The application of subcapsular saline injection to preserve the parathyroid gland during thyroidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect of subcapsular saline injection (SCASI) after total thyroidectomy. METHODS: A total of 77 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were selected and divided into the SCASI group (n = 43) and the non-SCASI group (n = 34). The general clinical data of the patients were collected, and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and serum calcium levels were determined preoperatively, on the 1st postoperative day, and at 1 and 6 months after the operation. These data were compared between groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups. The PTH and serum calcium levels in the SCASI group were significantly higher than those in the non-SCASI group on the 1st postoperative day (t = 2.340, 5.208, both P < 0.05), and the PTH levels in the SCASI group at 1 month after the operation were higher than those in the non-SCASI group (t = 2.141, P < 0.05). In addition, the proportion of transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism in the SCASI group was significantly decreased (χ2 = 3.920, 3.948, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Total thyroidectomy requires high surgical precision, and SCASI can reduce the incidence of temporary and permanent hypoparathyroidism.

A novel saline-based occlusion tool allows for dye-less cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation and fluoroscopy reduction.

Background: Cryoballoon (CB)- based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) remains guided by fluoroscopy and dye. The novel saline injection-based occlusion tool allows for pulmonary vein (PV)-occlusion assessment without the need for dye injection. Aim: To compare KODEX-EPD guided CB-PVI using the novel saline injection-based workflow with conventional cryoablation for acute efficacy, fluoroscopy exposure and dye volume. Methods: Consecutive atrial fibrillation (AF)- patients undergoing CB-PVI in conjunction with KODEX-EPD (CryoEPD group) were analyzed. Patients undergoing conventional CB-PVI (Cryo group) in the same time period acted as controls. Results: One hundred forty patients [91/140 (65%) persistent AF] were studied. Seventy patients underwent CryoEPD procedures [64 ± 13 years, 21 (30%) female] and seventy patients underwent Cryo procedures [68 ± 10 years, 27 (39%) female].A total of 560 PVs were identified and successfully isolated. Mean procedure time was 66 ± 15 min for the CryoEPD group, and 65 ± 19 min for the Cryo group (p = 0.3). Fluoroscopy time (CryoEPD 6 ± 4 min; Cryo 13 ± 6 min, p < 0.001) and dose area product (CryoEPD 193 [111; 297] cGycm2; Cryo 381 [268; 614] cGycm2, p < 0.001) were lower in patients undergoing CryoEPD compared with Cryo procedures. No dye was needed in the CryoEPD group while 53 ± 18 ml dye per patient were administered for the Cryo group (p < 0.001). The overall complication rate was comparable between both groups (p = 0.5). Conclusion: KODEX-EPD guided AF-ablation enables dye-free CB-based PVI with reduced fluoroscopy exposure when compared to conventional CB-ablation, without differences in acute procedural outcomes or procedure duration.

Effectiveness of mechanical recanalization for intraluminal occlusion of totally implantable venous access ports.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if the mechanical injection of saline is effective in restoring patency of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) with an intraluminal occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2017 to June 2019, 64 cases of dysfunction of a TIVAP were referred to interventional radiology. Among these, 16 cases showed normal function of the TIVAP, 19 cases the showed the appearance of a fibroblastic sheath, and 29 cases showed intraluminal occlusion. Mechanical recanalization was performed for intraluminal occlusion of the TIVAP with an indeflator and a 20G non-coring needle. Linograms were performed in all recanalized cases. The success or failure of recanalization and the pressure of the indeflator were recorded. Linograms were evaluated for breakage or migration of catheters. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Among the 29 intraluminal occlusion cases, 24 cases (82.7%) were recanalized by mechanical recanalization via an indeflator. The pressure of the indeflator ranged from 29 to 220 psi (median: 118 psi). Linograms revealed breakage of the catheter of the TIVAP in two failed cases. The median interval from implantation to dysfunction was 405 days (range: 43-1723 days). The median interval from last use to dysfunction was 8 days (mean: 15.4 days; range: 1-119 days). The median re-occlusion free period after successful mechanical recanalization was 100.5 days (range: 6-859 days). CONCLUSION: In the absence of an available thrombolytic agent, mechanical injection of saline was a tolerable alternative method for restoring occluded catheters and sustaining the function of catheters. Because breakage of the catheter can occur during mechanical recanalization of a TIVAP, a linogram should follow the procedure.

Clinical value of normal saline injection for expansion of the anterior perirectal space during prostate cryoablation.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to describe the technique and evaluate the clinical value of normal saline (NS) injection for expanding the anterior perirectal space during prostate cryoablation for prostate cancer (PCa) patients. METHODS: PCa patients who received cryoablation between August 2014 and December 2019 were enrolled, and the technique of NS injection was adopted. The complications were evaluated. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir and biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS) were measured in localized PCa patients who received cryoablation as the primary treatment. RESULTS: A total of 159 PCa patients were included. Among 147 patients with the data of anterior perirectal space, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) distance of estimated iceball edge beyond the prostatic capsule was 8.3 (7.0-10.0) mm. No cases of urethrorectal fistula were reported; 29 patients developed urinary retention and 25 patients presented scrotal edema. All complications below Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb disappeared within 7 weeks after surgery. Urinary incontinence was reported in 6 patients. Among localized PCa patients, the median (IQR) follow-up time was 56.5 (36.0-73.5) months. The estimated 5-year bPFS was 82.3% overall, 82.8% for low-to intermediate-risk PCa patients, and 82.1% for high-risk PCa patients. For 52 patients received cryoablation alone, the median (IQR) PSA nadir was 0.147 (0.027-0.381) ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of NS injection for expanding the anterior perirectal space during cryoablation surgery could avoid urethrorectal fistula and might benefit localized PCa patients with lower PSA nadir and longer bPFS.

Efficacy of perineural hypertonic saline injection versus acupoints of foot in the management of diabetic neuropathy: a multicenter, double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Aim: Painful diabetic polyneuropathy is one of the most common disabling problems worldwide. We aimed to determine if a perineural injection of hypertonic saline compared with foot acupoints decreased the neuropathic pain score in patients with diabetes. Patients & methods/materials: Patients were assigned to receive either perineural or acupoints injection of hypertonic saline 5% in their feet for three weekly sessions. Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire for neuropathic pain was assessed. Results: Both groups observed a significant reduction of the DN4 score throughout 8 weeks of follow-up. Conclusion: Both perineural and acupoints hypertonic saline injections of the foot could improve neuropathic pain in patients with diabetes.

We conducted a double blinded randomized clinical trial in 30 diabetic patients with painful neuropathic pain to determine if a perineural injection of hypertonic saline compared with foot acupoints decreased the neuropathic pain score in patients with diabetes. Subjects were assigned to receive either perineural (near Sural, Saphenous and Tibial nerves) or acupoints (ST41, ST44, GB40) injection of hypertonic saline 5% in one foot, keeping the other foot as control. Each patient underwent an injection at baseline followed by two injections, one week apart. The primary outcome was an assessment tool for neuropathic pain, called Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire (DN4) score. It was measured before, during and 8 weeks after intervention. A significant reduction of DN4 score in perineural group and in the acupoint group throughout an 8 weeks follow-up was observed compared with the contralateral foot which was considered as the control group. The study revealed no significant differences between the perineural and the acupoints groups according to DN4 score. In conclusion, both perineural and acupoints of the foot hypertonic saline injections could improve neuropathic pain in diabetic patients with neither being superior to each other. The Clinical Trial Registration number was IRCT20170517034008N1.

Management of prolonged penile ring entrapment in an Indonesian tertiary hospital: A case report and literature review.

Penile ring entrapment is a rare urological emergency with severe functional consequences if not treated in time. It may be challenging for physicians in limited-resource settings without a standardized intervention method. An lectrical grinder is the most commonly used tool for ring removal. However, in prolonged cases, additional post-removal interventions may be necessary. We report a prolonged penile ring entrapment case in an Indonesian tertiary hospital.

An endobronchial hamartoma observed using narrow band imaging under saline injection: A case report.

A light blue line (LBL) was observed along the edge of a lesion using narrow band imaging under saline injection during bronchoscopy in an 82-year-old patient with a lobulated mass on the left B4. The histopathological diagnosis was hamartoma with ciliated bronchial epithelium, and we speculated that LBL appeared around the ciliated bronchial epithelium.

Hypoalgesia after exercises with painful vs. non-painful muscles in healthy subjects - a randomized cross-over study.

OBJECTIVES: Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) is a decrease in the pain sensitivity after exercise. Individuals with chronic pain show less EIH after one exercise session compared with pain-free individuals possibly due to pain in exercising muscles. The primary aim of this randomized controlled cross-over study was to compare the EIH response at the exercising thigh muscle following exercises performed with painful vs. non-painful muscles. Secondary aims were to explore if a reduced EIH response was confined to the painful muscle, and whether the muscle pain intensity and the EIH responses were negatively associated. METHODS: In two sessions, 34 pain-free participants received a painful (hypertonic saline, 5.8%) injection and a control (isotonic saline, 0.9%) injection in the right thigh muscle before performing a 3 min isometric wall squat exercise. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were assessed at both thighs and the left neck/shoulder at baseline, after injections and after exercise. Pain intensities in the thighs were rated on numerical rating scales (NRS: 0-10). RESULTS: Hypertonic saline induced moderate thigh pain at rest (NRS: 4.6 ± 2.1) compared to the control injection (NRS: 0.3 ± 0.4; p<0.001). EIH at the thighs and neck/shoulder were not different between sessions (Injected thigh: 0 kPa; 95% CI: -51 to 52; Contralateral thigh: -6 kPa; 95% CI: -42 to 30; neck/shoulder: 19 kPa; 95% CI: -6 to 44). No significant associations between pain intensity ratings immediately after the Painful injection and EIH responses at any assessment sites were found (right thigh: ß=0.08, 95% CI: -12.95 to 20.64, p=0.64, left thigh: ß=-0.33, 95% CI: -27.86 to 0.44, p=0.06; neck/shoulder: ß=-0.18, 95% CI: -15.11 to 4.96, p=0.31). CONCLUSIONS: Pain in the area of an exercising muscle did not reduce local or systemic EIH responses. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04354948.

Hidrodisección guiada por ultrasonido para el tratamiento de pacientes con sindrome del tunel carpiano / Ultrasound-Guided hydrodissection for treatment of Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

El estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar el grupo de hidrodisección de solución salina normal guiada por ultrasonido más esteroides y el grupo de hidrodisección de solución salina normal guiada por ultrasonido sola en pacientes con síndrome del túnel carpiano (STC), y determinar su relevancia clínica en relación con los resultados del tratamiento. Realizamos 60 hidrodisecciones guiadas por ecografía con solución salina normal con y sin inyecciones de corticosteroides en 51 pacientes con STC y evaluamos los resultados de la ecografía antes y después 21. Evers S, Thoreson AR, Smith J, Zhao C, Geske JR, Amadio PC. Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection decreases gliding resistance of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. Muscle Nerve 2017 June 16. doi: 10.1002/mus.25723. 22. Smith J, Wisniewski S, J, Finnoff JT, Payne JM. Sonographically Guided Carpal Tunnel Injections. J Ultrasound Med 2008;27:1485-1490. 23. Trescott AME. Peripheral Nerve Entrapments: Clinical Diagnosis and Management. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing; 2016 24. Marshall S, Tardif G, Ashworth N. Local corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002(4). 25. Atroshi I, Flondell M, Hofer M, Ranstam J. Methyprednisolone Injections for the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Ann Int Med 2013;159:309-317. 26. Peters-Veluthamaningal C, Winters JC, Groenier KH, Meyboom-de Jong B. Randomised controlled trial of local corticosteroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome in general practice. BMC family practice 2010;11:54. 27. Wu YT, Ho TY, Chou YC, Ke MJ, Li TY, Tsai CK, et al. Six-month efficacy of perineural dextrose for carpal tunnel syndrome: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlledtrial. Mayo Clinic proceedings 2017;92:1179-1189. 28. Kirwan J. Is there a place for intra-articular hyaluronate in osteoarthritis of the knee? The Knee 2001;8:93-101. 29. Saltzman BM, Leroux T, Meyer MA, Basques BA, Chahal J, Bach BR, Jr., et al. The therapeutic effect of intra-articular normal saline injections for knee osteoarthritis: Ameta-analysis of evidence level 1 studies. The American journal of sports medicine 2017;45:2647-2653. 30. Padua L, Padua R, Aprile I, Pasqualetti P, Tonali P. Multiperspective follow-up of untreated carpal tunnel syndrome: a multicenter study. Neurology. 2001;56(11):1459­ 66 31. Ortiz-Corredor F, Enriquez F, Diaz-Ruiz J, Calambas N. Natural evolution of carpal tunnel syndrome in untreated patients. Clinical neurophysiology: official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology 2008;119:1373-1378 32. Gordon T, Brushart TM, Chan KM. Augmenting nerve regeneration with electrical stimulation. Neurol Res 2008; 30:1012- 1022. 33. Aulisa L, Tamburrelli F, Padua R, Romanini E, Lo Monaco M, Padua L. Carpal tunnel syndrome: Indication for surgical treatment based on electrophysiologic study. J Hand Surg Am 1998; 23:687-691. 34. Peters-Veluthamaningal C, Winters JC, Groenier KH, Meyboom- de Jong B. Randomised controlled trial of local corticosteroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome in general practice. BMC Fam Pract. 2010;11:54. 35. Girlanda P, Dattola R, Venuto C, Mangiapane R, Nicolosi C, Messina C. Local steroid treatment in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome: short- and longterm efficacy. J Neurol. 1993; 240(3):187- 190. 36. Karadas¸ Ö, Tok F, Ulas¸ UH, Odabas¸i Z. The effectiveness of triamcinolone acetonide vs. procaine hydrochloride injection in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome: a double blind randomized clinical trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2011; 90(4):287-292. 128 LA PRENSA MÉDICA ARGENTINA Ultrasound-Guided hydrodissection for treatment of Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome V.107/Nº 2 de la inyección. Clasificamos estas inyecciones en dos grupos según la solución salina normal más corticosteroide (grupo de esteroides). solución salina normal (grupo de control) y también registramos datos clínicos que incluyen el sexo, la edad, el lado de la inyección, el peso corporal y la duración de las molestias relacionadas con el STC antes de la inyección. Los resultados se midieron mediante la escala analógica visual que se asignó para evaluar el resultado primario. Los resultados secundarios se evaluaron mediante el cuestionario del síndrome del túnel carpiano de Boston, el área transversal del nervio mediano y estudios electrofisiológicos. La evaluación se realizó antes de la inyección y 1, 3 y 6 meses después de la inyección, y se comparó el alivio de los síntomas de los pacientes que recibieron la inyección de solución salina normal y de esteroides. Comparamos las hidrodisecciones con la solución salina normal y las inyecciones de corticosteroides; los datos clínicos, la preinyección de CSA-MN en la entrada del túnel carpiano y las puntuaciones de BCTQ antes de la inyección no mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos (p> 0,05). Todos los pacientes (datos de 30 muñecas en cada grupo) completaron el estudio. En comparación con el grupo de control, en todos los momentos posteriores a la inyección, ambos grupos tuvieron una reducción significativa del dolor y la discapacidad, una mejoría en las medidas de respuesta electrofisiológica y una disminución del área transversal del nervio mediano. Nuestro estudio revela que la solución salina normal guiada por ecografía con y sin hidrodisección de corticosteroides tiene un efecto terapéutico en los pacientes con STC. Se demostró que la hidrodisección nerviosa es potencialmente beneficiosa para los pacientes con STC antes de la cirugía. La hidrodisección es un procedimiento simple y mínimamente invasivo que se puede realizar utilizando únicamente NS. Además, en comparación con la inyección a ciegas, la hidrodisección bajo guía ecográfica puede reducir las posibilidades de lesión nerviosa.

The study aimed to compare Ultrasound-Guided Normal saline plus steroid hydrodissection group and Ultrasound-Guided normal saline alone hydrodissection group in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and to determine their clinical relevance in relation to treatment outcomes. We performed 60 US-guided hydrodissections Normal saline with and without corticosteroid injections in 51 patients with CTS and evaluated their pre- and post-injection US findings. We categorized these injections into two groups based on the normal saline plus corticosteroid (steroid group). normal saline (control group) and we also recorded clinical data including gender, age, side of injection, BW, and the duration of pre-injection CTS related discomfort. The outcomes were measured using the visual analog scale was assigned to assess the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes were assessed using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire, cross-sectional area of the median nerve, and electrophysiological studies. The assessment was performed prior to injection, and 1, 3, and 6 months' post-injection, and the symptom relief for the patients receiving normal saline and steroid injection were compared. We compared hydrodissections with normal saline and corticosteroid injections the clinical data, pre injection CSA-MN at the inlet of the carpal tunnel, and pre-injection BCTQ scores showed no significant intergroup differences (p > 0.05). All patients (data from 30 wrists in each group) completed the study. Compared both the control group, at all post-injection time points, both groups had a significant reduction in pain and disability, improvement on electrophysiological response measures, and decreased cross-sectional area of the median nerve. Our study reveals that ultrasound-guided Normal saline with and without corticosteroid hydrodissection has therapeutic effect in patients CTS. Nerve hydrodissection was shown to be potentially beneficial for CTS patients' pre-surgery. Hydrodissection is a simple, minimally invasive procedure that can be performed using only NS. In addition, compared to blind injection, hydrodissection under ultrasound guidance can lower the chances of nerve injury.

Exercise therapy and patient education versus intra-articular saline injections in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: an evidence-based protocol for an open-label randomised controlled trial (the DISCO trial).

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition causing pain, physical disability, and reduced quality of life. Exercise and patient education are non-pharmacological interventions for knee OA unanimously recommended as first-line treatments based on extensive research evidence. However, none of the numerous randomised controlled trials of exercise and education for knee OA has used adequate sham/placebo comparison groups because the 'active' ingredients are unknown. Designing and executing an adequate and 'blindable placebo' version of an exercise and education intervention is impossible. Therefore, using an open-label study design, this trial compares the efficacy of a widely used 'state-of-art' exercise and education intervention (Good Life with osteoarthritis in Denmark; GLAD) with presumably inert intra-articular saline injections on improvement in knee pain in patients with knee OA. METHODS: In this open-label randomised trial, we will include 200 patients with radiographically verified OA of the knee and randomly allocate them to one of two interventions: (i) 8 weeks of exercise and education (GLAD) or (ii) Intra-articular injections of 5 ml isotonic saline every second week for a total of 4 injections. Outcomes are taken at baseline, after 8 weeks of treatment (week 9; primary endpoint) and after an additional 4 weeks of follow-up (week 12). The primary outcome is change from baseline in the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire (KOOS) pain subscale score. Secondary outcomes include the Physical function in Activities of Daily Living, Symptoms, and Knee-related Quality of Life subscales of the KOOS, the patients' global assessment of disease impact, physical performance tests, and presence of knee joint swelling. DISCUSSION: This current trial compares a presumably active treatment (GLAD) with a presumably inert treatment (IA saline injections). Both study interventions have well-established and anticipated similar effects on knee OA symptoms, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The interpretation of the results of this trial will likely be difficult and controversial but will contribute to a better understanding of the bias introduced in the effect estimation of classically unblindable exercise and education interventions for knee OA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03843931 . Prospectively registered on 18 February 2019.

Quantitative assessment of change in upper extremity muscle stiffness following fluid injection using shear wave elastography.

OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively assess changes in muscle stiffness following intramuscular saline injection using shear wave elastography (SWE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty muscles (lateral deltoid (LD), biceps brachii (BB), brachialis, pronator teres (PT), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU)) from fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were injected with saline under ultrasound guidance. Pre- and post-injection muscle thickness (MT) (mm) and SWE (kPa) measurements were recorded. RESULTS: All muscles demonstrated a decrease in the mean SWE value post-injection, with the largest differences ± standard error noted in the LD (14.76 ± 3.55 kPa, p = 0.021) and brachialis muscles (12.02 ± 2.51 kPa, p = 0.013). Muscle thickness increased following injection, although the degree of changes poorly correlated with the change in SWE. CONCLUSION: In summary, following intramuscular injection of saline injection, a decrease in upper extremity muscle stiffness is detected using SWE. It is important to note that if performing a longitudinal assessment of muscle stiffness after intramuscular injection, saline will likely contribute to a decrease in muscle stiffness in the immediate post-injection time period.

Ultrasound-Guided Physiological Saline Injection for Patients with Myofascial Pain.

BACKGROUND: Based on the histological confirmation of the presence of nerve structure in the fascia, hence, myofascial pain was treated by the mechanism referred to as interfascial block. To date, the studies of physiological saline for treating patients with myofascial pain has been limited. Ultrasound (US) guided with physiological saline injection (PSI) technique has been routinely practiced among patients with myofascial pain in outpatient service at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. The main objective of this present study is to find the overview data including the percentage of patients responding, acceptable pain period, and adverse events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic medical reports among 142 patients receiving US-guided PSI from August 1, 2016, to November 20, 2017, at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, were retrospectively reviewed by the first author. Procedures were performed by the last author. The analysis was independently performed by the first author. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-two patients with complete medical records were compatible with analysis. The average age of patients was 55 years. Most of the patients were female (68.3%). Most of the patients (76.8%) had chronic suffering from myofascial pain. Approximately half of the patients (56.4%) are currently received pain-relieving medications. Upper trapezius muscle (19.5%) was the most common muscle receiving the procedure, followed by multifidus (10.0%) and quadratus lumborum (9.5%). Most of the patients (86.8%) received the procedure one muscle. Approximately 30% of the patients were able to stop pain-relieving medications after the procedure. The median of acceptable pain period was 63 days. The percentage of patients having an acceptable pain period >3 months was 43.9%. No major adverse events were demonstrated. CONCLUSION: US-guided PSI technique demonstrated pain reduction in 72.8% of the analyzed patients, with an acceptable pain period of 63 days. No major adverse events were demonstrated among all the patients. This technique should be considered as another invasive procedure for eradication myofascial trigger point.

Reduced expression of carbonic anhydrase III in skeletal muscles could be linked to muscle fatigue: A rat muscle fatigue model.

BACKGROUND: Carbonic anhydrase III (CAIII) is expressed abundantly in slow skeletal muscles, adipocytes, and the liver. It plays a critical role in maintaining intracellular pH, antioxidation, and energy metabolism, which are further involved in fatigue. However, its function and mechanism in maintaining the physiological function of muscles or antifatigue are still ambiguous. We hypothesized that changes of CAIII in skeletal muscles might be related to the occurrence of muscle fatigue. METHOD: After establishing a rat soleus muscle fatigue model, we measured the protein expression of the CAIII in muscles. And the muscle intracellular biochemical indices [malondialdehyde (MDA), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and lactic acid] were also measured using assay kits. After transfected by CAIII-overexpressing and knockdown lentiviral vectors, the rat soleus muscles were induced to fatigue to investigate the effects and possible molecular mechanisms of CAIII in antifatigue. RESULTS: The expression of CAIII in fatigued soleus muscles was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group (P â€‹< â€‹0.001). Moreover, the ATP level in the fatigued muscle also significantly decreased, whereas lactic acid and MDA levels were significantly increased (P â€‹< â€‹0.001). After posttransfection for 21 days, CAIII levels in muscles were significantly reduced in the CAIII-interfering lentivirus group, but increased in the CAIII-overexpressed lentivirus group (P â€‹< â€‹0.001). In addition, CAIII knockdown muscles showed more reduction of the maximal muscle force and ATP levels â€‹and more increase of MDA and lactic acid levels during the fatigue test than the control group, (P â€‹< â€‹0.05). On the other hand, CAIII-overexpressed muscles showed less reduction of the maximal muscle force and ATP levels and less increase of MDA and lactic acid levels during muscle fatigue than the control group (P â€‹< â€‹0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that soleus muscle fatigue induced by electrical stimulation could result in downregulation of CAIII and ATP levels â€‹and accumulation of lactic acid and MDA. Further study showed that CAIII knockdown led to more reduction of the maximal muscle force, whereas CAIII overexpression showed less reduction of the maximal muscle force, which suggested that CAIII levels in muscles might be related to the occurrence of muscle fatigue. TRANSLATIONAL POTENTIAL: CAIII plays an important role in muscle fatigue. Up-regulating the expression of CAIII might contribute to dissipating fatigue, which would provide a new method to solve the difficulties in eliminating muscular fatigue.

The application of subcapsular saline injection during bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy: a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: Saving the parathyroid gland during robotic thyroidectomy is challenging. This study evaluated the application of a novel method, subcapsular saline injection (SCASI), to save the parathyroid gland during bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) robotic total thyroidectomy. METHODS: Of the 81 included patients operated on from 2014 to 2016, 31 and 50 underwent BABA robotic total thyroidectomy with and without SCASI, respectively. Serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and ionized calcium were measured at 1 day and 9 months postoperatively. Transient hypoparathyroidism was defined as PTH < 10.0 pg/mL after 1 day and permanent hypoparathyroidism as PTH < 15.0 pg/mL at 9 months. RESULTS: There were no significant clinicopathologic differences between the two groups. The rate of transient hypoparathyroidism was significantly lower in the SCASI group than in the non-SCASI group [16.1% (5/31) vs. 44% (22/50), p < 0.01]. However, the rates of permanent hypoparathyroidism [0% (0/31) vs. 4% (2/50), p = 0.699] did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: SCASI is a feasible and safe method of saving the parathyroid gland during BABA robotic total thyroidectomy.

Endoscopic submucosal resection using a ligation device without injection for duodenal neuroendocrine tumors.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) measuring ≤ 10 mm in diameter that are confined to the submucosal layer without metastasis are suitable for endoscopic treatment. We previously reported the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal resection with a ligation device (ESMR-L) for duodenal NETs. In order to make the procedure simpler, we attempted ESMR-L without submucosal injection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ESMR-L without injection for duodenal NETs. METHODS: A total of 12 patients with small (≤ 10 mm) sporadic duodenal NETs were treated via endoscopic resection at the National Cancer Center Hospital East between December 2010 and May 2018. All patients were evaluated via endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound, and abdominal computed tomography was performed to rule out metastatic lesions. The patients' characteristics, clinical courses, and complications, such as perforation and bleeding, were retrospectively assessed. We examined the correlation between ESMR-L with or without submucosal saline injection and clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS: The median procedural time for ESMR-L was 13 min. All lesions invaded the submucosal layer, and the histological diagnoses were classified as NET G1 in 11 lesions and NET G2 in one lesion. En bloc resection and complete resection were achieved in 12 and 11 lesions, respectively. The postoperative duration of hospital stay was 4 days. At the median follow-up of 17 months, there was no incidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis. Perforation and intraoperative bleeding were not observed. However, delayed bleeding was found in one patient. ESMR-L without submucosal injection required a significantly shorter procedural time than ESMR-L with submucosal saline injection (10 min vs. 15 min, respectively; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: ESMR-L is safe and effective. Particularly, ESMR-L without submucosal injection could be used to treat these NETs safely within a short period of time.

Injection of Saline Into the Biopsy Tract and Rapid Patient Rollover Decreases Pneumothorax Size Following Computed Tomography-Guided Transthoracic Needle Biopsy.

PURPOSE: To determine if saline tract injection and rapid patient rollover following computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) affects pneumothorax incidence and size. METHODS: A retrospective cohort design was used to compare 278 patients who underwent post-biopsy saline injection and rapid rollover so that the biopsy site was dependent (N = 180) to a control group with routine post-biopsy care (N = 98). Post-procedure radiographs and CT were assessed for presence and size of pneumothorax, as well as requirement for chest tube placement. RESULTS: Pneumothorax size as estimated on post-procedure CT was 3.33% in the treatment group and 6.63% in the control group (P < .05). There was also a reduction in chest tube placements in the treatment group (3.9% vs 10%, P < .05). On post-procedure radiographs, pneumothorax rates were 20% in the treatment group, and 25% in the control group (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Saline injection with rapid patient rollover following TTNB significantly decreased pneumothorax size and chest tube placement but not incidence.

Teicoplanin-functionalized magnetic beads for detection of Staphylococcus aureus via inhibition of the luminol chemiluminescence by intracellular catalase.

An affinity-based protocol is described for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). It is utilizing teicoplanin-functionalized magnetic beads as carriers. Teicoplanin, which binds to the walls of cells of S. aureus via five hydrogen bonds, acts as the recognition agent. Captured S. aureus is magnetically separated from the sample matrix and then specifically lysed by lysostaphin which cleaves the cross-linking pentaglycine bridges of peptidoglycan in the cell wall. Lastly, S. aureus is quantified via the inhibitory effect of released intracellular catalase on a chemiluminescent (CL) system composed of peroxidase, luminol, H2O2 and p-iodophenol because catalase decomposes H2O2. S. aureus can be detected with CL response in the 140 to 1.4 × 107 CFU·mL-1 concentration range and a detection limit as low as 47 CFU·mL-1 at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The method was evaluated by analyzing spiked samples including milk, human urine and saline injection solutions. The reliability was demonstrated by a recovery test and by comparison with a conventional plate counting method. Graphical abstract An antibiotic-affinity protocol is developed to detect Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by utilizing teicoplanin-functionalized magnetic beads (Teic-MBs) as carriers. S. aureus can be quantified by measuring the inhibition of luminol chemiluminescence (CL) signal by intracellular catalase.

Influence of Blood Purification and Differential Injection Sites of Cold Saline on Transpulmonary Thermodilution Values.

We aimed to investigate the effects of blood purification and cold saline injection sites on the transpulmonary thermodilution values. We measured the cardiac output of eight pigs in every combination of cold saline injection (left jugular and femoral veins) and blood purification sites (right jugular and femoral veins), with or without blood purification. We examined the influence of the difference between the presence and absence of blood purification, vascular sites for blood purification, and sites for cold saline injection on the transpulmonary thermodilution values. Cardiac output measured during blood purification using transpulmonary thermodilution was underestimated; however, there was no difference between vascular sites. Cardiac output measured via injection of cold saline into the femoral vein was higher than that obtained through injection of cold saline into the jugular vein, with or without blood purification.

Injection-Less Conductance Method for Vascular Sizing.

Lumen vessel sizing is important for optimization of interventional outcomes for treatment of vascular disease. The objective of this study is to develop an injection-less method to determine the lumen diameter, using multiple frequencies that eliminates the need for saline injections. We utilize the same electrical conductance devices developed for the two-injection method. A mathematical electrical model was devised to estimate the lumen area and diameter of the arteries. In vitro experiments were used to validate the method for various lumen diameters with both 5-5-5 (peripheral) and 2-2-2 (coronary) spacing conductance guidewires. The majority of 11 vessel data fall within one standard deviation and all the data fall within two standard deviations. The results indicate that the two-frequency model can reasonably predict the lumen diameter in an in-vitro test set-up. Our findings show that this approach can potentially translate to in vivo which would enable pull-back to reconstruct the lumen area profile of the vessel.