Single-cell analysis reveals transcriptomic and epigenomic impacts on the maternal-fetal interface following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

During pregnancy the maternal-fetal interface plays vital roles in fetal development. Its disruption is frequently found in pregnancy complications. Recent studies show increased incidences of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with COVID-19; however, the mechanism remains unclear. Here we analysed the molecular impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the maternal-fetal interface. Generating bulk and single-nucleus transcriptomic and epigenomic profiles from patients with COVID-19 and control samples, we discovered aberrant immune activation and angiogenesis patterns in distinct cells from patients. Surprisingly, retrotransposons were also dysregulated in specific cell types. Notably, reduced enhancer activities of LTR8B elements were functionally linked to the downregulation of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein genes in syncytiotrophoblasts. Our findings revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection induced substantial changes to the epigenome and transcriptome at the maternal-fetal interface, which may be associated with pregnancy complications.

Long-Term Epilepsy-Associated Tumors (LEATs): A Single-Center, Retrospective Series and Review of Literature on Factors Affecting the Seizure Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Tumors presenting with drug-resistant seizures are termed as long-term epilepsy-associated tumors (LEATs). LEATs are more common in the temporal lobe, occur predominantly in pediatric age, and focal neurological deficits are rare. In this article, we aim to highlight our surgical experience in terms of seizure outcome among LEATs and discuss the factors affecting outcome. METHODOLOGY: We have retrospectively analyzed all the operated cases of intra-axial brain tumors with seizures (2015-2019). The clinical and radiographic data were collected from the hospital record system. For comparison, 2 groups were made (group 1 with good seizure control, i.e., Engel 1; and group 2 poor seizure outcome, i.e., Engel 2 and 3). RESULTS: A total of 51 cases were included; the temporal lobe was the most common location (n = 27); 23 patients had seizure frequency of "more than 1 seizure per week." Focal unaware seizures/complex partial seizures were the most common type of seizures encountered (n = 28). At a mean follow-up of 39.60 months, 38 patients had Engel 1 (78.5%) outcome (35 cases [71.05%] had the seizure duration of ≤2 years). The median duration of symptoms (group 1, 25 months vs. group 2, 65 months) was significantly different (P = 0.002). On comparing patients with seizure duration, we found a statistically significant difference (P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: A shorter duration of symptoms, younger age of the patient, partial/focal seizures, and gross total excision were predictors of a good seizure outcome. Histopathology of the tumor does not affect the outcome when one compares glioneuronal tumors with non-glioneuronal tumors.