Impact of β-glucan on the Fecal Water Genotoxicity of Polypectomized Patients

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of β-glucan on the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of polypectomized patient's fecal water (FW). Polypectomized volunteers (n = 69) were randomly assigned to consume bread with or without β-glucan, for 3 months. FW was collected at the beginning (t = 0), the 30th and 90th day and 2 wk after the intervention. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were estimated on Caco-2 cells, using trypan blue exclusion test and comet assay, respectively. Gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded and subjects kept a 3-day food diary at baseline and after completion. Trypan blue exclusion test revealed cell survival of approximately 87% after incubation with FW. The FW samples showed 49% genotoxicity at the baseline. Genotoxicity in the intervention group decreased during the trial reaching statistical significance on the 90th day compared to control. An increase was noticed 2 wk after the trial, but it still remained significantly lower compared to control. Group-specific analysis for β-glucan also revealed significant decrease in the genotoxicity on the 90th day compared to baseline. β-glucan ingestion in polypectomized patients significantly decreased the genotoxicity of their FW. Our findings suggest that β-glucan consumption could possibly provide protection against colon cancer development.     

Epigenetics explained: a topic “primer” for the epilepsy community by the ILAE Genetics/Epigenetics Task Force

Epigenetics refers broadly to processes that influence medium to long‐term gene expression by changing the readability and accessibility of the genetic code. The Neurobiology Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) recently convened a Task Force to explore and disseminate advances in epigenetics to better understand their role and intersection with genetics and the neurobiology of epilepsies and their co‐morbidities, and to accelerate translation of these findings into the development of better therapies. Here, we provide a topic primer on epigenetics, explaining the key processes and findings to date in experimental and human epilepsy. We review the growing list of genes with epigenetic functions that have been linked with epilepsy in humans. We consider potential practical applications, including using epigenetic signals as biomarkers for tissue‐ and biofluid‐based diagnostics and the prospects for developing epigenetic‐based treatments for epilepsy. We include a glossary of terms, FAQs and other supports to facilitate a broad understanding of the topic for the non‐expert. Last, we review the limitations, research gaps and the next challenges. In summary, epigenetic processes represent important mechanisms controlling the activity of genes, providing opportunities for insight into disease mechanisms, biomarkers and novel therapies for epilepsy.     

Case of a palatal tic resembling palatal tremor in a patient with Tourette syndrome.

We describe a case of a palatal tic resembling palatal tremor (PT) in a young female patient with a previously unrecognized mild Tourette syndrome. At the time of her visit, the patient complained about ear clicks that were audible to others. We discuss the differential diagnoses of hyperkinetic palatal movements emphasizing the ongoing discussion about essential PT representing a more heterogeneous disorder than previously thought.     

Touch-Screen Computerized Education for Patients with Brain Injuries

The use of computer technology for patient education has increased in recent years. This article describes a study that measures the attitudes and perceptions of healthcare professionals and laypeople regarding the effectiveness of a multimedia computer, the Brain Injury Resource Center? (BIRC), as an educational tool. The study focused on three major themes: (a) usefulness of the information presented, (b) effectiveness of the multimedia touch-screen computer methodology, and (c) the appropriate time for making this resource available. This prospective study, conducted in an acute care medical center, obtained healthcare professionals' evaluations using a written survey and responses from patients with brain injury and their families during interviews. The findings have yielded excellent ratings as to the ease of understanding and usefulness of the BIRC. By using sight, sound, and touch, such a multimedia learning center has the potential to simplify patient and family education.     

Efficacy of radiology of the esophagus for evaluation of dysphagia

The efficacy of radiology in evaluating dysphagia was studied in 86 patients by comparison to endoscopic findings. In the 66 patients with endoscopic abnormalities radiology was correct in 54, for a sensitivity of 82%. Sensitivity of radiology improved to 95% if mild esophagitis was excluded. In the 20 patients with normal endoscopy, radiology was normal in 18 (90%). Thus radiology proved to be a reliable means of evaluating the esophagus in patients with dysphagia.     

Opioid-receptor blockade reduces nose-poke self-stimulation derived from medial entorhinal cortex

Rats were trained to nose-poke for intracranial self-stimulation (SS) with electrodes unilaterally implanted in the medial entorhinal cortex. The acute effects of naloxone (NX; 0.1-10 mg/kg, IP) on a continuous reinforcement schedule were determined. Reductions in the self-stimulation rates occurred only at moderate doses (median of individual changes = -36% at 1 and 5 mg/kg), whereas the high dose (10 mg/kg) was ineffective. None of the doses influenced operant behavior. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that endogenous opioid-opiate receptor mechanisms play a modulatory role in SS reward. Considering that NX was administered systemically the action of the drug on reinforcement levels may be mediated by a site distinct from the locus of stimulation.     

Sildenafil Prevents Cardiovascular Changes after Bone Marrow Fat Embolization in Sheep

Background: Sudden, intraoperative cardiovascular deterioration as a result of pulmonary embolization of bone marrow fat is a potentially fatal complication during total hip and knee arthroplasty, intramedullary nailing, and spine surgery. Anesthetic management is challenging in the presence of increased right ventricular afterload due to pulmonary hypertension. Selective pulmonary vasodilation may be an appropriate prophylactic or therapeutic measure. The effect of sildenafil (phosphodiesterase inhibitor) on cardiovascular deterioration after bone marrow fat embolization was therefore investigated.

Methods: Bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate) was injected into three lumbar vertebrae in 12 sheep. Invasive blood pressures and heart rate were recorded continuously until 60 min after the last injection. Cardiac output and arterial and mixed venous blood gas variables were measured at selected time points. Before the first cement injection, 6 animals received a bolus injection (0.7 mg/kg) of sildenafil, with continuous infusion (0.2 mg [middle dot] kg-1 [middle dot] h-1) thereafter. Postmortem lung and kidney biopsies were taken for semiquantitative analysis of intravascular fat.

Results: Fat embolism was associated with a transient increase (21 +/- 7mmHg) in pulmonary arterial pressure. A transient decrease in arterial blood pressure and temporary increases in central venous pressure and dead space were also observed. No significant changes in any cardiovascular variable were observed after fat embolism in the sildenafil group. There was significantly (P < 0.05) less intravascular fat in the lungs of the sildenafil (median count of 5 emboli per microscopic view) compared with the control group (median count of 1).     

Cholecystokinin-peptides--new knowledge and possibilities for clinical use

This issue comprises selected topics of CCK peptides. CCK peptides are linear peptides and were found within and outside the CNS. There is growing evidence that CCK peptides play a physiological role in food intake, contraction of gallbladder and regulation of motility of the gastrointestinal system. New aspects of the CCK research are concentrated on interaction with other transmitter systems especially with the dopamine and opioid system. The therapeutic action to improve clinical symptoms in human is unclear up to new. World-wide, the interest is focused to determine the potential of CCK peptides as an antipsychotic agent by controlled clinical studies.     

Three-Dimensional Soft Tissue Prediction Using Finite Elements

Abstract Background and Aim: The prediction of soft tissue esthetics is important for achieving an optimal esthetic outcome in orthodontic treatment planning. Applicable procedures have so far been restricted to two-dimensional profile predictions that have not proven to be very reliable. The goal of this investigation was therefore to develop a novel finite element-based procedure that allows a three-dimensional, easily visualized, quantitative analysis and prediction of soft tissue behavior for the clinician. The procedure to be developed should be easy to handle and not entail any additional radiation exposure for the patient. Material and Methods: Using a three-dimensional scanner, the facial surfaces of 20 probands were digitalized and individual FEM models were generated. Results: After reduction of data redundancy via several conversion steps, a patient-specific simulation model was prepared consisting of 20,000 to 40,000 individual elements to which specific physical properties could be assigned. The average time required for generating a virtual model was 50 minutes. Problems occurring during model generation were rare (mainly shadowing phenomena and movement artifacts). Conclusion: The procedure outlined herein makes the reliable generation of patient-specific simulation models possible for facial soft tissue prediction in orthodontics.