RESUMO
Over the past two decades, numerous techniques have been developed for analysing microRNAs in body fluids and tissues. However, these techniques still face technical challenges, particularly when compared to well-established techniques for proteins and metabolites. Recently, the ODG platform was introduced, which is an innovative technology that allows for the direct detection and quantification of microRNAs in liquid biopsies without requiring extraction or amplification. This study presents the implementation of the ODG platform within a semi-automated protocol to create the "SA-ODG" platform, enhancing the efficiency and precision of microRNA testing while reducing hands-on time required by laboratory staff. For the first time, the SA-ODG platform has been used to directly quantify microRNAs in solid tissues. The results demonstrate precise analysis of miR-122-5p in mouse liver tissues using SA-ODG. These developments represent a crucial step forward in advancing the field of extraction and amplification-free microRNA detection and quantification.
Assuntos
Fígado , MicroRNAs , MicroRNAs/análise , MicroRNAs/genética , Animais , Camundongos , Fígado/química , Fígado/metabolismo , AutomaçãoRESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the knowledge and awareness of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) among members of the European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA). METHODS: A questionnaire was developed that explored the following areas: (i) respondents' attitudes to EBM; (ii) their motivation to implement EBM in daily practice; (iii) their educational background, knowledge and skills related to accessing and interpreting information; (iv) their level of attention to, and use of, scientific literature; (v) access to and availability of evidence; (vi) perceived barriers in using EBM in clinical practice. The resulting data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the correlation between age, educational background and country was further investigated. RESULTS: Two-hundred and eighty-eight ESSKA members (11% of the total population) compiled the questionnaire. The participants covered all the five continents and an expected prevalence of European professionals (77%) was observed. The vast majority of participants were medical doctors (91%), mainly specialized in knee surgery with minimal involvement in research. 97% of the participants declared having some knowledge of EBM, acquired mainly during their professional education, with some geographical differences. The youngest clinicians and those from Eastern Europe reported the greatest difficulty in using EBM in daily practice. The application of EBM in clinical practice is positively affected by the time dedicated to research and negatively correlates with the time dedicated to patient care. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey highlight the need for further investigation into the main reasons behind the limited diffusion of the EBM approach, despite the medical community's knowledge and interest in the concept. A wider application of EMB would upgrade clinical practice, linking medical knowledge and scientific evidence to patients' needs which would result of benefit to patients, but also more in general to the health system.
Assuntos
Atitude do Pessoal de Saúde , Medicina Baseada em Evidências , Ortopedia , Medicina Esportiva , Adulto , Artroscopia , Competência Clínica , Estudos Transversais , Medicina Baseada em Evidências/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Pesquisas sobre Atenção à Saúde , Humanos , Joelho/cirurgia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto JovemRESUMO
PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate, in a group of adolescents, the onset of varus-valgus deviations in the sagittal plane after performing a trans-tibial trans-epiphyseal technique of ACL reconstruction with a follow-up of at least 2 years. METHODS: Seventy-one patients aged 12-15 years old (Tanner scale 3 and 4) have undergone ACL reconstruction with STG using arthroscopy. All patients were evaluated clinically using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Lysholm score and the Tegner activity score at the time of surgery. All patients were reevaluated after a follow-up period of at least 2 years (T1) using the VAS, the Lysholm score, the Tegner activity score and radiographic studies in order to compare the operated limb with the healthy control limb. RESULTS: Valgus difference exceeding 2° in the knee axis between the operated limb and the healthy control limb was observed only in three patients (4.2%: 95% CI 0.88-11.86%). The average difference was <1° (0.3°, 95% CI 0.0-0.55). CONCLUSION: The trans-tibial trans-epiphyseal technique of ACL reconstruction, according to the results obtained, seems to be a valid alternative procedure, when performed by a skilled orthopaedic surgeon, offering an excellent safety profile and at the same time very good clinical results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
Assuntos
Reconstrução do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior/métodos , Ligamento Cruzado Anterior/cirurgia , Articulação do Joelho/diagnóstico por imagem , Adolescente , Ligamento Cruzado Anterior/diagnóstico por imagem , Lesões do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Articulação do Joelho/cirurgia , Escore de Lysholm para Joelho , Masculino , Radiografia , Tendões/transplante , Escala Visual AnalógicaRESUMO
Sports activities are considered favourable for general health; nevertheless, a possible influence of sports practice on the development of early osteoarthritis (OA) is a cause for concern. A higher incidence of OA in knees and ankles of former high-impact sports players than in those of the normal population has been shown and it is still debatable whether the cause is either to be recognized generically in the higher number of injuries or in a joint overload. The possibility to address knee OA in its early phases may be strictly connected to the modification of specific extrinsic or intrinsic factors, related to the patient in order to save the joint from further disease progression; these include sport practice, equipment and load. Non-surgical therapies such as continuative muscles reinforce and training play a strong role in the care of athletes with early OA, particularly if professional. There is an overall agreement on the need of an early restoring of a proper meniscal, ligament and cartilage integrity in order to protect the knee and resume sports safely, whereas alignment is a point still strongly debatable especially for professional athletes. Remaining questions still to be answered are the risks of different sports in relation to one another, although an actual protective effect of low-impact sports, such as walking, swimming or cycling, has been recognized on the appearance or worsening of OA, the effect of continuing or ceasing to practice a sport on the natural history of early OA, and even following appropriate treatment is still unknown.
Assuntos
Osteoartrite do Joelho/fisiopatologia , Esportes , Traumatismos em Atletas/epidemiologia , Traumatismos em Atletas/fisiopatologia , Traumatismos em Atletas/terapia , Cartilagem Articular/cirurgia , Progressão da Doença , Terapia por Exercício , Humanos , Incidência , Articulação do Joelho/cirurgia , Osteoartrite do Joelho/epidemiologia , Osteoartrite do Joelho/etiologia , Osteoartrite do Joelho/terapiaRESUMO
PURPOSE: The influence of patient-specific instrumentations on the accuracy of unicompartmental medial knee replacement remains unclear. The goal of this study was to examine the ability of patient-specific instrumentation to accurately reproduce postoperatively what the surgeon had planned preoperatively. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients (20 knees) who suffered from isolated unicompartmental medial osteoarthritis of the knee and underwent medial knee replacement using newly introduced magnetic resonance imaging-based patient-specific instrumentation were assessed. This assessment recorded the following parameters: (1) the planned and the postoperative mechanical axis acquired through long-leg AP view radiographies; (2) the planned and the postoperative tibial slope acquired by means of standard AP and lateral view radiographies; and (3) the postoperative fit of the implanted components to the bone in coronal and sagittal planes. The hypothesis of the study was that there was no statistically significant difference between postoperative results and preoperatively planned values. RESULTS: The study showed that (1) the difference between the postoperative mechanical axis (mean 1.9° varus ± 1.2° SD) and the planned mechanical axis (mean 1.8° varus ± 1.2° SD) was not statistically significant; (2) the difference between the postoperative tibial slope (mean 5.2° ± 0.6° SD) and the planned tibial slope (mean 5.4° ± 0.6° SD) was statistically significant (p = 0.008); and (3) the postoperative component fit to bone in the coronal and sagittal planes was accurate in all cases; nevertheless, in one knee, all components were implanted one size smaller than preoperatively planned. Moreover, in two additional cases, one size thinner and one size thicker of the polyethylene insert were used. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that overall patient-specific instrumentation was highly accurate in reproducing postoperatively what the surgeon had planned preoperatively in terms of mechanical axis, tibial slope and component fit to bone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
Assuntos
Artroplastia do Joelho/instrumentação , Articulação do Joelho/cirurgia , Prótese do Joelho , Osteoartrite do Joelho/cirurgia , Amplitude de Movimento Articular/fisiologia , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Artroplastia do Joelho/métodos , Desenho de Equipamento , Feminino , Humanos , Articulação do Joelho/patologia , Articulação do Joelho/fisiopatologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Osteoartrite do Joelho/diagnóstico , Osteoartrite do Joelho/fisiopatologia , Período Pós-Operatório , Reprodutibilidade dos TestesRESUMO
PURPOSE: Healing rate of meniscus repair is higher when the suture is associated with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A possible explanation can be a different pattern of release of growth factors between anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and isolated meniscus surgery. Hypothesis of this study is that the concentrations of bFGF, TGF-ß and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in joint fluid, immediately after single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, can be different. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients underwent partial medial meniscectomy and twenty consecutive patients underwent single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring grafts were enrolled in the study. Thirty minutes after the end of the surgical procedure, a sample of joint fluid, as well of venous blood, was collected from all the patients. Concentrations of growth factors were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The peripheral blood concentration of TGF-ß, bFGF and PDGF was comparable between partial meniscectomy and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction groups. No differences between the two surgical techniques were also found in term of TGF-ß and bFGF joint fluid concentration, whereas joint PDGF concentration of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients was significantly higher than the one found in partial meniscectomy patients. CONCLUSIONS: A significant growth factors release was detected in the knee joint during arthroscopic surgery. PDGF concentration was significantly higher in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed knee than in the meniscectomy group. PDGF can play an important role enhancing the healing response of meniscus suture and can be one of the biological reasons of the higher meniscal healing rate in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed knee.
Assuntos
Reconstrução do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior , Artroscopia , Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intercelular/metabolismo , Meniscos Tibiais/cirurgia , Líquido Sinovial/metabolismo , Adulto , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Feminino , Fator 2 de Crescimento de Fibroblastos/sangue , Fator 2 de Crescimento de Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Humanos , Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intercelular/sangue , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fator de Crescimento Derivado de Plaquetas/metabolismo , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta/sangue , Fator de Crescimento Transformador beta/metabolismoRESUMO
PURPOSE: Bone-patellar tendon-bone technique (BPTB) for anterior cruciate ligament injuries is associated with a higher risk of donor-site morbidity. To evaluate whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP), due to its anti-inflammatory properties and capacity to stimulate tissue regeneration, was able to reduce the anterior knee pain, the kneeling pain, and donor-site morbidity, as evidenced by evaluation of VISA and VAS scoring scales and MRI analysis of the tendon and bone defect, we performed a clinical randomized controlled study where PRP gel was applied to donor site after ACL reconstruction with BPTB. METHODS: Forty young athletes with the indication of ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon grafts were randomly assigned to group A (n = 20 patients, control group) or group B (n = 20 patients, PRP group). The autologous PRP gel was applied to both the patellar and tendon bone plug harvest site and stabilized by the peritenon suture. At 12-month follow-up, all patients underwent clinical examination and VAS and VISA questionnaires, respectively, evaluating the average daily pain of the knee and the pain during particular activities involving the knee, were filled. MRI at the same time point was also performed. RESULTS: VISA scores were significantly higher in the patients treated with PRP (84.5 ± 11.8 and 97.8 ± 2.5 for group A and for group B; P = 0.041), whereas no significant difference in postoperative VAS scores between the two groups was observed (1 ± 1.4 and 0.6 ± 0.9 for group A and group B, n.s.). In 85% of PRP group patients, the tibial and patellar bone defect was satisfactorily filled by new bony tissue (>70% of bone gap filled), whereas this percentage was just of 60% in control group patients, but this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows the usefulness of PRP in reducing subjective pain at the donor-site level after ACL reconstruction with BPTB. However, this approach deserves further investigations to confirm PRP efficacy and to elucidate its mechanism of action. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective randomized controlled study, Level I.
Assuntos
Lesões do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior , Reconstrução do Ligamento Cruzado Anterior/métodos , Enxerto Osso-Tendão Patelar-Osso/métodos , Traumatismos do Joelho/cirurgia , Dor Pós-Operatória/prevenção & controle , Plasma Rico em Plaquetas , Cicatrização , Adulto , Ligamento Cruzado Anterior/fisiopatologia , Ligamento Cruzado Anterior/cirurgia , Feminino , Seguimentos , Géis , Humanos , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Medição da Dor , Recuperação de Função Fisiológica , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Various factors may account for the positive association between meniscal repair and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, one being the modulation of healing response of meniscal fibrochondrocytes by growth factors released with intra-articular bleeding and fibrin clot formation. Analysis of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, may be useful in the clinical assessment of bone and soft-tissue remodeling. We measured systemic and local levels of VEGF (VEGF165), VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 after either arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) or single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in order to determine the local effect of bone tunnelling and notchplasty on the release of these growth factors. The study population included 40 patients: 20 consecutive patients had undergone ACLR with hamstring grafts and 20 had undergone APM. Thirty minutes after the end of the operation, knee joint fluid samples were collected via the drainage tube and at the same time venous blood samples were drawn. In both sets of samples, VEGF, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No significant differences in VEGF, VEGFR1 or VEGFR2 concentrations in the venous blood were observed between the two treatment groups. In contrast, VEGF and VEGFR2 levels were significantly higher in the knee joint fluid of the ACLR group; furthermore, VEGF and VEGFR1 were significantly higher in the knee joint fluid than in the venous blood, whereas VEGFR2 was lower in the knee joint fluid than in the venous blood. Local release of VEGF and its angiogenetic receptor VEGFR2, but not the negative regulator VEGFR1, was significantly higher after ACLR than after APM, indicating a better vasculogenic potential for enhanced bone-graft and meniscus healing. These results could suggest that VEGF and VEGFRs could be considered as good biomarkers of tissue healing after knee joint surgery.
Assuntos
Cartilagem Articular/metabolismo , Ligamentos Longitudinais/cirurgia , Líquido Sinovial/metabolismo , Fator A de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/metabolismo , Receptor 2 de Fatores de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/metabolismo , Adulto , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Procedimentos de Cirurgia Plástica , Receptor 1 de Fatores de Crescimento do Endotélio Vascular/metabolismoRESUMO
Viroids are small, circular, single-stranded RNA molecules that, while not coding for any protein, cause several plant diseases. Viroids rely for their infectious cycle on host proteins, most of which are likely to be involved in endogenous RNA-mediated phenomena. Therefore, characterization of host factors interacting with the viroid may contribute to the elucidation of RNA-related pathways of the hosts. Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) infects several members of the Solanaceae family. In an RNA ligand screening we have previously isolated the tomato protein Virp1 by its ability to specifically interact with PSTVd positive-strand RNA. Virp1 is a bromodomain-containing protein with an atypical RNA binding domain and a nuclear localization signal. Here we investigate the role of Virp1 in the viroid infection cycle by the use of transgenic lines of Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana benthamiana that either overexpress the tomato Virp1 RNA or suppress the orthologous Nicotiana genes through RNA silencing. Plants of the Virp1-suppressed lines were not infected by PSTVd or Citrus exocortis viroid through mechanical inoculation, indicating a major role of Virp1 in viroid infection. On the other hand, overexpression of tomato Virp1 in N. tabacum and N. benthamiana plants did not affect PSTVd KF 440-2 infectivity or symptomatology in these species. Transfection experiments with isolated protoplasts revealed that Virp1-suppressed cells were unable to sustain viroid replication, suggesting that resistance to viroid infection in Virp1-suppressed plants is likely the result of cell-autonomous events.
Assuntos
Nicotiana/virologia , Proteínas de Plantas/fisiologia , Proteínas de Ligação a RNA/fisiologia , Viroides/fisiologia , DNA de Plantas/química , DNA de Plantas/genética , Expressão Gênica , Inativação Gênica , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Doenças das Plantas/virologia , Proteínas de Plantas/genética , Plantas Geneticamente Modificadas/virologia , Proteínas de Ligação a RNA/genética , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Nicotiana/genéticaRESUMO
Widespread genome hypo-methylation and promoter hyper-methylation of epithelium-specific genes are hallmarks of stable epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which in prostate cancer (PCa) correlates with castration resistance, cancer stem cells generation, chemoresistance and worst prognosis. Exploiting our consolidated 'ex-vivo' system, we show that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) released factors have pivotal roles in inducing genome methylation changes required for EMT and stemness in EMT-prone PCa cells. By global DNA methylation analysis and RNA-Seq, we provide compelling evidence that conditioned media from CAFs explanted from two unrelated patients with advanced PCa, stimulates concurrent DNA hypo- and hyper-methylation required for EMT and stemness in PC3 and DU145, but not in LN-CaP and its derivative C4-2B, PCa cells. CpG island (CGI) hyper-methylation associates with repression of genes required for epithelial maintenance and invasion antagonism, whereas activation of EMT markers and stemness genes correlate with CGI hypo-methylation. Remarkably, methylation variations and EMT-regulated transcripts almost completely reverse qualitatively and quantitatively during MET. Unsupervised clustering analysis of the PRAD TCGA data set with the differentially expressed (DE) and methylated EMT signature, identified a gene cluster of DE genes defined by a CAF+ and AR- phenotype and worst diagnosis. This gene cluster includes the relevant factors for EMT and stemness, which display DNA methylation variations in regulatory regions inversely correlated to their expression changes, thus strongly sustaining the ex-vivo data. DNMT3A-dependent methylation is essential for silencing epithelial maintenance and EMT counteracting genes, such as CDH1 and GRHL2, that is, the direct repressor of ZEB1, the key transcriptional factor for EMT and stemness. Accordingly, DNMT3A knock-down prevents EMT entry. These results shed light on the mechanisms of establishment and maintenance of coexisting DNA hypo- and hyper-methylation patterns during cancer progression, the generation of EMT and cell stemness in advanced PCa, and may pave the way to new therapeutic implications.
Assuntos
Fibroblastos Associados a Câncer/metabolismo , Transformação Celular Neoplásica , Metilação de DNA , Células Epiteliais/patologia , Mesoderma/patologia , Neoplasias da Próstata/genética , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Transformação Celular Neoplásica/genética , Meios de Cultivo Condicionados , Citosina/metabolismo , DNA (Citosina-5-)-Metiltransferases/metabolismo , DNA de Neoplasias/metabolismo , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Masculino , Células-Tronco/patologia , Ativação TranscricionalRESUMO
The low molecular weight fraction of tomato plants inoculated with potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) contains a population of short PSTVd-specific RNAs of either polarity. The main constituents were RNAs of 22 and 23 nt representing different domains of the viroid genome. The occurrence of such distinct RNA species indicated that the nuclear replicating PSTVd RNA induces post-transcriptional gene silencing. The short RNAs were slightly more abundant at 30 days post-inoculation than at later stages and were present in plants infected with a mild, severe or lethal isolate of PSTVD: There was no apparent correlation between the quantity of small PSTVd-specific RNAs and the degree of virulence of the viroid isolate.
Assuntos
Inativação Gênica , RNA Viral/genética , Solanum tuberosum/virologia , Viroides/genética , Replicação Viral , Northern Blotting , Regulação Viral da Expressão Gênica , Solanum lycopersicum/virologia , Folhas de Planta/virologia , RNA Viral/metabolismo , Transcrição GênicaRESUMO
The newt hammerhead ribozyme is transcribed from Satellite 2 DNA, which consists of tandemly repeated units of 330 bp. However, different transcripts are synthesized in different tissues. In all somatic tissues and in testes, dimeric and multimeric RNA transcripts are generated which, to some extent, self-cleave into monomers at the hammerhead domain. In ovaries, primarily a distinct monomeric unit is formed by transcription, which retains an intact hammerhead self-cleavage site. The ovarian monomeric RNA associates to form a 12S complex with proteins that are poorly characterised so far. In this work we identified NORA, a protein that binds the ovarian form of the newt ribozyme. We show that the newt ribozyme binds to the Escherichia coli -expressed protein, as well as to a protein of identical size that is found exclusively in newt ovaries. Also NORA mRNA was detectable only in ovary, but in neither somatic tissues nor testes. The tissue-specific expression of NORA is analogous to the ovary-specific transcription of the newt ribozyme. Although NORA was identified by its ability to bind to the newt ribozyme in the presence of a vast excess of carrier RNA, it was able to interact with certain other RNA probes. This novel RNA-binding protein does not contain any motif characteristic for RNA-binding proteins or any other known protein domain, but it shares a striking similarity with a rat resiniferatoxin-binding protein.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Ligação a RNA/análise , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Animais , DNA Complementar/análise , Ligantes , Dados de Sequência Molecular , RNA/metabolismo , RNA Catalítico/análise , RNA Catalítico/genética , RNA Catalítico/metabolismo , Proteínas de Ligação a RNA/genética , Proteínas de Ligação a RNA/isolamento & purificação , Proteínas de Ligação a RNA/metabolismo , Ratos , Transcrição Gênica , TriturusRESUMO
Physical training is associated with an increase in arterial distensibility. Whether the effect of training on this variable is evident also for ordinary levels of exercise or no exercise is unknown, however. We have addressed this issue by investigating the effect on radial artery distensibility of prolonged monolateral immobilization of the ipsilateral limb versus the following resumption of normal mobility. We studied 7 normotensive subjects (age, 25.4+/-3.0 years; systolic/diastolic blood pressure, 119+/-9/68+/-6 mm Hg, mean+/-SE) in whom 1 limb had been immobilized for 30 days in plaster because of a fracture of the elbow. At both the day after plaster removal and after 45 days of rehabilitation, radial artery distensibility was evaluated by an echo-tracking device (NIUS-02), which allows arterial diameter to be measured noninvasively and continuously over all pressures from diastole to systole (finger monitoring), with the distensibility values being continuously derived from the Langewouters formula. In both instances, the contralateral arm was used as control. Immediately after removal of the plaster, radial artery distensibility was markedly less in the previously immobilized and fractured limb compared with the contralateral limb (0.4+/-0.1 versus 0.8+/-0.1, 1/mm Hg 10(-3), P<0.05). After rehabilitation, the distensibility of the radial artery was markedly increased in the previously fractured limb (0.65+/-0.1 1/mm Hg 10(-3), P<0.05), whereas no change was seen in the contralateral limb. Thus, complete interruption of physical activity is associated with a marked reduction of arterial distensibility, indicating that even an ordinary level of activity plays a major role in modulation of arterial mechanical properties.
Assuntos
Lesões no Cotovelo , Terapia por Exercício , Fraturas Ósseas/reabilitação , Artéria Radial/fisiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Fenômenos Biomecânicos , Pressão Sanguínea , Feminino , Fraturas Ósseas/fisiopatologia , Humanos , Imobilização , MasculinoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Sympathetic activation induced by cold pressor test or cigarette smoking is accompanied by a marked reduction of radial artery distensibility. It is not known, however, whether arterial distensibility is under tonic sympathetic restraint, or whether this restraint involves arteries greater than the radial one in both normal and pathological conditions. METHODS: We studied the distensibility of radial artery by continuous ultrasonographic assessment of the changes in arterial diameter over the diasto-systolic pressure range (finger pressure measurement) in eight patients with a Dupuytren disease before and 20 min after ipsilateral brachial plexus anaesthesia. We also studied ultrasonographic distensibility of femoral artery in seven subjects before and 20 min after ipsilateral subarachnoid anaesthesia, performed before arthroscopic surgery, and in five patients with claudicatio intermittens before and 1 month after ipsilateral removal of the lumbar sympathectomy chain. In all three conditions, the contralateral artery served as control. RESULTS: The three interventions did not cause any significant alteration in blood pressure and heart rate. Radial artery distensibility was markedly increased by ipsilateral anaesthesia of the brachial plexus (+36%, P<0.01). This was the case also for femoral artery distensibility both following ipsilateral subarachnoid anaesthesia in healthy subjects (+47%, P<0.05) or ipsilateral sympathetic gangliectomy in patients with peripheral artery disease (+26%, P<0.05). In all three instances, the distensibility of the contralateral artery remained unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that the sympathetic nervous system exerts a marked tonic restraint of arterial distensibility. This restraint involves medium-size and large muscular arteries and can also be seen in subjects with peripheral artery disease. This stiffening influence may increase the traumatic effect of intravascular pressure on the vessel wall and favour atherosclerosis.
Assuntos
Arteriosclerose/fisiopatologia , Sistema Nervoso Simpático/fisiopatologia , Adulto , Idoso , Fenômenos Biomecânicos , Pressão Sanguínea , Feminino , Artéria Femoral/fisiopatologia , Frequência Cardíaca , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Artéria Radial/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
A method for determination in vivo of the benzylpenicillin residues in ovine milk at low levels was described. Two groups of Sardinian breed sheep were treated with a dose of penicillin G sodium salt by intramammary infusion and intramuscular administration respectively. The residues were detected by isocratic HPLC method of the extract obtained from a previous cleanup procedure. Linear calibration plots were obtained over a large concentration range of 1 mg ml-1 -10 ng ml-1, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.998. Recoveries between 78.6 and 87.3% were obtained. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of determination (LOQ) were 2.6 and 8.8 ng ml-1 respectively. This method would be useful for routine monitoring of penicillin G residues in ovine dairy milk.
Assuntos
Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão/métodos , Leite/química , Penicilina G/análise , Animais , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Ovinos , Espectrofotometria UltravioletaRESUMO
The results obtained after 4-8 years in 42 patients submitted to arthroscopy for the treatment of medial patellar synovial plica syndrome are analyzed. There was a considerable difference in the values obtained depending on whether the plica was isolated, or associated with meniscal or cartilaginous lesion. In fact, based on the Lysholm score, treatment of isolated plica obtained 17 excellent or good results in 21 patients, while in the 21 cases where the lesion was associated with other pathologies excellent or good results were observed in only 9 subjects. Thus, associated lesions definitely influence long-term results.
Assuntos
Articulação do Joelho/patologia , Patela/patologia , Membrana Sinovial/patologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Artroscopia , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Articulação do Joelho/cirurgia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Patela/cirurgia , Indução de Remissão , Síndrome , SinovectomiaRESUMO
In revision surgery of the hip, reconstruction of the acetabulum often constitutes the most complex procedure. There is frequently a considerable loss of bone substance, and correct repositioning of the rotation center of the femoral head is required. Based on surgical experience supported by clinical results the authors affirm that both of these objectives may be achieved when the OCTOPUS socket system is used. This implant, with anchoring to the iliac bone and the use of bone transplants, allows for the reconstruction of the original anatomy of the cotyle.
Assuntos
Acetábulo/cirurgia , Prótese de Quadril , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Desenho de Prótese , ReoperaçãoRESUMO
In this study it has been proposed a statistic model to evaluate results concerning microbial count of the air obtained in areas of pharmaceutical production. Nowadays both official methods and agreement about limits of microbial count to use in production areas in which non sterile forms has been processed, are absent. The proposed statistic model foresees a processing data that admits a building of "Flow Charts". Two flow chart has been built: the "Mean Flow Chart" and the "Range Flow Chart". The "Mean Flow Chart" shows the data distribution around the mean value, the "Range Flow Chart" points out the data variation. In this way it has been established the process natural tolerance and the relative limits assumed by the variable in exam. If values of microbial count result of limit, the causes have to be investigated and it's necessary to take adequate countermeasures.
Assuntos
Microbiologia do Ar , Composição de Medicamentos , Contaminação de Medicamentos/prevenção & controle , Modelos EstatísticosRESUMO
Lateral epicondylitis requires a challenging therapeutic management even for expert surgeons. With the failure of conservative treatment, the physician should consider a surgical choice. The purpose of the surgical procedure is to excise the degenerated tissue of extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon. This article describes the arthroscopic release, performed under direct visualization with a 70° scope; the aim is to encourage the use of this type of lens, versus the traditional 30° one. The patient is positioned in a modified lateral decubitus. After joint distension, a diagnostic arthroscopy of the posterior compartment is performed as first step. Then, an anterior compartment arthroscopic evaluation, a subsequent antero-lateral capsulectomy, and extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon exposition are performed with a 30° view. At this point, the 70° lens is switched and the tendon release is performed under direct control. The 70° lens allows a safer procedure, but requires a dedicated learning curve.