Heterogeneity of resting-state EEG features in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and controls

Abnormal EEG features are a hallmark of epilepsy, and abnormal frequency and network features are apparent in EEGs from people with idiopathic generalized epilepsy in both ictal and interictal states. Here, we characterize differences in the resting-state EEG of individuals with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and assess factors influencing the heterogeneity of EEG features. We collected EEG data from 147 participants with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy through the Biology of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy study. Ninety-five control EEGs were acquired from two independent studies [Chowdhury et al. (2014) and EU-AIMS Longitudinal European Autism Project]. We extracted frequency and functional network-based features from 10 to 20 s epochs of resting-state EEG, including relative power spectral density, peak alpha frequency, network topology measures and brain network ictogenicity: a computational measure of the propensity of networks to generate seizure dynamics. We tested for differences between epilepsy and control EEGs using univariate, multivariable and receiver operating curve analysis. In addition, we explored the heterogeneity of EEG features within and between cohorts by testing for associations with potentially influential factors such as age, sex, epoch length and time, as well as testing for associations with clinical phenotypes including anti-seizure medication, and seizure characteristics in the epilepsy cohort. P-values were corrected for multiple comparisons. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in power spectral density in delta (2-5 Hz) (P = 0.0007, hedges' g = 0.55) and low-alpha (6-9 Hz) (P = 2.9 × 10-8, g = 0.80) frequency bands, peak alpha frequency (P = 0.000007, g = 0.66), functional network mean degree (P = 0.0006, g = 0.48) and brain network ictogenicity (P = 0.00006, g = 0.56) between epilepsy and controls. Since age (P = 0.009) and epoch length (P = 1.7 × 10-8) differed between the two groups and were potential confounders, we controlled for these covariates in multivariable analysis where disparities in EEG features between epilepsy and controls remained. Receiver operating curve analysis showed low-alpha power spectral density was optimal at distinguishing epilepsy from controls, with an area under the curve of 0.72. Lower average normalized clustering coefficient and shorter average normalized path length were associated with poorer seizure control in epilepsy patients. To conclude, individuals with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy have increased power of neural oscillatory activity at low-alpha frequencies, and increased brain network ictogenicity compared with controls, supporting evidence from studies in other epilepsies with considerable external validity. In addition, the impact of confounders on different frequency-based and network-based EEG features observed in this study highlights the need for careful consideration and control of these factors in future EEG research in idiopathic generalized epilepsy particularly for their use as biomarkers.

Bone collagen in dysbaric osteonecrosis

Experimental dysbaric osteonecrosis associated with inadequate decompression has been induced in mature female swine. The bone collagen from the radiologically defined lesion in the femur has been analyzed. The total collagen contents were the same for the epiphyseal (F-1), the metaphyseal (F-2), and the diaphyseal (F-3) regions. Soluble bone collagen content obtained by sequential extraction of the samples with acetic acid urea, guanidine, lithium chloride and potassium thiocyanate, decreased by approximately 20% in going from the F-1 to the F-2 to the F-3 regions for both experimental and control samples. The amino acid compositions and acrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns were the same for control and experimental samples. Spectral changes with the MBTH reaction were different for control and experimental collagen samples from all bone regions. The spectral shift and pattern changes which occurred from pH 4 to pH 1 suggested a higher average content of unsaturation in the collagen associated aldehyde groups in the experimental than in the control samples. These findings suggest an enhanced ability to remodel collagen which would be consistent with the histological observation of increased derangement of collagen fibers in the experimental bone samples.

Effects of intermittent hyperbaric oxygen on guinea pig lung elastin and collagen

The effect of high oxygen pressure on collagen and elastin turnover in lung parenchyma tissue was studied in guinea pigs. Three groups of animals was used. One group (I) was given a clinically excessive exposure of 3 h daily for 9 days of 3 ATA oxygen. A second group (II) was given 3 ATA compressed air on the same schedule, and a third (III), a control, was given the same handling conditions only. Collagen and elastin which amounted to 10.45 and 4.62 mg, respectively, per 100 mg dry defatted parenchymal tissue was labeled with [14C]proline injected ip. Connective tissue protein turnover was estimated by labeling half of each group before exposure (a); effects on biosynthesis were determined by labeling the other half postexposure (b). No differences in hydroxyproline specific activity of collagen fractions or elastin were found with respect to either biosynthesis or turnover. Alveolar wall length-tension measurements were not changed. Since exposures were in excess of those used for treatment of gas gangrene, ischemic burns or wound healing, these results suggest that the metabolism of lung connective tissue is unaffected by the short-term exposure to hyperbaric oxygen.

Effect of ascorbic acid on guinea pig skin collagen synthesis. I. Total collagen

A deficiency of ascorbic acid caused a decreased uptake of 3H-proline into guinea pig skin collagen and a further decrease in the 3HO-proline formation; inanition from pair-feeding was not a contributing factor. An anemia developed in the completely deficient animals which was prevented with low levels of ascorbic acid in another group.

Effect of ascorbic acid on guinea pig skin collagen synthesis. II. Neutral and acid soluble collagens, mucopolysaccharides, and amino acid composition

Scorbutic guinea pigs incorporated approximately 15% as much 3H-proline into total skin collagen as the positive controls and hydroxylated 66% as much of that incorporated. 35S-sulfate incorporation into skin acid mucopolysaccharides was decreased 50% in scorbutic animals. Amino acid composition of collagens was similar to that of other vertebrates.