[Newly developed biofeedback program for facial muscle training in patients with facial paralysis]. / Ein neu entwickeltes Biofeedbackprogramm zum Gesichtsmuskeltraining für Patienten mit Fazialisparese.

BACKGROUND: Patients with facial paralysis are significantly limited in their quality of life (QoL). If no irreversible nerve damage is apparent, intensive training of the facial muscles is recommended in addition to drug-based therapy with cortisone. In order to improve training, we have developed a digital biofeedback mirror with motion magnification to indirectly influence the vegetative nervous system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to evaluate the reliability of the biofeedback program compared to clinical examination and classification according to House-Brackmann. METHODS: Our biofeedback system is similar to a mirror with the additional advantage of increasing a patient's self-control. It not only reflects the patient's image, but also potentiates movement through video processing and a magnifying function. For this purpose, patient's facial movements are filmed and amplified in real-time. Thus, even the smallest movements can be made visible and measured so that patients receive feedback on nerve regeneration. This can increase patient's motivation for daily facial muscle training and improve compliance. RESULTS: In the present study, restriction of QoL was evaluated and objectivized with Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale (FaCE) and Facial Disability Index (FDI) questionnaires. It was demonstrated that the patients' self-perception was associated with poor QoL. CONCLUSION: In the current study, measurement of the facial movements showed a reliable agreement with the clinical classification according to House-Brackmann. The biofeedback system is a reliable support tool during the regeneration phase in patients with facial paralysis..

Early platelet and leukocyte decline in patients with neuroinflammatory disorders after intravenous immunoglobulins.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) are a common therapy in patients with neuroinflammatory disorders, especially chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy or Guillain-Barré syndrome. Hematological toxicities upon IVIG infusion are a known side effect and still an important subject of investigation. METHODS: Laboratory results and data for clinical efficacy and tolerability of 62 patients with neuroinflammatory disorders treated with IVIG (0.4 g/kg bodyweight per day over 5 days) at the Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, were retrospectively analyzed. Blood samples were taken before and 1 day after IVIG administration. RESULTS: In pre-treated and first-time treated patients, there was a significant decrease in white blood cell count (WBC) (8.10 ± 2.85/nl to 5.61 ± 2.50/nl, P < 0.001, n = 57) and platelets (255 ± 72/nl to 215 ± 66/nl, P < 0.001, n = 57). Mild hemolysis of red blood cells was found in patients who received IVIG for the first time (red blood cell count 4.61 ± 0.67/pl to 4.28 ± 0.52/pl, hemoglobin 13.7 ± 1.7 g/l to 13.0 ± 1.7 g/l, P < 0.001, n = 40). Hemolysis was associated with less tolerability of IVIG treatment and clinical efficacy was accompanied with a higher decline of WBC (not significant). CONCLUSIONS: Next to mild hemolysis, a significant decrease in WBC and platelets can be detected early after high dose IVIGs in patients with neuroinflammatory disorders. Changes in blood counts may be possible markers for clinical efficacy and tolerability. Patients with low blood counts in advance should be particularly closely monitored whilst on IVIG treatment.

[Antiandrogen strategies in prostate cancer: reconstitution of oestrogen receptor beta]. / Antiandrogene Strategien im Prostatakarzinom : Rekonstitution des beta-Ostrogenrezeptors.

In advanced prostate cancer, albeit castration resistant, an active androgen receptor is still pivotal for growth and cell survival. Recent therapies involving more effective antiandrogens such as MDV3100 proved to be successful. Furthermore, blocking de novo intracrine androgen synthesis, e.g. with abiraterone acetate, provides additional benefit. Besides these antiandrogen measures, compounds which enable the reconstitution of the oestrogen receptor beta as a tumour suppressor restrain aberrant androgen receptor signalling.

[Lewdness with animals--an animal welfare problem]. / Unzucht mit Tieren--ein Tierschutzproblem.

1. The meaning of the terms bestiality and sadism is determined and each term is defined. 2. Officially known cases are analyzed as well as commented on with respect to the abused animal species, the different practices used, and the social background of the sodomites. 3. Since the 1st penal reform law of June 25, 1969 has come into force the section 175 b StGB (Penal Code) was canceled without substitution, and bestiality is no longer liable to prosecution. The Law of the Protection of Animals of August 18, 1986 does not explicitly mention bestiality. The application of the fixed penality code of the above mentioned Law of the Protection of Animals is discussed in the case of "merely" bestial or sadistic practices. 4. Finally the legal situation in most of the EEC member states as well as in some third-party countries is described and partially commented on.