Average spectral power changes at the hippocampal electroencephalogram in schizophrenia model induced by ketamine

The use of ketamine (Ket) as a pharmacological model of schizophrenia is an important tool for understanding the main mechanisms of glutamatergic regulated neural oscillations. Thus, the aim of the current study was to evaluate Ket‐induced changes in the average spectral power using the hippocampal quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). To this end, male Wistar rats were submitted to a stereotactic surgery for the implantation of an electrode in the right hippocampus. After three days, the animals were divided into four groups that were treated for 10 consecutive days with Ket (10, 50, or 100 mg/kg). Brainwaves were captured on the 1st or 10th day, respectively, to acute or repeated treatments. The administration of Ket (10, 50, or 100 mg/kg), compared with controls, induced changes in the hippocampal average spectral power of delta, theta, alpha, gamma low or high waves, after acute or repeated treatments. Therefore, based on the alterations in the average spectral power of hippocampal waves induced by Ket, our findings might provide a basis for the use of hippocampal QEEG in animal models of schizophrenia.     

Chronic rejection after liver transplantation: Opening the Pandora’s box

Chronic rejection (CR) of liver allografts causes damage to intrahepatic vessels and bile ducts and may lead to graft failure after liver transplantation. Although its prevalence has declined steadily with the introduction of potent immunosuppressive therapy, CR still represents an important cause of graft injury, which might be irreversible, leading to graft loss requiring re-transplantation. To date, we still do not fully appreciate the mechanisms underlying this process. In addition to T cell-mediated CR, which was initially the only recognized type of CR, recently a new form of liver allograft CR, antibody-mediated CR, has been identified. This has indeed opened an era of thriving research and renewed interest in the field. Liver biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis of CR, but current research is aiming to identify new non-invasive tools for predicting patients at risk for CR after liver transplantation. Moreover, the minimization or withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy might influence the establishment of subclinical CR-related injury, which should not be disregarded. Therapies for CR may only be effective in the “early” phases, and a tailored management of the immunosuppression regimen is essential for preventing irreversible liver damage. Herein, we provide an overview of the current knowledge and research on CR, focusing on early detection, identification of non-invasive biomarkers, immunosuppressive management, re-transplantation and future perspectives of CR.     

Comparison of paclitaxel-eluting stent and sirolimus-eluting stent expansion at incremental delivery pressures

OBJECTIVES: We sought to compare the adequacy of paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) and sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) expansion based on intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging criteria at conventional delivery pressures. METHODS: Forty-six patients underwent SES implantation and 42 patients underwent PES implantation for de novo native coronary lesions<33 mm in length with reference lumen diameters of 2.5-3.5 mm. Stents were serially expanded with gradual balloon inflations at 14 and 20 atm. IVUS imaging was performed prior to intervention and after each balloon inflation. Stent expansion (minimal stent cross-sectional area/reference lumen cross-sectional area) was measured. Inadequate stent expansion was defined using the MUSIC criteria (all struts apposed, no tissue protrusion, and final lumen cross-sectional area>80% of the reference or >90% if minimal lumen cross-sectional area was <9 mm2). RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar except for shorter lesion length, larger mean lumen cross-sectional area, larger lumen diameter, and lower plaque burden in the PES group. Stent expansion was inadequate in 80% of patients with SES versus 63% of patients with PES at 14 atm, although this was not statistically significant. After 20 atm, 48% of patients with SES remained underexpanded as compared with 35% of patients with PES. CONCLUSION: Drug-eluting stents showed significant underexpansion by MUSIC criteria at conventionally used inflation pressures. Higher balloon inflations are required especially during deployment of a SES. IVUS guidance is recommended to ensure optimal results and outcomes with both stents.     

Muscle function and muscle balance in lower limbs are not impaired in individuals with general joint hypermobility

Sport Sciences for Health - The generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) syndrome is a condition characterized by a connective tissue disorder that may negatively affect the muscle function and muscle...     

PHIL® (precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid): retrospective multicenter experience on 178 patients in peripheral embolizations

La radiologia medica - This study aims to analyze safety and effectiveness of PHIL® (Microvention, CA-USA) in peripheral endovascular embolization procedures, both in elective and emergent...     

Cerebroprotection mediated by angiotensin II: a hypothesis supported by recent randomized clinical trials

Based on the Medical Research Council study, Brown and Brown hypothesized in 1986 that angiotensin II could protect against strokes by causing vasoconstriction of the proximal cerebral arteries, thereby preventing Charcot-Bouchard aneurysms from rupturing. In light of this hypothesis, we evaluated the cerebroprotective effects of various drug classes in recent double-blinded, prospective, randomized trials, such as SHEP, PATS, CAPPP, HOPE, PROGRESS, INSIGHT, NORDIL, LIFE, SCOPE, ANBP2, and ALLHAT. Drugs that activate the AT2 receptors, such as diuretics, calcium antagonists, and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), were consistently more beneficial for stroke reduction than drugs devoid of such activation, such as beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, despite an equal fall in arterial pressure (at least in patients with a low incidence of cardiac complications). These clinical and epidemiologic observations are supported by experimental data documenting greater cerebroprotection with ARBs (which increase angiotensin II levels and stimulate the AT2 receptors) than with ACE inhibitors. Stroke is the most devastating consequence of hypertensive cardiovascular disease, and our hypothesis of cerebroprotection by AT2 receptor activation should be tested by a head-to-head comparison of an ARB with an ACE inhibitor.