Hippocampal cannabinoid-1 receptor upregulation upon endothelin-B receptor deficiency: a neuroprotective substitution effect?

Endothelin (ETB)-receptors mediate anti-apoptotic actions. Lack of functional ETB-receptors leads to increased neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus. The increased apoptosis must be compensated by other mechanisms, however, as ETB-deficient rats display normal overall brain morphology.

Complications after cryosurgery with new miniature cryoprobes in long hollow bones: an animal trial.

Background: In vitro studies show that new miniature cryoprobes are suitable for cryoablation of bone tissue. The aim of this animal trial on 24 sheep was to examine the perioperative complications, particularly the danger of embolism, of cryoablation when using miniature cryoprobes.

Methods: Cryoablations with 2 freeze-thaw cycles each were carried out in the epiphysis of the right tibia and the metaphysis of the left femur.

The use of a new miniature cryoprobe for ablation of bone tissue: in vivo assessment of the probe and application of the method to bone in a sheep model.

Background: So far, modern miniature cryoprobes were used for local destruction of soft tissue tumours without damaging the adjacent healthy tissue. In this study, cryoablation methodology was applied to bone and the cooling capacity of the probe was examined in vitro and in vivo.

Method: Freezing was performed by cooling one or two probes (diameter 3.

Comparison of long-term outcomes of myomectomy and uterine artery embolization.

Objective: To compare long-term outcomes of uterine artery embolization and abdominal myomectomy in patients with symptomatic uterine myomas.

Methods: At a single institution in an 18-month time, 59 patients had bilateral uterine artery embolization and 38 patients had abdominal myomectomy to treat symptomatic uterine myomas. We reviewed medical records and surveyed patients 3 or more years after their procedures to assess how many needed further surgical procedures in the intervening years, to what extent symptoms remained improved, and how satisfied the patients were with the long term results of the index procedure.

Autoimmune hepatitis and overlap syndromes.

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated, autodestructive liver disease with hepatocytes as target cells, mostly affecting young women. Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is also regarded as an autoimmune liver disease with bile duct epithelia as the target cells, resulting in a continuous loss of bile ducts. Both diseases may occur simultaneously in their full manifestations in about 10% to 20% of cases, thus constituting an overlap syndrome with PBC directing the course of the disease.