Object Recognition Research Articles

Prototype of AI-powered assistance system for digitalisation of manual waste sorting.

Global waste generation is projected to reach 3.40 billion tons by 2050, necessitating improved waste sorting for effective recycling and progress toward a circular economy. Achieving this transformation requires higher sorting intensity through intensified processes, increased efficiency, and enhanced yield. While manual sorting remains common, smaller plants often use positive sorting to recover recyclables, and larger plants combine automated systems with manual sorting. Negative sorting is employed to remove impurities and improve material quality. However, innovation in manual sorting has stagnated. Advances in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence offer transformative potential for waste management, with digitalisation and improved recyclate quality becoming priorities. Despite these trends, manual sorting is still largely treated as a digital black box. The presented research outlines the design of a novel, human-centric AI-powered assistance system to support sorting workers by enhancing decision-making and real-time assistance during the sorting process, driving the digitalisation of manual sorting. Potential use cases, system requirements, and essential components were explored. High-quality use case-specific data is essential for model training. Therefore, publicly available datasets were evaluated but found inadequate, necessitating use-case-specific data acquisition through near-industry-scale experiments. This data was used to train and develop key system components, such as object recognition, classification, and action recognition models. Results indicate that transfer learning with a balanced dataset is effective for waste-sorting applications. The classification model achieved 81% accuracy on an experimental acquired balanced dataset, outperforming the accuracy of the pre-trained model on its original dataset.

The effects of early-life whisker deprivation on adolescent behavior in C57BL/6J mice.

Whisker deprivation at different stages of early development results in varied behavioral outcomes. However, there is a notable lack of systematic studies evaluating the specific effects of whisker deprivation from postnatal day 0 (P0) to P14 on adolescent behavioral performance in mice. To investigate these effects, C57BL/6J mice underwent whisker deprivation from P0 to P14 and were subsequently assessed at 5 weeks of age using a battery of tests: motor skills were evaluated using open field test; emotional behavior was evaluated using a series of anxiety- and depression-related behavioral tests; cognitive function was examined via novel location and object recognition tests; and social interactions were analyzed using three-chamber social interaction test. Results show that early-life whisker deprivation impairs social discrimination, as evidenced by reduced interaction preference for novel mice, while not impacting general motor abilities, cognitive performance in novel object and location recognition, or anxiety- and depression-related behaviors during adolescence. The treatment effects were consistent across sexes, with no significant differences observed between control and experimental groups within each sex. These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the behavioral impacts during adolescence resulting from early-life whisker deprivation and provide valuable criteria for selecting appropriate whisker deprivation models in future research.

Blockade of A2AR improved brain perfusion and cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older, particularly women. Along with AD's main hallmarks (formation of β-amyloid plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles), there are vascular alterations that occurs in AD pathology. Adenosine A2 receptor (A2AR) is one of the key factors of brain vascular autoregulation and is overexpressed in AD patients. Our previous findings suggest that protein arginine methyltransferase 4 (PRMT4) is overexpressed in AD, which leads to decrease in cerebral blood flow in aged female 3xTg mice. We aimed to investigate the mechanism behind A2AR signaling in the regulation of brain perfusion and blood-brain barrier integrity in age and sex-dependent 3xTg mice, and if it is related to PRMT4. Istradefylline, a highly selective A2AR antagonist, was used to modulate A2AR signaling. Aged female 3xTg and C57BL/6J mice were evaluated for brain perfusion (via laser speckle) and cognitive function (via open field, T-maze and novel object recognition). Our results suggest that modulation of A2AR signaling in aged female 3xTg increased cerebral perfusion by decreasing PRMT4 expression, restored the levels of APP and tau, maintained blood-brain barrier integrity by maintaining the expression of tight junction proteins, and preserved functional learning/memory.

Study of the Pharmacological Activity Spectrum of the New Original NT-3 Mimetic Dipeptide GTS-302.

The purpose of the work was to study the range of pharmacological activity of GTS-302. The pharmacological effects of GTS-302 were revealed by its intraperitoneal administration. The antidepressant-like activity of GTS-302 was studied in the forced swimming test on mice after its acute and 7-day administration. The anxiolytic and memory-enhancing activities of the dipeptide were studied, respectively, in the elevated plus maze on mice and in the novel object recognition test on rats after acute administration. The effect of GTS-302 on pain sensitivity was studied in the hot plate test on mice after acute administration. It was found that GTS-302 exhibits antidepressant-like activity upon acute administration at doses of 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, and 10 mg/kg. At 7-day administration, the antidepressant-like activity of GTS-302 was more pronounced in terms of the effect expression and statistical significance. Dipeptide GTS-302 at doses of 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/kg exhibited anxiolytic and memory-enhancing activity and did not affect pain sensitivity. The pharmacological spectrum of the low-molecular NT-3 mimetic dipeptide GTS-302, revealed during systemic administration, includes a number of neuropsychotropic effects characteristic of a full-size neurotrophin. This allows GTS-302 to be considered as a potential neuropsychotropic drug.

All-Optical Modulation Photodetectors Based on the CdS/Graphene/Ge Sandwich Structures for Integrated Sensing-Computing.

In this manuscript, an all-optical modulation photodetector based on a CdS/graphene/Ge sandwich structure is designed. In the presence of the modulation (near-infrared) light, the Fermi level of the graphene channel shifts, allowing for the tuning of the visible light response speed as well as achieving a broad responsivity range from negative (-3376 A/W) to positive (3584 A/W) response. Based on this, logical operations are performed by adjusting the power of the modulation light superimposed with the signal light. This facilitates more covert, all-optical, high-speed encrypted communication. The ultrahigh tunability and nearly symmetric positive and negative photoconductivity of all-optical modulation photodetectors significantly enhance the computational capacity of neuromorphic hardware. The proposed device exhibits substantial advantages in applications requiring high fault tolerance for integrated sensing-computing （ISC） and high-resolution motion object recognition, providing insights for the development of next-generation high-bandwidth, low-power-consumption ISC devices.

Maternal, Paternal, and Dual-Parental Alcohol Exposures Result in Both Overlapping and Distinct Impacts on Behavior in Adolescent Offspring.

Emerging research reveals that alcohol use by fathers before conception can affect the growth and development of their offspring. Here, we used a C57BL/6J mouse model to study the effects of alcohol exposure on the behavior of the first-generation (F1) offspring, comparing the impacts of alcohol exposure by mothers, fathers, and both parents. Our goal was to determine how alcohol exposure by each parent or both parents influences the behavior of the offspring. We found that adolescent male offspring of alcohol-exposed fathers showed reduced anxiety-like behaviors as they spent more time in the center of the testing arena during the open field test. Both maternal and paternal alcohol exposure caused sex-specific increases in the nestlet shredding test while decreasing the number of buried marbles in the marble burying test. Interestingly, dual-parental alcohol exposure did not produce any significant changes in these same tests. However, during novel object recognition testing, we found that dual-parental male and female offspring exhibit an increased preference for novel objects, suggesting an increased risk preference. Finally, at sixteen weeks, male offspring of dual-exposed parents exhibited decreased voluntary physical activity on running wheels during the active phase, suggesting alterations in their circadian rhythms. Although differences in parental exposure histories between treatment groups make interpretation challenging, our findings suggest that exposure to alcohol by both parents may have unique effects on behavior and that studying both maternal and paternal alcohol use is essential for understanding the full range of factors influencing the penetrance and severity of alcohol-related phenotypes.

Memantine and Amantadine KLVFF peptide conjugates: Synthesis, structure determination, amyloid-β interaction and effects on recognition memory in mice.

Adamantane derivatives, such as memantine (Mem) and amantadine (Ada), have distinct mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Ada is primarily utilized as an antiviral and anti-Parkinson drug without significant pro-cognitive effects, Mem is effective in various clinical conditions characterized by cognitive deficits, including Alzheimer's disease. Recent evidence highlights a neuroprotective role for Aβ monomers, suggesting that preventing their aggregation into toxic oligomers could be a promising therapeutic strategy. Based on the observation that the Lys-Leu-Val-Phe-Phe (KLVFF) peptide, can block the transition of randomly coiled Aβ monomers into toxic β-sheet aggregates, two KLVFF conjugates, the Mem-Succ-KLVFF and Ada-Succ-KLVFF were investigated. Peptides were synthesized by Microwave-Assisted Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (MW-SPPS). Circular Dichroism (CD), Th-T fluorescence and Gel-Electrophoresis techniques were used to assess the inhibitory effect on Aβ42 fibrillogenesis. The formation of inclusion complexes with β-Cyclodextrin (β-CyD) was demonstrated by NMR Spectroscopy. The Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test, followed by double-blind analysis, was applied for in vivo response to compounds administration. In vitro effects on neurons were studied by MTT assay and WB analysis, whereas HR ESI-MS allowed the molecular detection on brain homogenates. These compounds differently affect Aβ42 aggregation. Mem-Succ-KLVFF, and Succ-KLVFF affect pCREB levels in differentiated SH-SY5Y, a signaling pathway involved in memory processes. In the NOR test, both Mem and KLVFF exhibited pro-cognitive effects individually and synergistically when co-administered. Structure-activity relationships are discussed, integrating in vivo results, memory-related cellular pathways, and HR-ESI-MS analyses. These findings support the therapeutic potential of these compounds in preserving cognitive function.

Effects of cypermethrin exposure on learning and memory functions and anxiety-like behavior in rats

BackgroundCypermethrin (CYP), a synthetic pyrethroid widely used to control plant pests, has been associated with various diseases in humans exposed to pesticides, either directly or indirectly. This study aimed to examine the effects of CYP on learning and memory functions, as well as anxiety-like behavior.MethodsForty male Wistar rats (8 weeks old) were randomly assigned to 4 groups: The first group served as the control, while the other three groups received different doses of CYP (5, 20, and 80 mg/kg) via gavage once daily for one month. Passive avoidance learning (PAL) and memory were assessed using the shuttle box test, cognitive memory was evaluated using the novel object recognition (NOR) test, and spatial memory was measured with the Morris water maze (MWM) test. The elevated plus-maze (EPM) and open field tests were used to assess locomotor activity and anxiety levels.ResultsIn the PAL test, significant differences were observed in the time spent in the dark compartment (TDC) and step-through latency in the retention trial (STLr) in rats receiving 80 mg/kg of CYP. MWM results indicated memory impairment in rats treated with 20 and 80 mg/kg of CYP. Additionally, rats treated with the highest dose of CYP (80 mg/kg) showed a reduction in the number of entries into the open arms of the EPM compared to the control group.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that CYP negatively affects learning and memory retention. Further research is needed to explore the precise mechanisms by which this toxin impacts cognitive functions.

Instruction-induced modulation of the visual stream during gesture observation.

Although gesture observation tasks are believed to invariably activate the action-observation network (AON), we investigated whether the activation of different cognitive mechanisms when processing identical stimuli with different explicit instructions modulates AON activations. Accordingly, 24 healthy right-handed individuals observed gestures and they processed both the actor's moved hand (hand laterality judgment task, HT) and the meaning of the actor's gesture (meaning task, MT). The main brain-level result was that the HT (vs MT) differentially activated the left and right precuneus, the left inferior parietal lobe, the left and right superior parietal lobe, the middle frontal gyri bilaterally and the left precentral gyrus. MT (vs HT) differentially activated the left and right calcarine cortex, the fusiform gyrus bilaterally, the left inferior temporal gyrus, the left and right hippocampus and parahippocampal gyri, and the temporal pole bilaterally. Processing the actor's moving hand modulates the dorsal action observation network (while processing gesture meaning modulates the ventral object recognition stream). The present results suggest instruction-induced modulation on the visual stream during gesture observation.

Food properties modulate activities in posterior parietal and visual cortex during chewing.

Cross-modal interactions between sensory modalities may be necessary for recognition of chewing food by the invisible oral cavity to avoid damaging the tongue and/or oral mucosa. The present study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate whether the food properties hardness and size influence activities in the posterior parietal cortex and visual cortex during chewing performance in healthy individuals. It was found that an increase in food hardness enhanced both posterior parietal cortex and visual cortex activities, while an increase in food size enhanced activities in the same regions. These findings suggested a quantitative relationship of oral food properties with activities in the brain regions responsible for object recognition and visuospatial processing. It is thus concluded that heightened neural activities in the posterior parietal cortex and visual area reflect an increased demand for cross-modal representation of food properties related to chewing.

Molecular Hydrogen Modulates T Cell Differentiation and Enhances Neuro-Regeneration in a Vascular Dementia Mouse Model.

This study explores whether molecular hydrogen (H2) administration can alleviate cognitive and immunological disturbances in a mouse model of vascular dementia (VaD). Adult male C57BL/6 mice underwent bilateral common carotid artery stenosis to induce VaD and were subsequently assigned to three groups: VaD, VaD with hydrogen-rich water treatment (VaD + H2), and Sham controls. Behavioral assessments using open field and novel object recognition tests revealed that VaD mice exhibited anxiety-deficient behavior and memory impairment, both of which were reversed by H2 treatment. Histological examinations showed pyknotic neuronal morphologies and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the VaD hippocampus, whereas H2 administration mitigated these alterations. Furthermore, VaD-induced downregulation of BCL2 was reversed in the VaD + H2 group, in parallel with increased IL-4 expression. Flow cytometric analyses revealed that VaD disrupted T regulatory cell homeostasis by significantly increasing their proportion, an effect reversed by H2 treatment, thereby restoring immunological balance. Transcriptomic evaluations confirmed that VaD suppressed key neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory genes, while H2 treatment restored or enhanced their expression. Collectively, these findings highlight the neuroprotective and immuno-modulatory potential of molecular hydrogen, suggesting that H2 supplementation may promote neuronal resilience, modulate T cell differentiation, and support cognitive recovery in vascular dementia.

Microglial double stranded DNA accumulation induced by DNase II deficiency drives neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration

BackgroundDeoxyribonuclease 2 (DNase II) is pivotal in the clearance of cytoplasmic double stranded DNA (dsDNA). Its deficiency incurs DNA accumulation in cytoplasm, which is a hallmark of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Our previous study showed that neuronal DNase II deficiency drove tau hyperphosphorylation and neurodegeneration (Li et al., Transl Neurodegener 13:39, 2024). Although it has been verified that DNase II participates in type I interferons (IFN-I) mediated autoinflammation and senescence in peripheral systems, the role of microglial DNase II in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is still unknown.MethodsThe levels of microglial DNase II in triple transgenic AD mice (3xTg-AD) were measured by immunohistochemistry. The cognitive performance of microglial DNase II deficient WT and AD mice was determined using the Morris water maze test, Y-maze test, novel object recognition test and open filed test. To investigate the impact of microglial DNase II deficiency on microglial morphology, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway and IFN-I pathway, neuroinflammation, synapses loss, amyloid pathology and tauopathy, the levels of cGAS-STING and IFN-I pathway related protein, gliosis and proinflammatory cytokines, synaptic protein, complement protein, Aβ levels, phosphorylated tau in the brains of the microglial DNase II deficient WT and AD mice were evaluated by immunolabeling, immunoblotting, q-PCR or ELISA.ResultsWe found that the levels of DNase II were significantly decreased in the microglia of 3xTg-AD mice. Microglial DNase II deficiency altered microglial morphology and transcriptional signatures, activated the cGAS-STING and IFN-I pathway, initiated neuroinflammation, led to synapse loss via complement-dependent pathway, increased Aβ levels and tauopathy, and induced cognitive decline.ConclusionsOur study shows the effect of microglial DNase II deficiency and cytoplasmic accumulated dsDNA on neuroinflammation, and reveals the initiatory mechanism of AD pathology, suggesting that DNase II is a potential target for neurodegenerative diseases.

Repeated administration of a subanesthetic dose of ketamine results in impaired motor and cognitive behavior and differential expression of hippocampal P2X1 and P2X7 receptors in adult mice.

Ketamine hydrochloride serves multiple purposes, including its use as a general anesthetic, treatment for depression, and recreational drug. In studies involving rodents, ketamine is utilized as a model for schizophrenia. However, it is unclear whether age affects the behavioral response induced by repeated ketamine administration and if it modifies the expression levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and purinergic receptors (P2X1, P2X4, P2X7). In the present study, we evaluated the effect of intraperitoneal administration of subanesthetic ketamine dose (30mg/Kg) for fourteen days on young (35 days of age) and adult (76 days of age) mice on different behavioral tests. Nest-building behavior was evaluated during the fourteen-day treatment; short-term memory and social interaction tests were assessed twenty-four hours after the last administration of ketamine. Interestingly, only adult mice treated with ketamine showed impaired nest-building and novel object recognition tests. In the hippocampus, an area related to memory and cognition, ketamine administration showed no changes in the relative expression of GluN1, P2X4, and P2X7 while increasing GluA2 and P2X1 only in young mice. In contrast, when assessing the protein levels of P2X1 and P2X7 in the hippocampus following ketamine treatment, young mice exhibited a decrease in P2X1 levels while P2X7 levels increased. In contrast, adult mice showed the opposite pattern; P2X1 levels were higher, and P2X7 levels decreased. These results suggest that adult mice are more vulnerable to repeated ketamine administration than young mice and that a differential response of P2X1 and P2X7 might contribute to ketamine-induced behavioral changes.

A Feature-Enhanced Small Object Detection Algorithm Based on Attention Mechanism.

With the rapid development of AI algorithms and computational power, object recognition based on deep learning frameworks has become a major research direction in computer vision. UAVs equipped with object detection systems are increasingly used in fields like smart transportation, disaster warning, and emergency rescue. However, due to factors such as the environment, lighting, altitude, and angle, UAV images face challenges like small object sizes, high object density, and significant background interference, making object detection tasks difficult. To address these issues, we use YOLOv8s as the basic framework and introduce a multi-level feature fusion algorithm. Additionally, we design an attention mechanism that links distant pixels to improve small object feature extraction. To address missed detections and inaccurate localization, we replace the detection head with a dynamic head, allowing the model to route objects to the appropriate head for final output. We also introduce Slideloss to improve the model's learning of difficult samples and ShapeIoU to better account for the shape and scale of bounding boxes. Experiments on datasets like VisDrone2019 show that our method improves accuracy by nearly 10% and recall by about 11% compared to the baseline. Additionally, on the AI-TODv1.5 dataset, our method improves the mAP50 from 38.8 to 45.2.

Flexible Tactile Sensors with Self-Assembled Cilia Based on Magnetoelectric Composites.

Traditional tactile sensors are single-function, and it is difficult to meet the needs of applications in complex environments. This paper describes the development and applications of flexible tactile sensors with cilia based on magnetoelectric composites made of neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) microparticles with a silver (Ag) nanoshell in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). These sensors adopt the inherent magnetism of NdFeB microparticles and the excellent conductivity of the Ag coating. Self-assembly of the composites of NdFeB@Ag/PDMS under the combined effect of intrinsic magnetism and external magnetic field yields cilia that are sensitive to forces with a high conductivity of 36479.33 S/m. The resulting sensors can measure forces in the range of 0.02-0.05 N and recognize surrounding magnetic fields whose magnitudes are larger than 10 mT. These sensors have been used to perform texture recognition, Braille recognition, and object recognition to yield accuracies of 98%, 100%, and 94.58%, respectively. This research based on NdFeB@Ag magnetoelectric microparticles presents a convenient approach to construct tactile sensors with randomly distributed surficial microstructures, leading to the prevalence of low-cost but highly sensitive tactile sensors for humanoid, human machine interface, and healthcare.

Neuroprotective Potential of Origanum majorana L. Essential Oil Against Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits and Oxidative Stress in a Zebrafish Model.

Origanum majorana L., also known as sweet marjoram, is a plant with multiple uses, both in the culinary field and traditional medicine, because of its major antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive properties. In this research, we focused on the effects of O. majorana essential oil (OmEO, at concentrations of 25, 150, and 300 μL/L), evaluating chemical structure as well as its impact on cognitive performance and oxidative stress, in both naive zebrafish (Danio rerio), as well as in a scopolamine-induced amnesic model (SCOP, 100 μM). The fish behavior was analyzed in a novel tank-diving test (NTT), a Y-maze test, and a novel object recognition (NOR) test. We also investigated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and the brain's oxidative stress status. In parallel, we performed in silico predictions (research conducted using computational models) of the pharmacokinetic properties of the main compounds identified in OmEO, using platforms such as SwissADME, pKCSM, ADMETlab 2.0, and ProTox-II. The results revealed that the major compounds were trans-sabinene hydrate (36.11%), terpinen-4-ol (17.97%), linalyl acetate (9.18%), caryophyllene oxide (8.25%), and α-terpineol (6.17%). OmEO can enhance memory through AChE inhibition, reduce SCOP-induced anxiety by increasing the time spent in the top zone in the NTT, and significantly reduce oxidative stress markers. These findings underscore the potential of using O. majorana to improve memory impairment and reduce oxidative stress associated with cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD).

A human single-neuron dataset for object recognition

Object recognition is fundamental to how we interact with and interpret the world around us. The human amygdala and hippocampus play a key role in object recognition, contributing to both the encoding and retrieval of visual information. Here, we recorded single-neuron activity from the human amygdala and hippocampus when neurosurgical epilepsy patients performed a one-back task using naturalistic object stimuli. We employed two sets of naturalistic object images from leading datasets extensively used in primate neural recordings and computer vision models: we recorded 1204 neurons using the ImageNet stimuli, which included broader object categories (10 different images per category for 50 categories), and we recorded 512 neurons using the Microsoft COCO stimuli, which featured a higher number of images per category (50 different images per category for 10 categories). Together, our extensive dataset, offering the highest spatial and temporal resolution currently available in humans, will not only facilitate a comprehensive analysis of the neural correlates of object recognition but also provide valuable opportunities for training and validating computational models.

Enhancement of Cognitive Benefits and Anti-Anxiety Effects of Phytolacca americana Fruits in a Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Model of Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment.

Phytolacca americana fruits exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This study aims to investigate the phenolic profile of hydroethanolic extracts from both fresh (PEC) and dried (PEU) fruits of P. americana using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and to evaluate their impact on anxiety-like behavior, memory, oxidative stress, and cholinergic status in zebrafish (Danio rerio, Tübingen strain) treated with scopolamine (SCO, 100 μM). Acute administration of PEC and PEU (0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/L) was conducted for one hour per day. In silico analyses were performed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the phenolic compounds discerned in the two extracts, using platforms such as SwissAdme, Molinspiration, ProToX-III, AdmetLab 3.0, PKCSM, and PASS. Anxiety-like behavior and memory performance were assessed through specific behavioral assays, including the novel tank test (NTT), light/dark test (LD), novel approach test (NAT), Y-maze, and novel object recognition (NOR). Subsequently, the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the extent of oxidative stress in the zebrafish brain were investigated. Our findings suggest that both PEC and PEU possess anxiolytic effects, alleviating SCO-induced anxiety and enhancing cognitive performance in amnesic zebrafish. Furthermore, these extracts demonstrated the ability to mitigate cholinergic deficits by inhibiting AChE activity and supporting antioxidant defense mechanisms through increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced lipid and protein peroxidation. These results highlight the potential use of P. americana fruit extracts in managing anxiety and cognitive impairments related to dementia conditions.

Actions of dexmedetomidine in regulating NLRP3 in postoperative cognitive dysfunction in aged mice via the autophagy-lysosome pathway.

Autophagy-lysosomal pathway dysfunction leads to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Dexmedetomidine (Dex) improves POCD, and we probed the effects of Dex on autophagy-lysosomal pathway dysfunction in a POCD model. A POCD mouse model was established and intraperitoneally injected with Dex. Cognitive function was evaluated by Morris water maze/open field test/novel object recognition assay. Levels of neurotransmitters/inflammatory cytokines in hippocampus, and NLRP3/ASC/Cleaved Caspase-1 proteins were determined by ELISA/Western blot. NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated microglial activation/astrocyte A1 differentiation in the hippocampal CA1 region were assessed by immunofluorescence assay. BV-2 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Dex and/or the NLRP3 inflammasome activator Nigericin, and transfected with si-TFEB for co-culture with primary reactive astrocytes (RAs) to verify the function of Dex in vitro. Dex alleviated cognitive dysfunction in POCD mice and repressed NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated microglial activation and astrocyte A1 differentiation. NLRP3 inflammasome activation partially reversed the protective effect of Dex on the POCD condition. In vitro experiments verified the inhibitory properties of Dex on microglial activation and astrocyte A1 differentiation. Dex induces TFEB nuclear translocation, microglial autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis. By activating the autophagy-lysosome pathway, Dex regulated NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated microglial activation, inhibited astrocyte A1 differentiation and alleviated POCD in vivo. Dex regulates NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated hippocampal microglial activation by promoting TFEB nuclear translocation and activating the autophagy-lysosome pathway and inhibits astrocyte A1 differentiation, thereby alleviating POCD.

Neuroprotective Efficacy of Astragalus mongholicus in Ischemic Stroke: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms.

Stroke affects over 12 million people annually, leading to high mortality, long-term disability, and substantial healthcare costs. Although East Asian herbal medicines are widely used for stroke treatment, the pathways of operation they use remain poorly understood. Our study investigates the neuroprotective properties of Astragalus mongholicus (AM) in acute ischemic stroke using photothrombotic (PTB) and transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse models, as well as an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model. Post-OGD treatment with AM improved cell viability in mouse neuroblastoma cells, likely by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mice received short-term (0-2 days) or long-term (0-27 days) AM treatment post-stroke. Infarct size was assessed using a 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining procedure alongside magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Neuroprotective metabolites including inositol (Ins), glycerophosphocholine+phosphocholine (GPc+ PCh), N-acetylaspartate+N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAA+NAAG), creatine + phosphocreatine (Cr+PCr), and glutamine+glutamate (Glx) were analyzed via magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Gliosis was assessed using GFAP and Iba-1 immunohistochemical markers, while neurological deficits were quantified with modified neurological severity scores (mNSS). Motor and cognitive functions were assessed using cylinder, rotarod, and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. AM treatment significantly reduced ischemic damage and improved neurological outcomes in both acute and chronic stages of PTB and tMCAO models. Additionally, AM increased neuroprotective metabolites levels, reduced gliosis, and decreased oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). These findings highlight the antioxidant properties of AM and its strong therapeutic potential for promoting recovery after ischemic stroke by alleviating neurological deficits, reducing gliosis, and mitigating oxidative stress.