Glial regenerative cell types in the superficial cortex in cortical dysplasia subtypes

Purpose: Focal Cortical Dysplasias (FCD) are localized malformative brain lesions in epilepsy. FCD3a associated with hippocampal sclerosis, affects the superficial cortex and is presumed to have an ‘acquired’ rather than developmental origin. Precursor cells may arise outside neurogenic zones including cortical layer I. Our aim was to characterise subsets of glial progenitor cells in the superficial cortical layers, known to be involved in gliosis and gliogenesis and that could distinguish FCD3a from other subtypes. Methods: Using immunohistochemistry we quantified the density of glial progenitor subsets in superficial cortex layers using markers against PAX6, GFAP, Olig2 and PDGFRβ and proliferation marker MCM2 in ten FCD3a cases compared to 18 other FCD types and 11 non-FCD controls. Key Findings: Glial progenitor cells types were present in the cortical layer I and II in all FCD groups. GFAP cells frequently expressed PAX6 and significantly higher GFAP/PAX6 than GFAP/MCM2 cell densities were identified in the FCD3a group (p<0.05). Olig2 cell densities were significantly higher in FCD3b than FCD3a (p=0.002) and significantly higher GFAP/MCM2 compared to PDGFRβ/MCM2 cell densities were identified in both FCD3b and FCD2 groups. There was no correlation between cell densities and the age of patients at surgery and between cortical regions. Significance: Immature and proliferative glial populations across FCD variants reflect ‘reactive cell types and differences may provide insight into underlying pathomechanisms. Higher PAX6 expression in astroglial cells in FCD3a may indicate a switch to astrocytic maturation and enhanced superficial gliosis. Higher Olig2 and GFAP/MCM2 densities in FCD3b may reflect margins of the tumour infiltration zone rather than true cortical dysplasia

Glial regenerative cell types in the superficial cortex in cortical dysplasia subtypes

PURPOSE: Focal Cortical Dysplasias (FCD) are localized malformative brain lesions in epilepsy. FCD3a associated with hippocampal sclerosis, affects the superficial cortex and is presumed to have an 'acquired' rather than developmental origin. Precursor cells may arise outside neurogenic zones including cortical layer I. Our aim was to characterise subsets of glial progenitor cells in the superficial cortical layers, known to be involved in gliosis and gliogenesis and that could distinguish FCD3a from other subtypes. METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry we quantified the density of glial progenitor subsets in superficial cortex layers using markers against PAX6, GFAP, Olig2 and PDGFRβ and proliferation marker MCM2 in ten FCD3a cases compared to 18 other FCD types and 11 non-FCD controls. KEY FINDINGS: Glial progenitor cells types were present in the cortical layer I and II in all FCD groups. GFAP cells frequently expressed PAX6 and significantly higher GFAP/PAX6 than GFAP/MCM2 cell densities were identified in the FCD3a group (p < 0.05). Olig2 cell densities were significantly higher in FCD3b than FCD3a (p = 0.002) and significantly higher GFAP/MCM2 compared to PDGFRβ/MCM2 cell densities were identified in both FCD3b and FCD2 groups. There was no correlation between cell densities and the age of patients at surgery and between cortical regions. SIGNIFICANCE: Immature and proliferative glial populations across FCD variants reflect reactive cell types and differences may provide insight into underlying pathomechanisms. Higher PAX6 expression in astroglial cells in FCD3a may indicate a switch to astrocytic maturation and enhanced superficial gliosis. Higher Olig2 and GFAP/MCM2 densities in FCD3b may reflect margins of the tumour infiltration zone rather than true cortical dysplasia

Coupled wake boundary layer model of wind-farms

We present and test the coupled wake boundary layer (CWBL) model that describes the distribution of the power output in a wind-farm. The model couples the traditional, industry-standard wake model approach with a "top-down" model for the overall wind-farm boundary layer structure. This wake model captures the effect of turbine positioning, while the "top-down" portion of the model adds the interactions between the wind-turbine wakes and the atmospheric boundary layer. Each portion of the model requires specification of a parameter that is not known a-priori. For the wake model, the wake expansion coefficient is required, while the "top-down" model requires an effective spanwise turbine spacing within which the model's momentum balance is relevant. The wake expansion coefficient is obtained by matching the predicted mean velocity at the turbine from both approaches, while the effective spanwise turbine spacing depends on turbine positioning and thus can be determined from the wake model. Coupling of the constitutive components of the CWBL model is achieved by iterating these parameters until convergence is reached. We illustrate the performance of the model by applying it to both developing wind-farms including entrance effects and to fully developed (deep-array) conditions. Comparisons of the CWBL model predictions with results from a suite of large eddy simulations (LES) shows that the model closely represents the results obtained in these high-fidelity numerical simulations. A comparison with measured power degradation at the Horns Rev and Nysted wind-farms shows that the model can also be successfully applied to real wind-farms.Comment: 25 pages, 21 figures, submitted to Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy on July 18, 201

FDG-PET/CT for diagnosis of cyst infection in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Purpose: Cyst infections are a common complication in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Diagnosing these infections often remains challenging. Conventional imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and standard magnetic resonance imaging have several drawbacks and disadvantages. The purpose of this pictorial essay was to illustrate and discuss the potential value of18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/CT in diagnosing cyst infection in ADPKD. Methods: Exemplary (ADPKD) patients who underwent FDG-PET/CT as part of their routine clinical work-up in our institution are presented to show the potential value and drawbacks of this imaging technique in diagnosing cyst infection. In addition, the current literature and guidelines on this topic were reviewed. Results: FDG-PET/CT appears to be a sensitive method for the detection of cyst infection, but it is not infallible. Furthermore, FDG uptake in cysts and cyst-like lesions is not specific and clinical and radiological correlations are essential to improve specificity and minimize the risk of falsely discarding other diseases, in particular malignancy. Conclusion: FDG-PET/CT seems to be a useful imaging modality to diagnose cyst infections in ADPKD. However, its exact diagnostic value has not been established yet due to the lack of a reliable reference standard in previous studies on this topic

Glucose-induced fibronectin and collagen type III expression in renal fibroblasts can occur independent of TGF-β1

Glucose-induced fibronectin and collagen type III expression in renal fibroblasts can occur independent of TGF-β1.BackgroundVarious renal cell types have been shown to contribute to the excessive matrix deposition observed in diabetic nephropathy. The present study examined the effect of high ambient glucose and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) on matrix production by human renal fibroblasts.MethodsHuman renal fibroblasts (TK173) were used to examine the effects of high glucose and TGF-β1 on fibronectin and collagen type III expression. Stable transfectants were generated of TK173 cells expressing a dominant negative TGF-β type II receptor. Matrix components were measured in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).ResultsFibronectin secretion by renal fibroblasts was increased upon exposure to high glucose, but with delayed kinetics compared to TGF-β1-induced fibronectin. Exposure to high glucose resulted in an increased secretion of latent TGF-β1. However, treatment with neutralizing pan-specific anti-TGF-β antibodies could not attenuate the effects of glucose. Furthermore, collagen type III was up-regulated by high glucose, but not by TGF-β1. Importantly, fibroblasts expressing a dominant negative TGF-β type II receptor were defective in TGF-β1-induced fibronectin production, whereas glucose-induced fibronectin and collagen type III were unaffected.ConclusionsThese data show that in renal fibroblasts exposure to high glucose can increase matrix production independent of endogenous TGF-β1. Although glucose activation is accompanied by an increased production of latent TGF-β1, which can have an important role in vivo, the data suggest involvement of alternative growth factors in the mechanism by which hyperglycemic conditions can modulate matrix accumulation in diabetic nephropathy

The meaning of materiality: reconsidering the materiality of Gramscian IR

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Sri Lanka seafood exports; Quick scan of the EU market potential

The Asian region is a major supplier of fish products to the EU market. During the past five years in particular, the aquaculture sector in some Asian countries has become an important producer as well as exporter of white fish and shrimp. CBI is currently developing an integrated programme for the seafood sector in the Asian region. For the development of this programme, a good understanding of the supply and demand side of the industry is necessary. In order to decide on a programme to support further export growth of the seafood sectors of Sri Lanka and Pakistan, CBI has asked LEI to provide information on the sector in Sri Lanka

Pangasius in the EU market; Prospects for the position of (ASC-certified) pangasius in the EU retail and food service sector

The objective of this market study is to investigate the potential short- and long-term benefits for investors to invest in the production of pangasius with a trademark based on ASC certification, for the retail and food service market segments in the EU market

The Philippine seafood sector : a value chain analysis

The Asian region is a major supplier of fish products to the EU market. Over the period 2005-2010 in par-ticular, the aquaculture sector in some Asian countries became an important producer as well as exporter of whitefish and shrimps. Within the Asian region CBI is currently studying the possibilities of developing in-tegrated programmes for the seafood sector for specific countries. This follows up on CBI’s current sea-food activities in Indonesia with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and the Surabaya Seafood Centre

The Indonesian seafood sector; a value chain analysis

The Asian region is a major supplier of fish products to the EU market. Over the past five years in par-ticular, the aquaculture sector in some Asian countries has become an important producer as well as ex-porter of whitefish and shrimps. Within the Asian region, CBI is currently studying the possibilities of developing integrated programmes for the seafood sector for specific countries. This follows up on CBI's current seafood activities in Indonesia with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and the Su-rabaya Seafood Centre. For the development of these programmes, a good understanding of the supply and demand side of the industry is essential. For CBI to support further export growth of the seafood sec-tor of Indonesia, additional research on the value chains of the most relevant seafood products in Indone-sia is require