Basal and residual lower esophageal pressures increase in old age in classic achalasia,but not vigorous achalasia

Background and Aim: The relationship between age and esophageal motility parameters (i.e. basal and residual pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter [LES]) remains to be established in achalasia patients, possibly because most previous studies did not distinguish between classic and vigorous achalasia patients. We investigated the relationship between age and esophageal motility parameters in both classic and vigorous achalasia patients. Methods: A retrospective review of esophageal manometry data in a single center was undertaken. Basal and residual pressure for LES was analyzed. A total of 103 achalasia patients were enrolled, comprising 84 classic and 19 vigorous types. They were subdivided into three different age groups as follows: 21–40 years old (group A), 41–60 years old (group B), and over 60 years old (group C). Results: In classic achalasia patients (M : F = 27:57, mean age = 44 ± 15 years old) the older age group showed a significantly higher basal LES pressure (49.62 ± 19.63 mmHg) than the younger age group (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the older age group also showed significantly high residual LES pressure (20.46 ± 8.61 mmHg) than the younger age group (P = 0.0006). In contrast, in vigorous achalasia patients (M : F = 12:7, mean age: 47 ± 15 years old) there were no difference between age and motility indices (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: In classic achalasia patients there appears to be a correlation between age and esophageal motility indices, especially basal and residual LES pressure. Such correlations do not appear to exist for vigorous achalasia patients.     

Nardostachys jatamansi extract protects against cytokine-induced β-cell damage and streptozotocin-induced diabetes

AIM: To investigate the anti-diabetogenic mechanism of Nardostachys jatamansi extract (NJE). METHODS: Mice were injected with streptozotocin viaa tail vein to induce diabetes. Rat insulinoma RINm5F cells and isolated rat islets were treated with interleukin1β and interferon-γ to induce cytotoxicity. RESULTS: Treatment of mice with streptozotocin resulted in hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia, which was conf irmed by immunohistochemical staining of the islets. The diabetogenic effects of streptozotocin were c...     

A Case of Primary Cutaneous Mucinous Carcinoma with Neuroendocrine Differentiation

Primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor that originates from the deepest portion of the eccrine sweat duct. Common sites of involvement are the face and scalp. Biopsy shows dermal epithelial cell islands embedded in mucin pools separated by fibrous septae. It is difficult to differentiate this tumor histologically from metastatic adenocarcinoma. Recurrence after excision is common but metastases are rare. We report a primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation on the right cheek of a 63-year-old man.     

Enhanced osteoconductivity of micro-structured titanium implants (XiVE S CELLplus™) by addition of surface calcium chemistry: a histomorphometric study in the rabbit femur

Objectives: This study evaluated the osseointegration in rabbit cancellous bone of titanium (Ti) implants with a micro-topographically complex surface structure produced by grit-blasting/acid-etching with or without the addition of surface calcium ion (Ca) chemistry.
Material and methods: Micro-structured Ti implants (XiVE S CELLplus^™ screw implant, Dentsply Friadent GmbH) were hydrothermally treated in an alkaline Ca-containing solution to produce a nano-structured Ca-incorporated oxide surface layer. The surface characteristics were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and stylus profilometry before and after Ca surface treatment. Twenty implants (10 control and 10 experimental) were placed in the femoral condyles of 10 New Zealand White rabbits. Histomorphometric analysis was performed 6 weeks after implantation.
Results: Ca-incorporated and untreated control implants showed similar surface morphologies and surface roughness values at the micron scale. Untreated micro-structured Ti implants achieved a high degree of bone-to-implant contact (BIC), and Ca incorporation further increased BIC% ( P <0.05). Active new bone apposition was found on surfaces of Ca-incorporated implants in areas of loose trabeculae.
Conclusion: The nano-structured Ca-incorporated oxide surface significantly enhanced osteoconductivity of micro-structured Ti implants in rabbit cancellous bone. Results indicate that this surface produced by simple hydrothermal treatment may be effective in improving the osseointegration of implants with micro-topographically complex surface structures in areas of loose cancellous bone.