bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical features and short-term clinical outcomes in Covid-19 infected Adult Population during fourth wave
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Medicine,  Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College Karachi, Zahra Fatima
Published: November 2023

Objective: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and comorbidities in COVID 19 patients and analyze its impact on outcome of COVID 19 during fourth wave. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration: Department of Medicine of Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College for six months i.e. from 1st June 2021 to 1st December 2021 during fourth wave of Covid 19. Methodology: The patients with confirmed nasal swab test in SARI specialized acute respiratory illness unit of hospital (report available within 12 hours) were included in the study who required admission in medical COVID ward or intensive care unit. For data collection two residents were trained and assigned to collect the data by recording history of clinical features, comorbidities. Their physical examination along with vitals, oxygen saturation, and relevant laboratory workup was carried out. They recorded all the investigations carried out in admitted patients and observed them till they got better and discharged or could not survive. Results: A total of 113 patients were enrolled, mean age of recovered patients in our study was 45.99 ± 17.80 years whereas for expired it was 71.38 ± 11.62 years (p value <0.05). In the recovered group 70.10% (68) were males and 29.90 %( 29) were females whereas expired group included 62.50% (10) males and 37.5% (6) females. Fever, cough and body aches were observed in 72.57%, 49.56% and 46.02% respectively in recovered patients and 11.50%, 9.73% and 8.85% respectively in expired patients. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension and ischemic heart disease were found as comorbidities in 5.31%, 8.85% and 2.65% of recovered patients’ whereas18.75 %, 6.25% and18.75 % in expired group respectively. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that patients with COVID-19 who have presented with shortness of breath and have diabetes mellitus or ischemic heart disease are at increased risk of mortality. These patients should be closely monitored and provided with appropriate supportive care. Keywords: Clinical Features, Comorbidities, COVID 19, Outcome. How to Cite This: Zahra f, kidwai SS, Ahmed A, Umar M, Waseem F, et al. Clinical features and short-term clinical outcomes in Covid-19 infected adult Population during fourth wave. Isra Med J. 2023; 15(1): 20-24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55282/imj.oa1359. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
KEBIJAKAN PENEGAKAN HUKUM PIDANA DALAM MENANGGULANGI PERJUDIAN
Authors: Burhan Hakim Ahmad , Ida Arodatul Jannah
Published: November 2023

Criminal law is often used to solve social problems, especially in crime prevention. In particular, the problem of gambling as a form of social disease, a form of social pathology. Enforcement of criminal law to tackle gambling as deviant behavior must continue to be carried out. This is very reasonable because gambling is a threat a real threat to social norms that can lead to individual tensions as well as social tensions. Gambling is a real or potential threat to the nation. Thus gambling can become an obstacle to national development with material-spiritual aspects. Because gambling educates people to make a living in an unreasonable manner and forming a "lazy" character. While development requires individuals who are active, hard working and mentally strong. It is very reasonable then gambling must immediately find ways and rational solutions for a solution. Because it is clear that gambling is a social problem that can interfere with the social functions of society. One of the rational efforts used to tackle gambling is the criminal law policy approach.The use of legal remedies, including criminal law, as an effort to overcome social problems, including in the field of law enforcement policies. Besides that, because the goal is to achieve public welfare in general, law enforcement policies are also included in the field of social policy, namely all rational efforts to achieve public welfare.
ANALISIS SENGKETA KEPEMILIKAN AMBALAT ANTARA INDONESIA DAN MALAYSIA DALAM PRESPEKTIF SIYASAH DUSTURIYAH
Authors: Sya'dullah
Published: November 2023

The Ambalat Block belongs to Indonesia, this is based on evidence of the signing of the Indonesia-Malaysia Continental Boundary Agreement on 27 October 1969, which was signed in Kuala Lumpur and then ratified on 7 November 1969. This type of research is considered normative research. The nature of this research is descriptive analytical. Data was taken from two sources, namely primary sources and secondary sources. The approaches used are statutory, historical and conceptual. The data collection method was carried out using a literature study, namely a method in the form of collecting legal materials, obtained from library books or other readings that are related to the problems of the Ambalat sea dispute and siyasah dusturiyah. The results of this research concluded that Malaysia has ignored the fact that its country is a coast and not an island nation. Maritime boundary disputes up to the resolution of disputes between Indonesia and Malaysia are regulated in Law Number 17 of 1985 and UCLOS 1983. Fiqh Siyasah regarding the Ambalat Sea territorial boundary dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia is included in the Siyasah Dusturiyah category which discusses wizarah or assistants to the Imamah which can be interpreted as the minister in charge of resolving internal and external problems within the state and as supervisor of state administration. So it can be concluded that the Minister of Defense or Wazir Amirul Jaisy in resolving cases between the State of Indonesia and the State of Malaysia regarding territorial boundary disputes in the Ambalat Sea can be resolved using the law Islam by making peace, and not separating or being hostile to each other

Keywords: Ambalat, Dispute, Siyasah Dusturiyah
أثر مفهوم المنهج التربوي تقليديا وحديثا في منهج اللغة العربية
Authors: Rohman M. Fathor
Published: November 2023

The development of the curriculum concept from traditional to modern has led to comprehensive developments in the components and factors that influence the educational curriculum. This is a positive progress of the curriculum concept because what characterizes an ideal curriculum is that it is variable and flexible to follow developments in the environment and time. The method used in this research uses a library research method or approach. Data collection in this research was carried out by reviewing and/or exploring several journals, books and documents (both printed and electronic) as well as data sources. and/or other information deemed relevant to the research or study. The results of this research are that the curriculum in the modern sense is more positive than the curriculum in the traditional sense in developing students or students and developing them comprehensively. This is also more positive in developing the quality of the education and learning process. Therefore, those in charge of Arabic language subjects need to understand the curriculum in a modern sense so that students do not fall into dilemmas and are left behind due to staff or school officials adhering to traditional curriculum concepts.
Excessive Nectar Intake from Lantana camara L. Punish Honeybee, Apis mellifera during the Dearth Period
Authors: Gupta R K , Ganai Suheel Ahmad , Kour Ramandeep , Bali Kamlesh
Published: November 2023

A study was conducted to scientifically validate the beekeeper’s perceptions about toxicity of Lantana camara to honey bee, Apis mellifera. Firstly, the floral visits to the source plant during honey flow and dearth period were recorded and correlated with the observed mortality in the bee colonies. A strong correlation was observed between floral visits and bee mortality. Lantadene was extracted and its effect was demonstrated through a randomized experiment to investigate the effect of lantadene on bee colonies. For this, colonies were fed with different concentrations of lantadene mixed sugar candy and the mortality was compared with those fed without it. It was found that excessive floral visits and nectar intake during dearth period is associated with bee mortality through lantadene.
Nesting Etiquacy of Stingless Bee Tetragonula “Iridipennis” Species Group
Authors: Saaivignesh B , Manickavasagam S , . Banujaa
Published: November 2023

In this study a total of 42 feral colonies of Tetragonula “iridipennis” were domesticated and observed for their nesting behaviour in feral nest and also in hive. Observation on the nesting behaviour revealed that, they generally inhabit old mud and stone walls, and the shape and colour of nest entrance were predominantly elliptical and black, respectively. The length and width of the entrance tube ranged between 9-13 and 3-9 mm, respectively on different substrata. The external and internal tunnel length ranged between 0-18 and 3-156 mm, respectively. The orientation of hive entrance was mainly towards northeast and east. Number of brood pots constructed/ batch and time required for a worker to construct the single brood pot were recorded.
Efficacy of Pongamia Oil Soap against Earias vitella and Helicoverpa armigera in Okra
Authors: Thomas Anu , Sreekumar K M
Published: November 2023

Field evaluation of pongamia oil soap against Earias vitella and Helicoverpa armigera infesting okra was carried out during 2018-19 at the Instructional farm in College of Agriculture, Padannakkad. The treatments consisted of 0.6, 1 and 2% pongamia oil soap, Neem oil soap (0.6%); soap solution (0.5%); quinalphos (0.05%) and control (water). Fourteen days after the third application the shoot damage was found lowest in quinalphos 25EC 0.05% (7.32) followed by pongamia oil soap 2% (12.86) and fruit damage was found lowest in quinalphos 25EC 0.05% (6.41) followed by pongamia oil soap 2% (9.60). The reduction in fruit and shoot damage may be due to the feeding deterrency of pongamia oil which remained effective for seven days and thereafter declined.
Dielectric Properties of Dried Turmeric Rhizomes and Related Storage Insects
Authors: T Aswathy , Parveen S , Balakrishnan M , Anand M , Srinivasan T
Published: November 2023

The dielectric properties of dried turmeric finger rhizomes and the related storage insects namely Stegobium paniceum L. (drugstore beetle) and Lasioderma serricorne F. (cigarette beetle), were studied using an impedance analyzer. The measurements were conducted with the frequency range of 25 to 32 MHz and at temperatures ranging from 60 to 80°C. The dielectric constant and loss factor decreased with increasing frequency from 25 to 32 MHz at all temperatures whereas, the dielectric constant and loss factor increases with increasing temperatures at constant frequency for all samples were studied. The sample with maximum moisture content revealed maximum dielectric property. New equations were formulated through regression analysis to explore how the dielectric properties are influenced by changes in temperature and frequency.
Mate Guarding Behaviour in Response to Temperature in Parthenium Beetle Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister
Authors: Bhaisare Lankesh Yashwant , Chaudhary Desh Deepak
Published: November 2023

Insects are ectothermic organisms in which most of the biochemical, physiological and behavioral processes may depend on thermal conditions of surrounding environments. Here, we anticipated that the copulatory parameters may also depends on different rearing conditions. So, it was hypothesized that developmental thermal conditions might play crucial role in modulation of mate guarding as well as reproductive outputs of Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). In result, deaths of larval instars and pupa were observed along with underdeveloped adults at extreme developmental thermal conditions (15°C and 35°C). On the other hand, maximum time to commencement of mating (TCM) was observed at 20°C and minimum at 25°C. But latent period (LP) and mate guarding duration (MGD) were maximum at 30°C and minimum at 20°C and 25°C respectively. Further, result showed increase level of reproductive output at 20°C. So, it can be concluded that developmental temperature significantly influenced mate guarding and reproductive attributes.
Competitive Regulation of Dominant Exotic Whiteflies on Coconut Palms as Influenced by Biotic and Abiotic Factors
Authors: Logeshkumar P , Nalini R , JosephRajKumar A , Chandramani P , Mini M L , Durai Singh R , Murugan M , Suresh K
Published: November 2023

In the recent past, exotic whiteflies viz., Aleurodicus rugioperculatus, Paraleyrodes bondari, Paraleyrodes minei and Aleurotrachelus atratus are infesting coconut plantations in India. Based on the damage potential, the predominant species are the rugose spiralling whitefly, A. rugioperculatus and the Bondars nesting whitefly, P. bondari. A study was undertaken to determine the seasonal incidence and population dynamics of these in the new invasion region at Karungalakudi block of Madurai district from 33rd standard meteorological week (SMW) of 2021 to 32nd SMW of 2022. The results indicated that A. rugioperculatus incidence rose considerably from the first week of April (10.9 adults/ leaflet) to third week of May (8.3 adults/ leaflet; while P. bondari reached maximum during the third week of March (71.99 adults/ leaflet) and extended up to first week of June (67.57 adults/ leaflet) coinciding with summer months with high temperature and limited precipitation. Subsequently, their incidence declined with the onset of north east monsoon coupled with parasitism by Encarsia guadeloupae and predation by chrysopids from third-week of August to fourth-week of December in 2021. The extent of parasitism by E. guadeloupae on A. rugioperculatus nymphs was positively correlated and ranged from 40% (third week of August, 33rd SMW, 2021) to 84% (second week of June 2022, 24th SMW). Chrysopids revealed a highly significant positive correlation with the incidence.
Impact of financial literacy on investment decisions in developing countries: The example of Kazakhstan
Authors: Bayakhmetova Aliya , Bayakhmetova Leyla , Bayakhmetova Lyazzat
Published: November 2023

This study aims to establish the impact of financial literacy on investment decision-making in developing countries, with the Republic of Kazakhstan serving as a case study. The research approach involved conducting a questionnaire survey for Kazakhstan residents to evaluate their level of financial literacy, followed by analysis of the results through the SPSS software. To evaluate the influence of financial literacy on the efficiency of investment decision-making, a correlation analysis was performed on two variables: the financial literacy index and the investment decision-making efficiency index. The findings indicate that respondents' financial literacy level has an impact on investment decision-making. After all, a higher level of financial literacy indicates a larger number of individuals who have made financial investments at least once, while among respondents with a lower level of financial literacy, approximately 30% did not invest at all. The impact of financial literacy on effective investment decision-making is dependent on age, education, and financial criteria. Moreover, personal income plays a pivotal role in facilitating informed investing choices. The proposed study has practical applications for financial and credit institutions, banks, and government officials in establishing a basis for efficiently injecting finances into the economy of a developing nation.
Evaluasi Efektivitas Website Sekolah SMK Wiyata Satya Dengan Metode Pieces
Authors: Irma Suryani  , Nur Nawaningtyas Pusparini
Published: November 2023

An educational institution is required to keep up with technological advancements, especially in the field of information technology. The official website of SMK Wiyata Satya, https://www.wiyatasatya.sch.id, established on April 8, 2015, plays a crucial role in promoting and introducing the school to the community. The use of this website aims to reach a broader audience. Despite its advantages in accessibility and speed of information delivery, there are still some issues, such as the lack of an online registration feature, reliance on contact persons via WhatsApp, and incomplete information. The author employs the PIECES framework to evaluate the quality of the information system service and measure customer satisfaction. The PIECES method consists of six parameters: performance, information, economy, control, efficiency, and service. This method is chosen for its ability to provide a detailed and comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation results indicate user satisfaction with the use of the website as a promotional tool and a source of information. The average satisfaction level reflects the majority's contentment with the platform.
Timpanoplasti ve Timpanomastoidektomi; 5 Yıllık Sonuçlarımız
Authors: KURU Aykut , KANTEKİN Yunus , BULUT ÇÖBDEN Serap , KAYA Altan
Published: November 2023

Amaç: Araştırmanın amacı kliniğimizde kronik otitis media (KOM) nedeniyle timpanoplasti ve timpanomastoidektomi uygulanan

hastalarda cerrahi sonuçlarımızı greft başarısı ve odyolojik açıdan güncel literatüre göre değerlendirmektir.

Gereç ve Yöntemler: Kulak Burun Boğaz Kliniğimizde Mayıs 2018- Mayıs 2023 tarihleri arasında KOM nedeniyle genel anestezi

altında timpanoplasti ve timpanomastoidektomi uygulanan 62 hasta çalışmaya dahil edilmiştir. Hastaların preoperatif anamnez,

fizik muayene ve odyolojik değerlendirmeleriyle; postoperatif süreçteki işitme testleri ve zar muayeneleri retrospektif olarak yaş ve

cinsiyet değişkenleri dahil edilerek istatistiki olarak değerlendirilmiştir.

Bulgular: Hastaların ortalama takip süresi 9.9 aydır. Preoperatif ve postoperatif hava kemik aralığı (HKA) değerlendirmesinde postoperatif işitme sonuçlarında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı iyileşme saptanmıştır (p
Sorting out the spinning of autism: heavy metals and the question of incidence
Authors: M.C.* DeSoto , R.T. Hitlan
Published: November 2023

The reasons for the rise in autism prevalence are a subject of heated professional debate. Featuring a critical appraisal of some research used to question whether rising levels of autism are related to environmental exposure to toxins (Soden et al. 2007, Barbaresi et al. 2009, Thompson et al. 2007) we aim to evaluate the actual state of scientific knowledge. In addition, we surveyed the empirical research on the topic of autism and heavy metal toxins. In our opinion empirical investigations are finding support for a link with heavy metal toxins. The various causes that have led to the increase in autism diagnosis are likely multi-faceted, and understanding the causes is one of the most important health topics today. We argue that scientific research does not support rejecting the link between the neurodevelopmental disorder of autism and toxic exposures.
Blood mercury levels in autism spectrum disorder: is there a threshold level?
Authors: D.A. Geier , T. Audhya , J.K. Kern , M.R.* Geier
Published: November 2023

Mercury (Hg) may significantly impact the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Lab results generated by Vitamin Diagnostics (CLIA-approved), from 2003-2007, were examined among subjects diagnosed with an ASD (n=83) in comparison to neurotypical controls (n=89). Blood Hg levels were determined by analyzing Hg content in red blood cells (RBC) using cold vapor analysis, and consistent Hg measurements were observed between Vitamin Diagnostics and the University of Rochester. Adjusted (age, gender, and date of collection) mean Hg levels were 1.9-fold significantly (P
Combined estradiol and lithium increase ER-alpha mRNA in embryonic C57BL/6J primary hippocampal cultures
Authors: Valdes James , Weeks Ophelia
Published: November 2023

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is commonly prescribed during menopause. Post-menopausal women also tend to suffer from bipolar disorders and as a result are prescribed mood stabilizers – in addition to ERT. There is a paucity of data on how combined hormones and mood stabilizers interact in regulating gene expression that led us to hypothesize that in primary cultures of mixed brain cells predominated by glia, combined 17beta-estradiol (E2) and lithium chloride (LiCl) (E2/LiCl) will alter estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) mRNA expression. We quantified mRNA expression of ER-alpha using the cDNA of treated primary cultures of mixed brain cells from a previous study. Our results indicate that hippocampal cultures predominated by glia increase in ER-alpha mRNA expression when treated for 48 h with combined E2/LiCl. Our findings may encourage further investigation on the molecular mechanisms involved in combined estrogen and lithium treatment.
No association between cytokine gene polymorphism and risk of Alzheimer´s disease in Slovaks
Authors: Shawkatova Ivana , Javor Juraj , Parnicka Zuzana , Vrazda Lubomir , Novak Michal , Buc Milan
Published: November 2023

Clinical and immunopathological evidence support a potential role of inflammatory cytokines in Alzheimer‘s disease (AD). However, studies examining the association between cytokine gene polymorphisms and risk of developing AD yielded conflicting results. The objective of our study was to evaluate the association between the functional polymorphisms in the TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1, IL-10, IL-6 and IFN-gamma genes, respectively and the risk of AD in Slovak individuals. Fifty sporadic AD patients and 140 non-demented age-matched control subjects were genotyped in our case-control study. The observed allele and genotype frequencies in AD patients and controls did not reveal any statistically significant differences. In conclusion, our data suggest that there is no involvement of cytokine gene genetic variance in the development of AD in the Slovak population.
Use of Near Infrared Transillumination / Back Scattering Sounding (NIR-T/BSS) to assess effects of elevated intracranial pressure on width of subarachnoid space and cerebrovascular pulsation in animals
Authors: Frydrychowski Andrzej , Magdalena  , Guminski Wojciech , Agata  , Kaczmarek Jacek , Winklewski* Pawel
Published: November 2023

The objective was to assess changes in the width of the subarachnoid space (SAS) and amplitude of cerebrovascular pulsation (CVP) during acute elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) using Near Infrared Transillumination/Back Scattering Sounding (NIR-T/BSS). Changes in the width of the SAS and amplitude of CVP were observed in rabbits during experimental ICP elevation induced by: (1) quick injections of saline into the subdural space of the spinal cord, and (2) distension of a surgical catheter balloon placed intracranially in the subdural space. The amplitude of CVP was also assessed during acute elevation of blood pressure in the intracranial portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) induced by adrenaline. Each of the injections of saline caused a transient rise in the width of the SAS and amplitude of CVP. The amplitude of the increase in CVP was dependent on changes in blood pressure in the ICA (r=-0.82, P
Towards chronic contextual conditioning in rats: The effects of different numbers of unpaired tone-shock presentations on freezing time and startle
Authors: Luyten Laura , Vansteenwegen Debora , Kuyck Kris , * Bart
Published: November 2023

Contextual conditioning in rats is typically quantified using freezing time or startle amplitude. In this study, we combined both anxiety measures in one procedure and systematically examined the effect of training with 0, 5, 10 or 15 unpaired toneshock (0.8 mA - 250 ms) presentations on the expression of contextual conditioning in a chronic protocol with two training and testing days. Such a chronic procedure may be valuable as a chronic anxiety model. Training with 5, 10 or 15 explicitly unpaired shocks resulted in significant contextual freezing. There was no significant increase in freezing time from post-test 1 to post-test 2 and there were no differences between the three shocked groups, implying that the different numbers of shocks did not affect the degree of contextual freezing, probably because the ceiling freezing value had already been reached. Surprisingly, we observed no potentiated startle in the conditioned context. To summarize, our protocol produced consistent contextual freezing over two testing days.
An evaluation of the role and treatment of elevated male hormones in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Geier David , Kern Janet , King Paul , Sykes Lisa , Geier Mark
Published: November 2023

Autism, Asperger's syndrome (AS), and pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) compose the overall diagnostic category of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Subjects diagnosed with an ASD have a male:female ratio of 4:1, and among subjects diagnosed with AS the male:female ratio is as high as 9:1. The purpose of this study was to examine evidence of the association between hyperandrogenism and autistic traits (ATs) among subjects diagnosed with an ASD, and to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-androgen therapy as a means to help treat ATs in subjects diagnosed with an ASD. Evidence of hyperandrogenism in subjects diagnosed with an ASD is supported by multiple studies in the areas of psychological framework, brain pathology, tissue culture, and pre- and postnatal androgen levels. Data from subjects diagnosed with other conditions associated with elevated androgens reveals many of these individuals have ATs. Finally, in a placebo-controlled trial of testosterone administration to neurotypical subjects, testosterone was found to increase ATs. In addition, a controlled trial of human transsexuals revealed a significant increase in ATs in female-to-male transsexuals and a decrease in ATs in male-to-female transsexuals. Data from multiple animals and human clinical trials suggest that antiandrogen medications have the ability to significantly reduce ATs in patients diagnosed with an ASD. In light of the robust association between hyperandrogenism and ASD, it is recommended subjects diagnosed with an ASD should undergo routine screening for elevated androgens, and appropriate treatment should be initiated for those with elevated androgens.
Long-lasting stress, quantitative changes in nitric oxide concentration and functional state of brain mitochondria
Authors: Zurab  , George  , Ketevan  , Matrona  , Natalia  , Mariam  , Nana
Published: November 2023

We have studied biochemical changes occurring in brain cell mitochondria of white rats on the background of stress induced by 30-day isolation and disruption of circadian rhythms. It was ascertained that due to long-lasting stress, there occurs activation of oxidative processes in mitochondria as well as inhibition of anti-oxidant system activity, causing development of energy deficiency in brain cells. The above-mentioned biochemical processes become the reason for activation and opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), which, in its turn, signals the start of neuroapoptosis and various neurodegenerative processes.
Evidence of parallels between mercury intoxication and the brain pathology in autism
Authors: Kern Janet , Geier David , Audhya Tapan , King Paul , Sykes Lisa , Geier Mark
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this review is to examine the parallels between the effects mercury intoxication on the brain and the brain pathology found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This review finds evidence of many parallels between the two, including: (1) microtubule degeneration, specifically large, long-range axon degeneration with subsequent abortive axonal sprouting (short, thin axons); (2) dentritic overgrowth; (3) neuroinflammation; (4) microglial/astrocytic activation; (5) brain immune response activation; (6) elevated glial fibrillary acidic protein; (7) oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation; (8) decreased reduced glutathione levels and elevated oxidized glutathione; (9) mitochondrial dysfunction; (10) disruption in calcium homeostasis and signaling; (11) inhibition of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) activity; (12) disruption of GABAergic and glutamatergic homeostasis; (13) inhibition of IGF-1 and methionine synthase activity; (14) impairment in methylation; (15) vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and pathological changes of the blood vessels; (16) decreased cerebral/cerebellar blood flow; (17) increased amyloid precursor protein; (18) loss of granule and Purkinje neurons in the cerebellum; (19) increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in the brain (TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-1beta, IL-8); and (20) aberrant nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappaB). This review also discusses the ability of mercury to potentiate and work synergistically with other toxins and pathogens in a way that may contribute to the brain pathology in ASD. The evidence suggests that mercury may be either causal or contributory in the brain pathology in ASD, possibly working synergistically with other toxic compounds or pathogens to produce the brain pathology observed in those diagnosed with an ASD.
Use of cerebrospinal fluid biomarker analysis for improving Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis in a non-specialized setting
Authors: Malnar Martina , Kosicek Marko , Bene Raphael , Tarnik Iva , Pavelin Sanda , Babic Ivana , Brajenovic-Milic Bojana , Hecimovic Hrvoje , Titlic Marina , Demarin2 Zlatko , Hecimovic Silva
Published: November 2023

Low levels of amyloid-beta42 (Abeta42) and high total-tau (t-tau) or phosphorylated-tau (p181-tau) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were shown to be characteristic for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and for mildly cognitively impaired (MCI) or non-demented individuals who will progress to AD. The goal of this study was to evaluate the benefit of CSF biomarker testing in a setting with no specialized dementia centers, in order to improve the accuracy of AD diagnosis and to identify individuals with incipient AD. Using ELISA assay we analyzed CSF Abeta42, t-tau and p181-tau levels among clinically diagnosed non-demented individuals, AD patients and individuals with uncertain dementia (n=36). CSF cut-off values of low Abeta42 (less than or equal to 530 pg/mL) and high t-tau (less than or equal to 350 pg/mL) or p181-tau (less than or equal to 52 pg/mL) were used to identify individuals with AD/MCI-CSF profile, regardless of clinical diagnosis. APOE genotyping was performed using PCR-RFLP method. In accord with previous studies we detected significantly decreased levels of CSF Abeta42 and increased tau and p181-tau levels in clinically diagnosed AD group vs. non-demented controls. CSF profiling identified individuals with a typical AD/MCI-CSF pattern in clinically referred non-demented group (9 percent) and among patients with uncertain dementia (41.7 percent). APOE epsilon4-allele was associated with the CSF biomarker changes typical for AD. This study shows that in a non-specialized setting CSF biomarker testing may be used as a screening tool for improving the accuracy of AD diagnosis and for predicting individuals with incipient Alzheimer’s disease who need to receive further clinical follow-up.
Effect of dopamine receptor stimulation on voltage-dependent fast-inactivating Na+ currents in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) pyramidal neurons in adult rats
Authors: Szulczyk Bartlomiej , Ksiazek Aneta , Ladno Wioleta , Szulczyk Pawel
Published: November 2023

Impaired working memory is a common feature of neuropsychiatric disorders. It is dependent on control of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) neurons by dopamine. The purpose of this study was to test the effects of a D1/5-type dopamine receptor agonist (SKF 38393, 10 microM) on the membrane potential and on voltage-dependent fast-inactivating Na+ currents in mPFC pyramidal neurons obtained from adult (9-week-old) rats. Treatment of the pyramidal neurons with SKF 38393 did not affect the membrane potential recorded with the perforated-patch method. When recordings were performed in cellattached configuration, the application of SKF 38393 did not change the Na+ current amplitude and shifted the currentvoltage relationship of the Na+ currents towards hyperpolarisation, thus resulting in an increase of the current amplitudes in response to suprathreshold depolarisations. Pretreatment of the cells with a D1/5 receptor antagonist (SCH 23390, 10 microM) abolished the effect of the D1/5-type receptors on Na+ currents. The effect of the D1/5 agonist was replicated by treating the cells with a membrane-permeable analogue, cAMP (8-bromo-cAMP, 100 microM), and the effect was blocked by treating the cells with a protein kinase A inhibitor, (H-89, 2 microM). In recordings performed from mechanically and enzymatically dispersed pyramidal neurons in the whole-cell configuration, when the cell interior was dialysed with pipette solution, application of the D1/5 agonist decreased the Na+ current amplitude without changing the current-voltage relationship. We conclude that in the mPFC pyramidal neurons in slices with an intact intracellular environment (recordings in the cell-attached configuration), the activation of D1/5 dopamine receptors increases the fast-inactivating Na+ current availability in response to suprathreshold depolarisations. The maximum Na+ current amplitude was not changed. A cAMP/protein kinase A pathway was responsible for the signal transduction from the D1/5 dopamine receptors to the Na+ channels.
Inhibition of class II histone deacetylase blocks proliferation and promotes neuronal differentiation of the embryonic rat neural progenitor cells
Authors: Liu Huiling , Wu Hao , Wang Yanxia , Wang Yazhou , Wu Xinhua , Ju Shaoqing , Wang Xiaofei
Published: November 2023

Neural precursor cells (NPCs), which are capable of self-renewing, migrating to specific sites, and differentiating into the three main CNS lineages, neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, have been used experimentally to repair the damaged nervous system, either by grafting of cells grown in vitro or by activating endogenous NPCs. The grafting of NPCs, however, is limited by its lower viability and undesired glial differentiation. Understanding the mechanism underlying these events, therefore, is essential for the potential future use of NPCs. In the present study, we investigated the role of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition on survival, proliferation, differentiation and migration of the rat NPCs. We observed that NPCs derived from the E14.5 rat brain constitutively expressed both class I and class II HDAC mRNA. Inhibition of HDAC by trichostatin A (TSA) blocked the proliferation, increased neuronal differentiation and decreased astrocyte differentiation of the NPCs. Meanwhile, TSA had no significant effects on survival and migration of the NPCs. Finally, we found that HDAC inhibition regulated proliferation and neuronal differentiation of the NPCs was associated with a reduction of class II and but not class I HDAC transcription. These findings collectively demonstrate that in the situation of not affecting survival and migration, HDAC inhibition may induce more neuronal differentiation.
Association between plasma biomarkers, CDK5 polymorphism and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Czapski Grzegorz , Maruszak Aleksandra , Styczynska Maria , Zekanowski Cezary , Safranow Krzysztof , Strosznajder Joanna
Published: November 2023

In this study we evaluated biochemical blood serum parameters and the association of Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) gene polymorphisms with the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the Polish population. We observed an elevated total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and homocysteine levels and lower concentrations of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and vitamin B12 in AD patients. However, the analyzed CDK5 polymorphisms were not associated with the biochemical parameters. Moreover, we found no association between the studied polymorphisms and the risk of AD in the Polish population. The meta-analysis of previously published and current study was performed. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that alteration of cholesterol, LDL, HDL, homocysteine and B12 concentration may be an important factor in pathogenesis of AD.
Cholinergic modulation of synaptic properties of cortical layer VI input to posteromedial thalamic nucleus of the rat investigated in vitro
Authors: Nersisyan Syune , Bekisz Marek , Kublik Ewa , Granseth Bjorn , Wrobel Andrzej
Published: November 2023

The second order somatosensory thalamic nucleus (posteromedial nucleus, PoM) receives excitatory projection from layer VI of somatosensory cortex. While it is known that layer VI cortical input to first order, ventrobasal nucleus (VB) is modulated by cholinergic projections from the brainstem, no such data exists concerning the PoM nucleus. In order to study if layer VI corticothalamic transmission to PoM is also modulated we used patch-clamp recording in thalamocortical slices from the rat’s brain. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were evoked in PoM cells by trains of 5 electrical pulses at 20 Hz frequency applied to corticothalamic fibers. After carbachol was applied to mimic activation of the cholinergic neuromodulatory system corticothalamic EPSP amplitudes were reduced, while facilitation of EPSP amplitudes was enhanced for each next pulse in the series. Such cholinergic control of layer VI corticothalamic synapses in PoM may be used as gain modulator for the transfer of the peripheral sensory information to the cortex.
The effects of serotonin, dopamine, octopamine and tyramine on behavior of workers of the ant Formica polyctena during dyadic aggression tests
Authors: Szczuka Anna , Korczynska Julita , Wnuk Andrzej , Symonowicz Beata , Szwacka Anna , Mazurkiewicz Paweł , Kostowski Wojciech , Godzinska Ewa
Published: November 2023

We investigated the effect of injections of four biogenic amines (serotonin, dopamine, octopamine and tyramine) on behavior patterns displayed by workers of the red wood ant Formica polyctena during dyadic confrontations with four types of opponents: a nestmate, an alien conspecific, an allospecific ant (Formica fusca), and a potential prey, a nymph of the house cricket (Acheta domesticus). Significant effects of biogenic amine administration were observed almost exclusively in the case of confrontations with allospecific opponents. Serotonin treatment exerted stimulatory effects on behavior patterns involving physical aggression (biting accompanied by gaster flexing, dragging and formic acid spraying), but these effects were relatively weak and/or documented by indirect evidence. Dopamine administration exerted a stimulatory effect on open-mandible threats directed by F. polyctena to F. fusca and to cricket nymphs, and on biting behavior directed to cricket nymphs. Surprisingly, octopamine treatment did not exert significant effects on aggressive behavior of the tested ants. Tyramine administration exerted a suppressing effect on threatening behavior directed to F. fusca, but led to shortening of the latencies to the first open-mandible threat during the tests with cricket nymphs. Biogenic amine administration also influenced non-aggressive behavior of the tested ants. Our findings confirmed the role of serotonin and dopamine in the mediation of ant aggressive behavior and documented for the first time significant effects of tyramine treatment on ant aggressive behavior. We also demonstrated that not only specific patterns of ant aggressive behavior, but also behavioral effects of biogenic amine treatments are as a rule strongly context-dependent.
The impact of training and neurotrophins on functional recovery after complete spinal cord transection: cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to motor improvement
Authors: Skup Malgorzata , Ziemlinska Ewelina , Gajewska-Wozniak Olga , Platek Rafał , Maciejewska Anna , Czarkowska-Bauch Julita
Published: November 2023

Beneficial effects of locomotor training on the functional recovery after complete transection of the spinal cord indicate that in chronic spinal animals spontaneous recovery processes are enhanced and shaped by the training. The mechanisms of that use-dependent improvement are still not fully understood. This review tackles three aspects of this issue: (1) neurochemical attributes of functional improvement showing that concentrations of excitatory and inhibitory amino acids in the lumbar spinal segments, which were changed after transection, normalize after the training, or even raise beyond normal. As it does not translate to functional equilibrium between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission and may lead to hyperexcitability, the postsynaptic mechanisms which might be responsible for the hyperexcitability are discussed, including (i) dysfunction of K(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter KCC2, which controls the strength and robustness of inhibition, and (ii) altered function of 5-HT2 receptors, which may be targeted to restore KCC2 activity and intrinsic inhibition; (2) morphological changes of lumbar motoneurons and their inputs related to functional improvement of spinal animals, pointing to use-dependent diminution/reversal of the atrophy of the dendritic tree of the hindlimb motoneurons and of their synaptic impoverishment, which in paraplegic animals differs depending on the degree of disuse of the muscles; (3) the role of neurotrophins in motor improvement of spinal animals showing, that increases in neurotrophins due to training or due to efficient viral vector-based transgene expression, that might be responsible for the enrichment of the dendritic tree, elongation of processes and influence neurotransmitter systems in the areas subjected to plastic modifications after injury, correlate with improvement of locomotor functions.
Participation of muscarinic receptors in memory consolidation in passive avoidance learning
Authors: Dobryakova Yulia , Gurskaya Olga , Markevich Vladimir
Published: November 2023

It is well-known that the cholinergic system and the muscarinic cholinergic receptors are associated with cognitive functions. Here we examined whether a non-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine affects learning performance and/or synaptic plasticity during the memory consolidation period. Adult male Wistar rats (250–300 g) were injected with scopolamine (2 mg/kg) or saline immediately after training in a “passive avoidance” task. Memory retention test was conducted 24 h after training. The changes in the latency of the first entry into a dark compartment of a test chamber was chosen as a criterion of learning. The efficacy of synaptic transmission was estimated by the changes in the basal level of focal potentials (fEPSP amplitude and slope ratio) before training (baseline), 90 min after the training (consolidation period), and 24 hour after the training (retention period). We found that foot-shock presentation by itself had no effect on fEPSP within the first 90 min after training, but in 24 hour fEPSPs were decreased. In untrained rats administration of scopolamine had no effect on the fEPSP amplitude within the first 90 min after the injection, but in 24 h we observed an increase in the fEPSP amplitude. In trained animals, scopolamine decreased the fEPSP amplitude in the hippocampal CA1 area during first 1.5 h after the injection. However, the drug had no effect on the memory retention in the passive avoidance task. Taken together our data suggest that scopolamine modifies the synaptic placticity of the hippocampal network but does not induce significant changes in the retention of the passive avoidance skill.
Glial-restricted precursors as potential candidates for ALS cell-replacement therapy
Authors: Kruminis-Kaszkiel Ewa , Wojtkiewicz Joanna , Maksymowicz Wojciech
Published: November 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a multifactorial progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to severe disability and death within 3–5 years after diagnosis. The main mechanisms underlying the disease progression are poorly known but according to the current knowledge, neuroinflammation is a key player in motor neurons damage. Astrocytes constitute an important cell population involved in neuroinflammatory reaction. Many studies confirmed their striking connection with motor neuron pathology and therefore they might be a target for the treatment of ALS. Cell-based therapy appears to be a promising strategy. Since direct replacement or restoring of motor neurons using various stem cells is challenging, enrichment of healthy donor-derived astrocytes appears to be a more realistic and beneficial approach. The effects of astrocytes have been examined using transplantation of glial-restricted precursors (GRPs) that represent one of the earliest precursors within the oligodendrocytic and astrocytic cell lineage. In this review, we focused on evidence-based data on astrocyte replacement transplantation therapy using GRPs in animal models of motor neuron diseases. The efficacy of GRPs engrafting is very encouraging. Furthermore, the lesson learned from application of lineage-restricted precursors in spinal cord injury (SCI) indicates that differentiation of GRPs into astrocytes before transplantation might be more advantageous in the context of axon regeneration. To sum up, the studies of glial-restricted precursors have made a step forward to ALS research and might bring breakthroughs to the field of ALS therapy in the future.
Tiapride impairs the aversive effect of electrical stimulation of the parabrachial complex in a conditioned place task
Authors: Hurtado María , García Raquel , Puerto Amadeo
Published: November 2023

The parabrachial complex has been related to various rewarding or aversive behavioral processes, including taste aversion learning and conditioned place aversion. This study examined the effect of tiapride, an antagonist of D2/D3 dopaminergic receptors, on place aversion induced by electrical stimulation of the external lateral parabrachial (LPBe) nucleus. Results obtained show that brain-stimulated animals avoid the area of the maze associated with electrical stimulation but show no such behavioral rejection when they receive an injection of 30 mg/kg tiapride. Furthermore, tiapride did not appear to affect the horizontal motor activity (crossing) of the animals. These results are discussed in the context of the different natural and artificial modalities used to induce aversive behavior and their relationship with dopamine systems.
Temporal dynamics of the Oppel-Kundt Illusion compared to the Müller-Lyer Illusion
Authors: Bertulis Algis , Surkys Tadas , Bulatov Aleksandr , Bielevicius Arunas
Published: November 2023

In psychophysical experiments, subjects reported whether the filled part of the Oppel-Kundt stimulus was longer than the empty one at different durations of the stimuli presentations. The experimental data yielded a smooth function indicating a gradual augmentation of the illusion strength within a relatively wide 100–1000 ms interval of the exposure durations. On the contrary, the experiments with the Müller-Lyer stimuli showed a gradual decrease of the illusion magnitude within the same interval of expositions. In the supplementary experiments, the stimuli with uniformly filled or outlined rectangles of fixed duration were used; various combinations of the rectangles with the regular sequences of filling stripes were also taken. It was demonstrated that the superposition of the stimuli did not change the illusion strength noticeably. The results obtained in the study support the suggestion that the filled interval overestimation in the Oppel-Kundt stimulus may be related to spatiotemporal integration along a continuous path of neural excitation evoked by the real and illusory contours of the filling.