Long-term effects of maternal immune activation on depression-like behavior in the mouse

Depression is a debilitating mental disease affecting a large population worldwide, the pathophysiological mechanisms of which remain incompletely understood. Prenatal infection and associated activation of the maternal immune system (MIA) are prominently related to an increased risk for the development of several psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and autism in the offsprings. However, the role of MIA in the etiology of depression and its neurobiological basis are insufficiently investigated. Here we induced MIA in mice by challenge with polyinosinic:polycytidylic phosphate salt-a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA, which enhances maternal levels of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6)-and demonstrate a depression-like behavioral phenotype in adult offsprings. Adult offsprings additionally show deficits in cognition and hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) accompanied by disturbed proliferation of newborn cells in the dentate gyrus and compromised neuronal maturation and survival. The behavioral, neurogenic and functional deficiencies observed are associated with reduced hippocampal expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)A-VEGFR2. IL-6-STAT3-dependent aberrant VEGFA-VEGFR2 signaling is proposed as neurobiological mechanism mediating the effects of MIA on the developing fetal brain and ensuing consequences in adulthood.

Effusion in magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint: a study of 123 joints

PURPOSE

Effusion is the term used by radiologists for a hyperintensity signal seen inside a joint on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to correlate the clinical and imaging features of this phenomenon, with the ultimate purpose of clarifying its meaning in dysfunctional processes of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinical histories of 111 patients (123 joints) with effusion on MRI were reviewed. Thirty-one patients (46 joints) with articular pathology but without effusion, chosen at randomized, served as a control group. Five clinical variables (articular pain, radiating pain, limited mouth opening, clicking, and clinical stage) and five imaging findings (disc displacement, effusion location, disc morphology, osteophytes, avascular necrosis, and osteochondritis dissecans) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Effusion in TMJ could be seen in relation to disc displacement and degenerative changes (osteophytes, avascular necrosis, osteochondritis dissecans). Clicking was more frequently found in TMJs without effusion.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that effusion may be a marker of articular degeneration in the TMJ.

Use of buccal fat pad to repair intraoral defects: review of 30 cases

The buccal fat pad has been frequently used for the closure of oro-antral and oro-nasal communications. There are a few studies in the literature reporting its use in defects secondary to tumoral resections. In this paper we consider both the anatomical basis and the surgical technique. We also review 30 cases, used for the repair of 15 defects due to tumoral resections, 8 to maxillary cysts, 6 to communications and 1 secondary to a postraumatic defect. It has been successful in 28 of the 29 patients, with a complete epithelization of the flap, even in 4 cases with partial necrosis of the pad. It is an acceptable type of reconstruction, versatile and of a simple surgical technique. However, its use is limited to small or medium defects, being sometimes scarce.

Changes in mandibular rotation after muscular resection. Experimental study in rats

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of bilateral muscular resection on the rotational pattern of the rat mandible. The specific aim of the study was to seek possible changes in "articular growth" in the posterior (ramus and condyle of the mandible), and in the anterior part of the face (upper viscerocranium, and maxillary and mandibular dentoalveolar processes). The masseter, temporal, and suprahyoid muscles were bilaterally resected in three experimental groups of 21-day-old female Wistar rats. Another group of rats served as control. The results were evaluated at 42 (prepubertal) and 60 days after birth (pubertal rats). The craniofacial growth pattern, ramus dimension, condylar growth direction, histologic evaluation of condylar cartilage, and dentoalveolar processes height changes were studied. Two mandibular rotational patterns were found: one inferior after masseter muscles resection (MR), and the other superior after temporal muscles resection (TR). A less intense superior rotational pattern, after suprahyoid muscles resection (SR), was found also. Morphologic changes were more intense in older rats. On the contrary, more intense condylar histologic changes were found in younger rats. Changes in "articular growth" primarily take place at maxillary and mandibular dentoalveolar processes. Condylar growth amount could be modified to a limited extent. More important were the changes in condylar growth direction. An upward rotational pattern of the upper viscerocranium was detected when the inferior mandibular rotation pattern was produced.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for lesions of the salivary glands

We examined 112 fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens of salivary glands (80 parotid and 32 submaxillary) taken between January 1989 and December 1995. Cytologic diagnoses were compared with the final histological diagnoses of the surgical specimens. The sensitivity and specificity were 84.8% and 93.7% respectively, and the accuracy was 91.1%. We conclude that FNAB by itself does not provide total security because of the high percentage of false-negatives. It is nevertheless useful when combined with an adequate clinical history, examination and radiological tests.

Choosing sheep (Ovis aries) as animal model for temporomandibular joint research: Morphological, histological and biomechanical characterization of the joint disc

Preclinical trials are essential to the development of scientific technologies. Remarkable molecular and cellular research has been done using small animal models. However, significant differences exist regarding the articular behavior between these models and humans. Thus, large animal models may be more appropriate to perform trials involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The aim of this work was to make a morphological (anatomic dissection and white light 3D scanning system), histological (TMJ in bloc was removed for histologic analysis) and biomechanical characterization (tension and compression tests) of sheep TMJ comparing the obtained results with human data. Results showed that sheep processus condylaris and fossa mandibularis are anatomically similar to the same human structures. TMJ disc has an elliptical perimeter, thinner in the center than in periphery. Peripheral area acts as a ring structure supporting the central zone. The disc cells display both fibroblast and chondrocyte-like morphology. Marginal area is formed by loose connective tissue, with some chondrocyte-like cells and collagen fibers in diverse orientations. Discs obtained a tensile modulus of 3.97±0.73MPa and 9.39±1.67MPa, for anteroposterior and mediolateral assessment. The TMJ discs presented a compressive modulus (E) of 446.41±5.16MPa and their maximum stress value (σmax) was 18.87±1.33MPa. Obtained results suggest that these animals should be considered as a prime model for TMJ research and procedural training. Further investigations in the field of oromaxillofacial surgery involving TMJ should consider sheep as a good animal model due to its resemblance of the same joint in humans.

Sarcomas of the head and neck

Fourteen cases of sarcomas involving the head and neck over a period of 15 years were reviewed. The male to female ratio was 3.5:1. Mean age of occurrence was 33.4 years, with a range of 5-84 years. Soft tissue was the site of origin in three cases, maxilla in four and mandible in seven patients. Radical surgery with resection of adequate disease-free margins was the most effective mode of treatment. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy was used in selected cases. Recurrence occurred in 42.9% of patients, and was the main cause of death. Three patients (21.4%) developed distant metastases. The actuarial 2-year and 5-year survivals of the 14 patients assessed were 64% and 56% respectively.

Flotillin-1 interacts with the serotonin transporter and modulates chronic corticosterone response

Aberrant serotonergic neurotransmission in the brain is considered at the core of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in neuropsychiatric disorders. Gene by environment interactions contribute to the development of depression and involve modulation of the availability and functional activity of the serotonin transporter (SERT). Using behavioral and in vivo electrophysiological approaches together with biochemical, molecular-biological and molecular imaging tools we establish Flotillin-1 (Flot1) as a novel protein interacting with SERT and demonstrate its involvement in the response to chronic corticosterone (CORT) treatment. We show that genetic Flot1 depletion augments chronic CORT-induced behavioral despair and describe concomitant alterations in the expression of SERT, activity of serotonergic neurons and alterations of the glucocorticoid receptor transport machinery. Hence, we propose a role for Flot1 as modulatory factor for the depressogenic consequences of chronic CORT exposure and suggest Flotillin-1-dependent regulation of SERT expression and activity of serotonergic neurotransmission at the core of the molecular mechanisms involved.

Changes in the temporomandibular joint caused by the vertical facial pattern. Study on an experimental model

An experimental model reproducing open bite or verticalized facial pattern was used to study its effect on the temporomandibular joints. 140 Wistar rats were used, divided into 3 groups: bilateral resection of the masseteric muscle, simulated muscular resection and control group. A series of radiological, morphological and histological tests were analyzed. The posterior rotation of the jaw caused by muscular resection although not producing a degenerative effect, did produce specific articular changes in the temporomandibular joint components.

Tongue flaps for reconstruction of the oral cavity

Pedicled tongue flaps (anterior, posterior, double) have proved to be an effective method of repairing defects due to tissue loss in the oral cavity. Their central position, mobility, and excellent blood supply make the use of these flaps feasible in a variety of sites.

Vascularization of the peroneal muscles. Critical evaluation in fibular free flap harvesting

This anatomical study was carried out in order to discover the etiology of partial necrosis of the peroneus longus and brevis muscles after fibular osteocutaneous flap harvest. The vascular supply to the lateral compartment peroneal muscles was investigated in 10 fresh cadaveric lower limbs. The peroneal muscles are supplied by two principal sources arteries, the anterior tibial artery (ATA) and the peroneal artery (PA). The ATA is the dominant artery and supplies the proximal and middle thirds of these muscles. The PA is considered to be a supplementary vascular source and supplies the distal thirds of these muscles. After harvesting the PA in a fibular flap, regions of the peroneal muscles preoperatively vascularized by its branches become supplied through the anastomotic "choke" vessels between the ATA and the PA. Primary closure of the cutaneous defect increases the possibility of developing a pseudo-compartment syndrome with necrosis of the more precariously vascularized portions of the peroneal muscles. This complication is difficult to diagnosis early and the reason why we advocate that direct skin closure following composite harvest must be avoided. Moreover, conservation of the inferior and superior lateral branches of the ATA is imperative in order to preserve the peroneal muscles vascularization.

Changes in temporomandibular joint after mandibular subcondylar osteotomy: an experimental study in rats

The objective of this study was to analyze the changes in the different components of the temporomandibular joint and their relation with age after subcondylar osteotomy. For this purpose 149 Wistar rats were divided into three groups: osteotomy, sham operation, and control. Two experimental ages (30 and 70 days) and radiologic, morphometric, macroscopic, and histologic methods of analysis were used. Different changes were observed in young and adult animals. Subcondylar mandibular osteotomy in growing rats caused anteroinferior displacement of the temporal and mandibular component of the joint. At the end of the experimental period only condylar displacement was maintained. Other changes were flattening of the mandibular condyle, which was transient, and lateral thickening of the articular disc. Subcondylar mandibular osteotomy in adult rats caused slight anterior displacement of the joint components at the end of the experimental period. At this age, although changes similar to those in growing animals were observed in some cases, in other cases the presence of pathologic findings, such as deformation of the condylar cartilage, thickening of the disc, intra-articular adherences, and osteolysis of the temporal fossa, were observed. Changes in the joint components were more marked in growing rats than in adults. In growing rats they affected the form of the condylar process to a greater extent, but the majority of these changes were transient. In adult rats, alterations in the joints were less pronounced, but they affected a greater number of joint components and were permanent.

Mandibular lesion as the first evidence of multiple myeloma. Case report

Plasma cell dyscrasias affect the jaws relatively infrequently, and on rare occasions this is the first sign of the disease. This article describes the case of a patient aged 53 who presented with a lytic lesion in the right mandible which was initially diagnosed as an ameloblastoma. The diagnosis was made histopathologically and further investigation showed that the patient had multiple myelomatosis.

C-modified osteotomy for bilateral advancement of the orbital rim in Graves orbitopathy: a technical note

The authors present a modification of the classical three-wall orbital decompression for the treatment of Graves' orbitopathy. It consists of two 'C' osteotomies for the bilateral projection of the superolateral, lateral and inferolateral orbital rims, associated with the removal of the lateral orbital walls. This technique is performed following a coronal approach. Ultrasound cutting instruments were used for the osteotomies. They avoided lesion of surrounding soft tissues, such as the duramater and the periorbital tissues. Stabilization of the advanced structure was achieved by interposition of autologous bone graft obtained from the outer cortex of the calvaria. An extreme advancement of the orbital rim with resolution of diplopia, ocular pain and eyelid incompetence was obtained. Using this procedure, a good functional and aesthetic outcome was achieved.

The importance of a One Health approach for prioritising zoonotic diseases to focus on capacity-building efforts in Uganda

Zoonotic diseases constitute a significant threat to the health of humans, livestock and wildlife, as well as to livestock production, and can also have a negative impact on our shared environment and on livelihoods. Uganda is a hotspot for emerging and re-emerging zoonotic disease threats, with the main drivers of this phenomenon being identified as agricultural intensification, proximity to wildlife reservoirs and climate change. The threat of zoonotic disease outbreaks affects not only human healthcare systems but also livestock production, food security, human capital development, wildlife health, environmental health and privatesector growth. Firstly, to prevent, control and mitigate the threat from zoonotic diseases, in March 2017, Uganda prioritised zoonotic diseases using a One Health approach that focuses the limited resources available on those diseases that have the greatest impact at the national level. The prioritised zoonotic diseases in question are anthrax, zoonotic influenza viruses, viral haemorrhagic fevers, brucellosis, trypanosomiosis (African sleeping sickness), plague and rabies. Secondly, in January 2018, Uganda published a National One Health Strategic Plan, which was developed after these zoonotic diseases had been prioritised. In addition, the Ugandan Government and its partners are currently collaboratively addressing several of these previously neglected, endemic zoonotic diseases, such as anthrax, brucellosis and rabies. As a result of these One Health efforts, capacity has increased for early detection of, reporting on and response to zoonotic diseases at all levels. To consolidate the achievements of the One Health approach, the Ugandan Government and its partners should continue to support capacity building for the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases.

Rare primary leiomyosarcoma of the internal jugular vein with cervical extravascular extension

Leiomysarcoma of intravascular origin is a rare malignant tumour of the soft tissue. We present what is, to our knowledge, the first example of one that has arisen from the wall of the internal jugular vein.