Proprioception Analysis following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction using Stabilometry: A Prospective, Longitudinal Study / Análise de propriocepção por estabilometria após a reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior: Um estudo prospectivo e longitudinal

Abstract Objective Commonly used methods for measuring proprioception have resulted in conflicting reports regarding knee proprioception with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and the influence of ACL reconstruction. Methods One hundred subjects (50 patients with radiologically and arthroscopically confirmed unilateral ACL rupture and 50 normal controls) were assessed with regards to proprioception using dynamic single-leg stance postural stabilometry. Instrumented knee ligament laxity and knee outcome scores were also measured. Of the 50 patients in the ACL group, 34 underwent reconstruction and were reassessed postoperatively. Results There was a significant proprioceptive deficiency in the ACL group compared with their contralateral knee ( p < 0.001) and to the control group ( p = 0.01). There was asignificant improvement in knee proprioception following ACL reconstruction compared to preoperative findings ( p = 0.003). There was no correlation between ligament laxity measurements and outcome scores. A significant correlation was found preoperatively between outcome scores and proprioception measurements. This correlation was not found post-operatively. Pre-operative proprioception testing had asignificant correlation (r = 0.46) with post-operative proprioception ( p = 0.006). Conclusion Patients with an ACL rupture had a proprioceptive deficit which improved following ligament reconstruction. Knee outcome scores had a better correlation with proprioception than ligament laxity. Proprioception may be a superior objective measure than ligament laxity in quantifying functional knee deficits and outcomes in patients with ACL ruptures. Level of Evidence III Therapeutic Study; Prospective Longitudinal Case-Control Study.

Resumo Objetivo Os métodos comumente usados para medir a propriocepção resultaram em relatos conflitantes sobre a propriocepção do joelho com ruptura do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) e a influência da reconstrução do LCA. Métodos A propriocepção de 100 indivíduos (50 pacientes com ruptura unilateral do LCA confirmada à radiologia e artroscopia e 50 controles normais) foi avaliada por estabilometria postural dinâmica em apoio unipodal. A lassidão ligamentar do joelho instrumentado e suas pontuações de desfechos também foram medidas. Dos 50 pacientes do grupo LCA, 34 foram submetidos à reconstrução e reavaliados no período pós-operatório. Resultados O grupo LCA apresentou deficiência proprioceptiva significativa em relaçãoaojoelho contralateral ( p < 0,001) e ao grupo controle ( p = 0,01). A propriocepção do joelho melhorou de maneira significativa após a reconstrução do LCA em relação aos achados pré-operatórios ( p = 0,003). Não houve correlação entre as medidas de lassidão ligamentar e as pontuações de desfechos. Além disso, observamos uma correlação significativa entre as pontuações de desfechos e as medidas de propriocepção antes da cirurgia. Essa correlação não foi detectada no período pós-operatório. O teste pré-operatório de propriocepção teve correlação significativa ( r = 0,46) com a propriocepção pós-operatória ( p = 0,006). Conclusão Os pacientes com ruptura do LCA apresentaram déficit proprioceptivo que melhorou após a reconstrução ligamentar. As pontuações de desfecho do joelho tiveram melhor correlação à propriocepção do que a lassidão ligamentar. A proprio-cepção pode ser uma medida objetiva superior à lassidão ligamentar na quantificação de déficits funcionais e desfechos do joelho em pacientes com ruptura do LCA. Nível de Evidência III Estudo Terapêutico; Estudo de Caso-Controle Longitudinal Prospectivo.

Analysis of Nerve Endings in the Superior Labrum-Biceps Complex by Fluorescence Immunohistochemistry and Confocal Laser Microscopy / Análise de terminações nervosas no complexo labrum-bíceps superior usando imunohistoquímica de fluorescência e microscopia a laser confocal

Abstract Objectives The capsuloligamentous structures of the shoulder work as static stabilizers, together with the biceps and rotator cuff muscles, increasing the contact surface of the glenoid cavity. Free nerve endings and mechanoreceptors have been identified in the shoulder; however, there are a few studies that describe the presence of these nerves in the biceps' insertion. The present study aimed to describe the morphology and distribution of nerve endings using immunofluorescence with protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) and confocal microscopy. Methods Six labrum-biceps complexes from six fresh-frozen cadavers were studied. The specimens were coronally cut and prepared using the immunofluorescence technique. In both hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunofluorescence, the organization of the connective tissue with parallel collagen fibers was described. Results In the H&E study, vascular structures and some nerve structures were visualized, which were identified by the elongated presence of the nerve cell. All specimens analyzed with immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy demonstrated poor occurrence of morphotypes of sensory corpuscles and free nerve endings. We identified free nerve endings located in the labrum and in the bicipital insertion, and sparse nerve endings along the tendon. Corpuscular endings with fusiform, cuneiform, and oval aspect were identified in the tendon. Conclusion These findings support the hypothesis that the generation of pain in the superior labral tear from Anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions derives from the more proximal part of the long biceps cord and even more from the upper labrum. Future quantitative studies with a larger number of specimens may provide more information on these sensory systems.

Resumo Objetivos As estruturas capsulo-ligamentares do ombro funcionam como estabilizadores estáticos, juntamente com os músculos do bíceps e do manguito rotador, aumentando a superfície de contato da cavidade glenoide. Terminações nervosas livres e mecanorreceptores foram identificados no ombro; no entanto, existem alguns estudos que descrevem a presença desses nervos na inserção do bíceps. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a morfologia e distribuição de terminações nervosas utilizando imunofluorescência com protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) e microscopia confocal. Métodos Foram estudados seis complexos labrum-bíceps de seis cadáveres congelados frescos. Os espécimes foram cortados coronalmente e preparados pelo método de imunofluorescência. Tanto em hematoxilina e eosina (H&E) quanto em imunofluorescência, foi descrita a organização do tecido conjuntivo com fibras paralelas de colágeno. Resultados No estudo de H&E, foram visualizadas estruturas vasculares e algumas estruturas nervosas, que foram identificadas pela presença alongada da célula nervosa. Todas as amostras analisadas com imunofluorescência e microscopia confocal demonstraram baixa ocorrência de morfotipos de corpúsculos sensoriais e terminações nervosas livres. Identificamos terminações nervosas livres localizadas no labrum, inserção bicipital e terminações nervosas esparsas ao longo do tendão. Terminais corpusculares com aspecto fusiforme, cuneiforme e oval foram identificados no tendão. Conclusão Esses achados corroboram a hipótese de que a geração de dor nas lesões labrais superiores de anterior a posterior (SLAP, na sigla em inglês) deriva da parte mais proximal do cabo longo do bíceps e ainda mais do labrum superior. Estudos quantitativos futuros com um número maior de espécimes podem fornecer mais informações sobre esses sistemas sensoriais.

Update on dentin hypersensitivity: with the focus on hydrodynamic theory and mechanosensitive ion channels

Dentin hypersensitivity is an abrupt intense pain caused by innocuous stimuli to exposed dentinal tubules. Mechanosensitive ion channels have been assessed in dental primary afferent neurons and odontoblasts to explain dentin hypersensitivity. Dentinal fluid dynamics evoked by various stimuli to exposed dentin cause mechanical stress to the structures underlying dentin. This review briefly discusses three hypotheses regarding dentin hypersensitivity and introduces recent findings on mechanosensitive ion channels expressed in the dental sensory system and discusses how the activation of these ion channels is involved in dentin hypersensitivity.

Two separate nodules of Merkel cell carcinoma occurring concomitantly on one cheek

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive neuroectodermal carcinoma arising from mechanoreceptor Merkel cells. Multiple MCCs are even rarer. We report a case of two independent MCCs simultaneously present in the cheek of a patient, which were effectively and esthetically treated using a cheek flap. Punch biopsy performed in a 60-year-old woman admitted with a chief complaint of two skin-colored hard nodules in her left cheek, accompanied by an itching sensation, was suggestive of MCC. Accordingly, we performed sentinel lymph node biopsy through the modified Blair incision under general anesthesia, in cooperation with the head and neck surgery department. The defect was covered with a cheek flap by slightly extending the existing incision following wide excision with a safety margin of 1 cm. This paper is significant in that it introduces an effective reconstruction technique that maintains function using a cheek flap for the management of this rare case. In addition, this paper is the first to classify multiple MCCs according to the time of onset. We believe that this paper presents an effective alternative reconstruction technique with sentinel node biopsy through the modified Blair incision.

Descripción y comparación de la línea lateral de tres especies de rayas eléctricas del género Narcine (Torpediniformes: Narcinidae) / Description and comparison of the lateral line of three species of electric rays of the genus Narcine (Torpediniformes: Narcinidae)

Resumen Se presenta la descripción de la composición y arreglo estructural del sistema de la línea lateral de tres especies de rayas eléctricas (Narcine bancroftii, N. entemedor y N. vermiculatus). Las tres especies muestran los canales supraorbital (SO), infraorbital (IO), hiomandibular (HYO) y de la línea lateral posterior (LLP), menos ramificados que en otros batoideos. Narcine entemedor difiere de sus congéneres por la gran ramificación de los canales SO e IO, los cuales convergen en la región inter-orbital; en N. vermiculatus estos canales presentan una condición similar, pero con una menor ramificación. En contraste N. bancroftii presenta los canales divergentes (dirigidos hacia afuera de la región inter-orbital). Los canales HYO están localizados en la periferia de los órganos eléctricos en estas especies; en N. bancroftii las ramificaciones se extienden hacia la región posterior, mientras que en las demás especies están reducidas (N. entemedor) o casi ausentes (N. vermiculatus). La LLP es de forma curva y está dirigida hacia el urostilo, asimismo muestra un gran número de ramificaciones, excepto en N. vermiculatus. La información sobre el arreglo y el número de poros sobre el sistema de canales de la LL en Narcine, puede ser de utilidad para la distinción taxonómica de sus especies, tal como ha sido corroborado para otros Torpediniformes.

Abstract This study describes the composition and structural arrangement of the lateral line system of three electric ray species (Narcine bancroftii, N. entemedor and N. vermiculatus). All three species showed the supraorbital (SO), infraorbital (IO), hyomandibular (HYO) and posterior lateral line (PLL) canals, less branched compared to other batoids. Narcine entemedor differs from its congeners by the extensive branching of the SO and IO canals, which converge in the inter-orbital region; in N. vermiculatus these canals present a similar condition, but are less branched. In contrast, N. bancroftii has divergent canals (directed outwards from the inter-orbital region). HYO canals are located on the periphery of the electric organs in these species; in N. bancroftii the branches extend towards the posterior region, whereas in the other species are reduced (N. entemedor) or almost absent (N. vermiculatus). The PLL is curved and projected towards the urostyle, it also shows a large number of ramifications, except in N. vermiculatus. Information about the LL canal system arrangement and pore number in Narcine can be useful for the taxonomic distinction of its species, as it has been corroborated in other Torpediniformes. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 586-592. Epub 2018 June 01.

Effects of plantar foot sensitivity manipulation on postural control of young adult and elderly / Efeitos da manipulação da sensibilidade plantar sobre o controle da postura ereta em adultos jovens e idosos

ABSTRACT Introduction: Subjects with sensorial losses present balance deficits. Although such condition is often observed among elderly, there is discussion concerning the dependence on sensorial information for body sway control in the elderly without sensorial losses. Purpose: We investigated the effects of foot sensitivity manipulation on postural control during upright standing in young adults and independent elderly (n = 19/group). Methods: Plantar sensitivity was evaluated by esthesiometry, and speed of center of pressure shift data during upright posture were evaluated for each foot using a baropodometer while the subjects were standing with eyes open or closed. The young adult group was evaluated for center of pressure in normal conditions and after plantar sensitivity disturbance, by immersing their feet in water and ice. Results: Young adults did not show alterations in their center of pressure after sensorial perturbation and presented, even under sensorial perturbation, better postural control than elderly subjects. The elderly showed lower foot sensitivity and greater center of pressure oscillation than young adults. Conclusion: Elderly subjects seem to rely more on foot sensitivity for control of body sway than young adults. In the elderly, a clinical intervention to improve foot sensitivity may help in upright posture maintenance.

RESUMO Introdução: Pessoas com perdas sensoriais apresentam déficits de equilíbrio. Embora esse quadro seja comum em idosos, ainda se discute o quanto idosos sem doenças que afetam as vias sensoriais dependem dessa informação para controlar oscilações corporais durante o controle da postura. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos da perturbação da sensibilidade plantar sobre o controle da postura ereta em adultos jovens e idosos independentes (n = 19/grupo). Métodos: A sensibilidade plantar foi avaliada com estesiômetro e dados de velocidade e deslocamento do centro de pressão durante a postura de pé foram avaliados para cada pé com um baropodômetro, em condições de olhos abertos e fechados. O grupo de adultos jovens foi avaliado quanto ao centro de pressão nas condições normal e pós-perturbação da sensibilidade plantar, pela imersão dos pés em água e gelo. Resultados: Adultos não apresentaram alterações no centro de pressão em resposta à perturbação sensorial e tiveram, mesmo na condição de perturbação sensorial, melhor controle postural do que idosos. Idosos apresentaram menor sensibilidade plantar e maior oscilação do centro de pressão do que os adultos jovens. Conclusão: Idosos pareceram depender mais da sensibilidade plantar para manter o controle postural do que adultos jovens. Em idosos, intervenções clínicas que melhorem a sensibilidade plantar podem auxiliar na tarefa de manter a postura de pé.

Atoh1 as a Coordinator of Sensory Hair Cell Development and Regeneration in the Cochlea / 전남의대학술지

Cochlear sensory hair cells (HCs) are crucial for hearing as mechanoreceptors of the auditory systems. Clarification of transcriptional regulation for the cochlear sensory HC development is crucial for the improvement of cell replacement therapies for hearing loss. Transcription factor Atoh1 is the key player during HC development and regeneration. In this review, we will focus on Atoh1 and its related signaling pathways (Notch, fibroblast growth factor, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling) involved in the development of cochlear sensory HCs. We will also discuss the potential applicability of these signals for the induction of HC regeneration.

The Effect of Rhythmic Neurodynamic on the Upper Extremity Nerve Conduction Velocity and the Function for Stroke Patients

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to resolve, in an efficient manner, the mechanoreceptor problems of the part far from the paretic upper extremity in stroke patients, as well as to provide clinical basic data of an intervention program for efficient neurodynamic in stroke patients, by developing a rhythmic neurodynamic exercise program and verifying functional changes depending on the increase in the upper extremity nerve conduction velocity. METHODS: Samples were extracted from 18 patients with hemiplegia, caused by stroke, and were randomly assigned to either the experimental group I for the general upper extremity neurodynamic (n=9) and the experimental group II for rhythmic upper extremity neurodynamic (n=9). An intervention program was applied ten times per set (three sets one time) and four times a week for two weeks (once a day). As a pre-test, changes in the upper extremity nerve conduction velocity and functions were assessed, and two weeks later, a posttest was conducted to re-measure them in the same manner. RESULTS: The wrist and palm sections of the radial nerve and the wrist and elbow sections of the median nerve, as well as the wrist, lower elbow, upper elbow, and axilla sections of the ulnar nerve had significant differences with respect to the upper extremity nerve conduction velocity between the two groups (p<0.05)(p<0.01), and significant differences were also found in the upper extremity functions (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Rhythmic neurodynamic accelerated the nerve conduction velocity more in broader neural sections than the general neurodynamic. In conclusion, rhythmic neurodynamic was proven to be effective for improving the functions of upper extremity.

Atoh1 as a Coordinator of Sensory Hair Cell Development and Regeneration in the Cochlea / 전남의대학술지

Cochlear sensory hair cells (HCs) are crucial for hearing as mechanoreceptors of the auditory systems. Clarification of transcriptional regulation for the cochlear sensory HC development is crucial for the improvement of cell replacement therapies for hearing loss. Transcription factor Atoh1 is the key player during HC development and regeneration. In this review, we will focus on Atoh1 and its related signaling pathways (Notch, fibroblast growth factor, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling) involved in the development of cochlear sensory HCs. We will also discuss the potential applicability of these signals for the induction of HC regeneration.

Development of a new haptic perception instrument: a pilot study / Desenvolvimento de um novo instrumento de avaliação da percepção háptica: um estudo piloto

ABSTRACT Objective Hand sensory tests do not consider distinct physiological receptors, nor detect normal range variations concerning developmental or pathological changes. We developed an instrument with a set of tests with timing and scoring for assessing haptic perception, which is the interaction between sensory and motor systems, in surfaces exploration, by moving hands. Method Firstly, group meetings were set for test/manual conception and materials testing. The test/manual were submitted to 30 reviewers in 3 stages (10 reviewers on each stage). Results The Hand Haptic Perception Instrument (HHPI) evaluates hand sensorimotor performance on six domains: depression, elevation, texture, compressibility, weight (barognosis) and form perception. Each domain requires specific materials. Score ranges from 0 to 57, being 0 the worst rating. Conclusion This methodological process allowed the development of six domains and instructions to assess haptic perception. This version of HHPI is a pilot model. Further studies will determine reliability and normality ranges.

RESUMO Objetivo Testes de sensibilidade manual não consideram receptores fisiológicos distintos, tampouco variações do desenvolvimento normal ou patológico. Desenvolvemos um instrumento, com pontuação e tempo de desempenho, para avaliar percepção háptica, que é a interação sensório-motora na exploração de superfícies, pelo movimento das mãos. Método Reuniões de grupo foram estabelecidas para desenvolver os testes/ manual e testar materiais. O instrumento e seu manual foram submetidos a 30 revisores, em 3 estágios (com 10 revisores em cada estágio). Resultados O instrumento de avaliação da percepção háptica manual (IAPHM) avalia o desempenho sensório-motor da mão em seis domínios: depressão, elevação, textura, compressibilidade, peso (barognosia) e percepção de forma. Cada domínio requer materiais específicos. A pontuação vai de 0 a 57, sendo 0 a pior pontuação. Conclusão Esse método permitiu o desenvolvimento do instrumento para avaliar percepção háptica. Essa versão do IAPHM é um modelo piloto. Estudos futuros determinarão confiabilidade e variações de normalidade.

Análise dos mecanorreceptores e terminações nervosas livres da banda anterior doligamento glenoumeral inferior com imunofluorescência e microscopia confocal

A banda anterior do ligamento glenoumeral inferior(LGUI), possui uma importante função na estabilidade mecânica do ombro, sendo onsiderado o principal estabilizador estático do ombro, quando o braço encontra-se em abdução e rotação externa. Seis bandas anteriores do LGUI foram cuidadosamente dissecadas para avaliaçãoda morfologiados mecanorreceptorese terminações nervosas livres, buscando compreender a interação do sistema proprioceptivo e mecânico do ombro. Para imunihistoquimica foi utilizado um marcador tipo PGP9.5 (protein gene product)como anticorpo primário e Alexa Fluor 488 como anticorpo secundário, seguido de análise daslâminas pormicroscopia confocal de varredura a laser. Observou-se em todos os ligamentos corpúsculos de Meissnercom diâmetros queentre 30 e 65 μme comprimentos entre 80 e 400 μm,sendo estes descritos pela primeira vez no ligamento glenoumeral inferior;o corpúsculo dePacini, com diâmetro entre 40 e 80 μm e comprimento entre 100 e 180 μme terminações nervosas livres, onde as fibras apresentavam espessura entre 3 e 7 μm e comprimento entre 300 e 700 μm, além de terminações nervosas não classificadas, com formas irregulares, fusiformes e retangulares. Observamos que na banda anterior do ligamento glenoumeral inferior opredomínio de mecanorreceptores de adaptação rápida, tipo Meissner e Pacini. A densidade dos mecanorreceptores foi de aproximadamente 1,1026% ,sendo a densidadede 1,6102% quando a analise foi com profundidade entre 400 e 500 μme de 0,6018%...

The anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) has an important role in the mechanical stability of the shoulder and is considered the main static stabilizer of the shoulder when the arm is in abduction and external rotation. Six anterior bands of IGHL were carefully dissected from the bone attachments to describe the morphology of the mechanoreceptors and free nerve endings and to elucidate the interaction between the proprioceptive system and shoulder mechanics. For immunostaining, a protein gene product 9.5 marker was used as the primary antibody and Alexa Fluor 488 was used as the secondary antibody, followed by image examination using confocal laser scanning microscopy. All the ligament samples contained Meissner corpuscles with a diameter between 30 and 65 μm and length between 80 and 400 μm. This is the first report of these corpuscles in IGHL. Furthermore, these ligaments contained Pacinian corpuscles, with a diameter between 40 and 80 μm and length between 100 and 180 μm, free nerve endings with fiber thickness between 3 and 7 μm and length between 300 and 700 μm, and unclassified nerve endings with irregular, spindle, and rectangular shapes. The mechanoreceptors were approximately 1.2% of the area of the ligament. There was a predominance of Meissner-and Pacini-type rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors.The density ofmechanoreceptorswas approximately 1.1026%, and the densitywhen the analysis was with a depthbetween 400 and 500μmwas 1.6102% and greaterdepthbetween 1500and 1850μm, was 0.6018%...

"Gating-Spring" model and molecular basis of mechanotransduction in Drosophila melanogaster / 生理学报

The sense of mechanical stimuli (e.g. force or deformation) in the environment underlies several important physiological processes, for example the perception of sound, touch, pain and acceleration. The key step in mechanosensation is to convert the extracellular mechanical stimuli into cellular electrical or chemical signals. This process is termed as mechanotransduction. Based on mechanical and electrophysiological measurements, "Gating-Spring" theory was proposed as a general model to describe the cell biological mechanism of mechanotransduction. However, despite efforts made in several model organisms, the molecular basis of the "Gating-Spring" model remains elusive. In recent years, several key progresses have been made using the mechanoreceptors of Drosophila melanogaster as the models. This article introduces the "Gating-Spring" theory and reviews the recent research progresses on the fly mechanotransduction.

The Low FODMAP Diet and Its Application in East and Southeast Asia

There is growing interest in using food choice/dietary change to influence clinical outcomes in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The low fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) diet is an evidence-based approach that is gaining popularity in many Western countries. The low FODMAP diet is based on restricting dietary intake of short chain carbohydrates that are slowly absorbed or indigestible and not absorbed during passage through the small intestine. These are collectively described as "FODMAPs" and comprise oligosaccharides (mostly fructans, galacto-oligosaccharides), sugar polyols, fructose in excess of glucose, and lactose in lactose malabsorbers. The general strategy of the diet is to avoid foods high in FODMAPs and replace them with foods low in FODMAPs, with long-term restriction limited to what is required to control symptoms. The likely mechanism of action is minimisation of the stimulation of mechanoreceptors exerted by distension of the intestinal lumen with water from osmotic effects and gases from bacterial fermentation in those with visceral hypersensitivity. The success of this dietary approach greatly depends on detailed knowledge about the FODMAP composition of food commonly consumed in that country. While the content of foods associated with East and Southeast Asian cuisines has not been fully explored, major high FODMAP sources are frequently used and include onion, garlic, shallots, legumes/pulses, and wheat-based products. Thus, this dietary approach holds great promise in treating IBS patients in East and Southeast Asia. The aim of this review is to highlight how the diet is implemented, its efficacy, and troublesome ingredients frequently used in Asian dishes.

Role of histone deacetylase activity in the developing lateral line neuromast of zebrafish larvae

Histone deacetylases are involved in many biological processes and have roles in regulating cell behaviors such as cell cycle entry, cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, the effect of histone deacetylases on the development of hair cells (HCs) has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we examined the influence of histone deacetylases on the early development of neuromasts in the lateral line of zebrafish. Hair cell development was evaluated by fluorescent immunostaining in the absence or presence of histone deacetylase inhibitors. Our results suggested that pharmacological inhibition of histone deacetylases with inhibitors, including trichostatin A, valproic acid and MS-275, reduced the numbers of both HCs and supporting cells in neuromasts. We also found that the treatment of zebrafish larvae with inhibitors caused accumulation of histone acetylation and suppressed proliferation of neuromast cells. Real-time PCR results showed that the expression of both p21 and p27 mRNA was increased following trichostatin A treatment and the increase in p53 mRNA was modest under the same conditions. However, the expression of p53 mRNA was significantly increased by treatment with a high concentration of trichostatin A. A high concentration of trichostatin A also led to increased cell death in neuromasts as detected in a TUNEL assay. Moreover, the nuclei of most of these pyknotic cells were immunohistochemically positive for cleaved caspase-3. These results suggest that histone deacetylase activity is involved in lateral line development in the zebrafish and might have a role in neuromast formation by altering cell proliferation through the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins.

Mapping Regional Laryngopharyngeal Mechanoreceptor Response

OBJECTIVES: To map mechanoreceptor response in various regions of the laryngopharynx. METHODS: Five patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux and six healthy control subjects underwent stimulation of mechanoreceptors in the hypopharynx, interarytenoid area, arytenoids, aryepiglottic folds, and pyriform sinuses. The threshold stimuli evoking sensation and eliciting laryngeal adductor reflex were recorded. RESULTS: In controls, an air pulse with 2 mmHg pressure evoked mechanoreceptor response in all regions, except bilateral aryepiglottic folds of one control. In patients, stimulus intensity to elicit mechanoreceptor response ranged between 2 mmHg and 10 mmHg and varied among the regions. Air pulse intensity differed between right and left sides of laryngopharyngeal regions in the majority of patients. CONCLUSION: Laryngopharyngeal mechanoreceptor response was uniform among regions and subjects in the healthy group. Patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux showed inter- and intra-regional variations in mechanoreceptor response. Laryngopharyngeal sensory deficit in patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux is not limited to aryepiglottic folds.

Case-control study on the relationship of chronic low back pain of facet joint origin with the distribution of nerve endings and neuropeptide: a quantitative histological analysis / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the density and distribution of nerve endings and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in lumbar facet joints of patients with low back pain.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifteen patients without low back pain were selected as control group (group A). Facet joint samples in group A were obtained during the operation or lumbar spinal canal tumor they suffered from. Those patients with low back pain were divided into three groups according to their different origins of pain, such as not from facet joint (group B, 15 patients) ,from facet joint only (group C, 20 patients), or from facet joint partially (group D, 20 patients). Different origins were determined by VAS after facet joint block. The density and distribution of nerve ending and neuropeptide in the capsular tissues were analyzed by a modified gold chloride staining and immunochemistry respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the ones in group A and B, the fact joints in group C and D were more inclined to be degenerated and got more nerve endings. NPY was expressed mainly in the facet joint of patients with low back pain in group C and D. In addition, there was a significant relationship between the distribution of nerve endings and NPY expression,while none of them were related with MRI Fujiwara grade of facet joint.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results suggest that the number of mechanoreceptors, neural sprouting and secreted peptides in the facet joint capsules vary with the change of mechanical or nociceptive stimulation, which may promote the development of low back pain in return.</p>

Changes of periodontal Ruffini's corpuscle induced by experimental tooth movement in rats / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the ultra-microscopic changes of periodontal Ruffini's corpuscle induced by different patterns of tooth movement, and investigate the influence of different changes of the periodontal mechanical environment on the periodontal mechanoreceptor.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-two eight-weeks-old SD rats were divided into control group (n = 4), none-extraction group (n = 12) and extraction group (n = 12), and none-extraction group and extraction group were further divided into three subgroups, namely 3 day and 14 day and 28 day. For control group, no intervention was performed. For none-extraction group and extraction group, the following interventions were conducted. In none-extraction group, the maxillary left and mandibular right third molars were moved distally. In extraction group, the maxillary left third molar was moved distally, and the bilateral mandibular third molars were extracted. The ultra-structures of periodontal Ruffini's corpuscle in the periodontal ligament of the distal root of the bilateral maxillary third molars were observed under the transmission electron microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ultra-structrural changes in the none-extraction group were mainly characterized by degeneration or abnormal distribution of mitochondria in the axon terminal, which were almost recovered at 28 d. In the extraction group, the changes were mainly characterized by deficiency or abnormal elongation of the Schwann sheath and were not recovered at 28 d.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The ultra-structures of periodontal Ruffini's corpuscle might be influenced by tooth movement and occlusal changes, and the mechanorecepting function of it might be affected by changes of the periodontal mechanical environment.</p>

Oseopercepción: una puesta al día / Osseoperception: an update

La incorporación de implantes dentales al Sistema Estomatognático genera muchos cuestionamientos, entre ellos: ¿Cómo se explica que el paciente “sienta” a través de estos sistemas de anclaje?; ¿Por qué el paciente dice que mastica mejor que con las prótesis mucosoportadas?;¿Por qué a pesar de haber perdido dos componentes fisiológicos esenciales (dientes y periodonto) no se aprecian clínicamente importantes problemas dentro del sistema?; ¿Qué reordenamientos del sistema nervioso determinan la regulación motora luego de rehabilitado con estas técnicas? Es probable que las respuestas surjan a través del conocimiento de una nueva modalidad sensorial descriptacomo oseopercepción, la cual implica un reordenamiento de las áreas sensitivas y motoras de la corteza cerebral (neuroplasticidad).

Many questions arise from the introduction of dental implants into the stomatognathic system, for example: How can patients “feel” through these anchorage structures? Why does the patient feel that his mastication is improved with respect to the classic complete dentures? Why there are not remarkable alterations in the function of the stomatognathic system despite the loss of two essential componentsof this system? What rearrangements of the nervous system take place after the placement of dental implants that control the motor regulation of the stomatognathic system? Probably, the answer to these questions may come from the study of a new sensorymodality known as osseoperception, which involves a rearrangement of sensory and motor areas of the brain cortex (neuroplasticity).

Proprioceptive and Knee Joint Kinematics for Comparison of Remnant Preserved versus Non-remnant Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Achilles Allograft / 대한스포츠의학회지

The purpose of remnant preserving technique in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is to preserve mechanoreceptor and accelerate revascularization. In this study, we compared a group who underwent remnant preserving technique using Achilles tendon allograft with the other group of conventional ACL reconstruction in terms of proprioception, kinematic analysis, knee strength test and dynamic postural stability. Twenty-four patients were followed up for longer than 12 months after ACL reconstruction. They were separated into two groups; remnant preserving group (n=12) and non-remnant group (n=12). Proprioception test was conducted through joint position sense (JPS) and threshold to detection of passive motion. The remnant preserving group showed significantly less difference from the normal side than the non-remnant group. In kinematic analysis, there was statistically significant difference in peak flexion angle during the swing phase. However the 60degrees JPS, knee strength test, performance capacity test and dynamic postural stability did not showed the significant difference. Remnant preserving technique of ACL reconstruction was meaningful in preserving proprioception and the result showed akin to the unaffected gait.