Effects of unilateral cortex lesions on gene expression of rat cortical cholecystokinin neurons.

In rat neocortex, the gene encoding preprocholecystokinin is expressed in interneurons which also synthetize gamma-aminobutyric acid. An injury to the meninges and the underlying cortex increased the concentration of mRNA coding for preprocholecystokinin in all ipsilateral cortical areas. Simultaneous treatment of the rats with the anti-inflammatory agent diclofenac did not affect the injury-induced change in gene expression indicating that inflammatory processes were not involved. The injury also enhanced the expression of the immediate early gene c-fos in the ipsilateral cortex in a time-dependent manner. There was an increase in c-fos mRNA 1 h after the operation, which was no longer observed 3 h later. Twenty-four hours after the operation, cells containing c-fos mRNA were found in cortical layers II, III, V and VI. The neurons which showed an increased expression of preprocholecystokinin were also in these layers. The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 prevented the injury-induced increases in both preprocholecystokinin and c-fos gene expression, indicating that stimulation of this glutamate receptor subtype may initiate the changes in expression of both genes. It is hypothetized that the immediate early gene c-fos is activated first and this then leads to the increase in preprocholecystokinin mRNA.     

Volar plate osteosynthesis in typical and atypical distal radius fractures]

28 patients with a fracture of the distal end of the radius were treated by a T-plate osteosynthesis through the volar approach. There were 7 unstable distal metaphyseal fractures and 21 dislocated intra-articular fractures. 21 patients were investigated 6 months to 8 years after operation according to the scheme of Sarmiento. 17 patients had a good or excellent result, 4 patients a fair or poor result. 2 patients developed a Sudeck's dystrophy (Algodystrophy), one of them with a radial-ulnar bone bridge. The volar application of the plate is indicated for flexion and extension fractures. In cases with compression of the dorsal cortex a bone graft is indicated to improve a stable osteosynthesis. A conventional tomography on two views helps to diagnose exactly an intra-articular fracture and to decide whether to use a plate or pins and external fixation after open reduction. Remanipulation or an operation 2 weeks after trauma increases the risk of a Sudeck's dystrophy and leads to a poor result.     

Arthrogryposis as a possible mechanism of scrotoschisis acquired in utero

A congenital defect of the scrotal wall with consequent testicular exstrophy is an exceptional finding. The etiopathogenesis of this defect is debated. We report a newborn male with arthrogryposis who presented with an exstrophied testicle. The association of these two conditions seems to establish a cause-effect relationship mediated by mechanical factors, i.e., in utero compression of the scrotum by the feet. It is likely that a similar mechanism could also be advocated to explain the previous cases reported in the literature.     

L-Glutamine Supplementation Enhances Strength and Power of Knee Muscles and Improves Glycemia Control and Plasma Redox Balance in Exercising Elderly Women

We investigated the effects of oral L-glutamine (Gln) supplementation, associated or not with physical exercises, in control of glycemia, oxidative stress, and strength/power of knee muscles in elderly women. Physically active (n = 21) and sedentary (n = 23) elderly women aged 60 to 80 years were enrolled in the study. Plasma levels of D-fructosamine, insulin, reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, iron, uric acid, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) (lipoperoxidation product), as well as knee extensor/flexor muscle torque peak and average power (isokinetic test), were assessed pre- and post-supplementation with Gln or placebo (30 days). Higher plasma D-fructosamine, insulin, and iron levels, and lower strength/power of knee muscles were found pre-supplementation in the NPE group than in the PE group. Post-supplementation, Gln subgroups showed higher levels of GSH, GSSG, and torque peak, besides lower D-fructosamine than pre-supplementation values. Higher muscle average power and plasma uric acid levels were reported in the PE + Gln group, whereas lower insulin levels were found in the NPE + Gln than pre-supplementation values. TBARs levels were diminished post-supplementation in all groups. Gln supplementation, mainly when associated with physical exercises, improves strength and power of knee muscles and glycemia control, besides boosting plasma antioxidant capacity of elderly women.     

Cosmetic improvement of testicular prostheses for children

A new testicular prosthesis for pediatric use is presented. This differs from the model usually available in that it is pink-pigmented and opaque. Over a period of 2 years and 6 months, 57 testicular prostheses were implanted in 53 boys. Seventeen of these were opaque, pigmented ones, while the others were regular translucent prostheses. No complications occurred with either type. Even when applied in adults, the traditional translucent prosthesis gives the unpleasent impression of hydrocele. In pediatric cases, this unesthetic appearance is enhanced because of the disproportion between the scrotum and the size of the prosthesis. The cosmetic appearances of these scrota have been partially improved by the use of colored, opaque prostheses. Offprint requests to: F. Ferro     

Tooth sensitivity and efficacy of in-office bleaching in restored teeth

ObjectivesThe aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate efficacy (BE) and tooth sensitivity (TS) of in-office bleaching with a 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) in patients with aesthetic restorations.MethodsHydrogen peroxide 35% was applied in two sessions, of three 15 min applications, in 15 patients with upper anterior sound teeth (S) and 15 with aesthetic restorations (R). The colour was recorded at baseline, one week and 6 months after treatment completion. Patients recorded TS on a 0–4 scale. The BE was evaluated by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (α = 0.05). The percentage of patients with TS was evaluated by Fisher's exact test and TS intensity of treatments was compared with Mann–Whitney U-test (α = 0.05).ResultsAll participants experienced TS at least once during treatment. Higher TS intensity was observed in R (1.5 [1/1.75]) compared to S (0.5 [0/1.25]) during the bleaching (p < 0.05). S and R demonstrated similar tooth colour enhancement compared to baseline (p < 0.05) and both presented colour stability after 6 months of evaluation (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe in-office bleaching with 35% HP was effective in patients with aesthetic restorations, however, a higher intensity of TS was observed during the bleaching protocol.Clinical relevanceIn-office dental bleaching can be performed in patients with adhesive restorations promoting satisfactory results; however, it can promote higher intensity of sensitivity compared to patients with sound teeth.     

Association between tDCS computational modeling and clinical outcomes in depression: data from the ELECT-TDCS trial

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience - Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation intervention investigated for the treatment of...