Endovaginal coil for pelvic high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of cervical cancer: a preliminary parameter optimization study.

Background: The diagnosis of early-stage cervical cancer through conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains challenging, highlighting a greater need for pelvic high-resolution MRI (HR MRI). This study used our research team's endovaginal coil imaging to optimize scanning parameters and aimed to achieve HR MRI of the pelvis and determine its clinical value. Methods: Fifty participants were recruited prospectively for this cross-sectional study conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2023 to November 2023. Initially, 10 volunteers requiring pelvic imaging diagnosis underwent pelvic MRI with the endovaginal coil combined with a conventional external array coil to test and optimize the scanning parameters. Subsequently, 40 patients who were highly suspected or diagnosed with cervical cancer were randomly assigned to undergo an initial pelvic scan with an external array coil with subsequent examinations of both the conventional coil and the endovaginal coil. Two experienced radiologists performed quantitative analyses, measuring signals and calculating the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and contrast (C). They also conducted qualitative analyses, evaluating imaging artifacts, anatomical structures, and overall image quality. The paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were conducted to compare the statistical differences between the two sets of images, while the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Kappa consistency tests were used to assess the measurement and scoring consistency between the two radiologists. Results: The optimized endovaginal images had higher mean SNR, CNR, and C values (18.62±7.85, 16.04±7.72, and 0.73±0.11, respectively) compared to the conventional images (6.77±2.36, 4.47±2.05, and 0.47±0.12, respectively). Additionally, the ratings for imaging artifacts, anatomical structures, and overall quality of the endovaginal images were all 4 [interquartile range (IQR) 4, 4]; meanwhile, the conventional images scored lower with ratings of 4 (IQR 3, 4), 3 (IQR 3, 3), and 3 (IQR 3, 3) for SNR, CNR, and C, respectively. All analysis results underwent paired-sample t-tests or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests between the two groups, yielding a P value <0.001. The optimized endovaginal images also showed improved resolution with a reconstructed voxel size of 0.11 mm3, and HR MRI was successfully achieved. The ICC values for the measurements were 0.914, 0.947, and 0.912, respectively, and for the ratings, the measurement was 0.923, indicating excellent consistency between the two physicians (ICC/Kappa value between 0.85 and 1.00). Conclusions: Endovaginal technology, which provides precise clinical information for the diagnosis of cervical cancer, provides straightforward operation and exceptional imaging quality, making it highly suitable for expanded clinical use.

Esketamine Combined with Dexmedetomidine to reduce Visceral Pain During elective Cesarean Section Under Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia: A double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effect of intravenous esketamine combined with dexmedetomidine as supplemental analgesia in reducing intraoperative visceral pain during elective cesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA). Patients and Methods: A total of 269 parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section under CSEA between May 2023 and August 2023 were assessed. The parturients were randomly allocated to receiving either intravenous infusion of 0.3-mg/kg esketamine combined with 0.5-µg/kg dexmedetomidine (group ED, n=76), 0.5-µg/kg dexmedetomidine (group D, n=76), or normal saline (group C, n=76) after umbilical cord clamping. The primary outcome was intraoperative visceral pain. Secondary outcomes included the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain evaluation and other intraoperative complications. Results: The incidence of visceral pain was lower in group ED [9 (12.7%)] than in group D [32 (43.8%)] and group C [36 (48.6%), P <0.0001]. The VAS score was also lower in group ED when exploring abdominal cavity [0 (0), P <0.0001] and suturing the muscle layer [0 (0), P =0.036]. The mean arterial pressure was higher in group D [83 (9) mmHg] and group ED [81 (11) mmHg] than in group C [75 (10) mmHg, P <0.0001] after solution infusion. The heart rate after infusion of the solution was lower in group D [80 (12) bpm] than in group C [86 (14) bpm] and group ED [85 (12) bpm, P = 0.016]. The incidence of transient neurologic or mental symptoms was higher in group ED compared to group C and group D (76.1% vs 18.9% vs 23.3%, P<0.0001). Conclusion: During cesarean section, 0.3-mg/kg esketamine combined with 0.5-µg/kg dexmedetomidine can alleviate visceral traction pain and provide stable hemodynamics. Parturients receiving this regimen may experience transient neurologic or mental symptoms that can spontaneously resolve at the end of the surgery.

Some parturients endure experience indescribable pain and discomfort during fetal delivery. Esketamine combined with dexmedetomidine can alleviate this pain during cesarean section under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia. However, after intravenous injection of esketamine and dexmedetomidine, the parturients may experience nightmares, dizziness, hallucinations, and drowsiness, etc.

Preemptive deep parasternal intercostal plane block for perioperative analgesia in coronary artery bypass grafting with sternotomy: a randomized, observer-blind, controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The precise characteristics of deep parasternal intercostal plane block (DPIP), which is useful for providing analgesia during open heart surgery, have not yet been thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we aimed to establish the efficacy, define the cutaneous sensory block area, and determine the duration of preemptive DPIP block at the T3-4 or T4-5 intercostal spaces in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) via sternotomy. DESIGN: A prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Patients were randomly divided into three cohorts, each containing thirty patients. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety patients who underwent elective CABG via sternotomy were included in this study. INTERVENTIONS: The T3-4 and T4-5 groups received a preoperative single-shot DPIP block at the respective intercostal spaces. The principal objective of the study was to ascertain the optimal dosage of sufentanil administered during surgical procedures involving either a DPIP block or its absence, and to conduct a comparative analysis thereof across distinct injection sites, specifically T3-4 and T4-5. Secondary factors considered were the dosage of postoperative analgesics, the extent of sensory block on the skin, pain levels after extubation, time of recovery from anesthesia (time to extubation), duration of the block, and the occurrence of nausea and vomiting. MEASUREMENTS & MAIN RESULTS: Preemptive DPIP block significantly reduced intraoperative sufentanil requirement compared to the control group (T3-4:0.38 ± 0.1, T4-5:0.32 ± 0.10, vs. Control:0.88 ± 0.3 µg/kg/h, p < 0.001). It also resulted in decreased analgesic consumption and numeric rating scale scores on the day of surgery (p < 0.01 compared to the control group). The DPIP block provided accurate anesthetic coverage of the dermatomes in the sternal region and reduced the time to extubation and postoperative nausea. However, the injection point (either via the T3-4 intercostal or the T4-5 intercostal) did not affect the efficacy. Preoperative DPIP block failed to provide adequate analgesia beyond 24 h post-surgery. CONCLUSION: Preemptive bilateral DPIP block provided effective analgesia in patients undergoing CABG during surgery and in the early postoperative period. The analgesic effects of the DPIP block in the T3-4 and T4-5 intercostal spaces were comparable.

Recovery of early postoperative muscle strength after deep neuromuscular block by means of ultrasonography with comparison of neostigmine versus sugammadex as reversal drugs: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the use of quantitative neuromuscular monitoring together with the administration of reversal drugs (neostigmine or sugammadex), the incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade defined as a train-of-four ratio (TOFr) <0.9 remains high. Even TOFr >0.9 cannot ensure adequate recovery of neuromuscular function when T1 height is not recovered completely. Thus, a mathematical correction of TOFr needs to be applied because the return of a normal TOFr can precede the return of a normal T1 twitch height. On the other hand, different muscles have different sensitivities to neuromuscular blockade agents; thus, complete recovery of one specific muscle group does not represent complete recovery of all other muscles. Therefore, our study aims to assess the muscle strength recovery of respiratory-related muscle groups by ultrasound and evaluate global strength using handgrip dynamometry in the early postoperative period when TOFr=0.9 and corrected TOFr (cTOFr)=0.9 with comparison of neostigmine versus sugammadex as reversal drugs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study will be a prospective, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial involving 60 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II and aged between 18 and 65 years, who will undergo microlaryngeal surgery. We will assess geniohyoid muscle, parasternal intercostal muscle, diaphragm, abdominal wall muscle and handgrip strength at four time points: before anaesthesia, TOFr=0.9, cTOFr=0.9 and 30 min after admission to the post anaesthesia care unit. Our primary objective will be to compare the effects of neostigmine and sugammadex on the recovery of muscle strength of different muscle groups in the early postoperative period when TOFr=0.9 and cTOFr=0.9. The secondary objective will be to observe the difference of muscle strength between the time points of TOFr=0.9 and cTOFr=0.9 to find out the clinical significance of cTOFr >0.9. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University. The findings will be disseminated to the public through peer-reviewed scientific journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2000033832.

Propofol suppresses microglial phagocytosis through the downregulation of MFG-E8.

BACKGROUND: Microglia are highly motile phagocytic cells in the healthy brain with surveillance and clearance functions. Although microglia have been shown to engulf cellular debris following brain insult, less is known about their phagocytic function in the absence of injury. Propofol can inhibit microglial activity, including phagocytosis. Milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8), as a regulator of microglia, plays an essential role in the phagocytic process. However, whether MFG-E8 affects the alteration of phagocytosis by propofol remains unknown. METHODS: Microglial BV2 cells were treated with propofol, with or without MFG-E8. Phagocytosis of latex beads was evaluated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. MFG-E8, p-AMPK, AMPK, p-Src, and Src levels were assessed by western blot analysis. Compound C (AMPK inhibitor) and dasatinib (Src inhibitor) were applied to determine the roles of AMPK and Src in microglial phagocytosis under propofol treatment. RESULTS: The phagocytic ability of microglia was significantly decreased after propofol treatment for 4 h (P < 0.05). MFG-E8 production was inhibited by propofol in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Preadministration of MFG-E8 dose-dependently (from 10 to 100 ng/ml) reversed the suppression of phagocytosis by propofol (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the decline in p-AMPK and p-Src levels induced by propofol intervention was reversed by MFG-E8 activation (P < 0.05). Administration of compound C (AMPK inhibitor) and dasatinib (Src inhibitor) to microglia blocked the trend of enhanced phagocytosis induced by MFG-E8 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal the intermediate role of MFG-E8 between propofol and microglial phagocytic activity. Moreover, MFG-E8 may reverse the suppression of phagocytosis induced by propofol through the regulation of the AMPK and Src signaling pathways.

Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling Using UHPLC-QTOF/MS Reveals Metabolic Alterations Associated with Autism.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a clinical spectrum of neurodevelopment disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction along with repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. The current diagnosis for autism relies entirely on clinical evaluation and has many limitations. In this study, we aim to elucidate the potential mechanism behind autism and establish a series of potential biomarkers for diagnosis. Here, we established an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry- (UHPLC-QTOF/MS-) based metabonomic approach to discriminate the metabolic modifications between the cohort of autism patients and the healthy subjects. UHPLC-QTOF/MS analysis revealed that 24 of the identified potential biomarkers were primarily involved in amino acid or lipid metabolism and the tryptophan kynurenine pathway. The combination of nicotinamide, anthranilic acid, D-neopterin, and 7,8-dihydroneopterin allows for discrimination between ASD patients and controls, which were validated in an independent autism case-control cohort. The results indicated that UHPLC-QTOF/MS-based metabolomics is capable of rapidly profiling autism metabolites and is a promising technique for the discovery of potential biomarkers related to autism.

Inflammation as a risk factor for stroke in atrial fibrillation: data from a microarray data analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Stroke is a severe complication of atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to discover key genes and microRNAs related to stroke risk in patients with AF using bioinformatics analysis. METHODS: GSE66724 microarray data, including peripheral blood samples from eight patients with AF and stroke and eight patients with AF without stroke, were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AF patients with and without stroke were identified using the GEO2R online tool. Functional enrichment analysis was performed using the DAVID database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was obtained using the STRING database. MicroRNAs (miRs) targeting these DEGs were obtained from the miRNet database. A miR-DEG network was constructed using Cytoscape software. RESULTS: We identified 165 DEGs (141 upregulated and 24 downregulated). Enrichment analysis showed enrichment of certain inflammatory processes. The miR-DEG network revealed key genes, including MEF2A, CAND1, PELI1, and PDCD4, and microRNAs, including miR-1, miR-1-3p, miR-21, miR-21-5p, miR-192, miR-192-5p, miR-155, and miR-155-5p. CONCLUSION: Dysregulation of certain genes and microRNAs involved in inflammation may be associated with a higher risk of stroke in patients with AF. Evaluating these biomarkers could improve prediction, prevention, and treatment of stroke in patients with AF.

Bioinformatic Analysis of Potential Biomarkers for Spinal Cord-injured Patients with Intractable Neuropathic Pain.

BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain is one of the common complications after spinal cord injury (SCI), affecting individuals' quality of life. The molecular mechanism for neuropathic pain after SCI is still unclear. We aimed to discover potential genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) related to neuropathic pain by the bioinformatics method. METHODS: Microarray data of GSE69901 were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Peripheral blood samples from individuals with or without neuropathic pain after SCI were collected. Twelve samples from individuals with neuropathic pain and 13 samples from individuals without pain as controls were included in the downloaded microarray. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the neuropathic pain group and the control group were detected using the GEO2R online tool. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed using the DAVID database. Protein-protein interaction network was constructed from the STRING database. MiRNAs targeting these DEGs were obtained from the miRNet database. A merged miRNA-DEG network was constructed and analyzed with Cytoscape software. RESULTS: In total, 1134 DEGs were identified between individuals with or without neuropathic pain (case and control), and 454 biological processes were enriched. We identified 4 targeted miRNAs, including mir-204-5p, mir-519d-3p, mir-20b-5p, mir-6838-5p, which may be potential biomarkers for SCI patients. CONCLUSION: Protein modification and regulation of the biological process of the central nervous system may be a risk factor in SCI. Certain genes and miRNAs may be potential biomarkers for the prediction of and potential targets for the prevention and treatment of neuropathic pain after SCI.

Toll-like receptor 3 activation drives the inflammatory response in oxygen-induced retinopathy in rats.

AIMS: Ischaemia is one of the most important causes of blindness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role and mechanisms by which toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) influences the progression of the inflammatory response in a rat model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). METHODS: OIR rat models were successfully established and received single intravitreal injections of polyinosine-polycytidylic acid (poly (I:C)) and anti-TLR3 antibody, respectively, on postnatal day 17 (P17). Pathological retinal neovascularisation was evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry with Isolectin B4 FITC (fluorescein isothyocyanate). Retinal expressions of TLR3 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were measured using real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blot. Furthermore, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) expression levels were assessed with real-time PCR and ELISA. RESULTS: Both gene and protein expression levels of TLR3 and NF-κB were significantly elevated in the retinas of OIR rats compared to the controls. Increased IL-6 and TNFα expression levels were also observed in the retinas of OIR rats. Furthermore, TLR3 signalling pathway components, including NF-κB and IL-6/TNFα, were markedly upregulated upon stimulation with poly(I:C). In addition, the pre-treatment of TLR3 neutralising antibody in OIR models significantly decreased TLR3 and NF-κB expressions, as well as related inflammatory factors IL-6/TNFα expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that upregulation of the TLR3 signalling pathway is involved in the pro-inflammatory response in OIR rat retinas.

Elevated hydrogen sulfide levels in vitreous body and plasma in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a colorless gas, has been confirmed to be a gaseous messenger molecule and an endogenous stimulus for angiogenesis recently. This study was performed to investigate the role of H2S in diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from normal controls and patients with diabetes. Vitreous samples were collected from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Patients were grouped into diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy (non-DR), with nonproliferative DR, and with PDR. Concentrations of H2S and vascular endothelial growth factor in the plasma and vitreous body were detected using a spectrophotometer. RESULTS: A decreased H2S level in the plasma was observed in non-DR group (41.89 ± 8.52 µM, P < 0.05), and an increased H2S level in the plasma was observed in PDR group (60.49 ± 11.14 µM, P < 0.001), when compared with that in normal controls (49.67 ± 9.72 µM). There was no difference in plasma H2S level between patients with nonproliferative DR (54.13 ± 8.61 µM) and normal controls. In the vitreous body, H2S levels in PDR group were significantly higher (76.80 ± 24.08 µM, P < 0.001) than that in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment group (24.37 ± 11.25 µM). Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in plasma from patients with diabetes were significantly lower (P < 0.001) than that in normal controls. Vascular endothelial growth factor levels in the vitreous body from diabetic patients with PDR were significantly higher (885.61 ± 190.41 pg/mL, P < 0.001) than that from patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (89.98 ± 19.56 pg/mL). Seven days after an intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, a significantly decreased H2S level (55.58 ± 7.20 µM, P < 0.05) was observed in the vitreous body in patients with PDR when compared with that (75.07 ± 12.95 µM) in the vitreous body collected just before intravitreal injection. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that anti-vascular endothelial growth factor may downregulate the H2S level in the vitreous body, and H2S may play a role in the development of DR. Hydrogen sulfide may be a novel target for the therapy of DR.

Involvement of HMGB1 mediated signalling pathway in diabetic retinopathy: evidence from type 2 diabetic rats and ARPE-19 cells under diabetic condition.

AIMS: Inflammation is considered to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, and high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) could promote inflammation as an alarmin. We investigated the expression of HMGB1 signalling pathway components in type 2 diabetic rat retinas and in high glucose cultured ARPE-19 cells. METHODS: Retinal expression of HMGB1 and its receptors in type 2 diabetic rats were detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry. ARPE-19 cells were cultured with low glucose, high glucose (with or without anti-HMGB1 antibody) or mannitol (control) for different lengths of time (12, 24, 48, 72 h). Then expression of HMGB1 and its receptors was measured by immunocytochemistry, ELISA or western blot. Nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activity and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production in retinas as well as in ARPE-19 cells were detected by ELISA. Furthermore, blood-retinal barrier permeability and ARPE-19 cell viability were measured by Evans-Blue and Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, respectively. RESULTS: HMGB1 signalling pathway components including receptors for HMGB1 as well as NF-κB and TNFα/VEGF were significantly upregulated in type 2 diabetic retinas and in high glucose treated ARPE-19 cells, compared to their respective counterparts. HMGB1 blockage significantly alleviated NF-κB activity and VEGF secretion in ARPE-19 cells cultured with high glucose. In addition, blood-retinal barrier permeability of the diabetic retinas increased, while cell viability of high glucose treated ARPE-19 cells decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of HMGB1 signalling pathway components were increased in diabetic rat retinas and in ARPE-19 cells exposed to high glucose.

Copolymers from unsaturated macrolactones: toward the design of cross-linked biodegradable polyesters.

The enzymatic synthesis of a series of random copolyesters by ring-opening polymerization of unsaturated macrolactones like globalide and ambrettolide with 1,5-dioxepan-2-one (DXO) and 4-methyl caprolactone (4MeCL) was investigated. (13)C NMR diad analysis confirmed the randomness of all copolymers irrespective of the comonomer ratios. Thermal investigation showed that incorporating the comonomers lowered the melting points of the polymers as compared with the macrolactone homopolymers. The decrease was dependent on the comonomer ratio. The unsaturated copolymers were thermally cross-linked using dicumyl peroxide, which resulted in completely amorphous insoluble networks. It was found that 10% incorporation of the unsaturated macolactone was sufficient to obtain a gel content of 95 wt %. Preliminary degradation tests confirm that the cross-linked copolymers are enzymatically degradable and that the incorporation of hydrophilic comonomers like DXO enhances degradation.