It has been reported that human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can transfer mitochondria to the cells with severely compromised mitochondrial function. We tested whether the reported intercellular mitochondrial transfer could be replicated in different types of cells or under different experimental conditions, and tried to elucidate possible mechanism. Using biochemical selection methods, we found exponentially growing cells in restrictive media (uridine− and bromodeoxyuridine [BrdU]+) during the coculture of MSCs (uridine-independent and BrdU-sensitive) and 143B-derived cells with severe mitochondrial dysfunction induced by either long-term ethidium bromide treatment or short-term rhodamine 6G (R6G) treatment (uridine-dependent but BrdU-resistant). The exponentially growing cells had nuclear DNA fingerprint patterns identical to 143B, and a sequence of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) identical to the MSCs. Since R6G causes rapid and irreversible damage to mitochondria without the removal of mtDNA, the mitochondrial function appears to be restored through a direct transfer of mitochondria rather than mtDNA alone. Conditioned media, which were prepared by treating mtDNA-less 143B ρ0 cells under uridine-free condition, induced increased chemotaxis in MSC, which was also supported by transcriptome analysis. Cytochalasin B, an inhibitor of chemotaxis and cytoskeletal assembly, blocked mitochondrial transfer phenomenon in the above condition. However, we could not find any evidence of mitochondrial transfer to the cells harboring human pathogenic mtDNA mutations (A3243G mutation or 4,977 bp deletion). Thus, the mitochondrial transfer is limited to the condition of a near total absence of mitochondrial function. Elucidation of the mechanism of mitochondrial transfer will help us create a potential cell therapy-based mitochondrial restoration or mitochondrial gene therapy for human diseases caused by mitochondrial dysfunction.

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Background The intracompartmental septum in the first extensor compartment in patients with de Quervain's disease has been associated with disease development and prognosis. However, with the exception of surgical exploration, there is no way of detecting the septum. Questions/Purposes We evaluated the accuracy of sonography for identifying the intracompartmental septum in the first extensor compartment in patients with de Quervain's disease using surgical findings as the reference standard. Patients and Methods We performed surgical release of the first extensor compartment in 43 wrists of 40 patients who were unresponsive to nonoperative treatment. In each case, a sonographic evaluation was performed before surgery by a radiologist and the sonographic and surgical findings were compared. Results Sonography identified the intracompartmental septum in 19 of the 19 septum-present wrists and absence of the septum in 23 of the 24 septum-absent wrists. The sensitivity of sonography was 100% (95% confidence interval, 80%-100%), its specificity 96% (95% confidence interval, 78%-100%), accuracy 98% (95% confidence interval, 87%-100%), positive predictive value 95% (95% confidence interval, 74%-100%), and negative predictive value 100% (95% confidence interval, 83%-100%). Sonography also identified septum-like structures in 15 of 37 (41%) asymptomatic contralateral wrists.

Background: A healthy lifestyle may protect against cognitive decline. We examined outcomes in elderly individuals after 18 months of a five-group intervention program consisting of various modalities to prevent cognitive decline. Methods: We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial assessing 460 community-dwelling individuals aged 60 years and older in a geriatric community mental health center in Suwon, Republic of Korea, between 2008 and 2010. We developed an intervention program based on the principles of contingency management, which could be delivered by ordinary primary health workers. Group A (n = 81) received standard care services. Group B (n = 80) received bimonthly (once every 2 months) telephonic care management. Group C (n = 111) received monthly telephonic care management and educational materials similar to those in group B. Group D (n = 93) received bimonthly health worker-initiated visits and counseling. Group E (n = 94) received bimonthly health worker-initiated visits, counseling, and rewards for adherence to the program. Results: The primary outcome was the change in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores from baseline to the final follow-up visit at 18 months. Group E showed superior cognitive function to group A (adjusted coefficient β = 0.99, p = 0.044), with participation in cognitive activities being the most important determining factor among several health behaviors (adjusted coefficient β = 1.04, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Engaging in cognitive activities, in combination with positive health behaviors, may be most beneficial in preserving cognitive abilities in community-dwelling older adults.

Local leakage of bone cement was more common for percutaneous vertebroplasty compared with kyphoplasty (P<0.005). The most common sites of local leakage were perivertebral soft tissue and perivertebral vein.