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Nature Communications Jun 2024Neuromuscular control of bionic arms has constantly improved over the past years, however, restoration of sensation remains elusive. Previous approaches to reestablish...
Neuromuscular control of bionic arms has constantly improved over the past years, however, restoration of sensation remains elusive. Previous approaches to reestablish sensory feedback include tactile, electrical, and peripheral nerve stimulation, however, they cannot recreate natural, intuitive sensations. Here, we establish an experimental biological sensorimotor interface and demonstrate its potential use in neuroprosthetics. We transfer a mixed nerve to a skeletal muscle combined with glabrous dermal skin transplantation, thus forming a bi-directional communication unit in a rat model. Morphological analyses indicate reinnervation of the skin, mechanoreceptors, NMJs, and muscle spindles. Furthermore, sequential retrograde labeling reveals specific sensory reinnervation at the level of the dorsal root ganglia. Electrophysiological recordings show reproducible afferent signals upon tactile stimulation and tendon manipulation. The results demonstrate the possibility of surgically creating an interface for both decoding efferent motor control, as well as encoding afferent tactile and proprioceptive feedback, and may indicate the way forward regarding clinical translation of biological communication pathways for neuroprosthetic applications.
Topics: Animals; Bionics; Rats; Muscle, Skeletal; Feedback, Sensory; Proprioception; Ganglia, Spinal; Mechanoreceptors; Muscle Spindles; Male; Female; Touch; Skin
PubMed: 38914540
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49580-8 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jun 2024Deoxynivalenol (DON), commonly known as vomitoxin, is a mycotoxin produced by fungi and is frequently found as a contaminant in various cereal-based food worldwide....
Deoxynivalenol (DON), commonly known as vomitoxin, is a mycotoxin produced by fungi and is frequently found as a contaminant in various cereal-based food worldwide. While the harmful effects of DON have been extensively studied in different tissues, its specific impact on the proliferation of skeletal muscle cells remains unclear. In this study, we utilized murine C2C12 myoblasts as a model to explore the influence of DON on their proliferation. Our observations indicated that DON exhibits dose-dependent toxicity, significantly inhibiting the proliferation of C2C12 cells. Through the application of RNA-seq analysis combined with gene set enrichment analysis, we identified a noteworthy downregulation of genes linked to the extracellular matrix (ECM) and condensed chromosome. Concurrently with the reduced expression of ECM genes, immunostaining analysis revealed notable changes in the distribution of fibronectin, a vital ECM component, condensing into clusters and punctate formations. Remarkably, the exposure to DON induced the formation of multipolar spindles, leading to the disruption of the normal cell cycle. This, in turn, activated the p53-p21 signaling pathway and ultimately resulted in apoptosis. These findings contribute significant insights into the mechanisms through which DON induces toxicity within skeletal muscle cells.
PubMed: 38908055
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116607 -
Cureus May 2024Primary orbital melanoma and metastatic cutaneous melanoma of the orbit are extremely rare. Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) is an infrequent variant of melanoma that can...
Primary orbital melanoma and metastatic cutaneous melanoma of the orbit are extremely rare. Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) is an infrequent variant of melanoma that can extend from a superficial location into deep tissues by neurotropic mechanisms. A 78-year-old male was referred to us with a periocular mixed malignant melanoma (spindle cell melanoma with desmoplastic reaction) in his left lower eyelid with uncontrollable disease (orbital and inferior orbital rim invasion) despite treatment. The surgical technique consisted of an extended orbital exenteration, maxillectomy, and ethmoidectomy, with a 2 cm macroscopic surgical margin. We performed a delayed socket reconstruction with a temporalis muscle flap using a transorbital approach. The patient remained disease-free for 1.5 years with a good quality of life since exenteration surgery. At this time, he presented a recurrence in the area of the malar scar with a new orbital invasion, and finally, he died due to mediastinal, pleural, and pulmonary metastasis. The treatment of a cutaneous melanoma arising in the periocular region is a challenging reconstructive problem and it may compromise the globe and visual function.
PubMed: 38887344
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60541 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024
PubMed: 38862583
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63491-0 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jul 2024Cutaneous leiomyomas, benign tumors from smooth muscle fibers, constitute about 5 % of all leiomyomas. They exhibit diverse inheritance patterns and can be linked to...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
Cutaneous leiomyomas, benign tumors from smooth muscle fibers, constitute about 5 % of all leiomyomas. They exhibit diverse inheritance patterns and can be linked to systemic malignancies. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), arising from the interstitial cells of Cajal, are the most common mesenchymal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract. Despite their prevalence, simultaneous occurrences of cutaneous leiomyomas and GISTs are rare, necessitating exploration of their potential relationship.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 25-year-old male with no significant medical history presented with multiple painful erythematous nodules on his chest, upper back, and arms. Histopathological analysis diagnosed these as multiple cutaneous piloleiomyomatosis. Despite recommendations for surgical intervention, the patient chose medical management and experienced significant pain relief with nifedipine. Later, the development of abdominal symptoms led to the discovery of multiple gastric lesions, diagnosed as benign spindle cell neoplasms, necessitating partial gastrectomy.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
The differential diagnosis of cutaneous leiomyomas includes various soft tissue tumors, requiring histopathological confirmation. Genetic mutations affecting proteins critical to cellular energy production and tumor suppression underlie these conditions. Treatment options include pharmacological management and surgical excision. The discovery of GISTs in this patient aligns with rare literature reports, emphasizing the need for vigilant evaluation of systemic malignancies in patients with leiomyomatosis.
CONCLUSION
This case highlights the potential of cutaneous leiomyomas to indicate deeper malignancies like GISTs, stressing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in diagnosis and treatment. It underscores the interconnectedness of benign dermatological conditions and internal malignancies, advocating for comprehensive evaluation in patients with leiomyomatosis.
METHODS
This case report meticulously follows the SCARE 2023 guidelines: updating consensus Surgical Case Report guidelines (Sohrabi et al., 2023 [1]). These guidelines ensure high-quality reporting in surgical case reports. The report details the evaluation, diagnosis, and a comprehensive review of the literature pertaining to a patient with multiple leiomyoma cutis associated with gastrointestinal stromal tumors. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, this report achieves a thorough and standardized presentation of the case, serving as an additional tool for raising awareness regarding such rare conditions.
PubMed: 38851074
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109870 -
Cureus May 2024Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare type of tumor characterized by spindle-shaped cells originating from mesenchymal tissue. This case series presents a collection of...
Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare type of tumor characterized by spindle-shaped cells originating from mesenchymal tissue. This case series presents a collection of 14 intracranial solitary fibrous tumors treated between 2014 and 2022 in our institute in Bucharest, Romania. Through a systematic investigation, key aspects spanning the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of patient care were highlighted. Our study examines various factors including tumor location (which was very heterogeneous), size (median of 49 mm, ranging between 22 mm and 70 mm), surgical techniques employed, and recurrence rates. The data was analyzed using Python version 3.10 (Python Software Foundation, Wilmington, Delaware, United States). Gender disparities in SFT were noted, particularly the male-to-female ratio which was 5:9. The use of the Medical Research Council (MRC) Scale for Muscle Strength aided in evaluating severity and postoperative outcomes. GTR was achieved in nine out of 14 cases (64.28%), prolonging the period of recurrence-free survival.
PubMed: 38846236
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59798 -
Cureus May 2024Gastric leiomyomas are benign, submucosal tumors found incidentally on unrelated imaging or during autopsy. The majority of leiomyomas are asymptomatic; however,...
Gastric leiomyomas are benign, submucosal tumors found incidentally on unrelated imaging or during autopsy. The majority of leiomyomas are asymptomatic; however, patients can develop central ulcerations on the lesions leading to upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. A 75-year-old female, with a past medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and a cerebrovascular accident, presented with complaints of melena, near-syncope events, lightheadedness, weakness, and hematemesis. A computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen with contrast found a heterogeneous low-attenuation mass of 4×4×3 cm within the gastric fundus and near the gastroesophageal (GE) junction. After an open gastrostomy and excisional biopsy, the mass was identified as a leiomyoma. This case report reviews the presentation, diagnostic assessments, and treatment of a gastric leiomyoma in a complex location proximal to the gastroesophageal junction. Gastric leiomyomas should be considered as a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with an upper gastrointestinal bleed.
PubMed: 38846219
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59810 -
Frontiers in Neuroanatomy 2024The overall distribution pattern of intramuscular nerves and the regions with the highest spindle abundance in deep cervical muscles have not been revealed. This study...
Division of neuromuscular compartments and localization of the center of the highest region of muscle spindles abundance in deep cervical muscles based on Sihler's staining.
PURPOSE
The overall distribution pattern of intramuscular nerves and the regions with the highest spindle abundance in deep cervical muscles have not been revealed. This study aimed to reveal neuromuscular compartmentalization and localize the body surface position and depth of the center of the region of highest muscle spindle abundance (CRHMSA) in the deep cervical muscles.
METHODS
This study included 36 adult cadavers (57.7 ± 11.5 years). The curved line joining the lowest point of the jugular notch and chin tip was designated as the longitudinal reference line (line L), and the curved line connecting the lowest point of the jugular notch and acromion was designated as the horizontal reference line (line H). Modified Sihler's staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining and computed tomography scanning were employed to determine the projection points (P) of the CRHMSAs on the anterior surfaces of the neck. The positions (P and P) of point P projected onto the H and L lines, and the depth of each CRHMSA, and puncture angle were determined using the Syngo system.
RESULTS
The scalenus posterior and longus capitis muscles were divided into two neuromuscular compartments, while the scalenus anterior and longus colli muscles were divided into three neuromuscular compartments. The scalenus medius muscle can be divided into five neuromuscular compartments. The P of the CRHMSA of the scalenus muscles (anterior, medius, and posterior), and longus capitis and longus colli muscles, were located at 36.27, 39.18, 47.31, 35.67, and 42.71% of the H line, respectively. The P positions were at 26.53, 32.65, 32.73, 68.32, and 51.15% of the L line, respectively. The depths of the CRHMSAs were 2.47 cm, 2.96 cm, 2.99 cm, 3.93 cm, and 3.17 cm, respectively, and the puncture angles were 87.13°, 85.92°, 88.21°, 58.08°, and 77.75°, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Present research suggests that the deep cervical muscles can be divided into neuromuscular compartments; we recommend the locations of these CRHMSA as the optimal target for administering botulinum toxin A injections to treat deep cervical muscle dystonia.
PubMed: 38840810
DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2024.1340468 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2024This study investigated whether abnormal peak inversion spontaneous potentials (PISPs) recorded at resting myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) stem from the discharge of...
This study investigated whether abnormal peak inversion spontaneous potentials (PISPs) recorded at resting myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) stem from the discharge of muscle spindles. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups. Five groups underwent MTrP modeling intervention, whereas one group did not receive intervention and was duly designated as the blank control. After model construction, five rat models were randomly subjected to ramp-and-hold stretch tests, succinylcholine injection, eperisone hydrochloride injection, saline injection, and blank drug intervention. By contrast, the rats in the blank control group were subjected to ramp-and-hold stretch tests as a control. Frequencies and amplitudes of PISPs were recorded pre- and post-interventions and compared with those of the blank group. Stretch tests showed that the depolarization time and amplitude of PISPs ranged from 0.4 ms to 0.9 ms and from 80 uV to 140 μV, respectively. However, no PISPs were observed in the control rats. The frequency of PISPs in the ramp and hold phases and the first second after the hold phase was higher than that before stretching ( < 0.01). Succinylcholine and eperisone exerted excitatory and inhibitory effects on PISPs, respectively. In the group injected with 0.9% saline, no considerable differences of the PISPs were observed during the entire observation period. In conclusion, PISPs recorded at resting MTrPs are closely related to muscle spindles. The formation of MTrPs may be an important factor that regulate dysfunctional muscle spindles.
PubMed: 38808356
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1353407 -
Surgical Case Reports May 2024Glomus tumors (GT) generally occur in the skin. However, esophageal GT, an extremely rare condition, has no established standardized treatment guidelines. Herein, we...
BACKGROUND
Glomus tumors (GT) generally occur in the skin. However, esophageal GT, an extremely rare condition, has no established standardized treatment guidelines. Herein, we report the case of an esophageal GT successfully removed by thoracoscopic enucleation in the prone position using intra-esophageal balloon compression.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 45-year-old man underwent an annual endoscopic examination and was found to have a submucosal tumor in the lower esophagus. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) revealed a hyperechoic mass originating from the muscular layer. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography identified a 2 cm mass lesion with high contrast enhancement in the right side of the lower esophagus. Pathologic findings of EUS-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) revealed round to spindle shaped atypical cells without mitotic activity. Immunohistochemically, the tumor was positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin, but negative for CD34, desmin, keratin 18, S-100 protein, melan A, c-kit, and STAT6. He was diagnosed with an esophageal GT and a thoracoscopic approach to tumor resection was planned. Under general anesthesia, a Sengstaken-Blakemore (SB) tube was inserted into the esophagus. The patient was placed in the prone position and a right thoracoscopic approach was achieved. The esophagus around the tumor was mobilized and the SB tube balloon inflated to compress the tumor toward the thoracic cavity. The muscle layer was divided and the tumor was successfully enucleated without mucosal penetration. Oral intake was initiated on postoperative day (POD) 3 and the patient discharged on POD 9. No surgical complications or tumor metastasis were observed during the 1-year postoperative follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
As malignancy criteria for esophageal GT are not yet established, the least invasive procedure for complete resection should be selected on a case-by-case basis. Thoracoscopic enucleation in the prone position using intra-esophageal balloon compression is useful to treat esophageal GT on the right side of the esophagus.
PubMed: 38805072
DOI: 10.1186/s40792-024-01934-6