Showing papers in "Journal of Integrative Neuroscience in 2017"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated brain function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder using measures of nonlinear dynamics in EEG signals during rest and found that nonlinear features provided better discrimination between ADHD and control than band power features.
Abstract: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with varying levels of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. This study investigates brain function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder using measures of nonlinear dynamics in EEG signals during rest. During eyes-closed resting, 19 channel EEG signals were recorded from 12 ADHD and 12 normal age-matched children. We used the multifractal singularity spectrum, the largest Lyapunov exponent, and approximate entropy to quantify the chaotic nonlinear dynamics of these EEG signals. As confirmed by Wilcoxon rank sum test, largest Lyapunov exponent over left frontal-central cortex exhibited a significant difference between ADHD and the age-matched control groups. Further, mean approximate entropy was significantly lower in ADHD subjects in prefrontal cortex. The singularity spectrum was also considerably altered in ADHD compared to control children. Evaluation of these features was performed by two classifiers: a Support Vector Machine and a Radial Basis Function Neural Network. For better comparison, subject classification based on frequency band power was assessed using the same types of classifiers. Nonlinear features provided better discrimination between ADHD and control than band power features. Under four-fold cross validation testing, support vector machine gave 83.33% accurate classification results.
39 citations
TL;DR: It is found that mice exposed to chronic ultra-mild stress displayed apparent depression-like behaviors and decreased expression of long non-coding RNA TCONS_00019174 in hippocampus and were rescued by chronic treatment with imipramine, suggesting that long Non-Coding RNA may serve as a potential therapeutic target for major depressive disorder in clinical application.
Abstract: Chronic stress is one of the major causes that lead to major depressive disorder, which is a prevalent mood disorder worldwide. Many patients with major depressive disorder do not benefit from available medication due to the complex etiology of the condition. Recently, long non-coding RNAs, molecular switches of downstream genes expression, have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder. The long non-coding RNA TCONS_00019174 has been implicated in major depressive disorder risk and antidepressant effects, However, the effect of long non-coding RNA TCONS_00019174 on antidepressant responses has not been investigated. This study is designed to determine whether altered expression of long non-coding RNA TCONS_00019174 contributes to depression-like behaviors associated with chronic stress. We found that mice exposed to chronic ultra-mild stress displayed apparent depression-like behaviors and decreased expression of long non-coding RNA TCONS_00019174 in hippocampus. Both changed behaviors and long non-coding RNA TCONS_00019174 expression level were rescued by chronic treatment with imipramine. Viral-mediated long non-coding RNA TCONS_00019174 over expression in hippocampal neurons improved the behaviors of mice exposed to chronic ultra-mild stress. Further, it was found long non-coding RNA TCONS_00019174 over expression upregulated phosphorylated-GSK3β (p-GSK3β) protein and β-catenin in the hippocampus. These findings suggest that long non-coding RNA TCONS_00019174 exerts antidepressant-like effect in mice by activating a Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and that long non-coding RNA may serve as a potential therapeutic target for major depressive disorder in clinical application.
35 citations
TL;DR: Some aspects of the current knowledge of MCs role in the brain and their potential role as therapeutic emerging target for neural diseases are discussed.
Abstract: Mast cells (MCs) are mainly known for their involvement on allergic reactions through degranulation and release of vasoactive, inflammatory and nociceptive mediators. Upon encountering an allergen, MCs are first responders, true sensors of the environment, actually they respond to a wide range of "danger" signals both immunological and non-immunological in rapid and selective manner. They secrete both preformed and newly synthesized mediators acting as effectors in relationship between nervous, vascular and immune systems. For this peculiarity, MCs are "master regulators" and key players of the immune system as well as important source of essential and beneficial mediators with crucial roles in the regulation of various physiological processes. MCs are unique cells with multiple capabilities. It has well known that MCs are critical for the pathogenesis of inflammatory disease. MCs exert their effect through alteration of vascular permeability and recruitment of inflammatory cells. While a functional involvement of peripheral MCs in inflammatory conditions is well established, the role of Central Nervous System MCs is not well understood yet. Increasing evidence indicate that in the brain, the inflammation is strongly involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. In this review, we discuss some aspects of the current knowledge of MCs role in the brain and their potential role as therapeutic emerging target for neural diseases.
25 citations
TL;DR: This review will analyze and evaluate the clinical trials surrounding fish oil use in the treatment of depression, and will also review the likely sites of action of PUFAs at the cell membrane with special attention being placed on lipid rafts and G-proteins.
Abstract: Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and even though many forms of therapy exist, about one third of patients treated with conventional antidepressants do not experience a response. For these reasons, new approaches to treat depression, including fish oil, are being investigated. Fish oil is known to have many beneficial side effects, and clinical trials demonstrate that supplementation with fish oil is beneficial in the management of depression. Fish oil contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and there are several mechanisms by which PUFAs are thought to induce an antidepressant effect, including anti-inflammatory action and direct effects on membrane properties. This review will analyze and evaluate the clinical trials surrounding fish oil use in the treatment of depression, and will also review the likely sites of action of PUFAs at the cell membrane with special attention being placed on lipid rafts and G-proteins.
23 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared three models with distinct assumptions and levels of detail: the classical volume conductor (VC) model, which is most frequently used in form of the line source approximation (LSA), the biophysically detailed, but computationally intensive Poisson-Nernstst-Planck model of electrodiffusion (PNP), and an intermediate model called the electroneutral model (EN).
Abstract: The extracellular space has an ambiguous role in neuroscience. It is present in every physiologically relevant system and often used as a measurement site in experimental recordings, but it has received subordinate attention compared to the intracellular domain. In computational modeling, it is often regarded as a passive, homogeneous resistive medium with a constant conductivity, which greatly simplifies the computation of extracellular potentials. However, novel studies have shown that local ionic diffusion and capacitive effects of electrically active membranes can have a substantial impact on the extracellular potential. These effects can not be described by traditional models, and they have been subject to recent theoretical and experimental analyses. We strive to give an overview over current progress in modeling the extracellular space with special regard towards the concentration and potential dynamics on different temporal and spatial scales. Three models with distinct assumptions and levels of detail are compared both theoretically and by means of numerical simulations: the classical volume conductor (VC) model, which is most frequently used in form of the line source approximation (LSA); the biophysically detailed, but computationally intensive Poisson-Nernst-Planck model of electrodiffusion (PNP); and an intermediate model called the electroneutral model (EN). The results clearly show that there is no one model for all applications, as they show significantly different responses - especially close to neuronal membranes. Finally, we list some common use cases for model simulations and give recommendations on which model to use in each situation.
19 citations
TL;DR: It was demonstrated that glycogen synthase kinase-3β is highly expressed and phosphorylated in the brain of a chronic stress mouse, and its target genes Cyclin D1 and c-Myc are down-regulated.
Abstract: Depression caused by genetic and environmental factors is acomplicated disease. Here, it is demonstrated that glycogen synthase kinase-3β is highly expressed and phosphorylated in the brain of a chronic stress mouse. Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3βleads to decreased depression-like symptoms which manifest in open-field test, tail-suspension test, forced swim test, and a novelty suppressed feeding test. It was also found that β-catenin is attenuated, and its target genes Cyclin D1 and c-Myc are down-regulated. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β was also found to inhibit Erk-Creb-BDNF signaling. These results show that glycogen synthase kinase-3β may promote the progression of depression. Therefore, targeting glycogen synthase kinase-3β may be an effective therapeutic strategy.
18 citations
TL;DR: The cognitive impairment in AD rats could be significantly improved by 2-BFI in a dose-dependent manner through suppressing oxidants accumulation, inhibiting of inflammatory response, as well as enhancing the neural viability.
Abstract: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is one of the commonest neural degeneration in aging population, and has become a global health challenge. 2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline (2-BFI) was reported to effectively improved the damage of patients with neuropathological disorders. In the present study, we investigated the effect of 2-BFI on the improvement of antioxidative, inflammation, and apoptosis in AD rats. Sprague-Dawley rats (2 months old, n=40) were used in this study and after injection of Aβ1-42 into hippocampal CA1 (Cornu Ammonis) region, the rats were given high, moderate and low dose of 2-BFI though intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. Then spatial memory and navigation ability were analyzed by Morrize Water Maze. For the molecular testing, chemical colorimetry, ELISA and immunoblotting were performed to measure the activities of antioxidative enzymes, the abundance of immune cytokines and expression of apoptotic proteins, respectively. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining was used to analyze the pathological changes. We observed that 2-BFI significantly ameliorated the learning and memory abilities in rat models with AD by dosage treatment, as demonstrated by the shorten learning latency and greater times of travel across the platform quadrant. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were decreased after treatment of 2-BFI with dosage dependency, while the activities of superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and (GPX) Glutathione peroxidase were in turn enhanced, suggesting that 2-BFI could protect the antioxidative enzymes and reduce the oxidative stress in the hippocampus. Moreover, the expression of inflammatory factors including TNF-a and IL-1β were decreased after 2-BFI treatment. Additionally, the neuronal apoptosis was also attenuated, as shown by Western blot results. Taken together, the cognitive impairment in AD rats could be significantly improved by 2-BFI in a dose-dependent manner through suppressing oxidants accumulation, inhibiting of inflammatory response, as well as enhancing the neural viability.
17 citations
TL;DR: The findings suggested a significant increase in CAP rates among OSAS subjects versus control subjects and sLORETA revealed that CAP phase-A is mostly activated in frontoparietal cortices, suggesting CAP activity may possibly be considered as a predictor of cognitive decline amongOSAS patients.
Abstract: The present study examined the relationship between the increment in cyclic alternating patterns (CAPs) in sleep electroencephalography and neurocognitive decline in obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) patients through source localization of the phase-A of CAPs. All-night polysomnographic recordings of 10 OSAS patients and 4 control subjects along with their cognitive profile using the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE) test were acquired. The neuropsychological assessment involved five key domains including attention and orientation, verbal fluency, memory, language and visuo-spatial skills. The standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) tool was used to source-localize the phase-A of CAPs in sleep EEG aiming to investigate the correlation between CAP phase-A and cognitive functions. Our findings suggested a significant increase in CAP rates among OSAS subjects versus control subjects. Moreover, sLORETA revealed that CAP phase-A is mostly activated in frontoparietal cortices. As CAP rate increases, the activity of phase-A in such areas is dramatically enhanced leading to arousal instability, lower sleep efficiency and a possibly impaired cortical capacity to consolidate cognitive inputs in frontal and parietal areas during sleep. As such, cognitive domains including verbal fluency, memory and visuo-spatial skills which predominantly relate to frontoparietal areas tend to be affected. Based on our findings, CAP activity may possibly be considered as a predictor of cognitive decline among OSAS patients.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the electric properties of the medium around neurons, which are important to correctly interpret extracellular potentials or electric field effects in neural tissue, and focus on how these electric properties shape the frequency scaling of brain signals at different scales.
Abstract: In this viewpoint article, we discuss the electric properties of the medium around neurons, which are important to correctly interpret extracellular potentials or electric field effects in neural tissue. We focus on how these electric properties shape the frequency scaling of brain signals at different scales, such as intracellular recordings, the local field potential (LFP), the electroencephalogram (EEG) or the magnetoencephalogram (MEG). These signals display frequency-scaling properties which are not consistent with resistive media. The medium appears to exert a frequency filtering scaling as 1/f, which is the typical frequency scaling of ionic diffusion. Such a scaling was also found recently by impedance measurements in physiological conditions. Ionic diffusion appears to be the only possible explanation to reconcile these measurements and the frequency-scaling properties found in different brain signals. However, other measurements suggest that the extracellular medium is essentially resistive. To resolve this discrepancy, we show new evidence that metal-electrode measurements can be perturbed by shunt currents going through the surface of the brain. Such a shunt may explain the contradictory measurements, and together with ionic diffusion, provides a framework where all observations can be reconciled. Finally, we propose a method to perform measurements avoiding shunting effects, thus enabling to test the predictions of this framework.
16 citations
TL;DR: The LTF, a once mysterious, poorly-characterized, and ill-defined region, the contribution to cardiovascular reflexes and basal sympathoexcitation has been more thoroughly elucidated in recent years and any model of central control of sympathetic output must take into consideration the contribution of this important region.
Abstract: The sympathetic nervous system maintains and regulates arterial pressure and tissue perfusion, via control of cardiac output and vasomotor tone. Sympatho-vascular-mediated increases in blood pressure are effected by arterioloconstriction, which causes an increase in afterload, and/or venoconstriction, which increases venous return, left ventricular preload, and consequently, the force of cardiac contraction via Frank-Starling mechanisms; withdrawal of sympathetic drive elicits reciprocal effects. Spinalization reduces mammalian arterial pressure to 40-50 mm Hg consequent to the elimination of descending medullary pre-sympathetic bulbospinal drive to preganglionic sympathetic fibers in the intermediolateral cell column of the spinal cord. Beyond agreement that sympathetic tone is generated supraspinally, there is only controversy. One hypothesis posits that pre-sympathetic medullary regions, such as the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and caudal raphe group, possess intrinsic tonic activity. Alternatively, pre-sympathetic medullary regions may receive tonic excitation from other areas in the brainstem. Neurons in the lateral tegmental field (LTF), an exclusively propriobulbar entity (cf. pre-Botzinger complex - the propriobulbar inspiratory rhythmogenic kernel of the respiratory network), fire before and project to pre-sympathetic units in RVLM and caudal raphe and exhibit activity correlated to the cardiac-related rhythm in sympathetic nerve discharge, making the LTF a likely candidate for the primary source of basal sympathoexcitation. The LTF is additionally involved in a variety of cardiovascular and sympathetic reflexes (i.e., baroreflex, Bezold-Jarisch reflex). As it receives descending afferents from the infralimbic cortex and associated limbic structures, suggesting a role in the sympathetic response to fear, as well as vestibular inputs, consistent with a role in coordinating the sympathetic response with emesis proper, the LTF appears to play an extensive integrative role. In this review, we discuss the LTF, a once mysterious, poorly-characterized, and ill-defined region, the contribution of which to cardiovascular reflexes and basal sympathoexcitation has been more thoroughly elucidated in recent years and any model of central control of sympathetic output must take into consideration the contribution of this important region.
15 citations
TL;DR: It was found that tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside attenuated Aβ1-42-induced memory impairment, however, the locomotor and exploratory activity of the mice were not affected, and it was demonstrated that tetrahydroxystileside as a natural drug might provide potential treatment for AD.
Abstract: Polyhydroxy stilbenes have been reported to possess various biological activities, and have potential in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside is one of the major polyhydroxy stilbenes, which provides underlying therapeutic activities for neuroprotective actions in various experimental conditions. This study intends to investigate the impact of tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside remedy for cognitive disorder and oxidative stress in Aβ1-42-induced AD mice and to clarify the mechanisms of action through Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. It was found that The swimming time of Aβ1-42-induced mice which were treated by tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside (30, 60 and 120 mg/kg) was significantly increased in the target quadrant through the Morris water maze experiment and the number of avoidances was increased through the passive avoidance experiment. Moreover, tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside attenuated Aβ1-42-induced memory impairment, however, the locomotor and exploratory activity of the mice were not affected. Tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside obviously decreased the levels of MDA and GSSG in both hippocampus and cortex compared with the Aβ1-42-treated group, and obviously increased the level of GSH and activities of CAT and SOD in above tissues. The results of this study also demonstrated that tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside increased Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression and decreased Keap1 protein expression in a concentration-dependent manner in Aβ1-42-treated mice, which involved in the Keap1/Nrf2 antioxidant pathway in hippocampus and cerebral cortex tissue. These results demonstrated that tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside as a natural drug might provide potential treatment for AD.
TL;DR: Combined condition participants showed greater reduction in depressed mood, improved hope and optimism after 4-weeks as well as during 3-months follow-up than the other conditions.
Abstract: Frontal cortex activity in the left hemisphere during depression is reduced. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that can increase frontal cortex activity. Therapy based on tDCS and positive psychology (PP) therapy was applied improving patients’ quality of life. The present study compared three conditions participants with clinical depression; (a) tDCS therapy, (b) positive psychotherapy, and (c) combined treatment. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Adult State Hope Scale and Optimism/Pessimism Scale (OPS) was used at baseline, 2 weeks, 4-weeks and 3-months follow-up. Combined condition participants showed greater reduction in depressed mood, improved hope and optimism after 4-weeks as well as during 3-months follow-up than the other conditions. The results are discussed in terms of additive or synergistic relation between tDCS and PP treatment. Future studies should (a) use larger sample-sizes, (b) include no-treatment control conditions, (c) include double-blind designs, (d) control for previous or on-going drug therapy, (d) control for previous or ongoing psychotherapy. Furthermore, future studies should aim to increase theoretical understanding by investigating whether the relation between tDCS and psychotherapy are additive or synergistic. (Less)
TL;DR: The function of the waves is explored, suggesting that their dynamic patterns compose an adequate substrate for feelings (from basic feelings as hunger and thirst, pain and pleasure, to more complex ones, such as joy and sadness, love and hate).
Abstract: Calcium waves are generated from the astrocyte endoplasmatic reticulum, in response to neuronal electrochemical stimulation. The waves feed back on neurons, modulating (reinforcing or depressing) their activity and the resulting behavior. How do these waves propagate from the astrocyte endoplasmatic reticulum to the synaptic space and reach neuron membrane channels? An exploratory model is elaborated, on the basis of complex interactions of ions, water negative exclusion zones and charged sites of proteins. The mechanism includes a role for the extracellular matrix to guide the hydro-ionic wave towards regions of the neuronal membrane where they are functional. The function of the waves is explored, suggesting that their dynamic patterns compose an adequate substrate for feelings (from basic feelings as hunger and thirst, pain and pleasure, to more complex ones, such as joy and sadness, love and hate).
TL;DR: This review first discusses Nernst's and Planck's early papers on electro-diffusion, the brief priority conflict that followed, and the role these papers played in shaping the emerging concept of membrane excitability.
Abstract: This review first discusses Nernst's and Planck's early papers on electro-diffusion, the brief priority conflict that followed, and the role these papers played in shaping the emerging concept of membrane excitability. The second part discusses in greater detail the constraints of the Nernst-Planck theory, and shows more recent examples of its applicability for neuronal modelling.
TL;DR: This work discusses the cellular activity that constitutes the local field potential; recording techniques, including recommendations and limitations; approaches to analysis of LFP data (with focus on power-banded analyses); and finally it discusses reports of the successful use of L FP in clinical applications.
Abstract: Local field potentials (LFP) reflect the spatially weighted low-frequency activity nearest to a recording electrode. LFP recording is a window to a wide range of cellular activities and has gained increasing attention over recent years. We here review major conceptual issues related to LFP with the goal of creating a resource for non-experts considering implementing LFP into their research. We discuss the cellular activity that constitutes the local field potential; recording techniques, including recommendations and limitations; approaches to analysis of LFP data (with focus on power-banded analyses); and finally we discuss reports of the successful use of LFP in clinical applications.
TL;DR: The use and advantages of musical neurofeedback technology for increasing human cognitive activity, correcting sleep disturbances and treatment of disorders of attention were verified and may be suited for a wide range of therapeutic and rehabilitation procedures in the protection of public health.
Abstract: This review presents the current status of a method for prevention and timely correction of human functional disturbances that was first proposed by Russian neurologist Ya.I. Levin in 1998 and further developed by the authors. The approach is named "Music of the Brain" and is based on musical or music-like stimulation organized in strict accordance with the biopotentials of a patient's brain. Initial studies on the music of the brain approach were analyzed, and its limitations were noted. To enhance the efficiency and usability of the approach, several combinations of music therapy with neurofeedback technique - musical neurofeedback - were developed. Enhanced efficiency of the approach has been shown for correction of functional disturbances during pregnancy and for elimination of stress-induced states in high technology specialists. The use and advantages of musical neurofeedback technology for increasing human cognitive activity, correcting sleep disturbances and treatment of disorders of attention were verified. After further development and testing the approach may be suited for a wide range of therapeutic and rehabilitation procedures in the protection of public health.
TL;DR: A novel method named backtracking search optimization algorithm is proposed to automatically select the optimal channel set for common spatial pattern to save computational time and improve the classification accuracy.
Abstract: Common spatial pattern algorithm is widely used to estimate spatial filters in motor imagery based brain-computer interfaces. However, use of a large number of channels will make common spatial pattern tend to over-fitting and the classification of electroencephalographic signals time-consuming. To overcome these problems, it is necessary to choose an optimal subset of the whole channels to save computational time and improve the classification accuracy. In this paper, a novel method named backtracking search optimization algorithm is proposed to automatically select the optimal channel set for common spatial pattern. Each individual in the population is a N-dimensional vector, with each component representing one channel. A population of binary codes generate randomly in the beginning, and then channels are selected according to the evolution of these codes. The number and positions of 1's in the code denote the number and positions of chosen channels. The objective function of backtracking search optimization algorithm is defined as the combination of classification error rate and relative number of channels. Experimental results suggest that higher classification accuracy can be achieved with much fewer channels compared to standard common spatial pattern with whole channels.
TL;DR: It is concluded that based on routine rehabilitation treatment, scalp acupuncture plus low frequency rTMS can promote white matter tracts repair better than scalp acupuncture alone; the motor function improvement of the hemiplegic upper limb may be closely related to the rehabilitation of the forceps minor.
Abstract: To study the clinical effects of scalp acupuncture plus low frequency rTMS in hemiplegic stroke patients. A total of 28 hemiplegic stroke patients were recruited and randomly assigned to the experimental group (scalp acupuncture low frequency rTMS routine rehabilitation treatment) or the control group (scalp acupuncture routine rehabilitation treatment). All patients received a diffusion tensor imaging examination on the day of admission and on the fourteenth day. Compared with pre-treatment, the upper limb motor function score and ability of daily life score increased significantly in the two groups, and motor function improvement was much greater in the experimental group. Fractional anisotropy values significantly increased in white matter tracts, such as the corticospinal tract, forceps minor, superior longitudinal fasciculus and uncinate fasciculus in the two groups. Compared with pretreatment, the fractional anisotropy values increased and mean diffusion values decreased synchronously in the forceps minor, left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, left inferior longitudinal fasciculus, left superior longitudinal fasciculus and left uncinate fasciculus in the experimental group. Before and after treatment, there were no significant differences in the changes of fractional anisotropy values between the two groups, but the changes of the mean diffusion values in the experimental group were much greater than those in the control group in the left superior longitudinal fasciculus and the left uncinate fasciculus (p<0.05). Moreover, the increased fractional anisotropy values in the forceps minor in the experimental group were significantly positively correlated with the increased Fugl-Meyer assessment score. Our study concluded that based on routine rehabilitation treatment, scalp acupuncture plus low frequency rTMS can promote white matter tracts repair better than scalp acupuncture alone; the motor function improvement of the hemiplegic upper limb may be closely related to the rehabilitation of the forceps minor; the combination of scalp acupuncture and low frequency rTMS is expected to provide a more optimal rehabilitation protocol for stroke hemiplegic patients.
TL;DR: The analysis showed more emotional and fewer neutral facial expressions during imagining the future than during remembering the past, which mirror a wealth of psychological research highlighting the emotional valence of future thinking.
Abstract: A body of research has investigated the cognitive and affective features of imagining the future. Our study aimed at extending this research by evaluating expressions that are triggered by future thinking. Participants were asked to remember and to imagine personal events. Both past and future thinking were video-recorded and the recording was later analyzed by a software for facial analysis that detects and classifies basic emotional expressions (i.e., happy, sad, angry, surprised, scared, disgusted and neutral). The analysis showed more emotional and fewer neutral facial expressions during imagining the future than during remembering the past. These findings mirror a wealth of psychological research highlighting the emotional valence of future thinking, which has been mainly assessed in this research by subjective methodologies. Our work provides an empirical description of facial expressions that can be triggered by imagining the future.
TL;DR: An algorithm is developed using Multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) and modified CNN to decode the behavior of brain for different images with limited data set and showed better overall accuracy compared to ROI and estimation values.
Abstract: Decoding of human brain activity has always been a primary goal in neuroscience especially with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. In recent years, Convolutional neural network (CNN) has become a popular method for the extraction of features due to its higher accuracy, however it needs a lot of computation and training data. In this study, an algorithm is developed using Multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) and modified CNN to decode the behavior of brain for different images with limited data set. Selection of significant features is an important part of fMRI data analysis, since it reduces the computational burden and improves the prediction performance; significant features are selected using t-test. MVPA uses machine learning algorithms to classify different brain states and helps in prediction during the task. General linear model (GLM) is used to find the unknown parameters of every individual voxel and the classification is done using multi-class support vector machine (SVM). MVPA-CNN based proposed algorithm is compared with region of interest (ROI) based method and MVPA based estimated values. The proposed method showed better overall accuracy (68.6%) compared to ROI (61.88%) and estimation values (64.17%).
TL;DR: The brain changes that are observed during hibernation are focused on, on how these could modify the neural substrate of consciousness, and on the possible use of hibernation as a model for quantum biology.
Abstract: While human hibernation would provide many advantages for medical applications and space exploration, the intrinsic risks of the procedure itself, as well as those involved if the procedure were to be misused, need to be assessed. Moreover, the distinctive brain state that is present during a hibernation-like state raises questions regarding the state of consciousness of the subject. Since, in animal studies, the cortical activity of this state differs from that of sleep, coma, or even general anesthesia, and resembles a sort of "slowed wakefulness", it is uncertain whether residual consciousness may still be present. In this review, I will present a brief summary of the literature on hibernation and of the current state of the art in inducing a state of artificial hibernation (synthetic torpor); I will then focus on the brain changes that are observed during hibernation, on how these could modify the neural substrate of consciousness, and on the possible use of hibernation as a model for quantum biology. Finally, some ethical considerations on the use of synthetic torpor technology will be presented.
TL;DR: It is concluded that customized dosage according to hepatic and renal functions is necessary for using acetylcholinesterase inhibitor in AD patients.
Abstract: Aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of medication with donepezil (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) on the liver and kidney function in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to compare the effects of donepezil medication during short (one month) and long term (six years) follow-ups. We evaluated female and male patients from Cukurova [42 AD patients; short term (5 mg/day)] and Dokuz Eylul [68 AD patients; long term (10 mg/day)] University Hospital. The results compared with the geriatric population without dementia in other words who are not in medication with donepezil. For short term evaluation all subjects underwent periodic examination with tests regarding hepatic and renal functions; firstly, before starting treatment and then repeated one month later. For long term evaluation all subjects underwent periodic examination with tests regarding hepatic and renal functions; three times at the end of each two consecutive years of treatment with donepezil. AD patients' results were also compared with 79 neurologically healthy geriatric patients without dementia who were over 65 years of age and were not receiving medication with donepezil. For this task, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are used to predict possible liver damage, while the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE) levels for kidney damage. No significant difference between the groups regarding the routine control of biochemical parameters was observed in short term drug medication. In long term patients' group; the effects of two years use of donepezil on renal and hepatic function were also evaluated and levels of AST, ALT, BUN and CRE were found to be increased significantly compared to pretreatment levels. But, they remained in the reference intervals. However, levels of AST and ALT at the end of the fourth year of therapy were similar to those measured at the end of the second year, levels of BUN and CRE continuing to increase with staying below the reference limits. Functional markers obtained at the end of the sixth year of therapy were not differing from those of the fourth year. No significant difference was found during comparisons within the results of the neurologically healthy geriatric patient group. During comparisons between the two groups, measurements obtained at all-time points were significantly high in donepezil treated AD patients. We concluded that customized dosage according to hepatic and renal functions is necessary for using acetylcholinesterase inhibitor in AD patients.
TL;DR: This study investigated, for the first time, facial expressions during the retrieval of Self-defining memories (i.e., those vivid and emotionally intense memories of enduring concerns or unresolved conflicts) and attributed positive valence to the retrieved memories.
Abstract: In this study, we investigated, for the first time, facial expressions during the retrieval of Self-defining memories (i.e., those vivid and emotionally intense memories of enduring concerns or unresolved conflicts). Participants self-rated the emotional valence of their Self-defining memories and autobiographical retrieval was analyzed with a facial analysis software. This software (Facereader) synthesizes the facial expression information (i.e., cheek, lips, muscles, eyebrow muscles) to describe and categorize facial expressions (i.e., neutral, happy, sad, surprised, angry, scared, and disgusted facial expressions). We found that participants showed more emotional than neutral facial expressions during the retrieval of Self-defining memories. We also found that participants showed more positive than negative facial expressions during the retrieval of Self-defining memories. Interestingly, participants attributed positive valence to the retrieved memories. These findings are the first to demonstrate the consistency between facial expressions and the emotional subjective experience of Self-defining memories. These findings provide valuable physiological information about the emotional experience of the past.
TL;DR: This special issue on Extracellular Space examines how capacitive and diffusive properties of extracellular space – the ions carrying the current being trapped by membranes and macromolecules, or escaping via the electrode track – may alter the power spectrum of the recorded signals, and more particularly how these effects may induce the 1/f scaling that they and others typically observe inextracellular and surface recordings.
Abstract: The vast majority of the brain’s electrical signals are recorded from, or filtered by, extracellular space, yet our knowledge of this compartment is rather limited as compared to that of intracellular space and the neuronal membrane. How should extracellular space be modelled? How does the way we model it change our interpretation of the recorded signals, or even the dynamics of the neuron models? Finally, is extracellular space (including the glial cells) not more than the neurons’ Cinderella, or can it claim its own role in excitability and cognition? These are the questions that have occupied the contributors to this special issue on Extracellular Space. The simplest model is that of extracellular space as a mere electrolytic solution, a potentially homogeneous and purely resistive volume conductor [7]. Bédard, Gomes, Bal and Destexhe [1] examine how capacitive and diffusive properties of extracellular space – the ions carrying the current being trapped by membranes and macromolecules, or escaping via the electrode track – may alter the power spectrum of the recorded signals, and more particularly how these effects may induce the 1/f scaling that they and others typically observe in extracellular and surface recordings. Pods [8] compares changes in the shape of the action potential recorded in extracellular space when the simulated physical model is not simply that of a volume conductor, but takes also account of electrodiffusion (the Nernst–Planck equation) and free charges (adding the Poisson equation and giving up electro-neutrality within the Debye layer). In a combined analytical-numerical tour-de-force, Xiang, Liu, Tang and Yan [10] formulate the full equations of motion of the ions carrying the local-circuit membrane currents, including not only ion transport along both the intraand extracellular compartments but also across the ion channels. Their model is an extension of the electro-diffusive cable model [9] to extracellular space, and predicts the occurrence of teraHz oscillations owing to Coulomb interactions of the mobile ions with fixed charges in the wall of the ion channel. How do ions and ligands find their way through extracellular space and reach their channels, and receptors, on the membrane? The classical view is that diffusion does the job, and that thermal agitation enhances the probability of a ligand hitting its receptor to such a degree that increasing the density of receptors would hardly be profitable [2]. Two papers in this issue [3,6] review older and recent work indicating that the extracellular electrolytic solution (or gel or colloid) is much more organized than commonly conceived. Pereira [6] suggest that extracellular space may have a guiding role, for de Lima and Hanke [3] it is excitable and active itself.
TL;DR: These findings seem to reinforce this hypothesis that electrotonic processing in non-ohmic dendrites yield insights into permanent electrical signatures that could reflect upon enduring memories as fragments of long-term memory engrams.
Abstract: Using steady-state electrical properties of non-ohmic dendrite based on cable theory, we derive electrotonic potentials that do not change over time and are localized in space. We hypothesize that clusters of such stationary, local and permanent pulses are the electrical signatures of enduring memories which are imprinted through nonsynaptic plasticity, encoded through epigenetic mechanisms, and decoded through electrotonic processing. We further hypothesize how retrieval of an engram is made possible by integration of these permanently imprinted standing pulses in a neural circuit through neurotransmission in the extracellular space as part of conscious recall that acts as a guiding template in the reconsolidation of long-term memories through novelty characterized by uncertainty that arises when new fragments of memories reinstate an engram by way of nonsynaptic plasticity that permits its destabilization. Collectively, these findings seem to reinforce this hypothesis that electrotonic processing in non-ohmic dendrites yield insights into permanent electrical signatures that could reflect upon enduring memories as fragments of long-term memory engrams.
TL;DR: The aim of the study was to reveal the set of neurobiological parameters informative for individual quantitative prediction of therapeutic response in schizophrenic patients and may be used for elaboration of methods of individual quantitative predictions of treatment outcome in schizophrenia patients.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to reveal the set of neurobiological parameters informative for individual quantitative prediction of therapeutic response in schizophrenic patients. Correlation and regression analyses of quantitative clinical scores (by Positive And Negative Syndromes Scale - PANSS), together with background EEG spectral power values and four immunological parameters: enzymatic activity of leukocyte elastase and of alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor, as well as serum levels of autoantibodies to common myelin protein and to nerve growth factor, were performed in 50 patients (all females, aged 32.9±10.8 years) with hallucinatory-delusional disorders in the frames of attack-like paranoid schizophrenia. Background neurobiological data obtained before the beginning of syndrome based treatment course (at visit 1) were matched with PANSS clinical scores of the same patients after treatment course at the stage of remission establishment (at visit 2). The multiple linear regression equations were created which contained only 3 to 4 (from initial 80) background EEG parameters and one of four immunological parameters. These mathematical models allowed prediction from 65% to 76% of PANSS scores variance after treatment course (at visit 2). The data obtained may be used for elaboration of methods of individual quantitative prediction of treatment outcome in schizophrenic patients.
TL;DR: This paper hypothesises the emergence of proto-consciousness in primitive cytoskeletal systems found in the microbial kingdoms of archaea, bacteria and eukarya supporting the hypothesis of emergence and propagation of conscious behaviour during the pre-Cambrian part of Earth's evolutionary history.
Abstract: Microorganisms demonstrate conscious-like intelligent behaviour, and this form of consciousness may have emerged from a quantum mediated mechanism as observed in cytoskeletal structures like the microtubules present in nerve cells which apparently have the architecture to quantum compute. This paper hypothesises the emergence of proto-consciousness in primitive cytoskeletal systems found in the microbial kingdoms of archaea, bacteria and eukarya. To explain this, we make use of the Subject-Object Model (SOM) of consciousness which evaluates the rise of the degree of consciousness to conscious behaviour in these systems supporting the hypothesis of emergence and propagation of conscious behaviour during the pre-Cambrian part of Earth's evolutionary history. Consciousness as proto-consciousness or sentience computed via primitive cytoskeletal structures substantiates as a driver for the intelligence observed in the microbial world during this period ranging from single-cellular to collective intelligence as a means to adapt and survive. The growth in complexity of intelligence, cytoskeletal system and adaptive behaviours are key to evolution, and thus supports the progression of the Lamarckian theory of evolution driven by quantum mediated proto-consciousness to consciousness as described in the SOM of consciousness.
TL;DR: In conclusion, myelin sheath, cell junction, and Epstein–Barr virus infection were implicated in focal ischemia injury.
Abstract: The aim in this study was to explore protein expression profiles in the rat hippocampus after induction of focal ischemia injury. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups after ischemia injury surgery: Control, Day 3, Day 7, and Day 14. Focal cortical ischemia was induced in thirty rats by photothrombosis of cortical microvessels. After surgery, the induction of ischemia was confirmed by infarct size measurement using staining by 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. To identify the differential expression of proteins between the diseased and control sides of the hippocampus, a comparative proteome analysis was performed using isobaric tags for relative or absolute quantitation coupled with 2D liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry analysis. 4,081 proteins were identified, 260 of which were non-redundant and showed differential expression between the three surgery groups and the control. Hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that the three surgical groups had markedly different expression patterns of these 260 proteins, including 160 upregulated and 80 downregulated proteins. A gene ontology analysis revealed 4,944 terms, among which myelin sheath and cell junction were the two most enriched items. In KEGG database pathway analysis, ribosome was the most abundant item. A Venn diagram showing the overlap of 25 of the differentially expressed proteins quantified from the four groups and results from the KEGG pathway analysis suggested that Epstein-Barr virus infection was the most abundant item. From the protein-protein interaction network, a total of 223 interactive proteins were predicted and used to construct a network. In conclusion, myelin sheath, cell junction, and Epstein–Barr virus infection were implicated in focal ischemia injury. Vimentin and albumin may be important proteins involved in focal ischemia injury.
TL;DR: This large scale meta-analysis was performed on functional MRI studies to study gender related similarities and differences in brain activation strategies for three of the main brain functions: Visual-spatial cognition, memory, and emotion.
Abstract: Gender similarities and differences have long been a matter of debate in almost all human research, especially upon reaching the discussion about brain functions. This large scale meta-analysis was performed on functional MRI studies. It included more than 700 active brain foci from more than 70 different experiments to study gender related similarities and differences in brain activation strategies for three of the main brain functions: Visual-spatial cognition, memory, and emotion. Areas that are significantly activated by both genders (i.e. core areas) for the tested brain function are mentioned, whereas those areas significantly activated exclusively in one gender are the gender specific areas. During visual-spatial cognition task, and in addition to the core areas, males significantly activated their left superior frontal gyrus, compared with left superior parietal lobule in females. For memory tasks, several different brain areas activated by each gender, but females significantly activated two areas from the limbic system during memory retrieval tasks. For emotional task, males tend to recruit their bilateral prefrontal regions, whereas females tend to recruit their bilateral amygdalae. This meta-analysis provides an overview based on functional MRI studies on how males and females use their brain.