Evaluation by fractal dimension of muscle regeneration after photobiomodulation / Avaliação por meio da dimensão fractal da regeneração muscular após fotobiomodulação

Abstract Introduction: Many treatment modalities are used for muscle tissue recovery. Photobiomodulation is a modality that can be employed to improve the quality of tissue repair. The use of fractal dimension (FD) is an innovative methodology in the quantitative evaluation of treatment efficacy. Objective: Use FD as a quantitative analysis method to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation of 904 nanometers (nm) in the initial phase of the muscle regeneration process. Method: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Control Group (CG), Injured and Untreated Group (IUT), and Injured and Treated Group (IT). Muscle injury was induced by cryoinjury in the central region of the anterior tibial (AT) belly of the left posterior limb. This was performed by an iron rod that was previously immersed in liquid nitrogen. Applications started 24 hours after the injury and occurred daily for five days. They were performed at two points in the lesion area. The rats were euthanized on the seventh day. The AT muscles were removed and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Then, the histological sections were stained using the Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) technique and submitted to FD analysis performed by the box-counting method using ImageJ software. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for data normality, and the Kruskall-Wallis test and Dunn's post-test were used for group comparison (p<0.05%). Results: Differences between IT and IUT groups were statistically significant, and it was possible to observe the reduction of fractability with p=0.0034. Conclusion: FD is a useful tool for the analysis of skeletal muscle disorganization in the initial phase of regeneration and confirms the potentially beneficial effects of photobiomodulation to this process.

Resumo Introdução: Diversas modalidades de tratamento são utilizadas para recuperação do tecido muscular, dentre elas a fotobiomodulação pode ser empregada para melhorar a qualidade da regeneração e a dimensão fractal se apresenta como uma metodologia inovadora na avaliação quantitativa da eficácia do tratamento. Objetivo: Utilizar a dimensão fractal como método de análise quantitativa do efeito do Laser de Arseneto de Gálio (AsGa) na fase inicial do processo de regeneração muscular. Método: Foram utilizados trinta ratos Wistar, machos divididos em: Grupo Controle (CT), Grupo lesado e não tratado (LNT) e Grupo Lesado e tratado (LT). A lesão muscular foi induzida por criolesão na região central do ventre do músculo tibial anterior (TA) do membro posterior esquerdo, por meio de uma haste de ferro previamente imersa em nitrogênio líquido. As aplicações foram iniciadas 24 horas após a lesão, diariamente, durante cinco dias, em dois pontos na área da lesão. No sétimo dia os animais foram eutanasiados; o músculo TA retirado, congelado em nitrogênio líquido e os cortes histológicos corados com a técnica de Hematoxilina-Eosina para serem então submetidos à análise de dimensão fractal realizada pelo método boxcounting através do software Image J. Para a normalidade dos dados utilizou-se Kolmogorov Smirnov, para as comparações teste de Kruskall-Wallis com pós teste de Dunn (p<0,05%). Resultados: A comparação entre LT e LNT foi estatisticamente significativa, sendo possível observar a redução da fractabilidade com p=0,0034. Conclusão: A dimensão fractal é uma ferramenta útil para análise da desorganização músculo esquelética na fase inicial da regeneração e mostra o potencial efeito benéfico da fotobiomodulação nesse processo.

Schistosoma mansoni granulomas in the skeletal striated muscles in the murine model of neuroschistosomiasis: histological findings

Schistosomiasis mansoni presents many clinical manifestations during migration of schistosomes in their hosts, including diarrhea, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, liver abscesses, skinlesions, brain tumors and myeloradiculopathy. No lesions have been reported in skeletal striated muscles due to schistosomiasis mansoni in the literature. This short communication reports the histopathological findings on skeletal musculature in a murine model of neuroeschistosomiasis mansoni. Lesions were found in the tongue, masseter muscle, buccinator muscle, digastric muscle and temporalis muscle. Worm recovery was carried out to confirm the infection. We describe here, for the first time in the literature, injuries in the skeletal musculature due to Schistosoma mansoni nfection.

Miopatia White Striping em diferentes linhagens de frangos de corte e suas consequências sobre a composição e a qualidade da carne / The White Striping myopathy in different broiler strains and its influence on composition and meat quality

Avaliou-se a incidência da miopatia White Striping (WS) em três linhagens de frangos de corte machos e suas consequências sobre a composição química e a qualidade física da carne. Para determinação das porcentagens de incidência dos diferentes graus da miopatia WS (normal, moderada e severa) nas linhagens, foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso (DIC), com três tratamentos (linhagens A, B e C) e cinco repetições de 300 peitos cada. Para as variáveis químicas e físicas, utilizou-se um DIC em esquema fatorial 3 x 3 (três linhagens x três níveis de WS), com 15 repetições cada. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e, em casos de diferenças significativas, utilizou-se o teste de Tukey (P≤0,05). As aves da linhagem A apresentaram 84,81% de peitos classificados como normais e 9,91% de peitos classificados como moderados, valores respectivamente maiores e menores que nas duas demais linhagens. Os peitos classificados com miopatia WS severa foram mais pesados e apresentaram maiores porcentagens de lipídios e umidade, e menor concentração de proteína bruta. As concentrações de colágeno total, termo solúvel e insolúvel variaram com o nível de acometimento por WS nos filés, com comportamento específico para cada linhagem.(AU)

The incidence of the White Striping (WS) myopathy in three male broiler strains and its consequences on the chemical composition and physical quality of the meat was evaluated. A completely randomized design (DIC) with three treatments (strains A, B and C) and five replicates of 300 breasts each were used to determine the incidence rates of the different degrees of WS myopathy (normal, moderate and severe) in each strain. For the chemical and physical variables, a 3 X 3 factorial scheme was used (three strains X three WS levels), with 15 replicates. The data were submitted to ANOVA and in cases of significant differences the Tukey test (P< 0.05) was used.The A strain chickens presented 84.81% of breasts classified as normal and 9.91% of breasts classified as moderate, respectively higher and lower values than in the other two strains. Breasts classified with severe WS myopathy were heavier and had higher percentages of lipids and moisture, and lower concentration of crude protein. However, the concentrations of total, soluble and insoluble collagen had interaction effects between lineage and WS level in the fillets, and therefore, the same behavior was not observed in the samples of the different strains.(AU)

Time-Dependent Changes of Urethral Function in Diabetes Mellitus: A Review / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

This article reviewed the current knowledge on time-course manifestation of diabetic urethral dysfunction (DUD), and explored an early intervention target to prevent the contribution of DUD to the progression of diabetes-induced impairment of the lower urinary tract (LUT). In the literature search through PubMed, key words used included “diabetes mellitus,” “diabetic urethral dysfunction,” and “diabetic urethropathy.” Polyuria and hyperglycemia induced by diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause the time-dependent changes in functional and morphological manifestations of DUD. In the early stage, it promotes urethral dysfunction characterized by increased urethral pressure during micturition. However, the detrusor muscle of the bladder tries to compensate for inducing complete voiding by increasing the duration and amplitude of bladder contractions. As the disease progresses, it can induce an impairment of coordinated micturition due to dyssynergic activity of external urethra sphincter, leading to detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. The impairment of relaxation mechanisms of urethral smooth muscles (USMs) may additionally be attributable to decreased responsiveness to nitric oxide, as well as increased USM responsiveness to α1-adrenergic receptor stimulation. In the late stage, diabetic neuropathy may play an important role in inducing LUT dysfunction, showing that the decompensation of the bladder and urethra, which can cause the decrease of voiding efficiency and the reduced thickness of the urothelium and the atrophy of striated muscle bundles, possibly leading to the vicious cycle of the LUT dysfunction. Further studies to increase our understandings of the functional and molecular mechanisms of DUD are warranted to explore potential targets for therapeutic intervention of DM-induced LUT dysfunction.

Cell Versus Chemokine Therapy Effects on Cell Mobilization to Chronically Dysfunctional Urinary Sphincters of Nonhuman Primates / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: A major question remaining in approaches to tissue engineering and organ replacement is the role of native mobilized native cells in the regeneration process of damaged tissues and organs. The goal of this study was to compare the cell mobilizing effects of the chemokine CXCL12 and cell therapy on the urinary sphincter of nonhuman primates (NHP) with chronic intrinsic urinary sphincter dysfunction. METHODS: Either autologous lenti-M-cherry labeled skeletal muscle precursor cells (skMPCs) or CXCL12 were injected directly into the sphincter complex of female NHPs with or without surgery-induced chronic urinary sphincter dysfunction (n=4/treatment condition). All monkeys had partial bone marrow transplantation with autologous lenti-green fluorescent protein (GFP) bone marrow cells prior to treatment. Labeled cells were identified, characterized and quantified using computer-assisted immunohistochemistry 6 months posttreatment. RESULTS: GFP-labeled bone marrow cells (BMCs) were identified in the bone marrow and both BMCs and skMPCs were found in the urinary sphincter at 6-month postinjection. BMCs and skMPCs were present in the striated muscle, smooth muscle, and lamina propria/urothelium of the sphincter tissue. Sphincter injury increased the sphincter content of BMCs when analyzed 6-month postinjection. CXCL12 treatment, but not skMPCs, increased the number of BMCs in all layers of the sphincter complex (P < 0.05). CXCL12 only modestly (P=0.15) increased the number of skMPCs in the sphincter complex. CONCLUSIONS: This dual labeling methodology now provides us with the tools to measure the relative number of locally injected cells versus bone marrow transplanted cells. The results of this study suggest that CXCL12 promotes mobilization of cells to the sphincter, which may contribute more to sphincter regeneration than injected cells.

Synergistic Activities of Abdominal Muscles Are Required for Efficient Micturition in Anesthetized Female Mice / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To characterize the electromyographic activity of abdominal striated muscles during micturition in urethane-anesthetized female mice, and to quantitatively evaluate the contribution of abdominal responses to efficient voiding. METHODS: Cystometric and multichannel electromyographic recordings were integrated to enable a comprehensive evaluation during micturition in urethane-anesthetized female mice. Four major abdominal muscle domains were evaluated: the external oblique, internal oblique, and superior and inferior rectus abdominis. To further characterize the functionality of the abdominal muscles, pancuronium bromide (25 μg/mL or 50 μg/mL, abdominal surface) was applied as a blocking agent of neuromuscular junctions. RESULTS: We observed a robust activation of the abdominal muscles during voiding, with a consistent onset/offset concomitant with the bladder pressure threshold. Pancuronium was effective, in a dose-dependent fashion, for partial and complete blockage of abdominal activity. Electromyographic discharges during voiding were significantly inhibited by applying pancuronium. Decreased cystometric parameters were recorded, including the peak pressure, pressure threshold, intercontractile interval, and voiding duration, suggesting that the voiding efficiency was significantly compromised by abdominal muscle relaxation. CONCLUSIONS: The relevance of the abdominal striated musculature for micturition has remained a topic of debate in human physiology. Although the study was performed on anesthetized mice, these results support the existence of synergistic abdominal electromyographic activity facilitating voiding in anesthetized mice. Further, our study presents a rodent model that can be used for future investigations into micturition-related abdominal activity.

Dermatomiosite juvenil ­ papel do médico de família na abordagem de uma doença rara / Juvenile dermatomyositis ­ role of the family physician in the approach of a rare disease / Dermatomiositis juvenil - papel del médico de familia en el abordaje de una enfermedad rara

A dermatomiosite juvenil (DMJ) é uma doença rara, autoimune, multissistêmica, caracterizada por uma vasculite da pele e do músculo estriado. Em idade pediátrica é a miopatia inflamatória idiopática mais frequente. Este caso consiste numa paciente do sexo feminino, de 11 anos de idade, que recorreu ao médico de família e comunidade (MFC) por erupção maculopapular da superfície dorsal das articulações metacarpo-falângicas e interfalângicas das mãos, eritema da região malar, lesões maculares da superfície extensora dos cotovelos e joelhos e diminuição da força muscular dos membros. O fato do MFC ter estado atento a estas manifestações clínicas e ter referenciado a paciente precocemente para Reumatologia por suspeita de dermatomiosite permitiu uma rápida instituição terapêutica e redução do impacto da doença. Após estabelecimento do diagnóstico, o MFC continua com um papel ativo na identificação de complicações da doença e na avaliação do seu impacto na dinâmica familiar.

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare, multisystem, autoimmune disease, characterized by skin and striated muscle vasculitis. In children is the most frequent idiopathic inflammatory myopathy. This case consists in an 11-year old female patient consulted her Family and Community Physician (FCP) with maculopapular rash of the dorsal surface of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the hands, malar erythema, macular lesions on the extensor surface of the elbows and knees, and reduced muscle strength of the limbs. The fact that the FCP have been aware of these clinical manifestations and made an early referral to Rheumatology for suspected dermatomyositis, allowed a prompt treatment, and a decrease impact of the disease. After making a diagnosis, FCP continues with an active role in the identification of the disease complications and assessing their impact on family dynamics.

La dermatomiositis juvenil (DMJ) es una enfermedad rara, autoinmune, multisistémica, caracterizada por una vasculitis de la piel y del músculo estriado. En los niños es la miopatía inflamatoria idiopática más frecuente. En este caso se presenta una paciente de sexo femenino, de 11 años, que consultó a su médico de familia y de la comunidad (MFC), por tener erupción maculopapular de la superficie dorsal de las articulaciones metacarpofalángicas e interfalángicas de las manos, eritema de la región malar, lesiones maculares de la superficie extensora de los codos y rodillas, y disminución de la fuerza muscular de los miembros. El hecho de que el MFC estaba atento a estas manifestaciones clínicas y de tener prontamente referenciado la paciente a la Reumatología por sospecha de dermatomiositis permitió la rápida institución terapéutica y la reducción del impacto de la enfermedad. Tras establecer este diagnóstico, el MFC continúa con un papel activo en la identificación de las complicaciones de la enfermedad y en la evaluación de su impacto en la dinámica familiar.

Alterações nas fibras musculares e tecido ósseo de ratos submetidos à aplicação de hormônio do crescimento (GH) e treinamento de força muscular / Alterations on muscle fibers and bone tissue in rats submitted to growth hormone (GH) application and strenght training

Resumo: O objetivo do estudo foi observar as alterações nas fibras musculares e tecido ósseo de animais submetidos à aplicação do hormônio do crescimento (GH) e realização de um protocolo de treinamento de força (ST). Foram utilizados 40 animais machos, com 60 dias de idade, da linhagem Wistar, distribuídos em quatro grupos: controle (C), controle e aplicação de GH (GHC), treinamento de força (T) e treinamento de força com a aplicação de GH (GHT). O protocolo de treinamento físico (TF) foi composto por quatro séries de 10 saltos aquáticos, 3x/semana e sobrecarga de 50% do peso corporal, durante quatro semanas. Foi aplicado GH via intraperitoneal na dosagem de 0,2 UI/Kg para os grupos GHC e GHT e solução fisiológica (0,9% de cloreto de sódio) para o C e T. Após quatros semanas de TF, os animais foram eutanasiados e retiradas amostras do músculo Sóleo, além da tíbia e fêmur. No músculo, foram produzidos cortes histológicos com 5µm de espessura e corados com hematoxilina-eosina (HE) e nicotinamida adenina dinucleotídeo tetrazólio redutase (NADH-TR). Já no osso, foram medidos os valores de densidade mineral óssea (DMO), resistência óssea (F-max) e realizados os cortes por microtomografia computadorizada (MCT) e análise por espectroscopia Raman. Foi observado que tanto o GH quanto o TF foram capazes de gerar aumento do diâmetro das fibras musculares (FM) do músculo Sóleo (C:31,81±6,35; GHC:36,88±6,38; T:38,38±6,94; GHT:36,89±7,16). Além disso, quando analisada a tipagem, houve aumento significativo (p<0,05) somente nas FM de contração rápida (C:33,78±7,78; GHC:37,80±6,03; T:38,53±6,94; GHT:37,98±7,65), quando comparado às lentas (C:25,93±6,66; GHC:26,95±8,03; T:26,24±6,90; GHT:27,20±5,77). Já na tíbia, foi observado que todos os grupos experimentais demonstraram aumento na variável DMO (C=0,110±0,005; GHC=0,134±0,05; T=0,127±0,004; GHT=0,133±0,008 g/cm²), no entanto, somente o grupo GHT demonstrou diferença estatisticamente significativa em comparação com o grupo controle (p<0,05). Além disso, não foi verificada diferença estatística para a variável obtida na F-max. Na avaliação da MCT, em todos os grupos ocorreu aumento do número de trabéculas (Tb.N) (C=1,10±0,22; GHC=1,79±0,07; T=1,91±0,04; GHT=1,91±0,09), quando comparados com o grupo C (p<0,05). Quando analisado o fêmur, verificou-se que houve o aumento mais acentuado dos componentes minerais ósseos no grupo T, para todas as variáveis obtidas pelo Raman. Além disso, para os animais submetidos à aplicação de GH, houve redução na variável densidade mineral óssea (DMO) (p<0,05). Por fim, os animais que receberam aplicação de GH, demonstraram maior F-max, porém, sem significância estatística (p>0,05). Conclui-se que, tanto o GH quanto o TF foram capazes de gerar aumento do diâmetro das FM do músculo Sóleo e promover aumento da DMO e Tb.N na tíbia. Porém, não foi verificada diferença significativa para variável F-max. Por fim, no fêmur, os animais que receberam aplicação de GH demonstraram diminuição da DMO e o treinamento de força isolado foi capaz de promover aumento dos compostos de cálcio, fosfato, amido e colágeno do tecido ósseo(AU)

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to observe the changes in the muscle fibers and bone tissue of animals after application of growth hormone (GH) and performing a strength training protocol (ST). In total, 40 male Wistar rats, 60 days old, were used, divided into four groups: control (C), control and application of GH (GHC), strength training (T), and strength training with the application of GH (GHT). The physical training protocol (PT) was composed of four series of 10 jumps in water, 3x/week, with an overload of 50% of body weight for four weeks. GH was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 0.2 IU/Kg to the GHC and GHT groups and saline (0.9% sodium chloride) to the C and T groups. After four weeks of PT, the animals were euthanized and samples taken from the Soleus muscle, in addition to bones of tibia and femur. In the muscle, histological sections were produced with a thickness of 5?m and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide tetrazolium reductase (NADH-TR). In the bone, the values of bone mineral density (BMD), bone strength (F-max), Micro Computed Tomography (MCT) and analysis by Raman Spectroscopy, were obtained. It was observed that both the GH and PT were able to generate increased diameter of MF in Soleus muscle (C:31.81±6.35; GHC:36.88±6.38; T:38.38± 6.94; GHT:36.89±7.16). Moreover, when analyzing the type, a significant increase (p<0,05) was found only in the fast twitch MF (C:33.78±7.78; GHC:37.80±6.03; T:38.53±6.94; GHT:37.98±7.65) when compared to the slow twitch (C:25.93±6.66; GHC:26.95±8.03; T:26.24±6.90; GHT:27.20±5.77). In the tibia, an increase in the BMD variable was observed in all experimental groups (C=0.110±0.005; GHC=0.134±0.05; T=0.127±0.004; GHT=0.133±0.008g/cm²), however, only the GHT group demonstrated a statistically significant difference compared to the control group (p<0.05). In addition, no statistical difference was observed for the F-max variable. For MCT, all experimental groups presented an increase in the number of trabeculae (Tb.N) (C=1.10±0.22; GHC=1.79±0.07; T=1.91±0.04; GHT=1.91±0.09), when compared with group C (p<0.05). When the femur was analyzed, a more pronounced increase in the bone mineral components was verified in the T group, for all the variables obtained by the Raman. In addition, for animals submitted to GH supplementation, there was a reduction in the variable bone mineral density (BMD) (p <0.05). Finally, the animals that received GH supplementation presented a higher F-max, but without statistical significance (p> 0.05). It was concluded that both GH and ST were able to promote increases in diameter of MF in Soleus muscle and BMD and Tb.N in the tibia. However, no significant difference was observed for the F-max variable. Finally, in the femur bone, that animals that received GH supplementation demonstrated a decrease in BMD and the strength training alone was able to promote increased calcium, phosphate, amide, and collagen compounds in bone tissue(AU)

High energy Gallium Arsenide laser does not facilitate collagen alteration in muscle skeletal extracellular matrix: experimental study / Laser de Arseneto de Gálio com alta energia não promove alteração colágena da matriz extracelular no músculo esquelético: estudo experimental

Abstract Introduction: Low intensity laser therapy has proven effective in treating different tissues, reducing inflammation, preventing the formation of fibrous tissue, and promoting muscle regeneration. Objective: To evaluate the effect of low intensity laser therapy, seven days after the injury, and verify whether the radiated energy chosen influences the formation of fibrous tissue. Methods: Thirty Wistar rats, adult male, average body weight 210-340 g were used. The animals were randomized into three groups: control group, untreated injured group (L), and injured and treated group (LT). After anesthetizing the animals, muscle injury was induced by freezing (cryoinjury) in the central region of the tibialis anterior muscle belly (TA) on the left hind limb, through an iron rod previously immersed in liquid nitrogen. A Gallium Arsenide laser, wavelength 904 nm was used. The applications were initiated 24 hours after injury, daily, for five days, at two points in the lesion area. After 7 days, the animals were euthanized; the TA muscle of the left hind limb was removed and frozen in liquid nitrogen and the obtained histological sections were subjected to Sirius Red staining. Results: Histological analysis showed no significant difference in relation to the area of fibrosis in the LT and L groups. Conclusion: The results suggest that the energy density of 69 J/cm² and final energy (4.8 joules) did not promote alterations in the area of collagen in the skeletal muscle extracellular matrix.

Resumo Introdução: A Laserterapia de Baixa Intensidade tem se mostrado eficaz no tratamento de diferentes tecidos, diminuindo o processo inflamatório, prevenindo a formação de tecido fibroso e promovendo a regeneração muscular. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da Laserterapia de Baixa Intensidade, 7 dias após a lesão e verificar se a energia irradiada escolhida tem influência na formação de tecido fibroso. Métodos: Foram utilizados trinta ratos Wistar, machos, adultos, peso corporal médio de 210-340 g. Os animais foram randomizados em três grupos: Grupo Controle, Grupo lesado não tratado (L) e o Grupo lesado e tratado (LT). Após anestesia dos animais, a lesão muscular foi induzida por congelamento (criolesão) na região central do ventre do músculo tibial anterior (TA) do membro posterior esquerdo, por meio de uma haste de ferro previamente imersa em nitrogênio líquido. Foi utilizado o laser de Arseneto de Gálio, comprimento de onda de 904 nanômetros. As aplicações foram iniciadas 24 horas após a lesão, diariamente, durante cinco dias, em dois pontos na área da lesão. Aos 7 dias, os animais foram eutanizados; o músculo TA do membro posterior esquerdo foi retirado e congelado em nitrogênio líquido e os cortes histológicos obtidos foram submetido a coloração Picrosirius Red. Resultados: A análise histológica mostrou que não houve diferença significativa em relação á área da fibrose do LT e Grupo L. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que a densidade de energia de 69 J/cm² e energia final (4,8 joules) não promoveu alteração na área do colágeno da matriz extracelular do músculo esquelético.

Morphological study of the iris musculature in diurnal and nocturnal raptors / Estudio morfológico de la musculatura del diafragma en aves rapaces diurnas y nocturnas

In literature it is established that the iris musculature consists of striate muscle fibers in birds while in mammals it consists of smooth muscles. Some authors report the presence of smooth muscle tissue also in the iris of some species of birds. In the present study we report on the iris muscle tissues (type of tissue, direction and mean diameter of muscle fibers or cells) in five species of Accipitriformes (diurnal raptors) and four species of Strigiformes (nocturnal raptors) because they show different way of life depending of their predatory behavior. This morphological study was carried out from raptors died or euthanized at the Wild Life Rescue Centre of Sea and Water birds in Livorno (Italy). From histological examination of iris serial radial sections we find both striated and smooth musculature even if with marked differences among analyzed species, not directly correlated with diurnal or nocturnal lifestyle. Striated fibers are always present, mainly with cross direction, throughout the iris stroma, while the histological differences concern the smooth cells. Indeed, harrier and sparrow hawk (Accipitriformes) and great horned owl and little owl (Strigiformes) show a compact layer of cross smooth muscle cells throughout the iris stroma. In the other species analyzed smooth muscle cells are slightly detectable as scattered or not detectable. Since the cross smooth muscle tissue allows to maintain a myotic state for extended periods of time, our results might be correlated more to the predatory behavior than the taxonomic order.

En la literatura, se establece que la musculatura del iris se compone de fibras musculares estriadas en las aves, mientras que en los mamíferos, la forman los músculos lisos. Algunos autores informan también de la presencia de tejido muscular liso en el iris de algunas especies de aves. El presente estudio informa sobre los tejidos musculares del iris (tipo de tejido, la dirección y diámetro de las fibras musculares o células) en cinco especies de Accipitriformes y cuatro especies de Strigiformes que muestran diferentes hábitos en función de su comportamiento depredador. Este estudio morfológico se realizó en aves rapaces que murieron o fueron eutanasiadas en el Centro de Vida Salvaje de Rescate de Aves Marinas y Acuáticas de Livorno (Italia). El examen histológico de secciones seriadas radiales del iris mostró la presencia tanto de musculatura estriada como lisa, aunque con marcadas diferencias entre las especies analizadas, pero sin correlación directa con el estilo de vida diurna o nocturna. Las fibras estriadas estuvieron siempre presentes, principalmente en dirección transversal a lo largo del estroma del iris, mientras que las diferencias histológicas fueron de las células lisas. Tanto el aguilucho y el gavilán (Accipitriformes) como el buho real y el mochuelo (Strigiformes) mostraron una capa compacta de células musculares lisas transversales en todo el estroma del iris. En las otras especies analizadas, las células musculares lisas fueron ligeramente detectables de manera dispersa o no detectables. Dado que el tejido del músculo liso transversal permite mantener un estado miótico durante largos períodos de tiempo, nuestros resultados podrían estar más correlacionados con el comportamiento depredador, y no con el orden taxonómico.

Macrophage density in pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles greatly exceeds that in other striated muscles: an immunohistochemical study using elderly human cadavers / 대한해부학회지

Macrophages play an important role in aging-related muscle atrophy (i.e., sarcopenia). We examined macrophage density in six striated muscles (cricopharyngeus muscle, posterior cricoarytenoideus muscle, genioglossus muscle, masseter muscle, infraspinatus muscle, and external anal sphincter). We examined 14 donated male cadavers and utilized CD68 immunohistochemistry to clarify macrophage density in muscles. The numbers of macrophages per striated muscle fiber in the larynx and pharynx (0.34 and 0.31) were 5–6 times greater than those in the tongue, shoulder, and anus (0.05–0.07) with high statistical significance. Thick muscle fibers over 80 µm in diameter were seen in the pharynx, larynx, and anal sphincter of two limited specimens. Conversely, in the other sites or specimens, muscle fibers were thinner than 50 µm. We did not find any multinuclear muscle cells suggestive of regeneration. At the beginning of the study, we suspected that mucosal macrophages might have invaded into the muscle layer of the larynx and pharynx, but we found no evidence of inflammation in the mucosa. Likewise, the internal anal sphincter (a smooth muscle layer near the mucosa) usually contained fewer macrophages than the external sphincter. The present result suggest that, in elderly men, thinning and death of striated muscle fibers occur more frequently in the larynx and pharynx than in other parts of the body.

Effects of 14 weeks resistance training on muscle tissue in Wistar rats / Efecto de 14 semanas de entrenamiento de resistencia en el tejido muscular de ratas Wistar

The objective of the present study was to analyze the effects of 14 weeks of resistance training on muscle tissue in Wistar rats. 20 male Wistar rats were used in the study; 10 allocated to the untrained group (Group 1) and 10 to the trained (Group 2). The physical training (PT) program consisted of four sets of ten water jumps, three times a week for 14 weeks. A progressive increase in load was applied from the14nd to the 42nd day. Following this, the animals were euthanized with an overdose of potassium chlorate (100 mg/kg) applied intraperitoneally. The ventral portion of the gastrocnemius muscle was removed for histological processing. The muscles were frozen in liquid nitrogen and cut into thicknesses of 5 µm using a rotative microtome. The sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin for general analysis of the structure of muscles and analysis of the area of muscle fibers. The reaction with NADH-TR was utilized for differentiation between fast twitch (FT) and slow twitch (ST) fibers. The sections subjected to staining and histochemical reactions were observed in normal and polarized light and photomicrographed using a microscope (Zeiss®). The measurement of muscle fibers was performed using AxioVision software (Zeiss®). Statistical analysis was performed using the Student t test for analysis of the samples average. An average area of 5061.29 µm2 for Group 1 versus 5768.93 µm2 for Group 2 was observed. It can be concluded that 14 weeks of training with water jumps was effective in increasing muscle area. An increase in transverse area section (TAS) of ST and FT was also verified in the trained group.

El objetivo fue investigar los efectos de 14 semanas de entrenamiento de resistencia sobre el tejido muscular de ratas Wistar. Fueron utilizadas 20 ratas, 10 en el grupo sin entrenamiento (Grupo 1) y 10 con entrenamiento (Grupo 2). El programa de entrenamiento físico estaba compuesto de cuatro series con 10 saltos acuáticos, tres veces en la semana, durante 14 semanas. Un aumento progresivo de la carga fue aplicado desde el día 14 al día 42. Los animales fueron eutanasiados con clorhidrato de potasio (100 mg/kg) intraperitoneal. La parte ventral del músculo gastrocnemio fue removida para el análisis histológico. La musculatura fue congelada en nitrógeno líquido y cortada con 5 µm de espesor con micrótomo rotatorio. La coloración fue H-E para el análisis del músculo y área en las fibras musculares. La reacción com NADH-TR fue utilizada para la comparación entre las fibras rápidas (FR) y fibras lentas (FL). Las reacciones histoquímicass se observaron bajo microscópio de luz (Zeiss®) y sobre las microfotografias obtenidas se realizaron las mediciones con el programa Axio Vision (Zeiss®). El análisis estadístico se realizó con la prueba t de student para comparación de medias. Se observó una media de 5061,29 µm2 en el Grupo 1 y 5768,93 µm2 en Grupo 2. Es posible concluir que 14 semanas de programa de entrenamiento físico con 10 saltos acuáticos son capaces de aumentar el área del músculo. Un aumento del área transversal de las FR y FL fue observado en el grupo 2.

Two Cases of Rhabdomyomatous Mesenchymal Hamartoma / 대한피부과학회지

Rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartoma is a rare skin lesion composed of a haphazard arrangement of skeletal muscle, adipocytes, and collagen. Lesions usually present as a solitary sessile papule or nodule on the head and neck in childhood. The etiology of this skin lesion is not clear, but it is thought to be caused by a migration error of the embryonic mesodermal tissues or a genetic defect predisposing to the formation of hamartoma. It may occur as part of Delleman syndrome or congenital malformations like thyroglossal duct cysts, low set ears, and sclerocornea. Herein, we present two cases of rhabdomyomatous mesenchymal hamartoma, including a 20-year-old man who had two asymptomatic erythematous papules on the chin since childhood and a 58-year-old woman with an asymptomatic solitary erythematous sclerotic plaque on the chin for 2 years. Histopathologically, the lesions exhibited normal epidermis, and mature striated muscle fibers arranged randomly within the dermis. Physical examination revealed no congenital abnormalities.

Dermatomyositis: analysis of 109 patients surveyed at the Hospital das Clínicas (HCFMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil

BACKGROUND: Dermatomyositis affects striated muscles, skin and other organs. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the disease from January 1992 to December 2002, assessing its classification, cutaneous and systemic manifestations, and also laboratory results, therapeutic and prognostic findings compared to those in the literature. METHODS: Data were obtained from medical records of 109 patients who were classified into five groups: 23 juvenile dermatomyositis; 59 primary idiopathic dermatomyositis; 6 amyopathic dermatomyositis; 7 dermatomyositis associated with neoplasms and 14 dermatomyositis associated with other connective tissue diseases. RESULTS: Sixty patients were classified as "definite" diagnosis; 33 as "possible"; four as "probable" and 12 and as amyopathic. The average age at diagnosis was 36 years. Cutaneous manifestations occurred in all patients; the most frequent symptom was loss of proximal muscle strength; the most common pulmonary disorder was interstitial lung disease, and gastritis was the most prevalent digestive manifestation. Tumors were documented in 6.42% of cases. Lactate dehydrogenase was the muscle enzyme most frequently elevated in the majority of cases. Skin biopsies were performed in 68 patients; muscle biopsies in 53; and electroneuromyographies in 58 patients. The most commonly used treatment was corticotherapy and the mortality rate was 14.7%. CONCLUSION: in this sample, the disease appeared in younger individuals, was more frequent in women and the association with cancer was small. .

Neural Mechanisms Underlying Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction

This article summarizes anatomical, neurophysiological, and pharmacological studies in humans and animals to provide insights into the neural circuitry and neurotransmitter mechanisms controlling the lower urinary tract and alterations in these mechanisms in lower urinary tract dysfunction. The functions of the lower urinary tract, to store and periodically release urine, are dependent on the activity of smooth and striated muscles in the bladder, urethra, and external urethral sphincter. During urine storage, the outlet is closed and the bladder smooth muscle is quiescent. When bladder volume reaches the micturition threshold, activation of a micturition center in the dorsolateral pons (the pontine micturition center) induces a bladder contraction and a reciprocal relaxation of the urethra, leading to bladder emptying. During voiding, sacral parasympathetic (pelvic) nerves provide an excitatory input (cholinergic and purinergic) to the bladder and inhibitory input (nitrergic) to the urethra. These peripheral systems are integrated by excitatory and inhibitory regulation at the levels of the spinal cord and the brain. Therefore, injury or diseases of the nervous system, as well as disorders of the peripheral organs, can produce lower urinary tract dysfunction, leading to lower urinary tract symptoms, including both storage and voiding symptoms, and pelvic pain. Neuroplasticity underlying pathological changes in lower urinary tract function is discussed.

Músculo esternalis: variante anatómica que simula neoplasia en mamografía / Sternalis muscle: an anatomical variant simulating a neoplasm in the mammogram

El músculo esternalis es una variante anatómica poco común de la pared torácica. se estima su frecuencia en, aproximadamente, el 8% de la población mundial, se presenta tanto en hombres como en mujeres, y puede ser unilateral o bilateral. Constituye una situación que amerita cuidado, pues puede simular neoplasia maligna en la mamografía. su reconocimiento evita la realización de estudios imagenológicos adicionales innecesarios, incluyendo biopsias guiadas, que generan costos económicos al sistema, y estrés y ansiedad injustificada a las pacientes.

The sternalis muscle is a rare anatomical variant of the chest wall. Its frequency is estimated at approximately 8% of the world population, both in men and women, and can be unilateral or bilateral. Its importance is due to the fact that it can simulate malignancy on mammography. Recognizing it avoids performing unnecessary additional imaging studies, including guided biopsies involving extra financial costs to the system, as well as undue stress and anxiety in patients.

A light microscopic study on tongue development in Korean native goats (Capra hircus) / 동물의과학연구지

The purpose of this study was to identify the composition and organization of lingual tissues underlying the histo-structural change of developing tongue in Korean native goats by light microscopy (LM). Tongues of the fetuses on days 60, 90, 120 and neonate were examined for the morphological development. In the 60-day-old fetuses, the tongue tissues were differentiated into epithelium, lamina propria and muscle layer. Primordia of filiform, conical, lentiform, fungiform and vallate papillae appeared and rudiments of taste bud were observed in the epithelia of the primordia of the gustatory papillae. The dorsal surface of the lingual epithelia showed a weak PAS positive reaction. Collagenous fibers and small blood vessels were shown in the connective tissues. In the 90-day-old fetuses, Von Ebner's glands were moderately PAS positive while the muscle fibers and connective tissue were strongly positive for PAS. The collagenous fibers increased and came to have a more complex arrangement in the tongue. The muscle fibers were spread out at various directions and developed in striated muscle bundles. In the 120-day-old fetuses, taste buds were observed in the epithelia of the gustatory papillae, and several well-developed tissues visible such as blood vessels, collagenous fibers, muscle fiber bundles and Von Ebner's glands. In the neonates, many taste buds were found in a transverse section of the vallate papilla. The muscle layers, Von Ebner's glands, collagenous fibers and blood vessels were more developed than those of the 120-day old fetuses. These findings indicate that goat tongues have a variety of different shapes during prenatal development.

¿Son las lesiones musculares adecuadamente diagnosticadas por ultrasonografía? / Are muscle injury properly diagnosed by ultrasound?

Due to the anatomical distribution and function, striated muscle is susceptible to injury especially traumatic requiring imaging methods for diagnosis, the degree of disease and establish the extent possible recovery time. Ultrasonography is a method that has gained an important place in the evaluation of muscle to be safe, affordable, and by allowing static and dynamic assessment of the muscle. The current classification of muscle injuries seen by Ultrasonography has limitations because it does not allow an adequate correlation between the percentage of condition and prognosis.

Debido a la distribución anatómica y función, el músculo estriado es susceptible de sufrir lesiones sobre todo traumáticas que requieren de métodos de imagen para determinar el diagnóstico, el grado de afección y establecer en la medida de lo posible el tiempo de recuperación. La Ultrasonografía es un método que ha ido ganando un lugar preponderante en la evaluación del músculo por ser inocua, de bajo costo, así como por permitir una evaluación estática y dinámica del músculo. La clasificación actual de lesiones musculares vistas por Ultrasonografía tiene limitantes porque no permite fundamentar una adecuada correlación entre el porcentaje de afección y el pronóstico.