Effects of memantine on mania-like phenotypes exhibited by Drosophila Shaker mutants.

Introduction: Increased glutamate levels and electrolytic fluctuations have been observed in acutely manic patients. Despite some efficacy of the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist memantine (Mem), such as antidepressant-like and mood-stabilizer drugs in clinical studies, its specific mechanisms of action are still uncertain. The present study aims to better characterize the Drosophila melanogaster fly Shaker mutants (SH), as a translational model of manic episodes within bipolar disorder in humans, and to investigate the potential anti-manic properties of Mem.

Healthy Women and Men Do Not Show Differences in Tongue Strength and Regular Effort Saliva Swallows as Assessed by Piezo-Resistive Sensors: Results from a Reproducibility Study.

The aim of this study was to establish the reproducibility of tongue strength measurements in healthy women and men during maximum anterior isometric pressure (MAIP) and regular effort saliva swallows (RESS). In this cross-sectional study, 30 healthy young adults were required to push with the tip of the tongue on a piezo-resistive sensor glued to the hard palate, immediately above the central incisor line. Tongue pressures exerted on the sensor during MAIP and spontaneous RESS were recorded.

Maternal Immune Activation Disrupts Dopamine System in the Offspring.

Background: In utero exposure to maternal viral infections is associated with a higher incidence of psychiatric disorders with a supposed neurodevelopmental origin, including schizophrenia. Hence, immune response factors exert a negative impact on brain maturation that predisposes the offspring to the emergence of pathological phenotypes later in life. Although ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons and their target regions play essential roles in the pathophysiology of psychoses, it remains to be fully elucidated how dopamine activity and functionality are disrupted in maternal immune activation models of schizophrenia.

Efficacy of biofeedback plus transanal stimulation in the management of pelvic floor dyssynergia: a randomized trial.

Background: The therapy of pelvic floor dyssynergia is mostly conservative and is based on a high-fiber diet, physical activity and biofeedback training. Our aim was to compare the outcome of biofeedback (manometric-assisted pelvic relaxation and simulated defecation training) plus transanal electrostimulation with standard therapy (diet, exercise, laxatives).

Methods: Clinical, physiologic and quality of life [patient assessment of constipation quality of life (PAC-QOL)] measures, anorectal manometry and balloon expulsion test results were collected prospectively at baseline, at the end of the treatment and 6 months after treatment.

Complex anal fistula remains a challenge for colorectal surgeon.

Aim: Anal fistula is a common proctological problem to both patient and physician throughout surgical history. Several surgical and sphincter-sparing approaches have been described for the management of fistula-in-ano, aimed to minimize the recurrence and to preserve the continence. We aimed to systematically review the available studies relating to the surgical management of anal fistulas.