Ethanol-dependent expression of the NKG2D ligands MICA/B in human cell lines and leukocytes.

Alcohol consumption affects the human immune system, causing a variety of disorders. However, the mechanisms of development of these changes are not fully understood. We hypothesized that ethanol may influence the expression of MICA and MICB, stress-induced molecules capable of regulating the activity of cytotoxic lymphocytes through the interaction with receptor NKG2D, which substantially affects the functionality of cellular immunity.

Aspartic cathepsin D degrades the cytosolic cysteine cathepsin inhibitor stefin B in the cells.

Stefin B is the major general cytosolic protein inhibitor of cysteine cathepsins. Its main function is to protect the organism against the activity of endogenous potentially hazardous proteases accidentally released from lysosomes. In this study, we investigated the possible effect of endosomal/lysosomal aspartic cathepsins D and E on stefin B after membrane permeabilization.

[The use of computed tomography in stereotaxic operations in dyskinesia patients].

Experience with 366 CT-stereotactic operations in varying movement disorders (Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, torsion dystonia, torticollis, hemihyperkinesis) is presented. Different deep structures, such as thalamic nuclei, subthalamic structures, palladium, putamen, caudate nucleus, dentate nucleus, and brachium conjunctivum or combination of these structures, were selected as a stereotactic target point. Anodic or radiofrequency stimulation, implantation of chronic intracerebral electrodes and neurotransplantation were used as methods of exposure.

Functional neurosurgery using 3-D computer stereotactic atlas.

To facilitate a full-scale representation of thalamic nuclei and surrounding subcortical structures in the course of stereotactic procedures, a 3-D computer atlas of this region has been created, which permits visualization of the operative field including the involved structures and the position of the instrument. Necessary adaptation is performed according to the position of the intracranial reference points derived from CT-scan. Working with the atlas permitted more accurate and safer surgery.