Neurosurgery
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Mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate-dependent potassium (mitoKATP) channels are present in the brain, and several reports have shown their neuroprotective, preconditioning effect against an ischemic insult. The role of mitoKATP channels in the penumbra area has not been studied thoroughly. In a model of venous ischemia, widespread penumbra-like low flow areas are created, which are susceptible to cortical spreading depression. Thus, we studied effects of mitoKATP channels on infarct size in this model. ⋯ These results suggest that the opening of mitoKATP channels plays a major role in brain protection under penumbra-like conditions, as shown in this venous occlusion model.
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Although the majority of human epidural spinal metastases originate in the vertebral body, current animal models of spinal epidural tumors are limited to extraosseous tumor placement. We investigated the onset of paraparesis, radiographic changes (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and computed tomographic [CT] scans), and histopathological findings after intraosseous injection of VX2 carcinoma cells into the lower thoracic vertebrae of rabbits. ⋯ We established a novel intraosseous intravertebral tumor model in rabbits and characterized it with respect to onset of paraparesis, imaging features, and histopathological findings.
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This report is a straightforward account of the author's personal experience as a practicing neurosurgeon, particularly his experience in the surgical treatment of Parkinson's disease, before the discovery of the partially successful medical treatment using the drug L-dopa. Even today, L-dopa plays a major role in alleviating the disabling symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Frank revelations are made of events not usually included in the medical literature, or even in public newspapers and journals. Furthermore, no attempt was made by the author to hide facts or to protect anyone, including the author himself.