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Objective The most common compressive neuropathy of the upper limbs is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Historically, there has been a tendency to apply immobilization in the postoperative period, a practice that has decreased in recent years. This review aims to assess whether there is scientific evidence to justify the use of immobilization in the postoperative care of CTS decompression. Methods The following databases were used: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), PubMed National Library of Medicine - (NLM), Cochrane Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and EMBASE. The following inclusion criteria were used: 1) discussion of the postoperative period of median nerve decompression surgery in CTS; 2) comparison of results after surgical decompression in CTS between wrist immobilization or local dressing; 3) all languages, regardless of the year of publication; and 4) all types of publications. The following exclusion criteria were used: 1) studies that did not evaluate the postoperative period of CTS decompression; 2) lack of evaluation of the outcome related to the application of local dressing or some form of wrist immobilization after the surgical decompression procedure; and 3) repeated publications. Results The literature search resulted in 336 relevant publications. In the end, 18 publications were chosen. Systematic reviews, randomized clinical trials, and cross-sectional studies were found. Conclusions Due to the scarcity of evidence supporting the use of immobilization coupled with the higher costs associated with the practice, it has become less and less frequent in recent decades. Clinical relevance In the literature, two approaches to postoperative care for CTS decompression are described: immobilization or just local dressing. According to the available scientific evidence, it is worth evaluating which one is better.
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Waste liquid mercury generated as a by-product of the Merrill-Crowe process in gold mining and recovered from mercury-containing waste must be stabilized for secure storage or disposal. This study developed a procedure for mercury stabilization. A ball mill with a 0.5 m3 capacity and a rotational speed of 43 rpm was used to stabilize the residual mercury with sulfur. The treatments were conducted for 30, 60, and 90 min at mercury: sulfur molar ratios of 1.0, 0.8, and 0.67. The ball loading ratio was 7.0 with residual mercury, and the temperature was below 40 °C. The treatment efficiency was evaluated by measuring the concentrations of mercury and other metals using the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP), examining the stabilized residual mercury by X-ray diffraction, and conducting bioassays on Daphnia magna and Lactuca sativa. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on the aforementioned variables. The 90-min treatment, with a mercury-to-sulfur molar ratio of 0.67, stabilized mercury mainly as cinnabar compared with the other treatments and presented leachate mercury values below the detection limit <0.003. The leachate from the treatments also showed values of 21.28-38.44 toxic units, classified as very toxic, and generated toxicity, particularly for D. magna, because of the presence of other metals such as Al, Ba, B, Ca, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn. The variability of the residues in the PCA analysis was explained by the treatment effect and the presence of other metals in the residual mercury. The stabilized residual mercury obtained was classified as non-hazardous and could be stored or disposed of as ordinary waste in a security landfill.
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This study rigorously investigates the effectiveness of nonlinear filters in CMOS for 2-D signal processing to enhance image quality. We comprehensively compare traditional linear filters' performance, which operate on the principle of linearity, with nonlinear filters, such as the median-median (Med-Med) approach, designed to handle nonlinear data. To ensure the validity of our findings, we use widely accepted metrics like normalized squared error (NSE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and structural similarity index (SSIM) to quantify the differences. Our simulations and experiments, conducted under controlled conditions, demonstrate that nonlinear filters in CMOS outperform linear filters in removing impulse noise and enhancing images. We also address the challenges of implementing these algorithms at the hardware level, focusing on power consumption and chip area optimization. Additionally, we propose a new architecture for the Med-Med filter and validate its functionality through experiments using a 9-pixel image sensor array. Our findings highlight the potential of nonlinear filters in CMOS for real-time image quality enhancement and their applicability in various real-world imaging applications. This research contributes to visual technology by combining theoretical insights with practical implementations, paving the way for more efficient and adaptable imaging systems.
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RNA-seq faces persistent challenges due to the ongoing, expanding array of data processing workflows, none of which have yet achieved standardization to date. It is imperative to determine which method most effectively preserves biological facts. Here, we used Shannon entropy as a tool for depicting the biological status of a system. Thus, we assessed the measurement of Shannon entropy by several RNA-seq workflow approaches, such as DESeq2 and edgeR, but also by combining nine normalization methods with log2 fold change on paired samples of TCGA RNA-seq representing datasets of 515 patients and spanning 12 different cancer types with 5-year overall survival rates ranging from 20% to 98%. Our analysis revealed that TPM, RLE, and TMM normalization, coupled with a threshold of log2 fold change ≥1, for identifying differentially expressed genes, yielded the best results. We propose that Shannon entropy can serve as an objective metric for refining the optimization of RNA-seq workflows and mRNA sequencing technologies.
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The widespread and excessive use of pesticides in modern agricultural practices has caused pesticide contamination of the environment, animals, and humans, with confirmed serious health consequences. This study aimed to identify the 20 most critical substances based on an analysis of detection frequency (DF) and median concentrations (MC) across environmental and biological matrices. A sampling campaign was conducted across 10 case study sites in Europe and 1 in Argentina, each encompassing conventional and organic farming systems. We analysed 209 active substances in a total of 4609 samples. All substances ranked among the 20 most critical were detected in silicon wristbands worn by humans and animals and indoor dust from both farming systems. Five of them were detected in all environmental matrices. Overall, higher values of DF and MC, including in the blood plasma of animals and humans, were recorded in samples of conventional compared to organic farms. The differences between farming systems were greater in the environmental samples and less in animal and human samples. Ten substances were detected in animal blood plasma from conventional farms and eight in animal blood plasma from organic farms. Two of those, detected in both farming systems, are classified as hazardous for mammals (acute). Five substances detected in animal blood plasma from organic farms and seven detected in animal blood plasma from conventional farms are classified as hazardous for mammals (dietary). Three substances detected in human blood plasma are classified as carcinogens. Seven of the substances detected in human blood plasma are classified as endocrine disruptors. Six substances, of which five were detected in human blood plasma, are hazardous for reproduction/development. Efforts are needed to elucidate the unknown effects of mixtures, and it is crucial that such research also considers biocides and banned substances, which constitute a baseline of contamination that adds to the effect of substances used in agriculture.
Subject(s)
Environmental Monitoring , Pesticides , Argentina , Humans , Pesticides/analysis , Animals , Europe , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Ecosystem , Environmental Pollutants/analysis , Environmental Pollutants/blood , Environmental Exposure/statistics & numerical data , Environmental Exposure/analysis , AgricultureABSTRACT
Objective To identify the location of the Riché-Cannieu anastomosis (RCA) in relation to the Cardinal Kaplan Line (KCL) and the Y line. Methods A total of 20 hands of 10 recently-deceased adult male cadavers aged between 27 and 66 years were dissected for the investigation of the relationship of the most distal point of the RCA with the KCL and with the Y line, drawn from the axis of the third metacarpal head, following the longitudinal axis of the hand. Results In 20 limbs, the most distal point of the nerve communication was positioned distally in relation to the KCL. The Y line was positioned on the radial side in relation to the most distal point of the RCA in 14 limbs, and it was positioned on the ulnar side in relation to the Y line in 6 limbs. The crossing between the KCL and the Y line occurred proximal to the RCA in 18 limbs; in 1 hand, it was positioned distal to the intersection between these lines; and in another hand, the KCL was positioned exactly on the RCA. Conclusion Knowledge of these anatomical relationships can prevent damage to nerve branches and thus also prevent paralysis of intrinsic muscles in surgical procedures in the palm of the hand.
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Abstract Objective To identify the location of the Riché-Cannieu anastomosis (RCA) in relation to the Cardinal Kaplan Line (KCL) and the Y line. Methods A total of 20 hands of 10 recently-deceased adult male cadavers aged between 27 and 66 years were dissected for the investigation of the relationship of the most distal point of the RCA with the KCL and with the Y line, drawn from the axis of the third metacarpal head, following the longitudinal axis of the hand. Results In 20 limbs, the most distal point of the nerve communication was positioned distally in relation to the KCL. The Y line was positioned on the radial side in relation to the most distal point of the RCA in 14 limbs, and it was positioned on the ulnar side in relation to the Y line in 6 limbs. The crossing between the KCL and the Y line occurred proximal to the RCA in 18 limbs; in 1 hand, it was positioned distal to the intersection between these lines; and in another hand, the KCL was positioned exactly on the RCA. Conclusion Knowledge of these anatomical relationships can prevent damage to nerve branches and thus also prevent paralysis of intrinsic muscles in surgical procedures in the palm of the hand.
Resumo Objetivo Identificar a localização da anastomose de Riché-Cannieu (ARC) em relação à linha cardinal de Kaplan (LCK) e à linha Y. Métodos Ao todo, 20 mãos de 10 cadáveres adultos do sexo masculino com idades entre 27 e 66 anos, recentemente falecidos, foram dissecadas para a investigação da relação do ponto mais distal da ARC com a LCK e a linha Y traçada a partir do eixo da cabeça do terceiro metacarpo seguindo o eixo longitudinal da mão. Resultados Nos 20 membros, o ponto mais distal da comunicação nervosa era distal à LCK. A linha Y estava no lado radial em relação ao ponto mais distal da ARC em 14 membros, e no lado ulnar em relação à linha Y em 6 membros. O cruzamento entre a LCK e a linha Y foi proximal à ARC em 18 membros; em 1 mão, era distal à intersecção entre essas linhas e, em outra mão, a LCK estava exatamente na ARC. Conclusão O conhecimento dessas relações anatômicas pode prevenir danos aos ramos nervosos e, assim, também prevenir a paralisia dos músculos intrínsecos em procedimentos cirúrgicos na palma da mão.
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INTRODUCTION: Widespread pain may be related to psychosocial aspects in several musculoskeletal conditions, but the literature on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between pain extent and psychological factors (catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, anxiety symptoms, and depression) in people with CTS. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The independent variables were: pain intensity, disability (QuickDASH), duration of symptoms, anxiety and depressive symptoms, catastrophizing, and kinesiophobia. The main outcome was: pain extent (% of total area and categories "pain within the median nerve-innervated territory" versus "extra-median nerve pain"). Correlation analysis was performed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. A linear regression model and binary logistic regression (both with forward selection) were performed to determine the main predictors of pain extent. RESULTS: Forty-eight participants were included. A moderate positive correlation was found between catastrophizing (r = 0.455; p = 0.024) and disability (r = 0.448; p = 0.024) with total pain extent area. Regression models indicated that catastrophizing explained 22% of the variance in the pain extent (ß = 0.003; 95% CI: 0.002-0.005), while kinesiophobia was the variable that best explained the distribution of pain in the extra-median territory (R2 Nagelkerke = 0.182). Null or weak correlations were found for the rest of the associations. CONCLUSION: Catastrophizing and kinesiophobia were the main indicators of pain extent in people with CTS. Clinicians are advised to use specific questionnaires to check for the presence of catastrophizing or kinesiophobia in people with CTS and wider pain extension.
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We present the case of a 58-year-old male with a 3-day history of sudden onset headache, loss of consciousness, and uncontrolled vomiting. The patient had 3/5 quadriparesis and a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score of 8, which merited neurocritical intensive care. Brain imaging suggested the presence of two lesions: (i) a fusiform aneurysm of 12 × 7 mm in an accessory A2 artery of the anterior cerebral artery and (ii) an unruptured saccular aneurysm of 3.3 × 2.8 mm in the distal segment of the basilar artery. He was deemed a candidate for microsurgical management. Postoperatively, he had 4/5 quadriparesis, paresis of the right oculomotor nerve, and a GCS score of 13. A 3-month follow-up showed a significant improvement in neurological function with a score of 2 on the modified Rankin scale. The presented case illustrates the relevance of a nuanced acquaintance to operate in diseased anatomical variants and complex pathologies of narrow corridors.
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BACKGROUND: Up to 30% of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome require mechanical ventilation and 5% die due to acute complications of mechanical ventilation. There is a considerable group of patients that will need prolonged mechanical ventilation (considered as >14 days) and should be considered for early tracheostomy. The objective of this study is to identify risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed patients with Guillain-Barré diagnosis with versus without prolonged mechanical ventilation. We considered clinical and electrophysiological characteristics and analyzed factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Three hundred and three patients were included; 29% required mechanical ventilation. When comparing the groups, patients with prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) have a lower score on the Medical Research Council score (19.5 ± 16.2 vs 27.4 ± 17.5, p = 0.03) and a higher frequency of dysautonomia (42.3% vs 19.4%, p = 0.037), as well as lower amplitudes of the distal compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the median nerve [0.37 (RIQ 0.07-2.25) vs. 3.9 (RIQ1.2-6.4), p = <0.001] and ulnar nerve [0.37 (RIQ0.0-3.72) vs 1.5 (RIQ0.3-6.6), p = <0.001], and higher frequency of severe axonal damage in these nerves (distal CMAP ≤ 1.0 mV). Through binary logistic regression, severe axonal degeneration of the median nerve is an independent risk factor for prolonged IMV OR 4.9 (95%CI 1.1-21.5) p = 0.03, AUC of 0.774, (95%CI 0.66-0.88), p = < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Severe median nerve damage is an independent risk factor for prolonged mechanical ventilation.
Subject(s)
Autonomic Nervous System Diseases , Guillain-Barre Syndrome , Humans , Guillain-Barre Syndrome/complications , Respiration, Artificial/adverse effects , Logistic Models , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Introducción: La evisceración es una importante complicación posoperatoria y causa de reintervención en los pacientes sometidos a una laparotomía media. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes con laparotomía media y cierre aponeurótico con línea de tensión reforzada en el Hospital General Docente Leopoldito Martínez. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, descriptivo y longitudinal en pacientes con laparotomía media y cierre aponeurótico con línea de tensión reforzada, realizadas en un servicio de cirugía general en el período comprendido entre septiembre del año 2018 y marzo del año 2022 en una muestra de 119 pacientes. Las variables estudiadas fueron Grupos de Edades, Sexo, Enfermedades Asociadas, Clasificación de la Cirugía, Tipo de Cirugía, Complicaciones Posoperatorias Locales, Factores de Riesgo y Eficacia del Método de Cierre Aponeurótico. Resultados: El rango de edad fue de 19-86 años. El grupo de edad de 30-50 años representó el 48,74 % de la muestra. El 68,91 % de los pacientes, fueron del sexo femenino. La enfermedad asociada, hipertensión arterial, fue identificada en el 28,81 % de la muestra. La complicación posoperatoria local, infección del sitio quirúrgico incisional, se presentó en el 46,15 % de los pacientes. El factor de riesgo, desnutrición proteico calórica se reportó en el 24,18 % de los pacientes. Se identificaron dos pacientes eviscerados. Conclusiones: El cierre de la aponeurosis, mediante el método de línea de tensión reforzada, es eficaz como profilaxis de la evisceración en pacientes con laparotomía media.
Introduction: Evisceration is an important postoperative complication and a cause of reoperation in patients undergoing median laparotomy. Objective: To characterize patients with median laparotomy and aponeurotic closure with reinforced tension line at Hospital General Docente Leopoldito Martínez. Methods: A prospective, descriptive and longitudinal study was conducted in patients undergoing median laparotomy and aponeurotic closure with reinforced tension line, performed in a general surgery service in the period between September 2018 and March 2022 with a sample of 119 patients. The studied variables were age groups, sex, associated diseases, classification of surgery, type of surgery, local postoperative complications, risk factors and efficacy of the aponeurotic closure method. Results: The age range was 19-86 years. The age group of 30-50 years accounted for 48.74% of the sample. 68.91% of the patients were female. Arterial hypertension, as the associated disease, was identified in 28.81% of the sample. Incisional surgical site, as the local postoperative complication, was present in 46.15% of the patients. Protein-calorie malnutrition, as the risk factor, was reported in 24.18% of the patients. Two eviscerated patients were identified. Conclusions: Closure of the aponeurosis, using the reinforced tension line method, is effective as prophylaxis of evisceration in patients undergoing median laparotomy.
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Purpose: To evaluate the effects on peripheral neural regeneration of the end-to-side embracing repair technique compared to the autograft repair technique in Wistar rats. Methods: Fifteen male Wistar rats were divided into three groups with five animals each: denervated group (GD), autograft group (GA), and embracing group (EG). For the evaluation, the grasping test, electroneuromyography (ENMG), and muscle weight assessment were used. Results: Muscle weight assessment and ENMG did not show significant neural regeneration at the end of 12 weeks in the DG and GE groups, but only in GA. The grasping test showed an increase in strength between the surgery and the fourth week in all groups, and only the GA maintained this trend until the 12th week. Conclusions: The present study indicates that the neural regeneration observed in the end-to-side embracing neurorrhaphy technique, in the repair of segmental neural loss, is inferior to autograft repair in Wistar rats.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Transplantation, Autologous , Rats, Wistar , Median Nerve , Microsurgery , Nerve RegenerationABSTRACT
Abstract Objective The most common compressive neuropathy of the upper limbs is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Historically, there has been a tendency to apply immobilization in the postoperative period, a practice that has decreased in recent years. This review aims to assess whether there is scientific evidence to justify the use of immobilization in the postoperative care of CTS decompression. Methods The following databases were used: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), PubMed National Library of Medicine - (NLM), Cochrane Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and EMBASE. The following inclusion criteria were used: 1) discussion of the postoperative period of median nerve decompression surgery in CTS; 2) comparison of results after surgical decompression in CTS between wrist immobilization or local dressing; 3) all languages, regardless of the year of publication; and 4) all types of publications. The following exclusion criteria were used: 1) studies that did not evaluate the postoperative period of CTS decompression; 2) lack of evaluation of the outcome related to the application of local dressing or some form of wrist immobilization after the surgical decompression procedure; and 3) repeated publications. Results The literature search resulted in 336 relevant publications. In the end, 18 publications were chosen. Systematic reviews, randomized clinical trials, and cross-sectional studies were found. Conclusions Due to the scarcity of evidence supporting the use of immobilization coupled with the higher costs associated with the practice, it has become less and less frequent in recent decades. Clinical relevance In the literature, two approaches to postoperative care for CTS decompression are described: immobilization or just local dressing. According to the available scientific evidence, it is worth evaluating which one is better.
Resumo Objetivo A neuropatia compressiva mais comum dos membros superiores é a síndrome do túnel do carpo (STC). Historicamente, houve uma tendência à aplicação de imobilização no pós-operatório, prática que tem diminuído nos últimos anos. O objetivo desta revisão é avaliar se existem evidências científicas que justifiquem o uso da imobilização nos cuidados pós-operatórios de descompressão da STC. Métodos Foram utilizadas as seguintes bases de dados: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), PubMed National Library of Medicine (NLM), Cochrane Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), e EMBASE. Foram utilizados os seguintes critérios de inclusão: 1) discussão do pós-operatório de cirurgias de descompressão do nervo mediano na STC; 2) comparação dos resultados, após descompressão cirúrgica, na STC entre imobilização do punho ou apenas curativo local; 3) todos os idiomas, independentemente do ano de publicação; e 4) todos os tipos de publicações. Foram utilizados os seguintes critérios de exclusão: 1) estudos que não avaliaram o pós-operatório de descompressão da STC; 2) falta de avaliação do resultado relacionado à conduta de aplicação de curativo local e/ou alguma forma de imobilização do punho após o procedimento cirúrgico de descompressão; e 3) publicações repetidas Resultados A busca bibliográfica resultou em 336 publicações relevantes. Ao final, foram escolhidas 18 publicações. Foram encontradas revisões sistemáticas, ensaios clínicos randomizados e estudos transversais. Conclusões Devido à escassez de evidências que apoiem o uso da imobilização, associada aos custos mais elevados relacionados com a prática, nas últimas décadas, essa tem se tornado cada vez menos frequente. Relevância clínica Na literatura há descrições de duas abordagens nos cuidados pós-operatórios de descompressão da STC: imobilização ou apenas curativo local. Vale a pena avaliar qual é a melhor entre as duas de acordo com as evidências científicas disponíveis.
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Abstract Lipomas are the most common soft-tissue tumors in the human body, but their location in the hand is rare. Symptomatic hand lipomas, due to nerve compression, are even rarer. We present a case of median nerve neuropathy as a result of a giant palm lipoma, located on the thenar and hypothenar areas of the hand. The patient had typical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, along with compromised thumb motion. Intraoperatively, the recurrent motor branch of the median nerve was sitting on the lipoma under a great tension. This particular location of the motor branch of the median nerve in relation to the lipoma makes this case unique. The tumor was excised protecting the neurovascular structures, and a few weeks later the patient regained full thumb motion, grip strength, and resolution of dysesthesia.
Resumo Os lipomas são os tumores de partes moles mais comuns no corpo humano, mas sua localização na mão é rara. Os lipomas de mão que causam sintomas por compressão do nervo são ainda mais raros. Apresentamos um caso de neuropatia do nervo mediano decorrente de um lipoma palmar gigante, localizado nas regiões tenar e hipotenar da mão. A paciente apresentava sintomas típicos de síndrome do túnel do carpo, além de comprometimento dos movimentos do polegar. Durante a cirurgia, o ramo motor recorrente do nervo mediano repousava sobre o lipoma sob grande tensão. Esta localização particular do ramo motor do nervo mediano em relação ao lipoma torna este caso único. O tumor foi extirpado, protegendo as estruturas neurovasculares e, poucas semanas depois, a paciente havia recuperado totalmente os movimentos do polegar e força de preensão, além de apresentar resolução da disestesia.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Middle Aged , Soft Tissue Neoplasms/therapy , Carpal Tunnel Syndrome , Median Neuropathy , Hand/surgery , LipomaABSTRACT
Resumen Objetivo: Analizar los resultados de la técnica quirúrgica de colocación de clavillos Kirschner forma lateral versus cruzada en el manejo de las fracturas supracondíleas de húmero en pacientes pediátricos. Metodología: Se captaron a todos los pacientes con fractura supracondílea humeral en edad pediátrica que requirieron intervención quirúrgica, y posteriormente fueron evaluados a las 24 horas y 6 meses posterior al tratamiento quirúrgico para observar y comparar las diferencias entre cada técnica quirúrgica utilizada, tomando en cuenta las complicaciones agudas y tardías que se presentaron mediante un análisis con la prueba de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Para el presente estudios se evaluaron 44 pacientes pediátricos de los cuales 70% eran hombres y 30% mujeres, en quienes se presentaron complicaciones nerviosas y angulares sin importancia significativa alguna con el sexo y edades de los pacientes, siendo la afección del nervio cubital la de mayor frecuencia con 33% en la colocación de forma cruzada. Al realizar la comparativa con discriminación de variables se obtiene que la colocación de forma lateral presenta menos complicaciones posquirúrgicas tempranas y tardías y que tales no se deben al azar. Limitaciones o implicaciones: En el presente estudio no se incluyó el tipo de daño mecánico que provoca este tipo de fractura, ni se consideró el ángulo de Baumann. Otra limitación inherente en la población pediátrica es la habilidad del explorador para detectar un déficit neurológico, especialmente en pacientes de edad temprana dado a que los reportes de una exploración física siempre son subjetivos. Además, dada la limitación en cuanto a los detalles del mecanismo específico de daño, se puede subestimar el número de daños provocados por mecanismos de alta energía. Originalidad y valor: Su importancia radica en que ambas técnicas quirúrgicas fueron realizadas por los mismos cirujanos y que se trata de un estudio en población mexicana, siendo un aporte para la literatura de este país. Conclusión: Ambas técnicas quirúrgicas presentan resultados posquirúrgicos con casos de lesión nerviosa, deformidad angular, dolor y edema persistente, pero la que los presenta en menor frecuencia es la técnica de colocación de clavillos Kirschner en forma lateral, además de causar una significancia estadística en cuanto a la disminución de presentar cubito valgo en el seguimiento tardío de los pacientes.
Abstract: Objective: To analyze the results of the surgical technique placement of Kirschner pins lateral versus crossed in the management of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in pediatric patients. Methodology: All pediatric patients with humeral supracondylar fracture who required surgical intervention and were subsequently evaluated 24 hours and 6 months after surgical treatment to observe and compare the differences between each patient. surgical technique used. Taking into account the acute and late complications that occurred, through an analysis with the Mann-Whitney test. Results: For the present studies, 44 pediatric patients were evaluated, of whom 70% were men and 30% women, in whom nerve and angular complications presented without any significant importance with the sex and age of the patients, with ulnar nerve involvement being the most frequent with 33% in cross placement. When carrying out the comparison with discrimination of variables, it is obtained that the placement laterally presents fewer early and late post-surgical complications and that such are not due to chance. Or the present study, it is considered that a placement of Kirschner pins laterally regardless of the member, age, gender or classification; leads to better post-surgical results. Limitations or implications: In the present study, the type of mechanical damage that causes this type of fracture was not included, nor was the Baumann angle considered. Another limitation inherent in the pediatric population is the ability of the examiner to detect a neurological deficit, especially in young patients since reports of a physical examination are always subjective. Furthermore, given the limited details of the specific damage mechanism, the number of damages caused by high-energy mechanisms may be underestimated. Originality or value: Its importance lies in the fact that both surgical techniques were performed by the same surgeons and that it is a study in the mexican population, being a contribution to the literature of this country. Findings or conclusions: Both surgical techniques present post-surgical results with cases of nerve injury, angular deformity, pain and persistent edema, but the one that presents them less frequently in the technique of placement of Kirschner pins laterally, in addition to causing statistical significance in terms of the decrease of presenting cubitus valgus in the late follow-up of the patients.
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Actinomycosis is an uncommon, subacute to chronic, suppurative bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces Israelii. About 3% of all actinomycosis cases occur in the tongue, often affecting adult patients (mean age, 50 years). The clinical characteristics of actinomycosis can resemble malignant or benign tumors, and other infectious diseases. A 56-year-old woman was referred presenting an ulcerated lesion on the tongue 1 year ago. Intraoral examination revealed an edematous nodular lesion with an ulcerated surface, slightly symptomatic, on the midline dorsum of posterior tongue, suggesting nodular median rhomboid glossitis. Cytology smear was negative for fungus. After excisional biopsy, histopathological examination showed a chronic inflammatory infiltrate supported by a fibrovascular connective tissue stroma, and at the deepest part, broad basophilic areas surrounded by neutrophils, containing numerous filamentous bacilli, which were highlighted by Gram and Groccott-Gomori staining. The final diagnosis was lingual actinomycosis. Oral amoxicillin treatment (8/8 h for 2 weeks) was started, and after 1-month complete resolution was observed. Lingual actinomycosis is a rare lesion that must be recognized by dentists, because its early diagnosis and correct treatment reduce the possibility of a clinical complication that compromises the patient's quality of life. Noteworthy, when located on the midline dorsum of posterior tongue, actinomycosis can simulate nodular median rhomboid glossitis, expanding its spectrum of clinical differential diagnosis.
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Spontaneous neuronal recovery is an expected phenomenon in brachial plexus palsy patients. However, the spontaneous recovery owing to retrograde regeneration is an evolving phenomenon with dearth of adequate research on it. Pectoralis major contraction on stimulation of median nerve (in the arm) is an unexpected phenomenon, in the absence of any anomalous communication and with distal coaptation site of intraplexal nerve repair. We presumably attribute it to the retrograde regrowth of axons. The case described supports our hypothesis. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).
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Heavy metals pose a significant threat to animals in aquatic environments due to the adverse effects they exert. Species of the genus Artemia have been described as heavy metal tolerant, but the sensitivity/tolerance range for these species has not been established. In the present study, the toxicity of Cd, Cu, Zn and Ni as reported in the ECOTOX and Web of Science databases was examined for Artemia franciscana and compared with other species and taxonomic groups using an integrative ecotoxicity evaluation. The hazard concentration for 5% of the species (HC5) of acute toxicity tests (24-96 h), obtained through a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) indicated that Cu (0.02 mg/L) and Cd (0.03 mg/L) were the metals with the highest toxicity to aquatic animals followed by Zn (0.15 mg/L) and Ni (0.23 mg/L). In addition to the higher hazard of Cu and Cd to aquatic animals, the comparison of acute LC50 values for A. franciscana indicates lower toxicity of Cd followed by Cu, Zn, and Ni (200.0, 14.5, 9.5, and 0.6 mg/L, respectively). Using the SSD and physiological sensitivity (S) approaches, it was demonstrated that A. franciscana is relatively tolerant to Cd (SSD= HC99; S = 2.21), Cu (SSD= HC97; S = 2.00), Zn (SSD= HC90; S = 1.29) and Ni (SSD= HC83; S = 0.96) compared with other species and taxonomic groups. It appears that tolerance to the metals Cd, Cu, Zn and Ni is unique to the family Artemiidae within the order Anostraca, as the families Streptocephalidae and Thamnocephalidae are not tolerant (have negative S values). Our study confirmed that as expected, A. franciscana presents higher tolerance to Cd, Cu, Zn, and Ni than other aquatic animals. Our findings confirm that A. franciscana can be used as a model organism to understand mechanisms involved in tolerance to heavy metals, mainly Cd and Cu, which are considered highly toxic to other animals.
Subject(s)
Artemia , Metals, Heavy , Animals , Dolphins , Metals, Heavy/toxicityABSTRACT
To corroborate the ontogenetic shift in the venom composition of the Mexican Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus nigrescens) previously reported through the census approach, we evaluated the shift in the protein profile, lethality, and proteolytic and phospholipase activities of four venom samples obtained in 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2021 from one C. m. nigrescens individual (CMN06) collected in Durango, Mexico. We demonstrated that the venom of C. m. nigrescens changed from a myotoxin-rich venom to a phospholipase A2 and snake venom metalloproteinase-rich venom. Additionally, the proteolytic and phospholipase activities increased with age, but the lethality decreased approximately three times.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the proximity of the ulnar neurovascular structures to the endoscopic blade during endoscopic carpal tunnel release (CTR). METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen cadaver hands were used to perform endoscopic CTR using devices from two manufacturers. The skin was excised from the palm, and the endoscopic carpal tunnel blade was deployed at the distal edge of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL). The blade's proximity to the ulnar neurovascular bundle, deep ulnar motor branch, superficial palmar arch, and median nerve was recorded. Following release of the TCL, the device was turned ulnar to the maximal extent to determine if direct injury to the ulnar neurovascular bundle was possible. RESULTS: The average longitudinal distance from the end of the TCL to the superficial palmar arch was 13.3 mm (range, 8.4-20.9) and to the ulnar motor branch was 10.8 mm (range, 4.0-15.0). The average transverse distance from the end of the TCL to the ulnar neurovascular bundle was 5.9 mm (range, 3.1-7.8) and to the median nerve was 3.3 mm (range, 0-6.5). In two of our specimens, the median nerve subluxated volarly over the cutting device. When placing the blade at the distal edge of the TCL, injury to the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve, ulnar neurovascular bundle, or superficial palmar arch was not possible in any specimens using the tested devices, even when turning the blade directly toward these structures. CONCLUSIONS: There is a low likelihood of direct injury to the ulnar neurovascular bundle during endoscopic CTR. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results suggest that injury to the ulnar neurovascular bundle is unlikely during endoscopic CTR if the distal aspect of the transverse carpal ligament can be clearly identified prior to release. Control of the median nerve is also important to prevent subluxation over the cutting device.