Medical Gas Research最新文献

The incidence and mortality rates of malignant tumors are increasing annually, with gliomas and brain metastases linked to a poor prognosis. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a promising treatment modality for both gliomas and brain metastases. It can alleviate tumor hypoxia and enhance radiosensitivity. When combined with other treatments for gliomas, this therapy has the potential to enhance survival rates. This review addresses the progress in research on the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with radiotherapy. For brain metastases, the combination of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and stereotactic radiosurgery is both feasible and advantagenous. This combination not only offers protection against radiation-induced brain injury but also supports the recovery of neurological and motor functions. The incidence of adverse reactions to hyperbaric oxygen therapy is relatively low, and it is safe and manageable. Future efforts should be made to investigate the mechanisms by which hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with radiotherapy treats gliomas and brain metastases, optimize protection of the combined treatment against brain injury, minimizing adverse reactions, conducting multidisciplinary research and clinical trials, and training healthcare providers to facilitate broader clinical application.

The leakage of surgical gas and smoke from the peritoneum during laparoscopy may release noxious aerosols, including potential carcinogens, viruses and other contaminants, into the operating theatre, especially into the breathing zone of the surgical team. Reliable and realistic models and methods that develop and detect surgical smoke in simulated settings are necessary to effectively test devices and strategies intended to reduce such leaks. Here, we report a novel high-fidelity laparoscopic smoke model with innovative imaging methods applicable to the theatre setting, followed by an assessment of the usefulness of commercial laparoscopic trocars and smoke evacuation methods in mitigating gas leaks. Various smoke production methods (including tissue cautery and industrial smoke machinery) and detection methods (including schlieren imaging, laser videography, intraperitoneal video recording, and an aerosol detector) were tested, with the smoke machine model proving the most reproducible. Schlieren imaging, laser videography and intraperitoneal video recording were all effective methods of surgical smoke quantification. Following model establishment, laparoscopic trocars (VersaOne TM , Medtronic, Ireland) and smoke evacuation systems (EVA15 smart insufflator and evacuator, Palliare, PlumePort Activ® Smoke Filtration Device, Conmed and Valleylab TM Smoke Evacuation System, Medtronic) were examined in a standardized way with performance assessment by three surgeons independently using a boutique scoring system. The EVA15 outperformed other smoke systems in clearing surgical smoke from the operative field and in reducing trocar leaks during instrumentation. This method of simulated surgical smoke production and assessment can benchmark other laparoscopic equipment regarding smoke management strategies in a similar fashion.

Hydrogen (H2), the simplest and most ubiquitous molecule in the universe, has garnered significant scientific interest over the past two decades because of its potential as an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Traditionally considered inert, H2 is now being re-evaluated for its unique bioactive properties. H2 selectively neutralizes reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, mitigating oxidative stress without disrupting essential cellular functions. This review therefore aims to provide a theoretical evaluation of the biological activity of H2, focusing on its pharmacokinetics, including absorption, distribution, and retention within biological systems. The pharmacokinetic profile of H2 is crucial for understanding its potential therapeutic applications. The interaction of H2 with protein pockets is of particular interest, as these sites may serve as reservoirs or active sites for H2, influencing its biological activity and retention time. Additionally, the impact of H2 on cellular signaling pathways, including those regulating glucose metabolism and oxidative stress responses, will be explored, offering insights into its potential as a modulator of metabolic and redox homeostasis. Finally, interactions with ferromagnetic molecules within biological environments, as well as effects on cellular signaling mechanisms, add another layer of complexity to the biological role of H2. By synthesizing the current research, this review seeks to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which H2 may exert therapeutic effects while also identifying critical areas for further investigation. Understanding these aspects is essential for fully characterizing the pharmacodynamic profile of H2 and assessing its clinical potential in the treatment of oxidative stress-related disorders.

Ethylene oxide is extensively used for sterilizing medical equipment, and its carcinogenicity has been well documented. Furthermore, the onset of multiple diseases, including diabetes and hypertension, has been demonstrated to be associated with exposure to this compound. However, its association with osteoarthritis risk remains elusive. The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013-2020, which included 6088 American adults, among whom 763 (12.5%) were diagnosed with osteoarthritis. We utilized a weighted generalized linear model to assess the correlation between ethylene oxide exposure levels and osteoarthritis risk. This study used mediation analysis to assess the functions of indicators of oxidative stress (γ-glutamyl transferase) and inflammation (alkaline phosphatase, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, and lymphocyte count) as mediators of how ethylene oxide affects osteoarthritis. The analysis revealed that elevated levels of ethylene oxide were correlated with a higher risk of osteoarthritis, even when controlling for other variables. The odds of developing osteoarthritis were 1.86 times higher in the fourth quartile than in the first quartile (95% confidence interval: 1.20-2.88, P = 0.0097, P for trend = 0.0087). Subgroup analyses indicated consistency across different cohorts. Mediation analysis revealed that oxidative stress (γ-glutamyl transferase), not inflammation, was the mediator linking ethylene oxide levels to the risk of osteoarthritis. This finding in a sample of American adults revealed a direct relationship between exposure to ethylene oxide and increased osteoarthritis risk. Oxidative stress has been suggested as a possible biological explanation for osteoarthritis caused by ethylene oxide.