Inhibition of microRNA-34a protects against propofol anesthesia-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive dysfunction via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.

Aim: To investigate the protective effect of microRNA-34a (miR-34a) on propofol-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive dysfunction.

Methods: After SH-SY5Y cells were treated with propofol to induce neurotoxicity, microRNA-34a mimics and inhibitors were transfected into the cells. The expression of apoptosis-related genes and the proteins were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot.

Fiber magnetic-field sensor based on nanoparticle magnetic fluid and Fresnel reflection.

A simple fiber sensor for magnetic field measurement based on nanoparticle Fe(3)O(4) magnetic fluid and relative Fresnel reflection is presented. The sensor includes only a light source, three couplers, two photodetectors, and two fiber sensing ends. Magnetic fields at different concentrations of magnetic fluid are measured.

Improvement of regional myocardial and coronary blood flow reserve in a patient treated with enhanced external counterpulsation: evaluation by nitrogen-13 ammonia PET.

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive treatment for chronic stable angina, which works by recruiting and developing the coronary collateral vessels. Coronary perfusion and coronary flow reserve (CFR) were evaluated by nitrogen-13 (13N) ammonia positron emission tomography (PET) in a patient who had undergone EECP. The patient, who had 3-vessel coronary artery disease, required a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) for the right coronary artery.