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At least 865 records · Page 48Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

CNS regeneration: clinical possibility or basic science fantasy?

Following injury to the CNS, severed axons undergo a phase of abortive sprouting in the vicinity of the wound, but do not spontaneously re-grow or regenerate. From a long history of attempts to stimulate regeneraion, a major strategy that has been developed clinically is the implantation of tissue into denervated target regions. Unfortunately trials have so far not borne out the promise that this would prove a useful therapy for disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Many strategies have also been developed to stimulate the regeneration of axons across sites of injury, particularly in the spinal cord. Animal data have demonstrated that some of these approaches hold promise and that the spinal cord has a remarkable degree of intrinsic plasticity. Attempts are now being made to utilize experimental techniques in spinal patients.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Viruses as triggers of autoimmunity: facts and fantasies.

Autoimmunity has been proposed as the cause of several human chronic inflammatory diseases, and recent animal studies show that viruses can induce autoimmune disease. These studies demonstrate how viruses might misdirect the immune system, and here we discuss critically the evidence that similar phenomena may lead to human disease.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Vegetarian diets in hepatic encephalopathy: facts or fantasies?

Diet treatment characterized by a reduction in or a selection of food proteins is currently suggested in hepatic encephalopathy. This article is a review of the present knowledge about the characteristics and the rationale of vegetarian diets in cirrhotic patients with overt or latent encephalopathy. In addition, evidence relating diet and encephalopathy and the nutritional features and needs of cirrhotic patients is reported. Finally, the rationale of a diet based on vegetable and milk-derived proteins that may overcome the limits and the possible adverse effects of a strict vegetarian diet is presented.

Diet, Protein-Restricted↗
PubMed1978

The fourth auditory ossicle: fact or fantasy?

The fourth auditory ossicle (the Os Orbiculare or Lenticulare, or the Osselet of Sylvius) was described and depicted in all books on anatomy or otology up to the turn of the century. Its presence is no longer observed nowadays, despite the thousands of micro-surgical operations performed on the middle ear and its ossicular chain.

Anatomy↗
PubMed1992

Toynbee Memorial Lecture 1992: facts and fantasies in modern otology: the ear doctor's dilemma.

Until it is accepted that many of the recommendations for surgical treatment of middle ear disease, based on impressions formed twenty years ago, are misleading, attempts to rationalize the use of hospital resources will be little more than cosmesis. Responsibility for the initiation of cost-effective reform is primarily that of surgeons and requires urgent self-audit and the provision of realistic advice to patients (and administrators) as to what benefits microsurgery of the ear can offer.

Adenoidectomy↗
PubMed1995

Hearing preservation in vestibular schwannoma surgery: fact or fantasy?

This study reviews 57 papers dealing with the issue of hearing preservation in vestibular schwannoma surgery published in otolaryngologic and neurosurgical literature between the years 1977 and 1994. The authors', in this review, have made an attempt to verify whether the claims of hearing preservation are real, whether there is a price to be paid in terms of morbidity and whether there are univocal criteria for reporting results. The review shows that there is a wide disarray in reporting hearing results and the claims of hearing preservation are often unreal and misleading. On retabulating the results of a few series according to the minimal prerequisites for normal hearing (PTA < or = 30 dB and SDS > or = 70 per cent) and according to other various commonly reported criteria, it became evident that rates of hearing preservation differed a lot depending upon criteria. While any measurable hearing could be preserved in many cases, only a few had normal hearing preserved.

Audiometry, Pure-Tone↗
PubMed2004

Standardized pill imprint codes: a pharma fantasy.

To safely use medications, professionals and consumers need usable and reliable methods to identify tablets patients are prescribed and taking. Currently, each manufacturer assigns its own identifying codes and symbols. Standardization of the system for identifying solid dosage forms is a goal that has been widely advocated, yet stubbornly resistant to progress. Physicians, pharmacists, and consumers attempting to identify pills must use various methods which have shortcomings in ease of use, availability, and accuracy. Arguments have been advanced, particularly by pharmaceutical manufacturers, that evidence of unworkability of the current system is not compelling, and costs of retooling current manufacturing processes could be prohibitive. These issues are currently being explored by a task force led by the U.S. Pharmacopeia Safe Medication Use, and Pharmaceutical Forms Dosage Expert Committees. This paper presents a fictitious case study of an elderly patient succumbing to digoxin overdose illustrating the dilemmas posed in the tablet-imprint debate.

Drug Labeling↗
PubMed2002

[Growth hormone and prevention in elderly patients--fantasy and reality].

Human growth hormone is one of the hormones used most frequently in the setting of so-called anti-aging strategies. To date, the preventive value of such a hormone replacement therapy in relatively healthy and well functioning middle aged persons is unknown. Although growth hormone leads to significant alterations in body composition and changes in serum cholesterol levels in patients with adult growth hormone deficiency, there are currently no data supporting the hypothesis that growth-hormone in non deficient persons prolongs life span or reduces morbidity. Aging is associated with a reduction of GH-secretion, serum levels of insulin like growth factor I (IGF-I) and alterations in body composition and function. Based on the many clinical similarities between aging and acquired growth hormone deficiency, several studies have assessed the effects of growth hormone administration in healthy aged women and men. Only a few studies have addressed functional outcomes in a more frail population. These studies suggest that a defined group of older individuals with functional limitation might benefit from GH as a strategy to prevent further functional decline and delay nursing home admission. Because of the lack of proof in frail patients, uncertain long-term effects and high treatment costs GH-administration in the aged should currently be restricted to research questions. Future studies should address the question whether growth hormone alone or in combination with established strategies, such as exercise or improvement in nutrition will serve as a measure to prevent functional decline in frail geriatric patient populations.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1977

Drugs from the sea--fact or fantasy?

Drugs from the sea are as much a potential marine resource as cultivated fish, and mineral deposits. The study of the chemical structure and properties of unusual metabolic products of marine life is a subject where marine ecology and the experimental sciences of chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology and medicine share a common and complementary interest. The development of ad hoc collaboration between specialists has advanced basic knowledge and resulted in a significant feedback to marine biology and ecology as well as in the development of some useful drugs.

Animals↗