Lower extremity peripherally inserted central catheter placement ectopic to the ascending lumbar vein:A case report

BACKGROUND Peripherally inserted central catheters(PICCs)are an essential infusion route for oncology patients receiving intravenous treatments,but lower extremity veni-puncture is the preferred technique for patients with superior vena cava syndrome(SVCS).We report the case of a patient with a lower extremity PICC ectopic to the ascending lumbar vein,to indicate and verify PICC catheterisation in the lower extremity is safe and feasible.And hope to provide different per-spectives for clinical PICC venipuncture to get the attention of peers.CASE SUMMARY On 24 August 2022,a 58-year-old male was admitted to our department due to an intermittent cough persisting for over a month,which worsened 10 d prior.Imaging and laboratory investigations suggested the patient with pulmonary malignancy and SVCS.Chemotherapy was not an absolute contraindication in this patient.Lower extremity venipuncture is the preferred technique because administering upper extremity venous transfusion to patients with SVCS can exacerbate oedema in the head,neck,and upper extremities.The patient and his family were informed about the procedure,and informed consent was obtained.After successful puncture and prompt treatment,the patient was discharged,experiencing some relief from symptoms.CONCLUSION Inferior vena cava catheterisation is rare and important for cancer patients with SVCS,particularly in complex situations involving ectopic placement.

Establishment and validation of a predictive model for peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis in patients with liver cancer

BACKGROUND Peripherally inserted central catheters(PICCs)are commonly used in hospitalized patients with liver cancer for the administration of chemotherapy,nutrition,and other medications.However,PICC-related thrombosis is a serious complication that can lead to morbidity and mortality in this patient population.Several risk factors have been identified for the development of PICC-related thrombosis,including cancer type,stage,comorbidities,and catheter characteristics.Understanding these risk factors and developing a predictive model can help healthcare providers identify high-risk patients and implement preventive measures to reduce the incidence of thrombosis.AIM To analyze the influencing factors of PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer,construct a predictive model,and validate it.METHODS Clinical data of hospitalized patients with liver cancer admitted from January 2020 to December 2023 were collected.Thirty-five cases of PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer were collected,and 220 patients who underwent PICC placement during the same period but did not develop PICC-related thrombosis were randomly selected as controls.A total of 255 samples were collected and used as the training set,and 77 cases were collected as the validation set in a 7:3 ratio.General patient information,case data,catheterization data,coagulation indicators,and Autar Thrombosis Risk Assessment Scale scores were analyzed.Univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses were performed on relevant factors,and the value of combined indicators in predicting PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences(P<0.05)in age,sex,Karnofsky performance status score(KPS),bedridden time,activities of daily living impairment,parenteral nutrition,catheter duration,distant metastasis,and bone marrow suppression between the thrombosis group and the non-thrombosis group.Other aspects had no statistically significant differences(P>0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that age≥60 years,KPS score≤50 points,parenteral nutrition,stage III to IV,distant metastasis,bone marrow suppression,and activities of daily living impairment were independent risk factors for PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer(P<0.05).Catheter duration of 1-6 months and catheter duration>6 months were protective factors for PICC-related thrombosis(P<0.05).The predictive model for PICC-related thrombosis was obtained as follows:P predictive probability=[exp(Logit P)]/[1+exp(Logit P)],where Logit P=age×1.907+KPS score×2.045+parenteral nutrition×9.467+catheter duration×0.506+tumor-node-metastasis(TNM)staging×2.844+distant metastasis×2.065+bone marrow suppression×2.082+activities of daily living impairment×13.926.ROC curve analysis showed an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.827(95%CI:0.724-0.929,P<0.001),with a corresponding optimal cut-off value of 0.612,sensitivity of 0.755,and specificity of 0.857.Calibration curve analysis showed good consistency between the predicted occurrence of PICC-related thrombosis and actual occurrence(P>0.05).ROC analysis showed AUCs of 0.888 and 0.729 for the training and validation sets,respectively.CONCLUSION Age,KPS score,parenteral nutrition,TNM staging,distant metastasis,bone marrow suppression,and activities of daily living impairment are independent risk factors for PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer,while catheter duration is a protective factor for the disease.The predictive model has an AUC of 0.827,indicating high predictive accuracy and clinical value.

Focus on peripherally inserted central catheters in critically ill patients

Venous access devices are of pivotal importance for an increasing number of critically ill patients in a variety of disease states and in a variety of clinical settings(emergency, intensive care, surgery) and for different purposes(fluids or drugs infusions, parenteral nutrition, antibiotic therapy, hemodynamic monitoring, procedures of dialysis/apheresis). However, healthcare professionals are commonly worried about the possible consequences that may result using a central venous access device(CVAD)(mainly, bloodstream infections and thrombosis), both peripherally inserted central catheters(PICCs) and centrally inserted central catheters(CICCs). This review aims to discuss indications, insertion techniques, and care of PICCs in critically ill patients. PICCs have many advantages over standard CICCs. First of all, their insertion is easy and safe-due to their placement into peripheral veins of the armand the advantage of a central location of catheter tip suitable for all osmolarity and p H solutions. Using the ultrasound-guidance for the PICC insertion, the risk of hemothorax and pneumothorax can be avoided, as wellas the possibility of primary malposition is very low. PICC placement is also appropriate to avoid post-procedural hemorrhage in patients with an abnormal coagulative state who need a CVAD. Some limits previously ascribed to PICCs(i.e., low flow rates, difficult central venous pressure monitoring, lack of safety for radio-diagnostic procedures, single-lumen) have delayed their start up in the intensive care units as common practice. Though, the recent development of power-injectable PICCs overcomes these technical limitations and PICCs have started to spread in critical care settings. Two important take-home messages may be drawn from this review. First, the incidence of complications varies depending on venous accesses and healthcare professionals should be aware of the different clinical performance as well as of the different risks associated with each type of CVAD(CICCs or PICCs). Second, an inappropriate CVAD choice and, particularly, an inadequate insertion technique are relevant-and often not recognized-potential risk factors for complications in critically ill patients. We strongly believe that all healthcare professionals involved in the choice, insertion or management of CVADs in critically ill patients should know all potential risk factors of complications. This knowledge may minimize complications and guarantee longevity to the CVAD optimizing the risk/benefit ratio of CVAD insertion and use. Proper management of CVADs in critical care saves lines and lives. Much evidence from the medical literature and from the clinical practice supports our belief that, compared to CICCs, the so-called power-injectable peripherally inserted central catheters are a good alternative choice in critical care.

Delayed cardiac tamponade diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasound in a neonate after peripherally inserted central catheter placement: A case report

BACKGROUND Peripherally inserted central catheters(PICCs)have been increasingly applied worldwide owing to many advantages.Even with these advantages,the related complications should not be ignored,especially in neonates.The available evidence about PICC-related thrombosis was manifold,but the cardiac tamponade,an emergency and life-threatening complication,has been rarely reported.Early recognized cardiac tamponade by ultrasound may reduce mortality.CASE SUMMARY A neonate weighting 2.8 kg was born at 40 wk of gestation.He was admitted to the Surgery Intensive Care Unit due to suspected congenital megacolon.A PICC line was inserted via the left antecubital fossa for the administration of total parenteral nutrition.Three days later,the patient was still on total parenteral nutrition.Cardiac tamponade caused by PICC was found on ultrasound.The patient recovered spontaneously after an emergency pericardiocentesis.CONCLUSION Proficiency in the use of point-of-care ultrasound may save the life of patients,since it enables clinicians to treat patients faster,more accurately,and in a noninvasive way at the point of care.

Arterial embolism caused by a peripherally inserted central catheter in a very premature infant:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Extremely premature infants have poor vascular conditions.Operators often choose deep veins such as the femoral vein and axillary vein to peripherally insert central catheters,and these vessels are often accompanied by arteries;thus,it is easy to mistakenly enter the artery.CASE SUMMARY The case of an extremely premature infant(born at gestational age 28+3)in whom the left upper extremity artery was accidentally entered during peripheral puncture of the central venous catheter is reported.On the 19th day of hospitalization,the index finger,middle finger and ring finger of the left hand were rosy,the left radial artery and brachial artery pulse were palpable,the recovery was 95%,and the improvement was obvious.At discharge 42 d after admission,there was no abnormality in fingertip activity during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION Arterial embolization in preterm infants requires an individualized treatment strategy combined with local anticoagulation and 2%nitroglycerin ointment for local tissue damage caused by arterial embolism in the upper limb.Continuous visualization of disease changes using image visualization increases the likelihood of a good outcome.

Diagnosis and treatment of peripherally inserted central catheters(PICC)-related sepsis in breast cancer patients carrying PICC catheter for chemotherapy

Objective:The aim of our research was to study the incidence,clinical diagnosis and treatment of peripherally inserted central catheters(PICC)-related sepsis in breast cancer patients carrying PICC catheter for chemotherapy.Methods:The data of the incidence,diagnosis and treatment of PICC-related sepsis in 215 cases of breast cancer patients carrying PICC catheter for chemotherapy in our hospital from August,2009 to September,2011 were analyzed retrospectively.Results:216 PICCs had been successfully applied in 215 cases of breast cancer patients and followed for a total of 19,109 catheter days,(median catheterization duration,88.9 days,range 1-212 days).Among those,3(1.39%) PICCs were removed respectively as a result of PICC-related sepsis in 29,73 and 108 catheter-days(median 70 d),with a rate of 0.16 per 1000 catheter-days.Conclusion:Chemotherapeutic treatment via PICC for breast cancer patients is one of the most secure and effective measures but there exists small number of cases in which PICC catheter related sepsis is possible.Careful observation of relevant symptoms and signs,early diagnosis and treatment,not relying completely on blood culture tests and timely removal of PICC catheter can be very effective in treating PICC-related sepsis in these patients.

Peripherally inserted central catheter placement in neonates with persistent left superior vena cava: Report of eight cases

BACKGROUND Reports on peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC)placement in neonates with persistent left superior vena cava(PLSVC)are rare.The majority of PLSVC patients have no clinical symptoms or hemodynamic changes,which are usually detected during cardiac catheterization,cardiac pacemaker implantation,or PICC placement.However,in neonates with PLSVC,PICC placement can be challenging.Here,we report PICC placement in eight neonates with PLSVC.CASE SUMMARY This article introduces the concept of the“TIMB”bundle.After PICC implantation,we found PLSVC in all eight patients.The key points of care regarding PICC placement in neonates with PLSVC included“TIMB”,where“T”indicates a reasonable choice of the catheterization time,“I”refers to a retrospective analysis of imaging data before catheterization,“M”refers to correct measurement of the body surface length,and“B”indicates that the tip of the PICC is placed in the middle and lower 1/3 of the left superior vena cava under the guidance of B-ultrasound.CONCLUSION“TIMB”is a bundle for PICC placement in neonates,especially for those with PLSVC.Using this new approach can improve the first-attempt success rate of PICC placement,reveal cardiovascular abnormalities in advance,allow the selection of different measurement methods reasonably according to the puncture site,and finally,improve the accuracy of catheter positioning through the use of B-ultrasound guidance.

An Unusual Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) Fractured <i>in Vivo</i>with Embolization Happened in a Child: A Case Report

We report a case of a 7-year-old child who received a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) for chemotherapy. He suffered from an unusual PICC fracture in vivo with pulmonary embolism after eight circles of chemotherapeutic agents administered. In this case report, we review the literatures for the underlying pathophysiology of this uncommon phenomenon. IV nurses should consider the possibility of the infusion dysfunction deriving from the PICC line fractured. Accurate tip catheter placement and specific care may reduce morbidity.

A Peripherally Inserted Central Vein Catheter Fractured and Slid into the Right Pulmonary Artery:A Case Report

Catheter fracture is a rare but serious complication of a peripherally inserted central catheter （PICC）. An adolescent patient was sent to Tianjin Medical University General Hospital （Tianjin, China） because the PICC was fractured when removed by a nurse. Chest X-ray showed that the PICC fragment slid into the right pulmonary artery. Through emergency surgery, the remainder of the PICC was successfully retrieved by an interventional operation percutaneously via the right femoral vein. PICC fracture is less common and always without significant discomfort if not found timely, and it may lead to serious complications, such as pulmonary embolism, and even death. Thus, nurses, patients and their family members should pay enough attention to the daily maintenance of PICC and have a deep understanding of the reasons associated with PICC fracture as well as how to prevent it. Interventional operation is minimally invasive, which is a good choice for the removal of intravascular foreign bodies, leading to fewer complications and a good prognosis.

Analysis of Use and Outcomes of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC-Line) in Hemato-Oncological Patients

Aims: To audit the use and outcomes of using PICC lines in hemato-oncological patients. Objectives: To study the demographics of patients: ?studying the use of PICC line in hemato-oncological patients;studying the rate of complications in PICC line;studying the cause of early removal of PICC line. Methods: All PICCs inserted in adult hemato-oncological patients in Hematology and Medical Oncology Department of Health Care Global (HCG) Hospital were studied prospectively, as per the proforma, till PICCs were removed or patient expired and the pattern of complications were noted. Results: Eighty-four PICCs were inserted over a period of initial nine months and followed for a total of 1 year with three months post insertion duration for a total of 10,868 catheter-days (mean of 129 days i.e. 4.3 months, range: 1 to 288 days). The most common indication for PICC was chemotherapy (100%). Among them 19 (22%) PICCs had complications and 12 were removed at the rate of 1.1/1000 PICC-days. Complications with haematologic malignancies were more as compared to those with solid tissue malignancies. Conclusions: Despite significant complication rates, PICCs are a relatively safe and cost effective mode of establishing central venous access.

“AFGP” bundles for an extremely preterm infant who underwent difficult removal of a peripherally inserted central catheter:A case report

BACKGROUND There have been few reports on level 3 difficult removal of peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC)in neonates.Here,we reported a case of an extremely preterm infant who underwent level 3 difficult removal of a PICC.CASE SUMMARY Female baby A,weighing 1070 g at 27^(+1) wk of gestational age,was diagnosed with extremely preterm infant and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.She underwent PICC insertion twice.The first PICC insertion went well;the second PICC was inserted in the right lower extremity,however,phlebitis occurred on the second day after the placement.On the third day of catheterization,phlebitis was aggravated,while the right leg circumference increased by 2.5 cm.On the fourth day of catheterization,more red swelling was found in the popliteal part,covering an area of about 1.5 cm×4 cm,which was diagnosed as phlebitis level 3;thus,we decided to remove the PICC.During tube removal,the catheter rebounded and could not be pulled out(several conventional methods were performed).Finally,we successfully removed the PICC using a new approach termed“AFGP”.On the 36th day of admission,the baby fully recovered and was discharged.CONCLUSION The“AFGP”bundle approach was effective for an extremely preterm infant,who underwent level 3 difficult removal of a PICC.

Upper body peripherally inserted central catheter in pediatric single ventricle patients

BACKGROUND There is risk of stenosis and thrombosis of the superior vena cava after upper extremity central catheter replacement.This complication is more serious among patients with single ventricle physiology,as it might preclude them from undergoing further life-sustaining palliative surgery.AIM To describe complications associated with the use of upper extremity percutaneous intravenous central catheters(PICCs)in children with single ventricle physiology.METHODS A single institution retrospective review of univentricular patients who underwent superior cavopulmonary anastomoses as their stage 2 palliation procedure from January 2014 until December 2018 and had upper body PICCs placed at any point prior to this procedure.Clinical data including ultrasonography,cardiac catheterization,echocardiogram reports and patient notes were used to determine the presence of thrombus or stenosis of the upper extremity and cervical vessels.Data regarding the presence and duration of upper extremity PICCs and upper extremity central venous catheter(CVC),and use of anticoagulation were recorded.RESULTS Seventy-six patients underwent superior cavopulmonary anastomoses,of which 56(73%)had an upper extremity PICC at some point prior to this procedure.Median duration of PICC usage was 24 d(25%,75%:12,39).Seventeen patients(30%)with PICCs also had internal jugular or subclavian central venous catheters(CVCs)in place at some point prior to their superior cavopulmonary anastomoses,median duration 10 d(25%,75%:8,14).Thrombus was detected in association with 2 of the 56 PICCs(4%)and 3 of the 17 CVCs(18%).All five patients were placed on therapeutic dose of low molecular weight heparin at the time of thrombus detection and subsequent cardiac catheterization demonstrated resolution in three of the five patients.No patients developed clinically significant venous stenosis.CONCLUSION Use of upper extremity PICCs in patients with single ventricle physiology prior to super cavopulmonary anastomosis is associated with a low rate of catheterassociated thrombosis.

Effects of Peripherally Acting Opioid Ligands on Central Opioid Receptors and <i>β</i>-Endorphin Release in Stressed Rats

Using the radioreceptor binding assay, μ-opioid receptor (MOR) affinity in the midbrain of stressed rats was higher than in naive controls. MOR density in the rat frontal cortex was reduced after stress. Intragastric administration of the MOR antagonist naloxone methiodide was followed by an increase in the number of MORs in the frontal cortex. However, the MOR agonist loperamide significantly decreased the density of MORs in the frontal cortex and midbrain of naive animals. Loperamide and naloxone methiodide were shown to prevent an increase in MOR affinity and a decrease in MOR density in the midbrain of rats after restraint stress. The restraint stress was accompanied by an increase in the release of β-endorphin (BE) in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of control rats. After administration, loperamide slightly decreased the release of BE, naloxone methiodide significantly increased the release of BE in the cingulate cortex (CC) of untreated animals, while drugs had no effect on the release of BE in the VTA. The drugs significantly increased the extracellular level of BE in the CC of stressed animals. Loperamide abolished the increase in the stress-induced release of BE in the VTA. By contrast, naloxone methiodide significantly increased the release of BE in the VTA of stressed rats. Our data indicated that activation of peripheral MORs induces depression of the central part of the μ-opioid system, but suppression of peripheral MOR activity induces activation of the central μ-opioid system, the interaction of which can be modulated by stress.

Tip orientation under real-time point-of-care neck ultrasonic monitoring is advantageous in peripherally inserted central catheter procedures:a retrospective cohort study

Background:We analyzed the success and catheter tip malposition rates of peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC)placement using ultrasonic monitoring.Methods:A total of 564 patients were recruited and assigned to either the intervention or control group.In the intervention group,282 patients underwent ultrasound-guided PICC insertion,which helped to identify the position and depth of the catheter tip.From a total of 9000 patients,282 were selectively chosen to receive the traditional method using body surface measurements(control group).The primary endpoint was the success rate;the secondary endpoint was the catheter tip malposition rate as detected by postprocedure chest radiography.Results:In the intervention group,a total of 94 catheters were in a suboptimal position;26 were too deep,68 were too shallow,and 1 was inserted into the subclavian vein,with success and malposition rates of 66.3%and 0.4%,respectively.In the control group,139 catheters were in a suboptimal position;88 were too deep,51 were too shallow,9 were inserted into the jugular vein,and 2 were inserted into the subclavian vein,with success and malposition rates of 46.8%(P<0.001)and 3.9%(P=0.004),respectively.Significant differences were observed in success and malposition rates between the 2 groups.Conclusion:Ultrasound-guided PICC procedures achieved higher success rates and lower malposition rates.

Cell metabolism pathways involved in the pathophysiological changes of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus.Elucidating the pathophysiological metabolic mechanism impels the generation of ideal therapies.However,existing limited treatments for diabetic peripheral neuropathy expose the urgent need for cell metabolism research.Given the lack of comprehensive understanding of energy metabolism changes and related signaling pathways in diabetic peripheral neuropathy,it is essential to explore energy changes and metabolic changes in diabetic peripheral neuropathy to develop suitable treatment methods.This review summarizes the pathophysiological mechanism of diabetic peripheral neuropathy from the perspective of cellular metabolism and the specific interventions for different metabolic pathways to develop effective treatment methods.Various metabolic mechanisms(e.g.,polyol,hexosamine,protein kinase C pathway)are associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy,and researchers are looking for more effective treatments through these pathways.

Neutrophil peptide 1 accelerates the clearance of degenerative axons during Wallerian degeneration by activating macrophages after peripheral nerve crush injury

Macrophages play an important role in peripheral nerve regeneration,but the specific mechanism of regeneration is still unclear.Our preliminary findings indicated that neutrophil peptide 1 is an innate immune peptide closely involved in peripheral nerve regeneration.However,the mechanism by which neutrophil peptide 1 enhances nerve regeneration remains unclear.This study was designed to investigate the relationship between neutrophil peptide 1 and macrophages in vivo and in vitro in peripheral nerve crush injury.The functions of RAW 264.7 cells we re elucidated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay,flow cytometry,migration assays,phagocytosis assays,immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Axonal debris phagocytosis was observed using the CUBIC(Clear,Unobstructed Brain/Body Imaging Cocktails and Computational analysis)optical clearing technique during Wallerian degeneration.Macrophage inflammatory factor expression in different polarization states was detected using a protein chip.The results showed that neutrophil peptide 1 promoted the prolife ration,migration and phagocytosis of macrophages,and CD206 expression on the surfa ce of macrophages,indicating M2 polarization.The axonal debris clearance rate during Wallerian degeneration was enhanced after neutrophil peptide 1 intervention.Neutrophil peptide 1 also downregulated inflammatory factors interleukin-1α,-6,-12,and tumor necrosis factor-αin invo and in vitro.Thus,the results suggest that neutrophil peptide 1 activates macrophages and accelerates Wallerian degeneration,which may be one mechanism by which neutrophil peptide 1 enhances peripheral nerve regeneration.

Role of transforming growth factor-βin peripheral nerve regeneration

Injuries caused by trauma and neurodegenerative diseases can damage the peripheral nervous system and cause functional deficits.Unlike in the central nervous system,damaged axons in peripheral nerves can be induced to regenerate in response to intrinsic cues after reprogramming or in a growth-promoting microenvironment created by Schwann cells.However,axon regeneration and repair do not automatically result in the restoration of function,which is the ultimate therapeutic goal but also a major clinical challenge.Transforming growth factor(TGF)is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates various biological processes including tissue repair,embryo development,and cell growth and differentiation.There is accumulating evidence that TGF-βfamily proteins participate in peripheral nerve repair through various factors and signaling pathways by regulating the growth and transformation of Schwann cells;recruiting specific immune cells;controlling the permeability of the blood-nerve barrier,thereby stimulating axon growth;and inhibiting remyelination of regenerated axons.TGF-βhas been applied to the treatment of peripheral nerve injury in animal models.In this context,we review the functions of TGF-βin peripheral nerve regeneration and potential clinical applications.

Artificial intelligence-assisted repair of peripheral nerve injury: a new research hotspot and associated challenges

Artificial intelligence can be indirectly applied to the repair of peripheral nerve injury.Specifically,it can be used to analyze and process data regarding peripheral nerve injury and repair,while study findings on peripheral nerve injury and repair can provide valuable data to enrich artificial intelligence algorithms.To investigate advances in the use of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis,rehabilitation,and scientific examination of peripheral nerve injury,we used CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to analyze the relevant literature included in the Web of Science from 1994–2023.We identified the following research hotspots in peripheral nerve injury and repair:(1)diagnosis,classification,and prognostic assessment of peripheral nerve injury using neuroimaging and artificial intelligence techniques,such as corneal confocal microscopy and coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy;(2)motion control and rehabilitation following peripheral nerve injury using artificial neural networks and machine learning algorithms,such as wearable devices and assisted wheelchair systems;(3)improving the accuracy and effectiveness of peripheral nerve electrical stimulation therapy using artificial intelligence techniques combined with deep learning,such as implantable peripheral nerve interfaces;(4)the application of artificial intelligence technology to brain-machine interfaces for disabled patients and those with reduced mobility,enabling them to control devices such as networked hand prostheses;(5)artificial intelligence robots that can replace doctors in certain procedures during surgery or rehabilitation,thereby reducing surgical risk and complications,and facilitating postoperative recovery.Although artificial intelligence has shown many benefits and potential applications in peripheral nerve injury and repair,there are some limitations to this technology,such as the consequences of missing or imbalanced data,low data accuracy and reproducibility,and ethical issues(e.g.,privacy,data security,research transparency).Future research should address the issue of data collection,as large-scale,high-quality clinical datasets are required to establish effective artificial intelligence models.Multimodal data processing is also necessary,along with interdisciplinary collaboration,medical-industrial integration,and multicenter,large-sample clinical studies.

Chemokine platelet factor 4 accelerates peripheral nerve regeneration by regulating Schwann cell activation and axon elongation

Schwann cells in peripheral nerves react to traumatic nerve injury by attempting to grow and regenerate.Howeve r,it is unclear what factors play a role in this process.In this study,we searched a GEO database and found that expression of platelet factor 4 was markedly up-regulated after sciatic nerve injury.Platelet factor is an important molecule in cell apoptosis,diffe rentiation,survival,and proliferation.Further,polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the change in platelet factor 4 in the sciatic nerve at different time points after injury.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed that platelet factor 4 was secreted by Schwann cells.We also found that silencing platelet factor 4 decreased the proliferation and migration of primary cultured Schwann cells,while exogenously applied platelet factor 4 stimulated Schwann cell prolife ration and migration and neuronal axon growth.Furthermore,knocking out platelet factor 4 inhibited the prolife ration of Schwann cells in injured rat sciatic nerve.These findings suggest that Schwann cell-secreted platelet factor 4 may facilitate peripheral nerve repair and regeneration by regulating Schwann cell activation and axon growth.Thus,platelet factor 4 may be a potential therapeutic target for traumatic peripheral nerve injury.

Runx2 regulates peripheral nerve regeneration to promote Schwann cell migration and re-myelination

Runx2 is a major regulator of osteoblast differentiation and function;however,the role of Runx2 in peripheral nerve repair is unclea r.Here,we analyzed Runx2expression following injury and found that it was specifically up-regulated in Schwann cells.Furthermore,using Schwann cell-specific Runx2 knocko ut mice,we studied peripheral nerve development and regeneration and found that multiple steps in the regeneration process following sciatic nerve injury were Runx2-dependent.Changes observed in Runx2 knoc kout mice include increased prolife ration of Schwann cells,impaired Schwann cell migration and axonal regrowth,reduced re-myelination of axo ns,and a block in macrophage clearance in the late stage of regeneration.Taken together,our findings indicate that Runx2 is a key regulator of Schwann cell plasticity,and therefore peripheral nerve repair.Thus,our study shows that Runx2 plays a major role in Schwann cell migration,re-myelination,and peripheral nerve functional recovery following injury.