Auditory Salience Detection Across Wake and Sleep States: Mismatch Negativity and Event-Related Spectral Perturbation in the Rat Superior Colliculus.

Understanding the detection of salient auditory stimuli by the deep layer of the superior colliculus (dSC) during REM and NREM sleep offers valuable insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms of state-dependent auditory information processing. We recorded local field potentials (LFP) from dSC, electrocorticogram (ECoG) from frontal/parietal cortical regions, and neck electromyogram (EMG) in freely moving rats during sleep and awake states under oddball paradigm auditory stimulations. Our analysis focused on mismatch negativity (MMN) responses and event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) in slow gamma (30-60 Hz) activity (SGA) and medium gamma (60-95 Hz) activity (MGA) frequency bands in wakefulness, REM and NREM sleep using three different intensities (35-, 55-, 80-dB) of stimulation.

Expression of toll-like receptors and inflammatory mediators in primary human glioma cells (low- and high-grade) compared to primary cells from epileptic human brain.

Objectives: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of glioma as principal regulators of inflammation and innate immune function. Considering the heterogeneous nature of gliomas, ranging from low to high grade with different therapeutic responses, investigating the differences in the levels of TLR2 and TLR4 and associated inflammatory markers in these distinct groups is of great clinical significance.

Materials And Methods: In this study, we investigated changes in the protein expression levels of TLR2 and TLR4, along with key inflammatory mediators, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) as a downstream signaling molecule, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a target of NF-κB activation, by using western blotting.

Impact of 5-ALA-induced PPIX accumulation on neural stem cell behavior.

5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a widely recognized and effective tool for improving tumor resections during surgical interventions but may directly interact with cells in the tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, there remains an ongoing debate regarding the impact of 5-ALA on neural stem cells (NSCs). This study aims to investigate the effects of 5-ALA on both NSCs and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs).

Pericyte-glial cell interactions: Insights into brain health and disease.

Pericytes are multi-functional mural cells of the central nervous system that cover the capillary endothelial cells. Pericytes play a vital role in nervous system development, significantly influencing the formation, maturation, and maintenance of the central nervous system. An expanding body of studies has revealed that pericytes establish carefully regulated interactions with oligodendrocytes, microglia, and astrocytes.

Significance of NMDA receptor-targeting compounds in neuropsychological disorders: An in-depth review.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), a subclass of glutamate-gated ion channels, play an integral role in the maintenance of synaptic plasticity and excitation-inhibition balance within the central nervous system (CNS). Any irregularities in NMDAR functions, whether hypo-activation or over-activation, can destabilize neural networks and impair CNS function. Several decades of experimental and clinical investigations have demonstrated that NMDAR dysfunction is implicated in the pathophysiology of various neurological disorders.

Nano-scaffold containing functional motif of stromal cell-derived factor 1 enhances neural stem cell behavior and synaptogenesis in traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, presenting a significant challenge due to the lack of effective therapies. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have shown promising potential in preclinical studies as a therapy for TBI. However, their application is limited by challenges related to poor survival and integration within the injured brain.

Unveiling Molecular Dynamics of MeCp2, CDKL5 and BDNF in the Hippocampus of Individuals With Intractable Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

Mutations occurring in the MeCp2, CDKL5 and BDNF genes have been linked to epileptogenesis in various epilepsy syndromes. This study employed bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomic data to examine the interrelationship among these genes in both epileptic and healthy individuals. Moreover, we assessed the expression of MeCp2, CDKL5 and BDNF at both mRNA and protein levels in human hippocampal tissues obtained from 22 patients undergoing epilepsy surgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) as well as from 25 autopsied specimens.

Regulatory role of circular RNAs in the development of therapeutic resistance in the glioma: A double-edged sword.

Gliomas are the most common lethal tumors of the brain associated with a poor prognosis and increased resistance to chemo-radiotherapy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), newly identified noncoding RNAs, have appeared as critical regulators of therapeutic resistance among multiple cancers and gliomas. Since circRNAs are aberrantly expressed in glioma and may act as promoters or inhibitors of therapeutic resistance, we categorized alterations of these specific RNAs expression in therapy resistant-glioma in three different classes, including chemoresistance, radioresistance, and glioma stem cell (GSC)-regulation.

Molecular insights on the solvent screening for the benzene extraction from fuels using ionic liquids via QSPR method.

Benzene separation from hydrocarbon mixtures is a challenge in the refining and petrochemical industries. The application of liquid-liquid extraction process using ionic liquids (I.Ls) is an option for this separation.

Vagus nerve stimulation and gut microbiota interactions: A novel therapeutic avenue for neuropsychiatric disorders.

The rising prevalence of treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric disorders underscores the need for innovative and effective treatment strategies. The gut microbiota (GM) plays a pivotal role in the progression of these diseases, influencing the brain and mental health through the gut-brain axis (GBA). The vagus nerve plays a significant role in the GBA, making it a key area of focus for potential novel therapeutic interventions.

Unlocking Hope: Therapeutic Advances and Approaches in Modulating the Wnt Pathway for Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are conditions characterized by sensory, motor, and cognitive impairments due to alterations in the structure and function of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Despite their widespread occurrence, the exact causes of NDs remain largely elusive, and existing treatments fall short in efficacy. The Wnt signaling pathway is an emerging molecular pathway that has been linked to the development and progression of various NDs.

The effects of self-assembling peptide on glial cell activation.

Glial cells play a critical role in the healthy and diseased phases of the central nervous system (CNS). CNS diseases involve a wide range of pathological conditions characterized by poor recovery of neuronal function. Glial cell-related target therapies are progressively gaining interest in inhibiting secondary injury-related death.

Fucosyltransferase 3 and 8 promote the metastatic capacity of cancer stem-like cells via CD15s and E-cadherin in esophageal cancer.

Objectives: Esophageal cancer stem cells (ECSCs) have been identified as the subset of cells within esophageal squamous cell carcinoma that possess tumorigenic, invasive, and metastatic properties. One important aspect of cancer metastasis is the binding of sialyl-Lewis X (CD15s) with E- or P-selectin, which facilitates the adhesion and migration of cancer cells to distant sites. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of fucosylation processes on the metastatic behavior of ECSCs.

CircZNF609 and circNFIX as possible regulators of glioblastoma pathogenesis via miR-145-5p/EGFR axis.

Glioblastoma is a rare and deadly malignancy with a low survival rate. Emerging evidence has shown that aberrantly expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a critical role in the initiation and progression of GBM tumorigenesis. The oncogenic function of circZNF609 and circNFIX is involved in several types of cancer, but the role and underlying mechanism of these circRNAs in glioblastoma remain unclear.

Enhancing 5-ALA-PDT efficacy against resistant tumor cells: Strategies and advances.

As a precursor of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), an endogenous pro-apoptotic and fluorescent molecule, 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has gained substantial attention for its potential in fluorescence-guided surgery as well as photodynamic therapy (PDT). Moreover, 5-ALA-PDT has been suggested as a promising chemo-radio sensitization therapy for various cancers. However, insufficient 5-ALA-induced PpIX fluorescence and the induction of multiple resistance mechanisms may hinder the 5-ALA-PDT clinical outcome.

Impact of NQO1 dysregulation in CNS disorders.

NAD(P)H Quinone Dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of neuronal function and synaptic plasticity, cellular adaptation to oxidative stress, neuroinflammatory and degenerative processes, and tumorigenesis in the central nervous system (CNS). Impairment of the NQO1 activity in the CNS can result in abnormal neurotransmitter release and clearance, increased oxidative stress, and aggravated cellular injury/death. Furthermore, it can cause disturbances in neural circuit function and synaptic neurotransmission.

Detection of spreading depression features from the scalp of epileptic patients.

Spreading depression (SD), a pathological cortical negative DC potential, is caused by an elevation of potassium ions in the extracellular space. This leads to a transient relocation of ions within neurons and a slow spread through brain tissue. Our previous research established a correlation between scalp SD and seizures in patients with intractable epilepsy using our novel electroencephalography (EEG).

Clinical evaluation of liposome-based gel formulation containing glycolic acid for the treatment of photodamaged skin.

Long contact of UV causes skin damage. Glycolic acid (GA) as an alpha hydroxy acid is used to treat photodamaged skin. However, GA leads to side effects including; burning, erythema and peeling.

Electrophysiological and molecular changes following neuroprotective placental protein administration on tinnitus-induced rats.

Objective: Despite 6%-20% of the adult population suffering from tinnitus, there is no standard treatment for it. Placenta extract has been used for various therapeutic purposes, including hearing loss. Here, we evaluate the effect of a novel neuroprotective protein composition (NPPC) extract on electrophysiological and molecular changes in the medial geniculate body (MGB) of tinnitus-induced rats.

Isolation and Culture of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells from the Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus of Young Adult and Aged Rats.

Adult neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in two neurogenic areas of the brain, the dentate gyrus and the subventricular zone, are major players in adult neurogenesis. Addressing specific questions regarding NSPCs outside of their niche entails in vitro studies through isolation and culture of these cells. As there is heterogeneity in their morphology, proliferation, and differentiation capacity between these two neurogenic areas, NSPCs should be isolated from each area through specific procedures and media.

Clinical Correlation of Altered Molecular Signatures in Epileptic Human Hippocampus and Amygdala.

Widespread alterations in the expression of various genes could contribute to the pathogenesis of epilepsy. The expression levels of various genes, including major inhibitory and excitatory receptors, ion channels, cell type-specific markers, and excitatory amino acid transporters, were assessed and compared between the human epileptic hippocampus and amygdala, and findings from autopsy controls. Moreover, the potential correlation between molecular alterations in epileptic brain tissues and the clinical characteristics of patients undergoing epilepsy surgery was evaluated.