Innervation pattern of the pronator teres muscle

To determine the innervation patterns of the pronator teres muscle [PTM], which is used as a donor in muscle transfer. This study was conducted from 2001-2006 at the Anatomy Department of the Medical Faculty of Cerrahpasa, University of Istanbul. There were 34 upper extremities of 17 fixed adult cadavers dissected. The classical pattern of innervation by the superior and inferior branches of the median nerve was observed in 19 of the cases [55.9%]. In 4 forearms [11.8%] one branch in 10 [29.4%], 3 branches [2 humeral, 1 ulnar] and in one [2.9%], 4 branches [3 humeral, 1 ulnar] were found to be innervating the muscles. In all cases, the humeral and ulnar head of the PTM was innervated separately. These variations are of great importance during transfer of PTM

Matrix metalloproteinases and lung injury

The dynamic equilibrium of extracellular matrix (ECM) under different physiological conditions is a consequence of the balance between the regulation of synthesis and degradation of ECM components. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of structurally related zinc-dependent endopeptidases, are the physiological mediators of matrix remodeling. The expression and activity of these enzymes are highly regulated at several intra- and extracellular levels, so that in vivo enzymatic activity is the final result of a complex series of events including gene expression, zymogen activation, matrix binding, and enzymatic inhibition. MMPs are expressed at low levels in normal adult tissues, and their upregulation appears to play an important role in the development of a number of pathological processes. In acute lung injury, a disorder characterized by a severe disruption of the gas exchange alveolo-capillary structures, the upregulation of interstitial collagenase and gelatinases A and B strongly suggests that MMPs contribute to acute lung damage by facilitating the migration of inflammatory cells, as well as to the disruption of basement membrane components and extracellular matrix remodeling.

Pathogenic mechanisms in the development of diffuse pulmonary fibrosis

Diffuse pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by abnormal proliferation of mesenchymal cells, specifically fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, and by the accumulation of excessive amounts of matrix proteins, mainly collagens. The development of this pathological process is preceded by an inflammatory response, often dominated by macrophages and lymphocytes, which is mediated by the local release of chemoattractant factors, acting coordinately with an upregulation of cell-surface adhesion molecules. A subsequent persisting fibroproliferative reaction, in both interstitial and intraalveolar spaces, with progressive collagen accumulation distorts the lung architecture irreversibly. Excessive collagen deposition is the result of an imbalance in the collagen turnover rates characterized by a transient increase in collagen synthesis and a decrease in collagen degradation. Fibrosis is considered otherwise to be the final common pathway of a variety of lung disorders, and in this context, the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis implies the recognition of an advanced stage in the evolution of a complex process of abnormal repair.

Respuesta de los trabajadores a los microorganismos suspendidos en la atmósfera de una fábrica de papel / Response of workers to airbone microorganisms at a paper manufacturing plant

Se realizó una investigación sobre la respuesta inmunológica de los trabajadores de una fábrica de papel. Un grupo de 44 trabajadores expuestos a microorganismos presentes en el aire de la fabrica provenientes del bagazo de la caña enmohecido constituyó el grupo expuesto y 23 individuos que laboran en un hospital integraron el grupo testigo. Se registró un alto grado de contaminación tanto por microorganismos como por material particulado en la atmósfera del cuarto de molienda (25.168 hon os/m3 y 27.8 mg/m3 respectivamente). Al analizar el bagazo y las muestras de aire fue posible aislar diferentes actinomicetos y hongos incluyendo a Thermoactinomyces vulgaris un actinomiceto, que puede producir Alveolitis Alérgica. Las reacciones inmunológicas de los trabajadores señalan la presencia de anticuerpos contra la mayoría de los antígenos de los microorganismos aislados, pero solamente un individuo con bagazosis presento una respuesta positiva contra T. Vulgaris

Complejo principal de histocompatibilidad y complotipo en sarcoidosis. / Major histocompatibility system and complotype in sarcoidosis

La sarcoidosis es una enfermedad multisistemica que se acompana de profundas modificaciones inmunologicas cuyos mecanismos intimos no se han esclarecido. En este articulo se informa un estudio del complejo principal de histocompatibilidad y del complotipo en un paciente y tres familiares sanos, en un intento por esclarecer algunos factores geneticos que pudieran participar en esta enfermedad. Se encontro en el paciente presencia de una recombinacion de genoma en el brazo corto del cromosoma 6 que abarcaba desde los genes del complotipo hasta el de glioxalasa