Search

Neuroinflammation occurs in the acute phase of spinal cord injury (SCI) and inhibits neural regeneration. In mouse models, etizolam (ETZ) is a strong anxiolytic with unclear effects on SCI. This study investigated the effects of short-term administration of ETZ on neuroinflammation and behavior in mice after SCI. We administrated an ETZ (0.5?mg/kg) daily intraperitoneal injection from the day after SCI for 7 days. Mice were randomly divided into three groups (sham group: only laminectomy, saline group, and ETZ group). Inflammatory cytokine concentrations in the injured spinal cord epicenter were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on day 7 after SCI to evaluate spinal cord inflammation in the acute phase. Behavior analysis was performed the day before surgery and on days 7, 14, 28, and 42 after surgery. The behavioral analysis included anxiety-like behavior using the open field test, locomotor function using the Basso Mouse Scale, and sensory function using the mechanical and heat test. Inflammatory cytokine concentrations were significantly lower in the ETZ group than in the saline group in the acute phase after spinal surgery. After SCI, anxiety-like behaviors and sensory functions were comparable between the ETZ and saline groups. ETZ administration reduced neuroinflammation in the spinal cord and improved locomotor function. Gamma-amino butyric acid type A receptor stimulants may be effective therapeutic agents for patients with SCI.

Stress fracture of the anterior process of the calcaneus is a rare condition, especially without calcaneonavicular coalition. We present the case of a 13-year-old female basketball player who developed right ankle pain without obvious injury. There was tenderness on the right anterior inferior lateral malleolus, and a fracture of the anterior process of the calcaneus was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. There was tenderness on the right anterior-inferior malleolus and a fracture of the anterior process of the calcaneus was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Since computed tomography showed sclerotic change around the fracture, we diagnosed it as a stress fracture. As the bone fragment was relatively large, internal fixation was performed. After confirming bony fusion, she was allowed to jog and return to playing basketball. No recurrence of symptoms was observed at the 1-year follow-up. The cause of the stress fracture in this case was considered to be an unusually long anterior process of the calcaneus; this should be suspected to guide intervention better in such cases.