Biomedical subjects

K Natsis

Publications and source records attributed to K Natsis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Proposal for classification of the suprascapular notch: a study on 423 dried scapulas.

The present study proposes a simple and reproducible method to classify the morphology of the suprascapular notch (SSN), on the basis of specific geometrical parameters that clearly distinguish one type from another. Four hundred twenty-three dried scapulas from the Department of Anatomy in the University of Cologne, Germany, were examined. Five types of SSN were observed: type I, without a discrete notch, 35 (8.3%); type II, a notch that was longest in its transverse diameter, 177 (41.85%); type III, a notch that was longest in its vertical diameter, 177 (41.85%); type IV, a bony foramen, 31 (7.3%); type V, a notch and a bony foramen, 3 (0.7%). For the vertical diameter, we took the maximal diameter of the notch perpendicular to the imaginary line that joins the two superior corners of the notch. For the transverse diameter, we took the diameter perpendicular to the midpoint of the vertical diameter. This classification based on the vertical and the transverse diameters of the SSN suggested a clear distinction of the notch types. This simple classification included all the anatomical variations of the SSN. Using this method, the clinician will be able to define easily and quickly the notch type on a plain radiograph, and perhaps be able to correlate suprascapular nerve entrapment with a specific type of SSN.

Anthropometry↗

PubMed2007

Correlation between the four types of acromion and the existence of enthesophytes: a study on 423 dried scapulas and review of the literature.

The purpose of this study was to correlate the four types of acromial shape with the existence of enthesophytes, which together comprise two important parameters for subacromial impingement syndrome and rotator cuff tears. In addition, a review of the literature was carried out. Four hundred twenty-three dried scapulas were studied at the Department of Anatomy in the University of Cologne, Germany. Four types of acromion were found: the three classical ones as described by Bigliani et al. ([1986] Orthop Trans 10:216) and a fourth one, where the middle third of the undersurface of acromion was convex (Gagey et al. [1993] Surg Radiol Anat 15:63-70). The correlation between the four types of acromion and the presence of enthesophytes at its anterior undersurface was also recorded. The distribution of acromial types was as follows: type I, flat, 51 (12.1%); type II, curved, 239 (56.5%); type III, hooked, 122 (28.8%); and type IV, convex, 11 (2.6%). Enthesophytes were found in 1 of type I (2%), in 19 of type II (7.9%), in 46 of type III (37.7%), and in 0 (0%) of type IV acromions. Overall, 66 (15.6%) out of 423 scapulas had enthesophytes. In all cases, they were localized at the site of the coracoacromial ligament insertion on the acromion. Enthesophytes were significantly (P < 0.05) more common in type III acromions and this combination is particularly associated with subacromial impingement syndrome and rotator cuff tears. In type I and in type IV acromions, the incidence of enthesophytes is very small and, according to other studies, with these two acromial types rotator cuff tears are also rare.

Acromion↗

PubMed2006

Characterization of a fungal strain isolated from a polyphenol polluted site.

A group of fungal strains were isolated from a polyphenol polluted soil, taken from an olive oil processing plant in Attica, Greece. The fungi were tested for their ability to decolorize a polyaromatic dye Poly R-478, which was used as a model compound to test their ligninolytic activities. The strain K1.1 decolorized efficiently the dye on agar plates and was further studied. PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA genes from the genomic DNA isolated from mycelium grown in liquid culture resulted in amplified fragments. Via BLASTN search, the length of a 773 base pairs was identified as the basidiomycetes Coprinellus xanthothrix. The growth rates and the tolerance of the fungus were compared on solid media, containing four different concentrations of pentachlorophenol. Extracellular enzyme activities (lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase and laccase) were determined in defined liquid medium. The isolate expressed laccase and manganese peroxidase but not lignin peroxidase. The removal of the dye was also estimated in liquid medium. The fungus showed biosorption and biotransformation as removal mechanisms.

Adsorption↗

PubMed2006

Bilateral femoral hernia in a male cadaver with vascular variations: case report and review of the literature.

Femoral hernia, which is a less common occurrence than inguinal hernia, is not congenital in most cases and is uncommon in young males. It is considered to be more common in females than in males due to an enlarged femoral ring in the former. A case of bilateral femoral hernia in a 64-year-old male cadaver is described within the framework of an anatomical approach. On the right side, the protrusion of the viscus appeared as a small intestine coil, whereas on the left side the protruded viscus appeared as a pelvic colon's appendix appiplocae. On both sides, the protruded viscus was located in front of an aberrant obturator artery, which oriented from the external iliac artery and not from the internal iliac artery as should be the case. The puberal branch of the inferior epigastric artery was absent. The cadaver's medical history and his skin examination excluded an abdominal surgery. In the literature, case reports of bilateral femoral hernia appear only seldom, especially those of male patients who had not undergone inguinal hernia repair surgery. In femoral hernias more often than in other types of hernia, the protruded viscus is strangulated and undergoes a tissue necrosis. Morbidity and mortality for complicated femoral hernia is high. Knowledge of vascular variation such as presented by the cadaver under study is extremely useful to the surgeon because any iatrogenic injury of the aberrant obturator artery during a laparoscopic repair may result in dangerous hemorrhage.

Arteries↗

PubMed2006

The course of the greater occipital nerve in the suboccipital region: a proposal for setting landmarks for local anesthesia in patients with occipital neuralgia.

The anatomical relationships of the greater occipital nerve (GON) to the semispinalis capitis muscle (SCM) and the trapezius muscle aponeurosis (TMA) were examined to identify topographic landmarks for use in anesthetic blockade of the GON in occipital neuralgia. The course and the diameter of the GON were studied in 40 cadavers (29 females, 11 males), and the points where it pierced the SCM and the TMA were identified. The course of the GON did not differ between males and females. A left-right difference was detected in the site of the GON in the TMA region but not in the SCM region. The nerve became wider towards the periphery. This may be relevant to entrapment of the nerve in the development of occipital neuralgia. In three cases, the GON split into two branches before piercing the TMA and reunited after having passed the TMA, and it pierced the obliquus capitis inferior muscle in another three cases. The GON and the lesser occipital nerve reunited at the level of the occiput in 80% of the specimens. The occiput and the nuchal midline are useful topographic landmarks to guide anesthetic blockade of the GON for diagnosis and therapy of occipital neuralgia. The infiltration is probably best aimed at the site where the SCM is pierced by the GON.

Afferent Pathways↗

PubMed2006

High origin of a superficial ulnar artery arising from the axillary artery: anatomy, embryology, clinical significance and a review of the literature.

The superficial ulnar artery (SUA) is an ulnar artery of high origin that lies superficially in the forearm. Its reported frequency ranges from 0.17% to 2%. During anatomical dissection in our department we observed a unilateral case of SUA in a 75-year-old white male human cadaver. It originated from the right axillary artery at the level of the junction of the two median nerve roots and followed a looping course, crossing over the lateral root of the median nerve and running lateral to it in the upper and middle thirds of the arm, whereas in the inferior third of the arm the SUA crossed over the median nerve and ran medially to it. In the cubital fossa, it passed superficially over the medial side of the ulnar aponeurosis and coursed subcutaneously in the ulnar side of the forearm superficially to the forearm flexor muscles. In the hand the SUA anastomosed with the superficial palmar branch of the radial artery, creating the superficial palmar arch. Additionally, it participated in the development of the deep palmar arch. The axillary artery, after the origin of the SUA, continued as the brachial artery and divided into the radial and common interosseous arteries in the cubital fossa. The normal ulnar artery was absent. No muscular or other arterial variations were observed in this cadaver. The embryological interpretation of this variation is difficult and it may arise as a result of modifications to the normal pattern of capillary vessel maintenance and regression. The existence of a SUA is undoubtedly of interest to the clinician as well as to the anatomist. This report presents a case of unilateral SUA along with a review of the literature, embryological explanation and analysis of its clinical significance.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Frontal sinus anatomical variations with potential consequences for the orbit. Study on cadavers.

Anatomical variations of the frontal sinuses that may play a role in the correlation between frontal sinusitis and orbital complications are described. There were used 18 cadavers during routine educational cadaver dissections, one month after theirs withdrawal from the formol basin. The dissections of the cranial cavity and the orbits were performed so as to reveal the frontal sinuses. An unusual bilateral posterior extension of the frontal sinus mucosa was found in two of the cadavers. The projection of the mucosa was covering half of the orbital roof in a 60 year old male and one third of the orbital roof in a 59 year old male. Among the other cadavers that presented normal variations of the frontal sinuses, there was also a case of a 57 year old female with a complete aplasia of the frontal sinuses. Such anatomical variations with unusual extension of the frontal sinuses above orbital roof may support the correlation between frontal sinusitis and the possible complications from the orbit and these cases may be considered as 'high risk' cases for orbital complications during a frontal sinusitis.

Female↗

PubMed2004

"Pes anserinus" of the right phrenic nerve innervating the serous membrane of the liver: a case report (anatomical study).

During the preparations of cadavers for educational purposes we followed the course of the right phrenic nerve. On one of them and especially a female cadaver aged 72-year-old we found a branch arising from the thoracic portion of the right phrenic and passing through the two layers of the falciform ligament distributed to the upper surface of the serous layer of the liver in the form of "pes anserinus". As it is known, pain referred from the diaphragmatic peritoneum is classically felt in the shoulder tip but pain from thoracic surfaces supplied by the phrenic nerve is usually located there albeit vaguely. We believe that the above anatomical finding is the explanation of distinct radiating pain from the hepatic region to the right shoulder in some patients. The stimulations is carried through the phrenic nerve to the fourth cervical neurotome from were arise the supraclavicular nerves which are distributed to the shoulder region.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Soleus accessorius, an anomalous muscle in a young athlete: case report and analysis of the literature.

The soleus accessory muscle is a rare anatomical variation. It usually appears as a soft tissue mass and may be mistaken for a tumour or an inflammatory lesion. The differential diagnoses include ganglion, lipoma, haemangioma, synovioma, and sarcoma. This is a report of such a muscle mass in the leg of a young athlete with 16 years follow up. A review of the English literature on this subject is also presented.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Preaortic iliac venous confluence. Marsupial vena cava. Case report.

Anomalous anatomic location of a large venous system is a very important assessment before aortic operations. Ours was an anatomical finding of a case of preaortic iliac confluence, a variation also known as 'marsupial vena cava'. As abdominal aortic surgery is currently performed routinely, rare anatomical anomalies must be spotted, in order to avoid injury to surrounding organs.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Histological and ultrastructural study of the effect of chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil on normal liver of Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we analysed the histopathological and ultrastructural effects of systemic chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the liver of healthy rats. METHODS: Twenty inbred Wistar rats were used as controls and another 20 rats received a bolus infusion, via the inferior vena cava, of 375 mg/m(2) 5-FU. The animals of each group were sacrificed 16 h, 3 days or 1, 2, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Histologically, in one rat 16 h after 5-FU administration, we observed only a small necrotic focus of hepatocytes. Ultrastructurally, a mild vacuolization of cytoplasm, a decrease in mitochondria and an increase in lysosomes were observed. These abnormalities were restored 1 month later. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that the particular dose, route and duration of 5-FU administration do not cause hepatotoxic morphological changes in the liver of healthy Wistar rats.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Effect of acute limb ischaemia on neuromuscular function in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To locate the exact site of the primary lesion in the neuromuscular system in acutely ischaemic extremities. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: University hospital, Greece. ANIMALS: 22 adult rats. INTERVENTIONS: Isometric tensions of extensor digitorum longus muscles were recorded before ischaemia and every 5 minutes after the arterial occlusions by indirect stimulation. When no contractile activity was elicited, the muscle was stimulated directly and recordings made every 5 minutes. The sciatic nerve function was checked by recordings of nerve conduction velocity. Specimens from the muscles were examined under electron microscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Muscle contractile properties, conduction velocity, and electron microscopic appearance. RESULTS: After a period of about 50 minutes neuromuscular function under indirect stimulation in the ischaemic limbs was lost, whilst under direct stimulation the extensor digitorum longus muscles and the sciatic nerves still functioned. Electron microscopic study showed distinct alterations at the neuromuscular junctions. CONCLUSIONS: The response of the neuromuscular system to acute ischaemia indicated that the neuromuscular junction is probably the site most susceptible to acute ischaemia.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed2000

Histochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of leg muscle fibres in patients with repairative abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Tibialis anterior (ta) muscle biopsies before and after elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair operation were obtained, in order to observe possible changes after the aortic declamping reperfusion. Open muscle biopsies were taken from each of eight patients (60-75 years old) which were processed for enzyme histochemistry, and for transmission electron microscopy (EM). Morphometric analysis was applied to estimate the number and the area of muscle fibres of each fibre type. Rectus abdominis muscle biopsies were served as controls. Before the operation the predominant elements found were the presence of atrophic muscle fibres, fibre size diversity, localised cellular reactions, increased extent of connective tissue, disappearance, in many cases, of the mosaic pattern, predominance of type I and oxidative fibres, and existence of fibres with core-like structures in the sarcoplasm. Type I fibres consisted of 66.95 +/- 9% of all muscle fibres, the mean cross sectional area of which was 3,372.8 +/- 1,016 microm(2) and of type II fibres was 3,786.5 +/- 6,046 microm(2). After the aortic clamping was performed mitochondrial swelling was found, as well as disorganisation of sarcomeres. After declamping of the aorta, there were also severe edema, local fibre necrosis, and adhesion of leucocytes, whereas muscle fibre areas became 3,935.18 micro 531 microm(2) for type I and 5,804 +/- 1,075 microm(2) for type II. The short ischemic period during aortic clamping and the subsequent reperfusion resulted mainly in ultrastructural changes.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

A new approach in the management of urothelial tumors using GM-CSF on marker lesions: an ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study on the macrophage population in bladder mucosa.

Our purpose was to investigate a new therapeutic model, GM-CSF-targeted immunomodulation on transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) marker lesions and to evaluate the immunologic response of the bladder mucosa. Eleven patients with pTa or pT1 bladder cancer were eligible for the study. All lesions were removed by transurethral resection (TUR) except for a marker lesion. All patients received 8 weekly instillations of 300 microg of GM-CSF, after which cystoscopy with bladder biopsies +/- TUR was repeated on adjacent urothelium or tumor or both. Paraffin-embedded sections were immunohistochemically stained with CD68, which labels monocytes and macrophages. The CD68+ cell population was evaluated as 1+ to 3+. Comparable specimens were routinely processed for ultrastructural analysis. Complete response was observed in 6 patients (55%), persistent tumor occurred in 4 patients (approximately 36.4%), and 1 patient (8.6%) showed recurrence. Immunohistochemically, an at least twofold increase in the number of the CD68+ cells was observed in all responders. Submicroscopically, migration of macrophages to the surface layer occurred. Macrophages showed an extensive lysosomal system and pseudopodia. This study indicates that the prophylactic treatment of TCC with GM-CSF may induce immunomodulatory effects on macrophage activities, which could be associated with the clinical evolution of the disease.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

PubMed1998

The effects of exercise training on muscle atrophy in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with end-stage renal disease on haemodialysis (HD) have limited work capacity. Many structural and functional alterations in skeletal muscles contribute to this disability. METHODS: To evaluate the effects of exercise training on uraemic myopathy, seven HD patients (mean age 44.1+/-17.2 years) were studied. Open muscle biopsies were taken from their vastus lateralis muscle before and after a 6-month exercise rehabilitation programme and examined by routine light- and transmission electron-microscopy. Histochemical stainings of frozen sections were performed and morphometric analysis was also applied to estimate the proportion of each fibre type and the muscle fibre area. Spiroergometric and neurophysiological testing and peak extension forces of the lower limbs were measured before and after exercise training. RESULTS: All patients showed impaired exercise capacity, which was associated with marked muscular atrophy (mean area 2548+/-463 microm2) and reduction in muscle strength and nerve conduction velocity. All types of fibres were atrophied, but type II were more affected. The ultrastructural study showed severe degenerative changes in skeletal muscle fibres, mitochondria, and capillaries. Exercise training had an impressive effect on muscular atrophy; in particular the proportion of type II fibres increased by 51% and mean muscle fibre area by 29%. Favourable changes were also seen on the structure and number of capillaries and mitochondria. These results were confirmed by a 48% increase in VO2 peak and a 29% in exercise time, as well as an improvement in the peak muscle strength of the lower limbs and in nerve conduction velocity. CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal muscle atrophy in HD patients contribute to their poor exercise tolerance. The application of an exercise training rehabilitation programme improved muscle atrophy markedly, and therefore had beneficial effects in overall work performance.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Natural killer (NK) cell assay within bladder mucosa of patients bearing transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) after interferon (IFN) therapy: an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study.

The authors studied the number and the ultrastructural evidence of NK cell activation in the non-involved urothelium in patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder, before and after transurethral resection (TUR) and interferon (IFN) therapy. Eight male patients, free of recurrence 1 year after TUR and IFN-a2b therapy, were studied. Each patient received 22 instillations of 50MU of IFN-a2b over a period of 1 year. Two specimens from the non-involved urothelium, one adjacent to and another away from the tumour, were obtained before and after therapy, for immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies. The number of NK cells was evaluated immunohistochemically in paraffin sections with the CD57 monoclonal antibody, and their activation was detected by routine electron microscopy processing. Before treatment, few NK cells were randomly found in the lamina propria. At the end of therapy, however, their number increased and NK cells were found to infiltrate the urothelium, a finding that was not observed before treatment. The number of NK cells did not correlate with the degree of the inflammatory infiltrate of the mucosa. Moreover, the ultrastructural study revealed activation of NK cells with enhanced cytolytic activity. IFN therapy increases the number and promotes the activation of NK cells within the bladder mucosa. This finding could be of clinical significance in the prevention of tumour recurrence, given that NK cells enhance the immunological defense mechanisms of the bladder.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell↗

PubMed1997

Microanatomy of the vasa vasorum of the human thoracic aorta: a study utilizing a polyester resin casting technique.

We have studied the vasa vasorum of the human thoracic aorta using a polyester resin casting technique, coupled with the tissue clearing method of Spalteholz. We found that the vasa vasorum originated from intercostal arteries. They ramified and formed networks within the aortic adventitia and the outer layers of the media. Venous networks were identified in the adventitia as wall. In addition to being a usefull research tool, the methodology utilized in this study produces specimens that can be used in teaching vascular anatomy to medical students.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Ultrastructural study of the noninvolved urothelium of tumor-bearing patients after two years of intravesical interferon therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Seventeen patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder were studied. Twelve patients did not have a recurrence 2 years after a transurethral resection (TUR) followed by interferon (IFN)-alpha 2b treatment. This observation led us to study the ultrastructural morphology of the noninvolved urothelium in 8 of the above 12 patients. METHODS: All patients had a primary solitary grade I or II tumor. Topical therapy was started after TUR. Each patient received a total of 22 instillations of 50 MU IFN-alpha 2b in 12 months according to the standard procedure. After the first year, a repetitive dose of 50 MU IFN-alpha 2b was administered every 2 months for a period of 1 more year. RESULTS: At the end of therapy, certain ultrastructural modifications were observed indicating a partial restoration of the urothelium: the existence of asymmetric unit membrane, a well-developed Golgi apparatus and an increase of the filaments. The cells were joined to each other with well-developed tight junctions. Tubuloreticular inclusions were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention of recurrence by restoring the morphology of the noninvolved urothelium in response to IFN treatment deserves further examination.

Administration, Intravesical↗