Lenabasum Reduces Porphyromonas gingivalis–Driven Inflammation

Inflammation - The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-resorptive effects of lenabasum in the context of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg)–induced...     

Giant cholesterol granuloma of petrous apex

Cholesterol granulomas are chronic inflammatory lesions located primarily in the apex of the petrous part of the temporal bone. They are benign, tumor-like lesions, consisting of a cystic cavity filled with a chocolate-brown fluid and present as hyperintense masses on T1 and T2 sequences on MRI. The most common causes of cholesterol granulomas are chronic middle ear infections and traumas, explaining their prevalence in young to middle aged patients. Due to their progressively expanding nature, clinical presentation include vertigo, diplopia, tinnitus, hearing loss and seizures. Treatment of cholesterol granulomas consists of two different approaches: watch and wait or radical surgery to remove the granulomatous tissue. We present the case of a 38-year-old male patient who was admitted to the Neurology Clinic with complaints of loss of consciousness, headache, pain on the left side of the face and tinnitus in the left ear. These symptoms had been present for some time and gradually worsened in intensity and frequency. Initially after an EEG was performed, the patient showed signs of focal epilepsy and began treatment accordingly. Subsequently, a CT and an MRI of the head and neck were performed, which showed a large, well demarcated expansile mass within the left petrous apex, which was hyperintense on T1 and T2. Based on his clinical presentation and radiologic findings, a diagnosis of cholesterol granuloma was established. Through this case report we hope to emphasize the role imaging modalities play in the diagnosis and appropriate management of cholesterol granulomas.     

Comparison of the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its association with diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the rural population of Bangladesh using the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel Adult Treatment Panel III and International Diabetes Federation definitions

Aims/Introduction

To compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) using the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Plan III (NCEP) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definitions and, using both definitions, determine and compare the association of MS, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, hypertension (HTN) and cardiovascular disease risk (CVD).

Materials and Methods

A total of 2,293 randomly selected participants (aged ≥20 years) in a rural community in Bangladesh were investigated in a population-based cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid profiles were studied. Age-adjusted data for MS and cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed, and their relationships were examined.

Results

The age-adjusted prevalence of MS was 30.7% (males 30.5%; females 30.5%) using the NCEP definition, and 24.5% (males 19.2%, females 27.5%) using the IDF definition. The prevalence of MS using the NCEP definition was also higher in study participants with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, HTN and CVD risk. The agreement rate between both definitions was 92% (k = 0.80). The NCEP definition had a stronger association with type 2 diabetes and HTN (odds ratio 12.4 vs 5.2; odds ratio 7.0 vs 4.7, respectively) than the IDF definition. However, the odds ratios for prediabetes and CVD risk were not significantly different.

Conclusions

The prevalence of MS was higher using the NCEP definition, and was more strongly associated with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, HTN and CVD in this Bangladeshi population.     

Neuroprotective potential of Malva neglecta is mediated via down-regulation of cholinesterase and modulation of oxidative stress markers

Metabolic Brain Disease - Alzheimer’s disease affects daily routine due to loss of memory and decline in cognition. In vitro data showed acetylcholine esterase inhibition activity of Malva...     

Identification of two new mutations in the GPR98 and the PDE6B genes segregating in a Tunisian family

Autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (ARRP) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. ARRP could be associated with extraocular manifestations that define specific syndromes such as Usher syndrome (USH) characterized by retinal degeneration and congenital hearing loss (HL). The USH type II (USH2) associates RP and mild-to-moderate HL with preserved vestibular function. At least three genes USH2A, the very large G-protein-coupled receptor, GPR98, and DFNB31 are responsible for USH2 syndrome. Here, we report on the segregation of non-syndromic ARRP and USH2 syndrome in a consanguineous Tunisian family, which was previously used to define USH2B locus. With regard to the co-occurrence of these two different pathologies, clinical and genetic reanalysis of the extended family showed (i) phenotypic heterogeneity within USH2 patients and (ii) excluded linkage to USH2B locus. Indeed, linkage analysis disclosed the cosegregation of the USH2 phenotype with the USH2C locus markers, D5S428 and D5S618, whereas the ARRP perfectly segregates with PDE6B flanking markers D4S3360 and D4S2930. Molecular analysis revealed two new missense mutations, p.Y6044C and p.W807R, occurring in GPR98 and PDE6B genes, respectively. In conclusion, our results show that the USH2B locus at chromosome 3p23-24.2 does not exist, and we therefore withdraw this locus designation. The combination of molecular findings for GPR98 and PDE6B genes enable us to explain the phenotypic heterogeneity and particularly the severe ocular affection first observed in one USH2 patient. This report presents an illustration of how consanguinity could increase familial clustering of multiple hereditary diseases within the same family.     

Spinal cord injury management and rehabilitation: highlights and shortcomings from the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan

Rathore FA, Farooq F, Muzammil S, New PW, Ahmad N, Haig AJ. Spinal cord injury management and rehabilitation: highlights and shortcomings from the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan.Recent natural disasters have highlighted the lack of planning for rehabilitation and disability management in emergencies. A review of our experience with spinal cord injury (SCI) after the Pakistan earthquake of 2005, plus a review of other literature about SCI after natural disasters, shows that large numbers of people will incur SCIs in such disasters. The epidemiology of SCI after earthquakes has not been well studied and may vary with location, severity of the disaster, available resources, the expertise of the health care providers, and cultural issues. A lack of preparedness means that evacuation protocols, clinician training, dedicated acute management and rehabilitation facilities, specialist equipment, and supplies are not in place. The dearth of rehabilitation medicine specialists in developing regions further complicates the issue, as does the lack of national spinal cord registries. In our 3 makeshift SCI units, however, which are staffed by specialists and residents in rehabilitation medicine, there were no deaths, few complications, and a successful discharge for most patients. Technical concerns include air evacuation, early spinal fixation, aggressive management to optimize bowel and bladder care, and provision of appropriate skin care. Discharge planning requires substantial external support because SCI victims must often return to devastated communities and face changed vocational and social possibilities. Successful rehabilitation of victims of the Pakistan earthquake has important implications. The experience suggests that dedicated SCI centers are essential after a natural disaster. Furthermore, government and aid agency disaster planners are advised to consult with rehabilitation specialists experienced in SCI medicine in planning for the inevitable large number of people who will have disabilities after a natural disaster.     

Understanding the High Prevalence of Diabetes in U.S. South Asians Compared With Four Racial/Ethnic Groups: The MASALA and MESA Studies

OBJECTIVE

We compared South Asians with four other racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. to determine whether sociodemographic, lifestyle, or metabolic factors could explain the higher diabetes prevalence and whether insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction occurred at younger ages and/or lower adiposity levels compared with other groups.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of two community-based cohorts, the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA); all participants had no known cardiovascular disease and were between 44 and 84 years of age. We compared 799 South Asians with 2,611 whites, 1,879 African Americans, 1,493 Latinos, and 801 Chinese Americans. Type 2 diabetes was classified by fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL or use of a diabetes medication. Insulin resistance was estimated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and β-cell function was measured by the HOMA-β model.

RESULTS

South Asians had significantly higher age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes (23%) than the MESA ethnic groups (6% in whites, 18% in African Americans, 17% in Latinos, and 13% in Chinese Americans). This difference increased further after adjustment for potential confounders. HOMA of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels were significantly higher and HOMA-β levels were lower among South Asians compared with all other racial/ethnic groups after adjustment for age and adiposity.

CONCLUSIONS

The higher prevalence of diabetes in South Asians is not explained by traditionally measured risk factors. South Asians may have lower β-cell function and an inability to compensate adequately for higher glucose levels from insulin resistance.     

Impact of an auditory hallucinations simulation on trainee and newly qualified clinical psychologists: A mixed‐methods cross‐sectional study

Simulation training is an effective teaching tool enabling learners to gain a subjective understanding of a range of skills. Our aim in this study was to pilot and evaluate a newly designed simulation of auditory hallucinations as a future training tool for clinicians. This was a mixed‐methods study in two parts. In Phase 1, trainee and qualified clinical psychologists (N = 25) attended the London‐based immersive art exhibition, Altered States of Consciousness, which included an auditory hallucinations simulation. The exhibition aimed to improve understanding of what it feels like to hear voices by providing members of the public with an individualized simulation of auditory hallucinations. Participants completed pre/post‐exhibition measures of their mood and attitudes towards auditory hallucinations and other unusual sensory experiences. In Phase 2, a subgroup of Phase 1 participants (N = 15) took part in a semi‐structured interview and completed the post‐exhibition questions again approximately 6 months later. Post‐exhibition, there were significant increases in understanding what it feels like to hear voices (large effect), compassion towards people who hear voices (large effect), and comfort talking to people who hear voices (medium effect). Scores were partially maintained at follow‐up. Participants reported that the simulation provided numerous benefits to their training and clinical practice, including increases in subjective understanding, compassion, and confidence, and suggested several future training applications for the simulation, including with a range of health care professionals. Therefore, we conclude that this simulation has potential for training clinical psychologists and other health care professionals who work with people who experience auditory hallucinations.     

Mycophenolate mofetil in the treatment of retroperitoneal fibrosis

The pathogenesis of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRPF) has been attributed to an autoimmune response to atherosclerotic lipid material leaking from blood vessels. Corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents have been used for therapy. Based on the immunosuppressive and anti-fibrotic action of mycophenolate, we administered this agent to a patient with biopsy-proven IRPF and achieved a rapid, complete and sustained remission with a 6-year follow-up.