Incidence of and risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting at a Japanese Cancer Center: first large-scale study in Japan

PURPOSE: The first purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of postoperative nausea and/or vomiting (PONV) 0–48 h after anesthesia at a Japanese cancer center. The second purpose of this study was to collect information on PONV risk factors, independently, in the categories of patient-related, anesthesia-related, and surgery-related factors. METHODS: The frequency of nausea and vomiting was prospectively investigated from 0 to 48 h after anesthesia in 1645 patients (11–94 years of age) at a single medical institution. The occurrence of nausea and vomiting and the use of antiemetics were recorded up to 48 h after anesthesia. Patient-related, anesthesia-related, and surgery-related factors were also recorded and submitted to multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship of these factors to nausea and vomiting. RESULTS: The incidences of nausea and vomiting from 0 to 24 h after anesthesia were 40 and 22 %, respectively. The incidences 24–48 h after anesthesia were 10 and 3 %, respectively. Female sex, previous history of PONV, prolonged anesthesia, and remifentanil use during surgery were identified as risk factors for both nausea and vomiting. The use of a volatile anesthetic, use of fentanyl during surgery, postoperative use of opioids, nonsmoking status, and drinking alcohol on 4 or fewer days per week were identified as risk factors for nausea alone. CONCLUSION: The incidence of and risk factors for PONV at a Japanese cancer center according to this study are comparable to those reported elsewhere

Improvement of loperamide-induced slow transit constipation by Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 is mediated by the correction of butyrate production and neurotransmitter profile due to improvement in dysbiosis.

A treatment option for constipation that improves the quality of life is needed since available laxatives do not effectively improve the quality of life in patients with constipation. A significant association between gut dysbiosis and constipation is recognized, suggesting that probiotics may be an important option for management of constipation. The underlying mechanism by which probiotics improve constipation remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the probiotic Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 (BBG9-1) on loperamide-induced delayed colonic transit constipation and to elucidate its mechanism of action. First, the effect of BBG9-1 was evaluated in a rat model of constipation induced by subcutaneous administration of loperamide. BBG9-1 improved constipation parameters (number of feces, fecal water content, and fecal hardness) in constipated rats. Next, the relationship of organic acids and neurotransmitters to gut microbiota was investigated. BBG9-1 improved dysbiosis and prevented a decrease in butyric acid concentration in the gut, increased serum serotonin, and suppressed an increase in dopamine and a decrease in acetylcholine in serum. Further, an increase in the expression level of tryptophan hydroxylase 1, a 5-HT-synthetizing enzyme, was observed. These results suggest that BBG9-1 improves dysbiosis, which results in an increase in organic acids and improvement of neurotransmission. These actions may increase intestinal mobility, finally leading to alleviating constipation. The probiotic BBG9-1 may, therefore, be a potential option for the treatment of constipation

Micropropagation and Protoplast Culture in Paraserianthes falcataria

Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) Nielsen is a fast-growing tree native to Indonesia that has been widely planted throughout the tropics. The growth and wood qualities of P. falcataria should be improved to promote the establishment of plantation forests for this species. Tissue culture technique has a potential to be applied for tree breeding programs for P. falcataria. The objective of this study is to establish the micropropagation and protoplast culture protocol of P. falcataria. In the present study, the respective conditions were investigated for seedling culture, callus induction, protoplast isolation, and protoplast culture. Surface-sterilized seeds were cultured on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium at 25, 27, and 29°C. After 4 weeks of culture, 27°C gave the best result for average shoot length. Five types of explant (leaflet, petiole, internode, cotyledon, and hypocotyl) obtained from the seedlings were used for callus induction. They were cultured on the MS media containing a combination of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) at different concentrations. Green nodular callus was obtained from only leaflet. The most effective medium condition for callus induction from leaflet was the MS medium containing 10.0 µM BAP and 10.0 µM 2,4-D. Leaflet of seedlings was used for protoplast isolation. Based on the results of the yield and viability of protoplasts, the best enzymatic condition was as follows: enzyme solution, 1% Cellulase Onozuka RS, 0.5% Pectolyase Y-23, and 1% Driselase; osmoticum, 0.8 M mannitol; treatment temperature and time, 30°C for 4 hrs. Isolated protoplasts were incubated in liquid AA media with a combination of 1-naphthaleneacetic acid and thidiazuron at different concentrations. Although cell wall formation was observed, cell division did not occur