The protective effect of magnesium sulfate on placental inflammation via suppressing the NF-κB pathway in a preeclampsia-like rat model.

Abnormal placental inflammation has a role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has anti-inflammatory properties and is a fetal neuroprotective agent. MgSO4 is often used to treat severe preeclampsia; however, the specificmechanisms of action underlyingthistherapeutic effect remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of MgSO4 (270 mg/kg) on placental inflammation in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1.0 µg/kg)-induced preeclampsia. Compared to normal pregnant rats, LPS-treated pregnant rats had higher blood pressure, proteinuria, and expression of the anti-angiogenic factor sFlt-1 and the pro-inflammatory factors interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and IL-12 in placental tissue. LPS-treated pregnant rats had placental insufficiency, poor fetal outcomes, and significantly decreased expression of the anti-inflammatory factors apolipoprotein E (APOE) and IL-10 in placental tissue. MgSO4 treatment had favorable effects on maternal and fetal outcomes. MgSO4 treatment improved placental function by repressing an exaggerated inflammatory response in the placenta and promoting angiogenesis via the NF-κB pathway. These findings suggest MgSO4 has a potential role in the prevention of preeclampsia and in the treatment of mild and moderate preeclampsia.

Application of Dexmedetomidine Sedation Combined With Suprascapular Nerve Block and Axillary Nerve Block in Shoulder Arthroscopy, A Randomized Single-Blind Study.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anesthetic and analgesic effects of dexmedetomidine combined with suprascapular nerve block and axillary nerve block in shoulder arthroscopy. Methods: A total of 60 patients were randomly divided into the experimental group (DEX group) and the control group (GA group) via a random number table method. Dexmedetomidine sedation combined with suprascapular nerve block and axillary nerve block was used in the DEX group, while general anesthesia with tracheal intubation combined with interscalene brachial plexus block was used in the GA group. The perioperative indexes, intraoperative hemodynamics, cerebral oxygen saturation, and postoperative pain score, as well as any complications, were compared between the two groups. Results: The anesthesia duration (p < 0.05) and postoperative monitoring time (p < 0.05) in the DEX group were significantly shorter than those in the GA group. At most time points during the anesthesia, the cerebral oxygen saturation (p < 0.05) and mean arterial pressure (p < 0.05) in the DEX group were significantly higher than those in the GA group. Additionally, the decrease in the cerebral oxygen saturation and mean arterial pressure in the GA group was significantly higher than that in the DEX group (p < 0.05). The pain score of DEX group 12 h after operation significantly lower than that in the GA group (p < 0.05), and the incidence of postoperative hypoxemia along with nausea and vomiting in the GA group was significantly higher than that in the DEX group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine combined with suprascapular nerve block and axillary nerve block could reduce the incidence of hypoxemia, while the approach demonstrated better hemodynamic stability, fully ensured the cerebral blood perfusion, and exhibited better anesthetic and analgesic effects, meaning it could be safely and effectively applied in shoulder arthroscopy procedures.

Risk factors for Blastocystis infection in HIV/AIDS patients with highly active antiretroviral therapy in Southwest China.

BACKGROUND: Blastocystis is a widespread zoonotic protozoan of mammalian species, especially in HIV/AIDS individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and risk factors related with Blastocystis infection among HIV/AIDS patients in Southwest China. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was performed in 311 HIV/AIDS cases in Tengchong City, Yunnan Province from July 2016 to March 2017. For each subject, stool specimen was collected to detect the Blastocystis, and the blood sample was used to detect HIV virus load and CD4+ T cell count, in addition, structured questionnaire was used to collect the basic information and risk factors. FINDINGS: The result showed that the detection rate of Blastocystis was 3.86% (95% CI: 2.22-6.62) among HIV/AIDS patients. Both raising animal (OR = 12.93, 95% CI: 1.54-108.36) and drinking un-boiled water (OR = 8.17, 95% CI: 1.76-37.90) were risk factors for Blastocystis infection in HIV/AIDS individuals. In addition, the interaction of CD4+ T cell count and HIV virus load was also contribution to Blastocystis infection (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of Blastocystis infection was found in HIV/AIDS patients in Tengchong. Poor hygienic habits, the interaction of HIV virus load and CD4+ T cell count were identified as main risk factors for infection. These results will help us to develop efficient control strategies to intervene with and prevent the occurrence of Blastocystis among HIV-infected individuals.