Injection Group Research Articles

Injectable angiotensinogen inhibition therapy for hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction Hypertension is the leading risk factor worldwide for cardiovascular mortality, and the development of kidney disease. Management of hypertension involves multiple approaches that involve daily tablet ingestion, with high rates of non-adherence. There is an unmet need for innovative interventions to improve adherence to treatment. Purpose We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the role of injectable angiotensinogen (AGT) inhibitors, such as Zilebesiran and IONIS-AGT-LRx, in the treatment of hypertension. Methods PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) comparing injectable AGT inhibitors versus placebo. Efficacy was assessed through mean changes in angiotensinogen, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). We also examined safety endpoints. We computed pooled mean differences (MD) or risk ratios (RR) for continuous and binary outcomes, respectively, under a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Four studies were included for a total of 512 patients, of whom 279 (54.5%) were male, with a mean age of 57 years old; 349 (68.2%) were white. The mean baseline SBP was 142 ± 19.9 mmHg. In a pooled analysis, mean change of AGT decreased significantly with injectable AGT inhibitor compared with placebo (MD -77.86 %; 95% CI -107.49 to -48.23; p<0.01). Similarly, mean change in SBP (MD -14.15 mmHg; 95% CI -19.53 to -8.78; p=0.30) and DBP (MD -8.49 mmHg; 95% CI -9.98 to -7.00; p=0.78) were also significantly lower in the injectable AGT inhibitor group compared with placebo. AGT inhibitors were well tolerated, without associations with serious adverse events, adverse events related to discontinuation, death, hyperkalaemia, or hypotension. However, there was an increase in injection site reaction with these agents compared with placebo (RR 5.86; 95% CI 1.14 to 30.17; p=0.83). Conclusions In this meta-analysis of RCTs, injectable AGT inhibitors were associated with a significant decrease in mean AGT, SBP, and DBP as compared with placebo. There were no significant differences between groups in serious adverse events, although injection site reaction was more common in patients treated with injectable AGT inhibitors.Forest plot of mean change in SBP

Assessing the Use of BotulinumtoxinA for Hyperactive Urinary Tract Dysfunction a Decade After Approval: General Versus Local Anesthesia for BotulinumtoxinA Detrusor Injection

Background: The onabotulinumtoxinA detrusor injection (OnabotA DI) was approved a decade ago for the treatment of patients with idiopathic overactive bladder (iOAB) or neurogenic detrusor overactivity (nDO) dysfunction who had not been treated successfully otherwise. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia (LA), and various approaches have been investigated to make the procedure as painless as possible. We examined the level of anxiety and pain experienced by patients who wanted to have the procedure performed under LA or general anesthesia (GA). Material and Methods: Patients scheduled for OnabotA DI were able to choose the anesthesia procedure (LA or GA). The Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) was used to grade anxiety before anesthesia or before the procedure itself. Intra- and postoperative pain was determined using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Various established questionnaires (including the Urinary Distress Inventory UDI-6), as well as a postoperative satisfaction questionnaire, were used to evaluate the success of the therapy. Results: In total, 104 patients (93 F, 11 M; age 64.0 (22–89) years; 80× iOAB, 24× nDO) were evaluated. OnabotA-DI was performed with LA in 72 patients and GA in 32. Stratified by first versus repeat injection in the LA group, there was a significant decrease in the Anxiety Score in the first vs. repeat injection group (p = 0.038). The LA group showed higher concerns in the anesthesia questions of the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) than the GA group (OR: 0.29, 95%CI: 0.02–1.74). The VAS Pain Score during the procedure was significantly lower in the GA group compared to the LA group (LA: 3.3 ± 2.2, GA group 1.5 ± 1.5; p < 0.001). There were no differences in the success of therapy. Despite the fear and pain, patients preferred LA to GA. Conclusions: This study shows that the anxiety and pain burden of patients undergoing OnabotA-DI under LA is significant in comparison to GA during the first injection, but insignificant for following injections. Overall, LA is favored over GA.

A comparative study of intraarticular versus subacromial corticosteroid injection in the treatment of frozen shoulder

Background: Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by pain and restricted movement of the shoulder joint. Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to alleviate symptoms, but the optimal injection site remains debated. This comparative study aims to evaluate the efficacy of intraarticular versus subacromial corticosteroid injections in treating frozen shoulder. Methods: This prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted over 12 months, from November 2022 to October 2023, at BMCRI, Bangalore. A total of 60 patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis were enrolled and randomized into two groups: 30 patients in the intraarticular (IA) injection group and 30 patients in the subacromial (SA) injection group. Patients were randomly assigned to either the IA group or the SA group. The IA group received a 40 mg injection of Triamcinolone Hexacetonide with 4 ml of 2% lidocaine into the glenohumeral joint. SPSS (Version 25.0) was used for analysis. Results: Patients in the intraarticular group demonstrated significantly lower pain scores compared to those in the subacromial group at the 4th, 8th and 12th weeks (p<0.05). The intraarticular group consistently achieved higher Constant Shoulder Scores at 4, 8 and 12 weeks, suggesting a more effective recovery in shoulder function compared to the subacromial group. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that intraarticular corticosteroid injections are more effective than subacromial injections in treating patients with frozen shoulders, particularly in terms of pain relief and functional improvement.

Effect of different doses of esketamine on the median effective concentration of propofol for inhibiting body movement during hysteroscopy

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of various doses of esketamine on the median effective concentration (EC50) of propofol required for inhibiting body movement during hysteroscopy. Additionally, this research aims to explore the pharmacodynamic interactions between esketamine and propofol. Prospective, double-blind, up-down sequential allocation study. Operating room, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and general ward. A total of 90 patients were allocated into three groups in a randomized, double-blinded manner as follows: 0.1 mg/kg esketamine combined with propofol intravenous injection (EP0.1) group, 0.2 mg/kg esketamine combined with propofol intravenous injection (EP0.2) group, 0.3 mg/kg esketamine combined with propofol of intravenous injection (EP0.3) group. For the initial patient in each group, the starting effector target concentration of propofol was set at 4 µg/ml. Each patient received an initial intravenous injection of 0.04 mg/kg midazolam, followed by the administration of the appropriate dose of esketamine. Ten seconds after the esketamine injection, propofol was administered intravenously to achieve the target concentration. In accordance with the sequential method principle, the concentration of propofol for the subsequent patient was adjusted based on the response of the previous patient. Effective inhibition of body movement was defined as the absence of any involuntary body movements throughout the entire surgical process. If the previous patient exhibited body movements, the propofol concentration for the next patient was increased by 0.5 µg/ml; conversely, if no movements were observed, it was decreased by 0.5 µg/ml. The up-down sequential allocation method and probit regression were used to calculate the EC50 of propofol. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (HADS-A) and Depression (HADS-D) score, adverse events, hemodynamic changes, demographic data and clinical characteristics. The EC50 of propofol was 3.849 μg/ml (95% CI: 3.419–4.281) in the EP0.1 group, 3.641 μg/ml (95% CI: 2.807−4.200) in the EP0.2 group, and 3.417 μg/ml (95% CI: 2.845–3.852) in the EP0.3 group. These findings suggest that esketamine can dose-dependently reduce the EC50 of propofol. Esketamine can dose-dependently reduce the EC50 of propofol in hysteroscopy, while concurrently lowering patients’ HADS-A and HADS-D scores 24 h post-operation. It is concluded that the optimal dose of esketamine, when combined with propofol for hysteroscopy, is 0.3 mg/kg.

Myocardial Protective Effect of Xuebijing Injection on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Perfused Isolated Langendorff Heart Based on the PI3K/AKT Pathway

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the myocardial protective effect of Xuebijing injection in a model of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) isolated heart perfusion and determine the role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway. Methods: To establish an ECMO isolated heart perfusion model, Guangxi Bama miniature pigs were randomly divided into two groups: (1) a normal saline group (NS group), in which 50 mL of normal saline was added to the perfusion solution; and (2) a Xuebijing injection group (XBJI group), in which 10 mL of XBJI was added to the perfusion solution and then continuously pumped at 5 mL/h. Perfusion was maintained for 8 h. The hemodynamic changes, inflammatory response, and myocardial enzyme levels at T0, T2, T4, T6, and T8 were evaluated. The protein expression level of the PI3K/AKT pathway was analyzed by Western blot analysis and Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the pathological morphology and ultrastructure of T8 cardiomyopathy. Results: There was no significant difference in hemodynamics between the two groups. XBJI could reduce serum inflammatory factors and myocardial enzyme levels. XBJI also upregulated the expression of PI3K and AKT mRNA and the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT proteins. The results of pathological and electron microscopy showed that XBJI effectively reduced myocardial cell and mitochondrial damage. Conclusion: XBJI can reduce myocardial inflammation and myocardial cell and mitochondrial damage in isolated heart perfusion. XBJI may play a role in the myocardial protection of ECMO isolated heart perfusion by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Dual HIV risk and vulnerabilities among people who inject drugs in Iran: Findings from a nationwide study in 2020

IntroductionPeople who inject drugs (PWID) are a key population at risk of HIV in Iran. We measured the prevalence and covariates of HIV-related risk behaviours among PWID in Iran.MethodsWe conducted a respondent-driven bio-behavioural surveillance survey among PWID from July 2019 to March 2020 in 11 major cities. We assessed PWID’s recent (i.e., last three months) HIV-related risk behaviours using a four-level categorical variable: Only unsafe injection (i.e., sharing needles/syringes or injecting equipment), only unsafe sex (i.e., unprotected sex), dual HIV risk (i.e., both unsafe injection and unprotected sex), and safe injection and sex. Data were summarized using RDS-weighted analysis. Multinomial logistic regression models were built to characterize HIV-related risk behaviours and relative risk ratio (RRR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported.ResultsOverall, 2562 men who inject drugs (MWID) were included in the regression analysis. The RDS-weighted prevalence of dual HIV risk was 1.3% (95% CI: 0.8, 1.9), only unsafe injection was 4.5%, and only unsafe sex was 11.8%. Compared to the safe injection and sex group, dual HIV risk was significantly and positively associated with multiple partnership (RRR = 15.06; 3.30, 68.73). Only unsafe injection was significantly associated with homelessness in the last 12 months (RRR: 3.02; 95% CI: 1.34, 6.80). Only unsafe sex was significantly associated with multiple partnership (RRR = 6.66; 4.27, 10.38), receiving free condoms (RRR = 1.71; 1.01, 2.89), receiving free needles (RRR = 2.18; 1.22, 3.90), and self-received risk for HIV (RRR = 2.51; 1.36, 4.66). Moreover, history of HIV-testing in the last three months was significantly associated with only unsafe injection (RRR = 2.71; 1.84, 3.80). Among the 90 women who injected drugs, none reported dual HIV risk behaviours.Discussion and conclusionsWhile the low prevalence of dual HIV risk among PWID is encouraging, unprotected sexual practices among PWID is concerning. Expanding sexual health education and care services as well as tailored interventions aimed at reducing high-risk sexual activities among PWID are warranted. Additionally, tackling potential misperceptions about risk of HIV transmission among PWID in Iran is warranted.

Potential effect of immediate postpartum use of injectable contraception on lactogenesis

ObjectivesWe evaluated the effect of immediate postpartum use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) on the timing of lactogenesis stage II (LS-II). Study DesignThe initial design randomly assigned adults who delivered a full-term infant in 2019-2021 to receive within 48 hours of delivery: 1) DMPA, 2) placebo injection, or 3) no injection. Due to low enrollment, we changed in 2021-2023 to a non-randomized design using matching at recruitment for obesity and delivery method and propensity score weighting for analysis. We combined data from both designs to compare immediate postpartum DMPA use (N=55) versus control (placebo or no injection) group (N=95). We defined noninferiority a priori as being met if the upper bound of a two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI) for mean difference in time to LS-II between groups was <6 hours. ResultsThe unweighted mean time to LS-II was 57.8 hours in the DMPA group (SD, 29.4) and 64.1 hours in the control group (SD, 36.1). Using propensity score weighting to make the groups comparable with respect to age, race, delivery method, and previous live births, the mean time to LS-II was 5.5 hours shorter (95% CI, -16.4, 5.5) for women in the DMPA relative to control group. ConclusionsWe found no evidence that DMPA use inhibits the onset of LS-II. Findings support immediate postpartum DMPA initiation among those intending to engage in human milk feeding. ImplicationsA controlled trial (N=150) did not detect any difference in time to lactogenesis stage II (“milk let-down”) between injectable contraception use within the first 48 hours postpartum and those without this exposure.

7141 Disruption of Transient Receptor Potential Channel 5 Causes Obesity and Maladaptive Behavior

Abstract Disclosure: Y. Li: None. T. Cacciottolo: None. I.S. Farooqi: None. Y. Xu: None. The global surge in obesity over recent decades poses formidable challenges to public health and economic well-being. Transient Receptor Potential Channel 5 (TRPC5) emerges as a pivotal membrane-spanning cation channel implicated in energy homeostasis, pain modulation, and fear responses. Here, we identified microdeletions on chromosome Xq23 disrupting TRPC5 in boys with food-seeking, obesity, anxiety and autism. Significantly, these microdeletions were inherited from mothers grappling with a constellation of health issues, including obesity and anxiety, suggesting a potential intergenerational aspect to TRPC5-related conditions. We examined approximately 450,000 individuals with exome sequence data from the UK Biobank and found that the TRPC5 gene is the most strongly associated X-linked gene for human body mass index. Moreover, we identified 7 rare TRPC5 variants in patients with severe obesity underscores the potential role of TRPC5 in shaping the obesity phenotype. Functional experiments with HEK293 cells demonstrated that these variants led to a loss of Trpc5 function. Knock-in male mice harboring a human loss-of-function (LOF) TRPC5 variant developed obesity, anxiety, reduced social exploratory behavior and increased aggression; female mice homozygous for the same variant showed similar deficits with reduced severity. We found approximately 91% proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) neurons in arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) express Trpc5 in wild-type male mice. Utilizing the TRPC5 agonist benzothiadiazide derivative (BTD), we found that BTD (i.p., 10 mg/kg) reduced food intake and increased c-Fos expression in Pomc neurons in wild-type mice compared to the vehicle injection group. Importantly, the activation of Trpc5 using BTD did not induce toxicity or aversive effects. Importantly, chemogenetic inactivation using designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) of hM4Di-expressing Pomc neurons with clozapine N-oxide (CNO; i.p., 1 mg/kg) effectively blocked BTD-induced anorexia and c-Fos expression in Pomc neurons. Furthermore, we found that BTD-induced anorexia and c-Fos expression in Pomc neurons were blocked in mice with a LOF TRPC5 variant. This suggesting that the effects of BTD on food intake are mediated through Trpc5 in Pomc neurons. In conclusion, our study provides compelling evidence for the involvement of TRPC5 in the intricate regulation of human appetite, body weight, and maladaptive behaviors. Our findings suggest that melanocortin receptor agonists might be effective in treating severe obesity in individuals carrying TRPC5 variants. We suggest that TRPC5 should be included in diagnostic gene panels for severe childhood-onset obesity. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Research note: Study on the characteristics of Salmonella typhimurium derived from Larus vegae

Samples of four dead Larus vegae along the coast of Beidaihe, Qinhuangdao City, were identified by PCR amplification, multi-sequence site typing (MLST), and serum agglutination test. The drug resistance phenotype, drug resistance gene, and virulence gene were detected by the Kirby-Bauer (K-B) method and PCR method, and the pathogenicity of mice and pigeons was further tested. The phylogenetic tree was constructed by whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The results showed that the isolated bacteria were identified as Salmonella typhimurium(S. typhimurium) by multiple tests, named ST-G, ST subtype ST19, serotype 1,4,[5],12:i:1,2. The results showed that the isolates were resistant to erythromycin, co-trimoxazole, and clindamycin. The results of drug resistance genes showed qnrS and gyrA, and no other drug resistance genes were detected. Virulence genes carried a high rate, 13 virulence genes except stn had corresponding fragment size detected. The pathogenicity test of mice showed that the incidence of mice in the injection group was 60%, and all the mice in the high-dose group died. Pathological sections showed multifocal bleeding, inflammatory cell infiltration, and intestinal villi rupture. The pathogenicity test of rock pigeons showed that liver swelling, gallbladder filling, and intestinal bleeding swelling of infected pigeons were consistent with the symptoms of salmonella infection in clinical pigeons. The morbidity and mortality of the St-G test group were higher than that of the SL1344 quality control group, indicating that the St-G isolated strain was more virulent. Phylogenetic tree results showed that this isolate was highly homologous to the 2023 Russian isolate. Salmonella typhimurium was isolated from Larus vegae for the first time, which provides a basis for the study and prevention of salmonellosis transmitted by wild birds.

Effect of subcutaneous vs. intravenous tocilizumab in patients with severe COVID-19: a systematic review.

To systematically evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous tocilizumab in the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19 and provide evidence for the rational use of subcutaneous tocilizumab in patients with severe COVID-19. This meta-analysis was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CNKI, SinoMed, and Wanfang Medical Network electronic databases up to 11 January 2023 to identify relevant studies. To obtain the most recent clinical studies of subcutaneous injection of tocilizumab for the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19, we also searched the preprint platforms medRxiv and ChinaXiv. Furthermore, we searched ClinicalTrials.gov for relevant unpublished studies. The studies were screened based on the PICOS principle. The included studies were classified and evaluated for quality based on research type. The RevMan 5.3 software was used to conduct the meta-analysis, and a descriptive analysis was performed to examine relevant outcome indicators. Five observational studies were obtained, involving a total of 498 patients (240 patients in the subcutaneous injection group and 258 patients in the intravenous injection group). All of the studies were of the highest quality. The meta-analysis of the included studies revealed that the mortality rate of patients who received subcutaneous tocilizumab to treat COVID-19 was not significantly higher than that of the intravenous injection group [23.3% (45/193) vs. 18.4% (39/212), RD = 0.06, 95% CI = - 0.01 ~ 0.13, P = 0.11]. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients requiring mechanical ventilation between the two groups [24.5% (35/143) vs. 22% (35/159), RD = 0.03, 95% CI = - 0.07 ~ 0.12, P = 0.56]. The meta-analyses do not provide evidence that subcutaneous and intravenous tocilizumab formulations for the treatment of severe COVID-19 infection differ regarding their effectiveness. Considering that the meta-analyses cannot replace an appropriately powered non-inferiority study, subcutaneous formulations still need to be used with caution and only when intravenous formulations are in short supply. At present, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials of subcutaneous injection of tocilizumab for the treatment of severe COVID-19, and more clinical research should be conducted.

Impact of SDF-1 and AMD3100 on Hair Follicle Dynamics in a Chronic Stress Model.

Chronic stress is a common cause of hair loss, involving inflammatory responses and changes in cellular signaling pathways. This study explores the mechanism of action of the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling axis in chronic stress-induced hair loss. The research indicates that SDF-1 promotes hair follicle growth through the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Transcriptome sequencing analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes in the skin of normal and stressed mice, with key genes SDF-1/CXCR4 selected through machine learning and a protein-protein interaction network established. A chronic stress mouse model was created, with injections of SDF-1 and AMD3100 administered to observe hair growth, weight changes, and behavioral alterations and validate hair follicle activity. Skin SDF-1 concentrations were measured, differentially expressed genes were screened, and pathways were enriched. Activation of the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways was assessed, and siRNA technology was used in vitro to inhibit the expression of SDF-1 or CXCR4. SDF-1 promoted hair follicle activity, with the combined injection of SDF-1 and AMD3100 weakening this effect. The activation of the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways was observed in the SDF-1 injection group, confirmed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Silencing SDF-1 through siRNA-mediated inhibition reduced cell proliferation and migration abilities. SDF-1 promotes hair growth in chronic stress mice by activating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT pathways, an effect reversible by AMD3100. The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis may serve as a potential therapeutic target for stress-induced hair loss.

Cost-effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation versus percutaneous ethanol injection for early hepatocellular carcinoma in a resource-poor setting: a randomized trial.

This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation compared with percutaneous ethanol injection in patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma in relation to the objective response rate and costs related to the procedure. This was a prospective single-center randomized trial. The primary outcome was cost-effectiveness. Secondary outcomes were the complete response rate according to the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors 60 days after randomization and the complication rate within 180 60 days. Fifty patients were placed into the following groups: percutaneous ethanol injection (n=23) and radiofrequency ablation (n=27). Fifty-four nodules were randomized (mean follow-up: 205.37 days). The estimated mean hospital cost was US$ 1854.11 and US$ 2770.96 for the Radiofrequency Ablation and Percutaneous Ethanol Injection Groups, respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was US$ -2674.59, which is advantageous for radiofrequency ablation. After 60 d, 28 of 29 nodules in the Radiofrequency Ablation Group achieved complete response versus 12 of 22 in the Percutaneous Ethanol Injection Group (RD, 42.01 [95%CI= 20.55-63.24]; p<0.001). Only four early complications were observed among patients treated by percutaneous ethanol injection (p<0.05). Late complications occurred in two and one patient(s) in the Radiofrequency Ablation and Percutaneous Ethanol Injection Groups (p>0.05), respectively. Radiofrequency ablation was more cost-effective and achieved higher complete response and lower complication rates than the Percutaneous Ethanol Injection Group within this cohort. NCT06450613.

Clinical observation of low temperature plasma ablation combined with collagenase injection in lumbar disc herniation.

To observe the effect of low temperature plasma ablation combined with collagenase injection on lumbar disc herniation. 90 patients with lumbar disc herniation admitted to the pain department of our hospital and receiving surgical treatment from April 2021 to April 2023 were included in this retrospective study, and were divided into 2 groups according to different treatment plans. One group was treated with low-temperature plasma ablation combined with collagenase injection, and the other group was treated with low-temperature plasma ablation alone. The sample size of both groups was 80 cases. Peripheral blood was collected by fasting in the morning at 5 time points before surgery, 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after surgery, and 5 mL of whole venous blood was collected by disposable vacuum blood collection device. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory factor interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α and anti-inflammatory factor IL-4, IL-10 were detected by ELISA. VAS scores were used to evaluate postoperative low back pain. ODI and Lehmann Lumbar Function Scale were used to evaluate postoperative lumbar function. The contents of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α and anti-inflammatory factor IL-4, IL-10 in the cryo-plasma ablation combined with collagenase injection group were significantly lower than those in the cryo-plasma ablation group alone (P < .05). The VAS score of cryo-plasma ablation combined with collagenase injection group was significantly lower than that of cryo-plasma ablation group at 1 day and 3 months after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The ODI score of cryo-plasma ablation combined with collagenase injection group was significantly lower than that of cryo-plasma ablation group at 1 day and 3 months after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The Lehmann score of cryo-plasma ablation combined with collagenase injection group was significantly higher than that of cryo-plasma ablation group at 1 day and 3 months after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The overall efficacy of low-temperature plasma ablation combined with collagenase injection is better than that of low-temperature plasma ablation alone. Low temperature plasma ablation combined with collagenase injection in the treatment of patients with lumbar disc herniation has less pain, faster recovery.

Predictors of stricture after endoscopic submucosal dissection of the esophagus and steroids application.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a reliable method to resect early esophageal cancer. Esophageal stricture is one of the major complications after ESD of the esophagus. Steroid prophylaxis for esophageal strictures, particularly local injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TA), is a relatively effective method to prevent esophageal strictures. However, even with steroid prophylaxis, stenosis still occurs in up to 45% of patients. Predicting the risk of stenosis formation after local TA injection would enable additional interventions in risky patients. To identify the predictors of esophageal strictures after steroids application. Patients who underwent esophageal ESD and steroid prophylaxis and who were comprehensively assessed for lesion- and ESD-related factors at Southeast University Affiliated Zhongda Hospital between February 2018 and March 2023 were included in the study. The univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to identify the predictors of stricture among patients undergoing steroid prophylaxis. A total of 120 patients were included in the analysis. In the oral prednisone and oral prednisone combined with local tretinoin injection groups, the stenosis rates were 44/53 (83.0%) and 56/67 (83.6%), respectively. Among them, univariate analysis showed that the lesion circumference (P = 0.01) and submucosal injection solution (P = 0.04) showed significant correlation with the risk of stenosis formation. Logistic regression analyses were then performed using predictors that were significant in the univariate analyses and combined with known predictors from previous reports, such as additional chemoradiotherapy and tumor location. We identified a lesion circumference < 5/6 (OR = 0.19; P = 0.02) and submucosal injection of sodium hyaluronate (OR = 0.15; P = 0.03) as independent predictors of on esophageal stricture formation. Steroid prophylaxis effectively prevents stenosis. Moreover, the lesion circumference and submucosal injection of sodium hyaluronate were independent predictors of esophageal strictures. Additional interventions should be considered in high-risk patients.

Fibro-adhesive Bursitis: A Novel Sonographic Finding in Adhesive Capsulitis Patients and a Proposal of Management.

Adhesive capsulitis, also known as "frozen shoulder," is a debilitating shoulder condition increasingly linked to fibroadhesive bursitis, particularly after COVID-19 and related vaccinations. There is no definitive gold standard for its treatment, the primary therapeutic objectives of which are the reduction of pain and the restoration of shoulder range of motion. The aim of our study was to analyze treatment outcomes based on quantitative measures of shoulder function and symptom relief. Conducted between January 2022 and April 2023, the research involved 45 patients initially diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis and associated fibroadhesive bursitis. After excluding nine patients for other concomitant pathologies (five for calcific tendinopathy and four for rotator cuff injury), 36 patients were randomized into two groups: one group was treated with glenohumeral hydrodistension, the other with glenohumeral hydrodistension combined with bursal injection. Assessments were conducted at baseline and then 2, 4, and 6months after treatment, focusing on changes in pain levels, functional scores, and range of motion in all planes. Each group followed a home-based rehabilitation protocol. Significant improvements were observed in both treatment groups, with the combined hydrodistension and bursal injection group showing notably superior outcomes. Specifically, the range of motion in flexion improved from an initial median of 80° to 155° in the combined treatment group, compared to an increase from 75.5° to 129° in the group treated with hydrodistension alone. This enhancement was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Regarding pain reduction, the combined treatment group demonstrated a dramatic decrease in visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, from a baseline median of 7 to 1 at the 6-month follow-up. In contrast, the hydrodistension-only group showed a reduction from 7 to 3, with these differences also proving statistically significant (p < 0.001). Ultrasound-guided hydrodistension of the glenohumeral joint, if combined with bursal injection and specific exercises, effectively reduces pain, decreases disability, and improves range of motion in patients with second-stage adhesive capsulitis. This study highlights the importance of a combined approach in the management of this complex condition, especially after the histological changes that occurred after COVID-19 and related vaccinations. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT06062654.

Efficacy of Intra-articular Platelet-rich Plasma versus Hydrocortisone with Local Anaesthetic Injection in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - A Prospective Study

Abstract Introduction: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is subjected to many disorders commonly termed temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) which include TMJ hypermobility, ankylosis and internal derangement. In the past, many non-invasive conservative treatment modalities were tried out for their treatment which include joint unloading, the use of anti-inflammatory agents and physiotherapy. In recent times, injections of corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the TMJ have been proposed as alternative therapeutic methods. The main objective of the prospective study was to compare the efficacy of intra-articular injection of PRP and hydrocortisone with local anaesthetic agents in reducing the symptoms in patients with TMDs. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 30 patients with TMDs, out of which 15 patients (Group I) received PRP injections and 15 patients (Group II) received hydrocortisone with local anaesthetics for arthrocentesis in their affected joints. The patients were assessed for pain, maximum interincisal mouth opening, TMJ sound and disc displacement. Results: The pain was markedly reduced in patients who received PRP injections (Group I) as compared to those who received hydrocortisone injection (Group II). An increase in mouth opening was similar in both the groups, and TMJ sounds were reduced in patients who received PRP. Magnetic resonance imaging also showed that PRP-treated patients showed better articular disc repair than patients treated with hydrocortisone. Discussion: PRP increases chondrocyte proliferation and production of matrix molecules and helps maintain the integrity of the chondral surface, thereby facilitating joint movement, whereas corticosteroids are more potent anti-inflammatory agents and they act by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis which is the mediator of inflammation. Thus, the use of PRP has been proven to show better results in reducing the symptoms of TMDs and also helped in articular disc repair.

The Disease-Modifying Effects of a Single Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injection during the Freezing Phase of Frozen Shoulder in an Animal Model.

Although frequently prescribed for frozen shoulder, it is not known if corticosteroid injections improve the course of frozen shoulder. This study aimed to assess the disease-modifying effects of an intra-articular corticosteroid administration at the freezing phase of frozen shoulder. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Their unilateral shoulders were immobilized for the first 3 days in all groups, followed by an intra-articular corticosteroid injection in Group A, an injection and the cessation of immobilization in Group B, no further intervention in Group C, and the cessation of immobilization in Group D. All rats were sacrificed in Week 3 of study, at which point the passive shoulder abduction angles were measured and the axillary recess tissues were retrieved for histological and Western blot analyses. The passive shoulder abduction angles at the time of sacrifice were 138° ± 8° (Group A), 146° ± 5° (Group B), 95° ± 11° (Group C), 132° ± 8° (Group D), and 158° ± 2° (Control). The histological assessments and Western blots showed greater fibrosis and inflammation in the groups that did not receive the corticosteroid injection (Groups C and D) compared to the corticosteroid-injected groups (Groups A and B). These findings demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and disease-modifying effects of corticosteroid injections during the freezing phase of frozen shoulder in an animal model.

Comparative Study of Injection Butorphanol Versus Injection Fentanyl with Injection Ropivacaine in Ultrasound Guided Supraclavicular Block to Evaluate Sensory and Motor Block Characteristics

BACKGROUND Regional anaesthetic technique has many advantages over general anesthesia. The supraclavicular brachial plexus block due to its rapid onset and reliability offers dense anesthesia of brachial plexus for surgeries at or distal to elbow. The additives like injection Fentanyl and injection Butorphanol along with 0.5% injection Bupivacaine have been proved to be efficient for supraclavicular block. However their effects haven't been compared by using them as additives in 0.5% Injection Ropivacaine. Aims To compare the sensory and motor block characteristics of injection Butorphanol and injection Fentanyl in injection Ropivacaine. METHODS This prospective single blinded randomised control study included 60 patients (ASA I or II; 18- 60 yrs) scheduled for upper limb surgeries. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups of 30 each and supraclavicular block was given as per distribution (Group B: 30 ml 0.5 % injection Ropivacaine with 2mg injection Butorphanol and Group F: 30 ml 0.5 % injection Ropivacaine with 100 mcg injection Fentanyl). The hemodynamic parameters were recorded at baseline, post block and till 45 mins. Sensory and motor block assessments were done along with sedation score determination. Duration of sensory and motor block was noted. RESULTS The group with injection Fentanyl as additive had earlier onset of motor blockade. Time required to achieve sensory blockade was less in Group F. Duration of sensory and motor block prolonged in Group F. CONCLUSIONS Injection Fentanyl as additive in injection Ropivacaine provided earlier onset of motor block and decreased total time required to achieve maximum sensory block with prolonged duration and decreased requirements of rescue analgesia.

Comparison of Analgesic Effect of Local Anesthetic Injection for Pain Relief During Peripheral Venous Insertion in Adult Surgical Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

PurposeIntradermal injection of local anesthetic has been reported to have greater analgesic effect for peripheral venous catheter (PVC) insertion than topical application in adult surgical patients. However, the injection of local anesthetic itself is a painful procedure compared to topical application. We compared the analgesic effect of a lidocaine-prilocaine patch with intradermal injection of 2 % lidocaine on pain intensity at the time of analgesia and PVC insertion as assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS) in adult patients. DesignA prospective observational study. MethodsAfter institutional review board (IRB) approval, we studied 70 patients scheduled for surgery and expected to have peripheral venous cannulation in the operating room. Patients who presented in the operating room with a topical anesthetic patch were assigned to the patch group, and patients who presented without a topical anesthetic patch were assigned to the injection group. The injection group received a 2 % lidocaine injection with a 26-gauge (G) needle just before PVC insertion by anesthetists. The patch group received a lidocaine-prilocaine patch on the dorsal hand 1 to 2 hours before the scheduled surgery time by ward nurses. The primary endpoints were pain using the VAS score at the time of PVC insertion and pain associated with the local anesthetic procedure. FindingsThe patch group included 34 patients (21 male, 13 female, age 61 [median], interquartile range [IQR] 45 to 69), and the intradermal injection group included 31 patients (22 male, 9 female, age 60 [median], IQR 52 to 73). All patients analyzed had a 20-G catheter in the dorsal hand. The median VAS score for PVC insertion was 4 in the intradermal injection group (IQR 0 to 14) and 2 in the patch group (IQR 0 to 16) (P = .707). Median VAS scores for the local anesthetic procedure were 16 in the intradermal injection group (IQR 10 to 32) and 0 in the patch group (IQR 0 to 0) (P < .001). ConclusionsWe found no difference in the pain intensity for PVC insertion between topical application of local anesthetic by lidocaine-prilocaine patch and intradermal injection of 2 % lidocaine. VAS scores for anesthetic application were significantly lower in the patch group. The lidocaine-prilocaine patch provided analgesia equivalent to intradermal injection with 2 % lidocaine for PVC but without the pain associated with injection of local anesthetic.

Visualisation and quantification of subcutaneous injections of different volumes, viscosities and injection rates: An ex-vivo micro-CT study

The effects of subcutaneous (SC) injection parameters such as drug formulation volume, viscosity and injection rate on therapeutic performance and tolerability have not been established for any drug product. In this study four groups of SC injections were performed on fresh ex vivo minipig abdominal tissue samples, varying volume (0.5-1 mL), viscosity (1-11 cP) and rate (0.02-0.1 mL/s). Micro-CT provided high resolution (50 micron) imaging of the SC tissues before and after injection, enabling a detailed 3D visualisation and analysis of how both injection parameters and tissue microstructure influence spatial distribution of injectables. We found that volume was the only significant factor for spatial distribution of injectate within our design space, and there were no significant factors for tissue backpressure. Variability within test groups was typically greater than differences between group means. Accordingly, whilst the higher viscosity formulations consistently exhibited reduced spatial distribution, the sample size was not large enough to establish confidence in this result. Comparing our findings to clinical evidence, we conclude that injection site and depth are more likely to influence PK and bioavailability than volume, viscosity and rate within our experimental space.