Long-Term Orthopaedic and Radiological Outcomes of Symphysis Approximation without Osteotomy in Primary Bladder Exstrophy Repair.

Introduction:  Previous assumptions suggested that the technique of approximation without osteotomy in primary exstrophy repair (PER) could only be applied in newborns and anticipated poorer outcomes. Recent studies indicated that this technique can be successfully executed not only in immediate PER but also yields favorable long-term results. Therefore, we evaluated and compared the orthopaedic and radiological long-term outcomes after pubic symphysis approximation without osteotomy in immediate and delayed PER.

L-carnitine exerts a nutrigenomic effect via direct modulation of nuclear receptor signaling in adipocytes, hepatocytes and SKMC, demonstrating its nutritional impact.

L-carnitine is an indispensable metabolite facilitating the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondrial matrix and has been previously postulated to exert a nutrigenomic effect. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain mostly unclear. We hypothesized that L-carnitine interacts with nuclear receptors involved in metabolic regulation, thereby modulating downstream targets of cellular metabolism.

A novel once-daily fixed-dose combination of memantine extended release and donepezil for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease: two phase I studies in healthy volunteers.

Background: Combining two standard-of-care medications for Alzheimer's disease (AD) into a single once-daily dosage unit may improve treatment adherence, facilitate drug administration, and reduce caregiver burden. A new fixed-dose combination (FDC) capsule containing 28 mg memantine extended release (ER) and 10 mg donepezil was evaluated for bioequivalence with co-administered commercially available memantine ER and donepezil, and for bioavailability with regard to food intake.

Methods: Two phase I, single-dose, randomized, open-label, crossover studies were conducted in 18- to 45-year-old healthy individuals.

Cumulative, additive benefits of memantine-donepezil combination over component monotherapies in moderate to severe Alzheimer's dementia: a pooled area under the curve analysis.

Introduction: Treatment in moderate or severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) often involves adding memantine to a cholinesterase-inhibitor (ChEI: donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine). Evidence from six-month randomized trials and long-term observational studies supports superiority of memantine-ChEI combination to ChEI monotherapy. We utilized area-under-the-curve (AUC) analysis to assess six-month cumulative treatment efficacy of memantine-donepezil combination versus component monotherapies on individual clinical domains and on a composite index.

L-carnitine and PPARα-agonist fenofibrate are involved in the regulation of Carnitine Acetyltransferase (CrAT) mRNA levels in murine liver cells.

Background: The carnitine acetyltransferase (CrAT) is a mitochondrial matrix protein that directly influences intramitochondrial acetyl-CoA pools. Murine CrAT is encoded by a single gene located in the opposite orientation head to head to the PPP2R4 gene, sharing a very condensed bi-directional promoter. Since decreased CrAT expression is correlated with metabolic inflexibility and subsequent pathological consequences, our aim was to reveal and define possible activators of CrAT transcription in the normal embryonic murine liver cell line BNL CL.

[Flexible flatfoot in children: variation within normal range or need for treatment?].

Flexible flatfoot in childhood is a common cause for repetitive consultations and the diagnosis is verified by the clinical examination. In most cases the findings are age-dependent variants of the norm and if asymptomatic there is no need for treatment. In the first decade of life symptomatic flexible flatfoot should initially be treated with shoe inserts.

Memantine and functional communication in Alzheimer's disease: results of a 12-week, international, randomized clinical trial.

Post hoc analyses suggest that memantine treatment may provide communication-related benefits in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this 12-week, international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of memantine (10 mg bid), the functional communication abilities of patients with AD (MMSE range: 10-19) were assessed using the Functional Linguistic Communication Inventory (FLCI; primary measure). Two combined subscales (Social Communication and Communication of Basic Needs) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults (ASHA FACS; secondary measure) were administered to caregivers.

Magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological results from a trial of memantine in Alzheimer's disease.

Background: This study was designed to assess changes in brain volume and cognitive abilities in memantine-treated patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) by using an exploratory, single-arm, delayed-start design.

Methods: Cholinesterase inhibitor-treated patients with AD (N = 47; Mini-Mental State Examination score range: 15-23) were enrolled in an observational lead-in period (weeks: 1-24), followed by an open-label period of add-on memantine treatment (weeks: 25-48). The patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging at weeks 0 (baseline), 24 (immediately before memantine initiation), and 48 (endpoint), and a battery of neuropsychological tests at weeks 0, 24, 28, 36, and 48.

Memantine discontinuation and the health status of nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease.

Objective: To estimate the effect of memantine discontinuation for a nonmedical reason (eg, formulary restriction or family decision) on the health status of nursing home (NH) residents with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: NHs (n = 113) in the United States.

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor expression in KATO-III cells after Helicobacter pylori stimulation under the influence of strychnos Nux vomica and Calendula officinalis.

Introduction: Previous studies have shown the stimulating effect of Helicobacter pylori on the gene expression of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) using the gastric epithelial cell line KATO-III. Strychnos Nux vomica (Nux vomica) and Calendula officinalis are used in highly diluted form in homeopathic medicine to treat patients suffering from gastritis and gastric ulcers.

Aim And Method: To investigate the influence of Nux vomica and Calendula officinalis on HB-EGF-like growth factor gene expression in KATO-III cells under the stimulation of H.

Endomorphins in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and experimental arthritis.

The opioid tetrapeptides endomorphins (EM)-1 and EM-2 are widely expressed in central nervous system and immune tissues of rats and humans. Their analgesic properties are well characterized but they also have anti-inflammatory properties. EM-1 significantly attenuated the onset of hindpaw inflammation in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.

Evaluation of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 in lung transplant patients with human cytomegalovirus infection.

We hypothesized that interleukin-6 (IL-6) in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) might serve as additional diagnostic parameter in lung transplant patients with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. Therefore, we compared IL-6 levels in HCMV-positive vs. HCMV-negative patients.

Thrombospondin-1 binds to ApoER2 and VLDL receptor and functions in postnatal neuronal migration.

Apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2), very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), and Dab1 are the main components of the Reelin signalling cascade. Reelin is the sole ligand defined so far in signalling through this pathway. Postnatal migration of neuronal precursors from the subventricular zone (SVZ) to the olfactory bulb (OB), however, depends on ApoER2 and Dab1, but functions independently of Reelin.

Antiinflammatory role of endomorphins in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and adjuvant-induced polyarthritis.

Objective: Pain sensitization and the related secretion of neuropeptides from sensory nerve terminals are proinflammatory in osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and adjuvant-induced polyarthritis. In contrast, endogenous opioids such as the recently discovered endomorphins (EMs) are antiinflammatory. However, the role of endogenous EMs such as EM-1 and EM-2 has never been investigated in OA and RA.

De-stabilization of the positive vago-vagal reflex in bulimia nervosa.

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by consuming large amounts of food over a defined period with a loss of control over the eating. This is followed by a compensatory behavior directed at eliminating the consumed calories, usually vomiting. Current treatments include antidepressants and/or behavioral therapies.

New multifunctional prosthetic arm and hand systems.

We are building a new hand with 18 DOF which has all its actuators inside the body of the hand. This hand is in a form suitable for the 50% women but has the strength capabilities of a 50% male.

Preponderance of sensory versus sympathetic nerve fibers and increased cellularity in the infrapatellar fat pad in anterior knee pain patients after primary arthroplasty.

Sensory nerve fibers transmit pain perception and secrete pro-inflammatory substance P (SP). Sympathetic nerve fibers secrete anti-inflammatory norepinephrine and endogenous opioids, which inhibit pain perception in a bidirectional crosstalk with sensory fibers. In patients with anterior knee pain after primary arthroplasty of the knee (AKP), this study investigated in parallel the innervation of the infrapatellar fat pad by sensory and sympathetic nerve fibers.

Nutraceuticals: potential roles and potential risks for pain management.

Over the past 2 decades, the world health market has been flooded with over the counter herbal products, also known as nutraceuticals. Although many of these products are neither recommended nor prescribed by conventional medical practitioners, an increasing number of people are taking these products on a daily basis. A recent survey at Texas Tech University School of Medicine in Lubbock, Texas concluded that 32% of patients scheduled for elective surgery or pain procedures were taking one or more herbal supplements; however, 70% did not disclose these during a routine anesthetic assessment.

Thermal and tactile sensory deficits and allodynia in a nerve-injured patient: a multimodal psychophysical and functional magnetic resonance imaging study.

Objective: A case study was conducted to examine a patient with chronic neuropathic pain of the right foot following peripheral nerve injury and characterize associated sensory abnormalities.

Methods: Multimodal psychophysical examination of the patient's affected and nonaffected foot included thermal sensibility, dynamic touch, and directional sensibility. In addition, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study cortical representation of brush-evoked allodynia.

Evaluation of Seldinger technique emergency cricothyroidotomy versus standard surgical cricothyroidotomy in 200 cadavers.

Background: Percutaneous cricothyroidotomy is a lifesaving procedure for airway obstruction in trauma victims who need airway establishment and cannot be intubated or in whom intubation has failed.

Methods: The purpose of this study was to examine whether there is a training effect using Seldinger technique emergency cricothyroidotomy (group 1; Arndt Emergency Cricothyroidotomy Catheter Set; Cook Critical Care, Bloomington, IN) versus standard surgical cricothyroidotomy (group 2). Twenty emergency physicians performed five cricothyroidotomies with each method in a total of 200 human cadavers, comparing efficacy and safety (speed, success rate, and injuries).

Low density of sympathetic nerve fibres and increased density of brain derived neurotrophic factor positive cells in RA synovium.

Objective: To investigate the correlation between density of nerve fibres and the presence of BDNF(+) cells.

Methods: Densities of nerve fibres and BDNF(+) cells were detected by quantitative immunohistochemistry in fresh synovial tissue from 52 patients with RA, 59 with OA, and 26 controls (Co). BDNF was also detected by in situ hybridisation.

Thiocyanate catalyzes myeloperoxidase-initiated lipid oxidation in LDL.

There is evidence that LDL oxidation may render the lipoprotein atherogenic. The myeloperoxidase-hydrogen peroxide (MPO/H2O2) system of activated phagocytes may be involved in this process. Chloride is supposed to be the major substrate for MPO, generating reactive hypochlorous acid (HOCl), modifying LDL.

The use of cholecystokinin as an adjunctive treatment for toxin ingestion.

Study Objective: To determine if pharmacologic trapping of ingested toxins in the stomach using cholecystokinin (CCK) in addition to activated charcoal (AC) decreases the absorption of ingested toxins.

Methods: We performed a two-phase study that was prospective, randomized, blinded, and placebo-controlled, using a subtoxic acetaminophen (APAP) animal model. Eight adult beagle dogs were studied to detect a 20% decrease in 4h APAP levels with a power of 80%.

Evaluation of the oesophageal-tracheal double-lumen tube (Combitube) during general anaesthesia.

Objectives: Evaluation of safety and effectiveness of the Combitube during general anaesthesia.

Patients And Methods: 250 patients undergoing general anaesthesia were enrolled in the study. The respective types and duration of surgery, ease of insertion of the Combitube, and potential complications were recorded.