Aim:To compare insertion characteristics of 2 different supraglottic devices [I-gel and Proseal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA)] and to observe any associated complications.Study Design:This prospective, randomized study was conducted in 80 patients [Group I - I-gel insertion (n = 40) and Group P - LMA Proseal insertion (n =40)] of ASA grades I/II, of either sex in the age group 18-65 years. Both groups were compared with respect to ease of insertion, insertion attempts, fiberoptic assessment, airway sealing pressure, ease of gastric tube placement, and other complications.Materials and Methods:All patients were asked to fast overnight. Patients were given alprazolam 0.25 mg orally at 10 p.m. the night before surgery and again 2 hours prior to surgery with 1-2 sips of water. Glycopyrrolate 0.2 mg, metoclopramide 10 mg, and ranitidine 50 mg were administered intravenously to the patients 45 minutes prior to the surgery. Once adequate depth of anesthesia was achieved either of the 2 devices, selected using a random computerized table, was inserted by an experienced anesthesiologist. In group I, I-gel was inserted and in patients of group P, PLMA was inserted.Statistical Analysis:Student t-test and Mann-Whitney test were employed to compare the means; for categorical variables, Chi-square test was used.Result:Mean insertion time for the I-gel (11.12 ± 1.814 sec) was significantly lower than that of the PLMA (15.13 ± 2.91 sec) (P = 0.001). I-gel was easier to insert with a better anatomic fit. Mean airway sealing pressure in the PLMA group (29.55 ± 3.53 cm H2O) was significantly higher than in the I-gel group (26.73 ± 2.52 cm H2O; P = 0.001). Ease of gastric tube insertion was significantly higher in the I-gel group (P = 0.001). Incidence of blood staining of the device, sore throat and dysphagia were observed more in PLMA group. No other complications were observed in either of the groups.

Stroke is one of the most common causes of death worldwide and also responsible for permanent disability. Ischemic stroke has been found to affect 80% of stroke patients. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the widely used drug for the ischemic stroke with narrow therapeutic window. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a natural compound obtained from brassica species having antithrombotic activity. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was used followed by reperfusion after 2 h of ischemia for the evaluation of the I3C against ischemic stroke. After reperfusion, I3C (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) was given by oral route once daily and continued up to the 14th day. Behavioral studies including postural reflex, forelimb placing, and cylinder tests showed I3C attenuated the MCAO-induced increase in average score and asymmetry score efficiently. Mean cerebral blood flow (CBF) was improved by treatment with I3C (12.5 mg/kg) by 60% of baseline at 6 h. I3C inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation and reduced ischemic volume significantly. It also inhibited in vitro the ADP-induced platelet aggregation in healthy human volunteers. I3C improves behavioral scores and mean CBF after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Furthermore, I3C showed prophylactic anti-thrombotic activity against carrageenan induced tail thrombosis. Therefore, preclinical evidence points to I3C as a potential candidate for use in cerebral ischemic stroke.

Incorporation of thin layers of tetrafluro‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4‐TCNQ) has been found to modify the work functions of a number of substrates. Surface potential measurement using Kelvin probe method (KPM) has been used to monitor the change in work function of the modified substrates. The results support the integer charge transfer model by which the Fermi levels of the substrates are aligned with the negative polaron states of F4‐TCNQ. Further, we found that the work function of the substrates increases with increase in F4‐TCNQ thickness from 0 to 7 nm and then saturates for further increase in thickness. The variation in work function has been attributed to the low surface coverage of F4‐TCNQ islands on the substrates. The ITO and Au substrates with increased work functions were used as the electrode for hole only devices of common hole transport materials. The hole injection property has been found to increase with increase in F4‐TCNQ thickness and for ITO surface modified with 7 nm F4‐TCNQ layer, ohmic conduction has been achieved for HTLs with HOMO level up to 5.4 eV. When these modified substrates were used as hole injecting contacts in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), they gave substantially higher electroluminance, power efficiency and lower operating voltages.

BackgroundSudden loss of airway in patients in the lateral position has always been proven to be difficult to manage with conventional laryngoscopy. We performed a randomized controlled trial to prove the success rate of ventilation and intubation in the lateral position via intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA).MethodsNinety patients were divided into three groups of 30 patients each, positioned supine, right lateral, and left lateral randomly. Each group comprised of both sexes of American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I and II, aged between 18-55 years with normal airway posted for surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were pre-medicated with fentanyl followed by induction with propofol and neuromuscular blockade with rocuronium. ILMA was inserted and blind tracheal intubation via ILMA was done. The success rate, time taken and the number of adjusting maneuvers used for both procedures were recorded. The data was tabulated and analyzed using ANOVA (analysis of variance), multiple 't' test and chi square.ResultsThe success rate of intubation (96%) and time taken in insertion and intubation was found to be quite similar in all the three groups.ConclusionsWe conclude that the ILMA has an important role to play in the emergency management of airways in patients in the lateral position in terms of ease, success rate and time taken.