Connexin channels provide a target to manipulate brain endothelial calcium dynamics and blood-brain barrier permeability.

The cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) is an important factor determining the functional state of blood-brain barrier (BBB) endothelial cells but little is known on the effect of dynamic [Ca(2+)](i) changes on BBB function. We applied different agonists that trigger [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations and determined the involvement of connexin channels and subsequent effects on endothelial permeability in immortalized and primary brain endothelial cells. The inflammatory peptide bradykinin (BK) triggered [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations and increased endothelial permeability.

Influence of an increased intracranial pressure on cerebral and systemic haemodynamics during endoscopic neurosurgery: an animal model.

Background: During endoscopic neurosurgery, direct mechanical stimulation of the brain by the endoscope and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) caused by the continuous rinsing can induce potentially lethal haemodynamic reflexes, brain ischaemia, and excessive fluid resorption.

Methods: In a newly presented rat model of endoscopic neurosurgery, stereotactic access to the cerebrospinal fluid was secured and the ICP was increased by controlled infusion until complete suppression of the cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). The haematocrit (Hct) level was determined before and after the procedure.

Design of a multiblock phantom for radiotherapy dosimetry applications.

This note describes the design of a multiblock semi-anatomic phantom, which lends itself to a variety of radiotherapy dosimetry applications, in particular, the audit of external beam treatment planning and delivery. The basic building blocks of the phantom were formed from a variety of tissue substitute materials and could be assembled in many ways to model different cross-sections through the body.

In vivo evaluation of 4-[123I]iodo-N-[2[4-(6-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]benzamide, a potential SPECT radioligand for the 5-HT1A receptor.

4-[123I]Iodo-N-[2-[4-(6-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridinyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]benzamide (1.123I), a potential SPECT 5-HT(1A) radioligand, was evaluated in vivo in rats. Biodistribution studies were performed leading to a % ID in the brain of 0.

[Acute acalculous cholecystitis associated with primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Cure with low-molecular-weight heparin and antivitamin K].

We report the first case of acute acalculous cholecystitis associated with primary antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome. The diagnosis was serological and was based on positive tests for lupus anticoagulant or anticardiolipin antibodies. The treatment was exclusively medical.

[Value of proctosigmoidoscopy with bacteriological culture of colonic biopsies in the etiological diagnosis of post-antibiotic acute diarrhea in adults. Prospective study in 24 patients].

The aim of this study was to analyse the interest of proctosigmoidoscopy and biopsies microbiology in antibiotic-associated acute diarrhea in adults. Between February 1993 and October 1995, we have studied prospectively 24 patients with antibiotic-associated acute diarrhea. Ages ranged from 17 to 83 years.

[Value of rectosigmoidoscopy with bacteriological culture of colonic biopsies in the diagnosis of post-antibiotic hemorrhagic colitis related to Klebsiella oxytoca].

Unlabelled: We report 7 cases of antibiotic-associated and hemorrhagic colitis due to Klebsiella oxytoca. The diagnosis was performed by sigmoidoscopy with bacteriological biopsy culture.

Patients And Methods: Nine patients, aged 25-83 years, were hospitalized from February 1993 to October 1995 with hemorrhagic acute diarrhea following antibiotic treatment: amoxicillin (n = 3).

[Pancreatic involvement, ascites and diarrhea in idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome].

We report a new case of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome with multivisceral digestive failure. After an erroneous diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, the pathological examination of pancreaticoduodenectomy specimen demonstrated pancreatic fibrosis with eosinophilic infiltration without gastritis or duodenitis. The diagnosis of idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome was made three months later upon the classical criteria: a) blood eosinophilia of 1.