rudyvdbrink/CitationDatabase huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous recovery of traumatic brain injury-induced functional deficits is not hindered by daily administration of lorazepam.
Behavioural brain research, 2018

Agitation and aggression are common sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and pose a challenge to physicians and other health providers during acute patient care and subsequent neurorehabilitation. Antipsychotic drugs (APDs) are routinely administered to manage TBI patients displaying such maladaptive behaviors despite several clinical and preclinical studies demonstrating that they hinder recovery. A potentially viable alternative to APDs may be the benzodiazepines, which have differing mechanisms of action. Hence, the aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that lorazepam (LOR) would not impede recovery after TBI. Anesthetized adult male rats received a cortical impact or sham injury and then were intraperitoneally administered LOR (0.1mg/kg, 1.0mg/kg, or 2.0mg/kg) or vehicle (VEH; 1mL/kg) commencing 24-h after surgery and once daily for 19days. Motor and cognitive outcomes were assessed on post-operative days 1-5 and 14-19, respectively. No differences were revealed among the four sham control groups and thus they were pooled into one inclusive SHAM group. The SHAMs performed better than all TBI groups on all assessments (p<0.05). Regarding TBI, the 2.0mg/kg LOR group performed better than the VEH and 0.1mg/kg or 1.0mg/kg LOR groups on every task (p<0.05); no differences were observed among the latter three groups on any endpoint (p>0.05). Overall, these preclinical behavioral data support the hypothesis and reveal a therapeutic benefit with the higher dose of LOR. The findings suggest that LOR may be an alternative, to APDs, for controlling agitation without compromising spontaneous recovery and perhaps could afford a dual benefit by also promoting therapeutic efficacy.
Zebrafish models of impulsivity and impulse control disorders.
The European journal of neuroscience, 2020

Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are characterized by generalized difficulty controlling emotions and behaviors. ICDs are a broad group of the central nervous system (CNS) disorders including conduct disorder, intermittent explosive, oppositional-defiant disorder, antisocial personality disorder, kleptomania, pyromania and other illnesses. Although they all share a common feature (aberrant impulsivity), their pathobiology is complex and poorly understood. There are also currently no ICD-specific therapies to treat these illnesses. Animal models are a valuable tool for studying ICD pathobiology and potential therapies. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a useful model organism to study CNS disorders due to high genetic and physiological homology to mammals, and sensitivity to various pharmacological and genetic manipulations. Here, we summarize experimental models of impulsivity and ICD in zebrafish and highlight their growing translational significance. We also emphasize the need for further development of zebrafish ICD models to improve our understanding of their pathogenesis and to search for novel therapeutic treatments.
Time-conjunctive representations of future events.
Memory & cognition, 2020

It is widely accepted that people can predict the relative imminence of future events. However, it is unknown whether the timing of future events is represented using only a "strength-like" estimate or if future events are represented conjunctively with their position on a mental timeline. We examined how people judge temporal relationships among anticipated future events using the novel Judgment of Anticipated Co-Occurrence (JACO) task. Participants were initially trained on a stream of letters sampled from a probabilistically repeating sequence. During test trials, the stream was interrupted with pairs of probe letters and the participants' task was to choose the probe letter they expected to appear in the stream during a lagged target window 4-6 items (4.3-8.5 s) in the future. Participants performed above chance as they gained experience with the task. Because the correct item was sometimes the more imminent probe letter and other times the less imminent probe letter, these results rule out the possibility that participants relied solely on thresholding a strength-like estimate of temporal imminence. Rather, these results suggest that participants held (1) temporally organized predictions of the future letters in the stream, (2) a temporal estimate of the lagged target window, and (3) some means to compare the two and evaluate their temporal alignment. Response time increased with the lag to the more imminent probe letter, suggesting that participants accessed the future sequentially in a manner that mirrors scanning processes previously proposed to operate on memory representations in the short-term judgment of recency task.
Optical imaging reveals functional domains in primate sensorimotor cortex.
NeuroImage, 2020

Motor cortex (M1) and somatosensory cortex (S1) are central to arm and hand control. Efforts to understand encoding in M1 and S1 have focused on temporal relationships between neural activity and movement features. However, it remains unclear how the neural activity is spatially organized within M1 and S1. Optical imaging methods are well-suited for revealing the spatio-temporal organization of cortical activity, but their application is sparse in monkey sensorimotor cortex. Here, we investigate the effectiveness of intrinsic signal optical imaging (ISOI) for measuring cortical activity that supports arm and hand control in a macaque monkey. ISOI revealed spatial domains that were active in M1 and S1 in response to instructed reaching and grasping. The lateral M1 domains overlapped the hand representation and contained a population of neurons with peak firing during grasping. In contrast, the medial M1 domain overlapped the arm representation and a population of neurons with peak firing during reaching. The S1 domain overlapped the hand representations of areas 1 and 2 and a population of neurons with peak firing upon hand contact with the target. Our single unit recordings indicate that ISOI domains report the locations of spatial clusters of functionally related neurons. ISOI is therefore an effective tool for surveilling the neocortex for "hot zones" of activity that supports movement. Combining the strengths of ISOI with other imaging modalities (e.g., fMRI, 2-photon) and with electrophysiological methods can open new frontiers in understanding the spatio-temporal organization of cortical signals involved in movement control.
Role of radially aligned scleral collagen fibers in optic nerve head biomechanics.
Experimental eye research, 2020

Collagen fibers organized circumferentially around the canal in the peripapillary sclera are thought to provide biomechanical support to the sensitive tissues within the optic nerve head (ONH). Recent studies have demonstrated the existence of a family of fibers in the innermost sclera organized radially from the scleral canal. Our goal was to determine the role of these radial fibers in the sensitivity of scleral canal biomechanics to acute increases in intraocular pressure (IOP). Following the same general approach of previous parametric sensitivity studies, we created nonlinear generic finite element models of a posterior pole with various combinations of radial and circumferential fibers at an IOP of 0 mmHg. We then simulated the effects of normal and elevated IOP levels (15 and 30 mmHg). We monitored four IOP-induced geometric changes: peripapillary sclera stretch, scleral canal displacement, lamina cribrosa displacement, and scleral canal expansion. In addition, we examined the radial (maximum tension) and through-thickness (maximum compression) strains within the ONH tissues. Our models predicted that: 1) radial fibers reduced the posterior displacement of the lamina, especially at elevated IOP; 2) radial fibers reduced IOP-induced radial strain within the peripapillary sclera and retinal tissue; and 3) a combination of radial and circumferential fibers maintained strains within the ONH at a level similar to those conferred by circumferential fibers alone. In conclusion, radial fibers provide support for the posterior globe, additional to that provided by circumferential fibers. Most importantly, a combination of both fiber families can better protect ONH tissues from excessive IOP-induced deformation than either alone.
From red vegetables to sexuality: Resymbolizing the meaning of concrete thought in eating disorders.
Journal of clinical psychology, 2019

This paper introduces and describes the theory and practice of a novel treatment approach to eating disorders-internal language enhancement therapy (ILET)-illustrated with a case study. This treatment approach is informed by the neurobiology of emotional processing integrated with elements of psychoanalytic theory and practice, early maternal preoccupation, development of the self, early right hemisphere language development, and techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy. ILET is based on the Discontinuous Model of Neural Emotional Processing, which means that emotions are processed in the brain either symbolically or concretely. The aim of ILET is to open up and reinforce the underused brain pathway to the symbolic functions by forensically working back to and accurately identifying the emotional material that triggers the concrete state. When the emotional trigger is identified it is explored using symbolic and metaphoric language that reconnects the patient to the symbolic state. ILET posits that eating disorders only appear in the concrete state.
AMP-activated protein kinase regulates cytoplasmic dynein behavior and contributes to neuronal migration in the developing neocortex.
Development (Cambridge, England), 2020

The microtubule motor cytoplasmic dynein contributes to radial migration of newborn pyramidal neurons in the developing neocortex. Here, we show that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) mediates the nucleus-centrosome coupling, a key process for radial neuronal migration that relies on dynein. Depletion of the catalytic subunit of AMPK in migrating neurons impairs this coupling as well as neuronal migration. AMPK shows overlapping subcellular distribution with cytoplasmic dynein and the two proteins interact with each other. Pharmacological inhibition or activation of AMPK modifies the phosphorylation states of dynein intermediate chain (DIC) and dynein functions. Furthermore, AMPK phosphorylates DIC at Ser81. Expression of a phospho-resistant mutant of DIC retards neuronal migration in a similar way to AMPK depletion. Conversely, expression of the phospho-mimetic mutant of DIC alleviates impaired neuronal migration caused by AMPK depletion. Thus, AMPK-regulated dynein function via Ser81 DIC phosphorylation is crucial for radial neuronal migration.
Are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms stable irrespective of recovery from eating disorders? A 1-year follow-up of adult females.
European eating disorders review : the journal of the Eating Disorders Association, 2021

To explore the influence of recovery from eating disorders (ED) at 1-year follow-up on self-reported attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in an unselected group of patients in a specialized ED clinic.
Stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus improves velocity of ballistic movements in Parkinson's disease.
Neuroreport, 2012

High-frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus can markedly improve motor function in patients with Parkinson's disease. However, the underlying mechanisms mediating these improvements are not well understood. In particular, whether motor function is differentially improved in distal or proximal movements is not fully determined. Also, whether reaction time is improved along with other motor parameters is still a matter of debate. Here, we test patients OFF and ON subthalamic nucleus stimulation by capturing simple ballistic movements across four joints using kinematic motion analysis. We show that velocity, but not reaction time, is significantly improved with stimulation. There was no strong differential effect between joints. These results add evidence that deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus can enhance performance of ballistic movements in Parkinson's disease, and demonstrate that the subthalamic nucleus may be important in driving parameters of motor control after the response has been initiated.
High temperature stress response is not sexually dimorphic at the whole-body level and is dependent on androgens to induce sex reversal.
General and comparative endocrinology, 2020

The understanding of the molecular and endocrine mechanisms behind environmentally-induced sex reversal in fish is of great importance in the context of predicting the potential effects of climate change, especially increasing temperature. Here, we demonstrate the global effects of high temperature on genome-wide transcription in medaka (Oryzias latipes) during early development. Interestingly, data analysis did not show sexual dimorphic changes, demonstrating that thermal stress is not dependent on genotypic sex. Additionally, our results revealed significant changes in several pathways under high temperature, such as stress response from brain, steroid biosynthesis, epigenetic mechanisms, and thyroid hormone biosynthesis, among others. These microarray data raised the question of what the exact molecular and hormonal mechanisms of action are for female-to-male sex reversal under high temperatures in fish. Complementary gene expression analysis revealed that androgen-related genes increase in females (XX) experiencing high water temperature. To test the involvement of androgens in thermal-induced sex reversal, an androgen antagonist was used to treat XX medaka under a high-temperature setup. Data clearly demonstrated failure of female-to-male sex reversal when androgen action is inhibited, corroborating the importance of androgens in environmentally-induced sex reversal.
Predictors of family accommodation in obsessive compulsive disorder.
Asian journal of psychiatry, 2020

Family accommodation (FA) has been consistently recognized as a predictor of treatment outcome in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, the factors determining FA are not clearly understood, especially in adult patients with OCD. We recruited a consecutive sample of predominantly adult subjects (n=100), who presented to the specialty OCD Clinic with a primary diagnosis of OCD along with a suitable caregiver. Patient and family members completed measurements assessing FA along with other clinical variables of interest. Clinical variables found statistically significant in bivariate analyses (p < 0.05) were examined in multivariate linear regression analysis to determine the predictors of FA. Age, gender and marital status of the patient, contamination symptom dimension, severity of avoidance, severity scores on Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and scores on work and social adjustment scale were associated with FA in bivariate analysis. In multiple regression analysis, contamination dimension, the severity of avoidance, relationship of caregiver and poorer work and social adjustment predicted FA. Patients with poor socio-occupational functioning, severe avoidance, caregiver being spouse and contamination related symptoms are accommodated more by family members. Screening and management of FA, particularly in patients with the contamination dimension may thus help improve treatment outcome.
Immuno-electrophysiology on Neuromuscular Junctions of Drosophila Third Instar Larva.
Bio-protocol, 2021

Alterations in synaptic transmission are critical early events in neuromuscular disorders. However, reliable methodologies to analyze the functional organization of the neuromuscular synapses are still needed. This manuscript provides a detailed protocol to analyze the molecular assembly of the neuromuscular synapses through immune-electrophysiology in
Down Regulation of ackA-pta Pathway in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3): A Step Toward Optimized Recombinant Protein Expression System.
Jundishapur journal of microbiology, 2014

One of the most important problems in production of recombinant protein is to attain over-expression of the target gene and high cell density. In such conditions, the secondary metabolites of bacteria become toxic for the medium and cause cells to die. One of these aforementioned metabolites is acetate, which enormously accumulated in the medium, so that both cell and protein yields are affected.
Frailty Assessment in Clinical Practice: Opportunity in the Midst of a Pandemic.
Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland), 2020

Emerging evidence from studies of older adults hospitalised with COVID-19 suggests that there is a high prevalence of frailty in this patient group. We reflect on the measurement of frailty in older patients hospitalized as an emergency and the translation of frailty from a research to a clinical concept. We consider whether, despite the contemporary challenges in the care of older adults as a result of COVID-19, there are opportunities for care quality improvement during a pandemic.
Interaction of chronic intermittent ethanol and repeated stress on structural and functional plasticity in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex.
Neuropharmacology, 2021

Stress is a risk factor that plays a considerable role in the development and maintenance of alcohol (ethanol) abuse and relapse. Preclinical studies examining ethanol-stress interactions have demonstrated elevated ethanol drinking, cognitive deficits, and negative affective behaviors in mice. However, the neural adaptations in prefrontal cortical regions that drive these aberrant behaviors produced by ethanol-stress interactions are unknown. In this study, male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) and repeated forced swim stress (FSS). After two cycles of CIE x FSS, brain slices containing the prelimbic (PrL) and infralimbic (IfL) cortex were prepared for analysis of adaptations in dendritic spines and synaptic plasticity. In the PrL cortex, total spine density was increased in mice exposed to CIE. Immediately following induction of long-term potentiation (LTP), the fEPSP slope was increased in the PrL of CIE x FSS treated mice, indicative of a presynaptic adaptation on post-tetanic potentiation (PTP). In the IfL cortex, CIE exposure regardless of FSS experience resulted in an increase in spine density. FSS alone or when combined with CIE exposure increased PTP following LTP induction. Repeated FSS episodes increased IfL cortical paired-pulse facilitation, a second measure of presynaptic plasticity. In summary, CIE exposure resulted in structural adaptations while repeated stress exposure drove metaplastic changes in presynaptic function, demonstrating distinct morphological and functional changes in PrL and IfL cortical neurons. Thus, the structural and functional adaptations may be one mechanism underlying the development of excessive drinking and cognitive deficits associated with ethanol-stress interactions.
Evaluation of emotional intelligence (EI) in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients compared to healthy individuals.
Multiple sclerosis and related disorders, 2020

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is known as an autoimmune astrocytopathic disorder involving central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study was to compare Emotional Intelligence (EI) score between NMOSD patients and healthy individuals, and to find out the possible effect of this disease on EI.
[Neurology of cognition and language in the publications of Kálmán Sántha and today].
Orvosi hetilap, 2008

Based on histopathological investigation of the brain of exceptionally talented persons Sántha found increased volume of parietal association areas with abundance of cells. He supposed that the angular gyrus may be a "memory field". In his publication Genius and inheritance he expressed that: "Talent is a child of the present, but the genius is born for eternity." He discussed the localization of sensory and motor amnestic aphasia analysing the signs of patient with brain tumor and called attention to concomitant psychological symptoms. He found crossed aphasia in twice as many lefthanded than righthanded persons. This may explain the recent observations that the restitution of aphasia is predetermined; speech ability of ambidexterous or latent lefthanded persons improve better. He analysed the topography of emotional and voluntary facial palsy. The currently accepted hierarchical concept of mental and speech ability can be derived from the ouevre of Sántha and his predecessors. Sántha can be honoured as a forerunner of the modern theories of aphasia localization.
[Evaluation of healing time of osteochemonecrosis of the jaw after surgery: Single-center retrospective study and review of the literature].
Journal of stomatology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, 2017

Osteochemonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a chronic ischemic bone exposure. It has an increasing incidence. ONJ is mainly related to bisphosphonate and denosumab therapies in oncologic settings. Healing is considered uncertain ad as occurring slowly. International recommendations suggest to treat ONJ symptomatically in a first attempt. A surgical procedure, potentially aggressive, should be carefully weight up in patients in poor condition and whose life expectancy is often limited. However, surgical treatment seems to allow for a high rate of clinical remission. Postoperative remission periods, when mentioned in the studies, are disparate. The aim of our study was to clarify the remission period of ONJ after surgical management.
Characteristics of bipolar disorder patients treated with immediate- and extended-release quetiapine in a real clinical setting: a longitudinal, cohort study of 1761 patients.
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology, 2015

The objective of this work was to study characteristics and clinical treatment patterns of bipolar disorder (BD) patients admitted to hospital and treated with quetiapine (immediate-release [IR] or extended-release [XR] formulations).
Young children's prosocial responses toward peers and adults in two social contexts.
Journal of experimental child psychology, 2020

Young children help and share with others, but little is known about the "how" and "who" of this early prosocial behavior. In the current study, we compared 2- and 3-year-old children's (N = 203; 101 girls) prosocial behavior of sharing and helping. We asked whether the process was different (a) if the social partner was an adult or a same-age peer and (b) if the child was actively interacting and engaged with the partner or not. The highest prosocial responses were found in bilateral joint tasks such as sharing the spoils after a collaborative effort and helping a partner finish a mutual activity. Prosocial responses were lower in unilateral autonomous tasks such as assisting another person in opening a locked box and distributing a windfall of resources. Children did not show an overall preference for helping or sharing with adults versus peers except that they were more likely to support a peer than an adult in an instrumental helping task. Together, these findings suggest that toddlers' early prosocial skills and motivations are more sensitive to how toddlers are engaged with a partner than to who that partner is, implying that children have a nondiscriminatory general inclination to benefit others, especially in bilateral interactive scenarios.
Sam Wang.
Neuron, 2016

Sam Wang is a pioneer in using statistical methods to analyze U.S. presidential election polls. In this election season interview with Neuron, he discusses diagnosing partisan gerrymandering, his research on the cerebellum, and how he analyzes polls with high accuracy.