Cardiac activity in walleye (Sander vitreus) during exposure to and recovery from chemical anaesthesia, electroanaesthesia and electrostunning

Handling and conducting invasive procedures are necessary for aspects of fisheries science, invariably inducing a stress response and imposing energetic demands on fish. Anaesthesia or immobilisation techniques are often used in an attempt to mitigate stress and improve welfare, yet these also come with their own impacts on post-release recovery. Here, the authors investigated whether changes in cardiac activity (heart rates over time, heart rate maxima, and scopes) differed in adult walleye (Sander vitreus) anaesthetised with AQUI-S® 20E (eugenol), electroanaesthetised with a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit or electrostunned with a commercially developed stunning unit. This experiment was divided into two trials. In the first trial, fish were implanted with heart rate loggers and left to recover for c. 4 days. In the second trial, fish were implanted with heart rate loggers, given 3 days to recover and re-exposed to their initial treatments (excluding surgery). Post-treatment cardiac activity was quantified for both trials. Although highly variable across individuals, the authors found no significant differences in heart rate changes over time or recovery times among treatments. Maximum heart rates were consistent among treatment groups, yet significant differences in heart rate scope provided further evidence of strong interindividual variation in the second trial. Based on these results, the authors did not identify any welfare-relevant differences or concerns associated with one treatment over another. Further investigations of the relationships between measures of cardiac function and other physiological stress markers would be beneficial towards identifying best practices for fish handling in fisheries science.

An Evaluation of the Rorschach Test As a Prognostic Aid in the Treatment of Schizophrenia by Insulin Coma Therapy, Electronarcosis, Electroconvulsive Therapy and Leucotomy

The possibility of using the Rorschach test to predict outcome of insulin coma treatment of schizophrenia has been investigated by Piotrowski (1938, 1939 and 1941).

[Anesthesiological support of operative interventions in the injured persons, suffering a cold trauma]

Basing on analysis of the treatment results in 74 injured persons with a cold trauma there was proved, that during operative interventions performance a total intravenous anesthesy and a spinal cord anesthesy are used most frequently. Inhalation anesthesy and conducting methods of anesthesy ought to be used more frequently, because a total intravenous anesthesy is a lesser guided one and a spinal cord anesthesy may cause a severe hypotension in the injured persons.

[New perspectives in treatment of bounded forms of psoriasis]

29 patients with bounded forms of psoriasis (18-52 years old 19 men and 10 women since several months to 15 years suffering from the named illness) once in the morning were treated with Daivobet (ointment for external application). By the 10-14th day after treatment full regress of skin fine eruptions and significant reduction of large nidus and intensity of peeling were observed in 20 patients. PASI index decreased by 60%, that allow use Daivonex ointment (1-2-times a day. For strengthening the effect duration of treatment was about 4-6 weeks. 19 patients continued 21-day treatment with Daivobet after decreasing of PASI index by more than 60% of initial level. In case of neurotic complaints, patients additionally underwent sessions of electronarcosis therapy. The course of medicinal electro narcosis consisted of 5-11 sessions with the frequency of procedures about 2-3-times a week. After this kind of therapy, 60% of patients had remission exceeded 4-6 months in comparison with the data recorded earlier in out-patients department cards. Thus, our observations confirm effectiveness of offered algorithm of psoriasis external therapy by means of Daivobet and Daivonex in combination with electronarcosis.

[Comparison of 4 techniques for internal saphenous nerve block]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of 4 techniques for internal saphenous nerve block with 10 mL of 1.5% mepivacaine.

METHODS

Eighty ASA I-II patients scheduled for foot (hallux valgus) surgery with combined sciatic and saphenous nerve blocks were randomized to receive the saphenous nerve block by one of the following techniques: a paravenous approach (n = 20), a transsartorial approach (n = 20), a femoral nerve approach in the inguinal region using a nerve stimulator (n = 20), and by subcutaneous infiltration between the tibial tuberosity and the internal gastrocnemius muscle (n = 20). A pressure cuff was placed 10 cm below the knee of all patients. Success was assessed by pin prick inside the ankle 30 minutes after initiation of the block. Tolerance of the pressure cuff and discomfort during performance of the technique were also assessed.

RESULTS

The 4 groups were similar as to distribution of males and females and mean weight, age, and height. Blocking the saphenous nerve by way of the femoral nerve in the inguinal region was the most effective approach (success in 95% of patients), significantly better than the other 3 techniques (P < 0.05). The paravenous approach was successful in 60% of cases, the transsartorial approach in 50%, and the subcutaneous infiltration technique in 45%. The pressure cuff was well tolerated by all patients (100%) in whom the femoral nerve approach was used. The cuff was tolerated by 70% in the paravenous approach group, by 65% in the transsartorial approach group, and by 60% in the subcutaneous infiltration group. Patients reported more discomfort during initiation of the blockade in the paravenous approach and subcutaneous infiltration groups than in the femoral nerve or transsartorial approach groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The femoral nerve approach in the inguinal region, with nerve stimulator, to block the internal saphenous nerve led to a larger number of successful blocks than did the paravenous or transsartorial approaches, or the technique of subcutaneous infiltration between the tibial tuberosity and internal gastrocnemius muscle.

Effect of -Rhythm-Modulated Extremely High Frequency Electromagnetic Radiation on Rats

Extremely high frequency electromagnetic radiation modulated with a frequency equal to cerebral delta-rhythm oscillations induced electrosleep in rats.

The penetration of some cations into muscle

The influx of Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺ into frog sartorius muscle has been followed. The results show that a maximum rate is found for K⁺, while Na⁺ and Cs⁺ penetrate much more slowly. Similar measurements with Ca⁺⁺, Ba⁺⁺, and Ra⁺⁺ show that Ba⁺⁺ penetrates at a rate somewhat greater than that of either Ca⁺⁺ or Ra⁺⁺. All these divalent cations, however, penetrate at rates much slower than do the alkali cations. The results obtained are discussed with reference to a model that has been developed to explain the different penetration rates for the alkali cations.

New horizons in local anesthesia

The computer-controlled local anesthesia system and the TEA system present 21st-century alternatives to the traditional syringe. The TEA system is a non-invasive form of anesthesia that blocks pain electronically, using the same cellular mechanism as local chemical anesthesia. Targeted electronic anesthesia provides pain control for restorative dental procedures without the use of needles or postoperative discomfort, numbness, and swelling. The computer-assisted system outperforms syringes for traditional injections. This new system generates a precisely controlled anesthetic flow rate that eliminates the need for the operator to use thumb pressure to administer the injection. The lightweight pen-grasp handle results in greater tactile feedback, precision, operator ease, and patient comfort. The greatest advantage may be in the new techniques that it makes available. With these techniques, a dentist can target the teeth to achieve profound pulpal anesthesia, often without the annoying side effects of facial numbness. With this new advanced system in the maxillary arch, the AMSA injection offers clinical advantages over traditional anesthesia techniques, according to Dr. Mark Friedman, whom I consulted with earlier this year. In the mandibular arch, a safe and predictable PDL injection technique may replace the need for an inferior alveolar block in numerous clinical situations. The use of these modified injection techniques can have a positive influence on patient safety, patient comfort, and office productivity. Both of these systems take the fear and anxiety out of dental injections. They offer exciting advanced technology for local pain control. Significantly, if patient stress and anxiety are reduced, the operator immediately benefits. New horizons in local anesthesia offer improved opportunities for patient comfort using computer-controlled local anesthetic systems and TEA.

[General anesthesia in minor surgical interventions in children]

Central hemodynamics and reactions of the sympathoadrenal system were studied and mathematical analysis of heart rhythm carried out in 74 patients aged 8 to 14 under conditions of fluothane-oxide-oxygen narcosis, combined transcutaneous electroneurostimulation, transcranial electroneurostimulation, and calypsol. Fluothane combined with transcutaneous or transcranial electroneurostimulation is the most prevalent type of general analgesia in children subjected to minor interventions.

Transcutaneous cranial electrical stimulation (Limoge's currents) decreases early buprenorphine analgesic requirements after abdominal surgery

Transcutaneous cranial electrical stimulation with Limoge's currents (TCES) consists of high frequency, low intensity currents which decreased anesthetic requirements during elective surgery. This action is likely to be mediated by the release of central endogenous opioids. In the present study, we hypothesized that TCES applied intraoperatively may decrease early postoperative narcotic requirements. Thirty-nine ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Just before induction of anesthesia, patients were connected to the electrical stimulator and randomly allocated to be either stimulated (TCES group, n = 20) or not (control group, n = 19) during surgery. The managing anesthesiologist was unaware of which group the patient was assigned. Postoperatively, patients were given a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device delivering buprenorphine for the first four postoperative hours. The recorded variables included postoperative buprenorphine requirements, pain scores (0-10 visual analog scale [VAS]), sedation (0-4 scale), and intraoperative isoflurane requirements. Patients were comparable with respect to age, sex ratio, weight, duration of surgery, intraoperative hemodynamics, fentanyl requirements, and time from skin closure to tracheal extubation. Buprenorphine requirements were significantly reduced in the TCES group versus the control group (2.36 vs 3.43 micrograms.kg-1.h-1; P = 0.002). Intraoperative isoflurane anesthetic requirements, as well as hourly postoperative scores for pain and sedation, were the same for the two groups. These data indicate that TCES reduces narcotic requirements for early postoperative analgesia. This technique might have potential to facilitate early postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery.

Activation of anterior lobe corticotrophs by electroacupuncture or noxious stimulation in the anaesthetized rat, as shown by colocalization of Fos protein with ACTH and beta-endorphin and increased hormone release

A marked expression of the c-fos proto-oncogene has been recently reported in cells of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland in rats subject to electroacupuncture or noxious thermal stimulation under pentobarbital anaesthesia. The present study was undertaken to identify the activated pituitary cells. Following both kinds of stimulation, most Fos-immunoreactive anterior lobe cells showed colocalization with adrenocorticotropic hormone or beta-endorphin immunoreactivity. No c-fos expression occurred in pituitary cells immunoreactive for growth hormone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, or thyrotropin-stimulating hormone. A marked rise of adrenocorticotropic hormone and beta-endorphin concentrations occurred in plasma. In the hypothalamus, c-fos expression was increased in the mediobasal nuclei-namely, the arcuate nucleus-and in the paraventricular nucleus, but more in the former. It is suggested that somatosensory noxious input, or the partly noxious input evoked by electroacupuncture, activate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis as in common forms of stress, but with a specific activation of the mediobasal hypothalamic nuclei and no stimulation of intermediate lobe cells. Opiate release from the pituitary gland may contribute to acupuncture analgesia or the intrinsic antinociceptive reactions triggered by noxious stimulation.

Effect of electrical stunning amperage and peri-mortem struggle on broiler breast rigor development and meat quality

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of electrical stunning and peri-mortem muscle activity (struggle in and around the time of slaughter) on post-mortem biochemical reactions in broiler breast muscle (Pectoralis major). Broilers were stunned with either 50 or 125 mA or were killed without stunning. In Experiment 1 (n = 273), broilers were either physically restrained to reduce struggling during slaughter or were unrestrained and allowed to struggle freely. Breast mean pH and R-value (ratio of adenosine to inosine nucleotides) were determined at 15 min and 24 h post-mortem, and Allo-Kramer shear was determined on 48 h post-mortem cooked meat samples from muscles excised at 15 min or 24 h. In Experiment 2 (n = 65), the breast muscle was unilaterally denervated by surgically severing the Pectoralis nerve on one side and performing a sham operation on the contralateral side. Results indicated that physical restraint resulted in higher muscle pH and lower R-values at 15 min post-mortem in the unstunned birds and birds stunned at 50 mA, but had no effect on breast meat from birds stunned at 125 mA. There were no treatment effects on meat tenderness or 24-h post-mortem pH or R-values. Stunning amperage had no effect on denervated muscle pH at 15 min post-mortem, but did affect the sham-operated muscle pH and R-values as in Experiment 1. These results indicate that the main effect of electrical stunning on early rigor development may be due primarily to inhibition of peri-mortem struggle.

Effect of stunning amperage on broiler breast muscle rigor development and meat quality

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of constant amperage (as opposed to constant voltage) electrical stunning on broiler blood loss, post-mortem breast muscle (Pectoralis major) rigor development, and breast meat quality. Broilers were individually stunned for 5 s at 0 (unstunned control group), 50, 100, 150, and 200 mA in Experiment 1 and at 0, 50, and 125 mA in Experiment 2. Breast muscle pH and R-value (ratio of adenosine to inosine nucleotides) were determined at 15 min and 24 h post-mortem; breast meat shear value and color were determined at 48 h post-mortem. Stunning amperage had no effect on percentage blood loss in either experiment. The most rapid post-mortem reactions were observed for the unstunned control group as determined by pH and R-value at 15 min post-mortem. Birds stunned with 50 mA were intermediate with regard to rate of rigor development. The slowest post-mortem reactions occurred in broilers stunned from 100 to 200 mA. There were no differences in pH, R-value, or color between stunning treatments after carcasses were aged for 24 h. Stunning amperage did not affect Allo-Kramer shear value for breast muscles deboned at 15 min post-mortem. In Experiment 2, 24 h aged breast meat from broilers stunned with 125 mA required significantly higher shear value (4.5 kg/g) than breast meat from broilers stunned at 0 or 50 mA (3.8 and 3.6 kg/g, respectively). Results indicate that stunning amperages between 0 and 200 mA had effects on the rate of early rigor development but there were no consistent effects on final breast meat quality.

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of cranial electrostimulation. Efficacy in treating selected psychological and physiological conditions

To clarify the diverse published results of cranial electrostimulation (CES) efficacy, we conducted an extensive literature review that identified 18 of the most carefully conducted randomized controlled trials of CES versus sham treatment. For the 14 trials that had sufficient data, we used the techniques of meta-analysis to pool the published results of treating each of four conditions: anxiety (eight trials), brain dysfunction (two trials), headache (two trials), and insomnia (two trials). Because studies utilized different outcome measures, we used an effect size method to normalize measures which we then pooled across studies within each condition. The meta-analysis of anxiety showed CES to be significantly more effective than sham treatment (p < .05). Pooling did not affect results that were individually positive (headache and pain under anesthesia) or negative (brain dysfunction and insomnia). Most studies failed to report all data necessary for meta-analysis. Moreover, in all but two trials, the therapist was not blinded and knew which patients were receiving CES or sham treatment. We strongly recommend that future trials of CES report complete data and incorporate therapist blinding to avoid possible bias.

New and emerging technologies: promise, achievement and deception

Technology has touched every aspect of dentistry from diagnosis to treatment. The promises and limitations of several emerging technologies, including lasers, digital radiology and electronic anesthesia, are reviewed.

Effect of the method of stunning and the interval between stunning and neck cutting on blood loss in turkeys

Turkey hens were stunned by inducing anoxia with either argon (with approximately 2 per cent residual oxygen) or 30 per cent carbon dioxide in argon with 2 per cent residual oxygen, and the carcases were bled either immediately or five or 10 minutes after they had been stunned. A control group of turkeys was stunned electrically (250 mA for about four seconds) and had their necks cut immediately after stunning. The amount of blood lost was measured and expressed as a percentage of liveweight. The results showed that the necks of gas-stunned turkeys can be cut up to 10 minutes after they have been stunned without reducing the total blood loss significantly.

Transcranial electrostimulation effects on rat opioid and neurotransmitter levels

A specific form of Transcranial Electrostimulation Treatment (TCET) has been shown to induce analgesia, alleviate symptoms of opiate withdrawal and alter nociceptive responses in neurons in the midbrain and hypothalamus of rats. TCET consists of a 10Hz, charge balanced, 10 mu A current passed for 30 minutes between electrodes placed in the ears. Both serotonin (5HT) and endogenous opioids have been strongly implicated in TCET responses. This study directly measured brain levels of several neurotransmitters and their metabolites in anesthetized rats stimulated with either 10 mu A TCET or 0 mu A (Sham). Neurotransmitters measured in selected homogenized brain areas by high performance liquid chromatography were 5HT and its metabolite, 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5HIAA); norepinephrine (NE) and its metabolite, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenethyleneglycol (MHPG); and dopamine (DA). Levels of NE and DA were significantly higher in the hypothalamic region of TCET rats than of control rats. The midbrains of TCET rats contained significantly elevated levels of DA, MHPG, 5HT and 5HIAA. In the hindbrain no significant differences were observed. Thus, TCET appears to cause an increase in the synthesis or release of 5HT, DA and NE in the midbrain and DA and 5HT in the hypothalamus. In a separate experiment, beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity was measured in blood plasma taken from rats at intervals before, during and after a 30 minute TCET treatment, but no demonstrable TCET effect was observed. The lack of change in serum endorphin levels suggests that TCET-induced opioid activity may be confined to the central nervous system, a reasonable theory because the current passes only through the head.

The effectiveness of electronic dental anesthesia in children

This study compared the effectiveness of traditional local anesthesia with a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation unit that controls pain via electronic dental anesthesia for restorative dental procedures in 6- to 12-year-old children. The sample included 27 children who had two antimere teeth that required restorations of similar size (preventive resin restorations). In each case, the cavity preparation extended into dentin. One of the teeth was treated with conventional local anesthesia and the other with EDA. Selecting which tooth and which method to complete first was done randomly. Both restorations were done at the same appointment. Throughout the procedure, the child was asked to assess the level of discomfort using the Eland Color Scale, which allowed the children to draw on their past painful experiences to judge the level of pain they perceived. The patients demonstrated no overall significant difference in pain perception between the two modalities of treatment, regarding dentin sensitivity and rubber dam clamp replacement. When asked which method they preferred after the study, 78% of the patients chose EDA over local anesthesia.

[The effect of transcranial electrostimulation in an analgesic regimen on somatosympathetic reflexes]

The mechanisms of inhibitory effect of transcranial electrostimulation in analgesic regime on blood pressor nociceptive reflexes were studied in experiments in rabbits and cats. Considerable inhibition of the late (bulbar) somato-sympathetic reflexes and spino-bulbo-spinal somato-somatic reflexes as well was demonstrated. The probable basis of sympatho-inhibition during transcranial electrical stimulation is a reduction of excitatory input to bulbar sympathoexcitatory neurons. It was revealed in experiments with inhibition of sympatho-excitation elicited by temporal brain ischaemia and local electrical stimulation of different bulbar ventrolateral vasomotor zones. The role of periaqueductal gray activated by transcranial electrical stimulation as a source of inhibition and its opioid mechanisms are discussed.

[The combined use of electrosleep and intranasal lithium electrophoresis at the sanatorium stage of postinfarct rehabilitation]

Ninety postmyocardial infarction convalescents were treated by electrical sleep (impulse frequency 50-70 Hz) in combination with intranasal electrophoresis of 3% solution of lithium chloride to improve cardiocerebral relationships. The studies involved the clinical pattern, myocardial bioelectrical activity, exercise tolerance and cerebral hemodynamics. The results pointed to therapeutic benefit of the combination in sanatorium management of the patients.

[Hemodynamics during epidural anesthesia in combination with transcranial electroanesthesia in pulmonary surgery]

Pulmonary surgery performed under epidural anesthesia (EA) combined with transcranial electrical anesthesia (TEA) was characterized by minimum adverse hemodynamic reactions, typical of EA alone, and reduced overall dose of the local anesthetic with minimum volume of the infusion therapy and adequate anesthetic protection. The absence of marked hemodynamic reactions in this type of combined anesthesia made it possible to use it during pulmonary surgery in the most severely ill patients whose cardiovascular system is already compromised by the primary pulmonary disease.

[Changes in the kallikrein-kinin system as a result of electrical-medicinal anesthesia]

The results of kallikrein-kinin system studies are analysed in 105 urological patients at different stages of surgical treatment. It has been established that changes in kallikrein-kinin system during combined electrical and drug anesthesia as well as during ataralgesia are unidirectional and reside in moderate system activation of compensatory nature. It is concluded that combined electrical and drug anesthesia is an adequate anesthetic technique to be used during urological surgery.

The effects of changing physical and electrical parameters on the narcotizing ability of alternating current

The effects of wave form, voltage, frequency and current as well as application time on the narcotizing ability of alternating current were investigated. A 60 Vrms, 50 Hz sine wave current applied for 30 s produced narcosis of sufficient duration to enable handling and blood sampling. A triangle wave form was inferior in narcotizing ability to both sine wave and square wave forms. Duration of narcosis increased with increasing water conductivity but was reduced by increasing water temperatures.

[The opiate mechanism of transcranial electroanalgesia in rats and mice]

In partially restrained alert rats and mice, the opioid mechanism of the transcranial electroanalgesia was investigated. Naloxone (0.5-2.0 mg/kg) reversibly suppressed the electroanalgesia in rats. The electroanalgesic effect in rats tolerant to morphine in doses 5-10 mg/kg, was absent. The involvement of endogenous opioid mechanisms in electroanalgesia was confirmed by enhancing of the analgesia with D-phenylalanine (350 mg/kg). The findings suggest that analgesic effect is based on transcranial electrical stimulation of opioid mechanisms. Investigation of endogenous opioid mechanisms in different antinociceptive brain structures in experimental models of transcranial electroanalgesia, is discussed.

PAG stimulation does not affect primary antibody responses in rats

Adult male rats, which had electrodes chronically implanted in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), were immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). The number of direct and indirect plaque-forming cells (PFCs) in the group receiving PAG stimulation after immunization did not differ significantly from that in the unstimulated group. Thus, the results indicate that short-term PAG stimulation does not suppress antibody-producing activity in the rat.

[Cerebral hemodynamics according to the results of REG when using sinusoidally modulated currents in accordance with the electrosleep method during the early recovery period after surgery on intracranial arteries]

On the basis of clinical observations and REG recorded in 50 patients in the early restorative period after operations on intracranial cerebral arteries the author recommends a new effective and pathogenetically substantiated method of treatment--sinusoidal modulated currents (SMC) after the method of electric sleep. SMC promotes regression of the focal neurological symptomatology and increases the intensity of cerebral blood flow, evidence of which is the positive time course of REG values.