Calcification of the perineurium. A case report

Identification of nanobacteria in human arthritic synovial fluid by method validated in human blood and urine using 200 nm model nanoparticles

Earlier we introduced a biosensor for the identification of nanobacteria in water drops. Here, we generalize its principle and apply it to identify nanobacteria in synovial fluid from a patient with osteoarthritis. Results indicate the prevalence of nanobacteria in the synovial fluid. The identification method is applicable to body fluids such as unfiltered human blood and urine, is independent of culturing procedures, and permits for a rapid detection of nanoparticles in liquid drops. In view of increasing clinical evidence on a contribution of nanobacteria in disease, their reported detection in HIV-infected people in South Africa, laboratory experiments indicating the excretion of viable (i.e., propagating) nanobacteria from humans via urine, the use of human excreta in agricultural irrigation, models predicting an injection of nanoaerosols contained in irrigation water enriched with human excreta into the atmosphere, and the identification of nanobacteria in the terrestrial atmosphere, promote the identification method described in this work to an important tool to monitor nanobacteria in body fluids and environmental samples.

Peripheral neuropathy and light-preliminary report indicating prevalence of nanobacteria in HIV

Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition in HIV-positive patients and is often experienced in diabetes mellitus. The primary mechanism of the disease, which can considerably aggravate the patient's state, is unknown. The perineurium of patients with peripheral neuropathy is frequently enveloped by apatite. Nanobacteria (NB) are protectd by a mineral shell consisting of apatite. Light has been shown to elevate the vitality level of cells, and was predicted to inhibit deposition of stressed NB in the cardiovascular system. Results indicate that light can durably restore the condition of patients with severe peripheral neuropathy.

Suffocation of Nerve Fibers by Living Nanovesicles: A Model Simulation−Part II

Nanobacteria may cause peripheral neuropathy by adhesion to the perineurium. This hypothesis receives support from five independent observations: (1) identification of perineurial apatite in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy, (2) massive presence of nanobacteria in a diabetic patient, (3) beneficial effect of lasers on peripheral neuropathy, (4) model simulation indicating that perineurial deposition and attachment of nanobacteria is encouraged by both their size and chemical nature, and (5) transient inhibition of neural function by apatite. Initial deposition of (stressed) nanobacteria is promoted by a slime thought to consist of proteins, calcium, and phosphate, and is most likely followed by an immobilization phase, mediated by a bioadhesive capacity of the apatite. Proteomics may hold the key to control both attachment processes.

Calcification of cervical ganglia: case report

We describe a 44-year-old woman with progressive cervical pain in whom plain films of the cervical spine showed only minor syndesmophyte formation when the patient first presented. However, after 5 weeks, repeat films demonstrated heavy symmetrical calcification of the cervical dorsal root ganglia. A review of the literature did not reveal a previous description of these findings.

Posttraumatic osseous tunnel formation causing sciatic nerve entrapment

Sciatic nerve entrapment in an osseous tunnel has only been reported twice previously. We describe a 19-year-old man evaluated for left lower limb pain and weakness that began one and one half years after sustaining stab wounds to the left buttock and midline back near the T11 vertebrae. The patient had sciatica and demonstrated motor and sensory deficits on physical exam. Electrodiagnostic studies demonstrated a localized injury to the sciatic nerve in the proximal thigh. Radiographic studies of the left pelvis and femur showed an 8 to 10cm linear opacification overshadowing the left femoral head and anatomic neck. An arteriogram of the left leg demonstrated a 3 x 4cm lobulated aneurysm arising from the distal portion of the inferior gluteal artery. Surgical exploration revealed the sciatic nerve to be encased in cylindrical bone. The ectopic bone was removed and the sciatic nerve released. The patient had gradual improvement with a nearly complete neurological recovery by three months after surgery.

[A case of primary intraneural ossification of the ulnar nerve]

The authors report a case of ossification of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. The dense bone tissue spread into the interfascicular space while the epineurium and the fasciculi were undamaged. The pathological tissue was removed and the patient recovered. No similar report has been found in the literature.

Spontaneous mineralization of the sciatic nerve of senescent rats

A spontaneous mineralization of the sciatic nerve of senescent specific pathogen-free-bred rats (aged 42 months) is reported. Deposits were found in the endoneurium of different branches of the nerve at mid-thigh level. They appeared as small discrete deposits or as large tubular-shaped concretions, probably formed by the growth and merger of the smaller deposits. Some of the concretions were found in close proximity to blood vessels. Deposits consisted of dense aggregations of randomly entangled spicules spreading within bundles of collagen fibrils. Calcium was detected by histochemistry and X-ray dispersion microanalysis. Phosphorus was also found, possibly associated with calcium to form hydroxyapatite.

Perineurial calcification

A study of the occurrence of extracellular deposits of calcium in the perineurium of the human sural nerve demonstrated that there is a higher incidence in abnormal nerves than in normal material and that, of the conditions examined, nerves from cases of diabetic neuropathy showed the greatest incidence of calcification. It seems likely that the process of calcification is similar to that operating in other tissues, with deposition on matrix vesicles or lipid droplets, probably derived from the perineurial cells. The increased incidence in diabetic neuropathy is presumably related to metabolic abnormality consequent upon the diabetic state.

Autonomic nerve calcification and peripheral neuropathy in olivopontocerebellar atrophy

This report concerns an unusual form of olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) of adult onset, inherited as an autosomal dominant. We examined 5 patients in one generation and performed neuropathological investigations in 3 of these. The clinical and pathological features were different from those of OPCA types I to V. Apart from olivopontocerebellar degeneration, there was dementia in 4, massive atrophy of the spinal cord in 3, and focal degeneration of the optic nerves in at least 1 case. The most remarkable findings were, however, the involvement of the peripheral nervous system and the abundant intrafascicular calcification in sympathetic nerve fibers and in their ganglia.

Microanalysis of perineural calcification in diabetic nephropathy

Three different microanalytical methods were used to identify calcium deposits in the sciatic nerve perineurium of a 33-year-old woman who died after developing nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy as complications of diabetes. Scanning electron microscopic x-ray microanalysis (SEM-XMA) enabled localization of calcium and phosphorus elements to the perineurium in whole nerve cross sections. With SEM-XMA and scanning-transmission electron microscopic x-ray microanalysis (STEM-XMA) of the minute crystallites in the perineurium, the approximate relative amounts of calcium and phosphorus in the deposits were found to correspond to those in calcium hydroxyapatite. Finally, the crystallites were specifically identified by selected area electron diffraction, and were found to be composed mainly of calcium hydroxyapatite.

Calcium deposits in the perineurium and their relation to lipid accumulation

Calcification of the perineurium in sural nerves occurs in human adults. Deposits of calcium salts can be found focally in the middle and outer layers of the perineurium. Evidence indicates that this calcification is related to nerve fibre breakdown and to the local presence of lipids in the perineurium. The origin of the lipids may be senescent cells or degradation myelin.