Effect of folic acid coated-crosslinked urethane-doped polyester elastomer nerve conduit on promoting the repair of long distance peripheral nerve injury in rats / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of folic acid coated-crosslinked urethane-doped polyester elastomer (fCUPE) nerve conduit in repairing long distance peripheral nerve injury.@*METHODS@#Thirty-six 3-month-old male Sprague Dawley rats weighing 180-220 g were randomly assigned to 3 groups, each consisting of 12 rats: CUPE nerve conduit transplantation group (group A), fCUPE nerve conduit transplantation group (group B), and autologous nerve transplantation group (group C), the contralateral healthy limb of group C served as the control group (group D). A 20-mm-long sciatic nerve defect model was established in rats, and corresponding materials were used to repair the nerve defect according to the group. The sciatic function index (SFI) of groups A-C was calculated using the Bain formula at 1, 2, and 3 months after operation. The nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of the affected side in groups A-D was assessed using neuroelectrophysiological techniques. At 3 months after operation, the regenerated nerve tissue was collected from groups A-C for S-100 immunohistochemical staining and Schwann cell count in groups A and B to compare the level of nerve repair and regeneration in each group.@*RESULTS@#At 3 months after operation, the nerve conduits in all groups partially degraded. There was no significant adhesion between the nerve and the conduit and the surrounding tissues, the conduit was well connected with the distal and proximal nerves, and the nerve-like tissues in the conduit could be observed when the nerve conduit stents were cut off. SFI in group A was significantly higher than that in group C at each time point after operation and was significantly higher than that in group B at 2 and 3 months after operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in SFI between groups B and C at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). NCV in group A was significantly slower than that in the other 3 groups at each time point after operation ( P<0.05). The NCV of groups B and C were slower than that of group D, but the difference was significant only at 1 month after operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups B and C at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that the nerve tissue of group A had an abnormal cavo-like structure, light tissue staining, and many non-Schwann cells. In group B, a large quantity of normal neural structures was observed, the staining was deeper than that in group A, and the distribution of dedifferentiated Schwann cells was obvious. In group C, the nerve bundles were arranged neatly, and the tissue staining was the deepest. The number of Schwann cells in group B was (727.50±57.60) cells/mm 2, which was significantly more than that in group A [(298.33±153.12) cells/mm 2] ( t=6.139, P<0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#The fCUPE nerve conduit is effective in repairing long-distance sciatic nerve defects and is comparable to autologous nerve grafts. It has the potential to be used as a substitute material for peripheral nerve defect transplantation.

Schwannoma pancreático como tumor sincrónico. Reporte de caso / Pancreatic schwannoma as a synchronous tumor. Case report

Los Schwannomas son tumores derivados de las células de Schwann de las vainas de los nervios periféricos. Se pueden localizar en cualquier región anatómica que contenga tejido nervioso periférico, siendo más frecuentes en la región craneofacial y las extremidades. Los Schwannomas pancreáticos son entidades sumamente infrecuentes de las cuales solo se han descrito 68 casos a nivel mundial. En el presente trabajo se presenta el caso de un paciente con hallazgo incidental de tres tumores sincrónicos dentro de los cuales se encuentra un Schwannoma pancreático.Caso clínico : Paciente femenino de 66 años de edad con antecedente de diabetes mellitus tipo 1 y enfermedad diverticular pancolónica quien acude presentando cuadro clínico compatible con absceso lumbar izquierdo. Se realiza TC de abdomen y pelvis con doble contraste que evidencia extensa área de colección heterogénea en región retroperitoneal que diseca hacia región lumbar y glútea izquierda, además de la presencia de tumor hipodenso de bordes lobulados en mesogastrio. Se realiza colonoscopia que reporta lesión exofítica ulcerada en unión rectosigmoidea. El resto de paraclínicos y estudios de extensión se encontraban dentro de límites normales. Se decide resolución quirúrgica mediante drenaje percutáneo de absceso y laparotomía exploradora. Informe histopatológico: cistoadenoma seroso microquístico de cuerpo de páncreas, Schwannoma de cola de páncreas y adenocarcinoma moderadamente diferenciado de colon sigmoides.Conclusión : Los Schwannomas pancreáticos son entidades sumamente infrecuentes que pueden presentarse con una amplia variedad de manifestaciones clínicas, sin embargo, deben tenerse en cuenta como posible diagnóstico diferencial ante el hallazgo de un tumor pancreático(AU)

Schwannomas, also called Neurilemmomas or Neurinomas, are tumors derived from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve sheaths. They can be located in any anatomical region that contains peripheral nervous tissue, being more frequent in the craniofacial region and the extremities. Pancreatic Schwannomas are extremely rare entities of which only 68 cases have been described worldwide. In the present study we present the case of a patient with an incidental finding of three synchronous tumors, including a pancreatic Schwannoma.Clinical case : A 66-year-old female patient with a history of type 1 diabetes mellitus and pancolonic diverticular disease who presented with symptoms compatible with left lumbar abscess. A double-contrast CT of the abdomen and pelvis was performed, which revealed a large area of heterogeneous collection in the retroperitoneal region that dissected towards the left lumbar and gluteal region, in addition to the presence of a hypodense tumor with lobulated borders in the mesogastrium. A colonoscopy was performed, which reported an ulcerated exophytic lesion at the rectosigmoid junction. The rest of the paraclinical and extension studies were within normal limits. Surgical resolution is decided by percutaneous abscess drainage and exploratory laparotomy. Histopathological report: microcystic serous cystadenoma of the body of the pancreas, Schwannoma of the pancreas tail, and moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon.Conclusion : Pancreatic Schwannomas are extremely rare entities that can present with a wide variety of clinical manifestations, however, they should be taken into account as a possible differential diagnosis when a pancreatic tumor is found(AU)

Ingeniería Tisular Para Regeneración Nerviosa: Una Revisión / Tissue Engineering For Nervous Regeneration: A Review

Resumen Introducción: Este artículo presenta avances de la medicina regenerativa y la ingeniería de tejidos orientados a la regeneración de neuronas, de axones y nervios. Revisamos las técnicas que existen actualmente, las más utilizas o prometedoras, en la búsqueda de avances para regenerar este tipo de tejidos. Objetivo: Con esta revisión queremos describir el conocimiento actual sobre la medicina regenerativa y la ingeniería de tejidos orientados a la reparación de tejidos nerviosos. Metodología: Para desarrollar esta revisión se realizó una búsqueda de artículos entre los años 2007 y el 2018, la búsqueda se restringió a los artículos que incluyeran dentro de sus palabras clave; Ingeniería tisular, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Medicina regenerativa, Regeneración axonal, Regeneración neuronal, Regeneración tisular. Con el fin de seleccionar los artículos más adecuados, se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva en bases de datos como Springer, Medline Ebsco y Science direct. Conclusiones: Se mencionan técnicas como implantación de injertos, terapia celular y terapia molecular e implantación de andamios 3D para regeneración de neuronas, axones y nervios; a partir de esta revisión pudimos observar que estas técnicas en su mayoría funcionan mejor cuando se combinan, aprovechando las ventajas de cada una para promover la regeneración de los diferentes tejidos nerviosos.

Introduction: This article presents advances in regenerative medicine aimed at the regeneration of nervous and neuronal tissue, focusing on regeneration of neurons, axons and nerve regeneration. We will review the techniques that currently exist, the most used or promising, in the search of advances to regenerate this type of tissues. Objective: With this review we want to describe the current knowledge about regenerative medicine and tissue engineering oriented to nerve tissue repair. Methodology: To carry out this review, a search of articles was carried out between 2007 and 2018, the search was restricted to the articles that they included within their keywords; Tissue Engineering, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Regenerative Medicine, Axonal Regeneration, Neuronal Regeneration, Tissue Regeneration. We will mention about techniques such as implantation. Conclusions: with this review we could observe that most of the mentioned techniques work better when combined, taking advantage of each one to promote a greater regeneration of the different tissues.

Mechanical properties of the sciatic nerve following combined transplantation of analytically extracted acellular allogeneic nerve and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract Purpose To investigate the effects of Chemically Extracted Acellular Nerves (CEANs) when combined with Adipose-Derived mesenchymal Stem Cell (ADSC) transplantation on the repair of sciatic nerve defects in rabbits. Methods A total of 71 six-month-old Japanese rabbit were used in this study. Twenty rabbits served as sciatic nerve donors, while the other 51 rabbits were randomly divided into Autologous Nerve Transplantation Group (ANT, n=17), CEAN group (n=17) and CEAN-ADSCs group (n=17). In all these groups, the rabbit's left sciatic nerves were injured before the experiment, and the uninjured sciatic nerves on their right side were used as the control (CON). Electrophysiological tests were carried out and sciatic nerves were prepared for histomorphology and stretch testing at 24 weeks post-transplant. Results There were significant differences between ANT and Con groups in amplitude (AMP): P=0.031; motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV): P=0.029; Maximum stress: P=0.029; and Maximum strain P=0.027. There were also differences between the CEAN and CEAN+ADSCs groups in AMP: P=0.026, MNCV: P=0.024; Maximum stress: P=0.025 and Maximum strain: P=0.030. No significant differences in these parameters were observed when comparing the ANT and CEAN+SACN groups (MNCV: P=0.071) or the CEAN and ANT groups (Maximum stress: P=0.069; Maximum strain P=0.077). Conclusion Addition of ADSCs has a significant impact on the recovery of nerve function, morphology, and tensile mechanical properties following sciatic nerve injury.

Jan Evangelista Purkinje, a brilliant, multifaceted Czech biologist: nerve tissue / Jan Evangelista Purkinje, um brilhante multifacetado biólogo checo: tecido nervoso

Jan Evangelista Purkinje was a Czech physician with an exceptional capacity for innovative thinking, and he was one of the fathers of experimental physiology, experimental pharmacology, experimental psychology, histology, embryology, and physical anthropology. Several achievements are named after him, from his prodigious productivity. Of special interest of this paper was his pioneering role in the rise of experimental physiology, microscopical anatomy, and histological methods by the 1830´s that allowed him define more accurate data concerning the structure of nerve tissue of animals and humans such as the now known "Purkinje's cells" and others cells of the brain. He investigated the structure of neuronal processes, including the dendrites. Purkinje recognized possible functional differences between a variety of types of neurons and speculated about their interrelations. He was one of the great geniuses of science.

Jan Evangelista Purkinje foi um médico checo com excepcional capacidade de pensamento inovador e um dos pais da fisiologia experimental, farmacologia experimental, psicologia experimental, histologia, embriologia e antropologia física. Várias conquistas receberam o nome dele, de sua produtividade prodigiosa. De interesse especial deste trabalho enaltece-se o seu papel pioneiro no surgimento da fisiologia experimental, anatomia microscópica e métodos histológicos na década de 1830. Isso permitiu que ele definisse dados mais precisos sobre a estrutura do tecido nervoso de animais e humanos, como as agora conhecidas "células de Purkinje" e outras células do cérebro. Ele investigou a estrutura dos processos neuronais, incluindo os dendritos. Purkinje reconheceu possíveis diferenças funcionais entre uma variedade de tipos de neurônios e especulou sobre suas inter-relações. Ele foi um dos grandes gênios da ciência.

Cerebral localization of the mind and higher functions: the beginnings / Localização cerebral da mente e das funções superiores: os primórdios

Abstract The debates about the mind and its higher functions, and attempts to locate them in the body, have represented a subject of interest of innumerable sages since ancient times. The doubt concerning the part of the body that housed these functions, the heart (cardiocentric doctrine) or the brain (cephalocentric doctrine), drove the search. The Egyptians, millennia ago, held a cardiocentric view. A very long time later, ancient Greek scholars took up the theme anew, but remained undecided between the heart and the brain, a controversy that lasted for centuries. The cephalocentric view prevailed, and a new inquiry ensued about the location of these functions within the brain, the ventricles or the nervous tissue, which also continued for centuries. The latter localization, although initially inaccurate, gained traction. However, it represented only a beginning, as further studies in the centuries that followed revealed more precise definitions and localizations of the higher mental functions.

Resumo Os debates sobre a mente e suas funções superiores, e as tentativas de estabelecer suas localizações no corpo, foram objeto de interesse de inúmeros sábios desde os tempos mais remotos. A dúvida quanto à parte do corpo que abrigava tais funções, o coração (doutrina cardiocêntrica) ou o cérebro (doutrina cefalocêntrica), abriu as buscas. Os egípcios, há milênios, mantinham um ponto de vista cardiocêntrico. Muito tempo depois, antigos acadêmicos gregos retomaram o tema, mas permaneceram indecisos entre o coração e o cérebro, uma controvérsia que durou séculos. O ponto de vista cefalocêntrico predominou, e seguiu-se uma nova questão, quanto ao lugar dessas funções no cérebro, os ventrículos ou o tecido nervoso, que também durou séculos. Esta última localização, apesar de inicialmente equivocada, prosperou. Entretanto, esta representou apenas um começo, já que mais estudos, nos séculos seguintes, revelaram definições e localizações mais precisas para as funções mentais superiores.

A Rare Cause of Thoracic Spinal Cord Compression by Multiple Large Tarlov Cysts / 대한신경손상학회지

Spinal extradural arachnoid cyst (SEAC) is a rare cause of spinal cord compression. Bifocal location of thoracic and sacral SEACs is rarely reported in the literature. We report a case of thoracic spinal cord compression by SEAC associated with asymptomatic multiple sacral Tarlov cysts (TC). The surgical management and postoperative outcome of the patient are discussed. A 34-year-old woman was referred to the hospital for acute thoracic pain with a history of chronic long-standing back pain. She complained of walking difficulties. Neurological examination demonstrated incomplete spastic paraplegia with sensory level in T9. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large cystic formation from T7-11 and at the level of the sacrum. We performed laminectomies at the level of interest from T7-11. The cysts were dissected from the underlying dura after removal of the cerebrospinal fluid. We found nerve tissue in the cysts. We excised the cyst and preserved the nerve roots. Subsequently, a duraplasty was performed with autologous grafts from the lumbar fascia. The condition of the patient improved after surgery and he was recovering well at follow-up. Although the surgical treatment of TC is controversial, especially at the sacral lumbar level, decompression at the dorsal level in this case is indisputable.

Daño medular espinal: tratamiento y posibles usus de la terapia celular / Spinal cord injury: treatment and possible uses of stem cells

El daño medular espinal, representa la principal causa de parálisis (total o parcial), que se acompaña de secuelas irreversibles y de gran impacto negativo para el paciente, entorno familiar y laboral. Con el advenimiento y avances en tecnología, técnicas de inmunohistoquímica, citología y bioingeniería, se han podido desarrollar numerosos estudios a nivel experimental, dirigidos a la recuperación de la función vertebro-espinal, con una inmensa gama de resultados, que sirven de asiento a futuras investigaciones en seres humanos. En su mayoría, evalúan funciones motoras y sensitivas durante las 3 fases de la lesión espinal. Para ello se emplean técnicas de implantación de células madre (de origen alogénico, autólogo o xenogénico) a través de la inyección intratecal o directa en parénquima nervioso. Los resultados a nivel experimental son alentadores; sin embargo, aún queda mucho por dilucidar en torno a la formación de la cicatriz glial, de los factores inductores que se expresan y su repercusión en humanos. Las directrices actuales en el tratamiento de la lesión espinal, incluyen desde mejoras en las técnicas de inmovilización y traslado pre-hospitalario del paciente lesionado espinal, pasando por el empleo de fármacos (Esteroides, Lazaroides, Calcio antagonistas, diuréticos osmóticos, etc.), hasta el uso de estimulación cortical, epidural y nanoimplantes medulares, así como la aplicación de exoesqueletos y de la Terapia Celular. En este artículo se reúnen los resultados de la revisión de estudios con más de 21mil publicaciones (hasta octubre del 2017), donde se han empleado células madre para tratar la lesión medular espinal (traumática)(AU)

Spinal cord damage represents the main cause of paralysis (total or partial), which is accompanied by irreversible sequelae and a high negative impact on the patient, family and work environment. With the advent and advances in technology, techniques of immunohistochemistry, cytology and bioengineering, numerous experimental studies have been developed, aimed at recovering vertebro-spinal function, with an immense range of results, which serve as a seat for future investigations in human beings. In their majority, they evaluate motor and sensory functions during the 3 phases of the spinal injury. For this purpose, implantation techniques of stem cells (of allogeneic, autologous or xenogenic origin) are used through intrathecal or direct injection in nervous parenchyma. The results at the experimental level are encouraging; However, much remains to be elucidated about the formation of the glial scar, the inducing factors that are expressed and their impact on humans. The current guidelines in the treatment of spinal injury include improvements in the techniques of immobilization and pre-hospital transfer of the injured spinal patient, through the use of drugs (steroids, lazaroids, calcium antagonists, osmotic diuretics, etc.) up to the use of cortical stimulation, epidural and spinal nanoimplantation, as well as the application of exoskeletons and Cell Therapy. This article brings together the results of the review of studies with more than 21 thousand publications (until October 2017), where stem cells have been used to treat spinal cord injury (traumatic)(AU)

Experience and understanding of sensory neuropathy in the Filipino context

BACKGROUND: Locally, understanding and communicating sensory neuropathy may be confounded by a "comprehension gap" during consults and limited "nerve literacy" or knowledge of patients about nerves. This may affect the effectiveness of healthcare.OBJECTIVE: The study aims to describe the Filipino patients' experience of sensory neuropathy in local terms and their understanding of its causation.METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study among 24 patients with sensory neuropathy was done using semi-structured individual interviews. The first part elicited Filipino terms and descriptions used to explain their experience. The second part elicited perceived cause pre- and post- consult and perceived body part affected.RESULTS: The most common descriptors of sensory neuropathy include "manhid", "kuryente", "tinutusuk-tusok", "ngalay", "kirot", and "naninigas". Many would initially identify "pasma" as a cause. Post-consult, many would cease to see it as part of natural ageing and would identify structural explanations such as impingement. They would however attribute it to an affectation of "ugat" which most defined as blood vessels.CONCLUSION: The abovementioned terms are commonly used to describe sensory neuropathy and can be clinically useful in eliciting symptoms. There is existing confusion with regards to the nerve as a structure involved even after consultation.

Establishment of pelvic nerve denervation modal in mice / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establishment and verify pelvic nerve denervation (PND) model in mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>(1) Establishment of models. Seventy-two healthy male SPE class C57 mice with age of 7 weeks and body weight of (25±1) g were chosen. These 72 mice were randomly divided into PND group containing 36 mice and sham operation group containing 36 mice. Referring to the establishment method of PND rats, after anesthesia, a laparotomy was performed on the mouse with an abdominal median incision. Under the dissection microscope, the pelvic nerves behind and after each sides of the prostate gland were bluntly separated with cotton swabs and cut with a dissecting scissor. After the operation, the urination of mice was assisted twice every day. For the mice of sham operation group, the pelvic nerves were only exposed without cutting. (2) Detection of models. Colonic transit test was performed in 18 mice chosen randomly from each group to detect the colonic transit ratio (colored colon by methylene blue/ whole colon) and visceral sensitivity tests was performed in the rest mice to observe and record the changes of electromyogram.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three mice died of colonic transit test in each group. Uroschesis occurred in all the mice of PND group and needed bladder massage to assist the urination. Colonic transit test showed that the colonic transit ratios of sham operation group at postoperative day (POD) 1, 3 and 7 were (0.4950±0.3858)%, (0.6386±0.1293)% and (0.6470±0.1088)% without significant difference (F=0.3647, P=0.058), while in PND group, the colonic transit ratio at POD 7 [(0.6044±0.1768) %] was obviously higher than that both at POD 3[(0.3876±0.1364)%, P=0.022] and POD 1[(0.2542±0.0371)%, P=0.001], indicating a recovery trend of colonic transit function (F=9.143, P=0.004). Compared with the sham operation group, the colonic transit function in PND group decreased significantly at POD 1 and POD 3(both P<0.05), and at POD 7, there was no significant difference between two groups. Visceral sensitivity test showed that the visceral sensitivity of sham operation group at POD 1, 3 and 7 was 24.2808±9.5566, 33.6725±7.9548 and 43.9086±12.1875 with significant difference (F=5.722, P=0.014). The visceral sensitivity of PND group at POD 1, 3 and 7 was 11.7609±2.1049, 21.8415±8.1527 and 26.2310±4.2235 with significant difference as well (F=11.154, P=0.001). The visceral sensitivity at POD 3 and POD 7 was obviously higher than that at POD 1 (P=0.006, P<0.001), and there was no significant difference between POD 3 and POD 7 (P=0.183). Compared with sham operation group, the visceral sensitivity of PND group decreased significantly at POD 1, 3 and 7(all P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Denervation of pelvic nerves can obviously decrease the colonic transit function and the visceral sensitivity of mice, but these changes can recover over time, which suggests that the establishment of PND model in mice is successful.</p>

Effects of Exercise on Neuropathy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of early regular exercise and to assess the electrophysiological and histopathological findings of the rat tail nerve in relation to the timing of exercise training for swimming exercise in rats with diabetic neuropathy. METHODS: We used 70 Sprague-Dawley male rats, and the experimental group comprised 60 rats, and the control group comprised 10 rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Blood glucose concentrations were measured in tail vein blood samples. The experimental group was divided into 6 subgroups according to insulin treatment and swimming exercise: group 1, diabetic control; group 2, insulin treated; group 3, insulin untreated with early swimming exercise; group 4, insulin treated and early swimming exercise; group 5, insulin treated and late swimming exercise; and group 6, insulin untreated with late swimming exercise. Sensory and motor nerve conduction studies were performed weekly up to the 13th week using rat tail nerves. The effect on structural diabetic neuropathy was assessed by morphometry and ultrastructural examination of the rat tail nerve fiber at the 14th week. RESULTS: An exercise effect was observed in the insulin treated groups, but it was not observed in the insulin untreated groups. The sensory nerve conduction study in the rat tail revealed significantly prolonged latency and decreased amplitude in groups 1 and 6, and a further delay was observed in group 5 when compared to group 4. Decreased thickness of myelin was found in groups 1 and 6 through morphometry. CONCLUSION: Early regular exercise programs in addition to conventional insulin treatment may retard the progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of perineural Invasion in gastric cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Perineural invasion(PNI) is one of the important routes for metastasis of gastric carcinoma and results in local recurrence and cancer pain after radical gastrectomy. The dismal prognosis of gastric cancer has been intimately associated with lymph node metastasis, hematogenous metastasis that partly caused by PNI. Nerve, vascular and lymphatic constitutes the tumor microenvironment which plays a decisive role in the development of cancer. Molecular interaction and morphological change contribute to reciprocal signaling interactions between tumor cell and nerve. However, the underlying mechanism of PNI in gastric cancer is still unclear and needs further study. Here, we present a brief review of literatures on the topic of PNI in gastric cancer.

Changes in the expression and phosphorylation state of autophagy-related protein ATG4 in nervous tissues of hens treated with tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the changes in the levels of authophagy-related proteins ATG4A and p-ATG4A in nervous tissue after treated with tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate and explore the possible pathogenesis of OPIDN.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In the first experiment, thirty hens were randomly divided into control group and 1 d, 5 d, 10 d and 21d treated groups, hens in treated groups were treated with TOCP by gavage at a single dosage of 600 mg/kg. In the second experiment, other thirty hens were also randomly divided into control group and 1 d, 5 d, 10 d and 21 d treated groups, hens in treated group were pretreated with PMSF by subcutaneous at a single dosage of 90 mg/kg. 24 h later, hens in intervention group was treated with TOCP by gavage at a single dosage of 600 mg/kg. The hens were killed at the corresponding time points, and collected their tibial nerves. The levels of ATG4A and p-ATG4A were measured by immunoblotting.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>compared with the control group, the levels of ATG4A decreased by36%, 43.7% and 41% at 1d, 5d and 10d in the intoxication groups (P < 0.05), the levels of p-ATG4A decreased by 22.5%, 25%and 21%at 1d, 5d and 10d in the intoxication group (P < 0.05). However, compared with the control group, there is no significant change in the levels of ATG4A and p-ATG4A in PMSF-pretreated groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The intoxication of TOCP influence the levels of autophagy-related proteins ATG4A and p-ATG4A, which might be associated with the inhibition of autophagy activity in neurons of OPIDN.</p>

Optical Biopsy of Peripheral Nerve Using Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy: A New Tool for Nerve Surgeons?

Peripheral nerve injuries remain a challenge for reconstructive surgeons with many patients obtaining suboptimal results. Understanding the level of injury is imperative for successful repair. Current methods for distinguishing healthy from damaged nerve are time consuming and possess limited efficacy. Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an emerging optical biopsy technology that enables dynamic, high resolution, sub-surface imaging of live tissue. Porcine sciatic nerve was either left undamaged or briefly clamped to simulate injury. Diluted fluorescein was applied topically to the nerve. CLE imaging was performed by direct contact of the probe with nerve tissue. Images representative of both damaged and undamaged nerve fibers were collected and compared to routine H&E histology. Optical biopsy of undamaged nerve revealed bands of longitudinal nerve fibers, distinct from surrounding adipose and connective tissue. When damaged, these bands appear truncated and terminate in blebs of opacity. H&E staining revealed similar features in damaged nerve fibers. These results prompt development of a protocol for imaging peripheral nerves intraoperatively. To this end, improving surgeons' ability to understand the level of injury through real-time imaging will allow for faster and more informed operative decisions than the current standard permits.

Human testis-expressed sequence 101 is limitedly distributed in germinal epithelium of testis and disappears in seminoma

BACKGROUND: Testis-expressed sequence 101 (TEX101) was found to be highly expressed in testis and involved in acrosome reaction in previous studies. Recently, the metastasis suppressor function of TEX101 in cancer was disclosed, but the comprehensive investigation of its expression has rarely been reported. In this study, the expression features of TEX101 in normal human organs and seminoma were systematically analyzed. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry demonstrated intense staining of TEX101 in human testis tissues; however, its expression in 27 other types of normal human organs, including the ovary, was negligible. Higher expression of TEX101 was observed in the spermatocytes and spermatids of the testis, but relatively lower staining was detected in spermatogonia. Western blotting showed a single TEX101 band of 38 kDa in human testis, but it did not correspond to the predicted molecular weight of its mature form at 21 KDa. Furthermore, we examined seminoma tissues by immunohistochemistry and found that none of the 36 samples expressed TEX101. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirmed TEX101 to be a testis protein that could be related to the maturation process of male germ cells. The lack of TEX101 in seminoma indicated its potential role in tumor progression. This characteristic expression of TEX101 could provide a valuable reference for understanding its biological functions.

Changes in expression of motor protein for axonal transport in nerve tissues of carbon disulfide-intoxicated rats / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the changes in microtubule motor protein expression in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve of rats exposed to carbon disulfide, and to investigate the possible molecular mechanism of changes in axonal transport in carbon disulfide-induced peripheral neuropathy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into one control group and three experimental groups (10 rats per group). The rats in experimental groups were intoxicated by gavage of carbon disulfide at a dose of 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg 6 times a week for 6 consecutive weeks, while the rats in control group were given the same volume of corn oil by gavage. Animals were sacrificed after exposure, with nerve tissue separated. The levels of dynein, dynactin, and kinesin in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve were determined by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The content of dynein, dynactin, and kinesin in the sciatic nerve decreased significantly under exposure to carbon disulfide. The levels of dynein in the sciatic nerve were reduced by 23.47% and 33.34% at exposure doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg, respectively. The levels of dynactin in the sciatic nerve of the three experimental groups were reduced by 19.91%, 24.23%, and 41.30%, respectively. The level of kinesin was reduced by 25.98%under exposure to 600 mg/kg carbon disulfide. All the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). As compared with the control group, the 600 mg/kg group experienced a 28.24% decrease in level of dynactin in the spinal cord (P < 0.01), but no significant change was observed in the level of dynein or kinesin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Carbon disulfide has an impact on microtubule motor protein expression in nerve tissues, which might be involved in the development of carbon disulfide-induced peripheral neuropathy.</p>

Analysis of ultrastructural changes in the rat sciatic nerve after exposure to pulsed radiofrequency using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)

BACKGROUND: Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) may be used in the treatment of patients with some pain syndromes that cannot be controlled by alternative techniques. The objective of the present study is to examine the ultrastructural changes in rat sciatic nerve after PRF, using synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). METHODS: Twenty rats (Male Sprague-Dawley, about 250 grams) were used this study. The PRF is applied to the afferent axons of the sciatic nerves of the rats in ex vivo state, and the ultrastructure of axons were studied after 1 (N = 5), 4 (N = 5), and 6 (N = 5) weeks by SAXS. The control (N = 5) consisted of non-treated sciatic nerve to provide a statistical differential comparison. RESULTS: In the PRF group, the periodic peaks of myelin sheath and collagen fibrils were not changed compared to the control group, in the time progression of 1, 4, and 6 weeks. But the periodic peaks of interfibrillar distance of collagen were greater at 1 and 4 weeks after PRF, comparing to the control group, but it had tendency to return to normal in 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that PRF did not induce ultrastructural change of myelin sheath and collagen fiber, but it induced the change of distance between collagen fibrils of the nerve tissue. This change was not caused by thermal injury but by electromagnetic fields and it is reversible.

Transplantation of collagen-chitosan nerve conduits filled with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor gene-modified schwann cells for the repair of sciatic nerve defect / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of the transplantation of collagen-chitosan nerve scaffold containing glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF)gene modified schwann cells on the recovery of long-distance sciatic nerve defect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rat models of 8 mm long-distance sciatic nerve defect were established and divided into three groups, with 6 rats in each group. In GDNF-Sch group, the defect was repaired by GDNF modified Schwann cells combined with collagen-chitosan nerve scaffold. In Sch group, the defect was repaired by Schwann cells combined with collagen-chitosan nerve scaffold. In the control group, the defect was repaired by autologous nerve graft. Sciatic function index(SFI)was detected 3, 6, and 12 weeks after surgery. After 12 weeks, the tibialis anterior muscle wet weight, electrophysiology, and regenerated nerve morphology were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The SFI in the operated side significantly differed among these three groups after 6 and 12 weeks(P<0.05). Along with prolonged treatment, the GDNF-Sch group had similar SFI recovery with the control group but significantly better SFI recovery than Sch group. After 12 weeks, the sensory nerve conduction velocity in the GDNF-Sch and Sch group was not significantly different(P>0.05)but was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05). Both the GDNF-Sch group and Sch group had significantly lower sensory nerve amplitude comparing with the control group(P<0.05), whereas that in the GDNF-Sch group was significantly higher than that in the Sch group(P<0.05). GDNF-Sch group and the control group had significantly higher motor nerve conduction velocity and amplitude than Sch group(P<0.05), while no such statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups(P >0.05). After 12 weeks, the wet weight of the bridging side of the tibial muscle in the control group, Sch group, and GDNF-Sch group was(0.360±0.020), (0.250±0.018), and(0.310±0.025)g, which were significantly lower than the control side [(0.440±0.031), (0.420±0.024), and(0.430±0.027)g, respectively(P<0.05)]. Muscle wet weight in bridge side of GDNF-Sch group and the control group were significantly higher than in Sch group(P<0.05), but it was not significantly different between the GDNF-Sch group and the control group(P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Transplantation of collagen-chitosan nerve scaffold containing GDNF gene modified Schwann cells can remarkably facilitate sciatic nerve defect recovery, with a milimar effectiveness as autologous nerve grafting.</p>

Treatment of Recurrent Neuroma after Forearm Amputation: End to End Neurorrhaphy

The neuroma is a tumor of nerve tissue that partially or completely severed through incomplete regeneration process. Neuromas that formed in the stump of a limb following amputation is a cause of the stump pain and can make intractable pain. The authors report a rare case of 36-year-old man with neuroma at stump, which has been recurred three times. This patient was treated with end-to-end neurorrhaphy after resecting neuroma. Follow-up at out-patient clinic showed satisfied result.

Sciatic nerve regeneration in rats by a nerve conduit engineering with a membrane derived from natural latex / Regeneração do nervo ciático em ratos através de um conduto confeccionado com uma membrana de látex natural

PURPOSE: To evaluate the capacity of natural latex membrane to accelerate and improve the regeneration quality of the of rat sciatic nerves. METHODS: Forty male adult Wistar rats were used, anesthetized and operated to cut the sciatic nerve and receive an autograft or a conduit made with a membrane derived from natural latex (Hevea brasiliensis). Four or eight weeks after surgery, to investigate motor nerve recovery, we analyzed the neurological function by walking pattern (footprints analysis and computerized treadmill), electrophysiological evaluation and histological analysis of regenerated nerve (autologous nerve graft or tissue cables between the nerve stumps), and anterior tibial and gastrocnemius muscles. RESULTS: All functional and morphological analysis showed that the rats transplanted with latex conduit had a better neurological recovery than those operated with autologous nerve: quality of footprints, performance on treadmill (p<0.01), electrophysiological response (p<0.05), and quality of histological aspects on neural regeneration. CONCLUSION: The data reported showed behavioral and functional recovery in rats implanted with latex conduit for sciatic nerve repair, supporting a complete morphological and physiological regeneration of the nerve.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a capacidade de uma membrana de látex natural em acelerar e melhorar a qualidade da regeneração do nervo ciático seccionado de ratos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 40 ratos machos adultos da linhagem Wistar, anestesiados e operados com autoenxerto ou com interposição de um tubo confeccionado com uma membrana derivada do latex natural (Havea brasiliensis). Quatro ou oito semanas após a cirurgia, para investigar a recuperação motora do nervo, foram analisadas a função neurológica através do padrão da marcha (análise das pegadas e esteira computadorizada), avaliação eletrofisiológica e análise histológica do nervo regenerado (enxerto de nervo autólogo ou formação de nervo novo entre os cotos nervosos) e músculos gastrocnêmio e tibial anterior. RESULTADOS: Todas as análises morfológicas e funcionais demonstraram que os ratos transplantados com o conduto de látex tiveram recuperação melhor do que aqueles operados com nervo autólogo: qualidade das pegadas impressas, desempenho em esteira (p<0,01), resposta eletrofisiológica (p<0,05), e qualidade histológica da regeneração nervosa. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados apresentados demonstraram recuperação comportamental e funcional nos ratos implantados com o conduto de látex para a reparação do nervo ciático por meio de uma completa regeneração morfológica e fisiológica do nervo.