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Pharmacol Ther 2018 Dec 3. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy. Electronic address:

Immunotherapy through immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) is quickly transforming cancer treatment by improving patients' outcomes. However, innate and acquired resistance to ICBs remain a major challenge in clinical settings. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenases (IDOs) are enzymes involved in tryptophan catabolism with a central immunosuppressive function within the tumor microenvironment. Read More

Biomed Res Int 2018 5;2018:1607425. Epub 2018 Nov 5.

2nd Department of Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.

Aim: The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a phytotherapic drug (Canephron N) in preventing urinary tract infection (UTI) in high-risk women undergoing urodynamic studies (UDS).

Methods: The study protocol was approved by the local institutional ethical committee. Adult women with at least one risk factor for acquiring UTI (defined as: age over 70, elevated postvoid residual urine>100 ml, recurrent UTI, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) ≥II in POP-Q scale, and neurogenic bladder) had received after UDS either a single oral dose of fosfomycin trometamol (FT) (3 grams) or a phytodrug containing centaury herb, lovage root, and rosemary leaves (5 ml taken orally three times daily for one week). Read More

Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2018 8;11:699-705. Epub 2018 Nov 8.

Department of Modern Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran,

Obesity is a consequence of an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. It affects people of both genders and all age groups, ethnicity and socioeconomic groups, and in developed and developing countries. Obesity is often accompanied by the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Read More

Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr 2018 Dec 3. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Marien Hospital Herne, Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr- Universität Bochum, Abteilung für Neuro-Urologie.

An overactive neurogenic detrusor and an non-neurogenic overactive bladder both exhibit symptoms such as urgency and frequency, both with and without urinary incontinence, and are often accompanied by nocturia. OnabotulinumtoxinA-Detrusorinjection has become well established as a second line therapy in cases where anticholinergic medication has failed. The procedure can be performed under general or local anesthesia, in both in- and outpatient settings. Read More

Pain 2018 Nov 29. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Department of Pharmacology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242.

The complement system significantly contributes to the development of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Recently, we identified the signaling pathway responsible for thermal hypersensitivity induced by the complement system component C5a. Here, we examine the mechanisms of another important action of C5a, induction of mechanical hypersensitivity. Read More

J Pediatr Rehabil Med 2018 Nov 19. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Colorectal and Pelvic Malformations Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Spina bifida is a birth defect that commonly causes bowel and bladder dysfunction in children with a significant negative impact on quality of life and emotional wellbeing. Fecal continence improves satisfaction and the quality of life of both children and their caretakers. Bowel management in children with spina bifida is hampered by limited controlled studies and variable practice within different institutions and subspecialists. Read More

Neuromodulation 2018 Dec 2. Epub 2018 Dec 2.

Department of Urology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea.

Objectives: Incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) accounts for two-thirds of all SCIs in clinical practice. Preclinical research on the effect of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) on bladder function, however, has been focused only on animal models of complete SCI. We aimed to evaluate the effect of early SNM on bladder responses in a rat model of incomplete SCI. Read More

J Cell Biochem 2018 Dec 2. Epub 2018 Dec 2.

Department f Pathology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Disruption of macrophage autophagy is a major contributor to macrophage dysfunction and subsequent inflammation leading to atherosclerosis. Trehalose is a natural disaccharide that is able to induce macrophage autophagy-lysosomal biogenesis and reduce inflammation. Here, we studied the efficacy of intravenous trehalose administration in reducing atherosclerotic plaque burden in high-cholesterol-fed rabbits. Read More

eNeurologicalSci 2018 Dec 19;13:31-32. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Hospital Medicine Section, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.

Transl Androl Urol 2018 Dec;7(6):912-919

Department of Uro-Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.

Background: To evaluate safety, acceptability and pilot efficacy of transcutaneous low-frequency tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) using a novel device as home-based neuromodulation.

Methods: In this single-centre pilot study, 48 patients with overactive bladder (OAB) (24 with neurogenic and 24 with idiopathic OAB) were randomized to use a self-applicating ambulatory skin-adhering device stimulating transcutaneously the tibial nerve at 1 Hz for 30 minutes, either once daily or once weekly, for 12 weeks. Changes in OAB symptoms and QoL were measured at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12 using validated scoring instruments (ICIQ-OAB and ICIQ-LUTSqol), 3-day bladder diary and a Global Response Assessment (GRA) at week 12. Read More

Indian J Pharmacol 2018 Jul-Aug;50(4):177-184

Department of Basic Science, School of Veterinary, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.

Objectives: Various pharmacological effects including antioxidant property of L. were reported previously. In the present study, the effect of the extract of the plant and its constituent, α-linolenic acid (ALA), on oxidant and antioxidant markers of PHA/non-stimulated human mononuclear cells was evaluated. Read More

Neuron 2018 Nov 21. Epub 2018 Nov 21.

Division of Molecular Neurobiology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan; School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan; Research Center for Cell Biology, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan. Electronic address:

Increases in sodium concentrations ([Na]) in body fluids elevate blood pressure (BP) by enhancing sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). However, the mechanisms by which information on increased [Na] is translated to SNA have not yet been elucidated. We herein reveal that sympathetic activation leading to BP increases is not induced by mandatory high salt intakes or the intraperitoneal/intracerebroventricular infusions of hypertonic NaCl solutions in Na-knockout mice in contrast to wild-type mice. Read More

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2018 Dec 2. Epub 2018 Dec 2.

Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Personalized Medicine Branch, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States.

Cardiotoxicity is a serious adverse effect of doxorubicin (DOX) treatment in cancer patients. Currently, there is a lack of sensitive biomarkers to predict the risk of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Using SOMAmer-based proteomic technology, 1129 proteins were profiled to identify potential early biomarkers of cardiotoxicity in plasma from male B6C3F mice given a weekly intravenous dose of 3 mg/kg DOX or saline (SAL) for 2, 3, 4, 6, or 8 weeks (6, 9, 12, 18, or 24 mg/kg cumulative DOX doses, respectively). Read More

J Cell Physiol 2018 Dec 4. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by mitochondria during metabolism. In physiological states, the production of ROS and their elimination by antioxidants are kept in balance. However, in pathological states, elevated levels of ROS interact with susceptible cellular target compounds including lipids, proteins, and DNA and deregulate oncogenic signaling pathways that are involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis. Read More

J Cell Physiol 2018 Dec 4. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a component of the yellow powder prepared from the roots of Curcuma longa or Zingiberaceae (known as turmeric) is not only widely used to color and flavor food but also used as a pharmaceutical agent. Curcumin demonstrates anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antiaging, and antioxidant activity, as well as efficacy in wound healing. Notably, curcumin is a hormetic agent (hormetin), as it is stimulatory at low doses and inhibitory at high doses. Read More

J Cell Physiol 2018 Dec 4. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is growing rapidly worldwide. This metabolic disorder affects many physiological pathways and is a key underlying cause of a multitude of debilitating complications. There is, therefore, a critical need for effective diabetes management. Read More

Toxics 2018 Dec 1;6(4). Epub 2018 Dec 1.

Neuroscience Unit, Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B 1515, Ilorin 240003, Nigeria.

The execution of agricultural activities on an industrial scale has led to indiscriminate deposition of toxic xenobiotics, including organophosphates, in the biome. This has led to intoxication characterized by deleterious oxidative and neuronal changes. This study investigated the consequences of oxidative and neurogenic disruptions that follow exposure to a combination of two organophosphates, chlorpyrifos (CPF) and dichlorvos (DDVP), on neuro-cognitive performance and anxiety-like behaviors in rats. Read More

Cell Physiol Biochem 2018 Dec 4;51(4):1921-1931. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Department of Orthopaedics, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing,

Background/aims: To explore the potential role of miR-544a in spinal cord injury and the possible mechanism involved.

Methods: We established a mouse model with spinal cord injury to examine the changes in grip force recovery of the forelimb or the posterior limb of the mouse. Microarray was performed to achieve differentiated miRNAs in the mice. Read More

ACS Chem Neurosci 2018 Dec 4. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), promotes vasodilation and reduces blood pressure, mechanisms of which are not fully resolved. Recent reports suggested that EGCG can activate heterologously expressed mouse and zebrafish TRPA1 channels. Activation of TRPA1 in sensory neurons triggers the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a potent vasodilator. Read More

J Vet Intern Med 2018 Dec 3. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (Unesp), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

This article describes the clinical and electromyographic findings of neuromyotonia in a 19-month-old male crossbred Quarter Horse that presented with stiffness and muscle asymmetry in the hind limbs as well as sacrococcygeal, paravertebral, and gluteal myokymia. An electromyographic study showed spontaneous continuous muscle fiber activity with high-frequency discharges, fibrillations, positive sharp waves, fasciculation potentials, and complex repetitive discharges. Histological examination of the gluteal muscle showed a mixed neurogenic and myopathic pattern. Read More

Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2018 Dec 3. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Biomechanics Division, Department of Structural Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491, Trondheim, Norway.

A Hill model-based phenomenological method for muscle activation was used to investigate defectiveness of the palatal muscle tone during sleep for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Based on the stretch-stress characteristic of muscle activation when the eccentric contraction is considered, a specifically defined phenomenological strain-energy function was used, as well as the Holzapfel-type strain-energy function for the passive part. A continuum mechanical framework, including the stress tensor and elasticity tensor, was obtained, based on the defined strain-energy function. Read More

World J Urol 2018 Dec 4. Epub 2018 Dec 4.

GREEN GRC 01 UPMC Sorbonne Universite, Hôpital Tenon, Service de Neuro-Urologie, 4 Rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France.

Objectives: To develop a new tool to assess constraints due to urinary treatments in neurological patients.

Materials And Methods: A prospective, monocentric study has been conducted from January to May 2017. Out-patients (multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, Parkinson disease) were included in a referral center if they had LUTS treatment for at least 3 months. Read More

World J Urol 2018 Dec 3. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Department of Urology and Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Republic of Korea.

Purpose: Antimuscarinics are the first pharmacological treatment option for neurogenic bladder in children with spina bifida but side effects limit their use. Mirabegron, a new β-3 adrenoceptor agonist with a distinct mechanism of action, is a potential agent for the treatment of neurogenic bladder; however, it has yet to be studied in the pediatric population. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of mirabegron for treating neurogenic bladder in children with spina bifida. Read More

Cureus 2018 Sep 27;10(9):e3375. Epub 2018 Sep 27.

Surgery, Harlem Hospital Center, New York, USA.

Aortic occlusion is used during trauma resuscitation for patients with profound shock and cardiac arrest. Aortic occlusion increases coronary and cerebral perfusion permitting time for interventions in an attempt to salvage moribund patients. Resuscitative endovascular occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a less invasive method of aortic occlusion and its indications are being defined, but it is used primarily for noncompressible torso hemorrhage. Read More

Cureus 2018 Aug 29;10(8):e3226. Epub 2018 Aug 29.

Neurological Surgery, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA.

Epidermoid cysts account for a small fraction of intracranial brain tumors, most commonly found in the cerebellopontine angle and parasellar cisterns. Here we present a rare case of an epidermoid cyst located in the suprasellar region, specifically originating from the infundibulum. Only one additional case with an epidermoid cyst originating within the pituitary stalk has been previously reported in the literature. Read More

J Neuroinflammation 2018 Dec 3;15(1):335. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

János Szentágothai Research Centre, Molecular Pharmacology Research Team and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.

Objective: The regulatory role of capsaicin-sensitive peptidergic sensory nerves has been shown in acute inflammation, but little is known about their involvement in T/B-cell driven autoimmune arthritis. This study integratively characterized the function of these nerve endings in the proteoglycan-induced chronic arthritis (PGIA), a translational model of rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: Peptidergic afferents were defunctionalized by resiniferatoxin (RTX) pretreatment in BALB/c mice, PGIA was induced by repeated antigen challenges. Read More

BMC Mol Biol 2018 Dec 3;19(1):14. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.

Background: NPAS3 encodes a transcription factor which has been associated with multiple human psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. In mice, deletion of Npas3 was found to cause alterations in neurodevelopment, as well as a marked reduction in neurogenesis in the adult mouse hippocampus. This neurogenic deficit, alongside the reduction in cortical interneuron number, likely contributes to the behavioral and cognitive alterations observed in Npas3 knockout mice. Read More

Pain Physician 2018 Nov;21(6):593-606

Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Background: When conventional interventional procedures fail, percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis (PEA), which has moderate evidence for successful treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), has been recommended over surgical treatments. In a previous study, we demonstrated the efficacy of a newly developed inflatable balloon catheter for overcoming the access limitations of pre-existing catheters for patients with severe stenosis or adhesions.

Objectives: This study compared the treatment response of combined PEA with balloon decompression and PEA only in patients with central LSS over 6 months of follow-up. Read More

Pharmacol Res 2018 Nov 28;139:348-359. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Electronic address:

Cardiovascular disease is a one of most common causes of mortality around the world. This meta-analysis aims to summarize and conclude the clinical evidence regarding the use of saffron and its constituents, in particular crocin, on cardiovascular risk factors. A systematic review was conducted with PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane library and Google Scholar up to 24 May 2018. Read More

Int J Biol Macromol 2018 Nov 27. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Laboratório de Moléculas Biologicamente Ativas (BioMol-Lab), Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, s/n; Bloco 907, 60455-970 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. Electronic address:

Lonchocarpus campestris (tribe Dalbergieae) possess a mannose biding lectin (LCaL) purified by ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sephacel, HiTrap DEAE FF and TSKgel engaged in AKTA-HPLC system. LCaL agglutinates trypsinized rabbit erythrocytes and its activity was maintained after incubation in a wide range of temperature (4-100 °C) and pH (4-9). The lectin had its apparent molecular weight evaluated by size-exclusion chromatography and SDS-PAGE and presented a profile of 10 kDa and 25 kDa in denaturing and native conditions, respectively. Read More

BJU Int 2018 Nov 30. Epub 2018 Nov 30.

Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27101, USA.

Objective: To determine the long-term therapeutic effect among three types of human cell types on erectile function recovery in a rodent model of dual neurovascular injured erectile dysfunction (NVED).

Materials And Methods: A dual NVED model was established in athymic rats by crushing the bilateral cavernous nerves and ligations of the bilateral internal pudendal nerve-vessel bundles. At the time of defect creation, three different types of human cell populations (2. Read More

Neurourol Urodyn 2018 Nov 29. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Aim: To systematically review the qualitative literature on neurogenic bladder management to better understand the relevant psychosocial issues.

Methods: We used two reviewers to systematically review EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO for qualitative studies that included a neurogenic bladder patient population and were relevant to bladder management. We used a meta-ethnography technique to summarize and synthesize the data. Read More

Cell Mol Life Sci 2018 Nov 29. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Laboratory 103, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Dpto. de Fisiología Médica y Biofísica, Avda, Manuel Siurot, s/n., 41013, Sevilla, Spain.

Oxygen constitutes a vital element for the survival of every single cell in multicellular aerobic organisms like mammals. A complex homeostatic oxygen-sensing system has evolved in these organisms, including detectors and effectors, to guarantee a proper supply of the element to every cell. The carotid body represents the most important peripheral arterial chemoreceptor organ in mammals and informs about hypoxemic situations to the effectors at the brainstem cardiorespiratory centers. Read More

Pathol Res Pract 2018 Oct 22. Epub 2018 Oct 22.

Emergency Trauma Surgery, BinZhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, 256600, China. Electronic address:

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated that aberrant microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Nevertheless, the precise role of miR-1-5p in gallbladder carcinoma cell growth and metastasis remains not fully revealed.

Material And Methods: The levels of miR-1-5p were detected in gallbladder carcinoma tissues and cell lines using qRT-PCR method. Read More

Neuron 2018 Nov 14. Epub 2018 Nov 14.

State Key Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Graduate School, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China. Electronic address:

In the neurogenic niches, adult neural stem and/or progenitor cells (NSCs) generate functional neurons throughout life, which has been implicated in learning and memory and affective behaviors. During adult neurogenesis, newborn neurons release feedback signals into the niches to regulate NSC proliferation and differentiation. However, whether and how NSCs contribute to the niche governing newborn neuron development is still unknown. Read More

J Neurosurg 2018 Nov 1:1-11. Epub 2018 Nov 1.

OBJECTIVEBoth clinical and radiological reports have suggested that the subclavius, a muscle in the costoclavicular space of the thoracic outlet, participates in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) in some instances, especially during movements narrowing the costoclavicular space. Magnetic resonance imaging can identify subclavius muscles with signs of nerve impingement, yet the impact of the subclavius in such situations remains unclear. Therefore, the authors investigated whether dividing or sparing the subclavius characterized by nerve impingement on MRI would affect surgical outcomes. Read More

Brain Res 2018 Nov 26. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Department of Molecular Medicine and Tissue Injury Defense Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea. Electronic address:

A high-fat diet (HFD) is known to induce metabolic disturbances that may lead to cognitive impairment. In the present study, we investigated whether a regular treadmill exercise program would improve HFD-induced hippocampal-dependent memory deficits in C57BL/6 mice. Weight gain and hepatic triglyceride levels were profoundly elevated following administration of a 60% HFD for 23 weeks, and this change was attenuated by 23-weeks of treadmill running. Read More

J Paediatr Child Health 2018 Nov 28. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland.

Aim: We wanted to investigate serum levels of ghrelin and leptin - appetite-regulating hormones - and their correlation with the nutritional status of children with neurogenic bladder (NB) due to myelomeningocele (MMC) in comparison to healthy individuals.

Methods: This prospective analysis was conducted on 67 children with NB after MMC and 20 healthy children. Children's medical charts were analysed to determine age, gender, anthropometric measurements, body mass index (BMI), activity assessment using Hoffer's scale and renal function parameters. Read More

Drug Chem Toxicol 2018 Nov 29:1-12. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

b Department of Physiology , School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran.

This study was designed to assess safety and tolerability of carvacrol in healthy individuals. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups receiving 1 and 2 mg/kg/day carvacrol. Before and after carvacrol administration, routine blood and urine laboratory tests and spirometry were performed for all participants. Read More

Cell Rep 2018 Nov;25(9):2457-2469.e8

Systems Biology of Gene Regulatory Elements, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13092 Berlin-Buch, Germany. Electronic address:

Neural stem cells (NSCs) contribute to plasticity and repair of the adult brain. Niches harboring NSCs regulate stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. We used comprehensive and untargeted single-cell RNA profiling to generate a molecular cell atlas of the largest germinal region of the adult mouse brain, the subventricular zone (SVZ). Read More

Rev Med Suisse 2018 Nov;14(629):2167-2171

Centre de neuro-urologie, Service de neuropsychologie et réhabilitation, Département des neurosciences, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne.

In this review article, we refer to recent publications dealing with the indication to pressure-volume and pressure-flow studies using cystometry as well as the indication for antibioprophylaxis prior to these examinations. We conclude that despite various indications these examinations must be reserved for complex cases after exhaustive preliminary evaluation. Moreover, in case of complex urinary incontinence or neurogenic bladder videocystomanometry is recommended for a correct and complete diagnosis. Read More

Elife 2018 Nov 28;7. Epub 2018 Nov 28.

Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.

The evolutionary increase in size and complexity of the primate neocortex is thought to underlie the higher cognitive abilities of humans. is a human-specific gene that, based on its expression pattern in fetal human neocortex and progenitor effects in embryonic mouse neocortex, has been proposed to have a key function in the evolutionary expansion of the neocortex. Here, we study the effects of expression in the developing neocortex of the gyrencephalic ferret. Read More

Turk J Urol 2018 Nov 26:23-28. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Department of Urology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Objective: Mitrofanoff procedure has been employed commonly as bladder draining tool in patients unable to do clean intermittent self catheterization through native urethera. Single centre experience of pediatric age group patients undergoing Mitrofanoff procedure has been presented here.

Material And Methods: It was a retrospective study of 29 children who underwent continent catheterizable conduit (CCC), from January 2009 till March 2017. Read More

Front Physiol 2018 13;9:1593. Epub 2018 Nov 13.

Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.

Emerging evidence suggests an associative link between gut dysbiosis, the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the immune system in pathophysiology of neurogenic hypertension (HTN). However, the close interplay between these three systems presents us with difficulties in deciphering the cause-effect relationship in disease. The present study utilized beta 1 and 2 adrenergic receptor knock out (AdrB1AdrB2/J KO) mice to isolate the effects of reduced overall sympathetic drive on gut microbiota and systemic immune system. Read More

Behav Brain Res 2018 Nov 24. Epub 2018 Nov 24.

Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland. Electronic address:

The orphan nuclear receptor TLX is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system and is an important factor regulating the maintenance and self-renewal of neural stem cells from embryonic development through adulthood. In adolescence and adulthood, TLX expression is restricted to the neurogenic niches of the brain: the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone. The adolescent period is critical for maturation of the hippocampus with heightened levels of neurogenesis observed in rodents. Read More

J Ophthalmic Vis Res 2018 Oct-Dec;13(4):447-452

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.

Introduction: To investigate whether a systematic approach to subgrouping traumatic ptosis according to etiology can allow for better tailoring of prognosis and treatment.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients with trauma-related blepharoptosis managed by Oculoplastic surgery specialists at an academic medical center from January 1995 to November 2015. Injury mechanism, eyelid position and function, interventions, and outcomes were reviewed. Read More

J Cell Physiol 2018 Nov 27. Epub 2018 Nov 27.

Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

EW-7197 is a transforming growth factor-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor with potential anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties. Here, we investigate the potential therapeutic effects of EW-7197 in a murine model of ulcerative colitis. EW-7197 attenuated the colitis disease activity index by improving rectal bleeding, body weight, and degree of stool consistency. Read More

J Neurol Surg A Cent Eur Neurosurg 2018 Nov 26. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Department of Neurosurgery, Adiyaman University, Education and Research Hospital, Adiyaman, Turkey.

Alkaptonuria is a rare metabolic disease caused by deficiency of homogentisic acid oxidase and characterized by bluish-black discoloration of cartilages and skin (ochronosis). Defective production of this enzyme results in the accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA), a tyrosine degradation product, in the bloodstream. Accumulation of HGA and its metabolites in tissues causes ochronosis. Read More