Tape Removal Research Articles

Bladder perforation after TVT-Secur™ procedure: how secure is TVT-Secur™?

A rare but challenging complication of midurethral tape procedures is perforation of the tape through the bladder wall. We saw three patients in whom unrecognized bladder perforation during TVT-Secur procedures occurred. It took an average follow-up time of 11 months before the bladder perforations were identified by introital ultrasound. Complete excision of the mesh was achieved endoscopically (TURP resectoscope) and/or by traditional vaginal tape removal techniques. Following tape removal, there has been no recurrence of urinary tract infections, and the irritative voiding symptoms have resolved in all three cases. Bladder perforation after mini-sling procedures can be managed using a combined transurethral/vaginal approach. This technique is minimally invasive, safe, and successful. Careful introital ultrasound should be performed in patients presenting with new lower urinary tract symptoms after sling surgery to avoid delays in diagnosing bladder perforation.

Effect of Elastic Taping on Postural Control Deficits in Subjects With Healthy Ankles, Copers, and Individuals With Functional Ankle Instability

Ankle sprains are the most common injury among physically active people, with common sequelae including repeated episodes of giving way, termed functional ankle instability. Copers are a cohort in ankle research comprised of those who have sprained their ankle but have not suffered any further dysfunction. The use of an elastic tape, Kinesio Tape, in sports medicine practice has recently gained popularity and may help improve postural control deficits related to functional ankle instability. The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate and prolonged effects of Kinesio Taping on postural control in healthy, coper, and unstable ankles as measured through single-limb balance on a force plate. Sixty physically active, college-aged participants (72.5 ± 9.7 cm, 74.2 ± 16.2 kg, 21.5 ± 2.6 years) were stratified into healthy, coper, or unstable groups using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) combined with their history of ankle injury. Dependent variables included time-to-boundary (TTB) measures and traditional center of pressure (COP) measures in both the mediolateral (frontal) and anteroposterior (sagittal) planes. Testing was performed prior to tape application, immediately after application of the tape, 24 hours following tape application, and immediately after tape removal. Significant differences between groups were observed for COP standard deviation and range in the sagittal plane. Significant differences between tape conditions for TTB absolute minima and standard deviation were also noted. Post hoc testing revealed large to medium effect sizes for the group differences and very small effect sizes for the differences between conditions. Our study did not reveal decisively relevant changes following application of Kinesio Tape to the ankle. However, we did observe sagittal plane postural control deficits in subjects with ankle instability measured through summary COP variables over 20-second trials. Ankle instability is a concern for many clinicians. Kinesio Taping, although a popular form of clinical intervention, remains understudied. Evidence from this study does not support the use of Kinesio Taping for improving postural control deficits in those with ankle instability.

Effect of kangaroo mother care Vs expressed breast milk administration on pain associated with removal of adhesive tape in very low birth weight neonates: A randomized controlled trial

To compare the pain relief effect of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and Expressed Breast Milk (EBM) on the pain associated with adhesive tape removal in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. Randomized Controlled Trial. Neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital. 15 VLBW neonates who needed adhesive tape removal for the first part and 50 VLBW neonates needing adhesive tape removal for the second part. In first stage of the study, we studied whether adhesive tape removal in VLBW neonates was painful. In the second stage, eligible VLBW neonates were randomised to compare the efficacy of KMC and EBM in reducing the pain during the procedure of adhesive tape removal. Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) Score, heart rate, oxygen saturation. There was significant increase in pain associated with the removal of adhesive tape (Mean pre-procedure PIPP score 3.47 ± 0.74; post-procedure mean PIPP score 12.13 ± 2.59; P<0.0001). The post intervention mean PIPP pain score was not significantly different between the KMC and EBM groups (P= 0.62). Removal of adhesive tape is a painful procedure for VLBW neonates. There was no difference between KMC and EBM in relieving pain associated with adhesive tape removal.

FAST-Mag protocol with or without mild hypothermia (35̊C) does not improve outcome after permanent MCAO in rats

The current study assessed the neuroprotective efficacy of magnesium using a FAST-Mag trial treatment protocol alone, and in combination with mild hypothermia, in Sprague Dawley rats subjected to permanent, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Treatment with magnesium (MgSO4.7H2O) consisted of an intravenous loading dose (LD: 360 μmol/kg) and a 24 hour infusion (120 μmol/kg/h), while mild hypothermia at 35°C was maintained for 24 hours. Treatment groups consisted of animals receiving: i) saline; ii) magnesium LD/infusion at 1.5 h/2.5 h post-MCAO; iii) magnesium LD/infusion at 1.5 h/2.5 h post-MCAO and hypothermia commencing at 2.5 h post-MCAO; iv) magnesium LD and hypothermia at 1.5 h and magnesium infusion at 2.5 h post-MCAO; v) hypothermia commencing at 1.5 h post-MCAO and magnesium LD/infusion at 2.5 h post-MCAO; and vi/vii) hypothermia commencing at 1.5 h or 2.5 h post-MCAO. No treatment significantly reduced infarct volumes or improved adhesive tape removal time when measured 48 hours after MCAO. These findings indicate that FAST-Mag treatment alone or with mild hypothermia may not provide benefit after ischemic stroke, associated with permanent cerebral artery occlusion.

1572 HOW SUCCESSFUL IS SUBURETHRAL SYNTHETIC TAPE REMOVAL?

You have accessJournal of UrologyUrodynamics/Incontinence/Female Urology: Female Urology (I)1 Apr 20131572 HOW SUCCESSFUL IS SUBURETHRAL SYNTHETIC TAPE REMOVAL? Michael Belsante, Casey Seideman, Neema Saraiya, Gary Lemack, and Philippe Zimmern Michael BelsanteMichael Belsante Dallas, TX More articles by this author , Casey SeidemanCasey Seideman Dallas, TX More articles by this author , Neema SaraiyaNeema Saraiya Dallas, TX More articles by this author , Gary LemackGary Lemack Dallas, TX More articles by this author , and Philippe ZimmernPhilippe Zimmern Dallas, TX More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2013.02.3122AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Suburethral synthetic tape removals (STR) have risen as the rate of mid urethral slings (MUS) has increased for treatment of stress predominant urinary incontinence (SUI). We review our experience with mid and long-term outcomes after STR. METHODS Following IRB approval, a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent STR1 for any indication from 2006-2011, with at least 6 months follow-up, was performed, including: indication for removal, pre and post-operative symptoms defined by the Urogenital Distress Inventory questionnaire (UDI-6) and a global quality of life score (QoL), as well as perioperative outcomes and need for future procedures. Cure was strictly defined as continent, no dyspareunia, sexually active if active pre-operatively, and not requiring additional medical or surgical therapy. Continence was determined using UDI-6 scores, pad use and patient report. Dyspareunia was per patient report. Statistical analysis included Chi square and paired T-tests. RESULTS Of 147 patients, 131 met inclusion criteria. Indications for STR were: obstructive symptoms including urge incontinence and retention (60%), persistent SUI (33%), dyspareunia or pain (28%), erosion or extrusion (26%) and recurrent UTI (16%). Over half of patients (56%) had multiple indications for STR. The original type of MUS was: 67 TVT (51%), 32 TOT (24%), 11 TVT-O (8%), 7 minisling (5%), and 14 unknown (11%). Mean age, parity, and BMI were 61 years (30-85), 2.5 (0-6), and 28.8 (17-46) respectively. Mean time from tape placement to removal was 33 (3-172) months. Mean length of follow-up was 21 months (6-74). There were no intraoperative complications (urethral injury or blood transfusion), and mean and median length of stay was 1.2 (0-9) and 1 day respectively. Concomitant surgeries in 63 (48%) patients included cystocele repair (19), rectus fascia sling (8), both (5) and a variety of other surgeries (31). Subsequent reoperation for SUI included injectables (27), rectus fascia slings (4) or both (5). Of 77 patients with UDI-6 and QoL scores preoperatively, total UDI- 6 score (0-18) improved from 10.7 to 7.3 at last follow up visit (p<0.001), and QoL (0-10) decreased from 8.6 to 4.3 (p<0.001). Resolution of dyspareunia was achieved in 73% of patients who complained of dyspareunia pre STR. Cure after STR was achieved in 33 patients (25%). CONCLUSIONS The majority of patients who undergo STR due to complications after MUS experience improvement in symptoms, however cure is uncommon. 1 Can J Urol, 19:6424-6430, 2012 © 2013 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 189Issue 4SApril 2013Page: e645 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2013 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Michael Belsante Dallas, TX More articles by this author Casey Seideman Dallas, TX More articles by this author Neema Saraiya Dallas, TX More articles by this author Gary Lemack Dallas, TX More articles by this author Philippe Zimmern Dallas, TX More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Abstract TMP35: Optogenetic Stimulation Of Motor Cortex Neurons Promotes Recovery After Stroke

Objective: Functional recovery after stroke has been observed in both animal and human studies and is currently attributed to both brain remodeling and plasticity. Brain stimulation techniques such as electrical stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation have been used successfully to enhance recovery. However, what mediates this recovery is not well understood. Elucidating the mechanism(s) is difficult because these stimulation techniques non-specifically activate all cell types near the stimulation site. Here we use optogenetic techniques to specifically stimulate layer V pyramidal neurons in the ipsilesional motor cortex at day 5 post-stroke, and investigate the effects on functional recovery as well as underlying mechanisms. Methods: Thy-1-ChR2-YFP line-18 transgenic male mice were used. Mice underwent stereotaxic surgery to implant a fiber cannula in the ipsilesional M1. All mice were then subjected to an intraluminal middle cerebral artery suture occlusion (30min). Optogenetic stimulation began at day 5 post-stroke and continued until day 14 post-stroke. Sensorimotor behavior tests were used to assess their behavioral recovery at day 0, 2, 7, 10 and 14 post-stroke. Body weights were also measured. Changes in cerebral blood flow were measured at day 14 post-stroke using the Laser Doppler Flowmetry. Results: Rotating beam test revealed that stimulated mice recovered significantly faster than non-stimulated control mice at day 10 and 14 after stroke (p&lt;0.05). Stimulated mice also performed significantly better in the adhesive tape test at day 14, with a shorter tape removal time on the contralesional limb (p&lt;0.05). Additionally, a significantly faster regain of body weight was observed in stimulated mice after stroke (p&lt;0.05-0.01). Cerebral blood flow measurements revealed that stimulated mice exhibited significantly larger increase in cerebral blood flow at day 14 post-stroke (p&lt;0.05-0.01). Conclusion: These data indicate that optogenetic stimulation of motor cortex neurons can promote behavioral recovery in mice after stroke. Current studies examine the mechanisms underlying this recovery, including genes related to neurovascular coupling and neurotrophic factors after stimulation.

Abstract TMP34: Prostaglandin PGF2a Receptors as a Putative Therapeutic Target in Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury

Background: Stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are ones of the leading causes of death and disability in the USA. Secondary brain injury following TBI shares common features with neuropathology of stroke including oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Although potentially treatable secondary injuries play a key role in the neurological outcomes currently there is no effective treatment and discovery of new therapeutic targets remains critical. Primary injury to the brain promotes upregulation of prostaglandins, notably the proinflammatory PGF2a, and overactivation of its FP GPCR which could exacerbate brain damage. Thus, our study is focused on the investigation of the FP receptor as a target for novel neuroprotective drugs in preclinical animal models of stroke and TBI. Methods: We used FP receptor knockout male C57BL/6 mice and post-treatment with the selective FP antagonist AL-8810 (1 and 10mg/kg, IP) in permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) and controlled cortical impact (CCI) models. Neurological impairments assessed at 24 and 48h after injury using tape removal reflex and neurological deficit score, and brain pathology was assessed at 48h using triphenyltetrazolium chloride or cresyl violet. Results: Genetic deletion of the FP receptor or its blockade with AL-8810 at both doses significantly reduced cortical infarct volume and tape removal reflex following pMCAO. In vehicle treated animals, CCI caused cortical lesion with relative volume of 20.5±1.0% and significant hippocampal swelling (146.5±7.4% of contralateral) as compared with sham (P&lt;0.05, n=4). AL-8810 had no significant effect on cortical lesion suggesting irreversible effect of primary CCI injury. However, AL-8810 at both doses reduced CCI-induced hippocampal swelling to the levels not significantly different from the sham. In CCI model, post-treatment with AL-8810 at dose 10mg/kg significantly improved neurological deficit score at 24 and 48h after CCI (P&lt;0.001 and P&lt;0.01, n=9-10); whereas the effect of 1mg/kg dose was not significant. Conclusion: This study provided, for the first time, clarification on the respective role of calcium-modulating PGF2a FP receptor as a potential target for disease-modifying CNS drugs for treatment of stroke and TBI.

Efficacy of mild hypothermia (35 °C) and moderate hypothermia (33 °C) with and without magnesium when administered 30 min post-reperfusion after 90 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion in Spontaneously Hypertensive rats

In this study we compared the efficacy of mild (35°C) and moderate (33°C) hypothermia alone and when combined with magnesium in a transient focal cerebral ischaemia rat model. Spontaneously Hypertensive rats were subjected to 90min of transient intraluminal thread middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Thirty minutes after reperfusion animals were treated with mild (35°C/24h) or moderate (33°C/24h) hypothermia combined with either magnesium (intravenous MgSO4 infusion: 360μmol/kg, then 120μmol/kg/h for 24h) or a similar volume of saline. Control animals were maintained normothermic (37°C/24h) and received vehicle infusion (saline for 24h). Infarct volumes and functional assessment (bi-symmetrical adhesive tape removal) were measured 48h after MCAO induction. After transient MCAO, only moderate hypothermia and mild hypothermia combined with magnesium treatment significantly reduced infarct volumes by 32.9% (P=0.01) and by 24.8% (P=0.046), respectively. Mild hypothermia alone reduced infarct volume by 23.8%, but did not reach statistical significance (P=0.054), while moderate hypothermia combined with magnesium reduced infarct volume by 17.3% (P=0.17). No treatment improved adhesive tape removal time. In summary, moderate hypothermia and mild hypothermia with or without magnesium can reduce infarct volume, however magnesium may reduce the efficacy of moderate hypothermia. Given the potential advantages of mild hypothermia over moderate hypothermia in terms of side-effects and induction, and the potential beneficial effects of magnesium, these findings have important implications for the use of hypothermia for stroke.

Near-field Nanoscale Investigation of Optical Properties of Bi2Se3 Thin-films

ABSTRACTBi2Se3 thin films are imaged in the near-field using spectroscopic scattering type near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) at mid infrared laser wavelength region (9-11μm). Single phases Bi2Se3 thin film structures were prepared by mechanical exfoliation on silicon wafers. We report size and wavelength dependent near-field interaction contrasts in both optical amplitude and phase. We show that near-field optical imaging allows material specific identification and characterization of Bi2Se3 exfoliated samples including the confirmation of residual tape presence or removal in stacked films. We describe an alternative “shear exfoliation” sample preparation method which reliably deposits Bi2Se3 without the possibility of adhesive contaminants.

Procedural Pain and Oxidative Stress in Premature Neonates

Preterm neonates exposed to painful procedures in the neonatal intensive care unit exhibit increased pain scores and alterations in oxygenation and heart rate. It is unclear whether these physiological responses increase the risk of oxidative stress. Using a prospective study design, we examined the relationship between a tissue-damaging procedure (TDP; tape removal during discontinuation of an indwelling central arterial or venous catheter) and oxidative stress in 80 preterm neonates. Oxidative stress was quantified by measuring uric acid (UA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in plasma before and after neonates (n = 38) experienced a TDP compared to those not experiencing any TDP (control group, n = 42). Pain was measured before and during the TDP using the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP). We found that pain scores were higher in the TDP group compared to the control group (median scores, 11 and 5, respectively; P < .001). UA significantly decreased over time in control neonates but remained stable in TDP neonates (132.76 to 123.23 μM versus 140.50 to 138.9 μM; P = .002). MDA levels decreased over time in control neonates but increased in TDP neonates (2.07 to 1.81 μM versus 2.07 to 2.21 μM, P = .01). We found significant positive correlations between PIPP scores and MDA. Our data suggest a significant relationship between procedural pain and oxidative stress in preterm neonates. PerspectiveThis article presents data describing a significant relationship between physiological markers of neonatal pain and oxidative stress. The method described in this paper can potentially be used to assess the direct cellular effects of procedural pain as well the effectiveness of interventions performed to decrease pain.

PlexinA2 limits recovery from corticospinal axotomy by mediating oligodendrocyte-derived Sema6A growth inhibition

Axonal growth from both intact and severed fibers is limited after adult mammalian CNS injury. Myelin proteins contribute to inhibition of axonal growth. Semaphorin6A protein inhibits the extension of developing axons and is highly expressed in adult oligodendrocytes. This expression pattern suggests that a developmental axon guidance cue contributes to the restriction of adult CNS growth. Here, we assessed the role of a Sema6A receptor, PlexinA2, in recovery from adult trauma. Adult sensory neuron inhibition by Sema6A requires PlexinA2, with complete protection in PlexinA2-/- cultures. Mice lacking another myelin inhibitor receptor, NgR1, are known to exhibit greater axonal sprouting and functional recovery after lesions of the corticospinal tract at the medullary pyramid, so we investigated PlexinA2 in this lesion. Without injury, the corticofugal projection into the cervical spinal cord is normal in adult PlexinA2 null mice. After unilateral pyramidotomy, unlesioned PlexinA2-/- corticospinal fibers sprout across the midline to innervate the contralateral gray matter of the spinal cord to a significantly greater extent than do fibers in wild type mice. Sprouted fibers display frequent synaptophysin-positive synaptic puncta. The increased axonal growth in PlexinA2-/- mice after injury is accompanied by improved behavioral recovery in a pellet retrieval task using the impaired forelimb, and in a tape removal task. Thus, PlexinA2, as a receptor for oligodendrocyte-derived Sema6A and for secreted class 3 Semaphorins, plays a role in limiting adult axon growth and recovery after trauma.

Abstract 2584: Inhibition of Mitochondrial Permeability Transition with NIM811 Improves Functional Recovery after Focal Cerebral Ischemia

Introduction: Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a seminal role in acute ischemic neuronal degeneration, the signature injury in stroke. A selective inhibitor of mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) may prevent collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby inhibiting the intrinsic pathway to neuronal death. Hypothesis: A novel mPT inhibitor, NIM811, will reduce infarct volume and improve functional recovery after focal cerebral ischemia. Methods: NIM811 was obtained as a gift from Novartis Pharma Ltd. (Basel, Switzerland). Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by unilateral carotid and middle cerebral artery occlusion for 2 hrs in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). During post-ischemic reperfusion, animals received NIM811 (50 mg/kg at 1- and 24-hrs of post-ischemic reperfusion) or drug-free vehicle. Infarct volume was measured at 24 hrs or 7 days. Functional performance was assessed with 2 measures, fall latency time (FLT) in a Rotarod device and Removal Delay (RD) in a tape removal task, over 28 days. Results: When given after 1 hr of post-ischemic reperfusion, 50 mg/kg NIM811 reduced 24-hr infarct volume (63.6 ± 18.7 [SD] v. 89.3 ± 12.5 mm 3 in controls; n = 8 - 10/group; p ≤ 0.01; unpaired t -test). Serial dosing of NIM811 lowered 7-day infarct volume compared to controls (51.9 ± 7.4 v. 61.9 ± 10.3 mm 3 ; n = 13 - 16/group; p ≤ 0.01; unpaired t -test). In the Rotarod task, NIM811-treated animals had prolonged FLT over controls at all examination times up to 28 days (n = 7 per group; p ≤ 0.0001; ANOVA/Scheffe’s test). NIM811-treated SHRs also had shorter RD for discarding tape applied to the paretic forelimb, compared to controls (n = 7 per group; p ≤ 0.002; ANOVA/Scheffe’s test). Conclusions: Inhibition of mPT with NIM811 significantly reduced infarct volume, when given within a clinically relevant post-ischemic interval. Serial dosing of NIM811 achieved neuroprotective resilience at 7 days. Reductions in infarct volume by NIM811 were complemented by improved functional performance up to 28 days after ischemia. These promising results highlight the potential of NIM811 for neuroprotective treatment of stroke in man.

Peptides targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (JNK/Jun) fail to reduce infarct volume after permanent MCAO in Sprague Dawley rats

In this study we have assessed the ability of two TAT-fused peptides PYC36D-TAT and JNKI-1D-TAT (JNKI-1 or XG-102), which respectively inhibit jun proto-oncogene (c-Jun) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, to reduce infarct volume and improve functional outcome (adhesive tape removal) following permanent focal cerebral ischemia/pMCAO in Sprague Dawley rats. In addition, PYC36L-TAT fused to an ischemic brain homing peptide (HP-PYC36L-TAT) was also assessed. Prior to animal experiments all PYC36D-TAT, JNKI-1D-TAT and HP-PYC36L-TAT peptide batches were tested in vitro and protected cortical neurons against glutamate excitotoxicity. Rats were treated intravenously in two separate trials. Trial 1 used high peptide doses (PYC36D-TAT: 500, 1000 or 1500 nmol/kg; JNKI-1D-TAT: 500, 1000 or 1500 nmol/kg; PYC36Dscrambled-TAT: 1120 nmol/kg) administered 1 hour after MCAO. Trial 2 used lower doses (PYC36D-TAT: 50 or 250 nmol/kg; HP-PYC36L-TAT: 250 nmol/kg; JNKI-1D-TAT: 250 nmol/kg; D-TAT: 250 nmol/kg) administered 2 hours after MCAO. Contrary to other stroke animal studies, but in line with our previous findings, no treatment significantly reduced infarct volume or improved functional score measurements compared to vehicle (saline) treated animals when assessed 24 hours post-MCAO.

Peptides targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (JNK/Jun) fail to reduce infarct volume after permanent MCAO in Sprague Dawley rats

In this study we have assessed the ability of two TAT-fused peptides PYC36D-TAT and JNKI-1D-TAT (JNKI-1 or XG-102), which respectively inhibit jun proto-oncogene (c-Jun) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, to reduce infarct volume and improve functional outcome (adhesive tape removal) following permanent focal cerebral ischemia/pMCAO in Sprague Dawley rats. In addition, PYC36L-TAT fused to an ischemic brain homing peptide (HP-PYC36L-TAT) was also assessed. Prior to animal experiments all PYC36D-TAT, JNKI-1D-TAT and HP-PYC36L-TAT peptide batches were tested in vitro and protected cortical neurons against glutamate excitotoxicity. Rats were treated intravenously in two separate trials. Trial 1 used high peptide doses (PYC36D-TAT: 500, 1000 or 1500 nmol/kg; JNKI-1D-TAT: 500, 1000 or 1500 nmol/kg; PYC36Dscrambled-TAT: 1120 nmol/kg) administered 1 hour after MCAO. Trial 2 used lower doses (PYC36D-TAT: 50 or 250 nmol/kg; HP-PYC36L-TAT: 250 nmol/kg; JNKI-1D-TAT: 250 nmol/kg; D-TAT: 250 nmol/kg) administered 2 hours after MCAO. Contrary to other stroke animal studies, but in line with our previous findings, no treatment significantly reduced infarct volume or improved functional score measurements compared to vehicle (saline) treated animals when assessed 24 hours post-MCAO.

Ipsilesional ‘where’ with contralesional ‘what’ neglect

Whereas contralesional spatial neglect is usually caused by right temporo-parietal lesions, ipsilesional spatial neglect is induced primarily by right frontal lesions. This report describes a 73-year-old woman with a right inferior parietal lesion who on ‘where’ tasks (line bisection and midline pointing) demonstrated ipsilesional neglect, but on ‘what’ tests (gap vs. no-gap detection cancellation and clothing tape removal) demonstrated contralesional neglect. This ‘what’ and ‘where’ directional dissociation provides evidence for independent ‘what’ and ‘where’ attentional networks; however, the reason this parietal lesion causes this contralesional vs. ipsilesional spatial attentional ‘what’ and ‘where’ dichotomy remains to be determined.

Amelioratory effects of testosterone propionate supplement on behavioral, biochemical and morphological parameters in aged rats

Testosterone has been shown to affect motor behavior and nigrostriatal dopaminergic (NSDA) system in young and adult male rats. However, it is not known whether exogenous testosterone intervention to aged male rats can ameliorate age-related motor impairment. Thus, in the present study, the open field motor behavior and adhesive tape removal motor performance as well as the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) of NSDA system were examined in aged male rats following chronic subcutaneous injections of testosterone propionate (TP). Aged rats showed significantly reduced open field motor behavior and adhesive tape removal motor performance compared to adult rats. Chronic TP supplement significantly ameliorated the age-related motor deficits. The expression of TH and DAT of NSDA system was significantly enhanced in TP-treated aged rats revealed by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis respectively. The results imply that chronic TP treatment may favorably improve the declined motor behavior and motor performance with aging. Testosterone propionate supplement that facilitated NSDA system may influence the maintenance of motor behavior and performance in aged rats.

Post-traumatic hypoxia exacerbates neurological deficit, neuroinflammation and cerebral metabolism in rats with diffuse traumatic brain injury

BackgroundThe combination of diffuse brain injury with a hypoxic insult is associated with poor outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury. In this study, we investigated the impact of post-traumatic hypoxia in amplifying secondary brain damage using a rat model of diffuse traumatic axonal injury (TAI). Rats were examined for behavioral and sensorimotor deficits, increased brain production of inflammatory cytokines, formation of cerebral edema, changes in brain metabolism and enlargement of the lateral ventricles.MethodsAdult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to diffuse TAI using the Marmarou impact-acceleration model. Subsequently, rats underwent a 30-minute period of hypoxic (12% O2/88% N2) or normoxic (22% O2/78% N2) ventilation. Hypoxia-only and sham surgery groups (without TAI) received 30 minutes of hypoxic or normoxic ventilation, respectively. The parameters examined included: 1) behavioural and sensorimotor deficit using the Rotarod, beam walk and adhesive tape removal tests, and voluntary open field exploration behavior; 2) formation of cerebral edema by the wet-dry tissue weight ratio method; 3) enlargement of the lateral ventricles; 4) production of inflammatory cytokines; and 5) real-time brain metabolite changes as assessed by microdialysis technique.ResultsTAI rats showed significant deficits in sensorimotor function, and developed substantial edema and ventricular enlargement when compared to shams. The additional hypoxic insult significantly exacerbated behavioural deficits and the cortical production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β and TNF but did not further enhance edema. TAI and particularly TAI+Hx rats experienced a substantial metabolic depression with respect to glucose, lactate, and glutamate levels.ConclusionAltogether, aggravated behavioural deficits observed in rats with diffuse TAI combined with hypoxia may be induced by enhanced neuroinflammation, and a prolonged period of metabolic dysfunction.

Lack of Neuroprotection of Inhibitory Peptides Targeting Jun/JNK after Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

In this study, we have assessed the ability of two TAT-fused peptides PYC36D-TAT and JNKI-1D-TAT (JNKI-1 or XG-102), which respectively inhibit jun proto-oncogene (c-Jun) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, to reduce infarct volume and improve functional outcome (adhesive tape removal) after transient focal cerebral ischemia in Spontaneously Hypertensive (SH) rats. PYC36D-TAT and JNKI-1D-TAT peptide batches used for experiments were tested in vitro and protected cortical neurons against glutamate excitotoxicity. Rats were treated intravenously with three different doses of PYC36D-TAT (7.7, 76, or 255 nmol/kg), JNKI-1D-TAT (255 nmol/kg), D-TAT peptide (255 nmol/kg), or saline (vehicle control), 10 minutes after reperfusion after 90 minutes of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Contrary to other stroke models, no treatment significantly reduced infarct volume or improved functional score measurements compared with vehicle-treated animals when assessed 48 hours after MCAO. Additionally, assessment of the JNKI-1D-TAT peptide, when administered 1 or 2 hours after reperfusion after 90 minutes of MCAO, also did not improve histological or functional outcomes at 48 hours after occlusion. This study is the first to evaluate the efficacy of PYC36D-TAT and JNKI-1D-TAT using the SH rat, which has recently been shown to be more sensitive to AMPA receptor activation rather than to NMDA receptor activation after cerebral ischemia, and which may have contributed to the negative findings.

Fact or myth? Pain reduction in solvent-assisted removal of adhesive tape

To determine if solvent-assisted tape removal reduces pain when compared with dry tape removal. A double-blinded comparative study was performed, in which commonly used solvents, namely water, alcohol, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and Leukotape remover (BSN medical), were applied to six zinc oxide adhesive tapes (Leukoplast, BSN medical), 10 cm long, 2.5 cm wide that had been placed on the volar side of each forearm of adult volunteers. One tape was left dry. Pain was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and statistically analysed. There were no statistically significant differences in VAS pain scores between the used substances when compared with the dry tape (p=0.39). The use of oil (peanut and sunflower) caused remains of adhesive to occur significantly more often (p<0.05). Applying substances to ease pain associated with the removal of adhesive tapes does not lead to a reduction of pain when compared with dry tape. None.

Facilitation of hypothermia by quinpirole and 8-OH-DPAT in a rat model of cardiac arrest

Aim of the studyTherapeutic hypothermia improves outcome after cardiac arrest. Dopamine D2 agonists and serotonin 5-HT1A agonists lower body temperature by decreasing the set-point. We investigated the effect of these drugs on temperature and cerebral recovery of rats after cardiac arrest. MethodsMale Wistar-Han rats were subjected to 6min of cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. Following restoration of circulation, 1mg quinpirole, 1mg 8-OH-DPAT or vehicle were injected subcutaneously. Body temperature was monitored for 48h. One additional group was kept normothermic. Animals were neurologically tested by a tape removal test. After 7 days, histology of hippocampal CA-1 sector was analysed with Nissl and TUNEL staining. ResultsRats became spontaneously hypothermic after cardiac arrest. Induction of hypothermia was facilitated by both quinpirole (−0.033±0.008°C/min) and 8-OH-DPAT (−0.029±0.010°C/min) when compared to vehicle (−0.020±0.005°C/min). Total ‘dose’ of hypothermia (area under the curve) was not different. All animals showed a neurological deficit, which improved with time; after 7 days, test results of the normothermic group (30 [11–88]s) still tended to be worse than those of the hypothermic groups (vehicle 8 [6–14]s, quinpirole 9 [4–17]s, 8-OH-DPAT 10 [8–22]s). There were no clear differences in Nissl or TUNEL histology after 7 days. ConclusionBoth quinpirole and 8-OH-DPAT led to faster induction of hypothermia. However, the outcome was not different from spontaneous hypothermia, probably because the total ‘dose’ of hypothermia was not influenced.