Objective: A sensorimotor network structural phenotype predicted motor task performance in a previous study in Huntington's disease (HD) gene carriers. We investigated in the visual network whether... Show moreObjective: A sensorimotor network structural phenotype predicted motor task performance in a previous study in Huntington's disease (HD) gene carriers. We investigated in the visual network whether structure - function - behaviour relationship patterns, and the effects of the HD mutation, extended beyond the sensorimotor network.Methods: We used multimodal visual network MRI structural measures (cortical thickness and white matter connectivity), plus visual evoked potentials and task performance (Map Search; Symbol Digit Modalities Test) in healthy controls and HD gene carriers.Results: Using principal component (PC) analysis, we identified a structure - function relationship common to both groups. PC scores differed between groups indicating white matter disorganization (higher RD, lower FA) and slower, and more disperse, VEP signal transmission (higher VEP P100 latency and lower VEP P100 amplitude) in HD than controls while task performance was similar.Conclusions: HD may be associated with reduced white matter organization and efficient visual network function but normal task performance.Significance: These findings indicate that structure - function relationships in the visual network, and the effects of the HD mutation, share some commonalities with those in the sensorimotor network. However, implications for task performance differ between the two networks suggesting the influence of network specific factors. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Show less
Yates, M.; Watts, R.; Bajema, I.; Cid, M.; Crestani, B.; Hauser, T.; ... ; Mukhtyar, C. 2017
The field of stem cell therapeutics is moving ever closer to widespread application in the clinic. However, despite the undoubted potential held by these therapies, the balance between risk and... Show moreThe field of stem cell therapeutics is moving ever closer to widespread application in the clinic. However, despite the undoubted potential held by these therapies, the balance between risk and benefit remains difficult to predict. As in any new field, a lack of previous application in man and gaps in the underlying science mean that regulators and investigators continue to look for a balance between minimizing potential risk and ensuring therapies are not needlessly kept from patients. Here, we attempt to identify the important safety issues, assessing the current advances in scientific knowledge and how they may translate to clinical therapeutic strategies in the identification and management of these risks. We also investigate the tools and techniques currently available to researchers during preclinical and clinical development of stem cell products, their utility and limitations, and how these tools may be strategically used in the development of these therapies. We conclude that ensuring safety through cutting-edge science and robust assays, coupled with regular and open discussions between regulators and academic/industrial investigators, is likely to prove the most fruitful route to ensuring the safest possible development of new products. Show less
