Evaluation of the Adequacy of Using the Supraglottic Airway Device (i-gel®) in Cases With Epiglottic Masses: A Mannequin Simulation Study.

Background: Epiglottic masses are often asymptomatic, making them difficult to detect during preoperative examinations. Consequently, anesthesiologists may face ventilation difficulties with no apparent cause. Epiglottic masses can sometimes obstruct laryngoscope insertion into the epiglottic vallecula, complicating general anesthesia induction.

Role of MicroRNA-21 in Regulating Intracellular Pathways Associated With Phagocytosis in Human Macrophages: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction The efficient clearance of bacteria by macrophages is crucial for the timely resolution of inflammation. In this study, we investigated the role of microRNA-21 (miR-21)-induced phagocytosis and its intracellular signaling pathways in human macrophages . Methods Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from whole blood collected from 15 healthy volunteers.

Patch Dehiscence After Mitral Valve Repair by Posterior Mitral Leaflet Augmentation at Weaning From Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

The treatment for ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) involves a combination of medical management and, in certain cases, surgical intervention. The approach depends on the severity of the condition, underlying causes, and the patient's overall health. A 76-year-old male with heart failure refractory to medical management because of ischemic MR was considered for a mitral valve repair surgery with a posterior mitral leaflet augmentation technique.

Systemic Deletion of ARRDC4 Improves Cardiac Reserve and Exercise Capacity in Diabetes.

Background: Exercise intolerance is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in diabetes. The underlying mechanism of the association between hyperglycemia and exercise intolerance remains undefined. We recently demonstrated that the interaction between ARRDC4 (arrestin domain-containing protein 4) and GLUT1 (glucose transporter 1) regulates cardiac metabolism.

Comparison of radial, dorsalis pedis, and posterior tibial arteries for ultrasound-guided arterial catheterisation with dynamic needle tip positioning in paediatric patients: a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Arterial catheterisation in children can be challenging and time-consuming. We aimed to compare the success rates of ultrasound-guided arterial catheterisation utilising the short-axis out-of-plane approach with dynamic needle tip positioning in the radial, dorsalis pedis, and posterior tibial arteries in paediatric patients. We also examined the factors influencing the catheterisation success using dynamic needle tip positioning.

Ultrasound-Guided Short-Axis Out-of-Plane Approach With or Without Dynamic Needle-Tip Positioning for Peripheral Venous Catheterization in Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review With Network Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of the ultrasound-guided approach with and without dynamic needle-tip positioning and the palpation technique regarding success for peripheral venous catheterization in children.

Design: A systematic review with network meta-analysis.

Setting: Databases of MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Ultrasound-guided short-axis out-of-plane approach with or without dynamic needle tip positioning for arterial line insertion in children: A systematic review with network meta-analysis.

The efficacy of the short-axis out-of-plane (SA-OOP) approach with and without dynamic needle tip positioning (DNTP) remains unclear. This systematic review with network meta-analysis aimed to compare the success rate of arterial line insertion in children using the SA-OOP approach with and without DNTP and the palpation technique. We searched MEDLINE (via PubMed) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Interaction of ARRDC4 With GLUT1 Mediates Metabolic Stress in the Ischemic Heart.

Background: An ancient family of arrestin-fold proteins, termed alpha-arrestins, may have conserved roles in regulating nutrient transporter trafficking and cellular metabolism as adaptor proteins. One alpha-arrestin, TXNIP (thioredoxin-interacting protein), is known to regulate myocardial glucose uptake. However, the in vivo role of the related alpha-arrestin, ARRDC4 (arrestin domain-containing protein 4), is unknown.

Cardiomyocyte-specific Txnip C247S mutation improves left ventricular functional reserve in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Underlying molecular mechanisms for the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy remain to be determined. Long-term exposure to hyperglycemia causes oxidative stress, which leads to cardiomyocyte dysfunction. Previous studies established the importance of thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) in cellular redox homeostasis and glucose metabolism.

Txnip C247S mutation protects the heart against acute myocardial infarction.

Rationale: Thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) is a novel molecular target with translational potential in diverse human diseases. Txnip has several established cellular actions including binding to thioredoxin, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been long recognized from in vitro evidence that Txnip forms a disulfide bridge through cysteine 247 (C247) with reduced thioredoxin to inhibit the anti-oxidative properties of thioredoxin.

Ultrasound-guided peripheral vascular catheterization in pediatric patients: a narrative review.

Peripheral vascular catheterization (PVC) in pediatric patients is technically challenging. Ultrasound guidance has gained the most interest in perioperative and intensive care fields because it visualizes the exact location of small target vessels and is less invasive than other techniques. There have been a growing number of studies related to ultrasound guidance for PVC with or without difficult access in pediatric patients, and most findings have demonstrated its superiority to other techniques.

Cold storage conditions modify microRNA expressions for platelet transfusion.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that modulate gene and protein expression in hematopoiesis. Platelets are known to contain a fully functional miRNA machinery. While platelets used for transfusion are normally stored at room temperature, recent evidence suggests more favorable effects under a cold-storage condition, including higher adhesion and aggregation properties.

Superiority of Dynamic Needle Tip Positioning for Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Venous Catheterization in Patients Younger Than 2 Years Old: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: This study evaluated whether the dynamic needle tip positioning technique increased the success rate of ultrasound-guided peripheral venous catheterization in pediatric patients with a small-diameter vein compared with the static ultrasound-guided technique.

Design: Randomized controlled study.

Setting: Single institution, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital.

Dynamic Needle Tip Positioning for Ultrasound-Guided Arterial Catheterization in Infants and Small Children With Deep Arteries: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: Arterial catheterization for infants and small children is technically challenging. This study evaluated whether the dynamic needle tip positioning (DNTP) technique improved the success rate of ultrasound-guided radial artery catheterization in patients with a radial artery depth ≥4 mm compared with the conventional ultrasound-guided technique.

Design: Randomized controlled study.

Prohemostatic Activity of Factor X in Combination With Activated Factor VII in Dilutional Coagulopathy.

Background: Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) concentrate reduces allogeneic blood transfusions, but it may increase thromboembolic complications in complex cardiac surgery. The mixture of activated factor VII (FVIIa) and factor X (FX) (FVIIa/FX) (FVIIa:FX = 1:10) is a novel bypassing agent for hemophilia patients. We hypothesized that the combination of FX and FVIIa could improve thrombin generation (TG) in acquired multifactorial coagulation defects such as seen in cardiac surgery and conducted in vitro evaluation of FVIIa/FX in parallel with other coagulation factor concentrates using in vitro and in vivo diluted plasma samples.

Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery From Aortic Arch Associated With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Anomalous origin of the coronary artery from the aortic arch associated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome is an extremely rare anomaly. Coronary anomalies can significantly deteriorate the clinical outcomes of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. We describe the case of a newborn with concomitant hypoplastic left heart syndrome and abnormal origin of the left coronary artery arising from the distal aortic arch.

Changes in MicroRNA Expression Level of Circulating Platelets Contribute to Platelet Defect After Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

Objectives: Platelet defect mechanisms after cardiopulmonary bypass remain unclear. Our hypothesis microRNA expressions in circulating platelets significantly change between pre and post cardiopulmonary bypass, and consequent messenger RNA and protein expression level alterations cause postcardiopulmonary bypass platelet defect.

Design: Single-center prospective observational study.

A Comparative Study of Point-of-Care Prothrombin Time in Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery.

Objective: Point-of-care (POC) devices allow for prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR) testing in whole blood (WB) and timely administration of plasma or prothrombin complex concentrate during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. This study evaluated the sensitivities of a new POC PT test, a dry-hematology method with heparin neutralization technology (DRIHEMATO PT-S [DRI PT-S]; A&T Corporation, Kanagawa, Japan), and compared it with other POC tests currently available.

Design: Prospective, observational study.

Potential contribution of erythrocyte microRNA to secondary erythrocytosis and thrombocytopenia in congenital heart disease.

BackgroundChildren with cyanotic heart disease develop secondary erythrocytosis and thrombocytopenia via unknown mechanisms. Mature erythrocyte microRNAs may reflect clinical pathologies and cell differentiation processes pre-enucleation. This study evaluated erythrocyte microRNAs in children with cyanotic heart disease.

Difficult tracheal intubation and post-extubation airway stenosis in an 11-month-old patient with unrecognized subglottic stenosis: a case report.

Background: Subglottic stenosis can lead to life-threatening difficult tracheal intubation during general anesthesia. We report a case of difficult tracheal intubation in an 11-month-old female who had unrecognized subglottic stenosis.

Case Presentation: The patient was scheduled for elective correction of a right accessory auricle.

A Practical Training Program for Peripheral Radial Artery Catheterization in Adult Patients: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The main cause of unsuccessful peripheral radial artery catheterization using traditional palpation is imprecisely locating the arterial center. The authors evaluated factors causing disparities between the arterial centers determined by palpation versus ultrasound. The authors applied them to create and test a novel catheterization training program.

Management of Anesthesia under Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Support in an Infant with Severe Subglottic Stenosis.

A 4-month-old female infant who weighed 3.57 kg with severe subglottic stenosis underwent tracheostomy under extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support. First, we set up extracorporeal cardiopulmonary support to the infant and then successfully intubated an endotracheal tube with a 2.

Optimal site for ultrasound-guided venous catheterisation in paediatric patients: an observational study to investigate predictors for catheterisation success and a randomised controlled study to determine the most successful site.

Introduction: Venous catheterisation in paediatric patients can be technically challenging. We examined factors affecting catheterisation of invisible and impalpable peripheral veins in children and evaluated the best site for ultrasound-guided catheterisation.

Methods: Systolic pressure, age, sex, and American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status were determined in 96 children weighing less than 20 kg.