Epilepsy-induced abnormal striatal plasticity in Bassoon mutant mice.

Recently, the striatum has been implicated in the spread of epileptic seizures. As the absence of functional scaffolding protein Bassoon in mutant mice is associated with the development of pronounced spontaneous seizures, we utilized this new genetic model of epilepsy to investigate seizure-induced changes in striatal synaptic plasticity. Mutant mice showed reduced long-term potentiation in striatal spiny neurons, associated with an altered N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit distribution, whereas GABAergic fast-spiking (FS) interneurons showed NMDA-dependent short-term potentiation that was absent in wild-type animals.

A2A adenosine receptor antagonists protect the striatum against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity.

Adenosine A2A receptor has emerged as an attractive non-dopaminergic target in the experimental pharmacological therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Moreover, it has been postulated that A2A adenosine receptor antagonists exert neuroprotective effects in experimental models of PD and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Interestingly, in both these pathological conditions a deficit of mitochondrial complex I has been found.

The early apoptotic DNA fragmentation targets a small number of specific open chromatin regions.

We report here that early apoptotic DNA fragmentation, as obtained by using an entirely new approach, is the result of an attack at a small number of specific open chromatin regions of interphase nuclei. This was demonstrated as follows: (i) chicken liver was excised and kept in sterile tubes for 1 to 3 hours at 37 degrees C; (ii) this induced apoptosis (possibly because of oxygen deprivation), as shown by the electrophoretic nucleosomal ladder produced by DNA preparations; (iii) low molecular-weight DNA fragments (approximately 200 bp) were cloned, sequenced, and shown to derive predominantly from genes and surrounding 100 kb regions; (iv) a few hundred cuts were produced, very often involving the same chromosomal sites; (v) at comparable DNA degradation levels, micrococcal nuclease (MNase) also showed a general preference for genes and surrounding regions, but MNase cuts were located at sites that were quite distinct from, and less specific than, those cut by apoptosis. In conclusion, the approach presented here, which is the mildest and least intrusive approach, identifies a preferred accessibility landscape in interphase chromatin.

Environmental genomics: a tale of two fishes.

The influence of the environment on two congeneric fishes, Gillichthys mirabilis and Gillichthys seta, that live in the Gulf of California at temperatures of 10-25 degrees C, and up to 42-44 degrees C, respectively, was addressed by analyzing their genomes. Compared with G. mirabilis, G.

Occult large epiphyseal solitary plasmacytoma at multidetector row computer tomography detected by magnetic resonance imaging.

Myeloma or Kahler-Bozzolo disease represents around 1% of all malignant tumors and 10% of the haematological variety; it is a B-lymphocellular malignant neoplasia which originates from plasma cells that produce monoclonal immunoglobulin, infiltrating in and destroying the adjacent bone tissue. Myeloma may be distinguished at radiological imaging in four distinct types: single osseous lesions (solitary plasmacytoma), diffused skeletal effects (myelomatosis), diffused osteopenia and sclerosing myeloma. It is known that initial osteolysis may not be shown through radiographic examination or CT; the lysis only becomes evident when there is a bone loss of over 50%, usually in the presence of a > or = 0.

MDCT arthrography of the wrist: diagnostic accuracy and indications.

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and indications of arthrography with Multidetector Computed Tomography (arthro-MDCT) of the wrist in patients with absolute or relative contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies and in patients with periarticular metal implants using diagnostic arthroscopy as the gold standard.

Materials And Methods: After intra-articular injection of iodixanol and volumetric acquisition, 43 wrists in patients of both genders (18 females, 25 males, age range 32-60 years) were examined with a 16-detector-row CT scanner. Fifteen patients had prior wrist surgery.

Airway malacia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: prevalence, morphology and relationship with emphysema, bronchiectasis and bronchial wall thickening.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of airway malacia and its relationship with ancillary morphologic features in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A retrospective review was performed of a consecutive series of patients with COPD who were imaged with inspiratory and dynamic expiratory multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Airway malacia was defined as > or =50% expiratory reduction of the airway lumen.

Hemangioma of the right atrium: imaging and pathology.

Background: Cardiac hemangiomas are benign neoplasms which have been reported to appear as well-circumscribed, homogenous, enhancing masses at imaging.

Methods And Results: We report a 49-year-old woman with a cardiac hemangioma detected by echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The multiple imaging modalities showed features which have been reported in cardiac hemangiomas.

Talar fractures: long-term results.

Background: talar fractures are rare and potentially invalidating injuries. Traditional x-ray projections often do not provide comprehensive and exhaustive view of the talus; in order to determine the best therapeutic strategy and obtain early and precise prognostic data diagnostic examination usually includes oblique projections and computed tomography scans. In displaced fractures treatment is surgical, with percutaneous or open osteosynthesis.

Short-term and long-term plasticity at corticostriatal synapses: implications for learning and memory.

The striatum is the major division of the basal ganglia, representing the input station of the circuit and arguably the principal site within the basal ganglia where information processing occurs. Striatal activity is critically involved in motor control and learning. Many parts of the striatum are involved in reward processing and in various forms of learning and memory, such as reward-association learning.

ACh/dopamine crosstalk in motor control and reward: a crucial role for alpha 6-containing nicotinic receptors?

The midbrain dopaminergic system is a key element in the control of motor activity, cognition, and the motivational effects of drugs of abuse, including nicotine. In this issue of Neuron, Drenan et al. find that alpha6-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors might selectively activate mesolimbic and mesostriatal dopaminergic neurons, enhancing striatal dopamine release and its behavioral consequences.

Advantages of multidetector-row CT with multiplanar reformation in guiding percutaneous lung biopsies.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the usefulness of multiplanar reformations (MPR) during multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT)-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of lung lesions difficult to access with the guidance of the native axial images alone owing to overlying bony structures, large vessels or pleural fissures.

Materials And Methods: MDCT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) was performed on 84 patients (55 men and 29 women; mean age 65 years) with suspected lung neoplasm by using a spiral MDCT scanner with the simultaneous acquisition of six slices per rotation. We determined the site of entry of the 22-gauge Chiba needle on native axial images and coronal or sagittal MPR images.

Detection of incidental vertebral fractures on routine lateral chest radiographs.

Purpose: This study sought to assess the usefulness of routine lateral chest radiographs for detecting unrecognised vertebral compression fractures.

Materials And Methods: We prospectively selected outpatients without symptoms or risk factors for osteoporosis who underwent chest radiography for different clinical indications. Two independent reviewers with different levels of experience assessed the radiographs for vertebral deformities and graded them as mild, moderate and severe according to the semiquantitative Genant Index.

The endocannabinoid system in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder of largely unknown etiology caused by a pathological cascade resulting in the degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) projecting to the nucleus striatum, the main input station of the basal ganglia neuronal circuit. The components of the endocannabinoid (ECB) system are highly expressed at different levels in the basal ganglia neural circuit where they bidirectionally interact with dopaminergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling systems. In particular, at synapses linking cortical and striatal neurons, endocannabinoids (ECBs) are known to critically modulate synaptic transmission and to mediate the induction of a particular form of synaptic plasticity, the long-term depression.

Molecular mechanisms underlying levodopa-induced dyskinesia.

Although levodopa remains the most effective drug for the symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease, chronic therapy with this pharmacological compound initiates a complex cascade of cellular and molecular downstream effects resulting in the development of abnormal involuntary movements. The precise mechanisms underlying the development of levodopa induced dyskinesia, however, are far from being completely elucidated. In the present review, we will describe changes in long-term synaptic excitability following dopamine (DA) denervation and long-term levodopa treatment leading to abnormal involuntary movements.

Electrophysiology and pharmacology of striatal neuronal dysfunction induced by mitochondrial complex I inhibition.

Reduced activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and in particular of complex I is implicated not only in the etiology of Parkinson's disease but also in other forms of parkinsonism in which striatal neurodegeneration occurs, such as progressive supranuclear palsy. The pesticide rotenone inhibits mitochondrial complex I and reproduces features of these basal ganglia neurological disorders in animal models. We have characterized the electrophysiological effects of rotenone in the striatum as well as potential neuroprotective strategies to counteract the detrimental effects of this neurotoxin.

Case report: bipartite tibial epiphysis: radiologic and arthroscopic presentation.

We report the case of a bilateral bipartite ossification center of the proximal tibia in a 15-year-old boy with a history of knee injury. The presence of the duplicated ossific centers was an incidental finding on radiography and computed tomography performed after injury. Arthroscopy showed continuous hyaline cartilage between the two ossific centers confirming the diagnosis of a developmental abnormality; however, the articular surface was depressed in the region overlying the smaller ossific center.

CSF proteome analysis in multiple sclerosis patients by two-dimensional electrophoresis.

Background And Purpose: In recent years, different approaches have been used to investigate changes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteome in patients affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) with the aim to identify protein markers with potential diagnostic or prognostic value. Because of the lack of standardization of current proteomic techniques, contrasting results were achieved until now in different laboratories. In this study, we compare CSF proteome of 10 relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) patients, 11 patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), and 10 control subjects without neurological or systemic diseases.

How much do GOLD stages reflect CT abnormalities in COPD patients?

Purpose: Severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be graded using the classification released in the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) report. Such classification is essentially based on spirometry and does not recognise the role of other measures. The aim of this study was to assess whether the GOLD stages correlate with the extent of pulmonary emphysema and other ancillary computed tomography CT features in a population of smokers with stable COPD.

Neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity: theoretical basis for a novel, immune-centred, therapeutic approach to neurological disorders.

The fascinating capacity that the central nervous system (CNS) has for encoding and retaining memories is thought to be based on activity-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity. The CNS and the immune systems are known to be engaged in an intense bidirectional crosstalk, and glial cells are now viewed as a crucial third element of the synapse. In this opinion article, we review the principal mechanisms by which the immune system, and in particular immune diffusible mediators, influences synaptic transmission and the induction of brain plastic phenomena.

Congenital anomalies and variations of the bile and pancreatic ducts: magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography findings, epidemiology and clinical significance.

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to document the magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) findings and the epidemiology of congenital anomalies and variations of the bile and pancreatic ducts and to discuss their clinical significance.

Materials And Methods: Three-hundred and fifty patients of both sexes (150 females, 200 males, age range 0-76 years, average age 38 years) underwent MRCP for clinically suspected lithiasic, neoplastic or inflammatory disease of the bile and pancreatic ducts. Patients were imaged with a 1.