Transcription and epigenetic factor dynamics in neuronal activity-dependent gene regulation.

Neuronal activity, including sensory-evoked and spontaneous firing, regulates the expression of a subset of genes known as activity-dependent genes. A key issue in this process is the activation and accumulation of transcription factors (TFs), which bind to cis-elements at specific enhancers and promoters, ultimately driving RNA synthesis through transcription machinery. Epigenetic factors such as histone modifiers also play a crucial role in facilitating the specific binding of TFs.

Usefulness of Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients with Cancer Who Developed Cerebral Infarction.

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an established treatment for large vessel occlusion in the acute phase of stroke. However, its efficacy and safety in patients with cancer remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of MT against large vessel occlusion between patients with and without cancer.

Protocol for single-molecule imaging of transcription and epigenetic factors in human neural stem cell-derived neurons.

Single-molecule imaging (SMI) is a powerful approach to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of transcription in living cells. Here, we describe a protocol of SMI for transcription and epigenetic factors in human cortical neurons derived from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells. Specifically, we detail the procedures for neural stem cell culture, gene transfer, microscopy, and data analysis.

Usefulness of cerebrospinal fluid presepsin (soluble CD14 subtype) as a new marker in the diagnosis of neurosurgical postoperative meningitis.

Objective: To determine the usefulness of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) presepsin in the diagnosis of neurosurgical postoperative meningitis (POM).

Methods: The study included patients admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, Toho University Medical Center Omori Hospital from May 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022 with suspected meningitis after neurosurgery who clinically required CSF sampling and patients who underwent CSF sampling for examination of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Participants were divided into a POM and a postoperative non meningitis (PONM) group based on the POM diagnostic criteria established for this study.

Prediction of Motor Recovery Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Postoperative Brain Tumors.

Objective: To determine whether diffusion tensor image (DTI) parameters and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) serve to preoperatively predict postoperative motor outcomes in patients with brain tumors.

Methods: We included 81 patients with brain tumors who underwent surgical treatment. Motor function was assessed using the manual muscle test in the upper and lower limbs at admission and discharge.