Behavioral phenotyping of GFAP-apoE3 and -apoE4 transgenic mice: apoE4 mice show profound working memory impairments in the absence of Alzheimer's-like neuropathology

For the purpose of studying the potential neurobehavioral effects of different human apolipoprotein E (apoE) isoforms produced within the brain, transgenic (TG) mice were generated in which human apoE3 or apoE4 isoforms were under control of an astrocyte-specific, glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter and these TG mice were bred back to apoE knockout (KO) mice. Behavioral phenotypes of apoE3 and apoE4 TG mice were derived by conducting a longitudinal study in which apoE3 and apoE4 TG mice were compared with apoE KO and wild-type (WT) mice (all male) on several behavioral measures. Analysis of locomotor activity, "open-field" behaviors, acoustic startle/prepulse inhibition, and elevated plus maze data suggested that the apoE TG/KO groups were more "emotionally reactive" than WT mice, with apoE4 mice typically being the most reactive. The absence of performance differences among groups on the rotating holeboard and water navigation tasks suggested intact reference memory processing in apoE TG/KO mice. However, apoE4 mice were profoundly impaired on a working memory-based protocol in the radial arm maze (11-14 months). Nonassociative factors (sensorimotor capacities or emotionality differences) did not appear to confound interpretation of the learning/memory results. Western blot analysis revealed no alterations in the level of synaptic, neuronal, or glial markers in neocortex or hippocampus and histologic analysis revealed no evidence of Abeta deposition or neuritic plaques in the apoE KO/TG mice. Our findings suggest that apoE4 expression in the brain may have selective deleterious effects on memory function in the absence of typical Alzheimer's-like neuropathology.     

Opening and closing characteristics of the aortic valve after valve-sparing procedures using a new aortic root conduit

BACKGROUND: The durability of aortic valve-sparing procedures is negatively affected by increased leaflet stress in the absence of normally shaped sinuses of Valsalva. We compared valve motion after remodeling procedures using a standard conduit and a specifically designed aortic root conduit. METHODS: Echocardiographic studies of the aortic valve dynamics were performed in 14 patients after remodeling of the aortic root (7 standard conduits, group A; 7 new conduits, group B) and in 7 controls (group C). Opening and closing leaflet velocities and percent of slow closing leaflet displacement were measured. Root distensibility and the pressure strain of the elastic modulus were measured at all root levels. RESULTS: Root distensibility and the pressure strain of the elastic modulus were different in group A and B only at the sinuses (p < 0.001). Opening and closing leaflet velocities were not different among groups. Slow closing leaflet displacement was markedly more evident in group B patients (24.2%+/-1.9% versus 2.5%+/-1.9% in group A, p < 0.001) and similar to controls (22.1%+/-7.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The new conduit guarantees dynamic features of the aortic valve leaflets superior to those obtained with standard conduits and more similar to normal subjects.     

SCLERAL WINDOW IN DEEP SCLEREC- TOMY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Purpose: To evaluate efficacy of a scleral window between the scleral lake and suprachoroidal space in Deep Sclerectomy, as an alternative way to improve the outflow of aqueous humor. Methods: 8 patients (aged 56-80 years), affected by open angle glaucoma, underwent deep sclerectomy with jaluronic acid implant: a large scleral window (3mmx2mm) was performed in the bed of the scleral lake. Postoperative examinations were per-     

A monoclonal antibody (LK-4) which differentiates PLA1 from PLA2 platelet extracts but not intact platelets.

A unique murine monoclonal antibody (LK-4) is described which differentiates PLA1/PLA1 platelet extracts from PLA2/PLA2 and PLA1/PLA2 platelet extracts on solid phase ELISA and immunoblot at the 100kD GPIIIa location, but not on intact platelets. LK-4 reacts equally with intact PLA1/PLA2 and PLA2/PLA2 platelets. Adsorbtion of LK-4 with PLA1/PLA1 platelets results in loss of reactivity for intact platelets as well as platelet extracts on ELISA or immunoblot. LK-4 inhibits platelet aggregation induced by ADP, epinephrine, collagen and thrombin, suggesting reactivity at or near the fibrinogen binding site on GPIIIa. It is suggested the LK-4 reacts with a conformation-induced common epitope for PLA1 and PLA2 on GPIIIa, with loss of this conformation for PLA2 GPIIIa following solubilization with Triton X-100.     

Continent Urinary Diversion in Patients with Pelvic Irradiation: An Alternative Utilizing Transverse Colon Reservoir

The use of radiation therapy in pelvic malignancies increases the risk of urinary complications, sometimes being necessary urinary diversion. The risk of utilizing previously irradiated bowel should be avoided. The use of transverse colon is a safe and effective alternative. We present a heterotopic continent colonic reservoir with an easily catheterizable conduit.