Diversity of Cellulase-Producing Filamentous Fungi From Tibet and Transcriptomic Analysis of a Superior Cellulase Producer Trichoderma harzianum LZ117.

Filamentous fungi are widely used for producing cellulolytic enzymes to degrade lignocellulosic biomass. Microbial resources from Tibet have received great attention due to the unique geographic and climatic conditions in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. However, studies on cellulase producing fungal strains originated from Tibet remain very limited, and so far no studies have been focused on regulation of cellulase production of the specific strains thereof. Here, filamentous fungal strains were isolated from soil, plant, and other environments in Tibet, and cellulase-producing strains were further investigated. A total of 88 filamentous fungal strains were identified, and screening of cellulase-producing fungi revealed that 16 strains affiliated with the genera Penicillium, Trichoderma, Aspergillus, and Talaromyces exhibited varying cellulolytic activities. Among these strains, T. harzianum isolate LZ117 is the most potent producer. Comparative transcriptome analysis using T. harzianum LZ117 and the control strain T. harzianum K223452 cultured on cellulose indicated an intensive modulation of gene transcription related to protein synthesis and quality control. Furthermore, transcription of xyr1 which encodes the global transcriptional activator for cellulase expression was significantly up-regulated. Transcription of cre1 and other predicted repressors controlling cellulase gene expression was decreased in T. harzianum LZ117, which may contribute to enhancing formation of primary cellulases. To our knowledge, this is the first report that the transcription landscape at the early enzyme production stage of T. harzianum was comprehensively described, and detailed analysis on modulation of transporters, regulatory proteins as well as protein synthesis and processing was presented. Our study contributes to increasing the catalog of publicly available transcriptome data from T. harzianum, and provides useful clues for unraveling the biotechnological potential of this species for lignocellulosic biorefinery.

[Localization of epileptic foci in frontal lobe epilepsy and its surgical therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical data and pre-operative examination results of frontal lobe epilepsy and combine with intra-operative intracranial electrical record in order to localize epileptic foci and to direct surgical therapy. METHODS: Preoperative EEG record and MRI scan were performed in 23 patients with refractory frontal lobe epilepsy. Among them, 17 patients received interictal 18F-FDG-PET-CT, 11 received MEG examination, 2 received functional MRI, 10 received surgical operation and intra-operative intracranial electrical record. RESULTS: The positive predictive value of clinical features of epileptic seizure, interictal EEG, ictal EEG, MRI and PET-CT were 56.52%, 56.52%, 60.87%, 54.55% and 94.12% respectively. Their consistent results helped to confirm the epileptogenic zone. MEG was more accurate than EEG. ECoE and VEEG monitoring was significant for operative guidance. CONCLUSION: A series of examinations is necessary for the diagnosis of epileptogenic zone of frontal lobe epilepsy. The surgical outcome is related to the accuracy of epileptic foci localization and the removal of epileptogenic zone.

[Stereotactic combined amygdala and hippocampus lesions for treatment of medial temporal lobe epilepsy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the techniques of stereotactic combined amygdalohippocampotomy for management of medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). METHODS: The Leksell stereotactic frame was used for all cases, and which almost paralleled the long axis of hippocampus. Stereotactic amygdalohippocampotomy was performed in 23 patients with unilateral medial temporal lobe seizures by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) localization for target planning, depth electrode for the electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring and radiofrequency techniques for lesion production. All procedures were completed under local anesthesia. RESULTS: Pre-lesion spikes or polyspike-waves complex were recorded by a depth electrode in the amygdala and hippocampus region in all patients, and the epileptiform discharges disappeared after the amygdalohippocampotomy. The MRI appearance of the lesion areas after 1 - 2 weeks surgical operation showed that mutiple areas of coagulation necrosis corresponding to the lesion sites were surrounded by zones of edema. Twenty-three patients were followed-up to 8 - 32 months with seizure free 43.48% (10/23), and the general efficiency (seizure reduction >or= 50%) was 91.30% (21/23 cases). CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic combined lesions of unilateral amygdala and hippocampus for minimally invasive treatment of MTLE is safe and effective, and it is worth to spread in clinical application.