Time-shift homotopic connectivity in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Voxel-mirrored intrinsic functional connectivity allows the depiction of interhemispheric homotopic connections in the human brain, whereas time-shift intrinsic functional connectivity allows the detection of the extent of brain injury by measuring hemodynamic properties. We combined time-shift voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity analyses to investigate the alterations in homotopic connectivity in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and assessed the value of applying this approach to epilepsy lateralization and the prediction of surgical outcomes in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Resting-state functional MR imaging data were acquired from patients with unilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (n=62) (31 left- and 31 right-side) and healthy controls (n=33). Dynamic interhemispheric homotopic architecture seeding from each hemisphere was individually calculated by 0, 1, 2, and 3 repetition time time-shift voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity. Voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity maps were compared between the patient and control groups by using 1-way ANOVA for each time-shift condition, separately. Group comparisons were further performed on the laterality of voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity in each time-shift condition. Finally, we correlated the interhemispheric homotopic connection to the surgical outcomes in a portion of the patients (n=20).

RESULTS

The patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy showed decreased homotopic connectivity in the mesial temporal structures, temporal pole, and striatum. Alterations of the bihemispheric homotopic connectivity were lateralized along with delays in the time-shift in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. The patients with unsuccessful surgical outcomes presented larger interhemispheric voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity differences.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed whole patterns of dynamic alterations of interhemispheric homotopic connectivity in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, extending the knowledge of abnormalities in interhemispheric connectivity in this condition. Time-shift voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity has the potential for lateralization of unilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and may have the capability of predicting surgical outcomes in this condition.

Early response of mouse joint tissue to noninvasive knee injury suggests treatment targets

OBJECTIVE

Joint trauma can lead to a spectrum of acute lesions, including cartilage degradation, ligament or meniscus tears, and synovitis, all potentially associated with osteoarthritis (OA). This study was undertaken to generate and validate a murine model of knee joint trauma following noninvasive controlled injurious compression in vivo.

METHODS

The right knees of 8-week-old mice were placed in a hyperflexed position and subjected to compressive joint loading at 1 of 3 peak forces (3N, 6N, or 9N) for 60 cycles in a single loading period and harvested on days 5, 9, and 14 after loading (n = 3-5 for each time point and for each loading). The left knees were not loaded and were used as the contralateral control. Histologic, immunohistochemical, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyses were performed to evaluate acute pathologic features in chondrocyte viability, cartilage matrix metabolism, synovial reaction, and serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels.

RESULTS

Acute joint pathology was associated with increased injurious loads. All loading regimens induced chondrocyte apoptosis, cartilage matrix degradation, disruption of cartilage collagen fibril arrangement, and increased levels of serum COMP. We also observed that 6N loading induced mild synovitis by day 5, whereas at 9N, with tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament, severe posttraumatic synovitis and ectopic cartilage formation were observed.

CONCLUSION

We have established a murine model of knee joint trauma with different degrees of overloading in vivo. Our results suggest that immediate therapies particularly targeted to apoptosis and synovial cell proliferation could affect the acute posttraumatic reaction to potentially limit chronic consequences and OA.

MicroRNA-885-3p inhibits the growth of HT-29 colon cancer cell xenografts by disrupting angiogenesis via targeting BMPR1A and blocking BMP/Smad/Id1 signaling

The previous studies in this lab discovered that microRNA-885-3p (miR-885-3p) was regulated by a sulfated polysaccharide that bound to bone morphogenetic protein receptor, type IA (BMPR1A) to inhibit angiogenesis. However, its specific role and its mechanism of action in tumor cells have not been elucidated. We show that miR-885-3p markedly suppresses angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. MiR-885-3p inhibits Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation and downregulates DNA-binding protein inhibitor ID-1 (Id1), a proangiogenic factor, by targeting BMPR1A, leading to impaired angiogenesis. Overexpression or silencing of BMPR1A affects angiogenesis in a Smad/Id1-dependent manner. We further show that miR-885-3p impairs the growth of HT-29 colon cancer cell xenografts in nude mice by suppressing angiogenesis through disruption of BMPR1A and Smad/Id1 signaling. These results support a novel role for miR-885-3p in tumor angiogenesis by targeting BMPR1A, which regulates a proangiogenic factor, and provide new evidence that targeting miRNAs might be an effective therapeutic strategy for improving colon cancer treatment.

Exome sequencing in single cells from the cerebrospinal fluid in multiple sclerosis

Background:

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified over 100 germline variants that influence susceptibility to multiple sclerosis, most of which map within or near to genes with immunological function. However, the role of somatic mutations in multiple sclerosis has not been investigated.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to explore the role that somatic mutations might play in the development of multiple sclerosis.

Methods:

We exome-sequenced in total 21 individual CD4+ lymphocytes isolated from cerebrospinal fluid of two patients. In addition we sequenced DNA from the patients’ peripheral blood to serve as germline reference.

Results:

In comparison with the respective germline sequence, each cell differed at an average of 1784 positions, but as anticipated subsequent analysis confirms that most, if not all, of these potential mutations are likely to represent artefacts generated during the amplification of a single genome and/or by sequencing. Fifty-six of the potential mutations were predicted to have likely functional effects on genes that have previously been implicated by GWAS, including three in the CD6 gene.

Conclusion:

More robust methods applied to larger numbers of cells will be needed to define the role of somatic mutations.

Whole-genome sequencing of cultivated and wild peppers provides insights into Capsicum domestication and specialization

As an economic crop, pepper satisfies people's spicy taste and has medicinal uses worldwide. To gain a better understanding of Capsicum evolution, domestication, and specialization, we present here the genome sequence of the cultivated pepper Zunla-1 (C. annuum L.) and its wild progenitor Chiltepin (C. annuum var. glabriusculum). We estimate that the pepper genome expanded ∼0.3 Mya (with respect to the genome of other Solanaceae) by a rapid amplification of retrotransposons elements, resulting in a genome comprised of ∼81% repetitive sequences. Approximately 79% of 3.48-Gb scaffolds containing 34,476 protein-coding genes were anchored to chromosomes by a high-density genetic map. Comparison of cultivated and wild pepper genomes with 20 resequencing accessions revealed molecular footprints of artificial selection, providing us with a list of candidate domestication genes. We also found that dosage compensation effect of tandem duplication genes probably contributed to the pungent diversification in pepper. The Capsicum reference genome provides crucial information for the study of not only the evolution of the pepper genome but also, the Solanaceae family, and it will facilitate the establishment of more effective pepper breeding programs.

Preoperative Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Exercise-induced Changes in Pulse Oximetry Predict Early Postoperative Respiratory Complications in Lung Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND

Postoperative respiratory complications often arise in lung cancer patients after lung resection, although these are often difficult to predict. We sought to identify reliable predictors of early-onset postoperative respiratory complications in lung cancer patients who had moderate-to-severe preoperative respiratory impairment.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study that included 107 consecutive lung cancer patients with forced expiratory volume in 1 s <60% of predicted who were scheduled for thoracotomy and lung resection. Preoperative functional assessments included pulmonary function testing by spirometry, single breath diffusion capacity of lung for carbon monoxide, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Risk factors for early-onset postoperative respiratory complications that occurred within 30 days postoperatively were sought from among these pulmonary function testing and cardiopulmonary exercise testing results.

RESULTS

By multivariable logistic regression, peak oxygen uptake (V'O_2max%; p < 0.001) and the transcutaneous pulse oxygen saturation difference during load exercise (ΔSPO₂%; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of postoperative respiratory complications. A receiver operating characteristic curve had an area under the curve of 0.846 for the combination of V'O_2max% and ΔSPO₂%, while the area under the curve with V'O_2max% only was 0.726. From this, the probability of postoperative respiratory complications was [Formula: see text]. P_complication ≥ 0.202 for postoperative respiratory complications had a sensitivity of 80.8% and a specificity of 81.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

For lung cancer patients with forced expiratory volume in 1 s <60% of predicted, in addition to common preoperative tests, V'O_2max% and ΔSPO₂% may be an aid for predicting early-onset postoperative respiratory complications.

Construction of ureteral grafts by seeding bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and smooth muscle cells into bladder acellular matrix

BACKGROUND

Congenital or acquired abnormalities may cause an ureteral injury or defect. The main methods to reconstruct a long ureter often cause serious complications. In this study, we sought to construct a tissue-engineered graft by seeding bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) into a bladder acellular matrix (BAM) for ureteral reconstruction.

METHODS

Isolated, proliferated, and in vitro identified rabbit bone marrow MSCs and SMCs were seeded into BAM as the experimental group. Grafts only seeding SMCs were the control group. Cell-seeded grafts were used to construct tissue-engineered tubular grafts (TETG) for transplantation into the rabbit's omentum for 2 weeks before ureteral reconstruction. Evolutionary histology was performed at 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks postoperatively. Renal function and ureteral obstruction were evaluated using intravenous urography at 16 weeks.

RESULTS

Flow cytometry demonstrated bone marrow MSCs to express CD29, CD44, CD90, but not CD34. Histological examination revealed consistent regeneration of TETG urothelium in the experimental group. At 8 and 16 weeks after TETG grafting in vivo, multilayer urothelium covered the entire lumen with visible neovascularization within the center. Organized smooth muscle bundles were observed. Intravenous urography demonstrated no ureteral stricture or hydronephrosis. The 5 rabbits were dead within 4 weeks postoperatively. Autopsy showed scar formation inside the graft with severe hydronephrosis.

CONCLUSION

We successfully constructed a TETG by seeding bone marrow MSCs and SMCs into BAM for ureteral reconstruction. Thus bone marrow MSCs can potentially promote urothelial regeneration to achieve a tissue-engineered ureter.

The characterization and management of Castleman's disease

OBJECTIVE

Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare disorder of unknown aetiology characterized by lymph node enlargement. This study evaluated the clinical features, diagnosis and outcomes of surgical treatment in patients with CD.

METHODS

The medical records of 10 patients with histologically confirmed CD who underwent surgery between 2003 and 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Study endpoints were survival and recurrence.

RESULTS

The age of disease onset ranged from 11 to 63 years (median 38 years). Of the 10 patients included in the study, eight were diagnosed with localized (unicentric) CD and two with multicentric CD. All eight patients with localized (unicentric) CD were asymptomatic. Histological evidence indicated the hyaline vascular form of CD in eight patients and the plasmacytic form in the remaining two patients. The primary treatment was complete surgical resection in nine cases, and these patients were alive with no evidence of recurrence or exacerbation at the time of writing (June 2011).

CONCLUSIONS

Localized (unicentric) CD is usually of the hyaline vascular form and complete surgical excision of the tumour allows full recovery in most cases.

Expression of microRNAs during chondrogenesis of human adipose-derived stem cells

OBJECTIVES

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the regulation of chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells, but their expression still remains unknown in human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs). In this study the miRNA expression profile during chondrogenic differentiation of hADSC and the potential mechanism whereby miRNAs may affect the process of chondrogenesis are considered.

METHODS

hADSCs were isolated and cultured. The expression of chondrogenic proteins was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). miRNA expression profiles before and after chondrogenic induction were obtained using miRNA microarray essay and differently expressed miRNAs were primarily verified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Putative targets of the miRNAs were predicted using online software programs MiRanda, TargetScan and miRBase.

RESULTS

Twelve miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed pre- and post-chondrogenic induction by over a two-fold change, including eight up-regulated miRNAs (miR-193b, miR-199a-3p/hsa-miR-199b-3p, miR-455-3p, miR-210, miR-381, miR-92a, miR-320c, and miR-136), and four down-regulated miRNAs (miR-490-5p, miR-4287, miR-BART8*, and miR-US25-1*). qRT-PCR analysis further confirmed these results. Predicted target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs were based on the overlap of at least two online prediction algorithms, with the known functions of regulating chondrogenic differentiation, self-renewal, signal transduction and cell cycle control.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study we have identified a group of miRNAs and their target genes, which may play important roles in regulating chondrogenic differentiation of hADSCs. Our results provide the basis for further investigation into the molecular mechanism of chondrogenesis in hADSCs and their differentiation for cartilage engineering.

A review of monochromatic excimer light in vitiligo

Phototherapy is a mainstay of vitiligo treatment and has varying rates of efficacy. Narrowband ultraviolet (UV) B (NB-UVB) and UVA have been used for decades, but it is only recently that monochromatic excimer light (MEL) was developed for use in dermatology and adapted for the treatment of vitiligo. The specific 308-nm radiation wavelength is delivered in a targeted form by the xenon-chloride excimer laser and is also available in an incoherent form that is commonly referred to as the excimer lamp. MEL administered by both laser and lamp has shown efficacy superior to NB-UVB for the treatment of vitiligo and induces more changes at the cellular level than conventional UVB modalities. The excimer laser is effective in adults and children with vitiligo in all skin types as monotherapy or in combination with other established vitiligo therapeutics. Treatment regimens studied included excimer laser two to three times weekly for up to 36 weeks. Patients commonly achieved > 75% repigmentation. The laser has also been used in combination with topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors and vitamin D analogues, as well as surgery, thus further expanding treatment options for patients with vitiligo. The excimer lamp has been used for treatments one to three times a week for up to 24 weeks and was found to be equal to excimer laser in a head-to-head comparison. It has also been used in combination with topical corticosteroids and oral vitamin E. Both MEL modalities have a limited adverse side-effect profile. Long-term effects are yet to be determined; however, based on available data on UVB phototherapy as well as the properties of MEL devices, there is probably only a minimal increased malignancy risk.

Dexmedetomidine versus Midazolam for Conscious Sedation in Postoperative Patients Undergoing Flexible Bronchoscopy: A Randomized Study

OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomized study evaluated the efficacy and patient tolerance of dexmedetomidine compared with midazolam for sedation in postoperative patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy. METHODS: A total of 198 postoperative patients were randomized to receive dexmedetomidine ( n = 99) or midazolam ( n = 99) to produce conscious sedation for bronchoscopy. Peripheral oxygen saturation, heart rate and systolic and diastolic arterial pressures were recorded before, during and after the procedure. Patient tolerance was recorded using various visual analogue scales. RESULTS: The mean lowest peripheral oxygen saturation was significantly lower in the midazolam group than in the dexmedetomidine group. Heart rate and systolic arterial pressure were both significantly higher during bronchoscopy in the midazolam group than in the dexmedetomidine group. Bronchoscopy was well tolerated in both groups; there was no between-group difference in patient discomfort scores or in the percentage of patients who would accept repeat bronchoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with midazolam, dexmedetomidine provided better oxygen saturation and was equally well tolerated for conscious sedation in postoperative patients undergoing bronchoscopy.

Assessment of the CKD-EPI equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate in adults from a Chinese CKD population

The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation was introduced to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients based on serum creatinine. The CKD-EPI equation shows better accuracy compared with the current gold standard equation, the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation, but it has not been externally validated in Chinese patients. This study compared the CKD-EPI equation with the original MDRD equation and two Chinese MDRD-based equations for estimating GFR in 200 Chinese CKD patients. The (99m)Tc-diethylenetriamine penta-acetate ((99m)Tc-DTPA) method was used to determine actual GFR. The CKD-EPI equation produced GFR estimates that were more consistent with the (99m)Tc-DTPA GFR than did the MDRD equations. The precision and accuracy of the CKD-EPI equation were significantly higher than those of the MDRD equations. In conclusion, the CKD-EPI equation was superior to the existing MDRD equations in terms of estimating GFR and we recommend its clinical use in Chinese CKD patients.

Immature dendritic cells expressing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase suppress ovalbumin-induced allergic airway inflammation in mice

BACKGROUND

Proliferation of activated CD4+ T lymphocytes is inhibited by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO).

OBJECTIVE

We undertook the present study to test the hypothesis that IDO-expressing immature DCs (imDCs) can restore immune tolerance in mice suffering from allergic airway inflammation.

METHODS

imDCs were generated from murine bone marrow cells using granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.The imDCs were subsequently transfected with an IDO expression vector (pEGFP-N1-IDO). Surface marker expression, including CD11c, MHCII, CD80, and CD86, was analyzed using flow cytometry. IDO-expressing imDCs were injected into the trachea of ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice, and lung histopathology and cytokine expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were assessed. The splenic CD4+ T cells of OVA-sensitized mice were isolated and co-cultured with pEGFP-N1-IDO-expressing imDCs, and apoptosis of CD4+ T cells was detected using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay.

RESULTS

Expression of IDO in imDCs did not alter cell surface molecule expression. We observed marked lung inflammation, elevated total cell and eosinophil count, and altered cytokine levels in OVA-sensitized mice. These parameters improved upon inoculation with IDO-expressing imDCs. Co-culture with IDO-expressing imDCs also induced apoptosis, inhibited IL-4 and IL-5 expression, and upregulated IFN-gamma expression in CD4+ T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

IDO-expressing imDCs induced T(H)2 cell apoptosis and reduced T(H)2 cell activation and allergic airway inflammation in OVA-sensitized mice. Thus, upregulation of IDO expression may provide a novel immunointervention strategy for asthma treatment.