Granule cell dispersion is not accompanied by enhanced neurogenesis in temporal lobe epilepsy patients

Granule cell dispersion (GCD) in the dentate gyrus is a frequent feature of Ammon's horn sclerosis (AHS) which is often associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). It has been hypothesized that GCD may be caused by an abnormal migration of newly born granule cells. To test this hypothesis, we used markers of proliferation and neurogenesis and immunocytochemical methods as well as quantitative Western blot and real-time RT-PCR analyses in surgically resected hippocampi from TLE patients and controls. Below the age of 1 year, Ki-67-immunopositive nuclei were detected in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus, but not in the dentate of TLE patients independent of age. The expression of the proliferation marker minichromosome maintenance protein 2 (mcm2) and of doublecortin (DCX) decreased significantly with age in controls and in TLE patients, but the expression of both proteins was independent of the degree of AHS and GCD. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR confirmed these findings at the level of gene expression. In contrast, immunocytochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin as well as Golgi staining revealed a radially aligned glial network in the region of GCD. GFAP-positive fiber length significantly increased with the severity of GCD. These results indicate that epileptic activity does not stimulate neurogenesis in the human dentate gyrus and that GCD probably does not result from a malpositioning of newly generated granule cells, but rather from an abnormal migration of mature granule cells along a radial glial scaffold.     

Comparison of procalcitonin and CrP in the postoperative course after lung decortication

Objective: The objective of this prospective study was to compare the clinical value of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CrP) plasma concentrations in their postoperative course after decortication. Methods: Twenty-two patients requiring surgery for pleural empyema were chosen for this prospective study. Routine blood samples including CrP and PCT plasma concentrations were taken before the operation and on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7th postoperative day. Results: Due to infection PCT and CrP were elevated preoperatively. In the postoperative course both PCT and CrP reached peak-levels on day 2 with values up to 43.55 ng/ml and 384.00 mg/l, respectively. In PCT the rise was followed by a clear decrease in 20 (90.9 %) patients until day 7. In contrast the CrP levels decreased slowly and only seven (54.5%) patients had values of 100 mg/l or below on day 7. PCT showed a better correlation with the clinic in case of septic course than CrP does. Conclusions: PCT reflects postoperative clinical course more accurately than CrP. Therefore, PCT is a more appropriate laboratory parameter to monitor patients after surgery for pleural empyema.     

Five novel RPGR mutations in families with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa

X-linked forms of retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP) are among the most severe because of their early onset, often leading to significant visual impairment before the fourth decade. RP3, genetically localized at Xp21.1, accounts for 70% of XLRP in different populations. The RPGR (Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase Regulator) gene that was isolated from the RP3 region is mutated in 20% of North American families with XLRP. From mutation analysis of 27 independent XLRP families, we have identified five novel RPGR mutations in 5 of the families (160delA, 789 A>T, IVS8+1 G>C, 1147insT and 1366 G>A). One of these mutations was detected in a family from Chile. Hum Mutat 17:151, 2001.     

Structural and functional optical imaging of three-dimensional engineered tissue development

A significant amount of the data collected by cell biologists and tissue engineers relies on invasive imaging techniques to visualize dynamic structural and functional properties in engineered tissues. We report the use of optical coherence tomography and the comparative use of confocal microscopy to nondestructively and noninvasively monitor the structural and functional characteristics of three-dimensional engineered tissues over time. The engineered tissue model is composed of chitosan scaffolds and fibroblasts transfected with vinculin fused to green fluorescent protein. We image the developmental process of engineered tissues from changes of tissue microarchitecture to cell-matrix adhesions in three dimensions. These findings demonstrate the potential for optical coherence tomography in applications in cell and tissue biology, tissue engineering, and drug discovery.     

Localized amyloidosis of the tongue: a review

Amyloidosis is a disease entity defined by the presence of extracellular deposits of proteinacious material. These deposits have a characteristic apple-green birefringence with polarized light after staining with Congo red. Amyloid involvement of the tongue is almost universally secondary to systemic disease. The mean survival of patients with a systemic form of amyloidosis is between 5 to 15 months, whereas those with the localized form have an excellent prognosis. This article presents a case of the more unusual localized form. A thorough evaluation, including abdominal fat or rectal biopsy, is essential in every patient to identify any systemic involvement. The absence of systemic amyloidosis offers a much more favorable prognosis and may be treated with simple surgical excision.     

Mohs micrographic surgery for mucocutaneous malignancies

Mohs' micrographic surgery is a surgical technique developed for removal of mucocutaneous malignancies. The surgeon integrates the responsibilities of surgery, specimen orientation and preparation, and microscopic interpretation to determine tumor-free margins. It has the lowest recurrence rate of all surgical techniques while conserving the most tumor-free skin. In selected cases it is the preferred method for treating carcinomas.