The effect of tetrastarch on the endothelial glycocalyx layer in early hemorrhagic shock using fluorescence intravital microscopy: a mouse model.

PURPOSE: To investigate vascular endothelial dysfunction based on glycocalyx impairment in massive hemorrhage and to evaluate fluid therapy. METHODS: In this randomized controlled animal study, we withdrew 1.5 mL blood and administered 1.5 mL resuscitation fluid. Mice were divided into six groups according to the infusion type and administration timing: NS-NS (normal saline), NS-HES ([hydroxyethyl starch]130), HES-NS, NS-ALB (albumin), ALB-NS, and C (control) groups. RESULTS: The glycocalyx index (GCXI) of a 40-µm artery was significantly larger in group C than in other groups (P < 0.01). Similarly, the GCXI for a 60-µm artery was significantly higher in group C than in NS-NS (P ≤ 0.05), NS-HES (P ≤ 0.01), and NS-ALB groups (P ≤ 0.05). The plasma syndecan-1 concentration, at 7.70 ± 5.71 ng/mL, was significantly lower in group C than in group NS-NS (P ≤ 0.01). The tetramethylrhodamine-labeled dextran (TMR-DEX40) fluorescence intensity in ALB-NS and HES-NS groups and the fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled hydroxyethyl starch (FITC-HES130) fluorescence intensity in NS-HES and HES-NS groups were not significantly different from those of group C at any time point. FITC-HES130 was localized on the inner vessel wall in groups without HES130 infusion but uniformly distributed in HES130-treated groups in intravital microscopy. FITC-FITC-HES130 was localized remarkably in the inner vessel walls in group HES-NS in electron microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: In an acute massive hemorrhage mouse model, initial fluid resuscitation therapy with saline administration impaired glycocalyx and increased vascular permeability. Prior colloid-fluid administration prevented the progression of glycocalyx damage and improve prognosis. Prior HES130 administration may protect endothelial cell function.

Risk factors associated with increased incidences of catheter-related bloodstream infection.

We have implemented several preventive measures to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in the general intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital in Japan. Here, we analyzed the factors associated with CLABSI in patients with central venous catheter (CVC) insertions and evaluated the effects of our implemented preventive measures. From July 2013 to June 2018, data was collected from the medical records of 1472 patients with 1635 CVC insertions, including age, sex, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, duration of ICU stay, duration of catheter insertion, insertion site, and mechanical ventilation status. During weekly conferences, a surveillance team comprising intensive care and infection control doctors and nurses determined the patients' CLABSI status. The analyzed factors were compared between CLABSI and central line patients without bloodstream infection. Multivariate analysis revealed three factors associated with CLABSI. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were as follows: duration of ICU stay, 1.032 (1.019-1.044); duration of catheter insertion, 1.041 (1.015-1.066); and APACHE II score, 1.051 (1.000-1.105). The prominent risk factors were associated with the severity of the initial condition and exacerbation of the clinical condition of the patients during their stays in the ICU. Further strategies to reduce CLABSI must be developed.

Ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block for anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome after laparoscopic surgery: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome is defined as abdominal pain due to entrapped intercostal nerves. This is the first report of a patient successfully treated for anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome after laparoscopic surgery with an ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block. The rectus sheath block physically lysed adhesions and relieved pain from anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome. CASE SUMMARY: The patient is a 44-year-old man who presented with severe left upper abdominal pain at an operative scar one month after laparoscopic ulcer repair. Diagnosis and treatment were performed using an ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block with 0.1% lidocaine 20 mL. The pain was relieved after the block. The diagnosis was anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome. Rectus sheath block may be effective for patients with anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block is a promising treatment modality for patients with postoperative anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome due to adhesions.

Vascular Endothelial Glycocalyx Plays a Role in the Obesity Paradox According to Intravital Observation.

According to the "obesity paradox," for severe conditions, individuals with obesity may be associated with a higher survival rate than those who are lean. However, the physiological basis underlying the mechanism of the obesity paradox remains unknown. We hypothesize that the glycocalyx in obese mice is thicker and more resistant to inflammatory stress than that in non-obese mice. In this study, we employed intravital microscopy to elucidate the differences in the vascular endothelial glycocalyx among three groups of mice fed diets with different fat concentrations. Male C57BL/6N mice were divided into three diet groups: low-fat (fat: 10% kcal), medium-fat (fat: 45% kcal), and high-fat (fat: 60% kcal) diet groups. Mice were fed the respective diet from 3 weeks of age, and a chronic cranial window was installed at 8 weeks of age. At 9 weeks of age, fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled wheat germ agglutinin was injected to identify the glycocalyx layer, and brain pial microcirculation was observed within the cranial windows. We randomly selected arterioles of diameter 15-45 µm and captured images. The mean index of the endothelial glycocalyx was calculated using image analysis and defined as the glycocalyx index. The glycocalyx indexes of the high-fat and medium-fat diet groups were significantly higher than those of the low-fat diet group (p < 0.05). There was a stronger positive correlation between vessel diameter and glycocalyx indexes in the high-fat and medium-fat diet groups than in the low-fat diet group. The glycocalyx indexes of the non-sepsis model in the obese groups were higher than those in the control group for all vessel diameters, and the positive correlation was also stronger. These findings indicate that the index of the original glycocalyx may play an important role in the obesity paradox.

The protective effect of hydroxyethyl starch solution on the glycocalyx layer in an acute hemorrhage mouse model.

PURPOSE: Fluid therapy focused on glycocalyx (GCX) protection in hemorrhagic shock is a current focus of research. Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solution is commonly used for fluid resuscitation; however, its effects on the GCX remain unclear. The primary aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of HES130 in maintaining GCX thickness and reducing plasma syndecan-1 expression. METHODS: An acute hemorrhage murine model with the dorsal skin chambers was used to measure GCX thickness and to evaluate vascular permeability. Groups of mice were treated with normal saline (NS), albumin (NS-A), HES130 (NS-V), or no exsanguination or infusion (C). We measured syndecan-1 plasma concentrations, performed blood gas analysis, and analyzed the 7-day cumulative mortality. RESULTS: GCX thickness in NS mice was significantly reduced compared to that in group C, but no other groups showed a difference compared to group C. The plasma concentration of syndecan-1 was significantly higher in NS mice than in group C. There were no significant differences in the fluorescence intensity of dextran in the interstitial space. HES70 leakage was suppressed in NS-V mice compared to those in other groups. HES70 was localized to the inner vessel wall in C, NS, and NS-A mice, but not in group NS-V. Blood gas analysis indicated that pH and lactate showed the greatest improvements in NS-V mice. The 7-day cumulative mortality rate was the highest in group NS. CONCLUSION: Resuscitation with HES130 protected the GCX and suppressed vascular permeability of HES70 during early stages of acute massive hemorrhage.

Intrathecal Administration of Morphine Decreases Persistent Pain after Cesarean Section: A Prospective Observational Study.

PURPOSE: Chronic pain after cesarean section (CS) is a serious concern, as it can result in functional disability. We evaluated the prevalence of chronic pain after CS prospectively at a single institution in Japan. We also analyzed perioperative risk factors associated with chronic pain using logistic regression analyses with a backward-stepwise procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent elective or emergency CS between May 2012 and May 2014 were recruited. Maternal demographics as well as details of surgery and anesthesia were recorded. An anesthesiologist visited the patients on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 2, and assessed their pain with the Prince Henry Pain Scale. To evaluate the prevalence of chronic pain, we contacted patients by sending a questionnaire 3 months post-CS. RESULTS: Among 225 patients who questionnaires, 69 (30.7%) of patients complained of persistent pain, although no patient required pain medication. Multivariate analyses identified lighter weight (p = 0.011) and non-intrathecal administration of morphine (p = 0.023) as determinant factors associated with persistent pain at 3 months. The adjusted odds ratio of intrathecal administration of morphine to reduce persistent pain was 0.424, suggesting that intrathecal administration of morphine could decrease chronic pain by 50%. In addition, 51.6% of patients had abnormal wound sensation, suggesting the development of neuropathic pain. Also, 6% of patients with abnormal wound sensation required medication, yet no patients with persistent pain required medication. CONCLUSION: Although no effect on acute pain was observed, intrathecal administration of morphine significantly decreased chronic pain after CS.

High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy in a Patient with Reperfusion Pulmonary Edema following Percutaneous Transluminal Pulmonary Angioplasty.

A 62-year-old woman with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome was with recent worsening of dyspnea to New York Heart Association functional status Class III. The patient was diagnosed as having central type chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. By cardiac catheterization, her mean pulmonary artery pressure was 53 mmHg with total pulmonary resistance 2238 dynes·sec·cm(-5). After medical therapies with tadalafil, furosemide, ambrisentan, beraprost, and warfarin were initiated, percutaneous transluminal pulmonary angioplasty (PTPA) was performed. Following PTPA, life-threating hypoxemia resulting from postoperative reperfusion pulmonary edema developed. High-flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC) was applied, and 100% oxygen at 50 L/min of flow was required to keep oxygenation. HFNC was continued for 3 days, and the patient was discharged on 8th postoperative day with SpO2 of 97% on 3 L/min of oxygen inhalation. Because of the simplicity of the technique, the lower cost of equipment, and remarkable patient tolerance to the treatment, we speculate that HFNC can take over the post of noninvasive ventilation as first-line therapy for patients with acute respiratory failure.

Antifungal activity of oosporein from an antagonistic fungus against Phytophthora infestans.

An antifungal metabolite, oosporein, was isolated from the culture of Verticillium psalliotae that produced the antagonistic effects on Phytophthora infestans. Oosporein exhibited a significant growth-inhibitory effect on P. infestans in comparison with other phytopathogenic fungi.