Scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint loading during key pinch grip before and after trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty: a cadaver study.

In a previous cadaver study, we directly measured the load acting on the trapeziometacarpal joint for increasingly greater key pinch forces. We noted that the joint load ranges from 2 kg to 4 kg during progressively greater key pinch from 0.5 kg to 1.5 kg. Using the same experimental approach, the aim of the current study was to measure and compare the load acting on the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint for the same levels of isometric key pinch force, and how it changes after trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty. We performed a cadaver study using 7 fresh-frozen, unembalmed adult forearms and hands (2 right and 5 left). Thumb pinch was simulated by loading the main actuator tendons involved in the key pinch grip (i.e., adductor pollicis, flexor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons). Measurements were made inside the joint using a force-sensing resistor sensor (Tekscan® FlexiForce™ force sensor). Before the trapeziometacarpal joint surgery, median load values recorded in the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint were 1.2 kg (IQR, 1.0-1.4), 1.6 kg (IQR, 1.6-2.5) and 2.4 kg (IQR, 2.3-3.4) during 0.5 kg, 1 kg and 1.5 kg key pinch, respectively. After the trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty, median joint contact forces did not change significantly relative to the original configuration. Our findings indicate that the loads measured in the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid joint during a simple key pinch are in fact lower than those measured inside the trapeziometacarpal joint. After trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty, the values are similar with no increase in load, suggesting that clinically asymptomatic scaphotrapeziotrapezoid radiographic involvement may not be a contraindication to arthroplasty.

The amino acid profile of Camelina sativa seeds correlates with the strongest immune response in dairy ewes.

Camelina sativa is an alternative protein source (with a specific amino acid profile) rich also in bioactive compounds (such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants), which have immunomodulatory properties. This study aimed to assess the impact of the dietary inclusion level of Camelina seeds, on the expression levels of key genes involved in ewes' innate immunity. Forty-eight dairy ewes were assigned into four homogenous groups of 12 animals that were fed individually with alfalfa hay, wheat straw, and concentrate. The concentrate of the control group (CON) had no Camelina seeds, while in the treated groups, Camelina seeds (CSs) were incorporated at 6 (CS6), 11 (CS11), and 16% (CS16) in the concentrates, respectively, as partial substitution of both soybean meal and maize grain. The relative transcript levels of the immune-related genes were determined using a real-time PCR platform. The relative transcript levels of toll-interleukin receptor-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-ß, tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3, Interferon regulatory factor 5, and Mitogen-activated protein kinase were upregulated in monocytes of the CS11-fed ewes. Furthermore, in the CS6-fed ewes, the relative transcript levels of Interleukin-1 beta (IL1B) were upregulated in monocytes compared to the CON, while those of IL1B, Interleukin-8, and Interleukin-10 were upregulated in neutrophils compared to the CON and the CS11-fed ewes. The highest inclusion level of CS (CS16) did not have a negative impact on ewes' innate immunity. The response of monocytes on dietary amino acid (mainly threonine, tyrosine, serine, and lysine) changes related to Camelina inclusion is different from that of neutrophils. The observed responses need to be further investigated.

Trapeziometacarpal joint loading during key pinch grip: A cadaver study.

To our knowledge, no study has directly measured the loads in the trapeziometacarpal joint during an isometric key pinch. The aim of this study was to measure the load acting on the trapeziometacarpal joint for increasingly greater key pinch forces (0.5 kg-1.5 kg). We performed a cadaver study using 10 fresh-frozen, unembalmed adult forearms and hands (5 right and 5 left). Thumb pinch was simulated by loading the main actuator tendons involved in the key pinch grip (i.e., adductor pollicis, flexor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendons). Measurements were made inside the joint using a force-sensing resistor sensor (Tekscan® FlexiForce™ force sensor). All specimens were tested twice in a row in the same condition. The median load values recorded in the trapeziometacarpal joint were 1.9 kg (IQR 2.2-1.5), 3 kg (IQR 3.4-2.7) and 4.1 kg (IQR 4.4-3.9) during 0.5 kg, 1 kg, and 1.5 kg key pinch, respectively. For each specimen, similar load values were observed during both loading trials. Our findings indicate that the loads measured directly in the trapeziometacarpal joint during a simple key pinch are materially lower than those estimated in biomechanical models of the thumb (generally greater than 10 kg for 1 kg of applied force) probably due to intersubject variability. This pilot study will serve as a basis for further studies, for example, comparing biomechanical thumb models and experimental measurements under the same set-up conditions.

Polar Lipid Profile of Nannochloropsis oculata Determined Using a Variety of Lipid Extraction Procedures.

Lipid compositions obtained from microalgae species are affected by both the cultivation conditions and the extraction method used. In this study, the extraction of lipids from Nannochloropsis oculata using traditional and modern extraction technologies with several solvents has been compared. Because important polyunsaturated fatty acids are bound to polar lipids, these polar lipids were the main focus of this study. The dominant compounds in the glycolipid fractions were monogalactosyldiglycerides and digalactosyldiglycerides bearing fatty acid chains containing at least one site of unsaturation. Phosphatidylcholine and trimethylhomoserines were detected in the phospholipid fractions. The fatty acid profile comprised large fractions of C16:0, C16:1, C20:5, and C18:3. Extraction of specific compounds was determined by extraction efficiency as well as differences in the selectivity of the method used. The composition derived from a glycolipid fraction was observed to be affected by the method used to a greater extent than the phospholipid fraction.

The effect of flap thickness on the visual and refractive outcome of myopic laser in situ keratomileusis.

AIMS: To study the effect of flap thickness on the visual and refractive outcome of myopic laser in situkeratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. METHODS: A total of 196 myopic eyes with spherical equivalent (SE) from -2.00 to -5.00 dioptres which underwent LASIK were studied retrospectively. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and manifest refraction were measured up to 6 months postoperatively. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to examine the correlation of flap thickness to visual and refractive outcomes, postoperative complications and enhancement rate. RESULTS: UCVA at 1 week and 1 month, but not at 1 day and at 6 months (P>0.05), were negatively correlated to flap thickness (P<0.05). BCVA was unrelated to flap thickness (P>0.05). At 1-month post-LASIK sphere and cylinder were not related to flap thickness (P>0.05), but spherical equivalent was negatively correlated (P<0.05). Significant negative correlations with the sphere and SE were noticed at 6 months for the eyes not requiring enhancements (P<0.05). Flap thickness had no significant relationship to postoperative complications (P>0.05) and no significant predictive value on the rate of enhancement procedures or the efficacy, safety and predictability indices (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In myopic LASIK thinner flaps are associated with faster visual recovery and less myopic SE, but the BCVA and the final UCVA are independent of flap thickness. Postoperative complications are unrelated to flap thickness. Flap thickness does not affect the efficacy, safety and predictability, or the rate of enhancement procedures.

Non-HDL cholesterol predicts coronary heart disease in primary prevention: findings from an Italian 40-69 year-old cohort in general practice.

OBJECTS: Non-HDL cholesterol is now recommended as an index of risk associated with combined dyslipidemia, and it has also been found useful in predicting coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in patients with diabetes. We studied the association between known CHD risk factors, enclosed non-HDL cholesterol, and a "high CHD risk condition", i.e. a "5-years CHD risk >15%" in general practice. METHODS: We studied 4,085 40-69 year-old diabetic (no. 489) and non-diabetic (no. 3,596) individuals from an opportunistic cohort. Cross-sectional descriptive statistics, and age- and gender-adjusted multiple logistic exponential betas have been calculated. RESULTS: About 12% of the participants had diabetes. Age- and gender-adjusted comparison showed that all the study variables were significantly worse in diabetic vs. non-diabetic individuals (except cigarette smoking, total blood cholesterol and the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol). They had a mean "5-year CHD-risk" significantly higher than non-diabetic individuals (18.8+/-11.9% vs 7.5+/-6.9%, P<0.01), and a four-fold prevalence of "5-years CHD risk >15%" (55.4% vs 11.1%, P<0.01). As to diabetic individuals, the study variables associated to a "high CHD risk condition" were cigarette smoking, systolic blood pressure, and non-HDL blood cholesterol levels. As to non-diabetic individuals cigarette smoking, systolic blood pressure, and HDL (inversely) and non-HDL blood cholesterol levels were associated to a "high CHD risk condition". CONCLUSIONS: Non-HDL cholesterol--and cigarette smoking and systolic blood pressure--strongly predicted a "high CHD risk condition" both in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.