The effect of reducing EEG electrode number on the visual interpretation of the human expert for neonatal seizure detection

Objectives

To measure changes in the visual interpretation of the EEG by the human expert for neonatal seizure detection when reducing the number of recording electrodes.

Bilateral gonadoblastoma with dysgerminoma and pilocytic astrocytoma with WT1 GT‐IVS9 mutation: A 46 XY phenotypic female with Frasier syndrome

Frasier syndrome is characterized by a 46 XY disorder of sex development, nephropathy, and increased risk for gonadoblastoma due to Wilms tumor 1(WT1) mutation in the donor splice site of intron‐9, resulting in the splice form +KTS. Germ cell tumors and gonadoblastomas have been reported previously in Frasier syndrome. We present the clinical, radiological, and genetic (WT1 mutation analysis) of a 46 XY phenotypic female with Frasier syndrome with bilateral gonadoblastoma with dysgerminoma who developed pilocytic astrocytoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009; 53:1349–1351. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Interleukin-6 -174 and -572 genotypes and the volume of deep gray matter in preterm infants

Preterm infants have smaller cerebral and cerebellar volumes at term compared with term born infants. Perinatal factors leading to the reduction in volumes are not well known. IL-6 -174 and -572 genotypes partly regulate individual immunologic responses and have also been connected with deviant neurologic development in preterm infants. Our hypothesis was that IL-6 -174 and -572 genetic polymorphisms are associated with brain lesions and regional brain volumes in very low birth weight or in very preterm infants. DNA was genotyped for IL-6 -174 and -572 polymorphisms (GG/GC/CC). Study infants (n = 175) were categorized into three groups according to the most pathologic brain finding in ultrasound examinations until term. The brain MRI performed at term was analyzed for regional brain volumes. Analyzed IL-6 genotypes did not show statistically significant association with structural brain lesions. However, IL-6 -174 CC and -572 GG genotypes associated with reduced volume of one brain region, the combined volume of basal ganglia and thalami, both in univariate and in multivariate analyses (p = 0.009, 0.009, respectively). The association of IL-6 -174 and -572 genetic polymorphisms with smaller volumes in deep gray matter provides us new ways to understand the processes leading to neurologic impairments in preterm infants.     

Mechanisms of Fibroblast Cell Therapy for Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: High Stability of Collagen VII Favors Long-term Skin Integrity

Here, we report on the first systematic long-term study of fibroblast therapy in a mouse model for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a severe skin-blistering disorder caused by loss-of-function of collagen VII. Intradermal injection of wild-type (WT) fibroblasts in >50 mice increased the collagen VII content at the dermal–epidermal junction 3.5- to 4.7-fold. Although the active biosynthesis lasted <28 days, collagen VII remained stable and dramatically improved skin integrity and resistance to mechanical forces for at least 100 days, as measured with a digital 3D-skin sensor for shear forces. Experiments using species-specific antibodies, collagen VII–deficient fibroblasts, gene expression analyses, and cytokine arrays demonstrated that the injected fibroblasts are the major source of newly deposited collagen VII. Apart from transitory mild inflammation, no adverse effects were observed. The cells remained within an area ≤10 mm of the injection site, and did not proliferate, form tumors, or cause fibrosis. Instead, they became gradually apoptotic within 28 days. These data on partial restoration of collagen VII in the skin demonstrate the excellent ratio of clinical effects to biological parameters, support suitability of fibroblast-based therapy approaches for RDEB, and, as a preclinical test, pave way to human clinical trials.     

Multicenter retrospective study of cement-retained implant-supported anterior partial prostheses: success and restoration evaluation

PURPOSE: The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate implant success and restorative complications of cement-retained implant-supported anterior partial prostheses in Jordan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of all implants with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were used to support fixed, cement-retained restorations from April 2000 until March 2007. The cement-retained implants were loaded with either single- or multiple-tooth replacements. The Fisher exact test was performed to test the presence of any statistically significant difference in success concerning gender or arch of placement. RESULTS: Eighty-seven implants were placed in the anterior region of the mandible or maxilla in 49 patients at multiple clinical practices in Jordan. The age of the patients ranged from 17 to 85 years. Eighteen implants were placed in the mandible and 69 in the maxilla. Three maxillary implants in 2 male patients had 3-mm horizontal bone loss. Those 3 implants are still functioning and were considered surviving implants but not successful implants. Therefore, the implant cumulative survival rate for both arches and genders was 100%. The implant cumulative success rate was 95.78%. Three crowns (maxillary) were dislodged. No significant differences were revealed regarding gender or arch of placement (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Cement-retained implants exhibited high survival and success rates among a Jordanian population.     

Evoked potentials recorded during routine EEG predict outcome after perinatal asphyxia

Objective

To evaluate the added value of somatosensory (SEPs) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) recorded simultaneously with routine EEG in early outcome prediction of newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy under modern intensive care.

Diabetes mellitus treatment—Related medical knowledge among health care providers

Objective

To compare the knowledge of physicians, residents and medical students in diagnosis, use of insulin and oral medication in management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) working in different healthcare specialties.

Breech presentation at term and associated obstetric risks factors—a nationwide population based cohort study

Purpose

The aim of this study was to estimate whether breech presentation at term was associated with known individual obstetric risk factors for adverse fetal outcome.

Methods

This was a retrospective, nationwide Finnish population-based cohort study. Obstetric risks in all breech and vertex singleton deliveries at term were compared between the years 2005 and 2014. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine significant risk factors.

Results

The breech presentation rate at term for singleton pregnancies was 2.4%. The stillbirth rate in term breech presentation was significantly higher compared to cephalic presentation (0.2 vs 0.1%). The odds ratios (95% CIs) for fetal growth restriction, oligohydramnios, gestational diabetes, a history of cesarean section and congenital fetal abnormalities were 1.19 CI (1.07–1.32), 1.42 CI (1.27–1.57), 1.06 CI (1.00–1.13), 2.13 (1.98–2.29) and 2.01 CI (1.92–2.11).

Conclusions

The study showed that breech presentation at term on its own was significantly associated with antenatal stillbirth and a number of individual obstetric risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes. The risk factors included oligohydramnios, fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, history of caesarean section and congenital anomalies.