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Gut Microbes 2024Gut microbiota is responsible for essential functions in human health. Several communication axes between gut microbiota and other organs via neural, endocrine, and...
Gut microbiota is responsible for essential functions in human health. Several communication axes between gut microbiota and other organs via neural, endocrine, and immune pathways have been described, and perturbation of gut microbiota composition has been implicated in the onset and progression of an emerging number of diseases. Here, we analyzed peripheral nerves, dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and skeletal muscles of neonatal and young adult mice with the following gut microbiota status: a) germ-free (GF), b) gnotobiotic, selectively colonized with 12 specific gut bacterial strains (Oligo-Mouse-Microbiota, OMM12), or c) natural complex gut microbiota (CGM). Stereological and morphometric analyses revealed that the absence of gut microbiota impairs the development of somatic median nerves, resulting in smaller diameter and hypermyelinated axons, as well as in smaller unmyelinated fibers. Accordingly, DRG and sciatic nerve transcriptomic analyses highlighted a panel of differentially expressed developmental and myelination genes. Interestingly, the type III isoform of Neuregulin1 (NRG1), known to be a neuronal signal essential for Schwann cell myelination, was overexpressed in young adult GF mice, with consequent overexpression of the transcription factor Early Growth Response 2 (), a fundamental gene expressed by Schwann cells at the onset of myelination. Finally, GF status resulted in histologically atrophic skeletal muscles, impaired formation of neuromuscular junctions, and deregulated expression of related genes. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time a gut microbiota regulatory impact on proper development of the somatic peripheral nervous system and its functional connection to skeletal muscles, thus suggesting the existence of a novel 'Gut Microbiota-Peripheral Nervous System-axis.'
Topics: Animals; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Neuromuscular Junction; Mice; Ganglia, Spinal; Germ-Free Life; Peripheral Nerves; Muscle, Skeletal; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Neuregulin-1; Male; Bacteria; Schwann Cells
PubMed: 38845453
DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2363015 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Blast and gunshot-induced penetrating traumatic vascular injuries represent a significant portion of patients with vascular trauma in countries where there are higher...
Blast and gunshot-induced penetrating traumatic vascular injuries represent a significant portion of patients with vascular trauma in countries where there are higher rates of war-related violence. These injuries are especially challenging in resource-limited countries due to early diagnosis and transfer delays. This report aimed to present our experience regarding the surgical management and outcome of such injuries at a major referral vascular surgery centre in the country. A retrospective descriptive review of 326 patients with blast and gunshot-induced penetrating traumatic vascular injuries managed during a five-year period between April 2018 and April 2023. The demographics, mechanism of injury, type of vascular injury, Anatomical location, time to the operation, length of hospital stay, amount of blood products given, concomitant neuroskeletal injuries, development of Vascular injury associated acute kidney injury, surgical procedures performed and patient outcome were reviewed. In this study, 326 patients with 445 vascular injuries fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most of the patients were male 92.3%, and the mean age was 28.3 ± 9.9 years. The gunshot mechanism of vascular injury was implicated in 76.1% of the injuries, and explosive-induced injury was 78 (23.9%). 193 (59.2%) of the patients had isolated arterial injuries, 117 (35.9%) patients had combined arterial and venous injuries while 18 (4.9%) patients had isolated venous injuries. The most commonly injured arteries were the femoral artery, followed by Brachial and popliteal artery injuries (26.1%, 23.5% and 19.4%, respectively). The median time to revascularization was 8.8 ± 8.7 h. 46.8% of the patients had Concomitant fractures, while 26.5% had Concomitant nerve injuries. Only three patients had temporary non-heparin-bound shunts during their arrival. The most common surgical intervention in arterial injuries was reversed saphenous vein graft 46.1%. The mortality was 5.8% and 7.7% of the patients needed secondary amputation. The majority of wartime arterial injuries are a result of Blast and gunshot vascular injuries. Frequent need for autologous vein grafts should be considered to manage such injuries. Results are encouraging despite delays in intervention; therefore, all viable limbs should be revascularized, keeping in mind the long-term functionality of the limb.
Topics: Humans; Male; Wounds, Gunshot; Vascular System Injuries; Adult; Female; Retrospective Studies; Blast Injuries; Young Adult; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Vascular Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 38844514
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63686-5 -
Arquivos de Neuro-psiquiatria May 2024The diagnosis of Hansen disease (HD) can be difficult when acid-fast bacilli are not detected in the patient's skin sample.
BACKGROUND
The diagnosis of Hansen disease (HD) can be difficult when acid-fast bacilli are not detected in the patient's skin sample.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate that detailed morphological analysis of nonspecific inflammatory and/or noninflammatory alterations in dermal nerves as well as skin adnexa in leprosy-suspected biopsy samples could improve the efficacy of histopathological diagnosis.
METHODS
Patients with one to five skin lesions were enrolled in the study and classified into three groups by skin histopathology findings: Hansen disease (HD, = 13), other diseases (OD, = 11), and inconclusive cases (INC, = 11). We quantified dermal nerve damage via the nerve lesion index (NLI) and PGP9.5-immunoreactive axon quantitative index in dermal nerves (AQI). We also measured inflammatory involvement of adnexa in cutaneous samples as indirect evidence of HD.
RESULTS
We observed a higher median endoneurial inflammatory infiltrate NLI (HD = 0.5; INC = 0; OD = 0; < 0.001) and more frequent inflammatory involvement of skin adnexa in samples of the HD group compared with those of the INC and OD groups (HD = 7; INC = 1; OD = 0). However, samples from the INC and OD groups also showed inflammatory and noninflammatory damage of dermal nerves, with 2 or more kinds of alterations in nerves in the same sample (respectively: INC = in 1 and 2 samples; OD = in 3 and 5 respectively). The quantification of PGP9.5-immunoreactive axons in dermal nerves revealed no difference between the groups.
CONCLUSION
A detailed morphological analysis of cutaneous nerves in lesions with a suspicion of HD enabled us to select patients with nonspecific inflammatory or non-inflammatory lesions in the dermal nerves in the INC and OD groups, so they may be clinically monitored aiming at a possible future diagnosis of the disease. These INC and OD patients cannot have the HD diagnosis definitely excluded, and HD may coexist with another disease as a comorbidity.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Leprosy; Middle Aged; Adult; Skin; Immunohistochemistry; Biopsy; Aged; Young Adult; Ubiquitin Thiolesterase; Adolescent; Statistics, Nonparametric
PubMed: 38843846
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787136 -
Anatolian Journal of Cardiology Jun 2024Radial angiography, preferred for its safety and comfort in percutaneous coronary interventions, occasionally leads to paresthesia-a tingling or numbing sensation in the...
BACKGROUND
Radial angiography, preferred for its safety and comfort in percutaneous coronary interventions, occasionally leads to paresthesia-a tingling or numbing sensation in the hand. This study aimed to investigate the presence of nerve damage in patients experiencing paresthesia post-radial angiography through electrophysiological examination.
METHODS
This prospective study involved 77 patients who developed hand paresthesia following radial angiography. Excluded were those with malignancy, pregnancy, pace-makers, or recent angiography. Nerve conduction studies were performed using the Neuropack MEB 9102K EMG device, assessing sensory and motor amplitudes, latencies, and velocities of median, ulnar, and radial nerves.
RESULTS
The study included 77 patients (23 females, 54 males; average age 58.39 ± 10.44 years). In 11 diabetic patients, polyneuropathy was detected. For the remaining 66 patients, electrophysiological evaluations showed no significant pathological findings. Comparative analysis of both upper extremities revealed no significant differences in nerve conduction parameters between the side where angiography was performed and the other side. Despite paresthesia complaints, no electrophysiological evidence of nerve damage was found, suggesting that symptoms might be due to local irritation rather than direct nerve injury. This aligns with the safety profile of radial angiography and underscores the importance of distinguishing between transient paresthesia and serious nerve complications.
CONCLUSION
Paresthesia post-radial angiography, while clinically notable, is not typically associated with nerve damage. This study is significant as it is the first in the literature to demonstrate that radial angiography does not cause nerve damage.
PubMed: 38832524
DOI: 10.14744/AnatolJCardiol.2024.4173 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Lumbar sympathetic ganglion neurolysis (LSGN) has been used for long-term pain relief in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). However, the actual effect... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Lumbar sympathetic ganglion neurolysis (LSGN) has been used for long-term pain relief in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). However, the actual effect duration of LSGN has not been accurately measured. This prospective observational study measured the effect duration of LSGN in CRPS patients and investigated the relationship between temperature change and pain relief. After performing LSGN, the skin temperatures of both the maximum pain site and the plantar area in the affected and unaffected limbs were measured by infrared thermography, and pain intensity was assessed before and at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months. The median time to return to baseline temperature was calculated using survival analysis. The skin temperature increased significantly at all-time points relative to baseline in both regions (maximum pain site: 1.4 °C ± 1.0 °C, plantar region: 1.28 °C ± 0.8 °C, all P < 0.001). The median time to return to baseline temperature was 12 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.7-16.3) at the maximum pain site and 12 weeks (95% CI 9.4-14.6) at the plantar area. Pain intensity decreased significantly relative to baseline, at all-time points after LSGN. In conclusion, the median duration of the LSGN is estimated to be 12 weeks.
Topics: Humans; Complex Regional Pain Syndromes; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Skin Temperature; Adult; Ganglia, Sympathetic; Pain Measurement; Thermography; Autonomic Nerve Block; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Time Factors; Lumbosacral Region
PubMed: 38830944
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63732-2 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Apr 2024Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is considered to be one of the most common peripheral nerve disorders with female preponderance which significantly reduces work efficacy...
BACKGROUND
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is considered to be one of the most common peripheral nerve disorders with female preponderance which significantly reduces work efficacy and needs further research on its preventable factors, especially obesity. We studied the effects of obesity indices on Phalen's test duration and median nerve conduction study (NCS) parameters in patients presenting with CTS.
METHODS
We examined 229 female patients presenting with clinical features of CTS. Clinical examinations including Phalen's test, median NCSs, and body composition were evaluated. Obesity indices and electrophysiological parameters were compared.
RESULTS
There were significant associations of both body mass index (BMI) degrees and body fat percent (BF%) with clinical and NCS parameters with a linear relationship. BF% and BMI were strongly negatively correlated with Phalen's test duration (BF%; r = -0.334, BMI; r = -0.270 = 0.001). On the other hand, BF% and BMI were positively correlated with median distal latency (BF%; r = 0.338, BMI; r = 0.372, value = 0.001), M-latency (BF%; r = 0.264, BMI; r = 0.285, = 0.001), median motor conduction velocity (MMCV) (BF%; r = 0.119, = 0.072, BMI; r = 0.173, = 0.009), median sensory conduction velocity (MSCV) (BF%; r = -0.195, = 0.003, BMI; r = 0.327, = 0.001), and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP amplitude) (BF%; r = -.239, BMI; r = -0.350, = 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Nerve conduction parameters are significantly affected by obesity degree defined by BMI and BF%. Therefore, combining BMI and BF% assessments gives more clinical information regarding CTS severity and management. The true predictive value of these indices needs to be elucidated further.
PubMed: 38827720
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1253_23 -
Thyroid Research Jun 2024Ultrasound-guided thermal ablation (TA) has emerged as a robust therapeutic approach for treating solid tumors in multiple organs, including the thyroid. Yet, its...
BACKGROUND
Ultrasound-guided thermal ablation (TA) has emerged as a robust therapeutic approach for treating solid tumors in multiple organs, including the thyroid. Yet, its efficacy and safety profile in the management of Graves' Disease (GD) remains to be definitively established.
METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted on 50 GD patients treated with TA between October 2017 and December 2021. Key metrics like thyroid volume, volume reduction rate (VRR), thyroid hormones, and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were evaluated using paired Wilcoxon tests.
RESULTS
The intervention of ultrasound-guided TA yielded a statistically significant diminution in total thyroid volume across all postoperative follow-up intervals-1, 3, 6, and 12 months-relative to pre-intervention baselines (p < 0.001). The median VRR observed at these time points were 17.5%, 26.5%, 34.4%, and 39.8%, respectively. Euthyroid status was corroborated in 96% of patients at the one-year follow-up milestone. Transient tachycardia and dysphonia were observed in three patients, while a solitary case of skin numbness was noted. Crucially, no instances of enduring injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) were documented.
CONCLUSIONS
Our investigation substantiates ultrasound-guided TA as a pragmatic, well-tolerated, and safe therapeutic modality for GD. It effectively improves symptoms of hyperthyroidism, engenders a substantial reduction in thyroid volume, and restores thyroid hormone and BMR to physiological levels. Given its favorable safety profile, enhanced cosmetic outcomes, and minimally invasive nature, ultrasound-guided TA is a compelling alternative to thyroidectomy for GD patients.
PubMed: 38825672
DOI: 10.1186/s13044-024-00198-4 -
Clinical Neurophysiology : Official... May 2024Somatosensory evoked spikes (SESs) have been reported only in children aged under 14 years and are considered as an age-dependent phenomenon. However, we detected SESs...
OBJECTIVE
Somatosensory evoked spikes (SESs) have been reported only in children aged under 14 years and are considered as an age-dependent phenomenon. However, we detected SESs in adult patients with epilepsy using magnetoencephalography (MEG). The present study investigated whether MEG can detect SESs in normal adults.
METHODS
Spontaneous MEG was recorded during measurement of somatosensory evoked fields (SEFs) for bilateral electrical median nerve stimuli in 30 healthy adults.
RESULTS
Bilateral SESs were observed in 10 adults but none in the other 20 subjects. SESs consisted of one or two peaks, and the first peak latency corresponded to that of the second peak (M2) of SEFs. The first SES peak was identical to the M2 in isofield map pattern, as well as location and orientation of the equivalent current dipole (ECD). M2 ECD strength in the 10 subjects with SESs was larger (p <0.0001) than in 20 without SESs.
CONCLUSIONS
All-or-nothing detection of bilateral SESs by MEG in normal adults must depend on the signal-to-noise issue of symmetrical SEFs and background brain activity.
SIGNIFICANCE
Our results further confirm the higher sensitivity of MEG compared to scalp EEG for the detection of focal cortical sources tangential to the scalp such as SESs.
PubMed: 38820667
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.05.006 -
Cancer Medicine Jun 2024We endeavored to introduce a novel scoring system (Lumbar Functional Index, LFI) capable of evaluating lumbar function in pelvic bone sarcoma patients who underwent...
AIMS
We endeavored to introduce a novel scoring system (Lumbar Functional Index, LFI) capable of evaluating lumbar function in pelvic bone sarcoma patients who underwent surgical resection and spinal pelvic fixation, while simultaneously identifying the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors of lumbar function impairment among these populations.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A cohort of 304 primary bone sarcoma patients were recruited. The LFI was created based on the Oswestry Dysfunction Index (ODI) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores. Lumbar function impairment was defined as LFI score ≥ 18 points, which was identified as high LFI. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and oncological outcomes were analyzed.
RESULTS
The cohort included chondrosarcoma (39.8%), osteosarcoma (29.9%), Ewing sarcoma (8.6%), bone-derived undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (7.2%), giant cell tumor of bone (7.2%), chordoma (2.3%), and other bone sarcomas (5.0%). The LFI score exhibited significant negative correlation with common scoring systems of bone sarcoma. The incidence of high LFI was 23.0%. Patients with high LFI demonstrated a higher prevalence of type I + II + III + IV pelvic tumor, more sacrificed nerve roots and bilateral lumbar spine fixation during surgery, while lower percentage of R0 resection and local control of pelvic tumor. Decreased median overall survival (30 vs. 52 months, p < 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (14 vs. 24 months, p < 0.001) time were observed in these patients. Type I + II + III + IV pelvic tumor and sacrificed nerve roots≥2 were identified as risk factors for high LFI, while R0 resection and local control were identified as protective factors.
CONCLUSION
The LFI scoring system exhibited a significant negative correlation to current scoring systems. High LFI patients had worse prognosis and distinct characteristics. The risk factors of high LFI included type I + II + III + IV pelvic tumor and sacrificed nerve roots≥2, and the protective factors included R0 resection and local control.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Bone Neoplasms; Adult; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Young Adult; Pelvic Bones; Sarcoma; Lumbar Vertebrae; Aged; Child; Risk Factors; Osteosarcoma; Lumbosacral Region
PubMed: 38819113
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7282