Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

J Innate Immun 2020 Jun 4:1-16. Epub 2020 Jun 4.

Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden,

Mast cells are now recognized as key players in diverse pathologies, but the mechanisms by which they contribute in such settings are only partially understood. Mast cells are packed with secretory granules, and when they undergo degranulation in response to activation the contents of the granules are expelled to the extracellular milieu. Chymases, neutral serine proteases, are the major constituents of the mast cell granules and are hence released in large amounts upon mast cell activation. Read More

Colorectal Dis 2020 Jun 3. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

Department of Surgical Oncology, Robotics and New Technologies, Policlinico Abano, Padua, Italy.

This video vignette "Robotic right colectomy for cancer with intracorporeal hand sewn anastomosis in a patient with situs inversus totalis (SIT)" (Video S1) shows how robotic surgery could overcome the technical difficulty of laparoscopy when demanding anatomy is present. The robotic platform conferred more dexterity to the surgeon and avoided uncomfortable and conflicting positions between the operator and the first assistant. Given the relatively high number of patients operated for cancer and the incidence of anatomical variations, these should not be considered a contraindication for minimally invasive surgery. Read More

Cereb Cortex 2020 Jun 4. Epub 2020 Jun 4.

Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States.

Motor commands for the arm and hand generally arise from the contralateral motor cortex, where most of the relevant corticospinal tract originates. However, the ipsilateral motor cortex shows activity related to arm movement despite the lack of direct connections. The extent to which the activity related to ipsilateral movement is independent from that related to contralateral movement is unclear based on conflicting conclusions in prior work. Read More

Int J Reprod Biomed (Yazd) 2020 Apr 30;18(4):275-286. Epub 2020 Apr 30.

Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.

Background: Formaldehyde (FA) is one of the most widely used materials in industries and in sciences. Prolonged contact with FA might have harmful effects on fertility due to the increase in the reactive oxygen species level. On the other hand, date palm () fruit extract (DPFE) contains a high concentration of natural antioxidants that could scavenge free radicals. Read More

Sci Adv 2020 Apr 15;6(16):eaaz1158. Epub 2020 Apr 15.

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Media Arts and Technology Program, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.

A key problem in the study of the senses is to describe how sense organs extract perceptual information from the physics of the environment. We previously observed that dynamic touch elicits mechanical waves that propagate throughout the hand. Here, we show that these waves produce an efficient encoding of tactile information. Read More

Minim Invasive Ther Allied Technol 2020 Jun 3:1-11. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kiel School of Gynecological Endoscopy, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany.

Hysterectomy remains one of the most commonly performed gynecological procedures. The distinction between total and subtotal (supracervical) hysterectomy has many facets. Based on anatomical structures, a distinction is made between total and subtotal hysterectomy. Read More

Cureus 2020 Apr 26;12(4):e7841. Epub 2020 Apr 26.

Orthopaedics, Police General Hospital, Bangkok, THA.

Severely comminuted intraarticular distal radius malunion can significantly affect a patient's quality of life. To date, there is no ideal solution. We propose customized distal radius prosthesis replacement as a treatment option. Read More

J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 2020 ;39(1):89-99

Department of Vitreoretinopathy, Shanxi Eye Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.

Oxidative stress and inflammation are regarded as prime reasons for the progression and development of diabetic retinopathy. Currently, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways are under increasing focus in research on oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases. On the other hand, tilianin (TN) has received much attention because of its various pharmacological properties. Read More

Eur J Pain 2020 Jun 1. Epub 2020 Jun 1.

Applied Neurophysiology and Pain Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by altered pain processing at central and peripheral level, whose pathophysiologic mechanisms remain obscure. We aimed at exploring the structural changes of peripheral nociceptor measured by skin biopsy, the functional changes of central nociceptive pathway assessed by laser evoked potentials (LEP), and their correlation with clinical features and comorbidities.

Methods: Eight-one patients diagnosed with FM underwent skin biopsies with quantification of intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) at the thigh and distal leg, and LEP recording by stimulating hand, thigh and foot. Read More

Disabil Rehabil 2020 Jun 1:1-8. Epub 2020 Jun 1.

Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.

To propose the novel Hua-Shan rehabilitation program for patients undergoing the contralateral seventh cervical nerve transfer, and explore the influence of different rehabilitation on the postoperative recovery. The Hua-Shan program was established in consideration of the three elements: the nerve regeneration, brain plasticity and group therapy. Its effect was evaluated by comparing the postoperative recovery of the hemorrhagic stroke survivors among the following three groups: Group A-standard Hua-Shan program after surgery; Group B-standard traditional program after surgery; Group C-no standard rehabilitation after surgery. Read More

Proc SPIE Int Soc Opt Eng 2020 Feb 16;11315. Epub 2020 Mar 16.

Department of Computer Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA 21218.

Pelvic trauma surgical procedures rely heavily on guidance with 2D fluoroscopy views for navigation in complex bone corridors. This "fluoro-hunting" paradigm results in extended radiation exposure and possible suboptimal guidewire placement from limited visualization of the fractures site with overlapped anatomy in 2D fluoroscopy. A novel computer vision-based navigation system for freehand guidewire insertion is proposed. Read More

Plants (Basel) 2020 May 27;9(6). Epub 2020 May 27.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel.

Self-supporting plants and climbers exhibit differences in their structural and biomechanical properties. We hypothesized that such fundamental differences originate at the level of the material properties. In this study, we compared three non-woody members of the Solanales exhibiting different growth habits: (1) a self-supporting plant (potato, ), (2) a trailing plant (sweet potato, ), and (3) a twining climber (morning glory, ). Read More

Aesthet Surg J 2020 May 29. Epub 2020 May 29.

Physicians, Department for Hand, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ludwig - Maximilian University Munich, Germany.

Background: Glabellar soft tissue filler injections have been shown to be associated with a high risk for causing injection related visual compromise.

Objectives: To identify the course of the superficial branch of the supratrochlear and of the deep branch of the supraorbital artery in relation to the ipsilateral vertical glabellar line and to test whether the artery is located in its depth.

Methods: 41 healthy volunteers with a mean age of 26. Read More

Aesthet Surg J 2020 May 29. Epub 2020 May 29.

Physicians, Department for Hand, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Ludwig - Maximilian University Munich, Germany.

Background: Lips are considered a key element of facial attractiveness due to their central position in the face and their elemental role in verbal and non-verbal communication.

Objective: To provide clinically relevant information on the 3-D pathway of the superior and inferior labial arteries within the lips to increase safety during labial soft tissue filler injections.

Methods: The study enrolled 41 healthy volunteers with a mean age of 26. Read More

Mol Med Rep 2020 May 22. Epub 2020 May 22.

Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan, Chungcheongnam 31116, Republic of Korea.

Monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) is a high‑capacity lactate transporter in cells and the alteration in MCT4 expression harms cellular survival. The present study investigated whether hypothermia affects tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α) and MCT4 immunoreactivity in the subfield cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) in gerbils. Hypothermia was induced for 30 min before and during ischemia. Read More

J Clin Med 2020 May 26;9(6). Epub 2020 May 26.

Department of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for humans and is involved in a plethora of health-related functions. Several studies have shown a connection between vitamin C intake and an improved resistance to infections that involves the immune system. However, the body cannot store vitamin C and both the elevated oral intake, and the intravenous application have certain disadvantages. Read More

Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir 2020 May 28. Epub 2020 May 28.

AGAPLESION MARKUS KRANKENHAUS, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Klinik für Plastische, Ästhetische, Wiederherstellungs- und Handchirurgie.

Background:  Anomalies of the radial arterial system can be of importance during harvesting of a radial forearm flap. In particular when using the forearm flap for phalloplasty due to the required dimensions of the flap, sufficient arterial supply is of fundamental importance. In case of a persistent median artery perfusion conditions in the supply area of ​​the A. Read More

Heliyon 2020 May 21;6(5):e03989. Epub 2020 May 21.

Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability Research Unit, College of Science Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa (UNISA), Florida Park, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Background: Biochemical, hematological and histological changes are major observable clinical and pathological factors associated with . Derangement in the levels of these parameters increases the risk of the development of complications. In another hand, gastrointestinal intolerance due to the development of lactic acidosis on the gastrointestinal tract and the intestinal microbiome is the toxic side effect of various synthetic antidiabetic agents. Read More

Biores Open Access 2020 21;9(1):151-161. Epub 2020 May 21.

Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.

Inertial measurement unit (IMU) has recently been used to evaluate a movement of a body segment to provide accurate information of movement's characteristics. IMU systems have been validated to successfully measure joint angle during upper limb range of motion (ROM). The study aimed to retrospectively evaluate, using an IMU, the ROM recovery of the wrist after surgical treatment for distal-radius fractures with Kirschner wire fixation (KWF) or with volar plate fixation (VPF) and screws. Read More

Folia Morphol (Warsz) 2020 May 27. Epub 2020 May 27.

Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.

Genistein, a naturally occurring soy isoflavone, attracts interest as an effective and safe alternative to hormone replacement therapy for menopausal proplems. The aim of the current study was to compare between the effect of genistein and estradiol on the adrenal cortex of the ovariectomized adult female albino rats. Twenty rats were used in the current study and divided into 4 groups, five rats in each group; group 1 (control nonovariectomized), group 2 (ovariectomized), group 3 (ovariectomized + genistein) and group 4 (ovariectomized+ estradiol). Read More

Front Psychiatry 2020 7;11:411. Epub 2020 May 7.

Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia.

Background: Opiate addiction is a major health problem in many countries. A crucial component of the medical treatment is the management of highly aversive opiate withdrawal signs, which may otherwise lead to resumption of drug taking. In a medication-assisted treatment (MAT), methadone and buprenorphine have been implemented as substitution drugs. Read More

Hand (N Y) 2020 May 26:1558944720926647. Epub 2020 May 26.

University of Louisville, KY, USA.

Proximal phalanx fractures are common injuries of the hand with multiple treatment options. Intramedullary (IM) screw fixation has become more widely used, and early outcomes are promising. However, biomechanical data regarding this type of fixation are sparse. Read More

Hand (N Y) 2020 May 26:1558944720921477. Epub 2020 May 26.

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA, USA.

The recurrence rate after open excision of ganglion cysts is approximately 20%. However, this literature is based on a small series of subjects. This study aims to determine the rate and risk of recurrence after open excision of ganglion cysts in a large patient series. Read More

Hand (N Y) 2020 May 26:1558944720921468. Epub 2020 May 26.

Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK.

Arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is a widely performed procedure for patients with osteoarthritis. Its use in the index finger is often discouraged due to concerns over implant longevity and stability secondary to coronal forces this digit is exposed to during pinch. We analyzed 47 consecutive index finger silastic interposition arthroplasties, performed through a dorsal approach, at a mean follow-up of 5. Read More

Hand (N Y) 2020 May 23:1558944720918360. Epub 2020 May 23.

Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA.

To determine the prevalence of prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) after elective clean hand surgery in order to determine whether prophylactic antibiotics are warranted in patients who have previously undergone total joint arthroplasty (TJA). All patients undergoing elective clean hand surgery between 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively cross-referenced with patients who had previously undergone a TJA at the same urban academic medical center. Inclusion criteria were any patients who underwent clean hand surgery during the study period who were an adult between the ages of 30 and 90, had a previous TJA, and did not have a previous history of a PJI. Read More

Arch Oral Biol 2020 May 11;116:104749. Epub 2020 May 11.

Dental Specialty Center, Brazilian Military Police, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the influence of population demographic characteristics on the prevalence of a second canal in mandibular anterior teeth.

Design: Four electronic databases and five peer-reviewed journals were searched from May 2018 to September 2019 for prevalence studies using cone-beam computed tomographic imaging on second canal morphology in mandibular anterior teeth. The identified studies were subjected to a hand search of bibliographic references followed by contact with the authors. Read More

Aesthetic Plast Surg 2020 May 22. Epub 2020 May 22.

Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Peninsula Health, 2 Hastings Road, Frankston, VIC, 3199, Australia.

Introduction: Fat necrosis is a common complication for the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. A thorough understanding of the factors associated with fat necrosis will aid operative planning for reconstructive surgeons.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed between January 1989 and April 2019. Read More

Technol Health Care 2020 May 15. Epub 2020 May 15.

Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

Background: Virtual reality is becoming popular in the rehabilitation field thanks to the several advantages it can offer to patients and physicians. Indeed, serious games can: motivate and engage the patient; offer different levels of challenge and difficulty based on the patient baseline, and integrate objective measures of the patient's performance during each rehabilitation session.

Objective: We designed and implemented a serious game for shoulder rehabilitation based on real-time hand tracking. Read More

Stem Cells Dev 2020 May 22. Epub 2020 May 22.

Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 74567, Department of Hand Surgery, Nantong, China.

Tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) are considered to be promising seed cells for tendon regeneration. Previous studies reported that a low seeding density favors TSPC growth, while a high seeding density favors tenocyte growth. We aimed to distinguish TSPCs from tenocytes by seeding tendon-derived cells at a density gradient. Read More

J Clin Med 2020 May 18;9(5). Epub 2020 May 18.

Pain in Motion International Research Group, www.paininmotion.be, Brussels, Belgium.

Background: Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and chronic whiplash associated disorders (cWAD) present a reduced ability to activate central descending nociceptive inhibition after exercise, compared to measurements before exercise. It was hypothesised that a dysfunctional motor-induced inhibition of nociception partly explains this dysfunctional exercise-induced hypoalgesia. This study investigates if engagement of the motor system during movement preparation inhibits nociception-evoked brain responses in these patients as compared to healthy controls (HC). Read More

J Peripher Nerv Syst 2020 May 22. Epub 2020 May 22.

Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, Medical College of WI, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Background And Aims: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is an irreversible neurodegenerative, vasospastic and musculoskeletal occupational disease of workers using powered hand tools. The etiology is poorly understood. Neurological symptoms include numbness, tingling and pain. Read More

J Neural Eng 2020 May 22. Epub 2020 May 22.

Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, 1027 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637, USA, Chicago, Illinois, UNITED STATES.

The hand - a complex effector comprising dozens of degrees of freedom of movement - endows us with the ability to flexibly, precisely, and effortlessly interact with objects. The neural signals associated with dexterous hand movements in primary motor cortex (M1) and somatosensory cortex (SC) have received comparatively less attention than have those associated with proximal upper limb control. To fill this gap, we trained two monkeys to grasp objects varying in size and shape while tracking their hand postures and recording single-unit activity from M1 and SC. Read More

Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2020 Apr 21;24(2):83-100. Epub 2020 May 21.

Oxford Musculoskeletal Radiology, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom.

Clinical diagnosis of ligament and retinacular injuries of the hand may be challenging. Ultrasound (US) enables detailed high-resolution, dynamic, and real-time evaluation of these structures. This article is a comprehensive review of the intricate anatomy, optimal imaging technique, and normal US appearances of these ligaments and retinacula. Read More

Indian J Med Microbiol 2019 Oct-Dec;37(4):459-477

Department of Virology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

An ongoing apocalyptic outbreak of a new virus causing pneumonia-like clusters in Wuhan city, China, has gleamed the world. The outbreak, confirmed on the New Year's Eve 2020, has known no boundaries since then. The number has surpassed that of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), and is uninterruptedly escalating. Read More

J Rehabil Assist Technol Eng 2020 Jan-Dec;7:2055668320918130. Epub 2020 May 13.

School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.

Despite limited scientific evidence, there is an increasing interest in soft robotic gloves to optimize hand- and finger-related functional abilities following a neurological event. This review maps evidence on the effects and effectiveness of soft robotic gloves for hand rehabilitation and, whenever possible, patients' satisfaction. A systematized search of the literature was conducted using keywords structured around three areas: technology attributes, anatomy, and rehabilitation. Read More

Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2020 May 20. Epub 2020 May 20.

Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, United States.

S100A4 is a low molecular weight (12 kDa) EF-hand Ca-bindingS100 protein that is expressed in a broad range of normal tissue and cell types. S100A4 can be secreted from some cells to act in an autocrine or paracrine fashion on target cells and tissues. S100A4 has been reported in the extracellular fluids of subjects with several inflammatory diseases including asthma. Read More

Hand (N Y) 2020 May 20:1558944720919897. Epub 2020 May 20.

Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

The purpose of this study was to investigate variations in radiographic metacarpal anatomy as it relates to intramedullary (IM) fixation of metacarpal fractures and to compare this anatomy with available headless screw dimensions. We radiographically analyzed posteroanterior and lateral (LAT) radiographs of 120 metacarpals across 30 patients without structural abnormalities. Primary outcomes included IM isthmus diameter, isthmus location, metacarpal cascade, and head entry point collinear with IM canal. Read More

Nat Commun 2020 May 19;11(1):2480. Epub 2020 May 19.

Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, Orono, ME, 04469-5790, USA.

Several hypotheses posit a link between the origin of Homo and climatic and environmental shifts between 3 and 2.5 Ma. Here we report on new results that shed light on the interplay between tectonics, basin migration and faunal change on the one hand and the fate of Australopithecus afarensis and the evolution of Homo on the other. Read More

J Hand Ther 2020 May 15. Epub 2020 May 15.

Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Department of Occupational Therapy, Tel Aviv, Israel.

Study Design: Intra-subject cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Upper limb injuries often require wearing an orthosis. Today, orthoses are custom-made by the clinician or purchased as an off-shelf product. Read More

Microbiome 2020 May 18;8(1):67. Epub 2020 May 18.

APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.

Background: Mounting evidence suggests a role for the gut microbiota in modulating brain physiology and behaviour, through bi-directional communication, along the gut-brain axis. As such, the gut microbiota represents a potential therapeutic target for influencing centrally mediated events and host behaviour. It is thus notable that the fermented milk beverage kefir has recently been shown to modulate the composition of the gut microbiota in mice. Read More

Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2020 May 11;77:105046. Epub 2020 May 11.

Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Carrer de Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address:

Background: Most laboratory studies investigating scapholunate dissociations are based on normal cadaver arms with serially sectioned ligaments. It is assumed that the kinetic behavior of a ligament-sectioned wrist is similar to a scapholunate dissociation. We tested five cadaver wrists with real injuries. Read More

Arthritis Rheumatol 2020 May 18. Epub 2020 May 18.

Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.

Objective: Assess differences in lymphatic function of RA hands with active synovitis versus healthy controls (Ctl) via near infrared-indocyanine green (NIR-ICG) imaging.

Methods: NIR imaging of 13 Ctl and 8 RA subjects with active disease was performed following web space injection of 0.1ml of 100μM ICG. Read More