Effects of chronic methamphetamine abuse on the retinal nerve fiber layer,ganglion cell layer and Bruch’s membrane opening minimum rim width

BackgroundMethamphetamine (Meth) is a highly addictive and hallucinogenic agent which is used as the second most common illicit drug globally. Meth could affect the retina and optic nerve by inducing the release of vasoconstrictive agents such as endothelin 1 and induction of severe oxidative stress with accumulation of reactive oxygen species.AimTo evaluate the effects of chronic Meth abuse on the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL) and the Bruch’s membrane opening minimum rim width (MRW).MethodIn this case-control study, we recruited 55 Meth abusers and 49 healthy individuals with mean age of 44.63 ± 0.97 and 43.08 ± 0.91 years, respectively. RNFL thickness, GCL thickness and MRW were evaluated using optical coherence tomography.ResultsWe found statistically significant decrease in RNFL, MRW thickness in Meth abusers (P: 0.002 and P: 0.006, respectively). We did not detect statistically significant difference regarding GCL thickness between the groups (P = 0.320). Our results showed a weak but statistically significant correlation of Meth dose increment and decrement of RNFL thickness ((P: 0.005, r = -0.193) and MRW (P: 0.013, r = -0.174). We found no correlation between duration of Meth consumption with RNFL and MRW thickness (P: 0.205, r= -0.124; P: 0.771, r= -0.029, respectively).ConclusionWe found a statistically significant adverse association in meth abusers with RNFL thickness and MRW. These two parameters were also statistically associated with the meth dose as measured by daily dose of Meth. Although we found a decrease in the GCL thickness, it did not reach statistical significance.     

Successful reproduction of adenoviral gizzard erosion in 20-week-old SPF layer-type chickens and efficacious prophylaxis due to live vaccination with an apathogenic fowl adenovirus serotype 1 strain (CELO)

Recently, outbreaks of adenoviral gizzard erosion (AGE) have been documented in pullets and layers housed free range and in enriched cage systems characterized by increased mortality and a negative impact on egg production. In the present study the pathogenicity of a fowl adenovirus serotype 1 (FAdV-1) field strain as well as the aetiological role of a FAdV-8a strain, both isolated from AGE affected pullets, were investigated in vivo in 20-week-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) layer-type chickens. Furthermore, the efficacy of a single (week 17) and double (week 14 and 17) application of a live vaccine consisting of an apathogenic FAdV-1 (CELO strain) against challenge with virulent FAdV-1 was investigated.For the first time, AGE was successfully reproduced in adult birds after oral infection of 20-week-old SPF birds with a virulent FAdV-1 field isolate, characterized by pathological changes of the gizzard from 7 days post challenge onwards. In addition, a negative impact of the FAdV-1 infection on the development of the reproductive tract was observed. Thus, confirming the pathogenicity and aetiological role of FAdV-1 in the development of AGE and economic losses due to AGE in layers. In contrast, no pathological changes were observed in birds infected with FAdV-8a.Independent of a single or double application of the live FAdV-1 vaccine strain CELO, no gross pathological changes were observed in gizzards post challenge with the virulent FAdV-1, indicating that complete protection of layers against horizontal induction of AGE was achieved. Nonetheless, virulent FAdV-1 was detected in cloacal swabs and gizzards in both vaccinated groups post challenge determined by the application of an amplification refractory mutation system quantitative PCR used to differentiate between vaccine and challenge strains.     

La prematuridad: un antecedente de obligada consideración a la hora de valorar el complejo de células ganglionares de la retina

IntroductionPremature children birth and survival is becoming more frequent due to the improvement in obstetric and neonatal care. This makes it increasingly common to find patients with history of preterm birth in ophthalmology clinics, both in pediatric and adult ages. Premature birth can lead to ocular structural changes, being possible to affect the ganglion cell complex (GCC), among other structures, which can be studied using optical coherence tomography.Materials and methodsTo carry out a bibliographic review of the studies that analyze GCC in patients with a history of prematurity compared with patients born at term.ResultsSeveral studies that analyze GCC in patients with a history of prematurity are referenced and their results are studied.ConclusionsIn our clinical practice, knowing the history of prematurity is fundamental in the assessment of GCC measured by optical coherence tomography, since this layer is different in the patients with a history of prematurity compared to patients born at term.     

改良纤维板剥脱术对慢性结核性脓胸患者围手术期临床指标、肺功能及术后并发症的影响

目的探讨改良纤维板剥脱术对慢性结核性脓胸患者围手术期临床指标、肺功能及术后并发症的影响。方法选取慢性结核性脓胸患者140例,采用随机数字表法分为对照组(70例)和试验组(70例),分别常规纤维板剥脱术和改良纤维板剥脱术治疗。比较两组患者围手术期临床指标,术后肺活量(VC)和最大通气量(MVV)增加量及术后胸腔再次感染率等。结果两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、术后24 h引流量、引流管放置时间及住院时间等围手术期临床指标比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);试验组患者治疗后VC和MVV增加量均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);两组患者术后胸腔再次感染率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论改良纤维板剥脱术治疗慢性结核性脓胸患者可有效改善肺功能,且未对围手术期临床指标及术后并发症产生明显影响,具有临床应用价值。     

Near-fiber electromyography

ObjectiveDescribe and evaluate the concepts of near fiber electromyography (NFEMG), the features used, including near fiber motor unit potential (NFMUP) duration and dispersion, which relate to motor unit distal axonal branch and muscle fiber conduction time dispersion, and NFMUP segment jitter, a new measure of the temporal variability of neuromuscular junction transmission (NMJ), and axonal branch and muscle fibre conduction for the near fibres (i.e. NF jitter), and the methods for obtaining their values.MethodsTrains of high-pass filtered motor unit potentials (MUPs) (i.e. NFMUP trains) were extracted from needle-detected EMG signals to assess changes in motor unit (MU) morphology and electrophysiology caused by neuromuscular disorders or ageing. Evaluations using simulated needle-detected EMG data were completed and example human data are presented.ResultsNFEMG feature values can be used to detect axonal sprouting, conduction slowing and NMJ transmission delay as well as changes in MU fiber diameter variability, and NF jitter. These changes can be detected prior to alterations of MU size or numbers.ConclusionsThe evaluations clearly demonstrate and the example data support that NFMUP duration and dispersion reflect MU distal axonal branching, conduction slowing and NMJ transmission delay and/or MU fiber diameter variability and that NFMUP jiggle and segment jitter reflect NF jitter.SignificanceNFEMG can detect early changes in MU morphology and/or electrophysiology and has the potential to augment clinical diagnosis and tracking of neuromuscular disorders.     

Large animal models of human cauda equina injury and repair: evaluation of a novel goat model

Previous animal studies of cauda equina injury have primarily used rat models, which display significant differences from humans. Furthermore, most studies have focused on electrophysiological examination. To better mimic the outcome after surgical repair of cauda equina injury, a novel animal model was established in the goat. Electrophysiological, histological and magnetic resonance imaging methods were used to evaluate the morphological and functional outcome after cauda equina injury and end-to-end suture. Our results demonstrate successful establishment of the goat experimental model of cauda equina injury. This novel model can provide detailed information on the nerve regenerative process following surgical repair of cauda equina injury.