Treatment of myofascial trigger points in common shoulder disorders by physical therapy: A randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN75722066]

Background  

Shoulder disorders are a common health problem in western societies. Several treatment protocols have been developed for the clinical management of persons with shoulder pain. However available evidence does not support any protocol as being superior over others. Systematic reviews provide some evidence that certain physical therapy interventions (i.e. supervised exercises and mobilisation) are effective in particular shoulder disorders (i.e. rotator cuff disorders, mixed shoulder disorders and adhesive capsulitis), but there is an ongoing need for high quality trials of physical therapy interventions. Usually, physical therapy consists of active exercises intended to strengthen the shoulder muscles as stabilizers of the glenohumeral joint or perform mobilisations to improve restricted mobility of the glenohumeral or adjacent joints (shoulder girdle). It is generally accepted that a-traumatic shoulder problems are the result of impingement of the subacromial structures, such as the bursa or rotator cuff tendons. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in shoulder muscles may also lead to a complex of symptoms that are often seen in patients diagnosed with subacromial impingement or rotator cuff tendinopathy. Little is known about the treatment of MTrPs in patients with shoulder disorders.     

Distribution of repetitive and non-repetitive circumsporozoite protein epitopes on Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites and immunochemical characterization of human malaria antisera.

The presence and distribution of circumsporozoite protein (CSP) epitopes located in the repetitive and non-repetitive regions were studied in three Plasmodium falciparum strains, NF54, IFA5 and IFA6. It was found by immunofluorescence, Western blotting and immunoelectron microscopy that mAbs to epitopes of the repetitive domaine bound similarly to the CSP of all three strains. MAbs to epitopes of the flanking regions yielded either some strain differences (mAbs to the C-terminal end), or reacted only in immunofluorescence tests on whole sporozoites (mAbs to the N-terminal end). Human sera from an area endemic for malaria, two of them positive in ELISA on (NANP)40 and two negative, were tested for their reactivity with epitopes of the flanking regions of the CSP. The presence of antibodies to such epitopes could be demonstrated by Western blots and immunocytochemistry independent of the reactivity of the sera to recognize (NANP)40. All tested bound to salivary gland tissues but not to their secretory product in immunocytochemical experiments.     

The effects of three nebulized osmotic agents in the dry larynx.

PURPOSE: This investigation examined the effects of nebulized hypertonic saline, isotonic saline (IS), and sterile (hypotonic) water on phonation threshold pressure (PTP) and self-perceived phonatory effort (PPE) following a surface laryngeal dehydration challenge. METHOD: In a double-blind, randomized experimental trial, 60 vocally healthy women (n = 15 per group) underwent a laryngeal desiccation challenge involving oral breathing for 15 min using medical-grade dry air (RH<1%). Three of the four groups then received nebulized isotonic saline (0.9% NaCl), hypertonic saline (7% NaCl), or sterile (hypotonic) water, respectively; the 4th group served as a nontreatment control. PTP and PPE were estimated for high-pitched productions at baseline, immediately postdesiccation, and at 5, 20, 35, and 50 min postnebulization. RESULTS: PTP increased significantly for all groups following the desiccation challenge. PTP values were, on average, 0.5 cm H(2)O greater immediately postdesiccation versus baseline. In contrast, PTP values did not change significantly following the administration of nebulized treatments, although a temporary trend toward a reduction in PTP was observed for the IS group. Unexpectedly, PPE ratings decreased significantly after the desiccation challenge. In general, PPE ratings were poorly correlated with PTP measures. CONCLUSION: A laryngeal desiccation challenge (i.e., temporary exposure to extremely low relative humidity while breathing transorally) significantly increased PTP. Although interesting trends emerged, none of the nebulized treatments significantly enhanced recovery from the negative effects of desiccation on PTP. In light of very low correlations between PTP and PPE, serious questions are raised regarding presumed associations between these measures.     

L-arginine reverses the antinatriuretic effect of cyclosporin in renal transplant patients

BACKGROUND: Cyclosporin has been shown to facilitate renal vasoconstriction and to have an antinatriuretic effect. The existence of an interference of cyclosporin with the vasodilating properties of endothelium mediated by nitric oxide production could mediate these effects. On the other hand, the infusion of the nitric oxide precursor L-arginine has been shown to induce renal vasodilatation and to facilitate natriuresis in normal volunteers. We have investigated the renal effects of the administration of an infusion of L-arginine in renal transplant patients chronically treated with cyclosporin. To facilitate the analysis of the data the effects of the administration of a similar dose of cyclosporin on renal function during the infusion of a vehicle were also investigated during the administration of a vehicle of L-arginine. DESIGN: Ten male renal transplant patients, chronically treated with cyclosporin and with a stable renal function were studied during 2 consecutive days after the administration of the usual morning dose of cyclosporin. The first day they received an intravenous infusion of vehicle and the second the infusion of graded doses of L-arginine (50, 100, 150 mg/kg/h) during 3 consecutive h. RESULTS: The first day, after cyclosporin administration a significant fall (P < 0.01) was observed in natriuresis and kaliuresis in the absence of changes in renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate. After the administration of L-arginine significant (P < 0.01) increases of renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, and natriuresis were seen. The increase in blood levels of cyclosporin after its administration did not differ between days 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that L-arginine facilitates renal vasodilatation and natriuresis in renal transplant patients. Furthermore, the observed increase in sodium excretion could indicate that L-arginine counteracts the antinatriuretic effect of cyclosporin.