COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy and safety among adult people with epilepsy in eastern China.

Objective: This study assesses the hesitancy and safety of vaccination administration for the novel 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) among adult people with epilepsy (PWE).

Methods: We recruited adult PWE who visited the outpatient epilepsy clinic from August 2021 to February 2022. We administered a structured questionnaire and a face-to-face interview regarding demographic factors, epilepsy characteristics, and relevant vaccine issues to all patients.

KCOSS: an ultra-fast k-mer counter for assembled genome analysis.

Motivation: The k-mer frequency in whole genome sequences provides researchers with an insightful perspective on genomic complexity, comparative genomics, metagenomics and phylogeny. The current k-mer counting tools are typically slow, and they require large memory and hard disk for assembled genome analysis.

Results: We propose a novel and ultra-fast k-mer counting algorithm, KCOSS, to fulfill k-mer counting mainly for assembled genomes with segmented Bloom filter, lock-free queue, lock-free thread pool and cuckoo hash table.

Cytoprotective role of humanin in lens epithelial cell oxidative stress‑induced injury.

Oxidative stress-induced injury and apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) are early events in the development of age‑related cataracts (ARCs). Humanin (HN) is a mitochondrial‑related peptide that serves a cytoprotective role in various cell types and animal models. Following HN knockdown or overexpression, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial DNA copy number, cell viability, LDH activity and apoptosis of HLECs under oxidative stress were detected, and apoptosis and autophagy were detected via transmission electron microscopy.

Development of mucoadhesive cationic polypeptide micelles for sustained cabozantinib release and inhibition of corneal neovascularization.

Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is one of the leading risk factors for vision loss. Anti-angiogenic drugs can theoretically be extended to the treatment of CNV. However, the application of these drugs is often hindered by traditional administration methods, e.

Association of IGF1R polymorphisms (rs1546713) with susceptibility to age-related cataract in a Han Chinese population.

Aim: To explore the susceptible association between the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and age-related cataract (ARC), and investigate the underlying mechanisms in human lens epithelium (HLE) cells.

Methods: Totally 1190 unrelated participants, comprising 690 ARC patients and 500 healthy individuals in Han Chinese population were recruited and genotyped for target SNP. The -test was used to detect genotypic distribution between the patient and control groups and the logistic regression was performed to adjust the age and gender.

Regional differences in the global burden of age-related macular degeneration.

Background: Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness. This study aims to analyze regional differences on the global burden of AMD and help direct related policy making.

Methods: Disability-adjusted life years (DALY) data were collected from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2017 to estimate the AMD burden.

The impact of SNPs on susceptibility to age-related cataract.

Aim: To determine the association of () gene tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility to age-related cataract (ARC).

Methods: In total, 486 ARC patients were matched with 500 healthy controls. All the participants underwent complete ophthalmic examinations.

The impact of GJA8 SNPs on susceptibility to age-related cataract.

The gap junction protein alpha 8 (GJA8) gene has been widely studied in human congenital cataracts. However, little is known about its relationship with age-related cataract (ARC). In this study, three GJA8-tagged single nucleotide polymorphisms related to an increased ARC risk were identified: rs2132397 for general ARC under both dominant and additive models; rs7541950 for general ARC under both recessive and additive models; and rs6657114 for cortical cataract under the recessive model.

Abnormal dynamics of functional connectivity density in children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes.

Converging evidence has shown the link between benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) and abnormal functional connectivity among distant brain regions. However, prior research in BECTS has not examined the dynamic changes in functional connectivity as networks form. We combined functional connectivity density (FCD) mapping and sliding windows correlation analyses, to fully capture the functional dynamics in patients with respect to the presence of interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs).

Intronic pentanucleotide TTTCA repeat insertion in the SAMD12 gene causes familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy type 1.

Familial cortical myoclonic tremor with epilepsy is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease, characterized by cortical tremor and epileptic seizures. Although four subtypes (types 1-4) mapped on different chromosomes (8q24, 2p11.1-q12.

Hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells is inhibited by parthenolide.

Aim: To explore the effect of parthenolide on hydrogen peroxide (HO)-induced apoptosis in human lens epithelial (HLE) cells.

Methods: The morphology and number of apoptotic HLE cells were assessed using light microscopy and flow cytometry. Cell viability was tested by MTS assay.

Differential patterns of dynamic functional connectivity variability of striato-cortical circuitry in children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes.

Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is characterized by abnormal (static) functional interactions among cortical and subcortical regions, regardless of the active or chronic epileptic state. However, human brain connectivity is dynamic and associated with ongoing rhythmic activity. The dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) of the distinct striato-cortical circuitry associated with or without interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) are poorly understood in BECTS.

Effects of ABCB1, ABCC2, UGT2B7 and HNF4α genetic polymorphisms on oxcarbazepine concentrations and therapeutic efficacy in patients with epilepsy.

Purpose: The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of ABCB1, ABCC2, UGT2B7 and HNF4α genetic polymorphisms on plasma oxcarbazepine (OXC) concentrations and therapeutic efficacy in Han Chinese patients with epilepsy.

Methods: We recruited 116 Han Chinese patients with epilepsy who were receiving OXC monotherapy. Blood samples were taken and OXC levels were measured.

Clinical value and predictors of subclinical seizures in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy undergoing scalp video-EEG monitoring.

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical importance and predictors of SCSs in a large population of patients with temporal epilepsy (TLE) undergoing video electroencephalographic (VEEG) monitoring. We reviewed the VEEG data of 327 consecutive patients with TLE admitted to our epilepsy center between August 2012 and January 2017. Demographic, electro-clinical, and neuroimaging data were recorded and re-analyzed.

Epileptic Discharge Related Functional Connectivity Within and Between Networks in Benign Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes.

Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is a common childhood epilepsy syndrome associated with abnormalities in neurocognitive domains, particularly during interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs). Here, we investigated the effects of IEDs on brain's intrinsic connectivity networks in 43 BECTS patients and 28 matched healthy controls (HCs). Patients were further divided into IED and non-IED subgroups based on simultaneous EEG-fMRI recordings.

BRAF V600E mutation in epilepsy-associated glioneuronal tumors: Prevalence and correlation with clinical features in a Chinese population.

Purpose: Glioneuronal tumors (GNTs) are the most common histological type of brain tumors in patients who received epilepsy surgery, and part of them presented with BRAF V600E mutation. We aimed to verify the presence of the BRAF V600E mutation in epilepsy-associated GNTs from Chinese population and evaluate the association with clinical features.

Methods: Data from 35 patients diagnosed with GNTs, including 24 gangliogliomas and 11 dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors, were retrospectively collected.

Specific OCT1 and ABCG2 polymorphisms are associated with Lamotrigine concentrations in Chinese patients with epilepsy.

Purpose: The pharmacokinetics of Lamotrigine (LTG) varies widely among patients with epilepsy. In this study, we are aiming to investigate the effects of OCT1, ABCG2, ABCC2 and HNF4α genetic polymorphisms on plasma LTG concentrations and therapeutic efficacy in Chinese patients with epilepsy.

Methods: The study cohort comprised 112 Han Chinese patients with epilepsy who were receiving LTG monotherapy.

Decreased Network Efficiency in Benign Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes.

Purpose To investigate the functional connectome alterations in benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes with respect to the occurrence of interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) during functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Materials and Methods This prospective study was approved by the local institutional review board and was HIPAA compliant. All participants were consecutively enrolled with written informed consent.

Metabolic syndrome risk factors and dry eye syndrome: a Meta-analysis.

Aim: To explore the relationship between metabolic risk factors and dry eye syndrome (DES).

Methods: Retrieved studies on the association of metabolic syndrome risk factors (hypertension, hyperglycemia, obesity, and hyperlipidemia) and DES were collected from PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library in December 2015. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled to evaluate the final relationship.

Depression and anxiety are associated with reduced antiepileptic drug adherence in Chinese patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of depression and anxiety with adherence to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in Chinese patients with epilepsy.

Methods: A total of 184 Chinese patients with epilepsy, and without cognitive impairment, underwent psychometric tests: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Adherence to antiepileptic drugs was measured by the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8).

Intrinsic brain activity as a diagnostic biomarker in children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes.

Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is often associated with neural circuit dysfunction, particularly during the transient active state characterized by interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs). Little is known, however, about the functional neural circuit abnormalities in BECTS without IEDs, or if such abnormalities could be used to differentiate BECTS patients without IEDs from healthy controls (HCs) for early diagnosis. To this end, we conducted resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) and simultaneous Electroencephalogram (EEG) in children with BECTS (n = 43) and age-matched HC (n = 28).

Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (C-NDDI-E).

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (C-NDDI-E).

Methods: A total of 248 Chinese patients with epilepsy underwent psychometric tests, including the Chinese version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (C-MINI), the Chinese version of the Beck Depression Inventory - II (C-BDI-II), and the C-NDDI-E.

Results: None of the patients had difficulties understanding or completing the C-NDDI-E.

Altered regional homogeneity in rolandic epilepsy: a resting-state FMRI study.

Children with rolandic epilepsy (RE) are often associated with cognitive deficits and behavioral problems. Findings from neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies in RE have now demonstrated dysfunction not only in rolandic focus, but also in distant neuronal circuits. Little is known, however, about whether there is distributed abnormal spontaneous brain activity in RE.

Ocular findings in syndromic gingival fibromatosis: a case study and electronic microscopic investigation of lens.

We report a case of syndromic gingival fibromatosis with notable ocular lesions, bilateral congenital cataracts, esotropia, and high myopia of a 21-year-old male patient from China. The patient was diagnosed with gingival fibromatosis based on his massive gingival overgrowth and histological findings that were consistent with gingival fibromatosis through a gingival biopsy. Lens opacity features were presented and phacoemulsificaion with intraocular lens(IOL) implantation was performed to manage the cataracts in both eyes.