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Tritsch T, Lin S, Pough A, Schwartz G, Shoja MM. Typical brachial plexus: the legacy of a forgotten anatomist, Abram T. Kerr (1873-1938). Childs Nerv Syst 2024; 40:1319-1324. [PMID: 38070012 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-06223-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The brachial plexus, a complex network of nerves responsible for innervating the upper limb, exhibits remarkable anatomical variations. This editorial explores the composite drawing of a "typical" brachial plexus portrayed by Abram T. Kerr in 1918. This composite drawing of the typical brachial plexus stands as a critical contribution to the field of anatomy and surgery, and encapsulates the most prevalent patterns of formation, branching, and origins within the brachial plexus, offering a statistical map of its common variants. Kerr portrays the typical brachial plexus as a foundational resource for anatomists and medical professionals seeking to navigate the intricate landscape of this neural structure. It serves as a hypothetical model, reflecting the common arrangement of trunks, cords, and branches, shedding light on the typical composition of the plexus observed in most individuals. Beyond being a visual representation, the 'typical' brachial plexus provides a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, aiding in the identification of variations and deviations in surgical contexts. This composite drawing enhances our comprehension of the intricate and ever-evolving anatomy of the brachial plexus, reinforcing its role as a fundamental reference point for anatomical studies and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Tritsch
- Department of Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel, College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), #3321B, HPD Library/Lab Building, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2018, USA
| | - Shu Lin
- Department of Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel, College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), #3321B, HPD Library/Lab Building, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2018, USA
| | - Autumn Pough
- Department of Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel, College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), #3321B, HPD Library/Lab Building, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2018, USA
| | - Gary Schwartz
- Department of Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel, College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), #3321B, HPD Library/Lab Building, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2018, USA
| | - Mohammadali M Shoja
- Department of Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel, College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), #3321B, HPD Library/Lab Building, 3200 South University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2018, USA.
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Shoja MM, Tritsch T, Tubbs RS. Lorenz Fries on the defense of Avicenna, the prince of physicians: Addressed to the medics of Germany (1530). Clin Anat 2024. [PMID: 38630874 DOI: 10.1002/ca.24169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
During the 14th century CE, a pivotal shift took place in the world of medicine as its epicenter transitioned from the Middle East to Europe. The emergence of the European Renaissance sparked skepticism regarding the significance of Avicenna's contributions to the advancement of medicine. This paper explores how the rise of secularization and the Renaissance in Europe marked significant cultural transformations, fostering the spread of literacy. These societal shifts influenced the trajectory of medical thought, and Avicenna's "Canon of Medicine" received both praise and condemnation amidst the evolving intellectual landscape. In this context, Lorenz Fries composed his "Defense of Avicenna," a testament to his profound admiration for Avicenna's legacy. This paper presents an English translation of Fries' 1530 work, and introduces Fries and Avicenna's "Canon," contextualizing Fries' defense within the broader rejection of Arab-language medical texts in the 16th century. It also explores Avicenna's influence on European medicine and anatomy during the Renaissance and highlights the enduring relevance of his contributions to the annals of science. Fries' defense underscores Avicenna's methodological acumen and emphasizes the importance of a robust theoretical foundation in medical practice. Avicenna's integration of Aristotelianism with Platonism highlighted the necessity of a rigorous method informed by theory in medical analysis. Fries' defense remains relevant today, particularly in advocating for systematic medical analysis against subjective approaches. Avicenna's medical philosophy seems nested within a larger, hopeful attempt to resolve the tensions between science or naturalism and religion or spiritualism. The rejection of Avicenna reflects broader conflicts between Aristotelian and Neoplatonic traditions, suggesting a complex interplay of secularization and theological influences in shaping medical thought during the Renaissance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadali M Shoja
- Department of Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tara Tritsch
- Department of Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - R Shane Tubbs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery and Ochsner Neuroscience Institute, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Tritsch T, Shoja MM, Tubbs RI, Tubbs RS. Middle meningeal artery arising from the petrous internal carotid artery: Outcome of unusual stapedial artery regression. Surg Neurol Int 2024; 15:59. [PMID: 38468670 PMCID: PMC10927193 DOI: 10.25259/sni_962_2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The internal and external carotid arterial systems are generally separate regarding branching patterns. However, these two systems do form collateral circulations with their terminal parts. On rare occasions, branches that belong to one arterial system may arise from the other. Case Description We present a rare variant of a middle meningeal artery, generally derived from the external carotid artery, arising from the internal carotid artery and entering the floor of the middle cranial fossa by traveling through a small unnamed foramen. This anatomy and embryology and other variants of the middle meningeal and petrous carotid systems are discussed. Conclusion Embryologically, this variant anatomy signifies an atypical regression of the distal stapedial artery and its connection to the external carotid artery. Surgeons who operate on the skull base, vascular interventionalists, and radiologists should be aware of this potential anatomical variation of the skull base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Tritsch
- Department of Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, United States
| | - Mohammadali M. Shoja
- Department of Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, United States
| | - R. Isaiah Tubbs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, United States
| | - R. Shane Tubbs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, United States
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Lin S, Pandit S, Tritsch T, Levy A, Shoja MM. What Goes In, Must Come Out: Generative Artificial Intelligence Does Not Present Algorithmic Bias Across Race and Gender in Medical Residency Specialties. Cureus 2024; 16:e54448. [PMID: 38510858 PMCID: PMC10951939 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant inroads into various domains, including medicine, raising concerns about algorithmic bias. This study investigates the presence of biases in generative AI programs, with a specific focus on gender and racial representations across 19 medical residency specialties. Methodology This comparative study utilized DALL-E2 to generate faces representing 19 distinct residency training specialties, as identified by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which were then compared to the AAMC's residency specialty breakdown with respect to race and gender. Results Our findings reveal an alignment between OpenAI's DALL-E2's predictions and the current demographic landscape of medical residents, suggesting an absence of algorithmic bias in this AI model. Conclusion This revelation gives rise to important ethical considerations. While AI excels at pattern recognition, it inherits and mirrors the biases present in its training data. To combat AI bias, addressing real-world disparities is imperative. Initiatives to promote inclusivity and diversity within medicine are commendable and contribute to reshaping medical education. This study underscores the need for ongoing efforts to dismantle barriers and foster inclusivity in historically male-dominated medical fields, particularly for underrepresented populations. Ultimately, our findings underscore the crucial role of real-world data quality in mitigating AI bias. As AI continues to shape healthcare and education, the pursuit of equitable, unbiased AI applications should remain at the forefront of these transformative endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Lin
- Department of Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Saket Pandit
- Department of Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Tara Tritsch
- Department of Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Arkene Levy
- Department of Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Mohammadali M Shoja
- Department of Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
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Lin S, Alepuz A, Tritsch T, Schwartz G. Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis in Orthopedic Surgery. Cureus 2024; 16:e53726. [PMID: 38455781 PMCID: PMC10919879 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a complex and multifactorial process arising from a variety of factors, including recent surgical procedures, traumatic events, and periods of prolonged immobility. The extended period of stasis post-orthopedic surgery places patients at a notably high risk of developing DVT, and DVT-related pulmonary embolism (PE) ranks as the third most common cause of death in orthopedic surgery patients. This review examines the multifaceted risk factors contributing to the development of DVT in orthopedic patients. Additionally, it addresses the importance of DVT prophylaxis in orthopedic settings, the efficacy and safety of various prophylactic methods encompassing both mechanical and pharmacological approaches, and the economic dimensions of DVT prophylaxis, including scrutiny of cost-effectiveness and the exploration of strategies for optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Lin
- Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Adrian Alepuz
- Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Tara Tritsch
- Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Gary Schwartz
- Orthopedic Surgery, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
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Huitsing K, Tritsch T, Arias FJC, Collado F, Aenlle KK, Nathason L, Fletcher MA, Klimas NG, Craddock TJA. The potential role of ocular and otolaryngological mucus proteins in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Mol Med 2024; 30:1. [PMID: 38172662 PMCID: PMC10763106 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00766-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating illness associated with a constellation of other symptoms. While the most common symptom is unrelenting fatigue, many individuals also report suffering from rhinitis, dry eyes and a sore throat. Mucin proteins are responsible for contributing to the formation of mucosal membranes throughout the body. These mucosal pathways contribute to the body's defense mechanisms involving pathogenic onset. When compromised by pathogens the epithelium releases numerous cytokines and enters a prolonged state of inflammation to eradicate any particular infection. Based on genetic analysis, and computational theory and modeling we hypothesize that mucin protein dysfunction may contribute to ME/CFS symptoms due to the inability to form adequate mucosal layers throughout the body, especially in the ocular and otolaryngological pathways leading to low grade chronic inflammation and the exacerbation of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylin Huitsing
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA
| | - Tara Tritsch
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA
| | - Francisco Javier Carrera Arias
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA
| | - Fanny Collado
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1201 NW 16th St, Miami, FL, 33125-1624, USA
| | - Kristina K Aenlle
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1201 NW 16th St, Miami, FL, 33125-1624, USA
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA
| | - Lubov Nathason
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA
| | - Mary Ann Fletcher
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1201 NW 16th St, Miami, FL, 33125-1624, USA
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA
| | - Nancy G Klimas
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1201 NW 16th St, Miami, FL, 33125-1624, USA
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA
| | - Travis J A Craddock
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA.
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA.
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1201 NW 16th St, Miami, FL, 33125-1624, USA.
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA.
- Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computing, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA.
- Center for Collaborative Research, Room 440, Nova Southeastern University, 3300 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004, USA.
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Tritsch T, Shoja MM, Schleffer A, Tubbs RS. Examining Atherosclerosis Patterns in the Circle of Willis: A Case Study of Duplicated Anterior Communicating Artery. Cureus 2024; 16:e53321. [PMID: 38435901 PMCID: PMC10906934 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The anterior communicating artery (ACoA) plays a pivotal role in maintaining cerebral hemodynamics, as its diameter is a major determinant of blood collateralization through the circle of Willis following internal carotid artery occlusion. While variations of this artery are not uncommon, data on their clinicopathologic relevance are limited. In this report, we present our observation from a fresh cadaver of a male individual who had succumbed to cardiac causes. The circle of Willis displayed a duplicated ACoA with atherosclerosis that predominantly affected the posterior horn while sparing the anterior horn. The anterior horn was characterized by its shorter length and larger diameter compared to the posterior horn. The paper focuses on elucidating the microsurgical anatomy of this particular ACoA variant and exploring potential mechanisms that may underlie the pattern of atherosclerotic distribution within the circle of Willis. Based on this report, while further evidence is needed for confirmation, it is plausible that the existence of a duplicated ACoA may offer a protective mechanism, ensuring uninterrupted collateral circulation in the event of a blockage in one of the horns. Further analysis of the ACoA and its pattern of involvement in intracranial atherosclerosis is warranted, as the atherosclerotic patterns in this region hold clinical and pathological significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Tritsch
- Department of Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Mohammadali M Shoja
- Department of Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Andrew Schleffer
- Department of Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - R Shane Tubbs
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, St. George's, GRD
- Department of Neurosurgery and Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
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Sauder M, Tritsch T, Rajput V, Schwartz G, Shoja MM. Exploring Generative Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Medical Education: Assessing Case-Based Learning for Medical Students. Cureus 2024; 16:e51961. [PMID: 38333501 PMCID: PMC10852982 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The recent public release of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has brought fresh excitement by making access to GenAI for medical education easier than ever before. It is now incumbent upon both students and faculty to determine the optimal role of GenAI within the medical school curriculum. Given the promise and limitations of GenAI, this study aims to assess the current capabilities of a GenAI (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, ChatGPT), specifically within the framework of a pre-clerkship case-based active learning curriculum. The role of GenAI is explored by evaluating its performance in generating educational materials, creating medical assessment questions, answering medical queries, and engaging in clinical reasoning by prompting it to respond to a problem-based learning scenario. Our results demonstrated that GenAI addressed epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment questions well. However, there were still instances where it failed to provide comprehensive answers. Responses from GenAI might offer essential information, hint at the need for further inquiry, or sometimes omit critical details. GenAI struggled with generating information on complex topics, raising a significant concern when using it as a 'search engine' for medical student queries. This creates uncertainty for students regarding potentially missed critical information. With the increasing integration of GenAI into medical education, it is imperative for faculty to become well-versed in both its advantages and limitations. This awareness will enable them to educate students on using GenAI effectively in medical education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Sauder
- Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Tara Tritsch
- Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Vijay Rajput
- Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Gary Schwartz
- Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Mohammadali M Shoja
- Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
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Tritsch T, Shoja MM, Tubbs RS. Antegrade Auriculotemporal-Inferior Alveolar Nerve Communication in the Infratemporal Fossa. Cureus 2023; 15:e50526. [PMID: 38226093 PMCID: PMC10788315 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Communications between cranial nerves or their branches have been described previously. The exact functional significance of some of these neural communications remains to be fully understood. This paper reports a unique communication between the auriculotemporal and inferior alveolar nerves within the infratemporal fossa. The histological examination indicates an antegrade connection from the inferior alveolar nerve to the auriculotemporal nerve, which could potentially be implicated in referred pain from the anatomical territory of one nerve to the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Tritsch
- Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | | | - R Shane Tubbs
- Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, St. George's, GRD
- Neurosurgery and Structural & Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
- Neurosurgery and Ochsner Neuroscience, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, USA
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Huitsing K, Tritsch T, Arias FJC, Collado F, Aenlle K, Nathason L, Fletcher MA, Klimas NG, Craddock T. The Potential Role of Ocular and Otolaryngological Mucus Proteins in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Res Sq 2023:rs.3.rs-3171709. [PMID: 37546944 PMCID: PMC10402253 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3171709/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating illness associated with a constellation of other symptoms. While the most common symptom is unrelenting fatigue, many individuals also report suffering from rhinitis, dry eyes and a sore throat. Mucin proteins are responsible for contributing to the formation of mucosal membranes throughout the body. These mucosal pathways contribute to the body's defense mechanisms involving pathogenic onset. When compromised by pathogens the epithelium releases numerous cytokines and enters a prolonged state of inflammation to eradicate any particular infection. Based on genetic analysis, and computational theory and modeling we hypothesize that mucin protein dysfunction may contribute to ME/CFS symptoms due to the inability to form adequate mucosal layers throughout the body, especially in the ocular and otolaryngological pathways leading to low grade chronic inflammation and the exacerbation of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylin Huitsing
- Nova Southeastern University - Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus: Nova Southeastern University
| | - Tara Tritsch
- Nova Southeastern University - Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus: Nova Southeastern University
| | | | - Fanny Collado
- Bruce W Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Miami VA Healthcare System
| | - Kristina Aenlle
- Bruce W Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Miami VA Healthcare System
| | - Lubov Nathason
- Nova Southeastern University - Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus: Nova Southeastern University
| | - Mary Ann Fletcher
- Nova Southeastern University - Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus: Nova Southeastern University
| | - Nancy G Klimas
- Nova Southeastern University - Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus: Nova Southeastern University
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