c-Fos is a good biological marker for detecting the pathogenesis of central nervous system disorders.Few studies are reported on the change in myocardial infarction-induced c-Fos expression in the paralimbic regions.T...c-Fos is a good biological marker for detecting the pathogenesis of central nervous system disorders.Few studies are reported on the change in myocardial infarction-induced c-Fos expression in the paralimbic regions.Thus,in this study,we investigated the changes in c-Fos expression in the rat cingulate and piriform cortices after myocardial infarction.Neuronal degeneration in cingulate and piriform cortices after myocardial infarction was detected using cresyl violet staining,Neu N immunohistochemistry and Fluoro-Jade B histofluorescence staining.c-Fos-immunoreactive cells were observed in cingulate and piriform cortices at 3 days after myocardial infarction and peaked at 7 and 14 days after myocardial infarction.But they were hardly observed at 56 days after myocardial infarction.The chronological change of c-Fos expression determined by western blot analysis was basically the same as that of c-Fos immunoreactivity.These results indicate that myocardial infarction can cause the chronological change of immediate-early response gene c-Fos protein expression,which might be associated with the neural activity induced by myocardial infarction.展开更多
Background: cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is one of the cellular transcription factors found in neurons. CREB is also important for the survival of neurons, and has an important role in the development ...Background: cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is one of the cellular transcription factors found in neurons. CREB is also important for the survival of neurons, and has an important role in the development of drug addiction. Datura stramonium (DS) is a tropical ubiquitous plant commonly used to increase the intoxication of certain beverages for recreational purposes. The seeds of this plant are very toxic and may produce addiction on prolong usage. This research investigated the effects of administration of high doses of DS seeds on the expression of CREB protein in both male and female rats’ frontal cortices and its implication in addiction and neurodegeneration. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with a total of 24 male and female Wistar rats weighing 200 g - 250 g. The rats were divided into three groups of 8 rats each. Each group was further divided into four sub-groups of 2 rats each. Ethanolic dried seed extract of DS was diluted in normal saline and administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to the treatment groups. The treated sub-groups received 750 mg/kg of DS extract<sup> </sup>once in group 1, twice in group 2 and thrice in group 3 daily for 4 weeks respectively, while the control sub-groups received i.p. normal saline concurrently for the same duration of time. The rats were euthanized and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was computed to detect a significant main difference of DS effect on CREB expression for each group, while post hoc Bonferroni Test compared CREB protein expression between male and female groups. Result: There were significant differences in the expression of CREB protein between the sub-groups and between the male and female rats of treated sub-group (p < 0.05) compared to the controls. There was a decrease in the female treated sub-groups and an increase in the male treated sub-groups compared to the respective controls. Conclusion: High doses of DS administration for a prolong time may affect the expressions of CREB protein differently in male and female treated rats which may consequently lead to addiction and neurodegeneration affecting frontal cortex neurons.展开更多
Psychophysical studies suggest that lateral extrastriate visual cortical areas in cats may mediate the sparing of vision largely by network reorganization following lesions of early visual cortical areas. To date, how...Psychophysical studies suggest that lateral extrastriate visual cortical areas in cats may mediate the sparing of vision largely by network reorganization following lesions of early visual cortical areas. To date, however, there is little direct physiological evidence to support this hypothesis. Using in vivo single-anit recording techniques, we examined the response of neurons in areas 19, 21, and 20 to different types of visual stimulation in cats with or without acute bilateral lesions in areas 17 and 18. Our results showed that, relative to the controls, acute lesions inactivated the response of 99.3% of neurons to moving gratings and 93% of neurons to flickering square stimuli＇in areas 19, 21, and 20. These results indicated that acute lesions of primary visual areas in adult eats may impair most visual abilities. Sparing of vision in cats with neonatal lesions in early visual cortical areas may result largely from a postoperative reorganization of visual pathways from subcortical nucleus to extrastriate visual cortical areas.展开更多
Background:Amblyopia(lazy eye)is one of the most common causes of monocular visual impairment.Intensive investigation has shown that amblyopes suffer from a range of deficits not only in the primary visual cortex but ...Background:Amblyopia(lazy eye)is one of the most common causes of monocular visual impairment.Intensive investigation has shown that amblyopes suffer from a range of deficits not only in the primary visual cortex but also the extra-striate visual cortex.However,amblyopic brain processing deficits in large-scale information networks especially in the visual network remain unclear.Methods:Through resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI),we studied the functional connectivity and efficiency of the brain visual processing networks in 18 anisometropic amblyopic patients and 18 healthy controls(HCs).Results:We found a loss of functional correlation within the higher visual network(HVN)and the visuospatial network(VSN)in amblyopes.Additionally,compared with HCs,amblyopic patients exhibited disruptions in local efficiency in the V3v(third visual cortex,ventral part)and V4(fourth visual cortex)of the HVN,as well as in the PFt,hIP3(human intraparietal area 3),and BA7p(Brodmann area 7 posterior)of the VSN.No significant alterations were found in the primary visual network(PVN).Conclusion:Our results indicate that amblyopia results in an intrinsic decrease of both network functional correlations and local efficiencies in the extra-striate visual networks.展开更多
The mammalian cerebral cortex,despite its variation in brain shape and size,is a stereotypical six-layered structure composed of pyramidal cells,interneurons,astrocytes,microglia,oligodendrocytes,and endothelial cells...The mammalian cerebral cortex,despite its variation in brain shape and size,is a stereotypical six-layered structure composed of pyramidal cells,interneurons,astrocytes,microglia,oligodendrocytes,and endothelial cells.During development,these cells differ in their origin,birth timing,and developmental trajectories.Nonetheless,they converge during development,forming nascent cortical circuits crucial for organismal behavior.While the relative proportions of cortical cells vary between regions.展开更多
It was in the 1980s that research on somatostatin(SST)in Alzheimer’s disease(AD)truly gained traction,demonstrating consistent colocalization with amyloid-β(Aβ),along with massive SST/SST cell losses(Almeida,2024)....It was in the 1980s that research on somatostatin(SST)in Alzheimer’s disease(AD)truly gained traction,demonstrating consistent colocalization with amyloid-β(Aβ),along with massive SST/SST cell losses(Almeida,2024).Although the field already had some grasp over the neuroendocrine and hypothalamic functions of the peptide,very little was known about the GABAergic interneurons(SST-INs)that synthesize it in cortical/hippocampal regions.Quite excitingly,over 40 years later,research has grown effervescent.展开更多
Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)is a non-invasive technique that modifies cortical excitability and induces neuroplasticity using low-intensity electrical currents.Nuclear medicine technologies like posit...Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)is a non-invasive technique that modifies cortical excitability and induces neuroplasticity using low-intensity electrical currents.Nuclear medicine technologies like positron emission tomography(PET)and single-photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)can quantify cerebral metabolism and other dynamics.Evidence suggests that combining tDCS with these imaging methods enhances understanding and outcomes for neurological and psychiatric conditions.This review highlights how nuclear medicine can objectively characterize tDCS eff ects,map network modulation,and identify predictive biomarkers.PET and SPECT indicate changes in glucose metabolism and neurotransmitter activity post-tDCS,demonstrating their value in validation.While the co-application of these methodologies is still in conceptual stages,their integration may advance precision neuromodulation and inform rehabilitation strategies.展开更多
AIM:To investigate age-related differences in the irislens angle(ILA)among patients with age-related cortical cataracts and elucidate the impact of age on lens stability.METHODS:A prospective observational study was c...AIM:To investigate age-related differences in the irislens angle(ILA)among patients with age-related cortical cataracts and elucidate the impact of age on lens stability.METHODS:A prospective observational study was conducted on patients with age-related cortical cataracts scheduled for phacoemulsification surgery.Preoperative ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM)images were collected and analyzed.Initially,patients were stratified into two age groups:<60y and≥60y,with no significant intergroup differences in sex or eye laterality.For further analysis,participants were subdivided into three age strata:<60y,60-75y,and>75y.The ILA was measured in four quadrants(superior,inferior,nasal,and temporal).Intergroup differences in ILA were compared,and correlations between age and ILA parameters were analyzed using statistical methods.RESULTS:The sample data were categorized into three groups according to age,<60y(113 patients;55.8%female),60–75y(245 patients;61.0%female),and>75y(70 patients;50.2%female).The superior quadrant ILA increased progressively with age stratification(P=0.02),and the maximum ILA difference(ΔILA)was significantly higher in patients over 75y(P<0.01).Simple linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between age and ILA in the superior(Y=7.487+0.096X,R=0.191,P<0.001)and temporal(Y=10.254+0.052X,R=0.104,P=0.032)quadrants.Additionally,the mean ILA across all quadrants(ILAmean)andΔILA were positively correlated with age(ILAmean:Y=9.721+0.055X,R=0.138,P=0.004;ΔILA:Y=3.267+0.044X,R=0.006,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:In patients with age-related cortical cataracts,ILA increases with age,particularly in the superior and temporal quadrants,suggesting that advanced age is associated with greater lens deviation and decreased lens stability.UBM imaging can effectively evaluate the status of the zonule and lens stability,providing crucial evidence for personalized surgical planning based on patients’age.展开更多
The organization of biological neuronal networks into functional modules has intrigued scientists and inspired engineers to develop artificial systems.These networks are characterized by two key properties.First,they ...The organization of biological neuronal networks into functional modules has intrigued scientists and inspired engineers to develop artificial systems.These networks are characterized by two key properties.First,they exhibit dense interconnectivity(Braitenburg and Schüz,1998;Campagnola et al.,2022).The strength and probability of connectivity depend on cell type,inter-neuronal distance,and species.Still,every cortical neuron receives input from thousands of other neurons while transmitting output to a similar number of neurons.Second,communication between neurons occurs primarily via chemical or electrical synapses.展开更多
Dr.Yu Xiang’s research group at the Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience,Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences,Chinese Academy of Sciences,published a research article entitled&quo...Dr.Yu Xiang’s research group at the Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience,Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences,Chinese Academy of Sciences,published a research article entitled"Oxytocin mediates early experience-dependent crossmodal plasticity in sensory cortices"in Nature Neuroscience(2014,17(3):391—399).展开更多
The somatotopic representation of specific body parts is a well-established spatial organizational principle in the primary somatosensory and motor cortices.
Human brain development is a complex process,and animal models often have significant limitations.To address this,researchers have developed pluripotent stem cell-derived three-dimensional structures,known as brain-li...Human brain development is a complex process,and animal models often have significant limitations.To address this,researchers have developed pluripotent stem cell-derived three-dimensional structures,known as brain-like organoids,to more accurately model early human brain development and disease.To enable more consistent and intuitive reproduction of early brain development,in this study,we incorporated forebrain organoid culture technology into the traditional unguided method of brain organoid culture.This involved embedding organoids in matrigel for only 7 days during the rapid expansion phase of the neural epithelium and then removing them from the matrigel for further cultivation,resulting in a new type of human brain organoid system.This cerebral organoid system replicated the temporospatial characteristics of early human brain development,including neuroepithelium derivation,neural progenitor cell production and maintenance,neuron differentiation and migration,and cortical layer patterning and formation,providing more consistent and reproducible organoids for developmental modeling and toxicology testing.As a proof of concept,we applied the heavy metal cadmium to this newly improved organoid system to test whether it could be used to evaluate the neurotoxicity of environmental toxins.Brain organoids exposed to cadmium for 7 or 14 days manifested severe damage and abnormalities in their neurodevelopmental patterns,including bursts of cortical cell death and premature differentiation.Cadmium exposure caused progressive depletion of neural progenitor cells and loss of organoid integrity,accompanied by compensatory cell proliferation at ectopic locations.The convenience,flexibility,and controllability of this newly developed organoid platform make it a powerful and affordable alternative to animal models for use in neurodevelopmental,neurological,and neurotoxicological studies.展开更多
Transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects on central nervous system diseases.The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of TGF-β1 in specific brain areas may de...Transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects on central nervous system diseases.The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of TGF-β1 in specific brain areas may depend on the pathological process and cell types involved.Voltage-gated sodium channels(VGSCs)are essential ion channels for the generation of action potentials in neurons,and are involved in various neuroexcitation-related diseases.However,the effects of TGF-β1 on the functional properties of VGSCs and firing properties in cortical neurons remain unclear.In this study,we investigated the effects of TGF-β1 on VGSC function and firing properties in primary cortical neurons from mice.We found that TGF-β1 increased VGSC current density in a dose-and time-dependent manner,which was attributable to the upregulation of Nav1.3 expression.Increased VGSC current density and Nav1.3 expression were significantly abolished by preincubation with inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase(PD98059),p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(SB203580),and Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 inhibitor(SP600125).Interestingly,TGF-β1 significantly increased the firing threshold of action potentials but did not change their firing rate in cortical neurons.These findings suggest that TGF-β1 can increase Nav1.3 expression through activation of the ERK1/2-JNK-MAPK pathway,which leads to a decrease in the firing threshold of action potentials in cortical neurons under pathological conditions.Thus,this contributes to the occurrence and progression of neuroexcitatory-related diseases of the central nervous system.展开更多
The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury.However,whether it is possible to stimulate ne...The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury.However,whether it is possible to stimulate neurogenesis and reconstruct cortical layers II to VI in non-neurogenic regions,such as the cortex,remains unknown.In this study,we implanted a hyaluronic acid collagen gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor into the motor cortex immediately following traumatic injury.Our findings reveal that this gel effectively stimulated the proliferation and migration of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,as well as their differentiation into mature and functionally integrated neurons.Importantly,these new neurons reconstructed the architecture of cortical layers II to VI,integrated into the existing neural circuitry,and ultimately led to improved brain function.These findings offer novel insight into potential clinical treatments for traumatic cerebral cortex injuries.展开更多
Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disease that affects cognitive abilities in the elderly.Puerarin plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of AD.It exerts potential therapeutic effects ...Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disease that affects cognitive abilities in the elderly.Puerarin plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of AD.It exerts potential therapeutic effects in multiple aspects,including regulating the expression of amyloidβ-protein(Aβ),inhibiting abnormal phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein-τ(Tau),scavenging free radicals,resisting oxidation,regulating metal metabolism to maintain cholinergic system stability,improving mitochondrial dysfunction,and resisting inflammation.However,the specific mechanisms by which puerarin protects cortical neurons in the brain are not fully explored.Hypothetical therapeutic pathways still require further scientific verification.展开更多
Sleep disturbances are among the most prevalent neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals who have recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections.Previous studies have demonstrated abnormal b...Sleep disturbances are among the most prevalent neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals who have recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections.Previous studies have demonstrated abnormal brain structures in patients with sleep disturbances who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).However,neuroimaging studies on sleep disturbances caused by COVID-19 are scarce,and existing studies have primarily focused on the long-term effects of the virus,with minimal acute phase data.As a result,little is known about the pathophysiology of sleep disturbances in the acute phase of COVID-19.To address this issue,we designed a longitudinal study to investigate whether alterations in brain structure occur during the acute phase of infection,and verified the results using 3-month follow-up data.A total of 26 COVID-19 patients with sleep disturbances(aged 51.5±13.57 years,8 women and 18 men),27 COVID-19 patients without sleep disturbances(aged 47.33±15.98 years,9 women and 18 men),and 31 age-and gender-matched healthy controls(aged 49.19±17.51 years,9 women and 22 men)were included in this study.Eleven COVID-19 patients with sleep disturbances were included in a longitudinal analysis.We found that COVID-19 patients with sleep disturbances exhibited brain structural changes in almost all brain lobes.The cortical thicknesses of the left pars opercularis and left precuneus were significantly negatively correlated with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores.Additionally,we observed changes in the volume of the hippocampus and its subfield regions in COVID-19 patients compared with the healthy controls.The 3-month follow-up data revealed indices of altered cerebral structure(cortical thickness,cortical grey matter volume,and cortical surface area)in the frontal-parietal cortex compared with the baseline in COVID-19 patients with sleep disturbances.Our findings indicate that the sleep disturbances patients had altered morphology in the cortical and hippocampal structures during the acute phase of infection and persistent changes in cortical regions at 3 months post-infection.These data improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of sleep disturbances caused by COVID-19.展开更多
Loss of synapse and functional connectivity in brain circuits is associated with aging and neurodegeneration,however,few molecular mechanisms are known to intrinsically promote synaptogenesis or enhance synapse functi...Loss of synapse and functional connectivity in brain circuits is associated with aging and neurodegeneration,however,few molecular mechanisms are known to intrinsically promote synaptogenesis or enhance synapse function.We have previously shown that MET receptor tyrosine kinase in the developing cortical circuits promotes dendritic growth and dendritic spine morphogenesis.To investigate whether enhancing MET in adult cortex has synapse regenerating potential,we created a knockin mouse line,in which the human MET gene expression and signaling can be turned on in adult(10–12 months)cortical neurons through doxycycline-containing chow.We found that similar to the developing brain,turning on MET signaling in the adult cortex activates small GTPases and increases spine density in prefrontal projection neurons.These findings are further corroborated by increased synaptic activity and transient generation of immature silent synapses.Prolonged MET signaling resulted in an increasedα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/N-methyl-Daspartate(AMPA/NMDA)receptor current ratio,indicative of enhanced synaptic function and connectivity.Our data reveal that enhancing MET signaling could be an interventional approach to promote synaptogenesis and preserve functional connectivity in the adult brain.These findings may have implications for regenerative therapy in aging and neurodegeneration conditions.展开更多
BACKGROUND The induced-membrane technique was initially described by Masquelet as an effective treatment for large bone defects,especially those caused by infection.Here,we report a case of chronic osteomyelitis of th...BACKGROUND The induced-membrane technique was initially described by Masquelet as an effective treatment for large bone defects,especially those caused by infection.Here,we report a case of chronic osteomyelitis of the radius associated with a 9 cm bone defect,which was filled with a large allogeneic cortical bone graft from a bone bank.Complete bony union was achieved after 14 months of follow-up.Previous studies have used autogenous bone as the primary bone source for the Masquelet technique;in our case,the exclusive use of allografts is as successful as the use of autologous bone grafts.With the advent of bone banks,it is possible to obtain an unlimited amount of allograft,and the Masquelet technique may be further improved based on this new way of bone grafting.CASE SUMMARY In this study,we reported a case of repair of a long bone defect in a 40-year-old male patient,which was characterized by the utilization of allograft cortical bone combined with the Masquelet technique for the treatment of the patient's long bone defect in the forearm.The patient's results of functional recovery of the forearm were surprising,which further deepens the scope of application of Masquelet technique and helps to strengthen the efficacy of Masquelet technique in the treatment of long bones indeed.CONCLUSION Allograft cortical bone combined with the Masquelet technique provides a new method of treatment to large bone defect.展开更多
Human’s robust cognitive abilities,including creativity and language,are made possible,at least in large part,by evolutionary changes made to the cerebral cortex.This paper reviews the biology and evolution of mammal...Human’s robust cognitive abilities,including creativity and language,are made possible,at least in large part,by evolutionary changes made to the cerebral cortex.This paper reviews the biology and evolution of mammalian cortical radial glial cells(primary neural stem cells)and introduces the concept that a genetically step wise process,based on a core molecular pathway already in use,is the evolutionary process that has molded cortical neurogenesis.The core mechanism,which has been identified in our recent studies,is the extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)-bone morphogenic protein 7(BMP7)-GLI3 repressor form(GLI3R)-sonic hedgehog(SHH)positive feedback loop.Additionally,I propose that the molecular basis for cortical evolutionary dwarfism,exemplified by the lissencephalic mouse which originated from a larger gyrencephalic ancestor,is an increase in SHH signaling in radial glia,that antagonizes ERK-BMP7 signaling.Finally,I propose that:(1)SHH signaling is not a key regulator of primate cortical expansion and folding;(2)human cortical radial glial cells do not generate neocortical interneurons;(3)human-specific genes may not be essential for most cortical expansion.I hope this review assists colleagues in the field,guiding research to address gaps in our understanding of cortical development and evolution.展开更多
Cortical malformations,including focal cortical dysplasia type II(FCDII),are a common cause of drug-resistant epilepsy and developmental delay.Consideration of surgery has become the standard of care for those patient...Cortical malformations,including focal cortical dysplasia type II(FCDII),are a common cause of drug-resistant epilepsy and developmental delay.Consideration of surgery has become the standard of care for those patients.However,10%-50% of patients with FCD experience post-surgical relapses[1],and many do not even qualify as surgical candidates.Effective treatments for FCD-associated epilepsy are lacking.展开更多
基金supported by Hallym University Research Fund,No.01-2012-10
文摘c-Fos is a good biological marker for detecting the pathogenesis of central nervous system disorders.Few studies are reported on the change in myocardial infarction-induced c-Fos expression in the paralimbic regions.Thus,in this study,we investigated the changes in c-Fos expression in the rat cingulate and piriform cortices after myocardial infarction.Neuronal degeneration in cingulate and piriform cortices after myocardial infarction was detected using cresyl violet staining,Neu N immunohistochemistry and Fluoro-Jade B histofluorescence staining.c-Fos-immunoreactive cells were observed in cingulate and piriform cortices at 3 days after myocardial infarction and peaked at 7 and 14 days after myocardial infarction.But they were hardly observed at 56 days after myocardial infarction.The chronological change of c-Fos expression determined by western blot analysis was basically the same as that of c-Fos immunoreactivity.These results indicate that myocardial infarction can cause the chronological change of immediate-early response gene c-Fos protein expression,which might be associated with the neural activity induced by myocardial infarction.
文摘Background: cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is one of the cellular transcription factors found in neurons. CREB is also important for the survival of neurons, and has an important role in the development of drug addiction. Datura stramonium (DS) is a tropical ubiquitous plant commonly used to increase the intoxication of certain beverages for recreational purposes. The seeds of this plant are very toxic and may produce addiction on prolong usage. This research investigated the effects of administration of high doses of DS seeds on the expression of CREB protein in both male and female rats’ frontal cortices and its implication in addiction and neurodegeneration. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with a total of 24 male and female Wistar rats weighing 200 g - 250 g. The rats were divided into three groups of 8 rats each. Each group was further divided into four sub-groups of 2 rats each. Ethanolic dried seed extract of DS was diluted in normal saline and administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to the treatment groups. The treated sub-groups received 750 mg/kg of DS extract<sup> </sup>once in group 1, twice in group 2 and thrice in group 3 daily for 4 weeks respectively, while the control sub-groups received i.p. normal saline concurrently for the same duration of time. The rats were euthanized and an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was computed to detect a significant main difference of DS effect on CREB expression for each group, while post hoc Bonferroni Test compared CREB protein expression between male and female groups. Result: There were significant differences in the expression of CREB protein between the sub-groups and between the male and female rats of treated sub-group (p < 0.05) compared to the controls. There was a decrease in the female treated sub-groups and an increase in the male treated sub-groups compared to the respective controls. Conclusion: High doses of DS administration for a prolong time may affect the expressions of CREB protein differently in male and female treated rats which may consequently lead to addiction and neurodegeneration affecting frontal cortex neurons.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (31171082)Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province (070413138)Key Research Foundation of Anhui Province Education Department (KJ2009A167)
文摘Psychophysical studies suggest that lateral extrastriate visual cortical areas in cats may mediate the sparing of vision largely by network reorganization following lesions of early visual cortical areas. To date, however, there is little direct physiological evidence to support this hypothesis. Using in vivo single-anit recording techniques, we examined the response of neurons in areas 19, 21, and 20 to different types of visual stimulation in cats with or without acute bilateral lesions in areas 17 and 18. Our results showed that, relative to the controls, acute lesions inactivated the response of 99.3% of neurons to moving gratings and 93% of neurons to flickering square stimuli＇in areas 19, 21, and 20. These results indicated that acute lesions of primary visual areas in adult eats may impair most visual abilities. Sparing of vision in cats with neonatal lesions in early visual cortical areas may result largely from a postoperative reorganization of visual pathways from subcortical nucleus to extrastriate visual cortical areas.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant numbers 81501942,81701665,81500754)by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(grant number WK2100230016).
文摘Background:Amblyopia(lazy eye)is one of the most common causes of monocular visual impairment.Intensive investigation has shown that amblyopes suffer from a range of deficits not only in the primary visual cortex but also the extra-striate visual cortex.However,amblyopic brain processing deficits in large-scale information networks especially in the visual network remain unclear.Methods:Through resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI),we studied the functional connectivity and efficiency of the brain visual processing networks in 18 anisometropic amblyopic patients and 18 healthy controls(HCs).Results:We found a loss of functional correlation within the higher visual network(HVN)and the visuospatial network(VSN)in amblyopes.Additionally,compared with HCs,amblyopic patients exhibited disruptions in local efficiency in the V3v(third visual cortex,ventral part)and V4(fourth visual cortex)of the HVN,as well as in the PFt,hIP3(human intraparietal area 3),and BA7p(Brodmann area 7 posterior)of the VSN.No significant alterations were found in the primary visual network(PVN).Conclusion:Our results indicate that amblyopia results in an intrinsic decrease of both network functional correlations and local efficiencies in the extra-striate visual networks.
基金supported by the Medical Research Council(MR/T030143/1)grant and the University of Manchester。
文摘The mammalian cerebral cortex,despite its variation in brain shape and size,is a stereotypical six-layered structure composed of pyramidal cells,interneurons,astrocytes,microglia,oligodendrocytes,and endothelial cells.During development,these cells differ in their origin,birth timing,and developmental trajectories.Nonetheless,they converge during development,forming nascent cortical circuits crucial for organismal behavior.While the relative proportions of cortical cells vary between regions.
文摘It was in the 1980s that research on somatostatin(SST)in Alzheimer’s disease(AD)truly gained traction,demonstrating consistent colocalization with amyloid-β(Aβ),along with massive SST/SST cell losses(Almeida,2024).Although the field already had some grasp over the neuroendocrine and hypothalamic functions of the peptide,very little was known about the GABAergic interneurons(SST-INs)that synthesize it in cortical/hippocampal regions.Quite excitingly,over 40 years later,research has grown effervescent.
文摘Transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)is a non-invasive technique that modifies cortical excitability and induces neuroplasticity using low-intensity electrical currents.Nuclear medicine technologies like positron emission tomography(PET)and single-photon emission computed tomography(SPECT)can quantify cerebral metabolism and other dynamics.Evidence suggests that combining tDCS with these imaging methods enhances understanding and outcomes for neurological and psychiatric conditions.This review highlights how nuclear medicine can objectively characterize tDCS eff ects,map network modulation,and identify predictive biomarkers.PET and SPECT indicate changes in glucose metabolism and neurotransmitter activity post-tDCS,demonstrating their value in validation.While the co-application of these methodologies is still in conceptual stages,their integration may advance precision neuromodulation and inform rehabilitation strategies.
文摘AIM:To investigate age-related differences in the irislens angle(ILA)among patients with age-related cortical cataracts and elucidate the impact of age on lens stability.METHODS:A prospective observational study was conducted on patients with age-related cortical cataracts scheduled for phacoemulsification surgery.Preoperative ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM)images were collected and analyzed.Initially,patients were stratified into two age groups:<60y and≥60y,with no significant intergroup differences in sex or eye laterality.For further analysis,participants were subdivided into three age strata:<60y,60-75y,and>75y.The ILA was measured in four quadrants(superior,inferior,nasal,and temporal).Intergroup differences in ILA were compared,and correlations between age and ILA parameters were analyzed using statistical methods.RESULTS:The sample data were categorized into three groups according to age,<60y(113 patients;55.8%female),60–75y(245 patients;61.0%female),and>75y(70 patients;50.2%female).The superior quadrant ILA increased progressively with age stratification(P=0.02),and the maximum ILA difference(ΔILA)was significantly higher in patients over 75y(P<0.01).Simple linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between age and ILA in the superior(Y=7.487+0.096X,R=0.191,P<0.001)and temporal(Y=10.254+0.052X,R=0.104,P=0.032)quadrants.Additionally,the mean ILA across all quadrants(ILAmean)andΔILA were positively correlated with age(ILAmean:Y=9.721+0.055X,R=0.138,P=0.004;ΔILA:Y=3.267+0.044X,R=0.006,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:In patients with age-related cortical cataracts,ILA increases with age,particularly in the superior and temporal quadrants,suggesting that advanced age is associated with greater lens deviation and decreased lens stability.UBM imaging can effectively evaluate the status of the zonule and lens stability,providing crucial evidence for personalized surgical planning based on patients’age.
基金supported in part by the Rosetrees Trust(#CF-2023-I-2_113)by the Israel Ministry of Innovation,Science,and Technology(#7393)(to ES).
文摘The organization of biological neuronal networks into functional modules has intrigued scientists and inspired engineers to develop artificial systems.These networks are characterized by two key properties.First,they exhibit dense interconnectivity(Braitenburg and Schüz,1998;Campagnola et al.,2022).The strength and probability of connectivity depend on cell type,inter-neuronal distance,and species.Still,every cortical neuron receives input from thousands of other neurons while transmitting output to a similar number of neurons.Second,communication between neurons occurs primarily via chemical or electrical synapses.
基金Funded by the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholarsthe Science Fund for Creative Research Groups from the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘Dr.Yu Xiang’s research group at the Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience,Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences,Chinese Academy of Sciences,published a research article entitled"Oxytocin mediates early experience-dependent crossmodal plasticity in sensory cortices"in Nature Neuroscience(2014,17(3):391—399).
文摘The somatotopic representation of specific body parts is a well-established spatial organizational principle in the primary somatosensory and motor cortices.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China,No.2019YFA0110300(to ZG)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.81773302(to YF),32070862(to ZG).
文摘Human brain development is a complex process,and animal models often have significant limitations.To address this,researchers have developed pluripotent stem cell-derived three-dimensional structures,known as brain-like organoids,to more accurately model early human brain development and disease.To enable more consistent and intuitive reproduction of early brain development,in this study,we incorporated forebrain organoid culture technology into the traditional unguided method of brain organoid culture.This involved embedding organoids in matrigel for only 7 days during the rapid expansion phase of the neural epithelium and then removing them from the matrigel for further cultivation,resulting in a new type of human brain organoid system.This cerebral organoid system replicated the temporospatial characteristics of early human brain development,including neuroepithelium derivation,neural progenitor cell production and maintenance,neuron differentiation and migration,and cortical layer patterning and formation,providing more consistent and reproducible organoids for developmental modeling and toxicology testing.As a proof of concept,we applied the heavy metal cadmium to this newly improved organoid system to test whether it could be used to evaluate the neurotoxicity of environmental toxins.Brain organoids exposed to cadmium for 7 or 14 days manifested severe damage and abnormalities in their neurodevelopmental patterns,including bursts of cortical cell death and premature differentiation.Cadmium exposure caused progressive depletion of neural progenitor cells and loss of organoid integrity,accompanied by compensatory cell proliferation at ectopic locations.The convenience,flexibility,and controllability of this newly developed organoid platform make it a powerful and affordable alternative to animal models for use in neurodevelopmental,neurological,and neurotoxicological studies.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,Nos.2019A1515010649(to WC),2022A1515012044(to JS)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2018M633091(to JS).
文摘Transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects on central nervous system diseases.The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of TGF-β1 in specific brain areas may depend on the pathological process and cell types involved.Voltage-gated sodium channels(VGSCs)are essential ion channels for the generation of action potentials in neurons,and are involved in various neuroexcitation-related diseases.However,the effects of TGF-β1 on the functional properties of VGSCs and firing properties in cortical neurons remain unclear.In this study,we investigated the effects of TGF-β1 on VGSC function and firing properties in primary cortical neurons from mice.We found that TGF-β1 increased VGSC current density in a dose-and time-dependent manner,which was attributable to the upregulation of Nav1.3 expression.Increased VGSC current density and Nav1.3 expression were significantly abolished by preincubation with inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase(PD98059),p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(SB203580),and Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 inhibitor(SP600125).Interestingly,TGF-β1 significantly increased the firing threshold of action potentials but did not change their firing rate in cortical neurons.These findings suggest that TGF-β1 can increase Nav1.3 expression through activation of the ERK1/2-JNK-MAPK pathway,which leads to a decrease in the firing threshold of action potentials in cortical neurons under pathological conditions.Thus,this contributes to the occurrence and progression of neuroexcitatory-related diseases of the central nervous system.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82272171(to ZY),82271403(to XL),81941011(to XL),31971279(to ZY),31730030(to XL)the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing,No.7222004(to HD).
文摘The presence of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells in the adult mammalian brain suggests that the central nervous system can be repaired and regenerated after injury.However,whether it is possible to stimulate neurogenesis and reconstruct cortical layers II to VI in non-neurogenic regions,such as the cortex,remains unknown.In this study,we implanted a hyaluronic acid collagen gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor into the motor cortex immediately following traumatic injury.Our findings reveal that this gel effectively stimulated the proliferation and migration of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,as well as their differentiation into mature and functionally integrated neurons.Importantly,these new neurons reconstructed the architecture of cortical layers II to VI,integrated into the existing neural circuitry,and ultimately led to improved brain function.These findings offer novel insight into potential clinical treatments for traumatic cerebral cortex injuries.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82274612)Key Research Project of the Henan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences(2024Y1031)+2 种基金Henan Province Key Research and Development and Promotion Special Project(Science and Technology Research)(232102310505)Henan Province University Science and Technology Innovation Talents Program(23HASTIT044)Henan University of Chinese Medicine Scientific Research Seedling Project(MP202308,MP2023-22)。
文摘Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disease that affects cognitive abilities in the elderly.Puerarin plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of AD.It exerts potential therapeutic effects in multiple aspects,including regulating the expression of amyloidβ-protein(Aβ),inhibiting abnormal phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein-τ(Tau),scavenging free radicals,resisting oxidation,regulating metal metabolism to maintain cholinergic system stability,improving mitochondrial dysfunction,and resisting inflammation.However,the specific mechanisms by which puerarin protects cortical neurons in the brain are not fully explored.Hypothetical therapeutic pathways still require further scientific verification.
基金supported by grants from Major Project of Science and Technology of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,No.Guike-AA22096018(to JY)Guangxi Key Research and Development Program,No.AB22080053(to DD)+6 种基金Major Project of Science and Technology of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,No.Guike-AA23023004(to MZ)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82260021(to MZ),82060315(to DD)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,No.2021GXNSFBA220007(to GD)Clinical Research Center For Medical Imaging in Hunan Province,No.2020SK4001(to JL)Key Emergency Project of Pneumonia Epidemic of Novel Coronavirus Infection in Hunan Province,No.2020SK3006(to JL)Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province,No.2021RC4016(to JL)Key Project of the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province,No.2024JJ3041(to JL).
文摘Sleep disturbances are among the most prevalent neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals who have recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections.Previous studies have demonstrated abnormal brain structures in patients with sleep disturbances who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).However,neuroimaging studies on sleep disturbances caused by COVID-19 are scarce,and existing studies have primarily focused on the long-term effects of the virus,with minimal acute phase data.As a result,little is known about the pathophysiology of sleep disturbances in the acute phase of COVID-19.To address this issue,we designed a longitudinal study to investigate whether alterations in brain structure occur during the acute phase of infection,and verified the results using 3-month follow-up data.A total of 26 COVID-19 patients with sleep disturbances(aged 51.5±13.57 years,8 women and 18 men),27 COVID-19 patients without sleep disturbances(aged 47.33±15.98 years,9 women and 18 men),and 31 age-and gender-matched healthy controls(aged 49.19±17.51 years,9 women and 22 men)were included in this study.Eleven COVID-19 patients with sleep disturbances were included in a longitudinal analysis.We found that COVID-19 patients with sleep disturbances exhibited brain structural changes in almost all brain lobes.The cortical thicknesses of the left pars opercularis and left precuneus were significantly negatively correlated with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores.Additionally,we observed changes in the volume of the hippocampus and its subfield regions in COVID-19 patients compared with the healthy controls.The 3-month follow-up data revealed indices of altered cerebral structure(cortical thickness,cortical grey matter volume,and cortical surface area)in the frontal-parietal cortex compared with the baseline in COVID-19 patients with sleep disturbances.Our findings indicate that the sleep disturbances patients had altered morphology in the cortical and hippocampal structures during the acute phase of infection and persistent changes in cortical regions at 3 months post-infection.These data improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of sleep disturbances caused by COVID-19.
基金supported by NIH/NIMH grant R01MH111619(to SQ),R21AG078700(to SQ)Institute of Mental Health Research(IMHR,Level 1 funding,to SQ and DF)institution startup fund from The University of Arizona(to SQ)。
文摘Loss of synapse and functional connectivity in brain circuits is associated with aging and neurodegeneration,however,few molecular mechanisms are known to intrinsically promote synaptogenesis or enhance synapse function.We have previously shown that MET receptor tyrosine kinase in the developing cortical circuits promotes dendritic growth and dendritic spine morphogenesis.To investigate whether enhancing MET in adult cortex has synapse regenerating potential,we created a knockin mouse line,in which the human MET gene expression and signaling can be turned on in adult(10–12 months)cortical neurons through doxycycline-containing chow.We found that similar to the developing brain,turning on MET signaling in the adult cortex activates small GTPases and increases spine density in prefrontal projection neurons.These findings are further corroborated by increased synaptic activity and transient generation of immature silent synapses.Prolonged MET signaling resulted in an increasedα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/N-methyl-Daspartate(AMPA/NMDA)receptor current ratio,indicative of enhanced synaptic function and connectivity.Our data reveal that enhancing MET signaling could be an interventional approach to promote synaptogenesis and preserve functional connectivity in the adult brain.These findings may have implications for regenerative therapy in aging and neurodegeneration conditions.
文摘BACKGROUND The induced-membrane technique was initially described by Masquelet as an effective treatment for large bone defects,especially those caused by infection.Here,we report a case of chronic osteomyelitis of the radius associated with a 9 cm bone defect,which was filled with a large allogeneic cortical bone graft from a bone bank.Complete bony union was achieved after 14 months of follow-up.Previous studies have used autogenous bone as the primary bone source for the Masquelet technique;in our case,the exclusive use of allografts is as successful as the use of autologous bone grafts.With the advent of bone banks,it is possible to obtain an unlimited amount of allograft,and the Masquelet technique may be further improved based on this new way of bone grafting.CASE SUMMARY In this study,we reported a case of repair of a long bone defect in a 40-year-old male patient,which was characterized by the utilization of allograft cortical bone combined with the Masquelet technique for the treatment of the patient's long bone defect in the forearm.The patient's results of functional recovery of the forearm were surprising,which further deepens the scope of application of Masquelet technique and helps to strengthen the efficacy of Masquelet technique in the treatment of long bones indeed.CONCLUSION Allograft cortical bone combined with the Masquelet technique provides a new method of treatment to large bone defect.
基金supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(STI2030-2021ZD0202300)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32070971,32100768,32200776,and 32200792)the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project(2018SHZDZX01)。
文摘Human’s robust cognitive abilities,including creativity and language,are made possible,at least in large part,by evolutionary changes made to the cerebral cortex.This paper reviews the biology and evolution of mammalian cortical radial glial cells(primary neural stem cells)and introduces the concept that a genetically step wise process,based on a core molecular pathway already in use,is the evolutionary process that has molded cortical neurogenesis.The core mechanism,which has been identified in our recent studies,is the extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)-bone morphogenic protein 7(BMP7)-GLI3 repressor form(GLI3R)-sonic hedgehog(SHH)positive feedback loop.Additionally,I propose that the molecular basis for cortical evolutionary dwarfism,exemplified by the lissencephalic mouse which originated from a larger gyrencephalic ancestor,is an increase in SHH signaling in radial glia,that antagonizes ERK-BMP7 signaling.Finally,I propose that:(1)SHH signaling is not a key regulator of primate cortical expansion and folding;(2)human cortical radial glial cells do not generate neocortical interneurons;(3)human-specific genes may not be essential for most cortical expansion.I hope this review assists colleagues in the field,guiding research to address gaps in our understanding of cortical development and evolution.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province(LQ23H090002)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82201607).
文摘Cortical malformations,including focal cortical dysplasia type II(FCDII),are a common cause of drug-resistant epilepsy and developmental delay.Consideration of surgery has become the standard of care for those patients.However,10%-50% of patients with FCD experience post-surgical relapses[1],and many do not even qualify as surgical candidates.Effective treatments for FCD-associated epilepsy are lacking.
