Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Exp Mol Med 2019 Feb 15;51(2):18. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea.

Mesangial cell proliferation has been identified as a major factor contributing to glomerulosclerosis, which is a typical symptom of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) levels are increased in the glomerulus of the kidney in diabetic mice. LPA is a critical regulator that induces mesangial cell proliferation; however, its effect and molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Read More

Neurotoxicology 2019 Feb 12. Epub 2019 Feb 12.

Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, via Roma 55, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy. Electronic address:

Mesencephalic cell cultures are a good model to study the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons and reproduce, in vitro, experimental models of Parkinson's disease. Rotenone associated as an environmental neurotoxin related to PD, is able to provoke dopaminergic neuron degeneration by inhibiting complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and by inducing accumulation of α-synuclein. Recently, rotenone has been described to activate RhoA, a GTPase protein. Read More

Laryngoscope 2019 Feb 15. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

Department of Neurosciences, Otolaryngology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.

Laryngoscope 2019 Feb 15. Epub 2019 Feb 15.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Federal Republic of Germany.

Front Neurol 2019 31;10:41. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.

The combined use of Robot-assisted UL training and Botulinum toxin (BoNT) appear to be a promising therapeutic synergism to improve UL function in chronic stroke patients. To evaluate the effects of Robot-assisted UL training on UL spasticity, function, muscle strength and the electromyographic UL muscles activity in chronic stroke patients treated with Botulinum toxin. This single-blind, randomized, controlled trial involved 32 chronic stroke outpatients with UL spastic hemiparesis. Read More

Eye (Lond) 2019 Feb 14. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.

Purpose: To report the outcome of repeated botulinum toxin-A (BTA) injections in the lacrimal glands in patients with epiphora.

Methods: We performed retrospective chart review of patients who were injected with 2.5 units of BTA in the lacrimal gland. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2018 Dec 26. Epub 2018 Dec 26.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Southern California, Keck Hospital of USC, 1510 San Pablo Street, Suite 4000, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States. Electronic address:

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common causes of morbidity in male patients, with a prevalence of 50-60% in men aged 40-70 years. EDs may be caused by physical or psychological trauma, the former of which may be treatable through surgical intervention. Physical trauma may be further categorized as vasculogenic, neurogenic, or idiopathic in nature. Read More

Anaerobe 2019 Feb 11. Epub 2019 Feb 11.

National Reference Center for anaerobic bacteria and Botulism, Pasteur Institute, 75015, Paris, France. Electronic address:

Botulism type C was suspected in a 46-year old man after consumption of sick poultry from a flock where botulism type C was confirmed. The patient developed characteristic signs of botulism, but investigation of biological samples did not confirm the presence of Clostridium botulinum or botulinum toxin. Despite having classical botulism symptoms, the man recovered very quickly. Read More

Lasers Med Sci 2019 Feb 14. Epub 2019 Feb 14.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Verona, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Piazzale L. Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.

Minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedures reached an all-time high in the 2016. This reveals a growing interest in a smoother, younger, and tighter look accessible using the esthetic medicine tools like botulinum toxin and dermal filler injections, laser, and microdermabrasion. Forty-five patients from 35 to 52 years old (medium age 43. Read More

PM R 2019 Feb 13. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, IN.

Background: Pediatric patients with cerebral palsy (CP) often undergo intramuscular botulinum toxin (BoNT-A) injections. These injections can be painful and may require procedural sedation. An ideal sedation protocol has yet to be elucidated. Read More

Dermatol Ther 2019 Feb 13:e12861. Epub 2019 Feb 13.

Maxillo Facial Surgery, University of Verona, Italy.

An increasing number of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, such as filler or botulinum toxin injections, are performed annually. These procedures are associated with a high risk of post-procedure bruising or ecchymosis. Ecchymoses arise following hemorrhage and extravasation of red blood cells into the subcutaneous tissue, leading to local skin discoloration. Read More

Pain Med 2019 Feb 7. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Chronic Pain Unit, Mutual de Seguridad Hospital, Santiago, Chile; Faculty of Medicine CAS UDD, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.

Pain Pract 2019 Feb 11. Epub 2019 Feb 11.

The Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD.

Background: Botulinum toxin is approved to treat chronic migraine and has shown significant benefit in refractory cases. Due to its effect on pain by sensory modulation there may also be efficacy in its use in chronic tension-type headaches (CTTH).

Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using our predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Read More

Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2019 Feb 7. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Although accurate targeting of the causative muscles is of paramount importance in the treatment of focal dystonia, this is often challenging due to distortion of the affected anatomical structures and difficulty in proper positioning of injections. We report a case of idiopathic cervical dystonia that was treated by CT-guided injection of botulinum toxin (BTX) into multiple deep muscles.Based on clinical presentation of combined torticollis and retrocollis, and needle electromyography (EMG) results, BTX was injected under EMG guidance. Read More

Auris Nasus Larynx 2019 Feb 7. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Kobe University, Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan.

Objective The endocytosis of cationized feritin (CF) via a clathrin-mediated pathway is regulated by a signaling network. Marginal cells showed the active endocytosis of CF via a clathrin-mediated pathway. The internalization of receptors through this clathrin-mediated pathway is an important regulatory event in signal transduction. Read More

Pediatr Dermatol 2019 Feb 10. Epub 2019 Feb 10.

Pediatric Dermatology, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona.

Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) is characterized by hemiatrophy of facial structures, including skin, subcutaneous fat, muscle, bone, and cartilage. Complications associated with PRS include headaches, seizures, and chronic facial pain. Protocol for the treatment of chronic facial pain is not clear; reports on the use of botulinum toxin A injections for pain reduction in adults but not in the pediatric/adolescent population are available. Read More

J Hand Surg Am 2019 Feb 5. Epub 2019 Feb 5.

Division of Plastic Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address:

Purpose: Brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) may result in permanent functional deficits. Brachial plexus birth injury involving the suprascapular nerve (SSN) is conventionally treated using accessory nerve transfer or excision and nerve grafting. This study analyzed shoulder function in patients with BPBI undergoing dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) to SSN transfer. Read More

Surg Innov 2019 Feb 8:1553350619828888. Epub 2019 Feb 8.

1 Anne Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis, MD, USA.

Background: Giant inguinoscrotal hernias (GIH) are defined as groin hernias extending below the mid-thigh when standing, often significantly encumbering activities of daily living. To date, there are no reports utilizing the combination of progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP), botulinum toxin A injection (BTI), and enhanced view-totally extraperitoneal (eTEP) technique for GIH repair. In this report, we present 2 such cases of this unique minimally invasive multidisciplinary approach to address GIH. Read More

Surg Innov 2019 Feb 8:1553350619828902. Epub 2019 Feb 8.

1 "Campus Bio-Medico di Roma" University, Rome, Italy.

Botulinum neurotoxin-A and botulinum neurotoxin-B have been shown to play a potential role in improving flap survival in animal models. The aim of this study is to review indications as well as to study injection timing, technique, and doses of botulinum neurotoxin-A and botulinum neurotoxin-B in animal models. Seventeen articles describe a total of 266 animals that underwent botulinum toxin injections before or during flap harvesting or vascular anastomosis procedure. Read More

J Biol Regul Homeost Agents 2019 Feb 8;33(1). Epub 2019 Feb 8.

Maxillo-Facial Surgery Department, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Piazza Miraglia 80138 Naples, Italy e-mail:

Sci Rep 2019 Feb 7;9(1):1634. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave. West, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada.

Clostridial neurotoxins (CNTs), which include botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) and tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT), are the most potent toxins known to science and are the causative agents of botulism and tetanus, respectively. The evolutionary origins of CNTs and their relationships to other proteins remains an intriguing question. Here we present a large-scale bioinformatic screen for putative toxin genes in all currently available genomes. Read More

J Mov Disord 2019 Jan 30;12(1):47-51. Epub 2019 Jan 30.

Department of Neurosurgery, University of Joinville Region, and Neurological and Neurosurgical Clinic of Joinville, Joinville.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the zona incerta has shown promising results in the reduction of medically refractory movement disorders. However, evidence supporting its efficacy in movement disorders secondary to hemorrhagic stroke or hemichoreoathetosis is limited. We describe a 48-year-old man who developed progressive hemichoreoathetosis with an arrhythmic, proximal tremor in his right arm following a thalamic hemorrhagic stroke. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2019 Feb 1. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

Department of Dermatology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Background: Botulinum toxin (BTX) has been used cosmetically with good clinical efficacy and tolerable safety.

Objective: This randomized, double-blind, split-face clinical study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of intradermal BTX in patients with rosacea.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-four participants were enrolled and randomly given intradermal injections of BTX and normal saline in both cheeks. Read More

Oral Maxillofac Surg 2019 Feb 7. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Oral and Maxillofacial Unit, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Australia.

Purpose: Recurrent temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation can be challenging to treat and the current understanding regarding aetiology and management of this condition is limited. The aim of this paper was to conduct a systematic review regarding the management of recurrent TMJ dislocation.

Methods: A literature review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines to identify papers published between 2006 and 2016. Read More

Neurology 2019 Feb 6. Epub 2019 Feb 6.

From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (S.B., C.P.D., S.E.K., A.R.T.S., F.J.A.v.d.H.), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen; and Departments of Rehabilitation (K.v.H.) and Paediatric Neurology (C.E.E.), Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

Objective: To compare the effect of submandibular duct ligation (2-DL) and submandibular botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT-A) for drooling in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Methods: A randomized, interventional, controlled, and partly single-blinded study was performed in which submandibular BoNT-A was compared with 2-DL to treat excessive drooling. Main outcomes included a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), drooling quotient (DQ), drooling severity (DS) scale and drooling frequency (DF) scale. Read More

J Oral Facial Pain Headache 2019 Feb 6. Epub 2019 Feb 6.

Aims: To examine the analgesic effect, safety, and tolerability of intraoral administration of onabotulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) in patients suffering from intractable continuous dentoalveolar neuropathic pain.

Methods: Eight patients (six women and two men) of ages ranging from 21 to 73 years (mean [standard deviation] 52.4 [16. Read More

Curr Eye Res 2019 Feb 6. Epub 2019 Feb 6.

a Department of Ophthalmology, Putuo Hospital , Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Shanghai , China.

Objective: To investigate the treatment effects of botulinum toxin-A (BTA) injection and acupuncture on blepharospasm (BP) evaluated by the change in lower eyelid tension (LET).

Methods: A series of 30 patients (male: 8, female: 22) aged between 37 and 83 years (63.80 ± 10. Read More

Front Neurol 2019 22;10. Epub 2019 Jan 22.

Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy.

The term hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) embraces a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by progressive spasticity and weakness of the lower limbs. There currently exist no specific therapies for HSP, and treatment is exclusively symptomatic, aimed at reducing muscle spasticity, and improving strength and gait. The authors set out to perform a comprehensive systematic review of the available scientific literature on the treatment of HSP, applying Cochrane Collaboration methods. Read More

J Laryngol Otol 2019 Feb 6:1-4. Epub 2019 Feb 6.

Department of ENT,Doncaster Royal Infirmary,UK.

Background: Pharyngeal pouch surgical treatments can be carried out via an endoscopic or open approach. Injection of botulinum toxin into the cricopharyngeus was first described as an alternative treatment to the more invasive surgical procedures performed for cricopharyngeal dysfunction. It has not been previously described as a treatment option for pharyngeal pouch. Read More

Toxins (Basel) 2019 Feb 1;11(2). Epub 2019 Feb 1.

Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380492, Chile.

The injection of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) in the masticatory muscles, to cause its temporary paralysis, is a widely used intervention for clinical disorders such as oromandibular dystonia, sleep bruxism, and aesthetics (i.e., masseteric hypertrophy). Read More

Neurosurg Focus 2019 Feb;46(2):E13

1Neurorestoration Center.

Graft stenosis and occlusion remain formidable complications in cerebral revascularization procedures, which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Graft vasospasm can result in early postoperative graft stenosis and occlusion and is believed to be at least partially mediated through adrenergic pathways. Despite various published treatment protocols, there is no single effective spasmolytic agent. Read More

Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2019 Feb 1. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Cancer Care and Biology Program, Mater Research, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address:

Int J Esthet Dent 2019 ;14(1):86-95

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single dose of botulinum toxin (BTX) at the Yonsei point for the treatment of gummy smile (GS). A total number of 45 female patients were enrolled in the study at a private clinic over a period of 24 months. Three units of onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) per site (90 hemifacies) were initially injected at the Yonsei point. Read More

Microbiol Resour Announc 2019 Jan 31;8(5). Epub 2019 Jan 31.

National Botulism and Enteric Toxins Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

In 2010, a Clostridium botulinum type B isolate was recovered from fermented soybeans during a foodborne botulism investigation. Molecular investigation of the botulinum neurotoxin () gene operon determined that the sequence was a new subtype, denoted B8. Here, we describe the draft whole-genome sequence of the organism. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2019 Jan 30. Epub 2019 Jan 30.

Rutgers- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Department of Dermatology, 1 World's Fair Drive, Suite 2400, Somerset, NJ 08873.

Hyperhidrosis (HH) is a chronic disorder of excess sweat production that may have a significant adverse effect on quality of life. A variety of treatment modalities currently exist to manage HH. Initial treatment includes lifestyle and behavioral recommendations. Read More

Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2019 Jan 26. Epub 2019 Jan 26.

Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.

Tremor is a key clinical feature of several common neurological disorders. Adequate management of tremor has been an unmet need in clinical practice. Most of the anti-tremor medications have limited efficacy and are associated with undesirable adverse effects, especially in elderly patients. Read More

Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2019 Jan 29. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Department of pediatric physical and medical rehabilitation, fondation ILDYS, Brest, Bretagne, France; Laboratory of medical information processing, Inserm U1101, Brest, Bretagne, France.

Objective: Botulinum toxin injection (BTI) is the primary treatment for spasticity in children. Anxiety and pain are important concerns to address to attenuate the discomfort of BTI. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of medical clowns and usual distractions, both added to nitrous oxide (NO) and analgesic cream, on pain and anxiety during BTI sessions in children. Read More

Arch Gynecol Obstet 2019 Feb 1. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

Department of Gynecology, University Hospital, University of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.

Background: Previous studies using botulinum toxin type A (BT) to treat provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) reported conflicting findings, possibly attributable to singular injections or low doses. We assessed PVD treatment effectiveness with high-dose single injections of BT (50 or 100 units) versus placebo, and then repeat BT 100 U injections over 6 months.

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, three-arm, placebo-controlled study with 33 PVD patients. Read More

Neuron 2019 Jan 15. Epub 2019 Jan 15.

Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Electronic address:

Regulated secretion is critical for diverse biological processes ranging from immune and endocrine signaling to synaptic transmission. Botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins, which specifically proteolyze vesicle fusion proteins involved in regulated secretion, have been widely used as experimental tools to block these processes. Genetic expression of these toxins in the nervous system has been a powerful approach for disrupting neurotransmitter release within defined circuitry, but their current utility in the brain and elsewhere remains limited by lack of spatial and temporal control. Read More

JAMA Facial Plast Surg 2019 Jan 31. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

Department of Otolaryngology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.

Importance: In the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of practitioners administering botulinum toxin for facial synkinesis. However, there are few resources available to guide treatment patterns, and little is known about how these patterns are associated with functional outcomes and quality of life.

Objective: To evaluate botulinum treatment patterns, including the dosing and frequency of muscle targeting, for treatment of facial synkinesis and to quantify patient outcomes. Read More

J Spinal Cord Med 2019 Jan 31:1-7. Epub 2019 Jan 31.

b Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore , Maryland , USA.

Context: Outpatient Spinal Cord Injury follow-up practice.

Findings: We present two cases of individuals with tetraplegia who experienced proximal arm weakness temporally related to the administration of intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA without other systemic effects. This arm weakness lasted approximately three months in both cases, whereas the effect of the toxin on the bladder lasted for over six months. Read More

Ter Arkh 2018 Nov;90(11):102-104

Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Bashkortostan, Russia.

Injections of botulinum toxin are widely used in different medical fields, namely neurology, urology, stomatology, cosmetology, gastroenterology etc. Preparations of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) prevent the release of acetylcholine at the endings of motor nerves leading to the long-term muscle relaxation. It has been acknowledged that treatment with BTA has very good safety profile and tolerability. Read More

Ter Arkh 2018 Feb;90(1):60-64

National Research Center for Hematology, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia.

The case report of botulinum toxin treatment of gastroparesis in a patient following allogenic bone marrow transplantation is described. The causes of gastroparesis and methods of prevention and treatment are discussed. It was noted that pyloric injection of botulinum toxin can improve symptoms and gastric emptying. Read More

Microbiol Resour Announc 2019 Jan 24;8(4). Epub 2019 Jan 24.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Here, we present draft genome sequences for three Clostridium botulinum strains that produce multiple botulinum toxin serotypes. Strains that produce two toxins are rare; however, one of these strains produces subtype B5 and F2 toxins, and two of the strains produce subtype A4 and B5 toxins. Read More

FASEB J 2019 Jan 30:fj201802453R. Epub 2019 Jan 30.

Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.

The antibiotic bacitracin (Bac) inhibits cell wall synthesis of gram-positive bacteria. Here, we discovered a totally different activity of Bac: the neutralization of bacterial exotoxins. Bac prevented intoxication of mammalian cells with the binary enterotoxins Clostridium botulinum C2, C. Read More

Aesthet Surg J 2019 Jan 30. Epub 2019 Jan 30.

Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.

J Cosmet Dermatol 2019 Jan 29. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.

Background: Oily skin is one of the most common dermatological complaints. Oily skin may be accompanied by enlarged pores, acne, and seborrheic dermatitis. Moreover, oily skin has negative effects on self-perception. Read More

Int J Low Extrem Wounds 2019 Jan 29:1534734618816589. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

1 Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.

Chronic skin ulcer (CSU) often combines with a variety of refractory factors that respond poorly to routine treatments. Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) can be injected subcutaneously to improve the local blood supply, to reduce pain, and to promote wound healing. At present, few reports have mentioned BTX-A injection for chronic skin ulcer treatment. Read More

Dermatol Ther 2019 Jan 28:e12841. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Dermatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic Marche University, Ancona, Italy.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin disease with an intense inflammatory activation. It typically affects the intertriginous areas with cysts, fistulae, and scarring extremely painful. Patients suffer from severe psychological impact. Read More

Laryngoscope 2019 Jan 28. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Laboratório de Motilidade Digestiva e Imagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Objectives/hypothesis: Sialorrhea is excessive saliva production and its usual escape of from the oral cavity. The use of botulinum toxin has been preconized, but its effectiveness until now has been unreliably measured. Our objective was to qualitatively and quantitatively determine the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injection in the reduction of saliva production by the parotid gland. Read More