged from 9 to 54 years. The success rate was 90% in the silicone-filled (9/10) and 94% in the gas-filled (15/16) eyes. At 6 months, the mean BCVA was 0.3 ± 0.25 in the silicone group and 0.2 ± 0.13 in the gas group (p<0.05). Conclusions. Cases of TMHs should be observed for spontaneous closure. PPV with ILM peeling should be conducted for nonclosing cases. Gas and silicone oil tamponades are equally successful in anatomical and visual outcomes. This trial is registered with CTRI/2017/06/008765. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current treatments of panic disorder (PD) are limited by adverse effects, poor efficacy, and need for chronic administration. The established safety profile of subanesthetic concentrations of xenon gas, which is known to act as a glutamate subtype NMDA receptor antagonist, coupled with preclinical studies demonstrating its effects in other anxiety related conditions, prompted us to evaluate its feasibility and efficacy in treatment of patients with PD.Methods: An open-label clinical trial of xenon-oxygen mixture was conducted in 81 patients with PD; group 1 consisting of patients only with PD (N = 42); and group 2 patients with PD and other comorbidities (N = 39).Results: Based on the analysis of the results of a number of psychometric scales used in this study (SAS, HADS, CGI), several conclusions can be made: (1) xenon is a potentially effective modality in acute treatment of PD; (2) an anti-panic effect of xenon administration persists for at least 6 months after the completion of the active phase of treatment; (3) xenon inhalation is well tolerated, with the drop-out rates being much lower than that of conventional pharmacotherapy (5.8% vs. 15%); (4) the severity of depressive disorders that frequently accompany PD can be significantly reduced with the use of xenon; (5) xenon may be considered as an alternative to benzodiazepines in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy as a safe modality in treatment of anxiety disorder.Conclusions: These data support the need for randomized double-blind clinical trials to further study xenon-based interventions. Trial registration This clinical trial was retrospectively registered on April 14th, 2017 as ISRCTN15184285 in the ISRCTN database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of shoulder pain (SP) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) varies between 21 and 80 %. A few randomised controlled trials and meta-analysis have shown lesser SP in LC performed under low-pressure carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum (LPCP) than under standard-pressure carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum (SPCP). However, the possible compromise in adequate exposure and effective working space during LPCP has negatively influenced its uniform adoption for LC.Materials and Methods: All consecutive patients undergoing elective LC for gallstone disease who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enroled. Fourty patients were randomised to SPCP group (pressure of 14 mmHg) and 40 to LPCP group (pressure of 9-10 mmHg). Primary outcome measured was incidence of SP and its severity on visual analogue scale (VAS) at 4, 8, 24 h and 7 days after LC. Secondary outcomes measured were procedural time, technical difficulty, surgeons' satisfaction score on exposure and working space, intra-operative changes in heart rate and blood pressure, abdominal pain and analgesic requirement. Analyses were performed using Stata software.Results: There was no conversion to open surgery, bile duct injury or need to increase intra-abdominal pressure on either group. Twenty-three patients (57.5 %) in SPCP group and nine patients (22.5 %) in LPCP group had SP (p = 0.001). The severity of SP was significantly more in SPCP group at 8 and 24 h (p = 0.009 and 0.005, respectively). Both the groups had similar procedural time, surgeons' satisfaction score, intra-operative changes in heart rate and blood pressure.Conclusion: The incidence and severity of SP following LC performed at LPCP are significantly less compared to that in SPCP. The safety, efficacy and surgeons' satisfaction appear to be comparable in both the groups. Hence, a routine practice of low-pressure carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum may be recommended in selected group of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Clinical Trial Registration Number: CTRI/2016/02/006590. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies suggest that a variety of medical gases confer neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia, extending function beyond their regular clinical applications. The mechanisms underlying ischemic neuroprotection afforded by medical gases have been intensively studied over the past two decades. A number of signaling pathways have been proposed, among which anti-inflammatory signaling has been proven to be critical. Pursuit of the role for anti-inflammatory signaling may shed new light on the translational application of medical gas-afforded neuroprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a major cause of mortality and disability in the newborn. The authors investigated the protective effects of argon combined with hypothermia on neonatal rat hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.Methods: In in vitro studies, rat cortical neuronal cell cultures were challenged by oxygen and glucose deprivation for 90 min and exposed to 70% Ar or N2 with 5% CO2 balanced with O2, at 33°C for 2 h. Neuronal phospho-Akt, heme oxygenase-1 and phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3β expression, and cell death were assessed. In in vivo studies, neonatal rats were subjected to unilateral common carotid artery ligation followed by hypoxia (8% O2 balanced with N2 and CO2) for 90 min. They were exposed to 70% Ar or N2 balanced with oxygen at 33°, 35°, and 37°C for 2 h. Brain injury was assessed at 24 h or 4 weeks after treatment.Results: In in vitro studies, argon-hypothermia treatment increased phospho-Akt and heme oxygenase-1 expression and significantly reduced the phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3β Tyr-216 expression, cytochrome C release, and cell death in oxygen-glucose deprivation-exposed cortical neurons. In in vivo studies, argon-hypothermia treatment decreased hypoxia/ischemia-induced brain infarct size (n = 10) and both caspase-3 and nuclear factor-κB activation in the cortex and hippocampus. It also reduced hippocampal astrocyte activation and proliferation. Inhibition of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway through LY294002 attenuated cerebral protection conferred by argon-hypothermia treatment (n = 8).Conclusion: Argon combined with hypothermia provides neuroprotection against cerebral hypoxia-ischemia damage in neonatal rats, which could serve as a new therapeutic strategy against hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 12-year-old intact female poodle was presented with a history of an acute episode of tenesmus and passage of ribbon-shaped stools. Anaemia, leucocytosis, hypoalbuminaemia, hyperglycaemia, and elevated ALP were found. Faecal floatation and wet mount preparation were negative for parasites. Anaerobic faecal culture resulted in a heavy growth of Clostridium. Survey abdominal radiographs revealed extensive intramural emphysema of colon and rectum. Ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed bright echoes within the layers of the colon wall, confirming the accumulation of intramural gas. Abdominal computed tomography revealed extraluminal gas tracking along the colon and the rectum. Based on the radiographic, ultrasonographic, and computed tomographic findings, the present case was diagnosed as pneumatosis coli with an underlying cause of bacterial overgrowth. The patient was treated with antibiotics for seventeen days. Clinical signs were resolved after three days of treatment. Decreased intramural gas accumulation was evident during radiography of the abdomen performed at fourteen days after the initial evaluation. Therefore, pneumatosis coli should be considered when a dog is presented with clinical signs of colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic gases enriched into perfusion solutions have been effectively used for the improvement of organ transplant quality. At present, the enrichment of perfusion solutions with gases requires complex machinery/containers and handling precautions. Alternatively, the gas is generated within the perfusion solution by supplemented carbonylated transition metal complexes with associated toxicological concerns when these metals contact the transplant. Therefore, we developed therapeutic gas releasing systems (TGRSs) allowing for the controlled generation and release of therapeutic gases (carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide) from otherwise hermetically sealed containers, such that the perfusion solution for the transplant is saturated with the gas but no other components from the TGRS are liberated in the solution. The release from the TGRS into the perfusion solution can be tailored as a function of the number and thickness of gas permeable membranes leading to release patterns having been linked to therapeutic success in previous trials. Furthermore, the surrogate biomarker HMGB1 was significantly downregulated in ischemic rat liver transplants perfused with enriched CO solution as compared to control. In conclusion, the TGRS allows for easy, reliable, and controlled generation and release of therapeutic gases while removing safety concerns of current approaches, thereby positively impacting the risk benefit profile of using therapeutic gases for transplant quality improvement in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several factors affect the end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (PETCO2) and increase the arterial to end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure gradient (Pa-ETCO2) during general anesthesia. We evaluated the relationship between age and Pa-ETCO2 during pneumoperitoneum in the steep Trendelenburg position in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). Methods: Ninety-two consecutive patients undergoing RALP were divided by age into a middle-aged (45-65 years) and an elderly (> 65 years) group. Anesthesia was standardized. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, peak inspiratory pressure, lung compliance, minute ventilation, PaO2, PETCO2, PaCO2, and Pa-ETCO2 were measured 10 min after intubation in the supine position without pneumoperitoneum (T0); and 10 (T1), 60 (T2), and 120 (T3) min after pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position. Results: Although PETCO2 did not change significantly during surgery, PaCO2 and Pa-ETCO2 increased gradually with time during pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position, and both parameters showed greater increases in the elderly than in the middle-aged group. Simple linear regression analyses revealed significant correlations between age and Pa-ETCO2 at T0 (P = 0.018), T1 (P = 0.006), T2 (P < 0.001), and T3 (P = 0.001). Linear mixed model analysis showed that Pa-ETCO2 was associated statistically significantly with age and duration of pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position, but age and duration of pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position were not associated (P = 0.090). Conclusions: The magnitude of Pa-ETCO2 during pneumoperitoneum in the steep Trendelenburg position increased with age, which could be attributed to age-related respiratory physiological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Body posture, as a gravitational factor, has a clear impact on pulmonary ventilation and perfusion. In lung units with mismatched ventilation and perfusion, gas exchange and/or elimination of carbon dioxide can be impaired. In this situation, differences in the value of arterial and end-tidal carbon dioxide tension [Δ(PaCO2 - PETCO2)] are expected to increase. This study was conducted to observe how Δ(PaCO2 - PETCO2) changed according to the 3 different surgical positions, and to determine whether Δ(PaCO2 - PETCO2) is a reliable predictor of ventilation/perfusion mismatch when a patient is in different postural positions. Methods: Fifty-nine patients were divided into either the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) group (n = 29) or the non-COPD group (n = 30). PaCO2 and PETCO2 were measured during surgery in the supine, prone, and lateral decubitus positions after a 10 minute stabilization period. The Δ(PaCO2 - PETCO2) were calculated and compared among positions. Results: The Δ(PaCO2 - PETCO2) decreased slightly in the prone position and increased significantly in the lateral decubitus position compared with the supine position in both groups. These patterns almost corresponded with the degree of ventilation/perfusion mismatch from the results of the radiological studies. The Δ(PaCO2 - PETCO2) in the COPD group was significantly greater than that in the non-COPD group at all surgical positions. Conclusions: Lateral decubitus position is associated with marked increase in Δ(PaCO2 - PETCO2), especially in patients with COPD. The Δ(PaCO2 - PETCO2) is a simple and reliable indicator to predict ventilation/perfusion mismatch at different surgical positions in patients with or without COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: Standard practice within the neonatal unit is to use heated humidified gas as it decreases respiratory complications in neonates requiring respiratory support. Using cold unhumidified gases during resuscitation could potentially cool the baby as well as exacerbate potential lung injury. We aimed to study the temperature and humidity aspects of using heated, humidified gas for neonatal resuscitation. Methods: A heated patient circuit was connected to a T-piece resuscitator via a humidifier. An oxygen flowmeter was set at 10L/min. Temperature recordings at the humidifier chamber (T1), distal temperature probe (T2) and T-piece (T3) were taken over 20min at 30s intervals. A humidity sensor was placed at T3. Results: Target temperatures were not reached. Time to 36°C (mean (sd)): T1 11.1min (1.71); T3 11.6min (1.77). T2 took 13.6min (1.07) to reach 39°C. T1 and T3 were within ±1°C at 5.1min (0.6). A biphasic relationship demonstrated the time lag between the temperatures of the heated patient circuit and the humidifier chamber. T3 strongly correlated to T1 when T1 is ≥28°C (r 2 =0.85). Humidity was difficult to measure and results were inferred from temperature recordings. Conclusion: This in vitro test showed that heated, humidified gas is possible during neonatal resuscitation. Adequate time must be allowed for the humidifier chamber to warm to near optimal temperature. The patient circuit is initially heated faster than the humidifier chamber. The displayed T1 temperature correlates to the temperature at T3 at ≥28°C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pneumatosis remains a rare condition presenting with multiple gas filled cysts at various parts of the GIT. It islmost always a secondary finding in a already active disease. It is very usual for it to be found occasionally at a routine examination. In the following study we present a case of intestinal pneumatosis in a 49-yearold female patient who underwent routine surgery for gastric dilatation as a complication of a chronic peptic ulcer. After exploration of the abdominal cavity, a polycystic tumor formation was found at the terminal ileum. It was further resected and sent for pathohystology analysis according to which it was stated that it was a cystoid intestinal pneumatosis on a terminal ileum. The presented case went in favour of the mechanical theory which states that pyloric gastric outlet obstruction is the most common cause of intestinal pneumatosis. Пнеуматозата претставува ретка состсуба презентирана со мул- типни цисти исполнети со гас во одделни сегменти на гастроинтестиналниот тракт. Скоро секогаш е секундарен наод на веке постоечко заболуваье. Ретка е и на]често се открива случало. Приказ на случаj: Презентираме случа] на интестинална пнеуматоза raj 49-годишна пациентка, ко]а што се ]авила за елективен оперативен третман на претходно дщагностицирана пилорна стеноза и гастректазща, како компликацща на хроничен пептичен улкус. На експлорацща на абдоминалната празнина, на терминален илеум е наена полицистична туморозна формацща, при што истата е ресецирана и испратена на патохистолошка анализа според ко]а е утврдено дека се работи за цистоидна пнеуматоза на терминалниот илеум. Заклучок: Презентираниот случа], етиопатогенетски оди во прилог на механичката теорща ко]а вели дека пилорната стеноза е на]честа причина за интестинална пнеуматоза. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plasma is an ionised gas that is typically generated in high-temperature laboratory conditions. However, recent progress in atmospheric plasmas has led to the creation of cold plasmas with ion temperature close to room temperature.Methods: Both in-vitro and in-vivo studies revealed that cold plasmas selectively kill cancer cells.Results: We show that: (a) cold plasma application selectively eradicates cancer cells in vitro without damaging normal cells; and (b) significantly reduces tumour size in vivo. It is shown that reactive oxygen species metabolism and oxidative stress responsive genes are deregulated.Conclusion: The development of cold plasma tumour ablation has the potential of shifting the current paradigm of cancer treatment and enabling the transformation of cancer treatment technologies by utilisation of another state of matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay examines the significance of John Wesley’s moral pneumatology in relation to virtue. Although recent scholars have identified this connection, the present work offers a more integrated exploration of righteousness, peace, joy, and love—gifts/virtues inseparable from the Holy Spirit’s work in the economy of salvation according to Wesley’s practical theology. We will see that, for Wesley, believers become participants in God’s nature as the conjoined τέλος of happiness and holiness shapes the soul with respect to outward moral expression. Righteousness, peace and joy tempered by love are core spiritual fruits in Wesley’s pneumatology and collectively an elemental feature of his theological ethics. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale were described by Galen without understanding their functions. His beliefs in soul localization and spiritization within the left ventricle established religious pneumatology which became a theological need in the Middle Ages. Pulmonary transit was recognized by Servetus and Colombo after the Reformation around 1550. This prompted Harvey's full understanding of the fetal circulation. Botallo did not describe the ductus arteriosus, but in 1564 redescribed the foramen ovale, making his way into the nomina anatomica by mistake. Most authors of the 19th and 20th century believed ductal patency to be passive, and postnatal closure to be an active process, explained by mechanical theories. After the discovery of prostaglandins by Bergstrom and Vane, Coceani proved that ductal patency is maintained by the relaxant action of prostaglandins. Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent tremendous progress in understanding physical plasma phenomenon, together with the development of new plasma sources has put growing focus on the application of plasmas in health care. Active plasma components, such as molecules, atoms, ions, electrons and photons, reactive species, ultraviolet radiation, optical and infrared emission and heat have the ability of activating, controlling and catalysing reactions and complex biochemical procedures. Thermal and non-thermal (i.e. cold) plasmas - both already widely established in medicine - are used for various therapeutic applications. Particularly in dermatology, plasma applications hold big potential, for example, in wound healing, such as efficient disinfection or sterilization, therapy of various skin infections or tissue regeneration. This review gives an overview on potential plasma applications in medicine - including the recent research on skin diseases - and summarizes possible interactions between plasmas and living tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study which examined the effects of 10 cm H2O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and PEEP followed by a recruitment maneuver (PEEP+RM) on end-expiratory lung volume (EELV), oxygenation and respiratory mechanics in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. The researchers prospectively examined 30 obese and 30 healthy weight adults in reverse Trendelenberg position. Results indicated that RM combined with 10 cm H2O of PEEP improved EELV, respiratory mechanics and oxygenation during pneumoperitoneum.

Background: Recent advances in novel medical gases, including hydrogen and carbon monoxide (CO), have demonstrated significant opportunities for therapeutic use. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of inhaled hydrogen or CO, or both, on cold ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury of the myocardium. Methods: Syngeneic heterotopic heart transplantation was performed in rats after 6 or 18 hours of cold ischemia in Celsior solution. Survival, morphology, apoptosis and marker gene expression were assessed in the grafts after in vivo inhalation of hydrogen (1% to 3%), CO (50 to 250 ppm), both or neither. Both donors and recipients were treated for 1 hour before and 1 hour after reperfusion. Results: After 6-hour cold ischemia, inhalation of hydrogen (>2%) or CO (250 ppm) alone attenuated myocardial injury. Prolonged cold ischemia for 18 hours resulted in severe myocardial injury, and treatment with hydrogen or CO alone failed to demonstrate significant protection. Dual treatment with hydrogen and CO significantly attenuated I/R graft injury, reducing the infarcted area and decreasing in serum troponin I and creatine phosphokinase (CPK). Hydrogen treatment alone significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and serum high-mobility group box 1 protein levels as compared with air-treated controls. In contrast, CO only marginally prevented lipid peroxidation, but it suppressed I/R-induced mRNA upregulation for several pro-inflammatory mediators and reduced graft apoptosis. Conclusions: Combined therapy with hydrogen and CO demonstrated enhanced therapeutic efficacy via both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, and may be a clinically feasible approach for preventing cold I/R injury of the myocardium. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electrophysiological investigations of the spinal cord in animals have shown that pain sensitizes the central nervous system via glutamate receptor dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) related to an enhancement of pain perception. To expand these findings, we used functional magnetic resonance (fMRI), blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) and perfusion imaging in combination with repeated electrical stimulation in humans. Specifically we monitored modulation of somatosensory processing during inhibition of excitatory transmission by ocular application of the glutamate receptor antagonist xenon. BOLD responses upon secondary stimulation increased in mid insular and in primary/secondary sensory cortices under placebo and decreased under xenon treatments. Xenon-induced decreases in regional perfusion were confined to stimulation responsive brain regions and correlated with time courses of xenon concentrations in the cranial blood. Moreover, effects of xenon on behavioral, fMRI and perfusion data scaled with stimulus intensity. The dependence of pain sensitization on sufficient pre-activation reflects a multistage process which is characteristic for glutamate receptor related processes of LTP. This study demonstrates how LTP related processes known from the cellular level can be investigated at the brain systems level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic and optical application of a semi-limbal diameter (S-LIM) rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens. Method: A retrospective non-comparative case series of 14 consecutive patients (22 eyes) who were referred to one senior optometrist for the fitting of S-LIM contact lenses at Moorfields Eye Hospital. The cases comprised of 11 patients (17 eyes) with keratoconus, 1 patient (2 eyes) post-surgical ectasia from previous LASIK, 1 (1 eye) post-graft patient, and 1 patient (2 eyes) who required corneal protection secondary to lagophthalmos. These patients had failed previously with other lens designs because of lens intolerance, unstable vision, chronic 3 and 9 o’clock corneal staining, and inadequate corneal protection for the patient with lagophthalmos. A conventional method of using diagnostic lenses with fluorescein assessment was adopted in fitting the S-LIM lenses. Results: The median duration of problems encountered with previous lenses was 4 years (range 0.5–10 years). The median visual acuity with the S-LIM lens was 6/9 (range 6/5–6/24). A median of 1 diagnostic lens (range 1–3 lenses) was required to achieve a satisfactory fit. At the last recorded follow-up, 10 patients (14 eyes) had no clinically observable problem and were wearing their lenses with a median wearing time of 8h per day (range 1–18h). The median duration of follow up was 6 months (range 2–18 months). One patient (1 eye) abandoned lens wear because of satisfactory unaided vision. Conclusion: The use of a semi-limbal diameter lens can be an effective modality in patients with intolerance to other lens designs. However, lens modification from the standard design and the use of ocula lubricants are often required to optimise lens fit and to enhance tolerance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: To compare apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements from hyperpolarized (HP) helium (3He)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with quantitative data from multislice Computed Tomography (CT) (MSCT) of the whole lungs and pulmonary function tests (PFT). Materials and methods: Twenty-seven subjects, 22 with established emphysema and 5 with preclinical emphysema defined by PFT criteria, were examined with HP 3He-MRI and MSCT. Mean age was 55 (±12) years, 18 female and 9 male. Mean ADC from 3He-MRI was compared with emphysema index (EI), 15th percentile and mean lung density (MLD) values from MSCT. Both mean ADC and MSCT data were compared to PFT, especially percent of predicted diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (%predicted DLCO), using Pearson''s correlation test. Results: Mean ADC and standard deviation values were 0.392±0.119cm2/s for the established emphysema group and 0.216±0.046 for the pre-clinical emphysema group. MSCT values for the established emphysema group and pre-clinical emphysema group were: EI (%) 11±12 and 0.4±0.6, respectively; 15th percentile (Hounsfield Units (HU)), −956±25 and −933±13, respectively and MLD (HU) −877±20 and −863±15, respectively. Correlations between mean ADC and EI and 15th percentile were both r =0.90 and for MLD r =0.59. There was higher correlation between mean ADC and %predicted DLCO (r =0.90) than between EI and %predicted DLCO (r =0.76). Conclusion: HP 3He-MRI correlates well with density measurements from MSCT and agrees better than MSCT with %predicted DLCO which is the PFT most related to emphysema. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To compare the effective rates among one week, two week and four week treatment sessions of ozone therapy for lumbar disc herniation to provide a foundation for clinical decision-making. One hundred and eighty-seven lumbar disc herniation patients were divided into three groups, 103 cases for one week, 61 cases for two week and 23 cases for four week treatment sessions. The clinical curative effective rates in the three groups were 82.52%, 85.24% and 95.65% respectively. The effective rate among the three groups showed no significant difference at statistical analysis. Considering the cost-effectiveness of ozone therapy, increasing the treatment course does not enhance the curative effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discusses the physiologic effects of pneumoperitoneum. Carbon dioxide is the most commonly used gas for insufflation. When absorbed through the peritoneum, it is eliminated by respiratory exchange in the lungs. Intraoperative pulmonary mechanics is affected by abdominal insufflation during laparoscopy. When intraabdominal pressure and volume increases, it hinders diaphragmatic movement. Insufflation also alters cardiovascular performance due to the effects of hypercarbia and a change in intraabdominal pressure.

Background: A safe establishment of the laparoscopic pneumoperitoneum is of the utmost importance, as potentially fatal complications, such as vascular or visceral injury or gas embolism, may occur during the procedure. Objective: We used the published studies and our own experience to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various techniques for the establishment of the laparoscopic pneumoperitoneum, thus aiming to contribute to the reduction in the rate of fatal complications. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 4940 medical charts of patients without prior history of abdominal surgeries who had the laparoscopic pneumoperitoneum established by using a modified closed method (i.e., the patient is in an anti-Trendelenburg's position 20–30 degrees and a left lateral tilt of 10–15 degrees, with the Veress needle and the first trocar introduced through the umbilicus and directed toward the intersection of the anterior axial line and the right costal arc). Additionally, we searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane libraries with a cut-off date of December 2006, using specific key-words (i.e., trocar injury, complication, laparoscopic surgery, Veress needle, open vs. closed pneumoperitoneum, prospective study). Results: There were no reports of injuries to the major blood vessels or visceral organs. However, liver capsule injury was reported in 432 (8.2%) patients, pneumo-omentum in 55 (1.1%) patients, and subfascial insufflations in 45 (0.9%) patients. Conclusions: No reliable conclusions regarding advantages or disadvantages of different techniques for the laparoscopic pneumoperitoneum can be drawn in the absence of adequately powered, prospective, comparative studies. Based on the fact that no major blood vessel or visceral organ injuries were observed in our experience, we conclude that the modified closed method deserves further multicentric prospective evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex inguinal hernia treatment is a challenge for general surgeons. The gold standard for the repair of inguinal hernias is the Lichtenstein repair (anterior approach). However, when multiple recurrent hernias or giant hernias are present, it is necessary to choose different approaches because the incidence of poor results increases. There are many preperitoneal approaches described in the literature. For example: (a) open procedure—Nyhus and Stoppa (b) laparoscopic technique—transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) and totally extraperitoneal (TEP). In this study, we show how we repair complicated cases using open access in huge unilateral or bilateral, recurrent, or multiple recurrent inguinal hernias. The present study includes the period from November 1993 through December 2007. One hundred and eighty-eight patients, divided into 121 with unilateral hernias and 67 with bilateral hernias, totaling 255 inguinal hernia repairs, were treated by the Nyhus or Stoppa preperitoneal approach, depending on whether they were unilateral or bilateral. We used progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum for oversize inguinal hernias in all patients. Orchiectomy was necessary on only two occasions. Despite the repair complexity involved, we had only two known recurrences. The mortality was zero and the morbidity was acceptable. We conclude that an accurate open preperitoneal approach using mesh prosthesis for complex inguinal hernias is safe, with very low recurrent rates and low morbidity. Progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum for giant hernias was shown to be an important factor in accomplishing good intraoperative and immediate postoperative results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation during laparoscopy has been shown to dampen the systemic stress response to surgery. This is related to a suppression of peritoneal macrophage functions. In vivo data suggest that CO2 can also affect neutrophils (polymorphonuclear cells, PMNs), the most abundant cell type in the inflamed peritoneal cavity. Nonetheless, the direct effects of CO2 on PMNs have not yet been investigated. PMNs were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers and incubated with (1) CO2 (100% CO2, pH 6.2), (2) hypoxic control (95% helium/5% CO2, pH 7.4), and (3) control (95% air/5% CO2, pH 7.4). Spontaneous and IL-8-induced migrations (chemokinesis and chemotaxis) during 2 h of exposure to different gases were measured with a transwell chamber system. The release of reactive oxygen species (ROS, luminometry) was determined after 15-min and 2-h exposures. In other sets of experiments, PMNs were exposed for 2 h or 4 h and kept under normal conditions for 18 h with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation thereafter. Final viability and apoptosis were assessed with fluorometry. Exposure to 100% CO2 completely blocked spontaneous and IL-8 induced migration of PMNs ( p < 0.001 vs. controls). Neutrophil migration was slightly diminished in the hypoxic control group. PMA-stimulated ROS production was reduced even after short exposure to 100% CO2 ( p < 0.05). We observed a slight increase of caspase-3/7 activity after exposure to 100% CO2 and/or hypoxia; however, total viability was not affected. CO2 incubation directly and temporarily suppresses the proinflammatory functions of PMNs; this is caused only partially by the concomitant hypoxia. This effect will contribute to the dampened inflammatory response to laparoscopic surgery. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the temporary suppression of neutrophil functions could affect the clearance of bacterial contaminations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In search of an alternative theology of disability that incorporates but is not limited to the biomedical and socio-constructivist models, Nancy Eiesland's proposal of Jesus Christ as "the disabled God" is an attempt to redefine disability in anthropological, ecclesiological, and theological terms. It may be less helpful, however, in addressing the eschatological hope that motivates many persons with disability. I propose a pneumatological model of the Spirit as the "community-enabling God" that is able to appropriate insights from previous approaches, even as it seeks to complement Eiesland's proposal and further develop a trinitarian and eschatological theology of disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of low-flow anesthesia causes a discrepancy between the delivered fraction (FD) and the inspired fraction (FI) of inhaled gases. We compared the FI/FD ratios of a new circle (fresh gas inlet located between the inspiratory valve and the patient) to those of the conventional circle (fresh gas inlet located between the inspiratory valve and the CO2 absorber) in low-flow isoflurane and sevoflurane anesthesia, using three anesthetic machines (Dräger NM-GS, Dräger Fabius-GS, and ACOMA KMA-1300-III). Eighty-two patients were randomly assigned to three experimental groups. For experiment 1, 32 patients were allocated to the NM-GS conventional/new, NM-GS new/conventional, ACOMA conventional/new, and ACOMA new/conventional groups. For experiment 2, 14 patients were allocated to ACOMA conventional/conventional and ACOMA new/new groups to measure isoflurane FI/FD ratios. For experiment 3, 36 patients were allocated to ACOMA conventional/conventional, ACOMA new/new, Fabius conventional/conventional, and Fabius new/new to measure sevoflurane FI/FD ratios. In experiment 1, the NM-GS showed no significant changes in the FI/FD ratios. However, in the ACOMA, the new circle improved the FI/FD ratio. In experiment 2, the isoflurane FI/FD ratios in the new circle of the ACOMA were significantly higher than those in the conventional circle. In experiment 3, the sevoflurane FI/FD ratios in the new circle of both the ACOMA and the Fabius were significantly higher than those in the conventional circles. The positioning of the fresh gas inlet between the inspiratory valve and the patient improved the FI/FD ratios of both isoflurane and sevoflurane during low-flow anesthesia in two decoupling-style anesthetic machines (ACOMA and Fabius). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induction of preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum is an elective procedure in patients with hernias with loss of domain. A prospective study was carried out from June 2003 to May 2005 at the Hospital de Especialidades, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Leon, Mexico. Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum was induced using a double-lumen intraabdominal catheter inserted through a Veress needle and daily insufflation of ambient air. Variables analyzed were age, sex, body mass index, type, location and size of defective hernia, number of previous repairs, number of days pneumoperitoneum was maintained, type of hernioplasty, and incidence of complications. Of 12 patients, 2 were excluded because it was technically impossible to induce pneumoperitoneum. Of the remaining 10 patients, 60% were female and 40% were male. The patients' average age was 51.5 years, average body mass index was 34.7, and evolution time of their hernias ranged from 8 months to 23 years. Nine patients had ventral hernias and one had an inguinal hernia. Pneumoperitoneum was maintained for an average of 9.3 days and there were no serious complications relating to the puncture or the maintenance of the pneumoperitoneum. One patient who previously had undergone a mastectomy experienced minor complications. We were able to perform hernioplasty on all patients, eight with the Rives technique, one with supra-aponeurotic mesh, and one using the Lichtenstein method for inguinal hernia repair. One patient's wound became infected postoperatively. Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum is a safe procedure that is easy to perform and that facilitates surgical hernia repair in patients with hernia with loss of domain. Complications are infrequent, patient tolerability is adequate, and the proposed modification to the puncture technique makes the procedure even safer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carbon dioxide (CO2), with its rapid absorptive nature, has been proven superior to atmospheric air as an insufflating agent in various clinical settings. However, CO2 insufflation has not gained wide clinical acceptance, mainly because there has been no suitable feeding system. The authors therefore have developed a versatile ‘dual-channel’ CO2 insufflator that facilitates wider use of CO2. The objectives of this study were to introduce the authors' prototype insufflator, to evaluate its safety and performance, and to validate CO2 application using the prototype. Methods: The prototype insufflator provides one CO2 inlet connected to a regular CO2 gas cylinder and two CO2 outlets positioned on the front and back of the device, respectively. The CO2 gas fed from the cylinder is pressure-regulated and divided into two independent conduits inside the device. The front outlet feeds CO2 gas for pneumoperitoneum at an electronically controlled pressure and flow rate. The back channel supplies CO2 gas at a fixed flow rate, allowing manual control of insufflation for various purposes. The device was evaluated with canine models. Results: The prototype was safe and performed well. The CO2 application (colonoscopy in this series) using the back channel was feasible while intact CO2 pneumoperitoneum was simultaneously maintained via the front channel. There were no device malfunctions. The serial abdominal x-rays indicated that intraluminal CO2 insufflation such as that used for CO2 colonoscopy caused less residual intestinal gas than conventional air insufflation. Conclusions: The dual-channel CO2 insufflator enabled two different modes of CO2 insufflation at the same time from a single CO2 cylinder. The authors are now improving the prototype to allow safer and wider usage of CO2 in the operating room. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum usually is created by a compressed gas source. This exposes the patient to cool dry gas delivered at room temperature (21°C) with 0% relative humidity. Various delivery methods are available for humidifying and heating CO2 gas. This study was designed to determine the effects of heating and humidifying gas for the intraabdominal environment. Methods: For this study, 44 patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were randomly assigned to one of four arms in a prospective, randomized, single-blinded fashion: raw CO2 (group 1), heated CO2 (group 2), humidified CO2 (group 3), and heated and humidified CO2 (group 4). A commercially available CO2 heater-humidifier was used. Core temperatures, intraabdominal humidity, perioperative data, and postoperative outcomes were monitored. Peritoneal biopsies were taken in each group at the beginning and end of the case. Biopsies were subjected staining protocols designed to identify structural damage and macrophage activity. Postoperative narcotic use, pain scale scores, recovery room time, and length of hospital stay were recorded. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare the groups. Results: Demographics, volume of CO2 used, intraabdominal humidity, bladder temperatures, lens fogging, and operative times were not significantly different between the groups. Core temperatures were stable, and intraabdominal humidity measurements approached 100% for all the patients over the entire procedure. Total narcotic dosage and pain scale scores were not statistically different. Recovery room times and length of hospital stay were similar in all the groups. Only one biopsy in the heated-humidified group showed an increase in macrophage activity. Conclusions: The intraabdominal environment in terms of temperature and humidity was similar in all the groups. There was no significant difference in the intraoperative body temperatures or the postoperative variable measured. No histologic changes were identified. Heating or humidifying of CO2 is not justified for patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum and wound closure technique on port site tumor implantation.Methods: A standard quantity of rat mammary adenocarcinoma (SMT2A)was allowed to grow in a flank incision in Wistar-Furth rats (n = 90) for 14 days. Thereafter, 1-cm incisions were made in each animal in three quadrants. There were six control animals. The experimental animals were divided into a 60-min CO2 pneumoperitoneum group (n = 42) and a no pneumoperitoneum (n = 42) group. The flank tumor was lacerated transabdominally in the experimental groups. The three wound sites were randomized to closure of (a) skin; (b) skin and fascia; and (c) skin, fascia, and peritoneum. The abdominal wounds were harvested en bloc on postoperative day 7.Results: Histologic comparison of the port sites in the pneumoperitoneum and no-pneumoperitoneum groups did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in tumor implantation for any of the closure methods. Evaluation of the closure techniques showed no statistical difference between the pneumoperitoneum group and the no-pneumoperitoneum group in the incidence of port site tumor implantation. Within the no-pneumoperitoneum group, there was a significant increase (p = 0.03) in tumor implantation with skin closure alone vs all three layers. Additionally, when we compared all groups by closure technique, the rate of tumor implantation was found to be significantly higher (p = 0.01) for skin closure alone vs closure of all three layers.Conclusions: This study suggests that closure technique may influence the rate of port site tumor implantation. The use of a CO2 pneumoperitoneum did not alter the incidence of port site tumor implantation at 7 days postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on ventilation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using hyperpolarized 3-Helium (3-He) gas. Sensitivity of 3-He to nuclear magnetic resonance techniques; Review of the production of hyperpolarized 3-He; Prerequisites in performing MRI.

Pneumatosis intestinalis (gas in the bowel wall) is often a benign condition, but it may mimic bowel ischemia or infarction and lead to unnecessary surgical intervention, especially when associated with pneumoperitoneum. We present a case of benign pneumatosis intestinalis with massive pneumoperitoneum and discuss various distinguishing features that may aid in its diagnosis. Key words: pneumatosis intestinalis; radiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between June 1999 and November 2001 a prospective study was conducted to evaluate the effects of pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic donor nephrectomy on kidney function using two different pressure settings (15 and 10 mm Hg). The effects were evaluated in both the donor's remaining kidney and the procured kidney in the recipient. There was no statistical significant difference in donors and recipients in regard to age, gender, and body mass index. In the two donor groups there was no difference in operative time (2.77 ± 0.51 vs 2.70 ± 0.52 hours; P = 0.579), intraoperative fluid (16.53 ± 4.72 vs 19.54 ± 7.04, P = 0.056), and urine output (1.81 ± 0.53 vs 1.75 ± 0.96 mL/kg/hour, P = 0.782) respectively. Donors' preoperative and first-day postoperative serum creatinine concentrations also did not differ for the groups (preoperative 0.87 ± 0.21 vs 0.88 ± 0.17 mg/dL; and postoperative 1.44 ± 0.32 vs 1.38 ± 0.29 mg dL, respectively; P = 0.696). Recipients' preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine concentrations on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 30 differed over time (P < 0.001) but not between groups (P = 0.541). We conclude that procurement of kidneys under either 10 or 15 mm Hg abdominal pressure gives equally good intraoperative and postoperative results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the development of pneumatic medicine as practised by Erasmus Darwin, Thomas Beddoes and Joseph Priestley, and the support for their experimental trials by other Dissenting doctors and industrialists including Boulton, Watt and Wedgwood. The article examines their belief that if one could create the conditions under which 'good air' could be manufactured - where the work of Dissenting chemists and doctors was embraced rather than condemned, supported rather than attacked - then conditions, political and medical, under which a healthy country will flourish will prevail. Contra the claim made by Roy Porter that doctors, such as Erasmus Darwin, were 'profoundly troubled by what they saw as the counterproductive impact on health produced by the spread of progressive ideas, refined culture, and modern, commercial, urban values', I believe that it was precisely those progressive values that led Dissenting doctors and pneumatic chemists to believe that by applying the same principles that led to the phenomenal industrial and commercial success of their friends like Boulton, Watt and Wedgwood, they could improve population health by attempting to reform simultaneously politics and therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recurrent hemorrhage in patients with severe radiation proctitis is very common. It is often refractory to medical therapy. Endoscopic and surgical treatment may be required when conservative medical therapy fails. The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic results of the Argon Plasma Coagulator (APC) (ERBE USA, Inc., Marietta, GA, USA) application in patients with radiation proctitis-induced hemorrhage.Methods: Forty patients with radiation-induced proctitis causing severe bleeding, who had failed conservative medical management were treated endoscopically. Twenty-one patients in this group required blood transfusions.Results: APC application was used in 40 patients with only one failure. The failed patient underwent formalin application using 4% formalin solution with resolution of the bleeding.Conclusion: Argon plasma coagulation application is a safe, well-tolerated treatment option and, historically, has been superior to Nd:YAG laser ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pneumatic dilatation is an effective treatment for achalasia. Although follow-up studies have shown that its clinical benefit persists for years, it is still unknown whether the decrease in lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure is maintained over time. Our aim is to assess the long-term effects of pneumatic dilatation on symptoms and LOS pressure in patients with idiopathic achalasia. Methods: Eleven consecutive patients with achalasia (7 men) underwent 1 (n = 5) or 2 (n = 6) pneumatic dilatations (Rigiflex dilator) in order to achieve a stable (> 1 year) clinical remission. Clinical scores (0-12, with scores of ≤ 3 indicating remission) and LOS pressure (sleeve manometry) were determined before treatment, after 3 and 12 months, and then every year for 6 years. Results: No operative complications occurred. The patients showed a marked clinical improvement (2.0 (2.0-2.0), median (IQ range), after 3 months versus 8.0 (7.2-9.0) before treatment; P < 0.001), which was maintained throughout the follow-up period. Concurrently, there was a marked decrease in LOS pressure (5.0 (4.0-7.0) mmHg after 3 months versus 25.0 (20.0-36.2) before treatment; P < 0.001), which also remained stable over time. Conclusions: One or two pneumatic dilatations induce stable clinical remission and a decrease in LOS pressure that remains unchanged over time. Our data further support the use of dilatations as first-line treatment of achalasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies using animal models have demonstrated that carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopy is associated with adverse physiological, metabolic, immunological and oncological effects, and many of these problems can be avoided by the use of helium insufflation. The present study was performed in patients to compare the effect of helium and CO2 insufflation on intraperitoneal markers of immunological and metabolic function. Methods: Eighteen patients undergoing elective upper gastrointestinal laparoscopic surgery were randomized to have insufflation achieved by using either helium (n = 8) or CO2 (n = 10) gas. Intraperitoneal pH was monitored continuously during surgery, and peritoneal macrophage function was determined by harvesting peritoneal macrophages at 5 min and 30 min after commencing laparoscopy, and then assessing their ability to produce tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and their phagocytic function. Results: Carbon dioxide laparoscopy was associated with a lower intraperitoneal pH at the commencement of laparoscopy, although this difference disappeared as surgery progressed. The production of TNF-α was better preserved by CO2 laparoscopy, but the insufflation gas used did not affect macrophage phagocytosis. Patients undergoing helium laparoscopy required less postoperative analgesia. Conclusion: The choice of insufflation gas can affect intraperitoneal macrophage function in the clinical setting, and possibly acid–base balance. The present study suggested no immunological advantages for the clinical use of helium as an insufflation gas. The outcomes of the present study, however, are different to those obtained from previous laboratory studies and further research is needed to confirm this outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conflicting haemodynamic changes, suggested to be caused by vasopressin release, have been reported during carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum. However, peritoneal stimulations including open surgery cause both a systemic vasopressor response and a vasopressin release, which are suppressed by opiate administration. Also, a decreased venous return of blood to the heart causes vasopressin release. Furthermore, previous haemodynamic assessments of laparoscopic surgery have been conducted using various anaesthetic regimens, which are likely to have caused various haemodynamic effects. We hypothesised that intraoperative haemodynamic and/or humoral changes would not be observed in association with laparoscopic surgery provided that, (a) normovolaemia is continuously maintained using transoesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) assessment, and (b) adequate depth of general anaesthesia is continuously maintained by bispectral index (BIS) monitoring and high plasma Ievel opiate administration. Methods: Twenty ASA 1 women undergoing laparoscopic surgery received 10 ml · kg-1 lactated Ringer’s solution and thereafter were randomly allocated to receive intraoperatively either 8 ng · ml-1 or 4 ng · ml-1 plasma remifentanil concentrations while BIS was maintained at 50±5 by isoflurane alteration. The group receiving 4 ng · ml-1 remifentanil was used as control. Expired CO2 was maintained within a 32–38 kPa range throughout the investigation. Complete TEE haemodynamic investigation was performed before pneumoperitoneum (PP) (T1), and during PP horizontal (T2), with a head-up tilt (T3), with a head-down tilt (T4), horizontal (T5), and PP released (T6). Plasma vasopressin, epinephrine and norepinephrine levels were measured at T1, T3, and T6. ANOVA, Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Haemodynamic indices and humoral values did not change significantly within and between remifentanil groups throughout the investigation (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Continuous adequate depth of anaesthesia and normovolaemia may have prevented both a humoral and a haemodynamic response, initiated in the peritoneum by the contact with CO2 in previous investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracheal gas insufflation is a technique in which gas is injected intratracheally during positive pressure ventilation. The fresh gas rinses expired gas from the tracheal tube and anatomical dead space, aiding carbon dioxide elimination. This reduces ventilatory volume and pressure, helping to reduce ventilator-induced lung damage. Complications of tracheal gas insufflation include interference with ventilator function, tracheal damage and barotrauma. Expiratory washout is a variation of tracheal gas insufflation. We designed and constructed an original expiratory washout system and evaluated its safety and performance in lung and animal models. We found that expiratory limb and tracheal tube occlusion tests caused the device to disable itself at acceptable intratracheal pressures. We also demonstrated up to 31% reduction in tidal volume compared with conventional ventilation, supporting the possibility of using this device clinically to lessen volutrauma. We concluded that aspects of this design might alleviate many of the safety concerns of using tracheal gas insufflation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is a rarely observed disorder on plain abdominal X-ray or colonoscopy examination. Although causing few complaints in adults, it can nevertheless lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. In the reported case, gastrointestinal bleeding was observed with coinciding pneumatosis and phenprocoumon therapy. After stopping anticoagulant therapy, pneumatosis vanished completely, thus suggesting that phenprocoumon is probably a further cause of the cystic disease. In the known list of drugs able to provoke pneumatosis, this case adds a new mechanism of affliction different to either immunosuppression or gas production.Copyright © 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo increase the safety of trocar insertion, bearing in mind that 43% of laparoscopic injuries occur during the first minutes of the procedure, and are linked to the method of entry. DesignThe development of 11 safety tests, all under visual control: (1) palpation of the aorta; (2) needle flow resistance; (3) snap test; (4) hiss test; (5) negative pressure test; (6) aspiration test; (7) ‘quadro’ test; (8) sounding test; (9) ‘Z’-track incision; (10) trocar insertion under visual control; (11) 360° circumferential view. SettingThe University Hospital for Women in Kiel, Germany. ResultsIn 6000 laparoscopies, only one bowel perforation occurred. ConclusionBlind puncture of the abdominal wall should be proscribed in the next millenium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the study by K. Baumgart and colleagues on the effect of inhaled hydrogen sulfide on cardiac function and metabolism in mice subjected to hypothermia. The author expresses that hydrogen sulfide inhalation has enabled the use of glucose as substrates during hypothermia. He also stresses that the inhalation did not amplify the systemic hemodynamic and cardiac metabolic effects of hypothermia, however, it has improved the preservation of the outer mitochondrial membranes.

Pneumoperitoneum indicates the need for urgent laparotomy. But under certain clinical situations like, patient on ventilatory support should arouse the suspicion of supradiaphragmatic source of pneumoperitoneum. Supradiaphragmatic causes account for 10%. This article describes two patients, both on ventilatory support in the intensive care unit. Failure to recognize spontaneous aseptic-pneumoperitoneum can result in unnecessary laparotomy with its risks. Hence under relevant circumstances, non-surgical causes of pneumopreitoneum should be excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]