Expression Pattern of 5-HT (Serotonin) Receptors during Normal Development of the Human Spinal Cord and Ganglia and in Fetus with Cervical Spina Bifida.

The expression of 5-HT (serotonin) receptors (sr) was analyzed in the spinal cord and ganglia of 15 human conceptuses (5-10-weeks), and in the 9-week fetus with spina bifida. We used immunohistochemical method to detect sr-positive, apoptotic (caspase-3) and proliferating (Ki-67) cells, double immunofluorescence for co-localization with protein gene peptide (pgp) 9.5 and GFAP, as well as semiquantification and statistical measurements.

Multidisciplinary Approach to Complicated Pregnancy.

A nulliparous pregnant woman in her mid-20s and in the 32nd week of gestation presented to the emergency department with severe headache and vomiting. She had an uneventful medical history; however, the physical examination upon hospital admission revealed a hypertensive emergency, papilledema, and 2+ dipstick proteinuria. Upon establishing the diagnosis of preeclampsia, aggressive therapy with corticosteroids, antihypertensive medication, and seizure prophylaxis was initiated.

Internal Watershed Infarction as an Imaging and Clinical Challenge: a Case Report.

We presented the case of a patient with internal watershed infarction with a nonspecific clinical presentation including hemiplegia, hemisensory deficit, and speech disturbance. Neuroimaging and ultrasound diagnostic procedure are important tools for diagnosis of these rare ischemic events that count for about 6% of all strokes.  Specific therapy is mandatory for the diagnosis of watershed infarction and different from the therapeutical measures than can be taken for embolic and atherothrombotic strokes.

A global amnesia associated with the specific variant of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) that developed due to severe preeclampsia and malignant hypertension.

A case is reported of a 26-year-old primiparous woman in the 32nd week of gestation who presented to the emergency department with the symptoms of a severe headache, nausea and vomiting. The patient was diagnosed with preeclampsia that later progressed to eclampsia. This state was characterized by a sudden onset of a headache and diplopia that advanced to cortical blindness and precipitated significant alterations in mental status, most notable being global amnesia that resolved within 48 h.

CSF tap test - Obsolete or appropriate test for predicting shunt responsiveness? A systemic review.

Objectives: There is no accurate test for diagnosing normal pressure hydrocephalus or for screening for patients who will benefit from shunt surgery. Additional tests, such as cerebrospinal fluid tap test (CSF-TT), are often used in practice to provide further predictive value in detecting suitable patients for shunting. We performed a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the CSF-TT's effect on the outcome of main symptoms and on validity parameters in screening patients suitable for shunting.

Morphological manifestations of the Dandy-Walker syndrom in female members of a family.

The Dandy-Walker syndrome (DWS) is a hereditary disorder, appearing somewhat more frequently in women. The most important characteristics of the DWS are the lack of the cerebellar vermis, varying from a partial lack to a complete agenesis, and enlargement of the cerebrospinal spaces, especially in the fourth ventricle. The above mentioned morphological changes clinically manifest in ataxia, increased intracranial pressure and hydrocephalus.

Bleeding and Thrombotic Events in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Review of Literature.

Bleeding and thrombotic events are among the most common complications detected in patients with mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Herein, we reviewed the available evidence on the prevalence, etiology, and management of bleeding and thrombotic events in patients following MCS procedures, such as implantation of both intra- and paracorporeal devices that generate either pulsatile or nonpulsatile flow. Extracorporeal life support procedures providing support to the failing heart and lungs were also reviewed.

Which theory for the origin of syphilis is true?

Introduction: There are four theories about the origin of syphilis, of which the mostly represented one is the Columbian theory. This theory suggests that syphilis was brought into Europe in 1493 ad by the ship from Caribbean islands.

Aim: The aim of this study is to test all theories on a sample of 403 skeletons: 135 from prehistory, 134 from antique, and 134 from medieval period and new age from the Dalmatia (Croatia).

The predictive value of platelet function point-of-care tests for postoperative blood loss and transfusion in routine cardiac surgery: a systematic review.

Excessive bleeding after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) operations remains to be a persistent problem and weak platelet function certainly contributes to bleeding diathesis. Antiplatelet therapy (APT) is an integral component of perioperative management in patients undergoing cardiac surgery procedures, both with and without use of CPB. In addition to individual variability in platelet function, different preoperative APT administration/discontinuation management further affects platelet function, which in turn may reflect bleeding tendency.

Role of NMO-IgG in distinguishing the type of optic neuritis.

Purpose: To emphasize the importance of neuromyelitis optica (NMO)-immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies testing in patients with typical optic neuritis (ON) refractory to steroid treatment.

Methods: Two patients were evaluated with ON refractory to steroid therapy and poor visual acuity; they were tested for NMO-IgG antibodies.

Results: Brain magnetic resonance imaging was normal in both patients.

CT perfusion and noncontrast CT in acute ischemic stroke diagnosing--is there influence on early thrombolytic therapy outcome?

The objective of this study was to compare noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) and computed tomography perfusion (CTP) in early diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke and to define influence of these diagnostic procedures on early outcome of thrombolytic therapy (TLTH). The study included 45 patients, 35 patients submitted to NCCT and CTP and 10 patients who underwent only NCCT, before CTP was introduced. Based on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score we compared early outcome of patients who received TLTH after NCCT only (group 1) with the early outcome of patients who received TLTH following NCCT and CTP (group 2).

[Lumbosacral spine herniation--computed tomography diagnostics].

The aim of this retrospective study was to establish the incidence of particular types of disk radicular conflicts of the lumbar region. The study showed no patient sex or age differences. Disk radicular conflicts were most commonly diagnosed at L5-S1 and L4-L5 levels.

[Sensitivity and specificity of clinical assessment in the diagnosis of acute brain diseases].

Acute brain diseases require timely and correct diagnosis. The basic guideline in treating these patients is clinical-neurological assessment. We tested the sensitivity and specificity of clinical assessment of acute brain disease according to definitive diagnosis determined by neuroradiology and computerized tomography (CT).

Cell death in developing human spinal cord.

Cell death in the developing human spinal cord was investigated in 5-12 week human conceptuses using immunohistochemical and TUNEL methods. Expression of pro-apoptotic (Fas-receptor, caspase-3) and anti-apoptotic (bcl-2) markers and marker for internucleosomal fragmentation (TUNEL) were analysed in the cranial and caudal parts of the human spinal cord. In early developmental stages (5-6 weeks) of the cranial spinal cord, bcl-2 positive cells were seen in the ventricular zone and in the roof plate, while in the caudal part they were seen surrounding the central lumen.