The glucocorticoid system is required for the voluntary exercise-induced enhancement of learning and memory in rats

Although it is well established that voluntary exercise can improve cognitive functions, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Glucocorticoids play an important role in learning and memory functions. This study addressed whether the glucocorticoid system would play a role in the exercise-induced enhancement of learning and memory. Intact rats or those that were either adrenalectomized or daily given the corticosterone-synthesis inhibitor metyrapone were allowed to freely exercise in a running wheel for 10 days. Control animals were kept sedentary for this period. After this period, they were trained and tested on a water-maze spatial task using three-trial per day for 5 consecutive days, succeeded by a probe trial two days later. Exercise increased plasma corticosterone levels, as assessed after this 10-day period. Both adrenalectomy and metyrapone slightly reduced running-wheel activity. Adrenalectomy reduced the plasma corticosterone levels to almost zero whereas metyrapone selectively blocked the exercise-induced increase in corticosterone levels. Exercise significantly improved performance during both training and retention of the water-maze task whereas this effect was absent in both adrenalectomized and metyrapone-treated rats. These findings indicate that the glucocorticoid system play a crucial role in the beneficial effects of voluntary exercise on cognitive functions in rats.     

A survey on Hibiscus rosa—sinensis,Alcea rosea L. and Malva neglecta Wallr as antibacterial agents

ObjectiveTo guide for selection of plants with antibacterial activity for further phytochemical works on the isolation and identification of the active compounds.MethodsEthanolic extracts of 3 species from Malvaceae family were evaluated by agar disc diffusion method for antibacterial activity against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus anthracis, Escherichia coli Streptococcus pyogenes). The extracts were obtained from aerial parts of Hibiscus rosa (H. rosa)-sinensis (leaf and flower), Alcea rosea (A. rosea) L. (leaf and flower) and Malva neglecta (M. neglecta) Wallr (flower).ResultsThese extracts had inhibitory effects at different concentrations (0.05, 0.10, 0.20 and 0.40 g/mL) against above mentioned bacteria. Escherichia coli was the most resistant strain. The highest inhibitory zone was showed by ethanolic extract of M. neglecta against Staphylococcus epidermidis (22 mm) and followed by ethanolic extract from flower of H. rosa against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus (20 mm). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values against Staphylococcus epidermidis were equal (MIC=MBC=5 mg/mL for M. neglecta extract and for H. rosa extract MIC=MBC=20 mg/mL).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that these native plants have good antibacterial properties that can be used for infection control and treatment and could also be as new source for antibiotics discovery and infection treatment.     

Primary hydatid cyst of the maxillary sinus: case report

Hydatid disease (also known as hydatidosis) is a cyclozoonotic infection caused by the cestode genus Echinococcus. It occurs throughout the world and is especially common in sheep- and cattle-raising regions of Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India, the Middle East, South America, and the Mediterranean. The incidence of humans infected with hydatid disease is approximately 1.0-2.0:1,000, although it may be higher in rural areas of regions that are affected. Infection occurs via ingestion of infected meat. Primary infection of the maxillary antrum is odd and very rare. This article reviews a case report involving this rare condition.     

Review of a single surgeon’s stapedotomy cases performed with a nickel titanium prosthesis over a 14-year period

Abstract

Conclusion: Stapes surgery with a nickel titanium prosthesis is a safe and well-tolerated procedure that leads to a significant improvement in hearing outcomes.

Objective: To identify the efficacy and safety of stapedotomy procedures performed with a nickel titanium prosthesis for patients with otosclerosis.

Methods: A review of 431 unique stapedotomies performed over 14 years by a single surgeon at an academic tertiary care center yielded 312 cases with nickel titanium prosthesis that met inclusion criteria of otosclerosis diagnosis, initial surgery in operative ear, and presence of pre-operative and post-operative audiograms. Pure-tone averages (PTA) at baseline and 8 weeks after surgery were calculated over four frequencies; 0.5, 1, 2, and 4?kHz. Average air–bone gaps (ABG) were calculated from pre-operative and post-operative audiograms.

Results: Average pre-operative baseline PTA was 56.7?dB in the affected ear. Post-operative PTA was 30.1?dB, a 26.6?dB improvement. Initial average ABG was 29.7?dB, while post-operative ABG averaged 5.4?dB, a 24.2?dB improvement. Surgical success (closure of ABG within 10?dB) was achieved in 263 (84%) patients. Rate of surgical success was not correlated with age, gender, race, or affected ear. Complications included recurrent conductive hearing loss (14), progressive SNHL (4), and post-operative BPPV (3).     

Lumbar false aneurysms following image-guided interventive procedures for spondylodiskitic abscesses

Pseudoaneurysms of the lumbar arteries are infrequent, and are most often found incidentally after trauma to the lumbar spine. More rarely, they are an iatrogenic complication from diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, particularly of the kidney. Their rupture can cause rapid clinical deterioration by retroperitoneal hemorrhage, and therefore their diagnosis and treatment must be rapid. We report two cases of lumbar artery false aneurysms arising as a complication during the treatment of infectious disciitis. The diagnoses were established via CT and immediately followed by expeditious treatment by selective arterial embolization.     

Antiepileptic drugs and neurodevelopment

Clinical studies have documented the teratogenic potential of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). More recent cohort studies have been trying to sort out which AEDs impose the highest risk of teratogenicity. Currently, there is evidence demonstrating an increased risk of major congenital malformations (MCMs) for valproate, phenobarbital, and polytherapy during pregnancy. Based on the current data from multiple studies, the risk for valproate is the highest. Additional studies are needed to fully delineate if differences exist for other AEDs, especially the newer AEDs. However, although MCMs are easy to recognize and have been shown to be more common after in utero exposure to AEDs, there are insufficient data regarding their long-term effects on cognition and behavior in exposed children. Although most children born to women with epilepsy are healthy, in recent years there has been increasing awareness of the long-term effects of in utero exposure to AEDs. Recent discovery of neuronal apoptosis following in utero AED exposure in animals during a period that corresponds to the third trimester and early infancy in humans raises further concerns. Prospective clinical studies seem necessary in order to better understand the long-term neurodevelopmental effects of in utero exposure to AEDs.     

Success rates for computed tomography-guided musculoskeletal biopsies performed using a low-dose technique

Objective

To evaluate the success rate of a low-dose (50 % mAs reduction) computed tomography (CT) biopsy technique. This protocol was adopted based on other successful reduced-CT radiation dose protocols in our department, which were implemented in conjunction with quality improvement projects.

Materials and methods

The technique included a scout view and initial localizing scan with standard dose. Additional scans obtained for further guidance or needle adjustment were acquired by reducing the tube current-time product (mAs) by 50 %. The radiology billing data were searched for CT-guided musculoskeletal procedures performed over a period of 8 months following the initial implementation of the protocol. These were reviewed for the type of procedure and compliance with the implemented protocol. The compliant CT-guided biopsy cases were then retrospectively reviewed for patient demographics, tumor pathology, and lesion size. Pathology results were compared to the ultimate diagnoses and were categorized as diagnostic, accurate, or successful.

Results

Of 92 CT-guided procedures performed during this period, two were excluded as they were not biopsies (one joint injection and one drainage), 19 were excluded due to non-compliance (operators neglected to follow the protocol), and four were excluded due to lack of available follow-up in our electronic medical records. A total of 67 compliant biopsies were performed in 63 patients (two had two biopsies, and one had three biopsies). There were 32 males and 31 females with an average age of 50 (range, 15–84 years). Of the 67 biopsies, five were non-diagnostic and inaccurate and thus unsuccessful (7 %); five were diagnostic but inaccurate and thus unsuccessful (7 %); 57 were diagnostic and accurate thus successful (85 %). These results were comparable with results published in the radiology literature.

Conclusions

The success rate of CT-guided biopsies using a low-dose protocol is comparable to published rates for conventional dose biopsies. The implemented low-dose protocol did not change the success rate of CT-guided musculoskeletal biopsies.