Resumen El Síndrome del Túnel Carpiano es una mononeuropatía asociada al atrapamiento del nervio mediano a nivel de la articulación carpiana, en el túnel que le da su nombre, y se trata de un padecimiento frecuente y subdiagnosticada. Actualmente se emplean un grupo de técnicas para su diagnóstico, que incluyen pruebas electrofisiológicas de velocidad de conducción nerviosa, sensitiva y motora. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar el método o combinación de métodos electrofisiológicos con mayor precisión en el diagnóstico del Síndrome del Túnel Carpiano. Se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de validez de pruebas diagnósticas, basado en la comparación de velocidades de conducción sensitiva y motora distal, en el segmento palma muñeca y la electromiografía de los pacientes. Se observó que la mejor fue la combinación de la latencia con la velocidad de conducción sensitiva y la velocidad de conducción motora en el segmento palma-muñeca con una sensibilidad del 98.62%, especificidad del 90%, el valor predictivo positivo fue de 99.08%, la razón de verosimilitud positiva fue de 9.8624 y la razón de verosimilitud negativa 0.0153. Por esta razón se considera que la secuencia ideal para el diagnóstico del padecimiento es el estudio de las latencias sensoriales y motoras en primer lugar, y si el resultado es negativo, entonces determinar la velocidad de conducción motora palma-muñeca.

Abstract Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a mononeuropathy associated with the entrapment of the median nerve at the level of the carpal joint, in the tunnel that gives it its name, and it is a common and underdiagnosed condition. Currently, a group of techniques are used for its diagnosis, which include electrophysiological tests of nerve conduction velocity, sensory and motor. The objective of this study was to identify the method or combination of electrophysiological methods with the best accuracy in the diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. An analytical observational study of the validity of diagnostic tests was carried out, based on the comparison of distal sensory and motor conduction velocities, in the palm-wrist segment and the electromyography of the patients. It was observed that the best was the combination of latency with sensory conduction velocity and motor conduction velocity in the palm-wrist segment with a sensitivity of 98.62%, specificity of 90%, the positive predictive value was 99.08%. the positive likelihood ratio was 9.8624 and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.0153. For this reason, it is considered that the ideal sequence for diagnosing the condition is to first study the sensory and motor latencies, and if the result is negative, then determine the palm-wrist motor conduction speed.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy on pain, functionality, and electrophysiological measurements in carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: Between June 2021 and January 2022, a total of 66 wrists in 45 participants with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome were included in this double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Patients were randomized into two groups, namely, the radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (group 1, n=33) and the sham radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (group 2, n=33). Night splints and tendon nerve gliding exercises were given to all participants. The participants were evaluated at baseline and the first month after treatment. Participants were evaluated using a visual analog scale, the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, Leeds Neuropathic Symptom and Symptom Assessment, and electrophysiological examinations. RESULTS: A total of 37 participants (a total of 55 wrists, radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy n=27, and sham radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy n=28) completed the study. After the intervention, there was a significant decrease in visual analog scale values (p<0.001) and a significant increase in Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire scores (p<0.001) and Leeds Neuropathic Symptom and Symptom Assessment scores (p<0.001). In electrophysiological measurements, there was a significant decrease in median nerve sensory (p=0.002) and motor (p=0.003) distal latency, and a significant increase in median nerve sensory conduction velocity (p=0.026) was found in the radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy group. CONCLUSION: This study shows that radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy has positive effects on pain, functionality, and electrophysiological measurements for mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome 1 month after application. OBJECTIVE pain functionality METHODS 202 2022 6 4 mildtomoderate mild moderate doubleblind, doubleblind double blind, blind double-blind prospective placebocontrolled placebo controlled groups namely group n=33 n33 n 33 2 n=33. . treatment examinations RESULTS 3 5 n27 27 n=27 n=28 n28 28 intervention p<0.001 p0001 p 0 001 (p<0.001 p<0.001. p=0.002 p0002 002 (p=0.002 p=0.003 p0003 003 (p=0.003 latency p=0.026 p0026 026 (p=0.026 CONCLUSION application 20 n=3 n3 n2 n=2 p<0.00 p000 00 (p<0.00 p=0.00 (p=0.00 p=0.02 p002 02 (p=0.02 n= p<0.0 p00 (p<0.0 p=0.0 (p=0.0 p<0. p0 (p<0. p=0. (p=0. p<0 (p<0 p=0 (p=0 p< (p< p= (p= (p

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Teriflunomide is an oral medication approved for the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis. The primary effect of teriflunomide is to reduce de novo pyrimidine synthesis by inhibiting mitochondrial dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, thereby causing cell-cycle arrest. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy, a rare side effect of teriflunomide, in patients receiving teriflunomide. METHODS: Multiple sclerosis patients receiving teriflunomide (n=42) or other disease modifying therapies (n=18) and healthy controls (n=25) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study between January 2020 and 2021. The mean duration of teriflunomide treatment was 26 months (ranging from 6 to 54 months). All participants underwent neurological examination and nerve conduction studies of tibial, peroneal, sural, superficial peroneal, median, and ulnar nerves by using surface recording bar and bipolar stimulating electrodes. RESULTS: The mean superficial peroneal nerve distal latency and conduction velocity were significantly slower, and the mean superficial peroneal nerve action potential amplitude was lower in patients using teriflunomide (2.50 ms, p<0.001; 47.35 m/s, p=0.030; and 11.05 μV, p<0.001, respectively). The mean peroneal motor nerve distal latency was significantly longer and amplitude was lower in teriflunomide patients (3.68 ms, p<0.001, and 5.25 mV, p=0.009, respectively). During the study period, treatment switching to another disease-modifying therapy was planned in 10 patients, and all neuropathic complaints were reversed after switching. CONCLUSION: Teriflunomide has the potential to cause peripheral neuropathy. The awareness of peripheral neuropathy, questioning the symptoms, and if suspected, evaluation with electromyography and switching the therapy in patients under teriflunomide treatment are crucial. OBJECTIVE dehydrogenase cellcycle cell cycle arrest neuropathy METHODS n=42 n42 n 42 (n=42 n=18 n18 18 (n=18 n=25 n25 25 (n=25 crosssectional cross sectional 202 2021 2 ranging 5 months. . months) tibial sural median electrodes RESULTS slower 2.50 250 50 (2.5 ms p<0.001 p0001 p 0 001 4735 47 35 47.3 m s m/s p=0.030 p0030 030 1105 11 05 11.0 μV respectively. respectively respectively) 3.68 368 3 68 (3.6 525 5.2 mV p0009 009 p=0.009 period diseasemodifying 1 CONCLUSION symptoms suspected crucial n=4 n4 4 (n=4 n=1 n1 (n=1 n=2 n2 (n=2 20 2.5 (2. p<0.00 p000 00 473 47. p=0.03 p003 03 110 11. 3.6 36 (3. 52 5. p=0.00 n= (n= 2. (2 p<0.0 p00 p=0.0 3. (3 (n ( p<0. p0 p=0. p<0 p=0 p< p=

Abstract Background Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is widely used, and its most common side effect is bradycardia. The complete mechanism through which Dex induces bradycardia has not been elucidated. This research investigates the expression of gap junction proteins Connexin30.2 (Cx30.2) and Connexin40 (Cx40) within the sinoatrial node of rats with Dex-induced sinus bradycardia. Methods Eighty rats were randomly assigned to five groups. Saline was administered to rats in Group C. In the other four groups, the rats were administered Dex to induce bradycardia. In groups D1and D2, the rats were administered Dex at a loading dose of 30 μg.kg−1 and 100 μg.kg−1 for 10 min, then at 15 μg.kg−1.h−1 and 50 μg.kg−1.h−1 for 120 min separately. The rats in group D1A and D2A were administered Dex in the same way as in group D1and D2; however, immediately after the administration of the loading dose, 0.5 mg atropine was administered intravenously, and then at 0.5 mg.kg−1.h−1 for 120 min. The sinoatrial node was acquired after intravenous infusion was completed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were performed to measure mRNA and protein expression of Cx30.2 and Cx40, respectively. Results The expression of Cx30.2 increased, whereas the expression of Cx40 decreased within the sinoatrial node of rats with Dex-induced sinus bradycardia. Atropine reversed the effects of Dex on the expression of gap junction proteins. Conclusion Dex possibly altered the expression of gap junction proteins to slow down cardiac conduction velocity in the sinoatrial node.

Abstract Background Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a very common clinical condition throughout the world. The diagnostic tests currently recommended have low sensitivity, such as electromyography, or are invasive, such as skin biopsy. New techniques have been developed to identify the early involvement of the peripheral nerve. With the advent of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM), a reduction in corneal innervation in patients with DN has been observed. Objective To compare, through CCM, diabetic patients with symptomatic distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) and controls. Methods In the present study, through CCM, we compared the morphological changes in the sub-basal epithelial corneal plexus of 35 diabetic patients with symptomatic DSP with 55 controls. Moreover, we sought to determine a pattern of change regarding the severity stages of DSP, comparing the clinical, laboratory, and nerve-conduction (NC) variables. Results Differences between the control and diabetic groups were observed for the following variables, respectively: age (44.9 ± 13.24 years versus 57.02 ± 10.4 years; p< 0.001); fiber density (29.7 ± 10.2 versus 16.6 ± 10.2; p< 0.001); number of fibers (4.76 ± 1.30 versus 3.14 ± 1.63; p< 0.001); number of Langerhans cells (4.64 ± 8.05 versus 7.49 ± 10.3; p= 0.035); tortuosity (p< 0.05); and thickness (p< 0.05). Furthermore, inverse relationships were found regarding fiber density and age (p< 0.01) and fiber density and the severity of the disease (p< 0.05). A positive relationship between the conduction velocity of the fibular nerve and fiber density (p< 0.05) was also observed. Conclusion Corneal confocal microscopy proved to be a fast, noninvasive and reproducible method for the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of diabetic DSP. (DN world sensitivity electromyography invasive biopsy CCM , (CCM) compare (DSP controls study subbasal sub basal 3 5 Moreover laboratory nerveconduction NC (NC variables respectively 44.9 449 44 9 (44. 1324 13 24 13.2 5702 57 02 57.0 104 10 4 10. p 0.001 0001 0 001 0.001) 29.7 297 29 7 (29. 102 2 166 16 6 16. 4.76 476 76 (4.7 130 1 30 1.3 314 14 3.1 1.63 163 63 4.64 464 64 (4.6 805 8 05 8.0 749 49 7.4 10.3 103 0.035 0035 035 0.035) (p 0.05 005 0.05. . Furthermore 0.01 01 fast diagnosis staging (CCM 44. (44 132 13. 570 57. 0.00 000 00 29. (29 4.7 47 (4. 1. 31 3. 1.6 4.6 46 80 8. 74 7. 0.03 003 03 0.0 (4 (2 4. 0. (

Resumo Antecedentes A neuropatia diabética (ND) é condição clínica muito frequente no mundo inteiro. Os testes diagnósticos atualmente preconizados são pouco sensíveis, como a eletroneuromiografia, ou invasivos, como a biópsia de pele. Novas técnicas de investigação complementares têm sido desenvolvidas a fim de identificar o acometimento precoce do nervo periférico. Com o advento da microscopia confocal de córnea (MCC), observou-se redução da inervação da córnea em pacientes com ND. Objetivo Comparar, por meio da MCC, pacientes diabéticos com polineuropatia simétrica distal (PSD) sintomática e controles. Métodos Neste estudo, por meio da MCC, comparamos as alterações morfológicas do plexo sub-basal epitelial da córnea de 35 pacientes diabéticos com PSD sintomática com 55 indivíduos controles. Além disso, buscamos determinar um padrão de alteração entre os estágios de gravidade da PSD, comparando variáveis clínicas, laboratoriais e de neurocondução. Resultados Diferenças entre os grupos controle e diabéticos foram verificadas com relação às seguintes variáveis, respectivamente: idade (44,9 ± 13,24 anos versus 57,02 ± 10,4 anos; p< 0,001); densidade das fibras (29,7 ± 10,2 versus 16,6 ± 10,2; p< 0,001); número de fibras (4,76 ± 1,30 versus 3,14 ± 1,63; p< 0,001); número de células de Langerhans (4,64 ± 8,05 versus 7,49 ± 10,3; p= 0,035); tortuosidade (p< 0,05), e espessura (p < 0,05). Além disso, relações inversamente proporcionais foram verificadas entre a densidade das fibras e a idade (p< 0,01), e entre a densidade das fibras e a gravidade da doença (p< 0,05). Observou-se ainda uma relação positiva entre a velocidade de condução do nervo fibular e a densidade das fibras (p< 0,05). Conclusão A MCC constitui um método rápido, não invasivo e reprodutível para o diagnóstico, o estadiamento, e o acompanhamento da PSD diabética. ND (ND inteiro sensíveis eletroneuromiografia invasivos pele periférico , (MCC) observouse observou se Comparar (PSD controles estudo subbasal sub basal 3 5 disso clínicas neurocondução respectivamente 44,9 449 44 9 (44, 1324 13 24 13,2 5702 57 02 57,0 104 10 4 10, p 0,001 0001 0 001 0,001) 29,7 297 29 7 (29, 102 2 166 16 6 16, 4,76 476 76 (4,7 130 1 30 1,3 314 14 3,1 1,63 163 63 4,64 464 64 (4,6 805 8 05 8,0 749 49 7,4 10,3 103 0,035 0035 035 0,035) 0,05, 005 0,05 0,05) 0,05. . 0,01, 0,01 01 0,01) Observouse Observou rápido diagnóstico estadiamento (MCC 44, (44 132 13, 570 57, 0,00 000 00 29, (29 4,7 47 (4, 1, 31 3, 1,6 4,6 46 80 8, 74 7, 0,03 003 03 0,0 (4 (2 4, 0, (

Abstract Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of neuropathologic damage induced by radiofrequency ablation at different temperatures. Methods This is basic research, and 36 SD rats were used to construct the neuropathological injury model. The rats were subjected to radiofrequency stimulation at different temperatures and were divided into 6 groups according to the temperature injury: 42°, 47°, 52°, 57°, 62°, and 67°C groups. Conduction time, conduction distance, and nerve conduction velocity were recorded after temperature injury. HE-staining was used to observe the histopathological morphology of the sciatic nerve. The expression of SCN9A, SCN3B, and NFASC protein in sciatic nerve tissue were detected by western blot. Results With the increase in temperature, nerve conduction velocity gradually decreased, and neurons were damaged when the temperature was 67°C. HE-staining showed that the degrees of degeneration of neurons in rats at 47°, 52°, 57°, 62°, and 67°C were gradually increased. The expression of SCN9A, SCN3B protein in 57°, 62°, 67°C groups were much higher than that of NC, 42°, 47°, 52°C groups. However, the expression of NFASC protein in 57°, 62°, 67°C groups was much lower than that of the NC, 42°, 47°, 52°C groups. Conclusion There was a positive correlation between temperature caused by the radiofrequency stimulation to neuropathological damage. The mechanism is closely related to the expression of SCN9A, SCN3B, and NFASC protein in nerve tissue caused by heat transfer injury.

Abstract Peripheral facial paralysis could cause significant incompetence in the sensation and motion of face. With facial paralysis, a long time for the patient could suffer from depression, anxiety, hopelessness. However, in this case we found that ginger-separated moxibustion could cure nonacute peripheral facial paralysis with a short treatment course. A 55-year-old female with disappeared left forehead wrinkles and nasolabial groove, and hypophasis for more than 3 months. For further treatment, she was admitted to the acupuncture department. And, she was eventually cured after two weeks treatment. Based on the thorough history, physical examination, and the electromyography. Ginger-separated moxibustion was performed during the admission period (five times a week for two weeks). The following clinical improvements were detected: facial paralysis symptoms were improved (forehead wrinkles and left nasolabial groove were appeared, less numbness, normal movement of the eyelid); the latency of motor nerve conduction velocity was short and the amplitude of motor evoked potential was significantly improved in electromyography. Patients with nonacute peripheral facial paralysis might be cured by ginger- insulated moxibustion.

RESUMO Introdução: A neuropatia ulnar do cotovelo (NUC) é a segunda neuropatia por encarceramento mais comum. Existem poucas informações sobre a aplicação dos estudos da onda F para avaliação da NUC. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o valor diagnóstico das alterações mínimas de latência da onda F (F-min), comparando-as com análises de condução nervosa em pacientes com suspeita de NUC. Métodos: Noventa e quatro pacientes com suspeita de NUC foram admitidos neste estudo. A condução nervosa sensitiva e motora e as análises da onda F nos nervos mediano e ulnar foram realizadas em ambas as extremidades superiores. Resultados: Um total de 188 membros superiores de 94 pacientes foi examinado. A média de idade foi 41,4±12,9 anos e 69 pacientes eram do sexo feminino (73,4%). A velocidade de condução motora média do nervo ulnar através do cotovelo (VCM) nos braços afetados foi significativamente mais lenta do que a velocidade em braços saudáveis. As latências médias F-min do nervo ulnar foram significativamente mais longas nos braços afetados. Cinquenta e um pacientes foram diagnosticados eletrofisiologicamente como apresentando NUC (54,2%). Pacientes com presença de NUC tiveram, de forma significativa, detecção de VCM mais lenta no nervo ulnar ao nível do cotovelo, presença de latência mais longa da onda F-mínima no nervo ulnar, bem como latência de início distal mais longa. Por fim, os pacientes sintomáticos, e com condução nervosa normal, foram avaliados separadamente. Apenas a latência da onda F mínima média do nervo ulnar foi significativamente maior neste grupo, em comparação com os braços saudáveis. Conclusão: Nosso estudo confirmou a utilidade das medidas de latência da onda F-mínima no eletrodiagnóstico da NUC. As diferenças de latência da onda F podem ajudar a fazer um diagnóstico precoce para fornecer melhores opções de tratamento.

ABSTRACT Background: Ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE) is the second most common entrapment neuropathy. There is little information about the application of F-wave studies for evaluation of UNE. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of minimum F-wave (F-min) latency alterations by comparing this with nerve conduction analyses in UNE-suspected patients. Methods: Ninety-four UNE-suspected patients were admitted to this study. Sensory and motor nerve conduction and F-wave analyses on the median and ulnar nerves were performed on both upper extremities. Results: A total of 188 upper extremities of 94 patients were examined. Their mean age was 41.4±12.9 years, and 69 patients were female (73.4%). The mean ulnar-nerve across-elbow motor conduction velocity (MCV) in the affected arms was significantly slower than the velocity in healthy arms. The mean ulnar-nerve F-min latencies were significantly longer in the affected arms. Fifty-one patients were electrophysiologically diagnosed as presenting UNE (54.2%). Significantly slower mean ulnar-nerve across-elbow MCV, longer mean ulnar-nerve F-min latency and longer distal onset latency were detected in UNE-positive arms. Lastly, patients who were symptomatic but had normal nerve conduction were evaluated separately. Only the mean ulnar F-min latency was significantly longer in this group, compared with the healthy arms. Conclusion: Our study confirmed the utility of F-min latency measurements in the electrodiagnosis of UNE. F-wave latency differences can help in making an early diagnosis to provide better treatment options.

SUMMARY: Disturbances of sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity in the spinal cord as well as degenerated myelin sheaths are observed in diabetic patients and animal models. Indeed, oligodendrocytes (OLs), which are important neuroglial cells, generate myelin in the central nervous system. Spinal enlargement, including cervical and lumbar enlargements, innervates all limbs. Thus, the purposes of this study were to examine and compare the ultrastructural alterations of OLs in spinal enlargements of streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic rats and controls. Thirteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced with STZ in citrate buffer and six control rats were injected with the same buffer solution. All rats were sacrificed after inductions at four (short-term DM) and twenty-four weeks (long-term DM). The selected spinal enlargements were processed for transmission electron microscopy. The OL alterations in both the cervical and lumbar enlargements were apparently the same. In short-term DM, the nuclei of OLs became swelled with chromatin clumping. Cytoplasmic organelles were moderately damaged. In long-term DM, OLs contained shrinkage nuclei with thick heterochromatin clumping. Severely degenerated mitochondria with disrupted cristae and broken membranes were observed. Moreover, distended and fragmented rough endoplasmic reticulum were observed, and large clear areas were present in the cytoplasm. Additionally, the loosening, splitting, and destruction of myelin lamellae were found. This study can provide important preliminary information about the alteration of OLs in the spinal cords of diabetic patients, which might be involve in the impairments of sensory and motor conduction velocities in these individuals.

RESUMEN: En pacientes diabéticos y modelos animales se observan alteraciones de la velocidad de conducción nerviosa sensorial y motora en la médula espinal, así como vainas de mielina degeneradas. De hecho, los oligodendrocitos (OL), que son importantes células neurogliales, generan mielina en el sistema nervioso central. La intumescencia espinal, a nivel cervical y lumbar, inerva los miembros. Por lo tanto, los propósitos de este estudio fueron examinar y comparar las alteraciones ultraestructurales de los OL en la intumescencia espinal de ratas diabéticas inducidas por estreptozotocina (STZ) y controles. Se indujeron trece ratas macho Sprague-Dawley con STZ en tampón citrato y se inyectaron seis ratas de control con la misma solución tampón. Todas las ratas se sacrificaron después de la inducción a las cuatro (DM a corto plazo) y a las veinticuatro semanas (DM a largo plazo). Las ampliaciones de la columna seleccionadas se procesaron para microscopía electrónica de transmisión. Las alteraciones de OL en las intumescencias cervical y lumbar eran aparentemente las mismas. En la DM a corto plazo, los núcleos de los OL se hincharon con la acumulación de cromatina. Los orgánulos citoplasmáticos sufrieron daños moderados. En la DM a largo plazo, los OL contenían núcleos de contracción con aglutinación de heterocromatina gruesa. Se observaron mitocondrias severamente degeneradas con crestas y membranas rotas. Además, se observó un retículo endoplásmico rugoso distendido y fragmentado, y estaban presentes grandes áreas claras en el citoplasma. Además, se encontraron el aflojamiento, la división y la destrucción de las laminillas de mielina. Este estudio puede proporcionar información preliminar importante sobre la alteración de los OL en la médula espinal de los pacientes diabéticos, que podría estar involucrada en las alteraciones de las velocidades de conducción sensorial y motora en estos individuos.

Resumen Objetivo: Establecer valores de referencia de las neuroconducciones motoras y sensitivas y de las respuestas tardías para el laboratorio de electrodiagnóstico del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio. Materiales y métodos: Se realizaron estudios de neuroconducción sensitiva y motora de las 4 extremidades, a 77 voluntarios sanos entre los 18 y los 65 años de edad, para un total de 154 registros, usando una técnica estandarizada para la medición. Resultados: Se realizaron neuroconducciones motoras que midieron latencia, amplitud y velocidad de los nervios mediano, cubital, tibial y peronero. También se realizaron neuroconducciones sensitivas que midieron latencia y velocidad de los nervios mediano, cubital y sural. Un test de Shapiro-Wilk encontró que los parámetros de amplitud para las neuroconducciones sensitivas no seguían una distribución normal, por lo cual se hizo análisis de percentiles. Solo el sexo mostró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa para los parámetros de amplitud del nervio tibial (p = 0,0099), siendo mayor en mujeres, y latencia del nervio peroneo (p = 0,0091), siendo mayor en hombres. Conclusiones: Se establecieron los parámetros de referencia para las neuroconducciones motoras, sensitivas y las respuestas tardías para el laboratorio de electrodiagnóstico del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, los cuales se correlacionan en su mayoría con los datos de referencia actuales, con ciertas diferencias que podrían estar relacionadas con la estatura y el sexo; sin embargo, se requieren estudios adicionales para establecer esta diferencia.

Abstract Objective: To establish reference values of motor and sensory nerve conductions and late responses for the Electrodiagnostic Laboratory of Hospital Universitario San Ignacio. Materials and Methods: Sensory and motor nerve conduction studies were performed on 77 healthy volunteers between 18 and 65 years old, for a total of 154 analyzes, using a standardized technique for measurement. Results: Motor nerve conductions were performed measuring latency, amplitude and conduction velocity for the median, ulnar, tibial, and peroneal nerve. Sensory nerve conductions were performed measuring latency and conduction velocity for the median, ulnar, and sural nerve. A Shapiro-Wilk test was performed, finding that the amplitude parameters for sensory nerve conductions did not follow a normal distribution, so percentile analysis was performed. Only sex showed a statistically significant difference for the parameters of tibial nerve amplitude (p = 0.0099) being greater in women, and latency of the peroneal nerve (p = 0.0091) being greater in men. Conclusion: Normal parameters were established for motor and sensory nerve conductions and late responses for the Electrodiagnostic Laboratory of Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, which mostly correlate with the current reference data, with certain differences that could be related with height and sex. However, additional studies are required to enstablish this difference.

ABSTRACT There are some variants of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) that are so unusual, such as distal limb weakness (DL-GBS), which features weakness restricted to the distal area of limbs (wrists, hands, ankles, and toes) with preserved muscle strength in the proximal areas during the course of the disease. We report the case of a 26 year-old woman, who at two weeks before admission showed mild distal motor deficit affecting the arms and afterwards her legs, and this was associated to diarrheal disease. Physical examination showed mild distal quadriparesis, with no hyporeflexia/ areflexia, and a positive Lasègue sign. Laboratory studies showed ferropenic anemia, immunological tests for commonly associated viruses, tumor markers and vitamin B12 levels were all normal. Also, CSF examination showed no alterations. Cerebral and cervical spine MRI studies were normal. Electromyography and nerve conduction velocity studies at the 10th day of the disease showed acute motor axonal neuropathy with no denervation. The benign form of presentation and progression led us to think this case is a mild GBS variant (DL-GBS), different from the usual AMAN-GBS variants, which are usually severe and have a poor prognosis.

RESUMEN Existen variantes del síndrome de Guillain-Barre (SGB) de muy poca presentación como la debilidad distal de extremidades del SGB (DL-GBS), que muestra una debilidad limitada a las regiones distales de las extremidades (muñecas, manos, tobillos y dedos de los pies) con la fuerza muscular conservada en las regiones proximales durante el curso de la enfermedad. Se reporta el caso de una mujer de 26 años que dos semanas antes del ingreso, presenta leve déficit motor distal de las extremidades superiores y posteriormente las extremidades inferiores, asociado a diarrea. Al examen: leve cuadriparesia distal, sin hipo/arreflexia y Lasegue positivo. Los estudios de laboratorio mostraron: anemia ferropénica, las pruebas inmunológicas para virus comúnmente asociados, marcadores tumorales, pruebas toxicológicas y dosaje de Vitamina B12 fueron normales. Así mismo, el examen de líquido cefalorraquídeo no mostró alteraciones. Los estudios de RMN cerebral y columna cervical fueron normales. Los estudios de electromiografía y velocidad de conducción nerviosa (EMG-VCN) al décimo día de la enfermedad mostro una neuropatía axonal motora aguda sin denervación. Por las características benignas de su presentación y evolución hace suponer que se trata de una variante leve del SGB (DL-SGB), que difiere de las variantes normales de AMAN-SGB que generalmente son graves y de pobre pronóstico.

Resumo Objetivo: Os efeitos da vitamina D no sistema nervoso central e periférico continuam sendo investigados atualmente. Neste estudo, objetivamos avaliar a dor e a resposta eletrofisiológica em pacientes com síndrome do túnel do carpo (STC) submetidos a terapia de reposição devido à deficiência de vitamina D. Métodos: Cinquenta pacientes do sexo feminino diagnosticadas com STC leve e moderada e acompanhadas de deficiência de vitamina D foram incluídas neste estudo. O estudo da condução nervosa (ECN) foi realizado antes e após a reposição da vitamina D, e a dor do paciente foi avaliada com a Escala Visual Analógica (EVA). Resultados: Quando a ECN foi comparada antes e após o tratamento, houve uma melhora estatisticamente significativa na latência mediana do início sensorial distal (DSOL) e nos valores de velocidade de condução sensorial (VC) e latência distal motora (LDM) (p=0,001; p<0,001; p=0,001, respectivamente). Ao mesmo tempo, houve uma diminuição dos valores da EVA nos pacientes (p<0,001). Quando os dois grupos foram comparados, houve uma melhora no DSOL e no VC sensorial em ambos, mas no LDM apenas no grupo STC moderado. Conclusão: Neste estudo, foi demonstrado que pacientes com STC leve e moderada apresentaram melhora da dor e parâmetros eletrofisiológicos após a reposição de vitamina D. A substituição da vitamina D nos estágios iniciais da STC pode ser benéfica.

Abstract Objective: The effects of vitamin D on the central and peripheral nervous system continue to be investigated today. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate pain and electrophysiologic response in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) who have undergone replacement therapy due to vitamin D deficiency. Methods: Fifty female patients diagnosed with mild and moderate CTS and accompanied by vitamin D deficiency were included in this study. Nerve conduction study (NCS) was performed before and after vitamin D replacement, and the patient’s pain was evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: When NCS were compared before and after treatment, there was a statistically significant improvement in the median distal sensory onset latency (DSOL) and sensory conduction velocity (CV) and motor distal latencies (DML) values (p=0.001; p<0.001; p=0.001, respectively). At the same time, there was a decrease in the VAS values in patients (p<0.001). When the two groups were compared there was an improvement in DSOL and sensory CV in both groups, but in DML only in moderate CTS group. Conclusion: In this study, it was shown that mild and moderate CTS patients had an improvement in pain and electrophysiological parameters after vitamin D replacement. Replacing vitamin D in early stages of CTS may be beneficial.

Abstract Purpose To investigate the effects of Chemically Extracted Acellular Nerves (CEANs) when combined with Adipose-Derived mesenchymal Stem Cell (ADSC) transplantation on the repair of sciatic nerve defects in rabbits. Methods A total of 71 six-month-old Japanese rabbit were used in this study. Twenty rabbits served as sciatic nerve donors, while the other 51 rabbits were randomly divided into Autologous Nerve Transplantation Group (ANT, n=17), CEAN group (n=17) and CEAN-ADSCs group (n=17). In all these groups, the rabbit’s left sciatic nerves were injured before the experiment, and the uninjured sciatic nerves on their right side were used as the control (CON). Electrophysiological tests were carried out and sciatic nerves were prepared for histomorphology and stretch testing at 24 weeks post-transplant. Results There were significant differences between ANT and Con groups in amplitude (AMP): P=0.031; motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV): P=0.029; Maximum stress: P=0.029; and Maximum strain P=0.027. There were also differences between the CEAN and CEAN+ADSCs groups in AMP: P=0.026, MNCV: P=0.024; Maximum stress: P=0.025 and Maximum strain: P=0.030. No significant differences in these parameters were observed when comparing the ANT and CEAN+SACN groups (MNCV: P=0.071) or the CEAN and ANT groups (Maximum stress: P=0.069; Maximum strain P=0.077). Conclusion Addition of ADSCs has a significant impact on the recovery of nerve function, morphology, and tensile mechanical properties following sciatic nerve injury.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of Dexmedetomidine (Dex) on spinal pathology and inflammatory factor in a rat model of Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP). Methods: The rats were divided into 3 groups (eight in each group): normal group (N group), diabetic neuropathic pain model group (DNP group), and DNP model with dexmedetomidine (Dex group). The rat model of diabetes was established with intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ) injections. Nerve cell ultrastructure was evaluated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) tests documented that DNP rat model was characterized by a decreased pain threshold and nerve conduction velocity. Results: Dex restored the phenotype of neurocytes, reduced the extent of demyelination and improved MWT and MNCV of DNP-treated rats (P=0.01, P=0.038, respectively). The expression of three pain-and inflammation-associated factors (P2X4, NLRP3, and IL-IP) was significantly upregulated at the protein level in DNP rats, and this change was reversed by Dex administration (P=0.0022, P=0.0092, P=0.0028, respectively). Conclusion: The P2X4/NLRP3 signaling pathway is implicated in the development and presence of DNP in vivo, and Dex protects from this disorder.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the impact of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) intervention on the viscoelasticity of sciatic nerve in rats with chronic alcohol intoxication (CAI). Methods: The CAI rat models were prepared, divided into model groups, and treated with either BMSCs or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Then the rats underwent electrophysiological test and the serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and metallothionein (MT) were measured. Histological observation, stress relaxation test, and creep test were performed for the sciatic nerve of the CAI model in each group. Results: The MDA level of group BMSC was significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of groups MOD (the CIA model) and bFGF. The SOD and MT levels were higher in group BMSC than in groups MOD and bFGF (p<0.05). The motor nerve conduction velocity and amplitude were higher in group BMSC than in groups MOD and bFGF (p<0.05). The amounts of 7200s stress reduction and 7200 s strain increase of the sciatic nerve in group BMSC were greater than those in groups bFGF and MOD (p<0.05). Conclusion: Bone mesenchymal stem cells can improve the metabolism of free radicals, restore the tissue morphology and viscoelasticity of the chronic alcohol intoxication animal model, and positively affect the repairing of the injured sciatic nerve.