Effects of ageing on the content in sulfur-containing amino acids in rat brain

Summary Concentrations of the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine, homocysteic acid, cysteic acid and taurine were measured in brain structures of young and old Wistar rats in an attempt to etablish a possible link between the increase in oxidative stress with ageing and changes in tissue levels of these amino acids. Contrary to data reported by others, in all brain structures of young and old rats homocysteic acid levels could not be quantified. Compared with young rats, in old animals taurine and methionine concentrations significantly decreased in striatum and cortex; decreased taurine levels were also found in nucleus accumbens and cerebellum and lower concentrations of methionine were found in midbrain, hippocampus and pons-medulla. Cysteic acid levels either did not change or significantly increased in cortex and hippocampus. These results are discussed taking into account the biosynthesis of sulfur-containing amino acids in rat brain and the decrease in glutathione in relation to oxidative stress with ageing.Changes in aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, glutamine, glycine and GABA concentrations with ageing were also determined in the same brain structures and were in good agreement with those previously reportedAbbreviations H ₂O₂ hydrogen peroxide - MAO monoamine oxidase - GSHP glutathione peroxidase - PAPS 3-phosphoadenosine-5-phosphosulfate - OPA O-phthaldialdehyde - HPLC high performance liquid chromatography - Asp aspartic acid - CA cysteic acid - CSA cysteine sulfinic acid - Cys cysteine - GABA -aminobutyric acid - Gln glutamine - Glu glutamic acid - Gly glycine - HCA homocysteic acid - Met methionine - Ser serine - Tau taurine     

The inferior nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve: a report of 7 cases observed since 1987

The non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve is a rare anomaly (0.34% on th right side, extremely rare on the left side) that increases the risk of damage to the nerve during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Seven cases of non-recurrent laryngeal nerve are reported, emphasizing the diagnostic accuracy of angio-MR for the anatomical identification of the vascular anomaly that invariably occurs with the nerve malformation.     

Transplantation of the intestines and bacterial translocation

Infections, sepsis and multiple organ failure syndrome are associated with high morbidity and mortality in human and experimental small bowel transplantation (SBTx). These complications are attributed to bacterial translocation demonstrated in animal and human studies. Bacterial translocation (BT) is defined as the passage of viable bacteria from the intestinal lumen to other tissues or organs. BT has been associated with different clinical and experimental situations, hemorrhagic shock, trauma, bowel obstruction, immunodepression, total parenteral nutrition, antibiotics. Although BT has been investigated in several small and large animal models of SBTx, precise information on the mechanisms involved are not available. It is possible that the operative procedure by itself may promote BT for the interaction of a number of factors such as preservation, ischemia/reperfusion, abnormal motility, lymphatic disruption and aberrant systemic venous drainage, acute or chronic rejection and antibiotic therapy. Furthermore, the potent immunosuppressive therapy used in these patients may augment the deleterious effects caused by BT. In this review we examined the existing literature concerning BT with particular regard to intestinal transplantation, to better understand the alterations in the symbiotic relationship between immunocompromised host and his gut microflora after SBTx.     

Total sleep deprivation combined with lithium and light therapy in the treatment of bipolar depression: replication of main effects and interaction

The clinical usefulness of total sleep deprivation (TSD) in the treatment of bipolar depression is hampered by a high-rate short-term relapse. Previous literature has suggested that both long-term lithium treatment and light therapy could successfully prevent relapse. We randomized 115 bipolar depressed inpatients to receive three cycles of TSD, alone or in combination with morning light exposure, given at an intensity of 150 or 2500 lux. Forty-nine patients were undergoing long-term treatment with lithium salts (at least 6 months), while 66 patients were taking no psychotropic medication. Mood was self-rated by the Visual Analogue Scale three times a day during treatment. The results showed that both light therapy and ongoing lithium treatment significantly enhanced the effects of TSD on the perceived mood, with no additional benefit when the two treatments were combined. Subjective sleepiness during TSD, as rated by the self-administered Stanford Sleepiness Scale, was significantly reduced by light exposure, and was correlated with the outcome. This study confirms the possibility of obtaining a sustained antidepressant response to TSD in bipolar patients.     

Living donor small bowel transplantation: Literature review 2003–2006

The experience with living donors for intestinal transplantation is limited. However, Intestinal Registry data suggest that the outcomes of the procedure are comparable with those obtained with intestinal transplant from deceased donors. In selected cases, this strategy may have a role in the treatment of patients with irreversible intestinal failure suffering life-threatening complications from total parenteral nutrition. The present review covers most of the published data on this topic between 2003 and 2006, with special reference to living donor intestinal transplantation of pediatric recipients.     

Cancer Risk Associated with Residential Proximity to Industrial Sites: A Review

In this study, the authors sought to review available epidemiologic studies of cancer risk and its association with residence in a neighborhood characterized by industrial sites and to discuss options for future study design. The authors attempted to identify all case-control studies published from January 1980 through July 1997 in which investigators examined exposure resulting from residential proximity to an industrial site neighborhood relative to an increased risk of lung, urinary tract, and lymphohematopoietic malignancies. During these years, some authors reported significant associations between lung cancer risk and residential proximity to (a) smelters, (b) complex industrial areas, and (c) other localized emission sources. There was some evidence that leukemia and lymphomas occurred in the neighborhoods that contained industrial sites.     

Consistence and discrepancy of neuropathic pain screening tools DN4 and ID-Pain

Pain is a subjective condition that cannot be objectively measured; for this reason, self patient-perspective is crucial. Recently, several screening tools to discriminate between nociceptive and neuropathic pain have been developed. We aimed at assessing the consistence and discrepancy of two widely used screening tools, The Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) and the 6-item questionnaire (ID-Pain), by comparing their ability in discriminating neuropathic from nociceptive pain. DN4 and ID-Pain were administered to 392 Italian patients attending 16 outpatient services for peripheral nerve diseases. Based on medical history, clinical findings and diagnostic tools, patients were divided into two groups (neuropathic and nociceptive). Globally, ID-Pain identified neuropathic pain in 60 % of patients (38 % probable, 22 % likely). Interestingly also DN4 diagnosed neuropathic pain in 60 % of cases. A discrepancy was observed in 16 % of cases. DN4 and ID-Pain resulted to be highly interrelated in the identification of neuropathic pain. Sensitivity of DN4 was 82 % and specificity was 81 %, while ID-Pain (considering both probable and likely groups) showed sensitivity 78 % and specificity 74 %. Reliable screening tools for neuropathic pain are well related between them; hence, they are available for researchers and clinicians who may choose the most appropriate for their activity. Since the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain cannot do without a neurological evaluation, perhaps DN4, that includes physician objective measures, may help reducing the percentage of dubious cases. Conversely, when needing a more agile tool (not needing a physician) ID-Pain may be adopted.