Anatomical Bases of the Temporal Muscle Trigger Points.

Method: Temporal muscles of 14 adult cadavers were studied. The muscle bellies were divided into six areas, three superior (1.2 and 3) and three inferior areas (4, 5, and 6) lower, according to a Cartesian plane to analyze and describe the entry points of the branches of the deep temporal nerves into the muscle. The branching distribution was analyzed using Poisson log-linear tests with Bonferroni post hoc tests for comparison between groups (sextants) (p < 0.05). Results: Deep temporal nerve entry points were found in the temporal muscle in all areas. Most of the branches were observed in areas 2 and 5, which coincide with the muscle fibers responsible for mandible elevation and related to the previously described MTPs. Fewer branches were found in areas 1 and 6, where contraction produces mandible retraction. Conclusion: There is an anatomical correlation between the branching pattern of the deep temporal nerve and temporal muscle trigger points. Adequate knowledge of the innervation of the temporal muscle may help elucidate the pathophysiology of myofascial syndromes and provide a rational basis for interventional or conservative approaches and help surgeons avoid iatrogenic lesions to the deep temporal nerve lesion.

Strawberry-DS: Dataset of annotated strawberry fruits images with various developmental stages.

Strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa) is one of the most popular fruits cultivated around the world. That is owing to its unique flavor and nutritious properties in addition to the wide usage utility in fresh or processed condition. Strawberry fruits also have a significant economic importance around the world with strong potential as an export commodity. As a matter of fact, investigation and assessment of various strawberry fruit characteristics at different developmental stages is crucial for candidate cultivars selection in fruit plantation as well as fruit yield prediction. Strawberry fruits developmental stage is conventionally applied visually based on expert knowledge, which is a time and labor exhaustive process. Thus, this paper presents a dataset, namely Strawberry-DS (Strawberry-Developmental Stages) dataset, consisting of strawberry fruits (Festival CV type) expert-annotated images at various developmental stages. Data collection was performed on site during the period between January and March from a greenhouse located in the Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC) at the Agricultural Research Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation in Giza, Egypt. The dataset comprises 247 high-resolution RGB (.jpg) images annotated manually, using Roboflow Annotate annotation tool with reference to ground truth Region of Interest (RoI), and presented in YOLO (.txt files) format. The presented Strawberry-DS dataset can be generally used for developing various automated models of strawberry fruits detection, fruits maturity stage classification, as well as visual counting, through taking into account the visual features such as shape, color, size, and texture of strawberry fruits. Strawberry-DS is freely available at: https://data.mendeley.com/datasets/z6dtfdpzz8/1.

Photobiomodulation therapy increases collagen II after tendon experimental injury.

A tendon is a mechanosensitive tissue that transmits muscle-derived forces to bones. Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has been used in therapeutic approaches in tendon lesions, but uncertainties regarding its mechanisms of action have prevented its widespread use. We investigated the response of PBM therapy in experimental lesions of the Achilles tendon in rats. Thirty adult male Wistar rats weighing 250 to 300 g were surgically submitted to bilateral partial transverse section of the Achilles tendon. The right tendon was treated with PBM, whereas the left tendon served as a control. On the third postoperative day, the rats were divided into three experimental groups consisting of ten rats each, which were treated with PBM (Konf, Aculas - HB 750), 780 nm and 80 mW for 20 seconds, three times/week for 7, 14 and 28 days. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the therapeutic time period. The Sca-1 was examined by immunohistochemistry and histomorphometry, and COLA1, COLA2 and COLA3 gene expression was examined by qRT-PCR. COLA2 gene expression was higher in PBM treated tendons than in the control group. The histomorphometric analysis coincided with increased number of mesenchymal cells, characterized by Sca-1 expression in the lesion region (p<0.001). PBM effectively interferes in tendon tissue repair after injury by stimulating mesenchymal cell proliferation and the synthesis of collagen type II, which is suggested to provide structural support to the interstitial tissues during the healing process of the Achilles tendon. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of PBM in tendon healing.

Anatomical Study of the Innervation of the Masseter Muscle and Its Correlation with Myofascial Trigger Points.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is widely prevalent in the general population; some reports estimate its prevalence ranges from 9 to 85%. Among the different locations where MPS may arise, pain related to the masseter muscle is referred as masticatory myofascial pain. MPS is characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTPs), which represent tender anatomical areas of a muscle where painful symptoms are elicited whenever stimulated. Previous publications have found MTPs to coincide with neuromuscular junctions at the motor end plate, at the innervation zone (IZ). Our study aimed to describe the innervation of the masseter muscle and relate it to clinically described myofascial trigger points (MTPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We mapped the nerve fiber distribution into the masseter muscles from 16 cadavers by anatomical dissection. We divided the muscle into six regions, three superior (I-III) and three inferior (IV-VI), and classified the nerve's branches distribution according to these predetermined areas. Statistical analyses was made by Poisson distribution and logarithm link function followed by Bonferroni multiple comparisons (P<0.05). RESULTS: All six areas received branches from the masseteric nerve. Areas I and II (upper posterior and upper intermediate, respectively) had a significant higher number of nerve entries as compared to the remaining areas. CONCLUSION: The penetration areas of the masseteric nerve have been established and MTPs are found in the innervation zones, clinicians should focus initially on the regions of the penetration points, for diagnostics and therapeutic measures, such as injections, dry needling and soft tissue interventions. Anatomical study of nerve supply to the masseter muscle can provide useful additional knowledge to further understanding masticatory myofascial pain and to direct therapeutic interventions and diagnostic studies of temporomandibular junction dysfunction.

Is there something new regarding triceps brachii muscle insertion?

PURPOSE: Previous studies have questioned whether the triceps brachii muscle tendon (TBMT) has a double or single insertion on the ulna. Aiming to provide an answer, we describe the anatomy of the TBMT and review a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) series of the elbow. METHODS: Forty-one elbows were dissected to assess the details of the triceps brachii insertion. Elbow plastination slices were analyzed to determine whether there was a space on the TBMT. Magnetic resonance imaging from the records of the authors were also obtained to demonstrate the appearance of the pre-tricipital space on MRI. RESULTS: A virtual space on the medial aspect near the TBTM insertion site in the olecranon was consistently found on anatomic dissections. It was a distal pre-tricipital space. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the appearance of the pre-tricipital space on MRI, and its extension was measured longitudinally either in elbow flexion or extension. There was no statistically significant difference between the measurements of this space in the right and left elbows or between flexion and extension (p > 0.05). The coefficient of variation was <10% for all measurements. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of this structure may be essential to avoid incorrect diagnosis and unnecessary therapeutic interventions.

N-[18F]-Fluoroacetylcrizotinib: A potentially potent and selective PET tracer for molecular imaging of non-small cell lung cancer.

N-[18F]fluoroacetylcrizotinib, a fluorine-18 labeled derivative of the first FDA approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for the treatment of Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), crizotinib, was successfully synthesized for use in positron emission tomography (PET). Sequential in vitro biological evaluation of fluoracetylcrizotinib and in vivo biodistribution studies of [18F]fluoroacetylcrizotinib demonstrated that the biological activity of the parent compound remained unchanged, with potent ALK kinase inhibition and effective tumor growth inhibition. These results show that [18F]fluoroacetylcrizotinib has the potential to be a promising PET ligand for use in NSCLC imaging. The utility of PET in this context provides a non-invasive, quantifiable method to inform on the pharmacokinetics of an ALK-inhibitor such as crizotinib prior to a clinical trial, as well as during a trial in the event of acquired drug resistance.

Habitat variations affect morphological, reproductive and some metabolic traits of Mediterranean Centaurea glomerata Vahl populations.

Centaurea glomerata Vahl is an annual, monoecious and herbaceous member of Asteraceae, found in some localities of different topographic features/habitat conditions along the Mediterranean coastal region of Egypt. This study aimed to investigate some environmental gradients including edaphic and climate criteria on morphological, reproductive traits as well as phenolic and flavonoid metabolites in this species. Three distinct populations were selected. Two of them were located in coastal sand dunes (found in Rosetta region in Egypt); one was located on flat sand dunes, whereas the other grown on sloping ones. Meanwhile, the third population was represented in the rocky hillside of Burg El Arab region. The population detected in the sloping sand dunes showed best morphological and reproductive features, whilst the opposite was true for that represented on the rocky hillside. Moreover, the free phenolic and flavonoid compounds prevailed in the later. The meteorological data revealed that the rocky hillside received relatively lower minimum temperature and higher solar irradiance, while the sand dunes of Rosetta showed more warmer conditions. Light intensity and wind speed were reduced on the sloping sand dunes. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) exhibited a clear correlation between most of metabolites detected and the population found on the rocky hillside along with higher solar irradiance prevails. The morpho-reproductive traits were related to climatic gradients and some soil criteria. These results revealed that the changes in micro-topography, that may lead to change in soil and climate variables, is the most important environmental gradient that controls the morphological and biochemical features of C. glomerata. Solar irradiance and/or light intensity are key factors playing a role influencing the measured traits of this species. These findings suggest that accumulation of secondary metabolites could be a biochemical strategy and an adaptational criterion for such species under stress conditions.

Modelos de assistência e taxa de parto cesáreo/vaginal em hospitais com diferentes tipos de gestão: uma análise de 2558496 partos / Assistance models to parturition and cesarean rate in hospitals with different types of management: an analysis of 2558496 parturition

Objetivo: Descrever a tendência temporal no Município de São Paulo do parto cesáreo em relação ao parto vaginal, e sua distribuição por maternidades de diferentes tipos de gestão (pública, privada ou ensino/escola) a partir da observação dos dados do Sistema de Informação de Nascidos Vivos - SINASC. Métodos: trata-se de estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, com utilização de fonte secundária de dados, tendo como alvo os partos ocorridos em maternidades com gestão pública, privada e ensino/escola do Município de São Paulo. A casuística referiu-se à totalidade dos partos ocorridos entre os anos de 2003 e 2018. Foi proposto o cálculo da relação de partos cesáreos sobre os partos vaginais. Utilizou-se a Análise de Variância de Kruskall-Wallis com a finalidade de comparar as relações de partos cesáreos/vaginais de acordo com a gestão hospitalar. Resultados: a amostra se totalizou em 2.559.496 partos, sendo que a proporção de partos cesáreos foi de 31,7% (pública), 84,1% (privada) e 36,6% (ensino/escola), respectivamente. A relação de partos cesáreos/vaginais foi de 0.58 na gestão pública, 5.40 na gestão privada e 0.47 na gestão escolar (p<0,0001*). Quanto a mudança anual da taxa de parto cesáreo/vaginal observou-se uma relação temporal similar entre os anos de 2003 e 2018 [pública (0.40-0.51); privada (4.6-6.6); Escola/ensino (0.55-0.60)]. Conclusões: A relação parto cesário/ vaginal se diferenciou nas instituições com gestão pública e de ensino/escola da instituição privada (ocorre 10 vezes mais parto cesáreo nas instituições privadas) apresentando pequena variação neste cenário ao longo dos anos.

Objective: To describe the temporal trend in the city of São Paulo of cesarean delivery in relation to vaginal delivery, and its distribution among maternity hospitals of different types of management (public, private or teaching / school) from the observation of data from the Information System of Live Births - SINASC. Methods: This is a descriptive, retrospective study using a secondary data source, targeting deliveries in public, private and teaching / school maternity hospitals managed in the city of São Paulo. The series referred to all deliveries that occurred between 2003 and 2018. It was proposed to calculate the ratio of cesarean deliveries to vaginal deliveries. Kruskall-Wallis analysis of variance was used to compare cesarean / vaginal birth ratios according to hospital management. Results: the sample totaled 2,559,496 deliveries, and the proportion of cesarean deliveries was 31.7% (public), 84.1% (private) and 36.6% (teaching / school), respectively. The ratio of cesarean / vaginal deliveries was 0.58 in public management, 5.40 in private management and 0.47 in school management (p <0.0001 *). Regarding the annual change in cesarean / vaginal rate, a similar temporal relationship was observed between 2003 and 2018 [public (0.40-0.51); private (4.6-6.6); School / teaching (0.55-0.60)]. Conclusions: The relationship between cesarean section and vaginal delivery differed in publicly and teaching / school institutions of the private institution (there are 10 times more cesarean section in private institutions), showing little variation in this scenario over the years.

Is the colon mucosa affected by ten days of gastric restriction in an animal model?

PURPOSE: To identify whether the colon mucosa is affected by ten days of gastric restriction in an animal model. METHODS: An experimental model of gastric restriction was devised using rats. The animals were submitted to surgical gastrostomy, and a cylindrical loofah was inserted into the stomach. We studied 30 adult male Wistar rats divided into three groups: the stomach restriction group (R10); the sham group (S10), which underwent the same procedure except for the loofah insertion; and the control group (C10). The expression of neutral and acid mucins was evaluated using histochemical techniques. Goblet cells and protein content were compared between groups using generalized estimation equations (GEEs). Bonferroni's multiple comparison was applied to identify differences between the groups. All tests considered a 5% significance level. RESULTS: There was an increased expression of neutral mucins, acid mucins and goblet cells in the R10 group. Collagen was also enhanced in the R10 group. CONCLUSION: The colon mucosa is affected by ten days of gastric restriction in an animal model, increasing neutral mucins, acid mucins and collagen content with trophic maintenance.

Is the colon mucosa affected by ten days of gastric restriction in an animal model?

Abstract Purpose To identify whether the colon mucosa is affected by ten days of gastric restriction in an animal model. Methods An experimental model of gastric restriction was devised using rats. The animals were submitted to surgical gastrostomy, and a cylindrical loofah was inserted into the stomach. We studied 30 adult male Wistar rats divided into three groups: the stomach restriction group (R10); the sham group (S10), which underwent the same procedure except for the loofah insertion; and the control group (C10). The expression of neutral and acid mucins was evaluated using histochemical techniques. Goblet cells and protein content were compared between groups using generalized estimation equations (GEEs). Bonferroni's multiple comparison was applied to identify differences between the groups. All tests considered a 5% significance level. Results There was an increased expression of neutral mucins, acid mucins and goblet cells in the R10 group. Collagen was also enhanced in the R10 group. Conclusion The colon mucosa is affected by ten days of gastric restriction in an animal model, increasing neutral mucins, acid mucins and collagen content with trophic maintenance.

Level VI lymph nodes: an anatomic study of lymph nodes located between the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the right common carotid artery. / Linfonodos do nível VI: estudo anatômico dos linfonodos localizados entre o nervo laríngeo recorrente e a artéria carótida comum direita.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the presence of lymph nodes and their relationships with demographic and anthropometric characteristics in a specific region, not yet described in anatomy compendiums, called by us Recurrent Carotid Recess (RCR) and located among the right recurrent laryngeal nerve, the right common carotid artery, and the right inferior thyroid artery. METHODS: 32 right cervical regions were harvested from cadavers within 24 hours post-mortem. The fibro-fatty tissue of the RCR was resected and prepared with formalin fixation. It was then subjected to an increasing sequence of alcohols (70%, 80%, and 90%), subsequently to a solution of Xylol, and finally to a solution of Methyl Salicylate, respecting the time required for each step. The macroscopic study was carried out on the diaphanized piece, observing the presence or not of lymph nodes. When present, they were photographed and their measurements were gauged with a digital caliper. In the microscopic study, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to confirm the lymph node. RESULTS: the presence of lymph nodes was observed in 22 (68.75%) of the 32 specimens. The number of lymph nodes ranged from zero to six (mean of 1.56±0.29), per cadaver, and their mean size was 7.82mmx3.86mm (longitudinal x transversal diameters). CONCLUSION: the relationship between anthropometric data and presence of lymph nodes in the RCR (Fisher's exact test) was significant for medium-height individuals (p=0.03) and also white ones (p=0.04).

OBJETIVO: descrever a presença de linfonodos e suas relações com características demográficas e antropométricas em uma região específica ainda não descrita pelos compêndios de anatomia, por nós denominada de Recesso Carotídeo Recorrencial (RCR), localizada entre o nervo laríngeo recorrente direito, a artéria carótida comum direita e a artéria tireoidea inferior direita. MÉTODOS: foram dissecadas 32 regiões cervicais à direita de cadáveres com até 24 horas de post mortem. O tecido fibrogorduroso do RCR foi ressecado e preparado com fixação em formol. Em seguida, foi submetido a uma sequência crescente de álcoois (70%, 80% e 90%), posteriormente a uma solução de Xilol e, por fim, a uma solução de Salicilato de Metila, respeitando o tempo necessário de cada etapa. O estudo macroscópico foi realizado na peça diafanizada, observando a presença ou não de linfonodos. Quando presentes, foram fotografados e suas medidas foram aferidas com um paquímetro digital. No estudo microscópico, foi utilizada a coloração hematoxilina-eosina para confirmação do linfonodo. RESULTADOS: observou-se a presença de linfonodos em 22 dos 32 espécimes (68,75%), com o número de linfonodos por cadáver variando de zero a seis (média de 1,56±0,29) e tamanho com média de 7,82mmx3,86mm (diâmetros longitudinal x transversal). CONCLUSÃO: a relação entre dados antropométricos e presença de linfonodos no RCR (teste exato de Fischer) foi significante para indivíduos normolíneos (p=0,03) e também significante entre a etnia branca (p=0,04).

Aneurysm of the Fibular Vein: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysms of the deep veins of the lower limbs are rare and often asymptomatic. Although natural history is unclear, these aneurysms have been associated with deep venous thrombosis and fatal pulmonary embolism events. To our knowledge, this case represents the fifth patient with isolated aneurysm of a calf vein described in the literature and the second one affecting the fibular vein. METHODS: We report the case of a 20-year-old white man with an aneurysm of the fibular vein that we believe is the second case in the literature RESULTS: After evaluation and diagnosis, the aneurysm was resected with full recovery of the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of this unusual condition seems to be mandatory for major thromboembolic events can be as high as 71% with 2 deaths, according to a review of 24 patients with popliteal vein aneurysms. Unlike proximal veins, where reconstruction is advisable, calf vein aneurysms can be safely managed by simple excision and ligature. In our patient, aneurysm resection eliminated symptoms, and good result was maintained in long follow-up.

Linfonodos do nível VI: estudo anatômico dos linfonodos localizados entre o nervo laríngeo recorrente e a artéria carótida comum direita / Level VI lymph nodes: an anatomic study of lymph nodes located between the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the right common carotid artery

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever a presença de linfonodos e suas relações com características demográficas e antropométricas em uma região específica ainda não descrita pelos compêndios de anatomia, por nós denominada de Recesso Carotídeo Recorrencial (RCR), localizada entre o nervo laríngeo recorrente direito, a artéria carótida comum direita e a artéria tireoidea inferior direita. Métodos: foram dissecadas 32 regiões cervicais à direita de cadáveres com até 24 horas de post mortem. O tecido fibrogorduroso do RCR foi ressecado e preparado com fixação em formol. Em seguida, foi submetido a uma sequência crescente de álcoois (70%, 80% e 90%), posteriormente a uma solução de Xilol e, por fim, a uma solução de Salicilato de Metila, respeitando o tempo necessário de cada etapa. O estudo macroscópico foi realizado na peça diafanizada, observando a presença ou não de linfonodos. Quando presentes, foram fotografados e suas medidas foram aferidas com um paquímetro digital. No estudo microscópico, foi utilizada a coloração hematoxilina-eosina para confirmação do linfonodo. Resultados: observou-se a presença de linfonodos em 22 dos 32 espécimes (68,75%), com o número de linfonodos por cadáver variando de zero a seis (média de 1,56±0,29) e tamanho com média de 7,82mmx3,86mm (diâmetros longitudinal x transversal). Conclusão: a relação entre dados antropométricos e presença de linfonodos no RCR (teste exato de Fischer) foi significante para indivíduos normolíneos (p=0,03) e também significante entre a etnia branca (p=0,04).

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the presence of lymph nodes and their relationships with demographic and anthropometric characteristics in a specific region, not yet described in anatomy compendiums, called by us Recurrent Carotid Recess (RCR) and located among the right recurrent laryngeal nerve, the right common carotid artery, and the right inferior thyroid artery. Methods: 32 right cervical regions were harvested from cadavers within 24 hours post-mortem. The fibro-fatty tissue of the RCR was resected and prepared with formalin fixation. It was then subjected to an increasing sequence of alcohols (70%, 80%, and 90%), subsequently to a solution of Xylol, and finally to a solution of Methyl Salicylate, respecting the time required for each step. The macroscopic study was carried out on the diaphanized piece, observing the presence or not of lymph nodes. When present, they were photographed and their measurements were gauged with a digital caliper. In the microscopic study, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to confirm the lymph node. Results: the presence of lymph nodes was observed in 22 (68.75%) of the 32 specimens. The number of lymph nodes ranged from zero to six (mean of 1.56±0.29), per cadaver, and their mean size was 7.82mmx3.86mm (longitudinal x transversal diameters). Conclusion: the relationship between anthropometric data and presence of lymph nodes in the RCR (Fisher's exact test) was significant for medium-height individuals (p=0.03) and also white ones (p=0.04).

Radiofrequency preserves histoarchitecture and enhances collagen synthesis in experimental tendon injury.

We investigated the action of radiofrequency (RF) on the healing process after inducing experimental lesions of the Achilles tendon in rats. Wistar rats were surgically subjected to bilateral partial transverse sectioning of the Achilles tendon. The right tendon was treated with radiofrequency (RFT), whereas the left tendon served as a control (CT). On the third postoperative day, the rats were divided into three experimental groups consisting of ten rats each, which were treated with monopolar radiofrequency (Tonederm™) until they were sacrificed on the 7th, 14th or 28th days. The histological specimens were studied for inflammatory cell content, collagen types I and III, immunostaining and morphometry. Total collagen were biochemically analyzed and to evalute fibroblast and myofibroblast proliferation by vimentin and α-actin smooth muscle immunohistochemistry methods. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t-test, the sign test and the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare tendons treated with radiofrequency with the non-treated tendons (α=5%; α=10%). Larger amounts of collagen I with hydroxyproline content and myofibroblast cells were clearly evident within 7 days (p<0.05). No difference was observed in the inflammatory cell content between the groups. We found better collagen arrangement with RF administration across the entire time studied. Radiofrequency administration preserves histoarchitecture and enhances collagen synthesis during the initial phases of cicatrization, suggesting that the treatment can provide improved stiffness during the most vulnerable phases of tendon healing. Clinical studies may include RF among the therapeutic tools in tendinous lesion management.

Trigger points: an anatomical substratum.

This study aimed to bring the trapezius muscle knowledge of the locations where the accessory nerve branches enter the muscle belly to reach the motor endplates and find myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Although anatomoclinical correlations represent a major feature of MTrP, no previous reports describing the distribution of the accessory nerve branches and their anatomical relationship with MTrP are found in the literature. Both trapezius muscles from twelve adult cadavers were carefully dissected by the authors (anatomy professors and medical graduate students) to observe the exact point where the branches of the spinal accessory nerve entered the muscle belly. Dissection was performed through stratigraphic layers to preserve the motor innervation of the trapezius muscle, which is located deep in the muscle. Seven points are described, four of which are motor points: in all cases, these locations corresponded to clinically described MTrPs. The four points were common in these twelve cadavers. This type of clinical correlation between spinal accessory nerve branching and MTrP is useful to achieve a better understanding of the anatomical correlation of MTrP and the physiopathology of these disorders and may provide a scientific basis for their treatment, rendering useful additional information to therapists to achieve better diagnoses and improve therapeutic approaches.

Experimental model of Achilles tendon injury in rats.

PURPOSE: To describe an effective experimental model to study the Achilles tendon healing. METHODS: Forty male Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar lineage adult male weighing 250 to 300g were used for this experiment and thirty were surgically submitted to bilateral partial transverse section of the Achilles tendon. The right tendon was treated with radio waves (RF) whereas the left tendon served as control. On the third postoperative day, the rats were divided into four experimental groups consisting of ten rats each which were treated with monopolar RF adjusted to 650 kHz and 2w, for two minutes twice a week and a group of normal animals without any intervention, until they were sacrificed on the 7th, 14th and 28th days, respectively. Tendons were weighed and collagen quantification was evaluated by hydroxyprolin content. RESULTS: Significant reduction in collagen content on day 7, 14 and 28 was related to control experiment to normal tendon (7 days, p<0.01; 14 e 28 days, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The experimental model has been effective and available to be used to study Achilles tendon healing.

Experimental model of Achilles tendon injury in rats

PURPOSE: To describe an effective experimental model to study the Achilles tendon healing. METHODS: Forty male Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar lineage adult male weighing 250 to 300g were used for this experiment and thirty were surgically submitted to bilateral partial transverse section of the Achilles tendon. The right tendon was treated with radio waves (RF) whereas the left tendon served as control. On the third postoperative day, the rats were divided into four experimental groups consisting of ten rats each which were treated with monopolar RF adjusted to 650 kHz and 2w, for two minutes twice a week and a group of normal animals without any intervention, until they were sacrificed on the 7th, 14th and 28th days, respectively. Tendons were weighed and collagen quantification was evaluated by hydroxyprolin content. RESULTS: Significant reduction in collagen content on day 7, 14 and 28 was related to control experiment to normal tendon (7 days, p<0.01; 14 e 28 days, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The experimental model has been effective and available to be used to study Achilles tendon healing. .

A peptide-based positron emission tomography probe for in vivo detection of caspase activity in apoptotic cells.

PURPOSE: Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, can be leveraged as a surrogate measure of response to therapeutic interventions in medicine. Cysteine aspartic acid-specific proteases, or caspases, are essential determinants of apoptosis signaling cascades and represent promising targets for molecular imaging. Here, we report development and in vivo validation of [(18)F]4-fluorobenzylcarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone ([(18)F]FB-VAD-FMK), a novel peptide-based molecular probe suitable for quantification of caspase activity in vivo using positron emission tomography (PET). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Supported by molecular modeling studies and subsequent in vitro assays suggesting probe feasibility, the labeled pan-caspase inhibitory peptide, [(18)F]FB-VAD-FMK, was produced in high radiochemical yield and purity using a simple two-step, radiofluorination. The biodistribution of [(18)F]FB-VAD-FMK in normal tissue and its efficacy to predict response to molecularly targeted therapy in tumors was evaluated using microPET imaging of mouse models of human colorectal cancer. RESULTS: Accumulation of [(18)F]FB-VAD-FMK was found to agree with elevated caspase-3 activity in response to Aurora B kinase inhibition as well as a multidrug regimen that combined an inhibitor of mutant BRAF and a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor in (V600E)BRAF colon cancer. In the latter setting, [(18)F]FB-VAD-FMK PET was also elevated in the tumors of cohorts that exhibited reduction in size. CONCLUSIONS: These studies illuminate [(18)F]FB-VAD-FMK as a promising PET imaging probe to detect apoptosis in tumors and as a novel, potentially translatable biomarker for predicting response to personalized medicine.

Microwave-assisted, one-pot reaction of 7-azaindoles and aldehydes: a facile route to novel di-7-azaindolylmethanes.

A novel and highly efficient synthetic method leveraging microwave-assisted organic synthesis (MAOS) to yield di-7-azaindolylmethanes (DAIMs) is reported. Under MAOS conditions, reaction of 7-azaindole with aldehydes resulted predominantly in DAIMs, as opposed to the expected 7-azaindole addition products that form at ambient temperature. Based upon studies of different indoles and azaindoles with various aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, we herein propose a mechanism where rapid and efficient microwave heating promotes nucleophilicity of 7-azaindoles towards the corresponding alkylidene-azaindolene intermediate to form the DAIM. This sequence provides a versatile approach to efficiently synthesize novel DAIMs that may be useful pharmaceuticals.

Anatomical basis of the myofascial trigger points of the trapezius muscle / Bases anatómicas de los puntos de gatillo miofasciales del músculo trapecio

This study aimed to bring the trapezius muscle, knowledge of the locations where the accessory nerve branches enter the muscle belly to reach the motor endplates and find myofascial trigger points (MTPs). Although anatomoclinical correlations represent a major feature of MTP, no previous reports describing the distribution of the accessory nerve branches and their anatomical relationship with MTP are found in the literature. Both trapezius muscles from twelve adult cadavers were carefully dissected by the authors (anatomy professors and medical graduate students) to observe the exact point where the branches of the spinal accessory nerve entered the muscle belly. Dissection was performed through stratigraphic layers to preserve the motor innervation of the trapezius muscle, which is located deep in the muscle. Eight points were identified: In all cases, these locations corresponded to clinically described MTPs. The eight points where common in these twelve cadavers. This type of clinical correlation between spinal accessory nerve branching and MPT is useful to achieve a better understanding of the anatomical correlation of MTP and the physiopathology of these disorders and may provide a scientific basis for their treatment, providing useful additional information to therapists to achieve better diagnoses and improve therapeutic approaches.

El objetivo de este estudio fue correlacionar los sitios de entrada de los ramos del nervio accesorio en el músculo trapecio con placas motoras y los puntos de gatillo miofasciales. A pesar de las correlaciones anatomoclínicas se constituyeren en la principal característica de los puntos de gatillo, no hay informes en la literatura describiendo sobre la distribución de los ramos del nervio accesorio y su relación anatómica con los puntos de gatillo. Ambos músculos trapecio de doce cadáveres adultos fueron disecados por los autores (profesores de anatomía y estudiantes de postgrado en Medicina) para observar el punto exacto donde los ramos del nervio accesorio espinal penetraban en el vientre muscular. La disección se llevó a cabo respetando las capas estratigráficas para preservar la inervación del músculo ubicada profundamente a éste. Ocho puntos fueron identificados: En todos los casos correspondieron a la descripción clínica de los puntos gatillo miofasciales y eran comunes a todos los cadáveres. Esta correlación anatomoclínica entre la ramificación del nervio espinal accesorio y los puntos de gatillo miofascial es útil para una mejor comprensión de la fisiopatología de los puntos gatillo y puede proporcionar una base para un abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico racional para estos trastornos.