In contrast, on MM, the expression of sco4227 and sco4226 was Pho

In contrast, on MM, the expression of sco4227 and sco4226 was PhoP-independent whereas that of phoU remained PhoP-dependent GNS-1480 mw and showed, as phoR/phoP, a peak of expression at 48 h. sco4225, sco4224, and sco4223 were transcribed from their own promoter independently of PhoP in both media. The mutants of five out of six genes of the region (Delta sco4226 mutant could not be obtained) grew poorly in the presence of exogenous oxidants, suggesting a role of the encoded proteins in the resistance to oxidative stress, especially on the rich medium R2YE.”
“A variety of microbial communities and their genes (the microbiome) exist throughout the human body, with fundamental roles in human health and disease. The National Institutes of

Health (NIH)-funded Human Microbiome Project Consortium has established a population-scale framework to develop metagenomic protocols, resulting in a broad range of quality-controlled buy 3-deazaneplanocin A resources and data including standardized methods for creating, processing and interpreting distinct types of high-throughput metagenomic data available to the scientific community. Here we present resources from a population of 242 healthy adults sampled at 15 or 18 body sites up to three times, which have generated 5,177 microbial taxonomic profiles from 16S ribosomal RNA genes and over 3.5 terabases of metagenomic sequence so far. In parallel, approximately

800 reference strains isolated from the human body have been sequenced. Collectively, these data represent the largest resource describing the abundance Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Library molecular weight and variety of the human microbiome, while providing a framework for current and future studies.”
“Although anti-T lymphocyte globulin-Fresenius (ATG-F) is commonly used as prophylaxis for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), the appropriate dosage of ATG-F in the setting of a reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen

has not been determined. In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes of 103 patients after unrelated bone marrow transplant (uBMT) with RIC regimens. RIC regimens consisted of purine analogue plus busulfan with low-dose TBI or ATG-F (5-10 mg/kg in total). Median age was 57 years (range 20-68). The incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD and chronic GVHD with ATG-F was significantly lower than that with TBI 2 Gy (15 vs. 61 %, P < 0.05; 33 vs. 57 %, P < 0.05). The incidence of 2-year NRM with ATG-F was significantly lower than that with TBI 2 Gy (6 vs. 28 %, P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the cumulative incidence of 2-year relapse between the ATG-F and TBI 2 Gy groups (37 vs. 20 %, P = 0.13). In conclusion, the addition of low-dose ATG-F to GVHD prophylaxis in patients who received uBMT resulted in decreased incidence of acute and chronic GVHD, which led to a significantly reduced risk of NRM without compromising overall survival. The beneficial effect of low-dose ATG-F should be assessed in a prospective clinical trial.

(C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd All rights reserved “
“Backgr

(C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background: In Western countries, many children are affected by the separation of their parents. Our main objective was to assess the possible impact of parental separation family structure on certain aspects of somatic health in CA4P solubility dmso low-age children. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study based on data collected in the framework of free preventive medicine consultations in

the French Community of Belgium. The data was derived from assessments conducted, between 2006 and 2012, on children 7 to 11 months after birth during which information of 79701 infants was collected regarding the risk of sudden infant death, psychomotor development, and development in terms of height and weight. The main outcome measures were: episode of risk of sudden infant death, polysomnography, home monitoring, psychomotor development, and body mass index. Results: The parents Kinase Inhibitor Library mouse of 6.6% of the infants were separated. We established multivariable models, based

on the presence or absence of confounders. The adjusted ORs (95% Cl) of symptoms perceived as frightening, notably at night, of a prescription for a polysomnography, of an abnormal polysomnography result, and of follow-up by home monitoring were thus respectively 1.3 (1.1-1.6), 1.1 (0.9-1.3), 1.8 (1.3-2.4), and 1.3 (1.1-1.6). The adjusted ORs (95% Cl) for psychomotor delay and for a body mass index above the 97th percentile were respectively 1.3 (1.0-1.6) and 1.2 (1.1-1.3) in the event of separation. Conclusions: This study confirms the possibility that not living with both parents is an independent risk factor for the somatic health and psychomotor development of infants. This observation should be verified because it would have a major impact on the actions of family doctors and other first-line healthcare providers, in particular with regard to information and targeted prevention.”
“The proteasome system is a proteolytic pathway that regulates the expression of genes involved in inflammation. Polymorphisms in the gene encoding subunit a type 6 (PSMA6) – in particular the rs1048990 exon 1-8C/G SNP – have been implicated with susceptibility to myocardial infarction (MI) in a Japanese study.

We examined whether several polymorphisms in the PSMA6 gene were related to MI risk in 6946 nonfatal MI cases and 2720 unrelated controls in a UK PP2 population. The homozygous GG genotype for rs1048990 was much less frequent in this UK population than in the Japanese population (2.1 vs 8.9%), and was associated with an odds ratio (OR) for MI of 1.09 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98-1.21) per G allele in a co-dominant genetic model and 1.32 (95% CI: 0.90-1.93) in a recessive genetic model. Although not statistically significant, these results for this variant are still consistent with the Japanese hypothesis-generating study. Our findings, when taken together with four other studies (including the hypothesis-generating one), yielded a combined OR for MI of 1.

BMAA was detected in the fins of all species examined with concen

BMAA was detected in the fins of all species examined with concentrations ranging from 144 to 1836 ng/mg wet weight. Since BMAA has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, these results may have important relevance to human health. We suggest that consumption of shark fins may increase the risk for human exposure to the cyanobacterial neurotoxin BMAA.”
“Purpose: To estimate the effect of the number of computed tomography (CT) sections on trapped air (TA) assessment in patients

with cystic fibrosis (CF) by using an established scoring system and a new quantitative scoring system and to compare CT and pulmonary function test (PFT) estimates of TA in a cross-sectional and longitudinal study.\n\nMaterials and Methods: In this institutional review board-approved pilot study, 20 subjects aged 6-20

years (12 female and eight Napabucasin price male; median age, 12.6 see more years) contributed two expiratory CT studies (three-section baseline CT, volumetric follow-up CT) and two PFT studies over 2 years after parental informed consent was obtained. From follow-up CT studies, seven sets were composed: Set 1 was volumetric. Sets 2, 3, 4, and 5, had spacing of 2.4, 4.8, 9.6, and 20.4 mm, respectively, between sections. Sets 6 and 7 contained five and three sections, respectively. Longitudinal follow-up was performed with three sections. All images were deidentified and randomized, and TA was scored with the Brody II system and a new quantitative system. Statistical analysis included the Wilcoxon signed rank test, calculation of Spearman and intraclass correlation coefficients, and use of three-section and linear mixed models.\n\nResults: For the Brody II system, the intraclass correlation coefficient for set 1 versus those for sets 2 through 7 was 0.75 versus 0.87; however, 5-Fluoracil cell line mean

scores from sets 6 and 7 were significantly lower than the mean score from set 1 (P = .01 and P < .001, respectively). For the quantitative system, the number of sections did not affect TA assessment (intraclass correlation coefficient range, 0.82-0.88; P > .13 for all). CT and PFT estimates were not correlated (r(s) = 20.19 to 0.09, P = .43-.93). No change in TA over time was found for CT or PFT (P > .16 for all).\n\nConclusion: The number of sections affected Brody II estimates, suggesting that three-section protocols lead to underestimation of TA assessment in patients with CF when using the Brody II system; CT and PFT estimates of TA showed no correlation and no significant change over time. (C) RSNA, 2012″
“The number and demographic history of colonists can have dramatic consequences for the way in which genetic diversity is distributed and maintained in a metapopulation. The bed bug (Cimex lectularius) is a re-emerging pest species whose close association with humans has led to frequent local extinction and colonization, that is, to metapopulation dynamics.

The plasma renin activity (PRA) level was identified to be marked

The plasma renin activity (PRA) level was identified to be markedly elevated (normal range in standing and supine positions, 1.3-4.0 ng/ml/h and 0.15-2.33 ng/ml/h, respectively) and the plasma aldosterone level was also increased (normal range in standing and supine positions, 4.0-31.0

ng/dl and 1.0-1.6 ng/dl, respectively). The symptoms of the patient were consistent with the renin-secreting tumor triad, which comprises hypertension, hypokalemia and elevated PRA. Paraneoplastic syndromes must always be considered in cancer patients exhibiting unusual clinical findings, despite their rarity. The current patient was diagnosed with paraneoplastic secondary hypertension due to the presence of disseminated renin-secreting DSRCT. The patient was treated with the VAC/IE regimen (vincristine, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and etoposide) for

six cycles. Following this treatment, the serum renin SB203580 and aldosterone levels fell to within the normal range and the patient’s blood pressure was normalized without antihypertensive medication. Although an immunohistochemical evaluation of renin was not conducted as the sample size was inadequate, the present study demonstrated that the tumor had produced renin. The biosynthesis of renin was identified by the presence of mRNA that coded for the renin precursor, which was observed in the GNS-1480 order ascites of the patient. The current study describes, to the best of our knowledge, the first reported

case of paraneoplastic secondary hypertension in a patient presenting with a renin-producing DSRCT.”
“The main theme of the present study was to investigate whether the bovine breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) gene was associated with mastitis resistance in Frieswal (HF x Sahiwal) cattle. A-1210477 manufacturer Two SNPs (G22231T, T25025A) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and 4 combinations (haplotypes) of these SNPs were observed. The single SNP and their genetic effects on somatic cell score (SCS) were evaluated and a significant association with SCS was found for both the SNP. The mean SCS of individuals with genotype AA for G22231T and CD for T25025A were significantly (P smaller than 0.01) lower than those of genotypes AB and DD respectively. The results of combined genotypes analysis of two SNPs showed that ABDD and AACD haplotypes with significantly (P smaller than 0.05) highest and lowest SCS.”
“Objectives: Measurement of viscosity of the ankle joint complex is a novel method to assess mechanical ankle instability. In order to further investigate the clinical significance of the method, this study intended to investigate the relationship between ankle viscosity and severity of functional ankle instability. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: 15 participants with unilateral inversion ankle sprain and 15 controls were recruited. Their ankles were further classified into stable and unstable ankles.

This effect correlated with a significant downregulation of strom

This effect correlated with a significant downregulation of stromal interacting molecule (STIM) and Orai, proposed molecular correlates for SOCE in many cell types. Apoptosis Compound Library The data from this study present a novel pathway for the regulation of Ca2+ signaling and PASMC proliferation involving activation of Akt in response to upregulated expression of PDGF. Targeting this pathway may lead to the development of a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.”
“The Committee for the International System

for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) has recently met and published a revised version, ISCN 2009. Multiple changes in nomenclature guidelines are presented in that updated version. This review will highlight changes to the idiograms and specific changes in respective chapters of the 2009 version compared with the previous version of the ISCN published in 2005. These highlights are meant as a guide for the cytogeneticist to assist in the transition in the use of this updated nomenclature for describing cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic findings in both clinical and research reports. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Ionotropic

glutamate receptors, especially the a-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic DZNeP ic50 acid (AMPA) receptor subtype, undergo dynamic trafficking between the surface membrane and intracellular organelles. This trafficking activity determines the efficacy and strength of excitatory synapses and is subject to modulation by changing synaptic inputs. Given the possibility that glutamate receptors in the central nervous system might be a sensitive target of anesthetic agents, this study investigated the possible impact of anesthesia on trafficking and subcellular expression of AMPA receptors in adult mouse brain neurons

in vivo. We found that anesthesia induced by a systemic injection of pentobarbital did not alter total protein levels of Entinostat three AMPA receptor subunits (GluR13) in cortical neurons. However, an anesthetic dose of pentobarbital reduced GluR1 and GluR3 proteins in the surface pool and elevated these proteins in the intracellular pool of cortical neurons. The similar redistribution of GluR1/3 was observed in mouse striatal neurons. Pentobarbital did not significantly alter GluR2 expression in the two pools. Chloral hydrate at an anesthetic dose also reduced surface GluR1/3 expression and increased intracellular levels of these proteins. The effect of pentobarbital on subcellular distribution of AMPA receptors was reversible. Altered subcellular distribution of GluR1/3 returned to normal levels after the anesthesia subsided. These data indicate that anesthesia induced by pentobarbital and chloral hydrate can alter AMPA receptor trafficking in both cortical and striatal neurons. This alteration is characterized by the concurrent loss and addition of GluR1/3 subunits in the respective surface and intracellular pools.

By analyzing transmission coefficients and projected density of s

By analyzing transmission coefficients and projected density of states, the microscopic physics of electron traversing the tunnel barrier with or without impurity atoms in the high-j dielectric is revealed. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.”
“The drying operation Proteases inhibitor is one of the critical steps in the preparation of instant rice. Drying methods and conditions play important roles in achieving the desired quality. In this study, instant rice was subjected

to convective hot air, microwave and combined microwave-hot air dehydration. Three air temperature (70 degrees C, 80 degrees C, 90 degrees C) and three microwave power (210 W, 300 W, 560 W) settings were investigated to find the drying kinetics, rehydration kinetics and colour change. The results showed that combined microwave-hot air drying decreased the drying time required when compared to drying with either hot air or microwave energy alone. Predictive models were developed to describe dehydration and rehydration kinetics. Dehydration rate, rehydration rate and total colour change of rehydrated product generally increased with microwave level and air temperature. Combination drying with MW = 300W and T=80 degrees C was optimal in terms of drying time, rehydration time and colour. (C) 2013 The Institution of MK-2206 inhibitor Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V.

All rights reserved.”
“Transglutaminases are a superfamily of isoenzymes found in cells and plasma. These enzymes catalyze the formation of epsilon-N-(gamma-glutamyl)-lysyl crosslinks between proteins. Cystamine blocks transglutaminase activity and is used in vitro in human samples and in vivo in mice and rats in studies of coagulation, immune dysfunction, and inflammatory disease.

These studies have suggested cystamine blocks fibrin crosslinking and has antiinflammatory effects, implicating transglutaminase activity in the pathogenesis of several diseases. We measured the effects of cystamine on fibrin crosslinking, tissue factortriggered BAY 80-6946 cost plasma clot formation and thrombin generation, and coagulation factor enzymatic activity. At concentrations that blocked fibrin crosslinking, cystamine also inhibited plasma clot formation and reduced thrombin generation. Cystamine inhibited the amidolytic activity of coagulation factor XI and thrombin towards chromogenic substrates. These findings demonstrate that cystamine exhibits anticoagulant activity during coagulation. Given the close relationship between coagulation and inflammation, these findings suggest prior studies that used cystamine to implicate transglutaminase activity in disease pathogenesis warrant re-examination.”
“Virulent respiratory infectious diseases may present a life-threatening risk for health care professionals during aerosol-generating procedures, including endotracheal intubation. The 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) brings this concern to the immediate forefront.

Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis L ) is a relatively new candida

Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) is a relatively new candidate for freshwater aquaculture, however little

is known about the energy requirements of this species. The aim of this study was to develop an energy requirement model for intensive culture of Eurasian perch reared at rational temperatures. Data on growth (the thermal unit growth coefficient, TGC, (3)root g . (degrees C . days)(-1)) and digestible energy need (DEN, kJ DE . g(-1)) of Eurasian perch at a size range CA3 research buy of 20-180 g and at temperatures of 17 23 degrees C were used. Regression analysis revealed that both TGC and DEN were affected significantly by fish size (P < 0.001) but not by temperature (P > 0.05). Two models including body size of the fish were developed: (i) an inverse TGC model for evaluation of the daily theoretical weight increment (TWi, g . day(-1)) and (ii) a linear DEN model. The TGC model was validated by comparing theoretical data with data obtained selleck products from a commercial growth trial. By combining the TWi and the DEN, a model describing the daily theoretical energy requirement (TER, kJ . day(-1)) at different temperatures and for Eurasian perch of different sizes was successfully developed.”
“Objective:

Patient violence and aggression is prevalent in critical care settings, yet clinicians are often inadequately trained to assess and respond to these types of behaviors. Targeted toward trainees as well as seasoned clinicians, this articles provides an updated review Selleckchem ZVADFMK of the literature regarding the management of violence in the emergency department.\n\nMethods: This narrative review is largely derived from research articles and reviews published since 2000. We conducted a systematic search of

electronic databases for review articles or studies examining patient violence and aggression in critical care settings. Electronic searches were supplemented by manual searches of reference lists.\n\nResults: Current statistics, risk factors and imminent signs of violent patient behavior are presented. We conclude with recommendations for pharmacological and psychological interventions that can help manage aggressive behavior in the emergency department.\n\nConclusions: The relatively high frequency of aggressive and violent behavior in critical care settings increases the likelihood that clinicians working in this environment will encounter this situation. It is our hope that providing additional information about the factors associated with and techniques for managing violent patient behavior will reduce the occurrence of injuries in health care professionals in emergency departments. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Regularized multiple-criteria linear programming (RMCLP) model is a new powerful method for classification and has been used in various real-life data mining problems.

Methods We propose a framework to execute human experiments using

Methods We propose a framework to execute human experiments using the three-axial high-performance human centrifuge, develop reasonable operation mode and design a

new experimental research method for EEG signal acquisition and variation characteristics on three-axial high-performance human centrifuge under the environment of +Gz acceleration. We also propose to build the synchronous real-time acquisition plan of EEG, electrocardiogram, brain blood pressure, ear pulse and related physiological signals under centrifuge +Gz acceleration with different equipments and methods. Results The good profiles of EEG, heart rate, brain blood pressure and ear pulse are obtained and analyzed comparatively. In addition, the FMS hop-by-hop continuous blood pressure and hemodynamic measurement MI-503 molecular weight system Portapres are successfully applied to the ambulatory blood pressure measure under centrifuge +Gz acceleration environment. Conclusions The proposed methods establish the basis and have an important guiding significance for follow-up experiment development, EEG features spectral analysis and correlation research of all signals.”
“Background and purposeThe main objective of establishing the French register of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the Limousin region (FRALim), was to assess the incidence of ALS, in VX-770 clinical trial this ageing region of

Europe, over a 12-year period (2000-2011). MethodsPatients were included if they lived in Limousin at the time of diagnosis of ALS according to El Escorial revised criteria and were identified by at least one of the following sources: (i) the French national body coordinating ALS referral centres; (ii) public and private hospitals in the region; (iii) health insurance data related to long-term diseases. ResultsThe FRALim register identified 279 incident cases (2000-2011). The crude and European population standardized incidences of ALS were as high as 3.19/100000 person-years of follow-up (95% CI 2.81-3.56) and 2.58/100000 person-years of follow-up (95% CI 2.27-2.89) respectively. Median age at onset was 70.8years (interquartile range 63.1-77.1). Selleck Vorinostat The standardized sex incidence ratio (male/female) was 1.3 overall, but 1.1 under the age of 65years, 1.7 between

65 and 75years and 1.9 above 75years. The exhaustiveness of the register has been estimated at 98.4% (95% CI 95.6-99.4) by capture-recapture analysis. ConclusionIt was possible for the first time in France to monitor accurately the incidence of ALS over a long time period. It appears to be in the upper range of data reported in western countries. Patterns displayed here might anticipate the epidemiology of ALS in ageing western countries.”
“The concurrent use of drugs and herbal products is becoming increasingly prevalent over the last decade. Several herbal products have been known to modulate cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) which are recognized as representative drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporter, respectively.

Further study indicated that sialidase failed to affect Cx43 at e

Further study indicated that sialidase failed to affect Cx43 at either protein or phosphorylation level, instead, it induced a considerable fraction of Triton X-100 insoluble, as compared with the untreated cells. We also found that sialidase treatment reduced the N-cadherin glycosylation and enhanced both Cx43-ZO-1 interaction and N-cadherin-ZO-1 association. Moreover, sialidase promoted the cell-cell adhesion with elevating N-cadherin binding to

beta-catenin, accompanied by increasing colocalization of Cx43 with microtubules at the cell periphery. Based on live cell microscopy, with the FARP technology in the Cx43-EGFP-Hela cells, we found that Cx43 in the plague recovered more quickly in sialidase treatment group, indicating that sialidase could promote the Cx43 traffic to the plague. Overall, LY2090314 PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor these studies indicate cell surface sialic acid on cancer cells may suppress Cx43 gap junction functions via inhibiting Cx43 traffic to the plague involving in sialylated N-cadherin, a process that likely underlies the intimate association between abnormal GJIC and glycosylation on cancer development.”
“Coherent and reversible mapping of quantum information between

light and matter is an important experimental challenge in quantum information science. In particular, it is an essential requirement for the implementation of quantum networks and quantum repeaters(1-3). So far, quantum interfaces between light and atoms have been demonstrated with atomic gases(4-9), and with single trapped atoms in cavities(10). Here we demonstrate the coherent and reversible mapping IPI145 of a light field with less than one photon per pulse onto an ensemble of similar to 10(7) atoms naturally trapped in a solid. This see more is achieved

by coherently absorbing the light field in a suitably prepared solid- state atomic medium(11). The state of the light is mapped onto collective atomic excitations at an optical transition and stored for a pre- determined time of up to 1 mu s before being released in a well- defined spatio- temporal mode as a result of a collective interference. The coherence of the process is verified by performing an interference experiment with two stored weak pulses with a variable phase relation. Visibilities of more than 95 per cent are obtained, demonstrating the high coherence of the mapping process at the single- photon level. In addition, we show experimentally that our interface makes it possible to store and retrieve light fields in multiple temporal modes. Our results open the way to multimode solid- state quantum memories as a promising alternative to atomic gases.”
“The nature of excess body weight may be changing over time to one of greater central adiposity. The aim of this study is to determine whether BMI and waist circumference (WC) are increasing proportionately among population subgroups and the range of bodyweight, and to examine the public health implications of the findings.


“Haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive prote


“Haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cells

(WBC) were assessed in 20 dogs divided into 2 groups. The dogs of group A were not subjected to hunting exercise (control group), while the dogs of group B were subjected to hunting exercise for 3 hr (experimental group). Blood samples were collected from each animal before hunting (T0), immediately after 3 hr of hunting (T1), and after 1 hr of recovery (T2). The general linear model (GLM) repeated measures procedure showed a significant difference between the 2 groups (P < 0.0001) and a significant rise (P < 0.0001) in concentration of Hp, SAA, and CRP after hunting exercise, with a consequent decline during

recovery period in group B. These parameters could be considered valid and easily obtainable biomarkers in relation to hunting stress in dogs. Additional studies selleck chemical will continue to elucidate the magnitude and the time of response of other acute phase proteins.”
“Background: Chronic post-thoracotomy pain is relatively common after major thoracic surgery. The primary results of a pilot study using thoracic epidural steroid and clonidine injection to treat chronic intractable post-thoracotomy pain are presented.\n\nMethods: Twenty-one patients with intractable post-thoracotomy pain participated in the study. Thirteen patients received thoracic epidural injection of a mixture of 150 lg clonidine and 80 mg of methylprednisolone acetate diluted in 8 mL 0.5% lidocaine. Eight

patients continued with comprehensive medical management and served find more as a control group. A visual analog scale (VAS) for pain was recorded before treatment, 30 minutes after the epidural injection and before discharge, at 3 weeks and 6 months. Pain, sleep disturbances, appetite changes and daily activity, as well as the incidence of complications were recorded. The need for opioid rescue medications was recorded.\n\nResults: Twelve of 13 patients in the injection group reported improvement (> 50% reduction of pain) at 3 weeks and 6 months following MLN4924 the injection. Allodynia improved in all injection group patients compared to four of eight in the control group. Sleep disturbance, appetite changes and daily activity were improved in the injection group. The number of patients requiring opioid rescue medications was reduced from 61.5% to 15.3% during the 6-month duration of study. Injection caused transient hypotension in 46.2% of patients. Mild sedation was noted in 30.7% of patients receiving injection; 15.3% of the patients had localized back pain at the site of injection.\n\nDiscussion: Our preliminary data suggest possible efficacy of thoracic epidural steroid and clonidine mixture in the treatment of chronic post-thoracotomy pain. No serious adverse effects were noted in this pilot study.