Gliotransmitters and cytokines in the control of blood-brain barrier permeability.

The contribution of astrocytes and microglia to the regulation of neuroplasticity or neurovascular unit (NVU) is based on the coordinated secretion of gliotransmitters and cytokines and the release and uptake of metabolites. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and angiogenesis are influenced by perivascular cells contacting with the abluminal side of brain microvessel endothelial cells (pericytes, astrocytes) or by immune cells existing (microglia) or invading the NVU (macrophages) under pathologic conditions. The release of gliotransmitters or cytokines by activated astroglial and microglial cells is provided by distinct mechanisms, affects intercellular communication, and results in the establishment of microenvironment controlling BBB permeability and neuroinflammation.

[Prognosis of the hemorrhage recurrence in the patients suffering from acute gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding].

The prognostication method for the hemorrhage recurrence, permitting to estimate the risk of its occurrence and to prescribe an adequate antirecurrence treatment, was proposed. Among numerous predictors of recurrence the most significant clinical, endoscopic and laboratory factors were selected to raise the prognostication precision. Depending on therisk degree of a recurrent hemorrhage, different methods of treatment were prescribed to the patients.

Using the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization for the analysis of flavonoid glycosides in objects of plant origin.

Data are presented on chemical study of flavonoid glycosides in some botanical subjects using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization, compared to HPLC. The method of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) allows characterizing the composition of anthocyanin and flavonoid mixture without preliminary separation of components with minimal sample preparation, which greatly simplifies identification of bioactive phytogenic compounds.

Comb-filtered speech as a tool to demonstrate difficulties of speech perception and the importance of auditory training in cochlear implant users.

There are parallels between speech recognition by users of cochlear implants (CIs) and recognition of comb-filtered speech by normal hearing persons. We have found it possible to train inexperienced subjects to recognize spectrally deprived speech and we routinely demonstrate this process to relatives of implanted children to help them understand the complexities of CI auditory perception and training. We tested the understanding of filtered speech by 38 normally hearing listeners, before and after a 15-minute training period.

Asymmetry in the auditory brainstem response following experience of monaural amplification.

Hearing aids can induce perceptual changes in some elderly listeners and there is recent evidence that this might be associated with reorganization within the auditory system. We compared the click-evoked auditory brainstem response in adults with and without monaural hearing aid experience. In listeners with monaural hearing aid experience, the mean peak-to-peak amplitude between wave V and SN10 was approximately 100 nV larger in the ear with hearing aid experience and this difference was statistically significant (P<0.