These data suggest that cytokine release, NF-kappaB and p38 MAPK-dependent pathways may play a role in AGE-induced iNOS expression and subsequent nitric oxide production in mesangial cells. Rosiglitazone may prevent AGE-induced iNOS expression by interfering with p38 MAPK activity.

Objectives. This study examined the short-term impact of a continuing education (CE) program on pharmacists' knowledge and attitudes toward diabetes. Methods. A constructive 7-hour CE program for enhancing the ability to perform pharmaceutical care for diabetic patients was conducted by the Taipei Pharmacists Association. The Diabetes Knowledge Test in Mandarin (DKT-M) with 10 items and the Diabetes Attitude Scale in Mandarin (DAS-M) with 37 items were employed to measure the efficacy of the program. Results. Pharmacists' mean scores on the DKT-M significantly increased from 4.89 ±1.93 before the CE program to 7.72 ± 1.96 after the educational intervention (p < 0.0001). The mean overall score and mean scores on 6 subscales on the DAS-M exceeded the neutral point of 3 before intervention, indicating positive attitudes toward diabetes. Nevertheless, their mean DAS-M score of 3.91 ± 0.30) significantly increased to 4.0 ± 0.28 after the intervention (p < 0.0001), indicating highly positive attitudes toward diabetes. Conclusion. Although pharmacists already had positive attitudes toward diabetes, the CE program further improved their knowledge and attitudes toward the disease. Future studies of educational intervention using standardized instruments are needed to ensure and compare the efficacy of educational interventions for health care professionals.

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Background Bertolotti’s syndrome (BS) is characterized by the enlargement of transverse processes in caudal lumbar segments, causing chronic and persistent low back pain or sciatica. The present study aimed to describe our surgical technique for BS treatment and to review existing literature describing unsatisfactory outcomes. Case presentation We report a patient who complained of lower back pain and soreness that intermittently radiated to his left leg for longer than 10 years. Based on an examination of his symptoms and signs, including imaging and electrical physiology assessments, in addition to the report of temporary pain relief after a local steroid injection to a diagnostic trigger site (articulation between the transverse process and the sacral ala or iliac crest), the patient was diagnosed with BS. The applied surgical techniques included minimally invasive, three-dimensional C-arm guidance, a tubing approach, and microscopic and bone cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator–assisted operations. After surgery, improvements were reported on the visual analog scale (from 8 to 2 points on a 10-point scale) and the straight leg raising test for the left leg (20° to 90°) within 3 days. The patient gained an ordinary life and returned to work within one week of surgery, with no observed postoperative complications. Conclusions Minimally invasive tubular microscopic decompression and disarticulation is an effective method for treating BS. However, to achieve a successful outcome, it is recommended to use physician-proficient techniques that are in line with the patient’s diagnosis.