Chinese Med J Peking
-
Chinese Med J Peking · May 2012
Ultrasound guidance for brachial plexus block decreases the incidence of complete hemi-diaphragmatic paresis or vascular punctures and improves success rate of brachial plexus nerve block compared with peripheral nerve stimulator in adults.
The use of traditional techniques (such as landmark techniques, paresthesia and peripheral nerve stimulator) for upper-limb anesthesia has often been restricted to the expert or enthusiast, which was blind. Recently, ultrasound (US) has been applied to differ blood vessel, pleura and nerve, thus may reduce the risk of complications while have a high rate of success. The aim of this study was to determine if the use of ultrasound guidance (vs. peripheral nerve stimulator, (PNS)) decreases risk of vascular puncture, risk of hemi-diaphragmatic paresis and risk of Horner syndrome and improves the success rate of nerve block. ⋯ US decreases risks of complete hemi-diaphragmatic paresis or vascular puncture and improves success rate of brachial plexus nerve block compared with techniques that utilize PNS for nerve localization. Larger studies are needed to determine whether or not the use of US can decrease risk of neurologic complications.
-
Chinese Med J Peking · May 2012
Association analysis of cytokine polymorphisms and plasma level in Northern Chinese Han patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
While the incidence of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is relatively high in Northern China, the exact mechanism of the disease remains unknown. Immunoregulatory cytokine polymorphisms can directly regulate the expression levels of cytokines, which play a crucial role in many diseases. The purpose of this study was to study cytokine gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the correlated cytokine expression levels in relationship to the PNH pathogenesis. ⋯ Expression levels of the TNF-a, TGF-b, and IFN-g cytokines play an important role in PNH. The GC and CC genotypes, as well as the C allele of the IL-6 gene may protect the Han people of Northern China against PNH. Additionally, the TC/GG genotype of the TGF-b gene may be the protective allele. In contrast, the TA genotype and the T allele for the IFN-g gene, as well as the C allele of TGF-b may be susceptible to PNH. However, SNPs in the TNF-a and IL-10 genes did not correlate with PNH development. Alternatively, the increased plasma concentrations of TNF-a, TGF-b, and IFN-g in PNH patients may also be related to PNH development.
-
Chinese Med J Peking · May 2012
Increased leakage of brain antigens after traumatic brain injury and effect of immune tolerance induced by cells on traumatic brain injury.
Although traumatic brain injury can lead to opening the blood-brain barrier and leaking of blood substances (including water) into brain tissue, few studies of brain antigens leaking into the blood and the pathways have been reported. Brain antigens result in damage to brain tissues by stimulating the immune system to produce anti-brain antibodies, but no treatment has been reported to reduce the production of anti-brain antibodies and protect the brain tissue. The aim of the study is to confirm the relationship between immune injury and arachnoid granulations following traumatic brain injury, and provide some new methods to inhibit the immune injury. ⋯ Traumatic brain injury can lead to stronger arachnoid granulations (AGs) permeability; umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and immature dendritic cells can induce immune tolerance and reduce inflammation and anti-brain antibodies to protect the brain tissue.