3D reconstruction of peripheral nerves from optical projection tomography images: A method for studying fascicular interconnections and intraneural plexuses

The general microscopic characteristics of nerves are described in several textbooks of histology, but the specific microanatomies of most nerves that can be blocked by anesthesiologists are usually less well known. Our objective was to evaluate the 3D reconstruction of nerve fascicles from optical projection tomography images (OPT) and the ability to undertake an internal navigation exploring the morphology in detail, more specifically the fascicular interconnections. Median and lingual nerve samples were obtained from five euthanized piglets. OPT images of the samples were acquired and 3D reconstruction was performed. The OPT technique revealed the inner structure of the nerves at high resolution, including large and small fascicles, perineurium, interfascicular tissue, and epineurium. The fascicles were loosely packed inside the median nerve and more densely so in the lingual nerve. Analysis of the 3D models demonstrated that the nerve fascicles can show six general spatial patterns. Fascicular interconnections were clearly identified. The 3D reconstruction of nerve fascicles from OPT images opens a new path for research into the microstructure of the inner contents of fascicular nerve groups and their spatial disposition within the nerve including their interconnections. These techniques enable 3D images of partial areas of nerves to be produced and could became an excellent tool for obtaining data concerning the 3D microanatomy of nerves, essential for better interpretation of ultrasound images in clinical practice and thus avoiding possible neurological complications. Clin. Anat. 31:424–431, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Phototoxic Plant Burns: Report of a Case and Review of Topical Wound Treatment in Children

Acute photodermatitis provoked by skin contact with giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) and exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a rare cause of phytophotodermatitis in children. We report the case of a 10‐year‐old girl with extensive photodermatitis after contact with giant hogweed and prolonged exposure to sunlight. The lesions involved 10% of the body surface area, mainly the lower extremities. After initial application of topical steroids to the skin erythema, the topical approach was changed due to extensive bullae. Debridement and temporary wound closure with an adequate dressing was undertaken. This is the first case report of application of Suprathel (PolyMedics Innovations, Denkendorf, Germany) on a phytophototoxic burn‐like wound with a favorable outcome.     

Antibodies to a Novel Leptospiral Protein,LruC, in the Eye Fluids and Sera of Horses with Leptospira-Associated Uveitis

Screening of an expression library of Leptospira interrogans with eye fluids from uveitic horses resulted in identification of a novel protein, LruC. LruC is located in the inner leaflet of the leptospiral outer membrane, and an lruC gene was detected in all tested pathogenic L. interrogans strains. LruC-specific antibody levels were significantly higher in eye fluids and sera of uveitic horses than healthy horses. These findings suggest that LruC may play a role in equine leptospiral uveitis.     

First report of a naturally patent infection with Dirofilaria immitis in an otter (Lutra lutra)

Parasitology Research - Dirofilaria immitis causes a severe and life-threatening cardio-pulmonary disease in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas; also, zoonotic infections have been reported....     

The Status of Nursing Documentation in Slovenia: a Survey

Health documentation is a prerequisite for good and sustainable health and social care. It is especially important for patient involvement and their empowerment. A transition from paper to e-documentation together with the electronic patient record should be based on thorough knowledge of the current state of documentation and its usages. The main objective of this paper was to analyse which documents and work methods of documenting processes within nursing are being used within different environments. Furthermore, what are the main reasons for their discrepancies from theoretical approaches and best practices. The analysis is based on a survey carried out on all three levels of healthcare. The survey questionnaire consisted of 12 questions to which responded 286 nursing teams from community health centres, hospitals and retirement homes in Slovenia. The results point to diversity in documenting as well as lack of interoperability. This is reflected in a great number of different documents. All phases of the nursing process were being documented in only 31.8 % of cases. The main reasons for this can be attributed to work organisation, different definitions of data-set requirements and inadequate knowledge by nurses. Survey results pointed out a need for the renewal of nursing documentation towards a more uniform system based on contemporary health technologies.     

Successful use of sirolimus for refractory atrial ectopic tachycardia in a child with cardiac rhabdomyoma

Cardiac rhabdomyomas are common in tuberous sclerosis. We report a child who developed rhabdomyoma related arrhythmia refractory to antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Reversion of the atrial ectopic tachycardia was achieved with mammalian target of rapamycin pathway (mTOR) inhibitor sirolimus. As per our knowledge, this is the first time that sirolimus has been successfully used in this setting.