bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytoarchitecture of the canine perirhinal and postrhinal cortex
Authors: Wo?nicka Agnieszka , Kosmal Anna
Published: December 2023

The perirhinal cortex in the dog's brain is composed of two traditional Brodmann's areas: 35 and 36. Area 35 is situated along the entire rostro-caudal extent of the fundus of the posterior rhinal sulcus, whereas area 36 occupies its lateral bank. In this study, four subdivisions were distinguished in area 35 based on cytoarchitectonic differentiation. Area 36 is poorly developed in the dog’s brain and was divided into two subdivisions. The most characteristic features of area 35 are: a wide layer I, scattered cell clusters in layer II, and a prominent layer V containing a distinct population of large multiform neurons. Area 36 can be recognized by the presence of numerous cell clusters in layer II and increasing radial arrangement of neurons in deep layers of the area. Two fields of the postrhinal cortex were identified in the additional postrhinal gyrus, which is found in the fundus of the most caudal extent of the posterior rhinal sulcus.
Cortical responsiveness is reduced during P300 potential. Does the level of initial activity affect this inhibition?
Authors: Milner Rafał , Michalski Andrzej
Published: December 2023

The regulation of firing thresholds of cortical pyramidal cells has been suggested as one of the mechanisms underlying the generation of the P300 component of the human event-related potential. According to this hypothesis, the detection of an important stimulus produces a widespread inhibition of "irrelevant" networks, interrupting the ongoing cortical activity and facilitating the analysis of the important information. In the present experiment, target stimuli in a standard "odd-ball" paradigm were used as important events. The cortical responsiveness was measured using the responses to additional probing stimuli delivered 400 ms and 1,000 ms after target and non-target stimuli. The subjects were asked to count mentally the target stimuli and ignore the non-targets and the probes. The level of "irrelevant" cortical activity was manipulated using additional visual noise stimulation. Event-related potentials were recorded at Fz, Cz, Pz and Oz scalp sites. Our results showed that the noise reduced the initial responses to target and non-target stimuli in Oz, Pz and Cz but not in Fz recordings. The noise reduced the probe responses in Oz and Pz but not in Cz and Fz recordings. The amplitudes of P300 components were not affected by the noise. The target stimuli reduced the subsequent probe responses in Pz and Cz but not in Oz and Fz recordings. Thus, the effects of noise and target detection were not identical in the different regions of cortex. The other important outcome of our study was that the target stimuli suppressed the effects of noise. The effect of noise on probe responses was significant in the non-target but not in the target trials. The effect of noise was significant if the probes were delivered 1,000 ms after "odd-ball" stimuli, but it was insignificant when the delay was only 400 ms. Such results support the hypothesis that important information reduces cortical responses to other, irrelevant stimuli.
Cortical contribution to sensory volleys recorded at thalamic nuclei of lemniscal and paralemniscal pathways
Authors: Kublik Ewa , Świejkowski Daniel , Wróbel Andrzej
Published: December 2023

In order to elucidate the role of cortical input on sensory information processing in different thalamic somatosensory nuclei we recorded potentials evoked (EPs) by whisker deflections of short duration from ventral posteromedial (VPm) and medial posterior (POm) nuclei while manipulating cortico-thalamic activity by means of local cooling, lidocaine application or electrical stimulation. It appeared that only the earliest sub-component of the first negative wave of the EPs resulted from peripheral input, while the rest of the potential’s negativity depended on cortical feedback. The latencies and amplitudes of EPs recorded at both nuclei were not significantly different, which might be attributed to urethane anesthesia.
Gonadotropins and Alzheimer's disease: the link between estrogen replacement therapy and neuroprotection
Authors: Webber Kate , Bowen Richard , Casadesus Gemma , Perry George , Atwood Craig , Smith Mark
Published: December 2023

The search for a definitive gender bias in Alzheimer's disease has resulted in a multitude of epidemiological findings that point to a higher prevalence and incidence of Alzheimer's disease in women. Due to this reported predisposition of women to Alzheimer's disease, the sex steroid estrogen has become the primary focus of research in this field, however, inconclusive data regarding estrogen replacement therapy has lead some researchers to further investigate the role of the other hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis that have been, for the most, part overlooked. The hormones of the HPG axis, such as the gonadotropin, (luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone), are involved in regulating reproductive function via a complex feedback loop. We propose that it is in fact the increase in gonadotropin concentrations and not the decrease in steroid hormone (e.g., estrogen) production following menopause/andropause that results in an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, when the role of gonadotropins is taken into account, the data obtained from recent epidemiological studies and randomized trials suggesting the ineffectiveness estrogen may indeed be misinterpreted. In this review, we examine how hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, in particular the gonadotropins, play a central and determining role in modulating the susceptibility to and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Based on this, we suggest that therapeutic interventions targeted at gonadotropins could both prevent disease in those patients currently asymptomatic or halt, and even reverse, disease in those currently afflicted.
Synaptic plasticity of local connections in rat motor cortex
Authors: Hess Grzegorz
Published: December 2023

This paper reviews studies that investigated mechanisms of the induction of long-term synaptic efficacy increase in local horizontal connections in slices of adult rat motor cortex. Long-term potentiation (LTP) could be induced by electrical stimulation of afferents using theta burst stimulation (TBS) conditionally, when synaptic inhibition was transiently blocked by focal application of GABAA receptor antagonist. Robust, long-lasting enhancement of synaptic transmission in horizontal connections was induced by brief application of the potassium channel blocker, tetraethylammonium (TEA, 25 mM), to the incubation medium. This TEA-LTP could be blocked by nifedipine, a voltage-dependent calcium channel blocker. A transient exposure of slices to elevated extracellular calcium (5 mM) resulted in a long-lasting enhancement of responses, termed Ca-LTP, which could be blocked by the antagonist of NMDA receptors, APV. The induction of both TEA-LTP and Ca-LTP, could be prevented by inhibitors of the extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) cascade U0126 and PD 98059. A transient activation of the ERK, 15 min after application of TEA or elevated [Ca2+], was demonstrated using immunofluorescence. Both forms of plasticity could also be prevented by the inhibitor of cAMP-dependent protein kinases (PKA), Rp-cAMPS. These studies indicate the involvement of the ERK and PKA signaling mechanisms in synaptic plasticity of the motor cortex in vitro. Since LTP in horizontal connections of the motor cortex has previously been shown to be related to the acquisition of a motor skill, it is suggested that the ERK and PKA signaling pathways may be involved in motor learning.
Measurement of temporal-order judgment in children
Authors: Berwanger Dagmar , Wittmann Marc , Steinbüchel Nicole , Suchodoletz Waldemar
Published: December 2023

Abnormal auditory temporal processing might be an underlying deficit in language disabilities. The auditory temporal-order threshold, one measure for temporal processing abilities, is defined as the shortest time interval between two acoustic events necessary for a person to be able to identify the correct temporal order. In our study, we examined the reliability of the auditory temporal-order threshold during a one-week period and over a time interval of four months in normally developing children aged 5 to 11 years. The results of our method show that children younger than 7 years have difficulties performing the task successfully. The reliability of the assessment of the temporal-order threshold during a period of one week is only moderate, and its stability over a time interval of four months is low. The results show that auditory-order thresholds in children have to be treated with caution. A high temporal-order threshold does not necessarily predict disabilities in temporal processing.
Two types of anticipation in synchronization tapping
Authors: Miyake Yoshihiro , Onishi Yohei , Pöppel Ernst
Published: December 2023

The time perception mechanism in anticipatory timing control was investigated in a synchronization tapping task. An especially negative asynchrony phenomenon in which the tap onset precedes the stimulus onset was used as an anticipatory response. In this experiment, to clarify the effects of higher brain functions, such as attention, a dual-task method was applied and a word memory task was used as a secondary task. The results revealed two types of anticipatory mechanisms from the standpoint of attentional resources involved in time perception. One is the anticipatory tapping that is influenced by attention and seen in the interstimulus-onset interval (ISI) range of 1 800 to 3 600 ms. In this region, the magnitude of synchronization error (SE) between tap onset and stimulus onset was scaled by the ISI. The other is the automatic anticipation that is not affected by attention and is seen in the 450 to 1 500 ms range. SE in this region was constant and independent of the ISI. Accordingly, this anticipatory timing mechanism in synchronous tapping is thought to be a dual process including the attention processing of temporal information and the embodied automatic anticipation.
Experimental modeling of anxiety and depression
Authors: Kalueff Allan , Tuohimaa Pentti
Published: December 2023

Anxiety and depression have dramatic impact on human and animal behaviors. We take an interdisciplinary approach and review the existing experimental models of anxiety and depression in order to promote further understanding of neurobiological aspects of anxiety and depression.
The effects of organic solvents on poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 activity: implications for neurotoxicity
Authors: Banasik Marek , Stedeford Todd , Strosznajder Robert , Persad Amanda , Tanaka Seigo , Ueda Kunihiro
Published: December 2023

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1; EC 2.4.2.30), also termed as poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase, is a key enzyme in the recognition and repair of damaged DNA. Several conditions (e.g., ischemia-reperfusion or chemical-induced injury) have been shown to overactivate PARP-1, causing neurodegeneration and necrotic or apoptotic cell death from NAD+ and ATP depletion. In contrast, inhibitors of PARP-1 have been shown to have a neuroprotective effect by ameliorating this response. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of three routinely used organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)) on the activity of purified PARP-1. A dose-response was examined with each of these solvents. A 112% and 82% increase in PARP-1 activity was observed with 15% ethanol and 20% methanol, respectively. In contrast, a near 20% decrease in the activity was observed with 4% DMSO. Kinetic analysis revealed that the maximal velocity remained unchanged with increasing concentrations of DMSO up to 20%, indicating that DMSO is a competitive inhibitor of PARP-1. Thus, PARP-1 inhibition by DMSO depends on NAD+ concentration and in some pathological processes might be significant even at low DMSO concentrations. Our findings suggest that the interpretation of data from dose-response studies obtained when using common organic solvents may be dramatically skewed, either exaggerating the inherent toxicity of the compound or masking its potential for damage.
Magnetic resonance imaging of brain abnormalities in patients with the Nijmegen breakage syndrome
Authors: Bekiesińska-Figatowska Monika , Chrzanowska Krystyna , Jurkiewicz Elżbieta , Wakulińska Anna , Rysiewski Henryk , Gładkowska-Dura Małgorzata , Walecki Jerzy
Published: December 2023

The results of brain MRI are presented in 22 patients with documented Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS), aged from 1 and 9/12 to 20 years. T1-, PD or FLAIR and T2-weighted SE/TSE images in three planes were obtained. Twenty-one patients showed microcephaly. Decreased size of frontal lobes and narrow frontal horns of the lateral ventricles was observed in all cases. In 6 patients agenesis of the posterior part of the corpus callosum was found as well as colpocephaly and temporal horn dilatation. In 2 patients callosal hypoplasia was accompanied by other anomalies: abnormal cerebrospinal fluid spaces. Sinusitis was present in all patients as a result of primary immunodeficiency. As in ataxia teleangiectasia and other breakage syndromes, NBS patients show inherited malignancy susceptibility and hypersensitivity to X and γ radiation. Because of that computed tomography is contraindicated in these patients and MRI should be the method of choice in diagnostic imaging.
Effective stimulation of daily LH secretion by the combined treatment with melatonin and naloxone in luteal-phase ewes
Authors: Misztal Tomasz , Romanowicz Katarzyna
Published: December 2023

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that melatonin would intensify daily LH release after central blockade of the opiate receptors in sexually active ewes. The intracerebroventricular infusions of vehicle (control), melatonin, naloxone and melatonin in combination with naloxone were made in ewes in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle, from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Blood samples were collected from 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. at 10-min intervals. The mean plasma LH concentrations were measured before, during and after the infusions. The frequency and amplitude of LH pulses were determined during the whole experimental period. The LH concentrations recorded during melatonin or naloxone infusions were significantly higher than the concomitant concentration in vehicle-infused animals. The mean LH pulse amplitude in melatonin- and naloxone-treated ewes was also significantly higher than in controls. The LH concentration measured during the combined infusion of melatonin and naloxone was significantly higher than that during vehicle infusion. The LH concentration recorded in turn after the treatment was significantly higher than the concomitant concentrations in vehicle-, melatonin- and naloxone-infused animals. The mean LH pulse amplitude in this group was significantly higher than in the vehicle-infused group. These results indicate that blockade of the opiate receptors within the CNS facilitated effective stimulation of daily LH secretion by exogenous melatonin. In conclusion, a relationship between melatonin and endogenous opioid peptides may be crucial in enabling melatonin to exhibit stimulatory action on LH secretion during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle in ewes.
Ranking of memories and behavioral strategies in the radial maze
Authors: Stolberg Alex
Published: December 2023

New features of actual choice behavior and effortful information processing in rats were demonstrated in an eight-arm radial maze through modifications of a matching-to-sample task. Two attempts were allowed for a squad of hooded Sprague-Dawley rats (n=7) for finding a reward in a testing phase of the task. The results showed flexibility and sooner learning to matching rule on the second testing attempt that was only later followed by an improvement of choice accuracy on the first attempt. “Hidden learning” on the second attempt could reflect memories and behavioral strategy, which were present, but not expressed on the first choice. The hypothesis was advanced that learning expressed on the second attempt reflects encoding of a matching rule, whereas improvement on the first choice reflects changes in the rank of acquired memories and behavioral strategy. A second experiment on the same squad of rats tested the ability of trained animals to rank already acquired memories. Following the introduction of the second sample to the study phase of the task, the rats learned to prefer to match the first sample in the testing phase, rearranging ranks of stored memories under the internal control of win–stay strategy. Alternative explanations of interference, trace decay and ranking were compared in order to account for the present results.
Reconstitution of brain mitochondria inner membrane into planar lipid bilayer
Authors: Kulawiak Bogusz , Bednarczyk Piotr
Published: December 2023

Ion channels are present in the inner mitochondrial membrane. They play an important role in cellular processes. Potassium and chloride channels are involved in regulation of mitochondrial volume, membrane potential and acidification. The mitochondrial potassium channels have been suggested as triggers and end effectors in cytoprotection. In our study we measured single channel activities after reconstitution of submitochondrial particles from rat brain mitochondria into planar lipid membranes. After incorporation, two different potassium selective currents were recorded with single channel conductance from 260 to 320 pS and from 70 to 90 pS in gradient (cis/trans) 50/450 and 50/150 mM KCl solutions, respectively. We also observed activity of the chloride ion channel. The measured single channel conductance was from 80 to 90 pS in gradient (cis/trans) 50/450 mM KCl solution. Our results suggest that various ion channels are present in the inner mitochondrial membrane of brain mitochondria.
On the role of mask structure in subliminal priming
Authors: Jaskowski Piotr , Przekoracka-Krawczyk Anna
Published: December 2023

Choice reaction times to visual stimuli may be influenced by preceding subliminal stimuli (primes). Some authors reported a straight priming effect i.e., responses were faster when primes and targets called for the same response than when they called for different responses. Other authors found a reversed pattern of results. Our results suggest that the sign of the priming effect depends on mask structure. Inverse priming was obtained only for masks containing the searched-for feature even though informational content of the masks was neutral. With masks of irrelevant structure, straight priming effects were found. Thus, masks are not passive stimuli whose roles are limited to rendering the prime invisible. Processing of the mask may interact with prime and target processing. Implications of the results are discussed for two hypotheses trying to account for straight and inverse priming (the self-inhibition hypothesis and object-updating hypothesis).
The need of neuroinformatic approach in functional neurophysiology
Authors: Wrobel Andrzej
Published: December 2023

Despite the enormous growth in the number of facts and regularities observed in neuroscience, the current state of the field does not allow their integration in coherent theoretical frameworks. Neuroinformatics is a new research field devoted to development of neuroscience data bases together with computational models and analytical tools for sharing, integration and analysis of experimental data and the advancement of theories of nervous system function. From 1996 the OECD countries promote fostering neuroinformatics by eliminating the barriers that prevent cooperation and by providing incentives to potential participants. This activity was formulated in the Report on Neuroinformatics from The Global Science Forum Neuroinformatics Working Group of the OECD (2002) as well as in several printed publications by the Neuroinformatics group (Amari et al. 2002, Eckersley et al. 2003). This article summarizes the ideas presented in the Report and stresses the importance of analytical and modeling approach to functional neurophysiology
Novelty based feedback regulation in artificial neural networks
Authors: Rychwalska Agnieszka , Jablonski Piotr , Zochowski Michal , Nowak Andrzej
Published: December 2023

In this paper we present a theoretical framework for novelty based feedback regulation in artificial neural networks. Novelty is assessed on the basis of monitoring the coherence of network dynamics. The result of novelty detection is dynamically coupled to parameters that control the dynamics of the recognition process. The paper presents a new measure of novelty detection - the strength of the local field - and presents new simulation results concerning novelty detection. It also integrates previously published models and simulation results into a general dynamical model of feedback regulation.
Acute effects of maprotiline on learning, anxiety, activity and analgesia in male and female mice
Authors: Vinader-Caerols Concepcion , Martos Ana , Monleon Santiago , Arenas M. , Parra And
Published: December 2023

The acute effects of maprotiline (2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 mg/kg) on learning, anxiety, activity and analgesia in male and female mice were evaluated. In addition to inhibitory avoidance learning, anxiety and locomotor activity were measured in the same animals using an elevated plus-maze. A study of the acute effects of maprotiline (15, 20 or 25 mg/kg) on analgesia was carried out in naive animals of both sexes. Maprotiline impaired inhibitory avoidance at doses of 15, 20 or 25 mg/kg. The highest dose produced an anxiolytic effect in females, and the doses of 20 and 25 mg/kg reduced locomotor activity. Analgesia was observed with the highest dose. The impairment of inhibitory avoidance by maprotiline would seem to be independent of the drugÂ’s influence on anxiety, is not shadowed by an instrumental performance deficit and, at least in the case of the highest dose, could be influenced by the drugÂ’s effects on analgesia. It is hypothesized that acquisition is the memory process principally affected by maprotiline, and in particular stimuli processing. The lack of sex differences in the effects of maprotiline on inhibitory avoidance supports the generalization of findings previously obtained only in males.
Stereotactic approach and electrophysiological characterization of thalamic reticular and dorsolateral nuclei of the juvenile pig
Authors: Frasch Martin , Walter Bernd , Brodhun Michael , Friedrich Holger , Eiselt Michael , Bauer And
Published: December 2023

Few reports exist on complex functions of pigs central nervous system. A direct access to thalamic structures enables a deeper understanding of neuronal networks. Here we present an easy to implement stereotactic approach to reach both reticular and dorsolateral thalamic nuclei (RTN and LD). In thirteen pigs (7 weeks old) the correct electrode position was confirmed for 22 out of 26 thalamic electrodes (RTN: A+2, L9, V24 and LD: A-2, L5, V20, with bregma A 0, L 0). Quantitative effects of isoflurane/nitrous oxide (State 1) and fentanyl sedation (State 2) were determined by brain hemodynamics and metabolism. Neurophysiologic features were performed by spectral power, coherence and SEP analysis. Brain blood flow (by 21 +/- 13%) and oxidative brain metabolism (CMRO2 by 26 +/- 12%, CMRGlucose by 26 +/- 22%) were markedly reduced during State 1 (P
Effects of risperidone on auditory information processing in neuroleptic-naive patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Korostenskaja Milena , Dapsys Kastysis , Siurkute Aldona , Maciulis Valentinas , Ruksenas Osvaldas , Kähkönen And
Published: December 2023

Early effects of risperidone (2.5 ± 1 mg/day) on auditory information processing were investigated in 9 neuroleptic naive patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and 9 healthy controls by using eventrelated potentials (ERPs). ERPs were elicited during active auditory “oddball” paradigm and were recorded before and after two weeks of treatment. Baseline P3 latencies were significantly delayed in patient group. Risperidone treatment did not change P3 amplitudes and latencies. However, P2 amplitudes were reduced in parallel with the clinical improvement measured by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Although risperidone did not change neural bases of active attention after two weeks of treatment, the reduction of P2 amplitude suggests that risperidone may affect auditory information processing in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who never have been exposed to antipsychotic treatment.
The correspondence should be addressed to M. Korostenskaja, Email: milena@rvpl.lt
Mitochondrial DNA in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases
Authors: Maruszak Aleksandra , Gaweda-Walerych Katarzyna , Soltyszewski Ireneusz , Zekanowski And
Published: December 2023

A critical role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage has been implicated in etiopathology of many neurodegenerative disorders, as well as in normal aging. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are common devastating late-onset neurodegenerative disorders, associated with mitochondrial DNA variations, which are suggested to affect mitochondrial functions. This paper reviews the current knowledge on the inherited and somatic mtDNA variations in both conditions.
The correspondence should be addressed to A. Maruszak, Email: ola.maruszak@cmdik.pan.pl
The acute effects of 3-nitropropionic acid on the behavior and spontaneous cortical electrical activity of rats
Authors: Lukacs Anita , Szabo Andrea , Vezer Tunde , Papp And
Published: December 2023

In this study, the acute effect of 3-nitropropionic acid was investigated on open field and startle behavior of rats, and on their cortical electrical activity. Spontaneous locomotor activity, acoustic startle response, and pre-pulse inhibition of acoustic startle were measured in male Wistar rats (10 weeks old, 180-200 g body weight) after a single dose of 10 or 20 mg/kg i.p. 3-nitropropionic acid. After the behavioral tests, the rats were anaesthetized, and spontaneous cortical electrical activity was recorded. The vertical, horizontal and local open field performance showed dose-dependent deterioration in the rats treated with 3-nitropropionic acid. The number of "noise-positive" startle responses showed non-significant changes, but the inhibition by pre-pulse was significantly reduced in the high dose animals. High dose also increased the proportion of low-frequencies in the cortical activity. 3-nitropropionic acid, known primarily to act in repeated doses (e.g., in animal models of Huntington's disease) had also some clear-cut acute effects on behavioral and electrophysiological parameters of the treated rats.
Non-vagal apnea evoked by intracommon carotid artery injection of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) in anesthetized rats
Authors: Kaczynska Katarzyna , Szereda-Przestaszewska Malgorzata , Chrapusta And
Published: December 2023

Respiratory effects of an intra-common carotid artery injection of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) were investigated in anesthetized spontaneously breathing rats, using three experimental paradigms: (1) midcervical vagotomy followed by supranodosal vagotomy, (2) midcervical vagotomy followed by section of the carotid sinus nerves (CSNs), and (3) midcervical vagotomy followed by pharmacological blockade of NMDA receptors. The intra-common carotid artery injection of NMDA (4 mg/kg) induced transient expiratory apnea followed by a brief and variably occurring period of breathing at reduced tidal volume. There were no consistent changes in respiratory rate in rats subjected to midcervical vagotomy alone. Supranodose vagotomy exerted no effect on NMDA-induced respiratory arrest, whereas CSNs' section or blockade of NMDA receptors with AP-7 abolished the apnea. These results indicate that the apnea induced by intraarterial NMDA challenge is due to activation of peripheral NMDA receptors and is mediated via carotid body afferents.
Focal stroke in the barrel cortex of rats enhances ipsilateral response to vibrissal input
Authors: Jablonka Jan , Kossut Malgorzata
Published: December 2023

Brain injury triggers spontaneous plasticity, often resulting in considerable restoration of function. To investigate mechanisms of this compensatory plasticity we followed changes in the brain's pattern of activation evoked by stimulation of vibrissae, after a focal cortical stroke which destroyed the cortical representation of vibrissae, the barrel cortex. The pattern of brain activation was visualized with [14C]-2-doexyglucose (2DG) autoradiography in rats 7 days after photothrombotic stroke. During isotope incorporation, vibrissae contralateral to stroke were stimulated. In control rats this stimulation activates the barrel cortex and the second somatosensory cortex in the contralateral hemisphere. Seven days after stroke in the barrel cortex, significant increases in activation were found in ipsilateral, uninjured hemisphere in the barrel cortex and anterior vibrissae representation, and also in regions not specifically connected to vibrissae stimulation, such as motor and auditory cortex. Shortly after cortical stroke, the intact hemisphere shows higher metabolic activation in several cortical regions, possibly due to abnormal interactions with the injured hemisphere.
Embryonic-like stem cells from umbilical cord blood and potential for neural modeling
Authors: McGuckin Colin , Forraz Nicolas , Baradez Marc-Olivier , Basford Christina , Dickinson Anne , Navran Steve , Hartgerink And
Published: December 2023

Stem cells offer the distinct prospect of changing the face of human medicine. However, although they have potential to form different tissues, are still in the early stages of development as therapeutic interventions. The three most used stem cell sources are umbilical cord blood, bone marrow and human embryos. Whilst, cord blood is now used to treat over 70 disorders, at the time of writing this manuscript, not a single disease has been overcome or ameliorated using human embryonic stem cells. Advancing stem cell medicine requires ethically sound and scientifically robust models to develop tomorrow's medicines. Media attention, however, distracts from this reality; it is important to remember that stem cells are a new visitor to the medical world and require more research. Here we describe the utility of human cord blood to develop neural models that are necessary to take stem cells to the next level - into human therapies. Correspondence should be addressed to C. McGuckin, Email: c.mcguckin@newcastle.ac.uk
Human mesenchymal stem cell transplantation promotes functional recovery following acute spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Lee Kyung , Suh-Kim Haeyoung , Choi Ji , Jeun Sin-Soo , Kim Eun , Kim Sung-Soo , Yoon Do , Lee And
Published: December 2023

Many attempts have been made in animals to produce cellular regeneration in the spinal cord using a variety of transplanted cell types. The present study was to investigate whether transplantation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into the spinal cord after contusion injury promotes a functional outcome. Spinal cord injury (SCI) was induced using an NYU impactor and hMSCs were transplanted 1 week after SCI. Behavioral testing was performed weekly for 2 months. Somatosensory (SSEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded to determine functional recovery. Hindlimb performance was modestly improved in the transplanted group based on BBB scaling and pain tests. SSEP latencies in the transplanted group were significantly shorter than in the media-treated group. Pathologically, LacZ and hTau positive cells were located at the injury and adjacent sites. The data indicate improvement in functional outcome in animals treated with hMSC transplantation compared to media-treated animals. Correspondence should be addressed to B.H. Lee, Email: bhlee@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
Brain correlates of right-handedness
Authors: Gut Malgorzata , Urbanik Andrzej , Forsberg Lars , Binder Marek , Rymarczyk Krystyna , Sobiecka Barbara , Kozub Justyna , Grabowska And
Published: December 2023

Recent development of neuroimaging techniques has opened new possibilities for the study of the relation between handedness and the brain functional architecture. Here we report fMRI measurements of dominant and non-dominant hand movement representation in 12 right-handed subjects using block design. We measured possible asymmetry in the total volume of activated neural tissue in the two hemispheres during simple and complex finger movements performed either with the right hand or with the left hand. Simple movements consisted in contraction/extension of the index finger and complex movements in successive finger-thumb opposition from little finger to index finger. A general predominance of left-hemisphere activation relative to right hemisphere activation was found. Increasing the complexity of the motor activity resulted in an enlargement of the volume of consistently activated areas and greater involvement of ipsilateral areas, especially in the left hemisphere. Movements of the dominant hand elicited large contralateral activation (larger than movements of the non-dominant hand) and relatively smaller ipsilateral activation. Movements of the non-dominant hand resulted in a more balanced pattern of activation in the two hemispheres, due to relatively greater ipsilateral activation. This suggests that the dominant (right) hand is controlled mainly by the contralateral (left) hemisphere, whereas the nondominant hand is controlled by both left and right hemispheres. This effect is especially apparent during execution of complex movements. The expansion of brain areas involved in motor control in the hemisphere contralateral to the dominant hand may provide neural substrate for higher efficiency and a greater motor skill repertoire of the preferred hand. Correspondence should be addressed to M.Gut, Email: m.gut@nencki.gov.pl
Evidence for differentiation of arousal and activation in normal adults
Authors: VaezMousavi S. , Barry Robert , Rushby Jacqueline , Clarke And
Published: December 2023

"Arousal" at a particular time has been defined as the energetic state at that moment, reflected in electrodermal activity and measured by skin conductance level. In contrast, task related "activation" has been defined as the change in arousal from a resting baseline to the task situation. The present study, replicating some aspects of a previous investigation of these ideas in children, aimed to further explore whether the separation of "arousal" and "activation" was useful in describing state effects on the phasic Orienting Response (OR) and behavioral performance. A continuous performance task (CPT) was used with normal adults. It was found that the magnitude of the mean phasic OR to targets was dependent on arousal, but not on task-related activation. A performance measure (reaction time) improved with increasing activation, but not with arousal. These findings support our previous suggestions concerning the value of conceptualizing arousal and activation as separable aspects of the energetics of physiological and behavioral function.
Correspondence should be addressed to R.J. Barry, Email: robert_barry@uow.edu.au
Role of hypercapnia in brain oxygenation in sleep-disordered breathing
Authors: Brzecka Anna
Published: December 2023

Adaptive mechanisms may diminish the detrimental effects of recurrent nocturnal hypoxia in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The potential role of elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) in improving brain oxygenation in the patients with severe OSA syndrome is discussed. CO2 increases oxygen uptake by its influence on the regulation of alveolar ventilation and ventilationperfusion matching, facilitates oxygen delivery to the tissues by changing the affinity of oxygen to hemoglobin, and increases cerebral blood flow by effects on arterial blood pressure and on cerebral vessels. Recent clinical studies show improved brain oxygenation when hypoxia is combined with hypercapnia. Anti-inflammatory and protective against organ injury properties of CO2 may also have therapeutic importance. These biological effects of hypercapnia may improve brain oxygenation under hypoxic conditions. This may be especially important in patients with severe OSA syndrome.
Steroids and ion channels in evolution: From bacteria to synapses and mind. Evolutionary role of steroid regulation of GABAA receptors
Authors: Majewska Maria
Published: December 2023

Ion channels are vital components of plasma membranes. This article presents an evolutionary view of the biochemical mechanism of controlling activity of ion channels by rigid lipids, such as steroids or biophysically similar molecules, which were instrumental in formation and control of ion channels in cell membranes at the very origin of life. Such regulatory mechanisms exist in all cellular forms of life from ancient bacteria to humans and participate in a diversity of biological functions, from the most basic, such as maintenance of cell shape, homeostasis, feeding, cell fusion, and reproduction to the most intricate, such as the mind. Learning about the regulation of membrane ion channels by steroids and like molecules is important for understanding the evolution of life and various aspects of cell and organism physiology, for unraveling the mysteries of mind, and for practical purposes such as developing new pharmacotherapies.
Injections of vehicle, but not cyclosporin A or tacrolimus (FK506), afford neuroprotection following injury in the developing rat brain
Authors: Setkowicz Zuzanna , Guzik Rafał
Published: December 2023

Susceptibility of the injured rat brain to seizures depends on the developmental stage at which the injury had been inflicted. Our previous study shows that tacrolimus (FK506) and cyclosporin A (CsA) applied following the injury can also decrease or increase the seizure susceptibility in an age-dependent way. To find possible neuronal substrates of the effects, we examined influences of the agents on the injured brain and on its neuronal population. Rat brains were mechanically injured on postnatal days 6 (P6) or 30 (P30). Twenty minutes and 24 hours following the injury, FK506 or CsA were injected in clinically used pharmaceutical formulations (Prograf® or Sandimmun®, respectively). The brains were fixed on postnatal day 60 and processed for histological examinations. To detect if negative effects of the injury could be abolished by the treatments, we examined the brain weight, the size of the injured region, and the nerve cell density, including the density of calretinin- and parvalbumin-immunopositive cells. We have found that long-term effects of treatments with the FK506- and CsA-containing pharmaceutical formulations were never better than those of the vehicle alone (Cremophor and ethanol mixture). Moreover, the treatments could even amplify negative consequences of the injury alone. It could, therefore, be concluded that all the neuroprotective effects observed in the present study resulted exclusively from the influence of the vehicle alone. These effects of the brain injury and of subsequent treatments performed at different developmental stages were considered as possible determinants of further increase or decrease in susceptibility to seizures observed in adulthood.
Double stimulation modulates afterhyperpolarization phase following action potentials evoked in rat motoneurones
Authors: Mrówczyński Włodzimierz , Krutki Piotr , Celichowski Jan
Published: December 2023

The influence of a pair of stimuli running in time sequence between 5–10 ms (a doublet) on the basic parameters of antidromic action potentials was studied in rat motoneurones. Electrophysiological experiments were based on stimulation of axons in the sciatic nerve and intracellular recording of antidromic action potentials from individual motoneurones located in L4–L5 segments of the spinal cord. The following parameters were analyzed after application of a single stimulus and a doublet: amplitude and duration of the antidromic spike, amplitude, total duration, time to minimum, half-decay time of the afterhyperpolarization (AHP). It was demonstrated that application of a pair of stimuli resulted in: (1) a prolongation of action potentials, (2) a prolongation of the total duration and half-decay time of the AHP, (3) a decline of the time to minimum of the AHP, (4) an increase of the AHP amplitude of the spike evoked by the second stimulus. Significant differences in AHP parameters were found either in fast or slow motoneurones. We suppose that doublet-evoked changes in the AHP amplitude and duration are linked to intrinsic properties of individual motoneurones and may lead to the prolongation of the time interval to subsequent motoneuronal discharges during voluntary activity.
LONG TERM INVESTMENT: CRITICALLY EVALUATING THE SPECULATIVE NATURE OF INVESTING IN HIGH PE RATIO STOCKS
Authors: Amin Deepak , Pandya Hemal
Published: December 2023

Price to Earnings ratio is one of the most significant and top used financial metric when it comes to fundamental analysis and investment decision making. Even the market moves based on the expected PE ratio and adjusts itself from time to time accordingly. This study aims at critical evaluation by comparing a stock purchase at a historic date at a higher PE multiple with a current date and calculating returns on both stock price levels as well as dividend yield level over the entire period in absolute terms. It wants to highlight that a purchase at higher PE falls out of the definition of investing and should be categorized and treated as speculative for very clear reasons that are critically evaluated in this study. It is noticed that unless the company grows top line and bottom-line exponentially, a stock purchase at higher PE delivers very dismal dividend yield if any and mostly negative return on account of stock price depreciation rather than appreciation. Hence, such purchase can be said to be speculative as it relies solely on momentum stock price rise for gains.
Avaliação institucional e da aprendizagem na Escola Básica - Entrevista com Marilia Macorin de Azevedo
Authors: Terçariol Adriana Aparecida de Lima , Vercelli Ligia de Carvalho Abões
Published: December 2023

Entrevistada: Marilia Macorin de Azevedo Quaresma - Doutora em Engenharia pela USP. Mestre em Qualidade pela UNICAMP. Graduada em Tecnologia de Processamento de Dados pela FATEC SP. É docente permanente na Unidade de Pós-graduação, Extensão e Pesquisa do Centro Estadual de Educação Tecnológica Paula Souza (CEETEPS) atuando no Mestrado Profissional em Gestão e Tecnologia em Sistemas Produtivos e no Mestrado Profissional em Gestão e Desenvolvimento da Educação Profissional – ambos do CEETEPS. Participa dos grupos de pesquisa de Sistemas de Informação e Tecnologias Digitais e Gestão da Produção e de Operações do Mestrado Profissional em Gestão e Tecnologia em Sistemas Produtivos; coordena o Grupo de Pesquisa de Gestão, Avaliação e Organização da Educação Profissional do Mestrado Profissional em Gestão e Desenvolvimento da Educação Profissional. Realiza pesquisas na área de Gestão da Qualidade, Gestão Estratégica da TI, Gestão, Avaliação e Organização da Educação Profissional.
Vínculo Institucional:  Centro Estadual de Educação Tecnológica Paula Souza – Unidade de Pós-graduação, Extensão e Pesquisa.
Pesquisa em administração: contribuições do círculo de Viena e da escola de Frankfurt
Authors: Lucio Marcio Aparecido
Published: December 2023

No início do século XX duas escolas de pensamento surgiram com ideias e conceitos distintos e muitas vezes opostos. Uma revisava o positivismo e a outra desenvolvia uma nova Teoria Crítica, cada uma como sua visão de como se fazer pesquisa em ciências sociais. Por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica como método, este artigo tem como objetivo identificar as contribuições do Círculo de Viena e da Escola de Frankfurt para os estudos de Administração. Como resultados identificou-se que com o passar do tempo, mesmo criticados, modificados e atualizados, os pensamentos das duas escolas continuam influenciando as pesquisas sociais e que para os estudos em Administração, tanto o quantitativo positivista e suas variações como o qualitativo da teoria crítica, são complementares e não opostos, tudo depende da escolha da melhor forma de pesquisa para se alcançar um objetivo ou para resolver um problema e é essencial que se tenha um método claramente definido, comprovadamente eficaz e coerente com o posicionamento ontológico e epistemológico do pesquisador.
Espaço de inclusão: jardim sensorial na Universidade da Maturidade - Palmas - Tocantins
Authors: Tavares Euler Rui Barbosa , Macedo Maria de Lourdes Leoncio , Oliveira Núbia Pereira Brito , Brito Marlon Santos de Oliveira , Gomes Glauce Gonçalves da Silva , De Santana Wesquisley Vidal , Osório Neila Barbosa , Dos Santos Jocyleia Santana
Published: December 2023

Objetiva-se, por meio do presente artigo, apresentar a relevância do jardim sensorial como ferramenta de inclusão e um espaço de estudo para a diversidade geracional no campus Palmas da Universidade Federal do Tocantins. Para o desenvolvimento desta pesquisa, foram realizados estudos, norteados pela fenomenologia, sobre a construção de um jardim sensorial na Universidade da Maturidade (UMA) na perspectiva de se tornar um espaço de inclusão para a diversidade geracional e de um ambiente sustentável no contexto da Amazônia. A construção metodológica foi desenvolvida por meio de abordagem qualitativa, objetivos exploratórios, com revisão de literatura e análise documental. Os sujeitos da investigação foram os acadêmicos velhos da UMA e da Uni Católica do Município de Palmas/TO. Os resultados indicam disposição pessoal dos professores em buscar os conhecimentos necessários e desenvolver metodologias adequadas para incluir os discentes velhos, jovens e crianças com deficiência, frequentadores ou não da Universidade da Maturidade em Palmas - Tocantins.
O impacto das queimadas no número de internações infantis por complicações respiratórias no estado do Maranhão entre 2007 a 2019
Authors: Rodrigues Nathalia Késsia Corrêa , Sousa Wanderson Martins , De Albuquerque Pedro Henrique Picanço , De Sousa Amanda Fernandes , Rodrigues Helayne Késsia Corrêa , Rodrigues Maria Julia Corrêa
Published: December 2023

O estudo aborda a inter-relação entre queimadas, poluição atmosférica e impactos na saúde respiratória no Maranhão, Brasil. A pesquisa utiliza revisão literária e análise de dados, incluindo informações de bancos como DataSUS e INPE. Focando em crianças de 0 a 9 anos, a análise considera os meses sazonais e os anos de 2007 a 2019. O aumento de focos de incêndio revelou correlação com internações por doenças respiratórias, impactando áreas urbanas e rurais. No entanto, a subnotificação em áreas rurais devido à falta de infraestrutura de saúde é evidente. A complexidade na mensuração dos efeitos ressalta a urgência de intervenções na gestão ambiental e saúde pública para prevenir os impactos da poluição atmosférica decorrente de queimadas, alertando para a necessidade de medidas preventivas. O estudo destaca ainda a vulnerabilidade infantil e a importância de estratégias abrangentes de saúde pública e ambiental.