The objective of this observational cross-sectional study was to investigate the normal motion of the median nerve when stretched during a neurodynamic exercise. In recent years, ultrasonography has been increasingly accepted as an imaging technique for examining peripheral nerves in vivo, offering a reliable and noninvasive method for a precise evaluation of nerve movement. Transverse motion of the median nerve in the arm during a neurodynamic test was measured. A volunteer sample of 22 healthy subjects (11 women) participated in the study. Nerve displacement and deformation were assessed by dynamic ultrasonography. Excellent interobserver agreement was obtained, with kappa coefficient of .7-.8. Ultrasonography showed no lateral motion during wrist extension in 68% of nerves, while 73% moved dorsally, with statistically significant differences between sexes (ORlat = 6.3; 95% CI = 1.4-27.7 and ORdor = 8.3; 95% CI = 1.6-44.6). The cross-sectional area was significantly greater in men (3.6 mm2). Quantitative analysis revealed no other statistically significant differences. Our results provide evidence of substantial individual differences in median nerve transverse displacement in response to a neurodynamic exercise.
BackgroundRecent studies have demonstrated that statins have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, which could be considered beneficial in kidney transplantations. This study assesses the anti-inflammatory effect of atorvastatin on the kidney grafts of living donor transplants.Material/MethodsIn a randomized clinical trial, kidney donors were divided into 2 groups. The study group constituted 24 donors who received 40 mg atorvastatin, and 24 donors who received a placebo control, 4 weeks prior to transplantation. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured before and after atorvastatin administration. CRP and renal function of kidney recipients were measured at baseline and 1, 6, and 24 hours after transplantation.ResultsAfter 4 weeks of treatment, the CRP level was 5.62±3.82 mg/dL in the control group and 3.27±0.62 mg/dL in the study group (P=0.007). Upon reperfusion, CRP levels in recipients at 1 hour were, 5.8±3.9 and 3.8±1.0 mg/dL, respectively (P=0.04). Twenty-four hours after the kidney transplantations, serum creatinine levels were 2.5±1.5 mg/dL in the study group and 3.7±2.4 mg/dL in the control group (P=0.04).ConclusionsOur study suggests that the use of atorvastatin prior to allograft procurement of kidney transplant, reduces the acute kidney inflammatory burden profile, and promotes an improved kidney function recovery following transplantation.
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