Articles: cations.
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Cerebral amyloid angiopathy, which is defined by cerebrovascular deposition of amyloid β, is a common age-related small vessel pathology associated with intracerebral haemorrhage and cognitive impairment. Based on complementary lines of evidence from in vivo studies of individuals with hereditary, sporadic, and iatrogenic forms of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, histopathological analyses of affected brains, and experimental studies in transgenic mouse models, we present a framework and timeline for the progression of cerebral amyloid angiopathy from subclinical pathology to the clinical manifestation of the disease. Key stages that appear to evolve sequentially over two to three decades are (stage one) initial vascular amyloid deposition, (stage two) alteration of cerebrovascular physiology, (stage three) non-haemorrhagic brain injury, and (stage four) appearance of haemorrhagic brain lesions. This timeline of stages and the mechanistic processes that link them have substantial implications for identifying disease-modifying interventions for cerebral amyloid angiopathy and potentially for other cerebral small vessel diseases.
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Posterior fossa midline epidermoid tumors (PFMETs) include the epidermoid tumors of the cisterna magna (CM) and fourth ventricle (FV). ⋯ PFMETs can be classified into 3 subtypes based on tumor epicenter having clinical and surgical implications. Less aggressive dissection and near total excision in the presence of brainstem adhesion yield favorable outcomes.
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To provide information on long-term outcomes of Heller myotomy for esophageal achalasia with or without an antireflux fundoplication. ⋯ The Dor fundoplication drastically reduces postmyotomy gastroesophageal reflux. The Heller-Dor operation is a competitive option for the cure of esophageal achalasia if this operation is performed according to the rules of surgical physiology learned by means of intraoperative manometry.
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Mounting evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in various pathophysiological conditions and diseases, but the physiological roles of extracellular miRNAs on the disease-related ion channels remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that miR-1306-3p evoked action potentials and induced inward currents of the acutely isolated rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The miR-1306-3p-induced effects were significantly inhibited by A317491, a potent inhibitor of the P2X3 receptor (P2X3R), or disappeared after the knockdown of P2X3Rs in DRG neurons. ⋯ Intrathecal injection of miR-1306-3p produced visceral pain but not somatic pain in normal control rats. Conversely, intrathecal application of a miR-1306-3p antagomir and A317491 significantly alleviated visceral pain in a rat model of chronic visceral pain. Together, our findings suggest that miR-1306-3p might function as an endogenous ligand to activate P2X3Rs, eventually leading to chronic visceral pain.
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The management of intracranial oncological disease remains a significant challenge despite advances in systemic cancer therapy. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) represents a novel treatment for local control of brain tumors through photocoagulation with a stereotactically implanted laser fiber. Because the use of laser interstitial thermal therapy continues to increase within neurosurgery, characterization of LITT is necessary to improve outcomes. ⋯ Although the risk of tract seeding after LITT is reassuringly low, it is associated with decreased progression-free survival. This risk may be related to surgical technique or experience. Follow-up radiosurgery to the LITT tract has the potential to prevent this complication.