The Colombian Strain of Trypanosoma cruzi Induces a Proinflammatory Profile, Neuronal Death, and Collagen Deposition in the Intestine of C57BL/6 Mice Both during the Acute and Early Chronic Phase

The objective of this study was to evaluate the histopathological changes caused by infection with the Colombian strain of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) in the acute and chronic experimental phases. C57Bl/6 mice were infected with 1000 trypomastigote forms of the Colombian strain of T. cruzi. After 30 days (acute phase) and 90 days (early chronic phase) of infection, the animals were euthanized, and the colon was collected and divided into two parts: proximal and distal. The distal portion was used for histopathological analysis, whereas the proximal portion was used for quantification of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, the weight of the animals and parasitemia were assessed. The infection induced gradual weight loss in the animals. In addition, the infection induced an increase in interferon gamma (IFNγ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the intestine in the acute phase, in which this increase continued until the early chronic phase. The same was observed in relation to the presence of intestinal inflammatory infiltrates. In relation to interleukin (IL)-10, there was an increase only in the early chronic phase. The Colombian strain infection was also able to induce neuronal loss in the myenteric plexus and deposition of the collagen fibers during the acute phase. The Colombian strain of T. cruzi is capable of causing histopathological changes in the intestine of infected mice, especially in inducing neuronal destructions. Thus, this strain can also be used to study the intestinal form of Chagas disease in experimental models.

Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias Originating From the Region of DGCV-AIV via a Swartz Sheath Support Approach

Aims: This study aimed to investigate an appropriate catheter manipulation approach for ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) originating from the left ventricular epicardium adjacent to the transitional area from the great cardiac vein to the anterior interventricular vein (DGCV-AIV).Methods: A total of 123 patients with DGCV-AIV VAs were retrospectively analyzed. All these patients underwent routine mapping and ablation by conventional approach [Non-Swartz sheath support (NS) approach] firstly. In the situation of the distal portion of the coronary venous system (CVS) not being accessed or a good target site not being obtained, the Swartz sheath support (SS) approach was attempted alternatively. If this still failed, the hydrophilic coated guidewire and left coronary angiographic catheter-guided deep engagement of Swartz sheath in GCV to support ablation catheter was performed.Results: A total of 103 VAs (103/123, 83.74%) were successfully eliminated in DGCV-AIV. By NS approach, the tip of the catheter reached DGCV in 39.84% VAs (49/123), reached target sites in 35.87% VAs (44/123), and achieved successful ablation in 30.89% VAs (38/123), which was significantly lower than by SS approach (88.61% (70/79), 84.81 % (67/79), and 75.95% (60/79), P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in complication occurrence between the NS approach and the SS approach (4/123, 3.25% vs. 7/79, 8.86%, p > 0.05). The angle between DGCV and AIV <83° indicated an inaccessible AIV by catheter tip with a predictive value of 94.5%. Width/height of coronary venous system>0.69 more favored a SS approach with a predictive value of 87%.Conclusion: For radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of VAs arising from DGCV-AIV, the SS approach facilitates the catheter tip to achieve target sites and contributes to a successful ablation.

Influence of Vibrotactile Random Noise on the Smoothness of the Grasp Movement in Patients in Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Background Patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) often suffer from sensorimotor dysfunction of the distal portion of the extremities (e.g., loss of somatosensory sensation, numbness/tingling, difficulty typing on a keyboard, or difficulty undoing or doing up a button). The present study aimed to reveal the effects of subthreshold vibrotactile random noise stimulation on sensorimotor dysfunction in CIPN patients without exacerbating symptoms. Methods Twenty-five patients with CIPN and 28 age-matched healthy adults participated in this study. To reveal the effects of subthreshold vibrotactile random noise stimulation on sensorimotor function, participants were asked to perform grasp movement tasks during random noise stimulation delivered to the volar and dorsal wrist. We set three intensity conditions of the vibrotactile random noise: 0%, 60%, and 120% of the sensory threshold (Noise 0%, Noise 60%, and Noise 120% conditions). In the grasp movement task, the distance between the thumb and index finger was recorded while the participant attempted to grasp a target object, and the smoothness of the grasp movement was quantified by calculating normalized jerk in each experimental condition. The experimental data were compared using two-way repeated-measures analyses of variance with two binary factors: experimental condition (Noise 0%, 60%, 120%) × group (Healthy controls, CIPN patients).Results The smoothness of the grasp movement was only improved in the Noise 60% condition without exacerbating numbness/tingling in CIPN patients and healthy controls. Conclusions The current study suggested that the development of treatment devices using stochastic resonance can improve sensorimotor function for CIPN patients.Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trials Registry（UMIN-CTR）No. UMIN000024776https://rctportal.niph.go.jp/s/detail/um?trial_id=UMIN000024776#

Crouching carcinoma, hidden ureter: A blind ending burnt out cancerous moiety

Background: A 76-year-old male presenting with macroscopic haematuria was found to have a lobulated mass infiltrating along the urothelium at the site of insertion of the upper moiety of a complete duplex right kidney. Suspected of being upper tract urothelial carcinoma, cystoscopy, bilateral retrograde pyelograms and transurethral resection of bladder tumour were attempted. Intra-operative findings revealed no tumour burden in the bladder or left ureter. The insertion of the upper pole moiety of the right ureter was not identified intra-operatively. Pelvic MRI demonstrated a markedly dilated upper pole moiety of the right ureter with a soft tissue mass in its distal aspect. Interestingly, the distal portion of the ectopic upper pole moiety was found to insert into the bladder neck. Objective and Methods: We report on an unusual case of upper tract urothelial carcinoma arising from the upper moiety of a complete duplex kidney. Our aim was to demonstrate the importance of thorough investigation of suspected urothelial carcinomas occurring in association with variant upper tract anatomy. Results and Conclusion: This case demonstrates the importance of thorough radiological and endourological investigation of suspected upper tract urothelial carcinoma and the various congenital abnormalities that may complicate the surgical management of this common malignancy. Level of evidence: 4 (case report)

Scalable and reversible axonal neuromodulation of the sympathetic chain for cardiac control

Maladaptation of the sympathetic nervous system contributes to the progression of cardiovascular disease and risk for sudden cardiac death, the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Axonal modulation therapy (AMT) directed at the paravertebral chain blocks sympathetic efferent outflow to the heart, and may be a promising strategy to mitigate excess disease-associated sympathoexcitation. The present work evaluates AMT, directed at the sympathetic chain, in blocking sympathoexcitation using a porcine model. In anesthetized porcine (n=14), we applied AMT to the right T1-T2 paravertebral chain and performed electrical stimulation of the distal portion of the right sympathetic chain (RSS). RSS-evoked changes in heart rate, contractility, ventricular activation recovery interval (ARI), and norepinephrine release were examined with and without kilohertz frequency alternating current block (KHFAC). To evaluate efficacy of AMT in the setting of sympathectomy, evaluations were performed in the intact state and repeated after left and bilateral sympathectomy. We found strong correlations between AMT intensity and block of sympathetic stimulation-evoked changes in cardiac electrical and mechanical indices (r=0.83-0.96, effect size d=1.9-5.7), as well as evidence of sustainability and memory. AMT significantly reduced RSS-evoked left ventricular interstitial norepinephrine release, as well as coronary sinus norepinephrine levels. Moreover, AMT remained efficacious following removal of the left sympathetic chain, with similar mitigation of evoked cardiac changes and reduction of catecholamine release. With growth of neuromodulation, an on-demand or reactionary system for reversible AMT may have therapeutic potential for cardiovascular disease-associated sympathoexcitation.

766 Distal embolization protection systems. A rare complication

Aims The no reflow phenomenon is a not rare complication that occurs in up to 30% of patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing myocardial reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention. The use of coronary artery thrombus aspiration or distal embolization protection systems has reduced the risk of distal embolization and no-reflow phenomenon. Methods and results We describe the case of a 77 year old female suffering from hypertension presented at our emergency department for inferior STEMI. An urgent coronary angiography was performed, showing a three-vessel coronary artery disease with right coronary artery sub-occluded in the middle segment (culprit lesion), with a voluminous endoluminal minus image, as intracoronary thrombosis. Before performing the coronary angioplasty, a Spider FX3 filter was placed on the distal segment of the right coronary artery; thrombus aspiration was performed, which was ineffective, then angioplasty and Zotarolimus eluting stent implantation in the mid segment of the right coronary artery. After stent implantation, an image of minus was highlighted inside the basket of the filter, as a migrated and incarcerated thrombotic formation; then, the filter was removed. During the removal of the filter, longitudinal crush of the distal portion of the stent is caused, with limitation of the downstream flow, in the absence of haemodynamic instability. The stent was recrossed with Fielder XT guidewire supported by Turnpike LP Microcatheter. Multiple dilations werenperformed with semi-compliant and non-compliant increasing-caliber balloons and then Zotarolimus eluting stent implantation, in partial overlap with the distal portion of the previously implanted stent, with TIMI flow 3. The echocardiogram showed a normal global systolic function, with alterations in regional kinetics. On the 6th day, angioplasty and Zotarolimus eluting stent implantation was performed on the mid-proximal segment of the left anterior descending artery. During the hospitalization the patient was stable and has been discharged in good condition on the ninth day. Conclusions The interest of this case is the evidence of a rare complication related to the use of distal embolization protection system, probably due to an incomplete closure of the filter before removal, due to the high amount of thrombotic material inside it. The rapid recrossing of the stent after the longitudinal crush, the angioplasty and the second stent implantation, led to a quick flow restoration, without haemodynamic and clinical consequences on the patient's outcome.

Mid-term results of a new femoral prosthesis using Ti-Nb-Sn alloy with low Young’s modulus

Background This study was performed to investigate the mid-term results of Ti-Nb-Sn (TNS) alloy stem with a low Young’s modulus. Methods This study was a multicenter prospective cohort study. A total of 40 primary total hip arthroplasties performed between April 2016 and September 2017 was enrolled in this study. With the unique functional gradient properties by heating treatment, the strength of the proximal portion was enhanced, while the distal portion maintained a low Young’s modulus. The surgeries were performed through the posterolateral approach using the TNS alloy stems. Radiographs were taken from immediately after surgeries until 3 years, and stress shielding and subsidence of the stems were evaluated. The incidences of the stem breakage were also assessed. Clinical assessments were performed using Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ) scores. Results Among the 40 enrolled patients, 36 patients were female and 4 were male. At 3 years after surgery, there were no radiologic signs of loosening, subsidence, or breakage of the stem. Stress shielding was observed in 26 hips (65%). Of 26 hips, 16 hips (40%) were grade 1 and 10 hips (25%) were grade 2. There was no advanced stress shielding. The JOA and JHEQ scores significantly improved compared with the preoperative scores. Conclusion The current study using a new TNS alloy femoral stem showed good clinical outcomes at 3-year follow-up. Radiologically, there was no loosening or subsidence of the stem. The mild stress shielding was observed in 65% of patients. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN21241251. The date of registration was October 26, 2021. Retrospectively registered.

Foley catheter tourniquet for uncontrollable extra-uterine placental hemorrhage: description of a novel surgical technique.

Introduction Hemorrhage from a partially or fully detached placenta with an advanced abdominal pregnancy can be profuse and catastrophic. The general approach to placenta management is removal of “all or nothing’’. In the event of acute hemorrhage, every attempt to achieve hemostasis quickly is critical. The Foley catheter has shown utility when used to control placental hemorrhage or as a temporary tourniquet applied around structures surrounding the implantation site to aid placental removal with minimal hemorrhage. We report use of the technique on four occasions with good surgical outcomes. Case Presentation We report a case of a 33 year-old primigravida admitted at term with an ultrasound diagnosis of breech presentation and placenta previa grade four. Her pre-operative clinical assessment however, raised suspicion of an abdominal pregnancy. At laparotomy, a live female infant was delivered from the extra-uterine gestation sac, weighing 3640g and with an Apgar score of 7 and 6 at one and 5 minutes respectively. Following delivery, there was profuse bleeding from the partially detached distal portion of the placenta that derived rich blood supply from the poorly accessible posterior pelvic wall. We applied a novel, simple and effective surgical technique for minimizing blood loss from the partially detached placenta using a Foley’s catheter tourniquet that was applied between the detached and still attached parts of the placenta. The tourniquet was left in situ and removed at laparotomy 4 days later. The placenta was not removed. The mother and baby did well postoperatively and were discharged after 10 and 21 days respectively in good condition. The surgical technique was similarly used in 3 additional cases with good clinical outcomes. Discussion Use of a Foley catheter as an intraoperative tourniquet has become accepted as a useful technique in obstetric and gynecological surgery. We describe a simple life saving technique of applying a Foley tourniquet across a partially detached placenta following an advanced extra-uterine pregnancy to control acute hemorrhage. Conclusion We recommend that surgeons keep in mind the option of intraoperative tourniquets when faced with uncontrollable bleeding as a short-term or medium-term temporizing measure.

Illustration of the connection between the vastus medialis obliquus muscle and the superficial medial collateral ligament of the knee: A human knee cadaveric study

Background: While the anatomy of the medial part of the knee has been extensively described, the muscular connections to the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) have not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of this study is to describe the anatomy of the musculo-ligamentous connection between the sMCL and the Vastus Medialis Obliquus muscle (VMO), and to describe its anatomy. Methods: Six Human Cadaveric knees were used in this study. Donors were 4 males and 2 females with a mean age of 49 years old. Dissection was performed in fixed knee extension and directed to show the area of the proximal attachment of the sMCL. Results: A musculo ligamentous connection between the distal portion of the Vastus medialis Obliquus muscle and the sMCL has been identified in our entire specimens. The mean mid substance width of this connection was 9.75 (8.7 -10.8) mm, the mean length was 29.3 (22.2-36.4) mm and the mean thickness was 1.3 (0.9-1.7) mm. Conclusion: The proximal femoral attachment of the sMCL is directly connected to the distal end of VMO. This connection may show that the sMCL can possibly assist in the dynamic stabilization of the knee during extension against valgus stress, through its tension by the contracted VMO muscle.

A new species of Tritodynamia (Brachyura, Macrophthalmidae) from Papua, Indonesia

Tritodynamia nontjii n. sp. is described from Papua, Indonesia, and is distinguished from congeners by its proportionately broader carapace and relatively shorter ambulatory legs. The new species superficially resembles T. yeoi Naruse & Ng, 2010, from Singapore, in having the male first gonopod stout with the distal portion broad and curved, but the two species differ in the proportion of the carapace and structures of the ambulatory legs. A table of morphological differences of all known species of Tritodynamia is also provided to distinguish the taxa.