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Tau, a microtubule-associated protein, is implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in regard to both neurofibrillary tangle formation and neuronal network hyperexcitability. The genetic ablation of tau substantially reduces hyperexcitability in AD mouse lines, induced seizure models, and genetic in vivo models of epilepsy. These data demonstrate that tau is an important regulator of network excitability. However, developmental compensation in the genetic tau knock-out line may account for the protective effect against seizures. To test the efficacy of a tau reducing therapy for disorders with a detrimental hyperexcitability profile in adult animals, we identified antisense oligonucleotides that selectively decrease endogenous tau expression throughout the entire mouse CNS-- brain and spinal cord tissue, interstitial fluid, and CSF--while having no effect on baseline motor or cognitive behavior. In two chemically induced seizure models, mice with reduced tau protein had less severe seizures than control mice. Total tau protein levels and seizure severity were highly correlated, such that those mice with the most severe seizures also had the highest levels of tau. Our results demonstrate that endogenous tau is integral for regulating neuronal hyperexcitability in adult animals and suggest that an antisense oligonucleotide reduction of tau could benefit those with epilepsy and perhaps other disorders associated with tau-mediated neuronal hyperexcitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Mutations in SOD1 cause 13% of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In the SOD1 Gly93Ala rat model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the antisense oligonucleotide ISIS 333611 delivered to CSF decreased SOD1 mRNA and protein concentrations in spinal cord tissue and prolonged survival. We aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of ISIS 333611 after intrathecal administration in patients with SOD1-related familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Methods: In this randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 1 trial, we delivered ISIS 333611 by intrathecal infusion using an external pump over 11·5 h at increasing doses (0·15 mg, 0·50 mg, 1·50 mg, 3·00 mg) to four cohorts of eight patients with SOD1-positive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (six patients assigned to ISIS 333611, two to placebo in each cohort). We did the randomisation with a web-based system, assigning patients in blocks of four. Patients and investigators were masked to treatment assignment. Participants were allowed to re-enrol in subsequent cohorts. Our primary objective was to assess the safety and tolerability of ISIS 333611. Assessments were done during infusion and over 28 days after infusion. This study was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT01041222. Findings: Seven of eight (88%) patients in the placebo group versus 20 of 24 (83%) in the ISIS 333611 group had adverse events. The most common events were post-lumbar puncture syndrome (3/8 [38%] vs 8/24 [33%]), back pain (4/8 [50%] vs 4/24 [17%]), and nausea (0/8 [0%] vs 3/24 [13%]). We recorded no dose-limiting toxic effects or any safety or tolerability concerns related to ISIS 333611. No serious adverse events occurred in patients given ISIS 333611. Re-enrolment and re-treatment were also well tolerated. Interpretation: This trial is the first clinical study of intrathecal delivery of an antisense oligonucleotide. ISIS 333611 was well tolerated when administered as an intrathecal infusion. Antisense oligonucleotides delivered to the CNS might be a feasible treatment for neurological disorders. Funding: The ALS Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Isis Pharmaceuticals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents information on gas development opportunities in the Marcellus Shale region. The hydrocarbon resources provide economic opportunities and energy security benefits for the U.S. A focus is on the forests and parks, the leasing of public lands in this region and the recent federal and state litigations based on public lands. The laws and regulations application to the operations of federal and state public lands and their leasing are discussed.

Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) cause familial ALS. Mutant SOD1 preferentially associates with the cytoplasmic face of mitochondria from spinal cords of rats and mice expressing SOD1 mutations. Two-dimensional gels and multidimensional liquid chromatography, in combination with tandem mass spectrometry, revealed 33 proteins that were increased and 21 proteins that were decreased in SOD1G93A rat spinal cord mitochondria compared with SOD1WT spinal cord mitochondria. Analysis of this group of proteins revealed a higher-than-expected proportion involved in complex I and protein import pathways. Direct import assays revealed a 30% decrease in protein import only in spinal cord mitochondria, despite an increase in the mitochondrial import components TOM20, TOM22, and TOM40. Recombinant SOD1G93A or SOD1G85R, but not SOD1WT or a Parkinson's disease-causing, misfolded α-synucleinE46K mutant, decreased protein import by >50% in nontransgenic mitochondria from spinal cord, but not from liver. Thus, altered mitochondrial protein content accompanied by selective decreases in protein import into spinal cord mitochondria comprises part of the mitochondrial damage arising from mutant SOD1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of corticosteroids for treatment of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy in clinical practice from 1991 through 2005 was reviewed in a large population-based cohort (MD STARnet) of boys in 4 regional sites and 6 clinics of the United States. Corticosteroid use increased from 20% (11 of 56 individuals) in 1991 to 44% (93 of 218 individuals) in 2005. Average use varied by site and ranged from 15% to 49%. The median age of corticosteroid initiation was 6.9 years (range, 3.7-17.4 years). Dosage and growth information was available for 102 participants and showed a median dose as 0.729 mg/kg for prednisone and 0.831 mg/kg for deflazacort. T. The most common reasons that corticosteroids were discontinued included weight gain, behavioral side effects, and loss of ambulation, resulting in full-time wheelchair use. Substantial variations in clinical practice were identified among study sites. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on the distinction between a shallow and deep well that can make a difference in permitting procedures and regulatory compliance, as well as on statutory regulation of oil and gas exploration in various U.S. states, including West Virginia and New York. It explains the functions of the West Virginia Shallow Gas Well Review Board (SGWRB). It cites the requirements with regards to well spacing set by Pennsylvania. Conditions that must be met to obtain permits to drill, deepen, plug back or convert a well in New York are also tackled.

We describe a large family with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by an I113T mutation in superoxide dismuatse type 1 (SOD1). The proband developed symptoms typical for ALS at age 39 years and is still walking five years later. Marked phenotypic variability is manifested by her mother with onset of gait difficulty and decision-making problems at age 67 years and a five-year course marked by progressive mild upper motor neuron weakness, frontotemporal dementia and chorea. An aunt's initial symptoms included foot numbness and an uncle with the mutation is asymptomatic. Penetrance is only 50% at age 60 years and 88% at age 80 years with an 86-year-old woman harboring the mutation and having a normal neurologic examination. This family highlights the extreme variability in age of onset, clinical manifestations, disease progression and penetrance due to the I113T SOD1 mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are neurodegenerative diseases that show considerable clinical and pathologic overlap, with no effective treatments available. Mutations in the RNA binding protein TDP-43 were recently identified in patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and TDP-43 aggregates are found in both ALS and FTLD-U (FTLD with ubiquitin aggregates), suggesting a common underlying mechanism. We report that mice expressing a mutant form of human TDP-43 develop a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease reminiscent of both ALS and FTLD-U. Despite universal transgene expression throughout the nervous system, pathologic aggregates of ubiquitinated proteins accumulate only in specific neuronal populations, including layer 5 pyramidal neurons in frontal cortex, as well as spinal motor neurons, recapitulating the phenomenon of selective vulnerability seen in patients with FTLD-U and ALS. Surprisingly, cytoplasmic TDP-43 aggregates are not present, and hence are not required for TDP-43-induced neurodegeneration. These results indicate that the cellular and molecular substrates for selective vulnerability in FTLD-U and ALS are shared between mice and humans, and suggest that altered DNA/RNA-binding protein function, rather than toxic aggregation, is central to TDP-43-related neurodegeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are developing a Transition-edge Hot-electron Microbolometer (THM) with the capacity to make sensitive and broadband astrophysical observations over frequencies ranging from 30-300 GHz (10-1 mm). This micron-sized bolometer consists of a superconducting bilayer Transition-Edge Sensor (TES) and a thin-film absorber. The THM employs the decoupling between electrons and phonons at low temperatures (below 300 mK) to provide thermal isolation. The devices are fabricated photolithographically and read out with Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs). We present the details of a thermal model for a THM detector and the design for new thermally optimized antenna-coupled THMs for illumination by a RF source at 40 and 100 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive motor neuron disease affecting the cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. In familial and sporadic ALS, the levels of a complex of α2‐Na+/K+‐ATPase (encoded by the Atp1a2 gene) and α‐adducin are increased in the spinal cord. In the SOD1*G93A mouse model of ALS, upregulation of this complex is specifically observed in astrocytes and Atp1a2+/‐ SOD1*G93A mice show increased mobility and lifespan than Atp1a2+/+ littermate controls. Further, RNAi‐mediated knockdown of Atp1a2 in SOD1*G93A primary mouse astrocytes prevents cell death and dendrite degeneration in co‐cultured motor neurons. These findings suggest that Atp1a2 might represent a therapeutic target in ALS. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) have emerged as a safe and effective method to modify gene expression in animal models and in the clinic. Method: Here we characterize the suitability of Atp1a2 knockdown using ASOs as a means to attenuate astrocyte‐mediated neurotoxicity in SOD1*G93A mice. Two lead ASOs targeting the 3'‐UTR of Atp1a2 and reducing Atp1a2 expression by 50‐70% were identified. These two ASOs were then tested in vivo to determine their impact on disease progression and survival in SOD1*G93A mice. Result: Atp1a2 ASOs led to efficient Atp1a2 knockdown and significantly reduced SOD1 aggregation in vivo. However, Atp1a2 ASO‐treated mice exhibited significantly earlier disease onset and shorter lifespan than animals receiving control ASOs. Conclusion: Together, these results demonstrate a decoupling of SOD1 aggregation and disease course, thereby, suggesting that reducing Atp1a2 expression in adulthood may not have the same beneficial effects of gene knockout at birth in SOD1*G93A mice. Additional studies are required to understand the divergence of these effects and the efficacy of Atp1a2 as a therapeutic target in ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the importance of emergency crisis management plans which should be followed by the gas companies. Specific focus has been given to the legal departments of the companies to work out a formal plan specifically tailored for every operation of a client. It is also mentioned that the field and operational personnel and government agencies have guidelines for crisis management which are not followed by legal departments of the companies.

Focuses on the decision of West Virginia residents to file lawsuits against various industries including mining and timber following the occurrence of floods in the area from July 2001 to May 2002. Inclusion of the unreasonable use of land and negligence in the claims of the residents; Absence of dangerous land-use activities in the area according to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals; Possibility of the litigation to influence existing and future mineral and land development.

Recent progress in therapeutics for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has spurred development and imbued the field of ALS with hope for more breakthroughs, yet substantial scientific gaps persist. This unmet need remains a stark reminder that innovative paradigms are needed to invigorate ALS research. To move toward more informative, targeted, and personalized drug development, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) established a national ALS clinical research consortium called Access for ALL in ALS (ALL ALS). This new consortium is a multi‐institutional effort that aims to organize the ALS clinical research landscape in the United States. ALL ALS is operating in partnership with several stakeholders to operationalize the recommendations of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act (ACT for ALS) Public Private Partnership. ALL ALS will provide a large‐scale, centralized, and readily accessible infrastructure for the collection and storage of a wide range of data from people living with ALS (symptomatic cohort) or who may be at risk of developing ALS (asymptomatic ALS gene carriers). Importantly, ALL ALS is designed to encourage community engagement, equity, and inclusion. The consortium is prioritizing the enrollment of geographically, ethnoculturally, and socioeconomically diverse participants. Collected data include longitudinal clinical data and biofluids, genomic, and digital biomarkers that will be harmonized and linked to the central Accelerating Medicines Partnership for ALS (AMP ALS) portal for sharing with the research community. The aim of ALL ALS is to deliver a comprehensive, inclusive, open‐science dataset to help researchers answer important scientific questions of clinical relevance in ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and genotype among pre-symptomatic carriers of different pathogenic variants associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Methods: C9orf72+ carriers, SOD1+ carriers, and pathogenic variant negative controls (Gene-Negatives) were included from 3 largely independent cohorts: ALS Families Project (ALS-Families); Dominantly inherited ALS (DIALS); and Pre-symptomatic Familial ALS (Pre-fALS). First reported (ALS-Families) or measured (DIALS and Pre-fALS) weight and height were used to calculate BMI. Age at weight measurement, self-reported sex (male vs. female), and highest education (high school or below vs. college education vs. graduate school or above) were extracted. The associations between BMI and genotype in each cohort were examined with multivariable linear regression models, adjusted for age, sex, and education. Results: A total of 223 C9orf72+ carriers, 135 SOD1+ carriers, and 191 Gene-Negatives were included, deriving from ALS-Families (n = 114, median age 46, 37% male), DIALS (n = 221, median age 46, 30% male), and Pre-fALS (n = 214, median age 44, 39% male). Adjusting for age, sex, and education, the mean BMI of C9orf72+ carriers was lower than Gene-Negatives by 2.4 units (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.3–4.6, p = 0.02) in ALS-Families; 2.7 units (95% CI = 0.9–4.4, p = 0.003) in DIALS; and 1.9 units (95% CI = 0.5–4.2, p = 0.12) in Pre-fALS. There were no significant differences in BMI between SOD1+ carriers and Gene-Negatives in any of the 3 cohorts. Conclusions: Compared to Gene-Negatives, average BMI is lower in asymptomatic C9orf72+ carriers across 3 cohorts while no significant difference was found between Gene-Negatives and SOD1+ carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]