Changing Concepts for the Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Powerlifting Athletes with Disabilities / Mudando os conceitos para o diagnóstico da Síndrome do Túnel do Carpo em atletas do halterofilismo do esporte adaptado

Abstract Objective To examine the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome in powerlifting athletes with disabilities. Methods The present study evaluated the presence and intensity of pain (numerical scale), nocturnal paresthesia (self-report), and nerve compression (Tinel and Phalen signs) in wheelchair- and non-wheelchair-bound powerlifting athletes with disabilities. The clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome was confirmed by the presence of two or more signs/symptoms. Results In total, 29 powerlifting athletes with disabilities were evaluated. None of the athletes reported the presence of pain or nocturnal paresthesia. The Tinel sign was present in 1 (3.45%) wheelchair-bound athlete. A positive Phalen test was present in 3 (10.35%) athletes (1 wheelchair-bound and 2 non-wheelchair-bound). Concurrent positive Tinel sign and Phalen sign tests were found in 2 (6.89%) athletes (1 wheelchair-bound and 1 non-wheelchair-bound). Conclusion Carpal tunnel syndrome was clinically diagnosed in 2 (6.89%) out of 29 powerlifting athletes with disabilities.

Resumo Objetivo Examinar a prevalência da síndrome do túnel do carpo em atletas do halterofilismo do esporte adaptado. Métodos Este estudo avaliou a presença e a intensidade da dor (escala numérica), a parestesia noturna (autorrelato), e a compressão nervosa (sinais de Tinel e de Phalen) em atletas do halterofilismo do esporte adaptado em cadeira de rodas e sem cadeira de rodas. O diagnóstico clínico da síndrome do túnel do carpo foi confirmado pela presença de dois ou mais sinais/sintomas. Resultados Vinte e nove atletas de halterofilismo de esporte adaptado foram avaliados. Nenhum dos atletas relatou a presença de dor ou parestesia noturna. O sinal de Tinel estava presente em 1 (3,45%) atleta de cadeira de rodas. O teste de Phalen positivo estava presente em 3 (10,35%) atletas (1 em cadeira de rodas e 2 sem cadeira de rodas). Testes positivos de sinais de Tinel e de Phalen foram encontrados concomitantemente em 2 (6,89%) atletas (1 em cadeira de rodas e 1 sem cadeira de rodas). Conclusão A síndrome do túnel do carpo foi diagnosticada clinicamente em 2 (6,89%) dos 29 atletas com deficiência física.

Retinaculotomía endoscópica de doble portal en el síndrome del túnel carpiano / Dual-portal endoscopic release in carpal tunnel syndrome

NiResumen Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de la retinaculotomía endoscópica para tratar el síndrome del túnel carpiano mediante la técnica de doble portal de Chow, entre enero de 2006 y diciembre de 2015. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio de 179 pacientes (edad promedio 48.2 años [rango 32-68]), con 217 casos de síndrome del túnel carpiano idiopático y un seguimiento promedio de 97.9 meses. Los pacientes eran 145 mujeres (81%) (31 bilaterales) y 34 hombres (19%) (7 bilaterales) y fueron evaluados con la Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) y la Functional Status Scale (FSS) del Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ). Resultados: El puntaje medio de la SSS-BCTQ fue de 3,20 + 0,26 antes de la cirugía, mejoró a 1,30 + 0,12 a los 6 meses y se mantuvo en 1,25 + 0,11 a largo plazo. El puntaje medio de la FSS-BCTQ fue de 2,57 + 0,29 antes de la cirugía, mejoró a 1,28 + 0,18 a los 6 meses y se mantuvo en 1,20 + 0,09 a largo plazo. Hubo 7 casos (3,2%) de neuropraxia posquirúrgica transitoria. No hubo conversiones a técnica abierta. Conclusión: La liberación endoscópica del túnel carpiano con la técnica de Chow es un método quirúrgico eficaz y seguro para tratar el síndrome del túnel carpiano idiopático. Nivel de Evidencia; III

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of endoscopic release of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) using the Chow dual-portal technique between January 2006 and December 2015. Materials and Methods: Study population consisted of 217 cases of idiopathic CTS, in 179 patients, 145 females (81%) (31 bilateral cases) and 34 males (19%) (7 bilateral cases), with an average age of 48.2 years (range, 32-68) and an average follow-up of 97.9 months. The symptom severity and functional evaluations were performed using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire Symptoms Severity Scale (BCTQ-SSS) and the Functional Status Scale (BCTQ-FSS). Results: The average BCTQ-SSS was 3.20±0.26 in the preoperative period, which improved to 1.30±0.12 at the 6-month postoperative follow-up and remained at 1.25±0.11 in the long-term. The average BCTQ-FSS was 2.57±0.29 in the preoperative period, which improved to 1.28±0.12 at the 6-month postoperative follow-up and remained at 1.20±0.09 in the long-term. There were 7 cases (3.2%) of transient postoperative neurapraxia. No patient required to be converted to open technique. Conclusion: The endoscopic carpal tunnel release with Chow technique is an effective and safe surgical method for the treatment of idiopathic CTS. Level of Evidence; III

Neuralgia del Trigémino / Trigeminal neuralgia

Resumen La neuralgia del trigémino (NT) es una enfermedad cuya prevalencia es alta y corresponde a un porcentaje importante de neuralgias faciales; en donde las personas más afectadas son mayores de 50 años. Su manifestación clínica suele ser de cuadros de dolor facial severo y recurrentes, unilateral; en la distribución de una o más divisiones del nervio trigémino y no se explica con otro diagnóstico. El diagnóstico se basa en el cuadro clínico y usualmente no se encuentra déficit sensorial, sin embargo, si está presente se deben hacer neuroimágenes para descartar otras causas. En primera instancia está el manejo farmacológico. La carbamazepina se ha establecido como efectivo, llegando a producir un alivio del dolor dentro de las 24 horas. Cuando la farmacoterapia falla, se opta por la cirugía que se divide generalmente en dos: técnicas que destruyen la porción sensitiva del nervio; y la descompresión microvascular (DMV), que es la que tiene mejores resultados.

Abstract Trigeminal neuralgia is a disease whose prevalence is high and corresponds to a significant percentage of facial neuralgia; where the most affected people are over 50 years old. The clinical picture is usually of episodes of severe and recurring facial pain, unilateral; in the distribution of one or more divisions of the trigeminal nerve and this is not explained with another diagnosis. Diagnosis is based on the clinic and usually no sensory deficit is found, however, if present, neuroimaging should be done to rule out other causes. In the first instance is the pharmacological management. Carbamazepine has been established as effective, leading to pain relief within 24 hours. When pharmacological therapy fails, surgery is generally divided into two: techniques that destroy the sensitive portion of the nerve and microvascular decompression, which has the best results.

The action of sericin protein on initial nerve repair, associated or not with swimming in wistar rats / Ação da proteína sericina no reparo nervoso inicial, associada ou não à natação, em ratos wistar / Acción de la proteína sericina en la reparación nerviosa inicial, asociada o no a la natación, en ratones wistar

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the effects of sericin treatment, associated or not with swimming with load exercise, on initial sciatic nerve repair after compression in Wistar rats. Methods: Forty animals were divided into five groups: control, injury, injury-sericin, injury-swimming and injury-sericin-swimming. During the axonotmesis procedure, the sericin was applied to the injury-sericin and injury-sericin-swimming groups. The injury-swimming and injury-sericin-swimming groups performed the swimming with load exercise for five days, beginning on the third postoperative day (PO), and were evaluated for function, nociception and allodynia. Euthanasia was performed on the 8th PO day and fragments of the nerve were collected and prepared for quantitative and descriptive analysis in relation to the total amount of viable nerve fibers and non-viable nerve fibers, nerve fiber diameter, axon diameter and myelin sheath thickness. Results: There was no significant improvement in the sciatic functional index up to the eighth day. The Von Frey test of the surgical scar and plantar fascia indicated a reduction in pain and allodynia for the injury-swimming and injury-sericin-swimming groups. The morphological analysis presented similar characteristics in the injury-sericin, injury-swimming and injury-sericin-swimming groups, but there was a significant difference in the number of smaller non-viable nerve fibers in the injury-swimming and injury-sericin-swimming groups as compared to the others. Conclusions: Isolated sericin protein presented proinflammatory characteristics. There was improvement of allodynia and a decrease in the pain at the site of the surgical incision, possibly linked to an aquatic effect. There was no acceleration of nerve repair on the eighth day after the injury. Level of Evidence I; High quality randomized clinical trial with or without statistically significant difference, but with narrow confidence intervals.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos do tratamento da sericina, associada ou não ao exercício de natação com sobrecarga, sobre o reparo inicial do nervo isquiático após compressão em ratos Wistar. Métodos: Foram separados 40 animais em cinco grupos, sendo eles: controle; lesão; lesão-sericina; lesão-natação e lesão-sericina-natação. Durante o procedimento de axonotmese, a sericina foi aplicada sobre a lesão nos grupos lesão-sericina e lesão-sericina-natação. Os grupos lesão-natação e lesão-sericina-natação realizaram o exercício de natação com sobrecarga durante cinco dias, iniciando no terceiro dia pós-operatório (PO), sendo avaliados quanto à função, nocicepção e alodinia. A eutanásia foi realizada no oitavo dia PO, sendo que dois fragmentos do nervo foram coletados e preparados para análise quantitativa e descritiva em relação a quantidade total de fibras nervosas viáveis, não viáveis, diâmetro da fibra nervosa, do axônio e espessura da bainha de mielina. Resultados: No índice funcional isquiático não houve melhora significativa até o oitavo dia. O teste de Von Frey na cicatriz cirúrgica e fáscia plantar indicaram redução do quadro álgico e alodinia para os grupos lesão-natação e lesão-sericina-natação. A análise morfológica apresentou características semelhantes nos grupos lesão-sericina, lesão-natação e lesão-sericina-natação, porém houve diferença significativa das fibras nervosas não viáveis menores nos grupos lesão-natação e lesão-sericina-natação em relação aos demais. Conclusões: A proteína sericina isolada apresentou características pró-inflamatórias. Houve melhora da alodinia e diminuição do quadro álgico no local da incisão cirúrgica relacionadas a possível efeito aquático. Não houve aceleração do reparo nervoso no oitavo dia após a lesão. Nível de Evidência I; Estudo clínico randomizado de alta qualidade com ou sem diferença estatisticamente significante, mas com intervalos de confiança estreitos.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los efectos del tratamiento de la sericina, asociada o no al ejercicio de natación con sobrecarga, sobre la reparación inicial del nervio isquiático después de compresión, en ratones Wistar. Métodos: Se separaron 40 animales en cinco grupos, siendo: control; lesión; lesión-sericina; lesión-natación y lesión-sericina-natación. Durante el procedimiento de axonotmesis, la sericina fue aplicada sobre la lesión en los grupos lesión-sericina y lesión-sericina-natación. Los grupos lesión-natación y lesión-sericina-natación realizaron el ejercicio de natación con sobrecarga durante cinco días, iniciándose en el tercer día postoperatorio (PO), siendo evaluados cuanto a la función, nocicepción y alodinia. La eutanasia fue realizada en el octavo día PO, siendo que dos fragmentos del nervio fueron recolectados y preparados para análisis cuantitativo y descriptivo, con relación a la cantidad total de fibras nerviosas viables, no viables, diámetro de la fibra nerviosa, del axón y espesor de la vaina de mielina. Resultados: En el índice funcional isquiático no hubo mejoría significativa hasta el octavo día. La prueba de "Von Frey" en la cicatriz quirúrgica y la fascia plantar indicaron reducción del cuadro álgico y alodinia, para los grupos lesión-natación y lesión-sericina-natación. El análisis morfológico presentó características similares en los grupos lesión-sericina, lesión-natación y lesión-sericina-natación, pero hubo diferencia significativa de las fibras nerviosas no viables menores en los grupos lesión-natación y lesión-sericina-natación con relación a los demás. Conclusiones: La proteína sericina aislada presentó características proinflamatorias. Hubo mejora de la alodinia y disminución del cuadro álgico en el lugar de la incisión quirúrgica, relacionadas al posible efecto acuático. No hubo aceleración de la reparación nerviosa en el octavo día después de la lesión. Nivel de Evidencia I; Ensayo clínico aleatorizado de alta calidad con o sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa, pero con intervalos de confianza estrechos.

Paciente com lesões hipercrômicas e pruriginosas na região posterior do tórax / Patient with hyperchromic and pruritic lesions in the posterior region of the thorax / Paciente con lesiones hipercrómicas y pruriginosas en la región posterior del tórax

Qual seu diagnóstico? Paciente feminina atendida no posto de saúde com queixas de lesões hipercrômicas e pruriginosas no dorso. Também relatou dor em coluna toracolombar e lombossacra de longa data. Realizou ressonancia que evidenciou compressão de raízes nervosas em alguns pontos, mas sem sinais de compressão medular. Analisando anamnese, exame fisico e exame de imagem a paciente foi diagnosticada com notalgia parestética.(AU)

A possible role of endoneurial fibroblast-like cells in the resolution of endoneurial oedema following nerve crush injury / El posible rol de los fibroblastos endoneurales en la resolución del edema endoneural después de una lesión por aplastamiento nervioso

SUMMARY: Endoneurial oedema is a salient feature of all types of neuropathy. Its elimination is crucial during the complications of nerve recovery. The objective was to study a possible role of the endoneurial fibroblasts in the resolution of nerve edema. Forty-two albino male rats aged between 30 and 40 days (weight 200 g to 250 g) were used in this study. The left sural nerves of 36 rats were subjected to crush injury at one to three-week intervals with six animals per interval. The right and left sural nerves of the remaining six rats were used as controls. At the end of the second week after crush injury, the endoneurium showed channel-like spaces that were lined by fibroblast-like cells and collagen bundles that contained degenerated myelin, and were connected to the subperineurial spaces. Flattened fibroblast-like cells were arranged in several layers in the subperineurial, forming barrier-like cellular sheets localizing to the endoneurial oedema in the space. Fibroblast-like cells also wrapped around the regenerating nerve fibres with their branching cytoplasmic processes. During the third week, the flattened fibroblast-like cells formed nearly continuous cellular sheets in the subperineurial spaces. Macrophages were frequently observed between these cellular barrier-like sheets and in the subperineurial. The endoneurial fibroblast-like cells form barrier-like cellular sheets that probably localise the endoneurial oedema in the subperineurial space. It also appear to create endoneurial channel-like spaces containing degenerated myelin and endoneurial oedema, which may be helpful in localizing and resolving such oedema.

RESUMEN: El edema endoneural es una característica destacada de todos los tipos de neuropatía. Su eliminación es importante durante las complicaciones de la recuperación nerviosa. El objetivo fue estudiar un posible papel de los fibroblastos endoneurales en la resolución del edema nervioso. En este estudio se utilizaron 42 ratas macho albinas con edades entre los 30 y 40 días (peso 200 a 250 g). Los nervios surales izquierdos de 36 ratas se sometieron a lesiones por aplastamiento en intervalos de una a tres semanas con seis animales por intervalo. Se usaron los nervios surales derecho e izquierdo de las seis ratas restantes como controles. Al final de la segunda semana después de la lesión por aplastamiento, el endoneuro mostró espacios en forma de canal que estaban revestidos por células similares a fibroblastos y haces de colágeno que contenían mielina degenerada y se conectaron a los espacios subperineurales. Las células aplanadas de fibroblastos se dispusieron en varias capas en el subperineuro, formando láminas celulares de tipo barrera que se localizaban en el espacio del edema endoneural. Las células similares a fibroblastos también envolvían las fibras nerviosas regeneradoras con sus procesos citoplásmicos ramificados. Durante la tercera semana, las células aplanadas de fibroblastos formaron láminas celulares casi continuas en los espacios subperineurales. Los macrófagos se observaron con frecuencia entre estas láminas similares a barreras celulares y en el subperineuro. Las células de tipo fibroblasto endoneural formaban láminas celulares de tipo barrera que probablemente localizan el edema endoneural en el espacio subperineural. También parece que crea espacios en forma de canal endoneural que contienen mielina degenerada y edema endoneural, que pueden ser útiles para localizar y resolver este edema.

Vértigo como presentación clínica de asa vascular de la arteria cerebelosa antero inferior / Vertigo as a clinical presentation of a vascular loop of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery

Resumen El vértigo es un frecuente motivo de consulta cuyo origen puede ser periférico o central; causas poco frecuentes de este último son las asas vasculares que afectan el VIII par craneal llevando a acúfenos, pérdida de la audición y mareo. Se presenta una mujer de 47 años de edad, quien consulta por un cuadro de mareo, náuseas, pérdida del tono postural, cefalea y parestesia facial, cuyo examen físico revela signos de vértigo periférico, iniciándose tratamiento con antieméticos, anticinetósicos y vasodilatadores que llevan a empeoramiento del cuadro, por lo que se sospecha de patología a nivel de sistema nervioso central (SNC) que ejerce compresión con la vasodilatación. Se realiza una resonancia magnética que muestra un asa vascular en la arteria cerebelosa inferior anterior (AICA) que ingresa al conducto auditivo interno (CAI) explicando la sintomatología y cuyo efecto compresivo de los nervios centrales genera un efecto paradójico con la toma de vasodilatadores. (Acta Med Colomb 2018; 43: 226-229).

Abstract Vertigo is a frequent reason for consultation whose origin can be peripheral or central; infrequent causes of the latter are the vascular loops that affect the VIII cranial nerve leading to tinnitus, hearing loss and dizziness. The case of a 47-year-old woman who consulted for a picture of dizziness, nausea, loss of postural tone, headache and facial paraesthesia, and whose physical examination revealed signs of peripheral vertigo, is presented. Treatment was started with antiemetics, anticinetics and vasodilators that lead to worsening of the condition, for which pathology exerting compression due to vasodilation at the central nervous system (CNS) level, is suspected. An MRI is performed showing a vascular loop in the Anterior Lower Cerebellar Artery (AICA) that enters the Internal Auditory Canal (IAC) explaining the symptomatology and whose compressive effect of the central nerves generates a paradoxical effect with the taking of vasodilators. (Acta Med Colomb 2018; 43: 226-229).

Sericin and swimming on histomorphometric parameters of denervated plantar muscle in Wistar rats / Sericina e natação sobre parâmetros histomorfométricos de músculo plantar desnervado de ratos Wistar

Abstract Objective To analyze the combined effects of the silk protein sericin and swimming exercise on histomorphometry of the plantar muscle in Wistar rats. Methods Forty adult rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups comprising 8 animals each, as follows: Control, Injury, Sericin, Swim, and Swim plus Sericin. Three days after crushing of the sciatic nerve the rats in the Swim and Swim plus Sericin Groups were submitted to swimming exercise for 21 days. Rats were then euthanized and the plantar muscle harvested and processed. Results Cross-sectional area, peripheral nuclei and muscle fiber counts, nucleus/fiber ratio and smallest muscle fiber width did not differ significantly between groups. Morphological analysis revealed hypertrophic fibers in the Swim Group and evident muscle damage in the Swim plus Sericin and Injury Groups. The percentage of intramuscular collagen was apparently maintained in the Swim Group compared to remaining groups. Conclusion Combined treatment with sericin and swimming exercise did not improve muscle properties. However, physical exercise alone was effective in maintaining intramuscular connective tissue and preventing progression of deleterious effects of peripheral nerve injury.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar o efeito da proteína sericina associada ao exercício físico de natação na histomorfometria do músculo plantar de ratos Wistar. Métodos Foram utilizados 40 ratos adultos divididos aleatoriamente em 5 grupos, com 8 animais cada: Controle, Lesão, Sericina, Natação, Natação e Sericina. Três dias após a compressão do nervo isquiático, os Grupos Natação e Exercício e Sericina foram submetidos ao exercício físico de natação durante 21 dias. Após, os animais foram sacrificados, e o músculo plantar foi processado. Resultados Não houve diferença da área da secção transversa entre os grupos, quantidade de núcleos periféricos, quantidade de fibra, relação núcleo/fibra e diâmetro menor. A análise morfológica revelou que no Grupo Natação ocorreu hipertrofia das fibras, assim como nos Grupos Exercício e Sericina e Lesão, o dano muscular foi evidente. O percentual de conjuntivo intramuscular parece ter sido mantido no Grupo Exercício em relação aos demais grupos. Conclusão A associação da proteína sericina e exercício físico de natação não foi eficiente na melhora das propriedades musculares, embora a aplicação do exercício físico tenha sido eficiente na manutenção do conjuntivo intramuscular, e no não agravamento dos efeitos deletérios consequentes da lesão nervosa periférica.

Alteraciones de las células de la microglía del sistema nervioso central provocadas por lesiones del nervio facial / Facial nerve injuries cause changes in central nervous system microglial cells

Resumen Introducción. El grupo de investigación del Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Comportamental de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia ha descrito modificaciones estructurales y electrofisiológicas en neuronas piramidales de la corteza motora producidas por la lesión del nervio facial contralateral en ratas. Sin embargo, poco se sabe sobre la posibilidad de que dichos cambios neuronales se acompañen también de modificaciones en las células gliales circundantes. Objetivo. Caracterizar el efecto de la lesión unilateral del nervio facial sobre la activación y proliferación de las células de la microglía en la corteza motora primaria contralateral en ratas. Materiales y métodos. Se hicieron pruebas de inmunohistoquímica para detectar las células de la microglía en el tejido cerebral de ratas sometidas a lesión del nervio facial, las cuales se sacrificaron en distintos momentos después de la intervención. Se infligieron dos tipos de lesiones: reversible (por compresión, lo cual permite la recuperación de la función) e irreversible (por corte, lo cual provoca parálisis permanente). Los tejidos cerebrales de los animales sin lesión (grupo de control absoluto) y de aquellos sometidos a falsa cirugía se compararon con los de los animales lesionados sacrificados 1, 2, 7, 21 y 35 días después de la lesión. Resultados. Las células de la microglía en la corteza motora de los animales lesionados irreversiblemente mostraron signos de proliferación y activación entre el tercero y séptimo días después de la lesión. La proliferación de las células de la microglía en animales con lesión reversible fue significativa solo a los tres días de infligida la lesión. Conclusiones. La lesión del nervio facial produce modificaciones en las células de la microglía de la corteza motora primaria. Estas modificaciones podrían estar involucradas en los cambios morfológicos y electrofisiológicos descritos en las neuronas piramidales de la corteza motora que comandan los movimientos faciales.

Abstract Introduction: Our research group has described both morphological and electrophysiological changes in motor cortex pyramidal neurons associated with contralateral facial nerve injury in rats. However, little is known about those neural changes, which occur together with changes in surrounding glial cells. Objective: To characterize the effect of the unilateral facial nerve injury on microglial proliferation and activation in the primary motor cortex. Materials and methods: We performed immunohistochemical experiments in order to detect microglial cells in brain tissue of rats with unilateral facial nerve lesion sacrificed at different times after the injury. We caused two types of lesions: reversible (by crushing, which allows functional recovery), and irreversible (by section, which produces permanent paralysis). We compared the brain tissues of control animals (without surgical intervention) and sham-operated animals with animals with lesions sacrificed at 1, 3, 7, 21 or 35 days after the injury. Results: In primary motor cortex, the microglial cells of irreversibly injured animals showed proliferation and activation between three and seven days post-lesion. The proliferation of microglial cells in reversibly injured animals was significant only three days after the lesion. Conclusions: Facial nerve injury causes changes in microglial cells in the primary motor cortex. These modifications could be involved in the generation of morphological and electrophysiological changes previously described in the pyramidal neurons of primary motor cortex that command facial movements.

Effect of ozone and methylprednisolone treatment following crush type sciatic nerve injury

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To assess and compare the histopathological effects of ozone therapy and/or methylprednisolone (MPS) treatment on regeneration after crush type sciatic nerve injury. METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly allocated into four groups. Four groups received the following regimens intraperitoneally every day for 14 days after formation of crush type injury on sciatic nerve: Group I: ozone (20mcg/ml); Group II: methylprednisolone (2mg/kg); Group III: ozone (20 mcg/ml) and methylprednisolone (2mg/kg); Group IV: isotonic saline (0.9%). The histomorphological evaluation was made after biopsies were obtained from the sites of injury. RESULTS: Significant differences were noted between groups in terms of degeneration (p=0.019), nerve sheath cell atrophy (p=0.012), intraneural inflammatory cellular infiltration (p=0.002), perineural granulation tissue formation (p=0.019), perineural vascular proliferation (p=0.004), perineural inflammatory cellular infiltration (p<0.001) and inflammation in peripheral tissue (p=0.006). Degeneration was remarkably low in Group III, while no change in nerve sheath cell was noted in Group II. CONCLUSION: The combined use of methylprednisolone and ozone treatment can have beneficial effects for regeneration after crush type nerve injury.

Mobilização neural aplicada em diferentes locais sobre a compressão do nervo isquiático de ratos Wistar / Neural mobilization applied at different sites on the sciatic nerve compression in Wistar rats

Introdução: a mobilização neural é uma técnica que visa restituir a função do sistema nervoso, contudo há ainda desconhecimento sobre o local mais apropriado. Objetivos: avaliar os efeitos da mobilização neural no tratamento da compressão do nervo isquiático de ratos Wistar, e comparar os diferentes locais de aplicação. Métodos: 24 ratos Wistar foram submetidos à compressão do nervo isquiático direito, e separados em quatro grupos: lesão (GL), mobilização neural no lesionado (GPD), mobilização neural no membro contralateral (GPE) e mobilização neural no membro ipsilateral a lesão (GEP). Foram realizadas avaliações funcionais pelo tempo de elevação da pata (TEP) e dolorímetro digital de Von Frey, após a última avaliação, o nervo isquiático foi seccionado para análise histológica. Resultados: houve diferença entre o GL (23,54) e GPE (23,98) na avaliação do TEP (p=0,028), na avaliação nociceptiva e histológica não houve diferenças significativas (p>0,05). Conclusão: a mobilização neural no membro contralateral foi prejudicial, enquanto o tratamento no membro acometido e no membro ipsilateral não apresentou diferença significativa.

Introduction: neural mobilization is a technique that aims to restore the function of the nervous system, yet there still lack of knowledge about the most appropriate place. Objectives: to evaluate the effects of neural mobilization in the treatment of sciatic nerve compression Wistar rats, and compare the different application sites. Methods: 24 Wistar rats were right sciatic nerve compression, and separated into four groups: injury (GL), neural mobilization in the injured (GPD), neural mobilization in the contralateral limb (GPE) and neural mobilization in the ipsilateral limb injury (GEP). Functional assessments were performed at paw elevation time (TEP) and digital Von Frey dolorimeter after the last evaluation, the sciatic nerve was sectioned for histological analysis. Results: there was a difference between the GL (23.54) and GPE (23.98) in the evaluation of the TEP (p=0.028), in nociceptive and histological evaluation no significant differences (p>0.05). Conclusion: the neural mobilization held in the contralateral limb was harmful, while treating the affected and ipsilateral limb showed no significant difference.

Rescuing axons from degeneration does not affect retinal ganglion cell death

After a traumatic injury to the central nervous system, the distal stumps of axons undergo Wallerian degeneration (WD), an event that comprises cytoskeleton and myelin breakdown, astrocytic gliosis, and overexpression of proteins that inhibit axonal regrowth. By contrast, injured neuronal cell bodies show features characteristic of attempts to initiate the regenerative process of elongating their axons. The main molecular event that leads to WD is an increase in the intracellular calcium concentration, which activates calpains, calcium-dependent proteases that degrade cytoskeleton proteins. The aim of our study was to investigate whether preventing axonal degeneration would impact the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after crushing the optic nerve. We observed that male Wistar rats (weighing 200-400 g; n=18) treated with an exogenous calpain inhibitor (20 mM) administered via direct application of the inhibitor embedded within the copolymer resin Evlax immediately following optic nerve crush showed a delay in the onset of WD. This delayed onset was characterized by a decrease in the number of degenerated fibers (P<0.05) and an increase in the number of preserved fibers (P<0.05) 4 days after injury. Additionally, most preserved fibers showed a normal G-ratio. These results indicated that calpain inhibition prevented the degeneration of optic nerve fibers, rescuing axons from the process of axonal degeneration. However, analysis of retinal ganglion cell survival demonstrated no difference between the calpain inhibitor- and vehicle-treated groups, suggesting that although the calpain inhibitor prevented axonal degeneration, it had no effect on RGC survival after optic nerve damage.

Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers., a medicinal mushroom, activates peripheral nerve regeneration / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the ability of aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus mushroom in the treatment of nerve injury following peroneal nerve crush in Sprague-Dawley rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Aqueous extract of Hericium erinaceus was given by daily oral administration following peroneal nerve crush injury in Sprague-Dawley rats. The expression of protein kinase B (Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways; and c-Jun and c-Fos genes were studied in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) whereas the activity of protein synthesis was assessed in peroneal nerves by immunohistochemical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Peripheral nerve injury leads to changes at the axonal site of injury and remotely located DRG containing cell bodies of sensory afferent neurons. Immunofluorescence studies showed that DRG neurons ipsilateral to the crush injury in rats of treated groups expressed higher immunoreactivities for Akt, MAPK, c-Jun and c-Fos as compared with negative control group (P <0.05). The intensity of nuclear ribonucleoprotein in the distal segments of crushed nerves of treated groups was significantly higher than in the negative control group (P <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>H. erinaceus is capable of promoting peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. Potential signaling pathways include Akt, MAPK, c-Jun, and c-Fos, and protein synthesis have been shown to be involved in its action.</p>

Gantzer muscle. An anatomical study

OBJECTIVE: The relationship of Gantzer muscle to the median and anterior interosseous nerve is debated. METHODS: Ìn an anatomical study with 80 limbs from 40 cadavers the incidence, origin, insertion, nerve supply and relations of Gantzer muscle have been documented. RESULTS: The muscle was found in 54 forearms (68% of limbs) and was supplied by the anterior interosseous nerve. It arose from the deep surface of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle, (42 limbs), coronoid process (eight limbs) and medial epicondyle (seven limbs). Its insertion was to the ulnar part of flexor pollicis longus muscle. The Gantzer muscle always lay posterior to both the median and anterior interosseous nerve. CONCLUSION: The Gantzer muscle may contribute to the median nerve and anterior interosseous nerve compression. The muscle was found in 68% of limbs and should be considered a normal anatomical pattern rather than an anatomical variation. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells over-expressing glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor on electrically injured sciatic nerve of rats / 中华烧伤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) with continous over-expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on the motor function recovery and nerve regeneration of sciatic nerve of rats after electrical injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Five SD rats were collected to prepare ADSCs with over-expression of GDNF. One hundred and fifty SD rats were divided into normal control group (N), GDNF-ADSCs group (GA), ADSCs group (A), GDNF group (G), and physiological saline group (P) according to the random number table, with 30 rats in each group. Rats in group N were routinely fed without treatment, and rats in the other 4 groups were inflicted with electrical injury on sciatic nerve of thigh of the right hind leg. Rats in groups GA, A, G, and P were respectively injected with 100 µL suspension of ADSCs with over-expression of GDNF (1 x 10(7) cells per mL), 100 [µL ADSCs suspension (1 x 10(7) cells per mL), 100 µL GDNF solution (100 mg/L) , and 100 µL physiological saline to the surface of the injured nerves immediately after injury. Six rats of each group were collected for measuring hind limb stride from post injury week (PIW) 1 to 8, and morphology of the sciatic nerves was observed in PIW 8. In PIW 4, the protein expression of GDNF of sciatic nerves of the rest rats in each group was determined with Western blotting. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance, analysis of variance of repeated measurement, and SNK test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with that of group N, the hind limb stride values in groups GA, A, G, and P were significantly lower at each time point (with P values below 0.05). Compared with those of group P, the hind limb stride values in group GA from PIW 3 to 8, in group A in PIW 3, 5, and 7, and in group G in PIW 3, 5, 7, and 8 were significantly longer (with P values below 0.05). The hind limb stride values in group GA from PIW 4 to 8 were respectively (10.83 ± 0.97), (13.25 ± 1.40), (12.86 ± 1.42), (14.06 ± 1.50), and (15.09 ± 1.17) cm, which were significantly longer than those in group A [(8.90 ± 0.82), (9.03 ± 0.57), (9.27 ± 0.36), (9.86 ± 0.36), and (9.52 ± 0.58) cm] and group G [(8.87 ± 0.69), (8.51 ± 1.18), (9.34 ± 0.87), (9.76 ± 0.67), and (9.50 ± 1.22) cm], with P values below 0.05. Compared with that of group N, the number of myelinated nerve fibers of sciatic nerves was obviously decreased in group P but obviously increased in groups GA, A, and G; the diameter of axons was obviously shorter, and the myelin thickness was obviously increased in groups GA, A, G, and P in PIW 8 (with P values below 0.05). The number of myelinated nerve fibers in group GA was 31.2 ± 0.8, which was significantly higher than that in group A (23.7 ± 2.7), group G (22.3 ± 2.7), or group P (9.3 ± 2.8), with P values below 0.05. The diameter values of axons among groups P, A, G, and GA were similar (with P values above 0.05). The myelin thickness of rats in group GA was (3.41 ± 0.34) µm, which was significantly thicker than that in group A [(2.64 ± 0.37) µm] or group G [(2.41 ± 0.34) µm], with P values below 0.05. In PIW 4, the protein expression of GDNF of sciatic nerves was significantly higher in groups P, A, G, and GA than in group N (with P values below 0.05), and the protein expression of GDNF in group GA was significantly higher than that in group P, A, or G (with P values below 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>ADSCs over-expressing GDNF protein can obviously promote the motor function recovery and nerve regeneration of sciatic nerve of rats after electrical injury.</p>

Effect of low-level LASER and neural mobilization on nociceptive threshold in experimental sciatica / Efeito do LASER de baixa potência, da mobilização neural e da sua associação sobre o limiar nociceptivo em ciatalgia experimental

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are few studies in the literature especially reporting the effects of LASER associated to neural mobilization for sciatica. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of low-level LASER with wavelength of 830 nm and fluency of 4 J/cm2, of neural mobilization and of their association to decrease pain. METHODS: Sample was made up of 28 Wistar female rats, separated in four groups: G1 (placebo); G2 (neural mobilization); G3 (LASER); G4 (neural mobilization and LASER), being that all groups were submitted to sciatic nerve compression. Treatment was performed in the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th and in the 14th postoperative days. To evaluate nociception an analgesimeter was applied both to injury site and the plantar region of right hind paw. Evaluation moments were AV1 (pre-injury); AV2 (3rd postoperative day before treatment); AV3 (4th postoperative day); AV4 (7th postoperative day), AV5 (10th postoperative day) and AV6 (14th postoperative day) before treatment; and AV7 (15th postoperative day). RESULTS: At evaluation sites, there has been no statistically significant difference among groups, but in comparing evaluations there has been significant difference where AV1 values were higher as compared to remaining evaluations. CONCLUSION: Low-level LASER with wavelength of 830nm and fluency of 4J/cm2, neural mobilization and the association of both techniques were not effective to increase nociceptive threshold to pressure of female rats submitted to experimental sciatica...

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Há uma carência na literatura relatando, principalmente, os efeitos do LASER associado à mobilização neural na ciatalgia. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito do LASER de baixa potência, com comprimento de onda 830nm e fluência de 4J/cm2, da mobilização neural e da sua associação, na redução da dor. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 28 ratas Wistar, separadas em quatros grupos: G1 (placebo); G2 (mobilização neural); G3 (LASER); G4 (mobilização neural e LASER), sendo que, todos os grupos foram submetidos à constrição do nervo isquiático. O tratamento ocorreu no 3º, 5º, 7º, 10º, 12º e no 14º dia de pós-operatório. Para a avaliação da nocicepção foi utilizado um analgesímetro, aplicado tanto no local da lesão como na região plantar da pata posterior direita. Os momentos de avaliação foram: AV1 (pré-lesão); AV2 (3º dia de pós-operatório antes do tratamento); AV3 (4º dia de pós-operatório); AV4 (7º dia de pós-operatório), AV5 (10º dia de pós-operatório) e AV6 (14º dia de pós-operatório) aconteceram antes do tratamento; e a AV7 (15º dia de pós-operatório). RESULTADOS: Nos dois locais de avaliação, constatou-se que não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos, mas, na comparação entre as avaliações, houve diferença significativa, cujos valores de AV1 foram maiores do que aqueles encontrados nas demais avaliações. CONCLUSÃO: O LASER de baixa potência com comprimento de onda de 830nm e fluência de 4J/cm2, a mobilização neural e a associação das duas técnicas, não foram eficazes para aumentar...

Análise morfométrica do nervo isquiático de ratos Wistar adultos submetidos à compressão crônica através de um clipe cirúrgico / Morphometric analysis of the sciatic nerve of Wistar rats submitted to chronic compression through surgical clip

Introdução: Hiperidrose é uma condição idiopática caracterizada por sudorese excessiva generalizada ou restrita a extremidades. O tratamento definitivo e com menor morbidade é a simpatectomia videotoracoscópica. O bloqueio da cadeia simpática com clipe possibilitaria a reversão da cirurgia para pacientes que sofrem de hiperidrose compensatória pós-operatória ­ complicação mais problemática. Como objetivo, este trabalho visa analisar a arquitetura ultraestrutural e morfométrica do nervo isquiático de ratos Wistar machos adultos submetidos à compressão crônica através de um clipe cirúrgico. Os objetivos são identificar se há alteração nervosa com o clipamento e se existe tempo para promover o retorno às atividades neuronais pós-retirada do clipe. Pode-se, portanto, verificar se o clipamento é eficaz como forma de tratamento para hiperidrose, com a vantagem de ser um procedimento reversível. Métodos: Foram selecionados 30 ratos Wistar machos separados em 3 grupos ­ 1, 2 e 3 ­ com n=10, com a retirada do clipe em 1, 2 e 4 semanas, respectivamente. Cada grupo foi dividido em A e B com n=5. Todos os ratos do grupo A eram sacrificados no momento da retirada do clipe e, no B, uma semana após a retirada do clipe. Resultados: O estudo mostrou que, em cada um dos grupos, houve nervos normais e com degeneração, independentemente da retirada do clipe ou de sua manutenção. Conclusão: Simpatectomia com clipe parece não ser um bom método para o tratamento da hiperidrose. O efeito da simpatectomia com clipe e sua remoção devem ser melhor observados em grandes estudos (AU)

Introduction: Hyperhidrosis is an idiopathic condition characterized by excessive sweating that may be generalized or restricted to specific parts of the body. The definitive treatment with less morbidity is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. Blockade of the sympathetic chain with a clip enables reversal of surgery for patients suffering from postoperative compensatory sweating ­ the most problematic complication. This work was designed to assess the ultrastructural and morphometric architecture of the sciatic nerve of adult male Wistar rats subjected to chronic compression via surgical clip. The aims were to determine if there are changes to nerve from clipping and if there is time to restore neuronal activity after removal of the clip. One can thus check if clipping is an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis, with the advantage of being a reversible procedure. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were selected and divided into 3 groups of ten rats each, with removal of the clip at weeks 1, 2 and 4, respectively. Each group was divided into A and B with n = 5. Rats in group A were sacrificed at the time of clip withdrawal and rats in group B were sacrifi ced one week after clip withdrawal. Results: The study showed that, in each of the groups, there were normal and degenerated nerves regardless of clip removal or maintenance. Conclusion: Sympathectomy with clip does not seem to be a good method for the treatment of hyperhidrosis. The effect of sympathectomy with clip and its removal should be further investigated in larger studies (AU)

Desordens musculoesqueléticas em violinistas e violistas profissionais: revisão sistemática / Musculoskeletal disorders in professional violinists and violists: systematic review

Devido à alta demanda física e psicológica de trabalho, os músicos possuem grande risco de desenvolver uma variedade de problemas de saúde. As maiores causas de desordens musculoesqueléticas observadas em instrumentistas são excesso de uso, compressão nervosa e distonia focal. O objetivo deste artigo é identificar as desordens musculoesqueléticas que acometem com maior freqüência os violinistas e violistas profissionais. Foram lidos 50 artigos, desses, 24 foram utilizados. A escala PEDro foi utilizada para atestar a qualidade dos artigos. A definição dos fatores de risco pode ajudar na elaboração de programas de prevenção. Tocar instrumentos musicais envolve combinação de ações, incluindo movimentos rápidos, repetitivos e complicados das mãos e dedos. As cadeiras não oferecem outra opção senão a adaptação do corpo frente às exigências posturais. Para atingir destreza necessária para se tornar um músico de alto nível, são necessárias muitas horas de treinamento e aperfeiçoamento. O pescoço, ombro e a articulação temporomandibular são os mais afetados devido à posição prolongada de flexão da cabeça e ombro para segurar o violino, cotovelo e dedos também são alvos de desordens. É necessário alertar aos músicos de como são os sintomas iniciais para evitar que o distúrbio se agrave. Nível de Evidência I, Centro de Medicina baseada em Evidência, Oxford, Reino Unido.

Due to the high physical and psychological demands of their work, musicians have a high risk of developing a range of health problems. The main causes of musculoskeletal disorders seen in instrumentalists are overuse, nerve compression and focal dystonia. The aim of this paper is to identify the musculoskeletal disorders that most frequently affect professional violinists and violists. 50 articles were read, of which 24 were used. The PEDro scale was used to determine the quality of the articles. The definition of risk factors can help in the development of prevention programs. Playing a musical instrument involves a combination of actions, including rapid, repetitive and complicated movements of the hands and fingers. The chairs used offer no other option than to adapt to the demands of body posture. To achieve the necessary skills to become a musician of a high standard, many hours of training and perfection are required. The neck, shoulder and temporomandibular joints are the most commonly affected areas, due to prolonged flexion of the head and shoulder required to hold the violin. The elbow and fingers are also common sites of disorders. It is necessary to warn musicians of the initial symptoms, and how they can prevent the disorder from worsening. Level I Evidence (Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, Oxford, UK).

Synergistic Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Infected with Recombinant Adenovirus Expressing Human BDNF on Erectile Function in a Rat Model of Cavernous Nerve Injury

PURPOSE: To evaluate the combined role of mescenchymal stem cells (MSCs) infected with recombinant adenoviruses expressing human BDNF (rAd/hBDNF) on the erectile dysfunction in rat with cavernous nerve injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats divided into 4 groups: control group, bilateral cavernous nerve crushing group (BCNC group), BCNC with MSCs group and BCNC with MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF group. After 4-week, functional assessment was done. PKH26 and BDNF staining of major pelvic ganglion and masson's trichrome staining of corpus cavernosum were performed. Western blot analysis of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) was done in corpus cavernosum. RESULTS: After 4 weeks, BCNC with MSCs and MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF groups showed significantly well-preserved erectile function compared with BCNC group. Moreover, the erectile function of MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF group was significantly well-preserved than BCNC with MSCs group. The smooth muscle of corpus cavernosum was significantly preserved in BCNC with MSCs and MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF groups compared with BCNC group. More preservation of smooth muscle was observed in rats with MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF than with MSCs alone. Significant increase expression of eNOS and nNOS was noted in rats with MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF than with MSCs alone. CONCLUSIONS: The erectile function was more preserved after injection with MSCs infected with rAd/hBDNF in rat with ED caused by cavernous nerve injury. Therefore, the use of MSC infected with rAd/hBDNF may have a better treatment effect on ED cause by cavernous nerve injury.

Compresiones nerviosas periféricas múltiples de origen metabólico: mucopolisacaridosis: descripción de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Metabolic & multiple peripheral nerve compressions: muchopolissacaridosis

Introducción: las enfermedades por depósito de Glucosaminoglicanos en el tejido conectivo se asocian a neuropatías compresivas diversas, especialmente al síndrome del túnel carpiano y del túnel tarsiano. La afectación nerviosa es precoz dentro de la evolución de la enfermedad y suele dejar secuelas permanentes. Descripción: se presenta el caso de una joven de 20 años con Mucopolisacaridosis tipo VI (síndrome de Maroteaux-Lamy), en terapiade reemplazo enzimático de 3 años de evolución, que presentó síndrome del túnel carpiano bilateral y del túnel tarsiano derecho. Intervención: el diagnóstico se confirmó neurofisiológicamente y la descompresión quirúrgica brindó resultados clínicos muy favorables, mejorando notablemente la calidad de vida de la enferma. Conclusión: esta rara patología y su asociación con las neuropatías compresivas debe ser conocida por neurocirujanos, ya que suele requerir tratamiento quirúrgico por la especialidad.