rudyvdbrink/CitationDatabase huggingface dataset:
The soluble neurexin-1β ectodomain causes calcium influx and augments dendritic outgrowth and synaptic transmission.
Scientific reports, 2020

Classically, neurexins are thought to mediate synaptic connections through trans interactions with a number of different postsynaptic partners. Neurexins are cleaved by metalloproteases in an activity-dependent manner, releasing the soluble extracellular domain. Here, we report that in both immature (before synaptogenesis) and mature (after synaptogenesis) hippocampal neurons, the soluble neurexin-1β ectodomain triggers acute Ca
Investigation of opposition to diagnostic or therapeutic procedures in older people hospitalized in acute geriatric services: the OPTAH pilot study protocol.
Pilot and feasibility studies, 2020

Shared decision-making is a process that involves collaborative discussions between a patient and a care team to ensure informed healthcare decisions. This process becomes more complex when the older person's decision-making capacities are affected. In these situations, surrogate decision-making processes are used to define a person-centered care plan. Despite these processes, the implementation of the care plan defined in the best interest of the patient may nevertheless be rejected by the patient, particularly in cases of neurocognitive disorders or delirium. This concept of opposition and/or refusal is frequently used in research. This is not yet well understood in the medical literature, and there is a lack of consensus on its definition. We, therefore, explored this concept by defining opposition to diagnostic or therapeutic proposals.
Wnt Signaling Regulates Ipsilateral Pathfinding in the Zebrafish Forebrain through slit3.
Neuroscience, 2020

The nervous system relies upon correct interconnections to exert its normal function. During vertebrate embryonic development, highly stereotyped scaffolds of axon tracts are formed early in the brain to set the foundation for the neuronal interconnections. During zebrafish early development, anterior dorsal telencephalic (ADt) neurons extend axons along the ipsilateral supraoptic tract (SOT) and the contralateral anterior commissure (AC). Our previous study shows axonal outgrowths along the AC/SOT tracts are coordinated by the guidance molecules Dcc-Netrin and Robo2-Slit, but it is not known how the expressions of these guidance molecules are regulated in the forebrain tissues. Here we show ectopic activation of Wnt signaling abolishes the ipsilateral SOT originating from the ADt neurons. Further mechanistic studies show ectopic activation of Wnt signaling significantly reduces Slits' expression, whilst mis-expression of Slit3 rescues SOT outgrowth. Together, our findings indicate Wnt signaling controls the ipsilateral axonal outgrowth through the regulation of slits' expression in the zebrafish forebrain.
Thalamic perforating artery stroke on computed tomography perfusion in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019.
Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association, 2020

Emerging evidence suggests that patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at risk of thromboembolic complications, including ischemic strokes. We present a case illustrating the value of CT perfusion to identify acute small subcortical infarcts in a patient with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit for bilateral pneumonia and pulmonary embolism presenting with sudden right limb weakness.
Animal identification.
Current protocols in neuroscience, 2004

Proper identification of animals is crucial in research, whether the animals are being used as experimental subjects, for breeding purposes, or as a source for tissues, cells, or fluids. This unit provides specific protocols for the ear punch (notch) and ear tag methods for mouse, rat and hamster; tattoos for mouse, rat and rabbit; and the correct use of a subcutaneous transponder system for all of the above species.
Giant axonal neuropathy diagnosed on skin biopsy.
Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia, 2014

Evaluation of hereditary axonal neuropathy in childhood is complex. Often, the child has to be subjected to general anaesthesia for a nerve biopsy to guide further genetic testing, which may or may not be readily available. We describe a toddler with clinical features suggesting giant axonal neuropathy (GAN), whose diagnosis was confirmed by minimally invasive skin biopsy and corroborated by the finding of compound heterozygous mutations involving the GAN gene, including a novel interstitial microdeletion at 16q23.2 detected by microarray and a point mutation detected by direct sequencing.
Progesterone decreases gut permeability through upregulating occludin expression in primary human gut tissues and Caco-2 cells.
Scientific reports, 2019

Progesterone plays a protective role in preventing inflammation and preterm delivery during pregnancy. However, the mechanism involved is unknown. Microbial product translocation from a permeable mucosa is demonstrated as a driver of inflammation. To study the mechanism of the protective role of progesterone during pregnancy, we investigated the effect of physiologic concentrations of progesterone on tight junction protein occludin expression and human gut permeability in vitro and systemic microbial translocation in pregnant women in vivo. Plasma bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a representative marker of in vivo systemic microbial translocation was measured. We found that plasma LPS levels were significantly decreased during 24 to 28 weeks of gestation compared to 8 to 12 weeks of gestation. Moreover, plasma LPS levels were negatively correlated with plasma progesterone levels but positively correlated with plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels at 8 to 12 weeks of gestation but not at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation. Progesterone treatment increased intestinal trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in primary human colon tissues and Caco-2 cells in vitro through upregulating tight junction protein occludin expression. Furthermore, progesterone exhibited an inhibitory effect on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation following LPS stimulation in Caco-2 cells. These results reveal a novel mechanism that progesterone may play an important role in decreasing mucosal permeability, systemic microbial translocation, and inflammation during pregnancy.
Common Challenges and Solutions Associated with the Preparation of Silicone-Injected Human Head and Neck Vessels for Anatomical Study.
Brain sciences, 2020

Neuroanatomy laboratory training is crucial for the education of neurosurgery residents and medical students. Since the brain is a complex and three-dimensional structure, it is challenging to understand the anatomical relationship of the cortex, internal structures, arteries, and veins without appropriate adjuncts. Several injection agents-including the inks/dyes, latex, polyester, acrylic resins, phenol, polyethylene glycol, and phenoxyethanol-have been explored. Colored silicon injection protocols for the head and neck vessels' perfusion have greatly aided the study of neuroanatomy and surgical planning. This report presents a colored silicone injection method in detail, and also highlights the technical shortcomings of the standard techniques and workarounds for common challenges during 35 human cadaveric head injections. The human cadaveric head preparation and the coloring of the head vessels are divided into decapitation, tissue fixation with 10% formalin, the placement of the Silastic tubing into the parent vessels, the cleaning of the vessels from clots, and the injection of the colored silicone into the vessels. We describe the technical details of the preparation, injection, and preservation of cadaveric heads, and outline common challenges during colored silicone injection, which include the dislocation of the Silastic tubing during the injection, the injection of the wrong or inappropriate colored silicone into the vessel, intracranial vessel perforation, the incomplete silicone casting of the vessel, and silicone leakage from small vessels in the neck. Solutions to these common challenges are provided. Ethyl alcohol fixed, colored human heads provided the long-term preservation of tissue, and improve the sample consistency and preservation for the teaching of neuroanatomy and surgical technique.
Age-related impairment of declarative memory: linking memorization of temporal associations to GluN2B redistribution in dorsal CA1.
Aging cell, 2020

GluN2B subunits of NMDA receptors have been proposed as a target for treating age-related memory decline. They are indeed considered as crucial for hippocampal synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-dependent memory formation, which are both altered in aging. Because a synaptic enrichment in GluN2B is associated with hippocampal LTP in vitro, a similar mechanism is expected to occur during memory formation. We show instead that a reduction of GluN2B synaptic localization induced by a single-session learning in dorsal CA1 apical dendrites is predictive of efficient memorization of a temporal association. Furthermore, synaptic accumulation of GluN2B, rather than insufficient synaptic localization of these subunits, is causally involved in the age-related impairment of memory. These challenging data identify extra-synaptic redistribution of GluN2B-containing NMDAR induced by learning as a molecular signature of memory formation and indicate that modulating GluN2B synaptic localization might represent a useful therapeutic strategy in cognitive aging.
Topical Application of Loperamide/Oxymorphindole, Mu and Delta Opioid Receptor Agonists, Reduces Sensitization of C-fiber Nociceptors that Possess Na
Neuroscience, 2020

It was recently shown that local injection, systemic administration or topical application of the peripherally-restricted mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist loperamide (Lo) and the delta-opioid receptor (DOR) agonist oxymorphindole (OMI) synergized to produce highly potent anti-hyperalgesia that was dependent on both MOR and DOR located in the periphery. We assessed peripheral mechanisms by which this Lo/OMI combination produces analgesia in mice expressing the light-sensitive protein channelrhodopsin2 (ChR2) in neurons that express Na
Influence of structural and functional brain connectivity on age-related differences in fluid cognition.
Neurobiology of aging, 2020

We used graph theoretical measures to investigate the hypothesis that structural brain connectivity constrains the influence of functional connectivity on the relation between age and fluid cognition. Across 143 healthy, community-dwelling adults 19-79 years of age, we estimated structural network properties from diffusion-weighted imaging and functional network properties from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. We confirmed previous reports of age-related decline in the strength and efficiency of structural networks, as well as in the connectivity strength within and between structural network modules. Functional networks, in contrast, exhibited age-related decline only in system segregation, a measure of the distinctiveness among network modules. Aging was associated with decline in a composite measure of fluid cognition, particularly tests of executive function. Functional system segregation was a significant mediator of age-related decline in executive function. Structural network properties did not directly influence the age-related decline in functional system segregation. The raw correlational data underlying the graph theoretical measures indicated that structural connectivity exerts a limited constraint on age-related decline in functional connectivity.
Traditional and biomedical care pathways for mental well-being in rural Nepal.
International journal of mental health systems, 2021

There is increasing access to mental health services in biomedical settings (e.g., primary care and specialty clinics) in low- and middle-income countries. Traditional healing continues to be widely available and used in these settings as well. Our goal was to explore how the general public, traditional healers, and biomedical clinicians perceive the different types of services and make decisions regarding using one or both types of care.
Organ of Corti explants direct tonotopically graded morphology of spiral ganglion neurons in vitro.
The Journal of comparative neurology, 2016

The spiral ganglion is a compelling model system to examine how morphological form contributes to sensory function. While the ganglion is composed mainly of a single class of type I neurons that make simple one-to-one connections with inner hair cell sensory receptors, it has an elaborate overall morphological design. Specific features, such as soma size and axon outgrowth, are graded along the spiral contour of the cochlea. To begin to understand the interplay between different regulators of neuronal morphology, we cocultured neuron explants with peripheral target tissues removed from distinct cochlear locations. Interestingly, these "hair cell microisolates" were capable of both increasing and decreasing neuronal somata size, without adversely affecting survival. Moreover, axon characteristics elaborated de novo by the primary afferents in culture were systematically regulated by the sensory endorgan. Apparent peripheral nervous system (PNS)-like and central nervous system (CNS)-like axonal profiles were established in our cocultures allowing an analysis of putative PNS/CNS axon length ratios. As predicted from the in vivo organization, PNS-like axon bundles elaborated by apical cocultures were longer than their basal counterparts and this phenotype was methodically altered when neuron explants were cocultured with microisolates from disparate cochlear regions. Thus, location-dependent signals within the organ of Corti may set the "address" of neurons within the spiral ganglion, allowing them to elaborate the appropriate tonotopically associated morphological features in order to carry out their signaling function. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:2182-2207, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reflections on Nursing Ingenuity During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, 2020

This reflections article provides insight toward nursing innovations to reduce the overuse of personal protective equipment while maintaining a safe environment for staff taking care of COVID-19 patients. The secondary aim of this article to capitalize on recent advances in mass electronic communication through social media to encourage nurses across the globe to share their knowledge and expertise during this pandemic.
Whole-Brain Map of Long-Range Monosynaptic Inputs to Different Cell Types in the Amygdala of the Mouse.
Neuroscience bulletin, 2020

The amygdala, which is involved in various behaviors and emotions, is reported to connect with the whole brain. However, the long-range inputs of distinct cell types have not yet been defined. Here, we used a retrograde trans-synaptic rabies virus to generate a whole-brain map of inputs to the main cell types in the mouse amygdala. We identified 37 individual regions that projected to neurons expressing vesicular glutamate transporter 2, 78 regions to parvalbumin-expressing neurons, 104 regions to neurons expressing protein kinase C-δ, and 89 regions to somatostatin-expressing neurons. The amygdala received massive projections from the isocortex and striatum. Several nuclei, such as the caudate-putamen and the CA1 field of the hippocampus, exhibited input preferences to different cell types in the amygdala. Notably, we identified several novel input areas, including the substantia innominata and zona incerta. These findings provide anatomical evidence to help understand the precise connections and diverse functions of the amygdala.
Synaptic phospholipids as a new target for cortical hyperexcitability and E/I balance in psychiatric disorders.
Molecular psychiatry, 2018

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a synaptic phospholipid, which regulates cortical excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance and controls sensory information processing in mice and man. Altered synaptic LPA signaling was shown to be associated with psychiatric disorders. Here, we show that the LPA-synthesizing enzyme autotaxin (ATX) is expressed in the astrocytic compartment of excitatory synapses and modulates glutamatergic transmission. In astrocytes, ATX is sorted toward fine astrocytic processes and transported to excitatory but not inhibitory synapses. This ATX sorting, as well as the enzymatic activity of astrocyte-derived ATX are dynamically regulated by neuronal activity via astrocytic glutamate receptors. Pharmacological and genetic ATX inhibition both rescued schizophrenia-related hyperexcitability syndromes caused by altered bioactive lipid signaling in two genetic mouse models for psychiatric disorders. Interestingly, ATX inhibition did not affect naive animals. However, as our data suggested that pharmacological ATX inhibition is a general method to reverse cortical excitability, we applied ATX inhibition in a ketamine model of schizophrenia and rescued thereby the electrophysiological and behavioral schizophrenia-like phenotype. Our data show that astrocytic ATX is a novel modulator of glutamatergic transmission and that targeting ATX might be a versatile strategy for a novel drug therapy to treat cortical hyperexcitability in psychiatric disorders.
The Role of Bile Acids in Chronic Diarrhea.
The American journal of gastroenterology, 2020

Bile acids (BAs) are the central signals in enterohepatic communication, and they also integrate microbiota-derived signals into enterohepatic signaling. The tissue distribution and signaling pathways activated by BAs through natural receptors, farsenoid X receptor and G protein-coupled BA receptor 1 (GPBAR1, also known as Takeda G-coupled receptor 5), have led to a greater understanding of the mechanisms and potential therapeutic agents. BA diarrhea is most commonly encountered in ileal resection or disease, in idiopathic disorders (with presentation similar to functional diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea), and in association with malabsorption such as chronic pancreatitis or celiac disease. Diagnosis of BA diarrhea is based on Se-homocholic acid taurine retention, 48-hour fecal BA excretion, or serum 7αC4; the latter being a marker of hepatic BA synthesis. BA diarrhea tends to be associated with higher body mass index, increased stool weight and stool fat, and acceleration of colonic transit. Biochemical markers of increased BA synthesis or excretion are available through reference laboratories. Current treatment of BA diarrhea is based on BA sequestrants, and, in the future, it is anticipated that farsenoid X receptor agonists may also be effective. The optimal conditions for an empiric trial with BA sequestrants as a diagnostic test are still unclear. However, such therapeutic trials are widely used in clinical practice. Some national guidelines recommend definitive diagnosis of BA diarrhea over empirical trial.
The Neuronal Basis of an Illusory Motion Percept Is Explained by Decorrelation of Parallel Motion Pathways.
Current biology : CB, 2018

Both vertebrates and invertebrates perceive illusory motion, known as "reverse-phi," in visual stimuli that contain sequential luminance increments and decrements. However, increment (ON) and decrement (OFF) signals are initially processed by separate visual neurons, and parallel elementary motion detectors downstream respond selectively to the motion of light or dark edges, often termed ON- and OFF-edges. It remains unknown how and where ON and OFF signals combine to generate reverse-phi motion signals. Here, we show that each of Drosophila's elementary motion detectors encodes motion by combining both ON and OFF signals. Their pattern of responses reflects combinations of increments and decrements that co-occur in natural motion, serving to decorrelate their outputs. These results suggest that the general principle of signal decorrelation drives the functional specialization of parallel motion detection channels, including their selectivity for moving light or dark edges.
The impact of the implementation of a mobile stroke unit on a stroke cohort.
Clinical neurology and neurosurgery, 2020

Mobile stroke units (MSUs), specialized ambulances with a built-in computed tomography (CT) scanner and telemedicine connected stroke team, have been on the rise in recent years largely due to the 'time is brain' concept. We aim to report our initial experience since establishing our MSU, the first unit in the Tri-state area, and assess its impact on the stroke standards of care timeline.
Hair-pulling disorder (Trichotillomania): Etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment in a nutshell.
Dermatologic therapy, 2021

Hair-pulling disorder (Trichotillomania) is a disabling mental disorder. Patient's behavior is characterized by the recurrent pulling of own hair with hair loss and a marked dysfunction in various areas of daily life. Trichotillomania is a relatively common disorder with pediatric onset, often associated with significant morbidity, comorbidity, and functional decline. Surprisingly, children or adolescents have been little studied in the research studies on the pathophysiology and psychopathology of trichotillomania. Furthermore, more evidences regarding the effective and evidence-based pharmacological interventions for the treatment of this condition are encouraged. This narrative review will report on the etiopathogenesis and clinical manifestations of trichotillomania including criteria for diagnosis and treatment issues of this complex mental disorder.
A fusion PET-MRI system with a high-resolution research tomograph-PET and ultra-high field 7.0 T-MRI for the molecular-genetic imaging of the brain.
Proteomics, 2008

We have developed a positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fusion system for the molecular-genetic imaging (MGI) of the in vivo human brain using two high-end imaging devices: the HRRT-PET, a high-resolution research tomograph dedicated to brain imaging on the molecular level, and the 7.0 T-MRI, an ultra-high field version used for morphological imaging. HRRT-PET delivers high-resolution molecular imaging with a resolution down to 2.5 mm full width at half maximum (FWHM), which allows us to observe the brain's molecular changes using the specific reporter genes and probes. On the other front, the 7.0 T-MRI, with submillimeter resolution images of the cortical areas down to 250 mum, allows us to visualize the fine details of the brainstem areas as well as the many cortical and subcortical areas. The new PET-MRI fusion imaging system will provide many answers to the questions on neurological diseases as well as cognitive neurosciences. Some examples of the answers are the quantitative visualization of neuronal functions by clear molecular and genetic bases, as well as diagnoses of many neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The salient point of molecular-genetic imaging and diagnosis is the fact that they precede the morphological manifestations, and hence, the early and specific diagnosis of certain diseases, such as cancers.