Radiation-Free Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair with Fiberoptic and Electromagnetic Guidance: A Phantom Study

PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a radiation-free implantation of a thoracic aortic stent graft employing fiberoptic and electromagnetic tracking in an anthropomorphic phantom.Materials and MethodsAn anthropomorphic phantom was manufactured based on computed tomography (CT) angiography data from a patient. An aortic stent graft application system was equipped with a fiber Bragg gratings and 3 electromagnetic sensors. The stent graft was navigated in the phantom by 3 interventionalists using the tracking data generated by both technologies. One implantation procedure was performed. The technical success of the procedure was evaluated using digital subtraction angiography and CT angiography (before and after the intervention). Tracking accuracy was determined at various anatomical landmarks based on separately acquired fluoroscopic images. The mean/maximum errors were measured for the stent graft application system and the tip/end of the stent graft.ResultsThe procedure resulted in technical success with a mean error below 3 mm for the entire application system and <2 mm for the position of the tip of the stent graft. Navigation/implantation and handling of the device were rated sufficiently accurate and on par with comparable, routinely used stent graft application systems.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates successful stent graft implantation during a thoracic endovascular aortic repair procedure employing advanced guidance techniques and avoiding fluoroscopic imaging. This is an essential step in facilitating the implantation of stent grafts and reducing the health risks associated with ionizing radiation during endovascular procedures.     

Foreign body granuloma around implantable pulse generator for deep brain stimulation: Two case reports

We report two cases of granuloma that occurred around an implantable pulse generator (IPG) for deep brain stimulation. Both cases showed no signs of infection and disappeared after moving the IPG and removing the granulation. If a noninfectious mass is formed, the relocation of IPG may improve it.     

Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty for the Treatment of Nonoperable Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: Single-Center Experience with Low Initial Complication Rate

PurposeTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) for nonoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients during the initial experience of a single center.MethodsA total of 18 CTEPH patients (5 with residual pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary endarterectomy) were treated with BPA during the period 2014–2018 and were retrospectively reviewed. Mean age was 61 ± 19 years; 55% were female; mean pulmonary artery pressure was 44 ± 12 mmHg; cardiac output was 4.3 ± 1.0 l/min; and pulmonary vascular resistance was 8.4 ± 3.6 WU. Patients were evaluated by New York Heart Association functional class, 6-minute walk distance, N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide, echocardiography, right heart catheterization, and before and after completions of BPA.ResultsA total of 91 procedures were performed, with a median number of 4 BPA sessions per patient (range, 2–8). There were no deaths or major complications requiring extracorporeal support or (non)invasive ventilation. The most common complication was self-limiting hemoptysis (3%). According to Society of Interventional Radiology classification, 4 mild, 4 moderate, and 1 severe adverse events were noted. Invasive hemodynamics significantly improved, with a cardiac index increase of 15% (P = .0333), decrease of mean pulmonary artery pressure of 30% (P = .0013), and decrease of pulmonary vascular resistance of 45% (P = .0048). Stroke volume index (P = .0171) and pulmonary arterial compliance (P = .0004) were also significantly enhanced.ConclusionsBPA significantly improves cardiopulmonary hemodynamics with an acceptable safety profile. Further studies assessing the long-term efficacy of BPA are required.     

全身振动训练联合正弦交变电磁场对去卵巢骨质疏松大鼠骨密度、骨代谢指标的影响研究

目的探讨全身振动训练联合正弦交变电磁场对去卵巢骨质疏松大鼠骨密度、骨代谢、骨生物力学性能的影响。方法将100只大鼠随机分为切除卵巢组和对照组,分别进行卵巢切除术和假手术,大鼠进行6周恢复,恢复后将造模成功的切除卵巢大鼠随机分为模型组(MO组)、全身振动训练组(W组)、正弦交变电磁场组(S组)、全身振动训练+正弦交变电磁场组(WS组),对照组列为假手术组(SO组),进行为期16周干预,干预结束后对大鼠进行骨密度、骨代谢、骨生物力学性质的检测。结果16周干预完成后,MO组、S组大鼠体质量显著高于SO组、W组、WS组大鼠(P0. 05); W组、WS组、SO组大鼠骨密度指标、血清雌二醇浓度指标明显高于大鼠MO组(P0. 05); SO组大鼠血清雌二醇浓度指标明显高于S组、W组、WS组(P0. 05); M组大鼠血清OC、ALP浓度明显高于SO组、W组、S组、WS组大鼠(P0. 05);尿液DPD/Cre、Ca/Cre、P/Cre浓度方面,M组大鼠明显高于SO组、W组、S组、WS组大鼠(P0. 05)。SO组、W组、S组、WS组大鼠股骨最大载荷和弹性模型明显高于MO组大鼠(P0. 05)。SO组、W组、S组、WS组大鼠股骨断裂载荷组间无明显差异(P0. 05); SO组、W组、S组、WS组大鼠股骨弹性模量明显高于MO组大鼠(P0. 05)。SO组大鼠股骨弹性模量明显高于S组大鼠(P0. 05),但与W组、WS组大鼠没有明显差异(P0. 05)。L4椎体压缩试验,SO组、W组、S组、WS组大鼠股骨最大载荷和弹性模型明显高于MO组大鼠(P0. 05)。SO组大鼠高于S组、W组,差异有统计学意义(P0. 05),但与WS组大鼠没有明显差异(P0. 05)。结论全身振动训练、正弦交变电磁场、全身振动训练联合正弦交变电磁场3种干预方式施用于去卵巢骨质疏松大鼠均能提升骨密度、抑制骨吸收、平衡骨代谢、改善骨骼结构力学和材料力学性能。而全身振动训练联合正弦交变电磁场能的治疗效果优于单纯使用全身振动训练或正弦交变电磁场,在临床应用中有一定推广价值。     

Electrical pulse stimulation of skeletal myoblasts cell cultures with simulated action potentials

Electrical pulse stimulation has an important effect on skeletal muscle development and maturation. However, the methodology for controlling these stimulation parameters to develop in vitro functional skeletal muscle tissues remains to be established. In this work, we have studied the effect of simulated action potentials on the growth and differentiation of skeletal myoblast cell cultures. A circuit simulating action potentials of 0.15 and 0.3 V/mm, at a frequency of 1 Hz and with a 4‐ms pulse width, is proposed. Results show an important improvement of the growth rate and differentiation of myoblasts at a voltage of 0.15 V/mm. Parameters such as electrodes geometry or type of signals must be considered in the development of in vitro skeletal muscle.     

急性胰腺炎伤寒六经平脉辨证体系探索

急性胰腺炎中医病因病机复杂,临床表现烦冗多变,传统中医辨证分型粗略,尚不能精准指导急性胰腺炎的中医药治疗。本文基于急性胰腺炎"热病观"和相关指南共识,结合八纲辨证和伤寒六经,拟建立急性胰腺炎的六经平脉辨证体系,以期促进急性胰腺炎的中医药治疗。     

手术动力设备电磁兼容测试中工况选取的探索

目的介绍手术动力设备的电磁兼容测试方法,为多功能手术动力设备测试提供指引。方法通过对常见手术动力设备的不同功能逐一测试得出的结果进行比对,分析不同功能在同一检测项目中的差异。结果传导发射(Conduction Emission,CE)与负载引起的功率变化有关,辐射发射(Radiation Ernission,RE)与负载引起的功率变化无必然联系。静电放电(Electrostatic Discharge,ESD)与负载刀头到设备输入插口的插入损耗有关。结论可选择输入功率较大的负载进行CD和RE测试;电路原理不明确时,还可通过频谱仪预测判断后,选择出现最大幅值的负载进行RE测试;ESD测试选择插入损耗最小的负载测试;其余抗扰度项目可选取任一负载测试。     

Large-scale analysis of interindividual variability in single and paired-pulse TMS data

ObjectiveThis study brought together over 60 transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) researchers to create the largest known sample of individual participant single and paired-pulse TMS data to date, enabling a more comprehensive evaluation of factors driving response variability.MethodsAuthors of previously published studies were contacted and asked to share deidentified individual TMS data. Mixed-effects regression investigated a range of individual and study level variables for their contribution to variability in response to single and paired-pulse TMS data.Results687 healthy participant’s data were pooled across 35 studies. Target muscle, pulse waveform, neuronavigation use, and TMS machine significantly predicted an individual’s single-pulse TMS amplitude. Baseline motor evoked potential amplitude, motor cortex hemisphere, and motor threshold (MT) significantly predicted short-interval intracortical inhibition response. Baseline motor evoked potential amplitude, test stimulus intensity, interstimulus interval, and MT significantly predicted intracortical facilitation response. Age, hemisphere, and TMS machine significantly predicted MT.ConclusionsThis large-scale analysis has identified a number of factors influencing participants’ responses to single and paired-pulse TMS. We provide specific recommendations to minimise interindividual variability in single and paired-pulse TMS data.SignificanceThis study has used large-scale analyses to give clarity to factors driving variance in TMS data. We hope that this ongoing collaborative approach will increase standardisation of methods and thus the utility of single and paired-pulse TMS.     

Black beans and red kidney beans induce positive postprandial vascular responses in healthy adults: A pilot randomized cross-over study

Background and aimsConsuming pulses (dry beans, dry peas, chickpeas, lentils) over several weeks can improve vascular function and decrease cardiovascular disease risk; however, it is unknown whether pulses can modulate postprandial vascular responses. The objective of this study was to compare different bean varieties (black, navy, pinto, red kidney) and white rice for their acute postprandial effects on vascular and metabolic responses in healthy individuals.Methods and resultsThe study was designed as a single-blinded, randomized crossover trial with a minimum 6 days between consumption of the food articles. Vascular tone (primary endpoint), haemodynamics and serum biochemistry (secondary endpoints) were measured in 8 healthy adults before and at 1, 2, and 6 h after eating ¾ cup of beans or rice. Blood pressure and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were lower at 2 h following red kidney bean and pinto bean consumption compared to rice and navy bean, respectively (p < 0.05). There was greater vasorelaxation 6 h following consumption of darker-coloured beans, as shown by decreased vascular tone: PWV was lower after consuming black bean compared to pinto bean, augmentation pressure was lower after consuming black bean compared to rice and pinto bean, and wave reflection magnitude was lower after consuming red kidney bean and black bean compared to rice, navy bean, and pinto bean (p < 0.05). LDL-cholesterol concentrations were lower 6 h after black bean consumption compared to rice (p < 0.05).ConclusionOverall, red kidney and black beans, the darker-coloured beans, elicited a positive effect on the tensile properties of blood vessels, and this acute response may provide insight for how pulses modify vascular function.