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TiO2 thin films have been deposited on glass and Si(100) by atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique using tetrakis(diethylamido)titanium(IV) and water vapor as reactants. Thorough investigation of the properties of the TiO2/glass and TiO2/Si thin films was carried out, varying the deposition temperature in the range from 100°C to 250°C while keeping the number of reaction cycles fixed at 1000. Physical and material property analyses were performed to investigate optical and electrical properties, composition, structure, and morphology. TiO2 films grown by ALD may represent promising materials for future applications in optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inhaled therapies are key components of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatments. Although the use of pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) accounts for <0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, their contribution to global warming has been debated and efforts are underway to reduce the carbon footprint of pMDIs. Our aim was to establish the extent to which different scenarios led to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions associated with inhaler use, and their clinical implications., Methods: We conducted a series of scenario analyses using asthma and COPD inhaler usage data from 2019 to model carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e) emissions reductions over a 10-year period (2020-2030) in the UK, Italy, France, Germany and Spain: switching propellant-driven pMDIs for propellant-free dry-powder inhalers (DPIs)/soft mist inhalers (SMIs); transitioning to low global warming potential (GWP) propellant (hydrofluoroalkane (HFA)-152a) pMDIs; reducing short-acting β 2 -agonist (SABA) use; and inhaler recycling., Results: Transition to low-GWP pMDIs and forced switching to DPI/SMIs (excluding SABA inhalers) would reduce annual CO 2 e emissions by 68%-84% and 64%-71%, respectively, but with different clinical implications. Emission reductions would be greatest (82%-89%) with transition of both maintenance and SABA inhalers to low-GWP propellant. Only minimising SABA inhaler use would reduce CO 2 e emissions by 17%-48%. Although significant greenhouse gas emission reductions would be achieved with high rates of end-of-life recycling (81%-87% of the inhalers), transition to a low-GWP propellant would still result in greater reductions., Conclusions: While the absolute contribution of pMDIs to global warming is very small, substantial reductions in the carbon footprint of pMDIs can be achieved with transition to low-GWP propellant (HFA-152a) inhalers. This approach outperforms the substitution of pMDIs with DPI/SMIs while preserving patient access and choice, which are essential for optimising treatment and outcomes. These findings require confirmation in independent studies., Competing Interests: Competing interests: DP was contracted by Chiesi Farmaceutici for the analysis. SP, FS, RF and YU are employees of Chiesi Farmaceutici., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Objectives: The objective of the present report was to analyze the opinions, attitudes, and practices of Baskent University students with regard to the impact of religion on organ donation and transplantation., Materials and Methods: We sent a web-based, 5-point Likert scale questionnaire (1: strongly disagree; 5: strongly agree) to capture the opinions and attitudes toward organ donation and transplantation after participants attended or did not a panel discussion on these topics., Results: We sent 361 E-mails and received 69 responses, of which 46 students attended the panel discussion. Most of the participants who attended were part of the faculty of medicine. Participants who did not attend were composed of students from other faculties at Baskent University. Religion played less of a role with regard to opinions on organ donation in those who did not attend. Of the attendees, 54.3% strongly agreed to become organ donors, 50% believed in the important role of religion in organ donation, and 54.3% believed that media sources play important roles in shaping public opinion on organ donation. The majority felt comfortable discussing organ donation with family and friends., Conclusions: Although religion has an undeniable effect on the decision-making process, our survey showed that more than half of the participants were willing to become organ donors. Education, through the joint efforts of medical and religious scholars, as well as the media, should contribute to raising awareness on organ donation, thus contributing to increased access to transplantation worldwide.

Objective: The circadian rhythm is the most important of the main rhythms that affect our daily lives and has a significant role in the efficiency of a lot of drugs used in anesthesia. The aim of this study is to prove whether circadian rythm has an effect on spinal anesthesia and, if any, its effect on postoperative analgesic request by retrospectively studying the patients operated under spinal anesthesia., Methods: We conducted the study on patients operated on inguinal hernia and anorectal surgery under spinal anesthesia in general surgery room. The patients were divided into two groups according to the time when they were taken into surgery: between 06.00-12.00 (Group 1) and 12.00- 18.00 (Group 2). Time to first analgesic request, time to start walking, time to first urination, intraoperative and postoperative side effects, intraoperative hemodynamic data, and patient satisfaction were detected and recorded., Results: The time to first analgesic request in Group 1 was longer than in Group 2, and this difference was statistically significant. The mean heart rate of the groups was found significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 during measurements at the 25. and 30. minute when compared with their changes over time. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of side effects and the most common side effect was detected to be nausea - vomiting., Conclusions: We found out that the time to first analgesic request after spinal anesthesia was significantly longer in Group 1 than in Group 2.

Purpose: To investigate the possible effects of argan oil on the healing of colorectal anastomoses., Methods: n Group 1 (sham), laparotomy was performed and the colon was mobilized. In the control (Group 2) and argan oil (Group 3) groups, colonic resection and anastomosis were applied. To the control and sham groups, 2 mL of 0.9% NaCl was administred rectally, and in the argan oil group, 2 mL/day argan oil was applied rectally for 7 days., Results: The mean bursting pressures of the argan oil and sham groups were significantly higher than the values in the control group. A significant difference was determined between the tissue hydroxyproline and prolidase levels of control group and other groups. Histopathologically, argan oil showed significant beneficial effects on colonic wound healing. In the argan oil and sham groups, the tissue malondialdehyde and fluorescent oxidation product levels were found to be lower and total sulfhydryl levels were higher than the control group., Conclusions: The rectally administered argan oil was observed to have significantly ameliorated wound healing parameters and exerted a significant antioxidant effect. This is the first study in the literature about the beneficial effects of argan oil on colorectal anastomoses.

Objectives: To compare frequencies of some mental health disorders between Syrian refugees living in Turkey and internally displaced persons in Syria, and to identify factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder., Methods: We carried out a field survey in May 2017 among 540 internally displaced persons in Syria and refugees in Turkey., Results: The study revealed that mental disorders were highly prevalent in both populations. Major depressive disorder was more frequent among refugees in Turkey than among internally displaced persons in Syria; other mental disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder, were more prevalent in the latter than in the former. Posttraumatic stress disorder was also associated with postmigration factors. Major depressive disorder was more likely among refugees in Turkey. In addition, the likelihood of major depressive disorder was predicted by stopping somewhere else before resettlement in the current location., Conclusions: The resettlement locus and the context and type of displacement seem to be important determinants of mental health disorders, with postmigration factors being stronger predictors of conflict-related mental health. Internally displaced persons may benefit more from trauma-focused approaches, whereas refugees may derive greater benefit from psychosocial approaches.

Objectives: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction refers to the problems associated with thought and memory that are often experienced after major surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of intraperitoneally administered memantine on recovery, cognitive functions, and pain after propofol anesthesia., Methods: The study was conducted in Gazi University Animal Research Laboratory, Ankara, Turkey in January 2012. Twenty-four adult female Wistar Albino rats weighing 170-270g were educated for 300s in the radial arm maze (RAM) over three days. Group P was administered 150mgkg(-1) of intraperitoneal (IP) propofol; Group M was given 1mgkg(-1) of IP memantine; and Group MP was given 1mgkg(-1) of IP memantine before being administered 150mgkg(-1) of IP propofol. The control group received only IP saline. RAM and hot plate values were obtained after recovery from the groups that received propofol anesthesia and 30min after the administration of drugs in other two groups., Results: The duration of recovery for Group MP was significantly shorter than Group P (p<0.001), and the number of entries and exits in the RAM by Group MP was significantly higher during the first hour when compared to Group P (p<0.0001). Hot plate values, on the other hand, were found to be significantly increased in all groups when compared to the control values, aside from Group C (p<0.0001)., Conclusion: In this study, memantine provided shorter recovery times, better cognitive functions, and reduced postoperative pain. From this study, we find that memantine has beneficial effects on recovery, cognitive functions, and pain after propofol anesthesia., (Copyright © 2015 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Epicardial fat, a metabolically active tissue, has emerged as a risk factor and active player in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. We investigated epicardial fat thickness in patients who had sustained an acute ischemic stroke, and we evaluated the relationship of epicardial fat thickness with other prognostic factors. We enrolled 61 consecutive patients (age, ≥18 yr) who had sustained a first acute ischemic stroke and had been admitted to our hospital within 24 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms. The control group comprised 82 consecutive sex- and age-matched patients free of past or current stroke who had been admitted to our cardiology clinics. Blood samples were taken for measurement of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels at admission. Aortic stiffness indices and epicardial fat thickness were measured by means of transthoracic echocardiography within the first 48 hours. In comparison with the control group, the patients with acute ischemic stroke had significantly higher epicardial fat thickness (4.8 ± 0.9 vs 3.8 ± 0.7 mm; P <0.001), lower aortic distensibility (2.5 ± 0.8 vs 3.4 ± 0.9 cm(2) ·dyn(-1); P <0.001) and lower aortic strain (5.5% ± 1.9% vs 6.4% ± 1.8%; P=0.003). We found a significant association between epicardial fat thickness, NT-proBNP levels, and arterial dysfunction in patients who had sustained acute ischemic stroke. Increased epicardial fat thickness might be a novel risk factor and might enable evaluation of subclinical target-organ damage in these patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate retrorenal colon incidence in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) interventions made in our clinic., Materials and Methods: Clinical data of 804 PNL patients, accumulated over a 7 year period (2006-2012), was surveyed. The patient files were reviewed retrospectively, and only those who had abdominal computed tomography (CT) images before PNL intervention were included in the study. In the CT images, the position of both the ascending and descending colon in relation to the right and left kidneys were evaluated., Results: According to our hospital reports, 394 patients with CT images were included in the present study 27 patients (6.9%) had retrorenal colon, of which 18 (4.6%) were on the left side, 4 (1.0%) on the right side and 5 (1.3%) had bilateral retrorenal colons. Colonic perforation complication was seen only in two patients and the colonic perforation rate was 0.3%. These two cases had no CT images., Conclusions: PNL, in the process of becoming the standard treatment modality, is a safe and reliable technique for renal stone treatment. Colonic injury should be taken into consideration during PNL interventions of the lower pole of the kidney (especially on the left side) due to the location of retrorenal colon.

Background: Sugammadex is primarily excreted via renal route. We investigated effects of low and high doses of sugammadex (16 mg/kg versus 96 mg/kg) on renal tissue samples of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats., Material and Methods: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups. Group C (control - 0.9 % NaCl), Group DC (diabetes control; 55 mg/kg streptozotocin, IP, only), Group DR-16S (diabetes-rocuronium - 16 mg sugammadex, IV.) and Group DR-96S (diabetes- rocuronium - 96 mg sugammadex, IV). Renal tissue histopathological evaluation and antioxidant status (measurements of MDA levels and NO activities) were studied., Results: Significantly higher levels of all inflammation parameters (inflammation, degeneration/necrosis, tubular dilatation, tubular cell degeneration, dilatation in Bowman's space, tubular hyaline casts, and lymphocyte infiltration) were found in the 96 mg/kg sugammadex group. Higher MDA tissue levels and lower NO activity were found in the 96 mg/kg sugammadex group., Discussion: We can conclude that high-dose (96 mg/kg) sugammadex administration resulted in significant renal tissue damage in diabetic rats. As a consequence, low doses of sugammadex have to be preferred in diabetic patients (Tab. 2, Fig. 4, Ref. 26).

Objectives: Following ischemia/reperfusion injury, antioxidant defense mechanisms may remain insufficient depending on the duration of ischemia which is caused by any reason (MI, after percutaneous coronary intervention, during cardiac surgery). After that, free oxygen radicals increasing within the cell cause structural deterioration. Cytokines which activate a series of reactions that cause tissue damage and inflammatory response are released during reperfusion of ischemic tissues. In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and ketamine in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury., Material and Methods: The study included 18 rats randomly divided into three groups. Group I/R (n = 6): control, Group I/R-K (n = 6): ketamine, and Group I/R-D (n = 6): dexmedetomidine. Before the 10 min surgery, after the 20 min ischemia and 20 min reperfusion period, hemodynamic parameters were compared among the three groups. After the 45 min ischemia and 120 min reperfusion period, tissue samples were obtained from the rat hearts, and MDA, SOD, GSH-Px, IL-1β and TNF-α levels were compared., Results: MDA and GSH-Px levels were significantly higher in the control group compared to the ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups. However, both levels were similar in the ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups. SOD levels were significantly lower in the ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups compared to the control group, but they were similar in the ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups. IL-1β levels were similar in all groups. TNF-α levels were significantly lower in the ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups compared to the control group. They were similar in the ketamine and dexmedetomidine groups., Conclusions: According to our study, it can be concluded that dexmedetomidine and ketamine have similar effects on reducing myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. Dexmedetomidine provides better heart rate control but causes hypotension, so, because of cardiac depression, we think that its clinical use may necessitate further investigation.

Objective: Propofol is an intravenous general anesthetic with a primary hypnotic effect. Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that has been shown to reverse changes in memory and synaptic plasticity in animal models. This study aims to investigates whether propofol and/or memantine has any effects on erythrocyte deformability., Methods: 24 Wistar albino rats were divided randomly into four groups. Group P received 150 mg.kg-1 propofol intraperitoneally (ip); Group M received 1 mg.kg-1 memantine (ip); Group PM received 1 mg.kg-1 memantine mg.kg-1 ip 30 minutes before the administration of 150 mg.kg-1 propofol; and the control group (Group C) received saline ip. Euthanasia was performed in all rats by using intraabdominal blood uptake. The heparinized whole blood samples were used to prepare erythrocyte suspensions, from which erythrocyte suspensions were formed with a PBS buffer solution containing 5% htc, and the deformability parameters were measured., Results: Erythrocyte deformability was significantly higher in Groups P, M and PM when compared to the Group C (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001, p <0.0001, respectively); while the erythrocyte deformability indices were similar in groups P, M and PM., Conclusion: The administration of propofol and memantine altered the erythrocyte deformability in the rats, which may lead to further problems in microcirculation. The administration of memantine to the propofol-treated rats did not alter the erythrocyte deformability; however the early results should be verified through further experimental and clinical studies (Fig. 1, Ref. 23).

Aim: As it can easily be performed at the bedside with minimal morbidity, percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) is preferred over surgical tracheotomy. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of different PDT techniques on posterior tracheal wall injury., Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Gazi University Laparoscopy Training Center after approval was granted by the ethics committee. After sedation with xylazine/ketamine, electrocardiography, peripheral oxygen saturation, and blood pressure were monitored. Propofol was used to achieve the desired level of sedation during the procedure. There were 16 pigs, randomly allocated into 4 groups. Multiple, single, forceps, and twist dilator techniques were performed in groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. At the end of the course all pigs were sacrificed and tracheas were harvested for macroscopic and histopathological evaluation., Results: Macroscopic evaluation revealed erythematous/hemorrhagic and ulcerative lesions on the posterior wall of all samples. Histopathological injury was observed in all samples and was similar in all groups. Procedural time was significantly longer in group I than in all other groups (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Although the results are conflicting, bronchoscopy-aided PDT is believed to reduce complications. In our study, PDTs were performed without bronchoscopy, and posterior wall injury was observed in all samples. Therefore, we suggest using bronchoscopy to reduce procedure-related complications and improve patient safety during PDT.

Aim: The primary purpose of this study is to assess the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) infusion on pulmonary artery pressures (PAP), heart rate (HR), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in pigs. The secondary purpose is to evaluate whether DEX infusion via the pulmonary artery has any beneficial effect over the peripheral IV route., Materials and Methods: Sixteen healthy male pigs (25-35 kg) scheduled for laparoscopy training were used in this study. The animals were randomly allocated into two groups: Group I (n = 9): A loading dose of 1 μg/kg DEX was administered over 10 minutes followed by an infusion of 0.5 μg/kg/hr for one hour via the pulmonary artery catheter. Group II (n = 7): A loading dose of 1 μg/kg DEX was administered over 10 minutes followed by an infusion of 0.5 μg/kg/hr for one hour via the peripheral venous catheter. Mean PAP, HR, MAP, SpO2, and ETCO2 were recorded at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after the initiation of the DEX infusion., Results: Heart rate and MAP were similar in both groups at all time points. Also, neither the HR nor the MAP deviated from the basal values in Groups I and II at any time point. The mean PAP values were similar in Groups I and II, and in Group I, the mean PAP values were similar to Group I's basal value at all time points. However, in Group II, the mean PAP values at 5, 45, and 60 minutes were significantly lower than Group II's basal value (p = 0.023, p = 0.041, p = 0.015, respectively)., Conclusion: DEX infusion did not elevate the mean PAP and the results from the administration of DEX through the peripheral vein and pulmonary artery were similar (Tab. 3, Ref. 13).

Objective: To define a new primitive reflex named the buccopalpebral reflex (BPR), and to investigate this reflex clinically and neurophysiologically in patients with Parkinson disease., Methods: This prospectively designed study included 17 patients, 9 BPR positive patients, and 8 BPR negative patients in Ankara Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, and was carried out between January and December 2008. All patients had Parkinson disease without any medication. Using the blink reflex technique, 3 branches of the trigeminal nerve were stimulated. Additionally, the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Unified Parkinson`s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), the Hoehn and Yahr Score (HYS), the blink frequency, and the duration of Parkinson disease was also matched between the 2 groups., Results: In patients with positive BPR, 5 had tremor and the remaining 4 had bradykinesia as a dominant symptom, while all other patients with negative BPR had only tremor. When blink reflex findings were compared between the 2 groups, R2 and contralateral R2 latencies that were taken by supraorbital stimulus were significantly shorter in the BPR positive patients. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of MMSE, UPDRS, HYS, and frequency of blinking, and duration of illness between the 2 groups., Conclusion: This reflex may be an indicator of sensitivity or decrease of threshold level such as Myerson`s sign, in which there is no inhibition in glabella reflex. The blink reflex findings support this hypothesis.

Background and Aim: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is predisposed to the development of upper airway obstruction during sleep, and it poses considerable problem for anesthetic management. Difficult intubation (DI) is an important problem for management of anesthesia. In this clinical research, we aim to investigate the relationship between DI and prediction criteria of DI in cases with OSA., Materials and Methods: We studied 40 [OSA (Group O, n = 20) and non-OSA, (Group C, n = 20)] ASA I-II, adult patients scheduled tonsillectomy under general anesthesia. Same anesthetic protocol was used in two groups. Intubation difficulties were assessed by Mallampati grading, Wilson sum score, Laryngoscopic grading (Cormack and Lehane), a line joining the angle of the mouth and tragus of the ear with the horizontal, sternomental distance, and tyromental distance. Demographic properties, time-dependent hemodynamic variables, doses of reversal agent, anesthesia and operation times, and recovery parameters were recorded., Results: Significant difference was detected between groups in terms of BMI, Mallampati grading, Wilson weight scores, Laryngoscopic grading, sternomental distance, tyromental distance, doses of reversal agent, and recovery parameters., Conclusion: OSA patient's DI ratio is higher than that of non-OSA patients. BMI Mallampati grading, Wilson weight scores, Laryngoscopic grading, sternomental distance, and tyromental distance evaluation might be predictors for DI in patients with OSA.

Objective: To evaluate the renal sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+ATPase) activity, kidney morphology, and the probable protective effects of 2 different anesthetic agents used during pneumoperitoneum (PP)., Methods: The study was performed at Gazi University Experimental Research Center, Ankara, Turkey between January and July 2009. Twenty-four Wistar albino male rats weighing 320-380 g were randomly allocated to 4 groups after receiving ethics committee approval. All rats were cannulated, intubated, and ventilated under ketamine anesthesia. No further surgical intervention was performed for group I. An intraabdominal pressure (IAP) of 10 mm Hg was created by CO2 insufflation in 18 animals for one hour. The animals in group II received no further anesthetic agents, while the animals in groups III and IV received propofol and sevoflurane. At the end of the protocol, all animals underwent left nephrectomy without sacrificing. Urine was collected from each animal for the following 24 hour for the evaluation of urine creatinine and protein., Results: The activity of renal Na+/K+ATPase was significantly lower in groups II (p=0.014), III (p=0.019), and IV (p=0.032) compared to group I. The pathological score was significantly higher in groups II (p=0.017), III (p=0.028), and IV (p=0.039) compared to group I. No statistically significant difference was found among groups II, III, and IV in terms of Na+/K+ATPase activity and pathological scores., Conclusion: Elevated IAP is related with impaired kidney functions and morphology, and the so-called renoprotective agents neither improved, nor worsened PP-related renal impairment.

Objective: To investigate the effects of perivascular and intravenous application of lidocaine on venous endothelial morphology of harvested rabbit vein graft., Methods: This study was conducted in Gazi University Animal Research Laboratory, Ankara, Turkey in March 2009. Three ear veins of each rabbits (n=6) were used. Control group (Group C, n=6 vessels), vein segment was excised from the distal end. Perivascular group (Group P, n=6); 2 ml lidocaine 1% was injected in the perivascular area of the second vein of the same ear, and the vein segment was excised. Intravascular group (Group I, n=6); the vein in the second ear was clamped and 2 ml of lidocaine 1% was administered intravascular, and 5 minutes later, a 2 cm vein segment was excised. Nitric oxide synthase and thiobarbutiric acid reactive substance levels were measured, and histopathologic examination was performed to assess the effects of lidocaine administration., Results: Histopathological findings in groups C, P and I were similar. There were lower thiobarbituric reactive substances level in groups I (p=0.024) and P (p=0.041) than the control group. Nitric oxide synthase activity was higher in groups I (p=0.026) and P (p=0.037) when compared to group C., Conclusion: Our results showed both perivascular infiltration and intravascular administration could prevent the consequences of endothelium damage that occurs during the harvesting of veins.

Objectives: Propofol is an anesthetic agent frequently used for sedation and general anesthesia. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of propofol, a general anesthetic, on erythrocyte deformability in rats., Methodology: The study was performed on 20 male and 20 female rats, with 10 rats in each study group and 10 rats in each control group. The rats in the study group were administered propofol (150 mg.kg(-1)) intraperitoneally, and the rats in the control group were administered SF. Erythrocyte packs were prepared using heparinized total blood samples. Deformability measurements were done by erythrocyte suspensions in PBS buffer. A constant flow filtrometer system was used to measure erythrocyte deformability, and the relative resistance was calculated., Results: The use of propofol resulted in the increase in the relative resistance, which is an indicator for the erythrocyte deformability in both male and female rats (p = 0.002, p = 0.042, respectively)., Conclusion: A negative change in the erythrocyte deformability may cause a functional deterioration in blood flow and tissue perfusion (Fig. 1, Ref. 23).

Objective: To compare the administration of sub hypnotic dose of propofol with metoclopramide and placebo in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after middle ear surgery., Methods: This clinical research was performed in the Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Besevler, Ankara, Turkey, between December 2004 and October 2005. Following approval by the hospital ethics committee, 60 adult patients scheduled for a middle ear operation were randomly assigned into 3 groups. The patients in group P received 0.5 mg x kg(-1) propofol; in group M, 0.2 mg x kg(-1) metoclopramide, and in group C, 0.9% saline solution. The number of patients suffering from nausea and vomiting at 0-4, 4-12, and 12-24 hours postoperatively, and additional use of antiemetics was recorded., Results: Comparisons of the data showed that at 0-4th hours, the incidence of vomiting was 25% in group P, 40% in group M, and 75% in group C. The incidence rate of group P was significantly lower than that of group C (p=0.002), and the rate of antiemetics use in group C was higher than that in group P (p=0.028). The Nausea Vomiting Scale scores of group C were also significantly higher than those of group P (p=0.005). There were no significant differences between the values at 4-12 and 12-24 hours., Conclusion: The administration of a sub hypnotic dose of propofol at the end of surgery was found to be at least as effective as metoclopramide in preventing PONV in the early postoperative period in adult patients undergoing middle ear surgery.

Objective: To investigate the effects of lidocaine on the morphology of saphenous veins (SVs) harvested during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery., Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey, between May and September 2007. The SVs from 11 patients who underwent CABG surgery were divided into 3 segments. Each segment from the same location of the grafts was allocated into 3 groups as control group (group C), physiologic saline group (group PS), and lidocaine group (group L). Nitric oxide synthase (NOS), nitric oxide (NO) pool, super oxide dismutase (SOD), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were measured in the samples from the groups. Histologic specimens were evaluated according to previously defined criteria, and scored accordingly., Results: Histological examination of the grafts in groups L and C were similar, but histological scoring of grafts in group PS were statistically higher than group C (p=0.008). Nitric oxide synthase activity and NO pool were higher in groups L and PS than in group C (p=0.010). Super oxide dismutase activity was higher in group L than in group PS (p=0.008). Super oxide dismutase activity was lower in group PS than in group C (p=0.047). There was no significant difference between TBARS level in all groups., Conclusion: Our results indicate that primary damage might occur during surgery due to traumatic handling of the graft, and succeeding injuries could occur due to ischemia-reperfusion injury during the waiting period. Adding lidocaine to the preservation solution will protect later injury.

Objective: To determine the effect of intraperitoneal (ip) nicotine on the recovery of rats receiving general anesthesia compared with placebo., Methods: The placebo controlled experimental study was conducted in the Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Turkey, between April and May 2005. Twenty-one male and 21 female rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group C (n=14), comprising a female group CF (n=7), and male group CM (n=7) received ip 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl), group P (n=14), comprising a female group PF (n=7), and male group PM (n=7) received ip propofol 150 mg/kg, and group NP (n=14), comprising a female group NPF (n=7), and male group NPM (n=7) received 0.4 mg/kg ip nicotine followed by 150 mg/kg propofol after 15 minutes. For the evaluation of recovery period, tail pinch test was used, and for cognitive performance, the radial arm maze test was used., Results: The number of entrances and exits decreased in group P significantly compared to group C (p<0.05), and the decrease in group PF was higher than it was in group PM. Entrance and exit in group NP increased significantly compared to group P (p<0.05). The increase in entrance and exit in group NPF was much higher compared to group NPM. The recovery period in group NP was significantly shorter than in group P (p<0.05)., Conclusion: The ip administration of nicotine in rats shortens the recovery from propofol anesthesia and improves cognitive performance.