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Sep 2018
Santiago Freitas e Silva KleberCorresponding author
Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Goiás, Brazil.
Epilepsy comprises a series of chronic neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures. Over 50 million people are affected by epilepsy worldwide. In addition, genetic components capable of predicting epilepsy predisposition and antiepileptic drugs response would lead to the development of promising treatment and a better prognosis of the disease. Several genes and their variants have been investigated whether they could affect the onset of epilepsy. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene, the ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member and the cytochrome P450 are the most common polymorphic genes related to epilepsy. Early identification of risk factors for epilepsy should optimize treatment and prognosis. The characterization of genetic polymorphism contribute to the selection of the most promising antiepileptic therapy and avoidance of drug resistance. The development of biomarkers to estimate the risk of epilepsy and drug resistance would have a clinical impact on the treatment of the disease and on anti-epileptic drug therapy.
Aug 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4496.jtc-23-4674
Almegbe MaysanCorresponding author
A case report of primary thyroid leiomyosarcoma with literature review. It discusses diagnostic pitfalls, histologic criteria, and management options.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-22-4197
A. Attah TimothyCorresponding author
National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Obasanjo Space Centre, Umaru Musa Yar'adua expressway, P.M.B. 437, Lugbe, Abuja, Nigeria
Aim and Objective Despite the growing concerns about the relationship between exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) and detrimental health effects due to the changes in biological processes of experimental animals, there is still ongoing debate on the significance of these findings in causing significant public health problems with the growing advancement in internet technology. The aim of this study is to review existing literature on the effects of high RFR on wistar rats. Method A search was conducted on Google scholar and PubMed to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles to be included into the review. Studies eligible for inclusion included free full text articles on wistar rats exposed to ≥ 2.45GHz RFR conducted in the past 5 years. Studies included in this review were written or transcribed in English language. From 286 titles, 36 eligible studies were included in the review and assessed for quality using the Strengthening the Report of Observational Studies in Epidemiology – Veterinary Extension (STROBE-Vet) quality assessment tool. Results Studies included in this review generally had good quality (>60%) based on the STROBE-Vet assessment. This review identified numerous biological changes in wistar rats exposed to high RFR including variations in biochemical, cholinergic, genetic, histopathologic, psychological, optical, and dermatological parameters. In this review, studies identified variations in protein and liver enzymes while high RFR was found to induce oxidative stress and cellular damage of exposed wistar rats compared to the unexposed groups. This was seen in the changes in protein, lipids, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Studies also identified changes in expression of genes and neurotransmitters with imbalance in hormones. In addition, this review identified structural changes of cells, tissues and organs indicative of apoptosis, damage and death. Exposed rats were identified to have behavioral changes indicative of anxiety and memory decline while studies identified optical and dermatologic changes in exposed rats compared to the unexposed. Conclusion With numerous biological changes identified in wistar rats exposed to high RFR, there is an increasing risk of detrimental health events giving the advancement in internet technology and limited regulations to control exposures to RFR. Therefore, studies should be conducted to identify strategies to mitigate human exposure to RFR while policies are developed and enforced to protect human health.
Oct 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9383.jhhr-20-3573
Williams AllisonCorresponding author
School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University
The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the use of Photovoice in caring research. The review assessed the existing literature using the Arksey and O’Malley scoping review methodology. Database searches of relevant literature published worldwide between 1997–2019 yielded 25 articles in the English language that were included in this review. The authors summarized thematic findings. Three themes emerged from data analysis: 1) strengths of using Photovoice; 2) challenges of using Photovoice, and; 3) methodological complexities in Photovoice studies. The small number of studies included in the review (n=25) indicate the limited use of Photovoice in caring research, reflecting missed opportunities for action-oriented research. The scoping review recommends ways that researchers can better address the needs of carers using Photovoice, particularly as a tool for knowledge translation, advocacy, and empowerment.
Feb 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-18-2554
Volicer LadislavCorresponding author
School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa FL, USA
Background Controversy exists about definition of agitation and especially about inclusion of aggression as a part of agitation in people with dementia. Methods Papers describing neurobiological indices related to behavioral symptoms of dementia were reviewed. Papers comparing indices in persons exhibiting aggression and persons exhibiting agitation were selected for this review. Results The survey found seven papers which compared neuroanatomical indices and three papers which compared neurochemical indices. The neuroanatomical indices differentiating agitation and aggression included changes in brain perfusion, sizes of brain areas, distribution of neurofibrillary tangles, and white matter changes. The neurochemical indices differentiating agitation and aggression included relationships with neurotransmitter variables and the cell count in the locus coeruleus. Conclusion Despite the small number of papers and some methodological problems, the presented information clearly indicates that aggression and agitation are two distinct unrelated syndromes in persons with dementia.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-18-2469
Kawasaki YoheiCorresponding author
Biostatistics Section, Clinical Research Center, Chiba University Hospital, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8677, Japan
Background Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are categorized as omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are present in fish oil, etc. DHA and EPA omega-3 PUFAs have a well-established fasting serum triglycerides (TG) lowering effect that may result in normal lipidemia in hyperlipidemic patients. In general, omega-3 PUFAs, such as DHA and EPA, can be ingested easily, and because they are highly safe, they are assumed to be suitable for controlling fasting serum TG in the serum of those who do not require drug treatment. To the best of our knowledge, however, almost all systematic reviews on the effects of omega-3 PUFAs on lowering fasting serum TG are directed at patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of dyslipidemia. Objectives To review and confirm the preventive effect of omega-3 PUFAs against hypertriglyceridemia or the effect on nondrug treatment in patients with a mild disease, a systematic review was conducted to determine whether there was a fasting serum TG-lowering effect in subjects without disease and those with a slightly higher triglyceride level who consumed DHA and/or EPA orally compared to those with placebo or no intake of DHA and/or EPA. Search Methods We evaluated articles from searches of PubMed (1946-February 2016), Ichushi-Web (1977-February 2016), and J Dream III (JST Plus, 1981-February 2016; JMED Plus, 1981-February 2016). The keywords were set as follows: “DHA” or “docosahexaenoic acid” or “EPA” or “eicosapentaenoic acid” and “TG” or “triglyceride” or “triglycerol” or “triacylglycerol” or “neutral lipid.”. In addition to the literature group obtained by the database search, we included participants not suffering from any disease (i.e., excluding mild hypertriglyceridemia). Eligibility Criteria Before the test selection process, the following inclusion criteria were defined. Participants were healthy men and women including those with mild hypertriglyceridemia (fasting serum TG level, 150-199 mg/dL [1.69-2.25 mmol/L)). Intervention was defined as orally ingested DHA and/or EPA. Comparison was made to placebo intake or no intake of DHA and/or EPA. Results were measured for the fasting serum TG level. The test design was RCT, and quasi-RCT. Data Abstraction Various characteristics were extracted from original reports using a standardized data extraction form, including the author of the study, research year, research design, subject characteristics (sex, age, sample size), period, dose of DHA and/or EPA (mg/day), and comparison group. Main Results We identified 37 documents for review. Among the 37 reports used to integrate literature results, 25 revealed a decrease in fasting serum TG level due to the oral ingestion of DHA and/or EPA. Sixteen studies on subjects without disease and 21 on subjects with slightly higher fasting serum TG levels were separated and stratified analysis was conducted. Ten of the 16 (normal TG participant) and 15 of the 21 studies (slightly higher TG participant) respectively, indicated that at least 133 mg/day of DHA and/or EPA intervention provided a statistically significant decrease in the fasting serum TG level between an intervention group versus a placebo group.
Dec 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9359.jot-17-1807
J. Schutt RyanCorresponding author
Scripps Center for Organ and Cell Transplantation, Scripps Green Hospital, 10666 North Torrey Road, La Jolla, California
Purpose Intra-operative insults may subject living kidney transplants to poor outcomes. Therefore, we investigated whether intra-operative recipient and donor hemodynamics could act as predictors of delayed graft function and subsequent outcomes. Materials and Methods Living kidney donors and recipients from 2010-2016 at this institution underwent a retrospective chart review. Graft function by post-operative day 7 was used to classify recipients as delayed graft function (need for dialysis), slow graft function (creatinine > 2.5) and good function. Groups were analyzed for intra-operative hemodynamic differences and at one year, incidence of rejection, graft function and survival were compared. Results A total of 111 living renal transplants were performed. Average recipient age was 50 and just over halfwere male (53%). 9% (n=10) and 10% (n=11) developed delayed graft function and slow graft function, respectively. Minimum recipient post re-perfusion central venous pressure ≥12 mmHg was associated with poor graft function (delayed graft function/slow graft function/good function=67%/56%/24%, p=0.009), while intra-operative hypotension (systolic <90 mmHg or diastolic <50 mmHg) was not. Delayed graft function and slow graft function had higher incidences of rejection than good function (30% and 36% vs 9%, p=0.012). Graft function and survival were similar. One patient died with a functioning graft. Conclusions This single center retrospective study suggests that a post re-perfusion central venous pressure ≥12 mmHg is associated with delayed graft function.
Dec 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-17-1719
N’dri Oka DominiqueCorresponding author
Neurosurgery Unit, Yopougon Teaching Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Background Thalamic radiations also known as thalamocortical pathways are reciprocal myelinated nerve fibers, arranged in a fanning pattern, grouped into tracts or fasciculi; and connecting the thalamus to the cerebral cortex. Detailed in vitro study of these tracts is seldom reported in the literature. Objective We sought to describe the microanatomy of thalamic radiations by means of the fiber-dissection technique to discuss challenges in dissection techniques and anatomic nomenclature, and follow through with a literature review. Methods Twenty formalin-fixed normal human hemispheres were dissected according to Klingler’s fiber-dissection technique under operative microscope. Results Thalamic radiations are reciprocal myelinated nerve fibers connecting the thalamus to the cerebral cortex and are referred to as corticothalamic and thalamocortical tracts. They are the most medial fibers of the internal capsule and consist of anterior (thalamofrontal), superior (thalamo-fronto-parietal or thalamoparietal), posterior (thalamooccipital) and inferior (thalamotemporal) thalamic fasciculi. Conclusion From the cerebral cortex, thalamic radiation fibers fan out into the thalamus and are the most medial fibers of the internal capsule. There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the distinction between anterior and superior thalamic radiations, sub-ependymal stratum and the fronto-occipital fasciculus.
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-5835.jcpn-17-1562
V. Seeman MaryCorresponding author
Professor Emerita, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 260 Heath Street W. Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5P 3L6.
Second-generation antipsychotics have relatively recently become available in long-acting intramuscular formulations (LAIs) and have been receiving a substantial amount of pharmaceutical industry promotion on the grounds that they improve treatment adherence in patients with psychotic illness. LAIs do have some drawbacks, however, which is the topic area covered by this review. A Global Scholar search of the nursing and medical literature reveals several factors that can negatively impinge on the clinical efficacy of LAIs: 1. The extent of training of injection personnel 2. The quality of surveillance of patient symptoms and side effects 3. The skilled use of the full range of injection techniques 4. The extent of drug accumulation over time 5. The potential loss of drug dose flexibility 6. The impact of exercise and temperature on drug distribution 7. The burden of the medication routine and the social burdens of LAIs 8. The safety of LAIs during pregnancy 9. The perceived coerciveness of LAIs 10. Issues of overdose and polypharmacy 11. Issues of cost 12. The important issue of responsibility for self-management of illness. Although the evidence is clinical and anecdotal, LAIs appear to work well for many patients, but their drawbacks are not negligible. Clinicians need to weigh individual risks and benefits when making treatment decisions.
Nov 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4526.jddd-16-1322
Mohammed DarouichiCorresponding author
Institute medical radiology
Summary Primary malignant melanoma arising from the parotid gland is extremely rare and only sporadic cases have been described. This entity is characterized by delayed diagnosis, poor prognosis and controversial pathogenesis. We report a case of primary malignant melanoma of the parotid gland in a 54-year-old man. The initial diagnosis, made by fine needle aspiration cytology, was malignant tumor without precision. Radical parotidectomy was performed. Diagnosis of primary melanoma of the parotid gland was confirmed by immunochemical analysis revealing positive staining for S-100, HBA-45 and Melan A. Computed Tomography and whole-body 18F-FDGPET/CT image were made to evaluate metabolic and morphologic characteristics of the primary melanoma, to identify potential systemic metastasis at early stage and to exclude primary melanoma elsewhere in the body. The clinical, pathological, immunohistochemical and the role of combined FDG PET/CT features of this lesion are discussed compared to a literature review.