Objective To observe the influences of sonophoresis of Fufang Sanqi Xiaotong (Compound Notoginseng Pain-relieving) Ointment on changes of synovial morphology and expressions of chondrocyte caspase-9 and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).Methods New Zealand white rabbits (n =32,6 months old) were randomly divided into group of sonophoresis of Fufang Sanqi Xiaotong (sonophoresis group),group of coupling agent ultrasound treatment (coupling agent group),model group and normal group (each n =8).Except of normal group,other groups received anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT).After 6 weeks,sonophoresis group and coupling agent group were given corresponding therapies for 2 treatment courses and model group and normal group were not given any interventions.The changes of synovial histomorphology were observed with light microscope after HE staining,and expressions of caspase-9 and XIAP were detected by using immunohistochemistry technique in all groups after 2 treatment courses.Results The degeneration degree of synovial membrane under light microscope showed an ascending order in all groups as follows:normal group,sonophoresis group,coupling agent group and model group.The value of integral optical density (IOD) of caspase-9 was higher,and IOD value of XIAP was lower in sonophoresis group,coupling agent group and model group than those in normal group.The IOD value of caspase-9 was lower,and IOD value of XIAP was higher in sonophoresis group and coupling agent group than those in model group.The IOD value of caspase-9 was lower,and IOD value of XIAP was higher in sonophoresis group than those in coupling agent group.Conclusion The sonophoresis of Fufang Sanqi Xiaotong is superior to ultrasound treatment,and has the protective effect on cartilage and relief effect on synovial inflammation,and can delay KOA development.The mechanism may be related to decrease of caspase-9 expression and increase of XIAP expression.

Background/Aims: This study aimed to assess the impact of INTERCEPT Foam Spray (IFS) application on delayed endoscope reprocessing through microbiological surveillance culture (MSC). Methods: A quasi-experimental, matched-comparison pilot study was conducted using gastrointestinal endoscopy. IFS was applied to the endoscopes after precleaning and before reprocessing the next day. An equal number of endoscopes, matched by endoscope type, were subjected to routine reprocessing. The MSC were subjected to high-level disinfection to detect any contamination. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact test (categorical data) and Student t-test (continuous data). Results: In total, 150 MSCs were collected from 42 endoscopes. Positive MSCs were observed in 4.0% (4/75) of the sprayed group and 1.3% (1/75) of the control group (95% confidence interval, 30.34–0.31; p>0.05), all of which were contributed by colonoscopes. Colonoscope were more prone to positive MSC (mean difference in percentage, p<0.05). Mean spraying hours were not associated with detected growth (11.7% vs. 13.6%; 95% confidence interval, 1.43 to –5.27; p>0.05), with environmental and skin flora being the primary contaminants. Conclusions IFS may be applied when delayed endoscope processing is necessary, but with caution when applied to colonoscopes. However, further research is warranted to verify the result.

Background/Aims: This study aimed to assess the impact of INTERCEPT Foam Spray (IFS) application on delayed endoscope reprocessing through microbiological surveillance culture (MSC). Methods: A quasi-experimental, matched-comparison pilot study was conducted using gastrointestinal endoscopy. IFS was applied to the endoscopes after precleaning and before reprocessing the next day. An equal number of endoscopes, matched by endoscope type, were subjected to routine reprocessing. The MSC were subjected to high-level disinfection to detect any contamination. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact test (categorical data) and Student t-test (continuous data). Results: In total, 150 MSCs were collected from 42 endoscopes. Positive MSCs were observed in 4.0% (4/75) of the sprayed group and 1.3% (1/75) of the control group (95% confidence interval, 30.34–0.31; p>0.05), all of which were contributed by colonoscopes. Colonoscope were more prone to positive MSC (mean difference in percentage, p<0.05). Mean spraying hours were not associated with detected growth (11.7% vs. 13.6%; 95% confidence interval, 1.43 to –5.27; p>0.05), with environmental and skin flora being the primary contaminants. Conclusions IFS may be applied when delayed endoscope processing is necessary, but with caution when applied to colonoscopes. However, further research is warranted to verify the result.

Background/Aims: This study aimed to assess the impact of INTERCEPT Foam Spray (IFS) application on delayed endoscope reprocessing through microbiological surveillance culture (MSC). Methods: A quasi-experimental, matched-comparison pilot study was conducted using gastrointestinal endoscopy. IFS was applied to the endoscopes after precleaning and before reprocessing the next day. An equal number of endoscopes, matched by endoscope type, were subjected to routine reprocessing. The MSC were subjected to high-level disinfection to detect any contamination. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact test (categorical data) and Student t-test (continuous data). Results: In total, 150 MSCs were collected from 42 endoscopes. Positive MSCs were observed in 4.0% (4/75) of the sprayed group and 1.3% (1/75) of the control group (95% confidence interval, 30.34–0.31; p>0.05), all of which were contributed by colonoscopes. Colonoscope were more prone to positive MSC (mean difference in percentage, p<0.05). Mean spraying hours were not associated with detected growth (11.7% vs. 13.6%; 95% confidence interval, 1.43 to –5.27; p>0.05), with environmental and skin flora being the primary contaminants. Conclusions IFS may be applied when delayed endoscope processing is necessary, but with caution when applied to colonoscopes. However, further research is warranted to verify the result.