Non-genotoxic conditioning for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation using a hematopoietic-cell-specific internalizing immunotoxin

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers curative therapy for patients with hemoglobinopathies, congenital immunodeficiencies, and other conditions, possibly including AIDS. Autologous HSCT using genetically corrected cells would avoid the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), but the genotoxicity of conditioning remains a substantial barrier to the development of this approach. Here we report an internalizing immunotoxin targeting the hematopoietic-cell-restricted CD45 receptor that effectively conditions immunocompetent mice. A single dose of the immunotoxin, CD45-saporin (SAP), enabled efficient (>90%) engraftment of donor cells and full correction of a sickle-cell anemia model. In contrast to irradiation, CD45-SAP completely avoided neutropenia and anemia, spared bone marrow and thymic niches, enabling rapid recovery of T and B cells, preserved anti-fungal immunity, and had minimal overall toxicity. This non-genotoxic conditioning method may provide an attractive alternative to current conditioning regimens for HSCT in the treatment of non-malignant blood diseases.

Understanding the Molecular Progression of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Traumatic Brain Injury, Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability among children and adults in America. In addition, the acute morbidity caused by TBI is implicated in the development of devastating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative sequela. TBI is associated with the development of a neurodegenerative condition termed 'Punch Drunk syndrome' or 'dementia pugilistica', and the more recently renamed 'chronic traumatic encephalopathy'. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative condition caused by a single or repetitive blow to the head. CTE was first described in boxers and was later found to be associated with other contact sports and military combat. It is defined by a constellation of symptoms consisting of mood disorders, cognitive impairment, and memory loss with or without sensorimotor changes. It is also a Tauopathy characterized by the deposition of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein in the form of neurofibrillary tangles, astrocytoma tangles, and abnormal neurites found in clusters around small vessels, typically at the sulcal depths. Oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutaminergic toxicity caused due to the insult play a role in developing this pathology. Additionally, the changes in the brain due to aging also plays an important role in the development of this condition. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms behind the development of CTE, as well as genetic and environmental influences on its pathophysiology.

The Racial Disparity among the clinical outcomes post Stroke and its intervention outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The Racial disparity between the clinical outcomes post stroke have not been well studied, with limited literature available.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the post-stroke outcomes among the White and Black race of patients METHODS: We systematically searched all electronic databases from inception until 1st March 2023. The primary endpoint was post stroke in-hospital mortality, and all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints were post-stroke intervention in-hospital mortality, intracerebral hemorrhage, and all-cause mortality (ACM) RESULT: 1250397 patients were included in the analysis, with 1018892 (81.48%) patients of the White race and 231505 (18.51%) patients in the Black race. The mean age of the patients in each group was (73.55 vs 66.28). The most common comorbidity among White and Black patients was HTN (73.92% vs 81.00%), and DM (29.37% vs 43.36%). The odds of in hospital mortality post stroke (OR, 1.45(95%CI:1.35-1.55), P<0.001), and all-cause mortality (OR, 1.40(95%CI:1.28-1.54), P<0.001) were significantly higher among White patients compared with Black patients. Among patients with post stroke intervention the odds of in-hospital mortality (OR, 1.29 (95% CI: 1.05-1.59, P=0.02), and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (OR, 1.15, (95%CI:1.06-1.26), P<0.01) were significantly higher among White patients compared with Black patients post intervention. However, all-cause mortality (OR,1.21(95%CI: 0.87-1.68, P=0.25) was comparable between both groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study is the most comprehensive and first meta-analysis with the largest sample size thus far, highlighting that White patients are at increased risk of mortality and post intervention intracerebral hemorrhage compared with Black patients.

Cytokines and subarachnoid hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains a potentially devastating cerebrovascular disease with a high morbidity and mortality rate, irrespective of treatment. The disease still has a 40-50% mortality rate with a 70% rate of cerebral vasospasm in those patients. The release of cytokines has been implicated in the development and progression of SAH. In this paper, we will explore the role of cytokines in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), including their effects on the inflammatory response, cerebral vasospasm, blood-brain barrier disruption, and neuronal damage. We also identify the role of the glymphatic system in progression of aSAH. The review will also briefly touch upon current research on potential therapeutic targets aimed at modulating cytokine activity in patients with aSAH. This review aims to give an in-depth review of the cytokines involved in aSAH and serve as a catalyst to research directed towards treatment options for aSAH.

Advancing Analytics of EEG Signals

Electro Encephalo Graphy (EEG) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that is widely used in the field of neurosurgery. The EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain, which provides essential information about brain function and can help diagnose various neurological conditions. In neurosurgery, EEG monitors the brain during surgery to ensure that the patient's brain function remains stable and minimize the risk of neurological complications. EEG is also used in the preoperative evaluation of patients who are being considered for brain surgery. This information is critical in helping the neurosurgeon determine the best surgical approach and to minimize the risk of damaging critical brain structures. Additionally, EEG can be used to monitor the brain's recovery after surgery, which can help predict the patient's prognosis and inform the treatment plan.In recent years, the use of EEG has become increasingly sophisticated and has allowed for more precise and detailed monitoring of brain function during surgery. For example, high-resolution EEG techniques can be used to provide real-time information about the activity of specific brain regions. Additionally, developing wearable and portable devices in the future will allow continuous monitoring of brain function, providing real-time data on a patient's condition. In conclusion, EEG is a critical tool in the field of neurosurgery and has dramatically improved the ability of neurosurgeons to diagnose, treat, and monitor patients with neurological conditions. With continued advances in EEG technology, its use in neurosurgery will likely continue to grow and play an increasingly important role in improving patient outcomes.

Acute pancreatitis as a rare adverse event among cannabis users: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cannabis use has been steadily rising in the United States and can have multiple adverse effects, including cannabis-induced acute pancreatitis. This study aims to collate and highlight the significant demographics, clinical presentation, and outcomes in patients with cannabis-induced acute pancreatitis.

METHOD

A systematic literature search of electronic databases for peer-reviewed articles was conducted. After an initial search, we found 792 articles through different electronic databases. After manually removing duplicates and articles that did not meet the criteria, 25 articles were included in our review.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients were studied, 35 (78%) cases were male and 10 (22%) cases were female, showing male predominance. The mean age of all participants was 29.2 ± 10.3 years. The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain 21 of 21 (100%), nausea 17 of 21 (81%), and vomiting 12 of 20 (60%). Ultrasound was normal in the majority of patients, with findings of mild pancreatitis. Computerized tomography scans revealed pancreatic edema and inflammation in 7 of 20 (35%) patients, and findings of necrotizing pancreatitis and complex fluid collection were visualized in 3 of 20 (15%) patients. Dilatation of intrahepatic or extrahepatic biliary ducts was not seen in any patients. The overall prognosis was good, with reported full recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Cannabis should be included in the differential diagnosis for the etiology of acute pancreatitis, which would help in early intervention and treatment for the mitigation of the rapidly progressive disease.

Extracranial pressure (ECP) monitoring in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI): A prospective study validating intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement for predicting intracranial pressure (ICP)

Background

Intracranial pressure (ICP)--guided therapy is the standard of care in the management of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Ideal ICP monitoring technique is not yet available, based on its risks associated with bleeding, infection, or its unavailability at major centers. Authors propose that ICP can be gauged based on measuring pressures of other anatomical cavities, for example, the abdominal cavity. Researchers explored the possibility of monitoring intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) to predict ICP in severe TBI patients.

Methods

We measured ICP and IAP in severe TBI patients. ICP was measured using standard right frontal external ventricular drain (EVD) insertion and connecting it to the transducer. IAP was measured using a well-established technique of vesical pressure measurement through a manometer.

Results

A total of 28 patients (n = 28) with an age range of 18-65 years (mean of 32.36 years ± 13.52 years [Standard deviation]) and the median age of 28.00 years with an interquartile range (21.00-42.00 years) were recruited in this prospective study. About 57.1% (n = 16) of these patients were in the age range of 18-30 years. About 92.9% (n = 26) of the patients were male. The most common mode of injury (78.6%) was road traffic accidents (n = 22) and the mean Glasgow Coma Scale at presentation was 4.04 (range 3-9). The mean ICP measured at the presentation of this patient cohort was 20.04 mmHg. This mean ICP (mmHg) decreased from a maximum of 20.04 at the 0 h' time point (at the time of insertion of EVD) to a minimum of 12.09 at the 96 hr time point. This change in mean ICP (from 0 h to 96 h) was found to be statistically significant (Friedman Test: χ2 = 87.6, P ≤ 0.001). The mean IAP (cmH2O) decreased from a maximum of 16.71 at the 0 h' time point to a minimum of 9.68 at the 96 h' time point. This change was statistically significant (Friedman Test: χ2 = 71.8, P ≤ 0.001). The per unit percentage change in IAP on per unit percentage change in ICP we observed was correlated to each other. The correlation coefficient between these variables varied from 0.71 to 0.89 at different time frames. It followed a trend in a directly proportional manner and was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001) in each time frame of the study. The rise in one parameter followed the rise in another parameter and vice versa.

Conclusion

In this study, we established that the ICP of severe TBI patients correlates well with IAP at presentation. This correlation was strong and constant, irrespective of the timeframe during the treatment and monitoring. This study also established that draining cerebrospinal fluid to decrease ICP in severe TBI patients is reflected in IAP. The study validates that IAP is a strong proxy of ICP in severe TBI patients.

Giant Tarlov Cyst presenting as pelvic mass: Often doing less is better

Background

Tarlov cysts are sacral perineural cysts arising between the peri and endoneurium of the posterior spinal nerve root at the Dorsal Root Ganglion and have a global prevalence rate of 4.27%. These are primarily asymptomatic (only 1% with symptoms) and typically arise in females between the ages of 50-60. Patients' symptoms include radicular pain, sensory dysesthesias, urinary and/or bowel symptoms, and sexual dysfunction. Non-surgical management with lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage and computerized tomography-guided cyst aspiration typically provide only months of improvement before recurring. Surgical treatment includes a laminectomy, cyst, and/or nerve root decompression with fenestration of the cyst and/ or imbrication. Early surgery for large cysts provides the longest symptom-free periods.

Case Description

A 30-year-old male presented with a very large magnetic resonance-documented Tarlov cyst (Nabors Type 2) arising from bilateral S2 nerve root sheaths with marked pelvic extension. Although he was initially treated with a S1, S2 laminectomy, closure of the dural defect, and excision/marsupialization of the cyst, he later required placement of a thecoperitoneal shunt (TP shunt).

Conclusion

A 30-year-old male with large Nabors Type 2 Tarlov cyst arising from both S2 nerve root sheaths required a S1-S2 laminectomy, dural closure/marsupialization, and imbrication of the cyst, eventually followed by placement of a TP shunt.