CRUSHING INJURY OF THE HAND—Prevention of Ischemic Contracture

Crushing injury of the hand usually causes “explosive” damage. Subsequent swelling of the palmar structures further impairs venous outflow, and hemorrhage into structural spaces increases the pressure. The arterial system and the large dorsal veins, however, are seldom obstructed and provide adequate circulation unless hampered by improper bandaging. A bandage that compresses the dorsal veins causes back-pressure, which increases the swelling further and brings about ischemia. Swelling and pain cause the patient to restrict exercise of the injured hand, which permits contractures to develop.The author has averted this sequence in more than 100 cases by preserving integrity of veins during debridement, arresting hemorrhage, bandaging the hand with compression dressings in functional flexion, and reducing swelling with hyaluronidase. In these cases, on removal of bandages in 24 hours, swelling was reduced and continued to diminish. All patients exercised the hand at this time without discomfort and only a few required aspirin for pain.     

Ultrastructural bases of intravascular thrombosis in the liver in mechanical jaundice

Electron microscopic studies of a rat liver blood circulatory bed at the experimentally induced 20-day cholestasis demonstrated that the biliary cirrhosis was accompanied by the development of intravascular thrombosis in the liver in a number of cases. Appearance of "pure" thrombocytic thrombi in the lumen of interlobular veins having continuous intact vascular walls was the morphologic feature of the thrombosis. These thrombi are characterized by absence of fibrin fibres. Presence of the intravascular thrombi indicated the higher aggregative ability of thrombocytes which in complex with haemostasis disorders, was one of the causes of hypertension and hemorrhage at the liver pathology.     

Differential expression of microRNAs in mouse pain models

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that inhibit translation of target genes by binding to their mRNAs. The expression of numerous brain-specific miRNAs with a high degree of temporal and spatial specificity suggests that miRNAs play an important role in gene regulation in health and disease. Here we investigate the time course gene expression profile of miR-1, -16, and -206 in mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG), and spinal cord dorsal horn under inflammatory and neuropathic pain conditions as well as following acute noxious stimulation.

Results

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that the mature form of miR-1, -16 and -206, is expressed in DRG and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Moreover, CFA-induced inflammation significantly reduced miRs-1 and -16 expression in DRG whereas miR-206 was downregulated in a time dependent manner. Conversely, in the spinal dorsal horn all three miRNAs monitored were upregulated. After sciatic nerve partial ligation, miR-1 and -206 were downregulated in DRG with no change in the spinal dorsal horn. On the other hand, axotomy increases the relative expression of miR-1, -16, and 206 in a time-dependent fashion while in the dorsal horn there was a significant downregulation of miR-1. Acute noxious stimulation with capsaicin also increased the expression of miR-1 and -16 in DRG cells but, on the other hand, in the spinal dorsal horn only a high dose of capsaicin was able to downregulate miR-206 expression.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that miRNAs may participate in the regulatory mechanisms of genes associated with the pathophysiology of chronic pain as well as the nociceptive processing following acute noxious stimulation. We found substantial evidence that miRNAs are differentially regulated in DRG and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord under different pain states. Therefore, miRNA expression in the nociceptive system shows not only temporal and spatial specificity but is also stimulus-dependent.

     

Control of distension of varicose veins achieved by leg bandages,as used after injection sclerotherapy.

A study was performed to determine whether the pressures routinely produced by bandaging for compression sclerotherapy of varicose veins are adequate to maintain the superfical veins almost empty of blood. The results suggest that well-applied bandages can provide sufficient support to combat the high distending pressures found in varicose veins. The large variation among different surgeons, however, indicates that any clinical assessment of compression sclerotherapy should include measurement of the pressure at which the bandages are applied.     

Two cases of acute pseudogout attack following parathyroidectomy.

Two cases of acute attack of pseudogout associated with primary hyperparathyroidism are reported. Case 1 suffered from acute pain and swelling of the right ankle and dorsal of the right foot. Case 2 suffered from unknown fever and pain of the bilateral jaw, shoulder, elbow, wrist and knee joints. Postoperative radiological studies revealed the association of chondrocalcinosis in both cases. Synovial fluid in case 2 was aspirated and analyzed for calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal by microscopic examination.     

A causal analysis of intra-abdominal hemorrhage after reduced-size liver transplantation in rat

In this study, we analyzed causes of abdominal hemorrhage after reduced-size liver transplantation in rat. Healthy SD rats (weight range of 260–280 g) underwent liver transplantation, the donors were female and the recipients were male rats. The recipients were, on average, by <10 g heavier than the donors. All operations on donor rats were performed by the same person using unaided eyesight. Operations on recipient rats were performed by two persons using unaided eyesight. About 270 rats received reduced-size liver transplantation of which 44 died because of intra-abdominal hemorrhages. The distribution of abdominal hemorrhage sites was as follows: 28 cases with anastomotic hemorrhages of the inferior vena cava of the superior liver, 9 cases with subcapsular hemorrhage, 9 cases with tied hemorrhages from the left lateral lobe, 7 cases with hemorrhages from the papillary lobe, 7 hemorrhages from the triangular lobe, 5 hemorrhages of the right suprarenal vein and lumbar veins, 4 hemorrhages caused by mechanical injury, 4 cuff hemorrhages of the portal vein and the inferior vein cava of the inferior liver, 8 anastomotic hemorrhages of the inferior vena cava of the superior liver and the tied hemorrhage of the left outboard lobe, and 5 hemorrhages of the two tied points of the reduced-size liver. Ten hemorrhages were stopped by suture or/and ligature, and 6 were stopped by washing with or soaking in hot water. Results of this study will be helpful to raise success rates of reduced-size liver transplantation.     

Effects and consequences of nerve injury on the electrical properties of sensory neurons

Nociceptive pain alerts the body to potential or actual tissue damage. By contrast, neuropathic or "noninflammatory" pain, which results from injury to the nervous system, serves no useful purpose. It typically continues for years after the original injury has healed. Sciatic nerve lesions can invoke chronic neuropathic pain that is accompanied by persistent, spontaneous activity in primary afferent fibers. This activity, which reflects changes in the properties and functional expression of Na+, K+, and Ca2+ channels, initiates a further increase in the excitability of second-order sensory neurons in the dorsal horn. This change persists for many weeks. The source of origin of the pain thus moves from the peripheral to the central nervous system. We hypothesize that this centralization of pain involves the inappropriate release of peptidergic neuromodulators from primary afferent fibers. Peptides such as substance P, neuropeptide Y (NPY), calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may promote enduring changes in excitability as a consequence of neurotrophic actions on ion channel expression in the dorsal horn. Findings that form the basis of this hypothesis are reviewed. Study of the neurotrophic control of ion channel expression by spinal peptides may thus provide new insights into the etiology of neuropathic pain.     

A new island flap transfer from the dorsum of the index to the thumb.

We describe here a new island flap from the dorsum of the index finger, transferred on the first dorsal metacarpal artery with one or two veins and the terminal branches of the radial nerve. This vascular bundle is a reliable one, for we have had no necrosis in 12 consecutive cases. The quality of its venous outflow and the use of a dorsal donor site give it advantages over the Moberg-Littler island flap, unless a dorsal vein from the latter flap is preserved and sutured to a vein in the recipient site. The arterial vascularization without any skin pedicle makes this "kite" flap a more practical one than the "flag" flaps of Vilain or Holevitch or Kuhn. Finally, a one-stage transfer is usually preferable to a two-stage one (e.g. Adamson, Braillar). In a single operation, this transfer provides composite resurfacing of the thumb while bringing in new blood and nerve supply.     

The pain-adaptation model: a discussion of the relationship between chronic musculoskeletal pain and motor activity

Articles describing motor function in five chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions (temporomandibular disorders, muscle tension headache, fibromyalgia, chronic lower back pain, and postexercise muscle soreness) were reviewed. It was concluded that the data do not support the commonly held view that the pain of these conditions is maintained by some form of tonic muscular hyperactivity. Instead, it seems clear that in these conditions the activity of agonist muscles is often reduced by pain, even when this does not arise from the muscle itself. On the other hand, pain causes small increases in the level of activity of the antagonist. As a consequence of these changes, force production and the range and velocity of movement of the affected body part are often reduced. To explain how such changes in the behaviour come about, we propose a neurophysiological model based on the phasic modulation of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons supplied by high-threshold sensory afferents. We suggest that the "dysfunction" that is characteristic of several types of chronic musculoskeletal pain is a normal protective adaptation and is not a cause of pain.     

Sampling site matters when counting lymphocyte subpopulations

Clinical and scientific work routinely relies on antecubital venipunctures for hematological, immunological or other analyses on blood. This study tested the hypothesis that antecubital veins can be considered to be a good proxy for other sampling sites. Using a hematocytometer and a flow cytometer, we analyzed the cell counts from samples coming from the radial artery, the dorsal hand veins and the antecubital veins from 18 volunteers. Most surprisingly, we identified the greatest difference not to exist between arterial and venous circulation, but between the distal (radial artery & dorsal hand veins) and proximal (antecubital veins) sampling sites. Naïve T cells had a higher cell count distally compared to proximally and the reverse was true for effector memory T cells. Despite these differences there were high correlations between the different sampling sites, which partially supports our initial hypothesis. Our findings are crucial for the future design and interpretation of immunological research, and for clinical practice. Furthermore, our results suggest a role for interval lymph nodes in the trafficking of lymphocytes.     

孤啡肽受体对痛觉调控作用的研究进展

孤啡肽受体是继经典的mu阿片受体、kappa阿片受体和delta阿片受体之后发现的又一类新型阿片受体,不仅在结构上具有同上述阿片受体相类似的特征,而且可介导相同或相似的细胞内生物学反应.孤啡肽受体对痛觉反应具有独特的调控模式.一方面,在背根神经节以及脊髓水平,孤啡肽受体主要介导镇痛效应,并且在脊髓水平还与其他阿片受体有协同效应以增强镇痛效果.另一方面,在脊髓上水平,孤啡肽受体往往产生痛敏而拮抗了其他阿片受体的镇痛效应.此外孤啡肽受体对痛觉的调控在不同物种间也表现一定的差异性.这为进一步阐明内源性阿片系统的痛觉调控作用提供一定的理论依据.     

Electron microscope study of lens fibers

The in vitro swelling action of L-thyroxine on rat liver mitochondria as examined photometrically represents an acceleration of a process which the mitochondria are already inherently capable of undergoing spontaneously, as indicated by the identical kinetic characteristics and the extent of thyroxine-induced and spontaneous swelling, the nearly identical pH dependence, and the fact that sucrose has a specific inhibitory action on both types of swelling. However, thyroxine does not appear to be a "catalyst" or coenzyme since it does not decrease the temperature coefficient of spontaneous swelling. The temperature coefficient is very high, approximately 6.0 near 20 degrees . Aging of mitochondria at 0 degrees causes loss of thyroxine sensitivity which correlates closely with the loss of bound DPN from the mitochondria, but not with loss of activity of the respiratory chain or with the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation. Tests with various respiratory chain inhibitors showed that the oxidation state of bound DPN may be a major determinant of thyroxine sensitivity; the oxidation state of the other respiratory carriers does not appear to influence sensitivity to thyroxine. These facts and other considerations suggest that a bound form of mitochondrial DPN is the "target" of the action of thyroxine. The thyroxine-induced swelling is not reversed by increasing the osmolar concentration of external sucrose, but can be "passively" or osmotically reversed by adding the high-particle weight solute polyvinylpyrrolidone. The mitochondrial membrane becomes more permeable to sucrose during the swelling reaction. On the other hand, thyroxine-induced swelling can be "actively" reversed by ATP in a medium of 0.15 M KCl or NaCl but not in a 0.30 M sucrose medium. The action of ATP is specific; ADP, Mn(++), and ethylenediaminetetraacetate are not active. It is concluded that sucrose is an inhibitor of the enzymatic relationship between oxidative phosphorylation and the contractility and permeability properties of the mitochondrial membrane. Occurrence of different types of mitochondrial swelling, the intracellular factors affecting the swelling and shrinking of mitochondria, as well as the physiological significance of thyroxine-induced swelling are discussed.     

Spontaneous Circumrenal Hæmatoma: (Section of Urology)

By spontaneous circum-renal h?matoma is meant a condition of extensive extravasation of blood into the kidney bed and surrounding tissues, unassociated with trauma.Since this is manifested by a fairly uniform clinical picture, by similar operative findings, and by peculiar difficulties in treatment, I propose to discuss it as a clinical entity irrespective of its wide ultimate causation. Very few cases are reported in the English literature. Nevertheless, from the world literature I have collected 170 case reports, and on them, together with three further cases, I base the present paper.Etiologically the cases fall into three groups:-(1) Those due to definite disease of the kidney or its blood-vessels, 58%.(2) Those due to extra-renal causes, 22%.(3) Those cases whose cause is obscure, 20%.In the first group neoplasms and inflammations of the kidney, aneurysms of the renal artery and arteriosclerosis are obvious causes. Many cases are due to obstruction of the renal veins.The classical triad of abdominal pain, signs of internal h?morrhage, and a tumour in the loin are often obscured by the resemblance of an acute abdominal catastrophe.In acute cases, expectant treatment is almost invariably fatal. Evacuation of the clot, tamponage and drainage has a mortality of about 40%, whilst nephrectomy in 55 cases showed a mortality of 22%.     

An unusual variant of Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome

The association of soft tissue and bony overgrowth, varicose veins and port-wine nevus is known as Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome. An unusual case of a young woman with this syndrome is presented. In addition to the classic features she had face swelling, bilateral limb involvement and an infected cutaneous lymphangioma. No evidence of arteriovenous fistula was demonstrated. In contrast to an abnormal lymphatic system the deep veins of the limbs were normal. Unilateral lung lesions were demonstrated which have not been described previously in such cases.     

64排CT血管造影在脑动静脉畸形诊断中的价值

目的：探讨64排CT血管造影（computedtomography angiographycTA）对脑动静脉畸形（cerebral arefiovenousmalformation,AVM）的诊断价值。方法：16例AVM患者,均行64排螺旋CT血管造影检查,使用多种重建方法,由两名有经验的医生对畸形血管团进行分析。结果：16例均为单发瘤巢,16例AVM均显示了大小不等的畸形血管团及供血动脉和引流静脉,其中,2例同时伴脑出血（12．5％）,3例有出血后软化灶形成（18．75％）,16例发现有供血动脉31支,16例发现有明确的引流静脉21支。结论：64排CTA安全．快速．结合多种重建方法．可以清晰显示AVM的供血动脉、瘤巢．引流静脉．为临床治疗提供了可靠的信息．     

Hand rejuvenation with structural fat grafting

A simple, reliable technique of autologous fat grafting for long-lasting rejuvenation of the dorsum of the hand is presented. With this technique, small intact parcels of fatty tissue are harvested with a syringe and a blunt 3-mm cannula. Then, most of the nonviable components are removed from the harvested subcutaneous material by centrifugation, decanting, and wicking. Finally, a 17-gauge blunt cannula places the fat in minuscule parcels of tissue with many passes through five or six tiny incisions in the hand. Separation of the tiny parcels of fat maximizes contact between the surfaces of the transplanted fat and surrounding recipient tissues to encourage integration, anchoring, and long-term survival. Structured, purposeful placement of a thin layer of transplanted fat rejuvenates the dorsal hand by restoring a slight fullness to atrophic subcutaneous tissue, by softening the color and definition of exposed extensor tendons and dorsal hand veins, and by supporting the aging skin.     

Isolated unilateral adrenal gland hemorrhage following motor vehicle collision: a case report and review of the literature

Background

Adrenal gland trauma is a rare condition that typically stems from blunt force trauma, and is associated with multiple organ injuries. Alternatively, isolated adrenal gland trauma is extremely rare, accounting for only 1.5 to 4% of all adrenal trauma cases. While isolated adrenal trauma is a mostly self-limiting condition, it is potentially life-threatening, representing a significant cause of bleeding, and/or hypotension due to adrenal insufficiency and adrenal crisis. Due to its rare occurrence, there are no reported guidelines for monitoring and observing isolated adrenal trauma.

Case presentation

Here we report on an isolated adrenal hemorrhage from a blunt trauma without associated injuries. A 53-year-old white man presented with abdominal pain after a high-speed motor vehicle accident. An initial evaluation revealed minimal abdominal pain and negative focused assessment with sonography for trauma examination; computed tomography imaging revealed a significant fluid collection consistent with adrenal hemorrhage. He was observed in our intensive care unit for 24 hours, and had stable hemoglobin and vital signs, after which he was discharged. At 1-month follow-up, he reported persistent intermittent abdominal pain, which was completely resolved by the 4-month follow-up.

Conclusions

This case report demonstrates isolated adrenal gland injury resulting from significant blunt trauma to the abdomen. There are no current guidelines for monitoring isolated adrenal hemorrhage. Recognizing possible adrenal injury in blunt trauma cases is important due to potentially severe adrenal hemorrhage; therefore, we recommend follow-up with serial abdominal computed tomography until the resolution of hemorrhage and symptoms.

     

The Inhibition of Subchondral Bone Lesions Significantly Reversed the Weight-Bearing Deficit and the Overexpression of CGRP in DRG Neurons,GFAP and Iba-1 in the Spinal Dorsal Horn in the Monosodium Iodoacetate Induced Model of Osteoarthritis Pain

Background

Chronic pain is the most prominent and disabling symptom of osteoarthritis (OA). Clinical data suggest that subchondral bone lesions contribute to the occurrence of joint pain. The present study investigated the effect of the inhibition of subchondral bone lesions on joint pain.

Methods

Osteoarthritic pain was induced by an injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) into the rat knee joint. Zoledronic acid (ZOL), a third generation of bisphosphonate, was used to inhibit subchondral bone lesions. Joint histomorphology was evaluated using X-ray micro computed tomography scanning and hematoxylin-eosin staining. The activity of osteoclast in subchondral bone was evaluated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. Joint pain was evaluated using weight-bearing asymmetry, the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), and spinal glial activation status using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1) immunofluorescence. Afferent neurons in the DRGs that innervated the joints were identified using retrograde fluorogold labeling.

Results

MIA injections induced significant histomorphological alterations and joint pain. The inhibition of subchondral bone lesions by ZOL significantly reduced the MIA-induced weight-bearing deficit and overexpression of CGRP in DRG neurons, GFAP and Iba-1 in the spinal dorsal horn at 3 and 6 weeks after MIA injection; however, joint swelling and synovial reaction were unaffected.

Conclusions

The inhibition of subchondral bone lesions alleviated joint pain. Subchondral bone lesions should be a key target in the management of osteoarthritic joint pain.     

Clinical Features and Patient Management of Lujo Hemorrhagic Fever

Background

In 2008 a nosocomial outbreak of five cases of viral hemorrhagic fever due to a novel arenavirus, Lujo virus, occurred in Johannesburg, South Africa. Lujo virus is only the second pathogenic arenavirus, after Lassa virus, to be recognized in Africa and the first in over 40 years. Because of the remote, resource-poor, and often politically unstable regions where Lassa fever and other viral hemorrhagic fevers typically occur, there have been few opportunities to undertake in-depth study of their clinical manifestations, transmission dynamics, pathogenesis, or response to treatment options typically available in industrialized countries.

Methods and Findings

We describe the clinical features of five cases of Lujo hemorrhagic fever and summarize their clinical management, as well as providing additional epidemiologic detail regarding the 2008 outbreak. Illness typically began with the abrupt onset of fever, malaise, headache, and myalgias followed successively by sore throat, chest pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, rash, minor hemorrhage, subconjunctival injection, and neck and facial swelling over the first week of illness. No major hemorrhage was noted. Neurological signs were sometimes seen in the late stages. Shock and multi-organ system failure, often with evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, ensued in the second week, with death in four of the five cases. Distinctive treatment components of the one surviving patient included rapid commencement of the antiviral drug ribavirin and administration of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), N-acetylcysteine, and recombinant factor VIIa.

Conclusions

Lujo virus causes a clinical syndrome remarkably similar to Lassa fever. Considering the high case-fatality and significant logistical impediments to controlled treatment efficacy trials for viral hemorrhagic fever, it is both logical and ethical to explore the use of the various compounds used in the treatment of the surviving case reported here in future outbreaks. Clinical observations should be systematically recorded to facilitate objective evaluation of treatment efficacy. Due to the risk of secondary transmission, viral hemorrhagic fever precautions should be implemented for all cases of Lujo virus infection, with specialized precautions to protect against aerosols when performing enhanced-risk procedures such as endotracheal intubation.     

Rationalising requests for x-ray examination of acute ankle injuries.

Radiographs of injured ankles represent about 1 in 50 of all radiological examinations. The notes and radiographs of 100 patients with ankle injuries were reviewed, and the films of a further 93 patients who had ankle fractures treated by immobilisation were also scrutinised to assess the presence of absence of soft tissue swelling over the malleoli. Any accompanying radiographs of the foot requested at the same time were also studied. In 65 of the 100 cases of ankle injury there was no soft tissue swelling, and none of the patients had a major fracture, while 92 of the 93 patients with a major fracture had soft tissue swelling at the level of the malleoli. In 32 of the 100 cases of ankle injury foot radiographs had also been requested, but only three foot injuries were found. If the simple maxim of "No swelling adjacent to a malleolus, no radiographs" were applied radiography of twisted ankles could be reduced by as much as two-thirds. Moreover, if this maxim included the rider "and no routine foot films" the total casualty radiographic work load could be reduced by 8%.