Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Oper Neurosurg (Hagerstown) 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, Florida.

We describe the operative approach and management for thoracic metastatic disease in a 78-yr-old man with worsening mechanical lower back and left-sided thoracic radicular pain. Imaging of the thoracic spine revealed an osteolytic T11 mass with destruction of the left T11 pedicle and transverse process. Biopsy confirmed spinal metastasis from the liver. Read More

Pharmacol Rep 2018 Oct 6;71(1):139-148. Epub 2018 Oct 6.

Department of Pain Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland. Electronic address:

Background: The G protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35), is considered important for nociceptive transmission, as suggested by accumulating evidence. This receptor was discovered in 1998; however, a lack of pharmacological tools prevented a complete understanding of its function and how to exploit it therapeutically. We studied the influence of CXCL17, kynurenic acid and zaprinast on nociceptive transmission in naïve and neuropathic mice. Read More

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018 Dec;59(15):5868-5875

Laboratory of Pathology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Setsunan University, Osaka, Japan.

Purpose: Previous experimental studies assessing corneal nerves as a measure of the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy have yielded discordant results; this may have been due to the effect of the short duration of the induced diabetes. We investigated whether increases in the duration of hyperglycemia result in the development of corneal lesions in a mouse model of alloxan (AL)- or streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes. We further determined whether corneal nerve fiber density, intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD), and sural nerve morphology can be used as morphologic markers of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in rodent models. Read More

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2018 Dec;59(15):5862-5867

Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Purpose: To investigate whether the relationship between circumpapillary vascular density (cpVD) and visual field (VF) mean sensitivity (MS) differs between primary open-angle (POAG) and angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).

Methods: The cpVD and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) were obtained using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA, AngioVue/RTVue-XR) in 146 eyes from 146 subjects (age- and VF mean deviation-matched 86 POAG and 60 PACG). Global and regional relationships (superotemporal [ST], superonasal [SN], nasoupper [NU], nasolower [NL], inferonasal [IN], inferotemoporal [IT], temporolower [TL], and temporoupper [TU] sectors) were estimated between cpVD and VF MS using multiple linear regression models controlling for the confounding variables in two disease categories. Read More

Anesth Analg 2019 Jan;128(1):3-4

From the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

J Craniofac Surg 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Adana Numune Training and Research Hospital, Ear Nose and Throat Department, Adana, Turkey.

Objectives: Anatomic variations of paranasal sinuses are frequent among population that should be analyzed and interpreted accurately. The purpose of this study is to analyze anatomical variants and their relationships of paranasal sinuses in patients with nasal septal deviation undergoing septoplasty.

Methods: A total number of 150 patients (74 males, 76 females) with nasal septal deviation undergoing septal surgery were included in this retrospective study. Read More

Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2018 Dec;32(23):1810-1812

Department of Stomatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University.

To evaluate the effect of the application of functional parotid surgery for removal of benign parotid tumors and the prevention of Frey syndrome. One hundred and fifty-six cases with benign tumor were underwent functional regional parotidectomy. All tumors were smaller than 4 cm in diameter. Read More

Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2018 Dec;32(23):1804-1809

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, China.

To find proper the surgical approval and evaluate clinical efficacy to treat the tumor of upper parapharyngeal space involving the base of skull and intracranial skull. The data of 9 cases from June 2013 and June 2018 were analyzed retrospectively including schwannoma in 6 cases, pleomorphic adenoma in 2 cases and hemangioma in 1 case. All cases received preoperative high resolution CT and MRI, some cases also did the DSA examination. Read More

Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2018 Jul;32(14):1120-1124

Auditory neuropathy is a disorder characterized by absent or severely abnormal auditory brainstem response (ABR) with intact outer hair cell function, as evidenced by the presence of evoked otoacoustic emissions and/or cochlear microphonics. Unlike patients with sensory hearing loss who show clinical evidence of impaired outer hair cell function. For ANSD patients, clinical rehabilitation is mainly limited to hearing aid wearing and cochlear implantation. Read More

Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2018 Jul;32(14):1106-1107

Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2018 Jul;32(14):1061-1065

Departmeng of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Jinan Military General Hospital, Jinan, 250031, China.

To discuss the effect of obesity on the operation of thyroid gland surgery and surgical results.The clinical data of 446 patients who underwent robot thyroid surgery through bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) from the General Hospital of Jinan Military region from February 2014 to November 2017 were analyzed retrospectively, and the patients were divided into BMI<25 kg/m²; group, BMI 25-30 kg/m²; group and BMI>30 kg/m²; group according to body mass index (BMI). The operative complications were compared between the three groups of benign and malignant patients, such as operation time, postoperative lead flow, postoperative hospitalization time, tumor size (malignant), lymph node metastasis (malignant), cosmetic satisfaction score, laryngeal nerve injury and parathyroid function decrease. Read More

Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2018 Jul;32(14):1051-1055

Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital,Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.

To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of robot-assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy (RATT). The clinical data of 66 patients undergoing RATT from November 2016 to May 2018 were prospectively collected and analyzed. The average age was (38. Read More

Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2018 Dec;32(24):1893-1896

Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.

To explore the application and to evaluate the advantage of image navigation assisted nasal endoscopic surgery in optic nerve decompression. Sixty patients accepted the image navigation assisted nasal endoscopic surgery therapy in optic nerve decompression were included in this retrospective study and followed up for about six months to four years. The visual acuity was improved in 16 cases with visual acuity above light. Read More

Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2018 Dec;32(24):1882-1885

Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, 519041, China.

Through the observation and measurement of the adjacent anatomical structures exposed by the pure microscope and endoscopic-assisted technique for the enlarged middle cranial fossa approach to the petroclival region, quantitative compare the advantages of endoscopic-assisted technique and the pure microscope exposure. The enlarged middle cranial fossa approach was performed on 10 cases (20 sides) fresh adult cadaveric head specimens in which the vessels were injected with colored silicone. At the end of every enlarged middle cranial fossa approachs, endoscope assisted technique was applied. Read More

Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2018 Dec;32(24):1856-1859

Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040，China.

To evaluate the applicative value of image-guided system in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgeries. A total of 103 endoscopic surgical procedures were performed.All these procedures were conducted with the utilization of image-guided system, among which there were 92 cases of sinonasal-skull base surgery(including nasal sinuses resection of benign and malignant tumors involving skull base lesions, the cumulative orbital lesion resection of nasal sinus lesions, etc. Read More

J Biomed Opt 2018 Dec;23(12):1-17

Massachusetts General Hospital, Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, previously known as low-level laser therapy, was discovered more than 50 years ago, yet there is still no agreement on the parameters and protocols for its clinical application. Some groups have recommended the use of a power density less than 100  mW/cm2 and an energy density of 4 to 10  J/cm2 at the level of the target tissue. Others recommend as much as 50  J/cm2 at the tissue surface. Read More

Acta Ortop Mex 2018 Jul-Aug;32(4):209-213

Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad de Traumatología y Ortopedia «Lomas Verdes» del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). México.

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common compression neuropathy of the upper limb, and the release of the median nerve is the surgical treatment that is carried out. There are several surgical techniques used to treat this condition; However, this virtual cavity, which we call the carpal tunnel, undergoes several morphological and dimensional changes, prior to surgery and after surgery using the various techniques that the surgeon has a predilection for.

Material And Methods: Observational, prospective and longitudinal study conducted in the period from March to November 2009. Read More

Korean J Ophthalmol 2018 Dec;32(6):506-516

Department of Ophthalmology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.

Purpose: We measured the thicknesses of the ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), the macula, and the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in patients with idiopathic macula holes to analyze the repeatability of these measurements and compare them with those of the fellow eye.

Methods: We evaluated 85 patients who visited our retinal clinic. The patients were divided into two groups according to their macular hole size: group A had a size of <400 μm, while group B had a size of ≥400 μm. Read More

Korean J Ophthalmol 2018 Dec;32(6):459-469

Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Purpose: To evaluate changes in the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) users.

Methods: The medical records of HCQ users were retrospectively reviewed. In these HCQ users, an automated perimetry, fundus autofluorescence photography, and SD-OCT with peripapillary RNFL thickness measurements were performed. Read More

BJU Int 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Laboratory of Experimental Urology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

Objectives: To create a rat model for neurogenic detrusor underactivity (DU) by bilateral pelvic nerve crush injury (BPNI) and to study temporal changes in detrusor contractility and morphology.

Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to BPNI or sham surgery and evaluated 1, 3 and 9 weeks after surgery. Bladder function was determined in vivo by awake cystometry, micturition pattern analysis and 24-hours urine collection. Read More

Am J Med Genet A 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia.

Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the X-linked gene CASK are associated with mental retardation and microcephaly with pontine and cerebellar hypoplasia (MICPCH) and ophthalmological disorders including optic nerve atrophy (ONA) and optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH). Recently, we have demonstrated that CASK mice display ONH with 100% penetrance but exhibit no change in retinal lamination or structure. It is not clear if CASK loss-of-function predominantly affects retinal ganglion cells, or if other retinal cells like photoreceptors are also involved. Read More

Neuromodulation 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.

Objectives: Until now, the vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treatment in epilepsy has consisted of two different modes: normal and magnet stimulation. A new vagus nerve stimulator model (106 AspireSR®, LivaNova, Houston, TX, USA) also allows automatic stimulation (AutoStim). The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of autostimulation on seizure frequencies together with energy consumption. Read More

Psychophysiology 2018 Dec 14:e13310. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

EMG Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital Clinic, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

All sensory stimuli produce transient excitability changes in various central nervous system circuits. One example is prepulse inhibition (PPI), which is the inhibition generated by a preceding weak stimulus (prepulse) over the reflex response to a subsequent suprathreshold stimulus. The PPI is a ubiquitous phenomenon, common to many different sensory modalities. Read More

Acta Ophthalmol 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to report prevalence, ocular outcome, neurological characteristics, cognitive and behavioural problems in children with optic disc coloboma (ODC).

Methods: This was a population-based, cross-sectional study of 31 children between 2 and 18 years of age diagnosed with ODC. The children were part of a larger cohort of 184 children with congenital optic disc malformations. Read More

Asian J Endosc Surg 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.

We performed laparoscopic surgery for three cases of colorectal cancer using an 8K ultra-high-definition endoscopic system, which offers 16-fold higher resolution than the current 2K high-definition endoscope. The weight of the camera has been successfully reduced to 370 g. To maximize the advantages of the 8K ultra-high-definition endoscope, surgery was performed by darkening the room and placing a large 85-in. Read More

Acta Ophthalmol 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a primary risk factor for the development and progression of glaucoma. Rodent models of glaucoma have greatly improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of glaucoma and served as a useful tool to investigate neuroprotective agents. Read More

Muscle Nerve 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 25700 Southwood Dr., Southfield, MI, USA, 48075, 2487526328.

Introduction: To date, no method has been described or utilized to study the distribution of symptoms in carpal tunnel syndrome. We describe a technique of symptom-mapping that yields a population-based "anatomic profile" of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods: Symptoms were mapped on visual questionnaires depicting the volar hand, wrist and forearm. Read More

Muscle Nerve 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Departments of Clinical Neurophysiology, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Postal Box 52, 20521, Turku, Finland.

Introduction: We evaluated diagnostic value of sensory tests during recovery from iatrogenic sensory neuropathy using intraoperatively verified nerve injury with subjective symptoms as gold standard.

Methods: Inferior alveolar nerves were monitored neurophysiologically throughout mandibular osteotomy in 19 patients. Sensory disturbance was registered and sensation tested using clinical and quantitative sensory (QST) and neurophysiologic tests postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, 12 months. Read More

Muscle Nerve 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Department of Neurology, Penn State Hershey Medical Center.

Muscle Nerve 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.

Introduction: In Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), patients often develop muscle atrophy from denervation and immobilization. We therefore conducted a pilot study of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to evaluate feasibility, safety, and effect on muscle wasting in the early phase of GBS.

Methods: Seventeen patients were randomized to receive 20 minutes of muscle fiber stimulation followed by 40 minutes of MNES of the right or left quadriceps muscle with the untreated side as control. Read More

J Small Anim Pract 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Lodi's ICU and Sub ICU Head, ASST Lodi 26900, Italy.

Objective: To describe the technique and findings of the 'veterinary focused assessment with sonography for trauma-airway, breathing, circulation, disability and exposure' protocol in dogs suffering from trauma.

Materials And Methods: Prospective observational study on a new point-of-care ultrasound protocol on 64 dogs suffering from trauma and comparison of findings with radiology.

Results: Comparison of the results of this new ultrasound protocol for trauma patients with radiography findings for pneumothorax, pleural effusion, alveolar-interstitial syndrome and abdominal effusion revealed positive agreement of 89, 83, 100 and 87% and negative agreement of 76, 83, 76 and 92%, respectively. Read More

Muscle Nerve 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology, and Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA.

Introduction: Statins reduce cardiovascular disease risk and are generally well-tolerated, yet up to 0.5% of statin-treated patients develop incapacitating muscle symptoms including rhabdomyolysis. Our objective was to identify clinical factors related to statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS). Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.

We present three adults with Down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treated with hypoglossal nerve stimulation. The average age of these three males was 37.3 years. Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.

Objectives/hypothesis: The aim of this study was to analyze the phoniatric and respiratory outcomes of a subset of bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP) patients who were all treated with unilateral endoscopic arytenoid abduction lateropexy (EAAL). EAAL is a nondestructive, minimally invasive glottis widening operation, which does not damage either the surgically treated or the contralateral vocal cord. Therefore, it does not impair the regeneration potential of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Read More

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Universite Paris Diderot, Chemistry, 15 rue Jean de Baif, 75013, Paris, FRANCE.

In the current development of homogeneous catalysis of electrochemical reactions, related to contemporary renewable energy challenges, catalytic reaction schemes often involves proton coupled electron transfer sequences. The proton source (or sink) may then be an acid (or a base) present in the solution acting as a cosubstrate participating stoichiometrically and kinetically to the catalytic process. On this ground, the idea has soon emerged that installing the proton donor (for reductions, or acceptor for oxidations) inside the catalyst molecule should be beneficial in terms of efficiency, since it would then be closer to the nerve center of the process (usually the metal in the case of transition metal complex catalysts). Read More

J Cell Biochem 2018 Dec 12. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Department of Neurology, XThe Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.

We investigated that microRNA (miRNA)-141 protects against epilepsy-induced apoptosis and its reaction mechanism. The serum expression of miRNA-141 in epilepsy model mice and control volunteer was measured by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. We found that miRNA-141 serum expression was upregulated in patients with epilepsy. Read More

Laryngoscope 2018 Dec 12. Epub 2018 Dec 12.

Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.A.

Objective: Tissue engineering of the larynx requires a complex, multiple tissue layer design. Additionally, spontaneous reinnervation of the larynx after recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is often disorganized, resulting in subpar function. This study investigates use of tissue-engineered cartilage and motor endplate-expressing (MEE) tissue-engineered skeletal muscle implants for laryngeal reconstruction and the promotion of organized reinnervation after RLN injury. Read More

J Cell Biochem 2018 Dec 11. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.

Neuropathic pain is the most common chronic pain that is caused by nerve injury or disease that influences the nervous system. Increasing evidence suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in neuropathic pain and neuroinflammation development. However, the functional role of miR-217 in the development of neuropathic pain remains unknown. Read More

Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2018 Dec 11. Epub 2018 Dec 11.

Department of Anaesthesiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark.

Background: Mivacurium is a short-acting non-depolarizing muscle relaxant, which is hydrolyzed by butyrylcholinesterase. The neuromuscular block (NMB) can be antagonized with cholinesterase inhibitors (CHEI), but the short duration of action of mivacurium questions the need. This systematic review evaluated if the use of CHEIs (neostigmine, pyridostigmine or edrophonium) facilitates reversal of mivacurium-induced NMB. Read More

Neuromodulation 2018 Dec 7. Epub 2018 Dec 7.

Department of Neurosurgery, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.

Objective: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and peripheral nerve field stimulation (PNFS) may be proposed to patients with chronic lumbar pain refractory to conventional treatment. Aim of this study was to assess the importance of preoperatively treatment with TENS as a predictive value for later successful PNFS and impact of PNFS in follow-up of 12 months.

Methods: Between 2012 and 2016, a retrospective analysis of 25 patients with chronic lumbar pain and implantation of a PNFS-system was performed. Read More

BMC Med Educ 2018 Dec 14;18(1):308. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Glückstrasse 11, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.

Background: Local anesthesia is an important skill and a prerequisite for most dental treatments. However, the step from theory to application on the patient is huge for the novice. Hence, a mannequin training model course was developed and implemented into the existing local anesthesia curriculum in undergraduate dental students. Read More

Regen Med 2018 Dec 14. Epub 2018 Dec 14.

Department of Physiology, College of Life Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, PR China.

Aim: To investigate the theme trends and knowledge structure of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) related literatures by using bibliometric analysis.

Materials & Methods: Co-word analysis, strategic diagram and social network analysis were employed.

Results: In line with strategic diagrams, ADSC differentiation and transplantation as main undeveloped themes in 2003-2007 were partially replaced by regeneration medicine and ADSCs for myocardial infarction in 2008 to 2012, and then partially replaced by miRNAs in ADSC genetics and nerve regeneration in 2013 to 2017. Read More

Ir Med J 2018 09 10;111(8):808. Epub 2018 Sep 10.

Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Aim To describe a case of acute and transient hand weakness that developed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) should be considered in patients with recurrent, painless motor or sensory neuropathies at sites of peripheral nerve compression. Methods Nerve conduction studies confirmed neuropraxia of the distal ulnar nerve with a mild background demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2016 Mar 28;13(3):78-81. Epub 2015 Nov 28.

Department of Critical Care and Emergency Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan.

Tizanidine hydrochloride, α2-receptor stimulant, is a central muscle relaxant. Etizolam is a benzodiazepine-based anti-anxiety agent. Both drugs are widely used for the treatment of a variety of muscle pain and frequently used together in Japan. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2010 Oct 5;2(2):e96-e98. Epub 2010 May 5.

Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan, Republic of Korea.

We report two cases, which had been initially diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis but later were definitely diagnosed with mesothelioma after receiving pericardiectomy. The two patients complained of dyspnea. Chest computed tomography showed mild pericardial effusion and thickened pericardium, which was found enveloping the heart without any lumps. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2015 Aug 4;12(2):61-64. Epub 2015 Jun 4.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Tokyo Teishin Hospital, 2-14-23 Fujimi, Chiyodaku, Tokyo, Japan.

We report on a female patient who underwent a standard radical mastectomy and radiation therapy for right breast cancer at the age of 50 years without recurrence. At the age of 76 years, she started to experience fatigue in the right upper limb. The symptom gradually worsened and she was admitted to our hospital for further investigation. Read More

J Cardiol Cases 2010 Jun 27;1(3):e176-e179. Epub 2010 Jan 27.

Division of Cardiology, Department of Integrated Medicine and Informatics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.

Technologies associated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices and lead systems have progressed. However, dislocation after coronary sinus (CS) lead placement continues to be a problem. Furthermore, CS lead positioning at the site of the ventricular latest activation (detected by echocardiography) is often problematic due to large vessel size leading to the lead placement (wedge site) near the apical site. Read More

J Mol Neurosci 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Department of Biochemistry, Western University, Medical Sciences Building, Rm 342, 1151 Richmond St. North, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) facilitates multiple aspects of neuronal differentiation and cellular physiology by activating the high-affinity receptor tyrosine kinase, TrkB. While it is known that both BDNF and TrkB modulate cellular processes involved in learning and memory, exactly how TrkB cross-talks and modulates signaling downstream of excitatory ionotropic receptors, such as the NMDA receptor (NMDAR), are not well understood. A model that we have investigated involves the signaling molecule RasGrf1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for both Ras and Rac. Read More

Wien Med Wochenschr 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.

Artificial and non-artificial nerve grafts are the gold standard in peripheral nerve reconstruction in cases with extensive loss of nerve tissue, particularly where a direct end-to-end suture or an autologous nerve graft is inauspicious. Different materials are marketed and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for peripheral nerve graft reconstruction. The most frequently used materials are collagen and poly(DL-lactide-ε-caprolactone). Read More

Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2018 Dec 13. Epub 2018 Dec 13.

Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Princess Margaret Hospital/University Health Network, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada.

Interferons are cytokines that regulate the host's response to viral infection, particularly in the setting of the immunologic response to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). While the virus has the ability to evade the host's innate and specific immunity, exogenous interferon-α with combined ribavirin, treatments have been found to achieve a significant sustained viral response in subgroups of patients with chronic HCV. One of the major side effects of interferon-α is an ocular retinopathy characterized by flame-shaped hemorrhages and cotton wool spots visualized on funduscopic examination. Read More