Association between multiple metals exposure and sleep disorders in a Chinese population: A mixture-based approach.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have suggested a possible association between metals and sleep disorders. This study aimed to explore the association between Zn, Cu, Se, Mg and Ca and sleep disorders in single and multi-metal co-exposure models. METHODS: Logistic regression models, restricted cubic spline model (RCS), Quantile g computation (Q-gcomp), Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were used to investigate the association between metal levels and sleep disorders. RESULTS: Logistic regression showed that in the total population, the second, third, and fourth quartile Zn concentration exhibited a lower risk of sleep disorders compared with the first quartile, with odds ratios (ORs) of 0.783, 0.711, and 0.704, respectively. Compared with Zn/Cu and Zn/Se in the first quartile, the third and fourth quartiles showed a lower risk of sleep disorders. In the 30-59 years group, the risk of sleep disorders was 0.699 times greater for the fourth quartile Mg concentration than that for the first quartile. The risk of sleep disorders in Mg/Ca concentration in the third quartile was 0.737 times higher than in the first quartile. Q-gcomp, WQS, and BKMR model analysis showed the negative overall effect of mixtures of the five metals on sleep disorders, with Zn being the largest contributor. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that plasma Zn, Mg, Zn/Cu, Zn/Se, and Mg/Ca reduced the risk of sleep disorders, and the combined effect of multiple metals was negatively associated with the risk of sleep disorders, with Zn being the largest contributor to this relationship.

Bioaccumulation of ytterbium oxide nanoparticles insinuate oxidative stress, inflammatory, and pathological lesions in ICR mice.

With the rapid development in nanoscience and nanotechnology, rare earth oxide nanomaterials (REO-NMs) have been increasingly used due to their unique physical and chemical characteristics. Despite the increasing applications of REO NPs, scarce information is available on their detrimental effects. In the current study, we investigate the toxic effect of ytterbium oxide nanoparticles (Yb2O3 NPs) in mouse model by using various techniques including inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis over 30 days of exposure. Furthermore, we elucidated lung lavage fluid of mice for biochemical and cytological analysis, and lung tissues for histopathology to interpret the NP side effects. We observed a significant concentration of Yb2O3 NPs accumulated in the lung, liver, kidney, and heart tissues. Similarly, increased bioaccumulation of Yb content was found in the olfactory bulb compared to other reigns of brain. The cytological analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) revealed a significant elevation in the percentage of neutrophils and lymphocytes. Biochemical analysis showed an instilled Yb2O3 NPs, showing signs of oxidative damage through up-regulation of 60-87% of MDA while down-regulation of 20-40% of GSH-PX and GSH content. The toxicity pattern was more evident from histopathological observations. These interpretations provide enough evidence of bioaccumulation of Yb2O3 NPs in mice tissues. Overall, our findings reveal that acute exposure of Yb2O3 NPs through intranasal inhalation may cause toxicity via oxidative stress, which leads to a chronic inflammatory response. Graphical abstract Graphical illustrations of experimental findings.

AQURE PASSPORT Intracranial Catheter for Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients.

OBJECTIVE: We report the first experience with a new intracranial catheter as an adjunct to mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: We prospectively determined technical success, intended procedure (device delivery at target lesion) completion without a need for a different catheter, technical ease, and intended procedure completion without the occurrence of ≥3 unsuccessful attempts in acute ischemic stroke patients with intracranial occlusion. The initial site of occlusion and recanalization was graded based on Qureshi grading scheme. Grade 0 was used to define complete recanalization. RESULTS: A total of four procedures were performed in four patients with a mean age of 63.5 years (range 50-81 years). The occlusion was in the proximal middle cerebral artery in two patients, and posterior cerebral artery and basilar artery in one patient each. The procedures were technically successful and met the definition of technical ease in all patients. The distal-most segment where AQURE PASSPORT intracranial catheter was placed was in the supraclinoid internal carotid artery, proximal posterior cerebral artery, proximal middle cerebral artery, and proximal basilar artery in the four patients. Stent retrievers were used in three patients and primary angioplasty was performed in two patients. Complete recanalization was achieved in all four patients. The primary operator rated the performance of guide catheter as superior in all cases. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates the feasibility of performing mechanical thrombectomy for intracranial arterial occlusion with a new intracranial catheter having superior performance.

The analysis of changes and influencing factors of early postthoracotomy pulmonary function.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes and influencing factors of early postoperative pulmonary function of thoracotomy. METHODS: Pre- and early postoperative pulmonary function was studied in 64 consecutive cases with optimal thoracotomy. Pain assessment was done before pulmonary function test, and the chief complaints of patients were recorded after the procedure. The changing curves of pulmonary function were done and the differences associated with groups, surgical styles, pain assessment, epidural analgesia, chief complaint and preoperative conditions were analyzed. RESULTS: Pulmonary function was severely lowered to about 40% of the base line on the first day, and it was rehabilitated to about 60% of the base line on the eighth day. There was a greater gradient on the recovery curve on the 3rd and 4th days. Epidural analgesia was able to improve pain relaxation and pulmonary function in some degree. Single-factor analysis showed that postoperative pain, postoperative day and surgical style were the significant influencing factors for early postoperative pulmonary function. By multiple-factor analysis, preoperative pulmonary function, age and postoperative pain were the main factors, while surgical style had only weak effect on it. CONCLUSIONS: Early postoperative pulmonary function is severely impaired by thoracotomy. It rehabilitate gradually with time. Improvement of preoperative pulmonary function, reducing surgical procedure injuries, especially injury to respiratory muscle system, and enough postoperative pain relief are the most important means that would reduce pulmonary function impairment and consequently reduce postoperative pulmonary complications.