bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motion sensitivity in cat's superior colliculus: contribution of different visual processing channels to response properties of collicular neurons
Authors: Waleszczyk Wioletta , Wang Chun , Benedek György , Burke William , Dreher Bogdan
Published: December 2023

It is well established that neurons in the retinorecipient layers of superior colliculus (SC), the mammalian homologue of the optic tectum of other vertebrates, are extremely sensitive to moving stimuli. In our studies we have distinguished several functionally distinct groups of neurons in the retinorecipient layers of the SC of the cat on the basis of their velocity response profiles. Our data revealed substantial convergence of the Y and non-Y information channels on single SC neurons. Second, using the method of selective conduction block of the Y-type fibers in one optic nerve we have shown that responses of SC cells to high-velocity motion are dependant on the integrity of Y-type input. Third, in order to determine the degree of influence of the X- and W-type input on cellular responses we have examined spatial and temporal frequency response profiles of single collicular neurons using sinusoidal gratings drifting in the preferred direction. At any given eccentricity, most collicular neurons exhibited a preference for relatively very low spatial frequencies. The preference for low spatial frequencies combined with temporal frequency profiles of collicular neurons suggests that the Y- and W-type inputs constitute the major functional inputs to the retinorecipient layers of the SC and that the "top-down" X-type input from the visual cortex has only a minor impact on the spatio-temporal frequency response profiles of collicular receptive fields.
Enhanced pressor response to centrally administered vasopressin in WKY rats on high sodium diet
Authors: Żera Tymoteusz , Ufnal Marcin
Published: December 2023

Four week old Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were divided into two groups. The experimental group (n=7) was receiving a high sodium diet (3.28% Na) and the control group (n=7) a normal sodium diet (0.22% Na). After 8 weeks, subjects were chronically implanted with the lateral cerebral ventricle (LCV) cannulas and with the femoral artery catheters. Three series of experiments were carried out on the experimental and control groups. In each series mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded for 10 min before and 30 min after the LCV infusion. In series 1 artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) was administered (2 µl/15 s). In series 2 AVP was infused (20 ng/2 µl aCSF/15 s). In series 3 V1a receptor antagonist (V1 ANT), d(CH2)5[Tyr(Me)2,Ala-NH29]AVP, was applied (80 ng/µl aCSF/15 s). There was no difference in baseline MAP and HR between the experimental and control groups. LCV infusion of aCSF had no effect on MAP and HR. LCV infusion of AVP produced a significant increase of MAP, which was greater in the group on the high sodium diet than in the group on normal sodium diet. The experimental group showed a longer hypertensive effect of centrally applied AVP in comparison to the control. LCV administration of V1 ANT did not exert a significant effect on circulatory parameters. These results suggest that the prolonged high sodium diet does not induce hypertension in WKY rats, but it enhances the pressor function of the central vasopressinergic system.
Effects of acute hypergravity exposure and parity on maternal behavior in CD-1 mice
Authors: Simeoni Michelle , Francia Nadia , Santucci Daniela , Chiarotti Flavia , Alleva Enrico
Published: December 2023

We assessed the behavioral response to acute hypergravity exposure in lactating mother mice, Mus musculus of the outbred CD-1 strain. Primiparous or terziparous dams were exposed with their litters to a centrifugal force equivalent to 2G hypergravity for 1 h daily from postnatal day 2 (P2) to P9. We made detailed behavioral observations before, during and after the rotation on selected days to identify elements of the maternal behavioral repertoire vulnerable to 2G challenge. Licking and nest building were reduced during rotation while mothers sniffed and snouted their pups more. Nursing and total time in physical contact with pups were relatively stable. The effects of rotation were most pronounced on P2, dams appearing to habituate to the treatment with repeated exposure. Dam parity had a limited effect on the behavioral response to rotation, primiparous mothers tending to spend longer nursing their pups during the rotation and showing a greater tendency to lick and nest-build in post-rotation. Differences between parity groups diminished over days. Body weight was decreased in rotated primiparous dams and their pups gained less weight than stationary controls. Ultrasonic vocalization (USV) rates recorded on P2, P5 and P9 seemed to indicate delayed behavioral development in rotated pups.
D1 dopamine receptors distribution following photothrombotic stroke in rat cerebral cortex
Authors: Rogozinska Karolina , Skangiel-Kramska Jolanta
Published: December 2023

The effect of focal photothrombotic stroke on the distribution of D1 dopamine receptor (D1R) sites was examined in different cortical areas of rat brain with quantitative receptor autoradiography using [3H]SCH23390 as a ligand. Unilateral cortical stroke was located in the primary somatosensory cortex. After different survival times (1, 7 and 28 days) D1R binding levels were determined in the lesion core, penumbra, frontoparietal motor (FrPaM) and somatosensory (FrPaSS) areas as well as in homotopic regions in the contralateral hemisphere. One day after stroke, D1R density decreased by 36% (P
A single compartment neuron model with activity-dependent conductances during NMDA induced activity
Authors: Baszczak Małgorzata , Kasicki Stefan
Published: December 2023

In most neuron models the values of maximal conductances of membrane ionic currents are fixed. In our paper we investigate spiking activity of the neuron model activated tonically by NMDA synapse, when the membrane ionic currents are dynamically dependent on calcium concentration, as in a model by Abbott and coauthors (1993). A spiking neuron model (in Matlab/Simulink environment) is based on the properties of lamprey spinal neurons. The basic neuron is a one-compartment model with voltage-gated Na+, K+, Ca2+, KCa+ channels. The Na+ and K+ currents are described with the dynamic equations of Hodgkin-Huxley model (Hodgkin and Huxley 1952). The Ca2+ and KCa+ channels are modeled using description of calcium dynamic introduced by Ekeberg and coauthors (1991). The model was tonically activated by NMDA synapse described by a kinetic model of synaptic transmission. We analyzed the activity of this model and showed that when only one of conductances is calcium-dependent, the cell is not able to react to and recover from external perturbations.
Expression of c-Fos in response to stressogenic stimuli in the amygdala of old vs. young rats – a preliminary study
Authors: Boguszewski Paweł , Zagrodzka Jolanta
Published: December 2023

During aging many of the brain functions became deteriorated or altered. One of the most important age related changes is an increase of anxiety level, reported both in humans and in animals. Our study was intended to compare c-fos gene expression in amygdala, the key structure in anxiety/fear regulation, in old (24 months) and young (4 months) rats exposed to various behavioral stimulations. There were no differences between age groups in basal c-Fos expression. After social encounter c-Fos expression level in amygdala increased significantly, but still remained independent on age. Significant differences between both groups appeared after open field test and immobilization test. Contrary to the findings on young adults indicating the correlation between increased anxiety level and higher c-Fos expression, old rats showed increased anxiety together with significantly lower c-Fos expression.
One-trial visual recognition in cats
Authors: Okujava Vazha , Natishvili Teimuraz , Mishkin Mortimer , Gurashvili Thea , Chipashvili Senera , Bagashvili Tamila , Andronikashvili George , Kvernadze George
Published: December 2023

The ability of normal cats to perform delayed matching- and nonmatching-to-sample with trial-unique stimuli was investigated both in a modified Wisconsin General Testing Apparatus requiring manipulatory responses and in a Nencki-type testing room requiring locomotor responses. Cats trained in the WGTA learned the two tasks at about the same rate, on average, as that reported for monkeys. However, unlike monkeys, whose strong preference for novelty facilitates their learning of the nonmatching rule and retards their learning of the matching rule, the cats learned the two different rules at about the same rate, suggesting that cats do not share the monkey's strong preference for novelty. In contrast to their relatively rapid learning of the manipulatory versions of the two tasks, cats learned the locomotor versions only slowly or even failed to learn. Experimental analysis indicated that a major source of the cats' difficulty on these locomotor versions was interference from a strong tendency in the large testing room to use visuospatial strategies. Nevertheless, once the matching or nonmatching rule was learned at short delays, whether in the WGTA or the testing room, the cats performed at criterion levels without further training even at delays of 10 minutes, indicating that this species, like monkeys, has a highly developed long-term recognition memory ability.
Selection for body weight induces differences in exploratory behavior and learning in mice
Authors: Wirth-Dzięciołowska Elżbieta , Lipska Anita , Węsierska Małgorzata
Published: December 2023

Abstract. Mice that were selected for over 108 generations for body weight at the postnatal (PN) day 21 were examined in the open field (OF) test and in the Lashley maze (LM) for their exploratory behavior and spatial learning. Light (L), heavy (C) and control (K) lines of mice in three age groups: PN21, PN-56 and PN-90, were tested once in the OF and three times in the LM. During the session in the OF the L mice displayed a steady increase of behavioral activity (sum of locomotion and rearing, climbing, sniffing, and grooming acts), whereas mice C and K habituated in the last stage. During entire session in the OF activity of the L mice was lower than that of the C and K mice. The L mice displayed high defecation/urination scores. In the learning task the L mice performed worse than the C and K mice. In conclusion, behavior of the L line was different from that of the two other lines: they showed higher anxiety and poorer spatial learning.
Local classifiers for evoked potentials recorded from behaving rats
Authors: Jakuczun Wit , Kublik Ewa , Wojcik Daniel , Wrobel Andrzej
Published: December 2023

Dynamic states of the brain determine the way information is processed in local neural networks. We have applied classical conditioning paradigm in order to study whether habituated and aroused states can be differentiated in single barrel column of rat's somatosensory cortex by means of analysis of field potentials evoked by stimulation of a single vibrissa. A new method using local classifiers is presented which allows for reliable and meaningful classification of single evoked potentials which might be consequently attributed to different functional states of the cortical column.
Role of serotonin in cerebral oxidative stress in rat
Authors: Munoz-Castaneda Juan , Montilla Pedro , Padillo Francisco , Bujalance Inmaculada , Munoz Maria , Muntane Jordi , Tunez And
Published: December 2023

Terotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter synthesized by the aromatic amino acid decarboxylase using 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) as a substrate. It was recently shown that serotonin and its precursor have powerful antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reduction in 5-HT levels by parachlorophenylalanine (pCPA) and their restoration by 5-HTP administration on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in rat brain. Serotonin levels were decreased by p-chlorophenylalanine administration. The effect of pchlorophenylalanine was counteracted by the intraperitoneal administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan. We evaluated the concentration of serotonin, malonyl dialdehyde and the status of antioxidants (GSH, catalase and superoxide dismutase) in brain. The results showed that p-chlorophenylalanine (300 mg/kg) induced a depletion of serotonin concentration and antioxidant status, as well as enhancing malonyl dialdehyde concentration in brain. The exogenous administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan prevented all effects induced by pchlorophenylalanine in brain tissue. The recovery of the neurotransmitter concentration in brain was related to the reduction of lipid peroxide generation and improved antioxidant status. In conclusion, our study supports the view that the antioxidant properties of serotonin protect against basal oxidative stress in brain.
Effects of postweaning social isolation and re-socialization on the expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and dendritic development in the medial prefrontal cortex of the rat
Authors: Pascual Rodrigo , Zamora-Leon S. , ValeroCabre And
Published: December 2023

In the present study we evaluated the effects of early social isolation and re-socialization on dendritic development and the expression of the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of the rat. Sprague-Dawley male rats were reared either in isolation (IC) or social (SC) conditions from postnatal day 18 to 32. Rats were then behaviorally evaluated in the open field test, and approximately half of the animals were sacrificed. Their brains were processed either for immunocytochemical labeling against VIP or for the Golgi-Cox-Sholl staining. The remaining IC rats were re-socialized during 30 additional days. The results demonstrated that early social isolation impair neuronal dendritic arborization and increase the number of VIP-immunoreactive neurons. Furthermore, animals displayed hyperlocomotion in the open-field test. According to our structural, immunocytochemical and open-field data, the resocialization experience was unable to reverse neuronal and behavioral abnormalities.
Effect of 3-aminobenzamine on Bcl-2, Bax and AIF localization in hippocampal neurons altered by ischemia-reperfusion injury. The immunocytochemical study
Authors: Strosznajder Robert , Gajkowska Barbara
Published: December 2023

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase plays an important role in cell survival and death. Our previous histological and ultrastructural studies showed that PARP inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) protected neurons against death after ischemia. In this study we investigated the effect of 3-AB on the localization and expression of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) and on two proteins from Bcl-2 family: Bcl-2 and Bax in hippocampal area CA1, on the 4th day after 3 min of forebrain ischemia in gerbils. Our results indicated that after ischemia AIF is preferentially translocated from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm and to the nucleus. Intravenous administration of 3-AB (30 mg/kg b.w.) prevents AIF translocation to the nucleus. AIF was mainly seen in the structurally unchanged mitochondria and Golgi complex. Moreover, after 3-AB administration overexpression of Bcl-2 protein was observed in mitochondrial membranes, rough endoplasmatic reticulum, Golgi complex, nuclear envelopes, and also in cytoplasm and in nucleus. These data suggest that inhibition of PARP activity may have a beneficial effect on hippocampal neurons through overexpression of Bcl-2 protein and suppression of AIF translocation to the nucleus.
The anatomical relationships between the serotonergic afferents and the neurons containing calciumbinding proteins in the rat claustrum
Authors: Wojcik Slawomir , Dziewiatkowski Jerzy , Klejbor Ilona , Spodnik Jan , Kowianski Przemyslaw , Morys And
Published: December 2023

Claustrum is a telencephalic structure integrating information of various modalities. Proper functioning of this structure depends on the presence of a network of intrinsic connections. This includes GABA-ergic neuronal populations that also contain calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs). The goal of this study was to analyze qualitative and quantitative the 5-HTcontaining fibers in the rat claustrum and to assess the relationships between these fibers and the populations of claustral neurons expressing CaBPs. We used the methods of immunocytochemistry and morphometry. The serotonergic fibers in the claustrum are heterogeneous, both with respect to their morphology and spatial distribution. Thin varicose fibers are more numerous and are homogeneously distributed within the claustrum. Remaining fibers were thicker and possessed larger varicosities. They were present mainly in the ventral part of the claustrum. Although the serotonergic fibers are found in the vicinity of claustral cells containing CaBPs, direct contacts between these fibers and cells are rare. Other mechanisms, including volume transmission, may possibly mediate serotonergic influences.
Characterization and plasticity of the double synapse spines in the barrel cortex of the mouse
Authors: Jasinska Malgorzata , Siucinska Ewa , Glazewski Stansislaw , Pyza Elzbieta , Kossut And
Published: December 2023

The somatosensory barrel cortex of rodents and its afferent pathway from the facial vibrissae is a very useful model for studying neuronal plasticity. Dendritic spines are the most labile elements of synaptic circuitry and the most likely substrate of experience-dependent alterations in neuronal circuits in cerebral cortex. We characterized morphologically and numerically a specific population of spines, i.e. double synapse spines, which have two different inputs – one excitatory and the other inhibitory, in the B2 barrel of mouse somatosensory cortex. We also described changes in morphology of double synapse spines induced by classical conditioning in which stimulation of vibrissae was paired with a tail shock. The analysis was carried out by means of serial EM micrograph reconstruction. We showed that double spines account for about 10% of all analyzed spines. The morphology of a typical double synapse spine is similar to the morphology of single synapse spine and both consist of two parts – a large head and a narrow, long neck. Excitatory synapses are preferentially located on the head of double synapse spines and inhibitory synapses are usually located on the neck of these spines. The length of the double synapse spine neck decreases and the cross-section area of the spine neck increases significantly as a result of sensory conditioning.
The correspondence should be addressed to E. Pyza, Email: pyza@zuk.iz.uj.edu.pl
Neurons derived from PC12 cells have the potential to develop synapses with primary neurons from rat cortex
Authors: Zhou Tao , Xu Bainan , Que Haiping , Lin Qiuxia , Lv Shuanghong , Liu And
Published: December 2023

Neuron transplantation is considered to be a promising therapeutic method to replace functions lost due to central nervous system (CNS) damage. However, little is known about the extent to which implanted neuron-like cells can develop into mature neurons and acquire essential properties, and especially formation of synapses with host neurons. In this investigation we seeded PC12 cells labeled with GFP into primary cultured neurons isolated from rat cerebral cortex to build a co-culture system, and then induced the PC12 cells to differentiate into neuron-like cells with NGF. Seven days later, we observed the relationship between the PC12-derived neurons and primary neurons using FM1-43 imaging and immunoelectron microscopy, and found that GFP-labeled neurons could form typical synapses with host primary neurons. These observations showed that immigrant neurons differentiated from PC12 cells could develop into mature neurons and could form intercellular contacts with host neurons. Both the immigrant and host neurons could construct neuronal networks in vitro.
The correspondence should be addressed to S. Liu, Email: liusj@nic.bmi.ac.cn
Photoperiod affects distribution of dynorphin A in the brain of Siberian hamster
Authors: Meyza Ksenia , Sotowska-Brochocka Jolanta
Published: December 2023

Dynorphin A1-17 (DYN 1-17) acting in the CNS is known to affect thermoregulation, water and energy balance in the short time scale. In this study a long-term alteration of these functions induced by changes of day length in the highly photoperiodic species, the Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) was studied using immunohistochemistry for DYN 1-17. We found that in the long day (LD, L:D 16 h:8 h) more brain areas express DYN A1-17peptide than in the short day (SD, L:D 8 h:16 h) conditions. Structures of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis as well as cells of the ependyma, subcomissural organ and choroid plexus of the lateral and third brain ventricles are immunoreactive to anti-dynorphin IgG only in the LD. This might indicate a seasonal regulatory role of DYN A1-17 in physiological adaptations to severe climate changes.
Neural commitment of cord blood stem cells (HUCB-NSC/NP): Therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Domanska-Janik Krystyna , Habich Aleksandra , Sarnowska Anna , Janowski And
Published: December 2023

Human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) is considered a promising source of neural progenitors capable of being used for cellular therapies in neurological disorders. Here we review briefly our work on the elucidation of mechanisms and development of practical standards as regards the selection, maintenance and use of cord blood derivatives for such purposes. Our results join those of other recent studies in suggesting strongly that, the generation of neural-like cells from tissue belonging to a different germ layer (such as a cord blood is) is most probably explained by reference to a discrete subpopulation of embryonic-like stem cells of pluripotent characteristics. Such cells identified in cord blood through their expression of specific genetic and protein markers can be expanded in vitro and directed toward neurally-committed progenitors differentiating further into more mature neuron-like or macroglia-like cell phenotypes. From this HUCB-derived neural progenitor fraction a novel neural-like stem cell line (HUCB-NSC) has been developed, and characterized in respect of in vitro and in vivo (posttransplantation) properties.Correspondence should be addressed to K. Domanska-Janik Email: kd-j@cmdik.pan.pl
Behavioral evaluation of ischemic damage to CA1 hippocampal neurons: Effects of preconditioning
Authors: Duszczyk Malgorzata , Ziembowicz Apolonia , Gadamski Roman , Lazarewicz And
Published: December 2023

In Mongolian gerbils, global forebrain ischemia induces enhanced locomotor activity and the disruption of nest building immediately after the insult, followed by damage to hippocampal neurons developing 3 days later. Preconditioning by a brief episode of sublethal ischemia induces the protection of CA1 hippocampal neurons against a lethal ischemic insult. We examined how preconditioning with 2-min ischemia affects disturbances in the nest building behavior and locomotor activity induced by the injurious 3-min ischemia. Morphological examination confirmed that preconditioning significantly reduced neuronal damage in CA1 evoked by injurious ischemia. Behavioral studies demonstrated that preconditioning reduced the locomotor hyperactivity and latency in nest building after test ischemia, in comparison to sham or naive animals. The results indicate that the nest building test and measurement of locomotor activity may be used for an early in vivo prediction of the extent of ischemic brain damage and tolerance induced by ischemic preconditioning.
Correspondence should be addressed to J. W. £azarewicz, Email: jerzyl@cmdik.pan.pl
Effects of neurosteroids on neuronal survival: Molecular basis and clinical perspectives
Authors: Leskiewicz Monika , Budziszewska Boguslawa , Basta-Kaim Agnieszka , Zajac Anna , Kacinski Marek , Lason And
Published: December 2023

Neurosteroids have long been known to act as important modulators of central nervous system functions. The concept of their mechanism of action, however, have essentially undergone an evolution. Previously, these compounds were postulated to regulate neuronal function mainly via allosteric regulation of some membrane-bound receptors, such as GABAA and NMDA receptors, in a non-genomic way. Recent studies have provided evidence for intracellular targets for neurosteroids, e.g., transcription factors (NFk-B, progesterone receptors), protein kinases (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, protein kinase C), or microtubule-associated proteins, i.e. factors essential in regulation of neuronal survival and apoptosis. This paper reviews in vitro and in vivo data on neurosteroid involvement in the regulation of neurodegenerative processes with emphasis on new intracellular and genomic mechanisms of their action. Potential utility of neurosteroids in the treatment of some neurodegenerative disorders has been also discussed. Correspondence should be addressed to W. Lason, Email: lason@if-pan.krakow.pl
Tetanic potentiation in motor units of rat medial gastrocnemius
Authors: Piotrkiewicz Maria , Celichowski Jan
Published: December 2023

Tetanic potentiation is a phenomenon, which expresses the ability of a motor unit (MU) to increase its force output in tetanic contractions above that predicted with an assumption of algebraic summation of single twitch responses. To quantify tetanic potentiation, a coefficient TPC (tetanic potentiation coefficient) was defined as a ratio of the areas below tetanic force recording corresponding to the single stimulus contribution and that of the single twitch. Single MUs (27 Slow, 71 Fast, Fatigue Resistant, and 47 Fast, Fatigable) were isolated from the rat medial gastrocnemius muscle (MG) by ventral root splitting. TPC value was rate-dependent, with the maximum TPCmax at a certain optimal rate. The largest values of the TPCmax were obtained in the weakest and most fatigue resistant (S and weak FR) MUs. The different manifestation of staircase effect, post-tetanic and tetanic potentiation in individual MU types indicates that these phenomena may be independent of each other. We suggest that these phenomena as well as the fatigue resistance should be reexamined with protocols adjusted to the MU optimal frequency. Correspondence should be addressed to M. Piotrkiewicz, Email: masia@ibib.waw.pl
The influence of lateral implicit visual affective stimuli on the evaluation of neutral stimuli in humans
Authors: Kobylinska Dorota , Karwowska Dorota
Published: December 2023

It is now well established that implicit affect influences explicit judgments. Findings from neurobiological studies indicate a relationship between the functioning of the human cerebral hemispheres and emotions. The aim of the present research was to examine: (1) the direction of influence on neutral targets of suboptimal primes exposed for a duration of 16 ms, (2) whether the influence of affective suboptimal primes on neutral targets depends on the hemisphere to which the prime is directed. We predicted that affective primes exposed centrally would influence the evaluation of neutral target stimuli in a direction opposite to that of their explicit effect. Second, we posited that the influence of primes on the evaluation of neutral target stimuli would be different depending on the visual field in which the primes were exposed. We present combined data from four experiments, conducted in a visual affective priming paradigm. Neutral target stimuli (ideographs exposed for a duration of 2 seconds) were sub-optimally primed by photographs of faces expressing joy or disgust exposed in either the LVF, RVF or CVF. Subjects were asked "to state how negative/positive the character trait that is represented by a given ideograph is". The hypotheses were supported. The evaluation of ideographs after negative priming was more positive than the evaluation of ideographs after positive priming (indicating a contrast effect). This effect appeared only when affective priming stimuli were exposed in the central visual field. The evaluation of ideographs differed depending on the visual field of prime exposure conditions: exposure of affective primes in the right visual field resulted in more positive evaluations of ideographs than ideographs following primes in the left visual field. Correspondence should be addressed to D. Kobylinska, Email: dorotak@psych.uw.edu.pl
Erythropoietin preconditioning suppresses neuronal death following status epilepticus in rats
Authors: Yang Jun , Huang YuanGui , Yu Xin , Sun Hong , Li YongNan , Deng And
Published: December 2023

Status epilepticus (SE) is a grave condition in which the brain undergoes lasting seizures which can lead to neuronal loss. Our previous study suggested that preconditioning with erythropoietin (Epo) suppressed neuronal apoptosis in hippocampus of rats following SE in vivo by inhibiting caspase-3. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which Epo preconditioning may exert its anti-apoptotic effects using a lithium-pilocarpine induced SE model in rats. The effects of Epo on neuronal cell death were evaluated using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and the role of the Bcl-2 protein family, which have been shown to be anti- (Bcl-2, Bcl-w) or pro- (Bid, Bim) apoptotic, was examined with immunofluorescence. We found Epo preconditioning decreased the total number of TUNEL, Bim and Bid positive cells, but increased the total number of Bcl-w and Bcl-2 positive cells. These results suggest that systemic Epo pretreatment protects neurons in an acute phase of SE and may result in further suppression of neuronal apoptosis in hippocampus by regulating the balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins.
Correspondence should be addressed to Y.G. Huang, Email: huangyuangui2008@163.com
The P3 produced by auditory stimuli presented in a passive and active condition: Modulation by visual stimuli
Authors: Wronka Eligiusz , Kuniecki Michal , Kaiser Jan , Coenen And
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate how the processing of auditory stimuli is affected by the simultaneous presentation of visual stimuli. This was approached in an active and passive condition, during which a P3 was elicited in the human EEG by single auditory stimuli. Subjects were presented tones, either alone or accompanied by the simultaneous exposition of pictures. There were two different sessions. In the first, the presented tones demanded no further cognitive activity from the subjects (passive or ""ignore"" session), while in the second session subjects were instructed to count the tones (active or "count" session). The central question was whether inter-modal influences of visual stimulation in the active condition would modulate the auditory P3 in the same way as in the passive condition. Brain responses in the ignore session revealed only a small P3-like component over the parietal and frontal cortex, however, when the auditory stimuli co-occurred with the visual stimuli, an increased frontal activity in the window of 300-500 ms was observed. This could be interpreted as the reflection of a more intensive involuntary attention shift, provoked by the preceding visual stimulation. Moreover, it was found that cognitive load caused by the count instruction, resulted in an evident P3, with maximal amplitude over parietal locations. This effect was smaller when auditory stimuli were presented on the visual background. These findings might support the thesis that available resources were assigned to the analysis of visual stimulus, and thus were not available to analyze the subsequent auditory stimuli. This reduction in allocation of resources for attention was restricted to the active condition only, when the matching of a template with incoming information results in a distinct P3 component. It is discussed whether the putative source of this effect is a change in the activity of the frontal cortex.
Correspondence should be addressed to E. Wronka Email: eli@apple.phils.uj.edu.pl
Active touch does not improve sequential processing in a counting task
Authors: Güçlü Burak , Murat Ali
Published: December 2023

Active touch involves tactile and proprioceptive sensory inputs, activation of the motor system and executive functions. It has been shown by the previous literature that active touch facilitates shape recognition. Since both active and passive exploration requires sequential presentation of the tactile inputs, this facilitation may be due to the improvement of the sequentialprocessing mechanism. The effects of active and passive touch on the sequential processing of tactile inputs were tested at different stimuluspresentation rates in a counting task. Active touch did not improve the performance, which shows that the additional sensory and motor information conveyed by active exploration are not utilized by the sequential-processing mechanism. Therefore, the results cannot be explained by the feature-specific theory of sequential processing. On the other hand, the counting errors were higher than those predicted by the limitation of the minimal inter-stimulus interval, which is suggested by the central-timing theory. Consequently, it is proposed that a mechanism based on the central-timing theory may contribute to tactile sequential processing, but the bottleneck at high presentation rates is probably due to short-term memory.
Correspondence should be addressed to B. Güçlü, Email: burak.guclu@boun.edu.tr
A simplified method for generating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from neural precursor cells isolated from the E16 rat spinal cord
Authors: Fu Sai-Li , Hu Jian-Guo , Li Ying , Wang Yan-Xia , Jin Jian-Qiang , Xu Xiao-Ming , Lu Pei-Hua
Published: December 2023

Conditioned medium obtained from B104 neuroblastoma cells (B104CM) has been used widely for inducing oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) from neural precursor cells (NPCs). Our previous studies have demonstrated that E16 rat spinal cord-derived NPCs could be induced to differentiate into OPCs using a combination of B104CM and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Here we report the development of a more efficient and reliable approach to generate large quantities of highly purified OPCs from spinal cord-derived NPCs using a combination of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and bFGF. We demonstrated that, after the two factors application, over 90% cells displayed typical bipolar or tripolar morphology and expressed markers for OPCs including A2B5 (90.36 +/- 4.59%), NG2 (93.63 +/- 3.37%) and platelet derived growth factor alpha receptor (PDGFR; 90.35 +/- 1.95%). Our results indicated that the PDGF/bFGF combination is more efficient in generating OPCs than the B104CM/bFGF. And it is a more potent combination of factors in promoting proliferation of OPCs.
Dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline changes in the striatum of C57BL mice following
myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) 35-55 and complete Freund adjuvant (CFA) administration
Authors: Bałkowiec-Iskra Ewa , Kurkowska-Jastrzębska Iwona , Joniec Ilona , Ciesielska Agnieszka , Członkowska Anna , Członkowski Andrzej
Published: December 2023

Many data suggest involvement of inflammation in neurodegeneration. However, the exact mechanisms of this cooperation are poorly understood. We have previously shown that induction of inflammatory reaction, both before and after injury of the striatum, affects regeneration of dopaminergic neurons. In the present research we studied the role of inflammatory reaction in non-injured striatum. We used myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) 35-55 in complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) to elicit experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice model. As determined by HPLC, striatal dopamine (DA) and serotonin levels in mice treated with either MOG 35-55 in CFA or CFA alone were significantly higher compared to vehicle-treated controls on 13th day after induction. The ratio of homovanilic acid/dopamine (HVA/DA) and 3, 4 dihydroxyphenylacetic acid/dopamine (DOPAC/DA) were significantly lower in the MOG and CFA groups on 13th day, indicating decreased DA metabolism. Noradrenaline (NA) concentration did not differ between groups. Moreover, the striatal mRNA IL-1β and TNF-α levels were elevated during induction phase of EAE in both groups, as determined by RT-PCR. Our data indicate regulatory connection between dopaminergic and immune systems.
Increase in the effectiveness of somatodendritic 5-HT-1A receptors in a rat model of tardive dyskinesia
Authors: Samad Noreen , Khan Asma , Perveen Tahira , Haider Saida , Haleem Muhammad , Haleem Darakhshan
Published: December 2023

The present study concerns responsiveness of pre- and postsynaptic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-1A receptors in a rat model of tardive dyskinesia (TD). Vacuous chewing movements (VCMs) in rats are widely accepted as an animal model of TD. Results show that haloperidol injected at a dose of 1 mg/kg twice a day for 5 weeks elicited VCMs, which increased in a time dependent manner following the drug administration for 3Ė5 weeks. Tolerance was produced in motor coordination during the potentiation of VCMs. Exploratory activity in an open field and in an activity box decreased in haloperidol treated animals. The effects of 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetraline (8-OH-DPAT; 0.5 mg/kg) were monitored 48-h after withdrawal from repeated administration of haloperidol. 8-OH-DPAT-induced locomotion was greater in haloperidol treated rats. 5-HT synthesis increased in haloperidol treated animals, while 8-OH-DPAT-induced decreases of 5-HT synthesis were greater in repeated haloperidol than repeated saline injected animals. The results suggest that an increase in the effectiveness of somatodendritic 5-HT-1A receptors may decrease the inhibitory influence of 5-HT on the activity of dopaminergic neurons to precipitate VCMs. The 5-HT-1A agonist may help to alleviate neuroleptic-induced TD.
Distribution of the parvalbumin, calbindin-D28K and calretinin immunoreactivity in globus pallidus of the Brazilian short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)
Authors: Domaradzka-Pytel Beata , Majak Katarzyna , Spodnik Jan , Olkowicz Seweryn , Turlejski Krzysztof , Djavadian Ruzanna , Moryś Janusz
Published: December 2023

This study describes the topography, borders and divisions of the globus pallidus in the Brazilian short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica) and distribution of the three calcium binding proteins, parvalbumin (PV), calbindin D-28k (CB) and calretinin (CR) in that nucleus. The globus pallidus of the opossum consists of medial and lateral parts that are visible with Nissl or Timm’s staining and also in PV and CR immunostained sections. Neurons of the globus pallidus expressing these proteins were classified into three types on the basis of size and shape of their soma and dendritic tree. Type 1 neurons had medium-sized fusiform soma with dendrites sprouting from the opposite poles. Neurons of the type 2 had medium-to-large, multipolar soma with scarce, thin dendrites. Cell bodies of type 3 neurons were small and either ovoid or round. Immunostaining showed that the most numerous were neurons expressing PV that belonged to all three types. Density of the PV-immunopositive fibers and puncta correlated with the density of the PV-labeled neurons. Labeling for CB resulted mainly in the light staining of neuropil in both parts of the nucleus, while the CB-expressing cells (mainly of the type 2) were scarce and placed only along the border of the globus pallidus and putamen. Staining for calretinin resulted in labeling almost exclusively the immunoreactive puncta and fibers that were distributed with medium-to-high density throughout the nucleus. Close to the border of globus pallidus with the putamen these fibers (probably dendrites) were long, thin and varicous, while more medially bundles of thick, short and smooth fibers predominated. Single CR-ir neurons (all of the type 3) were scattered through the globus pallidus. Colocalization of two calcium binding proteins in one neuron was never observed. The CB-ir puncta (probably terminals of axons projecting to the nucleus) frequently formed basket-like structures around the PV-ir neurons. Therefore, the globus pallidus in the opossum, much as that in the rat, consists of a heterogeneous population of neurons, probably playing diversified functions.
Modulation of hippocampal theta rhythm by the opioid system of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus
Authors: Leszkowicz Emilia , Kuśmierczak Magda , Matulewicz Paweł , Trojniar Weronika
Published: December 2023

The pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPN) belongs to the brainstem system which synchronizes hippocampal activity. Theta relevant intra-PPN circuitry involves its cholinergic, GABA-ergic and glutamatergic neurons and Substance P as neuromodulator. Evidence that PPN opioid elements also modulate the hippocampal theta is provided here. In urethane-anesthetized rats a unilateral microinjection of morphine (MF) (1.5 and 5 µg) increased the maximal peak power of tail pinch-induced theta. The higher dose also increased the corresponding frequency. When the theta was evoked by intra-PPN injection of carbachol (10 µg), the addition of MF (5 µg) prolonged theta latency and shortened the duration of the theta. These effects of MF were blocked by naloxone (5 µg). The results obtained suggest that the PPN opioid system can enhance or suppress the hippocampal theta depending on the actual level of PPN activation.
Arousal and activation effects on physiological and behavioral responding during a continuous performance task
Authors: VaezMousavi S. , Barry Robert , Rushby Jacqueline , Clarke Adam
Published: December 2023

Based on previous work indicating different neural substrates, two aspects of energetic state, “arousal” and “activation”, have been conceptualized separately in our laboratory. “Arousal” has been defined as the energetic state at any particular time, and task-related “activation” as the task-related change in state from resting baseline to the task situation. Both are reflected in electrodermal activity and measured by skin conductance level. Our previous studies in this area have indicated that physiological responses to stimuli in
a task are dependent on the arousal level at the time of stimulus presentation, rather than the task-related activation. In contrast, performance on the task is dependent on the task-related activation, rather than the current arousal level. That is, different aspects of the individual’s state determine physiological and behavioral responses. Those studies had examined between-subjects differences in arousal and activation. The present study investigated the relevance of this separation in an across-subjects examination of fluctuations in arousal and activation, and their effects on physiological and behavioral responses, during a continuous performance task. It was found that the magnitude of the phasic orienting reflex to the targets during the task was dependent mainly on arousal, rather than task-related relative activation. Reaction time improved with increasing relative activation, but not with arousal. These findings support our earlier conclusions relating to the usefulness of arousal and activation as distinguishable features of the energetics of physiological and behavioral functions.
UNVEILING THE NEXUS: A META-ANALYTICAL EXPLORATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT
Authors: Bhupinder  , Raj Shweta , Singh Kanwal , Kumar Anil , Bhatt Bharat
Published: December 2023

In the ever-evolving realm of organizational behavior, the intricate interplay between leadership styles and employee outcomes remains a central focus of scholarly exploration. This meta-analysis delves into the nuanced relationship between "Authentic Leadership" (AL) and "Organizational Commitment" (OC) over the period from 2011 to 2021. Drawing from a comprehensive selection process encompassing 24 primary studies, our investigation, rooted in data from Mendeley, Scopus, and Google Scholar, unveils a positive association between AL and Organizational Commitment. Employing the Random Effects Model, our analysis yields a moderate correlation coefficient (r = 0.43), emphasizing a strategic connection. The exploration extends to publication bias analysis, indicating the reliability and generalizability of our findings. As organizations navigate the dynamics of leadership and commitment, our meta-analysis provides valuable insights for scholars and practitioners alike.
O uso das Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e Comunicação e o desenvolvimento das habilidades socioemocionais no ensino fundamental no contexto da pandemia COVID-19
Authors: Andrade Renata Maciel de , Gaspar Ricardo , Lins Romulo Gonçalves
Published: December 2023

A pandemia do COVID-19 e sua proliferação ocasionou a implementação do ensino emergencial remoto nas escolas públicas e privadas. Este estudo exploratório qualitativo busca descrever os impactos positivos e negativos que o uso das Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e Comunicação ocasionaram no desenvolvimento das habilidades socioemocionais dos alunos do ensino fundamental do estado de São Paulo. Com base em teóricos da educação foi enviado um questionário pelo Google Forms para professores de uma escola pública e uma escola privada, obtendo um total de 32 respostas. O resultado sugeriu um melhor senso de organização dos alunos devido a agendas digitais, cronogramas e calendários automáticos. Também gerou uma dinâmica chuva de ideias respondida por professores em dois mapas mentais inseridos no aplicativo Mindmeister. Os mapas mentais apontaram as ideias, aprendizagem dinâmica com atividades em grupo e o uso de jogos como tarefas pedagógicas para aperfeiçoar a interação social e melhora do foco.
Lessons for TB from the COVID-19 response: qualitative data from Brazil, India and South Africa
Authors: Myburgh H. , Kaur M. , Kaur P. , Santos V. , Almeida C. , Hoddinott G. , Wademan D. T. , Lakshmi P. V. M. , Osman M. , Meehan S-A. , Hesseling A. C. , Purty A. , Singh U. B. , Trajman A.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND: Brazil, India and South Africa are among the top 30 high TB burden countries globally and experienced high rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality. The COVID-19 response in each country was unprecedented and complex, informed by distinct political, economic, social
and health systems contexts. While COVID-19 responses have set back TB control efforts, they also hold lessons to inform future TB programming and services.METHODS: This was a qualitative exploratory study involving interviews with TB stakeholders (n = 76) in Brazil, India
and South Africa 2 years into the COVID-19 pandemic. Interview transcripts were analysed using an inductive coding strategy.RESULTS: Political will – whether national or subnational – enabled implementation of widespread prevention measures during the COVID-19 response
in each country and stimulated mobile and telehealth service delivery innovations. Participants in all three countries emphasised the importance of mobilising and engaging communities in public health responses and noted limited health education and information as barriers to implementing
TB control efforts at the community level.CONCLUSIONS: Building political will and social mobilisation must become more central to TB programming. COVID-19 has shown this is possible. A similar level of investment and collaborative effort, if not greater, as that seen during the
COVID-19 pandemic is needed for TB through multi-sectoral partnerships.