Nervous System In Relation Research Articles

Anti-Inflammatory Action of Resveratrol in the Central Nervous System in Relation to Glucose Concentration-An In Vitro Study on a Blood-Brain Barrier Model.

Unbalanced blood glucose levels may cause inflammation within the central nervous system (CNS). This effect can be reversed by the action of a natural neuroprotective compound, resveratrol (RSV). The study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of RSV on astrocyte cytokine profiles within an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) under varying glucose concentrations (2.2, 5.0, and 25.0 mmol/L), corresponding to hypo-, normo-, and hyperglycemia. The model included co-cultures of astrocytes (brain compartment, BC) and endothelial cells (microvascular compartment, MC), separated by 0.4 µm wide pores. Subsequent exposure to 0.2 μM LPS in the brain compartment (BC) and 50 μM RSV in the microvascular compartment (MC) of each well was carried out. Cytokine levels (IL-1 α, IL-1 β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8) in the BC were assessed using a Multi-Analyte ELISArray Kit before and after the addition of LPS and RSV. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significance levels. The results demonstrated that RSV reduced the concentration of all studied cytokines in the BC, regardless of glucose levels, with the most substantial decrease observed under normoglycemic conditions. Additionally, the concentration of RSV in the BC was highest under normoglycemic conditions compared to hypo- and hyperglycemia. These findings confirm that administration of RSV in the MC exerts anti-inflammatory effects within the BC, particularly under normoglycemia-simulating conditions. Further in vivo studies, including animal and human research, are warranted to elucidate the bioavailability of RSV within the central nervous system (CNS).

Sex Hormone-Specific Neuroanatomy of Takotsubo Syndrome: Is the Insular Cortex a Moderator?

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), a transient form of dysfunction in the heart’s left ventricle, occurs predominantly in postmenopausal women who have emotional stress. Earlier studies support the concept that the human circulatory system is modulated by a cortical network (consisting of the anterior cingulate gyrus, amygdala, and insular cortex (Ic)) that plays a pivotal role in the central autonomic nervous system in relation to emotional stressors. The Ic plays a crucial role in the sympathovagal balance, and decreased levels of female sex hormones have been speculated to change functional cerebral asymmetry, with a possible link to autonomic instability. In this review, we focus on the Ic as an important moderator of the human brain–heart axis in association with sex hormones. We also summarize the current knowledge regarding the sex-specific neuroanatomy in TTS.

Prediction of the clinical and naming status after anterior temporal lobe resection in patients with epilepsy

By assessing the cognitive capital, neuropsychological evaluation (NPE) plays a vital role in the perioperative workup of patients with refractory focal epilepsy. In this retrospective study, we used cutting-edge statistical approaches to examine a group of 47 patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), who underwent standard anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL). Our objective was to determine whether NPE may represent a robust predictor of the postoperative status, two years after surgery. Specifically, based on pre- and postsurgical neuropsychological data, we estimated the sensitivity of cognitive indicators to predict and to disentangle phenotypes associated with more or less favorable outcomes. Engel (ENG) scores were used to assess clinical outcome, and picture naming (NAM) performance to estimate naming status. Two methods were applied: (a) machine learning (ML) to explore cognitive sensitivity to postoperative outcomes; and (b) graph theory (GT) to assess network properties reflecting favorable vs. less favorable phenotypes after surgery. Specific neuropsychological indices assessing language, memory, and executive functions can globally predict outcomes. Interestingly, preoperative cognitive networks associated with poor postsurgical outcome already exhibit an atypical, highly modular and less densely interconnected configuration. We provide statistical and clinical tools to anticipate the condition after surgery and achieve a more personalized clinical management. Our results also shed light on possible mechanisms put in place for cognitive adaptation after acute injury of central nervous system in relation with surgery.

The insular cortex as a vestibular area in relation to autonomic function.

The forebrain cerebral network including the insular cortex plays a crucial role in the regulation of the central autonomic nervous system in relation to emotional stress. Numerous studies have recently shown that the insular cortex also has roles as a vestibular area in addition to auditory function. In this review, we summarize the recent literature regarding the relationship between the insular cortex and vestibular function, and we describe our hypothesis that the insular cortex has a pivotal role in vestibular-cardiovascular integration.

Bayesian Estimation of Correlation between Measures of Blood Pressure Indices, Aerobic Capacity and Resting Heart Rate Variability Using Markov Chain Monte Carlo Simulation and 95% High Density Interval in Female School Teachers.

Background: Several explanations regarding the disparity observed in the literature with regard to heart rate variability (HRV) and its association with performance parameters have been proposed: the time of day when the recording was conducted, the condition (i.e., rest, active, post activity) and the mathematical and physiological relationships that could have influenced the results. A notable observation about early studies is that they all followed the frequentist approach to data analyses. Therefore, in an attempt to explain the disparity observed in the literature, the primary purpose of this study was to estimate the association between measures of HRV indices, aerobic performance parameters and blood pressure indices using the Bayesian estimation of correlation on simulated data using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and the equal probability of the 95% high density interval (95% HDI). Methods: The within-subjects with a one-group pretest experimental design was chosen to investigate the relationship between baseline measures of HRV (rest; independent variable), myocardial work (rate–pressure product (RPP)), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and aerobic performance parameters. The study participants were eight local female schoolteachers aged 54.1 ± 6.5 years (mean ± SD), with a body mass of 70.6 ± 11.5 kg and a height of 164.5 ± 6.5 cm. Their HRV data were analyzed in R package, and the Bayesian estimation of correlation was calculated employing the Bayesian hierarchical model that uses MCMC simulation integrated in the JAGS package. Results: The Bayesian estimation of correlation using MCMC simulation reproduced and supported the findings reported regarding norms and the within-HRV-indices associations. The results of the Bayesian estimation showed a possible association (regardless of the strength) between pNN50% and MAP (rho = 0.671; 95% HDI = 0.928–0.004), MeanRR (ms) and RPP (rho = −0.68; 95% HDI = −0.064–−0.935), SDNN (ms) and RPP (rho = 0.672; 95% HDI = 0.918–0.001), LF (ms2) and RPP (rho = 0.733; 95% HDI = 0.935–0.118) and SD2 and RPP (rho = 0.692; 95% HDI = 0.939–0.055). Conclusions: The Bayesian estimation of correlation with 95% HDI on MCMC simulated data is a new technique for data analysis in sport science and seems to provide a more robust approach to allocating credibility through a meaningful mathematical model. However, the 95% HDI found in this study, accompanied by the theoretical explanations regarding the dynamics between the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system in relation to different recording conditions (supine, reactivation, rest), recording systems, time of day (morning, evening, sleep etc.) and age of participants, suggests that the association between measures of HRV indices and aerobic performance parameters has yet to be explicated.

Reactive changes in the rat spinal cord in experimental neuropathy with and without magnetic stimulation

Performing an experiment in which electronically microscopically studied the nature of reactive changes in the structural thin section of the spinal cord, as well as their dynamics during transcranial magnetic stimulation for 1 month after experimental neuromesis and after compression-ischemic neuropathy of the sciatic nerve. The reported development of compensatory-restorative processes in neurons, glial cells and the microvasculature of the lumbar spinal cord in rats that receive treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation has been established. It was shown, that in all groups of rats changes in the structures of the lumbar thickening of the rat spinal cord developed in the form of depletion of the cytoplasm, destruction of organelles, changes in the nuclei and development of apoptosis of neurons and glial cells, destruction of the membranes and axial cylinders of myelin fibers. Moreover, these changes are more pronounced in groups after experimental neuromesis. However, in groups of rats, both after compression-ischemic neuropathy and after experimental neuromesis after treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation, there were signs of the development of recovery processes in the form of intracellular repair of neurons, proliferation of oligodendrocytes, restoration of the structure of myelin fibers and capillaries, and the absence of free red blood cells in the extracellular space. The obtained morphological data confirm the effectiveness of treatment of transcranial magnetic stimulation of injuries of the peripheral nervous system in relation to neurons, glial cells, myelin and non-myelin fibers of the spinal cord.

Age-associated changes of the intrinsic nervous system in relation with interstitial cells in the pre-weaning goat rumen.

In this study, we investigated the neural changes and their relationships with interstitial cells (ICs) in the rumen of pre-weaning goats by transmission electron microscopy, western blot and immunofluorescence (antibody: general neuronal marker-Protein Gene Product (PGP9.5)/ IC marker-vimentin). The immunofluorescence results showed that PGP9.5-positive reaction was widely distributed in neuronal soma (NS) and nerve fibre (NF). The NSs were observed in the ganglia of the myenteric plexus (MP) but not in the submucosal plexus. The mean optical density (MOD) of the whole of PGP9.5-positive nerves and the protein expression level of PGP.5 in the rumen wall both decreased significantly with age. However an obvious increase MOD of PGP.5-positive NFs within the rumen epithelium were observed. In the MP, the nerves and ICs were interwoven to form two complex networks that gradually tightened with age. Furthermore, NSs and nerve trunks were surrounded by a ring-boundary layer consisting of several ICs that became physically closer with aging. Moreover, ICs were located nearby NFs within the ML, forming connections between ICs, smooth muscle cells and axons. This study describes the pattern of neural distribution and its association with ICs in the developing rumen which shed light on the postpartum development of ruminants.

Recent Advances in the Genetic Dissection of Neural Circuits in Drosophila.

Nervous systems endow animals with cognition and behavior. To understand how nervous systems control behavior, neural circuits mediating distinct functions need to be identified and characterized. With superior genetic manipulability, Drosophila is a model organism at the leading edge of neural circuit analysis. We briefly introduce the state-of-the-art genetic tools that permit precise labeling of neurons and their interconnectivity and investigating what is happening in the brain of a behaving animal and manipulating neurons to determine how behaviors are affected. Brain-wide wiring diagrams, created by light and electron microscopy, bring neural circuit analysis to a new level and scale. Studies enabled by these tools advances our understanding of the nervous system in relation to cognition and behavior.

Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy: a systematic review.

Metronidazole, a commonly used antibiotic drug, can cause adverse effects in the central nervous system termed metronidazole-induced encephalopathy, leading to diagnostic challenges. The condition is rare and a detailed description of its phenotype is lacking. In this systematic review we investigated the clinical features of metronidazole-induced encephalopathy to promote recognition and elaborate the description. We performed a systematic literature search using PubMed.gov and hand searched the reference lists of included articles and other publications of interest. We included case series and single reports describing individual patients developing symptoms from the central nervous system in relation to metronidazole treatment. Data were extracted and analyzed descriptively. We identified 779 publications of which 112 papers comprising 136 patients were included. Typical findings were dysarthria, gait instability, limb dyscoordination and altered mental status. Frequently, patients concomitantly presented with metronidazole-induced polyneuropathy. Liver disease was the most common pre-existing condition. MRI showed a characteristic pattern of reversible symmetrical hyperintense lesions on T2/FLAIR of the dentate nuclei in 90% of patients. Most patients improved significantly after discontinuation of metronidazole. Poor outcome was associated with severe comorbidity. Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy should be considered in patients presenting with neurological symptoms in relation to newly initiated or prolonged metronidazole treatment. MRI changes are highly characteristic and specific. Patients with liver disease are at increased risk. Prognosis is good if recognized early.

Contactin-associated protein-like 2, a protein of the neurexin family involved in several human diseases.

Contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR2) is a cell adhesion protein of the neurexin family. Proteins of this family have been shown to play a role in the development of the nervous system, in synaptic functions, and in neurological diseases. Over recent years, CASPR2 function has gained an increasing interest as demonstrated by the growing number of publications. Here, we gather published data to comprehensively review CASPR2 functions within the nervous system in relation to CASPR2-related diseases in humans. On the one hand, studies on Cntnap2 (coding for CASPR2) knockout mice revealed its role during development, especially, in setting-up the inhibitory network. Consistent with this result, mutations in the CNTNAP2 gene coding for CASPR2 in human have been identified in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. On the other hand, CASPR2 was shown to play a role beyond development, in the localization of voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex that is composed of TAG-1, Kv1.1, and Kv1.2. This complex was found in several subcellular compartments essential for action potential propagation: the node of Ranvier, the axon initial segment, and the synapse. In line with a role of CASPR2 in the mature nervous system, neurological autoimmune diseases have been described in patients without neurodevelopmental disorders but with antibodies directed against CASPR2. These autoimmune diseases were of two types: central with memory disorders and temporal lobe seizures, or peripheral with muscular hyperactivity. Overall, we review the up-to-date knowledge on CASPR2 function and pinpoint confused or lacking information that will need further investigation.

Diseases and Malignant Neoplasms of Central Human Nervous System in Cyprus and the Effect of Predisposing Factors of Tobacco and Air Pollution

Aim: The aim of this work is to study the diseases of the human nervous system in Cyprus and their relationship to smoking and air pollution. Methods: The statistical methods were used to derive the results of this work are Student t-test in order to check the statistical significance of the diseases of nervous system in relation to gender, One-Way ANOVA test in order to check the statistical significance of diseases of human nervous system in relation to age and the Pearson correlation coefficient for the relationship between the diseases of both predisposing factors of smoking and air pollution. Results: The results showed that there is no statistically significant difference in the number of diseases of human nervous system in relation to gender, there is a statistically significant relationship between diseases of human nervous system and age, and in particular they occur mainly at ages 65 and over. Finally, there is a statistically significant relationship between the numbers of incidents of the central nervous system diseases with air pollution and there is no statistically significant relationship with smoking. Conclusions: This study has shown that diseases of the human nervous system differ in the incidence in terms of age while air pollution is a significant predisposition. Moreover, from all diseases of the central nervous system, malignant neoplasm (cancer) of the brain holds the first place in deaths of both men and women.

Nociceptor plasticity: A closer look.

Nociceptors are receptors specifically involved in detecting a tissue damage and transducing it in an electrical signal. Nociceptor activation provoked by any kind of acute lesion is related to the release of several mediators of inflammation, within the framework of a process defined as "peripheral sensitization." This results in an exaggerated response to the painful stimulus, clinically defined as "primary hyperalgesia." The concept of "neuroplasticity" may explain the adaptive mechanisms carried out by the Nervous System in relation to a "harmful" damage; also, neuroplasticity mechanisms are also fundamental for rehabilitative intervention protocols. Here we review several studies that addressed the role of different receptors and ionic channels discovered on nociceptor surface and their role in pain perception. The changes in expression, distribution, and functioning of receptors and ionic channels are thought to be a part of the neuroplasticity property, through which the Nervous System constantly adapts to external stimuli. Moreover, some of the reviewed mediators are also been associated to "central sensitization," a process that results in pain chronicization when the painful stimulation is particularly prolonged or intense, and lastly leads to the memorization of the uncomfortable painful perception.

The Insular Cortex and Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy.

Transient left ventricular dysfunction in patients under emotional stress, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, has been recognized as a distinct clinical entity. Recent studies have supported the concept notion that the cardiovascular system is regulated by cortical modulation. A network consisting of the insular cortex (Ic), anterior cingulate gyrus, and amygdala plays a crucial role in the regulation of the central autonomic nervous system in relation to emotional stress such as anxiety, fear and sadness. Because the Ic is located in the region of the middle cerebral arteries, its structure tends to be exposed to a higher risk of cerebrovascular disease. Ic damage has been associated with myocardial injury, increased brain natriuretic peptide, and the incidence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Because Ic damage has been associated with increased sympathetic nervous system activity, Ic damage is suggested to have a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. In this review, we focus on the role of the Ic as a mediator for the cardiovascular system in relation to emotional stress, and we summarizes the current knowledge on the relationships between the Ic and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Schema Therapy for Emotional Dysregulation: Theoretical Implication and Clinical Applications.

The term emotional dysregulation refers to an impaired ability to regulate unwanted emotional states. Scientific evidence supports the idea that emotional dysregulation underlies several psychological disorders as, for example: personality disorders, bipolar disorder type II, interpersonal trauma, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Emotional dysregulation may derive from early interpersonal traumas in childhood. These early traumatic events create a persistent sensitization of the central nervous system in relation to early life stressing events. For this reason, some authors suggest a common endophenotypical origin across psychopathologies. In the last 20 years, cognitive behavioral therapy has increasingly adopted an interactive-ontogenetic view to explain the development of disorders associated to emotional dysregulation. Unfortunately, standard Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) methods are not useful in treating emotional dysregulation. A CBT-derived new approach called Schema Therapy (ST), that integrates theory and techniques from psychodynamic and emotion focused therapy, holds the promise to fill this gap in cognitive literature. In this model, psychopathology is viewed as the interaction between the innate temperament of the child and the early experiences of deprivation or frustration of the subject’s basic needs. This deprivation may lead to develop early maladaptive schemas (EMS), and maladaptive Modes. In the present paper we point out that EMSs and Modes are associated with either dysregulated emotions or with dysregulatory strategies that produce and maintain problematic emotional responses. Thanks to a special focus on the therapeutic relationship and emotion focused-experiential techniques, this approach successfully treats severe emotional dysregulation. In this paper, we make several comparisons between the main ideas of ST and the science of emotion regulation, and we present how to conceptualize pathological phenomena in terms of failed regulation and some of the ST strategies and techniques to foster successful regulation in patients.

What we know of the central auditory disorders in children exposed to alcohol during pregnancy? Systematic review.

To identify the effects of alcohol intake during pregnancy on the central auditory nervous system in relation to their possible diagnosis, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Alcohol-Related Birth Defects and Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder, his extension and the hearing assessment method. Systematic and integrative review searched the databases PubMed, LILACS and SciELO, with terms in Portuguese and English "fetal alcohol syndrome", "alcohol-related disorders" associated with "hearing". Selection criteria: We identified 123 abstracts, six were selected and published until May 2015. Were listed topics to be answered, characterization of the sample; the diagnosis result of fetal exposure; method of hearing assessment and described results. Among the behavioral assessments, Verbal Dichotic Tests with syllables and sentences and Speech in Noise Test, were used. Among the electrophysiological tests, the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential was detected change neural synchrony, and Long-Latency Auditory Evoked Potential - P300, early latency values. There is evidence that children exposed to alcohol in utero present central auditory nervous system involvement signals, but it was not possible to identify the influence of different subtypes and their losses. Cortical auditory pathways were the most investigated and the electrophysiological method as used with an unexpected result in two of them, early N2 and P300 latency.

Time trend in incidence of malignant neoplasms of the central nervous system in relation to mobile phone use among young people in Japan.

The aim of this study was to examine whether incidence of malignant neoplasms of the central nervous system from 1993 to 2010 has increased among young people in Japan, and whether the increase could be explained by increase in mobile phone use. Joinpoint regression analysis of incidence data was performed. Subsequently, the expected incidence rate was calculated assuming that the relative risk was 1.4 for those who used mobile phones more than 1640 h cumulatively. Annual percent change was 3.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-6.3) for men in their 20s from 1993 to 2010, 12.3% (95% CI, 3.3-22.1) for women in their 20s from 2002 to 2010, 2.7% (95% CI, 1.3-4.1) for men in their 30s from 1993 to 2010, and 3.0% (95% CI, 1.4-4.7) for women in their 30s from 1993 to 2010. Change in incidence rates from 1993 to 2010 was 0.92 per 100,000 people for men in their 20s, 0.83 for women in their 20s, 0.89 for men in their 30s, and 0.74 for women in their 30s. Change in expected incidence rates from 1993 to 2010 was 0.08 per 100,000 people for men in their 20s, 0.03 for women in their 20s, 0.15 for men in their 30s, and 0.05 for women in their 30s. Patterns in sex-, age-, and period-specific incidence increases are inconsistent with sex-, age-, and period-specific prevalence trends, suggesting the overall incidence increase cannot be explained by heavy mobile phone use. Bioelectromagnetics. 37:282-289, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Changes in heart rate variability in patients with hypertension under outpatient stage treatment

Actuality of the heart rate variability study in patients with hypertension is underlined with high risk of hypertension complications development and the influence of the autonomic nervous system that changes the tone, affects not only the course of the disease but also increases the risk of death. The aim was to study heart rate variability with conventional methods, in order to increase the efficiency of the hypertension treatment with telmisartan and bisoprolol in 35 patients suffering from high blood pressure with degree I and II in an ambulatory care clinic. Results. It has been proven that the treatment with bisoprolol and telmisartan in patients with hypertension degree I and II is accompanied by a significant reduction of the sympathetic division activity of the autonomic nervous system, indicating positive change of the autonomic imbalance and increased activity of the parasympathetic system, therefore accompanied by significant reduction in the low frequency spectrum of the sympathetic nervous system in relation with the cardiac activity and the confirmed indicators LF / HF.

AB0432 Overlapping neuropsychiatric manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic disease of the connective tissue that is characterized bydamages of all organs and systems. Lesions of the nervous system in relation to the...

Authentic Movement and the Autonomic Nervous System: A Preliminary Investigation

This experimental case study seeks to understand the changes in physiological activity during and following an Authentic Movement experience. A CapnoTrainer™ biofeedback instrument was used to measure heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), capnometry, and measurement of end-tidal Carbon Dioxide (ETCO2) during and following Authentic Movement activity. The results showed an increase in parasympathetic activity while maintaining high sympathetic activation during stages of movement (Segments 5 & 6) where the mover reported "being moved." In addition, an unusual increase in HRV was found during movement and speaking about the experience following movement. Future studies are recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of Authentic Movement as a self-regulatory process of the autonomic nervous system in relation to HRV as an indicator of psychophysiological health.

Posturographic analysis of balance control in patients with haemophilic arthropathy

Musculoskeletal disorders in haemophiliacs represent the highest percentage of lesions, giving rise to haemophilic arthropathy (HA) which predominantly affects lower limbs, influencing postural control, standing and walking. Leading a sedentary lifestyle seems to influence strength and muscular resistance in haemophiliacs which, in turn, are related to articular stability and the prevention of articular degenerative processes. The objective of this work was to study alterations in balance to subsequently evaluate the appropriate therapeutics and how this influences the development of arthropathy. Twenty-five haemophiliacs with HA, 25 haemophiliacs without HA (NHA) and 25 healthy control subjects (CTL) took part in this study. Tests were performed on a force platform and the subjects remained as still as possible for 30 s under different conditions: (i) bilateral stance with eyes open; (ii) bilateral stance with eyes closed; (iii) right unilateral stance; and (iv) left unilateral stance. The results of these tests indicated significant differences (P < 0.05) between the groups HA, NHA and CTL. The HA group presented worse results for both unilateral and bilateral stance when compared with the other two cohorts. Surprisingly, the NHA group displayed a worse balance than the controls. A single calculated parameter (mean frequency) did not show significant differences. This apparently indicates the absence of pathology in the nervous system in relation to postural control. The results suggest that our patients should participate in physical exercise programmes, rehabilitation and physiotherapy to improve their postural control.