Multidimensional MRI Signature for Specific Detection of Traumatic Brain Injury In Vivo

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major medical, social and economic concern worldwide due to significant mortality – especially among younger populations – and long-term disabilities. Various pathological brain lesions (e.g., intracerebral bleedings, necrotic-ischemic lesions, tissue avulsion) are produced by impacting mechanical forces. Among these, diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is one of the most significant brain lesions typically associated with trauma. However, DAI is not necessarily linked with TBI exposure. Therefore, the term “traumatic axonal injury (TAI)” is commonly used.

Magnetic Resonance Specimen Evaluation Using Multiple Pulse Field Gradient Sequences

Researchers at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) developed an MRI-method that is based on the acquisition of multiple pulsed field gradient (m-PFG) rather than single-pulsed field gradient (s-PFG) MRI sequences. In particular, double PFG (dPFG) MRI sequences offer higher sensitivity and greater robustness, as they are more sensitive to the effects of “restriction;” i.e., to water trapped within the axon’s intracellular space, and thus to the diameter of the axons.

Systems and Devices for Training and Imaging an Awake Test Animal

Typical MRI imaging sessions can last over 45 minutes and depend on the subject remaining still during the procedure for accurate imaging. In particular, animals being imaged, such as rodents (rats) in an awakened state, are not readily compliant with the restricted movement required when being imaged. Current techniques for imaging awake animals focus on training them with full body restraints and head fixation using a bite bar and/or ear bars.

Treatment of Alcoholism by Inhibition of the Neuropeptide Y Receptor

Aversive or anticraving medications are currently used to supplement behavioral treatment of alcohol dependence. However, there is a need for developing more effective medications than those available. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a neurotransmitter known for increasing appetite and possibly having a role in alcohol preference and dependence. This is likely to be mediated by activation of the post-synaptic NPY-Y1 receptor, but developing molecules suitable for human therapeutics that activate that receptor represents a major challenge.

Genes For Niemann-Pick Type C Disease

Niemann-Pick disease is a class of inherited lipid storage diseases. Niemann-Pick Type C disease is an autosomal recessive neurovisceral lipid storage disorder which leads to systemic and neurological abnormalities including ataxia, seizures, and loss of speech. Patients with the disease typically die as children. The biochemical hallmark of Niemann-Pick Type C cells is the abnormal accumulation of unesterified cholesterol in lysosomes, which results in the delayed homeostatic regulation of both uptake and esterification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

SIRT2 Inhibitors as Novel Therapeutics for Myocardial Infarction and Ischemic Stroke and to Prevent Necrosis

Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) inhibitors to reduce necrosis and, thereby, as novel therapeutics to treat ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Accumulating evidence indicates that programmed necrosis plays a critical role in cell death during ischemia-reperfusion. NIH investigators have shown that the NAD-dependent deacetylase SIRT2 binds constitutively to receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3) and that deletion or knockdown of SIRT2 prevents formation of the RIP1-RIP3 complex in mice.

Therapeutic, Bifunctional Janus Microparticles with Spatially Segregated Surface Proteins and Methods of Production

CDC researchers have developed a fabrication process to create bifunctional microparticles displaying two distinct proteins that are spatially segregated onto a single hemispheric surface. At present, there is no described way of producing biological microparticles with two distinct types of separated proteins. Bifunctional Janus particles generated by the CDC approach possess biologically relevant, native conformation proteins attached to a biologically unreactive and safe substrate.

2,2'-Bipyridyl, a Ferrous Chelator, Prevents Vasospasm in a Primate Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occurs in 28,000 people per year in North America. Symptomatic vasospasm occurs in the majority of individuals suffering SAH and is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients reaching neurological care. Specifically, vasospasm causes cerebral ischemia or stroke, and the prevention of vasospasm could prevent stroke and death as well as allow physicians more freedom in scheduling surgery when the operative risks are lower.
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