scholarly journals Age-Related Alterations of Hyaluronan and Collagen in Extracellular Matrix of the Muscle Spindles

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
Chenglei Fan ◽  
Carmelo Pirri ◽  
Caterina Fede ◽  
Diego Guidolin ◽  
Carlo Biz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Immunohistochemical Analysis ◽  
Muscle Spindles ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Picrosirius Red

Background: Muscle spindles (MSs) play a crucial role in proprioception and locomotor coordination. Although the elasticity and viscosity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) within which MSs are embedded may play a key role in MS function, the impact of aging on ECM components is unclear. The aim of the current study was to investigate the age-related physiological changes of the ECM and to verify if these could be due to alterations of the environment directly surrounding MSs. Methods: Hematoxylin Eosin and picrosirius-red staining was carried out; collagen types I (COLI) and III (COLIII) were assessed, and biotinylated hyaluronan binding protein (HABP) immunohistochemical analysis was undertaken to evaluate alterations of the ECM in the intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) of the hindlimbs of C57BL/6J male mice. Assessments were carried out on 6-week-old (Group A), 8-month-old (Group B), and 2-year-old (Group C) laboratory mice. Results: The capsule’s outer layer became progressively thicker with aging (it was 3.02 ± 0.26 μm in Group A, 3.64 ± 0.31 μm in Group B, and 5.81 ± 0.85 μm in Group C). The collagen in IMCT around and within the MSs was significantly higher in Group C, but there were no significant differences between Groups A and B. The MS capsules and continuous IMCT were primarily made up of COLI and COLIII. The average optical density (AOD) values of COLI in IMCT surrounding MS were significantly higher after aging (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in COLIII in the three groups (p > 0.05). HA was present in IMCT and filled the MSs capsule. The AOD of HABP of MS showed that there were lower HA levels in Group C with respect to Group A (p = 0.022); no significant differences were noted neither between Groups A and B nor between Groups B and C (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Age-related collagen accumulation and lower HA in the ECM in which the MSs were embedded may probably cause more stiffness in the ECM in vivo, which could help to partly explain the peripheral mechanisms underlying the age-related decline in functional changes related to MSs.

scholarly journals Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of equine cheek teeth and adjacent structures: comparative study of image quality in horses in vivo, post-mortem and frozen-thawed

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christin Röttiger ◽  
Maren Hellige ◽  
Bernhard Ohnesorge ◽  
Astrid Bienert-Zeit
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Image Quality ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Mr Images ◽  
Adjacent Structures ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Ct And Mri

Abstract Background The use of cadavers for radiology research methodologies involving subjective image quality evaluation of anatomical criteria is well-documented. The purpose of this method comparison study was to evaluate the image quality of dental and adjacent structures in computed tomography (CT) and high-field (3 T) magnetic resonance (MR) images in cadaveric heads, based on an objective four-point rating scale. Whilst CT is a well-established technique, MR imaging (MRI) is rarely used for equine dental diagnostics. The use of a grading system in this study allowed an objective assessment of CT and MRI advantages in portraying equine cheek teeth. As imaging is commonly performed with cadaveric or frozen and thawed heads for dental research investigations, the second objective was to quantify the impact of the specimens’ conditions (in vivo, post-mortem, frozen-thawed) on the image quality in CT and MRI. Results The CT and MR images of nine horses, focused on the maxillary premolar 08s and molar 09s, were acquired post-mortem (Group A). Three observers scored the dental and adjacent tissues. Results showed that MR sequences gave an excellent depiction of endo- and periodontal structures, whereas CT produced high-quality images of the hard tooth and bony tissues. Additional CT and MRI was performed in vivo (Group B) and frozen-thawed (Group C) in three of these nine horses to specify the condition of the best specimens for further research. Assessing the impact of the specimens’ conditions on image quality, specific soft tissues of the maxillary 08s and 09s including adjacent structures (pulps, mucosa of the maxillary sinuses, periodontal ligament, soft tissue inside the infraorbital canal) were graded in group B and C and analysed for significant differences within CT and MR modalities in comparison to group A. Results showed that MRI scores in vivo were superior to the post-mortem and frozen-thawed condition. Conclusions On comparing the imaging performance of CT and MRI, both techniques show a huge potential for application in equine dentistry. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical suitability of MRI. For further research investigations it must be considered, that the best MR image quality is provided in live horses.

Age related volume of cadaver-prostates in Bangladesh

1970 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-77
Author(s):  
Rukshana Ahmed ◽  
Shamim Ara
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Gland ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Group A ◽  
Key Words Prostate ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group B

Pathological changes in the prostate gland occur commonly with advancing age including inflammation, atrophy, hyperplasia and carcinoma and a change in volume is also evident. Estimation of volume of prostate may be useful in a variety of clinical settings. A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed to see the changes in volume of the prostate with advancing age and done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from August 2006 to June 2007. The study was performed on 70 post-mortem human prostates collected from the unclaimed dead bodies that were under examination in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. The samples were divided into three age groups; group A (10-20 years), group B (21-40 years) and group C (41-70 years). Volume of the sample was measured by using the ellipsoid formula. The mean ± SD volume of prostate was 7.68 ± 3.64 cm3 in group A, 10.61 ± 3.99 cm3 in group B and 15.40 ± 6.31 cm3 in group C. Mean difference in volume between group A and group C, group B and group C were statistically significant (p<0.001). Statistically significant positive correlation was found between age and volume of prostate (r = + 0.579, p < 0.001). Key Words: Prostate; volume; Bangladeshi. DOI: 10.3329/imcj.v4i2.6501Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2010; 4(2): 74-77

scholarly journals The Impact of Left Atrial Size in Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation Using Remote Magnetic Navigation

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Xiao-yu Liu ◽  
Hai-feng Shi ◽  
Jie Zheng ◽  
Ku-lin Li ◽  
Xiao-xi Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Magnetic Navigation ◽  
Remote Magnetic Navigation ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of left atrial (LA) size for the ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) using remote magnetic navigation (RMN). Methods. A total of 165 patients with AF who underwent catheter ablation using RMN were included. The patients were divided into two groups based on LA diameter. Eighty-three patients had small LA (diameter <40 mm; Group A), and 82 patients had a large LA (diameter ≥40 mm; Group B). Results. During mapping and ablation, X-ray time (37.0 (99.0) s vs. 12 (30.1) s, P<0.001) and X-ray dose (1.4 (2.7) gy·cm2 vs. 0.7 (2.1) gy·cm2, P=0.013) were significantly higher in Group A. No serious complications occurred in any of the patients. There was no statistical difference in the rate of first anatomical attempt of pulmonary vein isolation between the two groups (71.1% vs. 57.3%, P=0.065). However, compared with Group B, the rate of sinus rhythm was higher (77.1% vs. 58.5%, P<0.001) during the follow-up period. More patients in Group A required a sheath adjustment (47/83 vs. 21/82, P<0.001), presumably due to less magnets positioned outside of the sheath. In vitro experiments with the RMN catheter demonstrated that only one magnet exposed created the sheath affects which influenced the flexibility of the catheter. Conclusions. AF ablation using RMN is safe and effective in both small and large LA patients. Patients with small LA may pose a greater difficulty when using RMN which may be attributed to the fewer magnets beyond the sheath. As a result, the exposure of radiation was increased. This study found that having at least two magnets of the catheter positioned outside of the sheath can ensure an appropriate flexibility of the catheter.

scholarly journals The Influence of the Physiotherapeutic Program on Selected Static and Dynamic Foot Indicators and the Balance of Elderly Women Depending on the Ground Stability

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4660
Author(s):  
Joanna Matla ◽  
Katarzyna Filar-Mierzwa ◽  
Anna Ścisłowska-Czarnecka ◽  
Agnieszka Jankowicz-Szymańska ◽  
Aneta Bac
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Women ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Balance Assessment ◽  
Motor Functions ◽  
Static Test ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact

Seniors are a constantly growing group of people in many societies. It is necessary to develop physiotherapeutic programs to improve their mobility. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the physiotherapeutic program conducted unstable ground on selected indicators of motor functions of elderly women. Sixty women (60–80 years) participated in the research. Group A (N = 20) underwent a 12-week physiotherapeutic program on stable ground, group B (N = 20) followed an exercise program on unstable ground, and group C (N = 20) (control group) had no therapeutic intervention. The effects of the therapy were assessed by using a FreeMed platform (foot load analysis) and a Biosway balance system. The results were compared using ANOVA (the one-way analysis), the Kruskal–Wallis test and also the post hoc tests (Tukey’s test and the multiple comparison test). In group A, a statistically significant change was observed in the static test and balance assessment, in group B this was observed in the static and dynamic foot tests and balance assessment, in group C, no statistical significance was achieved. The authors’ physiotherapeutic program had a statistically significant effect on changes in the balance and selected indicators of the motor functions of the examined people. Comparing the results before and after the therapy more improvement changes were noted in women training on an unstable ground compared to women training on a stable ground.

scholarly journals The Impact of Oxidative Stress on Blood-Retinal Barrier Physiology in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
Annamaria Tisi ◽  
Marco Feligioni ◽  
Maurizio Passacantando ◽  
Marco Ciancaglini ◽  
Rita Maccarone
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Pigment Epithelium ◽  
Retinal Pigment ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Blood Retinal Barrier ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Impact

The blood retinal barrier (BRB) is a fundamental eye component, whose function is to select the flow of molecules from the blood to the retina and vice-versa, and its integrity allows the maintenance of a finely regulated microenvironment. The outer BRB, composed by the choriocapillaris, the Bruch’s membrane, and the retinal pigment epithelium, undergoes structural and functional changes in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness worldwide. BRB alterations lead to retinal dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Several risk factors have been associated with AMD onset in the past decades and oxidative stress is widely recognized as a key factor, even if the exact AMD pathophysiology has not been exactly elucidated yet. The present review describes the BRB physiology, the BRB changes occurring in AMD, the role of oxidative stress in AMD with a focus on the outer BRB structures. Moreover, we propose the use of cerium oxide nanoparticles as a new powerful anti-oxidant agent to combat AMD, based on the relevant existing data which demonstrated their beneficial effects in protecting the outer BRB in animal models of AMD.

Training-induced alterations of the in vivo force-velocity relationship of human muscle

1981 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 750-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. J. Caiozzo ◽  
J. J. Perrine ◽  
V. R. Edgerton
Keyword(s):  
Training Group ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Knee Extensors ◽  
Velocity Relationship ◽  
Slow Velocity ◽  
Group A ◽  
Force Velocity ◽  
Group B ◽  
Relationship Of

Seventeen male and female subjects (ages 20–38 yr) were tested pre- and posttraining for maximal knee extension torque at seven specific velocities (0, 0.84, 1.68, 2.51, 3.35, 4.19, and 5.03 rad . s-1) with an isokinetic dynamometer. Maximal knee extension torques were recorded at a specific joint angle (0.52 rad below the horizontal plane) for all test speeds. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups: group A, control, n = 7; group B, training at 1.68 rad . s-1, n = 5; or group C, training at 4.19 rad . s-1, n = 5. Subjects trained the knee extensors by performing two sets of 10 single maximal voluntary efforts three times a week for 4 wk. Before training, each training group exhibited a leveling-off of muscular tension in the slow velocity-high force region of the in vivo force-velocity relationship. Training at 1.68 rad . s-1 resulted in significant (P less than 0.05) improvements at all velocities except for 5.03 rad . s-1 and markedly affected the leveling-off in the slow velocity-high force region. Training at 4.19 rad . s-1 did not affect the leveling-off phenomenon but brought about significant improvements (P less than 0.05) at velocities of 2.51, 3.35, and 4.19 rad . s-1. The changes seen in the leveling-off phenomenon suggest that training at 1.68 rad . s-1 might have brought about an enhancement of motoneuron activation.

Pharmacist Impact on Physician Practices Related to Diabetes Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 560-575
Author(s):  
Amina Ammar ◽  
Lindsay M. Darghali ◽  
Wassim Tarraf ◽  
Helen D. Berlie ◽  
Linda A. Jaber
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Individual Treatment ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Composite Target ◽  
Physician Practices ◽  
Physical Presence ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The Impact

To examine the impact of a pharmacist’s physical presence on (1) the achievement of individual and combined targets for hemoglobin A1c (A1C), blood pressure (BP), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (composite target), and (2) physician practices in relation to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) standards of medical care.   Methods A retrospective, comparative study of randomly selected diabetic patients seen within an underserved primary care setting at least twice annually between June 1, 2018- December 31, 2019. Patients were allocated by whether they had received care in one of the physician-pharmacist clinics (Group A) or the physician-only clinic (Group B). Study outcomes included the proportion of patients achieving the composite and individual treatment targets for A1C, BP, and LDL-C.   Results A total of 394 patients were included; Majority were underserved African Americans. The composite target was attained by 20% of participants in Group A and 13% in Group B (p=0.09). There were no statistically significant differences in achievement of individual targets between groups. A significantly higher proportion of participants in Group A achieved better control of diastolic blood pressure control (85% vs. 74%), had microalbuminuria tested (50% vs. 12%), were prescribed aspirin (43% vs. 32%), and had lower utilization of non-insulin glucose-lowering agents relative to those in Group B.   Conclusion The impact of a pharmacist’s physical presence on physician practice demonstrated a general trend towards improvement in clinical outcomes related to diabetes management. Future studies are needed to further characterize the impact provided by the physician-pharmacist relationship.

scholarly journals Photopolymerizable Injectable Cartilage Mimetic Hydrogel for the Treatment of Focal Chondral Lesions: A Proof of Concept Study in a Rabbit Animal Model

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 212-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cecilia Pascual-Garrido ◽  
Elizabeth A. Aisenbrey ◽  
Francisco Rodriguez-Fontan ◽  
Karin A. Payne ◽  
Stephanie J. Bryant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Model ◽  
Chondrogenic Differentiation ◽  
Osteochondral Lesions ◽  
Chondral Defect ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Safranin O

Background: In this study, we investigate the in vitro and in vivo chondrogenic capacity of a novel photopolymerizable cartilage mimetic hydrogel, enhanced with extracellular matrix analogs, for cartilage regeneration. Purpose: To (1) determine whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) embedded in a novel cartilage mimetic hydrogel support in vitro chondrogenesis, (2) demonstrate that the proposed hydrogel can be delivered in situ in a critical chondral defect in a rabbit model, and (3) determine whether the hydrogel with or without MSCs supports in vivo chondrogenesis in a critical chondral defect. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Rabbit bone marrow–derived MSCs were isolated, expanded, encapsulated in the hydrogel, and cultured in chondrogenic differentiation medium for 9 weeks. Compressive modulus was evaluated at day 1 and at weeks 3, 6, and 9. Chondrogenic differentiation was investigated via quantitative polymerase reaction, safranin-O staining, and immunofluorescence. In vivo, a 3 mm–wide × 2-mm-deep chondral defect was created bilaterally on the knee trochlea of 10 rabbits. Each animal had 1 defect randomly assigned to be treated with hydrogel with or without MSCs, and the contralateral knee was left untreated. Hence, each rabbit served as its own matched control. Three groups were established: group A, hydrogel (n = 5); group B, hydrogel with MSCs (n = 5); and group C, control (n = 10). Repair tissue was evaluated at 6 months after intervention. Results: In vitro, chondrogenesis and the degradable behavior of the hydrogel by MSCs were confirmed. In vivo, the hydrogel could be delivered intraoperatively in a sterile manner. Overall, the hydrogel group had the highest scores on the modified O’Driscoll scoring system (group A, 17.4 ± 4.7; group B, 13 ± 3; group C, 16.7 ± 2.9) ( P = .11) and showed higher safranin-O staining (group A, 49.4% ± 20%; group B, 25.8% ± 16.4%; group C, 36.9% ± 25.2%) ( P = .27), although significance was not detected for either parameter. Conclusion: This study provides the first evidence of the ability to photopolymerize this novel hydrogel in situ and assess its ability to provide chondrogenic cues for cartilage repair in a small animal model. In vitro chondrogenesis was evident when MSCs were encapsulated in the hydrogel. Clinical Relevance: Cartilage mimetic hydrogel may offer a tissue engineering approach for the treatment of osteochondral lesions.

scholarly journals Laser Speckle Imaging of Sensitized Acupoints

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ning Ding ◽  
Jing Jiang ◽  
Xiaoxiao Liu ◽  
Yiyuan Xu ◽  
Jiatong Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Perfusion ◽  
Laser Speckle ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Sd Rats ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A ◽  
Severity Of The Disease ◽  
Group B

Acupoints microcirculatory dynamics vary depending on the body’s health status. However, the functional changes observed during acupoint sensitization, that is, the disease-induced change from a “silenced” to an “activated” status, remain elusive. In this study, the microcirculatory changes at acupoints during sensitization were characterized. Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group (N), sham osteoarthritis group (S), light osteoarthritis group (A), mild osteoarthritis group (B), and heavy osteoarthritis group (C). The obtained results showed that the blood perfusion levels at the acupoints Yanglingquan (GB34), Zusanli (ST36), and Heding (EX-LE2) in groups A, B, and C were higher than those in groups N and S on days 14, 21, and 28 (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). A significant difference in the blood perfusion was also observed at the acupoint Weizhong (BL40) in groups B and C on days 21 and 28 (p < 0.01). In addition, remarkable differences in the level of blood perfusion at the GB34, ST36, and EX-LE2 acupoints were observed on day 28 (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) among groups A, B, and C. No marked differences in blood perfusion levels were observed at the nonacupoint site among all groups. In conclusion, acupoint sensitization is associated with an increase in the level of local blood perfusion at specific acupoints, and this increase is positively correlated with the severity of the disease. The functional changes in microcirculation at acupoints during sensitization reflect the different physiological and pathological conditions imposed by the disease.

scholarly journals RADIOLOGICAL STUDY OF MEGACOLON IN TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI INFECTED RATS

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Edmundo Rodrigues FONTES ◽  
Ana Paula de ABREU ◽  
Aretuza Zaupa GASPARIM
Keyword(s):  
Trypanosoma Cruzi ◽  
Wistar Rats ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Male Wistar Rats ◽  
Group A ◽  
Time Of Infection ◽  
Group B ◽  
Digital Caliper

ABSTRACT Background: Researches on Chagas disease still use several animals and rats, due to size and susceptibility were preferred by many authors. Aim: To develop an experimental model of megacolon in rats inoculated with the strain Y of Trypanosoma cruzi. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were distributed in three groups inoculated with different inoculants: Group A: 600000, Group B: 1000000 and Group C: 1500000 blood trypomastigotes of T. cruzi. Animals were sedated intramuscularly at zero inoculation time (T0) and 60 days after inoculation (T60), to perform the barium enema in order to evaluate the dilatation of the different segments of colon in a comparative study of the measurements obtained, using a digital caliper. Evidence of infection was performed by blood smear collected from the animal’s tail 18 days after inoculation with observation of blood forms. Results: Comparing the intestinal diameter of the inoculated animals with 60,0000 trypomastigotes in the T0 of infection with T60 days after the inoculation, significant dilatation was observed between the proximal, medial and distal segments (p<0.01), indicating the establishment of the megacolon model. In addition, comparing intestinal diameter between the different segments, with in the T0 of infection and the T60 after inoculation, significant alterations were observed (p<0.05). Conclusion: The proposed model was possible for in vivo studies of alterations due to infection by T. cruzi and functional alterations of the colon. In addition, the changes manifested in the colon are not directly proportional to the size of the inoculum, but to the time of infection that the animals were submitted, since the animals inoculated with 60,0000 blood forms were the ones which presented the most significant alterations.

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