Reconstruction of a long defect of the ulnar artery and nerve with an arterialized neurovenous free flap in a teenager: A case report and literature review.

There is evidence that nerve flaps are superior to nerve grafts for bridging long nerve defects. Moreover, arterialized neurovenous flaps (ANVFs) have multiple potential advantages over traditional nerve flaps in this context. This paper describes a case of reconstruction of a long defect of the ulnar artery and nerve with an arterialized neurovenous free flap and presents a literature review on this subject. A 16-year-old boy sustained a stab wound injury to the medial aspect of the distal third of his right forearm. The patient was initially observed and treated at another institution where the patient was diagnosed with a flexor carpis ulnaris muscle and an ulnar artery section. The artery was ligated and the muscle was sutured. Four months later, the patient was referred to our institution with complaints of ulnar nerve damage, as well as hand pain and cold intolerance. Physical examination and ancillary tests supported the diagnosis of ulnar artery and nerve complete section. Surgery revealed an 8 cm hiatus of the ulnar artery and a 5 cm defect of the ulnar nerve. These gaps were bridged with a flow through ANVF containing the sural nerve and the lesser saphenous vein. The postoperative course was uneventful. Two years postoperatively, the patient had regained normal trophism and M5 strength in all previously paralyzed muscles according to the Medical Research Council Scale. Thermography revealed good perfusion in the right ulnar angiosome. The ANVF may be an expedite, safe and efficient option to reconstruct a long ulnar nerve and artery defect.

Impact of infrasound exposure and streptozotocin-induced glucose intolerance on bone composition in Wistar rats.

The elemental composition of chemical elements can vary between healthy and diseased tissues, providing essential insights into metabolic processes in physiological and diseased states. This study aimed to evaluate the calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels in the bones of rats with/without streptozotocin-induced diabetes and/or exposure to infrasound. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used to determine the concentrations of Ca and P in Wistar rat tibiae samples.The results showed a significant decrease in bone P concentration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats compared to untreated animals. Similarly, the Ca/P ratio was higher in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic group. No significant differences were observed in bone Ca concentration between the studied groups or between animals exposed and not exposed to infrasound.Moreover, streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats had lower bone P concentration but unaltered bone Ca concentration compared to untreated rats. Infrasound exposure did not impact bone Ca or P levels. The reduced bone P concentration may be associated with an increased risk of bone fractures in diabetes.

Case report: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the foot: What steps can we take?

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare soft tissue sarcoma affects mainly the trunk and proximal limbs. Clinically, it typically presents as an asymptomatic plaque or nodular-like lesion that progresses slowly before entering a rapid growth phase. DFSP exhibits a low potential for metastasis, mainly in cases where fibrosarcomatous transformation occurs, but it has a high rate of local recurrence. Diagnosis of DFSP is often delayed, and it is challenging to establish without performing a biopsy and histologic analysis. The mainstay treatment for DFSP is surgical wide excision with free margins, although this can be challenging depending on the location of the tumor. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a rare presentantion of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans according to the SCARE guidelines. The patients main concern was the slow evolving mass on the dorsum of the foot that at presentation was 1x1cm. The biopsy showed a dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. A radical excision involving ray amputation of the 2nd and 3rd finger provided a 1 cm clear margin. CLíNICAL DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This case shows how an inconspicuous nodule in an uncommon area can be the primary manifestation of a serious condition.

Review of Piezoelectrical Materials Potentially Useful for Peripheral Nerve Repair.

It has increasingly been recognized that electrical currents play a pivotal role in cell migration and tissue repair, in a process named "galvanotaxis". In this review, we summarize the current evidence supporting the potential benefits of electric stimulation (ES) in the physiology of peripheral nerve repair (PNR). Moreover, we discuss the potential of piezoelectric materials in this context. The use of these materials has deserved great attention, as the movement of the body or of the external environment can be used to power internally the electrical properties of devices used for providing ES or acting as sensory receptors in artificial skin (e-skin). The fact that organic materials sustain spontaneous degradation inside the body means their piezoelectric effect is limited in duration. In the case of PNR, this is not necessarily problematic, as ES is only required during the regeneration period. Arguably, piezoelectric materials have the potential to revolutionize PNR with new biomedical devices that range from scaffolds and nerve-guiding conduits to sensory or efferent components of e-skin. However, much remains to be learned regarding piezoelectric materials, their use in manufacturing of biomedical devices, and their sterilization process, to fine-tune their safe, effective, and predictable in vivo application.

Prostatic arterial supply: anatomic and imaging findings relevant for selective arterial embolization.

PURPOSE: To describe the anatomy and imaging findings of the prostatic arteries (PAs) on multirow-detector pelvic computed tomographic (CT) angiography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) before embolization for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study from May 2010 to June 2011, 75 men (150 pelvic sides) underwent pelvic CT angiography and selective pelvic DSA before PA embolization for BPH. Each pelvic side was evaluated regarding the number of independent PAs and their origin, trajectory, termination, and anastomoses with adjacent arteries. RESULTS: A total of 57% of pelvic sides (n = 86) had only one PA, and 43% (n = 64) had two independent PAs identified (mean PA diameter, 1.6 mm ± 0.3). PAs originated from the internal pudendal artery in 34.1% of pelvic sides (n = 73), from a common trunk with the superior vesical artery in 20.1% (n = 43), from the anterior common gluteal-pudendal trunk in 17.8% (n = 38), from the obturator artery in 12.6% (n = 27), and from a common trunk with rectal branches in 8.4% (n = 18). In 57% of pelvic sides (n = 86), anastomoses to adjacent arteries were documented. There were 30 pelvic sides (20%) with accessory pudendal arteries in close relationship with the PAs. No correlations were found between PA diameter and patient age, prostate volume, or prostate-specific antigen values on multivariate analysis with logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: PAs have highly variable origins between the left and right sides and between patients, and most frequently arise from the internal pudendal artery.

Reconstruction of large defect of foot with extensive bone loss exclusively using a latissimus dorsi muscle free flap: a potential new indication for this flap.

In cases of extensive damage to the foot, with significant bone loss, it is generally accepted that reconstruction must include bone flaps or grafts either in the emergency setting or subsequently. In this report, we describe the case of an 18-year-old student with an avulsion injury of the dorsum of his right foot. Consequently, he lost most of the soft tissue over the dorsum of the foot and the cuboid, navicular, and cuneiform bones. A latissimus dorsi free flap was used to reconstruct the defect. A functional pseudoarthrosis developed between the remaining bones of the foot, and the patient experienced satisfactory foot function after rehabilitation. For this reason, no additional reconstructive procedure was undertaken. This case suggests that it might be adequate to use the latissimus dorsi muscle flap more liberally than previously reported in the reconstruction of extensive defects of the dorsum of the foot, including cases with significant bone loss. This option could avoid the morbidity and inconvenience of a second surgery and the need to harvest a bone flap or graft.

Retrospective Study of 114 Free Flaps for Head and Neck Oncological Reconstruction in a Portuguese Tertiary Cancer Center.

INTRODUCTION: The Portuguese experience in microsurgical reconstruction of the head and neck after oncological surgery is scantly described. The primary aim of this study was to characterize the use of microvascular reconstruction after head and neck tumor resection in a Portuguese tertiary oncological centerMaterial and Methods: The authors retrospectively evaluated 114 microvascular free flap procedures performed for head and neck reconstruction after oncological resection in a department of Head and Neck Surgery of a Portuguese tertiary oncological center. Patients were operated on from January 2012 to May 2018. Data on patient demographic features, tumour characteristics, perioperative complications, postoperative aesthetic and functional results, survival time and time to recurrence were extracted. RESULTS: Most tumours mandating microsurgical reconstruction were mucosal squamous cell carcinomas (85%) and were located in the oral region (95.6%). Around 45% of the patients had a T4a tumour and 30% a T2 tumour. Cervical metastases were present in 45.6% of the cases. The radial forearm flap and the fibular flap were the most commonly used microsurgical reconstructive options (58% and 41%, respectively). More than 80% of patients had no post-operative complications. Partial necrosis of the flap occurred in 6.1% of patients, while total flap necrosis occurred in 3.5% of cases. Aesthetic and functional results were considered at least satisfactory in all patients in which the flaps survived. DISCUSSION: This study is by far the largest series of microsurgical head and neck reconstruction after oncological surgery reported by a single tertiary centre in Portugal. Survival and functional benefits are similar to those reported in other large oncological centres in the world. CONCLUSION: Microvascular reconstruction seems like a reliable treatment option in head and neck oncological surgery at our institution.

Introdução: A experiência portuguesa na reconstrução microcirúrgica da cabeça e pescoço após cirurgia oncológica está escassamente descrita. O objectivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a reconstrução microcirúrgica da cabeça e pescoço num centro de referência terciário português. Material e Métodos: Os autores avaliaram retrospetivamente 114 procedimentos de retalhos livres microvasculares realizados para reconstrução de cabeça e pescoço após ressecção oncológica num departamento de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço de um centro oncológico terciário português. Os doentes foram operados no período de janeiro de 2012 a maio de 2018. Foram registadas as características demográficas dos doentes, as características do tumor, as complicações peri operatórias, os resultados estéticos e funcionais pós-operatórios, bem como o tempo de sobrevida e o tempo de recorrência. Resultados: A maior parte dos tumores estava localizada na região oral (95,6%), sendo o carcinoma de células escamosas o tipo histológico mais frequente. Os retalhos antebraquial radial e fibular foram as opções reconstrutivas mais usadas (58% e 41%, respetivamente). Mais de 80% dos doentes não apresentaram complicações pós-operatórias. A necrose parcial do retalho ocorreu em sete doentes (6,1%), enquanto a necrose total do retalho ocorreu em apenas quatro casos (3,5%). Os resultados estéticos e funcionais foram considerados pelo menos satisfatórios em todos os doentes em que os retalhos sobreviveram. Discussão: Este trabalho, que descreve a maior série de casos de reconstrução microcirúrgica após cirurgia oncológica da cabeça e pescoço, identificou benefícios funcionais e de sobrevivência semelhantes aos descritos em outros centros oncológicos mundiais. Conclusão: A reconstrução microvascular parece ser uma opção fiável e eficaz no âmbito da cirurgia oncológica de cabeça e pescoço na nossa instituição.

Chitosan-Based Membranes for Skin Wound Repair in a Dorsal Fold Chamber Rat Model.

Frequently, deep partial and full-thickness skin wounds do not spontaneously regenerate. To restore the normal function of skin, epidermal and dermal components have to be supplied to the wound bed by grafting various substrates. Available options are limited and frequently costly. Herein, authors present a possible approach using 3D skin scaffolds capable of mimicking structure and biological functions of the extracellular matrix, providing, in parallel, a good environment for cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation. Low-molecular weight chitosan-based membranes were prepared by freeze-drying and ionizing radiation techniques to be used as skin scaffolds. Poly (vinyl alcohol), PVA, vinyl pyrrolidone, VP, and gelatin from cold water fish were incorporated. Information regarding membranes' physical-chemical properties from SEM analysis, swelling and weight loss, together with biological response through in vitro assays (using Human Caucasian Fetal Foreskin Fibroblast) allowed the selection of an optimized batch of membranes that was used as skin scaffold in a dorsal rat model wound. The in vivo implantation assays (in Wistar rats) resulted in very promising results: (i) healing process faster than control; (ii) good vascularization; (iii) viable new tissues morphologically functional.

Molecular Changes In Cardiac Tissue As A New Marker To Predict Cardiac Dysfunction Induced By Radiotherapy.

The contribution of radiotherapy, per se, to late cardiotoxicity remains controversial. To clarify its impact on the development of early cardiac dysfunction, we developed an experimental model in which the hearts of rats were exposed, in a fractionated plan, to clinically relevant doses of ionizing radiation for oncological patients that undergo thoracic radiotherapy. Rat hearts were exposed to daily doses of 0.04, 0.3, and 1.2 Gy for 23 days, achieving cumulative doses of 0.92, 6.9, and 27.6 Gy, respectively. We demonstrate that myocardial deformation, assessed by global longitudinal strain, was impaired (a relative percentage reduction of >15% from baseline) in a dose-dependent manner at 18 months. Moreover, by scanning electron microscopy, the microvascular density in the cardiac apex was significantly decreased exclusively at 27.6 Gy dosage. Before GLS impairment detection, several tools (qRT-PCR, mass spectrometry, and western blot) were used to assess molecular changes in the cardiac tissue. The number/expression of several genes, proteins, and KEGG pathways, related to inflammation, fibrosis, and cardiac muscle contraction, were differently expressed in the cardiac tissue according to the cumulative dose. Subclinical cardiac dysfunction occurs in a dose-dependent manner as detected by molecular changes in cardiac tissue, a predictor of the severity of global longitudinal strain impairment. Moreover, there was no dose threshold below which no myocardial deformation impairment was detected. Our findings i) contribute to developing new markers and exploring non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging to assess cardiac tissue changes as an early predictor of cardiac dysfunction; ii) should raise red flags, since there is no dose threshold below which no myocardial deformation impairment was detected and should be considered in radiation-based imaging and -guided therapeutic cardiac procedures; and iii) highlights the need for personalized clinical approaches.

Prostatic arterial supply: demonstration by multirow detector angio CT and catheter angiography.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prostatic arterial supply with multidetector Angio CT and Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA). METHODS: DSA was performed in 21 male patients (7 of these also underwent Pelvic Angio CT); a further 4 patients only underwent Angio CT. Prostatic arteries were classified according to their origin, direction, number of pedicles, termination and anastomoses with surrounding arteries in 50 pelvic sides. RESULTS: The most frequent origin was the internal pudendal artery (n = 28; 56%) with the common gluteal-pudendal trunk the next commonest (n = 14; 28%). Less frequent origins were the obturator artery (n = 6; 12%) or the inferior gluteal artery (n = 2; 4%). Two separate vascular pedicles were found in 12 pelvic sides (24%). There were anastomoses with the termination of the internal pudendal artery in 24% of cases (n = 12), with the contra-lateral prostatic arteries in 6 cases (12%), and to the superior vesical artery in 4 cases (8%). CONCLUSIONS: Defining prostatic artery origin and direction is paramount to allow selective catheterisation. Angio CT is very useful as a pre-intervention tool. The number of independent vascular pedicles and the presence of anastomoses with surrounding arteries should be taken into account when planning prostatic arterial embolisation.

Branching patterns of the male internal iliac artery: imaging findings.

The aim of this study was to establish the imaging findings of the main branching patterns of the male internal iliac arteries, using different imaging modalities (angio MR, angio CT and digital angiography). Twenty-one males (mean age 73.2 years) underwent imaging evaluation with angio MR, angio CT and digital angiography to define the internal iliac artery anatomy before selective embolization of the pelvic arteries. All three modalities were used in 3 patients, angio MR and digital angiography in 17 patients, angio CT and digital angiography in 6 patients and only angio CT in 1 patient. Internal iliac arteries were classified into four groups using the Yamaki classification (modified from the Adachi's classification). Twenty-six pelvic sides were classified as Group A (61.9%), 13 as Group B (31%) and 3 as Group C (7.1%) with no cases of Group D found. Angio MR, angio CT and digital angiography were able to detect most branches of the internal iliac artery. Group A was the most frequent internal iliac artery branching pattern. Angio CT showed better detailed anatomy than angio MR and digital angiography was considered the gold-standard. Non-invasive vascular imaging with angio MR or angio CT is essential before invasive interventions, allowing better planning of the procedure.

Analysis of human tissues using Energy Dispersive X Ray Fluorescence - Dark matrix determination for the application to cancer research.

BACKGROUND: X ray Fluorescence has been essayed as a suitable technique for the elemental quantification of trace element in human tissues, namely comparison of normal and cancerous tissue. However, accurate results depend on a robust quantification approach, namely correct evaluation of the samples' dark matrix. METHODS: In order to determine the most suitable dark matrix composition for the quantification of such samples using the Fundamental Parameter approach, we have measured several Certified Reference Materials and essayed different dark matrix compositions to achieve the most accurate results. The resulting dark matrix was then applied to normal and tumor ovarian and prostate tissue samples, and the obtained results were compared with the ones obtained with a comparative method using external standard calibration curves. RESULTS: Using a dark matrix composed of 10 % - H, 22 % - C, 3 % - N and 60 % - O yielded the best compromise in accuracy for the light and heavy elements. For the reduced sample size and conditions of this study, for both organs, the concentrations of transition metals decrease in tumor tissues, while the concentration of lighter elements, P and Cl, increases. On the other hand, there are elements that showed different behavior between the two types of tissue, namely Zn and S, that increase in prostate tumor tissue and decrease in ovarian tissue. CONCLUSION: An increase in precision was one of the improvements found with the newly developed method, as the FP-approach contemplates matrix effects and the influence of other elements in the analytes' quantification. Additionally, the determined dark matrix can be employed in any tissue analysis application by means of EDXRF.

Development of Dl1.72, a Novel Anti-DLL1 Antibody with Anti-Tumor Efficacy against Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer.

The Notch-signaling ligand DLL1 has emerged as an important player and promising therapeutic target in breast cancer (BC). DLL1-induced Notch activation promotes tumor cell proliferation, survival, migration, angiogenesis and BC stem cell maintenance. In BC, DLL1 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis, particularly in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) subtypes. Directed therapy in early and advanced BC has dramatically changed the natural course of ER+ BC; however, relapse is a major clinical issue, and new therapeutic strategies are needed. Here, we report the development and characterization of a novel monoclonal antibody specific to DLL1. Using phage display technology, we selected an anti-DLL1 antibody fragment, which was converted into a full human IgG1 (Dl1.72). The Dl1.72 antibody exhibited DLL1 specificity and affinity in the low nanomolar range and significantly impaired DLL1-Notch signaling and expression of Notch target genes in ER+ BC cells. Functionally, in vitro treatment with Dl1.72 reduced MCF-7 cell proliferation, migration, mammosphere formation and endothelial tube formation. In vivo, Dl1.72 significantly inhibited tumor growth, reducing both tumor cell proliferation and liver metastases in a xenograft mouse model, without apparent toxicity. These findings suggest that anti-DLL1 Dl1.72 could be an attractive agent against ER+ BC, warranting further preclinical investigation.

Paresthesia and hypesthesia in the dorsum of the foot as the presenting complaints of a ganglion cyst of the foot.

Although ganglion cysts of the foot represent a substantial amount of lumps in this region, they rarely cause peripheral nerve symptoms. We describe the clinical case of a 43-year-old female with complaints in the previous three months of hypesthesia and paresthesia in the anterior portion of the medial half of the dorsum of her left foot that extended into the first interdigital cleft. She associated the start of her neurological symptoms to the appearance of a lump in the dorsum of the foot. A presumptive diagnosis of compression of the medial branch of the deep fibular nerve and of the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve in the dorsum of the foot by a ganglion cyst was made. Ultrasonography confirmed the cystic nature of the lesion and surgery allowed complete excision of a mass arising from the joint between the medial and intermediate cuneiform bones that was compressing the deep fibular nerve and the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve. Pathological examination confirmed that the lesion was a cystic ganglion. As far as the authors know, the simultaneous compression of the medial branch of the deep fibular nerve and of the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve in the dorsum of the foot by a ganglion cyst has not been described before.

Functional and Physiological Methods of Evaluating Median Nerve Regeneration in the Rat.

The main goal of this investigation is to show how to create and repair different types of median nerve (MN) lesions in the rat. Moreover, different methods of simulating postoperative physiotherapy are presented. Multiple standardized strategies are used to assess motor and sensory recovery using an MN model of peripheral nerve lesion and repair, thus permitting easy comparison of the results. Several options are included for providing a postoperative physiotherapy-like environment to rats that have undergone MN injuries. Finally, the paper provides a method to evaluate the recovery of the MN using several noninvasive tests (i.e., grasping test, pin prick test, ladder rung walking test, rope climbing test, and walking track analysis), and physiological measurements (infrared thermography, electroneuromyography, flexion strength evaluation, and flexor carpi radialis muscle weight determination). Hence, this model seems particularly appropriate to replicate a clinical scenario, facilitating extrapolation of results to the human species. Although the sciatic nerve is the most studied nerve in peripheral nerve research, analysis of the rat MN presents various advantages. For example, there is a reduced incidence of joint contractures and automutilation of the affected limb in MN lesion studies. Furthermore, the MN is not covered by muscle masses, making its dissection easier than that of the sciatic nerve. In addition, MN recovery is observed sooner, because the MN is shorter than the sciatic nerve. Also, the MN has a parallel path to the ulnar nerve in the arm. Hence, the ulnar nerve can be easily used as the nerve graft for repairing MN injuries. Finally, the MN in rats is located in the forelimb, akin to the human upper limb; in humans, the upper limb is the site of most peripheral nerve lesions.

The use of free fibula-flexor hallucis longus osteomuscular flap for calcaneal reconstruction after partial calcanectomy for the chronic osteomyelitis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Calcaneal osteomyelitis poses a tough challenge for any reconstructive surgeon. The eradication of the infection and the reconstruction of the defect are the main goals of treatment. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present the case of a 53-year-old male with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis. The patient was submitted to several bone and soft tissue debridements and twice the application of gentamicin/sulfate implants at the wound bed with no success. He was then submitted to a partial calcanectomy followed by obliteration of the bone defect (4.5 × 2 × 1.5 cm) with a free vascularized fibula-flexor hallucis longus osteomuscular flap (bone dimension:4.5 × 1.5 × 1.2 cm; muscle size: 4 × 1.5 × 0.5 cm). The flap remained viable, and the post-operative period was uneventful. Bone incorporation was evident nine months after the surgery with no signs of recurrent infection or avascular necrosis. Final follow up, at one year, showed an excellent functional result. The patient was able to ambulate without assistance and referred occasional minimal foot pain. Donor site morbidity was minimal. CONCLUSION: The authors believe that this osteomuscular flap may be a valuable option to reconstruct calcaneal defects after chronic osteomyelitis.

Unconventional Perfusion Flaps in the Experimental Setting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Unconventional perfusion flaps offer multiple potential advantages compared with traditional flaps. Although there are numerous experimental articles on unconventional perfusion flaps, the multiple animal species involved, the myriad vascular constructions used, and the frequently conflicting data reported make synthesis of this information challenging. The main aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on the experimental use of unconventional perfusion flaps, to identify the best experimental models proposed and to estimate their global survival rate. METHODS: The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all articles written in English, French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese on the experimental use of unconventional perfusion flaps and indexed to PubMed from 1981 until February 1, 2017. RESULTS: A total of 68 studies were found, corresponding to 86 optimized experimental models and 1073 unconventional perfusion flaps. The overall unconventional perfusion flap survival rate was 90.8 percent (95 percent CI, 86.9 to 93.6 percent; p < 0.001). The estimated proportion of experimental unconventional perfusion flaps presenting complete survival or nearly complete survival was 74.4 percent (95 percent CI, 62.1 to 83.7 percent; p < 0.001). The most commonly reported animal species in the literature were the rabbit (57.1 percent), the rat (26.4 percent), and the dog (14.3 percent). No significant differences were found in survival rates among these species, or among the diverse vascular patterns used. CONCLUSION: These data do not differ significantly from those reported regarding the use of unconventional perfusion flaps in human medicine, suggesting that rabbit, rat, and canine experimental unconventional perfusion flap models may adequately mimic the clinical application of unconventional perfusion flaps.

BD-2 and BD-3 increase skin flap survival in a model of ischemia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

The main aim of this work was to study the usefulness of human ß-defensins 2 (BD-2) and 3 (BD-3), which are part of the innate immune system, in the treatment of infected ischemic skin flaps. We investigated the effect of transducing rat ischemic skin flaps with lentiviral vectors encoding human BD-2, BD-3, or both BD-2 and BD-3, to increase flap survival in the context of a P. aeruginosa infection associated with a foreign body. The secondary endpoints assessed were: bacterial counts, and biofilm formation on the surface of the foreign body. A local ischemic environment was created by producing arterialized venous flaps in the left epigastric region of rats. Flaps were intentionally infected by placing underneath them two catheters with 105 CFU of P. aeruginosa before the surgical wounds were hermetically closed. Flap biopsies were performed 3 and 7 days post-operatively, and the specimens submitted to immunohistochemical analysis for BD-2 and BD-3, as well as to bacterial quantification. Subsequently, the catheter segments were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Flaps transduced with BD-2 and BD-3 showed expression of these defensins and presented increased flap survival. Rats transduced with BD-3 presented a net reduction in the number of P. aeruginosa on the surface of the foreign body and lesser biofilm formation.

[Rethinking Sciatica In View of a Bilateral Anatomical Variation of the Sciatic Nerve, with Low Origin and High Division: Historical, Anatomical and Clinical Approach]. / Repensar a Ciatalgia Perante Variação Anatómica Bilateral do Nervo Isquiático, com Origem Baixa e Divisão Alta: Importância Histórica, Anatómica e Clínica.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study is to report an original, unusual, case of bilateral anatomical variation of the sciatic nerve, with low origin and high division. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anatomical dissection was performed on a 66 year-old female cadaver. The corpse was embalmed and conserved through our original embalming techniques. RESULTS: The particular anatomical variation was first detected during routine dissection classes for undergraduate students. The study was completed with contralateral dissection to unveil bilateral variation. In both hind limbs, the sciatic nerve had a low origin, deep below the mid-gluteal region, and suffered high division, near the lower margin of the gluteal region, after a short length of circa 8 cm, to divide into the common fibular and tibial nerves. DISCUSSION: We detect several cases of sciatic nerve high division, in the reports of the earliest anatomists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vesalius, Da Cortona, or Eustachius. Such ancestral interest for these anatomical variations demonstrates the importance of their knowledge for health professionals of different areas. CONCLUSION: The accurate study of sciatic nerve anatomical variations bears evident surgical, anaesthesiology and clinical applications. As more meticulous as our anatomical studies may get, one will never reach the state of perfection to consider such studies as definitive.

Introdução: O objectivo do presente estudo é o relato de um caso de variação anatómica do nervo isquiático, por origem baixa e divisão alta bilateral.Material e Métodos: Foi dissecado um cadáver feminino de 66 anos, conservado pelas técnicas originais desenvolvidas no nosso departamento.Resultados: No trabalho regular de dissecção cadavérica da disciplina de Anatomia Regional II detectou-se nervo isquiático, em ambos os membros, com pequeno trajecto, de aproximadamente, 8 - 10 cm, dividido em nervos fibular comum e tibial, ao nível da margem inferior do músculo glúteo máximo.Discussão: Casos semelhantes aos do presente estudo, foram descritos por alguns autores desde Leonardo da Vinci, Da Cortona, ou Eustachius, demonstrando a importância desse conhecimento, tanto em termos clínicos, como cirúrgicos ou anestesiológicos. Diversas ilações são possíveis, por revisão do presente caso, infrequente.Conclusão: Para além de proporcionar conhecimento prévio da anatomia loco-regional, o estudo das variações do nervo isquiático orienta o melhor seguimento de patologias, bem como acessos cirúrgicos e/ou anestésicos. Por mais meticulosos que sejam os nossos estudos anatómicos, jamais poderemos considerar terminada ou definitiva a investigação em anatomia humana.

Reconstruction of a 10-mm-long median nerve gap in an ischemic environment using autologous conduits with different patterns of blood supply: A comparative study in the rat.

The aim of this study was to evaluate in the Wistar rat the efficacy of various autologous nerve conduits with various forms of blood supply in reconstructing a 10-mm-long gap in the median nerve (MN) under conditions of local ischemia. A 10-mm-long median nerve defect was created in the right arm. A loose silicone tube was placed around the nerve gap zone, in order to simulate a local ischemic environment. Rats were divided in the following experimental groups (each with 20 rats): the nerve Graft (NG) group, in which the excised MN segment was reattached; the conventional nerve flap (CNF) and the arterialized neurovenous flap (ANVF) groups in which the gap was bridged with homonymous median nerve flaps; the prefabricated nerve flap (PNF) group in which the gap was reconstructed with a fabricated flap created by leaving an arteriovenous fistula in contact with the sciatic nerve for 5 weeks; and the two control groups, Sham and Excision groups. In the latter group, the proximal stump of the MN nerve was ligated and no repair was performed. The rats were followed for 100 days. During this time, they did physiotherapy. Functional, electroneuromyographic and histological studies were performed. The CNF and ANVF groups presented better results than the NG group in the following assessments: grasping test, nociception, motor stimulation threshold, muscle weight, and histomorphometric evaluation. Radial deviation of the operated forepaw was more common in rats that presented worse results in the other outcome variables. Overall, CNFs and ANVFs produced a faster and more complete recovery than NGs in the reconstruction of a 10-mm-long median nerve gap in an ischemic environment in the Wistar rat. Although, results obtained with CNFs were in most cases were better than ANVFs, these differences were not statistically significant for most of the outcome variables.