The morphology of high frequency oscillations (HFO) does not improve delineating the epileptogenic zone

Publication date: April 2016
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 127, Issue 4
Author(s): Sergey Burnos, Birgit Frauscher, Rina Zelmann, Claire Haegelen, Johannes Sarnthein, Jean Gotman
ObjectiveWe hypothesized that high frequency oscillations (HFOs) with irregular amplitude and frequency more specifically reflect epileptogenicity than HFOs with stable amplitude and frequency.MethodsWe developed a fully automatic algorithm to detect HFOs and classify them based on their morphology, with types defined according to regularity in amplitude and frequency: type 1 with regular amplitude and frequency; type 2 with irregular amplitude, which could result from filtering of sharp spikes; type 3 with irregular frequency; and type 4 with irregular amplitude and frequency. We investigated the association of different HFO types with the seizure onset zone (SOZ), resected area and surgical outcome.ResultsHFO rates of all types were significantly higher inside the SOZ than outside. HFO types 1 and 2 were strongly correlated to each other and showed the highest rates among all HFOs. Their occurrence was highly associated with the SOZ, resected area and surgical outcome. The automatic detection emulated visual markings with 93% true positives and 57% false detections.ConclusionsHFO types 1 and 2 similarly reflect epileptogenicity.SignificanceFor clinical application, it may not be necessary to separate real HFOs from "false oscillations" produced by the filter effect of sharp spikes. Also for automatically detected HFOs, surgical outcome is better when locations with higher HFO rates are included in the resection.



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2. Follow-up of five cases with Rasmussen encephalitis with magnetoencephalography

Publication date: April 2016
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 127, Issue 4
Author(s): D.S. Rossi, E. Visani, D. Duran, F. Rotondi, L. Canafoglia, E. Freri, F. Ragona, T. Granata, F. Panzica, S. Franceschetti
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings of interictal and/or ictal discharges can provide valuable information about the location of the epileptogenic area in the brain. Rasmussen Encephalitis (RE) is characterized by intractable epilepsy, progressive hemiparesis, and unilateral hemispheric atrophy. The progression of the symptoms to significant neurological impairment usually occurs within months to a few years. Five patients (mean age at first observation 7.6±3years) fitting Bien's criteria for the diagnosis of RE were enrolled for the study and follow-up for at least 1.5years (4–7MEG measures per patient), in order to evaluate correlations between the evolution of clinical picture, neuroradiological and MEG findings. MEG data were visually inspected and interictal spikes were selected for the source localization by means of equivalent current dipoles (ECDs). Cortical thickness was evaluated from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). All patients showed ictal/interictal multifocality, reduction of background cortical magnetic activity, and progressive focal cortical atrophy on MRI of the affected hemisphere. Moreover, our preliminary data showed that dipole clusters were found mainly in the most atrophic cortical regions, suggesting a close relationship between MRI and MEG alterations.



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6. Sensory-motor networks’ topology in multiple sclerosis fatigue

Publication date: April 2016
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 127, Issue 4
Author(s): F. Miraglia, F. Vecchio, C. Porcaro, C. Cottone, A. Cancelli, P.M. Rossini, F. Tecchio
The large majority (80%) of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) complain of fatigue, which is the most disabling symptom in half of them. While the few drugs used to treat MS fatigue are limitedly useful, it was recently observed the efficacy of a personalized neuromodulation treatment, supporting the concept that interventions modifying the sensorimotor network activity balances could be suitable non-pharmacological treatments for MS fatigue. Aim of the present study is to strengthen knowledge of the brain unbalances, which proper neuromodulations should target to compensate. We collected electroencephalographic (EEG) data in 18 people with mild MS, while they were in resting state with open eyes. To ensure a wide range of fatigue, we enrolled patients to have Higher- or Lower-Fatigue based on scores of the modified Fatigue Impact Scale (mFIS). We selected the graph theory small-world index, calculated on networks of cortical nodes estimated by eLORETA, to evaluate the characteristics of left and right frontal (Motor) and parieto-occipital-temporal (Sensory) brain networks separately. Fatigue symptoms increased together with the small-world index in the Sensory network of the left dominant hemisphere. This finding hones understanding of the targets of neuromodulation interventions, indicating the sensory network of the dominant left hemisphere as a specific target.



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10. Visual electrophysiology. A good friend can help you in need

Publication date: April 2016
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 127, Issue 4
Author(s): M.C. Tozzi, S. Silipo, S. Monaco, L. Bertolasi
Scotopic and photopic full field-Electroretinogram (ERG), pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and visual evoked potential (VEP) are stimulating and recording methods to evaluate the functionality of the different layers of retina and of the visual pathway from retina to visual cortex of the brain. Visual electrophysiology is a useful diagnostic tool which aids in cases of unexplained visual loss if the clinician is well-versed in this techniques. Furthermore the new ocular imaging tests such us OCT give only morphological informations about retina and the head of optic nerve that need functional correlations with the symptoms of the patient. We review the diagnostic protocol for neurophysiological assessment of afferent visual system performed in our lab and describe normative data from 30 healthy subjects.



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14. An abnormal transduction of the chromatic stimuli from the outer to the inner retinal layers may contribute to the mechanism of photophobia in migraine

Publication date: April 2016
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 127, Issue 4
Author(s): G. Coppola, L. Corso, A. Di Renzo, A. Fadda, F. Martelli, C. Di Lorenzo, V. Parisi, J. Schoenen, B. Falsini, F. Pierelli
Recent experimental evidences point out a possible involvement of retina in hypersensitivity of migraine patients to light stimuli. Our aim was to investigate the short-wavelength-sensitive and the medium/long-wavelength-sensitive cone photoreceptors of the visual pathways in migraine without aura (MO) patients between attacks and in healthy volunteers (HV) by using yellow-blue (Y-B) or red-blue (R-B) visual flicker stimuli. Square-wave focal electroretinograms (FERGs) were recorded in 22 MO patients and 20 HV. Fourier analysis allowed extracting from the FERG data the fundamental (1F) and the second harmonic (2F) components (amplitude and phase) that are related respectively to outer and inner retinal activity. Usual headache severity and photophobia during migraine were scored on a 0 to 10 visual analogue scale. When compared to HV, MO patients had an advanced 1F phase but normal amplitude in all blocks of Y-B FERG. Self-rated intensity of ictal photophobia positively correlated with attack frequency, headache severity, 1F Y-B phase, 1F R-B phase, 2F Y-B amplitude, habituation slope, and 2F R-B phase. These results suggest that an abnormal signal transduction from the outer to the inner retinal layers could contribute to the mechanisms by which light causes pain or discomfort during the migraine headache.



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Reward anticipation and trait anhedonia: An electrophysiological investigation in subjects with schizophrenia

Publication date: April 2016
Source:Clinical Neurophysiology, Volume 127, Issue 4
Author(s): A. Vignapiano, A. Mucci, J. Ford, V. Montefusco, G.M. Plescia, P. Bucci, S. Galderisi
ObjectiveInvestigate impairment of reward anticipation in subjects with schizophrenia (SCZ) and its association with negative symptom dimensions and hedonic experience.MethodsEvent-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded, in thirty SCZ and twenty-three matched healthy controls (HC), during a "Monetary Incentive Delay" task in which reward and loss cues (incentive cues of positive and negative value) of different magnitude, as well as neutral cues were presented.Assessments: anticipatory and consummatory pleasure, trait anhedonia and motivation in all subjects; avolition and expressive deficit in SCZ.ResultsSCZ had lower motivation but comparable hedonic experience with respect to HC. In HC, during reward anticipation, the early P3 was larger for large magnitude incentives, irrespective of their valence, while the late P3 was larger for large reward. In SCZ, early P3 did not discriminate the incentive magnitude and the late P3 was larger for large loss. Early P3 amplitude for large magnitude incentives was inversely related to trait social anhedonia but not to negative symptoms dimensions.ConclusionsSCZ are unable to integrate the incentive magnitude and reward value of future events in the context of their ongoing task. P3 abnormalities are associated with trait anhedonia, but not with negative symptoms dimensions.SignificanceIn line with recent studies, our findings indicate that anhedonia and avolition are partially independent constructs.



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Structural brain correlates of defective gesture performance in schizophrenia

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2016
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Katharina Stegmayer, Stephan Bohlhalter, Tim Vanbellingen, Andrea Federspiel, Jeanne Moor, Roland Wiest, René Müri, Werner Strik, Sebastian Walther
IntroductionThe neural correlates of impaired performance of gestures are currently unclear. Lesion studies showed variable involvement of the ventro-dorsal stream particularly left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) in gesture performance on command. However, findings cannot be easily generalized as lesions may be biased by the architecture of vascular supply and involve brain areas beyond the critical region. The neuropsychiatric syndrome of schizophrenia shares apraxic-like errors and altered brain structure without macroanatomic lesions. Schizophrenia may therefore qualify as a model disorder to test neural correlates of gesture impairments.MethodsWe included 45 schizophrenia patients and 44 healthy controls in the study to investigate the structural brain correlates of defective gesturing in schizophrenia using voxel based morphometry. Gestures were tested in two domains: meaningful gestures (transitive and intransitive) on verbal command and imitation of meaningless gestures. Cut-off scores were used to separate patients with deficits, patients without deficits and controls. Group differences in GM volume were explored in an ANCOVA.ResultsPatients performed poorer than controls in each gesture category (p < 0.001). Patients with deficits in producing meaningful gestures on command had reduced gray matter (GM) predominantly in left IFG, with additional involvement of right insula and anterior cingulate cortex. Patients with deficits differed from patients without deficits in right insula, inferior parietal lobe and superior temporal gyrus.ConclusionsImpaired performance of meaningful gestures on command was linked to volume loss predominantly in the praxis network in schizophrenia. Thus, the behavioral similarities between apraxia and schizophrenia are paralleled by structural alterations. However, few associations between behavioral impairment and structural brain alterations appear specific to schizophrenia.



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Walking on a mental time line: Temporal processing affects step movements along the sagittal space

Publication date: Available online 10 March 2016
Source:Cortex
Author(s): Luca Rinaldi, Francesca Locati, Laura Parolin, Nicolò Francesco Bernardi, Luisa Girelli




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Contents Vol. 4, 2015

Intervent Neurol 2015;4:I-IV

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Erratum

Intervent Neurol 2015;4:82

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Changing roles of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea in a continuously acidifying soil caused by over-fertilization with nitrogen

Abstract

Nitrification coupled with nitrate leaching contributes to soil acidification. However, little is known about the effect of soil acidification on nitrification, especially on ammonia oxidation that is the rate-limiting step of nitrification and performed by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA). Serious soil acidification occurs in Chinese greenhouses due to the overuse of N-fertilizer. In the present study, greenhouse soils with 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 years of vegetable cultivation showed a consistent pH decline (i.e., 7.0, 6.3, 5.6, 4.9, and 4.3). Across the pH gradient, we analyzed the community structure and abundance of AOB and AOA by pyrosequencing and real-time PCR techniques, respectively. The recovered nitrification potential (RNP) method was used to determine relative contributions of AOA and AOB to nitrification potential. The results revealed that soil acidification shaped the community structures of AOA and AOB. In acidifying soil, soil pH, NH₃ concentration, and DOC content were critical factors shaping ammonia oxidizer community structure. AOB abundance, but not AOA, was strongly influenced by soil acidification. When soil pH was below 5.0, AOA rather than AOB were responsible for almost all of the RNP. However, when soil pH ranged from 5.6 to 7.0, AOB were the major contributors to RNP. The group I.1a-associatied AOA had more relative abundance in low pH (pH<6.3), whereas group I.1b tended to prefer neutral pH. Clusters 2, 10, and 12 in AOB were more abundant in acidic soil (pH <5.6), while Nitrosomonas-like lineage and unclassified lineage 3 were prevailing in neutral soil and slightly acidic soil (pH, 6.0–6.5), respectively. These results suggested that soil acidification had a profound impact on ammonia oxidation and more specific lineages in AOB occupying different pH-associated niches required further investigation.

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Microbial composition and ecological features of phototrophic biofilms proliferating in the Moidons Caves (France): investigation at the single-cell level

Abstract

The authors investigated the microbial composition of phototrophic biofilms proliferating in a show cave using flow cytometry for the first time in such a context. Results are based on several biofilms sampled in the Moidons Caves (France) and concern both heterotrophic prokaryotes and autotrophic microorganisms. Heterotrophic microorganisms with low nucleic acid content were dominant in biofilms, as can be expected from the oligotrophic conditions prevailing within the cave. Analysis of the biofilm autotrophic components revealed the presence of several taxa, particularly the unicellular green algae Chlorella minutissima, specifically well adapted to this cave. Relationships between flow cytometry results and environmental variables determined in the cave were established and discussed so as to better understand biofilm proliferation processes in caves.

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Characteristic oxidation behavior of β-cyclocitral from the cyanobacterium Microcystis

Abstract

The cyanobacterium Microcystis produces volatile organic compounds such as β-cyclocitral and 3-methyl-1-butanol. The lysis of cyanobacteria involving the blue color formation has been occasionally observed in a natural environment. In this study, we focused on the oxidation behavior of β-cyclocitral that contributed to the blue color formation in a natural environment and compared β-cyclocitral with a structurally related compound concerning its oxidation, acidification, and lytic behavior. The oxidation products of β-cyclocitral were identified by the addition of β-cyclocitral in water, in which 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-ene-1-yl formate and 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanone were structurally characterized. That is, β-cyclocitral was easily oxidized to produce the corresponding carboxylic acid and the enol ester in water without an oxidizing reagent, suggesting that this oxidation proceeded according to the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation. The oxidation behavior of β-cyclocitral in a laboratory was different from that in the natural environment, in which 2,2,6- trimethylcyclohexanone was detected at the highest amount in the natural environment, whereas the highest amount in the laboratory was β-cyclocitric acid. A comparison of β-cyclocitral with structurally similar aldehydes concerning the lytic behavior of a Microcystis strain and the acidification process indicated that only β-cyclocitral was easily oxidized. Furthermore, it was found that a blue color formation occurred between pH 5.5 and 6.5, suggesting that chlorophyll a and β-carotene are unstable and decomposed, whereas phycocyanin was stable to some extent in this range. The obtained results of the characteristic oxidation behavior of β-cyclocitral would contribute to a better understanding of the cyanobacterial life cycle.

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Isolation and characterization of Sphingomonas sp. Y2 capable of high-efficiency degradation of nonylphenol polyethoxylates in wastewater

Abstract

Nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPEOs), although banned for decades, are still widely used in manufactories and thus affect human lives. In this study, a highly efficient NPEO-degrading bacterium, Sphingomonas sp. Y2, was isolated from sewage sludge by enrichment culture. Strain Y2 ensured the complete removal of NPEO in 48 h and degraded 99.2 % NPEO (1,000 mg L⁻¹) within 30 h at a specific growth rate of 0.73 h⁻¹ in minimum salt medium. To date, this degradation efficiency is the highest reported for NPEO metabolism by a pure bacterium under this condition. Furthermore, the application of this bacterium to wastewater treatment demonstrated that it metabolized 98.5 % NPEO (1,000 mg L⁻¹) within 5 days with a specific growth rate of 2.03 day⁻¹. The degradation intermediates, identified as nonylphenol, short-chain NPEOs and short-chain nonylphenol polyethoxycarboxylates by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, indicated the sequential exo-cleavage of the EO chain. Additionally, the enzymes involved in the biodegradation were inducible rather than constitutive. Considering that strain Y2 exhibits prominent biodegradation advantages in industrial wastewater treatment, it might serve as a promising potential candidate for in situ bioremediation of contamination by NPEOs and other structurally similar compounds.

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Mercury concentrations in the coastal marine food web along the Senegalese coast

Abstract

This paper presents the results of seasonal (wet and dry seasons) and spatial (five sites) variation of mercury concentration in seven marine organisms representative for shallow Senegalese coastal waters and including species of commercial importance. Total mercury levels were recorded in the green algae (Ulva lactuca); the brown mussel (Perna perna); the Caramote prawn (Penaeus kerathurus); and in the liver and muscles of the following fish: Solea senegalensis, Mugil cephalus, Saratherondon melanotheron, and Sardinella aurita. The total selenium (Se) contents were determined only in the edible part of Perna perna, Penaeus kerathurus and in the muscles of Sardinella aurita and Solea senegalensis. Hg concentration in fish species was higher in liver compared to the muscle. Between species differences in Hg, concentrations were recorded with the highest concentration found in fish and the lowest in algae. The spatiotemporal study showed that there was no clear seasonal pattern in Hg concentrations in biota, but spatial differences existed with highest concentrations in sites located near important anthropogenic pressure. For shrimp, mussel, and the muscles of sardine and sole, Hg concentrations were below the health safety limits for human consumption as defined by the European Union. The Se/Hg molar ratio was always higher than one whatever the species or location suggesting a protection of Se against Hg potential adverse effect.

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Comparative study on metal biosorption by two macroalgae in saline waters: single and ternary systems

Abstract

The biosorption capability of two marine macroalgae (green Ulva lactuca and brown Fucus vesiculosus) was evaluated in the removal of toxic metals (Hg, Cd and Pb) from saline waters, under realistic conditions. Results showed that, independently of the contamination scenario tested, both macroalgae have a remarkable capacity to biosorb Hg and Pb. In single-contaminant systems, by using only c.a. 500 mg of non-pre-treated algae biomass (size <200 μm) per litter, it was possible to achieve removal efficiencies between 96 and 99 % for Hg and up to 86 % for Pb. Despite the higher removal of Hg, equilibrium was reached more quickly for Pb (after 8 h). In multi-contaminant systems, macroalgae exhibited a similar selectivity toward the target metals: Hg > Pb> > Cd, although Pb removal by U. lactuca was more inhibited than that achieved by F. vesiculosus. Under the experimental conditions used, none of the macroalgae was effective to remove Cd (maximum removal of 20 %). In all cases, the kinetics of biosorption was mathematically described with success. Globally, it became clear that the studied macroalgae may be part of simple, efficient, and cost-effective water treatment technologies. Nevertheless, Fucus vesiculosus has greater potential, since it always presented higher initial sorption rates and higher removal efficiencies.

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Escherichia coli as a fatty acid and biodiesel factory: current challenges and future directions

Abstract

Biodiesel has received widespread attention as a sustainable, environment-friendly, and alternative source of energy. It can be derived from plant, animal, and microbial organisms in the form of vegetable oil, fats, and lipids, respectively. However, biodiesel production from such sources is not economically feasible due to extensive downstream processes, such as trans-esterification and purification. To obtain cost-effective biodiesel, these bottlenecks need to be overcome. Escherichia coli, a model microorganism, has the potential to produce biodiesel directly from ligno-cellulosic sugars, bypassing trans-esterification. In this process, E. coli is engineered to produce biodiesel using metabolic engineering technology. The entire process of biodiesel production is carried out in a single microbial cell, bypassing the expensive downstream processing steps. This review focuses mainly on production of fatty acid and biodiesel in E. coli using metabolic engineering approaches. In the first part, we describe fatty acid biosynthesis in E. coli. In the second half, we discuss bottlenecks and strategies to enhance the production yield. A complete understanding of current developments in E. coli-based biodiesel production and pathway optimization strategies would reduce production costs for biofuels and plant-derived chemicals.

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RadCases: Emergency Radiology by Yu et al.

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A Hitherto Unknown Affection of the Patella In Children

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The value of anti-1-amino-3-18F-fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid PET/CT in the diagnosis of recurrent prostate carcinoma: a meta-analysis

Background

Anti-1-amino-3-[18F]fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid (anti-3-18F-FACBC) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), 11 C-choline PET/CT, 111In–capromab pendetide, and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used for detecting prostate carcinoma relapse.

Purpose

To systematically review and perform a meta-analysis of published data regarding the performance of 18F-FACBC PET/CT in the diagnosis of recurrent prostate carcinoma.

Material and Methods

A comprehensive review of the literature regarding the role of 18F-FACBC PET/CT in the diagnosis of recurrent prostate carcinoma was performed. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver-operating characteristic of 18F-FACBC PET/CT in the diagnosis of recurrent prostate carcinoma were calculated based on the included studies.

Results

Six studies comprising 251 patients, suspicious of prostate carcinoma recurrence, were included in this meta-analysis. 18F-FACBC PET/CT had an 87% pooled sensitivity, 66% pooled specificity, 0.93 the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve on a per patient-based analysis in detecting prostate carcinoma recurrence.

Conclusion

18F-FACBC PET/CT was a non-invasive, metabolic imaging technique in the diagnosis of prostate carcinoma relapse.

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Obituary for Prof. Torsten Almen

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Palliative endovascular treatment of cancer-related iliocaval obstructive disease: technical and clinical outcomes

Background

Cancer-related obstruction of large abdominal and pelvic veins might become symptomatic with clinical signs of lower limb venous congestion. Technical and clinical outcome after interventional treatment is not well studied yet.

Purpose

To retrospectively assess the technical and clinical outcome of endovascular management of symptomatic cancer-related iliocaval venous obstructive disease.

Material and Methods

From 1998 to 2013, 19 patients (15 men, 4 women; mean age, 63.6 years) referred for interventional treatment of cancer-related iliocaval obstructive disease were identified. Patients' symptoms included unilateral (n = 16; 84%) or bilateral (n = 3; 16%) painful swelling of the lower limbs. Patients' demographics as well as interventional and clinical outcome data were collected.

Results

All 19 patients underwent, under local anesthesia, stenting of the iliac vein (n = 16; 84%) or inferior vena cava (n = 3; 16%). Immediate technical success (n = 19) was 100%; immediate clinical success (n = 18) was 94.7%. During follow-up, seven patients (36.8%) presented with recurrent symptoms of painful limb swelling. Estimated survival after 3 and 6 months was 68.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 47.8–82.3%) and 19.8% (95% CI, 11.9–29.2%), respectively.

Conclusion

Endovascular stenting of cancer-related iliocaval venous obstructive disease is safe and results in immediate relief of symptoms. However, recurrent venous obstruction is common. At 3 months follow-up, the majority of patients with iliac vein stenting were still alive.

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T1 hyperintensity in the brain after multiple intravenous injections of gadolinium-based contrast agents

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Clinical presentation and CT/MRI findings of alveolar soft part sarcoma: a retrospective single-center analysis of 14 cases

Background

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a relatively rare malignant tumor and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for ASPS are essential for a good prognosis.

Purpose

To retrospectively review the clinical presentation and computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of ASPS so as to improve the accuracy of imaging diagnosis.

Material and Methods

Fourteen patients with pathologically proven ASPS were enrolled. Their clinical and imaging findings were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The median age of the patients was 29 years (range, 13–37 years). Most tumors were located in the soft tissues of the trunk and lower limbs. The median maximal diameter of the masses was 91 mm. Thirteen masses presented with ovoid or irregular shapes. Eleven masses had less clear boundaries. Compared with the adjacent muscles, the masses were isodense or hypodense on CT, hypo-, iso-, or hyperintense on T1-weighted images, and heterogeneous hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Intense enhancement was seen after contrast agent administration, with prominent intra- or peri-tumoral feeders on CT or flow voids on MRI. By the end of the last follow-up, 13 patients had distant metastasis and three patients had local recurrence.

Conclusion

ASPS should be included in the differential diagnosis when a bulky, heterogeneous soft tissue mass in the trunk and the lower limbs with intense enhancement after contrast administration and prominent intra- or peri-tumoral feeders on CT or flow voids on MRI is seen, particularly in young patients.

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'Classic papers in this issue of Acta Radiologica

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Comparative study of CT appearances in renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma

Background

Renal oncocytoma (RO) and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) share histologic and some imaging features.

Purpose

To investigate the multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) characteristics of these two tumor types.

Material and Methods

Fifty-six patients with RO and 54 patients with ChRCC were studied retrospectively. MDCT was undertaken to investigate differences in tumor characteristics.

Results

Calcifications were visible in 24 (42.8%) patients with RO and in 11 (20.4%) patients with ChRCC (P = 0.011). 26 patients with RO had stellate scars as did 14 patients with ChRCC (P = 0.025). Spoken-wheel-like enhancement was visible in 41 patients with RO and in 11 with ChRCC (P < 0.001). Thirty-nine (69.6%) patients with RO and nine (16.7%) patients with ChRCC showed segmental inversion (P < 0.001). Two patients with RO had retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement as did 13 patients with ChRCC (P = 0.002). Combined evaluation of stellate scar, spoken-wheel-like enhancement, and segmental enhancement inversion features were found to have a sensitivity of 99.1% (106 of 107), a specificity of 100% (3 of 3), a positive predictive value of 100% (106 of 106), and a negative predictive value of 75% (3 of 4). The attenuation of RO tumors was greater than that of ChRCC tumors, normal renal parenchyma on unenhanced CT (P = 0.031). Enhancement was higher with RO than with ChRCC tumors in all phases (P = 0.021, < 0.001, and 0.007, respectively).

Conclusion

CT imaging features such as stellate scar, spoken-wheel-like enhancement, and segmental enhancement inversion were more common in RO and they may help in differentiating RO from ChRCC.

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CO2 Laser Soldering for the Reconstruction of Dural Defects in the Minipig Model.

CO2 Laser Soldering for the Reconstruction of Dural Defects in the Minipig Model.

Turk Neurosurg. 2016;26(2):240-5

Authors: Zhong H, Wang Z, Yang Z, Zhao F, Wang B, Liu P

Abstract
AIM: To explore the feasibility and reliability of CO < sub > 2 < /sub > laser soldering on the reconstruction of dura mater in the minipig model.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten minipigs were divided into 2 groups as Group A (n=5) and Group B (n=5). Bilateral fronto-parietal craniotomy was performed and 2cm×1cm dural defect created under general anesthesia. Then, the defect was repaired with autologous temporalis fascia by CO < sub > 2 < /sub > laser soldering. After pressure and watertightness testing, the minipigs of group A were sacrificed immediately. Minipigs in Group B were followed for 4 weeks, with daily monitoring of behavior, food intake, skin incision and neurological condition. Animals of Group B were also subjected to the same tests as group A. Then, they were also sacrificed. The reconstructed area and underlying brain tissue were fixed in paraformaldehyde and submitted for histological analysis.
RESULTS: No neural impairment, hydrops or empyema, and no cerebrospinal fluid leak in the dura-fascia interface were observed in Group B. The mean burst pressures were higher than the mean intracranial crest pressure in groups A and B. This difference was significant (P=0.010, P=0.000, respectively). The physiological intracranial pressure of ten minipigs ranged between 4.53 and 6.47 mmHg. No thermal injury was observed in either group.
CONCLUSION: < /B > CO < sub > 2 < /sub > laser soldering for dural defect reconstruction was feasible and reliable.

PMID: 26956820 [PubMed - in process]

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Unilateral abducens and bilateral facial nerve palsies associated with posterior fossa exploration surgery.

Related Articles

Unilateral abducens and bilateral facial nerve palsies associated with posterior fossa exploration surgery.

J Surg Case Rep. 2016;2016(3)

Authors: Khalil A, Clerkin J, Mandiwanza T, Green S, Javadpour M

Abstract
Multiple cranial nerves palsies following a posterior fossa exploration confined to an extradural compartment is a rare clinical presentation. This case report describes a young man who developed a unilateral abducens and bilateral facial nerve palsies following a posterior fossa exploration confined to an extradural compartment. There are different theories to explain this presentation, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. We propose that this patient cranial nerve palsies developed following cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, potentially as a consequence of rapid change in CSF dynamics.

PMID: 26951144 [PubMed]

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Monolayer-protected silver nanoparticles: synthesis, self-assembly and integration into electronic devices

Shiers, MJ; (2016) Monolayer-protected silver nanoparticles: synthesis, self-assembly and integration into electronic devices. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access

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Self-reported sleep quality, weight status and depression in young adult twins and siblings

Sawyer, A; Fisher, A; Llewellyn, C; Gregory, AM; (2015) Self-reported sleep quality, weight status and depression in young adult twins and siblings. BMC Obesity , 2 , Article 50. 10.1186/s40608-015-0079-8 . Green open access

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The synthesis of cementitious compounds in molten salts

Sheikh, RA; (2016) The synthesis of cementitious compounds in molten salts. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access

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Psychology, economics and incentives.

Biel, P.R.; (2005) Psychology, economics and incentives. Doctoral thesis, University of London. Green open access

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Peripheral Mechanisms of Touch and Pain

Sexton, JE; (2016) Peripheral Mechanisms of Touch and Pain. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London).

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Enabling people, not completing tasks: patient perspectives on relationships and staff morale in mental health wards in England

Mistry, H; Levack, WM; Johnson, S; (2015) Enabling people, not completing tasks: patient perspectives on relationships and staff morale in mental health wards in England. BMC Psychiatry , 15 (1) , Article 307. 10.1186/s12888-015-0690-8 . Green open access

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Workplace-based learning for undergraduate and pre-registration healthcare professionals: A systematic map of the UK research literature 2003-2013

Schucan Bird, KL; Newman, M; Hargreaves, K; Sawtell, M; (2015) Workplace-based learning for undergraduate and pre-registration healthcare professionals: A systematic map of the UK research literature 2003-2013. EPPI-Centre, Social Science Research Unit, UCL Institute of Education, University College London: London, UK. Green open access

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Archival activism and mental health: being participatory, sharing control and building legitimacy

Sexton, AK; (2016) Archival activism and mental health: being participatory, sharing control and building legitimacy. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access

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What do students know and understand about the Holocaust? Evidence from English secondary schools

Foster, SJ; Pettigrew, A; Pearce, AR; Hale, R; Burgess, A; Salmons, P; Lenga, R; (2016) What do students know and understand about the Holocaust? Evidence from English secondary schools. Centre for Holocaust Education, Institute of Education, University College London: London, UK. Green open access

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Auditory Cortex Responses in Freely Moving Mice

Rutledge, MT; (2016) Auditory Cortex Responses in Freely Moving Mice. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London).

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Exhibiting and viewing culture, curiosities and the nation at the Lahore Museum.

Bhatti, S.T.; (2005) Exhibiting and viewing culture, curiosities and the nation at the Lahore Museum. Doctoral thesis, University of London. Green open access

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Optical Remote Sensing of Mesoscale Thermospheric Dynamics Above Svalbard and Kiruna

Ronksley, A; (2016) Optical Remote Sensing of Mesoscale Thermospheric Dynamics Above Svalbard and Kiruna. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access

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Superplasticiser for NaOH-activated slag: Competition and Instability between Superplasticiser and Alkali-activator

Ren, J; (2016) Superplasticiser for NaOH-activated slag: Competition and Instability between Superplasticiser and Alkali-activator. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London).

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ePortfolios: models and implementation

Clark, W; Neumann, T; (2009) ePortfolios: models and implementation. (Occasional Papers in Work-Based Learning 5 ). WLE Centre, Institute of Education, University of London: London, UK. Green open access

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A clinical and genetic study of the skeletal muscle channelopathies

Raja Rayan, DL; (2016) A clinical and genetic study of the skeletal muscle channelopathies. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London).

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Improving the legal regulation of organisations by re-assessing the requirements of responsibility in the corporate context

Price, LA; (2016) Improving the legal regulation of organisations by re-assessing the requirements of responsibility in the corporate context. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London).

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A mass collaboration approach to e-learning

Neumann, T; Carrington, A; (2007) A mass collaboration approach to e-learning. Association for Learning Technology online newsletter , 8 Gold open access

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Evolution of cranial shape variation in strepsirhine primates

Price, GE; (2016) Evolution of cranial shape variation in strepsirhine primates. Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London). Green open access

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Distribution of Macromolecular Tracer Particles (Thorotrast(R)) in the Cochlea. An Electron Microscopic Study in Guinea Pig: Part I. The organ of Corti, the basilar membrane and the tympanic covering layer.

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Distribution of Macromolecular Tracer Particles (Thorotrast(R)) in the Cochlea. An Electron Microscopic Study in Guinea Pig: Part I. The organ of Corti, the basilar membrane and the tympanic covering layer.

Acta Otolaryngol. 1974 Jan;77(319):19-41

Authors: Angelborg C

Abstract
Thorotrast(R) containing thorium dioxide particles with diameters of around 100 Å was introduced in perilymph or endolymph using various methods and concentrations. The location of the tracer particles in the cochleas was determined using the transmission electron microscope. Injection of tracer into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was considered to be the least unphysiological way to bring the tracer to the cochlea, and therefore most of the experiments were performed in that way. The distribution of tracer was very dependent on the mode of injection and the concentration of tracer in the cochlea. With very high concentrations it appeared that every kind of cell had a capacity of phagocytizing. No significant tracer uptake was noted in the cells of the organ of Corti after direct injection of small amounts of tracer in the cochlear duct. After tracer administration in the cerebrospinal fluid, the tracer rapidly reached the scala tympani. The tympanic border cells contained large numbers of tracer particles, while lesser amounts were found in the homogenous parts of the basilar membrane. No tracer was seen in the cells of the organ of Corti. After perfusion of the cochlear perilymph, some tracer was seen in the cells of the organ of Corti. The limited passage of tracer to the organ of Corti was not regarded as proof of free communication between perilymph and cortilymph. Glycerol administration to the animals did not change the propagation of tracer in the cochlea. After injection of tracer into dead animals, tracer inclusions could be seen in the tympanic border cells, indicating the possibility of a cell phagocytizing ability, also some time after death.

PMID: 26947360 [PubMed]

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Surface Structures of the Human Vestibular Sensory Regions.

Related Articles

Surface Structures of the Human Vestibular Sensory Regions.

Acta Otolaryngol. 1974 Jan;77(319):3-18

Authors: Rosenhall U, Engström B

Abstract
The hair bundles and other surface organelles of the human vestibular sensory regions have been studied with SEM and TEM. The material was taken from individuals of different ages, from the fetal period to old age. The hair bundles have a remarkably mature appearance in fetuses three to four months old. Each hair bundle consists of one kinocilium and of many stereocilia of different length. Some hair bundles are shorter than the majority. There are indications that these short hair bundles, which are especially numerous at the edges of the maculae, belong to type II sensory cells. In old individuals, laminated inclusions are often seen in the cytoplasm close to the cuticular plate. Each supporting cell is equipped with microvilli and a solitary kinocilium in the fetal period. In adults these microvilli are shorter and more scanty, and the kinocilium is usually missing.

PMID: 26947359 [PubMed]

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Presynaptic BK channels control transmitter release: Physiological relevance and potential therapeutic implications

Abstract

BK channels are large conductance potassium channels characterized by four pore-forming α subunits, often co-assembled with auxiliary β and γ subunits to regulate Ca²⁺ sensitivity, voltage dependence and gating properties. Abundantly expressed in the CNS, they have the peculiar characteristic of being activated by both voltage and intracellular calcium rise. The increase in intracellular calcium via voltage-dependent calcium channels (Ca_v) during spiking triggers conformational changes and BK channel opening. This narrows the action potential and induces a fast after-hyperpolarization that shuts calcium channels. The tight coupling between BK and Cav channels at presynaptic active zones makes them particularly suitable for regulating calcium entry and neurotransmitter release. While in most synapses, BK channels exert a negative control on transmitter release under basal conditions, in others only under pathological conditions, serving as an emergency brake to protect against hyperactivity. In particular cases, by interacting with other channels (i.e. limiting the activation of the delayed rectifier and the inactivation of Na+ channels), BK channels induce spike shortening, increase in firing rate and transmitter release. Changes in transmitter release, following BK channel dysfunctions have been implicated in several neurological disorders including epilepsy, schizophrenia, Fragile X syndrome, mental retardation and autism. In particular, two mutations, in the α and in the β3 subunits, respectively, resulting in a gain of function, have been associated with epilepsy. Hence, these discoveries have allowed identifying BK channels as new drug targets for therapeutic intervention.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

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Framing the grid: Effect of boundaries on grid cells and navigation

Abstract

Cells in the mammalian hippocampal formation subserve neuronal representations of environmental location and support navigation in familiar environments. Grid cells constitute one of the main cell types in the hippocampal formation and are widely believed to represent a universal metric of space independent of external stimuli. Recent evidence showing that grid symmetry is distorted in non-symmetrical environments suggests that a re-examination of this hypothesis is warranted. In this review we will discuss behavioural and physiological evidence for how environmental shape and in particular enclosure boundaries influence grid cell firing properties. We propose that grid cells encode the geometric layout of enclosures.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

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