Population-averaged standard template brain atlas for the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Advanced magnetic resonance (MR) neuroimaging analysis techniques based on voxel-wise statistics, such as voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and functional MRI, are widely applied to cognitive brain research in both human subjects and in non-human primates. Recent developments in imaging have enabled the evaluation of smaller animal models with sufficient spatial resolution. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a small New World primate species, has been widely used in neuroscience research, to which voxel-wise statistics could be extended with a species-specific brain template. Here, we report, for the first time, a tissue-segmented, population-averaged standard template of the common marmoset brain. This template was created by using anatomical T(1)-weighted images from 22 adult marmosets with a high-resolution isotropic voxel size of (0.2 mm)(3) at 7-Tesla and DARTEL algorithm in SPM8. Whole brain templates are available at International Neuroinformatics Japan Node website, http://brainatlas.brain.riken.jp/marmoset/.

Chemical etching of fission tracks in polyfluoro plastics.

A method has been developed for the chemical etching of fission tracks in polyfluoro plastics. The formation of fine holes several tens of nanometers in diameter in polyvinylidene fluoride films, bombarded by fission fragments in oxygen and etched in 5-normal sodium hydroxide solution at 85 degrees C, was confirmed by electron microscopy.

Meta-Analysis of the Risk of Immune-Related Adverse Events With Anticytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated Antigen 4 and Antiprogrammed Death 1 Therapies.

We assessed the risks of immune-related adverse events with anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) and antiprogrammed death 1 (PD1) therapies by meta-analysis. Twenty-one studies including 11,144 patients were found. Anti-CTLA4 therapy was associated with a significantly higher risk of overall immune-related adverse events: diarrhea, immune-related colitis, pruritus, and rash compared to control therapies (relative risk (RR) = 2.43, 2.10, 11.39, 3.88, 3.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.77-3.34, 1.52-2.45, 6.30-20.59, 2.37-6.37, 2.39-6.27, P < 0.001 for all outcomes). Anti-PD1 therapy was associated with a significantly higher risk of pruritus (RR = 4.01, 95% CI = 1.97 to 8.17, P < 0.001); however, it did not increase the risks of other adverse events. Anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1 therapies have distinct features of immune-related adverse events. The results of our study would aid the surveillance and management of immune-related adverse events in patients receiving these therapies.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: the efficacy and safety of CT-P13, a biosimilar of anti-tumour necrosis factor-α agent (infliximab), in inflammatory bowel diseases.

BACKGROUND: Biosimilars of anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents have now become clinically available for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). AIM: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of biosimilars of anti-TNF-α agents in patients with IBD. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched. The outcomes were the pooled rates of clinical response or remission, sustained clinical response or remission, and adverse events in patients with IBD induced with or switched to biosimilars of anti-TNF-α agents. RESULTS: Eleven observational studies reporting outcomes in 829 patients treated with biosimilar of infliximab (CT-P13) were identified. The pooled rates of clinical response among Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) at 8-14 weeks were 0.79 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.65-0.88) and 0.74 (95% CI = 0.65-0.82), respectively, and at 24-30 weeks were 0.77 (95% CI = 0.63-0.86) and 0.77 (95% CI = 0.67-0.85) respectively. Adverse events were rare (CD, 0.08 (95% CI = 0.02-0.26); UC, 0.08 (95% CI = 0.03-0.17)). The pooled rates of sustained clinical response among CD and UC after switching from infliximab to CT-P13 at 30-32 weeks were 0.85 (95% CI = 0.71-0.93) and 0.96 (95% CI = 0.58-1.00), respectively, and at 48-63 weeks were 0.75 (95% CI = 0.44-0.92) and 0.83 (95% CI = 0.19-0.99) respectively. Adverse events were rare (CD, 0.10, 95% CI = 0.02-0.31; UC, 0.22, 95% CI = 0.04-0.63). CONCLUSIONS: CT-P13 was associated with excellent clinical efficacy and safety profile, supporting its use in the treatment of IBD.

Voxel-based morphometry of the marmoset brain: In vivo detection of volume loss in the substantia nigra of the MPTP-treated Parkinson's disease model.

Movement dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD) is caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Here, we established a method for voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and automatic tissue segmentation of the marmoset monkey brain using a 7-T animal scanner and applied the method to assess DA degeneration in a PD model, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated animals, with tyrosine-hydroxylase staining. The most significant decreases of local tissue volume were detected in the bilateral SN of MPTP-treated marmoset brains (-53.0% in right and -46.5% in left) and corresponded with the location of DA neurodegeneration found in histology (-65.4% in right). In addition to the SN, the decreases were also confirmed in the locus coeruleus, and lateral hypothalamus. VBM using 7-T MRI was effective in detecting volume loss in the SN of the PD-model marmoset. This study provides a potential basis for the application of VBM with ultra-high field MRI in the clinical diagnosis of PD. The developed method may also offer value in automatic whole-brain evaluation of structural changes for the marmoset monkey.

Atlas of the developing brain of the marmoset monkey constructed using magnetic resonance histology.

The developmental anatomy of the brain is largely directed by neural-based cues. Despite this knowledge, the developmental trajectory of the primate brain has not yet been fully characterized. To realize this goal, the advance in noninvasive imaging methods and new brain atlases are essential. The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a small New World primate, is widely used in neuroscience research. The recent introduction of transgenic techniques has enabled the marmoset to be used as a genetically modifiable primate model for brain development. Here, a magnetic resonance histology technique involving the use of ultra-high-resolution ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to identify the developmental anatomy of the marmoset brain at different time points from gestational week 8 through to birth. The data allowed the generation of a multidimensional atlas of brain structures at different developmental stages. Furthermore, in utero MRI techniques were developed to noninvasively monitor brain development during the embryonic and fetal stages. The multidimensional atlas and the MRI tools developed herein are anticipated to further our understanding of the developing primate brain.

iNOS depletion completely diminishes reactive nitrogen-species formation after an allergic response.

Nitric oxide (NO) shows proinflammatory actions mainly via reactive nitrogen species (RNS) formation through superoxide- and peroxidase-dependent mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in RNS production, airway hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation after allergen challenge. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitised, iNOS-deficient and wild-type mice were used. RNS production was assessed by nitrotyrosine (NT) immunoreactivity in the airways. Airway inflammation and responsiveness were evaluated by eosinophil accumulation and methacholine (i.v.) challenge, respectively. In wild-type mice, OVA-inhalation challenge increased iNOS immunoreactivity in airway epithelial cells as well as iNOS protein measured by Western blotting. The total amounts of nitrite and nitrate in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were increased, and NT immunoreactivity was also observed abundantly in airway inflammatory cells. In iNOS-deficient mice, both iNOS expression and NT formation were completely abolished, and the total amounts of nitrite and nitrate in BAL fluid were significantly decreased. In contrast, OVA-induced airway eosinophil recruitment and hyperresponsiveness were observed almost equally in wild-type and iNOS-deficient mice. These data suggest that reactive nitrogen species production after allergic reaction occurs totally via inducible nitric oxide synthase-dependent pathways. Allergen-mediated airway eosinophil recruitment and hyperresponsiveness appear to be independent of reactive nitrogen species production.

Xanthine oxidase inhibition reduces reactive nitrogen species production in COPD airways.

Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) have been reported to be involved in the inflammatory process in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, there are no studies on the modulation of RNS in COPD. It was hypothesised that inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO) might decrease RNS production in COPD airways through the suppression of superoxide anion production. Ten COPD and six healthy subjects participated in the study. The XO inhibitor allopurinol (300 mg x day(-1) p.o. for 4 weeks) was administered to COPD patients. RNS production in the airway was assessed by 3-nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity and enzymic activity of XO in induced sputum as well as by exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) concentration. XO activity in the airway was significantly elevated in COPD compared with healthy subjects. Allopurinol administration to COPD subjects significantly decreased XO activity and nitrotyrosine formation. In contrast, eNO concentration was significantly increased by allopurinol administration. These results suggest that oral administration of the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol reduces airway reactive nitrogen species production in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease subjects. This intervention may be useful in the future management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.