High-intensity focused ultrasound-a needleless management for osteoid osteoma: a systematic review.

Osteoid osteoma is one of the most frequent benign musculoskeletal neoplasm. Radiofrequency ablation is the method of choice for non-conservative treatment of osteoid osteoma. Recently, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been proposed as a safer option. The objective of this study is to review the efficacy and side effects of HIFU in the management of osteoid osteoma. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, and Clinical Key until June 30, 2022. Demographic data, baseline characteristics, success rates, pre- and post-procedure pain scores, recurrences, and complications were recorded. Eleven studies were included in this systematic review. Pooled analysis that involved 186 subjects resulted in an overall success rate of 91.94%. Recurrence was reported in two studies, in which it occurred in 4/177 (2.26%) subjects. Skin burn was found in 1 (0.54%) patients. No major or other complications were reported. Three studies compared the success rate of HIFU and RFA. Success rate was slightly higher in the RFA group with insignificant difference (p = 0.15). High-intensity focused ultrasound showed promising results. It offers a safer treatment approach for osteoid osteoma, especially in children, and can be considered for recalcitrant cases after RFA. Nonetheless, more studies are expected in the future.

The anti-epileptic drug valproic acid causes malformations in the developing craniofacial skeleton of zebrafish larvae.

Valproic acid (VPA) is an anti-epileptic drug known to cause congenital craniofacial abnormalities, including orofacial clefts (OFC). The exact mechanisms by which VPA leads to craniofacial skeletal malformations are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of VPA on cartilage and bone formation in the zebrafish larval head during 1-13 hpf (early) and 25-37 hpf (late) development in which cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) arise and then proliferate and differentiate, respectively. Double-staining for cartilage and bone at 5 dpf revealed that VPA reduced cartilage and bone formation in a dose-dependent manner after both early or late exposure. Several different CNCC-derived cartilage and bone elements were affected in both groups. In the early group (100 µM VPA), the posterior head length and the ethmoid plate were reduced in length (both p < 0.01), while mineralization of 4 out of 9 bone elements was often lacking (all p < 0.01). In the late group (100 µM VPA), also the posterior head length was reduced as well as the length of the ceratohyals (both p < 0.01). Similar to early exposure, mineralization of 3 out of 9 bone elements was often lacking (all p < 0.01). These results indicate that both CNCC formation (early) and differentiation (late) are hampered by VPA treatment, of which the consequences for bone and cartilage formation are persistent at 5 dpf. Indeed, we also found that the expression of several genes related to cartilage and bone was upregulated at 5 dpf. These data indicate a compensatory reaction to the lack of cartilage and bone. Altogether, VPA seems to induce craniofacial malformations via disturbed CNCC function leading to defects in cartilage and bone formation.

Fgf8a mutation affects craniofacial development and skeletal gene expression in zebrafish larvae.

Craniofacial development is tightly regulated and therefore highly vulnerable to disturbance by genetic and environmental factors. Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) direct migration, proliferation and survival of cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) forming the human face. In this study, we analyzed bone and cartilage formation in the head of five dpf fgf8ati282 zebrafish larvae and assessed gene expression levels for 11 genes involved in these processes. In addition, in situ hybridization was performed on 8 and 24 hours post fertilization (hpf) larvae (fgf8a, dlx2a, runx2a, col2a1a). A significant size reduction of eight out of nine craniofacial cartilage structures was found in homozygous mutant (6-36%, P<0.01) and heterozygous (7-24%, P<0.01) larvae. Also, nine mineralized structures were not observed in all or part of the homozygous (0-71%, P<0.0001) and heterozygous (33-100%, P<0.0001) larvae. In homozygote mutants, runx2a and sp7 expression was upregulated compared to wild type, presumably to compensate for the reduced bone formation. Decreased col9a1b expression may compromise cartilage formation. Upregulated dlx2a in homozygotes indicates impaired CNCC function. Dlx2a expression was reduced in the first and second stream of CNCCs in homozygous mutants at 24 hpf, as shown by in situ hybridization. This indicates an impairment of CNCC migration and survival by fgf8 mutation.

[A relationship between the movement pattern and lesion location in the early rehabilitation period after ischemic stroke]. / Sviaz' dvigatel'nogo stereotipa i lokalizatsii ochaga v rannem vosstanovitel'nom periode legkogo ishemicheskogo insul'ta.

To study the changes in movement pattern during the early rehabilitation period in patients after carotid/vertebro-basilar ischemic stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors studied 11 patients (6 women, 5 men, mean age 57.2±5.2) 4-6 weeks after stroke onset. NIHSS on admission was 6.2±0.8, arm/hand weakness 3.9±0.7/3.7±0.8, leg/foot weakness 4.3±0.6/4.0±0.5. The lesion was located in the carotid artery (7 patients) and in the vertebro-basilar system (4 patients). All patients were examined on admission and at discharge (interval 13±4 days). The changes were assessed using FIM scale, Ashwort scale, TUG test, nine-hole peg test (NHPT), Berg balance scale, 20-point vestibular disorder score scale, MMSE, Beck depression inventory, and Spielberger anxiety questionnaire. Also kinematic and kinetic profiles of the step cycle and gait were analyzed by video analysis system Physiomed Smart (Physiomed, Germany, Davis protocol). RESULTS: All patients demonstrated improvement in FIM scale, Ashwort scale, TUG test, NHP test, Berg balance scale and 20-point vestibular disorder score scale. Patients with vertebro-basilar stroke had balance disturbance, which was assessed with 20-point vestibular disorder score scale. All patients had changes in spatiotemporal gait performance, kinematic and kinetic profiles of the walking cycle: shortening of the step length and widening of the step width, prolongation of step cycle, and decreased step speed. These changes were more obvious in patients with vertebro-basilar stroke. Also patients with vertebro-basilar stroke had pelvic tilt forward, while patients with carotid lesion had pelvic obliquity. CONCLUSION: Lesion location in patients with mild stroke may influence the spatiotemporal gait characteristics and kinematic and kinetic profiles. These features should be taken into account while planning rehabilitation strategy.

Tin mining and processing in Nigeria: cause for concern?

The range and means of measured dose rates and activity concentrations of 40K, natural U and Th in environmental samples of a Nigerian tin mine and its tailing sites are presented. The measured concentration levels of eU and eTh in tailing samples and the measured dose rates were found to be elevated with values up to approximately 100 times above background levels of control soils. For the purpose of protection of workers and the public it is therefore advisable that these sites should be properly monitored, controlled and potential remediation strategies be considered in order to avoid any radiological impact to the population.