Custom-made dynamometry was shown to objectively analyze human muscle strength around the ankle joint with accuracy, easy portability and low costs. This paper describes the full method of calibration and measurement setup and the measurement procedure when capturing ankle torque for establishing reliability of a portable custom-built electronic dynamometer. After considering the load cell offset voltage, the pivotal position was determined, and calibration with loads followed. Linear regression was used for calculating the proportionality constant between torque and measured voltage. Digital means were used for data collection and processing. Four healthy consenting participants were enrolled in the study. Three consecutive maximum voluntary isometric contractions of five seconds each were registered for both feet during plantar flexion/dorsiflexion, and ankle torque was then calculated for three ankle inclinations. A calibration procedure resulted, comprising determination of the pivotal axis and pedal constant. Using the obtained data, a measurement procedure was proposed. Obtained contraction time graphs led to easier filtering of the results. When calculating the interclass correlation, the portable apparatus demonstrated to be reliable when measuring ankle torque. When a custom-made dynamometer was used for capturing ankle torque, accuracy of the method was assured by a rigorous calibration and measurement protocol elaboration.
There are many fixing and colouring substances largely used in the anatomy laboratories, for teaching purpose. We have injected 22 adult human hearts, removed from the cadavers belonging to the Anatomy and Embryology Department. On 6 specimens we have followed the embryologic myocardium structures for micro angio architecture studies. We used histological techniques like: haematoxylin-eosin, Van Gieson, and Masson�s Trichrome methods. Also we have removed and dissected 14 kidneys and 16 anatomical structures of the peripheral nervous system: coeliac ganglia, aortico renal ganglia and mesenteric ganglia. The least were analyzed using specific techniques of the nervous system: Nissl method and Bielschowsky silver stain method. 8 foetuses (aged between 4 and 8 months of gestation) were dissected and also analysed. Our results were in according to the literature studies.
The drive to prolong life and to improve life quality in patients suffering from cancer forms of any kind means that, aside from the necessary treatment, prognostic evaluations are needed. In our present study we included 63 patients with renal cell carcinoma. The histological samples obtained in surgery were studied through the classical histopathology methods, histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. The histological degree of tumor differentiation was assessed for all cases, falling within all 4 classification grades. The immunohistochemical reaction for PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) was performed, utilizing the PC 10-LSAB antibody through visualization with the LSAB-DAB kit. This was the method used for assessing the process of tumor proliferation. Subsequently, the histological degree of differentiation was correlated with the PCNA score. We anticipate a reserved prognosis for patients with a positive expression on most tumor cells, which represents a high PCNA score.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly being used in regenerative medicine to repair various tissue types. This study aimed to assess changes in MSCs properties as a result of their interaction with two biomaterials in order to evaluate their in vitro compatibility. We have used two types of biomaterials, as follows: hydroxyapatite anodized titanium (HA-Ti) is used in bone reconstruction; it is hard and remains in the body, while patches of collagen combined with poly-e-caprolactone (C-PCL) are utilized in the reconstruction of soft tissue (particularly the skin); these patches resorb in the body, being only a temporary matrix that fosters and accelerates tissue formation. We have chosen to assess changes in morphology, viability and proliferation of MSCs obtained by lipoaspirate, through direct contact with the biomaterial or in eluate. MSCs properties were assessed by optical microscopy, fluorescence microscopy after acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, and the MTT assay. After result interpretation, we gained an image of the cytotoxicity phenomenon seen during the experiment and were able to assess viability of cell in contact with the biomaterials used. HA-Ti shows better interaction with cells, which preserve their viability, and does not influence MSCs growth, proliferation or morphology. In contrast, cells on C-PCL matrix become small, spherical, were detached from the plate and had lower viability percentage.
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