1,721,016 research outputs found
Up-regulation of L- and non-L, non-N-type Ca2+ channels by basal and stimulated protein kinase C activation in insulin-secreting RINm5F cells
No full textAbstractWe studied the effect of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibition and activation on voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in rat insulinoma RINm5F cells. PKC down-regulation by chronic (24 h) treatment with the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) reduced by about 60% the Ba2+ currents through L- and non-L, non-N-type high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels, indicating that PKC tonically up-regulates the two main Ca2+ channel subtypes of RINm5F cells under basal conditions. Consistently, PKC activation by acute PMA application caused only a modest increase (average 23%) of Ba2+ currents in a minority of cells (24%). L- and non-L, non-N-type channels were differentially up-regulated by either basal or stimulated PKC activation. Acute up-regulation was predominant on L-type channels and caused an I/V shift of the Ba2+ currents in the hyperpolarizing direction. Non-L, non-N-type channels were less affected by acute PMA application, possibly reflecting a more effective tonic PKC up-regulatory action. Unexpectedly, the increase of Ba2+ currents during acute PMA application was followed by a progressive current decrease, which was also observed in isolation in another 24% of the cells and could be ascribed to PKC-induced ATP depletion, rather than to a direct effect of PKC on Ca2+ channels. We also provide evidence that PKC-mediated phosphorylation is not involved in the G-protein-mediated noradrenergic modulation of Ca2+ channels in RINm5F cells
Effectiveness of neurodynamic treatment in managing lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review
Full text linkBackground: Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as “tennis elbow,” is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting up to 3% of the population, primarily in individuals over 40 years old. It leads to pain and dysfunction at the lateral epicondyle, primarily involving the tendons of forearm extensor muscles, innervated by the radial nerve. Recent insights suggest a multifactorial etiology, questioning the traditional tendinopathy model. Neurodynamics, exploring nerve mechanics, emerges as a potential treatment approach. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines searched multiple databases for clinical trials investigating neurodynamic interventions for lateral epicondylitis. Inclusion criteria involved lateral epicondylitis patients receiving neurodynamic treatment, with pain, disability, and functional improvement as primary outcomes. Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Neurodynamic techniques, including radial nerve mobilization and home exercises, showed positive outcomes. Significant pain reduction, improved grip strength, and increased ulnar deviation angle were observed in several studies. However, heterogeneity in study design, follow-up durations, and small sample sizes limit conclusive evidence. Conclusion: Neurodynamic treatment, particularly radial nerve mobilization, appears promising in alleviating pain and improving nerve mechanosensitivity in lateral epicondylitis. High-quality research is needed to establish its efficacy, considering the limitations in existing studies. A multidisciplinary approach and standardized patient inclusion criteria should be emphasized to advance the management of this condition
Harnessing Mirror Neurons: A New Frontier in Parkinson’s Disease Rehabilitation—A Scoping Review of the Literature
Full text linkBackground: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Rehabilitation utilizing mirror neurons leverages the brain’s capacity for action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) to enhance motor function. This approach involves patients imitating movements observed in therapists or videos, aiming to improve gait, coordination, and overall quality of life. Mirror neuron activation facilitates motor learning and may decelerate disease progression, thus enhancing patient mobility and independence. Methods: This scoping review aimed to map current evidence on PD therapies employing mirror neuron-based rehabilitation. Databases searched included PubMed, PEDro, and Cochrane. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews that examined the effects of AO and MI in PD rehabilitation. Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing various rehabilitation techniques focusing on AO and MI. These studies consistently demonstrated positive outcomes, such as reduced disease severity and improved quality of life, gait, and balance in PD patients. The activation of mirror neurons through AO and MI was shown to facilitate motor learning and contribute to improved functional mobility. Conclusions: Although the included studies support the beneficial impact of AO and MI techniques in PD rehabilitation, numerous questions remain unresolved. Further research is necessary to evaluate the potential integration of these techniques into standard physiotherapy routines for PD patients. This review highlights the promise of AO and MI in enhancing motor rehabilitation for PD, suggesting the need for more comprehensive studies to validate and refine these therapeutic approaches
Direct interaction of gbetagamma with a C-terminal gbetagamma-binding domain of the Ca2+ channel alpha1 subunit is responsible for channel inhibition by G protein-coupled receptors
No full textSeveral classes of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) are inhibited by G proteins activated by receptors for neurotransmitters and neuromodulatory peptides, Evidence has accumulated to indicate that for non-L-type Ca2+ channels the executing arm of the activated G protein is its beta gamma dimer (G beta gamma). We report below the existence of two G beta gamma-binding sites on the A-, B-, and E-type alpha(1) subunits that form non-L-type Ca2+ channels. One, reported previously, is in loop 1 connecting transmembrane domains I and Il, The second is located approximately in the middle of the ca, 600-aa-long C-terminal tails, Both G beta gamma-binding regions also bind the Ca2+ channel beta subunit (CC beta), which, when overexpressed, interferes with inhibition by activated G proteins, Replacement in alpha(1E) Of loop 1 with that of the G protein-insensitive and G beta gamma-binding-negative loop 1 of alpha(1C) did not abolish inhibition by G proteins, but the exchange of the alpha(1E) C terminus with that of alpha(1C) did, This and properties of alpha(1E) C-terminal truncations indicated that the G beta gamma-binding site mediating the inhibition of Ca2+ channel activity is the one in the C terminus, Binding of G beta gamma to this site mas inhibited by an alpha(1)-binding domain of CC beta, thus providing an explanation for the functional antagonism existing between CC beta and G protein inhibition. The data do not support proposals that G beta gamma inhibits alpha(1) function by interacting with the site located in the loop I-II linker, These results define the molecular mechanism by which presynaptic G protein-coupled receptors inhibit neurotransmission
FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL CONSTITUENTS OF NEURONAL Ca CHANNEL MODULATION BY NEUROTRANSMITTERS
No full text
Review of contemporary non-surgical management techniques for metacarpal fractures: Anatomy and rehabilitation strategies
Full text linkThis comprehensive study explores the various aspects of metacarpal fractures, a
prevalent condition in hand injuries. We delve into the anatomy of the metacarpals,
elucidating how their structural characteristics influence fracture mechanics and treatment
options. Special attention is given to the diverse types of fractures, particularly the
differing tolerances for angular, shortening, and rotational deformities. The manuscript
extensively reviews conservative treatment approaches, emphasizing the efficacy of non-
surgical methods like modified braces and active mobilization techniques. Additionally,
we provide a nuanced understanding of specific fracture types, such as neck fractures,
highlighting their unique healing dynamics. This research offers valuable insights for
orthopedic and plastic surgery practitioners, advancing the understanding and
management of metacarpal fracture
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Three-Dimensional Printed Custom-Made Prostheses after Partial Scapulectomy: A Case Report
Full text linkAbstract: This case study focuses on scapula reconstruction using three-dimensional printing in a
patient with low-grade osteosarcoma. Malignant tumors originating from the scapula often lead to
destructive surgery, with poor functional status and quality of life for the patients. Using custom
prosthetic technology through three-dimensional printing could be a possible solution for reconstruction with greater long-term functional outcomes. This study aims to assess the functional outcomes
of the reconstruction. A 39-year-old patient with low-grade central osteosarcoma involving the lateral
two-thirds of the scapula underwent a custom prosthetic reconstruction. The patient subsequently
followed a rehabilitation protocol for 12 months. The results indicate that even though there was a
slight decrease in the range of movement, and an increase in the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and
hand (DASH) score, no relevant increase in activities of daily living (ADL) disability was present at
follow-up. The patient returned to carry out his daily activities without pain and with a minimal
functional reduction in movement. In conclusion, three-dimensional prosthetic reconstruction is a
valid alternative for scapula reconstruction, allowing excellent functional and aesthetic results in
oncological cases
Erratum: Human osteoarthritic cartilage shows reduced in vivo expression of IL-4, a chondroprotective cytokine that differentially modulates IL-1ß-stimulated production of chemokines and matrix-degrading enzymes in vitro (PLoS ONE (2014) 95, 5 (e96925) DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096925)
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