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Background: Post-treatment high-grade gliomas are usually monitored with contrast-enhanced MRI, but its diagnostic accuracy is limited as it cannot adequately distinguish between true tumor progression and treatment-related changes. According to recent response assessment in neuro-oncology (RANO) recommendations PET overcomes this limitation. However, it is currently unknown which tracer yields the best results. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the different PET tracers in differentiating tumor progression from treatment-related changes in high-grade glioma patients. Methods: Pubmed, Web of Science and Embase were searched systematically. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors. Meta-analysis was performed using a bivariate random effects model when ≥ 5 studies were included. Results: 39 studies (11 tracers) were included in the systematic review. 18F-FDG (12 studies, 171 lesions) showed a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 84% (95%CI 72-92) and 84% (69-93), respectively. 18F-FET (7 studies, 172 lesions) demonstrated a sensitivity of 90% (81-95) and specificity of 85% (71-93). 11C-MET (8 studies, 151 lesions) sensitivity was 93% (80-98) and specificity was 82% (68-91). The number of included studies for the other tracers were too low to combine, but sensitivity and specificity ranged between 93-100% and 0-100% for 18F-FLT, 85-100% and 72-100% for 18F-FDOPA and 100% and 70-88% for 11C-CHO, respectively. Conclusion:18F-FET and 11C-MET, both amino-acid tracers, showed a comparable higher sensitivity than 18F-FDG in the differentiation between tumor progression and treatment-related changes in high-grade glioma patients. The evidence for other tracers is limited, thus 18F-FET and 11C-MET are preferred when available. Our results support the incorporation of amino-acid PET tracers for the treatment evaluation of high-grade gliomas.

Over the last three decades there has been an accumulation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies reporting that aberrant functional networks may underlie cognitive deficits and other symptoms across a range of psychiatric diagnoses. The use of pharmacological MRI and H-1-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (H-1-MRS) has allowed researchers to investigate how changes in network dynamics are related to perturbed excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in individuals with psychiatric conditions. More recently, changes in functional network dynamics and excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) neurotransmission have been linked to early childhood trauma, a major antecedents for psychiatric illness in adulthood. Here we review studies investigating whether perturbed network dynamics seen across psychiatric conditions are related to changes in E/I neurotransmission, and whether such changes could be linked to childhood trauma. Whilst there is currently a paucity of studies relating early traumatic experiences to altered E/I balance and network function, the research discussed here lead towards a plausible mechanistic hypothesis, linking early traumatic experiences to cognitive dysfunction and symptoms mediated by E/I neurotransmitter imbalances.

Background: Post-treatment high-grade gliomas are usually monitored with contrast-enhanced MRI, but its diagnostic accuracy is limited as it cannot adequately distinguish between true tumor progression and treatment-related changes. According to recent response assessment in neuro-oncology (RANO) recommendations PET overcomes this limitation. However, it is currently unknown which tracer yields the best results. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the different PET tracers in differentiating tumor progression from treatment-related changes in high-grade glioma patients. Methods: Pubmed, Web of Science and Embase were searched systematically. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two authors. Meta-analysis was performed using a bivariate random effects model when ≥ 5 studies were included. Results: 39 studies (11 tracers) were included in the systematic review. 18F-FDG (12 studies, 171 lesions) showed a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 84% (95%CI 72-92) and 84% (69-93), respectively. 18F-FET (7 studies, 172 lesions) demonstrated a sensitivity of 90% (81-95) and specificity of 85% (71-93). 11C-MET (8 studies, 151 lesions) sensitivity was 93% (80-98) and specificity was 82% (68-91). The number of included studies for the other tracers were too low to combine, but sensitivity and specificity ranged between 93-100% and 0-100% for 18F-FLT, 85-100% and 72-100% for 18F-FDOPA and 100% and 70-88% for 11C-CHO, respectively. Conclusion:18F-FET and 11C-MET, both amino-acid tracers, showed a comparable higher sensitivity than 18F-FDG in the differentiation between tumor progression and treatment-related changes in high-grade glioma patients. The evidence for other tracers is limited, thus 18F-FET and 11C-MET are preferred when available. Our results support the incorporation of amino-acid PET tracers for the treatment evaluation of high-grade gliomas.

Background High-grade gliomas are the most common primary brain tumours. Pseudoprogression describes the false appearance of radiation-induced progression on MRI. A distinction should be made from true tumour progression to correctly plan treatment. However, there is wide variation of reported pseudoprogression. We thus aimed to establish the incidence of pseudoprogression and tumour progression in high-grade glioma patients with a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science on the incidence of pseudoprogression and tumour progression in adult high-grade glioma patients from 2005, the latest on 8 October 2014. Histology or imaging follow-up was used as reference standard. Extracted data included number of patients with worsening of imaging findings on T1 postcontrast or T2/FLAIR, pseudoprogression and tumour progression. Study quality was assessed. Heterogeneity was tested with I (2) . Pooling of the results was done with random models using Metaprop in STATA (StataCorp. Stata Statistical Software. College Station, TX: StataCorp LP).Results We identified 73 studies. MRI progression occurred in 2603 patients. Of these, 36% (95% confidence interval [CI] 33-40%) demonstrated pseudoprogression, 60% (95%CI 56-64%) tumour progression and unknown outcome was present in the remaining 4% of the patients (range 1-37%).Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrated for the first time a notably high pooled incidence of pseudoprogression in patients with a form of progression across the available literature. This highlighted the full extent of the problem of the currently conventional MRI-based Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria for treatment evaluation in high-grade gliomas. This underscores the need for more accurate treatment evaluation using advanced imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic approach.

BackgroundCortical glutamatergic dysfunction is thought to be fundamental for psychosis development, and may lead to structural degeneration through excitotoxicity. Glutamate levels have been related to gray matter volume (GMV) alterations in people at ultra-high risk of psychosis, and we previously reported GMV changes in individuals with high schizotypy (HS), which refers to the expression of schizophrenia-like characteristics in healthy people. This study sought to examine whether GMV changes in HS subjects are related to glutamate levels.MethodsWe selected 22 healthy subjects with HS and 23 healthy subjects with low schizotypy (LS) based on their rating on a self-report questionnaire for psychotic-like experiences. Glutamate levels were measured in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and GMV was assessed using voxel-based morphometry.ResultsSubjects with HS showed GMV decreases in the rolandic operculum/superior temporal gyrus (pFWE = 0.045). Significant increases in GMV were also detected in HS, in the precuneus (pFWE = 0.043), thereby replicating our previous finding in a separate cohort, as well as in the ACC (pFWE = 0.041). While the HS and LS groups did not differ in ACC glutamate levels, in HS subjects ACC glutamate was negatively correlated with ACC GMV (pFWE = 0.026). Such association was absent in LS.ConclusionsOur study shows that GMV findings in schizotypy are related to glutamate levels, supporting the hypothesis that glutamatergic function may lead to structural changes associated with the expression of psychotic-like experiences.

Several brain imaging markers have been studied in the development of post-stroke depression (PSD) and post-stroke apathy (PSA), but inconsistent associations have been reported. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date evaluation of imaging markers associated with PSD and PSA. Databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) were searched from inception to July 21, 2016. Observational studies describing imaging markers of PSD and PSA were included. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to examine the association between PSD or PSA and stroke lesion laterality, type, and location, also stratified by study phase (acute, post-acute, chronic). Other imaging markers were reviewed qualitatively. The search retrieved 4502 studies, of which 149 studies were included in the review and 86 studies in the meta-analyses. PSD in the post-acute stroke phase was significantly associated with frontal (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.34-2.19) and basal ganglia lesions (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.33-3.84). Hemorrhagic stroke related to higher odds for PSA in the acute phase (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.18-5.65), whereas ischemic stroke related to higher odds for PSA in the post-acute phase (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.06-0.69). Frequency of PSD and PSA is modestly associated with stroke type and location and is dependent on stroke phase. These findings have to be taken into consideration for stroke rehabilitation programs, as this could prevent stroke patients from developing PSD and PSA, resulting in better clinical outcome.

Several brain imaging markers have been studied in the development of post-stroke depression (PSD) and post-stroke apathy (PSA), but inconsistent associations have been reported. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date evaluation of imaging markers associated with PSD and PSA. Databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) were searched from inception to July 21, 2016. Observational studies describing imaging markers of PSD and PSA were included. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to examine the association between PSD or PSA and stroke lesion laterality, type, and location, also stratified by study phase (acute, post-acute, chronic). Other imaging markers were reviewed qualitatively. The search retrieved 4502 studies, of which 149 studies were included in the review and 86 studies in the meta-analyses. PSD in the post-acute stroke phase was significantly associated with frontal (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.34–2.19) and basal ganglia lesions (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.33–3.84). Hemorrhagic stroke related to higher odds for PSA in the acute phase (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.18–5.65), whereas ischemic stroke related to higher odds for PSA in the post-acute phase (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.06–0.69). Frequency of PSD and PSA is modestly associated with stroke type and location and is dependent on stroke phase. These findings have to be taken into consideration for stroke rehabilitation programs, as this could prevent stroke patients from developing PSD and PSA, resulting in better clinical outcome. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11065-017-9356-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Purpose To determine whether regions of low apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) with high relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) represented elevated choline (Cho)-to-N-acetylaspartate (NAA) ratio (hereafter, Cho/NAA ratio) and whether their volumes correlated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Materials and Methods This retrospective analysis was approved by the local research ethics committee. Volumetric analysis of imaging data from 43 patients with histologically confirmed GBM was performed. Patients underwent preoperative 3-T magnetic resonance imaging with conventional, diffusion-weighted, perfusion-weighted, and spectroscopic sequences. Patients underwent subsequent surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Overlapping low-ADC and high-rCBV regions of interest (ROIs) (hereafter, ADC-rCBV ROIs) were generated in contrast-enhancing and nonenhancing regions. Cho/NAA ratio in ADC-rCBV ROIs was compared with that in control regions by using analysis of variance. All resulting ROI volumes were correlated with patient survival by using multivariate Cox regression. Results ADC-rCBV ROIs within contrast-enhancing and nonenhancing regions showed elevated Cho/NAA ratios, which were significantly higher than those in other abnormal tumor regions (P < .001 and P = .008 for contrast-enhancing and nonenhancing regions, respectively) and in normal-appearing white matter (P < .001 for both contrast-enhancing and nonenhancing regions). After Cox regression analysis controlling for age, tumor size, resection extent, O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase-methylation, and isocitrate dehydrogenase mutation status, the proportional volume of ADC-rCBV ROIs in nonenhancing regions significantly contributed to multivariate models of OS (hazard ratio, 1.132; P = .026) and PFS (hazard ratio, 1.454; P = .017). Conclusion Volumetric analysis of ADC-rCBV ROIs in nonenhancing regions of GBM can be used to identify patients with poor survival trends after accounting for known confounders of GBM patient outcome.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the gradual degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to striatal dopamine depletion. A partial unilateral striatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion causes 40-60% dopamine depletion in the lesioned rat striatum, modeling the early stage of PD. In this study, we explored the connectivity between the brain regions in partially 6-OHDA lesioned male Wistar rats under urethane anesthesia using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at 5 weeks after the 6-OHDA infusion. Under urethane anesthesia, the brain fluctuates between the two states, resembling rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep states. We observed clear urethane-induced sleep-like states in 8/19 lesioned animals and 8/18 control animals. 6-OHDA lesioned animals exhibited significantly lower functional connectivity between the brain regions. However, we observed these differences only during the REM-like sleep state, suggesting the involvement of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway in REM sleep regulation. Corticocortical and corticostriatal connections were decreased in both hemispheres, reflecting the global effect of the lesion. Overall, this study describes a promising model to study PD-related sleep disorders in rats using fMRI.

Clinical and experimental data suggest that fronto-cortical GABAergic deficits contribute to the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). To further test this hypothesis, we used a well characterized rat model for depression and examined the effect of stress on GABAergic neuron numbers and GABA-mediated synaptic transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of rats. Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to 9-weeks of chronic mild stress (CMS) and based on their hedonic-anhedonic behavior they were behaviorally phenotyped as being stress-susceptible (anhedonic) or stress-resilient. Post mortem quantitative histopathology was used to examine the effect of stress on parvalbumin (PV)-, calretinin-(CR), calbindin-(CB), cholecystokinin-(CCK), somatostatin-(SST) and neuropeptide Y-positive (NPY+) GABAergic neuron numbers in all cortical subareas of the mPFC (anterior cingulate (Cg1), prelimbic (PrL) and infralimbic (IL) cortexes). In vitro, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from layer II–III pyramidal neurons of the ventral mPFC was used to examine GABAergic neurotransmission. The cognitive performance of the animals was assessed in a hippocampal-prefrontal-cortical circuit dependent learning task. Stress exposure reduced the number of CCK-, CR-and PV-positive GABAergic neurons in the mPFC, most prominently in the IL cortex. Interestingly, in the stress-resilient animals, we found higher number of neuropeptide Y-positive neurons in the entire mPFC. The electrophysiological analysis revealed reduced frequencies of spontaneous and miniature IPSCs in the anhedonic rats and decreased release probability of perisomatic-targeting GABAergic synapses and alterations in GABAB receptor mediated signaling. In turn, pyramidal neurons showed higher excitability. Anhedonic rats were also significantly impaired in the object-place paired-associate learning task. These data demonstrate that long-term stress results in functional and structural deficits of prefrontal GABAergic networks. Our findings support the concept that fronto-limbic GABAergic dysfunctions may contribute to emotional and cognitive symptoms of MDD.

The aim of this study was to test whether bilinear and nonlinear effective connectivity (EC) measures of working memory fMRI data can differentiate between patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and healthy controls (HC). We applied bilinear and nonlinear Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) for the analysis of verbal working memory in 16 SZ and 21 HC. The connection strengths with nonlinear modulation between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra (VTA/SN) were evaluated. We used Bayesian Model Selection at the group and family levels to compare the optimal bilinear and nonlinear models. Bayesian Model Averaging was used to assess the connection strengths with nonlinear modulation. The DCM analyses revealed that SZ and HC used different bilinear networks despite comparable behavioral performance. In addition, the connection strengths with nonlinear modulation between the DLPFC and the VTA/SN area showed differences between SZ and HC. The adoption of different functional networks in SZ and HC indicated neurobiological alterations underlying working memory performance, including different connection strengths with nonlinear modulation between the DLPFC and the VTA/SN area. These novel findings may increase our understanding of connectivity in working memory in schizophrenia.

Some beta-galactosidases (EC 3.2.1.23) are capable of producing mixtures of linear and branched galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) with various types of glycosidic linkages [degree of polymerization (DP) 2-8; mainly Gal(n)Glc] when incubated under specific conditions with lactose. These products are generally applied in infant formula. However, for most galacto-oligosaccharide products only major components (low DP) or linkage patterns have been described. To build up a library of H-1 and C-13 NMR data, a detailed NMR study on commercially available GOS di- and trisaccharides, and some larger GOS oligosaccharides was carried out. Based on the fully assigned H-1 and C-13 chemical shifts of these model compounds, a H-1 NMR structural-reporter-group concept was formulated to function as a tool in the structural analysis of single GOS components and GOS mixtures. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fluctuations in blood phenylalanine concentrations may be an important determinant of intellectual outcome in patients with early and continuously treated phenylketonuria (PKU). This review evaluates the studies on phenylalanine fluctuations, factors affecting fluctuations, and if stabilizing phenylalanine concentrations affects outcomes, particularly neurocognitive outcome. Electronic literature searches of Embase and PubMed were performed for English-language publications, and the bibliographies of identified publications were also searched. In patients with PKU, phenylalanine concentrations are highest in the morning. Factors that can affect phenylalanine fluctuations include age, diet, timing and dosing of protein substitute and energy intake, dietary adherence, phenylalanine hydroxylase genotype, changes in dietary phenylalanine intake and protein metabolism, illness, and growth rate. Even distribution of phenylalanine-free protein substitute intake throughout 24 h may reduce blood phenylalanine fluctuations. Patients responsive to and treated with 6R-tetrahydrobiopterin seem to have less fluctuation in their blood phenylalanine concentrations than controls. An increase in blood phenylalanine concentration may result in increased brain and cerebrospinal fluid phenylalanine concentrations within hours. Although some evidence suggests that stabilization of blood phenylalanine concentrations may have benefits in patients with PKU, more studies are needed to distinguish the effects of blood phenylalanine fluctuations from those of poor metabolic control. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the risk of progression to steatohepati tis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma have been identified as major public health concerns. We have demonstrated the feasibility and potential value of measuring liver fat content by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a large population in this study of 4,949 participants (aged 45– 73 years) in the UK Biobank imaging enhancement . Despite requirements for only a single ( 3min) scan of each subject, liver fat was able to be measured as the MRI proton density fat fraction (PDFF) with an overall success rate of 96.4%. The overall hepatic fat distribution was centred between 1–2%, and was highly skewed towards higher fat content. The mean PDFF was 3.91%, and median 2.11%. Analysis of PDFF in conjunction with other data fields available from the UK Biobank Resource showed associations of increased liver fat with greater age, BMI, weight gain, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. Subjects with BMI less than 25 kg/m 2 had a low risk (5%) of high liver fat (PDFF > 5.5%), whereas in the higher BMI population ( > 30 kg/m 2 ) the prevalence of high liver fat was approximately 1 in 3. These data suggest that population screening to identify people with high PDFF is possible and could be cost effective. MRI based PDFF is an effective method for this. Finally, although cross sectional, this study suggests the utility of the PDFF measuremen t within UK Biobank, particularly for applications to elucidating risk factors through associations with prospec- tively acquired data on clinical outcomes of liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background High-grade gliomas are the most common primary brain tumours. Pseudoprogression describes the false appearance of radiation-induced progression on MRI. A distinction should be made from true tumour progression to correctly plan treatment. However, there is wide variation of reported pseudoprogression. We thus aimed to establish the incidence of pseudoprogression and tumour progression in high-grade glioma patients with a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science on the incidence of pseudoprogression and tumour progression in adult high-grade glioma patients from 2005, the latest on 8 October 2014. Histology or imaging follow-up was used as reference standard. Extracted data included number of patients with worsening of imaging findings on T1 postcontrast or T2/FLAIR, pseudoprogression and tumour progression. Study quality was assessed. Heterogeneity was tested with I 2. Pooling of the results was done with random models using Metaprop in STATA (StataCorp. Stata Statistical Software. College Station, TX: StataCorp LP). Results We identified 73 studies. MRI progression occurred in 2603 patients. Of these, 36% (95% confidence interval [CI] 33–40%) demonstrated pseudoprogression, 60% (95%CI 56–64%) tumour progression and unknown outcome was present in the remaining 4% of the patients (range 1–37%). Conclusion This meta-analysis demonstrated for the first time a notably high pooled incidence of pseudoprogression in patients with a form of progression across the available literature. This highlighted the full extent of the problem of the currently conventional MRI-based Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria for treatment evaluation in high-grade gliomas. This underscores the need for more accurate treatment evaluation using advanced imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic approach. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi: 10.1007/s00062-017-0584-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. It contains the characteristics of the included studies (supplementary table 1) and a full search strategy (see supplementary search strategy).

Ectopic fat accumulation has been linked to lipotoxic events, including the development of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Indeed, intramyocellular lipid storage is strongly associated with the development of type 2 diabetes. Research during the last two decades has provided evidence for a role of lipid intermediates like diacylglycerol and ceramide in the induction of lipid-induced insulin resistance. However, recently novel data has been gathered that suggest that the relation between lipid intermediates and insulin resistance is less straightforward than has been previously suggested, and that there are several routes towards lipid-induced insulin resistance. For example, research in this field has shifted towards imbalances in lipid metabolism and lipid droplet dynamics. Next to imbalances in key lipogenic and lipolytic proteins, lipid droplet coat proteins appear to be essential for proper intramyocellular lipid storage, turnover and protection against lipid-induced insulin resistance. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on lipid-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle with a focus on the evidence from human studies. Furthermore, we discuss the available data that provides supporting mechanistic information.

Objective. Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a group of rare heterogeneous autoimmune skeletal muscle disorders characterized by muscle weakness, excessive muscle fatigue and diminished aerobic fitness. Exercise training could be one way to prevent or delay the negative effects of the disease and the impairments seen in patients with an IIM. The objective was to examine whether exercise training is safe and effective in patients with an IIM. Methods. All experimental studies that assessed the safety and/or efficacy of an exercise training programme in patients with an IIM except for case studies were reviewed. Pre-MEDLINE, MEDLINE and EMBASE database searching was done up to November 2010. Information was extracted on the number of participants, characteristics of participants, type of intervention, type of outcome measure, type of study design, report characteristics, geographical origin and risk of bias within studies. The change (percentage and significance) in group mean or median for each outcome measure in each study was determined as well. Results. Two randomized controlled trials, one non-randomized controlled trial and nine uncontrolled trials were included. No studies in children were found. Safety measures did not worsen and efficacy measures improved or did not change. Most of the included studies had a high selection and/or allocation bias. Conclusions. In conclusion, it appears that exercise training is safe and effective in adult patients with active as well as inactive stable IIMs. However, more studies with a well-controlled design are needed. In addition, studies in children with an IIM are indicated.

Fluid increases resulting in higher MRI signal intensities in T(2)-weighted and short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences can be used to diagnose nerve injury. By comparing the signal intensities over time, MRI may become a new method for monitoring the healing process. Muscle edema is assessed by comparing the signal intensity of affected muscle with that of nonaffected muscle. However, in severe forearm trauma, the signal of nondenervated muscle may also be increased by wound edema, thus masking the effect of denervation. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of wound edema on muscle signal intensity in 29 consecutive patients examined on a 1.5-T MRI scanner at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after severe forearm trauma. The long-term course of wound edema and the influence of wound distance were thus investigated using a standardized imaging, calibration and post-processing protocol. The signal intensities of nondenervated intrinsic hand muscles were measured in the affected and contralateral sides. Muscle signal intensities were increased on the trauma side at 1 and 3 months (18% and 7.4%, respectively; p

Background & Aims: Ectopic fat in muscle and liver is linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Recently, pancreatic lipid accumulation has also been associated with beta-cell dysfunction and reduced insulin production, leading to the development of type 2 diabetes. Physical exercise training has been shown to attenuate beta-cell dysfunction in patients, but little is known about its effects on pancreatic and hepatic fat accumulation. In this study, we validated in-vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) in pancreatic fat measurement with biochemical measurements in a pig model. Thereafter, the effects of increased physical activity on the amounts of pancreatic and liver fat were studied in eight monozygotic twin pairs who have discordant physical activity and fitness.Methods: Pancreatic fat content was studied in 15 pigs using (1)H MRS and/or biochemical analyses. In addition, liver and pancreatic fat were assessed using (1)H MRS in eight monozygotic male twin pairs with 18% mean difference in VO(2max) between the twin brothers.Results: Twins with higher physical fitness had 23% less liver fat (1.3 +/- 1.3% vs. 2.1 +/- 2.6%, p = 0.022) but no such difference was observed in the pancreatic fat (8.2 +/- 9.3% vs. 9.8 +/- 8.5%, respectively, p = 0.3). Hepatic fat content was inversely associated with VO(2max). A positive association was found between pancreatic and liver fat contents (beta = 5.18, p = 0.012). Pancreatic fat content was also associated with insulin sensitivity indexes and plasma adiponectin and glutamyltransferase concentrations.Conclusions: Pancreatic fat content is associated with insulin resistance and hepatic fat content. An active lifestyle seems to beneficially influence hepatic fat metabolism. (C) 2010 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Objectives To develop recommendations for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) manifestations.Methods The authors compiled questions on prevalence and risk factors, diagnosis and monitoring, therapy and prognosis of NPSLE. A systematic literature search was performed and evidence was categorised based on sample size and study design.Results Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are at increased risk of several neuropsychiatric manifestations. Common (cumulative incidence >5%) manifestations include cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and seizures; relatively uncommon (1-5%) are severe cognitive dysfunction, major depression, acute confusional state (ACS), peripheral nervous disorders psychosis. Strong risk factors (at least fivefold increased risk) are previous or concurrent severe NPSLE (for cognitive dysfunction, seizures) and antiphospholipid antibodies (for CVD, seizures, chorea). The diagnostic work-up of suspected NPSLE is comparable to that in patients without SLE who present with the same manifestations, and aims to exclude causes unrelated to SLE. Investigations include cerebrospinal fluid analysis (to exclude central nervous system infection), EEG (to diagnose seizure disorder), neuropsychological tests (to assess cognitive dysfunction), nerve conduction studies (for peripheral neuropathy) and MRI (T1/T2, fluid-attenuating inversion recovery, diffusion-weighted imaging, enhanced T1 sequence). Glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive therapy are indicated when NPSLE is thought to reflect an inflammatory process (optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, peripheral neuropathy, refractory seizures, psychosis, ACS) and in the presence of generalised lupus activity. Antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy is indicated when manifestations are related to antiphospholipid antibodies, particularly thrombotic CVD.Conclusions Neuropsychiatric manifestations in SLE patients should be first evaluated and treated as in patients without SLE, and secondarily attributed to SLE and treated accordingly.

ObjectivesTo develop recommendations for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) manifestations.MethodsThe authors compiled questions on prevalence and risk factors, diagnosis and monitoring, therapy and prognosis of NPSLE. A systematic literature search was performed and evidence was categorised based on sample size and study design.ResultsSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are at increased risk of several neuropsychiatric manifestations. Common (cumulative incidence >5%) manifestations include cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and seizures; relatively uncommon (1–5%) are severe cognitive dysfunction, major depression, acute confusional state (ACS), peripheral nervous disorders psychosis. Strong risk factors (at least fivefold increased risk) are previous or concurrent severe NPSLE (for cognitive dysfunction, seizures) and antiphospholipid antibodies (for CVD, seizures, chorea). The diagnostic work-up of suspected NPSLE is comparable to that in patients without SLE who present with the same manifestations, and aims to exclude causes unrelated to SLE. Investigations include cerebrospinal fluid analysis (to exclude central nervous system infection), EEG (to diagnose seizure disorder), neuropsychological tests (to assess cognitive dysfunction), nerve conduction studies (for peripheral neuropathy) and MRI (T1/T2, fluid-attenuating inversion recovery, diffusion-weighted imaging, enhanced T1 sequence). Glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive therapy are indicated when NPSLE is thought to reflect an inflammatory process (optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, peripheral neuropathy, refractory seizures, psychosis, ACS) and in the presence of generalised lupus activity. Antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy is indicated when manifestations are related to antiphospholipid antibodies, particularly thrombotic CVD.ConclusionsNeuropsychiatric manifestations in SLE patients should be first evaluated and treated as in patients without SLE, and secondarily attributed to SLE and treated accordingly.

Our aim was to document changes in the evaluation and prognosis of term-born infants with neonatal encephalopathy of hypoxic-ischemic origin, with particular reference to our own experiences and influences, and to summarize the debate on causation and the relative importance of antenatal and perinatal factors. High quality neonatal cranial ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy have enabled the accurate early visualization of different patterns of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury and prediction of their associated outcomes. Long-term follow-up shows that cognitive and memory difficulties may follow even in children without motor deficits. The very early use of electrophysiologic methods has allowed broad prognostic categorization of infants when this is not possible from clinical assessment or imaging, providing a rationale for entry into intervention trials, such as therapeutic hypothermia. This work has also shown that most of these infants have evidence of acute hypoxic-ischemic brain injury that explains their symptoms and outcomes. Semin Pediatr Neurol 16:216-225 (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Objective: To assess the phytate intake and molar ratios of phytate to calcium, iron and zinc in the diets of people in China. Design: 2002 China Nationwide Nutrition and Health Survey is a cross-sectional nationwide representative survey on nutrition and health. The information on dietary intakes was collected using consecutive 3 days 24|[thinsp]|h recall by trained interviewers. Subjects: The data of 68|[thinsp]|962 residents aged 2|[ndash]|101 years old from 132 counties were analyzed. Results: The median daily dietary intake of phytate, calcium, iron and zinc were 1186, 338.1, 21.2 and 10.6|[thinsp]|mg, respectively. Urban residents consumed less phytate (781 vs 1342|[thinsp]|mg|[sol]|day), more calcium (374.5 vs 324.1|[thinsp]|mg|[sol]|day) and comparable amounts of iron (21.1 vs 21.2|[thinsp]|mg|[sol]|day) and zinc (10.6 vs 10.6|[thinsp]|mg|[sol]|day) than their rural counterparts. A wide variation in phytate intake among residents from six areas was found, ranging from 648 to 1433|[thinsp]|mg|[sol]|day. The median molar ratios of phytate to calcium, iron, zinc and phytate |[times]| calcium|[sol]|zinc were 0.22, 4.88, 11.1 and 89.0, respectively, with a large variation between urban and rural areas. The phytate:zinc molar ratios ranged from 6.2 to 14.2, whereas the phytate |[times]| calcium|[sol]|zinc molar ratios were from 63.7 to 107.2. The proportion of subjects with ratios above the critical values of phytate to iron, phytate to calcium, phytate to zinc and phytate |[times]| calcium|[sol]|zinc were 95.4, 43.7, 23.1 and 8.7|[percnt]|, respectively. All the phytate|[sol]|mineral ratios of rural residents were higher than that of their urban counterparts. Conclusions: The dietary phytate intake of people in China was higher than those in Western developed countries and lower than those in developing countries. Phytate may impair the bioavailability of iron, calcium and zinc in the diets of people in China

Rationale: Substance P antagonists have been proposed as candidates for a new class of antidepressant compounds.Objectives: We examined the effects of SLV-323, a novel neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) antagonist, in the chronic psychosocial stress paradigm of adult male tree shrews.Methods: Animals were subjected to a 7 day period of psychosocial stress before being treated daily with SLV-323 ( 20 mg kg(-1) day(-1)). The psychosocial stress continued throughout the treatment period of 28 days. Brain metabolite concentrations were determined in vivo by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Norepinephrine excretion was monitored from daily urine samples, and serum testosterone concentrations were measured at the end of the experiment. All animals were videotaped daily to analyze scent-marking behavior and locomotor activity. Cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus and hippocampal volume were measured postmortem.Results: Stress significantly decreased cerebral concentrations of N-acetyl-aspartate, total creatine, and choline-containing compounds in vivo and resulted in an increase of urinary norepinephrine and decrease of serum testosterone concentrations. Moreover, stressed animals displayed activity. The proliferation rate of the granule precursor cells in the dentate gyrus was reduced, and hippocampal volume was mildly decreased. The stress-induced alterations in the central nervous system were partially prevented by concomitant administration of SLV-323, while drug treatment had only a minor effect on the stress-induced behavioral changes.Conclusions: The novel NK1R antagonist SLV-323 has certain antidepressant-like effects in a valid animal model of depression.

Toxicogenomics can facilitate the identification and characterization of toxicity, as illustrated in this review. Toxicogenomics, the application of the functional genomics technologies (transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) in toxicology enables the study of adverse effects of xenobiotic substances in relation to structure and activity of the genome. The advantages and limitations of the different technologies are evaluated, and the prospects for integration of the technologies into a systems biology or systems toxicology approach are discussed. Applications of toxicogenomics in various laboratories around the world show that the crucial steps and sequence of events at the molecular level can be studied to provide detailed insights into mechanisms of toxic action. Toxicogenomics allowed for more sensitive and earlier detection of adverse effects in (animal) toxicity studies. Furthermore, the effects of exposure to mixtures could be studied in more detail. This review argues that in the (near) future, human health risk assessment will truly benefit from toxicogenomics (systems toxicology).

Short echo time single voxel methods were used in previous MR spectroscopy studies of phenylalanine (Phe) levels in phenylketonuria (PKU) patients. In this study, apparent T2 relaxation time of the 7.3-ppm Phe multiplet signal in the brain of PKU patients was assessed in order to establish which echo time would be optimal. 1H chemical shift imaging (CSI) examinations of a transverse plain above the ventricles of the brain were performed in 10 PKU patients and 11 persons not suffering from PKU at 1.5 T, using four echo times (TE 20, 40, 135 and 270 ms). Phe was detectable only when the signals from all CSI voxels were summarized. In patients suffering from PKU the T2 relaxation times of choline, creatine and N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) were similar to those previously reported for healthy volunteers (between 200 and 325 ms). The T2 of Phe in brain tissue was 215 +/- 120 ms (standard deviation). In the PKU patients the brain tissue Phe concentrations were 141 +/- 69 microM as opposed to 58 +/- 23 microM in the persons not suffering from PKU. In the detection of Phe, MR spectroscopy performed at TE 135 or 270 ms is not inferior to that performed at TE 20 or 40 ms (all previous studies). Best results were obtained at TE=135 ms, relating to the fact that at that particular TE, the visibility of a compound with a T2 of 215 ms still is good, while interfering signals from short-TE compounds are negligible.

Background: Patients with isolated complex I deficiency (CID) in skeletal muscle mitochondria often present with exercise intolerance as their major clinical symptom. Objective: To study the in vivo bioenergetics in patients with complex I deficiency in skeletal muscle mitochondria. Methods: In vivo bioenergetics were studied in three of these patients by measuring oxygen uptake at rest and during maximal exercise, together with forearm ADP concentrations ([ADP]) at rest. Whole-body oxygen consumption at rest (Vo(2)) was measured with respiratory calorimetry. Maximal oxygen uptake (Vo(2)max) was measured during maximal exercise on a cycle ergometer. Resting [ADP] was estimated from in vivo P-31 MRS measurements of inorganic phosphate, phosphocreatine, and ATP content of forearm muscle. Results: Resting Vo(2) was significantly increased in all three patients: 128 +/- 14% (SD) of values in healthy control subjects. Vo(2)max in patients was on average 2.8 times their Vo(2) at rest and was only 28% of Vo(2)max in control subjects. Resting [ADP] in forearm muscle was significantly increased compared with healthy control subjects (patients 26 +/- 2 muM, healthy controls 9 +/- 2 muM). Conclusion: In patients with CID, the increased whole-body oxygen consumption rate at rest reflects increased electron transport through the respiratory chain, driven by a decreased phosphorylation potential, The increased electron transport rate may compensate for the decreased efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation (phosphorylation potential).

Background: A high-fat diet has been recommended for correction of biochemical abnormalities and muscle energy state in patients with complex I (NADH dehydrogenase) deficiency (CID). Objective: This study evaluated the effects of intravenous infusion of isoenergetic amounts of triacylglycerol or glucose on substrate oxidation, glycolytic carbohydrate metabolism, and energy state in patients with CID. Design: Four CID patients and 15 matched control subjects were infused with triacylglycerol (1.85 mg(.)kg(-1.)min(-1)) or glucose (5 mg(.)kg(-1.)min(-1)) while at rest. Respiratory calorimetry was used to evaluate mitochondrial substrate oxidation. Metabolism of glycolytic carbohydrate was determined on the basis of the rates of appearance and concentrations of plasma lactate from dilution of [1-C-13]lactate measurements. In addition, high-energy phosphate metabolism was measured in forearm muscle by P-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results: Whole-body oxygen consumption rates were higher in the patients than in the control subjects (P

Background: A high-fat diet has been recommended for correction of biochemical abnormalities and muscle energy state in patients with complex I (NADH dehydrogenase) deficiency (CID). Objective: This study evaluated the effects of intravenous infusion of isoenergetic amounts of triacylglycerol or glucose on substrate oxidation, glycolytic carbohydrate metabolism, and energy state in patients with CID. Design: Four CID patients and 15 matched control subjects were infused with triacylglycerol (1.85 mg(.)kg(-1.)min(-1)) or glucose (5 mg(.)kg(-1.)min(-1)) while at rest. Respiratory calorimetry was used to evaluate mitochondrial substrate oxidation. Metabolism of glycolytic carbohydrate was determined on the basis of the rates of appearance and concentrations of plasma lactate from dilution of [1-C-13]lactate measurements. In addition, high-energy phosphate metabolism was measured in forearm muscle by P-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results: Whole-body oxygen consumption rates were higher in the patients than in the control subjects (P

Functional consequences of mutations in predisposition genes for familial cancer syndromes remain often elusive, especially when the corresponding gene products play pleiotropic functions and interact with numerous partners. Understanding the consequences of these genetic alterations requires access to their functional effects at the phenotypic level. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has emerged as a promising functional genomics probe, through its ability to monitor the consequences of genetic variations at the biochemical level. Here, we determine by NMR the metabolic perturbations associated with different disease-related mutations in the MEN1 gene, responsible for the multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome, type 1 (MEN1), an example of hereditary cancer. The MEN1 gene encodes the Menin protein. Based on a cellular model that allows exogenous overexpression of either the wild type (WT) Menin protein or disease-related variant forms, we evaluate the feasibility of using metabolic profiles to discriminate cells with WT versus variant Menin overexpression. High-resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) NMR of whole cells allows to determine the metabolic features associated with overexpression of WT Menin as compared to the one of six different missense variants observed in MEN1 patients. We then identify several statistically significant individual metabolites associated with the metabolic signature of pathogenic versus WT variants. Whether such a metabolic phenotyping approach using cell lines could be exploited as a functional test in a human genetic cancer syndrome is further discussed. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Outer membrane phospholipase A (OMPLA) from Escherichia coli is an integral-membrane enzyme with a unique His-Ser-Asn catalytic triad. In serine proteases and serine esterases usually an Asp occurs in the catalytic triad; its role has been the subject of much debate. Here the role of the uncharged asparagine in the active site of OMPLA is investigated by structural characterization of the Asnl56Ala mutant. Asparagine 156 is not involved in maintaining the overall active-site configuration and does not contribute significantly to the thermal stability of OMPLA. The active-site histidine retains an active conformation in the mutant notwithstanding the loss of the hydrogen bond to the asparagine side chain. Instead, stabilization of the correct tautomeric form of the histidine can account for the observed decrease in activity of the Asnl56Ala mutant.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to assess the presence of brain lactate and lipid signals, frequently associated with the presence of pathology, in healthy persons of 60-90 years old (n = 540). Lactate and lipid signals were observed in, respectively, 25 and 6% of women, and 18 and 2% of men. Upon adjustment for age, and for MRI-detected cerebral atrophy and white matter lesions, the gender differences in lactate and lipid remained the same (p = 0.05 and p = 0.03, respectively). Brain lactate and lipid signals appear to be intrinsic to aging. However, the presence of these metabolites in very focal areas only, rather than in any distributed fashion within the brain (the latter generally the case with cerebral atrophy and white matter lesions), strongly suggests the existence of asymptomatic focal pathology not shown on MRI.

Some anticipatory anxiety is expected on specific occasions such as giving a speech. However, some individuals have an excessive fear of such situations when they are under scrutiny, believing that their performance will cause them embarrassment or humiliation, frequently leading to deliberate avoidance of these situations. This disabling condition has been termed social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is common, with a lifetime prevalence of 2% to 5%, but is probably underreported. The sufferer often avoids seeking assistance, leading to comorbid mental disorders, greater disability, and an increased risk of suicide. Consequently, a high burden is placed on the patient's caregivers and on society. The diagnosis of social anxiety disorder is aided by the patient's history together with DSM-IV criteria. Research into the neurobiology of social anxiety disorder suggests a dysfunction of postsynaptic serotonin receptors and a hypersensitivity to challenge with caffeine, CO2, and pentagastrin. Neuroimaging studies suggest a dysfunction of the striatal presynaptic dopamine transporter in social anxiety disorder. Clear guidelines for the management of social anxiety disorder, including both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, are yet to be established. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRls) show the most promise for the future, while cognitive-behavioral therapy may also be helpful. In the meantime, physicians should treat social anxiety disorder promptly and aggressively. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.

Background After stroke, brain-specific proteins (including neurone-specific enolase) leak into the blood. The question addressed in the present study was whether N-acetyl-aspartate (amino acid derivative localized in cerebral neurones) could also serve as a peripheral marker of ischaemic damage. N-acetyl-aspartate levels were determined in the blood of stroke patients and related to clinical outcome, volume of infarction and to serum neurone-specific enolase. Methods Blood samples from 19 patients (seven women, 12 men, mean age of 73 years, range 56-88 years) were collected during the first 4 days after stroke and analysed for neurone-specific enolase (radioimmunoassay) and/or N-acetyl-aspartate (mass spectrometry). Clinical outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Score, and volume of infarction was calculated using computerized tomography (CT). Control values of N-acetyl-aspartate, determined in six female and nine male volunteers (mean age 47.4 years; range 28-73 years) were 0.26 +/- 0.02 mu moI L-1. Results The increase in serum N-acetyl-aspartate was highly significant (P

We identified nine children with a leukoencephalopathy of similar type according to clinical and MRI findings. The patients included three affected sibling pairs. The age range was 3 to 19 years. The onset of the disease was in childhood; the course was both chronic-progressive and episodic. There were episodes of deterioration following infections and minor head traumas, and these could result in unexplained coma. In eight patients with advanced disease, MRI revealed a diffuse cerebral hemispheric leukoencephalopathy, in which increasing areas of the abnormal white matter had a signal intensity close to that of CSF on all pulse sequences. In one patient in the early stages of disease, initial MRI showed diffusely abnormal cerebral white matter, which only reached the signal characteristics of CSF at a later stage. In the patients in whom the disease was advanced, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the white matter showed an almost complete disappearance of all normal signals and the presence of glucose and lactate, compatible with the presence of mainly CSF and little brain tissue. Spectra of the cortex were much better preserved. However, in addition to the normal resonances, there were signals representing lactate and glucose. MRS of the white matter in the patient whose disease was at an early stage was much less abnormal. Autopsy in one patient confirmed the presence of extensive cystic degeneration of the cerebral white matter with reactive change and a preserved cortex. Typical involvement of pontine tegmental white matter was suggested by MRI and confirmed by autopsy. The disease probably has an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, but the basic metabolic defect is not known.

Recent advances in the treatment of cerebral gliomas have increased the demands on noninvasive neuroimaging for the diagnosis, therapeutic planning, tumor monitoring, and patient outcome prediction. In the meantime, improved magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques have shown much potentials in evaluating the key pathological features of the gliomas, including cellularity, invasiveness, mitotic activity, angiogenesis, and necrosis, hence, further shedding light on glioma grading before treatment. In this paper, an update of advanced MR imaging techniques is reviewed, and their potential roles as biomarkers of tumor grading are discussed.

The pattern of cytosolic ADP recovery after exercise has not been fully characterized in human skeletal muscle. ADP recovery after brief, ischemic exercise was studied by 31phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy in calf muscles of 33 normal control subjects, four patients with McArdle's disease and 13 patients with mitochondrial myopathy. In normal muscle, the half-time for the initial ADP decline was 0.18 +/- 0.07 min and was unaffected by the pH or the metabolic state at the end of exercise. ADP decreased to below rest values during the second min of recovery in 27 out of 33 control subjects. There was a significant (p < 0.001) linear correlation for both the size (r = 0.65) and duration (r = 0.64) of this ADP undershoot with intracellular pH. Phosphocreatine resynthesis continued during the ADP undershoot. ADP undershoot was also found in patients with mitochondrial diseases (in 11 out of 13), but not McArdle's disease (six patients). Thus ADP recovery follows a complex time course that is partly dependent on pH. Only the initial ADP recovery is independent of pH, which makes it suitable for comparative assessment of muscle mitochondrial function in vivo. As phosphocreatine recovery continues during the ADP undershoot, mitochondrial regulation must be different from that at the onset of recovery. These observations are consistent with variable, changing regulators of mitochondrial metabolism in human skeletal muscle.

Fluctuations in blood phenylalanine concentrations may be an important determinant of intellectual outcome in patients with early and continuously treated phenylketonuria (PKU). This review evaluates the studies on phenylalanine fluctuations, factors affecting fluctuations, and if stabilizing phenylalanine concentrations affects outcomes, particularly neurocognitive outcome. Electronic literature searches of Embase and PubMed were performed for English-language publications, and the bibliographies of identified publications were also searched. In patients with PKU, phenylalanine concentrations are highest in the morning. Factors that can affect phenylalanine fluctuations include age, diet, timing and dosing of protein substitute and energy intake, dietary adherence, phenylalanine hydroxylase genotype, changes in dietary phenylalanine intake and protein metabolism, illness, and growth rate. Even distribution of phenylalanine-free protein substitute intake throughout 24 h may reduce blood phenylalanine fluctuations. Patients responsive to and treated with 6R-tetrahydrobiopterin seem to have less fluctuation in their blood phenylalanine concentrations than controls. An increase in blood phenylalanine concentration may result in increased brain and cerebrospinal fluid phenylalanine concentrations within hours. Although some evidence suggests that stabilization of blood phenylalanine concentrations may have benefits in patients with PKU, more studies are needed to distinguish the effects of blood phenylalanine fluctuations from those of poor metabolic control. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Background: Down’s syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. People with DS are at an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) compared to the general population. Neuroimaging studies of AD have focused on medial temporal structures; however, to our knowledge, no in vivo case–control study exists comparing the anatomy of dementia in DS to people with AD in the general population. We therefore compared the in vivo brain anatomy of people with DS and dementia (DS+) to those with AD in the general population. Method: Using MRI in 192 adults, we compared the volume of whole brain matter, lateral ventricles, temporal lobes and hippocampus in DS subjects with and without dementia (DS+, DS-), to each other and to three non-DS groups. These included one group of individuals with AD and two groups of controls (each age-matched for their respective DS and general population AD cohorts). Results: AD and DS+ subjects showed significant reductions in the volume of the whole brain, hippocampus and temporal lobes and a significant elevation in the volume of the lateral ventricle, compared to their non-demented counterparts. People with DS+ had a smaller reduction in temporal lobe volume compared to individuals with AD. Conclusions: DS+ and AD subjects have a significant reduction in volume of the same brain regions. We found preliminary evidence that DS individuals may be more sensitive to tissue loss than others and have less ‘cognitive reserve’.

We performed a short-term, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) therapy in 11 patients affected by various primary mitochondrial disorders. Independent measures of oxidative metabolism (venous blood metabolites, exercise testing, phosphorus magnetic resonance [MR] spectroscopy of muscle, and proton MR spectroscopy of brain) were used in order to monitor metabolic responses to the drug. One week of DCA treatment produced significant decreases (p0.05) in blood lactate, pyruvate, and alanine at rest and after bicycle exercise. Proton MR spectra collected from a supraventricular volume of interest in brain of seven of 11 patients also showed significant changes. Brain lactate/creatine ratio decreased by 42% during DCA treatment (p0.05). Brain choline/creatine ratio (which is low in patients with myelinopathies) increased by 18% (p0.01) after therapy. N-Acetylaspartate/creatine ratio (an index of neuronal damage or loss) increased by 8% after treatment (p0.05). Proton MR spectra collected in two of 11 patients from a volume of interest including the basal ganglia showed similar results (decrease of 36.6% in lactate/creatine; increases of 16% in choline/creatine and 4.5% in N-acetylaspartate/creatine). Phosphorus MR spectroscopy of muscle and self-assessed clinical disability were unchanged. Our study indicates that short-term DCA treatment not only lowers blood lactate but also improves indices of both brain oxidative metabolism and neuronal and glial density or function.