Regulation of glucose and insulin release following acute and repeated treatment with the synthetic galanin analog NAX-5055

The neuropeptide galanin is widely expressed in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. However there is limited understanding of how individual galanin receptor (GalR1, 2, and 3) subtypes mediate the physiological activity of galanin in vivo. To address this issue we utilized NAX-5055, a systemically available, metabolically stable galanin analog. NAX-5055 displays a preference for GalR1 receptors and possesses potent anticonvulsant activity in vivo, suggesting that NAX-5055 engages central galanin receptors. To determine if NAX-5055 also modulates the activity of peripheral galanin receptors, we evaluated the effect of NAX-5055 on blood glucose and insulin levels in mice. Acute and repeated (once daily for four days) systemic administration of NAX-5055 (4 mg/kg) significantly increased blood glucose levels compared to vehicle treated mice. However, a hyperglycemic response was not observed following systemic administration of NAX-805-1, a scrambled analog of NAX-5055, with critical receptor binding residues, Trp² and Tyr⁹, reversed. These results suggest that chemical modifications independent of the galanin backbone of NAX-5055 are not responsible for the hyperglycemic response. The effect of NAX-5055 on glucose homeostasis was further evaluated with a glucose tolerance test (GTT). Mice administered either acute or repeated (once daily for four days) injections of NAX-5055 (4 mg/kg) displayed impaired glucose handling and reduced insulin response to an acute glucose (1g/kg) challenge. Here we have shown that systemic administration of a centrally active GalR1-preferring galanin analog produces acute hyperglycemia and an inhibition of insulin release in vivo and that these effects are not attenuated with repeated administration. NAX-5055 thus provides a new pharmacological tool to further the understanding of function of both central and peripheral GalR1 receptors in vivo.     

Vacuum myofascial therapy device for non-specific neck pain. A single blind randomized clinical trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a vacuum myofascial therapy device (VT) for improving pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), range of motion (ROM), neck pain-related disability, pain, and quality of life in patients with non-specific neck pain.MethodsA randomized controlled trial in which thirty-eight participants with non-specific neck pain (NP) were randomly assigned to either an experimental (VT) or a comparison physical therapy program (PTP) group. The VT group (n = 19) received five sessions of treatment with a vacuum myofascial therapy device while the PTP group (n = 19) received five sessions of massage, ultrasound therapy (US), and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) over two weeks. The outcome measures were the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), range of motion, quality of life (SF-12), neck disability Index (NDI), and PPTs at the end of treatment and at one-month follow-up.ResultsAlthough both groups experienced improvements in pain, neck disability, range of motion, and pressure pain, these only were statistically significant in the VT group. At one-month follow-up, the VT group still showed improvements in pain, neck disability, and range of motion.DiscussionVacuum myofascial therapy applied with a device offers similar results to other vacuum-based techniques such as cupping therapy. Moreover, in this device the parameters are digitally controlled, which allows for the precise reproduction of treatment.     

股骨假体周骨折治疗方法的探讨

目的 探讨股骨假体周骨折不同处理方法的临床应用价值。方法 对16例股骨假体周骨折分别采用钢丝、钢板螺钉、环抱器固定和更换长柄假体植入方法处理．总结分析其相关临床资料。结果 16例病人术后随访4～14个月．平均6个月，全部病例骨折愈合，功能恢复良好。髋关节功能评定：90分以上3例、80～89分9例、70-79分3例、63分1例，优良率达75％。结论 股骨假体周骨折类型不同，处理方法应不同：股骨颈端到小粗隆下缘的劈裂骨折，采用钢丝捆扎；全劈裂骨折移位明显，更换较小型号的假体，再用钢丝捆扎固定并植骨；小粗隆下缘到股骨干髓腔狭窄段的上缘骨折，选用长柄假体植入再用钢丝捆扎，假体远端加锁固定或选用环抱器固定；股骨干髓腔狭窄段以下的骨折，采用钢板固定或环抱器固定并植骨。