Single-cell analysis of long non-coding RNAs in the developing human neocortex

Single cell transcriptomics of lncRNA expression in K562 cell cultures. A Distributions of median lncRNA expression to median mRNA expression ratios (lncRNA:mRNA) in populations, in silico merged single cells, and single cells from K562 cultures. B Proportion of K562 cells that expressed each lncRNA (blue) and mRNA (red), separated by maximum expression in single cells. C Same as in (B) but grouped by maximum expression quantile. D Distributions of non-zero lncRNA (blue) and mRNA (red) expression in 46 single K562 cells. Green squares, housekeeping genes; black triangles, ERCC Spike-In Controls. (PDF 454 kb

Perioperative Complications Following One-Stage Bilateral and Unilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty via Direct Anterior Approach

Background A single stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty utilizing the direct anterior approach has been reported to have a similar incidence of perioperative complications as unilateral total hip arthroplasty.  However, previous studies have included various surgeons with differences in contraindications, protocol, technique and/or experience. Questions/Purposes The purpose of this retrospective review was to compare perioperative outcomes in single-stage bilateral and unilateral total hip arthroplasties via the direct anterior approach performed by a single, fellowship trained, high volume arthroplasty surgeon. Methods A retrospective review was completed on consecutive single-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasties performed between 2009 and 2017 and compared to consecutive unilateral total hip arthroplasties performed between 2014 and 2016.  Perioperative data and complications occurring within 90 days were collected for all included patients.  Student t-tests were performed to detect differences between bilateral and unilateral surgical variables. Results A total of 349 patients (531 hips) were included, consisting of 182 BTHA patients (364 hips) and 167 unilateral THA patients. Patients undergoing unilateral THA had significantly lower operating time, shorter length of stay, lower estimated blood loss, lower rate of transfusions and higher rate of home discharge compared to BTHA (p<0.001). Complications were present in four unilateral THA patients, three requiring revision, and nine BTHA patients, three requiring revision. Conclusions There was no difference in complications, as well as no perioperative mortalities or systemic complications, within 90 days following surgery between unilateral and bilateral patients.  Based on these results, single-stage DAA BTHA is a safe procedure to perform, and did not appear to result in higher rates of complications when compared to patients receiving a DAA unilateral THA

Comparison of lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) with open versus percutaneous screw fixation for adult degenerative scoliosis

Study designRetrospective Review.ObjectivesCompare clinical outcomes and radiographic correction of adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) patients treated with lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), combined either with percutaneous (no laminectomy) versus open laminectomy/pedicle screw instrumentation.MethodsTwenty-two ADS patients undergoing combined LLIF and posterior instrumentation were divided into two groups: thirteen patients underwent LLIF with open laminectomy and posterior pedicle instrumentation (Group-1, six revision); nine patients underwent LLIF with percutaneous pedicle instrumentation (no decompression) (Group-2). Radiographs, CT/MRI, peri-operative complications, VAS, SF-12, and ODI were measured.ResultsAverage follow up was 22 months. In Group-1 and Group-2, respectively: Mean coronal Cobb angle corrected 12.6° and 5.8°; Mean regional lumbar lordosis improved 11.1° and 3.8°; Pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis mismatch corrected to within +/-9° in 46% and 0% of patients; Mean VAS improved from 5.4 to 2.8 and 6.3 to 1; Mean ODI improved 19% and 22%. Improvements were found in SF-12 PCS and MCS scores.ConclusionsBoth open and percutaneous posterior techniques following LLIF significantly improved clinical outcomes. Open procedures resulted in significantly better radiographic improvements but also higher complication rates. LLIF with percutaneous posterior fixation, without decompression, should be considered part of the algorithm in select ADS patients with remaining compensatory mechanisms and understanding that greater degrees of correction may require an open, more extensive approach

CRISPRi-based genome-scale identification of functional long noncoding RNA loci in human cells

The human genome produces thousands of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs)-transcripts &gt;200 nucleotides long that do not encode proteins. Although critical roles in normal biology and disease have been revealed for a subset of lncRNAs, the function of the vast majority remains untested. We developed a CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) platform targeting 16,401 lncRNA loci in seven diverse cell lines, including six transformed cell lines and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Large-scale screening identified 499 lncRNA loci required for robust cellular growth, of which 89% showed growth-modifying function exclusively in one cell type. We further found that lncRNA knockdown can perturb complex transcriptional networks in a cell type-specific manner. These data underscore the functional importance and cell type specificity of many lncRNAs