[Intra-occular pressure during robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostectomy].

Background: Aeroperitoneum increases intra-occular pressure (IOP). We measured IOP during robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostectomy (RALP) that requires steeper Trenderenburg position.

Methods: Fourteen patients with no ocular diseases were candidates.

[Effectiveness of gum elastic bougie for tracheal intubation with Airtraq optical laryngoscope].

Background: Although Airtraq (ATQ) is well accepted as a useful device for tracheal intubation especially in cases of difficult airway management, we sometimes encounter difficulty in insertion of a tracheal tube along the blade of ATQ across the vocal cord in spite of ATQ assistance. Gum Elastic Bougie (GEB) is well known as a practical device for intubation assistance with Macintosh laryngoscope. We studied the efficacy of GEB for intubation with ATQ.

Des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (PIVKA-II) levels in maternal serum throughout gestation.

The status of vitamin K in pregnant women was investigated using the highly sensitive method for des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (protein induced by vitamin K absence [PIVKA-II]), electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. A gradual elevation of PIVKA-II related to gestational weeks was observed in healthy pregnant women, suggesting that a modest vitamin K deficiency takes place in gestation. Furthermore, throughout gestation the majority of pregnant women exceeded the healthy adult levels in PIVKA-II.

Changes in oligosaccharide expression on plasma membrane of the mouse oocyte during fertilisation and early cleavage.

It has been reported that various structural and functional changes occur on the surface of the plasma membrane of the ovum and embryo during fertilisation and cleavage in preparation for implantation. Glycoproteins are thought to be one of the factors in cell attachment. Thus, we investigated the changes in glycoprotein expression on the cell surface membrane of the mouse embryo by using lectins.

Improvement of vitamin K status of breastfeeding infants with maternal supplement of vitamin K2 (MK40).

The present study is aimed at evaluating the efficacy of maternal vitamin K2 supplementation on the vitamin K status of newborn infants using the measurement of des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (PIVKA-II [protein induced by vitamin K absence]) and the hepaplastin test (HPT). PIVKA-II and HPT were measured at the 1st month of age in two groups: 31 infants with maternal vitamin K supplementation (15 mg/d Menatetrenone since the 14th day after parturition) (group 1) and 46 without maternal supplementation (group 2). All infants received vitamin K2 syrup twice within the 1st week of life.