Distribution and activation of nitrergic neurons in response to aversive stimulus exposure in the Tropidurus hispidus lizard: Involvement of glutamatergic circuitry.

Introduction: Fear is a response to real aversive stimuli. Studies on phylogenetically distant species like reptiles can offer valuable insights into the neural mechanisms of fear.

Objective: To investigate the activation and distribution of nitrergic neurons in the telencephalon of Tropidurus hispidus lizards and evaluate the role of glutamatergic modulation via NMDA receptors following exposure to an aversive stimulus.

Antithrombotic therapy after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a Clinical Consensus Statement of the ESC Working Group on Cardiovascular Surgery, the ESC Working Group on Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS).

Antithrombotic therapy is essential after coronary artery bypass graft surgery to reduce ischaemic events and prevent graft occlusion. Although aspirin remains the most commonly used agent, in higher-risk patients, dual antiplatelet therapy or combining antiplatelet therapy with oral anticoagulation may be beneficial, but this increases bleeding risk. The choice of antithrombotic therapy should be tailored to each patient, based on their ischaemic and bleeding risks, and regularly reassessed.

Antithrombotic therapy after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a Clinical Consensus Statement of the ESC Working Group on Cardiovascular Surgery, the ESC Working Group on Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, and the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS).

Antithrombotic therapy is essential after coronary artery bypass graft surgery to reduce ischaemic events and prevent graft occlusion. Although aspirin remains the most commonly used agent, in higher-risk patients, dual antiplatelet therapy or combining antiplatelet therapy with oral anticoagulation may be beneficial, but this increases bleeding risk. The choice of antithrombotic therapy should be tailored to each patient, based on their ischaemic and bleeding risks, and regularly reassessed.

Stimulation of Transient Receptor Potential Channels TRPM3 and TRPM8 Increases Human Prostaglandin Endoperoxide Synthase-2 Promoter Activity.

The transient receptor potential channels TRPM3 and TRPM8 are cation channels that regulate numerous cellular activities, including thermo- and pain sensation. Stimulation of either TRPM3 or TRPM8 channels induces an intracellular signaling cascade that leads to the activation of stimulus-responsive transcription factors. As part of a search for delayed-response genes that are activated upon TRPM3 or TRPM8 stimulation, we analyzed the gene encoding prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase-2.

Effectiveness of perampanel as the only adjunctive anti-seizure medication in adults: Final results from the observational PERPRISE study in Germany.

Objective: The PERPRISE study (Study 509; NCT04202159) was a prospective, observational, non-interventional study in a real-world setting in Germany. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of perampanel as the only adjunctive treatment for 12 months in patients aged ≥18 years with focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (FBTCS) or generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) in clinical practice.

Methods: Adult patients with FBTCS or GTCS received perampanel as an adjunctive therapy to anti-seizure medication (ASM) monotherapy (add-on therapy) or as a substitute for one ASM in dual therapy (substitution therapy) per the approved indication.

Microglial metabolic reprogramming: Aucubin inhibits aldose reductase to reverse diabetic neuropathic pain.

This letter critically comments on the article by Zheng investigating the role of aucubin in alleviating diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP). DNP arises from hyperglycaemia-induced nerve injury and microglial reprogramming toward aerobic glycolysis. Aldose reductase (also known as AKR1B1) redirects excess glucose flux through the polyol pathway, thus increasing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown-associated visitor restrictions on mother-child interaction and emotional state of women in the puerperium - a retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of maternal isolation during the COVID-19 lockdown. Two main aspects were examined: (1) What impact do these social restrictions have on maternal depressive symptoms? and (2) Is there an influence on mother-child interaction? As secondary endpoints, we defined the influence of the restrictions on breastfeeding, the length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction during the inpatient stay due to the reduced number of visitors, and postpartum complications after discharge.

Materials And Methods: The study was conducted at a university-affiliated teaching hospital in Switzerland.

The anatomy of the cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus and its clinical significance - lesser occipital nerve. A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: This review aims to provide a current, comprehensive, and evidence-based overview of the anatomy of the lesser occipital nerve.

Materials And Methods: Major online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science) were searched to identify all studies reporting data on the anatomy of cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus. This review includes original studies containing morphometric and branching pattern data concerning LON.

Relationship Between Prostaglandin and Interleukin Concentrations in Seminal Fluid and Their Influence on the Rate of Fertilization in Men Undergoing ICSI.

Sperm count, motility, and morphology are semen parameters that directly affect male fertility. The presence of cytokines in seminal plasma negatively or positively influences these parameters. Interleukins and prostaglandins are proinflammatory cytokines present in human seminal plasma and play crucial roles in fertilization, in general and after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures.

Sex-Specific Properties of Astrocytes: From Development to Evolutionary Insights.

Exploring sex-specific differences in astrocytes has emerged as a vital area of neurobiological research. This research sheds light on how astrocytes in females and males differ in their contribution to neuronal functionality, overall brain health, and various neurological disorders. These cells play a critical role in sustaining homeostasis, providing metabolic support, facilitating neurotransmitter recycling and responding to injuries to the central nervous system.

DNA methylomes undergo distinct waves of remodeling during thymic T cell development and do not acquire a proliferation-induced imprint.

Dynamic changes of the DNA methylation (DNAmeth) landscape drive differentiation of mature T lymphocytes. However, the role of DNAmeth-mediated regulation in thymocyte development remains unclear. Thus, we generated genome-wide DNAmeth profiles of eight defined human thymocyte subsets, revealing two waves of DNAmeth remodeling: first before TCR rearrangement, then during final maturation.

Far from being the end of the road: taking a closer look at neuropalliative care in Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is now recognized as a multisystem, heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease with fluctuating trajectories and complex symptom profiles. Despite therapeutic advances, many patients (particularly women and those in late stages) and their caregivers face substantial unmet needs across physical, psychological, social, and spiritual domains, which highlight the need for a more integrative care model. Palliative care, defined as holistic, person-centered care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, is increasingly recognized as particularly relevant in PD, from early to terminal stages.

Pancreatic Endometriosis Coexisting with a Splenic Mesothelial Cyst: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Endometriosis is a clinical entity affecting up to 10% of women of reproductive age, characterized by ectopic endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. While extrapelvic endometriosis has been documented, pancreatic endometriosis remains extremely rare and poses significant diagnostic challenges due to its similarity to other pancreatic diseases. At the same time, splenic mesothelial cysts are also rare and typically benign.

Targeting pericytes in the retina: characterization of the inducible NG2-CreERT2 knock-in mouse model.

Pericytes (PCs) are mural cells embedded in a common basement membrane with endothelial cells (ECs) on capillaries. They are key players in the regulation of stability and function of blood vessels and are an essential component of the blood-brain and blood-retinal barrier. In addition, PCs are reported to be involved in wound healing and tissue regeneration and represent a promising target for the modulation of scarring processes.

From scRNA-seq to therapeutic targets: Unveiling the impact of activated mast cells on intestinal dysfunction in acute pancreatitis.

Wei reported a comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the small intestine during early acute pancreatitis (AP) and identified activated mast cells and their secretion of CCL5 as pivotal factors driving gut barrier dysfunction. By integrating scRNA-seq with and functional assays, this study advances our understanding of the cellular and molecular events underlying AP-associated intestinal injury. In this commentary, I highlight the methodological innovations employed in the study, contextualize its findings in the literature, and propose directions for future research.

Astrocytic connexin 43-hemichannels aggravate seizures by modulating blood-brain barrier permeability in temporal lobe epilepsy mice.

The involvement of astrocytic connexin 43 (Cx43) in epileptogenesis has been extensively studied through various approaches, yet the underlying mechanism remains enigmatic. In this study, we explored whether astrocytic Cx43 forms hemichannels (HCs) that contribute to seizure progression in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in mice. We focused on how these HCs influence the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a crucial factor in the pathophysiology of epilepsy.

Agreement Between Child Self- and Parent Proxy-Reports of Health-Related Quality of Life in Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Preliminary Insights from a Nationwide Patient Registry in Germany.

Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to examine the agreement between child self- and parent proxy-assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in the era of disease-modifying therapy.

Methods: Children with SMA and one of their parents were recruited via the German national TREAT-NMD SMA patient registry. HRQoL was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.

2024 taxonomy update for the family Retroviridae.

The Retroviridae are a family of viruses that reverse transcribe their RNA genome and integrate the resulting double-stranded DNA copy into the genome of the host cell. Retroviruses are well-documented pathogens that have been associated with a variety of diseases. The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) currently lists 65 species of retroviruses.

Synchronous Pancreatic Neoplasms Involving Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review of Case Reports.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common pancreatic malignancy and is characterized by a very unfavorable prognosis. Rarely, patients may develop synchronous PDAC and another distinct primary pancreatic tumor, such as a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. This systematic review consolidates published case reports describing the presentation, imaging characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with synchronous PDAC and other pancreatic malignancies.

MICOS.

von der Malsburg et al. introduce the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system, a complex that localises to the inner mitochondrial membrane at crista junctions and stabilises these curved membrane domains.

Zwitterionic Heavier Pnictinidenes in Redox Catalysis.

Herein, we describe a new class of zwitterionic heavier pnictogen species with bis(N-heterocyclic carbene)borate as ligands, enabling the isolation of stable Sb and Bi species in multiple oxidation states. Computational analysis of zwitterionic pnictinidenes revealed their cationic character at the metal centre while holding unique electronic properties that contribute to their nucleophilicity and stability. These systems participate in oxidative addition and reductive elimination processes, and display redox catalytic activity in hydrodefluorination reactions, marking a unique example of cationic pnictinidene catalysing a redox transformation and providing reactivity beyond the constraints of pincer ligands.

Cannabidiol reverses microglia activation and deficits of parvalbumin interneurons and their perineuronal nets in a MK-801-induced mouse model of schizophrenia.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown potential for treating schizophrenia (SCZ) by targeting its positive and negative cognitive symptoms. In this study, we investigated if CBD could reverse the memory impairment observed after chronic administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801. Chronic treatment with MK-801 (0.

Malignant Rhabdoid Tumors of Cranial Nerves-A Clinically Distinct Group With Characteristic Neuroradiological, Histopathological, and Molecular Features.

Background: Malignant rhabdoid tumors occasionally develop along cranial nerves, but clinical, histopathological, and molecular features have not been examined in larger series.

Procedure: We retrospectively interrogated data from the European Rhabdoid Registry, EU-RHAB, to identify malignant rhabdoid tumors affecting cranial nerves. We retrieved clinical information and reviewed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.