3D-based strain analysis and cardiotoxicity detection in cancer patients received chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity has become a prevalent complication. Regular monitoring of patients who received chemotherapy using 3D strain parameters may aid in early detection of myocardial damage and its prevention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of three-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (3D-STI) in diagnosing and predicting the likelihood of cardiotoxicity. This was achieved by conducting a systematic review of original research articles. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of 3D speckle tracking echocardiography in early detection of cardiotoxicity. METHODS: Relevant case control studies published prior to December 2022 were extracted to assess cardiotoxicity by 3D STE in patients after chemotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 1991 chemotherapy treated patients and control patients were included in the present review via pooling 22 studies. CONCLUSIONS: 3D speckle tracking echocardiography has the utility of non-invasive and objective evaluation of changes in left ventricular function in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. ROSPERO REGISTRATION NO: Study ID, CRD42023383790 on PROSPERO: International prospective register of systematic reviews.

The Effect of ACTH(4-10) PRO8-GLY9-PRO10 Administration on the Expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in Sprague Dawley Mice with Spinal Cord Injury.

Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a significant cause of morbidity since it results in the inflammation process which leads to necrosis or apoptosis. Inflammatory response to the tissue damage increases IL-6 and IL-8 levels. ACTH4 - 10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 is a peptide community that has been shown to have a beneficial effect on minimizing the morbidity and increasing the recovery time. Methods This study is a true experimental laboratory research with a totally randomized method. The subjects were animal models with light and extreme compression of spinal cord, respectively. Results The administration of ACTH 4-10 in mild SCI in the 3-hour observation group did not show a significant difference in IL-6 expression compared with the 6-hour observation group. The administration of ACTH 4-10 in severe SCI showed a significantly lower expression level of IL-6 in the 3-hour observation group compared with the 6-hour one. The administration of ACTH 4-10 in severe SCI led to a significantly lower IL-8 expression in the 3-hour observation group compared with the 6-hour one. However, there was no significant difference in IL-8 expression in the group receiving ACTH 4-10 in 3 hours observation compared with that in 6 hours observation. Conclusion The administration of ACTH4-10Pro8-Gly9-Pro10 can reduce the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 at 3-hour and 6-hour observation after mild and severe SCI in animal models. Future research works are recommended.

Pediatric shunt revision analysis within the first year of shunt placement: A single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Hydrocephalus is a common problem in neurosurgery with shunt placement remains the mainstay of the management. However, shunt placement generally requires following surgical procedures, including shunt revision. Despite the recent developments, the incidence of shunt failure remains high, approximately 30-51% in the 1st year following the shunt placement. METHODS: An observational retrospective study of pediatric neurosurgery patients whom underwent CSF shunting procedure, both primary and repeated VPS, VAS, CPS, and subdural-peritoneal shunt procedures between January 2018 and May 2019. The patients were observed for 12 months for potential complication requiring shunt revision following the shunt placement. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients underwent shunt placement. The shunt revision within 12 months was found in 26 patients (18.3%), 25 cases were VPS (96.2%) and one case was CPS (3.8%). The mean period of time between shunt placement to shunt revision was 3.96 months. Age of under 6 months old during the shunt placement showed significantly higher risk for shunt revision (RR 2.32 CI 1.13-4.74, P = 0.018). The most common diagnosis requiring shunt revision was congenital anomaly (16 cases, 61.5%). The most common cause of revision was shunt malfunction, with 21 cases (80.8%) followed by infected shunt with 5 cases (19.2%). CONCLUSION: The 1st year observation showed relatively high rate for shunt revision. The patient underwent shunt procedure should be regularly followed up in long period for better evaluation of the outcome. The application of shunt registry in some countries appears to be efficient and beneficial for sustainable follow-up in patients underwent shunt placement.

The recurrent plexiform neurofibroma of the scalp in neurofibromatosis type 1: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Plexiform neurofibroma is a benign tumor of the peripheral nerves. It is an unusual variant of neurofibroma originating from all parts of the nerve. Plexiform neurofibroma is primarily pathognomonic and exhibits an unusual variant from neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). The possibility of malignancy and recurrence are the main reasons for long-term, close follow-up. OBSERVATIONS: The authors report a case of a 14-year-old girl with a recurrent plexiform neurofibroma derived from the peripheral nerves, which also presented with a typical sign of NF1 disease. The aim of the tumor resection is symptomatic relief. LESSONS: Accomplishing a good outcome can be related to good perioperative planning and a precise operative procedure. The result of anatomical pathology determines the prognosis of the patient. Clinical examination and radiological studies are needed to evaluate the recurrence of complications after surgical procedures.