A total of 20 right-handed subjects were asked to perform a grasp-lift-and-hold task using a precision grip. The grasped object was a one-degree-of-freedom manipuladum consisting of a vertically mounted linear motor capable of generating resistive forces to simulate a range of object weights. In the initial study, seven subjects (6 women, 1 man; ages 24-56 yr) were first asked to lift and hold ...

Background and objectives: To evaluate success rate, acceptance and complications of sciatic nerve (SN) block at the popliteal fossa (popliteal block, PB) for ambulatory or inpatient orthopedic and vascular surgical procedures. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in 312 patients who received a PB for vascular and orthopedic lower leg surgery. A single injection, posterior approach te...

OBJECTIVE The authors evaluate intraoperative pain in patients undergoing tension-free inguinal hernioplasty under local anaesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred and fourteen primary inguinal hernia repairs were carried out at the Department of General Surgery I of Catania University Polyclinic from January to September 2002. 2% Mepivacaine cloridrate was the local anesthetic of choice. ...

Stability indicating HPLC method has been developed for specific determination of Mepivacaine hydrochloride during degradation under acid, alkali, thermal and oxidative stress conditions. Methanol: Orthophosphoric acid solution (2.25 gm/L) adjusted to pH 7.6 with strong sodium hydroxide solution (75:25), was used as the mobile phase, at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. A Gracesmart C18 column (5μ), 250...

Although neonatal frenotomy is not a new procedure, there seems to be an increased incidence over the past decade. Even with some controversy over the utility of the procedure and its benefits to the breast-feeding child, more neonates are being referred for ankyloglossia related frenulum repairs as breast-feeding has gained popularity. The frenulum is poorly innervated and does not necessarily...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In 2003 we introduced the concept of a sciatic nerve block performed in the midgluteal area at a fixed distance from the midline in all adults regardless of gender and/or body size. The anatomic basis for that study suggested that a subgluteal block could also be accomplished in a similar fashion. METHODS After informed consent, 20 patients were prospectively recruit...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Previous studies regarding the effects of some local anaesthetics have suggested that these agents can cause genetic damage. However, they have not been tested for genotoxicity related to repetitive administration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of local anaesthetics upon repetitive administration. METHODS 80 male Wistar rats were divide...