Conclusions: Epicardial echocardiography detects residual intraoperative lesions not visualized by transesophageal echocardiography,
most frequently related to pulmonary arteries. Its use, in addition to standard transesophageal echocardiography, may decrease the need for early reintervention. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2012; 143:361-7)”
“Background. Evidence suggests that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) might be a promising new treatment procedure for depression. However, underlying working mechanisms of this technique are yet unclear. Multiple sessions of rTMS may – apart from the reported antidepressant effects-cause primary improvements in attentional control over emotional information, modulated by changes in cortical brain excitability within stimulated prefrontal regions.
Method. HSP990 concentration In two experiments, we examined the temporary beta-catenin inhibitor effects of high-frequency (HF) rTMS (10 Hz) applied over the left and right DLPFC on the attentional processing of emotional information and self-reported mood within samples of healthy volunteers.
Results. The present study showed that one session of HF-rTMS over the right DLPFC
produces instant impairments in the ability to inhibit negative information, in line with a characteristic cognitive vulnerability found in depressive pathology, whereas HF-rTMS of the left DLPFC did not lead to significant changes in attentional control. These effects could not be attributed to mood changes.
Conclusions. The findings of the present study may suggest a specific involvement of the right DLPFC in the attentional processing of emotional information.”
“Introduction: Novel technetium-labeled ligands, Tc-99m-NCAM and Tc-99m-NHAM were developed from the N-methyl-D-aspartate
(NMDA) receptor agonist memantine as a lead Metabolism inhibitor compound by coupling with N2S2. This study evaluated the binding affinity and specificity of the ligands for the NMDA receptor.
Methods: Ligand biodistribution and uptake specificity in the brain were investigated in mice. Binding affinity and specificity were determined by radioligand receptor binding assay. Three antagonists were used for competitive binding analysis. In addition, uptake of the complexes into SH-SY5Y nerve cells was evaluated.
Results: The radiochemical purity of Tc-99m-labeled ligands was more than 95%. Analysis of brain regional uptake showed higher concentration in the frontal lobe and specific uptake in the hippocampus. Tc-99m-NCAM reached a higher target to nontarget ratio than Tc-99m-NHAM. The results indicated that Tc-99m-NCAM bound to a single site on the NMDA receptor with a K-d of 701.21 nmol/l and a B-max of 62.47 nmol/mg. Specific inhibitors of the NMDA receptor, ketamine and dizocilpine, but not the dopamine D-2 and 5HT(1A) receptor partial agonist aripiprazole, inhibited specific binding of Tc-99m-NCAM to the NMDA receptor.