A Short Overview of the Effects of Kinesio Taping for Postural Spine Curvature Disorders

Spine curvature disorders are very common in the population. Several therapeutic methods have been implemented over time. Kinesio Taping (KT) is a solution that is utilized for several purposes. This narrative review aims to discuss KT methodology as a valid solution for spinal curvature disorders, especially for structured and non-structured spine deviations. The matter is poorly discussed in the current literature. Nevertheless, KT seems to indirectly influence posture and spine curvature disorders through peripheral and central nervous system stimulation, but further investigations are needed to demonstrate these unknown effects clearly. The present review provides a valuable contribution to the existing literature and may represent a starting point and a useful guide for further studies in this field of research.

Dexmedetomidine and Postoperative Delirium in the Adult Cardiac Surgical Population: A Systematic Review

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a major complication following surgery and is considered the most common complication among older adults following cardiac surgery; with up to 87% of patients being affected (Whitlock, Vannucci, & Avidan, 2011). Dexmedetomidine, a highly selective α2 agonist, inhibits the release of norepinephrine presynaptically causing analgesia and inhibits central nervous system stimulation in the postsynaptic neurons causing decreased blood pressure and heart rate; together, contributing to the effects of analgesia, anesthesia, and sedation (Naaz & Ozair, 2014). The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the current literature and examine the effects of dexmedetomidine on POD in the adult cardiac surgical population. A comprehensive literature review was completed using CINAHL, PubMed, and Medline focusing on the pathology of postoperative delirium, the physiology of cardiac surgery, and the pharmacodynamics of dexmedetomidine. Guidelines set forth by PRISMA and Inouye and Charpentier’s multifactorial model were utilized to assist in the identification of eligible studies. Study analysis was completed by creating study specific and data outcome tables. Critical appraisal of individual RCTs was performed utilizing the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. A cross study analysis table was also created comparing the results of all eligible studies against one another. The findings of this systematic review determined that in the adult cardiac surgical population, dexmedetomidine was associated with a decreased incidence of POD; however, the results for time to extubation, ICU LOS (length of stay), and hospital LOS varied amid the studies examined.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor is present in pancreatic acinar cells and regulates amylase secretion through cAMP

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a glucoincretin hormone that can act through its receptor (GLP-1R) on pancreatic β-cells and increase insulin secretion and production. GLP-1R agonists are used clinically to treat type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 may also regulate the exocrine pancreas at multiple levels, including inhibition through the central nervous system, stimulation indirectly through insulin, and stimulation directly on acinar cells. However, it has been unclear whether GLP-1R is present in pancreatic acini and what physiological functions these receptors regulate. In the current study we utilized GLP-1R knockout (KO) mice to study the role of GLP-1R in acinar cells. RNA expression of GLP-1R was detected in acutely isolated pancreatic acini. Acinar cell morphology and expression of digestive enzymes were not affected by loss of GLP-1R. GLP-1 induced amylase secretion in wild-type (WT) acini. In GLP-1R KO mice, this effect was abolished, whereas vasoactive intestinal peptide-induced amylase release in KO acini showed a pattern similar to that in WT acini. GLP-1 stimulated cAMP production and increased protein kinase A-mediated protein phosphorylation in WT acini, and these effects were absent in KO acini. These data show that GLP-1R is present in pancreatic acinar cells and that GLP-1 can regulate secretion through its receptor and cAMP signaling pathway.