Nucleotide sequence of the 3' exon of the human N-myc gene.

We have analyzed a 3.8 kb Eco RI fragment of genomic DNA obtained from the amplified N-myc gene of human neuroblastoma cell line BE(2)-C. This fragment contains an exon with an open reading frame encoding approximately 170 amino acids of the carboxy-terminal end of the putative N-myc protein. Comparison of the inferred amino acid sequence of this peptide with that of the 3' domain of the human c-myc protein shows that locally conserved but dispersed regions of homology exist throughout the lengths of these peptides, while hydropathy plots indicate that the physical properties implied by their primary sequences are strikingly similar. Based upon these and other considerations, it is suggested that the 3' domains of c-myc and N-myc may potentially share related functions

Significance of circadian rhythms in severely brain-injured patients. A clue to consciousness?

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the presence of a circadian body temperature rhythm and behaviourally assessed consciousness levels in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC, i.e. vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome [VS/UWS] or minimally conscious state [MCS]). Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we investigated the presence of circadian temperature rhythms across six to seven days using external skin temperature sensors in 18 patients suffering from DOC. Beyond this; we examined the relationship between behaviourally assessed consciousness levels and circadian rhythmicity. Results: Interestingly, analyses with Lomb-Scargle periodograms revealed significant circadian rhythmicity in all patients (range 23.5-26.3h). We found that especially scores on the arousal subscale of the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) were closely linked to the integrity of circadian variations in body temperature. Finally, we piloted whether bright light stimulation could boost circadian rhythmicity and found positive evidence in two out of eight patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study provides first evidence for an association between circadian body temperature rhythms and arousal as a necessary precondition for consciousness. Thereby, our findings also make a case for circadian rhythms as a target for treatment as well as the application of diagnostic and therapeutic means at times when cognitive performance is expected to peak

Significance of circadian rhythms in severely brain-injured patients. A clue to consciousness?

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the presence of a circadian body temperature rhythm and behaviourally assessed consciousness levels in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC, i.e. vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome [VS/UWS] or minimally conscious state [MCS]). Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we investigated the presence of circadian temperature rhythms across six to seven days using external skin temperature sensors in 18 patients suffering from DOC. Beyond this; we examined the relationship between behaviourally assessed consciousness levels and circadian rhythmicity. Results: Interestingly, analyses with Lomb-Scargle periodograms revealed significant circadian rhythmicity in all patients (range 23.5-26.3h). We found that especially scores on the arousal subscale of the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) were closely linked to the integrity of circadian variations in body temperature. Finally, we piloted whether bright light stimulation could boost circadian rhythmicity and found positive evidence in two out of eight patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study provides first evidence for an association between circadian body temperature rhythms and arousal as a necessary precondition for consciousness. Thereby, our findings also make a case for circadian rhythms as a target for treatment as well as the application of diagnostic and therapeutic means at times when cognitive performance is expected to peak

Wireless mobile technology to improve workflow and feasibility of MR-guided percutaneous interventions

PURPOSE: A wireless interactive display and control device combined with a platform-independent web-based User Interface (UI) was developed to improve the workflow for interventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (iMRI). METHODS: The iMRI-UI enables image acquisition of up to three independent slices using various pulse sequences with different contrast weighting. Pulse sequence, scan geometry and related parameters can be changed on the fly via the iMRI-UI using a tablet computer for improved lesion detection and interventional device targeting. The iMRI-UI was validated for core biopsies with a liver phantom (n=40) and Thiel soft-embalmed human cadavers (n=24) in a clinical 1.5T MRI scanner. RESULTS: The iMRI-UI components and setup were tested and found conditionally MRI-safe to use according to current ASTM standards. Despite minor temporary touchscreen interference at a close distance to the bore (<20 cm), no other issues regarding quality or imaging artefacts were observed. The 3D root-mean-square distance error was 2.8±1.0 (phantom) / 2.9±0.8 mm (cadaver) and overall procedure times ranged between 12–22 (phantom) / 20–55 minutes (cadaver). CONCLUSIONS: The wireless iMRI-UI control setup enabled fast and accurate interventional biopsy needle placements along complex trajectories and improved the workflow for percutaneous interventions under MRI guidance in a preclinical trial