Stem Cell Therapy and Thiamine Deficiency-Induced Brain Damage.

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is a major central nervous system disorder resulting from thiamine deficiency (TD) in which a number of brain regions can develop serious damage including the thalamus and inferior colliculus. Despite decades of research into the pathophysiology of TD and potential therapeutic interventions, little progress has been made regarding effective treatment following the development of brain lesions and its associated cognitive issues. Recent developments in our understanding of stem cells suggest they are capable of repairing damage and improving function in different maladys.

Region-selective permeability of the blood-brain barrier to α-aminoisobutyric acid during thiamine deficiency and following its reversal.

Thiamine deficiency (TD) results in focal lesions in several regions of the rat brain including the thalamus and inferior colliculus. Since alterations in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity may play a role in this damage, we have examined the influence of TD on the unidirectional blood-to-brain transfer constant (K) of the low molecular weight species α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) in vulnerable and non-vulnerable brain regions at different stages during progression of the disorder, and following its reversal with thiamine. Analysis of the regional distribution of K values showed early (day 10) increased transfer of [C]-AIB across the BBB in the vulnerable medial thalamus as well as the non-vulnerable caudate and hippocampus.

A Smartphone App Designed to Empower Patients to Contribute Toward Safer Surgical Care: Community-Based Evaluation Using a Participatory Approach.

Background: MySurgery is a smartphone app designed to increase patient and carer involvement in behaviors that contribute toward safety in surgical care.

Objective: This study presents a pilot evaluation of MySurgery in which we evaluated surgical patients' perceptions of the app in terms of its content, usability, and potential impacts on communication and safety.

Methods: A participatory action research (PAR) approach was used to formulate a research steering group consisting of 5 public representatives and 4 researchers with equal decision-making input.

Perplexed by PGx? Exploring the impact of pharmacogenomic results on medical management, disclosures and patient behavior.

Pharmacogenomic (PGx) tests represent significant advances in precision medicine. Our aim was to explore perceptions following the return of PGx results, medication management, and disclosure to providers. We surveyed clients who had PGx testing and conducted a chart review of PGx results.