The Proteome of Extracellular Vesicles Released from Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelium Reveals Impact of Oxygen Conditions on Biotrauma.

The lung can experience different oxygen concentrations, low as in hypoxia, high as under supplemental oxygen therapy, or oscillating during intermittent hypoxia as in obstructive sleep apnea or intermittent hypoxia/hyperoxia due to cyclic atelectasis in the ventilated patient. This study aimed to characterize the oxygen-condition-specific protein composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells in vitro to decipher their potential role in biotrauma using quantitative proteomics with bioinformatic evaluation, transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and non-activated thromboelastometry (NATEM). The release of vesicles enriched in markers CD9/CD63/CD81 was enhanced under intermittent hypoxia, strong hyperoxia and intermittent hypoxia/hyperoxia.

Brief High Oxygen Concentration Induces Oxidative Stress in Leukocytes and Platelets: A Randomized Cross-over Pilot Study in Healthy Male Volunteers.

Background: Supplemental oxygen is administered routinely in the clinical setting to relieve or prevent tissue hypoxia, but excessive exposure may induce oxidative damage or disrupt essential homeostatic functions. It is speculated that oxidative stress in leukocytes and platelets may contribute to vascular diseases by promoting inflammation and cell aggregation.

Methods: In this pilot study 30 healthy male volunteers (18-65 years) were exposed to high oxygen concentration (non-rebreather mask, 8 L/min, 100% O2) and synthetic air (non-rebreather mask, 8 L/min, 21% O2) in a cross-over design for 20 min at a 3-week interval.

Comparison of patient intake of ticagrelor, prasugrel, or clopidogrel on restoring platelet function by donor platelets.

Background: Bleeding complications are a common side effect in patients under dual antiplatelet (anti-PLT) therapy. PLT transfusion provides a treatment option for these patients. However it is currently unclear if, and to what extent, P2Y12 inhibitors influence PLT function of donor PLTs and if patients taking these medications are likely to benefit from PLT transfusions.

Measuring the activity of apixaban and rivaroxaban with rotational thrombelastometry.

Background: Routine drug monitoring is not required for the two novel direct factor Xa inhibitors apixaban and rivaroxaban. Rapidly available test results might be beneficial in case of bleeding or prior to urgent surgery.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of the two rotational thrombelastometry (ROTEM®) -modifications Low-tissue factor activated ROTEM® (LowTF-ROTEM®) and Prothrombinase induced clotting time - activated ROTEM® (PiCT®-ROTEM®) for determination of apixaban and rivaroxaban in vitro and ex vivo.

Posttraumatic stress disorder after high-dose-rate brachytherapy for cervical cancer with 2 fractions in 1 application under spinal/epidural anesthesia: incidence and risk factors.

Purpose: To investigate the psychological consequences of high-dose-rate brachytherapy with 2 fractions in 1 application under spinal/epidural anesthesia in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer.

Methods And Materials: In 50 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, validated questionnaires were used for prospective assessment of acute and posttraumatic stress disorder (ASD/PTSD) (Impact of Event Scale-Revision), anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30/Cervical Cancer 24), physical functioning (World Health Organization performance status), and pain (visual analogue scale), before and during treatment and 1 week and 3 months after treatment. Qualitative interviews were recorded in open format for content analysis.

Intravenous nonopioid analgesic drugs in chronic low back pain patients on chronic opioid treatment: a crossover, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Background: Addition of nonopioid analgesic drugs reduces pain and opioid requirements in acute low back pain. In noncancer chronic low back pain (CLBP), the efficacy of a combined regimen to reduce breakthrough pain has not been proven so far.

Objective: Evaluation of the effects of intravenous (i.

Comparison of cooling and EMLA to reduce the burning pain during capsaicin 8% patch application: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Topical capsaicin 8% was developed for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain. The pain reduction is associated with a reversible reduction of epidermal nerve fiber density (ENFD). During its application, topical capsaicin 8% provokes distinct pain.

Heparin-induced effects of prothrombin complex concentrates in thromboelastometry.

Background: Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) are currently used to treat congenital or acquired coagulation factor deficiency. In case of serious bleeding caused by new oral anticoagulant agents, reversing treatment with PCC is under debate. PCC preparations mostly contain heparin to prevent thromboembolic events.

Goal-directed coagulation management of major trauma patients using thromboelastometry (ROTEM)-guided administration of fibrinogen concentrate and prothrombin complex concentrate.

Introduction: The appropriate strategy for trauma-induced coagulopathy management is under debate. We report the treatment of major trauma using mainly coagulation factor concentrates.

Methods: This retrospective analysis included trauma patients who received >or= 5 units of red blood cell concentrate within 24 hours.

The effect of ex vivo anticoagulants on whole blood platelet aggregation.

Pre- and intraoperative platelet function monitoring is increasingly recommended in order to detect risk factors for bleeding and to target coagulation management. The ideal anticoagulant for accurate platelet aggregometry remains controversial. The aim of this experimental trial was to compare platelet aggregability in whole blood stored in citrate, heparin and direct thrombin inhibitors.

Point-of-care platelet function tests: detection of platelet inhibition induced by nonopioid analgesic drugs.

Detection of platelet inhibition is of clinical relevance in the preinterventional risk-benefit assessment in chronic low-back-pain patients scheduled for invasive pain therapy. We evaluated the sensitivity of various point-of-care platelet function tests for the detection of platelet inhibition induced by nonopioid analgesic drugs. After Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent, citrated whole blood from 40 patients with chronic unspecific low back pain was investigated before and 30 min after intravenous infusion of the study medication consisting of diclofenac 75 mg (plus orphenadrin 30 mg; Neodolpasse; Fresenius Kabi Austria GmbH, Austria), parecoxib 40 mg (Dynastat; Pharmacia Europe EEIG, UK), paracetamol 1 g (Perfalgan; Bieffe Medital S.

Garlic at dietary doses does not impair platelet function.

Background: In vitro studies suggest that various bioactive constituents of Allium sativum (garlic) inhibit platelet function. The extent, however, to which dietary doses of garlic influence platelet function remains unknown. Therefore, we tested the effect of raw garlic on platelet function using point-of-care monitoring devices sensitive for cyclooxygenase I-inhibition and platelet adhesion.

The effects of test temperature and storage temperature on platelet aggregation: a whole blood in vitro study.

We systematically evaluated the effects of test temperature and storage temperature on platelet aggregation using flow cytometry and impedance aggregometry. Aliquots of citrated whole blood from 27 healthy adult male volunteers were stored at 37 degrees C and 22 degrees C. Aliquots were subjected to impedance aggregometry in response to collagen, adenosine diphosphate, ristocetin, and arachidonic acid performed at 22 degrees C, 34 degrees C, 37 degrees C, and 40 degrees C.

Chronic pelvic pain treated with gabapentin and amitriptyline: a randomized controlled pilot study.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and side effects of gabapentin, amitriptyline, and their combination in women with chronic pelvic pain.

Methods: In this open-label, prospective, randomized trial, 56 women with chronic pelvic pain were investigated with a two-year follow-up at the Vienna Medical University Hospital. If pain intensity assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS) was 5 or more (0, no pain; 10, maximal pain), despite analgesic therapy using the nonopioid drug metamizol together with weak opioids, patients were randomized to receive gabapentin (n = 20), amitriptyline (n = 20), or a combination of both drugs (n = 16).

Ultrasound-guided lumbar facet nerve block: a sonoanatomic study of a new methodologic approach.

Background: Lumbar facet nerve (medial branch) block for pain relief in facet syndrome is currently performed under fluoroscopic or computed tomography scan guidance. In this three-part study, the authors developed a new ultrasound-guided methodology, described the necessary landmarks and views, assessed ultrasound-derived distances, and tested the clinical feasibility.

Methods: (1) A paravertebral cross-axis view and long-axis view were defined under high-resolution ultrasound (15 MHz).

The short- and long-term benefit in chronic low back pain through adjuvant electrical versus manual auricular acupuncture.

Unlabelled: Acupuncture is an established adjuvant analgesic modality for the treatment of chronic pain. Electrical stimulation of acupuncture points is considered to increase acupuncture analgesia. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study we tested the hypothesis that auricular electroacupuncture (EA) relieves pain more effectively than conventional manual auricular acupuncture (CO) in chronic low back pain patients with insufficient pain relief (visual analogue scale [VAS] > or = 5) treated with standardized analgesic therapy.

Electrical stimulation of auricular acupuncture points is more effective than conventional manual auricular acupuncture in chronic cervical pain: a pilot study.

Unlabelled: In this prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled study, we tested the hypothesis that auricular electroacupuncture relieves pain more effectively than conventional manual auricular acupuncture. We studied 21 chronic cervical pain patients without radicular symptoms with insufficient pain relief (visual analogue scale >5) treated with standardized analgesic therapy. All patients received disposable acupuncture needles on the dominant side on the following acupuncture points: cervical spine, shen men, and cushion.