Search

Background: Walking is a complex process that is highly automated and efficient. This knowledge is essential for the study of pathological gait. The amputation of lower limbs involves new biomechanical load and gait patterns, and injuries due to overload or disuse may occur. The objective of this study is to assess muscle activation as part of the gait in unilateral transtibial amputee patients with prosthesis, at different speeds and with different plantar supports. Method: Included in the sample were 25 people with amputation and 25 control participants. Muscle activation was evaluated in both groups by means of surface electromyography (EMG) under normal and altered conditions. Results: Control participants did not show statistically significant differences (p ˃ 0.05) between their muscle groups, irrespective of support and speed. However, people with amputation did show differences in muscle activity in the quadriceps, all of which occurred at the highest speeds, irrespective of support. In the analysis between groups, significant differences (p &lt, 0.05) were obtained between the leg of the amputee patient and the leg of the control participant, all of them in the quadriceps, and at speeds 3 and 4, regardless of the insole used. Conclusions: Participants with unilateral transtibial amputation carry out more quadriceps muscle activity during gait compared to the control group.

Amputation represents a drastic impact on the patient’s body and perception. This cross-sectional study aims to analyse the aesthetic concern represented by body image, self-esteem and quality of life in patients with unilateral transtibial amputations of lower limbs compared to control group. People living with amputations present lower average levels than controls in all subscales of the SF-36 (Short Form 36 Health Survey) quality of life questionnaire, and in both the physical component summary and the mental component summary, although the difference is not statistically significant in the latter. These patients present a significantly lower mean score (p = 0.002) in the MBSRQ (Body-Self Relations Questionnaire) body image questionnaire: 2.64 ± 0.49 opposed to 3.16 ± 0.55 in controls. People living with amputations had a lower mean score on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale than controls (34.44 ± 4.61 v 36.04 ± 3.63). The results also show that amputation has a significant influence on the BI (Body image) of patients with unilateral transtibial amputations. SE (Self-Esteem) seems to be an aspect that is not significantly affected by lower limb amputation, although these patients scored a lower mean on the RSE scale compared to the control group. We consider it is highly relevant to assess QoL (Quality of life), BI and SE in patients after a lower limb amputation process.

Adult neurogenesis has been profusely studied in central nervous system. However, its presence in enteric nervous system remains elusive although it has been recently demonstrated in mice and intimately linked to glial cells. Moreover, primary cilium is an important organelle in central adult neurogenesis. In the present study, we analysed some parallelisms between central and enteric nervous system (ENS) in humans based on ultrastructural and immunohistochemical techniques. Thus, we described the presence of primary cilia in some subtypes of glial cells and Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICCs) and we performed 3-D reconstructions to better characterise their features. Besides, we studied the expression of several adult neurogenesis-related proteins. Immature neuron markers were found in human ENS, supporting the existence of adult neurogenesis. However, only ICCs showed proliferation markers. Hence, we propose a new paradigm where ICCs would constitute the original neural stem cells which, through asymmetrical cell division, would generate the new-born neurons.

We present the case of a patient with a glomus tumor that was atypical because of its large size and histologic characteristics. It was located in the dorsal-distal zone of the fifth ray of the left foot and was associated with a neuroma under the fifth metatarsal head. Although the pain (of a neurologic type) was attributed to the neuroma, the unknown nature and evolution of the dorsal lesion (glomus tumor) made surgical treatment necessary. Surgery, together with compensating treatment of the functional alterations of the patient's feet (pronation of the subastragalar joint, supination of the forefoot, and fifth metatarsal overload syndrome), resolved the case.

The current status and performance of the ALPHIE plasma thruster is discussed. This new concept was the subject of two recently granted patents and is radically different from conventional (Kauffman) gridded ion engines. Since it makes use of three DC power supplies and only one electron-emitting cathode disposed outside the plasma chamber, its power processing unit has low requisites. This electron emission is employed for both ionization and neutralization of the ion beam. Contrary to usual ion engines where only ions flow through the grids, in this case ionizing electrons and supersonic ions counterflow through the open spaces of a two-grid system. The performance of this plasma thruster was determined using both laboratory tests and particle-in-cell numerical simulations which confirmed the basic physical principles of the ion acceleration process. Laboratory experiments under realistic conditions show the ALPHIE thruster to produce supersonic Argon plasma flows with peak speeds of 37-44 km/s and therefore specific impulses in the range 3700-4400 s−1 . Additionally, ALPHIE delivers 1-3.5 mN throtteable thrusts using a maximum 325 W peak power, all of which were directly measured in the laboratory. These performances make ALPHIE suitable for station keeping, flight formation and end-of-life disposal of small and medium sized satellites.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the new Double-V osteotomy of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (1stMPJ) in patients with hallux limitus (HL). A study of 66 patients was performed, 33 patients were treated Cheilectomy and 33 were treated Double-V. All patients underwent an assessment of the passive mobility of the 1stMPJ before the procedure, reevaluated 12 months later evaluating dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, and patients status using both the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) for Hallux Metatarsophalangeal–Interphalangeal Scale. In comparing the improvement achieved regarding the increase of mobility obtained with surgical treatment, the feet operated with procedure Double-V gained significant degrees of movement increased in all analyzed parameters (P

Background Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the ungual apparatus is a rare neoplasia. Although it is the most prevalent malignant tumour in this region, its diagnosis is often delayed because it is likened to benign or infectious processes. Objectives Present a case of SCC with subungual location in a toe, and carry out a review of the literature in relation to the most important aspects of subungual SCC in toes. Methods We describe the case of a white woman aged 72, with SCC located in the pulp and in the distal area of the nail bed of the third toe, associated with subungual exostosis. The literature on SCC in the subungual area of toes, in all its forms under clinical or histopathological presentation, is reviewed by means of a search involving Medline, PubMed, and Google Academic, from January 1994 to December 2011. Results Only 36 cases of subungual SCC in toes were reported in the 18 years that were reviewed. The average age of cases reviewed was 58.92, and the male-to-female ratio was 2 : 1. The most affected toe is the hallux, in 69.4% of cases. In 50% of cases, aetiology is unknown or indeterminate; in 22.3% of cases, aetiology is metastatic; and in 19.5% of cases, it is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). In 58.2% of cases, partial or total resection of the distal phalanx was carried out, of the entire toe, or of the osseous ray of the foot. Conclusions Chronic tissue irritation caused by microtrauma associated with subungual exostosis is the most probable aetiology of the case presented.

The extirpation of Meckel's diverticulum (MD) via conventional or laparoscopic surgery is the definitive treatment. However, certain circumstances may modify or alter this situation and require the application of exceptional measures. We report a case under our observation who previously had an exploratory abdominal laparotomy for a suspected MD; however, the findings were negative. At that time, the diagnosis was established based on low-level gastrointestinal bleeding and isotopic tests that confirmed the existence of the diverticulum. Given the findings of gamma-graphic exploration and the previous negative surgical exploration, a decision was made to remove the lesion by laparoscopic radioguided surgery. The patient underwent bilateral laparoscopic radioguided surgery using a gamma radiation detection probe. The exploration of the abdominal cavity noted the existence of the diverticulum about 60 to 70 cm from the ileocecal valve. In this way, it was possible to proceed with the resection of the bowel loop and perform an intracorporeal anastomosis termino lateral. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. We believe that the combination of radioguided surgery and single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography could be useful for treating lesions in locations that are surgically difficult because of the characteristics of the lesion itself or the peculiarities of an individual patient.

The aim of this work was to analyse the distribution pattern of S-100-immunoreactive elements in the upper eyelid of the sheep. This pattern may be of importance regarding the diagnosis and prognosis of eyelid tumours that are linked to deregulation of S-100 gene expression. Thirty upper eyelids taken from 15 adult male Ovis aries were studied by means of the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method for light microscopy. S-100-immunopositive cells were found in the eyelid edge. S-100-immunopositive steams and thinner fibres were found throughout the eyelid. These nerve processes typically were denser around glands, hair follicles and blood vessels. S-100-immunopositive elements may play a role as neuromodulator and also in the development of the vegetative innervation of the epithelium and its derivatives.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent cancer in childhood. Although intensive chemotherapy has improved survival in those patients, important side effects, including hyperbilirubinemia, are frequent. Gilbert syndrome (GS) is a frequent condition that causes a reduction in glucuronidation and intermittent hyperbilirubinemia episodes. This could provoke a greater exposure to some cytotoxic agents used in ALL, increasing the risk of toxicity. On the other hand, unexplained hyperbilirubinemia could lead to unnecessary modifications or even treatment withdrawals, which could increase the risk of relapse, but data regarding this in ALL pediatric population are scarce.Retrospective study to analyze toxicity, outcome and treatment modifications related to GS in children diagnosed with ALL.A total of 23 of 159 patients were diagnosed with GS. They had statistically higher hyperbilirubinemias during all treatment phases (P0.0001) and a slower methotrexate clearance when it was administered during a 24-hr infusion at high doses (patients with GS: 74 hr ± 19 vs. patients without GS: 64 hr ± 8; P .002). However, no relevant toxicity or delays in treatment were found in them. Finally, changes in treatment due to hyperbilirubinemia were only done in 5 patients with GS.Differences in outcome were not found in patients with GS. Universal screening for GS appears to be not necessary in pediatric patients with ALL. However, when hyperbilirubinemia is observed, it must be rule out in order to avoid unnecessary changes in treatment.

Intravascular myopericytoma (IVMP), regarded as a variant of myopericytoma, is a rare tumor. Very few cases have been described, none in the foot. The first case of IVMP located in the heel of the foot is described in this article. A literature review is reported of all cases of IVMP published in the English literature. A 48-year-old man possessed an IVMP on the heel of the right foot. The physical examination and histopathological and ultrasound studies are described. The literature review yielded 5 cases of IVMP, 2 of which were in the thigh and 1 each in the oral mucosa, the periorbital region, and the leg. The possibility that these lesions may be malignant suggests that the histopathological study of vascular tumors should include immunohistochemical tests.

Background Having reviewed the studies on the biphalangeal fifth toe, we have observed a great disparity of data depending on the research center. We have investigated the frequency of biphalangeal toes and also its handedness. We have also analyzed the relationship of pathological deviations of fifth toe with this feature and with the fifth metatarsal. Methods We performed a descriptive prospective study, which analyzed 2494 feet (1247 people) with bilateral dorsoplantar radiographs. We studied the number of phalanges of the fifth toe, the deviations in the sagittal and transverse plane, and the state of the fifth metatarsal phalangeal joint. Results After analyzing the data we found the presence of biphalangeal fifth toe in 46.3% of the feet, presenting this feature bilaterally in 97.4% of them. A statistically significant higher percentage of pathological toes was found in people with triphalangeal fifth toe (pathological in 29.91%) than in the biphalangeal toes (pathological in 15.60%). We found that these differences are accentuated in the alterations of the fifth toe in the sagittal plane. Conclusions It is almost 4 times more likely to suffer a fifth hammer toe if the fifth toe is triphalangeal (OR = 3.98 to p =0.000). Alterations in the coronal plane of the fifth toe are associated with tailor’s bunion (p =0.000). We did not find any significant differences regarding the need for surgery of the fifth toe of the biphalangeal (39.1%) versus triphalangeal toes (60.9%). Clinical relevance: There may be an association between pathologic deviations and bigger mobility of the triphalangeal fifth toes. However, biphalangeal fifth toes show bigger rigidity leading to smaller accommodation inside the shoe, which may lead to less painful feet and decreased proportion of surgery.

In order to deepen our knowledge of the different components of the chicken intestinal nerve of Remak (I.N.R.), we have studied it by means of histochemical, immunohistochemical and electron microscopy techniques to distinguish the different neurotransmitters. We have found cholinergic cell bodies, as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) positive neuronal fibers, forming part of the web that constitutes the I.N.R. in its caudal portion, with a higher density of neuronal bodies in the ganglia. We also observed catecholaminergic neuronal bodies and fibers, located fundamentally in the periphery of the nerve, and a low density of catecholaminergic cell bodies. With respect to the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and substance P (SP) positive peptidergic innervation, we found more abundant neuronal bodies positive for the V.I.P. than for S.P. Electron microscopy corroborated the results observed under the optic microscope, showing the various types of vesicles containing different neurotransmitters.

We have studied the dynamic pathway of 65Zn and its autoradiographic location in blood cells, even at the ultra-structural level. We have found evidence that tends to confirm the old biochemical postulates about the capacity of this isotope to displace iron in the haemoglobin molecule. Recently, the bibliography has demonstrated that 57Co is also able to perform this displacement, but unlike 65Zn it does not invalidate the Redox function of the molecule. In the case of 65Zn, the mentioned displacement invalidates this function because the radionuclide can only use valence 2. We have also contributed evidence of erythrocytes destruction by the spleen after the incorporation of 65Zn, as well as the clearly marked degradation of haematic pigments inside the spleen.

This retrospective study was carried out over 83 surgical cases at the distal portion of the fifth metatarsal, compromising the treatment of tailor’s bunion, fifth metatarsal overload and the concomitant presence of both pathologies in some cases. Neuromas were founded under the fifth metatarsal head in 18 of the cases studied (21.7%). The results look at whether if there is an association between different fifth metatarsal pathologies and the presence of neuromas and found a significant association between the appearance of neuromas in patients with the same metatarsal overload, especially if it is accompanied by a tailor’s bunion pathology

Common concern about the biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) is increasing with the expansion of X-band microwaves (MW). The purpose of our work was to determine whether exposure to MW pulses in this range can induce toxic effects on human astrocytoma cells. Cultured astrocytoma cells (Clonetics line 1321N1) were submitted to 9.6 GHz carrier, 90% amplitude modulated by extremely low frequency (ELF)-EMF pulses inside a Gigahertz Transversal Electromagnetic Mode cell (GTEM-cell). Astrocytoma cultures were maintained inside a GTEMincubator in standard culture conditions at 37±0.1°C, 5% CO2, in a humidified atmosphere. Two experimental conditions were applied with field parameters respectively of: PW 100-120 ns; PRF 100-800 Hz; PRI 10-1.25 ms; power 0.34-0.60 mW; electric field strength 1.25-1.64 V/m; magnetic field peak amplitude 41.4-54.6 μ Oe. SAR was calculated to be 4.0x10-4 W/Kg. Astrocytoma samples were grown in a standard incubator. Reaching 70-80% confluence, cells were transferred to a GTEM-incubator. Experimental procedure included exposed human astrocytoma cells to MW for 15, 30, 60 min and 24 h and unexposed shamcontrol samples. Double blind method was applied. Our results showed that cytoskeleton proteins, cell morphology and viability were not modified. Statistically significant results showed increased cell proliferation rate under 24h MW exposure. Hsp-70 and Bcl-2 antiapoptotic proteins were observed in control and treated samples, while an increased expression of connexin 43 proteins was found in exposed samples. The implication of these results on increased proliferation is the subject of our current research.

The aim of this work was to characterize several ionic channels in nervous cells of the suboesophageal visceral, left and right parietal, and left and right pleural brain ganglia complex of the snail Helix aspersa by immunocytochemistry. We have studied the immunostaining reaction for a wide panel of eleven polyclonal antibodies raised against mammal antigens as follows: voltage-gated-Na+ channel; voltagegated- delayed-rectifier-K+ channel; SK2-smallconductance- Ca2+-dependent-K+ channel apamin sensitive; SK3 potassium channel; charybdotoxinsensitive voltage-dependent potassium channel; BKCamaxi- conductance-Ca2+-dependent-K+ channel; hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated potassium channel 4; G-protein-activated inwardly rectifying potassium channel GIRK2 and voltage-gatedcalcium of L, N and P/Q type channels. Our results show positive reaction in neurons, but neither in glia cells nor in processes in the Helix suboesophageal ganglia. Our results suggest the occurrence of molecules in Helix neurons sharing antigenic determinants with mammal ionic channels. The reaction density and distribution of immunoreactive staining within neurons is specific for each one of the antisera tested. The studies of colocalization of immunoreaction, on alternate serial sections of the anterior right parietal ganglion, have shown for several recognized mapped neurons that they can simultaneously be expressed among two and seven different ionic protein channels. These results are considered a key structural support for the interpretation of Helix aspersa neuron electrophysiological activity.

The aim of the present study was to examine the distribution of cells expressing connexin 26 (Cx26) in the suboesophageal visceral, left and right parietal and left and right pleural ganglia of the snail Helix aspersa by immunocytochemistry. Altogether we have found approximately 452 immunoreactive neurons which represent the 4.7% of the total neurons counted. The stained large neurons (measured diameter 55-140 μm) occurred mostly on the peripheral surface of the ganglia while the small immunostained cells (5-25 μm diameter) were observed in groups near the neuropil. The number of large neurons giving positive Cx26-like immunostaining was small in comparison with that for medium (30-50 μm diameter) and small sized cells. The expression of Cx26 was also observed in the processes of glia cells localized among neurons somata and in the neuropil showing that the antiserum recognized epitopes in both protoplasmic and fibrous glia cells of Helix aspersa. The neuropils of all ganglia showed fibers densely immunostained. While we have observed a good specificity for Cx26-antiserum in neurons, a lack of reaction for Cx43 antiserum was observed in neurons and glia cells. The reaction for enolase antiserum in neurons was light and non-specific and a lack of reaction in glia cells and processes for GFAP antiserum was observed. Although the percentage of positive neurons for Cx26 antiserum was low is suggested that in normal physiological conditions or under stimulation the results can be considered of interest in the interpretation of Helix aspersa elemental two neuron networks synchronizing activity, observed under applied extremely low frequency magnetic fields.

The laparoscopic adrenalectomy is considered as the procedure of choice for the treatment of adrenal hyperplasia and tumor lesions. However, some special situations may limit the use of this method due to the difficulty to locate the gland and perform the lesion excision. We analyze 2 patients of a left adrenal tumor, explaining how they have overcome the difficulties in both situations. The first case was a patient with a history of intra-Abdominal surgery and the other patient suffered from severe obesity. We performed with the use of the gamma probe, and the 2 cases, was of great help to access and glandular localization. The help of gamma probe test was achieved in the surgical bed, that removal was complete. The use of the portable gamma probe facilitated the access to the left adrenal gland as well as conducting the glandular excision without delay, despite the difficulties due to the intra abdominal surgery caused by the previous surgery, and in the case of severe obesity.

We have studied the autoradiographic uptake of 65Zn in the cerebellum and brainstem of the rat, contrasting these results with Timm’s positivity in these structures. Both, autoradiographic uptake and histochemical positivity, have demonstrated Zinc in a location that could be accepted as in climbing fibres and glomeruli of the cerebellum cortex, and also in brainstem neurons that project their axons to the cerebellum cortex, suggesting a circuit where zinc may act as a neuromodulator.

Following the works of Velazquez et al. (1999), Jo-Seung et al. (2000), Wang et al. (2001), Danscher et al. (2001) and the criteria of Zinc-containing neurons established by Frederickson et al.(2000), we have found the presence and localisation of Zinc in the neurons of the dorsal root ganglia of Wistar rat, by using Timm’s thecnique and by studying the autoradiographic uptake of 65Zn. The agreement between the results of both techniques allows us to classify these spinal ganglion neurons as Zinc-containing neurons and also, to confirm some of the results of Velazquez et al. (1999)

This is the first study which describes the innervation of some eyelid structures, such as the glands of Moll and the glands of Zeiss. It is also the first to investigate the innervation pattern of the eyelid as a whole. We have studied the acetylcholinesterase-positive and paraformaldehyde-induced-fluorescence-positive (FIF+) innervation pattern of the different structures that constitute the upper eyelid of the sheep. There is widespread acetylcholinesterase-positive innervation in the epithelium, but not such an abundant FIF+ innervation. Both types of innervation are represented in the connective tissue by trunks or fibers that are distributed towards the different structures immersed within them. In the glands of Zeiss, cholinesterasepositive innervation is much more widespread than FIF innervation. On the contrary, the glands of Moll present denser FIF+ innervation than acetylcholinesterasepositive innervation. The Meibomian glands and the lachrymal glands show a rich acetylcholinesterasepositive and FIF+ innervation. Eyelid muscle innervation is mainly acetylcholinesterase-positive. In the conjunctive membrane there is no acetylcholinesterase-positive innervation, and only scarce FIF+ fibers can be demonstrated.

The ultrastructure organization of the stomach enteric plexus was examined in the lizard Podarcis hispanica. The ganglions of the myenteric plexus present a low number of nerve cell bodies with a peculiar nucleus, which occasionally establish direct contacts with cells of the circular muscle layer. Glial cells are smaller than the neurones, and their nucleus is very electron-dense. They surround the axons that constitute the fibres of the myenteric plexus. Four main types of axon profile are described in a morphological consideration of the vesicle population. In the interstice of the circular muscle layer we describe two types of interstitial cells that, due to their ultrastructural characteristics, may be equivalent to the interstitial cells of Cajal which have been described in mammalians. These cells shows parallel distribution to the stomach nerve plexuses, establishing close contacts with them through their long cytoplasmic prolongations. By means of small gap-like unions, they contact both each other and the smooth muscle cells near them. We describe a submucous plexus, where neuronal bodies are scattered among bundles of nervous fibres, some of which are myelinated. A mucous plexus with isolated neurones is located in the lamina propria. Axonal varicosities containing vesicles contact with the cells of the mucous. Interconnected interstitial cells may also be found in this plexus.

Zinc has been located using both histochemical and autoradiographic procedures in the neurons of the nuclei of the hypothalamic medial area and in some adenohypophisary cells. Some suggestions about the functional significance of the presence of Zn in these places are made.