Inflammation in irritable bowel syndrome: Myth or new treatment target?

Low-grade intestinal inflammation plays a key role in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS), and this role is likely to be multifactorial. The aim of this review was to summarize the evidence on the spectrum of mucosal inflammation in IBS, highlighting the relationship of this inflammation to the pathophysiology of IBS and its connection to clinical practice. We carried out a bibliographic search in Medline and the Cochrane Library for the period of January 1966 to December 2014, focusing on publications describing an interaction between inflammation and IBS. Several evidences demonstrate microscopic and molecular abnormalities in IBS patients. Understanding the mechanisms underlying low-grade inflammation in IBS may help to design clinical trials to test the efficacy and safety of drugs that target this pathophysiologic mechanism.     

Modulation of oxidative stress in response to gamma-radiation in human glioma cell lines

Journal of Neuro-Oncology -     

Labeling of poly(A) associated RNA in synaptosomes and the other subcellular fractions of rat cerebral cortex in basal conditions and during training

The labeling of total and poly(A) associated RNA from the subcellular fractions of cerebral cortex was studied after a 1-hour ³H-uridine pulse in control and trained rats. In the control animals, the fraction of newly synthesized brain cortex RNA which is found in synaptosomes is the minimal one. However, in synaptosomes the proportion of poly(A)⁺ RNA within newly synthesized RNA is maximal. Training of the rats does not influence total incorporation of label into RNA in the brain cortex and the distribution of newly synthesized RNA within the subcellular fractions. The proportions of poly(A)⁺ RNA within total labeled RNA in the various fractions are also unaffected.     

Sonographic evaluation of bladder volume in diabetic children and adolescents compared with nondiabetic subjects.

OBJECTIVES: An increase in volume and evidence of postvoiding residuals are both encountered in the bladder of diabetic patients and can lead to urinary tract infections and impair renal function. Our objective was to compare the bladder volume of diabetic children and adolescents with that of nondiabetic subjects. METHODS: We investigated 247 diabetic patients and 228 control subjects between the ages 3 and 21 years. The sonographic examination was performed with a full bladder, after spontaneous voiding, and after forced voiding. Three dimensions were determined: longitudinal, transverse, and anteroposterior transverse. The data were analyzed by the Chi2 test, analysis of variance, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and multivariate regression. RESULTS: The 2 groups were equivalent for age (P =.56) and sex (P =.82). The median full bladder volume was larger in the diabetic group (268 mL) than in the control group (220 mL; P =.0004). Postvoiding residual volume after spontaneous and forced voiding was significantly higher in the diabetic group (P <.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that being diabetic (P =.021), older than 9 years (P =.000), and female (P =.036) all influenced full bladder volume. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographic evaluation showed incipient bladder dysfunction in diabetic patients. The multivariate analysis showed that the increase in bladder volume had a association with age (>9 years), female sex, and mean glycosylated hemoglobin value. Thus, bladder volume evaluation by sonography should be incorporated in the routine assessment of patients with type 1 diabetes.     

"Osteogenesis imperfecta": some differential particularities with otospongiosis

The authors present 3 cases of osteogenesis imperfecta, with auditory repercussions similar to otospongiosis. A review of the literature of the pathology highlights its relationship with the temporal bone. The findings and treatment of 3 cases are discussed. The author conclude that this pathology may suggest otospongiosis with a progressive neuro-sensorial loss of hearing. The treatment of choice is the use of a hearing aid, rather than surgery.     

Reversible hearing loss from cerebellopontine angle tumors

We report two patients who presented with a dramatic recovery from severe sensorineural hearing loss after total surgical removal of cerebellopontine angle tumors (meningioma and jugular foramen neurinoma). The factors that differentiate these "non-acoustic tumors" in relation to the prognosis for hearing are discussed. A surgical approach that maintains the labyrinthine structure and preserves the arachnoid membrane of the superior cerebellopontine angle cistern during tumor removal is stressed.     

γ-Aminobutyric acid stimulates chloride permeability across microdissected Deiters' neuronal membrane

Fluxes of³⁶Cl⁻ across freshly prepared Deiters' neuronal membranes have been studied in a two-compartment microchamber simulating the extra- and the intracellular space. The rate of ³⁶Cl⁻ influx was enhanced by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (10⁻⁴ M), the effect being reversed by picrotoxin (10⁻⁴ M) and by bicuculline (10⁻⁵ M). Diazepam (10⁻⁸–10⁻⁷ M) did not potentiate the response to GABA and rather depressed it. However, a barbiturate site is most probably present in the GABA receptor complexes since pentobarbitone (10⁻⁴ M) was able to stimulate ³⁶Cl⁻ permeability to the same extent as GABA itself.