Effects Of High Stimulation Research Articles

P231 The effects of conventional and high definition transcranial direct current stimulation on motor learning and robotic Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) motor maps in children

P231 The effects of conventional and high definition transcranial direct current stimulation on motor learning and robotic Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) motor maps in children

Biocompatibility of Biodentine™ ® with Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells: In Vitro Study.

Biodentine™ is a tricalcium silicate-based cement material that has a great impact on different biological processes of dental stem cells, compared to other biomaterials. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the optimum biocompatible concentration of Biodentine™ with stem cells derived from periodontal ligament (hPDLSCs) by determining cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, migration, adhesion and mineralization potential. hPDLSCs were treated with Biodentine™ extract at different concentrations; 20, 2, 0.2 and 0.02 mg/mL. Cells cultured without Biodentine™ were used as a blank control. The proliferation potential of hPDLSCs was evaluated by MTT viability analysis for 6 days. Cytotoxicity assay was performed after 3 days by using AnnexinV/7AAD. Migration potential was investigated by wound healing and transwell migration assays at both cellular and molecular levels. The expression levels of chemokines CXCR4, MCP-1 and adhesion molecules FGF-2, FN, VCAM and ICAM-1 were measured by qPCR. The communication potentials of these cells were determined by adhesion assay. In addition, mineralization potential was evaluated by measuring the expression levels of osteogenic markers; ALP, OCN, OPN and Collagen type1 by qPCR. Our results showed significant increase in the proliferation of hPDLSCs at low concentrations of Biodentine™ (2, 0.2 and 0.02 mg/mL) while higher concentration (20 mg/mL) exhibited cytotoxic effect on the cells. Moreover, 2 mg/mL Biodentine™ showed a significant increase in the migration, adhesion and mineralization potentials of the derived cells among all concentrations and when compared to the blank control. Our findings suggest that 2 mg/mL of Biodentine™ is the most biocompatible concentration with hPDLSCs, showing a high stimulatory effect on the biological processes.

Изменение экспрессии гена ингибитора протеиназы Triticum aestivum при обработке хитоолигосахаридами с различной степенью ацетилирования и инфицировании патогенами

The dependence of the expression level of the wheat proteinase inhibitor gene EU 293132.1 on the degree of acetylation of chitooligosaccharides and the trophicity of the pathogen was revealed. When wheat plants were infected with hemibiotrophus Septoria nodorum, high stimulating effect on the activity of proteinase inhibitors was provided by chitooligosaccharides with a degree of acetylation of 30%, and when infected with necrotrophus Bipolaris sorokiniana – chitooligosaccharides with a degree of acetylation of 65%.

Acute modulation of the limbic network with low and high-frequency stimulation of the human fornix.

Targeted stimulation of white matter has opened newer perspectives in the field of neuromodulation, towards an attempt to improve memory or as a therapy for epilepsy. Stimulation of the fornix, being a part of the Papez circuit, is likely to modulate the limbic network excitability. However, the stimulation-frequency dependent variability in network excitability is unknown. In the case study, which involved stereo electroencephalographic (SEEG) recording of field potentials in a 48-year old left-handed woman with suspected temporal lobe epilepsy, we demonstrated the network effects of acute low (1 and 10 Hz) and high (50 Hz) frequency electrical stimulation of fornix. Mapping the short-latency evoked responses to forniceal stimulation confirmed the SEEG target localization within the Papez circuit. Low and high-frequency stimulation of the fornix produced opposite effects in the post-stimuli excitability, with the latter causing increased excitability in the limbic network that culminated in a clinical seizure. A distinct spectral peak around 8 Hz confirmed that sensing field potentials from the forniceal white matter is feasible. This is the first case study that provided an insight into how the temporal patterning of forniceal stimulation altered the downstream limbic network excitability.

Increase in the intensity of life and yield of green crops due to plant growth and the development of regulatory chemicals

Yearly agriculture longs to increase the yield of green crops with the help of different agrochemical methods such as application of organic and mineral fertilizers, creation of optimum moisture and temperature mode, dressing with growth-regulating chemicals and etc. In our work it is shown that under the influence of foliar treatment with zircon solution in the concentration of 0.001 mg/l and 1% of potassium sulfate solution the processes of photosynthesis and respiration are stimulated, plant water exchange is stabilized, which leads to growth and yield increase of cultures. The highest stimulating effect is due to simultaneous spraying by zircon and potassium sulfate, herewith the effect of these regulators is summarized, i.e. additive character of their interreacting is demonstrated. Foliar treatment with potassium sulfate compensate the lack of these elements in soil, which are necessary for many physiological processes of plants, in particular, for the synthesis of protein, vitamins, sugar, the regulation of water evaporation and etc. The study was carried out on the green crops of families Solanaceae (on the example of Solanum lycopersicum and Capsicum annuum) and Fabaceae (on the example of Pisum sativum) are indicative of these facts.

Effects of High Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (HF-rTMS) on Delay Discounting in Major Depressive Disorder: An Open-Label Uncontrolled Pilot Study.

Background: Delay discounting (DD) refers to the decrease of a present subjective value of a future reward as the delay of its delivery increases. Major depressive disorder (MDD), besides core emotional and physical symptoms, involves difficulties in reward processing. Depressed patients often display greater temporal discounting rates than healthy subjects. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique applied in several countries to adult patients with treatment resistant depression. Studies suggest that this technique can be used to modulate DD, but no trial has assessed its effects on depressed patients. Methods: In this open-label uncontrolled trial, 20 patients diagnosed with MDD and at least stage II treatment resistance criteria underwent 20 HF-rTMS sessions over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC; 10 Hz, 110% MT, 20 min). Pre-post treatment DD rates were compared. Effects on impulsivity, personality factors, and depressive symptoms were also evaluated. Results: No significant effect of HF-rTMS over the left dlPFC on DD of depressed individuals was observed, although rates seemed to increase after sessions. However, treatment resulted in significant improvement on cognitive impulsivity and depressive symptoms, and was well-tolerated. Conclusion: Despite the limitations involved, this pilot study allows preliminary evaluation of HF-rTMS effects on DD in MDD, providing substrate for further research.

The Effects of High Frequency Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation on Spasticity, Proprioception, Strength, and Balance in Patients with Stroke : A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study was conducted to compare the effects of high frequency and low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation applied to gastrocnemius muscle on proprioception, spasticity, and dynamic balance of stroke patients. Twenty subjects were randomly assigned to each of 10 experimental and control groups. High frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was applied to the experimental group and low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was applied to the control group for 20 minutes per day, 5 times a week for a total of 4 weeks. The subjects were assessed for proprioception by joint position sense in ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion, spasticity was assessed using Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and amount of resistance, and dynamic balance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. A significant improvement in joint position sense (plantarflexion, dorsiflexion), MAS, amount of resistance, and TUG was observed after intervention in the experimental group (p 0.05), and there was a significant improvement in all evaluation items compared to the control group (p 0.05). The results of this study suggest that application of high frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to the bilateral gastrocnemius muscles of patients with stroke has a positive effect on proprioception, spasticity and dynamic balance.

The Effects of High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Targeting the Primary Motor Cortex on Experimental Capsaicin-Induced Pain in Healthy Volunteers

AbstractBackground: Chronic pain is one of the most common health problems in the world and a significant challenge to clinical practice. Which has severe effects on patient's social and daily work that costs a lot of the governmental support. Traditionally, the focus on alleviating chronic pain has relied mainly on pharmacotherapy which has limited efficacy and significant side-effects, especially with of prolonged use. Especially with opioids which is the most widely prescribed drugs for pain.Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) which deliver a weak current up to (2mA) through electrodes on the scalp has attracted much interest as it is safe, inexpensive and easy to implement and can be used as an alternative or adjuvant to pharmacotherapy.Aim of Study: In this study, we aimed to test the effects of the newly developed and more focally targeted anodal High Definition transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tCDS) targeting the PMC on a capsaicin-induced pain model in healthy subjects. We set out to test the hypothesis that it is possible to use HD-tDCS to stimulate the PMC and to compare this with sham stimulation.Patients and Methods: After obtaining informed consent, 36 healthy volunteers (20 male). All volunteers subjected to the following experimental paradigm: Application of capsaicin cream (0.075%) on a 9cm2 area of skin for 30 minutes on the volar surface of both forearms. The volunteers were blinded and then divided into two groups of 18 with each subjected to 20 minutes of the following: Group 1 received Sham HD tDCS targeting PMC, group 2 anodal HD tDCS (2mA) targets the PMC. Pain severity was collected using Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score at regular intervals before and after the session. The subjects also asked whether they were able to differentiate between sham and active stimulation and any complications of stimulation recorded. The NRS scores also compared between the two groups. Statistical significance was calculated using suitable tests and pResults: Compared to sham stimulation, the PMC stimu-lation by HD-tDCS associated with a faster reduction in NRS pain scores after application of capsaicin to forearm skin. Also, it was well tolerated without documented adverse effect that necessitates discontinuation of the session.Conclusion: Anodal HD-tDCS of the primary motor cortex was associated with a faster reduction in reported pain score when compared with sham stimulation. Which can be used as a new treatment option for different chronic pain conditions.

Effects of High Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (HF-rTMS) on Delay Discounting in Major Depressive Disorder

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is marked by core depressive emotional and physical symptoms and is also accompanied by difficulties in reward processing. A reduction of reward anticipation, along with diminishment in anticipation predicting reduced motivation for rewards has been documented in the acute phase. Cognitive neuroscience studies suggest that non-invasive brain stimulation techniques can be used to modulate processes involved in decision making, especially when stimulation is applied over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). However, studies assessing its effects on intertemporal decision-making in clinical populations are scarce. Methods By using high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) we investigated the potential impact of one and 20 sessions on temporal impulsivity, severity of depressive symptoms, impulsivity and personality factors of depressed individuals. Twenty patients meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria for unipolar depression and meeting at least stage II treatment resistant criteria underwent 20 HF-rTMS stimulation sessions. Results In odds with prior investigations, data analysis revealed a lack of significant (or even a deleterious) effect of HF-rTMS sessions over the left dlPFC on discounting rates of depressed individuals. Treatment was well-tolerated and resulted in significant improvement on cognitive impulsivity and depressive symptoms. Hypothesis concerning the results were discussed. Conclusion Despite limitations involved in this study, results allow preliminary evaluation of rTMS effect on temporal impulsivity in depressed individuals, providing substrate for further research.

Morphological and functional evaluation of the effect of novel pyrimidine derivatives on regeneration of the sciatic nerve in rats

Two novel pyrimidine derivatives, RG2 and RG6, were studied using a rat’s model of peripheral nerve injury. Toe-spreading reflex and skin sensitivity to pinch in the foot were monitored to follow recovery of motor and sensory functions in the treated animals. The remyelation rate in the distal segment of the damaged nerve was also studied using morphological analysis of cross-sections of the nerve stained with methylene blue. The obtained data demonstrate a high stimulating effect of RG2 and RG6 on the restoration of motor and sensory functions of the sciatic nerve, as well as on the post-traumatic regeneration of myelin fibers. Possible mechanisms of the observed effects are discussed.

Ґрунтова схожість насіння павловнії повстистої Paulownia Tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud. різного географічного походження

Досліджено ґрунтову схожість насіння павловнії повстистої, заготовленого у трьох регіонах України: Одеській, Закарпатській та Львівській областях. Встановлено, що насіння павловнії повстистої характеризується високою ґрунтовою схожістю незалежно від географічного походження материнських дерев в умовах України. Найвища ґрунтова схожість притаманна насінню походженням зі Львова. Оцінено вплив температурних умов на ґрунтову схожість насіння за двох змінних температурних режимів пророщування: +15 °С вночі і +20 °С вдень та +21 °С вночі і +25 °С вдень. Встановлено, що температура пророщування істотно впливає на ґрунтову схожість насіння. За температурного режиму пророщування +21…25 °С показники ґрунтової схожості значно вищі. Досліджено вплив стимуляторів схожості: попереднє намочування насіння у воді та розчинах стимовіту, корневіну, бурштинової кислоти, епіну, радіфарму на ґрунтову схожість насіння павловнії повстистої. Встановлено, що попереднє намочування насіння має найвищу стимуляційну дію на подальше проростання насіння в ґрунті серед досліджених стимуляторів схожості. Попереднє оброблення насіння препаратами стимовіт, корневін, бурштинова кислота, епін, радіфарм загалом дало позитивний ефект, підвищивши ґрунтову схожість насіння. Наведено дані з поширення плантацій представників роду Paulownia у країнах Європи.

A Novel Supplementation Approach to Enhance Host Response to Sublingual Vaccination

Sublingual immunization is emerging as an alternative to nasal immunization and induction of mucosal IgA responses. Using Bacillus anthracis edema toxin (EdTx) as an adjuvant, we previously showed that innate responses triggered after sublingual immunization could limit generation of IgA responses. We tested whether co-administration of a neutrophil elastase inhibitor (NEI) could rescue the ability of EdTx to induce broad antibody responses, including mucosal IgA. NEI supplementation of sublingual vaccines containing EdTx promoted antigen-specific serum IgA responses but also enhanced serum IgG1, and IgG2b responses. This enhancing effect of NEI did not extend to all antibody isotypes and IgG sublclasses, since NEI reduced serum IgE responses and did not affect IgG2a/c and IgG3 responses. NEI supplementation also promoted anti-Bacillus anthracis protective antigen (PA) neutralizing antibodies and enhanced high affinity IgG1 and IgA antibodies. In addition to serum IgA, NEI supplementation stimulated antigen-specific mucosal IgA responses in the GI tract, and enhanced antigen-specific IgG responses in vaginal washes. Analysis of CD4+ T helper cell responses revealed that co-administration of NEI broadened the profile of cytokine responses, by stimulating Th1, Th2, Th17, and Tfh cytokines. We also noted that NEI had a higher stimulatory effect on IL-5, IL-10, IL-17 responses.

The Effects of high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on negative symptoms of schizophrenia: Findings from a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial

Background: Negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia are associated with poor functional outcome and are difficult to treat with currently available pharmacological and psychosocial treatment strategies. This study aimed to assess safety and efficacy of 20-Hz rTMS applied over left dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex (DLPFC) for four weeks (40,000 total stimulation pulses).

Negative effects of high mechanical tensile strain stimulation on chondrocyte injury in vitro

The mechanism underlying the development of osteoarthritis induced by high tensile strain is unclear. In this study, the effects of different degrees of mechanical tensile strain stimulation on Sprague–Dawley rat chondrocytes were explored. Rat chondrocytes were subjected to mechanical tensile strain at different intensities and frequencies (control group, low tensile strain group, intermediate tensile strain group, and high tensile strain group) using a self-made in vitro tensile strain device. After applying mechanical tensile strain, chondrocytes were collected to detect the expression of collagen II, Aggrecan, matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), ADAMTS5, and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) by real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) by fluorescence probes. Mechanical tensile strain at different frequencies and intensities had different effects on the biological functions of chondrocytes. Compared with the control group, the expression levels of Col II and Aggrecan in the low and intermediate tensile strain groups increased significantly, while the expression of MMP13 and ADAMTS5 decreased. There were no significant differences between the low and intermediate tensile strain groups. Col II and Aggrecan levels were significantly lower in the high tensile strain group than in the control group, while MMP13 and ADAMTS5 levels were higher. There were no significant differences in ROS production between the low and intermediate tensile strain groups and the control group, but the high tensile strain group exhibited significantly increased ROS production. The expression of UCP2 was significantly lower in the high tensile strain group than in all other groups. These results showed that stimulation with different levels of mechanical tensile strain has different effects on chondrocytes. Repeated high tensile strain promoted the anabolic function of chondrocytes, increased ROS production, and decreased UCP2. These results provide a potential mechanism by which osteoarthritis is induced by high mechanical tensile strain.

Radiofrequency cold plasma treatment enhances seed germination and seedling growth in variety CIM-Saumya of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Radiofrequency room temperature plasma method is a newly emerging physical seed treatment method for enhanced germination of various crops. The stimulatory effect of plasma exposure on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) has been investigated. It is an oil-bearing aromatic crop cultivated in Indonesia, Egypt, Morocco, France, India, Greece, USA, and Hungary. Cold plasma seed exposure with different RF power such as T2 (30 W), T3 (90 W), T4 (150 W), T5 (210 W) and T6 (270 W) was applied to work out its effect on seed. The T4 (150 W) cold plasma treatment had the highest stimulatory effect on germination and vigor among all the studied doses of treatments. Increase in the germination and seedling vigor of sweet basil might be a consequence of the increases in water uptake, seed reserve mobilization and depletion rate at T4 treatment.

Strawberry seed extract and its major component, tiliroside, promote ceramide synthesis in the stratum corneum of human epidermal equivalents.

The activation of peroxisomeproliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α can stimulate the expression of ceramide-related enzymes, and a major component of strawberry seed extract (SSE) tiliroside enhances the expression of PPARα. We determined whether SSE and tiliroside may stimulate ceramide synthesis in the stratum corneum (SC) of the human epidermal equivalents (HEEs) culture model. Treatment with SSE at 1.0 and 3.0 μg/mL elicited a significant increase in the total ceramide content in the SC, which was accompanied by a significant increase in almost all ceramide species except for ceramide [EOS] and [AP]. Treatment with tiliroside at 0.3 μg/mL slightly accentuated the total ceramide content in the SC together with a significant increase in the ceramide [NS, NDS] content. Messenger RNA analysis demonstrated that SSE at 1 or 3 μg/mL significantly stimulated the gene expression of serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) 2, ceramide synthase (CerS) 3, glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), and β-glucocerebrosidase (GBA) but not of SPT1, sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) 1/2 and acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). In contrast, tiliroside elicited significant increases in the gene expression levels of GCS and GBA only at 0.3 and/or 0.1 μg/mL. Western blotting analysis revealed that both SSE and tiliroside enhanced the protein expression levels of GCS and GBA but not of SPT2 at 1 or 3 and 0.1 or 0.3 μg/mL, respectively. These findings suggested that both SSE and tiliroside have a distinct potential to stimulate the level of ceramide [NS, NDS] in the SC by enhancing the expression of GCS and GBA. The higher stimulatory effect with SSE than tiliroside on SC ceramide synthesis correlates with the significant increase observed with SSE but not tiliroside in the gene expression levels of SPT2 and CerS3. Therefore, it is anticipated that SSE is effective in improving skin barrier function and moisture retention in several ceramide-deficit skin conditions, including surfactant-induced roughened skin, xerosis, and atopic dermatitis.

Study on flexural properties of active magnesia carbonation concrete with fly ash content

The fly ash activated magnesia carbonized concrete developed based on cement carbonization technology is a new type of cement-based composite material, the effects of four different proportions of fly ash and active magnesium oxide on the flexural and ductile failure of carbonized concrete were studied. The results show that the early flexural strength of magnesia carbonized concrete decreases with the increase of fly ash content, the flexural strength increases obviously during 0–7 days of carbonation curing. Afterwards, there is a flat growth, then increases significantly after 21–28 days of curing. The increase of fly ash content has a high stimulatory effect on ductility, which slows down the brittle failure of the test block. However, excessive fly ash content will also have a negative impact on the strength and performance. The optimum value is verified by the relationship between strain-time curve, the optimum mixing amount of fly ash is 0.3, and the ratio of water to glue is 1:1. Microscopic test results verify the magnesium carbonized products of Nesquehonite, Dypingite and Hydromagnesite are the main reasons for improving the flexural properties.

Amelioration of Photosynthesis and Quality of Wheat under Non-thermal Radio Frequency Plasma Treatment

Plasma treatment is recognized as a suitable technology to improve germination efficiency of numerous seeds. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate whether cold air plasma can change the quality and quantity of wheat yield. Effects of cold plasma treatment on wheat (Pishgam variety) yield were studied by a randomized complete block design experiment at the Faculty of Agriculture of Tarbiat Modarres University, Iran, during 2015–17. Seeds were pre-treated with 80 W of cold plasma at four levels of time, 60, 120, 180 and 240 seconds. Plasma effects on yield and quality of wheat were determined by measuring plant photosynthesis, grain yield, biological yield, 1000-grain weight, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, anthocyanin, protein and starch content. Results showed that plasma treatments had positive effects on wheat characteristics, and treatment of 180 s had the highest stimulatory effect. In both years, cold plasma increased grain yield at 180 s, but decreased it at 240 s compared with control. The rate of plant photosynthesis, grain yield, 1000-grain weight, carotenoid and anthocyanin were enhanced at 180 s. The starch content and grain protein were enhanced at 120 s cold plasma application compared with control.

High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex can alleviate non-fluent aphasia after stroke

To investigate the effects of High frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the motor cortex on non-fluent aphasia in patients after stroke. Six stroke patients displaying non-fluent aphasia were randomly assigned to an rTMS group and a control group using a random number table. Both groups were treated with conventional language therapy. While the rTMS group was additionally given 5 Hz rTMS over the motor cortex (M 1) of the affected hemisphere 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The patients were stimulated at 100% of the motor threshold (MT), with 2 second trains and intervals of 3 seconds 120 times (1200 pulses) in a session. Before and after the 4 weeks of treatment, the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) and the Communicative Abilities in Daily Living (CADL) test were conducted in both groups to evaluate their language function and communication ability. Only spontaneous speech improved significantly ( P < 0.05) in the control group after 4 weeks of treatment. In the rTMS group, the spontaneous speech, auditory comprehension, repetition, naming and aphasia quotient (AQ) had all improved significantly ( P < 0.05). Moreover, after the treatment, the average score of the auditory comprehension, repetition, naming and AQ of the rTMS group were significantly higher than those of the control group ( P < 0.05). rTMS applied to the motor cortex of the affected hemisphere can significantly improve language function in those exhibiting non-fluent aphasia after stroke.

Cognitive effects of bilateral high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in early phase psychosis: a pilot study.

Cognitive dysfunction is a core facet of schizophrenia that is present early in the course of the illness and contributes to diminished functioning and outcomes. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a relatively new neuropsychiatric intervention. Initially used in treatment resistant depression, investigators are now studying rTMS for other psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia. In this study we examined the effect of high frequency rTMS on cognitive function in a group of individuals with early phase psychosis. Twenty subjects were randomized (1:1) in double-blind fashion to rTMS or sham condition. Over two weeks subjects underwent ten sessions of high frequency, bilateral, sequential rTMS targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Prior to beginning and following completion of study treatment, subjects completed a cognitive assessment and magnetic resonance imaging. Subjects receiving rTMS, compared to sham treatment, displayed improvement on a standardized cognitive battery both immediately following the course of study treatment and at follow-up two weeks later. Imaging results revealed that left frontal cortical thickness at baseline was correlated with treatment response. The study treatment was found to be safe and well tolerated. These results suggest that rTMS may hold promise for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in the early phase of psychosis, and that MRI may provide biomarkers predicting response to the treatment.