Search

Reflex epilepsies are characterized by the presence of epileptic seizures, which are consistently or stereotypically evoked by a specific afferent stimulus (i.e., flashes of light, startles, a particular movement, or cognitive task). Seizures in them are generally refractory to medical treatment requiring polytherapy. Avoiding the trigger and antiepileptic therapy may likely abolish these seizures. However, in some cases, the use of specific technologies and addressing associated comorbidities may be necessary. In this study, we review the pathophysiological basis for different treatment approaches as well as recent advances in the management of reflex epilepsies.

Microbial exopolysaccharide (EPS) is of interest due to their applications in food processing and potential health benefits following consumption. The objectives of this study were to: 1) isolate, purify and characterize EPS produced by Enterococcus faecium MS79 (EPS-MS79); 2) investigate bioactive properties of EPS-MS79; and 3) investigate the rheological properties of the EPS-MS79 as influenced by salt type and pH level. The average molecular weight of the EPS-MS79 was 8.3 × 105 Da and it is composed of the three monosaccharides arabinose, mannose, and glucose in a molar ratio of 0.8:1.7:11.3. Scavenging activities of EPS-MS79 were 76% and 85% as measured by DPPH and 26% and 44% as measured by ABTS. The antiproliferative activities against colon (72% and 77%) and breast (43% and 56%) cancer cell lines. EPS-MS79 inhibited the growth of bacterial pathogens by up to 3 logs compared to the control. All EPS-MS79 solutions displayed shear thinning behavior. The storage and loss moduli of all EPS-MS79 solutions increased alongside with the frequency increase. Salt type and pH level impacted on the rheological properties of EPS-MS79. The EPS-MS79 could be a potent prebiotic promoting health and rheological properties of foods.

Background —Vessel dilator, a 37–amino acid peptide hormone synthesized in the heart, enhances urine flow 4- to 12-fold and sodium excretion 3- to 6-fold in healthy humans. The present investigation was designed to determine whether vessel dilator might have similar beneficial effects in persons with congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods and Results —Vessel dilator (100 ng/kg body weight per minute) given intravenously for 60 minutes to NYHA class III CHF subjects increased urine flow 2- to 13-fold, which was still increased ( P P P Conclusions —These results indicate that vessel dilator has significant beneficial diuretic, natriuretic, and hemodynamic properties in humans with congestive heart failure.

Alpha-fetoprotein (alpha-fetoprotein, AFP) is a Glycoprotein, belonging to the intriguing class of onco-development protein. Generally designated as tumour marker, AFP is recognized as an important blood component, having specific diagnostic utilities Elevation of its level up to pathological range in adults correlate with the appearance of several malignant and chronic conditions, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and chronic liver disease, respectively.To evaluate the diagnostic significance of AFP in HCC, a study was carried out for a period of two years (Jan 2004 to Dec 2005) A brief history of Patients was taken with clinical symptoms and signs and initial diagnosis. Patients admitted in wards or visiting OPDs with diagnosis or suspicions of HCC and additional conditions of Chronic Liver disease (CLDs), hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B viral (HBV) infections, were selected and classified according to gender. When confirmed, their HCC status was evaluated and classified according to clinical condition.In 1012 adults including, males 762 (75.3%) and females 250 (24.7%) patients suspected of or diagnosed with HCC and presence of HBV and HCV infections. Out of 480 males, who depicted elevated AFP levels, 39 (8.13%) were diagnosed with HCC. Similarly, 7 (5.34%) females out of 131 with elevated levels of AFP were diagnosed with HCC. Mean elevated AFP levels in all HCC patients were, 421 +/- 59 microg/ml (range 157-4019 microg/ml) in males and 163 +/- 32 microg/ml (range 101-2341 microg/ml) in females. In males, the overall estimated mean AFP elevated values were analyzed to be 514 microg/ml (range 67-4019 +/- 59 microg/ml,), whereas in females it was 396 +/- 42 microg/ml (range 21-2341 microg/ml). It was also noted that 43 (8.96%) males and 7 (5.34%) female patients, exhibited elevated levels of AFP, however, found negative for HCV and HBV infections.It is concluded that AFP is a significant markers for Hepatocellular carcinoma, helpful in assessing problems in management of HCC and monitoring treatment regiments. In addition, AFP is also an indicator of HCC risks mostly in patients with cirrhosis and HCV/HBV infections.

To highlight the initial management approach for Lung Cancer in a UK Hospital with the aim of translating the principles of such methodology to a developing country, such as Pakistan.A descriptive observational study was carried out at Stobhill Hospital, Glasgow, UK. The investigator (IMB) observed the Lung Cancer Service, attending the weekly 'New patients Clinic', 'Results Clinic', and 'Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings'. The process observations and the factual data describing the details of the service were recorded on a pre-designed pro-forma. Observations relating to two aspects of this service (Results Clinic and MDT) are included in this report.The methodology of communicating results of lung cancer investigations to patients in a pre-planned and staged manner at a dedicated 'Results Clinic' was identified as a useful approach. A format of communication was consistently followed.The MDT consisted of a Respiratory Physician, Clinical Oncologist, Thoracic Surgeon, Radiologist, Pathologist and Palliative Care Specialist. Each patient's case was discussed on an individual basis and the team developed a consensus regarding diagnosis, staging of the disease, further need for diagnostic procedures and treatment options, bearing in mind the patient's performance status, co-morbidity and their wishes. This approach has improved the initial part of the lung cancer patient journey and components of this approach could easily be transferred to a developing country.

To review the causes of nonpancreatic tumor-associated hypoglycemia and report the first case of hypoglycemia attributable to a leiomyosarcoma, which did not cause hypoglycemia in its primary site but only after metastasizing.A case report is presented of a 62-year-old man with a gastric leiomyosarcoma diagnosed and surgically treated 8 years previously, who was found to have 14 large, rounded masses in his liver and a blood glucose level of 19 mg/dL. Biopsy of the largest mass revealed a leiomyosarcoma.Evaluation of the cause of the hypoglycemia revealed that circulating insulin, connecting peptide, proinsulin, insulin-like growth factor-I (somatomedin C), and insulin-like growth factor-II levels were below normal, whereas the insulin-like growth factor-II prohormone concentration was increased twofold. Basal and corticotropin-stimulated serum cortisol values were normal.This is the first case report of hypoglycemia occurring only after metastasis of a leiomyosarcoma. A possible causal relationship between the hypoglycemia and the increased circulating insulin-like growth factor-II prohormone is suggested, and alternative explanations and treatment are discussed.