Testosterone and DHT robustly inhibited post-ischemic neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus, and the more potent androgen DHT virtually abolished the presence of immature newborn neurons (BrdU/doublecortin-positive cells) in the injured striatum. Our data suggest that endogenous androgens do not alter post-stroke neurogenesis quantitatively, but the presence of supra-physiological androgen stimulation profoundly suppresses early neurogenesis in germinal brain areas and reduces cellular repair in injured tissue Anlotinib after cerebral ischemia. These results advance the understanding of the role that androgens play in stroke
outcomes.”
“Objectives.
To collect information on the role of acupuncture in pain management from pain physicians and referral physicians who manage clinical pain conditions.
Methods.
The survey was conducted between 2007 and 2008 through nationwide direct mail or e-mail to 1083 physicians who are currently practicing in the United States. We divided our 16 survey questions into five categories: 1) physician’s attitude toward acupuncture as a modality of pain management; 2) physician’s preference or belief with regard to the type of pain condition suitable for acupuncture referrals; 3) timing for making acupuncture referrals (e.g., acupuncture
as a first line pain treatment option or a last approach after failed conventional pain management); 4) clinical assessment criteria for the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy; and 5) barriers to making acupuncture referrals (e.g., physician’s personal selleck products view, insurance issues, patient refusal, etc.). The survey results were calculated and interpreted
as the percentage rate of response.
Result.
The results indicate that an overwhelming majority of survey responders have a positive attitude and favorable experience with using acupuncture as an alternative modality for chronic pain management. However, our survey responders are mostly from teaching hospitals, suggesting a possible gap between teaching hospitals and other medical facilities (private practice and community hospitals) in utilizing acupuncture for pain management. The lack of insurance ALK inhibitor coverage and facility for acupuncture treatment are two primary barriers to making acupuncture referrals.
Conclusions.
The survey results indicate that acupuncture is considered by many physicians to be a useful alternative modality for chronic pain management.”
“Comparative effectiveness research in spine surgery is still a rarity. In this study, pain alleviation and quality of life (QoL) improvement after lumbar total disc arthroplasty (TDA) and anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) were anonymously compared by surgeon and implant.
A total of 534 monosegmental TDAs from the SWISSspine registry were analyzed. Mean age was 42 years (19-65 years), 59 % were females. Fifty cases with ALIF were documented in the international Spine Tango registry and used as concurrent comparator group for the pain analysis.