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1.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38768849

ABSTRACT

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), also known as Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome, is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by a variety of motor and neuro-ophthalmological symptoms. We present the case of a 73-year-old male patient with a history of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, who consulted for gait disorders, tremors in the extremities, and difficulty controlling conjugate gaze. During physical examination, findings consistent with PSP were noted, including hypomimia, muscle rigidity, and abnormal movements. The initial misdiagnosis of Parkinson's disease and subsequent administration of levodopa highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis in complex neurological conditions. This clinical case highlights the need for a thorough evaluation of neuro-ophthalmological symptoms and signs to ensure an appropriate therapeutic approach and improve the quality of life of patients.

2.
Anaesth Rep ; 12(1): e12290, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38645478

ABSTRACT

We describe the use of three-dimensional printing to create precise airway models for a patient with Treacher Collins syndrome who presented for bimaxillary temporomandibular joint prostheses, and for whom airway management was predicted to be difficult. The model was based on pre-operative cone beam computed tomography images and printed in the 3D Lab of Hospital Universitario La Paz. Transparent models allowed clear visualisation for simulation and iterative refinement of airway management techniques and aided in risk assessment and instrument sizing. This case report emphasises the utility of this approach in complex airway scenarios.

3.
Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc ; 302: 123073, 2023 Dec 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37453382

ABSTRACT

The main objective of the ongoing and future space exploration missions is the search for traces of extant or extinct life (biomarkers) on Mars. One of the main limiting factors on the survival of Earth-like life is the presence of harmful space radiation, that could damage or modify also biomolecules, therefore understanding the effects of radiation on terrestrial biomolecules stability and detectability is of utmost importance. Which terrestrial molecules could be preserved in a Martian radiation scenario? Here, we investigated the potential endurance of fungal biomolecules, by exposing de-hydrated colonies of the Antarctic cryptoendolithic black fungus Cryomyces antarcticus mixed with Antarctic sandstone and with two Martian regolith analogues to increasing doses (0, 250 and 1000 Gy) of accelerated ions, namely iron (Fe), argon (Ar) and helium (He) ions. We analyzed the feasibility to detect fungal compounds with Raman and Infrared spectroscopies after exposure to these space-relevant radiations.


Subject(s)
Heavy Ions , Mars , Space Flight , Extraterrestrial Environment , Spectrum Analysis , Antarctic Regions , Exobiology
6.
Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg ; 60(7): 999-1001, 2022 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35643567

ABSTRACT

Surgical navigation is a technique that has evolved greatly in recent years. It allows surgeons to navigate through the surgical field in real time, and helps to locate anatomical structures or lesions and to place devices in complex anatomical regions with relatively high accuracy. In this article, we describe the application of surgical navigation in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroscopy using an optical surgical navigator for a more precise diagnosis and to accurately place instruments in the desired position, especially in lateral pterygoid myotomy. We believe this technique will extend our understanding of the TMJ anatomy and will improve functional results in TMJ arthroscopy.


Subject(s)
Joint Dislocations , Surgery, Computer-Assisted , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders , Arthroscopy/methods , Humans , Joint Dislocations/surgery , Pterygoid Muscles , Temporomandibular Joint/pathology , Temporomandibular Joint/surgery , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders/pathology
8.
Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal ; 26(6): e684-690, 2021 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34704981

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a well-known complication associated with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic therapies. The purpose of this study was to analyse if there is any predictive factor of recurrence after local debridement plus platelet rich plasma (PRP) placement in MRONJ patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy MRONJ patients treated at the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in La Paz Hospital (Madrid, Spain) were included in this retrospective study. All of them were treated surgically by local debridement and PRP placement. The observation period was between January 2012 and January 2019. Information regarding use, type, administration, and duration of therapy with BP/denosumab was recorded. The follow-up period ranged from 2-52 months. A descriptive analysis, a bivariate and a multivariate study were performed. RESULTS: Most of the patients were women (82.9%) between 50-70 years old (64.3%), with a stage II disease (74.3%). The therapy lasted more than 12 months in 54.8% of them. Zoledronic acid was the main antiresorptive used (44.3%), followed by oral administered BPs (29 patients, 41.4%) and denosumab (10 patients, 14.3%). Osteoporosis (48.6%), breast cancer (30%) and multiple myeloma (11.4%) were the main diseases because the patients were taking antirresorptives. 13 patients (18.6%) experienced recurrence. We found that breast cancer patients (p>0.0001), smokers (p>0.016), and administration of zoledronic acid (p>0.0001) were related to recurrence. After performing the multivariate model, we found that the only factor related to recurrence was smoking habit (Wald 3.837, p=0.05, OR 6.12). CONCLUSIONS: recurrence after local debridement plus PRP placement in our MRONJ series affected to 18.6% of patients. It seems to be more frequent in breast cancer patients, smokers, and after zoledronic acid administration. Smoking habit was the only independent factor related to recurrence in our series.


Subject(s)
Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw , Bone Density Conservation Agents , Multiple Myeloma , Platelet-Rich Plasma , Aged , Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw/epidemiology , Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw/etiology , Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw/therapy , Diphosphonates , Female , Humans , Jaw , Middle Aged , Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy , Retrospective Studies
9.
Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc ; 261: 120046, 2021 Nov 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34139661

ABSTRACT

The extremophile lichen Circinaria gyrosa (C. gyrosa) is one of the selected species within the BIOMEX (Biology and Mars Experiment) experiment. Here we present the Raman study of a biohint found in this lichen, called whewellite (calcium oxalate monohydrate), and other organic compounds and mineral products of the biological activity of the astrobiologically relevant model system C. gyrosa. Samples were exposed to space- and simulated Mars-like conditions during the EXPOSE-R2 mission parallel ground reference experiment MGR performed at the space- and planetary chambers of DLR-Cologne to study Mars' habitability and resistance to real space conditions. In this work, we complete the information of natural C. gyrosa about the process of diagenesis by the identification of carbonate crystals in the inner medulla together with the biomineral whewellite. The analysis by Raman spectroscopy of simulated Space and Mars exposed samples confirm alterations and damages of the photobiont part of the lichen and changes related to the molecular structure of whewellite. The conclusions of this work will be important to understand what are the effects to consider when biological systems are exposed to space or Mars-like conditions and to expand our knowledge of how life survives in most extreme conditions that is a prerequisite in future planetary exploration projects.


Subject(s)
Lichens , Space Flight , Ascomycota , Exobiology , Extraterrestrial Environment , Spectrum Analysis, Raman
10.
Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal ; 26(5): e661-e668, 2021 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34023845

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cancer involves numerous physical, psychological and emotional changes and has a negative impact on patients. Although there are a wide variety of questionnaires for general use in patients with cancer, very few are available that assess the pain, disability and craniomandibular functionality of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) in a more specific manner. The purpose of this study is to present the preliminary behavior of the CF-PDI in its reduced version adapted for patients with HNC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 61 patients with HNC were included in a study to preliminarily analyze the internal consistency of the instrument, the convergent validity and the floor and ceiling effects. All the patients completed the informed consent document and a battery of 5 questionnaires: The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia for Temporomandibular Disorders (TSK-TMD), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Quality of Life Questionnaire in patients with HNC (QLQ-HN) and the reduced version of the Craniofacial Pain and Disability Inventory (CF-PDI-11). Patients also performed 2 physical tests: measurements of the pain threshold on the masseter muscle and on the distal phalanx of the first finger; and the maximum mouth opening in neutral head position. RESULTS: Cronbach's α coefficient showed a very high internal consistency of 0.92. In terms of convergent validity, a statistically significant correlation was found between the CF-PDI-11 and the following variables: NRS, TSK-TMD, PCS, QLQ-HN, the threshold of pain in the distal phalanx of the first finger and the maximum interincisal opening. However, 21.3% of patients obtained the lowest possible score. The strongest correlation was found between the CF-PDI-11 and the QLQ-HN (r = 0.85, p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary version of the CF-PDI-11 shows that it could be a valid and reliable instrument to measure pain, disability and quality of life in patients with HNC.


Subject(s)
Head and Neck Neoplasms , Quality of Life , Facial Pain , Head and Neck Neoplasms/complications , Humans , Pain Measurement , Psychometrics , Reproducibility of Results , Surveys and Questionnaires
12.
Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal ; 25(6): e775-e783, 2020 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32701931

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain from temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is caused by a somatosensory disturbance due to sustained activation of central nervous system nociceptive pathways, which can induce changes in neuroplasticity in the thalamus, basal ganglia and limbic system, as well as disturbances in the somatosensory, prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortex and cognitive impairment. The main objective of this study was to determine the discrimination capacity of mandibular and tongue laterality between women with chronic TMDs and asymptomatic women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This descriptive-comparative study examined 2 groups with a total of 30 women. All participants were between the ages of 23 and 66 years and were assigned to the chronic TMD group or the asymptomatic group according to the inclusion criteria. We employed a mobile application developed specifically for this study to measure the accuracy and reaction time (RT) of mandibular and tongue laterality discrimination. RESULTS: The chronic TMD group had a lower success rate in laterality discrimination (mean mandibular accuracy of 40% and mean tongue accuracy of 67%) than the asymptomatic group (mean mandibular accuracy of 61% and mean tongue accuracy of 90%). These results showed statistically significant differences between the groups for mandibular laterality discrimination (d, 1.14; p<0.01) and tongue laterality discrimination (d, 0.79; p=0.03). The asymptomatic group had faster RTs than the chronic TMD group. The data revealed statistically significant differences for the right mandibular RT (d, 0.89; p=0.02) and right tongue RT (d, 0.83; p=0.03). However, there were no significant differences for left mandibular and left tongue RT. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the women with chronic TMDs had a lower success rate and slower RTs in the discrimination of mandibular laterality when compared with the asymptomatic women.


Subject(s)
Mobile Applications , Temporomandibular Joint Disorders , Adult , Aged , Female , Functional Laterality , Humans , Mandible , Middle Aged , Tongue , Young Adult
14.
Astrobiology ; 17(5): 459-469, 2017 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28520475

ABSTRACT

Kombucha microbial community (KMC) produces a cellulose-based biopolymer of industrial importance and a probiotic beverage. KMC-derived cellulose-based pellicle film is known as a highly adaptive microbial macrocolony-a stratified community of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In the framework of the multipurpose international astrobiological project "BIOlogy and Mars Experiment (BIOMEX)," which aims to study the vitality of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and the stability of selected biomarkers in low Earth orbit and in a Mars-like environment, a cellulose polymer structural integrity will be assessed as a biomarker and biotechnological nanomaterial. In a preflight assessment program for BIOMEX, the mineralized bacterial cellulose did not exhibit significant changes in the structure under all types of tests. KMC members that inhabit the cellulose-based pellicle exhibited a high survival rate; however, the survival capacity depended on a variety of stressors such as the vacuum of space, a Mars-like atmosphere, UVC radiation, and temperature fluctuations. The critical limiting factor for microbial survival was high-dose UV irradiation. In the tests that simulated a 1-year mission of exposure outside the International Space Station, the core populations of bacteria and yeasts survived and provided protection against UV; however, the microbial density of the populations overall was reduced, which was revealed by implementation of culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. Reduction of microbial richness was also associated with a lower accumulation of chemical elements in the cellulose-based pellicle film, produced by microbiota that survived in the post-test experiments, as compared to untreated cultures that populated the film. Key Words: BIOlogy and Mars Experiment (BIOMEX)-Kombucha multimicrobial community-Biosignature-Biofilm-Bacterial cellulose. Astrobiology 17, 459-469.


Subject(s)
Extraterrestrial Environment , Microbiota , Exobiology , Mars , Space Flight , Space Simulation , Spacecraft , Ultraviolet Rays
15.
Orig Life Evol Biosph ; 47(2): 169-185, 2017 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27025932

ABSTRACT

Biofilm-forming microbial communities are known as the most robust assemblages that can survive in harsh environments. Biofilm-associated microorganisms display greatly increased resistance to physical and chemical adverse conditions, and they are expected to be the first form of life on Earth or anywhere else. Biological molecules synthesized by biofilm -protected microbiomes may serve as markers of the nucleoprotein life. We offer a new experimental model, a kombucha multimicrobial culture (KMC), to assess a structural integrity of a widespread microbial polymer - cellulose - as a biosignature of bacteria-producers for the multipurpose international project "BIOlogical and Mars Experiment (BIOMEX)", which aims to study the vitality of pro- and eukaryotic organisms and the stability of organic biomolecules in contact with minerals to analyze the detectability of life markers in the context of a planetary background. In this study, we aimed to substantiate the detectability of mineralized cellulose with spectroscopy and to study the KMC macrocolony phenotype stability under adverse conditions (UV, excess of inorganics etc.). Cellulose matrix of the KMC macrocolony has been mineralized in the mineral-water interface under assistance of KMC-members. Effect of bioleached ions on the cellulose matrix has been visible, and the FT-IR spectrum proved changes in cellulose structure. However, the specific cellulose band vibration, confirming the presence of ß(1,4)-linkages between monomers, has not been quenched by secondary minerals formed on the surface of pellicle. The cellulose-based KMC macrocolony phenotype was in a dependence on extracellular matrix components (ionome, viriome, extracellular membrane vesicles), which provided its integrity and rigidness in a certain extent under impact of stressful factors.


Subject(s)
Bacteria , Biofilms , Microbiota , Cellulose , Extraterrestrial Environment , Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
16.
Astrobiology ; 15(8): 601-15, 2015 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26218403

ABSTRACT

Samples of the extremotolerant Antarctic endemite lichen Buellia frigida are currently exposed to low-Earth orbit-space and simulated Mars conditions at the Biology and Mars Experiment (BIOMEX), which is part of the ESA mission EXPOSE-R2 on the International Space Station and was launched on 23 July 2014. In preparation for the mission, several preflight tests (Experimental and Scientific Verification Tests, EVT and SVT) assessed the sample preparation and hardware integration procedures as well as the resistance of the candidate organism toward the abiotic stressors experienced under space and Mars conditions. Therefore, we quantified the post-exposure viability with a live/dead staining technique utilizing FUN-1 and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In addition, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate putative patterns of morphological-anatomical damage that lichens may suffer under the extreme exposure conditions. The present results demonstrate that Buellia frigida is capable of surviving the conditions tested in EVT and SVT. The mycobiont showed lower average impairment of its viability than the photobiont (viability rates of >83% and >69%, respectively), and the lichen thallus suffered no significant damage in terms of thalline integrity and symbiotic contact. These results will become essential to substantiate and validate the results prospectively obtained from the returning space mission. Moreover, they will help assess the limits and limitations of terrestrial organisms under space and Mars conditions as well as characterize the adaptive traits that confer lichen extremotolerance.


Subject(s)
Ascomycota/cytology , Ascomycota/physiology , Extraterrestrial Environment , Lichens/cytology , Lichens/physiology , Fluorescent Dyes , Mars , Microbial Viability , Microscopy, Confocal , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Stress, Physiological , Temperature , Ultraviolet Rays
17.
Orig Life Evol Biosph ; 43(6): 501-26, 2013 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24362711

ABSTRACT

Lichens, which are symbioses of a fungus and one or two photoautotrophs, frequently tolerate extreme environmental conditions. This makes them valuable model systems in astrobiological research to fathom the limits and limitations of eukaryotic symbioses. Various studies demonstrated the high resistance of selected extremotolerant lichens towards extreme, non-terrestrial abiotic factors including space exposure, hypervelocity impact simulations as well as space and Martian parameter simulations. This study focusses on the diverse set of secondary lichen compounds (SLCs) that act as photo- and UVR-protective substances. Five lichen species used in present-day astrobiological research were compared: Buellia frigida, Circinaria gyrosa, Rhizocarpon geographicum, Xanthoria elegans, and Pleopsidium chlorophanum. Detailed investigation of secondary substances including photosynthetic pigments was performed for whole lichen thalli but also for axenically cultivated mycobionts and photobionts by methods of UV/VIS-spectrophotometry and two types of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, a set of chemical tests is presented to confirm the formation of melanic compounds in lichen and mycobiont samples. All investigated lichens reveal various sets of SLCs, except C. gyrosa where only melanin was putatively identified. Such studies will help to assess the contribution of SLCs on lichen extremotolerance, to understand the adaptation of lichens to prevalent abiotic stressors of the respective habitat, and to form a basis for interpreting recent and future astrobiological experiments. As most of the identified SLCs demonstrated a high capacity in absorbing UVR, they may also explain the high resistance of lichens towards non-terrestrial UVR.


Subject(s)
Adaptation, Biological/radiation effects , Lichens/metabolism , Ultraviolet Rays , Adaptation, Biological/physiology , Species Specificity
18.
Orig Life Evol Biosph ; 43(3): 283-303, 2013 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23868319

ABSTRACT

Lichens are symbioses of two organisms, a fungal mycobiont and a photoautotrophic photobiont. In nature, many lichens tolerate extreme environmental conditions and thus became valuable models in astrobiological research to fathom biological resistance towards non-terrestrial conditions; including space exposure, hypervelocity impact simulations as well as space and Martian parameter simulations. All studies demonstrated the high resistance towards non-terrestrial abiotic factors of selected extremotolerant lichens. Besides other adaptations, this study focuses on the morphological and anatomical traits by comparing five lichen species-Circinaria gyrosa, Rhizocarpon geographicum, Xanthoria elegans, Buellia frigida, Pleopsidium chlorophanum-used in present-day astrobiological research. Detailed investigation of thallus organization by microscopy methods allows to study the effect of morphology on lichen resistance and forms a basis for interpreting data of recent and future experiments. All investigated lichens reveal a common heteromerous thallus structure but diverging sets of morphological-anatomical traits, as intra-/extra-thalline mucilage matrices, cortices, algal arrangements, and hyphal strands. In B. frigida, R. geographicum, and X. elegans the combination of pigmented cortex, algal arrangement, and mucilage seems to enhance resistance, while subcortex and algal clustering seem to be crucial in C. gyrosa, as well as pigmented cortices and basal thallus protrusions in P. chlorophanum. Thus, generalizations on morphologically conferred resistance have to be avoided. Such differences might reflect the diverging evolutionary histories and are advantageous by adapting lichens to prevalent abiotic stressors. The peculiar lichen morphology demonstrates its remarkable stake in resisting extreme terrestrial conditions and may explain the high resistance of lichens found in astrobiological research.


Subject(s)
Ascomycota/physiology , Ascomycota/ultrastructure , Lichens/physiology , Lichens/ultrastructure , Adaptation, Physiological , Exobiology , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Symbiosis
20.
Oral Maxillofac Surg ; 12(4): 223-6, 2008 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18825423

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hematoma of the floor of the mouth during mandibular dental implant placement is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. REPORT: A 53-year-old man developed a hematoma of the floor of the mouth following a dental implant procedure, requiring admission to the hospital. SUMMARY: The floor of the mouth is richly vascularized by a number of branches of the submental and sublingual arteries. During a dental implant procedure in the anterior zone of the mandible, perforation of the lingual cortex may invade the floor of the mouth and therefore damage structures within the sublingual space. The anatomy of the lower portion of the anterior mandibular zone, with the mylohyoid ridge, makes it particularly vulnerable to this kind of injury, particularly in patients with atrophic mandibles. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature to date.


Subject(s)
Airway Obstruction/etiology , Dental Implantation, Endosseous/adverse effects , Hematoma/etiology , Mouth Floor/injuries , Oral Hemorrhage/etiology , Hematoma/complications , Humans , Male , Mandible/surgery , Middle Aged , Mouth Floor/blood supply , Oral Hemorrhage/complications
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