Inhibiting AMPA receptor signaling in oligodendrocytes rescues synapse loss in a model of autoimmune demyelination.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is initially characterized by myelin and axonal damage in central nervous system white matter lesions, but their causal role in synapse loss remains undefined. Gray matter atrophy is also present early in MS, making it unclear if synaptic alterations are driven by white matter demyelinating lesions or primary gray matter damage. Furthermore, whether axonal pathology occurs secondary to or independent of demyelination to drive synaptic changes is not clear.

Visual imaging as a predictor of neurodegeneration in experimental autoimmune demyelination and multiple sclerosis.

Thalamic volume is associated with clinical disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) and is vulnerable to secondary neurodegeneration due to its extensive connectivity throughout the central nervous system (CNS). Using a model of autoimmune demyelination that exhibits CNS-infiltrating immune cells in both spinal cord white matter and optic nerve, we sought to evaluate neurodegenerative changes due to lesions affecting the spino- and retino-thalamic pathways. We found comparable axonal loss in spinal cord white matter and optic nerve during the acute phase of disease consistent with synaptic loss, but not neuronal cell body loss in the thalamic nuclei that receive input from these discrete pathways.

Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke as Amusement Park Injury: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Strokes as amusement park injuries are rare, but have been reported in the literature. Only about 20 cases of cerebrovascular accidents after amusement park visits have been described. We report a healthy 12-year-old boy who presented with facial droop, slurred speech, and inability to use his right arm after riding roller coasters at a local amusement park.

Regulation of mRNA Translation Is a Novel Mechanism for Phthalate Toxicity.

Phthalates are a group of plasticizers that are widely used in many consumer products and medical devices, thus generating a huge burden to human health. Phthalates have been known to cause a number of developmental and reproductive disorders functioning as endocrine modulators. They are also involved in carcinogenesis with mechanisms less understood.

Hemodynamic Support Devices for Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

High-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) encompasses a growing portion of total PCIs performed and typically includes patients with high-risk clinical and anatomic characteristics. Such patients may represent not only a high-risk group for complications but also a group who may derive the most benefit from complete revascularization. Several hemodynamic support devices are available.

Male sex hormones and systemic inflammation in Alzheimer disease.

Several studies have shown that the levels of sex hormones in men with Alzheimer disease (AD) differ from men without AD. Therefore, male sex hormones have been postulated as risk modifiers in AD, possibly through immunomodulatory effects on known inflammatory AD risk factors, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). We conducted a cross-sectional study of sex hormones and TNF-α levels in 94 community-dwelling men with AD.

Survey study of anesthesiologists' and surgeons' ordering of unnecessary preoperative laboratory tests.

Background: Nearly 20 years ago it was shown that patients are exposed to unnecessary preoperative testing that is both costly and has associated morbidity. To determine whether such unnecessary testing persists, we performed internal and external surveys to quantify the incidence of unnecessary preoperative testing and to identify strategies for reduction.

Methods: The medical records of 1000 consecutive patients scheduled for surgery at our institution were examined for testing outside of our approved guidelines.