bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural and Electrophysiological Response of Trichogramma achaea to Oviposition Induced Volatiles in Tomato
Authors: Maneesha Addanki , Koteswara Rao S R , Bakthavatsalam N , Padmodaya Bhaskara , Sudhakar P
Published: November 2023

A laboratory experiment was conducted at ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru to study the behavioural response of Trichogramma achaea towards healthy, conspecifics (Tuta absoluta oviposited on Tuta absoluta infested plants) and heterospecifics (Tuta absoluta oviposited on Liriomyza trifolii infested plants) tomato plants by choice and no-choice parasitization assays and olfactometer studies. Headspace volatiles were collected from tomato plants oviposited by conspecifics, heterospecifics and healthy plants, analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) where 14, 17 and 8 volatile organic compounds were detected respectively. Electrophysiological compounds and antennal response of T. achaea were identified using gas chromatography-electro-antennographic detector (GC-EAD). EAD active compounds of T. achaea were 3-Hexanol, α-phellandrene, trans-β- ocimene, pentacosane and γ-terpinene.
Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Correlation Analysis of Honey of Wild Honeybees
Authors: Thakur Meena , Gupta Neha , Thakur Bharti , Sharma Harish Kumar , Rana Kiran
Published: November 2023

Honey of wild honey bees Apis dorsata and Apis florea was sampled from northern states of India during the year 2018-20 and analyzed for physico-chemical parameters and microbial load using standard procedures and correlation analysis. A. dorsata honey had high moisture content (17.20%), pH (6.25) and F: G ratio (1.98), whereas A. florea honey exhibited higher bacterial loads (3.82) than A. dorsata (3.70). No fungal spores were recorded in any of the honeys analyzed. Significant positive correlation was recorded between colour and pollen density; amino acid content and acidity; Vitamin C and acidity in honey of A. dorsata. Whereas Electrical Conductivity (EC) and pH; amino acid and acidity content in honey of A. florea had significant positive correlation. Bacterial load had significant positive correlation with pH and moisture. The quality parameters were well within the acceptable limit defined by the Food Safety Standards Authority of India.
Effect of Different Management Treatments on Whitefly Parasitization by Encarsia spp. under Field Condition on Cotton
Authors: Kalkal Deepika , Rolania Krishna , Kumar Dalip
Published: November 2023

Effect of different management modules on Encarsia spp. at different intervals during Kharif, 2015 was studied. Maximum parasitization 32.28 and 31.50% was recorded in T12 [Control (without water spray)] in both the intervals (5- and 10-days interval) followed by 30.30 and 29.85% in T2 nimbecidine (six sprays at 5 days interval) + Yellow sticky trap in both the intervals, respectively. While minimum parasitization (15.02 and 14.91%) was recorded in T5 [First spray of dimethoate followed by imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, triazophos, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam (at 5 days interval)] and T8 [first spray of nimbecidine followed by dimethoate, triazophos, novaluron (at 10 days interval)], respectively. It is concluded that high whitefly pupae parasitization was found in neem treated plots than insecticide treated plots. So, nimbecidine was found relatively less toxic and much safer to natural enemy.
Efficacy of Different Botanicals against Caryedon serratus (Oliver) in Stored Groundnut
Authors: Raja Reddy G , Yadav Usha , Simon Sobita , Kumar Ashwani
Published: November 2023

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of some botanicals as grain protectant against Caryedon serratus (Oliver) in stored groundnut at Prayagraj during 2019 to 2020. Seven botanicals viz., Neem oil, castor oil, neem leaf powder, turmeric rhizome powder, lantana leaf powder, mint leaf powder, tulsi leaf powder were evaluated as compared to control on the basis of adult mortality (%), number of adult emergence and weight loss (%) in stored groundnut. The results showed that neem oil was more effective followed by castor oil, neem leaf powder.
A Perspective on Urban Beekeeping with Apis cerana F. in Bengaluru, Karnataka with Special Reference to Bee Flora and Hive Suitability
Authors: Vijayakumar K T , Nayimabanu T , Nithin Kumar H L , Shabarish Kumar S , Kuberappa G C , Sringeshwar A N , Sahana U , Neethu T
Published: November 2023

Urban beekeeping is nowadays attracting immense popularity. Many people in large cities are installing hives on the rooftops. A significant drawback for beekeeping in urban areas of India is limited bee flora which may lead to poor honey yield and performance. As more people take to urban beekeeping, the competition for resources between honey bee colonies increases. Since the space covered by vegetation in the city remains relatively constant, each honey bee colony ends with less honey production per year. It slows the growth of individual urban honey bee colonies and affects the foraging potential of the honey bee colonies. Thus, urban beekeeping could be made effective by providing sufficient bee forage in surrounding beekeeping areas and by the selection of hives suitable for urban areas. Therefore, the present work was undertaken to study the diversity of nectariferous and polleniferous honey bee flora found in the major cosmopolitan city of India: Bengaluru. We recorded 58 major bee floras grown in the Bengaluru urban to make beekeeping activities throughout the year. In addition, hives with different frame numbers (5, 6 and 8) were evaluated for their performance in 3 different locations. Results clearly showed that hives with six frames are equally good compared to the conventional eight frame hive. Therefore, hives with six frames are more suitable for urban beekeeping, which would be efficient by reducing energy requirements in activities like comb construction of the colony. Appropriate hive selection was an important factor for successful beekeeping, especially in urban areas of Bengaluru.
Apis mellifera L. Stock Varied in Apple Pollen Foraging Preference
Authors: Sharma Harish Kumar , Devi Manju , Thakur Priyanka , Sharma Ruchi , Rana Kiran , Thakur Meena , Monika
Published: November 2023

Apis mellifera L. colonies were evaluated to explore the apple foraging preference for effective pollination. In 2017, colony G2 showed highest preference for apple pollen loads (18.78%), while L3 recorded lowest apple pollen load (9.89%). On the basis of preference, queens from H2, L3, and G2 were produced to raise progenies for further multiplication and evaluation in 2018 and similar selection experiment was conducted in 2019 and 2020. In 2020 significant number of foragers were conditioned to apple flowers from the colony selected during the year 2019, thus indicating that A. mellifera strains multiplied from the colony showing higher apple pollen foraging preference was carried over to next generation and can be exploited to produce progenies to improve pollen hoarding trait with the help of continuous selection and breeding process.
Studies on Physical Properties of Honey Collected from Different Parts of Odisha
Authors: Charati P K , Behera P , Behera U K , Mohapatra R , Satapathy C R
Published: November 2023

The honey samples of Apis cerana indica and Apis mellifera collected from 18 different locations of Odisha revealed that physical properties viz., moisture content (%), pH, acidity (%), colour (Refractometer reading-Pfund scale) of the collected apiary honey samples varied from 18.4 to 27, 4.01 to 5.37, 0.19 to 0.68 and 0.217 to 2.00, respectively. Moisture content and colour properties satisfy the standards of ISI specification of Indian honey under A grade, special grade and standard grade.
Efficacy of Packaging Materials against Pulse Beetle Callosobruchus chinensis
Authors: Hanif Mahreen , Saeed Shafqat , Ali Mudssar , Younas Muqadas
Published: November 2023

Ecofriendly and cost-effective management of chickpeas is very important for improving food security. Barrier property of different packaging materials viz., polypropylene (white), polypropylene (green), polyethylene (gauge1), polyethylene (gauge 2), polymer, cotton, and china lamination was evaluated against the pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Results revealed that when chickpea was placed in the package after cleaning then no penetration and fecundity of C. chinensis were recorded in the closed package. A significant difference was observed among all the tested packages materials (closed and open) and storage periods in terms of the fecundity of C. chinensis. On the closed package, higher fecundity was observed in PE1 and PE2 packages while in the open package highest infestation was recorded in the CL package. However, fecundity increased with storage period in both open and closed packages.
Influence of Potassium Fertilization on the Incidence of Sucking Insect Pests on Cucumber
Authors: Wahsh Ahmed M , Awadalla Samir S , El-Serafi Hala A K , El-Hariry Magdy A
Published: November 2023

Experiments were conducted in Fayoum Governorate, to study the effect of potassium (K) fertilization on the incidence of Aphis gossypii (Glover), Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), Nezara viridula (L), Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley), Thrips tabaci (Lindeman), Myzus persicae (Sulzer), Empoasca decedens (Paoli), and Empoasca decipiens (Paoli) in cucumber during March planting season of 2018 and 2019. Three levels of potassium (25, 50 and 75 kg/ feddan) were used with a fertilizer containing 24% K2O. The control had no potassium (0 kg). The incidence rates of all the pests was observed to be maximum with nil potassium (0 kg) fields (30.8% and 30.6%). The least incidence was observed with 75 kg potassium (19.3% and 19.1%) indicating that increased potassium reduced incidence of some sucking pests.
Effect of Sowing on Population Dynamics of Aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) on Cumin
Authors: Choudhary Nisha , Kumawat M M
Published: November 2023

A field experiment was conducted to study the population dynamics of aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulz.) and to see the effect of sowing dates. Cumin variety Gujarat Cumin 4 (GC-4) was grown during rabi 2020-21. The incidence and population fluctuation was dependent on the weather parameters. The incidence initiated in third week of December (51st Standard Meteorological Week-SMW). Initially, incidence was low (6.00 aphids/three umbels) but it gradually increased and reached the peak in last week of January i.e. 5th SMW (115.03 aphids/three umbels). The early sown crop (26th October) had the minimum infestation (68.00 aphid/3 umbels) of aphids and highest seed yield (4.90 q/ ha) was obtained as compared to the late sowing crop on 7th December (106.50 aphids/ umbels) with minimum seed yield (3.10 q/ ha).
Insect Pests of Zucchini and their Natural Enemies
Authors: Bhattacharjee Dhiraj , Phookan Deepa Borbora , Ojah Archita , Gogoi Sailen , Das Sangita , Debnath Palash
Published: November 2023

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) is a trending crop for every health enthusiast today. The market demands for quality zucchini, bearing the best shape and size, free from all blemishes have gone sky high recently. Nevertheless, this cucurbitaceous crop is susceptible to many pests and diseases during its growth period, including its post-harvest life, which bring down the yield both in terms of quality and quantity.The time and intensity of the incidence of the pest varies greatly with crop growth stages. Therefore, an investigation was carried out during 2021-2022, for studying the incidence of various insect pests’ of zucchini and their natural enemies under naturally ventilated polyhouse condition at the experimental farm of Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India. Five insect pests viz., Aleurodicus dispersus Russell, Aphis gossypii Glover, Aulacophora foveicollis Lucus, Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillett and Pseudodendrothrips species Niwa were found to be very active from October, 2021 till March, 2022. Among them, A. dispersus and A. gossypii caused viral infection (zucchini yellow vein mosaic) in the early vegetative stage whereas B. cucurbitae caused severe damage by distorting and malformation of fruits during the flowering and fruiting stage. Two predators, namely Coccinella transversalis F. and Coccinella septempunctata L. were abundant during the growing period which fed on these insect pests.
Effect of Honey Bee Apis mellifera L. Pollination on Oilseed Rape
Authors: Islam Rabiul , Yasmin Fahriya , Samiha Antara , Adnan Saleh
Published: November 2023

An experiment was conducted to survey insect visitors and the effect of different modes of pollination on quantity of oilseed rape. Survey revealed that a wide range of insect species, including honey bees, and hover flies, house fly and ensign fly were frequent on oilseed rape flowers where honey bees (Apis dorsata and Apis mellifera) were dominant. Effect of pollination revealed that in bee pollinated (BP) plants the number of pods/ plant, number of seeds/ pod, weight of 1000 seeds (g) and yield/ ha were 16.38, 20.18, 6.75 and 14.27% higher than open/naturally pollinated (NP) plants, respectively. Without (WP) pollinators the number of pods/ plant, number of seeds/ pod, weight of 1000 seeds (g) and yield/ ha were the 19.38, 37.05, 8.10 and 32.63% lower than naturally pollinated (NP) plants, respectively. Bee pollination is the most effective and cheaper device for seed production in rapeseed and mustard.
Morphometrics of Intraspecific Populations of Stingless Bee Tetragonula iridipennis Smith from Southern Tamil Nadu
Authors: Balaji K. , Jayaraj J , Shanthi M , Vellaikumar S , Rajamanickam C , Chitra N , Suresh K
Published: November 2023

Stingless bees also referred to as meliponine bees and morphological characteristics of these differ depending on are the species and environmental kinds. The current study explores morphology and morphometrics of Tetragonula iridipennis Smith in Tamil Nadu, India. The morphometrics of worker bees were compared over locations. The bees captured in the Kolli hills were significantly larger than those collected elsewhere. The mean value of head length (HL) (1.43 mm), head width (HW) (1.68 mm), antennal length (AL) (1.98 mm), hind leg length (HLL) (3.54 mm) and forewing length (FL) (3.84 mm) were recorded. The results revealed variance of four principal components (PC) reaching 82.4%, as (PC1) 38.58%, (PC2) 20.95%, (PC 3) 19.75% and (PC4) 8.10%. The characters of FL, HW, FW (forewing width), HLL, AL, OOD (ocello ocular distance), HTW (hind tibial width) and HL were the most discriminative in the principal component analysis.
Structure and Composition of Bird Assemblage in Keshopur Wetland of Punjab, India
Authors: Jangral Shifali , Vashishat Nisha
Published: November 2023

Survey on avian diversity at Keshopur wetland, district Gurdaspur, Punjab, India revealed the presence of 121 species of birds belonging to 19 orders and 47 families. The maximum number (38) of species in the area belonged to order Passeriformes. 27 winter migratory, 3 summer migratory and 91 resident species of birds were observed. One vulnerable (Aythya ferina) and six near threatened species were observed (Aythya nyroca, Anhinga melanogaster, Mycteria leucocephala, Sterna aurantia, Psittacula eupatria, Threskiornis melanocephalus) as per IUCN red list. A particular pattern of arrival and departure of migratory birds was observed. The winter migrants started to appear in October when the temperature started decreasing. The abundance of birds varied significantly during different seasons. Major variation was found in abundance of few species at three different sites of the same wetland. This study revealed that Keshopur Chhamb Community Reserve acts as a refuge site for many waterbirds including wader, waterfowl and many migratory and threatened species.
Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Wolbachia in Onion Thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman)
Authors: Randive Pragati , Khambalkar Pravin , Khandagale Kiran , Bhangare Indira , Chandrashekhar K. , Singh Major , Gawande Suresh
Published: November 2023

Wolbachia is a group of bacteria that is known to infect many arthropods and nematodes. It is one of the most common parasitic microbes and is possibly the most common reproductive parasite in the biosphere. The bacterium is best known for its ability to manipulate host reproductive biology where it can induce cytoplasmic incompatibility, parthenogenesis, feminization and male-killing. In the present study, onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) were collected from 9 locations in India along with melon thrips (Thrips palmi Karny) and chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis). From the molecular level detection by using 16s rDNA, the Wolbachia infection has been detected in the onion thrips collected from 6 locations out of 9. Melon thrips and chilli thrips samples were also found to be infected by Wolbachia. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that all detected Wolbachia samples showed that all were distantly related to the previously known Wolbachia samples.
Assessing User Perspectives and Debottlenecking of Supply Chain Management for E-Aushadhi and FPLMIS in the Gaya District of Bihar- A
Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sharma Rajesh , Rajput Mansi , Sinha Dr. Anish
Published: November 2023

Background: The supply chain is the network or process through which goods, equipment, and commodities are delivered from the manufacturer to the end users, i.e., customers. In Bihar, all health-related commodities except vaccines & family planning commodities are procured by BMSICL i.e., Bihar Medical Services & Infrastructure Corporation Limited. The BMSICL procured medications and commodities using an open bidding mechanism on a quarterly basis. The Bihar government's LMIS system comprises DVDMS (E-Aushadhi) & FP-LMIS.
Study Objective: To assess & understand the Field Level Workers’ user perspectives on E-Aushadhi and FPLMIS and their challenges in the Gaya region of Bihar. Also, to understand & identify supply chain bottlenecks and potential alternatives.
Methods: It is a cross-sectional mixed method study conducted in the 7 randomly selected blocks in the Gaya district of Bihar. The sample size of the quantitative interview is calculated to be 100 and more over 8 In-Depth interviews with the Pharmacist at block and district level facilities and warehouse. The data analysis was done by the statistical software like SAS, Atlas.Ti and MS Excel.
Results: The utilization rate of the E-Aushadhi and FPLMIS was found to be 79% and 10% respectively among the ANMs. They encounter many challenges like lack of basic and comprehensive trainings, availability of transportation and dual system entry of the drugs. There are the various challenges faced by the pharmacist at facility level which include getting the late supply of the drugs, receiving counterfeit medicines, unavailability of storage units and many more. The 3 measure gaps were identified which includes the infrastructural gaps, system level gaps and skill gaps (both basic and comprehensive skills).
Conclusion: The end users were satisfied with the introduction of this system but on the other hands they encounter various challenges in the same. To overcome these challenges, the government should focus on capacity building and maintaining system strictness along with the proper training and availability of the trained staff.
The Collective Realms in the Chinese City: Towards an Alternative Framework for Public Space
Authors: Sun Wenwen
Published: November 2023

A western discourse of public space, originating in ancient Greece and Rome, has been widely used in architectural and urban research in China and is constantly contested in this geographical and cultural context. The contestation often stems from the cultural differences in understanding and operating the collective realms in Chinese and western cities, which is manifested through the distinctive features of their public spaces. This essay frames an alternative perspective on public space in the Chinese context by exploring the cultural, social, and spatial constructions of collective realms in the Chinese city.Starting from the conceptual origin of the ‘public’ in Chinese philosophy, this paper elaborates on three culturally grounded ideas related to collective patterns of space creation and practice – the relational circle, the realm of strangers, and the marketplace – and examines how these ideas are articulated by architectural and urban archetypes and in urban developments in Chinese cities.
Cortical stimulation and tooth pulp evoked potentials in rats: A model of direct anti-nociception
Authors: R.* Rusina , S. Barek , S. Vaculín , J. Azerad , R. Rokyta
Published: November 2023

While the effect of cortex stimulation on pain control is widely accepted, its physiological basis remains poorly understood. We chose an animal model of pain to study the influence of sensorimotor cortex stimulation on tooth pulp stimulation evoked potentials (TPEPs). Fifteen awake rats implanted with tooth pulp, cerebral cortex, and digastric muscle electrodes were divided into three groups, receiving 60 Hz, 40 Hz and no cortical stimulation, respectively. TPEPs were recorded before, one, three and five hours after continuous stimulation. We observed an inverse relationship between TPEP amplitude and latency with increasing tooth pulp stimulation. The amplitudes of the early components of TPEPs increased and their latency decreased with increasing tooth pulp stimulation intensity. Cortical stimulation decreased the amplitude of TPEPs; however, neither the latencies of TPEPs nor the jaw-opening reflex were changed after cortical stimulation. The decrease in amplitude of TPEPs after cortical stimulation may reflect its anti-nociceptive effect.
Correlation between EEG–EMG coherence during isometric contraction and its imaginary execution
Authors: Y.* Hashimoto , J. Ushiba , A. Kimura , M. Liu , Y. Tomita
Published: November 2023

To assess the similarity between cortical activities observed during actual and imaginary motor tasks, we evaluated electroencephalography–electromyography (EEG–EMG) coherence during motor task execution (ME) and the same taskrelated EEG power increase (TRPI) during kinesthetic motor imagery (MI). EEGs recorded at the vertex and EMGs recorded at the right tibialis anterior muscle (TA) were analyzed in 13 healthy subjects. Subjects were requested to perform: (1) isometric TA contraction, (2) imagery of the same movement without overt motor behavior, and (3) rest without MI. The results show significant EEG–EMG coherence during ME, as well as TRPI during both ME and MI tasks within a similar 14–30 Hz band. The magnitude of EEG–EMG coherence and TRPI varied among the subjects. Intersubject analysis revealed a significant correlation between EEG–EMG coherence and TRPI. These results support the hypothesis that ME and MI tasks involve overlapping neural networks in the perirolandic cortical areas.
Does thimerosal or other mercury exposure increase the risk for autism? A review of current literature
Authors: S.T. Schultz
Published: November 2023

This report reviews current literature regarding the association of the pharmaceutical preservative thimerosal and other mercury exposures with the risk for autism. The evidence presented here does not support a causal association between autism and mercury exposure from the preservative thimerosal. The risk for autism from other mercury exposures such as from dental amalgam restorations or environmental mercury release into the atmosphere is ambiguous. Since mercury is a known neurotoxin, more research should be done to ensure that mercury exposure from any source does not contribute to autism.
Activation of PKC-alpha is required for migration of C6 glioma cells
Authors: Jian-Guo  , Xiao-Fei  , Jian-Sheng  , Feng-Chao  , Xing-Wu  , He-Zuo
Published: November 2023

The PKC signaling pathway has been implicated in diverse cellular functions. Here, we sought to investigate the role of PKC-alpha/beta in C6 glioma cell migration. We found that both PKC-alpha and PKC-beta were expressed by C6 glioma cells, but only PKC-alpha was markedly activated in serum-treated C6 cells. Gö6976, a PKC-alpha/beta specific inhibitor, was found to cause a dose-dependent reduction of PKC-alpha activation and cell migration induced by serum in C6 cells. These results collectively indicated that the PKC-alpha signaling pathway is necessary for glioma cell migration. Our findings may provide an insight into a better understanding to the malignant progression of gliomas.
Differential effect of procaine injection into the rostral and caudal part of the nucleus pontis oralis on hippocampal theta rhythm in urethane-anesthetized rats
Authors: Kroplewski Maciej , Orzeł-Gryglewska Jolanta , Nowacka Anita , Trojniar Weronika , Jurkowlaniec Edyta
Published: November 2023

The nucleus reticularis pontis oralis (RPO) is a reticular structure important for the regulation of paradoxical sleep (PS). However, the data concerning the relation between the RPO and the main tonic indicator of PS, hippocampal theta rhythm, are contradictory: although electrical or cholinergic stimulation of the RPO evoked well-synchronized theta activity, the electrolytic lesion of the structure had no effect on theta. In our experiment, the effect of procaine injections into different parts of the RPO on the electrical activity of the hippocampus, as well as on tail pinch-elicited hippocampal theta rhythm was assessed in urethanized rats. Power spectral analysis was performed using a Fast Fourier Transform routine in 1-Hz and 3-Hz bands between 0.6 and 12 Hz frequency. We have found that unilateral procaine inactivation of neurons in the caudal part of the RPO blocked the sensory-elicited theta rhythm. The same injection into the rostral RPO either had no effect or evoked long-lasting episodes of theta rhythm without sensory stimulation. These results suggest functional diversity of the parts of the RPO in mechanisms underlying production of hippocampal theta.
Transplantation of neural stem cells derived from human cord blood to the brain of adult and neonatal rats
Authors: Jablonska Anna , Kozlowska Hanna , Markiewicz Inga , Domanska-Janik Krystyna , Lukomska Barbara
Published: November 2023

Searching for a reliable source of alternative neural stem cells for experimental treatment of neurological disorders we have established neural stem cell line derived from human umbilical cord blood (HUCB-NSC) (Buzanska et al. 2006). These cells have been shown to differentiate along neuronal and glial lineages in the promoting in vitro conditions. In the current study we transplanted HUCB-NSC into rat brain to determine whether the neural progenitors would be able to survive, migrate and eventually adopt neural phenotypes after exposure to central nervous system (CNS) microenvironment. Our experiments revealed that HUCB-NSC grafting into the brain of adult rats limited their survival up-to two weeks probably due to their elimination by severe immunological host reaction evoked by xenotransplantation. HUCB-NSC graft in neonates survived longer time in rat brain, migrated, proliferated and differentiated into neuronal cells however their presence in the host tissue did not exceed more than five weeks after transplantation.
Short-duration swimming exercise decreases penicillin-induced epileptiform ECoG activity in rats
Authors: Tutkun Erkut , Ayyildiz Mustafa , Agar* Erdal
Published: November 2023

The aim of the present study is to understand the basic relationship between swimming exercise and natural course of epilepsy in animals by performing an electrophysiological study. For this purpose, male Wistar rats were submitted to daily swimming exercise program of three different durations. Animals were swim-exercised for 90 days with either 15 minutes, 30 minutes or 60 minutes/day. Thereafter, the epileptiform activity was induced by a single microinjection of penicillin (500 units) into the left somatomotor cortex. Short-duration swimming exercise (15 min per day for 90 days) decreased the mean frequency and amplitude of penicillin-induced epileptiform activity in the 70 and 90 minutes after penicillin injection compared to penicillin administered group, respectively. Moderate-duration (30 min per day for 90 days) and long-duration (60 min per day for 90 days) swimming exercise did not alter either the frequency or amplitude of epileptiform activity. The results of the present study provide electrophysiologic evidence that short-duration swimming exercise partially inhibits penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. These data also suggest that moderate and long-duration swimming exercise do not increase either the frequency or severity of seizure in the model of penicillin-induced epilepsy.
Anticonvulsant effect of celecoxib on pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsion: Modulation by NO pathway
Authors: Zandieh Ali , Maleki Farid , Hajimirzabeigi Alireza , Zandieh Basira , Khalilzadeh Omid , Dehpour* Ahmad
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to examine whether celecoxib influences clonic seizure thresholds through modulation of nitric oxidergic (NO) pathway. The effect of celecoxib (1-5 mg per kg, p.o.) was investigated on clonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 50 and 80 mg per kg, i.p.) in male Swiss mice. The interaction of celecoxib-induced effects with NO pathway was examined using a NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N(G)-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 20 and 50 mg per kg, i.p.) and a NOS substrate, L-arginine (100 and 200 mg per kg, i.p.). The criteria for the development of seizure activity were the possibility for appearance of generalized clonus and prolongation of latency to the onset of convulsions following administration of 50 and 80 mg per kg of PTZ, respectively. Pretreatment with celecoxib (2.5 and 5 mg per kg) or L-NAME (50 mg per kg) induced anticonvulsant effect on the PTZ-induced clonic seizures. L-arginine at the dose of 200 mg per kg had proconvulsant effect. A sub-effective dose of celecoxib (1 mg per kg) induced an additive anticonvulsant effect when co-administered with L-NAME (20 mg per kg). Although L-arginine (100 mg per kg) per se did not influence PTZ-induced convulsion, it could attenuate the anticonvulsant effect of celecoxib (5 mg per kg). Our results indicate that celecoxib induces an anticonvulsant effect on clonic seizure threshold that may involve NO pathway.
Aggregation-promoted expansion of neuraly committed human umbilical cord blood progenitors in vitro
Authors: Habich Aleksandra , Domanska-Janik Krystyna
Published: November 2023

Human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) has been established as a promising source of hematopoietic as well as various non- hematopoietic stem cell populations. This offers numerous advantages of HUCB stem/progenitor cells for therapies, however in vitro conditions that contribute to long term propagation of proliferating undifferentiated cells have not yet been established. Here we evaluate culture conditions promoting spheroid aggregates/neurospheres formation which, together with serum withdrawal and mitogenes treatments in strictly defined media, maintain population of HUCB progenitor cells in undifferentiated and dividing state exhibiting neurogenic potential in vitro. Our results indicate that formation and maintenance of three-dimensional aggregates enhanced by cell culture rotating motion, is crucial for high and prolonged expression of genes and proteins characteristic for cord blood stem cells and their further neural commitment.
Tight junctions in neurological diseases
Authors: Bednarczyk Joanna , Lukasiuk Katarzyna
Published: November 2023

Tight junction, one of the type of cell-cell junctions, controls the paracellular permeability across the lateral intercellular space and maintains the cell polarity. Tight junctions consist of transmembrane proteins: members of tight junction-associated MARVEL protein (TAMP) family, claudins and junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs), and various cytoplasmic proteins that are necessary for the correct organization of the integral membrane components of the junction. Alterations in expression or localization of proteins of tight junctions have been described in several neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. In this review, we summarize the most recent data on components of tight junctions and focus on the implication of tight junction dysfunction in neurological diseases.
Galanin and vasopressin response to hyperosmotic stimulation: In vitro study
Authors: Ciosek Joanna , Galecka Katarzyna
Published: November 2023

Galanin (Gal) - a neuropeptide present in the nervous system and peripheral tissues - may be involved in the regulation of hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system function. It was shown that centrally injected galanin inhibits osmotically stimulated vasopressin (VP) secretion into the blood and reduces VP mRNA level in the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) hypothalamic nuclei. The aim of the present study in vitro was to investigate the influence of Gal on vasopressin release from isolated rat hypothalamus (Hth), neurohypophysis (NH) or hypothalamo-neurohypophysial explants (Hth-NH). The effect of Gal on VP secretion was studied under conditions of direct osmotic (i.e., Na+-evoked) (series 1) as well as nonosmotic (i.e., K(+)-evoked) (series 2) stimulation. In series 3, vasopressin response to Gal was studied using the neural tissues obtained from animals drinking 2 percent NaCl solution for eight days (indirect osmotic stimulation). Gal in a concentration of 10(-10) M and 10(-8) M inhibited basal VP release from Hth, NH and Hth-NH explants isolated from euhydrated rats as well as from Hth-NH complex of osmotically challenged animals. When the neural tissues obtained from previously salt-loaded rats were incubated in K(+)-enriched medium the inhibitory effect of Gal was completely blocked. It may be concluded that the effect of Gal is depending on the current functional status of the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system.
Effects of adult dysthyroidism on the morphology of hippocampal granular cells in rats
Authors: Martí-Carbonell Maria , Garau Adriana , Sala-Roca Josefina , Balada Ferran
Published: November 2023

Thyroid hormones are essential for normal brain development and very important in the normal functioning of the brain. Thyroid hormones action in the adult brain has not been widely studied. The effects of adult hyperthyroidism are not as well understood as adult hypothyroidism, mainly in hippocampal granular cells. The purpose of the present study is to assess the consequences of adult hormone dysthyroidism (excess/deficiency of TH) on the morphology of dentate granule cells in the hippocampus by performing a quantitative study of dendritic arborizations and dendritic spines using Golgi impregnated material. Hypo-and hyperthyroidism were induced in rats by adding 0.02 percent methimazole and 1 percent L-thyroxine, respectively, to drinking water from 40 days of age. At 89 days, the animals’ brains were removed and stained by a modified Golgi method and blood samples were collected in order to measure T4 serum levels. Neurons were selected and drawn using a camera lucida. Our results show that both methimazole and thyroxine treatment affect granule cell morphology. Treatments provoke alterations in the same direction, namely, reduction of certain dendritic-branching parameters that are more evident in the methimazole than in the thyroxine group. We also observe a decrease in spine density in both the methimazole and thyroxine groups.
Photoacoustic tomography can detect cerebral hemodynamic alterations in a neonatal rodent model of hypoxia-ischemia
Authors: Sussman Craig , Rossignol Candace , Zhang Qizhi , Jiang Huabei , Zheng Tong , Steindler Dennis , Young Linda , Weiss Michael
Published: November 2023

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the most recognized causes of neurological deficits in children. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) reductions, as seen with HIE, resulting in neuronal injury have not been evaluated in real-time. Photoacoustic Tomography (PAT) is a form of optical imaging which can detect cerebral hemodynamic alterations in a noninvasive, non-ionizing fashion via changes in hemoglobin optical absorption. Further, this technology has the potential to capture cerebral blood volume (CBV) fluctuations and perhaps CBF changes in real-time. We hypothesized that PAT can detect a reduction in cerebral hemoglobin optical absorption, and therefore CBF, in a neonatal model of hypoxia-ischemia. To investigate, P7 rats underwent right carotid artery ligation and exposure to 8 percent oxygen for 60 minutes while imaged with PAT every 20 minutes. Cerebral hemodynamic alterations, as measured by mean optical absorption (MOA), were calculated as a change from baseline. Global and regional MOA was analyzed using a linear mixed model. Global MOA was reduced within the right hemisphere as compared to the left during hypoxia. Regional differences in MOA were detected between the left and right sides for the middle and posterior cortical regions. Injury was confirmed using immunohistochemistry. We conclude that a reduction in global and regional MOA, and hence CBF, could be identified by PAT in a neonatal rat model of HIE. This is the first study described in the literature utilizing a neonatal rat model of HIE to demonstrate in vivo alterations in cerebral hemodynamics in a non-invasive and near real-time fashion.
Endogenous neurogenesis induced by ischemic brain injury or neurodegenerative diseases in adults
Authors: Ziemka-Nalecz Malgorzata , Zalewska Teresa
Published: November 2023

The discovery of neurogenic response subsequent to brain injuries has led to the hypothesis that the expansion of the pool of endogenous progenitors could augment the regenerative capacity of the damaged areas. However, it occurred that endogenous spontaneous neurogenesis is insufficient for replacing the lost neurons and to achieve global repair, particularly in aging brain. Until today, a great effort has been made attempting to promote “reactive neurogenesis” more successful. It was found that small chemical molecules exert stimulation of neurogenesis and probably might help to induce neuronal endogenous cell replacement in various neurological diseases. In this review we briefly highlight the current data regarding effect of brain ischemia and age-related neurodegenerative diseases on neural stem cells in situ and potential therapeutic effect of their stimulation.
Effects of strong physical exercise on blood glutamate and its metabolite 2-ketoglutarate levels in healthy volunteers
Authors: Leibowitz Akiva , Klin Yael , Gruenbaum Benjamin , Gruenbaum Shaun , Kuts Ruslan , Dubilet Michael , Ohayon Sharon , Boyko Matthew , Sheiner Eyal , Shapira Yoram , Zlotnik Alexander
Published: November 2023

Excessive concentrations of L-glutamate (glutamate) have been found to posses neurotoxic properties. This study investigates how stress induced by strong physical exercise effects blood glutamate, 2-ketoglutarate, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) levels. The relationship between muscle damage caused by strong physical exercise and blood glutamate levels was also examined. Twenty-two healthy volunteers engaged in intense veloergometry (“spinning”) for a duration of 60 minutes. Two 10 minute peaks of extremely intense exercise were performed at 10 minutes and 50 minutes after the start of exercise. After 60 minutes of exercise, volunteers were monitored for an additional 180 minutes in resting conditions. Blood samples for determination of glutamate and 2-ketoglutarate levels were collected prior to exercise and then every 30 min for entire experiment. Blood samples were also taken at those time points to measure glutamate, 2-ketoglutarate, AST, ALT, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), myoglobin, lactate and venous blood gas levels. Blood glutamate levels were significantly elevated throughout the exercise session (P less than 0.001) and then returned to baseline levels at the cessation of exercise. 2-ketoglutarate, a product of glutamate metabolism, reached significantly elevated levels at 30 minutes (P less than 0.01) from the start of exercise and remained elevated up to 240 minutes post exercise initiation (P less than 0.001). AST and ALT levels were elevated at 60 minutes when compared to baseline. AST levels remained elevated at 240 minutes, unlike ALT levels which returned to baseline values at 240 minutes. Strong physical exercise leads to a significant elevation in blood glutamate, most likely as a result of skeletal muscle damage. 2-ketoglutarate was also found to be elevated for long periods of time, reflecting an ongoing process of glutamate breakdown. Elevated concentrations of AST and ALT in plasma reflect the importance of these enzymes in the maintenance of stable blood glutamate concentrations.
Investigating the influence of proficiency on semantic processing in bilinguals: An ERP and ERD/S analysis
Authors: Braunstein Verena , Ischebeck Anja , Brunner Clemens , Grabner Roland , Stamenov Maxim , Neuper Christa
Published: November 2023

In this study, we presented sentences either ending with high or low probability cloze words or semantically incongruent words to investigate the influence of L2 proficiency on electrophysiological correlates of semantic processing in bilinguals. Event-related potentials (ERPs) as well as the oscillatory dynamics of the EEG signal, specifically, frequency power changes expressed as event-related (de)synchronization (ERD/S), were analyzed. Replicating earlier results, we found an N400 on semantically incongruent words, as well as on low cloze probability words. For the bilinguals investigated in the present study, N400 latency in the low cloze probability condition was found to be modulated by L2 proficiency, indicating that L2 proficiency in our sample might have influenced the speed of semantic integration. Relative Theta power increased for all three word conditions, but no influence of proficiency was observed. Different from the ERP results, we found a stronger increase in theta power for low cloze probability words than for incongruent and high cloze probability words, especially over temporo-parietal brain areas. The spatial distribution of the theta ERD/S results also differed from the N400 topography. Whereas the N400 showed a typical topography with a maximum over temporo-posterior electrode positions, the theta ERD/S topography was maximal for high and low cloze probability words over left central-posterior electrode positions. These findings show that the ERP and ERD/S results are sensitive to semantic processing. The different pattern of the ERD/S results compared to the ERP results, functionally and with regard to topography, suggests that the ERD/S reflects a different aspect or stage of semantic processing, possibly the successful conceptualization of a sentence.
Epigenetic and molecular signature of human umbilical cord blood-derived neural stem cell (HUCB-NSC) neuronal differentiation
Authors: Habich Aleksandra , Szablowska-Gadomska Ilona , Zayat Valery , Buzanska Leonora , Domańska-Janik Krystyna
Published: November 2023

In the context of cell therapy, the epigenetic status of core stemness transcription factor (STF) genes regulating the cell proliferation/differentiation program is of primary interest. Our results confirmed that in vitro differentiation of the umbilicalcord-blood-derived-neural-stem-cells (HUCB-NSC) coincides with the progressive down-regulation of Oct3/4 and Nanog gene expression. Consistently and in parallel with the repression of gene transcription, a substantial increase in the mosaic cytosine methylation CpG dinucleotide was observed in the promoter regions of these STF genes. However none of the histone-H3 post-translational-modifications (PTM) known to be associated with transcriptionally active genes (H3Ac and H3K4me3) or repressed genes (H3K9me3 and H3K27me3) seemed to vary in relation to the progression of cell differentiation and down-regulation of STF genes. This indicates an uncoupling between STF gene expression and above mentioned histone PTMs. In contrast, the overall methylation of nuclear chromatin at repressive histone H3K9me3 was significantly higher than H3K4 trimetylation in expanding HUCB-NSC cultures and then increases through the progression of cell differentiation. These observations suggest different epigenetic programs of gene repression realized in the cell nuclei of differentiating HUCB-NSC cultures with uneven involvement of the repressive histone PTMs.
Integrated pathways of parkin control over mitochondrial maintenance – relevance to Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis
Authors: Gaweda-Walerych Katarzyna , Zekanowski Cezary
Published: November 2023

Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are considered among the main molecular mechanisms implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathogenesis. Here, we focus on the deficiency of PARK2 and its product parkin, which is relevant to both familial and sporadic PD pathogenesis. Parkin emerges as an important regulator of processes that maintain mitochondrial quality. We focus on the parkin-dependent aspects of mitochondrial biogenesis, including mtDNA replication, transcription, mitophagy, mitochondrial fusion, fission, and transport. We discuss possible underlying molecular mechanisms, exerted by parkin in cooperation with other mitochondrial maintenance factors such as TFAM, PGC-1alpha, mortalin, HSP70/HSC70 and LRPPRC, all of them implicated in PD pathogenesis. We review numerous models of lipopolysaccharide toxicity that demonstrate how mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy are induced simultaneously to cope with mitochondrial dysfunction. The spatial and temporal interdependence of mitochondrial quality pathways underscores the importance of an integrative approach for future studies.
Homonymous hemianopia and related visual defects: Restoration of vision after a stroke
Authors: Grunda Tomas , Marsalek Petr , Sykorova Pavla
Published: November 2023

The term homonymous hemianopia refers to visual impairment due to a post-chiasmatic brain lesion. Mammalian neurons of the central nervous system do not have the ability to regenerate. However, the cerebral cortex shows plasticity in certain cases. Motor or speech disorders due to frontal lobe brain damage can be improved with well-directed rehabilitation techniques. If such plasticity is possible, it raises the question whether specialized training could improve a cortical visual disorder. There is need for simple visual training which could be used in rehabilitation. A few different approaches have been developed to treat patients with hemianopia: (1) substitution including special devices, such as optical prisms; (2) compensation using intact residual abilities – especially training of eye movements; (3) restitution which is based on stimulating the blind hemifield. The third method of rehabilitation is the most controversial; however, it has the largest potential. To support concepts of the targeted rehabilitation outlined here, first: further development of the theory of plasticity in visual pathways is required and second: the efficacy of the rehabilitation procedures has to be demonstrated by clinical evidence. We review methods and approaches of hemianopia rehabilitation and treatment. We also review results of contemporary clinical studies and meta-studies.