MScanFit motor unit number estimation (MScan) and muscle velocity recovery cycle recordings in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients

ObjectiveMotor Unit Number Estimation (MUNE) methods, such as the recently developed MScanFit MUNE (MScan), may be valuable in tracking motor unit loss in ALS. Muscle Velocity Recovery Cycles (MVRCs) provide information about muscle membrane properties and can reveal disease-related changes.This study was undertaken to test the applicability of MScan to the anterior tibial muscle (TA) and to test whether the MVRCs could improve understanding of ALS pathophysiology.MethodsTwenty-six ALS patients and 25 healthy controls were evaluated by quantitative electromyography, nerve conduction study and the two novel methods: MScan and MVRC; all in the TA and peroneal nerve.ResultsThe estimated number of motor units for ALS patients (Median: 45, interquartile range: 28.5–76.5) was significantly lower than for the controls (117, 96.0–121.0) (P = 2.19 × 10⁻⁷). Unit size was increased only when amplitudes were expressed as percentage of CMAP. Of MVRC measurements, only relative refractory period was significantly abnormal in patients.ConclusionMScanFit MUNE gives a sensitive and quantitative measure of loss of TA motor units in ALS. Muscle fiber membrane properties are mostly unaffected, despite substantial denervation, presumably due to collateral reinnervation.SignificanceMScan is suitable for detecting motor unit loss in TA. MVRCs do not provide new insights in ALS.     

Is routine extubation overnight safe in cardiac surgery patients?

Objectives

Expedient extubation after cardiac surgery has been associated with improved outcomes, leading to postoperative extubation frequently during overnight hours. However, recent evidence in a mixed medical-surgical intensive care unit population demonstrated worse outcomes with overnight extubation. This study investigated the impact of overnight extubation in a statewide, multicenter Society of Thoracic Surgeons database.

基于18SrRNA序列的云南大叶千斤拔与细叶千斤拔根内丛枝菌根真菌鉴定

目的:调查云南省大叶千斤拔(Flemingia macrophylla)与细叶千斤拔(Flemingia lineata)根内丛枝菌根真菌(Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi,AMF)群落结构多样性。方法:使用巢式-PCR、克隆、限制性片段长度多态性(Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism,RFLP)分析及测序技术。结果:共获得558个含有丛枝菌根真菌18S rRNA片段的克隆子,经RFLP分析后得到83个RFLP类型,DNA序列分析可将其划分为23个可操作分类单元(Operational Taxonomic Units,OTUs),分属于5个科,Glomeraceae为优势类群。在MaarjAM数据库中进行比对后,23个OTUs可鉴定为18个虚拟分类分子种,分布于13种不同的生境。经统计分析大叶千斤拔与细叶千斤拔根内丛枝菌根真菌群落组成比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。结论:比较大叶千斤拔与细叶千斤拔根内丛枝菌根真菌群落差异,结合丛枝菌根真菌在生态系统中的分布特点,为种植千斤拔属植物的选址提供有力地环境指标数据,并为筛选促生菌株提供依据。     

右美托咪定在ICU患者纤支镜检查中的应用体会和效果分析

右美托咪定作为临床新型的、高度选择性的α2肾上腺素受体激动剂,在重症加强护理病房(ICU)患者纤维支气管镜(纤支镜)检查中的应用具有很好的镇痛镇静效果,对于医生完成临床操作有很好的协助作用,对ICU患者在检查中的医疗舒适度以及检查中机体生命体征的安全性具有明显的作用,采用该方式对ICU患者进行纤维支气管镜检查时应排除相关的禁忌证,有利于舒适医疗理念的推广。