Schwann cell strip for peripheral nerve repair.

Many strategies have been investigated to provide an ideal substitute to treat a nerve gap injury. Initially, silicone conduits were used and more recently conduits fabricated from natural materials such as poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) showed good results but still have their limitations. Surgically, a new concept optimising harvested autologous nerve graft has been introduced as the single fascicle method. It has been shown that a single fascicle repair of nerve grafting is successful. We investigated a new approach using a PHB strip seeded with Schwann cells to mimic a small nerve fascicle. Schwann cells were attached to the PHB strip using diluted fibrin glue and used to bridge a 10-mm sciatic nerve gap in rats. Comparison was made with a group using conventional PHB conduit tubes filled with Schwann cells and fibrin glue. After 2 weeks, the nerve samples were harvested and investigated for axonal and Schwann cell markers. PGP9.5 immunohistochemistry showed a superior nerve regeneration distance in the PHB strip group versus the PHB tube group (> 10 mm, crossed versus 3.17+/- 0.32 mm respectively, P<0.05) as well as superior Schwann cell intrusion (S100 staining) from proximal (> 10 mm, crossed versus 3.40+/- 0.36 mm, P<0.01) and distal (> 10 mm, crossed versus 2.91+/- 0.31 mm, P<0.001) ends. These findings suggest a significant advantage of a strip in rapidly connecting a nerve gap lesion and imply that single fascicle nerve grafting is advantageous for nerve repair in rats.

Thyroid hormones stimulate expression and modification of cytoskeletal protein during rat sciatic nerve regeneration.

Peripheral neurons can regenerate after axotomy; in this process, the role of cytoskeletal proteins is important because they contribute to formation and reorganization, growth, transport, stability and plasticity of axons. In the present study, we examined the effects of thyroid hormones (T3) on the expression of major cytoskeletal proteins during sciatic nerve regeneration. At various times after sciatic nerve transection and T3 local administration, segments of operated nerves from T3-treated rats and control rats were examined by Western blotting for the presence of neurofilament, tubulin and vimentin. Our results revealed that, during the first week after surgery, T3 treatment did not significantly alter the level of NF subunits and tubulin in the different segments of operated nerves compared to control nerves. Two or 4 weeks after operation, the concentration of NF-H and NF-M isoforms was clearly increased by T3 treatment. Moreover, under T3-treatment, NF proteins appeared more rapidly in the distal segment of operated nerves. Likewise, the levels of betaIII, and of acetylated and tyrosinated tubulin isotypes, were also up-regulated by T3-treatment during regeneration. However, only the tyrosinated tubulin form appeared earlier in the distal nerve segments. At this stage of regeneration, T3 had no effect on the level of vimentin expression. In conclusion, thyroid hormone improves and accelerates peripheral nerve regeneration and exerts a positive effect on cytoskeletal protein expression and transport involved in axonal regeneration. These results help us to understand partially the mechanism by which thyroid hormones enhance peripheral nerve regeneration. The stimulating effect of T3 on peripheral nerve regeneration may have considerable therapeutic potential.

Deletion of mu- and kappa-opioid receptors in mice changes epidermal hypertrophy, density of peripheral nerve endings, and itch behavior.

The mu- (MOR) and kappa- (KOR) opioid receptors have been implicated in the regulation of homeostasis of non-neuronal cells, such as keratinocytes, and sensations like pain and chronic pruritus. Therefore, we have studied the phenotype of skin after deletion of MOR and KOR. In addition, we applied a dry skin model in these knockout mice and compared the different mice before and after induction of the dermatitis in terms of epidermal thickness, epidermal peripheral nerve ending distribution, dermal inflammatory infiltrate (mast cells, CD4 positive lymphocytes), and scratching behavior. MOR knockout mice reveal as phenotype a significantly thinner epidermis and a higher density of epidermal fiber staining by protein gene product 9.5 than the wild-type counterparts. Epidermal hypertrophy, induced by the dry skin dermatitis, was significantly less developed in MOR knockout than in wild-type mice. Neither mast cells nor CD4 T(h)-lymphocytes are involved in the changes of epidermal nerve endings and epidermal homeostasis. Finally, behavior experiments revealed that MOR and KOR knockout mice scratch less after induction of dry skin dermatitis than wild-type mice. These results indicate that MOR and KOR are important in skin homeostasis, epidermal nerve fiber regulation, and pathophysiology of itching.

Isolated IVth (trochlear) nerve palsy due to basilar artery dolichoectasia.

BACKGROUND: Dolichoectasia (elongation, dilatation and tortuosity) of the basilar artery can cause an isolated cranial neuropathy. The trigeminal nerve and facial nerve are most frequently affected. Dysfunction of one of the ocular motor cranial nerves due to basilar artery dolichoectasia is uncommon, and an isolated IVth (trochlear) nerve palsy has not been previously described in the literature. HISTORY AND SIGNS: Two men, ages 70 and 59 years, respectively, presented with vertical diplopia due to a IVth nerve palsy. In one patient, the onset of the IVth nerve palsy was painless and gradual and in the other patient, the onset was acute and associated with periorbital pain. Neuroimaging in both patients revealed pathological tortuosity of the basilar artery around the midbrain and displacement of the artery toward the side of the affected trochlear nerve. THERAPY AND OUTCOME: The patients were observed clinically. One patient had gradual worsening of his palsy for three and one-half years then suffered a stroke. The second patient whose IVth nerve palsy had an acute onset experienced spontaneous resolution of his palsy but later developed dysfunction of other cranial nerves. CONCLUSIONS: Basilar artery dolichoectasia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an isolated IVth nerve palsy. The clinical course may be variable, and the prognosis is not always benign.

Legislative Guide to Marriage Law, December 2005

In the United States civil marriages are entered into either ceremonially, by means of compliance of the parties with state statutory requirements for marriage, or non-ceremonially by the parties satisfying the requirements of a common law marriage. A marriage contracted validly, whether by complying with statutory requirements or the requirements of a common law marriage, confers the identical rights, responsibilities, and privileges on the parties. The purpose of this Legislative Guide is to provide an overview of marriage as a civil contract imbued with a public interest, and of common law marriage and statutory marriage provisions. The Guide also provides a brief summary of recent developments in marriage law.

Forestry Practices Manual Technical Guide, June 24, 2005

Technical Guide to Forestry Practices Manual.

Mulch Iowa: A Guide to the Benefits of Mulch and Why you should use mulch produced in Iowa, December 17, 2003

Mulch helps to recreate the organic layer and soil structure of a wooded environment, which benefits your trees and shrubs... • Helps maintain even soil temperature in the roots by keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. • Promotes plant growth. • Controls weeds. • Conserves soil moisture, meaning you use less water. • Improves soil structure and quality over the root area. • Protects from mechanical damage (mowers, string trimmers, etc.) • Helps beautify the new planting.

Woodland Wildlife Habitat Improvement Guide, February 4, 2010

Most non-grazed Iowa woodlands and surrounding openings are excellent habitat for a variety of birds and animals if there is a diversity of over story tree species and understory vegetation. As vegetative structures of woodlands change over time, the diversity of the woodland will change, and some species of birds and animals will benefit more then others. To optimize habitat development for the wildest range of bird and animal species, concentrate on maintaining as much vegetative diversity in the woodland as possible. To make improvement for individual species, the special needs of those species will have to be met by targeting precise woodland activities in specific areas.

Long-term prognosis in patients with vasculopathic sixth nerve palsy.

PURPOSE: To better define the long-term prognosis in patients with a vasculopathic sixth nerve palsy (6NP), specifically addressing the degree of recovery and incidence of recurrent similar episodes. DESIGN: Observational case series. METHODS: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: An outpatient neuroophthalmic practice. STUDY POPULATION: Patients with one or more vascular risk factors and an acute, isolated 6NP that spontaneously recovered. OBSERVATION PROCEDURE: Information regarding resolution of the 6NP, subsequent vascular events and recurrent ocular motor nerve palsy was obtained from chart review of follow-up clinic visits, mailed questionnaires and telephone interviews. The duration of follow-up ranged from 2 to 13 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Resolution of 6NP (complete or incomplete) and incidence of recurrent ocular motor nerve palsy. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were identified with a mean age of 65.3 years +/- 11.6 (range 34-90 years). Fifty-one patients (86%) experienced complete resolution of their first episode of vasculopathic 6NP and eight patients (14%) had incomplete resolution. A subsequent episode of ocular motor mononeuropathy occurred in 18 of 59 (31%) patients. The number of recurrences ranged from one (in 14 patients) to four (in one patient). There was no association between any risk factor and recurrence of ocular motor nerve palsy. Similarly, incomplete resolution of the vasculopathic 6NP was not associated with any risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a vasculopathic 6NP usually have complete resolution of their ophthalmoplegia, but nearly one third of patients in our study later experienced at least one episode of recurrent vasculopathic ocular motor nerve palsy.

Un guide pratique au traitement des gliomes [A practical guide for the management of gliomas]

The management of gliomas in daily clinical practice is challenging. It requires a multidisciplinary and coordinated approach involving neurosurgery, radiotherapy and, finally, chemotherapy. Important progress has been made during the last years with the introduction of a combined treatment associating standard radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy using temozolomide, a novel alkylating agent. For the first time in many years a new treatment strategy translated into a significant prolongation of survival. In parallel, molecular markers (e.g. loss of heterozygosity on chromosomes 1p and 19q or methylation of the methyl-guanine methyl transferase [MGMT] gene promoter) allowed for identification of distinct subtypes of glioma or prediction of treatment response. In this "Practical Guide", we describe the daily practice and aim at answering some common questions in the management of patients suffering from glioblastoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma and low grade glioma. The therapeutic options presented here are based on evidences from the literature. In the absence of documented evidence, the empirical choices from our local practice are explained and justified.

A guide to resources for the study of the recent history of the United States in the libraries of the University of Iowa, the State Historical Society of Iowa, and in the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, 1977

This guide is designed as a finding aid for researchers seeking materials on a particular topic and it indicates the nature and extent of resources for the study of United States history available at the Historical Society of Iowa, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and the Iowa University Libraries.

Are You Prepared? A Guide to Emergency Preparedness, October 24, 2013

Being prepared means making an emergency plan, building an emergency kit and being aware of the hazards that can impact you. Whether you are at home or at work, emergencies like tornadoes, flooding or winter storms can occur quickly and without warning. We can’t prevent emergencies, but we can prepare for them.

Winter Driving A Guide for Your Safety, January 17, 2012

The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving.