Assessment of Intracochlear Trauma Caused by the Insertion of a New Straight Research Array

Cochlear Implants International. Jun, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333934

OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of intracochlear trauma using the Cochlear™ Straight Research Array (SRA). This electrode has recently been released by Cochlear™ on the CI422 implant. BACKGROUND: Electroacoustic stimulation (EAS) enables recipients to benefit from cochlear implantation while retaining their natural low-frequency hearing. A disadvantage of short EAS electrodes is that short electrodes provide limited low-frequency stimulation. Thus, loss of the residual hearing may require reimplantation with a longer electrode. In order to overcome this problem, the slim diameter SRA with increased length (20-25 mm) has been designed to provide a deeper, yet non-traumatic insertion. METHODS: Two insertion studies into temporal bones were undertaken. The first involved dissection of the cochlea to gain a view into the scala vestibuli and insertion of the SRA and control electrodes with a microactuator for a surgeon-independent yet controlled insertion. High-speed photography was used to record data. The second study involved a high-resolution X-ray microcomputed tomography (microCT) study to assess electrode placement and tissue preservation in surgeon-implanted bones. RESULTS: The SRA had a smooth insertion trajectory. The average angular insertion depth was 383° when inserted until resistance was encountered, and 355° if inserted to a predetermined mark for EAS use. In addition, microCT data showed that this caused no significant trauma or distortion of the basilar membrane up to 20 mms depth. CONCLUSION: Temporal bone studies show that the SRA appears to cause no intracochlear trauma if used as an EAS electrode up to 20 mm depth of insertion.

Endothelial Keratoplasty Without Stripping Descemet Membrane

Cornea. Sep, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21775889

Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Cell Surface Characterization - a Systematic Review of the Literature

The Open Orthopaedics Journal. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21966340

Human adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were first identified by Friedenstein et al. when observing a group of cells that developed into fibroblastic colony forming cells (CFU-F). Ever since, the therapeutic uses and clinical applications of these cells have increased research and interest in this field. MSCs have the potential to be used in tissue engineering, gene therapy, transplants and tissue injuries. However, identifying these cells can be a challenge. Moreover, there are no articles bringing together and summarizing the cell surface markers of MSCs in adults. The purpose of this study is to summarize all the available information about the cell surface characterization of adult human MSCs by identifying and evaluating all the published literature in this field. We have found that the most commonly reported positive markers are CD105, CD90, CD44, CD73, CD29, CD13, CD34, CD146, CD106, CD54 and CD166. The most frequently reported negative markers are CD34, CD14, CD45, CD11b, CD49d, CD106, CD10 and CD31. A number of other cell surface markers including STRO-1, SH2, SH3, SH4, HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DR, HLA-I, DP, EMA, DQ (MHC Class II), CDIO5, Oct 4, Oct 4A, Nanog, Sox-2, TERT, Stat-3, fibroblast surface antigen, smooth muscle alpha-actin, vimentin, integrin subunits alpha4, alpha5, beta1, integrins alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 and ICAM-1 have also been reported. Nevertheless, there is great discrepancy and inconsistency concerning the information available on the cell surface profile of adult MSCs and we suggest that further research is needed in this field to overcome the problem.

Giant Splenic Artery Aneurysm: Case Report

ISRN Surgery. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22084756

Splenic artery aneurysm is the third most common location of intra-abdominal aneurysms. Giant splenic artery aneurysm is rarely seen and is at a high risk of rupture. Location and size of the splenic artery aneurysm determine the likelihood of rupture. A case of giant splenic artery aneurysm in a 35-year-old woman is reported. She presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. She had splenomegaly and extrahepatic hepatic portal hypertension. Angiography confirmed a giant splenic artery aneurysm measuring 8 × 10 centimeters, located in middle and distal two-thirds of the splenic artery. Surgical treatment in the form of in toto excision of aneurysm with splenectomy and devascularization was performed.

Surface Plasmon Near-field Resonance Characteristics of Silver Shell Nanocylinders Arranged in Triangular Geometry

Applied Optics. Nov, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22108888

The optical near-field surface plasmon effects of a triangular system of silver nanoshell cylinders are numerically studied using the two-dimensional finite difference time domain method. The dependence of interparticle distance, shell thickness of the cylinder, dielectric constant of shell core as well as embedding medium, and orientation of the optical source plane on the plasmonic resonances of the nanocylinder shells is studied. The plasmonic resonances are found to have strong dependence on the interparticle distance. As the size of the particle is increased, the field intensity peak shows a redshift. The resonance condition varies with the dielectric constant of the environment as well as the core. In addition, the orientation of the incident source plane has a significant role in the near-field intensity distribution. Since the near-field intensity has the same trend as that of the scattering cross section, the results can be used in the design of various applications like sensing, antennas, and waveguides.

Successful Embolization of a Suprascapular Artery Aneurysm

Annals of Vascular Surgery. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21620668

A 45-year-old woman was referred to our service because 9 months earlier she had developed a pulsating mass on the right supraclavicular fossa and torticollis. Ultrasounds and computed tomographic arteriography showed the presence of a subclavian collateral artery aneurysm with a diameter of 21 mm. On selective arteriography, an aneurysm of a suprascapular artery arising directly from the right subclavian artery was reported. The presence of thoracic outlet syndrome was excluded. The aneurysm was successfully treated with ethylene-vinyl alcohol polymer, a liquid embolic agent. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 1 in good general condition. After 12 months, control ultrasounds confirmed the complete thrombosis of the aneurysm sac.

Prevalence of Hypertension, Obesity, Diabetes, and Metabolic Syndrome in Nepal

International Journal of Hypertension. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21629873

Background. This study was carried out to establish the prevalence of cardiovascular risks such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes in Eastern Nepal. This study also establishes the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its relationships to these cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle. Methods. 14,425 subjects aged 20-100 (mean 41.4 ± 15.1) were screened with a physical examination and blood tests. Both the International Diabetic Federation (IDF) and National Cholesterol Education Programme's (NCEP) definitions for MS were used and compared. Results. 34% of the participants had hypertension, and 6.3% were diabetic. 28% were overweight, and 32% were obese. 22.5% of the participants had metabolic syndrome based on IDF criteria and 20.7% according to the NCEP definition. Prevalence was higher in the less educated, people working at home, and females. There was no significant correlation between the participants' lifestyle factors and the prevalence of MS. Conclusion. The high incidence of dyslipidemia and abdominal obesity could be the major contributors to MS in Nepal. Education also appears to be related to the prevalence of MS. This study confirms the need to initiate appropriate treatment options for a condition which is highly prevalent in Eastern Nepal.

Assessing Candidacy for Bilateral Cochlear Implants: A Survey of Practices in the United States and Canada

Cochlear Implants International. May, 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22333494

OBJECTIVES: There are currently no agreed-upon criteria to establish candidacy for bilateral cochlear implants (CIs). This study categorized practice patterns for establishing bilateral CI candidacy. METHODS: A postal survey was sent to all practices performing CIs in the United States and Canada. The survey queried centers regarding candidacy criteria for bilateral implantation, testing parameters, definition of ????best aided condition????, use of testing in noise, localization, and quality-of-life questionnaires. The survey was resent to non-responding centers 4 weeks after the initial mailing. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 40%. ????Best aided condition???? (70%) and hearing in noise (52%) were used to establish bilateral candidacy, while 45% of centers offered bilateral implants to all candidates. The majority of respondents defined ????best aided???? as hearing aids only (57% non-exclusive) or CI and hearing aid together (57%). Only 25% considered a CI alone as best aided. Nearly 5% considered no aiding to be the best aided. Sound localization was used by 8% of respondents for candidacy assessment. Reimbursement affected candidacy decision for 45%. There was variability in stimulus levels (60, 50, 45, and 55????dB), signal-to-noise ratios, and speaker orientations used. DISCUSSION: There are no consistent criteria to assess patients for bilateral CIs. This practice variation makes comparing outcomes across centers challenging and leaves open the possibility of having external standards imposed by regulators or payors. Standardization of candidacy assessment is necessary to develop best practices for bilateral cochlear implantation both to optimize patient outcomes and to ensure the continuity of coverage for these services.

Electrophrenic Pacing and Decannulation for High-level Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Series

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22333657

BACKGROUND: In 1997, guidelines were developed for the management of high-level ventilator-dependent patients with spinal cord injury who had little or no ventilator-free breathing ability (VFBA). This article describes the three categories of patients, the decannulation criteria, and the successful decannulation of four patients with no VFBA and electrophrenic/diaphragm pacing, using these criteria. METHOD: Case series. CONCLUSION: Lack of VFBA in patients with high-level spinal cord injury does not mandate tracheostomy or electrophrenic/diaphragm pacing.

Visual and Hearing Impairment Among Rural Elderly of South India: a Community-based Study

Geriatrics & Gerontology International. Jan, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 21702873

Of India's population, 76.6 million (7.2%) are aged above 60 years. Increasing age is associated with increasing disability and functional impairments such as low vision, loss of mobility and hearing impairment. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to study the prevalence of hearing and visual impairment among a rural elderly population in South India and its association with selected variables.

A Comparative Evaluation of the Anti-Bacterial Efficacy of Honey, In Vitro and Anti-Plaque Efficacy in a 4 Day Plaque Regrowth Model In Vivo - Preliminary Results

Journal of Periodontology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22309178

Background: Honey has a potent broad-spectrum antibacterial action which may make it suitable for "anti-infective" treatment of periodontal disease. Aim: 1) To evaluate the anti bacterial efficacy of honey against oral bacteria and compare the same with 0.2% chlorhexidine 2) Compare anti-plaque efficacy in vivo with chlorhexidine. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in two parts: an invitro part wherein the inhibitory effects of three test agents, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, honey mouthwash and saline, against 6 oral bacteria at concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 and 512 micrograms per millliter were tested in duplicate. The MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) was set as the lowest concentration of the agent that completely inhibited the growth of the test species. The in vivo part consisted of a double blind parallel clinical trial based on a 4 day plaque regrowth model. Sixty six volunteers aged 20-24 years participated in the study and the plaque scores were compared at baseline and at the end of 4 days. Kruskal Wallis test was used for significance and Mann Whitney U test was used for pairwise comparison of the groups. The mean plaque scores were 1.77±0.86, 1.64±0.90, 3.27±0.83 for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Results: The honey mouthrinse effectively inhibited the 6 tested microorganisms. The chlorhexidine gluconate rinse had the lowest MICs in comparison with honey and saline rinses, for all test species examined. The in vivo results revealed that plaque formation was inhibited/ reduced by chlorhexidine and honey rinses. Conclusion: Honey has antibacterial action against tested oral microorganisms and also has anti-plaque action.

Implantation of the Common Cavity Malformation May Prevent Meningitis

Cochlear Implants International. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22333042

Objectives and importance: Children with certain congenital malformations of the inner ear, including those with a common cavity defect, have a higher incidence of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and resulting meningitis. However, they may also benefit from cochlear implantation. We suggest that surgical management may be possible that both prevents meningitis and provides hearing rehabilitation during the same procedure. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 2-year-old girl with bilateral common cavity defects who had previously undergone cochlear implantation developed contralateral CSF leak resulting in meningitis. INTERVENTION: After resolution of the infection, cochlear implantation was performed at the same time as definitive CSF leak repair. Simultaneous cochlear implantation and repair of the CSF leak successfully decreased the chance of recurrent meningitis in this case. She has been deriving hearing benefit from the bilateral implants. CONCLUSION: This case suggests a role for cochlear implantation to be combined with simultaneous CSF leak repair in children with a cochlear malformation. Furthermore, bilateral cochlear implantation at an early age may be warranted in these patients before CSF leaks and meningitis have occurred.

Tobacco Addiction and The Risk of Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancer in A Multicenter Case-Control Study

Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention : a Publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, Cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22337537

BACKGROUND: While previous studies on tobacco and alcohol and the risk of upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancers have clearly shown dose-response relations with the frequency and duration of tobacco and/or alcohol, studies on addiction to tobacco itself as a risk factor for UADT cancer have not been published, to our knowledge. The aim of this report is to assess whether smoking addiction is a risk factor for UADT SCC risk in the multicenter case-control study (ARCAGE) in Western Europe independent of tobacco smoking or alcohol drinking intensity or duration.METHODS: The analyses included 1,905 ever smoking UADT SCC cases (871 oral cavity/oropharynx, 814 hypopharynx/larynx, 127 esophagus, and 93 overlapping oral cavity/pharynx) and 1,489 ever smoking controls. The addiction variables included first cigarette after waking up, difficulty refraining from smoking in places where it is forbidden, and cigarettes per day. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for UADT cancers with addiction variables were estimated with unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for center, age, sex, education level, alcohol consumption, and tobacco smoking.RESULTS: Among current smokers, 76.47% of cases were categorized in the highest addiction level, whereas 54.69% of controls were in that category. The participants who smoked their first cigarette within 5 minutes of waking up were two times more likely to develop UADT SCC (OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.57-3.15) than those who smoked 60 minutes after waking up. A higher modified Fagerstram score, reflecting greater tobacco addiction, was associated with an increased risk of UADT SCC among current smokers, but not among former smokers.CONCLUSION: We observed that time to first cigarette after waking up was associated with UADT SCC risk, regardless of heavy smoking or alcohol drinking behaviors. These results are consistent with residual effect of smoking that was not captured by the questionnaire responses alone. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(3); 1-9. ©2012 AACR.

Benefits and Harms of Screening Mammography Frequency by Age and Comorbidity Score

Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention : a Publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, Cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22337538

BACKGROUND: There is uncertainty about the appropriate use of screening mammography in older women. We compared the benefits and harms of screening mammography frequency according to age and comorbidity scores. METHODS: We conducted analyses within a prospective cohort study of four mammography registries in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium that had mammography data linked to Medicare claims information. Participants included 137,949 women aged 66-89 years without breast cancer and 2,993 women with breast cancer. We estimated odds of advanced (IIb, III, IV) stage, large tumor size (>20 millimeters), and estrogen receptor (ER) negative tumors and cumulative probability of false-positive mammography after 10 years of screening by mammography frequency, age and comorbidity score as determined by the Charlson Comorbidity Index. RESULTS: Mammography biennially vs. annually for women aged 66-89 years does not increase risk of tumors with unfavorable characteristics regardless of women's comorbidity score. Cumulative probability of a false-positive result for annual and biennial screening of women aged 66-89 years with a comorbidity score of ≥1 was 48 (46.1, 49.9) and 29 (28.1, 29.9) respectively. False-positives were more common among annual screeners than among those screened biennially irrespective of women's comorbidity score. CONCLUSION: Mammography annually vs. biennially does not have added benefit for women aged 66-89 years, even among those in good overall health as reflected by the lack of comorbidity. Risk of false-positive mammography is much higher with annual mammography.

Race and Risk of Large Bowel Polyps in Younger and Older Patients

Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention : a Publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, Cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22337553

Prevalence, Predictors, and Impact of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Hemodialysis Patients: A Cohort Study With a 3-year Follow-Up

Angiology. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22350074

We evaluated the prevalence, predictors, and outcome of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) among hemodialysis (HD) patients (n = 252) in a prospective study (3-year follow-up) conducted in Qatar. Those with PAD (n = 97; 38.5%) were older and more likely to be males and to have diabetes mellitus, prior coronary artery disease (CAD), or cerebrovascular disease. Diabetic retinopathy was an independent predictor of PAD (adjusted odds ratio: 2.7; P = .004). Women had a higher mortality. Three-year all-cause mortality was high in the PAD group (adjusted hazard ratios [HRs] 2.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-5.51). Other predictors of mortality were age (HR 1.06; 95% CI 1.04-1.10), number of vascular access (HR 2.3; 95% CI 1.04-5.01), and prior CAD (HR 1.8; 95% CI 1.05-3.49). Prevalence of PAD was high among HD patients. Early detection of PAD as well as diabetic retinopathy is of value in identifying an even higher risk population among HD patients.

Molecular Imprint of the Enzyme Active Site by Camel Nanobodies: a Rapid and Efficient Approach to Produce Abzymes with Alliinase Activity

The Journal of Biological Chemistry. Feb, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22374998

Screening of inhibitory Ab1 antibodies is the critical step for producing catalytic antibodies in anti-idiotypic approach. But the incompatible surface of the enzyme's active site and the antigen-binding site of heterotetrameric conventional antibodies become the limiting step. Camelid derived nanobodies possess the potential to preferentially bind to the active site of enzymes for their small size and long CDR3. We develop a novel approach to produce antibodies with alliinase activities by exploiting the molecular mimicry of camel nanobodies. By screening the camelid derived variable region of heavy chain cDNA phage display library with alliinase, an inhibitory nanobody VHHA4 which recognizes the active site was easily obtained. The further screening with VHHA4 from the same VHH library led to a higher incidence of anti-idiotypic Ab2 abzymes with alliinase activities. One of the abzymes VHHC10 showed the highest activity which can be inhibited by Ab1 VHHA4 and alliinase competitive inhibitor penicillamine, and significantly suppress the B16 tumor cell growth in the presence of alliin in vitro. The results highlight the feasibility of producing abzymes via anti-idiotypic nanobody approach.

A County-Level Examination of the Relationship Between HIV and Social Determinants of Health: 40 States, 2006-2008

The Open AIDS Journal. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22408698

Social determinants of health (SDH) are the social and physical factors that can influence unhealthy or risky behavior. Social determinants of health can affect the chances of acquiring an infectious disease - such as HIV - through behavioral influences and limited preventative and healthcare access. We analyzed the relationship between social determinants of health and HIV diagnosis rates to better understand the disparity in rates between different populations in the United States.

Malignant Transformation of a Potentially Low Risk Lichenoid Reaction

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22414364

Lichenoid reaction represents a family of oral lesions identical, both clinically and histologically to oral lichen planus. The triggering factor for this lesion varies from medicines to dental materials, usually demonstrating a cause-effect relationship unlike lichen planus. We present a typical case of lichenoid reaction on the buccal mucosa that appeared in response to betel quid which progressed to carcinoma during a follow-up period of 6 months. Lichenoid reactions occurring in response to known carcinogens and that occuring in risk group population has to be observed more cautiously.

A Systematic Review of Dynamometry and Its Role in Hand Trauma Assessment

The Open Orthopaedics Journal. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22423305

The dynamometer was developed by American neurologists and came into general use in the late 19th century. It is still used in various ways as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in clinical settings. In this systematic review we assessed in detail the different uses of dynamometry, its reliability, different dynamometers used and the influence of rater experience by bringing together and evaluating all published literature in this field. It was found that dynamometry is applied in a wide range of medical conditions. Furthermore, the great majority of studies reported acceptable to high reliability of dynamometry. Jamar mechanical dynamometer was used most often in the studies reviewed. There were mixed results concerning the effect of rater experience. The factors influencing the results of dynamometry were identified as age, gender, body weight, grip strength, BMI, non/dominant hand, assessing upper/lower limbs, rater and patient's strength and the distance from the joint where the dynamometer is placed. This review provides an understanding of the relevance and significance of dynamometry which should serve as a starting point to guide its use in hand trauma assessment. On the basis of our findings, we suggest that hand dynamometry has a great potential, and could be used more often in clinical practice.

Biomass Production and Alcoholic Fermentation Performance of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae As a Function of Nitrogen Source

FEMS Yeast Research. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22429249

Nitrogen limitation is one of the most common causes for stuck or sluggish fermentation. A broad range of values has been reported as the minimum nitrogen concentration necessary for the completion of alcoholic fermentation. We have analyzed the minimum nitrogen concentration required to yield the maximum biomass (nitrogen reference value) by using a microwell plate reader to monitor fermentation with different nitrogen sources and sugar concentrations. The biomass yield was dependent on the amount of available nitrogen, the nature of nitrogen source and the sugar concentration in the medium. Nevertheless, achieving the maximum biomass was not sufficient to ensure the completion of the alcoholic fermentation, because the fermentation of 280 g sugar L(-1) stuck, regardless of the nature and concentration of nitrogen source. However, a mixture of 5 amino acids (Leu, Ile, Val, Phe and Thr) as the nitrogen source allowed for maximum sugar consumption. Analysis of cell vitality by impedance showed a significant improvement in the vitality for cells fermenting using this amino acid combination. © 2012 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

Recent Surgical and Medical Advances in the Treatment of Dupuytren's Disease - A Systematic Review of the Literature

The Open Orthopaedics Journal. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22431952

Dupuytren's disease (DD) is a type of fibromatosis which progressively results in the shortening and thickening of the fibrous tissue of the palmar fascia. This condition which predominantly affects white-northern Europeans has been identified since 1614. DD can affect certain activities of daily living such as face washing, combing hair and putting hand in a glove. The origin of Dupuytren's contracture is still unknown, but there are a number of treatments that doctors have come across throughout the years. Historically surgery has been the mainstay treatment for DD but not the only one. The objective is to make a structured review of the most recent advances in treatment of DD including the surgical and medical interventions. We have looked at the most relevant published articles regarding the various treatment options for DD. This review has taken 55 articles into consideration which have met the inclusion criteria. The most recent treatments used are multi-needle aponeurotomy, extensive percutaneous aponeurotomy and lipografting, injecting collagenase Clostridium histolyticum, INF-gamma and shockwave therapy as well as radiotherapy. Each of these treatments has certain advantages and drawbacks and cannot be used for every patient. In order to prevent this condition, spending more time and money in the topic is required to reach better and more consistent treatments and ultimately to eradicate this disease.

Evidence for Tissue Iron Overload in Long-term Hemodialysis Patients and the Impact of Withdrawing Parenteral Iron

European Journal of Haematology. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22435497

Background/Aims:  Erythropoiesis in long-term hemodialyzed (LTH) patients is supported by erythropoietin (rHuEpo) and intravenous iron. This treatment may end-up in iron-overload (IO) in major organs. We studied such patients for parameters of IO in the serum and in major organs. Methods: Patients were treated with rHuEpo (6-8x10(3) units x 1-3/week) and intravenous 100mg ferric saccharate Results:  Out of 115 patients, 21 had serum ferritin (SF) > 1000ng/ml. This group was further analyzed. Their SF and transferrin saturation (TSAT) were 2688±1489ng/ml and 54.2±32.7%, respectively (vs. 125-360ng/ml and 20-50% in normal controls). Serum hepcidin was 60.1±29.5nmol/l (vs. 10.61±6.44nmol/l in controls) (P<0.001). Nineteen patients had increased malonyldialdehyde, a product of lipid peroxidation, indicating oxidative stress. T2* MRI disclosed in 19/21 patients moderate to severe IO in the liver and spleen, in 3/8 patients in the pancreas, but in no patient - in the heart. After stopping IV iron for a mean of 12 months, while continuing rHuEpo, the mean SF decreased in 11 patients to 1682ng/ml and the mean TSAT decreased to 28%, whereas hemoglobin did not change indicating that tissue iron was utilized Conclusion:  High SF correlates with IO in the liver and spleen, but not in the heart © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Unilateral Frontal Interhemispheric Transfalcial Approaches for the Removal of Olfactory Groove Meninjiomas

Turkish Neurosurgery. 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22437291

A unilateral subfrontal interhemispheric transfalcial approach for the removal of olfactory groove meningiomas (OGM) was evaluated in terms of surgical technique, complications, clinical outcomes, and recurrence rate. MATERIAL and

Effects of Purple Grape Juice in the Redox-sensitive Modulation of Right Ventricular Remodeling in a Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Model

Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22441302

ABSTRACT: The effects of purple grape juice (PGJ) pretreatment in signaling proteins involved in cardiac remodeling in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) induced by monocrotaline (MCT) were investigated. Male Wistar rats (control, MCT, PGJ and MCT+PGJ groups) were treated for six weeks with water or PGJ (10 mL/kg/day) by gavage. In the third week, it was administered a single dose of MCT (60 mg/kg i.p.). Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was determined by echocardiography and hemodynamic analysis was performed in right ventricle (RV). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration and lipid peroxidation (LPO) was quantified, and Trx-1, p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, p-Akt/Akt, p-JNK/JNK and cleaved caspase-3 was detected at RV by Western blot. Pretreatment with PGJ attenuated PVR and improved hemodynamic parameters in MCT induced-PAH. PGJ and MCT groups exhibited increased H2O2 levels, which were reduced to baseline in MCT+PGJ. ERK1/2 phosphorylation showed same profile of H2O2 changes. No changes in p-JNK/JNK and p-Akt/Akt expression were found. An enhanced cleaved caspase-3 immunodetection was induced by the model, which was reversed in MCT+PGJ group, being associated with increased Trx-1 and reduced LPO. Improvement in functional parameters mediated by PGJ pretreatment may be associated with the induction of Trx-1, influencing the expression of proteins involved in RV remodeling.

Cochlear Implants and Magnetic Resonance Scans: A Case Report and Review

Cochlear Implants International. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22449316

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Traditionally, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was contraindicated for patients with cochlear implants (CIs), due to concern about device displacement, overheating of the device or tissues, or direct damage to the device electrode. In addition, image artifact from the device magnet gave poor imaging information in the cranial and upper cervical spine region. Today, MRI is increasingly required in patients who have undergone cochlear implantation, and CI design and MRI protocols have therefore changed to allow implanted patients to safely enter the MRI field, in some cases without removal of the CI internal magnet. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We present a patient with bilateral CIs who required MRI to investigate new neurological symptoms. Despite tight head bandaging applied according to our protocol, MRI at 1.5 T led to bilateral skin reactions and displacement of the magnet on the left. Both magnets were subsequently removed to allow the skin reactions to settle and for further imaging without artifact. The functioning of the patient's implants was not affected. CONCLUSION: The final decision to recommend that a patient with a CI undergoes MRI, with or without removal of the internal magnet, requires close cooperation between the CI team, the physician requiring the scan, and the radiology team involved in the patient's care. The case study we present highlights the need for patients to be fully informed of the risks involved.

[Biotechnoligical Cultivation of Edible Macrofungi: An Alternative for Obtaining Nutraceutics.]

Revista Iberoamericana De Micologia : Organo De La Asociacion Espanola De Especialistas En Micologia. Mar, 2012  |  Pubmed ID: 22449697

Macromycetes have been part of the human culture for thousand years, and have been reported as food in the most important civilizations in history. Many nutraceutical properties of macromycetes have been described, such as anti-cancer, anti-tumour, cholesterol lowering, antiviral, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, among others. Given that production of mushrooms by traditional cultivation and extraction of bioactive metabolites is very difficult in some cases, biotechnology is essential for the development of profitable and productive techniques for obtaining these metabolites. It is the development of this technology, and the ease in which it enables the use of its variables that has allowed mycelium to be cultivated in liquid medium of macrofungi, with a significant reduction in time and an increased production of metabolites. This increased production has led to the study of compounds that have medicinal, nutriceutical and quasi-farmaceutical potential, in the exhausted media and the mycelium. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the use of liquid-state fermentation (LSF) as a technological tool for obtaining edible fungi, and the study of these and their metabolites, by describing the different cultivation conditions used in recent years, as well as the results obtained. The relevance of Agaricus, Flammulina, Grifola, Pleurotus and Lentinula genera, will also be discussed, with emphasis on the last one, since Shiitake has been always considered as the ultimate medicinal mushroom.