Viral Persistence in Neurons Alters Synaptic Plasticity and Cognitive Functions without Destruction of Brain Cells

Neurons have a restricted expression of MHC heavy chain molecules which prevents presentation of antigens of infecting viruses. As a result, such infected cells escape immune surveillance and allow the establishment of noncytolytic persistent infection. Here we show that a chronic noncytolytic viral infection bothin vitroandin vivoselectively perturbed the expression of GAP-43, a protein that plays a central role in neuronal plasticity processes accompanying learning and memory. GAP-43 expression was greatly decreased in the hippocampus, an area of heightened viral replication, while synaptic density was preserved. Concurrently, the ability to learn tasks was significantly impaired in these persistently infected mice. Yet, infected neurons remained free from structural injury.     

The effect of glycerol on the guinea-pig hydropic ear

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of glycerol on experimental endolymphatic hydrops in guinea-pigs. The right endolymphatic sac and duct were obliterated through an extradural posterior fossa approach. Some animals received a 3 g/kg dose of glycerol for a period of 7 days, whereas others received the same dose for 30 days. The activity of glycerol was studied by investigating the volumetric changes in the scala media determined with a computerized planimeter. Glycerol induced a significant reduction of the hydrops showing its effectiveness and suggesting a strial metabolic response.     

Heterodetic bicyclic decapeptide cyclo (Glu1 -Leu2 -Pro3-Gly4-Ser5-Ile6-Pro7-Ala8) cyclo-(1γ-5β) Phe9-Gly10

Bycyclic peptides are useful model molecules that can mimic the constrained local folding of a great number of natural peptides and proteins, such as ionophoric peptides, enzyme active site, and ligand-receptor active site. The synthesis of the bicyclic title compound with the liquid phase method is described with experimental details. Of particular interest is the heterodetic closure of the second ring. The peptide showed a complexing activity with metal cations like Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ . The free bicyclic peptide conformation in solution has been studied by means of NMR spectroscopy and a plausible structure model worked out with model building on NMR constraints is proposed.     

Interventional Catheterization after Total Cavopulmonary Connection: Experience in 68 Patients

Background: Total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) is performed in patients having a single ventricle to allow the passive flow of systemic venous blood to the lungs. Interventional catheterization is needed to treat residual defects or complications. Aims: We discuss our results concerning 68 patients who had had TCPC from January 1995 to December 2010. Methods: Initial and follow‐up catheterization data were reviewed retrospectively. Mid ‐ term results were evaluated by means of angiography and/or CT scan. Results: Mean age at TCPC was 5 years (2.5–18); mean interval between TCPC and catheterization was 5.6 years (1.5–15). Sixty‐nine catheterizations were performed in 53 patients. Eleven patients (21%) had low venous pressure, did not display a right‐to‐left shunt, and did not need any intervention. Fifteen patients (28%) had low venous pressure and only needed the closure of the fenestration. The remaining 27 patients (51%) needed the following interventions: embolization of venous vessels prompting right‐to‐left shunt (n = 15), stenting or reconnection of pulmonary arteries (n = 5), stenting or recanalization of systemic veins (n = 11), other procedures (n = 5). In 3 patients the fenestration could not be closed due to high venous pressure. After the interventions oxygen saturation increased from 90.5%± 4.8% to 94.7%± 3.6% (P = 0.002). Conclusions: Our data show that 49% of patients with TCPC are in good condition late after surgery. However, half of these patients continue to need interventions generally aimed at suppressing stenoses at various levels of TCPC or at occluding vessels prompting right‐to‐left shunt. This population should enter a multicenter program aimed at identifying patients at risk. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:622–627)     

Carcinoma of the breast metastatic to the ureter seven years later

We present a case of ureteral metastasis from a primary breast cancer where the disease recurred with an episode of renal colic 7 years after diagnosis. A surgical operation was performed to remove the terminal ureter and the perimeatal area of the urinary bladder. Urological and radiological outcome was satisfactory after a 2-year follow up.