Isolation of Capillaries from Small Amounts of Mouse Brain Tissue.

The integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is essential for the normal functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). Isolated brain capillaries are essential for analyzing changes in protein and gene expression at the BBB under physiological and pathological conditions. The standard methods for isolating brain capillaries require the use of at least one or more mouse brains in order to obtain sufficient quantity and purity of brain capillaries. Here, we describe an optimized protocol for isolating and purifying capillaries from tiny amounts of mouse cerebral cortex using manual homogenization, density gradient centrifugation, and filtration while preserving the structural integrity and functional activity of microvessel fragments. Western blotting showed that proteins expressed at the BBB were enriched in mouse brain capillaries isolated by the optimized method compared to cerebral cortex protein homogenates. This approach can be used for the analysis of a variety of rare mouse genetic models and can also help the investigators to understand regional differences in susceptibility to pathological phenomena such as ischemia and traumatic brain injury. This will allow the investigators to better understand the physiology and pathology of the BBB.

Perioperative management and drug selection for sedated/anesthetized patients undergoing MRI examination: A review.

In recent years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology has become an indispensable imaging tool owing to significant improvements in MRI that have opened up new diagnostic perspectives. Due to the closed environment, long imaging time, and need to remain still during the examination process, the examiner may cannot cooperate with the completion of the examination of the procedure, which increases the need for deep sedation or anesthesia. Achieving this can sometimes be challenging, especially in the special nontraditional environment of MRI equipment (unfamiliar and narrow spaces, away from patients, strong magnetic fields) and in special populations requiring sedation/anesthesia during examinations, which pose certain challenges for the perioperative anesthesia management of MRI. A simple "checklist" is necessary because it allows the anesthesiologist to become familiar with the particular environment and human and material resources as quickly as possible. For the choice of sedative/anesthetic, the traditional drugs, such as midazolam and ketamine, are still used due to the ease of administration despite their low sedation success rate, prolonged recovery, and significant adverse events. Currently, dexmedetomidine, with respiratory drive preservation, propofol, with high effectiveness and rapid recovery, and sevoflurane, which is mild and nonirritating, are preferred for sedation/anesthesia in children and adults undergoing MRI. Therefore, familiarity with the perioperative management of patient sedation and general anesthesia and drug selection in the MRI environment is critical for successful surgical completion and for the safe and rapid discharge of MRI patients receiving sedation/anesthesia.

Perioperative management of a patient with a giant ovarian tumor: A case report.

RATIONALE: Giant ovarian tumors are very rare. Patients with large ovarian tumors appear similar to pregnant women and morbidly obese patients. The management of such patients is associated with significant mortality. Therefore, additional clinical research is essential to understanding the perioperative complications of this disease. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report the perioperative management of a patient with a giant ovarian tumor that contained 23 L of fluid who underwent tumor resection. Given the infrequency of these giant ovarian tumors, a detailed anesthetic plan and postoperative respiratory support strategy were tailored to address the patient's hemodynamic and respiratory risks, as well as to minimize potential complications, including supine hypotensive syndrome, re-expansion pulmonary edema, and postoperative intestinal ileus. To prevent supine hypotensive syndrome, the patient used a mild left-sided position (10∼20°) after admission until the tumor was removed. In order to prevent re-expansion pulmonary edema (RPE), the intraoperative ventilator mode was set to pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV), with the addition of 8 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The airway pressure was lower while maintaining a certain tidal volume. In the ICU, in the ventilator mode, we use pressure support ventilation as well as PEEP and adjust it according to the patient's spontaneous breathing situation and blood gas analysis to prepare for further detach from the respirator and extubation. And we prevent the occurrence of postoperative intestinal ileus by placing the abdominal binder after the operation. DIAGNOSIS: Mucinous cystadenoma of the left ovary. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with debulking of the left ovarian mass, transabdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, complete omentectomy with appendectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy. OUTCOMES: After surgery, the patient experienced intestinal distention. Up to now, the patient has recovered well. LESSONS: A multidisciplinary approach is essential. Knowing the possibility of complications and choices for management can lead to favorable outcomes in such rare cases. This case reminds us that postoperative complications such as postoperative intestinal ileus may be fatal.