Interrelationships Between Bones, Muscles, and Performance: Biting in the Lizard Tupinambis merianae

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Influence of bone marrow on osseointegration in long bones: an experimental study in sheep

Aim To evaluate the influence of yellow bone marrow on osseointegration of titanium oral implants using a long bone model.Material and methodsThe two tibiae of eight sheep were used as experimental sites. Two osteotomies for implant installation were prepared in each tibia. At the control sites, no further treatments were performed while, at the test sites, bone marrow was removed from the osteotomy site with a curette to an extent that exceeded the implant dimensions. As a result, the apical portion of the implants at the control sites was in contact with bone marrow while, at the test sites, it was in contact with the blood clot. After 2months, the same procedures were performed in the contralateral side. After another month, the animal was sacrificed. Ground sections were obtained for histological analysis.ResultsAfter 1month of healing, no differences between test and control sites were found in the apical extension of osseointegration and the percentage of new bone-to-implant contact. However, after 3months of healing, a higher percentage of new bone-to-implant contact was found at the test compared to the control sites in the marrow compartment. The apical extension of osseointegration, however, was similar to that found at the 1-month healing period both for test and control sites.ConclusionsOsseointegration appeared to be favored by the presence of a blood clot when compared to the presence of yellow fatty bone marrow. Moreover, the contact with cortical bone appeared to be a prerequisite for the osseointegration process in the long bone model.

The effects of conjugated estrogen, raloxifene and soy extract on collagen in rat bones

Objective To evaluate the action of conjugated equine estrogen, raloxifene and isolated or combined genistein-rich soy extracts on collagen fibers in the bones of oophorectomized rats. Materials and methods Seventy female rats received testosterone propionate (0.1 mu g/g) on the 9th day after birth. At 6 months of age, the rats were administered the vehicle (propylene glycol, 0.5 ml/day), and ten of the rats were randomly chosen to comprise the non-oophorectomized control group (GI). The other 60 rats were ovariectomized and randomized into six groups of ten as follows: GII, vehicle; GIII, conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), 50 mu g/kg/day; GIV, raloxifene (RAL), 0.75 mg/kg/day; GV, genistein-rich soy extract (GSE), 300 mg/kg/day; GVI, CEE + GSE, 50 mu g/kg/day + 300 mg/kg/day; and GVII, CEE + RAL, 50 mu g/kg/day + 0.75 mg/kg/day. Three months after surgery, the drugs were administered for 60 consecutive days. All rats were euthanized, and their left tibiae were removed for histological routine. The histological sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and picrosirius for evaluating bone microarchitecture. Types I and II collagen fibers were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Data analysis was carried out with ANOVA and Tukey's test. Results Collagen reduction was significant in the GIII animals when compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the thickness of collagen fibers among the groups. There was a greater quantity of type III collagen in GVI than in the other groups. Conclusion Our data indicate that conjugated equine estrogen improves bone quality because it increases the quantity of type I collagen while reducing the quantity of thin collagen fibers. In addition, the combination of CEE and raloxifene or genistein-rich soy extract is not as efficient as CEE itself to improve bone quality.

Multicentric Carpotarsal Osteolysis Is Caused by Mutations Clustering in the Amino-Terminal Transcriptional Activation Domain of MAFB

Multicentric carpotarsal osteolysis (MCTO) is a rare skeletal dysplasia characterized by aggressive osteolysis, particularly affecting the carpal and tarsal bones, and is frequently associated with progressive renal failure. Using exome capture and next-generation sequencing in five unrelated simplex cases of MCTO, we identified previously unreported missense mutations clustering within a 51 base pair region of the single exon of MAFB, validated by Sanger sequencing. A further six unrelated simplex cases with MCTO were also heterozygous for previously unreported mutations within this same region, as were affected members of two families with autosomal-dominant MCTO. MAFB encodes a transcription factor that negatively regulates RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and is essential for normal renal development. Identification of this gene paves the way for development of novel therapeutic approaches for this crippling disease and provides insight into normal bone and kidney development.

Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome: design of a randomized single-blinded controlled trial

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common neuropathy in the upper extremity, resulting from the compression of the median nerve at wrist level. Clinical studies are essentials to present evidence on therapeutic resources use at early restoration on peripheral nerve functionality. Low-level laser therapy has been widely investigated in researches related to nerve regeneration. Therefore, it is suggested that the effect of low-level laser therapy associated with other conservative rehabilitation techniques may positively affect symptoms and overall hand function in compressive neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in addition to orthoses therapy and home orientations in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods/Design: Patients older than 18 years old will be included, with clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome, excluding comorbidies. A physiotherapist will conduct intervention, with a blinding evaluator. Randomization will be applied to allocate the patients in each group: with association or not to low-level laser therapy. All of them will be submitted to orthoses therapy and home orientations. Outcome will be assessed through: pain visual analogic scale, Semmes Weinstein monofilaments (TM) threshold sensibility test, Pinch Gauge T, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and two point discrimination test. Discussion: This paper describes the design of a randomized controlled trial, which aim to assess the effectiveness of conservative treatment added to low-level laser therapy for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBec) - 75ddtf / Universal Trial Number: U1111-1121-5184

Macroscopic and microbiological alterations of bird and small mammal bones buried in a Cerrado biome (south western Brazil)

In this paper, we present the results of an experimental approach developed to study the macroscopic and microbiological alteration of bird and small mammal bones buried under a Cerrado biome. The first experiment evaluated the macroscopic alteration of cooked and fresh carcasses buried through the dry and rainy seasons. The second experiment analyzed the mycobiota associated to the decomposition of a complete bird that remained buried for almost a year. Results show that in tropical forest environments: 1) bone structure and pre-taphonomic factors determine its differential alteration by biochemical processes; 2) fungal populations associated to the decomposition of animal remains depend on soil chemistry and ecological dynamics; 3) even in a corrosive environment, bird bones are more capable of surviving to several mycological decomposition steps. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A compound heterozygote SLC26A2 mutation resulting in robin sequence, mild limbs shortness, accelerated carpal ossification, and multiple epiphysial dysplasia in two Brazilian sisters. A new intermediate phenotype between diastrophic dysplasia and recessive multiple epiphyseal dysplasia

Mutations in solute carrier family 26 (sulfate transporter), member 2 (SLC26A2) gene result in a spectrum of autosomal recessive chondrodysplasias that range from the mildest recessive form of multiple epiphysial dysplasia (rMED) through the most common diastrophic dysplasia (DTD) to lethal atelosteogenesis type II and achondrogenesis IB. The clinical variability has been ascribed to quantitative effect of mutations of the sulfate transporter activity. Here we describe two Brazilian sisters, born to healthy and non consanguineous parents, with Robin sequence, mild shortening of upper and lower limbs, brachymetacarpalia/tarsalia, additional and accelerated carpal ossification, marked genu valgum, and multiple epiphysial dysplasia. This phenotype was intermediate between DTD and rMED, and both girls have a compound heterozygous mutations for the SLC26A2, a Finnish founder mutation (c.-26?+?2T>C), and R279W. This combination of mutations has been observed in individuals with different phenotypes, including DTD, DTD variant, and rMED. The distinct phenotype of our cases reinforces the hypothesis that other factors may be influencing the phenotype as previously suggested.

What is the diagnostic value of ultrasonography compared to physical evaluation in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome?

[EN] OBJECTIVE: Our hypothesis is that sonography performed by the rheumatologist in patients with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has higher diagnostic value compared to physical evaluation. METHODS: Adult patients with suspected idiopathic CTS, defined by sensory symptoms over the distribution of the median nerve with or without positive results with the Phalen and/or the Tinel's maneuvers were included. The diagnosis of CTS was indicated by typical symptoms daily for at least 3 months and a positive nerve conduction study. One rheumatologist unaware of the clinical and electrodiagnostic results performed an ultrasound examination of the median nerve for the area ranging from the inlet to the outlet of the carpal tunnel. Mean cross-sectional area at each level, flattening ratio and bowing of flexor retinaculum were obtained. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients with 105 affected wrists were examined. Tinel's and Phalen's signs had a closer sensitivity (73% and 67% respectively) and specificity (40% and 30% respectively). The best swelling nerve cut-off by sonography was 9.7 mm2 at the tunnel inlet, with a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 48% and accuracy of 77%. A 100% positive predictive value was reached with a cross-sectional area of 13 mm2, involving 33 hands (31% of the whole sample). Maximal cross sectional area and the measurement of flexor retinaculum had an accuracy of 72% and 73% respectively. Combination of physical maneuvers and sonography not yielded more accuracy than cross-sectional area itself. CONCLUSION: In patients with clinical history of idiopathic CTS and positive nerve conduction study, sonography performed by the rheumatologist has higher diagnostic value than physical maneuvers.

Usefulness of clinical findings, nerve conduction studies and ultrasonography to predict response to surgical release in idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.

[EN] OBJECTIVES: To assess the usefulness of clinical findings, nerve conduction studies and ultrasonography performed by a rheumatologist to predict success in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) undergoing median nerve release. METHODS: Ninety consecutive patients with CTS (112 wrists) completed a specific CTS questionnaire and underwent physical examination and nerve conduction studies. Ultrasound examination was performed by a rheumatologist who was blind to any patient's data. Outcome variables were improvement >25% in symptoms of the CTS questionnaire and patient's overall satisfaction (5-point Likert scale) at 3 months postoperatively. Success was defined as improvement in both outcome variables. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the best predictive combination of preoperative findings. RESULTS: Success was achieved in 63% of the operated wrists. Utility parameters and area under the ROC curve (AUC) for individual findings was poor, ranging from 0.481 of the nerve conduction study to 0.634 of the cross-sectional area at tunnel outlet. Logistic regression identified the preoperative US parameters as the best predictive variables for success after 3 months. The best predictive combination (AUC=0.708) included a negative Phalen maneuver, plus absence of thenar atrophy, plus less than moderately abnormalities on nerve conduction studies plus a large maximal cross-sectional area along the tunnel by ultrasonography. CONCLUSION: Although cross-sectional area of the median nerve was the only predictor of success after three months of surgical release, isolated preoperative findings are not reliable predictors of success in patients with idiopathic CTS. A combination of findings that include ultrasound improves prediction.

Limited value of ultrasound assessment in patients with poor outcome after carpal tunnel release surgerys

[EN] OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of ultrasonography in the assessment of patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and poor outcome after carpal tunnel release. METHODS: A total of 88 consecutive patients with CTS (104 hands) underwent open surgical release of the median nerve. Ultrasound (US) examination was performed blind to any patient's data. The median nerve area at tunnel inlet and outlet, the retinaculum distance, and the flattening ratio were measured. The main outcome variable was the patient's overall satisfaction using a five-point Likert scale (1 = worse, 2 = no change, 3 = slightly better, 4 = much better, 5 = cured) at 3 months postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative ultrasonographic findings in relation to clinical outcome were analysed. RESULTS: Improvement (scores 4 or 5 on the Likert scale) was recorded in 75 hands (72%). After carpal tunnel release, the cross-sectional area at tunnel inlet decreased from a mean of 14.2 to 13.3 mm2 in the group with clinical improvement and also from a mean of 12.5 to 11.6 mm2 in the group with no change or slight improvement. No significant changes in the cross-sectional area at tunnel outlet, retinaculum distance, and flattening ratio were observed. CONCLUSION: Reduction of the median nerve cross-sectional area at tunnel inlet at 3 months after carpal tunnel release was similar in patients reporting cure or great improvement and in those with slight or no improvement. Ultrasonography is of limited value in assessment of patients with poor outcome after median nerve release.

Staphylococcus aureus bones and joints infections: in vivo studies and host immune response

Abstract The aim of this work was the development of a murine model of septic arthrosynovitis and osteomyelitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which could mimic the natural disease occurring in humans and which could be suitable for testing preventive and therapeutic interventions. This model could be particularly useful since S. aureus-mediated joints and bones infections are relevant in humans, both in terms of frequency and severity. Our attention focused in tracking bacterial infiltration in joints and bones over time using different microbiological and hystopathological tools, which allowed us to have a complete overview of the situation and to evaluate the immunological actions undertaken by the host to contain or eradicate the bacterial infection. Antibodies and cytokines profiles, as well as recruitment of host immune cells at joints of immunized and infected mice were therefore monitored for a time period that allowed us to study both the acute and the chronic phases of the disease in situ. Finally the Novartis vaccine formulation proposed against S. aureus infections was tested for its capacity to protect immunized mice from joints infections, and the preventive immunization was compared to a standard antibiotic prophylaxis. The availability of powerful tools to study specific bacterial-mediated diseases is nowadays an important requirement for the scientific community to shed light on the complex interactions between host and pathogens and to test treatments for preventing or contrasting infections. We believe that our work significantly contributes to the overall knowledge in the field of S. aureus-dependent pathologies, opening the possibility for further investigations in several fields of study.

Species identification of archived fish bones collected from the Mediterranean Sea 100 years ago using molecular techniques

With the discovery that DNA can be successfully recovered from museum collections, a new source of genetic information has been provided to extend our comprehension of the evolutionary history of species. However, historical specimens are often mislabeled or report incorrect information of origin, thus accurate identification of specimens is essential. Due to the highly damaged nature of ancient DNA many pitfalls exist and particular precautions need to be considered in order to perform genetic analysis. In this study we analyze 208 historical remains of pelagic fishes collected in the beginning of the 20th century. Through the adaptation of existing protocols, usually applied to human remains, we manage to successfully retrieve valuable genetic material from almost all of the examined samples using a guanidine and silica column-based approach. The combined use of two mitochondrial markers cytochrome-oxidase-1(mtDNA COI) and Control Region (mtDNA CR), and the nuclear marker first internal transcriber space (ITS1) allowed us to identify the majority of the examined specimens using traditional PCR and Sanger sequencing techniques. The creation of primers capable of amplifying heavily degraded DNA have great potential for future uses, both in ancient and in modern investigation. The methodologies developed in this study can in fact be applied for other ancient fish specimens as well as cooked or canned samples.