1. Epidural abscess after multiple lumbar punctures for labour epidural catheter placement. J Biomed Res, 2010; 24(4):332-335 Sundeep S. Tumber, Hong Liu Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95817, USA. Abstract: Epidural catheterization is routinely used by anaesthesiologists to provide labour and post-operative analgesia. In most cases, catheter placement is without serious side effects and uneventful. However, epidural abscess is a rare complication that may result in severe morbidity. We present a case of epidural abscess after labour epidural catheter placement in a healthy 36-year-old female who presented on post-partum d 10 with complaints of fever and back pain. She was treated with intravenous antibiotics and fully recovered. http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=JBR100411&flag=1 2. Effects of propofol on early and late cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-induced septic shock in rats. J Biomed Res, 2010; 24(5):389-394 Sha Li, Hongguang Bao, Liu Han, Lele Liu Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing First Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210006, China. Abstract: Objective: It has been reported that the intravenous anesthetic propofol (PPF) has anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether PPF has anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic shock by inhibiting the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines [inter-leukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in rats. Methods: Thirty six male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups (control group, PPF + LPS group and LPS group; n = 12 per group). Control group rats received a 0.9% NaCl solution (NS) by the tail vein. The PPF + LPS group rats received PPF (10 mg/kg bolus, followed by infusion at 10 mg/(kg·h) through a femoral vein catheter) 1 h before LPS (7.5 mg/kg) administration via the tail vein. The LPS group rats received injection of LPS (7.5 mg/kg) via the tail vein. Hemodynamic effects were recorded as well as mortality rates, and plasma cytokine concentrations (TNF-α, IL-6, HMGB1) were measured for the 24-h observation period. Results: The mean arterial pressure and heart rate of the PPF + LPS group were more stable than those of the LPS group. The mortality at 24 h after the administration of the LPS injection was much higher in the LPS group (58.3%) compared to the PPF + LPS group (25.0%). Plasma concentrations of cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and HMGB1 were significantly reduced in the PPF + LPS group compared to the LPS group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Pretreatment with PPF reduced the mortality rate of rats and attenuated the pro-inflammatory cytokine responses in an endotoxin shock model through an anti-inflammatory action inhibiting induction of HMGB1. http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=JBR100506&flag=1 3. Protocol for electrophysiological monitoring of carotid endarterectomies. J Biomed Res, 2010; 24(6):460-466 Hong Liua, Anthony M Di Giorgiob, Eric S Williamsc, William Evansc, Michael J Russellb,d a Department of Anesthesiology University of California, Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; b Active Diagnostics, Inc., Davis, CA 95616, USA; c Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95825, USA d Aaken Laboratories, Inc., Davis, CA 95616, USA. Abstract: Near zero stroke rates can be achieved in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) surgery with selective shunting and electrophysiological neuromonitoring. though false negative rates as high as 40% have been reported. We sought to determine if improved training for interpretation of the monitoring signals can advance the efficacy of selective shunting with electrophysiological monitoring across multiple centers, and determine if other factors could con-tribute to the differences in reports. Processed and raw beta band (12.5-30 Hz) electroencephalogram (EEG) and median and tibial nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) were monitored in 668 CEA cases at six surgical centers. A decrease in amplitude of 50% or more in any EEG or SSEP channel was the criteria for shunting or initiating a neuroprotective protocol. A reduction of 50% or greater in the beta band of the EEG or amplitude of the SSEP was observed in 150 cases. No patient showed signs of a cerebral infarct after surgery. Selective shunting based on EEG and SSEP monitoring can reduce CEA intraoperative stroke rate to a near zero level if trained personnel adopted standardized protocols. We also found that the rapid administration of a protective stroke protocol by attending anesthesiologists was an important aspect of this success rate. http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=jbr100607&flag=1 4. Crystalloid and colloid preload for maintaining cardiac output in elderly patients undergoing total hip replacement under spinal anesthesia. J Biomed Res, 2011; 25(3):185-190 Rufeng Xiea, Lizhong Wangb, Hongguang Baoa a Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing First Hospital Nanjing, Jiangsu 210006, China; b Department of Anesthesiology, Jiaxing Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, China. Abstract: The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of colloid and crystalloid preload on cardiac output (CO) and incidence of hypotension in elderly patients under spinal anesthesia (SA). A randomized, double-blinded study was conducted including 47 elderly patients undergoing scheduled total hip replacement (THR), who were randomized to three groups: the control group (C group, n = 15), crystalloid (RS group, n =16) and colloid group (HES group, n = 16). An intravenous preload of 8 mL/kg of either lactated Ringer’s solution in the RS group or 6% hydroxyethyl starch in the HES group was infused within 20 min before SA induction, while no intravenous preload was given in the C group. There was a trend of decrease in CO and systolic blood pressure after SA with time in the C group. In the RS and HES groups, CO increased significantly after fluid preloading as compared with baseline (P < 0.01). Thereafter, CO remained higher than baseline until 30 min after SA in the HES group. The change of systolic blood pressure was similar to CO, but no significant difference from baseline was observed in each group. Hypotension occurred in 3 patients in the C group and one each in the RS and HES group, respectively (P = 0.362). Intravascular volume preload with colloid is more effective than crystalloid solution in maintaining CO, which may be improved the hemodynamic stability in elderly patients during SA. http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=jbr110305&flag=1 5. Effects of infusion of different fluids during controlled hypotension on gastric intramucosal pH and postoperative gastroenterological function. J Biomed Res, 2011; 25(3):191-196 Guanglei Wang, Su Liu, Gongjian Liu Department of Anesthesiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China. Abstract: The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of infusion of different fluids combined with control-led hypotension on gastric intramucosal pH (pHi) and postoperative gastrointestinal function in patients undergo-ing hepatocarcinoma surgery. Forty-five patients (ASAⅡ) scheduled for surgical resection of hepatocarcinoma undergoing controlled hypotension were randomly assigned to three groups and received infusion of 20 mL/kg Ringer’s solution (R group), 6% HAES(H group) or 6% Voluven group (W group). Intragastric PgCO2, pHi, hematocrit and hemoglobin were measured. The significant decrease of pHi and increase of PgCO2 were produced at 1 and 2 h after controlled hypotension in the R group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The time of bowel movement after operation was shorter in the W group than the R group. Meanwhile, we also did not find obvious difference in blood gas indexes among the three groups. The infusion of HAES and Voluven during controlled hypotension could improve gastrointestinal perfusion and accelerate the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function. http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=jbr110306&flag=1 6. Anisocoria in a 10-month old girl in the immediate preoperative setting: can you proceed with surgery. J Biomed Res, 2011; 25(3):224-226 Zoel A Quinonez, Niroop R Ravula Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California Davis Health System, CA 95817, USA. Abstract: We report the case of a 10-month old girl with a significant past medical history who presented for elective surgery with a new-onset fixed, dilated pupil. We briefly review the diagnostic approach to such patients and provide guidelines for managing these patients in the immediate preoperative setting. http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=jbr110311&flag=1 7. Preoperative administration of intramuscular dezocine reduces postoperative pain for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. J Biomed Res, 2011; 25(5):356-361 Yaomin Zhu, Guixia Jing, Wei Yuan Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710061, China. Abstract: Postoperative pain is the most common complaint after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study was carried out to evaluate whether preoperative administration of intramuscular dezocine can provide postoperative analgesia and reduce postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients (ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ) scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned into intramuscular dezocine group (group 1) or intramuscular normal saline group (group 2). Dezocine and equal volume normal saline were administered intramuscularly 10 min before the induction of anesthesia. After operation, the severity of postoperative pain, postoperative fentanyl requirement, incidence and severity of side-effects were assessed. Postoperative pain and postoperative patient-controlled fentanyl consumption were reduced significantly in group 1 compared with group 2. The incidence and severity of side effects were similar between the two groups. Preoperative single-dose administration of intramuscular dezocine 0.1 mg/kg was effective in reducing postoperative pain and postoperative patient-controlled fentanyl requirement in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=jbr110507&flag=1 8. Parthenolide attenuates LPS-induced activation of NF-κB in a time-dependent manner in rat myocardium. J Biomed Res, 2012; 26(1):37-43 Hong Xiea, Chen Wanga,b, Xuemei Wua, Xia Liua, Shigang Qiaoa, Chunfeng Liub, Hong Liuc a Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China; b Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China; c Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA. Abstract: Parthenolide (PTN), a selective nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor, has been used extensively to inhibit NF-κB activation. The duration of the inhibitory effect of PTN on NF-κB in vivo remains unclear. This study was to determine whether a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge 6, 12 and 24 h after the administration of PTN could activate NF-κB. Rats were devided into five groups. The rats in the PTN, PTN+LPS and DMSO groups were injected intraperitoneally with PTN or DMSO. After 6, 12 or 24 h, LPS was administered in LPS and PTN+LPS groups. The expressions of NF-κB p50, IκBα and p-IκBα were inhibited in both PTN and PTN+LPS group at end of 6 and 12 h and no effects at 24 h. In summary, myocardial NF-κB expression occurs 1 h after the administration of LPS. PTN blocks this effect given at 6 h and no inhibitory effect 24 h after administration in vivo. http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=JBR120105&flag=1 9. Cellular exposure to muscle relaxants and propofol could lead to genomic instability in vitro. J Biomed Res, 2012; 26(2):117-124 Allen Edward Colemana, Nicole McNeilb, Alexander Leonidovich Kovalchuckc, Dara Wangsab, Thomas Riedb, Hong Wanga a Department of Anesthesiology, Wayne State University, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA; b Laboratory of Cancer Genomics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA; c Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852, USA. Abstract: Anesthesia is widely used in several medical settings and accepted as safe. However, there is some evidence that anesthetic agents can induce genomic changes leading to neural degeneration or apoptosis. Although chromosomal changes have not been observed in vivo, this is most likely due to DNA repair mechanisms, apoptosis, or cellular senescence. Potential chromosomal alterations after exposure to common anesthetic agents may be relevant in patients with genomic instability syndromes or with aggressive treatment of malignancies. In this study, the P388 murine B cells were cultured in vitro, and spectral karyotyping (SKY) was utilized to uncover genome-wide changes. Clinically relevant doses of cisatracurium and propofol increased structural and numerical chromosomal instability. These results may be relevant in patients with underlying chromosomal instability syndromes or concurrently being exposed to chemotherapeutic agents. Future studies may include utilization of stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes to further confirm the significance of these results. http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=JBR120208&flag=1 10. Reduced turnover times make flexible optical reusable scope with EndoSheath® Technology significantly cost-effective. J Biomed Res, 2012; 26(4):241-247 Deepak Gupta, Arvind Srirajakalidindi, Hong Wang Department of Anesthesiology, Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA Abstract: ndoSheath bronchoscopy (Vision Sciences, Inc.) uses a sterile, disposable microbial barrier that may meet the growing needs for safe, efficient, and cost effective flexible bronchoscopy. The purpose of this open-label comparative study was to compare and calculate the costs-per-airway-procedure of the reusable fiberscope when used with and without EndoSheath? Technology; and to record the turnover time from the completion of the use of each scope until its readiness again for the next use. Seventy-five new patients' airways requiring airway maneuvers and manipulations with Vision Sciences, Inc., reusable fiberscope with EndoSheath? Technology were evaluated for the costs comparisons with reassessed historical costs data for Olympus scope assisted tracheal intubations. As compared to costs of an intubation ($158.50) with Olympus scope at our institute, the intubation costs with Vision Sciences, Inc., reusable fiberscope with EndoSheath technology was $81.50 (P < 0.001). The mean turnover time was 5.44 min with EndoSheath technology as compared to previously reported 30 min with Olympus fiberscope (P < 0.001). Based on our institutional experience, Vision Sciences, Inc., reusable fiberscope with EndoSheath technology is significantly cost effective as compared to the Olympus scope with significantly improved turnover times. http://www.jbr-pub.org/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=JBR120402&flag=1