Rejected

Tissue engineering is a promising approach for the treatment of chronic lower back pain (LBP) caused by intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) resulting from degeneration and inflammation of annulus fibrosus (AF) tissue. However, scaffold with an anti-inflammatory effect on AF cells has not been reported. In this study, we fabricated a polylactide-glycolide (PLGA)/poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL)Zdextran (DEX) composite membrane loaded with plastrum testudinis extract (PTE), a Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal extract, via electrospinning. The membranes were characterized by mechanical measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Using an inflammation model induced by interleukin (IL)-1, the cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory effects of the composites were investigated by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Potential regulatory mechanisms were examined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. The results showed that the P10P8D2 (PLGA 10 g, PCL 8 g, DEX 2 g) composite nanofiber membrane exhibited the most uniform diameter distribution, best mechanical properties, a moderate degradation rate, and the best cytocompatibility characteristics. The optimal concentration of PTE was 120 g/mL. Importantly, P10P8D2 combined with PTE exhibited anti-inflammatory and cell proliferation promotion effects. Moreover, the NF-BB/NLRP3/IL- signaling pathway was inactivated. Our findings suggested that the nanofiber membrane composed of P10P8D2 and PTE has anti-inflammatory and pro-proliferation effects on AF cells. It may provide an effective strategy for AF tissue regeneration.

The coexistence of hemicrania-continua and trigeminal neuralgia is called HC-tic syndrome. We describe a case of an elderly man who suffered both types of headache related to fungal sphenoiditis. This is the first case to be reported, to the best of our knowledge.

Radiofrequency thermal rhizotomy demonstrates an excellent treatment outcome with a high success rate among patients of intractable trigeminal neuralgia. The triangular plexus which is an immediate retrogasserian portion of the trigeminal root is suggested as the best place of lesioning during radiofrequency thermal rhizotomy. However, the anatomy of the triangular plexus has been relatively unrecognized, while the anatomical study related to therapeutic procedure is scarce.

Hepatic inflammatory pseudotumor (HIPT) is an uncommon benign tumor-like mass that mimics malignant tumors.

The diagnosis of visceral perforation during pregnancy is often delayed and the management complex. A 32-year-old primigravid woman in her second trimester presented with abdominal pain and a pre-existing ileoanal pouch. Initial imaging was negative but later imaging was suggestive of serious pathology. At laparotomy, a caesarean section was performed. Peritonitis was encountered secondary to two discrete perforations in the small bowel separate from her pouch. Histology found an ischaemic perforation secondary to a pressure effect from the gravid uterus. In pregnancy, ileoanal pouches may make the interconnected bowel vulnerable to the pressure effect of the gravid uterus and perforation. Pregnant women with such a surgical history who develop symptoms suggestive of bowel perforation should have rapid imaging and their clinical team should consider early definitive surgical intervention.

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been found effective in providing postoperative analgesia following a myriad of surgeries. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasonography (USG) guided erector spinae plane block to provide postoperative analgesia following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. Cartilage inflammation in osteoarthritis results from pain in articular joints. Anti-inflammatory drugs provide relief by hindering the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and interleukin-6. Targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs is very effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis. This approach reduces the usage of therapeutic drug dosages and unwanted side effects. Here, we fabricated a non-invasive and efficient targeted drug delivery system to reduce persistent inflammation in an osteoarthritis model. Temperature-sensitive hollow dextran/poly(-isopropyl acrylamide) nanoparticles were synthesized by the destruction of ,'-bis(acryloyl)cystamine crosslinked cores in imidazolium-based ionic liquids. The copolymerized 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid created sulfur functionalities that increase the loading of therapeutic KAFAK peptides. The chemical structure of the polymer nanoparticles was analyzed with UV-Visible, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The thermal responsive characteristics of the nanoparticles were determined with dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Moreover, the synthesized nanoparticles were used as drug carriers to reduce inflammation in an osteoarthritis model. The KAFAK-loaded hollow dextran/PNIPAM nanoparticles effectively delivered therapeutic peptides in cartilage explants to suppress inflammation. These thermoresponsive nanoparticles could be an effective drug delivery system to deliver anti-inflammatory therapeutic peptides in a highly osteoarthritic environment.

Acute kidney injury demonstrates a high incidence in critically ill populations, with many requiring renal replacement therapy. Patients may be at increased risk of acute kidney injury if prescribed certain potentially nephrotoxic medications. We aimed to evaluate this association in ICU survivors.

Shoulder rotation has been shown to increase the acoustic window of ultrasound for thoracic epidural access. However, this effect of shoulder rotation has not yet been confirmed in clinical practice.