Objective To observe the changes of force bearing area and pressures of the rabbit tibiofemoral contact area and the biomechanical reconstruction level of joint after meniscal allograft. Methods A total of 28 Japanese rabbits were involved, weighing 3.0-3.5 kg, male or female. Of 28 rabbits, 7 were selected as meniscus donors, the remaining 21 rabbits were randomized into group A (n=7), group B (n=7), and group C (n=7). Group A underwent single knee opening and suturing, group B underwent medial meniscus excision and suturing, and group C underwent medial meniscus allograft after medial meniscus excision and suturing. The rabbits were sacrified at 12 weeks after operation for biomechanical observation through biomechanical machine and color imaging system. The meniscus tissue specimens were harvested from groups A and C to perform histological and immunohistochemical staining. Results After operation, all rabbits in 3 groups survived to the end of experiment. There were significant differences in the force bearing area and pressures at 0-90° flexion between group B and groups A, C (P lt; 0.05) at 12 weeks, showing no significant difference between group A and group C (P gt; 0.05); and there were significant differences in the force bearing area and pressures at 120° flexion among 3 groups (P lt; 0.05). The histological observation showed that the number of cartilage cells and collagen fibers returned to normal in group C, and the immunohistochemical staining showed that transplanted meniscus of group C contained large amounts of collagen fibers consisting of collagen type I and collagen type II. After 12 weeks of operation, the collagen type I contents were 0.612 5 ± 0.059 8 in group A and 0.587 2 ± 0.063 9 in group C, showing no significant difference (t=0.765, P=0.465); the collagen type II contents were 0.772 4 ± 0.081 5 and 0.814 3 ± 0.051 7, respectively, showing no significant difference (t= —0.136, P=0.894). Conclusion The allograft of rabbit meniscus can significantly increase the force bearing area of the tibiofemoral contact area and reduce the average pressure. Therefore, biomechanically speaking, the meniscus allograft can protect the articular cartilage and reconstruct the biomechanical balance.
ObjectiveTo explore the preventive role of maintaining constant pressure of the endotracheal catheter cuff on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). MethodsFrom January to December 2015, 96 patients of type Ⅱ respiratory failure were selected as the trial group who underwent intubation and mechanical ventilation more than 48 hours in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). We used pressure gauges to measure the endotracheal catheter cuff pressure regularly and maintained a constant pressure in addition to the application of artificial airway cluster management. We recorded the initial pressure value which was estimated by pinching with finger and set initial pressure to 30 cm H2O (1 cm H2O=0.098 kPa). We measured endotracheal catheter cuff pressure and recorded it during different intervals. We reviewed 88 patients with the same disease as the control group who only accepted artificial airway cluster management between January and December 2014. Mechanical ventilation time, VAP occurrence time, ICU admission time, the incidence of VAP were recorded and analyzed for both the two groups of patients. ResultsIn the trial group, the initial pressure of endotracheal catheter cuff which was estimated by pinching with finger showed that only 11.46% of pressure was between 25 and 30 cm H2O and 82.29% of the pressure was higher than 30 cm H2O. We collected endotracheal catheter cuff pressure values during different interval time by using pressure gauges to maintain a constant management. The ratio at the pressure between 25 and 30 cm H2O was respectively 41.32%, 43.75%, 64.20%, 76.54%, 91.13%, and 91.85%. ICU admission time, mechanical ventilation time in patients of the trial group decreased more, compared with the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (t=4.171, P<0.001; t=4.061, P<0.001). The VAP occurrence time in patients of the trial group was later than the control group (t=2.247, P<0.001). ConclusionThe endotracheal catheter cuff pressure estimated by pinching with finger has errors. We recommend using pressure gauges to detect pressure every four hours, which utilizes minimal time to maintain effective pressure. The method of artificial airway of cluster management combined with the pattern of maintaining constant endotracheal catheter cuff pressure can shorten ICU admission time, mechanical ventilation time and delay the occurrence of VAP.
Objective To compare the effect of two types of intermittent pressure on formation of pressure ulcer in rabbit hind l imbs and to investigate the mechanism of gradually changed intermittent pressure produced by waves bed in the prevention of pressure ulcer. Methods Gracil is (3 cm2) in both hind l imbs of 12 adult Japanese white rabbits were randomlyloaded with gradually changed intermittent pressure (50-160 mm Hg, 1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) and sustained pressure (100 mmHg) serving as the experimental group and the control group, respectively. The experiment was terminated after 4 cycles, and a single cycle included 2 hours of compression and 30 minutes of compression-release. Blood velocity of hind l imbs and blood perfusion of wound were detected by bidirectional doppler blood flow detector and laser doppler perfusion imaging detection system before compression and at every 10 minutes in compression-release period of each cycle (0, 10, 20 and 30 minutes). After the termination, gross observation of the wound was conducted, pathomorphological changes of tissues from compressed area were observed by HE staining, and contents of NO, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in muscle tissue were measured using colorimetry method. Results No significant difference was evident between two groups in terms of blood flow velocity before compression (P gt; 0.05); the blood flow velocity of two groups decreased significantly at 0 minute in every compressionrelease period of each cycle, and no significant differences were noted between two groups (P gt; 0.05); the blood flow velocity of theexperimental group was higher than that of the control group at 10, 20 and 30 minutes (P lt; 0.05). No significant difference was noted between two groups in terms of wound blood perfusion before compression (P gt; 0.05); the wound blood perfusion of two groups decreased significantly at 0 minute in every compression-release period of each cycle, and no significant differences were noted between two groups (P gt; 0.05); the difference between two groups was not significant at 10 minutes in the first cycle (P gt; 0.05), and the experimental group was higher than the control group at 20 and 30 minutes in the first cycle (P lt; 0.05). In the following 3 cycles, the recovery of perfusion in the experimental group was faster than that of the control group (P lt; 0.05). Gross observation showed the experimental group had less effusion than the control group. The experimental group had intact cutaneous appendage, less inflammatory cell infiltration, and no obvious ulcer formation, whereas the control group had obvious skin ulcer, depletion of cutaneous appendage, and more inflammatory cells infiltration. Significant differences were noted between two groups in terms of NO, MDA, and SOD content (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Gradually changed intermittent pressure can maintain the blood perfusion of tissue, reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury and cell apoptosis, and prevent the formation of pressure ulcer.
Objective To evaluate the prel iminary cl inical outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) for patient with discogenic chronic low back pain (CLBP) and fail ing to respond to conservative treatment. Methods From June 2007 to May 2008, 52 patients with CLBP and fail ing to respond to conservative treatment were treated, including 15 males and 37 females aged 29-46 years old (average 38.2 years old). Those patients were diagnosed ith discogenic pain by low pressure discography. Duration of CLBP was 6-110 months with an average of 32.1 months. MRI exam revealed 108 “black intervertebral discs” low in signal on T2 image, including 3 discs of L2,3, 17 of L3,4, 48 of L4,5 and 40 of L5-S1. Pressure-controlled discography showed positive response, fluoroscopy or intraoperative CT confirmed annulus fibrosus tears of posterior intervertebral disc in 79 discs. PELD was performed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was evaluated before operation, 1 month after operation and at the final follow-up. The cl inical outcome was determined by modified Macnab criteria at the final follow-up. Results The average operation time of each disc was 30.7 minutes (range 21-36 minutes), and the mean length of postoperative hospital stay was 3.7 days (range 2-5 days). No compl ications such as infection and the injury of blood vessels and nerves occurred. Transient paralysis of nerve occurred in 5 cases on operation day, and those symptoms were disappeared at the final follow-up visit without special treatment. Fifty-two cases were followed up for 3-15 months (average 7.3 months). VAS score before operation, 1 month after operation and at the final follow-up was (7.34 ± 1.52), (3.62 ± 0.92) and (1.57 ± 0.48) points, respectively, indicating there were significant differences compared with preoperative score (P lt; 0.01). According to the modified Macnab criteria, 11 cases were graded as excellent, 23 as good, 13 as fair, 5 as bad, and the excellent and good rate was 65.38%. Conclusion Prel iminary study suggests that PELD is safe and effective in treating patient with discogenic CLBP and fail ing to respond to conservative treatment.
Objective To explore the correlations between nutritional markers and pressure injury (PI) in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted on elderly patients with COPD and PI who were admitted to the geriatric department of West China Hospital of Sichuan University or Dujiangyan People’s Hospital between January 2020 and December 2021. The blood biochemical indicators mainly including nutritional markers were collected, and their correlations with PI risk factor index Braden score and PI severity index PI stage were analyzed. Results A total of 293 patients with COPD and PI were included. Among the five Braden score groups, the differences in the levels of albumin and prealbumin were statistically significant (P<0.05), and the Braden score was positively correlated with albumin (rs=0.241, P<0.001), prealbumin (rs=0.179, P=0.002), and hemoglobin (rs=0.199, P=0.001). Among the six PI stage groups, the differences in the levels of albumin, globulin, red blood cell count, serum sodium, blood chloride and C-reactive protein were statistically significant (P<0.05), and the PI stage was negatively correlated with albumin (rs=−0.192, P=0.001), and positively correlated with serum sodium (rs=0.139, P<0.001), blood chloride (rs=0.184, P<0.001), and C-reactive protein (rs=0.177, P=0.020). Conclusion When PI risk assessment and severity assessment are performed on elderly COPD patients, it is necessary to pay more attention to nutritional markers and assess whether the patients are at risk of protein malnutrition, which will help to improve the accuracy of PI risk assessment and severity prediction, and effectively improve the efficacy of PI prevention and treatment.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of electroencephalography (EEG) power spectrum analysis monitoring noninvasive intracranial pressure (ICP). MethodsBetween September 2008 and May 2009, the EEG signals were recorded in 62 patients (70 cases/times) with central nervous system (CNS). By using self-designed software, EEG power spectrum analysis was conducted and pressure index (PI) was calculated automatically. ICP was measured by lumbar puncture (LP). ResultsThe mean ICP was (239.74±116.25) mm H2O (70-500 mm H2O, 1 mm H2O=0.009 8 kPa), and 52.9% of patients had increased ICP. The mean PI was 0.29±0.20 (0.02-0.85). The Spearman rank test showed that there was a significant negative correlation between PI and ICP (rs=-0.849, P<0.01). The data from the patients with diffuse lesions of CNS and focal lesions were analyzed separately; the results showed there were significant negative correlations between PI and ICP in both groups (rs=-0.815, -0.912; P<0.01). ConclusionThe PI obtained from EEG analysis is correlated with ICP. Analysis of specific parameters from EEG power spectrum might reflect the ICP. Further research should be carried out.
ObjectivesTo investigate simple assess method of the degree of low transvalvular gradient aortic stenosis patients with impaired left ventricular function and to investigate aortic valve replacement indications, short and mid-term outcome of this kind of patients. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 21 low-gradient patients with impaired left ventricular function in our hospital from January 2011 through May 2014. There were 15 males and 6 females aged 41-66 (54.6± 10.7) years with mean aortic transvalvular gradient less than 40 mm Hg and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 50%. ResultsIn response to dobutamine echocardiography stress test, 20 patients underwent aortic valve replacement. The result of intraoperative pathology showed 11 patients were with bicuspid aortic valve malformation, 4 patients with degenerative changes, 4 patients with rheumatic disease. During the same period, 3 patients underwent atrial fibrillation ablation, 1 patient with ascending aorta replacement, 2 patients with coronary artery bypass grafting, 1 patient with mitral valvuloplasty. One patient died of multiple organ failure on the fourth day after operation. The remaining patients recovered. The patients were followed up for 3 to 37 months after operation. Heart function of majority improved to gradeⅠorⅡin 3 months after surgery. The result of echocardiogram showed prosthetic valve function was good and LVEF increased (preoperative 35.7%± 8.2% vs. postoperative 49.4%± 7.2%). One patient suffered sudden death of unknown cause in the 11th months after operation. ConclusionsFor patients whose dobutamine echocardiography stress test displayed with true severe aortic stenosis and left ventricular contractile reserve capacity, after aortic valve replacement and relief of the obstruction, the left ventricular afterload decreases significantly, the left ventricular function also improves, LVEF and the quality of life improve significantly after operation.
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of level management model in the application of nursing for pressure ulcers after spinal surgery. MethodA total of 3 558 patients underwent spinal surgeries between January 2014 and September 2015 were selected. We established a level management model, confirmed the personnel responsibilities, strengthened the pressure ulcers risk assessment of new inpatients, and standardized the processes of reporting pressure sores. We carried out the level management model between January and June 2014, summarized experience and formed a system file between July and December 2014, applied to the clinical work after continuous improvement between January and September 2015. High risk of pressure ulcers reporting rate, incidence of high-risk pressure ulcers, and healing rate of pressure ulcers were compared at the various stages. ResultsThe reporting rate of pressure ulcers raised, the incidence of pressure ulcers increased and the curing rate decreased after continuous improvement (P<0.05). ConclusionsLevel management model may effectively improve the quality of the nursing for spinal pressure ulcers.
Objective To formulate an evidence-based adjuvant therapeutic plan for a patient with large area pressure ulcers. Methods Based on an adequate assessment of the patient’s condition and using the principle of PICO, we searched The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2008), DARE (Issue 3, 2008), CCRT (Issue 1, 2008), MEDLINE (1980~ March 2008) and Chinese Journal Full-text Database CNKI (1979~2008) for the best available clinical evidence on adjuvant therapy of large area pressure ulcers with infrared rays, nutrition support and some special overlays. Results Two systematic reviews and three randomized controlled trials were included. According to the current evidence, as well as the patient’s clinical condition and preference, a comprehensive therapeutic plan was given to the patient. And in the next three months with the therapeutic plan, the patient’s large area pressure ulcers had already recovered. Conclusion Evidence based approaches can help us develop the best comprehensive therapeutic plan for the patient and will help improve the therapeutic results for patients with large area pressure ulcers.
Myocardial remodeling is one of the important pathological basis when myocardial infarction or pressure overload occurs, whereas mangiferin which is a naturally occurring xanthone has a broad range of therapeutic effect on postinfarction myocardial remodeling. Mangiferin attenuates myocardial infarction by preventing the accumulation of myocardial collagen and the development of intercellular fibrosis. Mangiferin's inhibition to p38 mitogen activated protein kinases plays an important role in the cardioprotective effect. Inhibition of p38 mitogen activated protein kinases significantly decreases TNF-α and then brings the cardioprotective effect. Similarly, p38 mitogen activated protein kinases in pressure overload disease also play a very important role. Understanding of these has direct implications for clinical therapy.