Pyruvate ameliorates post ischemic injury of rat astrocytes and protects them against PARP mediated cell death.

This in vitro study was designed to examine the efficacy of exogenous pyruvate and glucose as a fuel substrate to protect rat astrocytes from post-ischemic injury. Astrocytes were incubated in Kreb's buffer deprived of oxygen and glucose for 6 h (ischemia) followed by incubation with added pyruvate or glucose and normoxia for the next 6 h (reperfusion). The transformation of reactive astrocytes in response to various treatments was examined by immunostaining with glial fibrillary acidic protein.

Transcallosal parafornicial approach for third ventricle tumors: neuropsychological consequences.

Five adult patients with 3rd ventricle tumors underwent a transcallosal intraventricular parafornicial approach. Pre- and postoperative cognitive reviews were conducted on all patients. Each review consisted of: a standardized neuropsychological battery, mental status reviews, specific tests for disconnection, and a personality variable, where possible.

Vertebral osteochondroma causing spinal cord compression: case report.

A case of spinal cord compression secondary to an osteochondroma of the vertebral body of T-4 is reported. Computed tomography aided in the display of the lesion and the planning of its resection.

Cerebrospinal fluid shunt colonization and obstruction by Paecilomyces variotii. Case report.

A 57-year-old woman underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement for noncommunicating hydrocephalus. She required several shunt revisions over a 2-year period for recurrent hydrocephalus. The shunt was subsequently found to be obstructed by growth of the saprophytic fungus, Paecilomyces variotii, an infrequent human pathogen.