Local activation of CA1 pyramidal cells induces theta-phase precession

Hippocampal theta-phase precession is involved in spatiotemporal coding and in generating multineural spike sequences, but how precession originates remains unresolved. To determine whether precession can be generated directly in hippocampal area CA1 and disambiguate multiple competing mechanisms, we used closed-loop optogenetics to impose artificial place fields in pyramidal cells of mice running on a linear track. More than one-third of the CA1 artificial fields exhibited synthetic precession that persisted for a full theta cycle. By contrast, artificial fields in the parietal cortex did not exhibit synthetic precession. These findings are incompatible with precession models based on inheritance, dual-input, spreading activation, inhibition-excitation summation, or somato-dendritic competition. Thus, a precession generator resides locally within CA1.

Wired together, change together: Spike timing modifies transmission in converging assemblies

The precise timing of neuronal spikes may lead to changes in synaptic connectivity and is thought to be crucial for learning and memory. However, the effect of spike timing on neuronal connectivity in the intact brain remains unknown. Using closed-loop optogenetic stimulation in CA1 of freely moving mice, we generated unique spike patterns between presynaptic pyramidal cells (PYRs) and postsynaptic parvalbumin (PV)-immunoreactive cells. The stimulation led to spike transmission changes that occurred together across all presynaptic PYRs connected to the same postsynaptic PV cell. The precise timing of all presynaptic and postsynaptic cell spikes affected transmission changes. These findings reveal an unexpected plasticity mechanism, in which the spike timing of an entire cell assembly has a more substantial impact on effective connectivity than that of individual cell pairs.

Drawing improves memory in patients with hippocampal damage

The hippocampus plays a critical role in the formation of declarative memories, and hippocampal damage leads to significant impairments in new memory formation. Drawing can serve as a form of multi-modal encoding that improves declarative memory performance relative to other multimodal encoding strategies such as writing. We examined whether, and to what extent, patients with hippocampal damage could benefit from the mnemonic strategy of drawing. Three patients with focal hippocampal damage, and one patient with both hippocampal and cortical lesions, in addition to 22 age-, sex-, and education-matched controls, were shown a list of words one at a time during encoding and instructed to either draw a picture or repeatedly write each word for 40 s. Following a brief filled delay, free recall and recognition memory for words from both encoding trial types were assessed. Controls showed enhanced recall and recognition memory for words drawn versus those that were written, an effect that was even more pronounced in patients with focal hippocampal damage. By contrast, the patient with both hippocampal and cortical lesions showed no drawing-mediated boost in either recall or recognition memory. These findings demonstrate that drawing is an effective encoding strategy, likely accruing from the engagement of extra-hippocampal processes including the integration of cortical-based motor, visual, and semantic processing, enabling more elaborative encoding.

Positive and biphasic extracellular waveforms correspond to return currents and axonal spikes

Multiple biophysical mechanisms may generate non-negative extracellular waveforms during action potentials, but the origin and prevalence of positive spikes and biphasic spikes in the intact brain are unknown. Using extracellular recordings from densely-connected cortical networks in freely-moving mice, we find that a tenth of the waveforms are non-negative. Positive phases of non-negative spikes occur in synchrony or just before wider same-unit negative spikes. Narrow positive spikes occur in isolation in the white matter. Isolated biphasic spikes are narrower than negative spikes, occurring right after spikes of verified inhibitory units. In CA1, units with dominant non-negative spikes exhibit place fields, phase precession, and phase-locking to ripples. Thus, near-somatic narrow positive extracellular potentials correspond to return currents, and isolated non-negative spikes correspond to axonal potentials. Identifying non-negative extracellular waveforms that correspond to non-somatic compartments during spikes can enhance the understanding of physiological and pathological neural mechanisms in intact animals.

Effect of Opioid Receptor Activation and Blockage on the Progression and Response to Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Recent studies suggest that opioids have a role in the progression of HNSCC mediated by mu opioid receptors (MOR), however, the effects of their activation or blockage remains unclear. Expression of MOR-1 was explored in seven HNSCC cell lines using Western blotting (WB). XTT cell proliferation and cell migration assays were performed on four selected cell lines (Cal-33, FaDu, HSC-2, and HSC-3), treated with opiate receptor agonist (morphine), antagonist (naloxone), alone and combined with cisplatin. All four selected cell lines display an increased cell proliferation and upregulation of MOR-1 when exposed to morphine. Furthermore, morphine promotes cell migration, while naloxone inhibits it. The effects on cell signaling pathways were analyzed using WB, demonstrating morphine activation of AKT and S6, key proteins in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis. A significant synergistic cytotoxic effect between cisplatin and naloxone in all cell lines is observed. In vivo studies of nude mice harboring HSC3 tumor treated with naloxone demonstrate a decrease in tumor volume. The synergistic cytotoxic effect between cisplatin and naloxone is observed in the in vivo studies as well. Our findings suggest that opioids may increase HNSCC cell proliferation via the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, MOR blockage may chemo-sensitize HNSCC to cisplatin.

5-year outcomes of patients with mitral structural valve deterioration treated with transcatheter valve in valve implantation

 

The Valve-in-Valve (ViV) technique is an emerging alternative for the treatment of bioprosthetic structural valve deterioration (SVD) in the mitral position. We report on intermediate-term outcomes of patients with symptomatic SVD in the mitral position who were treated by transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve (TM-ViV) implantation during the years 2010–2019 in our center. Three main outcomes were examined during the follow-up period: NYHA functional class, TM-ViV hemodynamic data per echocardiography, and mortality. Our cohort consisted of 49 patients (mean age 77.4±10.5 years, 65.3% female). The indications for TM-ViV were mainly for regurgitant pathology (77.6%). All 49 patients were treated with a balloon-expandable device. The procedure was performed via transapical access in 17 cases (34.7%) and transfemoral vein / trans-atrial septal puncture in 32 cases (65.3%). Mean follow-up was 4.4±2.0 years. 98% and 91% of patients were in NYHA I/II at 1 and 5 years respectively. Mitral regurgitation was ≥ moderate in 86.3% of patients prior to the procedure and this decreased to 0% (p<0.001) following the procedure and was maintained over 2 years follow-up. The mean trans-mitral valve gradients decreased from pre-procedural values of 10.1±5.1mmHg to 7.0±2.4mmHg at one month following the procedure (p=0.03). Mortality at one year was 16% (95%, CI 5–26) and 35% (95%, CI 18–49) at 5 years. ViV in the mitral position offers an effective and durable treatment option for patients with SVD at high surgical risk.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Temporal trends in complex PCI interventions

Background

Accumulated experience combined with technological advancements in the field of complex percutaneous coronary intervention (C-PCI), have led to a gradual increase in both quantity and complexity of PCI procedures over the last 20 years. Despite the amount and frequency of these complex interventions, data regarding outcomes is lacking.

Methods

The study was based on a prospective registry of 20,301 consecutive procedures with a follow up of at least 1 year. C-PCIs were defined as at least one of the following: Chronic total occlusion (CTO), left main (LM), bifurcation or saphenous vein graft (SVG) PCI. We compared trends during four different time periods (2008–2010, 2011–2013, 2014–2016, 2017–2019). Endpoints included mortality and major adverse cardiac events [MACE: death, repeat myocardial infarction (re-MI), and target vessel revascularization (TVR)] at 1 year.

Results

The rate of C-PCI procedures has risen significantly since 2017 (p<0.01), driven mainly by bifurcation and LM interventions (p<0.01). At 1-year, rates of death (p<0.001), re-MI (p<0.001), TVR (p=0.001) and MACE (p<0.001), were all significantly higher in the C-PCI group, as compared to the non-complex group. Rates of TVR (p=0.01) and MACE (p<0.001) at 1-year, were significantly higher in the C-PCIs which were performed between 2008–2010 and 2011–2013, as compared to C-PCIs performed between 2014–2016 and 2017–2019. Death rates did not significantly differ between C-PCI periods.

Conclusions

Although frequency of C-PCIs is on the rise, overall outcomes become increasingly better, as compared to earlier periods. Unfortunately, this has not translated into a decrease in mortality.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Error correction and improved precision of spike timing in converging cortical networks

The brain propagates neuronal signals accurately and rapidly. Nevertheless, whether and how a pool of cortical neurons transmits an undistorted message to a target remains unclear. We apply optogenetic white noise signals to small assemblies of cortical pyramidal cells (PYRs) in freely moving mice. The directly activated PYRs exhibit a spike timing precision of several milliseconds. Instead of losing precision, interneurons driven via synaptic activation exhibit higher precision with respect to the white noise signal. Compared with directly activated PYRs, postsynaptic interneuron spike trains allow better signal reconstruction, demonstrating error correction. Data-driven modeling shows that nonlinear amplification of coincident spikes can generate error correction and improved precision. Over multiple applications of the same signal, postsynaptic interneuron spiking is most reliable at timescales ten times shorter than those of the presynaptic PYR, exhibiting temporal coding. Similar results are observed in hippocampal region CA1. Coincidence detection of convergent inputs enables messages to be precisely propagated between cortical PYRs and interneurons.

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PYR-to-interneuron spike transmission exhibits error correction and improved precision

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Interneuron precision is higher when a larger pool of presynaptic PYRs is recruited

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Error correction and improved precision are consistent with coincidence detection

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Interneurons activated by synaptic transmission act as temporal coders

Network resonance can be generated independently at distinct levels of neuronal organization

Resonance is defined as maximal response of a system to periodic inputs in a limited frequency band. Resonance may serve to optimize inter-neuronal communication, and has been observed at multiple levels of neuronal organization. However, it is unknown how neuronal resonance observed at the network level is generated and how network resonance depends on the properties of the network building blocks. Here, we first develop a metric for quantifying spike timing resonance in the presence of background noise, extending the notion of spiking resonance for in vivo experiments. Using conductance-based models, we find that network resonance can be inherited from resonances at other levels of organization, or be intrinsically generated by combining mechanisms across distinct levels. Resonance of membrane potential fluctuations, postsynaptic potentials, and single neuron spiking can each be generated independently of resonance at any other level and be propagated to the network level. At all levels of organization, interactions between processes that give rise to low- and high-pass filters generate the observed resonance. Intrinsic network resonance can be generated by the combination of filters belonging to different levels of organization. Inhibition-induced network resonance can emerge by inheritance from resonance of membrane potential fluctuations, and be sharpened by presynaptic high-pass filtering. Our results demonstrate a multiplicity of qualitatively different mechanisms that can generate resonance in neuronal systems, and provide analysis tools and a conceptual framework for the mechanistic investigation of network resonance in terms of circuit components, across levels of neuronal organization.

How one part of the brain responds to periodic input from another part depends on resonant circuit properties. Resonance is a basic property of physical systems, and has been experimentally observed at various levels of neuronal organization both in vitro and in vivo. Yet how resonance is generated in neuronal networks is largely unknown. In particular, whether resonance can be generated directly at the level of a network of spiking neurons remains to be determined. Using detailed biophysical modeling, we develop a conceptual framework according to which resonance at a given level of organization is generated by the interplay of low- and high-pass filters, implemented at either the same or across levels of neuronal organization. We tease apart representative, biophysically-plausible generative mechanisms of resonance at four different levels of organization: membrane potential fluctuations, single neuron spiking, synaptic transmission, and neuronal networks. We identify conditions under which resonance at one level can be inherited to another level of organization, provide conclusive evidence that resonance at each level can be generated without resonance at any other level, and describe a number of representative routes to network resonance. The proposed framework facilitates the investigation of resonance in neuronal systems.

Deconvolution improves the detection and quantification of spike transmission gain from spike trains

Accurate detection and quantification of spike transmission between neurons is essential for determining neural network mechanisms that govern cognitive functions. Using point process and conductance-based simulations, we found that existing methods for determining neuronal connectivity from spike times are highly affected by burst spiking activity, resulting in over- or underestimation of spike transmission. To improve performance, we developed a mathematical framework for decomposing the cross-correlation between two spike trains. We then devised a deconvolution-based algorithm for removing effects of second-order spike train statistics. Deconvolution removed the effect of burst spiking, improving the estimation of neuronal connectivity yielded by state-of-the-art methods. Application of deconvolution to neuronal data recorded from hippocampal region CA1 of freely-moving mice produced higher estimates of spike transmission, in particular when spike trains exhibited bursts. Deconvolution facilitates the precise construction of complex connectivity maps, opening the door to enhanced understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying brain function.

Acute kidney injury definition following PCI and cardiovascular outcomes

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), known to increase rates of adverse medical events. We aimed to identify the optimal definition of AKI in predicting of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality post PCI.

Methods

From a large registry of patients undergoing PCI between 2006–2018 (n=25,690) at two hospitals, consecutive patients were assessed for the presence of AKI according to four different definitions: a relative elevation of ≥25% or ≥50%; or an absolute elevation of ≥0.3 mg/dL or ≥0.5 mg/dL in serum creatinine at 48 hours post PCI. We assessed the calculated rates of AKI according to the different definitions. The discriminant capacity for 30-day and 1-year mortality and MACE (MACE: all-cause death, myocardial infarction, target-vessel revascularization and coronary artery bypass graft surgery) of each definition was calculated using ROC curves and AUCs.

Results

Data of 15,153 patients was available for final analysis. Rates of AKI were 12.1%, 3.2%, 8.1% and 3.9% according to the four definitions, respectively. The discriminant capacity of adverse outcomes was highest among those defined as AKI according to the third definition - an absolute elevation of ≥0.3 mg/dL in serum creatinine with an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI 0.80–0.84) for 30-day mortality (P value = 0.036) and an AUC of 0.78 (CI 0.76–0.79) for 30 days MACE.

Conclusions

An absolute elevation of ≥0.3 mg/dL in serum creatinine 48 hours post PCI predicts overall mortality and MACE most accurately.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Preoperative evaluation of pulmonary hypertension in lung transplant candidates: echocardiography versus right heart catheterization

Background

Right heart catheterization (RHC) and echocardiography are both routinely used for pulmonary hypertension (PH) assessment in LT candidates, although this is not mandatory according to guidelines. We aim to describe the correlation between the pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) measured by echocardiography to that measured by RHC in this population.

Methods

From a retrospective registry of 461 LT candidates, undergoing RHC between 2015–2019, 393 consecutive patients were assessed for the presence of pulmonary hypertension according to two methods – echocardiography and RHC. The primary outcome was the correlation between the estimated PASP measured by echocardiography to that measured by RHC. Secondary outcome was the accuracy of the echocardiographic assessment of PH.

Results

Patients were predominantly males (63.6%) with a mean age of 61.46±8.33y. The two most common etiologies for lung failure were interstitial lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis (52.2%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (30.5%). Estimated PASP as measured by echocardiography was available in 89.31% of the patients, with a mean value of 49.5±20.02 mmHg. Mean PASP measured by RHC was 42.47±17.96 mmHg. The correlation between the two measurements was moderate (Pearson's correlation: r=0.609, p<0.01). The accuracy of the echocardiographic estimation of PASP was poor with >10 mmHg differences between the two values in 79.9% of the patients.

Conclusions

In the pre-surgical evaluation of LT candidates, echocardiographic estimation of PASP has moderate correlation with the PASP measured by RHC and relatively poor accuracy.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Long term outcomes of patients with aortic structural valve deterioration treated with transcatheter valve in valve implantation

Introduction

The Valve-in-Valve (ViV) technique is an established alternative for the treatment of structural bioprosthetic valve deterioration (SVD). Data describing the long term follow up of patients treated with this approach is scarce. We report on our long-term follow up outcomes of patients with SVD in the Aortic position treated with ViV.

Methods

Included were patients with symptomatic SVD in the aortic position valve who were treated by Valve in valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation (ViV-TAVI) during the years 20102019 in our center. Three main outcomes were examined during follow up: NYHA functional class, hemodynamic of the VIV-TAVI per echocardiography, and overall mortality.

Results

Our cohort consisted of 84 patients (mean age 78.8±8.9 years). The indications for aortic ViV were: SVD isolated aortic stenosis in 37.6%, SVD isolated aortic regurgitation in 42.2% and combined valve pathology in 20.0%. Self-expandable and balloon-expandable devices were used in 73 (85.9%) and 12 (14.1%), respectively. Average time of follow up was 3.74±2.4 years. 95% and 91% of patients were in NYHA functional class I/II at 1 and 5 year follow up respectively. At one year the mean trans-aortic valve pressure was 15.3±9.3 and rates of ≥ moderate aortic regurgitation were 3.7%. Survival was 91.4% (95% CI 85.6–97.7) at one year and 79.5% (95% CI 70.2–90.0) at 3 years.

Conclusion

ViV in the aortic position offers an effective and durable treatment option for patient with SVD, with low rates of all-cause mortality, excellent hemodynamic and improved functional capacity at 3 years follow up.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. NYHA functional class over follow up

Biodegradable polymer drug eluting stents versus durable polymer drug eluting stents for percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Invasive angiography with subsequent revascularization is a widely used treatment method in patients with coronary heart disease. Although biodegradable polymer drug eluting stents (BP-DES) have been used for almost a decade now, clinical trials regarding their long-term outcomes are both sparse and inconsistent. We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with BP-DES versus durable polymer drug eluting stents (DP-DES).

Methods

Among 11,517 PCIs with second generation drug eluting stents preformed in our institution between 2007 and 2019, we identified 8042 procedures performed using DP-DES and 3475 using BP-DES. The primary outcome was the composite of all-cause mortality, recurrent myocardial infarction (re-MI), target vessel revascularization (TVR) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Propensity score matching was used to create a well-balanced cohort.

Results

Mean follow up was 4.8 years. Of the 3,413 matched pairs, 21% were females, and the mean age was 66. At one year, the primary outcome occurred in 9.6% patients versus 8.3% (p=0.05), and TVR rate was 4.1% versus 3% (p=0.005) in patients with DP-DES and BP-DES respectively. Within 5 years, the primary outcome occurred in in 24.9% versus 24.8% (p=0.83), and the rate of TVR was 9.8% versus 9.1% (p=0.07) in patients with DP-DES and BP-DES respectively.

Conclusions

Similar rates of the composite outcome were observed throughout the entire follow-up. TVR rates were lower in the DP-DES group at 1-year but equalized within 5 years.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Reversible P2Y12 inhibitor versus irreversible P2Y12 inhibitor in ACS patients undergoing PCI (the acute coronary syndrome israeli survey (ACSIS)

Introduction

Based on data from randomized controlled trials, both American and European guidelines recommend treating acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with second generation P2Y12 inhibitors.1,2 Direct head-to-head comparison of these agents was scarce until the recent publication of the ISAR-REACT-5 study which demonstrated the superiority of the Irreversible thienopyridine type P2Y12 inhibitor (prodrug) over the reversible P2Y12 inhibitor in terms of 1-year composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke.3,4,5 Given the unexpected outcomes of this trial, we sought to perform a comparison of ticagrelor and prasugrel in real-life ACS patients.

Purpose

To compare the outcomes of ACS (acute coronary syndrome) patients undergoing in-hospital PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) treated with the Irreversible thienopyridine type P2Y12 inhibitor (prodrug) versus the reversible P2Y12 inhibitor.

Methods

ACSIS (Acute Coronary Syndrome in Israel) is a national ACS snapshot survey conducted in all 25 cardiology departments in Israel since 2000 over a two-month period, every two to three years. Both the Irreversible thienopyridine type P2Y12 inhibitor (prodrug) and the reversible P2Y12 inhibitor were commercially introduced in Israel in 2010. We therefore considered patients enrolled in ACSIS surveys 2010–2018 for the present analysis.

Results

Among 7,233 patients enrolled to the ACSIS (Acute Coronary Syndrome in Israel) registry between 2010 and 2018, we identified 1133 eligible patients treated with the Irreversible thienopyridine type P2Y12 inhibitor (prodrug) and 825 with the reversible P2Y12 inhibitor. In hospital complication rates, including rates of stent thrombosis, were roughly similar between groups. Compared to the reversible P2Y12 inhibitor, the Irreversible thienopyridine type P2Y12 inhibitor (prodrug) was associated with lower 1-year death in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patient compared to non-ST-elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) patients (p for interaction 0.03). In propensity score matched STEMI patients (502 receiving the Irreversible thienopyridine type P2Y12 inhibitor (prodrug), 251 the reversible P2Y12 inhibitor) 30-day re-hospitalization rate (p<0.05), 30-day MACE (the composite of death, MI, stroke, urgent revascularization; p=0.006), and 1-year mortality rates (p=0.08) were higher in the the reversible P2Y12 inhibitor group compared to the the Irreversible thienopyridine type P2Y12 inhibitor (prodrug) group; In NSTE-ACS patients, outcomes were not impacted by drug choice.

Conclusion

The Irreversible thienopyridine type P2Y12 inhibitor (prodrug) was more effective than the reversible P2Y12 inhibitor in STEMI patients, but not in NSTE-ACS patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): the Israeli working group on acute cardiac care of the Israel heart society

Percutaneous ethanol sclerotherapy is a promising treatment for recalcitrant angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a rare benign vascular proliferation, which manifests as characteristic red nodules and papules, mostly located on the scalp and periauricular regions. Patients seek treatment for both aesthetic and functional reasons, as lesions may ulcerate, bleed and itch. Many therapeutic approaches have been reported, with variable success, and relapse remains a troublesome issue. The aim of this study was to report our experience treating ALHE using percutaneous ethanol sclerotherapy (PES). We present a retrospective case series of three patients treated with PES (1-2 treatment sessions each). All patients had tried and failed other treatments prior to this intervention, but following PES treatment, all patients demonstrated significant improvement, which was sustained at follow-up (range 8-17 months after first treatment). Adverse effects were tolerable and transient. This case series demonstrates PES as a promising treatment for recalcitrant ALHE.

Transdermal nicotine in non-smokers: A systematic review to design COVID-19 clinical trials

Recent data show an interaction between COVID-19 and nicotine and indicate the need for an assessment of transdermal nicotine use in non-smokers. Assessments have been conducted into the short-term cognitive effects of nicotine and into diseases such as Parkinson's, Tourette syndrome, ADHD or ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

Analyses of nicotine administration protocols and safety were conducted after reviewing Medline and Science Direct databases performing a search using the words [transdermal nicotine] AND [non-smoker] AND selected diseases.

RESULTS

Among 298 articles identified, there were 35 reviewed publications reporting on 33 studies of non-smokers receiving transdermal nicotine for >48hours. In the 16 randomized trials, 7 crossover, 1 case/control and 9 open studies patients received an initial nicotine dose of between 2.5mg and 15mg/day. In 22 studies, daily doses increased by 2 to 7 steps in 3 to 96 days until the dose was between 5mg and 105mg/day. The target nicotine dose was 19.06±20.89mg/day. The 987 non-smokers (534 never-smokers, 326 ex-smokers and 127 classified as "non-smokers") received or did not receive nicotine. The most common side-effects were nausea and skin itching. Forty-three (7.1%) non-smokers stopped treatment because of an adverse event of nicotine. No hospitalization related to nicotine side-effects were reported.

CONCLUSION

Despite a relatively safe tolerance profile, transdermal nicotine therapy in non-smokers can only be used in clinical trials. There is a lack of formal assessment of the potential risk of developing a tobacco addiction. This review offers baseline data to set a transdermal nicotine protocol for non-smokers with a new purpose.

Bidirectional Optogenetic Control of Inhibitory Neurons in Freely-Moving Mice

OBJECTIVE

Optogenetic manipulations of excitable cells enable activating or silencing specific types of neurons. By expressing two types of exogenous proteins, a single neuron can be depolarized using light of one wavelength and hyperpolarized with another. However, routing two distinct wavelengths into the same brain locality typically requires bulky optics that cannot be implanted on the head of a freely-moving animal.

METHODS

We developed a lens-free approach for constructing dual-color head-mounted, fiber-based optical units: any two wavelengths can be combined.

RESULTS

Here, each unit was comprised of one 450 nm and one 638 nm laser diode, yielding light power of 0.4 mW and 8 mW at the end of a 50 micrometer multimode fiber. To create a multi-color/multi-site optoelectronic device, a four-shank silicon probe mounted on a microdrive was equipped with two dual-color and two single-color units, for a total weight under 3 g. Devices were implanted in mice expressing the blue-light sensitive cation channel ChR2 and the red-light sensitive chloride pump Jaws in parvalbumin-immunoreactive (PV) inhibitory neurons. The combination of dual-color units with recording electrodes was free from electromagnetic interference, and device heating was under 7°C even after prolonged operation.

CONCLUSION

Using these devices, the same cortical PV cell could be activated and silenced. This was achieved for multiple cells both in neocortex and hippocampus of freely-moving mice.

SIGNIFICANCE

This technology can be used for controlling spatially intermingled neurons that have distinct genetic profiles, and for controlling spike timing of cortical neurons during cognitive tasks.

Epidemiology of cutaneous porphyria in Israel: a nationwide cohort study

BACKGROUND

From a dermatologist's perspective, there are four major types of cutaneous porphyrias (CPs): porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), variegate porphyria (VP) and hereditary coproporphyria (HCP). Scarce data are available regarding the epidemiology of CPs.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the epidemiology of CPs in Israel, including distribution, incidence and prevalence rates of major types.

METHODS

This retrospective study includes all patients who were diagnosed with CPs between the years 1988-2018. It is based on data from Israel's National Service for the Biochemical Diagnoses of Porphyrias, and Israeli patients' nationwide electronic medical charts. Incidence and prevalence rates were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 173 patients with CPs diagnosed during a 30-year period, 65 (38%) had VP, 62 (36%) had PCT, 31 (18%) had HCP and 15 (9%) had EPP; with incidence rates of 0.29, 0.30, 0.17, 0.07, and prevalence rates of 6.3, 4.8, 2.9, 1.6, respectively, per million population. Characteristics of patients with PCT differed from those with other CPs with regard to lack of family history, older mean age at diagnosis [51 vs. 36 (VP), 35 (HCP) and 25 (EPP) years] and male predominance (81% vs. similar distribution). All patients with PCT were diagnosed at adulthood, while 20%, 19% and 15% of patients with VP, HCP and EPP, respectively, were diagnosed during childhood or adolescence.

CONCLUSIONS

Variegate porphyria and PCT were found to be the most prevalent in Israel; however, CPs might be underdiagnosed, thus dermatologists' awareness of these rare disorders is highly important.

Real-life experience in the treatment of solar urticaria: retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Solar urticaria (SU) is a rare photodermatosis causing a significant impact on patients' quality of life (QoL), and treatment is often challenging.

AIM

To analyse clinical experience with a tailored stepwise therapeutic approach.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort design was used. Patients with suspected SU underwent laboratory investigations and photoprovocation. Those with a high minimal urticaria dose (MUD) were treated with a single antihistamine (protocol 1), and those with a lower MUD received three types of antihistamines (protocol 2); both protocols included a leucotriene receptor antagonist (LRA). In cases of failure, treatment was switched to omalizumab at doses of < 300 mg/month with incremental dosage increases as necessary (monthly dose range, 150-600 mg/month). Symptom relief and photoprovocation under treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 30 patients (10 men, 20 women) were enrolled. Most (87%) were sensitive to visible light (1-70 J/cm² ) with or without extension to ultraviolet A. Of the 30 patients, 23 opted for our stepwise approach: 22 achieved complete remission on protocols 1 or 2 (n = 17) or after switching to omalizumab (n = 5), and another patient achieved partial remission under omalizumab. There were no treatment-related severe adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms of SU can be well controlled by treatment with antihistamines and an LRA tailored to the degree of photosensitivity, followed by omalizumab in refractory cases. This has important implications for patient QoL.

Abstract P6-16-04: A self-administered geriatric assessment tool for Spanish-speaking older women with breast cancer

Background: Almost a quarter of older adults in the United States will identify themselves as Hispanic/Latino by 2060. Our group has previously developed and validated a self-administered geriatric assessment tool which can be used to identify functional, psychological, social and cognitive impairments among older patients with various types of cancer. Among English-speaking older adults, completing this tool using paper/pencil or a tablet takes a median of 15-21 minutes (min), with &lt; 10% needing assistance to answer it (Hurria, JOP 2016). However, the utilization of this tool among Spanish-speaking older adults has not been tested. We assessed the feasibility of administering a translated and validated Spanish version of our geriatric assessment tool for older Hispanic women with breast cancer, and identified their preferred format (tablet or paper/pencil).

Methods: Spanish-speaking women aged ≥ 65 years with a diagnosis of breast cancer completed the geriatric assessment twice on the same day. Patients were randomized into 3 groups: paper/pencil twice; tablet and paper/pencil in random order; and tablet twice. We assessed the proportion of patients requiring assistance to complete the geriatric assessment, the time needed to complete it, and the proportion of patients who thought the geriatric assessment was difficult/very difficult.

Results: 140 older women with breast cancer completed the geriatric assessment twice and were evaluable. Mean age was 71.6 years (SD 5.8), 53% had ≤ 8th grade education, 43% were married, 45% were retired, 32% were homemakers, and 6% were employed. The participants came from 13 different Spanish-speaking countries, although 70% were born in Mexico. For 90%, Spanish was their primary language, and 75% spoke only in Spanish at home. Regarding computer skills, 64% of the patients said they had none. 39% (n = 54) were unable to complete the geriatric assessment on their own; mean time to complete the geriatric assessment was 29 min (range 8-90); and 28% (n = 39) thought the geriatric assessment was difficult/very difficult. The most common reasons for needing assistance were difficulty understanding questions (39%) and visual problems (31%). Patients with ≤ 8th grade education took longer to complete the geriatric assessment (mean 37.2 vs 29.4 min, p &lt; 0.01), and more often needed help completing the assessment (51% vs 19%, p &lt; 0.01) than those with ≥9th grade education. 53% of the participants preferred using a tablet to answer the geriatric assessment, while 47% preferred paper/pencil.

Conclusions: A substantial proportion of Spanish-speaking older women with breast cancer required assistance to complete our self-administered geriatric assessment tool. This may be a consequence of the low educational level we found among this patient population. Tailoring assessments for diverse populations with particular attention to educational level is needed in multicultural settings.

Citation Format: Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Vazquez J, Kim H, Sun C-L, Somlo G, Yuan Y, Waisman JR, Mortimer JE, Kruper L, Taylor L, Patel NH, Moreno J, Charles K, Roberts E, Uranga C, Levi A, Katheria V, Paredero-Perez I, Mitani D, Hurria A. A self-administered geriatric assessment tool for Spanish-speaking older women with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-16-04.

Abstract P5-21-08: Tolerability of the combination of lapatinib and trastuzumab in older patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer

Background: Older adults are less likely to be included in clinical trials leading to the approval of novel cancer treatments. The Institute of Medicine and ASCO have identified therapeutic phase II trials as a key research priority to increase the evidence base for older adults with cancer. While targeted therapies may represent a less toxic option for older patients, few trials have studied their tolerability and efficacy in older adults. Here, we present a phase II study (NCT01273610) of the combination of trastuzumab and lapatinib in older patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer (MBC), incorporating geriatric oncology principles in the study design.

Methods: Patients age ≥ 60 years with MBC and any number of prior chemotherapy (CT) lines received trastuzumab (either 4mg/kg loading dose followed by 2mg/kg weekly or 8mg/kg followed by 6mg/kg q/3 weeks) plus lapatinib 1000 mg/m2 daily in 21-day cycles. Patients completed a pre-treatment geriatric assessment including measures of function, comorbidity, cognition, nutrition, and psychosocial status. A toxicity risk score developed for older adults receiving cytotoxic CT was calculated for each patient (Hurria et al. JCO 2011 & 2016). Relationships between tolerability (dose reductions and grade (G) ≥ 3 toxicity attributed to treatment) and risk score analyzed using a log2 transformation were assessed using generalized linear models, Student's t tests, and Fisher's exact test. Response rate (RR) and progression free survival (PFS) were evaluated.

Results: 40 patients (mean age 72 [60-92]) were accrued from 04/11 to 05/15. 25% (n = 10) were ≥ 75 years of age. 65% of patients (n = 26) had HR+ tumors and 35% (n = 14) were receiving ≥ 3rd line treatment. Median number of cycles was 4 (0-28). RR was 23% (n = 9, 95% CI 11-38%; 1 complete, 8 partial). 23% (n = 9) achieved stable disease. PFS was 2.7 months (95% CI 2.5-12). Based on the toxicity risk score, 21% (n = 8), 54% (n = 21), and 26% (n = 10) were at low, intermediate, and high risk. 70% (n = 28) of patients had G ≥ 2 toxicities and 20% (n = 8) G ≥ 3 toxicities. G 2 and 3 diarrhea occurred in 28% (n = 11) and 5% (n = 2) respectively. 5% (n = 2) were hospitalized due to treatment-related toxicity. No G ≥ 3 cardiac toxicities were observed. 23% of patients (n = 9) had treatment delays, and 43% (n = 17) required a lapatinib dose reduction. The mean toxicity risk score was higher in patients who required dose reductions (Student's t: p = 0.02). No statistically significant relationship was found between toxicity risk scores and the presence of G ≥ 3 treatment toxicity (logistic regression: OR = 3.08, 95% CI [0.54, 21.2], p = 0.22).

Conclusions: Among older patients with MBC (79% at intermediate or high risk of G ≥ 3 cytotoxic CT toxicity), trastuzumab and lapatinib were well tolerated, with only 20% experiencing G3 toxicities. The toxicity risk score was not found to be significantly related with treatment toxicity, which may be explained by the very low incidence of G3 events. Patients with a low toxicity risk score were not likely to require a lapatinib dose reduction.

Citation Format: O'Connor T, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Blanchard S, Chapman A, Kimmick G, Muss H, Luu T, Waisman JR, Li D, Mortimer J, Yuan Y, Somlo G, Stewart D, Katheria V, Levi A, Hurria A. Tolerability of the combination of lapatinib and trastuzumab in older patients with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-21-08.

Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement and minimal invasive modality (mim) care of deeply burned hands

The objective was to critically review the data and assess the implications of NexoBrid [NexoBrid-NXB formerly Debrase Gel Dressing-DGD]^a in the special field of deep hand burns. Detailed analysis of endpoints in the treatment of hand burn patients was conducted as part of a multi-center, open label, randomized, controlled two-arm study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NXB enzymatic debridement, comparing it to the current standard of care (SOC). These results were compared to a large cohort of patients treated with NXB in a previous, single arm study. Thirty-one burned hands were treated with NXB and 41 hand burns were in the SOC group. In the NXB group, 4 out of 31 hand burns (12.9%) required some excisional debridement compared to 29 out of the 41 (70.7%) in the SOC group (p<0.0001). Mean percentage of burn wound area excised in the NXB group was 4.4 ± 13.1% compared to 52.0 ± 41.4% in the SOC group (p<0.0001). None of the NXB-treated hands required escharotomy compared to 4 out of the 41 (9.7%) in the SOC group. NXB enzymatic debridement demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in burn wound excision and auto-grafting compared to SOC, and seems to prevent the need for emergency escharotomy. ^a DGD is produced by MediWound and distributed under the name NexoBrid®.

Chromosomal microarray analysis in fetuses with aberrant right subclavian artery

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA), with or without additional risk factors for aneuploidy or ultrasound abnormality, and results of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA).

METHODS

This was a multicenter study of fetuses diagnosed with ARSA that underwent genetic analysis by CMA, all samples being analyzed in the same laboratory. Clinical investigation included nuchal translucency measurement, first- and second-trimester maternal serum screening, early and late second-trimester fetal anatomy scans and fetal echocardiography. Comparative genomic hybridization microarray analysis or single-nucleotide polymorphism array technology was used for CMA of DNA samples obtained from amniotic fluid.

RESULTS

CMA results were available for 63 fetuses with ARSA. In 36 fetuses, ARSA was an isolated finding, and no pathogenic variant was found. Additional ultrasound findings and/or risk factors for aneuploidy were present in 27 fetuses, five of which had pathogenic CMA results. Of these five, trisomy 21 was detected in a fetus with echogenic intracardiac focus (EIF), 22q11 deletion was detected in a fetus with EIF and an increased risk of trisomy 21 of 1:230 from maternal serum screening, 22q11 duplication was detected in a fetus with hypoplastic right kidney and choroid plexus cyst and 22q11 deletion was detected in a fetus with right aortic arch and clubfoot. The fifth fetus had increased nuchal translucency thickness (4 mm) and a ventricular septal defect, and CMA identified both 22q11 deletion and 1q21 duplication.

CONCLUSIONS

In fetuses with isolated ARSA, an invasive procedure for CMA is not indicated. However, CMA is recommended when additional ultrasound abnormalities or risk factors for aneuploidy are observed. The chromosomal findings in four of the five cases with an abnormal CMA result in our study would not have been detected by standard fetal chromosomal testing. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Integrated cooling-vacuum-assisted 1540-nm erbium:glass laser is effective in treating mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris

Acne treatment by a mid-infrared laser may be unsatisfactory due to deeply situated acne-affected sebaceous glands which serve as its target. Skin manipulation by vacuum and contact cooling may improve laser-skin interaction, reduce pain sensation, and increase overall safety and efficacy. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of acne treatment using an integrated cooling-vacuum-assisted 1540-nm erbium:glass laser, a prospective interventional study was conducted. It included 12 patients (seven men and five women) suffering from mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. The device utilizes a mid-infrared 1540-nm laser (Alma Lasers Ltd. Caesarea, Israel), which is integrated with combined cooling-vacuum-assisted technology. An acne lesion is initially manipulated upon contact by a vacuum-cooling-assisted tip, followed by three to four stacked laser pulses (500-600 mJ, 4 mm spot size, and frequency of 2 Hz). Patients underwent four to six treatment sessions with a 2-week interval and were followed-up 1 and 3 months after the last treatment. Clinical photographs were taken by high-resolution digital camera before and after treatment. Clinical evaluation was performed by two independent dermatologists, and results were graded on a scale of 0 (exacerbation) to 4 (76-100 % improvement). Patients' and physicians' satisfaction was also recorded. Pain perception and adverse effects were evaluated as well. All patients demonstrated a moderate to significant improvement (average score of 3.6 and 2.0 within 1 and 3 months, respectively, following last treatment session). No side effects, besides a transient erythema, were observed. Cooling-vacuum-assisted 1540-nm laser is safe and effective for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Similar worldwide patterns in the sex pheromone signal and response in the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The response of Grapholita molesta (Busck) males to three-component sex pheromone blends containing a 100% ratio of the major sex pheromone component, (Z)-8-dodecenyl acetate and a 10% ratio of (Z)-8-dodecenol, but with varying ratios of (E)-8-dodecenyl acetate (0.4, 5.4, 10.4, 30.4, and 100.1% E-blends) was tested with populations in eight stone and pome fruit orchards in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. Traps baited with the 5.4% E-blend caught significantly more males than traps with any other blend with all populations. Significantly more males were caught in traps baited with the 10.4% E-blend than in traps with the remaining blends, except with the 0.4% E-blend in Turkey. Significant differences in male moth catches occurred between the other blends with the 0.4>30.4% E-blend, and the 30.4>100.1% E-blend. Male moth catches with the 100.1% E-blend only differed from the hexane control in Chile. No apparent differences were noted to these blends in populations collected from pome or stone fruits. Flight tunnel assays to synthetic blends with a subset of populations were similar to the field results, but the breadth of the most attractive E-blends was wider. Flight tunnel assays also demonstrated a high level of male-female cross-attraction among field-collected populations. Female gland extracts from field-collected populations did not show any significant variation in their three-component blends. The only exceptions in these assays were that long-term laboratory populations were less responsive and attractive, and produced different blend ratios of the two minor components than recently collected field populations.

Development and Field Evaluation of Multiple Virus-Resistant Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

In an effort to develop bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) as a widely adapted rootstock for watermelon grafting, we sought to identify lines with broad resistance to several cucurbit viruses that are economically important in the United States. Preliminary analysis under greenhouse conditions indicated that the currently available commercial watermelon rootstocks were either highly susceptible or somewhat tolerant to one or more viruses. However, in greenhouse screening, several breeding lines of bottle gourd displayed broad-spectrum resistance to four viruses tested, including Zucchini yellow mosaic virus, Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), Papaya ringspot virus watermelon strain (PRSV-W), and Squash vein yellowing virus. Resistance to PRSV-W and WMV was confirmed through field trials in two consecutive years at two different locations in South Carolina. Two breeding lines (USVL#1-8 and USVL#5-5) with broad-spectrum virus resistance could be useful materials for watermelon rootstock development.

Evolution of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with multiple myeloma and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia: a retrospective multicentric study

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are used intravenously to treat cancer-related conditions for the prevention of pathological fractures. Osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a rare complication reported in 4-15% of patients. We studied, retrospectively, 55 patients with multiple myeloma or Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia followed up from different haematological departments who developed BRONJ. All patients were treated with BPs for bone lesions and/or fractures. The most common trigger for BRONJ was dental alveolar surgery. After a median observation of 26 months, no death caused by BRONJ complication was reported. In all, 51 patients were treated with antibiotic therapy, and in 6 patients, this was performed in association with surgical debridement of necrotic bone, in 16 with hyperbaric O(2) therapy/ozonotherapy and curettage and in 12 with sequestrectomy and O(2)/hyperbaric therapy. Complete response was observed in 20 cases, partial response in 21, unchanged in 9 and worsening in 3. The association of surgical treatment with antibiotic therapy seems to be more effective in eradicating the necrotic bone than antibiotic treatment alone. O(2) hyperbaric/ozonotherapy is a very effective treatment. The cumulative dosage of BPs is important for the evolution of BRONJ. Because the most common trigger for BRONJ was dental extractions, all patients, before BP treatment, must achieve an optimal periodontal health.

Burn treatment framework in Israel

The treatment and hospitalization policies in various hospitals in Israel are influenced by injury severity and by the existence or non-existence of a designated burn treatment body. Severely injured burn victims requiring designated burn treatment are referred to one of Israel's five major burn units located in the highest level trauma centres that have an advanced burn treatment infrastructure. This national distribution of burn centres ensures designated treatment availability in various areas according to Israeli demographics, geography, and security threats. Israel does not have an obligatory burn report policy. Implementation of a national burn repository such as that in the USA will be able to give burn treatment specialists in our country a basis for comparison of treatment standards and allow for better care for burn victims. The Israeli Burn Association has a major role in the processes discussed in the manuscript.

Frataxin participates to the hypoxia-induced response in tumors

Defective expression of frataxin is responsible for the degenerative disease Friedreich's ataxia. Frataxin is a protein required for cell survival since complete knockout is lethal. Frataxin protects tumor cells against oxidative stress and apoptosis but also acts as a tumor suppressor. The molecular bases of this apparent paradox are missing. We therefore sought to investigate the pathways through which frataxin enhances stress resistance in tumor cells. We found that frataxin expression is upregulated in several tumor cell lines in response to hypoxic stress, a condition often associated with tumor progression. Moreover, frataxin upregulation in response to hypoxia is dependent on hypoxia-inducible factors expression and modulates the activation of the tumor-suppressor p53. Importantly, we show for the first time that frataxin is in fact increased in human tumors in vivo. These results show that frataxin participates to the hypoxia-induced stress response in tumors, thus implying that modulation of its expression could have a critical role in tumor cell survival and/or progression.

In vitro and in vivo pharmacological role of TLQP-21, a VGF-derived peptide, in the regulation of rat gastric motor functions

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Vgf gene expression has been detected in various endocrine and neuronal cells in the gastrointestinal tract. In this study we investigated the pharmacological activity of different VGF-derived peptides. Among these, TLQP-21, corresponding to the 556-576 fragment of the protein was the unique active peptide, and its pharmacological profile was further studied.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The effects of TLQP-21 were examined in vitro by smooth muscle contraction in isolated preparations from the rat gastrointestinal tract and, in vivo, by assessing gastric emptying in rats. Rat stomach tissues were also processed for immunohistochemical and biochemical characterization.

KEY RESULTS

In rat longitudinal forestomach strips, TLQP-21 (100 nmol x L(-1)-10 micromol x L(-1)) concentration-dependently induced muscle contraction (in female rats, EC(50) = 0.47 micromol.L(-1), E(max): 85.7 +/- 7.9 and in male rats, 0.87 micromol x L(-1), E(max): 33.4 +/- 5.3; n = 8), by release of prostaglandin (PG)E(2) and PGF(2a) from the mucosal layer. This effect was significantly antagonized by indomethacin and selective inhibitors of either cyclooxygenase-1 (S560) or cyclooxygenase-2 (NS398). Immunostaining and biochemical studies confirmed the presence of VGF in the gastric neuronal cells. TLQP-21, injected i.c.v. (2-32 nmol per rat), significantly decreased gastric emptying by about 40%. This effect was significantly (P < 0.05) blocked by i.c.v. injection of indomethacin, suggesting that, also in vivo, this peptide acts in the brain stimulating PG release.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The present results demonstrate that this VGF-derived peptide plays a central and local role in the regulation of rat gastric motor functions.

Pathophysiological role of TLQP-21: gastrointestinal and metabolic functions

The present review summarizes recent findings on the metabolic and gastroenteric role of the VGF gene and a peptide derived by post-translational cleavage of the VGF pro-hormone, i.e. TLQP-21. The vgf gene is widely expressed through the central nervous system as well as in the peripheral nervous system, in myenteric plexus ganglia and also in the glandular portion of the stomach. A few VGF derived peptide have been shown to possess biological activity, among them TLQP-21 attracted particular interest following its identification within rat nervous system. In particular, recent studies from our and other groups implicated TLQP-21 in both the modulation of energy homeostasis, body weight regulation and neuroendocrine functions as well as in the central control of gut functions. Overall, findings available point to a role for TLQP-21 in negatively affecting the body energy balance.

Chronic intracerebroventricular TLQP-21 delivery does not modulate the GH/IGF-1-axis and muscle strength in mice

OBJECTIVE

Biallelic ablation of VGF determines a dwarf phenotype. VGF precursor protein encodes for different biologically active peptides none of which has been related to growth or muscular abnormalities. Here we present the first attempt to fill this gap. We tested the hypothesis that a recently identified VGF-derived peptide, TLQP-21, shown to centrally modulate metabolic functions, could also modulate growth hormone (GH)-axis and muscle strength.

DESIGN

Adult male mice were chronically icv injected with TLQP-21 (15 microg/day for 14 days). Physiological, molecular and behavioral parameters related to the GH/IGF-1-axis were investigated.

RESULTS

Except for a reduction in the soleus weight, TLQP-21 did not affect GH/IGF-1-axis mediators, muscle strength and muscle weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Results collected exclude a role for TLQP-21 in modulating the GH/IGF1-axis and muscle functions. VGF-derived peptides involved in the dwarf phenotype of VGF-/- mice have to be identified yet.