The aim of this study was to determine whether the dry needling of
myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) is superior to placebo in the
prevention of pain after total knee arthroplasty. Forty subjects
were randomised to a true dry needling group (T) or to a sham
group (S). All were examined for MTrPs by an experienced physical
therapist 4–5 hours before surgery. Immediately following
anesthesiology and before surgery started, subjects in the T group
were dry needled in all previously diagnosed MTrPs, while the S group
received no treatment in their MTrPs. Subjects were blinded to
group allocation as well as the examiner in presurgical and
follow-up examinations performed 1, 3, and 6 months after
arthroplasty. Subjects in the T group had less pain after
intervention, with statistically significant differences in the
variation rate of the visual analogue scale (VAS) measurements 1 month after intervention and
in the need for immediate postsurgery analgesics. Differences
were not significant at 3- and 6-month follow-up examinations. In
conclusion, a single dry needling treatment of MTrP under
anaesthesia reduced pain in the first month after knee
arthroplasty, when pain was the most severe. Results show a
superiority of dry needling versus placebo. An interesting novel
placebo methodology for dry needling, with a real blinding
procedure, is presented.
ABSTRACT. For over 40 years malacologists have been discussing the taxonomical status of Heleobia species, an enigmatic genus from Cochliopidae family (Caenogastropoda: Rissooidea). As with other rissooidean families, the considerable character convergence and the paucity of anatomical synapomorphies has proved to be a problem in resolving cochliopid phylogenetic relations and establishing the validity of several nominal cochliopid species. Here we present a molecular contribution to solve the taxonomical status of one of the most abundant Southern South America cochliopid genera which has many endemic species. We report molecular evidence that supports three of the four Heleobia groups described for this region, the "australis", "parchappii" and "piscium" groups. The fourth, the "hatcheri" group, belongs not to Heleobia but to a different genus which itself should not be considered as part of the family Cochliopidae but closely related to genus Potamolithus Pilsbry & Rush, 1896.
The exotic land gastropod Ovachlamys fulgens (Gude, 1900), aka the jumping snail, was registered in Eldorado city, Misiones province, constituting the first documented record of that species in Argentina-and for all of South America as well. Identities of the individuals were confirmed through morphological examination, and by a DNA sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. DNA sequences for the mitochondrial 16S-rRNA and the nuclear 18S-rRNA genes were also obtained from the morphologically-confirmed specimens to gain insights into the genetic background of this species in Argentina, and as additional markers for enhancing the rapidity of identification by governmental authorities who are responsible for managing the presence of exotic species. Different size classes suggested that the species had successfully reproduced and become established in the locality. Ovachlamys fulgens is emphasized in the literature as being a serious pest to orchids. Misiones province harbors a high species richness of orchids, representing about one half of the known species in Argentina. Owing to the use of the orchid as an ornamental plant, the commercial trade could have facilitated the introduction of the species into Argentina. Control measures, preventive education, and surveillance are needed to prevent the further spread of this snail.
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