Sudden hearing loss as an early detector of multiple sclerosis: a systematic review

To evaluate whether Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (S-SNHL) may be an early symptom of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). A systematic review was conducted using the following keywords: "Multiple sclerosis, hearing loss, sudden hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus, magnetic resonance imaging, otoacoustic emission, auditory brainstem responses, white matter lesions, sensorineural hearing loss, symptoms of MS and otolaryngology, nerve disease and MS". Only the articles that included results of at least one auditory test and MRI were considered. We evaluated the prevalence of SNHL in patients with MS, the presence of different forms of SNHL (S-SNHL and Progressive SNHL (P-SNHL)) and their correlation with the stage of MS, the results of electrophysiological tests, and the location (if any) of MS lesions as detected by white matter hyperintensities in the MRI. We reviewed a total of 47 articles, which included 29 case reports, 6 prospective studies, 6 cohort studies, 4 case-control studies, and 2 retrospective studies. 25% of patients suffered from SNHL. S-SNHL typically occurred in the early stage of the disease (92% of patients) and was the only presenting symptom in 43% of female subjects. Instead, P-SNHL occurred in the late stage of MS (88% of patients). Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) were abnormal in all MS patients with S-SNHL. When S-SNHL appeared during the early stage of the disease, MS lesions were found in the brain in 60% of patients and in the Internal Auditory Canal in 40% of patients. ABR remained abnormal after recovery. S-SNHL can be an early manifestation of MS and should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of this condition, especially in women. The pathophysiology can be explained by the involvement of microglia attacking the central and/or peripheral auditory pathways as indicated by WMHs

Acute Caffeine Supplementation in Regular Caffeine Consumers Minimally Affects Strength in Knee Flexors

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E-ABR in patients with cochlear implant: A comparison between patients with malformed cochlea and normal cochlea

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the electrical auditory brainstem response (EABR) following cochlear implant (CI) surgery in pediatric subjects with cochlear malformation and a normal cochlea, in order to assess the sensitivity of EABR and to evaluate the surgery outcome. MATERIALS and METHODS: A total of 26 pediatric subjects who were deaf and scheduled for CI surgery were enrolled into this case control study. Group A (n=20) included subjects with a normo-conformed cochlea. Group B (n=6) included subjects with cochlear malformation. Subjects were evaluated with EABR immediately (T0) and 6 months (T1) post-CI surgery. The EABR Waves III and V average amplitude and latency were compared across time, separately for each group, and across groups, separately for each time. RESULTS: Auditory brainstem response (ABR) could only be recorded in Group A. We were able to record EABR from all subjects at T0 and T1, and waves III and V were present in all the recorded signals. There were no statistically significant differences between T0 and T1 in EABR Waves III and V in terms of average amplitude and latency in neither group. When comparing Groups A and B, the only statistically significant difference was the average amplitude of wave V, both at T0 and T1. CONCLUSION: EABR is a valid tool to measure the auditory nerve integrity after CI surgery in patients with a normal and malformed cochlea, as shown by its ability to measure waves III and V when ABR is absent. The EABR testing should be performed before and after CI surgery, and EABR should be used as a measure of outcome, especially in patients with a malformed cochlea

Four Days of Caffeine Withdrawal in Caffeine Consumers Lowers Strength in Knee Flexors and Extensors

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An elusive nasopharyngeal hamartoma in a neonate

A rare, elusive, mobile, pedunculated nasopharyngeal tumor in a neonate is described. The child was only intermittently symptomatic and the diagnosis was not made until 1 month of age.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/46687/1/247_2006_Article_BF02389013.pd

Determining Magnetic Nanoparticle Size Distributions from Thermomagnetic Measurements

Thermomagnetic measurements are used to obtain the size distribution and anisotropy of magnetic nanoparticles. An analytical transformation method is described which utilizes temperature-dependent zero-field cooling (ZFC) magnetization data to provide a quantitative measurement of the average diameter and relative abundance of superparamagnetic nanoparticles. Applying this method to self-assembled MnAs nanoparticles in MnAs-GaAs composite films reveals a log-normal size distribution and reduced anisotropy for nanoparticles compared to bulk materials. This analytical technique holds promise for rapid assessment of the size distribution of an ensemble of superparamagnetic nanoparticles.Comment: Correction Appl. Phys. Lett. 98, 216103 (2011

Single sysem ectopic ureters and ureteroceles associated with dysplastic kidney

Eight children forming an uncommon subgroup of renal obstructive dysplasia are presented. Each child had a nonfunctioning dysplastic kidney with a single collecting system with ectopic ureteral insertion and/or ureterocele. Five of the children had classic multicystic dysplastic kidneys, one had they hdyronephrotic type of multicystic dysplasia kidney had two had hypoplastic kidneys. Other significant medical problems in 5 of the 8 children (63%Z) included VACTERL association, congenital heart diseaise and other genitourinary malformations. Unlike some children with unilateral multicystic dysplasia kidney, this subgroup of children ahs an increased risk of infection. The must be correctly identified on imaging so that tailored clinical management decisions can be made and associated anomalies detected.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/46698/1/247_2005_Article_BF02012501.pd

MIBG detection of hepatic neuroblastoma: Correlation with CT, US and surgical findings

Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging is used in the diagnosis, staging and follow-up of virtually every case of neuroblastoma seen at our institution. Normal sites of MIBG uptake include the liver and therefore difficulties have been predicted and encountered in the diagnosis of hepatic neuroblastoma due to inability to separate abnormally increased tracer deposition from normal hepatic activity. We reviewed every MIBG (I 123 and I 131 ) study performed at our pediatric hospital over a 4 year period encompassing 88 patients, 67 of whom had biopsy proven neuroblastoma. Hepatic findings on MIBG studies were compared with concurrent abdominal CT and US studies in all 67 patients. The clinical records of all patients with abnormal MIBG scans or abnormal CT or US studies of the liver were also reviewed. Eight patients were found to have abnormal liver findings on one or more imaging studies (MIBG, CT, or US). There were 3 true positive MIBG studies, one of which was an early study in a patient who later went on to have one of the false positive studies. Two patients had false positive MIBG scans for liver neuroblastoma. MIBG failed to detect liver involvement in 4 patients.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/46701/1/247_2005_Article_BF02010914.pd

Relationship between psychological and biological factors and physical activity and exercise behaviour in Filipino students

The aim of the present study was threefold. Firstly, it investigated whether a general measure or specific measure of motivational orientation was better in describing the relationship between motivation and exercise behaviour. Secondly, it examined the relationship between the four most popular indirect methods of body composition assessment and physical activity and exercise patterns. Thirdly, the interaction between motivation and body composition on physical activity and exercise behaviour was explored in a sample of 275 Filipino male and female students. Males were found to have higher levels of exercise whereas females had higher levels of physical activity. Furthermore, general self-motivation together with body weight and percentage body fat were found to be the best predictor of exercise behaviour whereas the tension/pressure subscale of the ‘Intrinsic Motivation Inventory’ (IMI) was the best predictor of levels of physical activity. However, significant gender differences were observed. That is, for the males only self-motivation and for the females only body weight and BMI predicted exercise behaviour. Also, tension/pressure predicted physical activity levels for the females but not the males. No inverse relationship was found between the four body composition measures and exercise and physical activity behaviour. The results support the notion that the psychobiological approach might be particularly relevant for high intensity exercise situations but also highlights some important gender differences. Finally, the results of this study emphasise the need for more cross-cultural research

Opportunities for Pharmacists and Student Pharmacists to Provide Clinical Preventive Services

Pharmacists and student pharmacists can play an important role in providing clinical preventive services as specified by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The USPSTF guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services for the general population. The purpose of this paper is to provide information to pharmacists and student pharmacists developing and implementing preventive health care services. Examples of successful pharmacy-based programs are also provided. Pharmacists and student pharmacists can provide preventive health care interventions by conducting screenings, providing education, and making referrals. Conflict of Interest We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties   Type: Idea Pape