CT anatomical features of the sustentaculum fragment and their clinical significance / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To determine the anatomical parameters concerning the length, width and height of the sustentaculum fragment of the calcaneus using CT imaging data and their clinical significance.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the CT imaging data of normal calcaneus in 96 patients (100 feet) which had been collected by Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Tongji Hospital from January 2019 to September 2020. There were 45 males (48 feet) and 51 females (52 feet) with an age of (42.1±13.6) years, and 56 left feet and 44 right feet. After 3D models were reconstructed with the CT data using software Mimics 22.0, the calcaneus was viewed layer by layer at each level of the scan. After the first continuous bone trabecula on the medial side of the calcaneal central triangle was taken as the boundary, the model of the sustentaculum fragment was segmented. The length, width, and height of the sustentaculum fragment were measured. The outer contour of the sustentaculum fragment was projected onto the lateral wall of the calcaneus to draw the contour line using software Materialise 3-Matic 22.0. By overlaying projection line diagrams, a summary of projection line diagrams of 100 sustentaculum fragments was obtained. Seven screw insertion points were selected in the summary region of the projection line diagrams of the lateral wall of the calcaneus, and the distance from each point to the medial side of the calcaneus were measureed. The length, width, and height of the sustentaculum fragment, as well as the distance from the 7 insertion points to the medial side of the calcaneus, were compared between different feet and genders.Results:The length, width, and height of the sustentaculum fragment were (45.19±4.60) mm, (38.57±4.59) mm and (40.76±5.48) mm, respectively. There were no significant differences in the length, width or height of the sustentaculum fragment between different feet or in the height of the sustentaculum fragment between different genders ( P>0.05), but the length and width of the sustentaculum fragment in females were significantly smaller than those in the males ( P<0.05). The projection of the sustentaculum fragment was approximately ellipse on the summary region of the projection line diagrams on the lateral wall of the calcaneus, with the long axis approximately parallel to the midpoint tangent of the lateral edge of the calcaneal posterior articular surface, ranging from 2 to 20 mm from the posterior articular surface. The distances from the 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus were (39.91±3.77) mm at point A, (40.89±3.55) mm at point B, (36.42±5.98) mm at point C, (39.12±5.52) mm at point D, (40.04±4.84) mm at point E, (33.00±3.96) mm at point F, and (33.04±3.82) mm at point H. There was no significant difference in the distances from the 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus between different feet ( P>0.05), but the distances from the 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus in the females were significantly smaller than those in the males ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Anatomical measurements of the sustentaculum fragment can provide a theoretical basis for the range of fixation of the sustentaculum screws. A summary of projection line diagrams of the sustentaculum fragment on the lateral surface of the calcaneus can serve as a reference for placement of sustentaculum screws. Measurement of the distances from 7 insertion points to the medial surface of the calcaneus can facilitate determination of the lengths of sustentaculum screws.

Anatomical analysis of C 7 pedicle screw implantation based on three-dimensional CT reconstruction model / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To analyze the ideal entry parameters and entry points for C 7 pedicle screws based on three-dimensional CT reconstruction model. Methods:A retrospective case series study was used to analyze the cervical spine CT image data of 50 adult volunteers collected from April 2021 to March 2022 at Taizhou People′s Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, including 25 males and 25 females; aged 20-67 years [(43.8±13.5)years]. No significant structural abnormalities were seen in the cervicothorax of all volunteers. First, the 50 CT images were imported into the medical engineering software Mimics 17.0 to reconstruct the three-dimensional C 7 model, and the C 7 pedicle screw diameter (PSD), pedicle screw length (PSL), sagittal angle (SA) and lateral angle (LA) were measured. Then, the anatomical markers, namely the lateral notch and the midpoint of the inferior edge of the C 6 articular process, were used to measure the horizontal distance between the midpoint of the inferior edge of the C 6 articular process and the ideal entry point (line segment A), and the horizontal and vertical distances between the lateral notch and the ideal entry point (line segments B and C). Finally, the lateral notch and the midpoint of the inferior edge of the C 6 articular process were used as markers to observe the distribution of entry points. The values of the above measured parameters were recorded and compared with each other to analyze the differences between different sides and genders. Intra-group correlation coefficients (ICC) were also used to assess intra- and inter-observer agreement. Results:All 100 pedicles from 50 C 7 models were accessed, with the PSD being (6.5±0.7)mm, PSL being (31.8±4.5)mm, SA being (89.8±8.8)°, LA being (31.0±6.7)°, line segment A being 0.9(-0.4, 2.1) mm, line segment B being (5.8±1.7)mm, and line segment C being (3.6±1.5)mm. All ideal entry points were located medial above the lateral notch; moreover, with the midpoint of the inferior edge of the C 6 articular process as a reference, 71 (71%) of the entry points were located laterally and 29 (29%) were located medially. The 12 mm area around the midpoint of the inferior edge of the C 6 articular process was divided into 6 sections, with 47% of the entry points being located within 2 mm lateral to the midpoint, 25% within 2 mm medial to the midpoint, 19% within 2-4 mm lateral to the midpoint, and only 9% within 50% lateral to the midpoint. The measured parameters were not significantly different between the left and right sides (all P>0.05). The PSD, SA, and line segment B in males were (6.8±0.7)mm, (92.0±8.2)°, and (6.3±1.6)mm, which were significantly greater than those in females [(6.2±0.6)mm, (87.5±8.0)°, and (5.3±1.6)mm] (all P<0.01). The remaining parameters were similar between two genders (all P>0.05). All measured parameters had high intra- and inter-observer agreement (ICC: 0.84-0.91), except for line segment A that had moderate intra- and inter-observer agreement (ICC: 0.46-0.63). Conclusions:For C 7 pedicle screw implantation, when the surface of the lateral mass is used as the reference plane, SA is approximately 90°; with reference to the lateral notch, all the ideal entry points are located medially above it; with reference to the midpoint of the inferior edge of the C 6 articular process, approximately 70% of the entry points are located laterally. There are no significant differences in the parameters between the different sides of screw implantation on pedicles. The measured parameters show high intra- and inter-observer agreement, except for line segment A.

Three-dimensional pelvis computed tomography-assisted Taylor approach for spinal anesthesia in hip arthroplasty: a retrospective study / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#Needle insertion for spinal anesthesia using the Taylor approach is challenging as the L5-S1 space is difficult to locate from the surface anatomy. In this study, we suggest the use of three-dimensional (3D) pelvis computed tomography (CT) to assist anesthesiologists in locating the needle insertion point. By comparing the success rate of 3D pelvis CT-assisted Taylor approach to that of other approaches in the existing literatures, we suggest this technique as an alternative method for subarachnoid block in the L5-S1 space. @*Methods@#In this retrospective observational study, we reviewed the records of hip arthroplasty using the 3D pelvis CT-assisted Taylor approach. An imaginary guidance line was created from the intersection point of the midline and intercristal line on the posterior view of the 3D pelvis CT to the ideal skin insertion point for Taylor approach. The primary outcome was the success rate. The secondary outcomes included the angle between the intercristal line and the guidance line, and the length of the guidance line and the distance between the ideal needle insertion point and the L5-S1 space. @*Results@#We reviewed the records of the 276 patients who underwent hip arthroplasty using 3D CT-assisted Taylor approach. In this cohort, the 3D CT-assisted Taylor approach in L5-S1 subarachnoid block failed in only 25/276 patients. The success rate of 3D CT-assisted Taylor approach was 90.9%. @*Conclusions@#A 3D pelvis CT-assisted Taylor approach of spinal anesthesia can be an alternative method for subarachnoid block in the L5-S1 space with an acceptable success rate.

A novel lateral classification of osteonecrosis of femoral head based on CT recons-truction of necrotic area and its clinical verification / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the femoral head collapse and the operation of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in different Japanese Investigation Commitee (JIC) types, in order to summarize the prognostic rules of each type of ONFH, and explore the clinical significance of CT lateral subtypes based on reconstruction of necrotic area of C1 type and verify their clinical effect.@*METHODS@#A total of 119 patients (155 hips) with ONFH between May 2004 and December 2016 were enrolled in the study. The total hips consisted of 34 hips in type A, 33 in type B, 57 in type C1, and 31 in type C2, respectively. There was no significant difference in age, gender, affected side, or type of ONFH of the patients with differenct JIC types ( P>0.05). The 1-, 2-, and 5-year femoral head collapse and operation of different JIC types were analyzed, as well as the survival rate (with femoral head collapse as the end point) of hip joint between different JIC types, hormonal/non-hormonal ONFH, asymptomatic and symptomatic (pain duration >6 months or ≤6 months), and combined preserved angle (CPA) ≥118.725° and CPA<118.725°. JIC types with significant differences in subgroup surgery and collapse and with research value were selected. According to the location of the necrotic area on the surface of the femoral head, the JIC classification was divided into 5 subtypes in the lateral CT reconstruction, and the contour line of the necrotic area was extracted and matched to the standard femoral head model, and the necrosis of the five subtypes was presented by thermography. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year outcomes of femoral head collapse and operation in different lateral subtypes were analyzed, and the survival rates (with collapse of the femoral head as the end point) between CPA≥118.725° and CPA<118.725° hip in patients with this subtype were compared, as well as the survival rates of different lateral subtypes (with collapse and surgery as the end points, respectively).@*RESULTS@#The femoral head collapse rate and operation rate in the 1-, 2-, and 5-year were significantly higher in patients with JIC C2 type than in patients with other hip types ( P<0.05), while in patients with JIC C1 type than in patients with JIC types A and B ( P<0.05). The survival rate of patients with different JIC types was significantly different ( P<0.05), and the survival rate of patients with JIC types A, B, C1, and C2 decreased gradually. The survival rate of asymptomatic hip was significantly higher than that of symptomatic hip, and the survival rate of CPA≥118.725° was significantly higher than that of CPA<118.725° ( P<0.05). The lateral CT reconstruction of type C1 hip necrosis area was selected for further classification, including type 1 in 12 hips, type 2 in 20 hips, type 3 in 9 hips, type 4 in 9 hips, and type 5 in 7 hips. There were significant differences in the femoral head collapse rate and the operation rate among the subtypes after 5 years of follow-up ( P<0.05). The collapse rate and operation rate of types 4 and 5 were 0; the collapse rate and operation rate of type 3 were the highest; the collapse rate of type 2 was high, but the operation rate was lower than that of type 3; the collapse rate of type 1 was high, but the operation rate was 0. In JIC type C1 patients, the survival rate of the hip joint with CPA≥118.725° was significantly higher than that with CPA<118.725° ( P<0.05). In the follow-up with femoral head collapse as the end point, the survival rates of types 4 and 5 were all 100%, while the survival rates of types 1, 2, and 3 were all 0, and the difference was significant ( P<0.05). The survival rate of types 1, 4, and 5 was 100%, of type 3 was 0, and of type 2 was 60%, showing significant difference ( P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#JIC types A and B can be treated by non-surgical treatment, while type C2 can be treated by surgical treatment with hip preservation. Type C1 was classified into 5 subtypes by CT lateral classification, type 3 has the highest risk of femoral head collapse, types 4 and 5 have low risk of femoral head collapse and operation, type 1 has high femoral head collapse rate but low risk of operation; type 2 has high collapse rate, but the operation rate is close to the average of JIC type C1, which still needs to be further studied.

Efficacy and mechanism of scalp acupuncture for spastic cerebral palsy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of scalp acupuncture for spastic cerebral palsy (CP), and to explore its possible mechanism based on brain white matter fiber bundles, nerve growth related proteins and inflammatory cytokines.@*METHODS@#A total of 90 children with spastic CP were randomly divided into a scalp acupuncture group and a sham scalp acupuncture group, 45 cases in each group. The children in the two groups were treated with conventional comprehensive rehabilitation treatment. The children in the scalp acupuncture group were treated with scalp acupuncture at the parietal temporal anterior oblique line, parietal temporal posterior oblique line on the affected side, and parietal midline. The children in the sham scalp acupuncture group were treated with scalp acupuncture at 1 cun next to the above point lines. The needles were kept for 30 min, once a day, 5 days a week, for 12 weeks. Before and after treatment, the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) indexes of magnetic resonance (FA values of corticospinal tract [CST], anterior limb of internal capsule [ICAL], posterior limb of internal capsule [ICPL], genu of internal capsule [ICGL], genu of corpus callosum [GCC], body of corpus callosum [BCC] and splenium of corpus callosum [SCC]), serum levels of nerve growth related proteins (neuron-specific enolase [NSE], glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], myelin basic protein [MBP], ubiquitin carboxy terminal hydrolase-L1 [UCH-L1]) and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 33 [IL-33], tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α]), cerebral hemodynamic indexes (mean blood flow velocity [Vm], systolic peak flow velocity [Vs] and resistance index [RI], pulsatility index [PI] of cerebral artery), surface electromyography (SEMG) signal indexes (root mean square [RMS] values of rectus femoris, hamstring muscles, gastrocnemius muscles, tibialis anterior muscles), gross motor function measure-88 (GMFM-88) score, modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score, ability of daily living (ADL) score were observed in the two groups. The clinical effect of the two groups was compared.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the FA value of each fiber bundle, Vm, Vs, GMFM-88 scores and ADL scores in the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the above indexes in the scalp acupuncture group were higher than those in the sham scalp acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of NSE, GFAP, MBP, UCH-L1, IL-33, TNF-α as well as RI, PI, MAS scores and RMS values of each muscle were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the above indexes in the scalp acupuncture group were lower than those in the sham scalp acupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 95.6% (43/45) in the scalp acupuncture group, which was higher than 82.2% (37/45) in the sham scalp acupuncture group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Scalp acupuncture could effectively treat spastic CP, improve the cerebral hemodynamics and gross motor function, reduce muscle tension and spasticity, and improve the ability of daily life. The mechanism may be related to repairing the white matter fiber bundles and regulating the levels of nerve growth related proteins and inflammatory cytokines.

Glyphosate-resistant hairy fleabane (Conyza bonariensis) exhibits a larger number of trichomes and altered stomatal density relative to the susceptible counterpart

Following the adoption of Roundup Ready crops, glyphosate spraying frequency increased, while the use of other herbicide modes of action was neglected. Herbicide-resistant biotypes were reported in three major Conyza species in Brazil, including Conyza bonariensis, increasing growers' bottom line. Considering that leaf surface structures affect proper herbicide deposition, uptake, and performance, this study aimed to characterize epicuticular surface components in glyphosate-resistant (R) and -susceptible (S) C. bonariensis. Conyza spp. seeds were collected in 36 locations in Brazil, and plants were subjected to resistance screening tests by spraying glyphosate at 720 and 1440 g ae ha-1 (0.5X and 1X the label recommended rate, respectively). For resistance level characterization, C. bonariensis biotypes with contrasting responses were selected for glyphosate dose-response assays. Leaf tissues for epicuticular surface analysis were harvested from newly-obtained R and S biotypes at two growth stages. Histological cuts were made on a leaf area of 25 mm² with a blade. Samples were fixed in Karnowsky solution, gradually changed to 100% ethanol, critical-point dried with CO2, and coated with gold, followed by stomatal and trichome density quantification using scanning electron microscopy. Results indicated a poor control with glyphosate in 33 of 36 Conyza spp. biotypes, and a high (31.5) resistance factor was calculated after dose-response trials. Leaf surface analysis indicated that C. bonariensis leaves are amphistomatic and exhibit tectorial trichomes. A higher number of trichomes and altered stomatal density (number.mm²) were quantified in R compared to the S counterpart, potentially reducing glyphosate uptake and effectiveness.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Ideal Entry Point for Sacral Alar Iliac Screws

Methods@#Preoperative CT data from 26 patients pertaining to adult spinal deformities were investigated in this study. We applied a 3D image processing method for a detailed investigation. Virtual cylinders were used to mimic SAI screws. These were placed to penetrate the sacral iliac joint without violating the other cortex. We then assessed the trajectory of the longest SAI screw and the ideal entry point of SAI using a color mapping method on the surface of the sacrum. We measured the location of the nerve root at S1 in relation to the foramen at S1 and the sacral surface. @*Results@#As per the results of our color mapping, it was determined that areas that received high scores are located medially and caudally to the dorsal foramen of S1. The mean angle between a horizontal line and a line connecting the medial edge of the foramen and nerve root at S1 was 93.5°. The mean distances from the dorsal medial edge of the foramen and sacral surface to S1 nerve root were 21.8 mm and 13.9 mm, respectively. @*Conclusions@#The ideal entry point of the SAI screw is located medially and caudally to the S1 dorsal foramen based on 3D digital mapping. It is also shown that this entry point spares the S1 nerve root from possible iatrogenic injuries.

Quantitative evaluation of the influence of posterior malleolus fracture and fixation on the rotational stability of the ankle / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To analyze the correlation between the posterior malleolus fracture and fixation and the rotational stability of the ankle and to explore the surgical indications for posterior malleolus fracture aiming to provide the theories for the diagnosis and treatment of disorder.Methods:Twenty fresh frozen cadaver specimens were selected. Further, the extent of the tibial insertion of the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL) and inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament (ITTFL) complex was dissected and measured. Based on the tibial insertion of the ligament complex, the model for the supination-external rotation degree 3 ankle fracture with a posterior malleolar fragment and syndesmosis diastasis was created. Moreover, the area threshold of the posterior tibial insertion of posterior malleolus fracture was biomechanically assessed. The difference of the antirotating ability of the ankle-stiffness between simple posterior malleolus fixation and simple syndesmotic fixation was analyzed statistically.Results:The PITFL and ITTFL were presented in all specimens with relatively broad in PITFL tibial insertion. The PITFL was attached to the posterolateral tibia. The distance between the highest point of the tibial insertion and the articular line was 45.2±5.6 mm, while the ITTFL was attached to the posterior distal tibia. The distance between the highest point of the tibial insertion and the articular line was 5.5±1.0 mm. The width of the tibial insertion of the PITFL and ITTFL complex decreased as the distance from the joint line increased. Biomechanical analysis showed that the threshold of posterior area of posterior malleolus fracture was 1/4S. The stiffnesses of posterior malleolus fixation and syndesmosis stabilization were 0.264±0.080 N·m/° and 0.164 ± 0.061 N·m/°, respectively. The percentage of stiffness restored by posterior ankle fixation was 60.9%±10.2%, which was greater than that by syndesmosis stabilization 37.5%±7.9% ( t=17.09, P<0.001) . Conclusion:The surgical technique for posterior malleolus fracture should consider restoration of the axial and rotational stability of the ankle simultaneously. Posterior malleolus fracture fixation is recommended when the syndesmosis is unstable with the area ratio of posterior tibial insertion of posterior malleolus fracture greater than or equal to 1/4. Syndesmotic fixation is proposed to restore and maintain the rotational stability of the ankle when the syndesmosis is unstable with the area ratio less than 1/4. Regardless of the area ratio, the surgical indications for stable syndesmosis depend on the impact of the posterior malleolus fracture on the axial stability of tibiotalar joint, on the involved articular surface area and on the displacement degree of posterior malleolus fragment.

Anatomic and clinical application of lateral-perineal approach for inferior ramus of pubis-ischium ramus / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To explore the anatomical and clinical effects of lateral-perineal approach in treating the fracture of inferior ramus of pubis-ischium ramus.Methods:The lateral approach of the perineum was simulated on 10 side of 5 intact wet adult cadavers to determine the surface symbols of incision design and to expose the operative field of the approach and to observe the anatomical characteristics of the perineal branch of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and the incision of the surgical approach. Five points were selected at the incision of the approach. The distance (L 1-L 5) between each point and the body surface projection of the perineal branch of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve was measured. A total of 11 patients, including 5 males and 6 females with an average age of 41.55±14.32 years, ranging from 18 to 62 years, were treated by this approach in clinical practice. All patients had a reduction and fixation to the fracture of inferior ramus of pubis-ischium ramus. The operation duration, incision length, intraoperative blood loss and surgical complications were recorded. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated according to Matta radiographic criteria. The strength of the adductor was measured. The pelvic function was evaluated according to Majeed Pelvic Score at the last follow-up. Results:Anatomical studies shown that the line between the two points. One point was 4 cm lateral to the level of the apex of the pubic arch. Another point was 4 cm from the ischial tubercle on the line from the ischial tuberosity to the point that 4 cm lateral to the level of the apex of the pubic arch was the axis of the approach lateral of the perineum. Anatomical studies showed that the lateral-perineal approach could expose the range from pubic symphysis to sciatic tuberculum. The distance between the points selected at the incision of the approach and the body surface projection of the perineal branch of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve: L 1 was 19.40±1.17 mm, ranging from 18 to 21 mm; L 2 was 16.60±2.76 mm, ranging from 10 to 20 mm; L 3 was 18.30±1.89 mm, ranging from 16 to 21 mm; L 4 was 19.20±1.93 mm, ranging from 16 to 22 mm; L 5 was 14.70±1.83 mm, ranging from 13 to 18 mm. All patients were followed up for 17.91±4.09 months, ranging from 13 to 26 months. The incision length was 8.18±0.98 cm, ranging from 7 to 10 cm. The operation duration was 59.64±12.17 min, ranging from 43 to 85 min. The intraoperative blood loss was 100 ml, ranging from 50 to 130 ml. All incisions were healed in all patients. The fractures were healed in 13.36±2.06 weeks, ranging from 10 to 16 weeks. According to Matta radiographic criteria, the quality of fracture reduction was excellent in 6 cases, good in 4 cases and fair in 1 case. At the last follow-up, the adductor muscle strength reached grade 4 in 4 patients and grade 5 in 7 patients. Furthermore, according to the Majeed Pelvic Score, the score of every patient was 86.55±9.59, ranging from 66 to 100, and 8 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good at the last follow-up. The heterotopic ossification occurred in 2 patients, the pain during intercourse occurred in 2 patients. No patient had sensory disturbance or pain in the perineal area. Conclusion:A certain safe distance is between the lateral to the perineum and the perineal branch of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve with limited risk of injuring posterior femoral cutaneous nerve via the lateral approach of the perineum. The advantages in treating the fracture of inferior ramus of pubis-ischium ramus by this approach have concealed incision, short operation duration and less bleeding with satisfied short-term clinical effects.

Establishment of a high-velocity fragment-induced penetrating liver injury model in landrace pigs / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To establish a stable fragment-induced penetrating liver injury model in landrace pigs and evaluate the characteristics of deep tissue injury.Methods:According to the different positioning methods of aiming points, twelve healthy adult landrace pigs were divided into group A (the relative height "h" of the aiming point and the highest point of the body surface on the tracing line was set to 5 cm) and group B ("h" was set to 6 cm). Ultrasonography was used to determine the direction of fragment projection, and an experimental ballistic gun was used to project high-velocity fragments to cause injury to animals. The vital signs of the two groups were monitored, and whole blood cell count, blood gas analysis, and liver and renal function were tested. Damages to the liver and adjacent organs, as well as the amount of bleeding and survival time were analyzed.Results:For the overall analysis of the two groups, the liver hit rate of fragment simulating projectiles was 100% (right anterior lobe and right lateral lobe injury), the hit rate of other organs in the abdominal cavity was 25% (3/12), and the incidence of hemothorax or pneumothorax was 8% (1/12). The wounds were mainly characterized by liver lacerations, with total or partial disconnection of the distal liver lobe. There was no significant difference in wound length and bleeding amount between groups A and B [wound length (cm): 9.8±1.7 vs. 11.2±3.8, bleeding amount (g): 597.0±477.1 vs. 1 032.0±390.3, both P > 0.05]. The depth of liver parenchymal laceration in group B with the aiming point closer to the anterior median line was significantly longer than that in group A (cm: 2.8±0.4 vs. 1.9±0.6, P = 0.015). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), pH value, residual arterial blood base (BE), hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT) levels decreased after the fragment-induced injury, and then reached a trough level [MAP (mmHg, 1 mmHg ≈ 0.133 kPa): 87.0±33.6, pH: 7.26±0.15, BE (mmol/L): -6.65±8.48, Hb (g/L): 9.86±1.10, HCT: 0.309±0.029, all P < 0.05] in the first hour. Blood lactate (Lac), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels increased over time, and reached a peak level [Lac (mmol/L): 10.21±4.40, LDH (U/L): 1 417.0±223.3, AST (U/L): 234.5 (162.5, 357.5), both P < 0.05] at 1 hour after injury. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that the total amount of bleeding was correlated with the depth of liver parenchyma laceration ( r = 0.684, P = 0.014). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the 3 hours survival rate in group A was higher than that in group B, but the difference was not statistically significant [83.3% (5/6) vs. 33.3% (2/6), P > 0.05]. Conclusions:The high-velocity fragment-induced penetrating liver injury model established by striking landrace pigs closer to the anterior median line with fragment simulating projectiles is reproducible and the degree of damage is controllable, and the model is applicable to further relevant research of hepatic ballistic trauma.

Eukaryotic expression and antigen epitope prediction of the LRRC15 protein in excretory secretory antigens of Taenia solium cysticercus / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To conduct eukaryotic expression of the leucine-rich repeat containing 15 (LRRC15), a differentially expressed protein in excretory secretory antigens of Taenia solium cysticercus, and predict its antigen epitope.@*METHODS@#The molecular weight, stability, amino acid sequence composition, isoelectric point and T lymphocyte epitope of the LRRC15 protein were predicted using the bioinformatics online softwares ExPASy-PortParam and Protean. The full-length splicing primers were designed using PCR-based accurate synthesis, and the LRRC15 gene was synthesized. The recombinant pcDNA3.4-LRRC15 plasmid was constructed and transfected into HEK293 cells to express the LRRC15 protein. In addition, the LRRC15 protein was characterized by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#The recombinant pcDNA3.4-LRRC15 plasmid was successfully constructed, which expressed the target LRRC15 protein with an approximately molecular weight of 70 kDa. Bioinformatics prediction with the ExPASy-PortParam software showed that LRRC15 was a hydrophilic protein, which was consisted of 644 amino acids and had a molecular weight of 69.89 kDa and an isoelectric point of 5.6. The molecular formula of the LRRC15 protein was C3073H4942N846O953S28 and had an instability coefficient is 50.3, indicating that LRRC15 was an instable protein. Bioinformatics prediction with the Protean software showed that the dominant T-cell antigen epitopes were located in 292 to 295, 353 to 361, 521 to 526 and 555 to 564 amino acids of the LRRC15 protein, and the T-cell antigen epitopes with a high hydrophilicity, good flexibility, high surface accessibility and high antigenicity index were found in 122 to 131, 216 to 233, 249 to 254, 333 to 343, 358 to 361, 368 to 372, 384 to 386, 407 to 412, 445 to 450, 469 to 481, 553 to 564, 588 to 594, 607 to 617 and 624 to 639 amino acids. Following transfection of the recombinant pcDNA3.4-LRRC15 plasmid into HEK293 cells, SDS-PAGE and Western blotting identified LRRC15 proteins in cell secretory culture media, cell lysis supernatants and sediments. The LRRC15-His fusion protein was purified from the cell culture medium, and SDS-PAGE identified a remarkable band at approximately 70 kDa, while Western blotting successfully recognized the band of the recombinant LRRC15 protein.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The eukaryotic expression and antigen epitope prediction of the LRRC15 protein in the excretory secretory antigens of T. solium cysticercus have been successfully performed, which provides insights into further understandings of its biological functions.

A real world study on the relationship between drug resistance of targeted therapy and prognosis of HER-2-positive advanced breast cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To explore the effect of primary and acquired resistance to anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) on the overall survival of patients with HER-2 positive advanced breast cancer. Methods: The clinical characteristics of HER-2 positive patients with advanced breast cancer admitted to Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 1998 to December 2018 were collected, and their neoadjuvant/adjuvant and advanced three-line chemotherapy were summarized. Among them, targeted drugs for HER-2 included trastuzumab, pertuzumab, T-DM1, RC48-ADC, lapatinib, pyrotinib, allitinib, sipatinib, seratinib. Based on the duration of benefit from anti HER-2 treatment, the patients were divided into two groups: primary anti HER-2 resistance group and acquired anti HER-2 resistance group. In this study, the overall survival (OS) was used as the main end point. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional risk regression model were used to analyze the effects of different drug resistance mechanisms on the overall survival. Results: The whole group of 284 patients were included. The median age of recurrence and metastasis was 48 years old, 155 (54.6%) were hormone receptor (HR) positive and 129 (45.4%) were HR negative, 128 cases (45.1%) were premenopausal and 156 cases (54.9%) were postmenopausal, 277 cases (97.5%) had a score of 0-1 in ECoG PS and 7 cases (2.5%) had a score of more than 2 in the first diagnosis of relapse and metastasis. There were 103 cases (36.3%) in the primary drug resistance group and 181 cases (63.7%) in the secondary drug resistance group. The median overall survival time of the two groups was 24.9 months and 40.4 months, respectively, with statistical significance (P<0.001). Conclusion: Primary resistance to HER-2 is one of the factors of poor prognosis in HER-2 positive breast cancer, and its mechanism needs to be further explored.

Antibióticos e bactérias multirresistentes em esgoto e águas superficiais receptoras: riscos da propagação de genes codificadores de ESBL, de carbapenemases e de tolerância aos metais no contexto da saúde única / Antibiotics and multidrug-resistant bacteria in sewage and receiving surface waters: risks of spreading genes encoding ESBL, carbapenemases and metal tolerance in the context of one health

Os antibióticos estão compreendidos entre as classes de medicamentos de maior sucesso na medicina, pelo tratamento de infecções bacterianas e consequentemente aumento na expectativa de vida da população. No entanto, seu uso exacerbado desde a sua descoberta promoveram a inserção de antibióticos no ambiente, bem como dispersão global de bactérias resistentes. Como medida à escassez de novos antibióticos, os metais têm sido considerados como potenciais agentes antimicrobianos, no entanto mecanismos de tolerância vêm sendo relatados, mas com distribuição epidemiológica desconhecida. Nesse sentido, os objetivos do presente trabalho foi de avaliar a ocorrência de antibióticos, de bactérias resistentes e de determinantes de resistência aos antibióticos e de tolerância à metais em amostras de esgoto hospitalar, sanitário e água superficial, no contexto da Saúde Única. No total, 10 antibióticos de diferentes classes foram avaliados em sistema de cromatografia líquida de ultra performance acoplado à espectrometria de massas (UPLC-MS) e bactérias resistentes foram isoladas e quantificadas a partir de meios cromogênicos seletivos para bactérias produtoras de ESBL e de carbapenemases. Os isolados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste de susceptibilidade aos antibióticos, bem como à detecção de genes de resistência aos antibióticos e de tolerância à metais, por Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR). Os antibióticos amoxicilina e ampicilina foram encontrados em altas concentrações, variando entre 131,5 e 1896,29 ng L-1 e entre 366,35 e 1113,07 ng L-1 , respectivamente. Os antibióticos ciprofloxacina, sulfametoxazol e tetraciclina também foram detectados. O porcentual de remoção dos antibióticos no efluente tratado consiste de 53,43% para amoxicilina, 16,88% para ampicilina, 95,6% para sulfametoxazol e de 65,5% para tetraciclina. O perfil das concentrações de bactérias fenotipicamente produtoras de ESBL e de carbapenemases foram semelhantes, sendo de maior ocorrência no esgoto hospitalar. Deve-se destacar que o sistema municipal de tratamento de esgoto não apresentou eficiência na remoção dessas bactérias e altas concentrações foram detectadas no efluente tratado (ESBL: 3.80E+08, KPC: 6.17E+08 UFC/100mL). Foi possível verificar que as concentrações de bactérias resistentes à jusante da ETE foram maiores em relação às concentrações de bactérias à montante, evidenciando um possível impacto do lançamento do efluente tratado no corpo hídrico. Com relação ao fenótipo de resistência, os isolados apresentaram resistência majoritariamente aos antibióticos ß-lactâmicos, seguido por antibióticos da classe das quinolonas. Foi calculado o índice de resistência à múltiplos antibióticos (MAR Index), onde verificou-se que todos os pontos de amostragem configuraram como fontes de alto risco para resistência bacteriana. Quanto à detecção molecular de genes de resistência aos antibióticos, verificou-se que 51% dos isolados (n = 55/108) carreavam o gene codificador de carbapenemase blaKPC e 33% dos isolados (n =36/108) abrigavam o gene codificador de ESBL blaCTX-M dos grupos 1 ou 8. Em menores porcentagens foram detectados os genes blaGES (2,8%), blaNDM (1,9%) e blaVIM (0,9%), sendo esses dois últimos genes codificadores de carbapenemases do tipo metallo-ß-lactamase que são considerados pouco frequentes. Com relação aos genes de tolerância à metais, genes que conferem tolerância à prata, ao cobre e ao mercúrio foram detectados respectivamente em 52%, 50% e 28% dos isolados. Uma correlação forte foi verificada na coexistência entre os genes de tolerância à prata (silA) e de tolerância ao cobre (pcoD) (r = 0,85). Os resultados apontam para a disseminação de bactérias resistentes aos antibióticos nas matrizes avaliadas, com predominância de genes codificadores de carbapenemases. Em termos de saúde pública, os dados levantados apontam para uma emergência sanitária, em que medidas de mitigação precisam ser urgentemente aderidas. Nesse sentido, e em consonância com a abordagem de Saúde Única, propõe-se a necessidade de tratamento do efluente hospitalar, bem como adição de tratamento terciário na ETE. A colaboração integrada entre os setores da saúde pública, veterinária e ambiental são fundamentais para frear essa "pandemia silenciosa"

Antibiotics are among the most successful classes of drugs in medicine, by treating bacterial infections and consequently increasing the life expectancy of the population. However, their exacerbated use since their discovery has promoted the insertion of antibiotics into the environment, as well as global dispersion of resistant bacteria. As a measure to the scarcity of new antibiotics, metals have been considered as potential antimicrobial agents, however, tolerance mechanisms have been reported, but with unknown epidemiological distribution. In this sense, the objectives of the present work were to evaluate the occurrence of antibiotics, resistant bacteria, and determinants of antibiotic resistance and metal tolerance in samples of hospital wastewater, urban wastewater, and surface water, in the context of One Health. In total, 10 antibiotics of different classes were evaluated in ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) and resistant bacteria were quantified and isolated from chromogenic media selective for bacteria producing ESBL and carbapenemases. The isolates obtained were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing, as well as detection of antibiotic resistance and metal tolerance genes by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The antibiotics amoxicillin and ampicillin were found in high concentrations, ranging between 131.5 and 1896.29 ng L-1 and between 366.35 and 1113.07 ng L-1 , respectively. The antibiotics ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline were also detected. The removal percentage of the antibiotics in the treated effluent consists of 53.43% for amoxicillin, 16.88% for ampicillin, 95.6% for sulfamethoxazole, and 65.5% for tetracycline. The concentration profiles of phenotypically ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing bacteria were similar, with higher occurrence in hospital wastewater. It should be noted that the municipal sewage treatment system did not show efficiency in removing these bacteria and high concentrations were detected in the treated effluent (ESBL: 3.80E+08, KPC: 6.17E+08 CFU/100mL). It was possible to verify that the concentrations of resistant bacteria downstream of the WWTP were higher in relation to the concentrations of bacteria upstream, showing a possible impact of the discharge of the treated effluent into the water body. Regarding the resistance phenotype, the isolates showed resistance mostly to ß-lactam antibiotics, followed by quinolone class antibiotics. The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MAR Index) was calculated, where it was verified that all sampling points configured as high-risk sources for bacterial resistance. Regarding the molecular detection of antibiotic resistance genes, it was found that 51% of isolates (n = 55/108) carried the carbapenemase encoding gene blaKPC and 33% of isolates (n =36/108) harbored the ESBL encoding gene blaCTX-M from groups 1 or 8. In smaller percentages, blaGES (2.8%), blaNDM (1.9%) and blaVIM (0.9%) genes were detected, these last two genes encoding carbapenemases of the metallo-ß-lactamase type that are considered infrequent. Regarding metal tolerance genes, genes conferring tolerance to silver, copper and mercury were detected in 52%, 50% and 28% of isolates, respectively. A strong correlation was verified in the coexistence between silver tolerance (silA) and copper tolerance (pcoD) genes (r = 0.85). The results point to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the evaluated matrices, with a predominance of genes encoding carbapenemases. In terms of public health, the data raised point to a health emergency, in which mitigation measures need to be urgently adhered to. In this sense, and in line with the One Health approach, the need for treatment of the hospital effluent is proposed, as well as the addition of tertiary treatment in the WWTP. The integrated collaboration between the public health, veterinary, and environmental sectors are fundamental to curb this "silent pandemic"

Thermography in clinical ophthalmic oncology / Termografia em oncologia oftalmológica clínica

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to present our own experience with the use of thermography as a complementary method for the initial diagnosis and differentiation of intraocular tumors, as well as for the evaluation of the efficacy of treatment of intraocular melanomas. Methods: The study group comprised 37 patients with intraocular tumors, including 9 with uveal melanoma, 8 with uveal melanoma after I125 brachytherapy, 12 with a focal metastasis to the uvea, and 8 with retinal capillary hemangioblastoma. A FLIR T640 camera was used to capture images in the central point of the cornea, eye area, and orbital cavity area. Results: Eyes with uveal melanoma had higher temperature compared with the fellow normal eye of the patient in the range of all measured parameters in the regions of interest. In the group of patients with melanoma after unsuccessful brachytherapy, higher temperature was observed at the central point of the cornea. In patients with tumor regression, all measured parameters were lower in the affected eye. We observed lower tempe­ratures in the range of all tested parameters and areas in eyes with choroidal metastases. Eyes with diagnosed intraocular hemangioblastoma were characterized by higher parameters for the regions of interest versus eyes without this pathology. Conclusions: A thermographic examination of the eye can be used as an additional first-line diagnostic tool for the differentiation of intraocular tumors. Thermography can be a helpful tool in monitoring the treatment outcome in patients with intraocular melanoma.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi de apresentar a nossa experiência no uso da termografia como método complementar para o diagnóstico inicial e a diferenciação de tumores intraoculares, bem como para a avaliação da eficácia do tratamento de melanomas intraoculares. Métodos: O grupo estudado compunha-se de 37 pacientes com tumores intraoculares, sendo 9 com melanoma uveal, 8 com melanoma uveal após braquiterapia com I125, 12 com metástases focais na úvea e 8 com hemangioblastoma capilar retiniano. As imagens do ponto central da córnea, da área do olho e da área da cavidade orbital foram obtidas com uma câmera FLIR T640. Resultados: Os olhos dos pacientes com melanoma uveal tinham temperaturas mais elevadas do que as dos olhos normais dos mesmos, em toda a faixa dos parâmetros medidos nas regiões de interesse. No grupo de pacientes com melanoma após braquiterapia mal sucedida, encontrámos temperaturas maiores no ponto central da córnea. Nos pacientes com regressão do tumor, todos os parâmetros medidos foram menores no olho acometido. Encontrámos temperaturas mais baixas em toda a faixa dos parâmetros testados e das áreas medidas nos olhos com metástases na coroide. Os olhos com hemangioblastoma intraocular diagnosticado caracterizaram-se por parâmetros mais elevados nas regiões de interesse, em comparação com olhos sem essa patologia. Conclusões: O exame termográfico do olho pode usar-se como ferramenta de diagnóstico adicional de triagem na diferenciação de tumores intraoculares. A termografia pode ser uma ferramenta útil no acompanhamento do des­fe­cho do tratamento em pacientes com melanoma intraocular.

Effect of small-dose furosemide on tissue edema after shoulder arthroscopy / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of small-dose furosemide on tissue edema after shoulder arthroscopy.Methods:A total of 368 patients of either sex, aged 18-65 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiology physical status Ⅰ orⅡ, were divided into 2 groups ( n=184 each) by a random number table method: control group (group C) and small-dose furosemide group (group F). A posterior approach to interscalene brachial plexus block was selected, tracheal intubation was performed under general anesthesia, and all the patients were placed in the lateral position.At 20-30 min before the end of surgery, patients in group F received intravenous injection of furosemide 2 mg (diluted to 2 ml in normal saline) and patients in group C received intravenous injection of normal saline 2 ml.The tissue thickness from the surface of the second rib of the middle clavicular line to the skin (CR2) was measured by ultrasound immediately after nerve block (T 0), immediately after tracheal intubation (T 1), immediately after the end of operation (T 2), and at 30 min and 1, 4 and 8 h after operation (T 3-6). Arterial blood gas analysis was performed at T 1-3, Hct and blood glucose concentration were measured simultaneously, and relative blood volume was calculated.Tube malposition at T 2 and hypoxemia within 30 min after operation were recorded. Results:Compared with the baseline at T 0, CR2 on the affected side was significantly increased at T 2-5 in group F, and CR2 on the affected side was significantly increased at T 2-6 in group C ( P<0.05). CR2 at T 2-5 was significantly higher on the affected side than on the healthy side ( P<0.05). Compared with group C, intraoperative urine volume was significantly increased, CR2 was decreased at T 2-5, the incidence of tube malposition and hypoxemia was decreased ( P<0.05), and no significant changes were found in pH value, PaO 2, PaCO 2, Na + , K + , Ca 2+ , Cl -, blood glucose concentration or relative blood volume at each time point in group F ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Small-dose furosemide can reduce tissue edema after shoulder arthroscopy and decrease the occurrence of postoperative tube malposition and hypoxemia, without causing disturbances in the internal environment.

Reliability of tibial anterior crest as the anatomical reference of rotating alignment for tibial component in total knee arthroplasty / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#This study aimed to research whether anterior tibial crest is a reliable anatomical reference for rotational alignment of tibial component in TKA.@*METHODS@#The study included 122 patients who underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination for unilateral lower extremity trauma with normal contralateral lower extremities, including 89 males and 33 females, with an average age of(51.4±16.4) years old(ranged 18 to 81 years old). Picture archiving and communication system (PACS) was used to mark 11 lines including the surgical epicondylar axis (SEA) connecting the most prominent points of the lateral epicondyle and the deepest point of the sulcus on the medial epicondyle of the femur, axis of medial border of patellar tendon (MEPT)connecting the middle of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and medial border of the patellar tendon at the level of a standard tibial cut from 8 mm distal of the lateral tibial joint surface, transverse axis of tibia (TAT) at the level of a standard tibial cut from 8 mm distal of the lateral tibial joint surface, Akagi line connecting the projected middle of the PCL and medial border of the patellar tendon at the tibial attachment, the axis of the medial 1/3 of patellar tendon(M1/3) connecting the projected middle of PCL and the medial 1/3 of the patellar tendon at the patellar tendon attachment level, Insall line connecting the projected middle of the PCL and the medial 1/3 of tibial tubercle, the axis of medial border of tibial tubercle (MBTT) connecting the projected middle of the PCL and medial border of tibial tubercle, as well as the axis of the proximal anterior tibial crest (PATC), axis 1 of the middle anterior tibial crest (MATC1), axis 2 of the middle anterior tibial crest (MATC2) and the axis of the distal anterior tibial crest (DATC) which were marked by connecting the 4 equidistant points on the sharp anterior tibial crest and the projected middle of the PCL. The angles between TAT and SEA as well as the angles between other axes and the perpendicular to SEA were measured. Pairwise differences among the 10 tibial axes were examined using One-Way ANOVA and paired @*RESULTS@#The angles between the axes of MEPT, Akagi line, M1/3, Insall line, MBTT, PATC, MATC1, MATC2, DATC and the perpendicular to SEA were (-1.6 ±4.5)° , (1.4 ±5.0)° , (10.2±5.1)°, (11.9±5.4)°, (3.6±4.8)°, (12.0±6.9)°, (7.2±8.6)°, (7.1±10.4)°, (6.6±13.5)°, respectively. The angle between TAT and SEA was (4.1±5.3)°. MEPT was external rotation compared to SEA. M1/3, Insall line and PATC were significantly greater than Akagi line, MBTT, TAT (@*CONCLUSION@#The middle tibial anterior crest can be used as a reference for rotational alignment of tibial component in TKA, and its reliability is better than Insall line, but worse than Akagi line, TAT and MBTT.

Anatomic study of posterior atlanto-occipital-clivus screw technique / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the anatomical safety and feasibility ofposterior occipitocervical fixation with atlan-tooccipital-clivus screw.Methods:Data of 60 patients who treated in the spinal department of our hospital with upper cervical computed tomographic scans from February 2017 to November 2019 were retrospectively collected. Occipitocervical infection, injury, tumor and deformity were excluded. The Mimics software was used to reconstruct the occiput, atlas and measure the anatomical parameters, including the height and width of the anterior edge of the clivus, the height and width of the middle part of the clivus, the thinnest distance of the soft tissue in front of the clivus, the anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, the angle of inside tilting in coronary plane of the occipital condyle, the distance from the hypoglossal canal to the atlantooccipital articular surface, the anteroposterior diameter and transverse diameter of the superior joint of atlas, the height of the lateral mass, and the height and transverse diameter of the inferior articular process of the superior atlas joint. The three-dimensional digital modeling was performed and the screw diameter of 3.5mm was simulated. 3-Matic software were used to measure the screw placement parameters, including the inside tilting angle in coronary plane of screw, and the angle of upper tilting in sagittal plane and length of screw. The atlanto-occipital junction was exposed at the rear of 8 cadavers. According to the above parameters, the titanium alloy screws with a diameter of 3.5 mm were transferred from the inferior articular process and posterior arch of the atlas to the clivus through the atlantooccipital. Finally, the screw path was cut along the nail path with a pendulum saw, and the track of the screw was observed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the screw.Results:The leading edge height and width of male clivus was 16.8±2.5 mm and 20.1±3.1 mm. The middle part of the clivus was 9.7±2.3 mm and 22.4±3.7 mm. The thinnest soft tissue in front of the clivus was 5.8±1.48 mm. The anteroposterior diameter of the occipital condyle was 19.1±1.9 mm, the transverse diameter was 12.6±2.0 mm, the inside tilting angle was 33.7°±4.5°, and the vertical distance from the lowest point of the neural tube to the articular surface of the occipital condyle was 9.6±1.1 mm. The height of the lateral mass of atlas was 12.9±2.4 mm, the anteroposterior diameter of the upper joint of atlas was 21.7±1.9 mm, and the transverse diameter was 11.7±1.4 mm. The width of the inferior facet was 14.9±1.4 mm and the height of the inferior facet was 5.7±0.85 mm. The distance from the screw entry point to the vertical line of the lateral mass migration midpoint was 2.5±0.6 mm; The distance from the screw entry point to the horizontal line of the midpoint was 2.3±0.7 mm.The inside titling angle of screw was 18.4°±1.6°, the upper tilting angle was 55.6°±3.1°, the length of the screw track was 53.0±2.8 mm, the adjustment range of upper tilting angle was 15.0±2.8 mm, the adjustment range of inside tilting angle was 10.4±2.4 mm. The anatomical parameters of females were slightly smaller than those of males, and the difference was statistically significant, but there was no significant difference between left and right parameters. The screws of 8 specimens could be inserted safely and effectively.Conclusion:Atlan-tooccipital-clivus screw can be implanted without damaging the nerve and vascular structure, and it can be used as a choice for occipitocervical fixation.

Nervio occipital mayor: trayecto, relaciones anatómicas e implicancias clínicas de sus posibles sitios de atrapamiento / Great occipital nerve: course, anatomical relations and clinical implications of their potential entrapment sites

RESUMEN: El nervio occipital mayor (NOM) se forma del ramo dorsal del nervio espinal C2 y asciende entre la musculatura cervical posterior para inervar la piel del cuero cabelludo. Diversos autores han descrito su recorrido, sin embargo, es escasa la información referente a la relación que presenta este nervio con el músculo oblicuo inferior de la cabeza (OIC) y su trayecto intramuscular. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el recorrido y relaciones que el NOM estableció en el intervalo existente entre los músculos OIC y músculo trapecio (T). Para ello, se midieron las distancias verticales y horizontales a la altura de la protuberancia occipital externa y línea mediana, y se dividió al músculo OIC en tercios para observar variaciones del recorrido de este nervio. Junto con medir el diámetro del NOM, se midieron las distancias vertical y horizontal de este nervio a través de cinco puntos de referencia muscular y un punto de referencia vascular. Estos puntos musculares fueron: a) sobre el vientre del músculo OIC (punto 1); b) en la cara profunda del músculo semiespinoso de la cabeza (SEC) (punto 2); c) en la cara superficial del músculo SEC (punto 3); d) en la cara profunda del músculo T (punto 4); y e) en la cara superficial del músculo T (punto 5). A este se sumó el punto 6, en el cual se establecieron las distancias vertical y horizontal con la arteria occipital a la altura de la cara superficial del músculo T. Para ello se disecaron 18 cabezas (36 triángulos suboccipitales) de cadáveres adultos brasileños pertenecientes al laboratorio de Anatomía de la Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió, Brasil. Las distancias verticales y horizontales obtenidas respecto de los seis puntos fueron: 63,67 y 27,15 mm (punto 1); 53,89 y 21,44 mm (punto 2); 30,61 y 14,49 mm (punto 3); 20,39 y 22,8 mm (punto 4); 5,86 y 33,46 mm (punto 5); 5,99 y 35,56 mm (punto 6), respectivamente. En relación al músculo OIC, el NOM se ubicó en un 72,22 % de las muestras en el tercio medio de este músculo, 19,44% en su tercio lateral y un 8,33 % en su tercio medial. Todos estos hallazgos deben ser considerados al momento de diagnosticar correctamente posibles atrapamientos del NOM en la región cervical profunda, siendo además, una contribución para el éxito de procedimientos quirúrgicos de esta región.

SUMMARY: The great occipital nerve (GON) is formed from the dorsal branch of the C2 spinal nerve and ascends between the posterior cervical musculature to innervate the skin of the scalp. Various authors have described its course, however, there is little information regarding the relationship that this nerve presents with the obliquus capitis inferior (OCI) and its intramuscular path. The objective of this study was to determine the route and relationships that the GON established in the interval between the OCI muscles and the trapezius muscle (T). For this, the vertical and horizontal distances were measured at the height of the external occipital protuberance and median line, and the OCI muscle was divided into thirds to observe variations in the path of this nerve. Along with measuring the diameter of the GON, the vertical and horizontal distances of this nerve were measured through five muscle reference points and one vascular reference point. These muscle points were: a) on the belly of the OCI muscle (point 1); b) in the deep face of the semispinalis capitis muscle (SCM) (point 2); c) on the surface of the SCM (point 3); d) on the deep face of the T (point 4); and e) on the surface face of the T (point 5). To this was added point 6, in which the vertical and horizontal distances were established with the occipital artery at the height of the superficial face of the T. For this, 18 heads (36 suboccipital triangles) of Brazilian adult corpses belonging to the Anatomy laboratory of the Universidade Federal de Alagoas (UFAL), Maceió, Brazil, were dissected. The vertical and horizontal distances obtained with respect to the six points were: 63.67 and 27.15 mm (point 1); 53.89 and 21.44 mm (point 2); 30.61 and 14.49 mm (point 3); 20.39 and 22.8 mm (point 4); 5.86 and 33.46 mm (point 5); 5.99 and 35.56 mm (point 6), respectively. In relation to the OCI, the GON was located in 72.22 % of the samples in the middle third of this muscle, 19.44 % in its lateral third and 8.33 % in its medial third. All these findings should be considered when correctly diagnosing possible entrapments of GON in the deep cervical region, being a contribution to the success of surgical procedures in this region.

Localization of the centers of intramuscular nerve dense regions of the rotator cuff muscles: a guide for botulinum toxin A injection for spasticity accompanied by shoulder pain / Localización de los centros de las regiones densas del nervio intramuscular de los músculos del manguito rotador: una guía para la inyección de toxina botulínica A por espasticidad con dolor de hombro

To accurately localize the centers of intramuscular nerve dense regions (CINDRs) of rotator cuff muscles. Twenty adult cadavers were used. The curves on skin connecting the superior angle of scapula with the acromion, and with the inferior angle of scapula were designed as the horizontal (H) and longitudinal (L) reference lines, respectively. One side of the rotator cuff muscles were removed and subjected to Sihler's staining to show intramuscular nerve dense regions, and the contralateral muscles' CINDRs were labeled with barium sulfate and scanned by computed tomography (to determine body surface projection points (P)). The intersection of the longitudinal line from point P to line H, and that of the horizontal line from point P to line L, were recorded as PH and PL, respectively. The projection of CINDRs on the anterior body surface across the saggital plane was defined as P' and the line connecting P to P' was recorded as Line PP'. Percentage positions of CINDRs of PH and PL on lines H and L, and the depths on line PP' were determined under the Syngo system. Two, four, one, and one CINDRs were identified in supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscles, respectively. The positions of PH of these CINDRs on the H-line are as follows: supraspinatus, 25.43 % and 26.59 %; infraspinatus, 53.85 %, 34.63 %, 35.96 % and 58.17 %; teres minor, 74.50 %; and subscapularis, 20.33 %. The PL on the L-line: supraspinatus, 11.09 % and 14.83 %; infraspinatus, 21.59 %, 27.93 %, 48.55 % and 57.52 %; teres minor, 68.28 %; and subscapularis, 52.82 %. The depth on line PP': supraspinatus, 24.83 % and 25.40 %; infraspinatus, 21.55 %, 16.10 %, 10.01 % and 8.14 %; teres minor, 13.27 %; and subscapularis, 22.88 %. The identification of these CINDRs should provide the optimal target position for injecting botulinum toxin A to treat rotator cuff muscles spasticity accompanied by shoulder pain and to improve the efficiency and efficacy of blocking target localization.

Con el objetivo de localizar con precisión los centros de las regiones densas del nervio intramuscular (CRDNI) de los músculos del manguito rotador, se utilizaron veinte cadáveres adultos. Las curvas en la piel que conectan el ángulo superior de la escápula con el acromion y con el ángulo inferior de la escápula se determinaron como líneas de referencia horizontales (H) y longitudinales (L), respectivamente. Se extrajo de un lado los músculos del manguito rotador y se sometió a la tinción de Sihler para mostrar regiones densas de nervios intramusculares, y los CRDNI de los músculos contralaterales se marcaron con sulfato de bario y se escanearon mediante tomografía computarizada (para determinar los puntos de proyección de la superficie corporal (P)). La intersección de la línea longitudinal desde el punto P a la línea H, y de la línea horizontal desde el punto P a la línea L, se registraron como PH y PL, respectivamente. La proyección de CRDNI en la superficie del cuerpo anterior a través del plano sagital se definió como P 'y la línea que conecta P a P' se registró como Línea PP '. Las posiciones porcentuales de los CRDNI de PH y PL en las líneas H y L, y las profundidades en la línea PP 'se determinaron bajo el sistema Syngo. Se identificaron dos, cuatro, uno y un CINDR en los músculos supraespinoso, infraespinoso, redondo menor y subescapular, respectivamente. Las posiciones de PH de estos CRDNI en la línea H son las siguientes: supraespinoso, 25,43 % y 26.59 %; infraspinatus, 53,85 %, 34,63 %, 35,96 % y 58,17 %; redondo menor, 74,50 %; y subescapular, 20,33 %. El PL en la línea L: supraespinoso, 11.09 % y 14.83 %; infraspinatus, 21,59 %, 27,93 %, 48,55 % y 57,52 %; redondo menor, 68.28 %; y subescapular, 52,82 %. La profundidad en la línea PP ': supraespinoso, 24,83 % y 25,40 %; infraspinatus, 21,55 %, 16,10 %, 10,01 % y 8,14 %; redondo menor, 13.27 %; y subescapularis, 22,88 %. La identificación de estos CRDNI debería proporcionar la posición objetivo óptima para inyectar la toxina botulínica A para tratar la espasticidad de los músculos del manguito rotador acompañada de dolor en el hombro y para mejorar la eficiencia y la eficacia del bloqueo de la localización del objetivo.

Commentary on mitochondrial stereology in transmission electron microscopy / Comentario sobre estereología mitocondrial en microscopía electrónica de transmisión

Mitochondria (m) are responsible for the energy availability of cells, and their analysis is indicated for example, in studies related to metabolism and oxidative stress. The direct measurement of mitochondria (morphometry) is biased because of the section obliquity and position relative to the mitochondria length (non-equatorial cut). Therefore, stereology is an appropriate technique to evaluate mitochondria. However, before beginning the study, it is necessary to consider the premises to obtain random and uniform samples to be analyzed stereology. Mitochondria must have the chance to appear in all the possibilities of cut and orientation in the micrographs. The number of micrographs to be analyzed will depend on the distribution and occupation of mitochondria in the cell. After this is resolved, a proposal is the estimation of the following stereological data: volume density (Vv), surface density (Sv), and mean cross-sectional area (A). Overlapping a known test area at each micrograph, the density by area of mitochondria is estimated (NAT). Vv [m] can easily be estimated by point-counting (Vv = Pp/PT; Pp are the points hitting the structure, PT are the number of points of the test system). Sv is estimated overlaying a test-line (LT) on the micrographs and counting the intersections of the lines (I) with the outer membrane (om), inner membrane (im), and crests (c), thus, Sv [om], Sv [im], Sv [c] (Sv = 2I / LT). A [m] is obtained as the ratio: A = Vv / 2NAT.

Las mitocondrias (m) son responsables de la disponibilidad de energía de las células, y su análisis está indicado, por ejemplo, en estudios relacionados con el metabolismo y el estrés oxidativo. La medición directa de las mitocondrias (morfometría) está sesgada debido a la oblicuidad de la sección y la posición relativa a la longitud de las mitocondrias (corte no ecuatorial). Por lo tanto, la estereología es una técnica apropiada para evaluar las mitocondrias. Sin embargo, antes de comenzar el estudio, es necesario considerar las premisas para obtener muestras aleatorias y uniformes para analizar estereológicamente. Es esencial que las mitocondrias tengan la posibilidad de aparecer en todas las posibilidades de corte y orientación en las micrografías. El número de micrografías que se analizarán dependerá de la distribución y ocupación de las mitocondrias en la célula. Una vez resuelto esto, una propuesta es la estimación de los siguientes datos estereológicos: densidad de volumen (Vv), densidad de superficie (Sv) y área de sección transversal media (A). Superponiendo un área de prueba conocida en cada micrografía, se estima la densidad por área de mitocondrias (NAT). Vv [m] se puede estimar fácilmente contando puntos (Vv = Pp / PT; Pp son los puntos que llegan a la estructura, PT son el número de puntos del sistema de prueba). Sv se estima superponiendo una línea de prueba (LT) en las micrografías y contando las intersecciones de las líneas (I) con la membrana externa (om), la membrana interna (im) y las crestas (c), por lo tanto, Sv [om], Sv [im], Sv [c] (Sv = 2I / LT). A [m] se obtiene como la relación: A = Vv / 2NAT.