bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategi Pemasaran di Toserba Sunan Drajat Perspektif Ekonomi Syariah
Authors: Musthofa R. Zainul , Aminah Siti
Published: November 2023

In every company must have a different marketing strategy, but there may also be the same. It's the same with the Sunan Drajat Department Store, because this is done in order to direct business efforts towards success. While we as Muslims in running a business, it is not enough just to implement strategies that are widely used by conventional people, but these strategies must also be based on sharia principles and values. The research method used is a qualitative research method, which is sourced from primary and secondary data, and uses data collection techniques including; observation, interview, and documentation. The results of this study are: 1. The marketing strategy implemented by the Sunan Drajat Department Store, includes: a. In terms of price, that is not only looking for profit but also for charity (as a supporter of PPSD development). b. In terms of location, namely always maintaining the cleanliness of the location. c. In terms of HR (people), namely trying to provide good service to consumers. d. Promotion is trying to be honest in introducing products to consumers. 2. In determining or assessing the strategy implemented by the Sunan Drajat Department Store with sharia principles, there are several indicators that must be met, including: a. The principle of Rabbaniyah, namely not only seeking worldly benefits, but also the hereafter. b. Ethical Principles, namely providing good service to consumers. c. Realistic Principles, that is clean, tidy, understated, flexible, and flexible in appearance. d. Humanistic Principles, namely providing universal services. In conclusion, it can be seen that the marketing strategy implemented by the department store is in accordance with sharia marketing principles.
ANALISIS PENOLAKAN PENDIRIAN PT JAKA MITRA MENURUT PERATURAN DAERAH LAMONGAN (PERDA) NOMOR 01 TAHUN 2014 TENTANG IZIN LINGKUNGAN
Authors: Moch. Haidar Ali Al-Hamid
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this research is to find out the community's rejection of the Paciran Lamongan Kemantren Village community for the development of PT Jaka Mitra which is constrained by the AMDAL problem which is seen from the normative point of view of the Lamongan Regency Regional Regulation Number 1 of 2014 concerning Environmental Permits. The research method used in this research is normative research, emphasizing the function of AMDAL as an instrument to prevent pollution and environmental damage. in normative research, the processing of legal materials is systematized by law. Legal materials are then analyzed qualitatively, analyzing with systematic thinking to provide answers to problems. The results of this study are that AMDAL as one of the requirements in environmental permits is a study of activities that are systematically and scientifically regulated using an interdisciplinary and even multidisciplinary approach, therefore AMDAL research must be structured in a coherent and comprehensive-integral manner. When this is not resolved, the development of industrial estates cannot be carried out, this is as an example of the case that happened to PT Jaka Mitra which resulted in the revocation of permits and termination of the project due to EIA problems.

Keywords: Research, Regulation, Analyzing, interdisciplinary, development
Fa'aliyatu Namudzaji al-Ta'allumi al-Qaimi 'ala al-Masyari' fi Tanmiyati Maharati al-Kitabah lada Thalabati Qismi Ta'limi al-Lughati al-'Arabiyati fi Jami'ah Jambi fi Muqarrari Mabadi' al-Insya'
Authors: Muid Abdul , Afrian Pratama Firman
Published: November 2023

This study aims to reveal a project-based learning model in improving the writing skills of students (maharah al-Kitabah) of the Arabic language education study program at Jambi University in the Mabadi 'al-Insya' course. The subjects in this study were students of the 3rd semester Arabic language education study program consisting of two classes R001 and R002. Data were collected through observation, and interviews. Performance instruments, observation guidelines, and interview guidelines were used to collect data. Qualitative data analysis will be used to analyze the results of this study. The results showed that 1) the project-based learning model was applied to the Mabadi' al-Insha' course in several stages. This stage includes determining the topic or theme of writing, determining reference sources, collecting material (writing rules) and mufradat (vocabulary), sentence preparation, discussion with teammates, and presentation in front of other teams. 2) In general, students have the ability to create sentences that are based on the elements of the sentence they have learned.
Diseño de un sistema de iluminación con energía solar fotovoltaica en la escuela tecnológica instituto técnico central.
Authors:   Escuela Tecnológica Instituto Técnico Central, Montañez Amparo , Rincón Diego , Acosta Julio , Monrov Stella
Published: November 2023

El semillero de investigación SER, presenta la experiencia de diseño de un sistema de iluminación que utiliza Energía Solar Fotovoltaica; en un espacio donde los estudiantes y docentes de la Escuela Tecnológica Instituto Técnico Central evidencien de manera práctica las ventajas, usos y alcances de esta tecnología y brinde adicional a esto, un lugar donde se forjen trabajos de investigación utilizándolo como centro de reunión o sala de exposición. La realización de este trabajo se estructura en cuatro etapas de desarrollo; en la primera, la investigación sobre el tipo de instalación a realizar, y escogencia del lugar y el uso que esté tendría; en la segunda, el planteamiento de varios diseños y la aprobación por parte de la arquitecta de la ET 1TC del diseño que menos impacte a la arquitectura tradicional del edificio; en la tercera, la elaboración del diseño y construcción del soporte para los paneles solares , y en una cuarta y última etapa donde se realizara la adecuación del lugar para su utilización en los fines propuestos.
Impact of Diets on the Biology of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton)
Authors: Kaur Lovepreet , Kalkal Deepika , Jakhar Anil
Published: November 2023

The influence of various diets was evaluated on the biology of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) under laboratory conditions. Results revealed that the lowest egg hatching (60.33%) was found on wheat diet 100% and highest (87.50 %) was on bajra (32.33%) + maize (32.33%) + wheat (32.33%) + sugar (3%) diet.The shortest and longest incubation period (3.83 and 6.67 days), larval period (31.83 and 40.67 days) and total developmental period (50.50 and 65.00 days) were recorded on bajra (100%) and wheat (100%) diet, respectively. Meanwhile shortest and longest pupal period (14.83 and 19.33 days) were recorded on bajra (100%) and maize (100%) diet, respectively. The maximum and minimum adult emergence (88.33 and 53.75 %), sex ratio (1.72:1 and 0.42:1), adult male lifespan (12.50 and 7.17 days), fecundity (239.16 and 180.67 eggs/ female) and growth index (2.66 and 1.39) were recorded on maize (48.5%) + sorghum (48.5%) + Groundnut (3%) diet and Wheat (100%) diet, respectively. Life span of adult female was longest (8.67 days) and shortest (4.67 days) on diet maize (48.5%) + sorghum (48.5%) + groundnut (3%) and bajra (100%) diet, respectively. It may be concluded that among the seven diets, the most preferred diet for rearing of C. cephalonica was maize (48.5%) + sorghum (48.5%) + groundnut (3%) and the least preferred diet was wheat (100%).
Efficacy os Some Plant Extracts against Termites Under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Padwal Kanchan G , Chakravarty Snehel , Srivastava C P
Published: November 2023

Termites, particularly Odontotermes spp., are a severe pests of several crops in India. The usage of environmental friendly chemicals for termite management has been on the rise worldwide. This study examined the effects of various fresh and fermented plant extracts, viz. sweet neem (leaf), marigold (flower), tulsi (leaf), common lantana (leaf), neem (leaf), congress grass (leaf), and jatropha (seeds) at four distinct concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 17.5% w/v) on worker caste of Odontotermes sp. After 48 hr of exposure, the fresh extracts (5%) of neem and congress grass resulted in the highest mortality (93.30% and 90%, respectively), while the fermented extracts (5%) of neem and tulsi achieved 100% death at 12 hr only. They were at par with the standard check (imidacloprid 17.8 SL). Thus, neem, tulsi, and congress grass based extracts could be incorporated as effective botanicals into an integrated termite management program.
A Note on the Rediscovery of the Sand Wasp Bembecinus proximus (Handlirsch) from an Urban Habitat
Authors: Chakrovorty Arnob , Bhattacharjee Banani , Samadder Asmita , Chakraborty Pranab
Published: November 2023

The wasp species Bembecinus proximus was described by Handlirsch (1892) but the type locality of the specimen remains inconclusive and was supposed to have been collected from Barrackpore, West Bengal, India. The species is known to be distributed in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India, but the current status of the genus and the species in India remains uninvestigated since the last publication of the species by Krombein 1984. This species has been rediscovered from India after a span of more than three decades from an urban roof-top garden and its ecological role in the urban habitat has been briefly explored and explained. Ziziphus mauritiana has been first reported as its nectaring plant. The significance of these artificial green habitats for urban entomofaunal conservation has been highlighted.
Impact of Bumble Bee Pollination on Strawberry Production under Protected Conditions
Authors: Rana Kiran , Kaushal Babita , Sharma Harish K , Kumar Pramod , Thakur Meena
Published: November 2023

Bumblebees are splendid pollinators of various crop plants; they are known to improve fruit productivity by enhancing its biophysical and biochemical properties. In the present investigation, the impact of bumblebee (Bombus haemorrhoidalis Smith) pollination was recorded in comparison to honey bee pollination, open pollination and control (crop devoid of pollinators) in strawberry grown under caged conditions in Nauni, Himachal Pradesh. Bumblebee pollination resulted in higher fruit set (87.16%), longer fruits (39.88 mm/fruits), higher fruit breadth (30.94 mm/fruit), heavier berries (14.26 g/ fruit) and higher fruit yield per plant (402.26 g/ plant) in strawberry cv. Sweet Charlie which accounted for an increase of 10.38 and 7.87, 25.64 and 17.74, 16.22 and 13.41, 35.29 and 31.18 and 33.11 and 20.74%, respectively over control and open pollination. Bumblebee pollination was observed superior to control, open/ natural pollination and was equally good (at par) to honey bee pollination, in terms of all production parameters. These results signified the role of bumblebee pollination in enhancement of the quality and quantity of strawberries grown under caged conditions.
Residual Toxicity of Insecticides to Egg Parasitoids of Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith)
Authors: S Mahajan Renuka , V K Bhamare
Published: November 2023

A laboratory study was carried out to assess the residual toxicity of certain insecticides to egg parasitoids of Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith), Trichogramma chilonis Ishii, T. pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), and Telenomus remus Nixon (Hymenoptera: Scelioniadae). The median lethal concentrations were recorded at 24 and 48 hr after exposure period to adults of egg parasitoids to nine insecticides. Among the tested spinetoram was found to be “dangerous”, however, chlorantraniliprole, chlorantraniliprole + lambdacyhalothrin, chlorpyriphos + cypermethrin, indoxacarb, cyantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, thiamethoxam + lambdacyhalothrin and azadirachtin were found to be “slightly to moderately toxic” to T. chilonis and T. pretiosum. Chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, indoxacarb and spinetoram were found to be “dangerous”, however, chlorpyriphos + cypermethrin, thiamethoxam + lambdacyhalothrin, chlorantraniliprole + lambdacyhalothrin, cyantraniliprole and azadirachtin were “slightly to moderately toxic” to T. remus.
Pathogenicity of native Strains of Entomopathogenic Nematodes against Aphids and Pseudostem Weevil
Authors: Sooraj S , Nisha M S , Narayana R. , Kesava Kumar H.
Published: November 2023

The pathogenicity of three native strains of entomopathogenic nematodes isolated from different locations of Kerala were evaluated against aphids, Aphis craccivora Koch and 4th instar grubs of banana pseudostem weevil, Odoiporous longicollis Olivier under laboratory condition. Based on the morphological characters and morphometric measurements, they were identified as Steinernema sp., Metarhabditis sp. and Rhabditis sp. Metarhabditis sp. @ 100 IJs (infective juveniles) recorded 100% mortality of aphids at 48 HAT (hours after treatment) and it was statistically on par with dimethoate 30EC. Metarhabditis sp.@ 100 and 200 IJs/ insect showed 47.49 and 62.66% mortality of pseudostem weevil grubs at 72 HAT. Molecular characterization of the most potent isolate effective against both the pests was done and it was identified as Metarhabditis rainai.
Biochemical Mechanism of Insecticide Resistance in Spodoptera litura (F) Populations from Uttarakhand
Authors: Joshi Rashmi , Gaur Neeta , Mathpal Sudha
Published: November 2023

Spodoptera litura populations were collected from different lowland areas and doon valley situated in Uttarakhand and insecticide resistance effect was studied for indoxacarb 14.5% SC, chlorantraniliprole 18.5%SC, fipronil 5% SC, chlorpyriphos 50%+cypermethrin 5% EC and profenofos 40%+cypermethrin 4% EC, also the specific activity of carboxylesterase, acetyl choline esterase, mono-oxygenase and glutathione-s-transferase was studied for biochemical analysis of detoxification enzymes. The scale of infestation was measured and related to temperature and humidity. High infestation has been observed in areas with optimum temperature and humidity. Highest resistance in the study was found against profenofos 40%+chlorpyriphos 4% and fipronil 5%SC with LC50 243.63 µg/ml and 214.22 µg/ ml respectively. On biochemical analysis of detoxification enzymes, it was observed that the highest activity of all the enzymes was observed in Mota Haldu population. Hence, overproduction of detoxification enzymes was found to be responsible for insecticide resistance in S. litura populations studied.
Emerging Pest Problems in Exotic Olive and Grower Specific IPM Modules for Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: R K Gupta , K Bali , Monobrullah Mohd , Rashid Shafiya
Published: November 2023

About 34 insect species were found infesting olive orchards in UT of J&K Among them, olive psylla, Euphyllura pakistanica; olive black scale, Saissetia olea and tinged bug, Eteoneus sp. sigilatus Drake caused serious damage. The avoidable yield losses caused by all the pest species were 33 to 53%. On the basis of various field trials conducted neem insecticidal soap (NIS @ 2.5 %) and horticultural mineral oil (HP spray oil 2% of solution) were found effective against major pests. In case of severe infestation imidacloprid (17.8 SL) a.i. 0.075 % and cartap hydrochloride 4G @ 100g/ tree resulted in their efficient suppression. As such these treatments were incorporated in grower specific IPM modules evaluated for two years. Amongst the tested modules, integrated module (M1) followed by pesticide module (M3) were found most effective. However, for resource poor farmers and non-disruptive cultural module M1 and organic growers M2 could be alternatively practiced. It was concluded that for scale and psyllids, the insecticide protection is necessary but the infestation by lace bug could be managed by non-disruptive methods.
Higher Education and Economic Challenges in Pakistan
Authors: Naseem Abid Muhammad , Sarwar Sidra , Malik Abdul , Tahir Mushtaq Muhammad
Published: November 2023

Higher education plays an important part in the betterment of educational institutes as it paves ways to enhance the skills and competencies of the staff and students. The following study aims to highlight the major hurdles in the way of financing higher education and to explore the strategies to combat such challenges. As a whole, the study focuses on better ways and strategies to enhance financing in higher education to assist economic growth and increase the literacy and employment rate along with the development of the country. The objective of the study was to carefully read all educational policies according to economic and financing challenges in higher education in Pakistan, for which a historical method of research was adopted. Findings: As a whole, by limiting the high budget priorities, the quality of education and better opportunities in the field of education can be obtained. Consequently, the study of these factors should be done efficiently and critically for the betterment and enhancement of financing in Pakistan's higher education system.
Effects of phosphodiesterase 10 inhibition on striatal cyclic AMP and peripheral physiology in rats
Authors: A. Torremans , A. Ahnaou , A. Van , R. Straetemans , H. Geys , G. Vanhoof , T.F. Meert , W.H.* Drinkenburg
Published: November 2023

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) form a family of enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of cyclic adenosine and guanosine monophosphate (cAMP and cGMP). PDE10A is a member of this family that is almost exclusively expressed in the striatum. Increasing cAMP/cGMP levels via inhibition of PDE10A is under consideration as a novel therapeutic avenue in the discovery of antipsychotics. Papaverine has been used as a pharmacological tool to establish the possible clinical use of PDE10A inhibitors as antipsychotics. Papaverine is known to increase cAMP levels in striatum and to decrease blood pressure, body temperature and locomotor activity after systemic administration. In this study, the effects of papaverine are compared to those of a more specific PDE10A inhibitor MP10. Papaverine raised striatal cAMP levels with hypothermia, hypoactivity and decreased cardiovascular responses. The more selective MP10 had significantly less effects on body temperature and cardiovascular functions, but reduced locomotor activity to a similar extend as papaverine.
Why do we have a caudate nucleus?
Authors: J.R. Villablanca
Published: November 2023

In order to understand the physiological role of the caudate nucleus, we combine here our laboratory data on cats with reports of patients with selective damage to this nucleus. Cats with bilateral removal of the caudate nuclei showed a stereotyped behavior consisting of persistently approaching and then following a person, another cat, or any object, and attempting to contact the target. Simultaneously, the animals exhibited a friendly disposition and persistent docility together with purring and forelimbs treading/kneading. The magnitude and duration of this behavior was proportional to the extent of the removal reaching a maximum after ablations of 65% or more of the caudate tissue. These cats were hyperactive but they had lost the feline elegance of movements. Additional features of acaudate cats were: (1) postural and accuracy deficits (plus perseveration) in paw usage tasks including bar pressing for food reward; (2) cognitive and perceptual impairments on a T-maze battery of tasks and on the bar pressing tasks; (3) blockage or blunting of the species-specific behavioral response to a single injection of morphine; Unilateral caudate nucleus removal did not produce global behavioral effects, but only deficit in the contralateral paw contact placing reaction and paw usage/bar pressing. Moreover and surprisingly, we found hypertrophy of the ipsilateral caudate nucleus following prenatal focal neocortical removal. The findings in human were also behavioral (not neurological) and also occurred with unilateral caudate damage. The main manifestations consisted of loss of drive (apathy), obsessive-compulsive behavior, cognitive deficits, stimulus-bound perseverative behavior, and hyperactivity. Based on all of the above data we propose that the specific function of the caudate nucleus is to control approach-attachment behavior, ranging from plain approach to a target, to romantic love. This putative function would account well for the caudate involvement in the pathophysiology of a number of clinical syndromes that we mention, all of which compromise approach-attachment- affect behaviors. In addition we conclude that the caudate nucleus contributes importantly to body and limbs posture as well as to the accuracy and speed of directed movements
Direct gene transfer in the Gottingen minipig CNS using stereotaxic lentiviral microinjections
Authors: Glud Andreas , Hedegaard Claus , Nielsen Mette , Sorensen Jens , Bendixen Christian , Jensen Poul , Larsen Knud , Bjarkam Carsten
Published: November 2023

We aim to induce direct viral mediated gene transfer in the substantia nigra (SN) of the Gottingen minipig using MRI guided stereotaxic injections of lentiviral vectors encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Nine female Gottingen minipigs were injected unilaterally into the SN with 6 per 2.5 microliters lentivirus capable of transducing cells and mediating expression of recombinant EGFP. The animals were euthanized after four (n=3) or twenty weeks (n=6). Fresh brain tissue from three animals was used for PCR. The remaining six brains were cryo- or paraffin-sectioned for fluorescence, Nissl-, and immunohistochemical EGFP visualization. EGFP was seen in nigral neurons, axons, glial cells, endothelial cells, and in nigral fibers targeting the striatum. PCR-based detection confirmed the presence of the transgene in SN, whereas all other examined brain areas were negative, indicating that the immunohistochemically detected EGFP in the striatum derived from transfected nigral cells.
Umbilical cord blood stem cells – potential therapeutic tool for neural injuries and disorders
Authors: Ali Hamad , Bahbahani Hussain
Published: November 2023

Brain limited self-renewal capability is the main element behind the seriousness of neurodegenerative diseases and neural injuries. Any possible attempts to use cell replacement-therapy approaches rely on: first, the ability of such cells to generate neural cells and tissues with developmental and functional similarities to human brain cells and second, development of safe and effective protocols for cells transplantations. Many recent studies showed that human umbilical cord blood stem cells have the potential to generate cells with neuronal characteristics. It has also been shown that these stem cells have a positive impact on animal models of neural injuries and diseases. Umbilical cord blood stem cells are a potential candidate for clinical therapies for neural injuries and neural degenerative diseases for which current mode of therapy is inadequate. In addition, they might provide an in-vitro model of parenchymal neural cells for toxicology and drugs testing research.
Differential startle magnitude in mice selected for high and low swim analgesia is not related to difference in nociception
Authors: Blaszczyk* Janusz , Lapo Iwona , Werka Tomasz , Sadowski Bogdan
Published: November 2023

The acoustic startle response (ASR) elicited by 110 dB 10-ms pulses was studied in relation to pain sensitivity in mouse lines selectively bred for high (HA) and for low (LA) swim analgesia. The magnitudes of ASR, similarly as hot-plate latencies, differed between the lines in the rank order HA is greater than unselected controls (C) greater than LA. The animals’ nociception did not change after the ASR session consisting of a sequence of 20 acoustic stimuli. Morphine hydrochloride (5 and 10 mg per kg i.p.) increased hot-plate latencies in the order of HA greater than C greater than LA, and was not effective on ASR magnitude in HA as well as in C mice. In the LA line, 10 mg per kg of morphine slightly attenuated ASR, but caused only a little analgesia. We conclude that (1) the difference in ASR between the selected lines is inversely correlated with the difference in pain sensitivity; (2) the magnitude of ASR is not altered by morphine analgesia; (3) the procedure of ASR using brief acoustic pulses is not stressful enough to elicit a form of stress analgesia. The lack of a direct relationship between the readiness to startle and pain sensation may be beneficial for an animal’s survival in dangerous situations. It is beneficial when the startle to a warning signal precedes defensive behaviors and it often must be effectuated in a state of decreased nociception.
Why the leash constrains the dog: The impact of semantic associations on sentence production
Authors: Sass* Katharina , Heim Stefan , Sachs Olga , Theede Katharina , Muehlhaus Juliane , Krach Sören , Kircher Tilo
Published: November 2023

The production of language is one of the most complex and amazing skills in humans. Increasing evidence demonstrated that associative relations (e.g., car - garage) play an important role during concept formation but during speech production the effects and processing of associations are highly debated. Hence, the present study investigated the impact of associations and different SOAs on the production of sentences (Experiment 1) and on naming objects (Experiment 2). In an adapted version of the picture-word interference task, participants were asked to name two pictures using a standardized sentence (e.g., "The car is to the left of the trousers"). Thereby, a simultaneous (SOA is 0 ms) or slightly preceding (SOA is -150 ms) auditory or visual distractor had to be ignored. Distractors were related to the first noun (for example: "The car is to the left to the trousers", distractor: "garage") or to the second noun (distractor: "belt") or unrelated to both nouns (distractor: "bottle") of the sentence. At simultaneous presentation, visual and auditory distractors related to the first noun of the sentence prolonged naming responses (i.e., interference). For slightly preceding distractors, only visual presentation induced interference for the first noun of the sentence. During no condition, longer naming responses were found for the second noun of the sentence. These effects suggest that associatively related concepts are active during speech production and can be competitors, i.e., they lead to semantic interference. In Experiment 2, subjects had to name an object (e.g., car) while ignoring a visually presented distractor (e.g., motor). The stimulus set was the same as in Experiment 1. The results showed a facilitation effect if the distractor and the target were associatively related. Overall, the current results provide new insight in the models of speech production: while during single word production, associations facilitate naming, they interfere during sentence production. Hence, associations have an important influence on producing speech but the impact is varied by the context, i.e., single word or sentential.
Neurotrophins and their receptors in early development of the mammalian nervous system
Authors: Bartkowska* Katarzyna , Turlejski Kris , Djavadian Rouzanna
Published: November 2023

Neurotrophins belonging to the class of growth factors and including nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5) are widely recognized as essential factors in the developing central nervous system (CNS). Neurotrophins are synthesized as precursor forms (proneurotrophins). Mature forms of neurotrophins exert their effect by binding to specific tyrosine kinases receptors (TrkA, TrkB and TrkC) as well as via the p75 receptor, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily while proneurotrophins interact with the receptor p75 or co-receptor complex of p75 and sortilin, that is a Vps10p domain-containing transmembrane protein. Expression of neurotrophins corresponds with the onset of neurogenesis in developing mammalian species. BDNF is low in early embryonic stages of development, while NT-3 highly expresses in the developing CNS. Expression of neurotrophins receptors mainly overlaps at early development. Data concerning early distribution of neurotrophins and their receptors in the nervous system and results in mice with targeted disruptions of neurotrophin or receptor genes show that neurotrophins and their receptors play distinct roles in control and regulation of the most crucial developmental processes such as proliferation, migration, differentiation, survival, apoptosis and synaptic plasticity.
Opioid peptides in peripheral pain control
Authors: Lesniak Anna , Lipkowski Andrzej
Published: November 2023

Opioids have a long history of therapeutic use as a remedy for various pain states ranging from mild acute nociceptive pain to unbearable chronic advanced or end-stage disease pain. Analgesia produced by classical opioids is mediated extensively by binding to opioid receptors located in the brain or the spinal cord. Nevertheless, opioid receptors are also expressed outside the CNS in the periphery and may become valuable assets in eliciting analgesia devoid of shortcomings typical for the activation of their central counterparts. The discovery of endogenous opioid peptides that participate in the formation, transmission, modulation and perception of pain signals offers numerous opportunities for the development of new analgesics. Novel peptidic opioid receptor analogs, which show limited access through the blood brain barrier may support pain therapy requiring prolonged use of opioid drugs.
Pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus alters hippocampal PKC expression in mice
Authors: Liu Jian , Liu Yong , Tang Feng
Published: November 2023

We investigated the protein expression of different protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms (PKC-alpha, PKC-beta1, PKC-beta2, PKC-gamma, PKC-delta, PKC-epsilon, PKC-eta and PKC-zeta) in the hippocampus of normal control mice and progressive changes in PKC isoforms expression during and after pilocarpine induced status epilepticus (PISE). We showed the reduced expression of PKC-delta, PKC-eta and PKC-zeta in interneurons in the CA1 area and in the hilus of the dentate gyrus during or after PISE. Increased expression of PKC-alpha and PKC-beta1 was demonstrated in the stratum pyramidale of CA3 area, and PKC-epsilon was up-regulated in the stratum lucidum of the CA3 area during or after PISE. Our results suggest that hippocampal PKC isoforms may play different roles in seizure generation, and be targets for development of anti-convulsive drugs.
One- and three-time mild hypobaric hypoxia modifies expression of mitochondrial thioredoxin-2 in hippocampus of rat
Authors: Stroev Sergey , Tjulkova Ekaterina , Samoilov Michail , Pelto-Huikko Markku
Published: November 2023

Our previous study demonstrated that preconditioning by 3-times repetitive mild hypoxia significantly augmented expression of mitochondrial thioredoxin-2 (Trx-2) at 3 h after subsequent acute severe hypoxia in rat hippocampus. However, it was unclear whether this augmentation was due to build up of Trx-2 by mild hypoxia before severe hypoxia or by modification of reaction to severe hypoxia itself. To answer on this question we study the expression level during and after preconditioning without subsequent severe hypoxia. Trx-2 expression was studied by immunocytochemistry 3 h and 24 h after first session and 3 h and 24 h after last session of 3-times (spaced at 24 h) mild hypobaric hypoxia (360 Torr, 2h). At 3 h after 1-time hypoxia (first session of 3-time hypoxia) the total number of Trx-2-immunoreactive cells (Nt) was significantly decreased in contrast with control in CA2, CA3 and DG. The number of cells with intensive expression of Trx-2 (Ni) was reduced in CA1 and CA3. At 24 h after the same 1-time hypoxia Nt was lower than in control and at 3 h time-point in all hippocampal areas studied (CA1, CA2, CA3 and DG); Ni was decreased only compared to control in CA1 and CA3. At 3 h after last session of 3-times hypoxia Nt and Ni were significantly down regulated in comparison with control only in CA1. At 24 h after it Nt was significantly decreased compared to control in CA1, CA2 and CA3 (in DG the decrease was not statistically significant) but in all areas was higher than at 24 h after 1-time hypoxia. Dynamics of Nt changes from 3-hours after single to 24-hours after triple moderate hypoxia had the wave phase character. These findings indicate that Trx-2 expression in most areas of hippocampus was decreased to 24 h after 3-time mild hypoxia. Thus the augmentation of Trx-2 expression in hippocampal neurons of preconditioned animals in response to subsequent severe hypoxia is caused obviously not by Trx-2 accumulation during preconditioning sessions but by modification of reaction to severe impact.
Up-regulation of cochlear Hes1 expression in response to noise exposure
Authors: Wang Bin , Liu Yujian , Zhu Xiaoyan , Chi Fanglu , Zhang Yanmin , Yang Meiqin
Published: November 2023

Hes1, a hairy and enhancer of split homolog, negatively regulates inner ear hair cell differentiation. The main objective of this study was to investigate the status of the Hes1 gene in the noise-damaged cochlea in relation to the degree of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Adult albino guinea pigs were exposed to white-band noise (115 dB sound pressure level). Noise exposure for either 1 or 3 hours induced significant elevations of threshold in auditory brainstem response (ABR) compared with unexposed controls. Succinate dehydrogenase staining showed that white-band noise exposure caused significant outer hair cell losses. In addition, we found significant up-regulations of cochlear Hes1 mRNA and protein expressions following acoustic trauma, and Hes1 mRNA expression was positively correlated with NIHL. These findings suggest that up-regulation of Hes1 expression in response to noise exposure may be one of the underlying mechanisms of NIHL.
Neuropharmacological approach against MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine)-induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yokoyama Hironori , Kuroiwa Hayato , Kasahara Jiro , Araki Tsutomu
Published: November 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease that appears essentially as a sporadic condition. PD is well known to be a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease produced by a selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The main clinical features of PD include tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability. Most insights into pathogenesis of PD come from investigations performed in experimental models of PD, especially those produced by neurotoxins. The biochemical and cellular alterations that occur after 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) treatment are remarkably similar to that observed in idiopathic PD. Furthermore, it is well known that acute treatment with MPTP can cause a severe loss of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter protein levels and dopamine contents in the striatum of mice, as compared to continuous MPTP treatment. Thus these findings may support the validity of acute MPTP treatment model for unraveling in the neurodegenerative processes in PD. In this review, we discuss the neuroprotective effects of various compounds against neuronal cell loss in an MPTP model of PD. This review may lead to a much better understanding of PD as well as provide novel clues to new targets for therapeutic interventions in PD patients.
Correlation between formation of the calcarine sulcus and morphological maturation of the lateral ventricle in cynomolgus monkey fetuses
Authors: Fukunishi Katsuhiro , Sawada* Kazuhiko , Kashima Masatoshi , Shigeyoshi  , Sakata-Haga Hiromi , Takayuki  , Ichio  , Fukui Yoshihiro
Published: November 2023

In the present study developmental changes in the cerebral sulci and volumes of subcortical and archicortical structures of the cerebrum in cynomolgus monkey fetuses were examined with T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images in 3D. On the embryonic day (ED) 90, the lateral ventricle had still an immature vesicular shape in the occipital region of the cerebrum, and it dramatically closed its lumen by ED 100. In that period the calcarine sulcus progressively infolded from the medial surface of the cerebral hemisphere narrowing the lumen of the lateral ventricle in the occipital region. Volume of the lateral ventricle decreased in the period ED 90-100, increasing afterwards in spite of increasing volumes of subcortical and archicortical structures such as the caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, amygdala and hippocampal formation. During the same time, the volume of the germinal matrix around lateral ventricles decreased to disappear completely by ED 120. These results suggest that the morphological maturation of lateral ventricle is linked to the development of calcarine sulcus in cynomolgus monkey fetuses. The degree of infolding of calcarine sulcus on ED 100 would be useful as a gross anatomical landmark for evaluating the cerebral maturation in cynomolgus monkey fetuses.
Introduction to spiking neural networks: Information processing, learning and applications
Authors: Ponulak,2 Filip , Kasinski Andrzej
Published: November 2023

The concept that neural information is encoded in the firing rate of neurons has been the dominant paradigm in neurobiology for many years. This paradigm has also been adopted by the theory of artificial neural networks. Recent physiological experiments demonstrate, however, that in many parts of the nervous system, neural code is founded on the timing of individual action potentials. This finding has given rise to the emergence of a new class of neural models, called spiking neural networks. In this paper we summarize basic properties of spiking neurons and spiking networks. Our focus is, specifically, on models of spike-based information coding, synaptic plasticity and learning. We also survey real-life applications of spiking models. The paper is meant to be an introduction to spiking neural networks for scientists from various disciplines interested in spike-based neural processing.
Structural neuroplasticity induced by melatonin in entorhinal neurons of rats exposed to toluene inhalation
Authors: Pascual Rodrigo , Bustamante Carlos
Published: November 2023

Several clinical studies have shown that abusing volatile solvents, mainly toluene, produces neurological, neuropathological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Symptoms of these disorders include loss in impulse control, distractibility and memory deficits, which are associated with mild brain atrophy. The entorhinal cortex is critically involved in mnemonic processes, and memory disorders are the major symptom detected in chronic solvent abusers. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated (1) whether the entorhinal neuronal morphology was impaired by subchronic toluene exposure and (2) if melatonin protected the neuronal cytoarchitecture, as has been demonstrated in neocortical neurons. Consistent with our previous findings, the present study indicates that the entorhinal cell dendritic arborization was significantly reduced in toluene exposed animals, and melatonin administration significantly rescued the reduced dendritic branching induced by toluene neurotoxicity.
Correlation of nitric oxide levels in the cerebellum and spinal cord of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis rats with clinical symptoms
Authors: Ljubisavljevic Srdjan , Stojanovic Ivana , Pavlovic Dusica , Milojkovic Maja , Vojinovic Slobodan , Sokolovic Dusan , Stevanovic Ivana
Published: November 2023

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a well-established cell-mediated autoimmune inflammatory disease of the CNS, which has been used as a model of the human demyelinating disease. EAE is characterized by infiltration of the CNS by lymphocytes and mononuclear cells, microglial and astrocytic hypertrophy, and demyelination which cumulatively contribute to clinical expression of the disease. EAE was induced in female Sprague-Dawley rats, 3 months old (300 g +/- 20 g), by immunization with myelin basic protein (MBP) in combination with Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). The animals were divided into 7 groups: control, EAE, CFA, EAE + aminoguanidine (AG), AG, EAE + N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and NAC. The animals were sacrificed 15 days after EAE induction, and the level of nitric oxide (NO) production was determined by measuring nitrite and nitrate concentrations in 10% homogenate of cerebellum and spinal cord. Obtained results showed that the level of NO was significantly increased in all examined tissues of the EAE rats compared to the control and CFA groups. Also, AG and NAC treatment decreased the level of NO. in all tissues compared to the EAE group. The level of NO is increased significantly in the spinal cord compared to the cerebellum. The clinical course of the EAE was significantly decreased in the EAE groups treated with AG and NAC during the development of the disease compared to EAE group and its correlates with the NO level in cerebellum and spinal cord. The findings of our work suggest that NO and its derivatives play an important role in multiple sclerosis (MS). It may be the best target for new therapies in human demyelinating disease and recommend the new therapeutic approaches based on a decreased level of NO during the course of MS.
Determinants of filled/empty optical illusion: Influence of luminance contrast and polarity
Authors: Wackermann Jiri
Published: November 2023

Subjective estimates of lengths or areas in the visual field depend on the visual contents of the estimated space (filled/empty or Oppel–Kundt illusion). We studied the dependence of this phenomenon on the presentation mode (white on black vs. black on white background), and on the figure/ground contrast. We found, as expected, overestimation of the filled part of the figure for both contrast polarities. The expansion effect was found to be an increasing function of the absolute luminance contrast, and was consistently higher for the negative (luminant figures on a dark background) than for the positive polarity. The contrast factor contributes from one-fifth to one-third of the total effect. Possible interpretations in terms of known sensory phenomena (irradiation, lateral interactions) or higher, integrative functions are discussed.
Different strategies of exploration and phenotypic variability of the locomotor behavior in new environment: Comparative study of the laboratory opossum (Monodelphis domestica) and Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Klejbor Ilona , Turlejski Krzysztof
Published: November 2023

Spontaneous locomotor activity of opossums and Wistar rats during a two-hour session in the open field has been recorded, assessed and behavior of individuals of the two species compared. Afterwards, groups of highly active (HA) and low active (LA) opossums and rats were selected on the basis of the distance traveled in the test. Differences between the selected groups were evaluated. Opossums were generally more active, moving faster and covering longer distance. They spent more time in the central part of the open field and traveled across the center more times than rats, therefore they showed also a lower level of anxiety. These data confirm our previous results indicating that opossums preferentially use the risky exploration strategy while rats mainly rely on the defensive behavior. Opossums showed a higher variability of the volume of locomotor activity than rats. Comparison of the HA and LA groups of opossums and rats showed that in each species they differed on another principle: the level of anxiety in Wistar rats and level of locomotor activity in opossums. Therefore results of the open field test might measure different parameters in different species.
Human mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of neurological diseases
Authors: Drela Katarzyna , Siedlecka Patrycja , Sarnowska Anna , Domanska-Janik Krystyna
Published: November 2023

Here we provide a comprehensive data on the unique features of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which makes them feasible and preferred candidate for cell-based therapy in neurological clinic. From this point of view the most important features of these cells are: (1) availability from autologous sources independently from age of patient; (2) extensive expansion in vitro; (3) immunomodulatory “bystander” function after transplantation in vivo; (4) potentiality to protect, repair or eventually replace impaired or dysfunctional host cells. For complete this last task of functional regeneration of central nervous system, we have to take advantages of MSCs capability for transient, time-locked proliferation, migration to site of injury and their commitment to neuronal differentiation. However, if we are to make progress in the use of MSCs for therapy in the clinic it will be necessary to establish more unified, advanced standards for cells processing in vitro as well as safer and improved procedures for their delivery in vivo.
Directed differentiation of umbilical cord blood stem cells into cortical GABAergic neurons
Authors: Ali Hamad , Bayatti Nadhim , Lindsay Susan , Dashti Ali , Al-Mulla Fahd
Published: November 2023

Umbilical cord blood contains a population of non-hematopoietic multipotent stem cells that are capable of neuronal differentiation in-vitro. These cells have shown great potential as a therapeutic tool for central nervous system diseases and disorders. However whether these cells are able to produce neurons with similar developmental and functional characteristics to indigenous neurons within the brain remains poorly investigated. In this study, we used purified umbilical cord blood non-hematopoietic stem cells to produced GABAergic neurons with similar developmental and functional characteristics to cortical GABAergic neurons. We analyzed the expression of transcription factors MASH1, DLX1 and DLX2 throughout the 24 days of a sequential neuronal induction protocol and found that their expression patterns resembled those reported in the developing human cortex. The derived neurons also expressed components of GABAergic neurotransmission including GABA regulatory enzymes, GABA receptor subunits and GABA transporters. Thus we have demonstrated that umbilical cord blood stem cells are capable of producing cortical-like GABAergic neurons in vitro. This highlights the potential of umbilical cord blood stem cells as a therapeutic tool for neural injuries and disorders.
Expression of the calcium-binding proteins in the central, medial and cortical nuclei of the rabbit amygdaloid complex during postnatal development
Authors: Wojcik Slawomir , Luczynska Anna , Dziewiatkowski Jerzy , Spodnik Edyta , Ludkiewicz Beata , Morys Janusz
Published: November 2023

Calbindin-D28k (CB), parvalbumin (PV) and calretinin (CR) are calcium-binding proteins (CaBPs) considered to be markers for certain subpopulations of neurons in the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of distribution of CB-, PV- and CR-immunoreactive elements in the rabbit corticomedial amygdaloid complex during the postnatal period. The time course of changes in CaBPs expression during maturation of the selected nuclei indicates their diversity. During the first month after birth, CaBPs expression stabilizes earliest in the anterior cortical and then in the medial nuclei. Later, during the second month of postnatal life, the posteromedial and posterolateral cortical nuclei maturate. The central nucleus requires a considerably longer time to reach maturity – about three months are needed to stabilize CaBPs expression in all its subdivisions. This nucleus also shows the most differentiated, time-dependent distribution of CaBPs immunoreactivity (especially CB), distinct in its divisions. The differences in the CaBPs immunoreactivity confirm previous reports concerning dissimilar origin and development, and also reflect the diversity of connectivity of the amygdaloid body – the collection of nuclei, considered as one functional integrity.