rudyvdbrink/CitationDatabase huggingface dataset:
Scalable method for micro-CT analysis enables large scale quantitative characterization of brain lesions and implants.
Scientific reports, 2020

Anatomic evaluation is an important aspect of many studies in neuroscience; however, it often lacks information about the three-dimensional structure of the brain. Micro-CT imaging provides an excellent, nondestructive, method for the evaluation of brain structure, but current applications to neurophysiological or lesion studies require removal of the skull as well as hazardous chemicals, dehydration, or embedding, limiting their scalability and utility. Here we present a protocol using eosin in combination with bone decalcification to enhance contrast in the tissue and then employ monochromatic and propagation phase-contrast micro-CT imaging to enable the imaging of brain structure with the preservation of the surrounding skull. Instead of relying on descriptive, time-consuming, or subjective methods, we develop simple quantitative analyses to map the locations of recording electrodes and to characterize the presence and extent of hippocampal brain lesions.
A positive feedback loop between Flower and PI(4,5)P
eLife, 2020

Synaptic vesicle (SV) endocytosis is coupled to exocytosis to maintain SV pool size and thus neurotransmitter release. Intense stimulation induces activity-dependent bulk endocytosis (ADBE) to recapture large quantities of SV constituents in large endosomes from which SVs reform. How these consecutive processes are spatiotemporally coordinated remains unknown. Here, we show that Flower Ca
Awareness of danger inside the egg: Evidence of innate and learned predator recognition in cuttlefish embryos.
Learning & behavior, 2020

Predation can be a very strong selective pressure on prey. Many studies have shown the existence of innate anti-predator responses, mostly in the early developmental stages of juvenile vertebrates. Learning to recognize predators is another possible defensive resource, but such a method involves a high death risk. There is evidence that prenatal learning exists in animals but few studies have explicitly tested for embryonic learning. The aim of this study was to test innate and learned predator recognition in cuttlefish embryos. For this, naïve embryos were exposed to chemical and visual cues emanating from predators, non-predators, and ink. Their response was assessed by measuring their ventilation rate (VR). We first show that VR decreased in response to both visual and chemical predatory cues and ink but not to non-predatory cues. Second, we show that when non-predatory cues (visual or chemical) are paired with predatory cues or ink for several days, embryonic VR significantly decreased. Such a response is likely adaptive, especially in a translucent egg, since it results in reduced movement and hence may lower the risk of detection by visual predators. This freezing-like behavior may also reduce the bioelectric field, thus lessening the predation risk by non-visual foragers. Our results report that cuttlefish embryos had an innate capacity to differentiate between harmless and harmful chemical and visual cues. They were also capable of learning to respond to harmless cues when they were paired with danger (predator or ink) based on conditioning. The combination of these behavioral mechanisms is an example of the early adaptability of cephalopods. Such behavioral plasticity may give the newly hatched cuttlefish a selective advantage when dealing with either known or unfamiliar threats. Nevertheless, more experiments are needed to test the efficiency of the embryos' response faced with known or new predators.
Comparative technical analysis of lipoaspirate mechanical processing devices.
Journal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, 2020

Fat grafting is a well-established procedure in reconstructive, aesthetic, and regenerative medicine, in particular due to the presence in the adipose tissue of a high concentration of mesenchymal stem cells. The need to reduce fat processing times, for an immediate clinical use and regulatory restrictions on the degree of manipulation of human tissues, has led to the development of numerous devices for the mechanical, nonenzymatic processing of adipose tissue. The aim of this study is to describe the state of the art of mechanical devices used for fat processing, performing a technical analysis of the currently commercially available devices. This should facilitate the development of new devices that improve therapeutic results.
Predictors of Quality of Life Improvement with Escitalopram and Adjunctive Aripiprazole in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: A CAN-BIND Study Report.
CNS drugs, 2021

Non-response to first-line treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) is common; for such individuals, quality of life (QoL) impairments can be severe. Identifying predictors of QoL changes may support the management of cases with persistent depressive symptoms despite adequate initial pharmacological/psychological treatment.
Double threat in striatal dopamine signaling.
Nature neuroscience, 2018

In this issue of Nature Neuroscience, Menegas et al. demonstrate a role for midbrain dopamine neurons projecting to the tail of the striatum in encoding stimulus novelty and threat avoidance. From this study emerges a model whereby distinct dopaminergic projections to striatum influence behavior along at least two axes, one representing value and one representing threat.
Phenotypic variation between siblings with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy.
Orphanet journal of rare diseases, 2019

Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the ARSA gene. While interventional trials often use untreated siblings as controls, the genotype-phenotype correlation is only partly understood, and the variability of the clinical course between siblings is unclear with some evidence for a discrepant clinical course in juvenile patients. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate the phenotypic variation in MLD siblings in comparison to the variability in a larger MLD cohort and to case reports published in literature.
Differences in Febrile and Respiratory Illnesses in Minority Children: The Sociodemographic Context of Restrictive Parenting.
Academic pediatrics, 2019

To examine the moderating role of restrictive parenting on the relation of socioeconomic status (SES) to febrile illnesses (FIs) and upper respiratory illnesses (URIs) among ethnic minority and non-minority children.
Rod Photoreceptor Activation Alone Defines the Release of Dopamine in the Retina.
Current biology : CB, 2019

Retinal dopamine is released by a specialized subset of amacrine cells in response to light and has a potent influence on how the retina responds to, and encodes, visual information. Here, we address the critical question of which retinal photoreceptor is responsible for coordinating the release of this neuromodulator. Although all three photoreceptor classes-rods, cones, and melanopsin-containing retinal ganglion cells (mRGCs)-have been shown to provide electrophysiological inputs to dopaminergic amacrine cells (DACs), we show here that the release of dopamine is defined only by rod photoreceptors. Remarkably, this rod signal coordinates both a suppressive signal at low intensities and drives dopamine release at very bright light intensities. These data further reveal that dopamine release does not necessarily correlate with electrophysiological activity of DACs and add to a growing body of evidence that rods define aspects of retinal function at very bright light levels.
Monoamine oxidase A inhibition with moclobemide enhances the anti-parkinsonian effect of L-DOPA in the MPTP-lesioned marmoset.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology, 2020

Whereas monoamine oxidase (MAO) type B inhibitors are used as adjunct to L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), the enzyme MAO type A (MAO-A) also participates in the metabolism of dopamine in the human and primate striatum. Here, we sought to assess the effect of the selective reversible MAO-A inhibitor moclobemide on L-DOPA anti-parkinsonian in the gold standard animal model of PD, the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-lesioned primate. We also assessed the effect of moclobemide on L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia and psychosis-like behaviours (PLBs). Experiments were performed in six MPTP-lesioned marmosets chronically treated with L-DOPA and exhibiting stable dyskinesia and PLBs upon each administration. In a randomised within-subject design, animals were administered a therapeutic dose of L-DOPA in combination with moclobemide (0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg) or its vehicle, after which the severity of parkinsonism, dyskinesia, and PLBs was rated by an experienced blinded rater. Moclobemide significantly reduced the global parkinsonian disability (- 36% with 0.1 mg/kg, P < 0.05; - 38% with 1 mg/kg, P < 0.01; - 47% with 10 mg/kg, P < 0.01), when compared with its vehicle. This reduction of parkinsonism was not accompanied by an exacerbation of dyskinesia or PLBs. Reversible MAO-A inhibition with moclobemide appears as an effective way to increase the anti-parkinsonian action of L-DOPA, without negatively affecting dyskinesia or dopaminergic psychosis.
La CaSSA da Drosophila: A Versatile Expansion of the Tool Box.
Neuron, 2019

In this issue of Neuron, Garcia-Marques et al. (2019) describe a new set of elegant tools based on the single strand annealing DNA repair system and CRISPR technology that provide many avenues for genetic and cellular manipulations.
Association between chronic pain and long-term cognitive decline in a population-based cohort of elderly participants.
Pain, 2021

Chronic pain (CP) was associated with impaired cognitive performance in several cross-sectional studies conducted in older adults; however, fewer longitudinal studies assessed this link that remains still debated. With a prospective design, the present analysis was aimed at evaluating the relationship between CP and the change in several tests assessing memory, attention, verbal fluency, and processing speed. The study population was selected from the PAQUID study, a cohort of community dwellers aged 65 years and older; 693 subjects receiving a pain assessment were included. Chronic pain was evaluated using a questionnaire administered at 3-year follow-up. Cognitive performances were assessed every 2 to 3 years between 3 and 15 years assessing general cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination), verbal and visual memory (word paired-associate test and Benton test), attention and speed processing (Wechsler Digit Symbol Substitution Test and Zazzo's Cancellation Task), and language skills and executive functions (Isaacs Set Test). The link between CP and the change in cognitive function was assessed with latent process mixed models controlled for age, sex, education, comorbidities, depression, and analgesic drugs. The association between CP and each of the cognitive scores was then tested with the same procedure. A significant relationship was observed between CP and poorer 15-year scores on global cognitive performance (P = 0.004), and specifically, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (P = 0.002) was associated with a higher slope of decline (P = 0.02). Chronic pain is associated with a higher cognitive decline, particularly in processing speed. This result reinforces the importance of actively treating CP with pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies to prevent its consequences, including cognitive consequences.
[Principle of the useful field of view and normative data].
Journal francais d'ophtalmologie, 2015

The useful field of view is a test which takes into account the influence of patient attention during the evaluation of the visual field. This study aims to generate normative data for an adaptation of the useful field of view (UFOV) test. These normative data are essential to judge, in a clinical setting, whether patients' performance is normal or not across demographically similar peers, in order to advise whether or not to resume driving after a brain injury (traumatic brain injury, stroke or cerebral tumour).
Hormonal reactivity during martial arts practice among high-risk youths.
Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2020

Martial arts have become a popular afterschool activity for youths across the globe. Accumulating data suggest that these activities may confer substantial cognitive and psychological benefits, and recent efforts have been made to introduce martial arts training into educational and rehabilitation settings. However, few studies have examined the potential mechanisms that may underlie these benefits. The current study evaluated the reactivity of two hormones, oxytocin (OT) and cortisol (CT), thought to be respectively involved in regulating mammalian social behaviors and responsivity to stress, to a session of intensive martial arts training in samples of at high-risk and low-risk (in regular educational establishments) youths. OT and CT were measured at baseline, during peak training, and following a cool down period. Analyses revealed that high-risk youths had lower OT but similar CT baseline levels, compared to low-risk youths, prior to the martial arts session. A significant group by time interaction indicated that whereas the OT levels among low-risk youths returned to baseline levels following training, OT levels among high-risk youths remained elevated. Finally, unlike low-risk youths for whom CT levels continued to increase throughout the training session, high-risk youths showed no significant CT reactivity. This study suggests that some of the beneficial effects of martial arts may be related to hormonal processes, especially increases in OT levels, and highlights the differing effects that training may have in different populations.
Dietary Mitophagy Enhancer: A Strategy for Healthy Brain Aging?
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 2020

Recently, nutritional interventions have received attention as promising approaches to promote human health during a lifespan. The Mediterranean and Okinawan diets have been associated with longevity and decreasing risk for age-related diseases in contrast to the Western diet. The effect might be due to several antioxidative bioactive compounds highly consumed in both diets, namely, resveratrol, hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, curcumin, and spermidine. This review aims to address the underlying mechanisms of these compounds to enhance mental fitness throughout life with a focus on brain mitophagy. Mitophagy is the autophagic clearance of dysfunctional, redundant, and aged mitochondria. In aging and neurodegenerative disorders, mitophagy is crucial to preserve the autophagy mechanism of the whole cell, especially during oxidative stress. Growing evidence indicates that curcumin, astaxanthin, resveratrol, hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, and spermidine might exert protective functions via antioxidative properties and as well the enhanced induction of mitophagy mediators. The compounds seem to upregulate mitophagy and thereby alleviate the clearance of dysfunctional and aged mitochondria as well as mitogenesis. Thus, the Mediterranean or Okinawan diet could represent a feasible nutritional approach to reduce the risk of developing age-related cognitive impairment and corresponding disorders via the stimulation of mitophagy and thereby ensure a balanced redox state of brain cells.
ALS Genetics: Gains, Losses, and Implications for Future Therapies.
Neuron, 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of motor neurons from the brain and spinal cord. The ALS community has made remarkable strides over three decades by identifying novel familial mutations, generating animal models, elucidating molecular mechanisms, and ultimately developing promising new therapeutic approaches. Some of these approaches reduce the expression of mutant genes and are in human clinical trials, highlighting the need to carefully consider the normal functions of these genes and potential contribution of gene loss-of-function to ALS. Here, we highlight known loss-of-function mechanisms underlying ALS, potential consequences of lowering levels of gene products, and the need to consider both gain and loss of function to develop safe and effective therapeutic strategies.
Clinical management of cerebral small vessel disease: a call for a holistic approach.
Chinese medical journal, 2020

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a common global brain disease that causes cognitive impairment, ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, problems with mobility, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The brain damage, seen as focal white and deep grey matter lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), typically accumulates "covertly" and may reach an advanced state before being detected incidentally on brain scanning or causing symptoms. Patients have typically presented to different clinical services or been recruited into research focused on one clinical manifestation, perhaps explaining a lack of awareness, until recently, of the full range and complexity of SVD.In this review, we discuss the varied clinical presentations, established and emerging risk factors, relationship to SVD features on MRI or CT, and the current state of knowledge on the effectiveness of a wide range of pharmacological and lifestyle interventions. The core message is that effective assessment and clinical management of patients with SVD, as well as future advances in diagnosis, care, and treatment, will require a more "joined-up"' approach. This approach should integrate clinical expertise in stroke neurology, cognitive, and physical dysfunctions. It requires more clinical trials in order to improve pharmacological interventions, lifestyle and dietary modifications. A deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of SVD is required to steer the identification of novel interventions. An essential prerequisite to accelerating clinical trials is to improve the consistency, and standardization of clinical, cognitive and neuroimaging endpoints.
Effects of topographical guidance cues on osteoblast cell migration.
Scientific reports, 2020

Cell migration is a fundamental process that is crucial for many biological functions in the body such as immune responses and tissue regeneration. Dysregulation of this process is associated with cancer metastasis. In this study, polydimethylsiloxane platforms with various topographical features were engineered to explore the influence of guiding patterns on MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cell migration. Focusing on the guiding effects of grating patterns, variations such as etch depth, pattern discontinuity, and bending angles were investigated. In all experiments, MC3T3-E1 cells on patterned surfaces demonstrated a higher migration speed and alignment when compared to flat surfaces. The study revealed that an increase in etch depth from 150 nm to 4.5 μm enhanced cell alignment and elongation along the grating patterns. In the presence of discontinuous elements, cell migration speed was accelerated when compared to gratings of the same etch depth. These results indicated that cell directionality preference was influenced by a high level of pattern discontinuity. On patterns with bends, cells were more inclined to reverse on 45° bends, with 69% of cells reversing at least once, compared to 54% on 135° bends. These results are attributed to cell morphology and motility mechanisms that are associated with surface topography, where actin filament structures such as filopodia and lamellipodia are essential in sensing the surrounding environment and controlling cell displacement. Knowledge of geometric guidance cues could provide a better understanding on how cell migration is influenced by extracellular matrix topography in vivo.
Circulating plasma testosterone during early neonatal life in the socially monogamous and biparental prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster).
Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2013

Adult male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) are highly gregarious and socially monogamous, which is dissimilar to most other male rodents but reminiscent of many primates, including humans. This has resulted in prairie voles becoming a premier model in which to study the neural and hormonal basis of complex social behaviors, as well as the atypical development of these behaviors. This research is impeded by the complete lack of knowledge about the gonadal steroid environment during early development in this species. In many other animals, testicular hormones released during perinatal life permanently organize the neural substrates underlying later social behaviors in males, so knowledge about the presence or possibly even absence of testosterone in male prairie vole pups would provide important insight into their neurobehavioral development. In this study, male and female prairie vole pups were sacrificed 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days after birth and radioimmunoassay used to determine plasma levels of testosterone. We found that testosterone was detectable in both sexes on all days and that levels were significantly higher in males than females. Testosterone in neonatal males was sometimes as high as breeding males sampled one day after the birth of a litter. This study is the first to examine circulating testosterone in neonatal prairie voles, or any other species of Microtus, and the results indicate similarity to other rodents. This is surprising because some previous studies manipulating gonadal hormones in neonatal prairie voles have found limited effects on their neurobehavioral development, suggesting the existence of some unique, yet-to-be-revealed aspects of their neuroendocrine profile during early life.
Stability, bifurcation and phase-locking of time-delayed excitatory-inhibitory neural networks.
Mathematical biosciences and engineering : MBE, 2020

We study a model for a network of synaptically coupled, excitable neurons to identify the role of coupling delays in generating different network behaviors. The network consists of two distinct populations, each of which contains one excitatory-inhibitory neuron pair. The two pairs are coupled via delayed synaptic coupling between the excitatory neurons, while each inhibitory neuron is connected only to the corresponding excitatory neuron in the same population. We show that multiple equilibria can exist depending on the strength of the excitatory coupling between the populations. We conduct linear stability analysis of the equilibria and derive necessary conditions for delay-induced Hopf bifurcation. We show that these can induce two qualitatively different phase-locked behaviors, with the type of behavior determined by the sizes of the coupling delays. Numerical bifurcation analysis and simulations supplement and confirm our analytical results. Our work shows that the resting equilibrium point is unaffected by the coupling, thus the network exhibits bistability between a rest state and an oscillatory state. This may help understand how rhythms spontaneously arise in neuronal networks.
Consumption of energy drinks is associated with depression, anxiety, and stress in young adult males: Evidence from a longitudinal cohort study.
Depression and anxiety, 2020

Energy drinks (EDs) claim to boost mental performance, however, few studies have examined the prospective effects of EDs on mental health. This study examined longitudinal associations between ED use and mental health symptoms in young adults aged 20 years over a 2-year period.