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Objective To clarify the expression and distribution of brain⁃derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the cerebrum of plateau yaks and cattle, and to explore the relationship between BDNF function and the adaptability of altitude hypoxia. Methods Five yaks and five cattles were selected.The content and distribution of BDNF in frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, cerebrum white matter and hippocampus of yak and cattle were analyzed by Real⁃time PCR, Western blotting and Immunohistochemistry. Results Real⁃time PCR result showed that BDNF mRNA expression in the cerebrum of yaks and cattles was highest in temporal cortex, followed by hippocampus, parietal cortex, occipital cortex and frontal cortex, and lowest in white matter. Western blotting results showed that the content of BDNF protein in the cerebrum of yaks was the highest in temporal cortex,followed by hippocampus. The content of BDNF protein in other tissues was parietal cortex, frontal cortex and cerebrum white matter, and the content of BDNF protein was the lowest in occipital cortex. The content of BDNF protein intlecerebrum of cattles was the highest in the temporal cortex, followed by the hippocampus. The content of BDNF protein in other tissues was parietal cortex, occipital cortex and frontal cortex in descending order, and the protein content in cerebrum white matter was the lowest. Immunohistochemical results showed that the positive expression of BDNF protein in the cerebrum of yaks and cattles was basically similar, mainly distributed in the granulosa cells and glial cells in the frontal cortex, temporal cortex, parietal cortex and occipital cortex, glial cells in cerebrum white matter, pyramidal cell layer and polyform cell layer in the hippocampus. There was the small amount of distribution in Martinotti cells and the molecular layer of hippocampus in the cerebral cortex. Conclusion BDNF mRNA and protein are distributed and expressed in different brain regions of yaks and cattles, but the expression level different, which is speculated to be closely related to the specific functions of different cerebrum regions. The expression level of the cerebrum of yak is higher than that of cattle except occipital cortex, suggesting that it is related to the altitude hypoxic environment. BDNF may play an important role in enhancing hypoxic tolerance and protecting internal environmental homeostasis in the process of animal adaptation to hypoxic environment.
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El virus SARS-CoV-2 sigue replicándose. Sus nuevas variantes no estarían causando las muertes y hospitalizaciones graves de los años 2020 a 2022, por lo que la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) ha declarado el final del estado de emergencia sanitaria. Hasta el 24 de mayo de 2023, el tablero de coronavirus de la OMS señala más de 766 millones de casos confirmados, y cerca de 7 millones de muertes en el mundo, con mayor concentración en Europa, Pacífico Occidental y América (especialmente en los E.E. U.U. y Brasil). Europa y China se preparan para los nuevos avances del virus. Por ello se recomienda precaución sanitaria y cumplir con la vacunación y refuerzos, así como elaborar nuevas vacunas. Se comenta sobre la fragilidad de los ensayos aleatorios publicados en los primeros dos años de la pandemia, así como los recientes hallazgos de cuáles enfermos con COVID podrían desarrollar COVID prolongado. Es de importancia conocer los nuevos alcances sobre la afectación del coronavirus sobre la gestante, el feto y neonato y el seguimiento inicial de los últimos.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to replicate. Its new variants would not be causing the deaths and serious hospitalizations of the years 2020-2022, so the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the end of the state of health emergency. Until May 24, 2023, the WHO coronavirus dashboard shows more than 766 million confirmed cases, and about 7 million deaths in the world, with greater concentration in Europe, Western Pacific, and America (especially the U.S.A. and Brazil). Europe and China prepare for new virus breakthroughs. Therefore, health precaution is recommended, as well as compliance with vaccination and boosters, and the development of new vaccines. We comment on the fragility of randomized trials published in the first two years of the pandemic, as well as recent findings of which patients with COVID could develop long COVID. It is important to know the new scopes on the affectation of the coronavirus on the pregnant woman, the fetus and the neonate and the initial follow-up of the latter.
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El síndrome de Delleman-Oorthuys (síndrome oculocerebrocutáneo) es un trastorno esporádico, congénito y poco frecuente caracterizado por microftalmia / anoftalmia con o sin quistes orbitales, defectos cutáneos focales y alteraciones intracraneales. Debido a la distribución asimétrica de las características clínico-radiológicas, ausencia de recurrencia dentro de la familia y su mayor frecuencia en el sexo masculino, se ha propuesto la posibilidad de mosaicismo somático o mutaciones esporádicas en la quinta o sexta semana de desarrollo fetal. Los criterios diagnósticos mínimos sugeridos incluyen microftalmia o quistes orbitales, quistes del sistema nervioso central o hidrocefalia y defectos focales de piel. Dada la variabilidad en las manifestaciones y la superposición con otros síndromes, el diagnóstico puede ser difícil, pero la detección prenatal de esta rara anomalía congénita con malformaciones cerebrales es crucial en el manejo de los recién nacidos. Los estudios por imágenes para la evaluación de las características son útiles en la identificación y diferenciación de los casos. Se presenta un caso de diagnóstico prenatal de síndrome de Delleman-Oorthuys.
Delleman-Oorthuys syndrome (oculocerebrocutaneous syndrome) is a rare, congenital, sporadic disorder characterized by microphthalmia/anophthalmia with or without orbital cysts, focal skin defects, and intracranial alterations. Due to an asymmetric distribution of the clinico-radiological features, absence of recurrence within the family and its higher frequency in males, the possibility of somatic mosaicism or sporadic mutations in the fifth or sixth week of fetal development has been proposed. Suggested minimal diagnostic criteria include microphthalmia or orbital cysts, central nervous system cysts or hydrocephalus, and focal skin defects. Given the variability of manifestations and overlap with other syndromes, diagnosis can be difficult, but prenatal detection of this rare congenital anomaly with cerebral malformations is crucial in the management of newborns. Imaging studies for evaluation of features are helpful in the identification and differentiation of cases. A case of prenatal diagnosis of Delleman-Oorthuys syndrome is presented.
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En la actualidad, ha cobrado una gran importancia la relación que la microbiota intestinal mantiene con varios órganos y sistemas del cuerpo humano. Particularmente importante, son las relaciones de la microbiota con el Sistema Nervioso Central, el comportamiento y el desarrollo y tratamiento de varias enfermedades. La relación existente entre la microbiota intestinal y el cerebro se produce gracias a la actividad de estímulos neuroendocrinos y neuroinmunes que pueden actuar de forma bilateral, llegando incluso a generar modificaciones en el comportamiento del ser humano. Del mismo modo, a través de la realización de estudios clínicos y paraclínicos, se ha conseguido demostrar la asociación entre el eje microbiota-intestino-cerebro y trastornos neurológicos como la enfermedad de Parkinson o el trastorno depresivo. El objetivo del presente artículo es realizar un análisis de los principales estudios identificados en relación a la función del eje microbiota-intestino-cerebro (MIC) así como identificar la nueva evidencia acerca del uso de probióticos en el tratamiento coadyuvante de varios trastornos neuro-psiquiátricos. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la bibliografía utilizando palabras claves y términos MeSH y se presentó en formato de discusión de acuerdo a los subtemas: eje microbiota-intestino-cerebro, mecanismos de acción, microbiota y su relación con el comportamiento y regulación sobre probióticos. Se concluyó que existe evidencia que demuestra la relación entre el eje microbiota-intestino-cerebro y varios trastornos neuropsiquiátricos en el ser humano. Además, que la administración de probióticos puede modificar el eje MIC y pueden constituir una alternativa de terapia coadyuvante en estos trastornos del comportamiento.
Nowadays, the relationship that the intestinal microbiota maintains with various organs and systems of the human body has gained more importance. Especially relevant are the relationships of the microbiota with the Central Nervous System, behavior, and the development and treatment of various diseases. The relationship between the intestinal microbiota and the brain is a product of neuroendocrine and neuroimmune stimuli that can act bilaterally, even generating changes in human behavior. Moreover, clinical and paraclinical studies have demonstrated the association between the microbiota-gut-brain axis and neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease or depressive disorder. The objective of this article is to carry out an analysis of the studies concerning the function of the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis, as well as to identify new evidence about the use of probiotics in the adjunctive treatment of several neuropsychiatric disorders. A systematic search of the bibliography was carried out using keywords and MeSH terms and presented in a discussion format according to the subtopics: microbiota-gut-brain axis, mechanisms of action, microbiota, and its relationship with behavior and regulation on probiotics. The conclusion was that the evidence demonstrates the relationship between the microbiota-gut-brain axis and several neuropsychiatric disorders in humans. In addition, the administration of probiotics can modify the MGB axis and constitute an alternative for adjuvant therapy in these behavioral disorders.
A relação da microbiota intestinal com vários órgãos e sistemas do corpo humano tem se tornado cada vez mais importante. Particularmente importantes são as relações da microbiota com o sistema nervoso central, o comportamento e o desenvolvimento e tratamento de várias doenças. A relação entre a microbiota intestinal e o cérebro ocorre através da atividade de estímulos neuroendócrinos e neuroimunes que podem agir bilateralmente, levando até mesmo a mudanças no comportamento humano. Da mesma forma, estudos clínicos e paraclínicos demonstraram a associação entre o eixo microbiota-cérebro-cérebro e desordens neurológicas, como a doença de Parkinson ou desordem depressiva. O objetivo deste artigo é rever os principais estudos identificados em relação ao papel do eixo microbiota-cérebro-cérebro (MIC) e identificar novas evidências sobre o uso de probióticos no tratamento adjuvante de vários distúrbios neuropsiquiátricos. Uma pesquisa sistemática da literatura foi realizada usando palavras-chave e termos MeSH e apresentada em formato de discussão de acordo com os subtemas: eixo microbiota-cérebro-cérebro, mecanismos de ação, microbiota e sua relação com o comportamento e regulamentação sobre probióticos. Concluiu-se que há evidência de uma relação entre o eixo microbiota-cérebro-cérebro e vários distúrbios neuropsiquiátricos em humanos. Além disso, a administração de probióticos pode modificar o eixo MIC e pode constituir uma terapia adjuvante alternativa nestes distúrbios comportamentais.
Subject(s)
Probiotics , Microbiota , Gastrointestinal MicrobiomeABSTRACT
Phenytoin, a drug of choice for Epilepsy is also known for its adverse effects. The most common adverse effect due to phenytoin is cognition impairment. Cognition impairment is a serious problem in society as it debars the person's social life. Thus to overcome such a problem demand for a solution arises. Huperzine, sesquiterpene alkaloids having immense neuroprotective properties. Thus in this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of huperzine on Phenytoin- induced Cognition Impairment. The protective effect of huperzine on phenytoin-induced cognition impairment was evaluated in rats. The effect of Huperzine on phenytoin-induced cognitive impairment was evaluated by behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological studies. The co-administration of huperzine with phenytoin showed significant results. The treatment of Huperzine with phenytoin resulted in significant improvement in learning and memory. The oxidative stress induced by Phenytoin was reversed by huperzine. A significant decrease in cholinesterase activity was also observed. The histopathology showed damaged neuronal cells in periventricular regions and cortex due to phenytoin which was altered by Huperzine. Thus, the present study demonstrates the protective effect of huperzine on phenytoin-induced cognition impairment.
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RESUMEN En la pandemia por COVID-19 se han reportado efectos directos e indirectos sobre la salud mental, inclusive sintomatología neurológica, neuropsiquiátrica y neuropsicológica con posibles efectos a largo plazo, y se sospecha que en los próximos años podría haber un aumento de las tasas de incidencia de trastornos neurodegenerativos a nivel mundial. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar la información más actualizada sobre el daño cerebral asociado al COVID-19 y su sintomatología neuropsiquiátrica. Los mecanismos exactos del daño cerebral aún no se han esclarecido, y se requiere continuar con investigaciones longitudinales e internacionales —inclusive estudios que incluyan variables epidemiológicas, clínicas y diagnósticas— para definirlos y establecer su implicación en la salud mental, así como sus consecuencias a largo plazo.
ABSTRACT In the COVID-19 pandemic, direct and indirect effects on mental health have been reported, including neurological, neuropsychiatric, and neuropsychological symptoms with possible long-term effects. Also, it is suspected that in the coming years there could be a worldwide increase in the incidence of neurodegenerative disorders. The objective of this article is to review the most up-to-date information on brain damage associated with COVID-19, as well as the neuropsychiatric symptoms of the disease. The exact mechanisms of brain damage have not yet been clarified, and further longitudinal and international research—including studies that incorporate epidemiological, clinical, and diagnostic variables—is required to define these mechanisms and establish their impact on mental health, as well as their long-term consequences.
RESUMO Durante a pandemia de COVID-19 foram relatados efeitos diretos e indiretos na saúde mental, incluindo sintomas neurológicos, neuropsiquiátricos e neuropsicológicos com possíveis efeitos no longo prazo, e suspeita-se que nos próximos anos poderá haver um aumento nas taxas de incidência de doenças neurodegenerativas em todo o mundo. O objetivo deste artigo é revisar as informações mais atualizadas sobre os danos cerebrais associados à COVID-19 e seus sintomas neuropsiquiátricos. Os mecanismos exatos desses danos ainda não foram esclarecidos, sendo necessário continuar com pesquisas longitudinais e internacionais - incluindo estudos que contenham variáveis - epidemiológicas, clínicas e diagnósticas - para defini-los e estabelecer sua repercussão na saúde mental, bem como suas consequências no longo prazo.
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RESUMEN La evaluación del cerebro fetal es un punto imprescindible en el ultrasonido obstétrico, por la gran cantidad de malformaciones que pueden ser diagnosticadas. La guía de ISUOG nos brinda los cortes elementales para la sospecha de la patología cerebral; pero, podemos ampliar y mejorar nuestro ultrasonido con la visualización de estructuras fácilmente reproducibles, tales como el complejo anterior, cuerpo calloso, cisura de Silvio y el cuarto ventrículo. Presentamos algunas herramientas para complementar la evaluación del cerebro fetal.
ABSTRACT The evaluation of the fetal brain is an essential point in obstetric ultrasound due to the large number of malformations that can be diagnosed. The ISUOG guide provides us with the elementary sections for the suspicion of brain pathology; but we can extend and improve our ultrasound with the visualization of easily reproducible structures, such as the anterior complex, corpus callosum, Sylvian fissure and the fourth ventricle. We present some tools to complement the assessment of the fetal brain.
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RESUMEN Introducción: la primera causa de muerte por cáncer son las metástasis. La supervivencia media, para pacientes no tratados, es máximo de tres meses, que pueden extenderse de seis a doce con radioterapia y quimioterapia, dependiendo del tumor. La radiocirugía estereotáctica dirige la radiación ionizante a una metástasis guiada por tomografía computarizada o resonancia magnética, reduciendo así la radiación en el tejido normal y los efectos adversos. Su principal objetivo es lograr el control tumoral en los pacientes con oligometástasis. Métodos: estudio observacional, retrospectivo, con fuente mixta; se describen los resultados del tratamiento con CyberKnife® en metástasis cerebrales. Resultados: se evaluaron 31 pacientes con 62 metástasis, la edad media fue de 54 años y 74,2 % fueron mujeres. El cáncer de pulmón fue el origen más frecuente (54,8 %), La mitad de los casos tenía más de dos metástasis. La ubicación más común fue en los lóbulos frontales (33,9 %), siendo necróticas el 48,4 % de las lesiones. Hubo tratamiento previo en el 69,4 % de los tumores. Hubo radionecrosis en el 19,4 % de las lesiones, edema vasogénico en 77,4 % de ellas y recaída en 59,7 %. Se redujo el tamaño del tumor en el 80,7 % de las lesiones y se alcanzó el control tumoral en el 83,9 % de estas. Conclusión: el tratamiento con CyberKnife® logró el control en, por lo menos, cuatro quintas partes de las lesiones, con influencia de la ubicación de las metástasis en el sistema nervioso central y una aceptable prevalencia de la radionecrosis como complicación.
SUMMARY Background: Cancer ́s first cause of death are metastases. Mean survival for untreated patients is 3 months, which can extend to six or twelve months with conventional radiotherapy or chemotherapy, depending on the tumor. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a method which aims an ionizing radiation dose towards an intracranial target, guided by computarized tomography or magnetic resonance, reducing radiation on healthy brain tissue, as well as adverse effects. Its main indication is to achieve tumor control in patients with oligometastases. Methods: Retrospective, observational study, with primary and secondary sources for data, for describing results of CyberKnife® treatment. Results: Data were available for 31 patients and 62 metastases. Mean age was 54 years, 74,19% were women. Lung cancer was the most frequent primary tumor (54,8%); half of the cases had more than two metastases; most common location was frontal lobes (33,9%), being 48,4% of the tumors morphologically necrotic. There was a previous treatment in 69,4% of the tumors. There was radionecrosis in 19,4% of the metastases, vasogenic edema in 77,4% of them and relapses in 59,7% of the tumors. Tumor size was reduced in 80,7% of the metastases and tumor control was achieved in 83,9% of them. Conclusions: CyberKnife® was able to achieve control in at least four fifths of the treated metastases, with a relevant influence of metastases ́ location in central nervous and an acceptable prevalence of radionecrosis as a complication.
Subject(s)
Humans , Radiosurgery , Cerebrum , Neoplasm Metastasis , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Drug TherapyABSTRACT
RESUMEN Fundamento: la esquizencefalia de labio abierto, es una malformación del grupo de los trastornos de migración cerebral, la cual se considera como una enfermedad poco común en todo el mundo y cursa con lesiones estructurales graves, dentro de las manifestaciones clínicas más comunes se encuentran las crisis epilépticas de difícil manejo, las alteraciones en el desarrollo del lenguaje, los defectos visuales y la microcefalia. Objetivo: presentar un caso poco común de malformación cerebral, diagnosticada como consecuencia de una complicación aguda, donde se encontraron otras características atípicas neurológicas, psicológicas y oftalmológicas. Presentación del caso: mujer de 19 años, con antecedentes prenatales de una malformación congénita del sistema nervioso central que presentaba una hemiparesia espástica desde el nacimiento, pero sin convulsiones ni retraso mental. Fue admitida en servicio de urgencia por signos de hipertensión intracraneal agudos, durante su estancia se realizó tomografía axial computarizada que mostró una esquizencefalia de labio abierto. Fue operada y luego de su recuperación se realizaron exámenes neuropsicológicos y oftalmológicos que mostraron características inusuales en la paciente. Conclusiones: la presencia de un defecto motor desde el nacimiento necesita de una evaluación imagenológica para estimación estructural de las posibles malformaciones existentes, que permitirá anticiparnos a la aparición de otros síntomas o de complicaciones. La estimulación neuropsicológica precoz activará los mecanismos de plasticidad cerebral con mejora de la calidad de vida.
ABSTRACT Background: open-lip schizencephaly is a cerebral malformation of the group of cerebral migration disorders, which is considered a rare disease worldwide and has serious structural lesions, and within the most common clinical manifestations find epileptic seizures that are difficult to manage, alterations in language development, visual defects and microcephaly. Objective: to present an unusual case of brain malformation, diagnosed as a consequence of an acute complication, where other atypical neurological, psychological and ophthalmological features were found. Clinical case: 19 years old woman; with a prenatal history of a congenital malformation of the central nervous system due to a spastic hemiparesis from birth, but without seizures or mental retardation. She was admitted to the emergency department for signs of acute intracranial hypertension, and during her stay, computed tomography was performed, which showed an open lip schizencephaly. She underwent surgery and after her recovery, neuropsychological and ophthalmological exams were performed which showed unusual characteristics in the patient. Conclusions: the presence of a motor defect from birth requires an imaging evaluation for structural estimation of the possible existing malformations, which will allow us to anticipate the appearance of other symptoms or complications. The early neuropsychological stimulation will activate the mechanisms of cerebral plasticity with improvement of the quality of life.
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O número de indivíduos diagnosticados com o transtorno do espectro autista (TEA) registrou aumento evidente na última década. Os principais sintomas, apresentados pelo portador, são neurológicos e digestórios, estando às intervenções nutricionais dentre as terapêuticas mais promissoras para amenizar a sintomatologia clínica. Assim, objetivou-se revisar sistematicamente os estudos sobre distúrbios alimentares e do trato gastrointestinal apresentado pelo indivíduo portador do TEA, a fim de compreender como o comportamento alimentar influência na etiopatogênese e manifestações clínicas da doença, com foco no eixo intestinocérebro. Para isso realizou-se uma revisão sistemática, seguindo as diretrizes PRISMA. A partir de uma busca estruturada e abrangente em bases de dados eletrônicas, 23 estudos foram recuperados e incluídos na revisão. Os critérios de inclusão definiam ser artigos originais relacionando o TEA com alterações nutricionais e/ou com o eixo intestino-cérebro. Após análise da composição da microbiota intestinal, os estudos mostraram um quadro de desequilíbrio. Foram encontradas, também, alterações na barreira de muco e permeabilidade intestinal e alterações em proteínas envolvidas na digestão e absorção de alimentos. Dietas restritivas e a modulação da microbiota, com uso de probióticos e de antibióticos específicos, são apresentadas como estratégias terapêuticas adjuvantes promissoras. Conclui-se que o eixo intestino-cérebro está envolvido tanto na etiologia, quanto nas manifestações clínicas do TEA. Porém, não sendo certo se alterações intestinais são causa ou consequência das alterações neurológicas. Até o presente momento, a comunidade científica não tem conclusões suficientes para indicar o uso de dietas restritivas, e uso de probióticos e de antibióticos como terapêutica para o TEA.
The number of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) had an evident increase in the last decade. The primary symptoms exhibited amongst these patients were mostly digestive and neurological disorders; with nutritional interventions being one of the most promising therapies to assuage this clinical symptomology. As such, following the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed the research studies apropos of the ASD patients manifesting said digestive disorders, to comprehend how dietary behavior can influence the etiopathogenesis and clinical manifestations of the disease, with primary focus on the gut-brain axis. From a comprehensive and structured search through electronic databases, 23 studies were retrieved and admitted in this review. The inclusion criteria defined that there be original articles consociating ASD with nutritional disorders and/or with the gut-brain axis. These studies analyzed the composition of the intestinal flora of diagnosed patients, subsequently discerning cases of varying imbalances. Alterations in the gene expression of the proteins involved in the digestion and absorption of food, the mucous barrier and the intestinal permeability were described. Accordingly, restrictive diets and the modulation of the microbiota by administering specific anti- & probiotics were initially identified as promissory therapies. In conclusion, the gut-brain axis was observed to be a determinant factor in both the etiology and clinical symptomology of ASD - though it is still debatable the correlation of intestinal alterations with neurological changes. At present, there is no concrete scientific proof accrediting to restrictive diets and the use of specific anti- & probiotics, as successful treatments for ASD.
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Humans , Child, Preschool , Child , Child Nutrition Sciences , Cerebrum , Autism Spectrum Disorder , Intestines , Neurotoxins , PediatricsABSTRACT
RESUMEN Introducción: el objeto más complejo descubierto hasta ahora en cualquier parte del universo es el órgano que ocupa el espacio comprendido entre nuestras orejas: el cerebro. No es el elevado número de neuronas individuales lo más relevante del cerebro, sino cómo están organizadas e interconectadas. Objetivo: analizar elementos teóricos y experimentales expuestos en la literatura consultada acerca de los mecanismos de plasticidad cerebral. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo a partir de una revisión bibliográfica, desde el punto de vista teórico se utilizaron los métodos histórico-lógico, análisis-síntesis e inductivo-deductivo que permitieron el análisis de las principales teorías generadas por diversos estudios experimentales acera del tema en cuestión. Desarrollo: neurocientíficos han estudiado desde entonces este enigma demostrando la existencia por diversos mecanismos de fenómenos que permiten el reordenamiento neuronal y la suplencia de funciones cerebrales en respuesta a diversos eventos patológicos o como resultado del proceso de aprendizaje y memoria. Conclusiones: tanto la experimentación animal como los estudios realizados en humanos con el empleo de modernas técnicas no invasivas respaldan las ideas de plasticidad neuronal.
ABSTRACT Introduction: brain is the most complex organ discovered up to date, due to the organization and interconnection of its individual neurons. Objective: to analyze theoretical and experimental elements stated in the medical literature reviewed about cerebral plasticity mechanisms. Methods: a descriptive study was carried out based on a bibliographic review. From the theoretical point of view historical-logical, analysis-synthesis and inductive-deductive methods were applied, which allowed the analysis of the main theories generated by different experimental studies. Development: it has been demonstrated the existence of diverse mechanisms that allocate the neuronal rearrangement and replacement of cerebral functions, in response to diverse pathological events or as a result of learning and memory process. Conclusions: both animal testing and studies carried out in human being using modern non-invasive techniques support the ideas of neuronal plasticity.
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Objective To explore the repeatability of measuring the main diameters of normal fetal head using 3.0T MRI and the correlation with gestational age (GA), also to establish a quantitative evaluation method of MRI for the development of normal fetal brain. Methods Totally 219 fetuses with normal anatomic brain structure confirmed by ultrasound were enrolled and underwent 3.0T MR scanning. Fetal brain biparietal diameter (BBD), brain fronto-occipital length (BFOL), skull biparietal diameter (SBD), skull fronto-occipitoal diameter (SFOD), head circumference (HC), length of the corpus callosum (LCC) and cerebellar transverse diameter (CTD) were measured by two radiologists. The repeatability of these two radiologists, and the correlation between the main diameters of fetal brain and gestational ages were analyzed. Results The main diameters of fetal brain measured by two observers were reproducible (all interclass correlation coefficient >0.7). BBD, BFOL, SBD, SFOD, HC, LCC and CTD had positive correlation with GA (r=0.957, 0.974, 0.949, 0.959, 0.971, 0.887, 0.985, all P<0.001). Conclusion 3.0T MR has good reproducibility in measurement of the main diameters of fetal brain in normal middle and late pregnancy. There are quadratic polynomial functional relationships of the parameters of fetal brain biometry with GA.
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Temporomandibular disorders (TMD), characterized by pain and dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint, are the most common chronic orofacial pain. However, the etiologies and pathologies of TMD related chronic pain are poorly understood. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow without invasiveness, and has been widely used in chronic pain research. We reviewed recent fMRI studies exploring the brain changes of patients with painful TMD to investigate the role of central nervous system in abnormal pain perception and impaired pain modulation, and to summarize the effects of splint therapy, in the hope of facilitating the clinical diagnosis and treatment of TMD.
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Objective To evaluate the relationship between the changes in gray matter volume ( GMV) in different brain regions in the early postoperative period and the development of chronic pain after radical mastectomy. Methods Forty-four American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱpatients, aged 25-64 yr, scheduled for elective radical mastectomy, were divided into 3 groups according to the numeric rating scale ( NRS) score within 3 months after surgery: severe chronic pain group ( NRS score≥3, group SEP), slight chronic pain group (NRS score=1 or 2, group SLP) and no chronic pain group ( NRS score=0, group NP ) . All the patients underwent whole brain MRI scan within 7 days after surgery. MRI data processing and analysis were carried out using SPM8-based VBM software package and REST 1. 8 software. Results There were 17 cases in group SEP, 10 cases in group SLP and 17 cases in group NP. Compared with group NP, GMV in the right postcentral gyrus was significantly decreased, and GMV in the right superior frontal gyrus was increased in group SEP ( P＜0. 01) . Conclusion The changes in GMV in the right postcentral and superior frontal gyrus in the early postoperative period may be related to the development of chronic pain after radical mastectomy.
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Resumen En este artículo se describe el caso clínico de una mujer colombiana del sur del país con diagnóstico de infección intrauterina por Toxoplasma gondii y por los virus del chikungunya y del Zika. La mujer acudió al control prenatal en el segundo trimestre de su embarazo e informó que durante el primer trimestre había presentado síntomas indicativos de infección por el virus del Zika. Mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) en líquido amniótico, se demostró infección por Toxoplasma gondii así como por los virus del chikungunya y del Zika. En las imágenes diagnósticas se observaron malformaciones del sistema nervioso central en el feto. A las 29 semanas de gestación se dio por terminado el embarazo mediante procedimiento médico.
Abstract We report a case of intrauterine infection by Toxoplasma gondii, Chikungunya and Zika viruses in a Colombian woman from the southern part of the country. The patient attended prenatal care in the second trimester of her pregnancy and she informed that in the first trimester she had presented with clinical symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection. Amniotic fluid PCR assays showed infection by T. gondii, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Diagnostic imaging showed fetal malformation of the central nervous system. At 29 weeks of gestation, pregnancy was terminated medically.
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Adolescent , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious , Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral/complications , Chikungunya Fever/complications , Zika Virus Infection/complications , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/diagnosis , Toxoplasmosis, Congenital/diagnosis , Toxoplasmosis, Cerebral/diagnosis , Chikungunya Fever/diagnosis , Zika Virus Infection/diagnosisABSTRACT
Objective To explore the corresponding rules between neural process and frontal lobe gyri and provide anatomic basis for locating frontal lobe gyri by neural process. Methods 20 normal cadaver heads were transected into brain slices with thickness of 6 mm after dyeing frontal lobe gyri. Typical planes were observed,while the correspondence between neural process and frontal lobe gyri on coronal sec-tions were analyzed and summarized. Results There was 1 or 2 processes for almost frontal lobe gyri,with the direction of neural process in different coronal sections being unchanged and symmetric. Conclusions The corresponding rules between neural processes and frontal lobe gyri may be obtained and the frontal lobe gyri on coronal sections may be located through neural processes.
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Abstract Introduction: The ventricular system of the brain was first described, partially, in the third century BC. Since then, several researchers have contributed to better understand this system, unraveling its position in the central nervous system, and relating it with certain functional aspects following philosophical concepts that have allowed a clearer approach to cavitations regarding the formation of the cerebrospinal fluid. Objective: To describe the most relevant concepts of the history of the ventricular encephalic system of the brain. Materials and methods: Various literature sources related to the ventricular system were consulted, and then chronologically organized, so that a more concrete approximation of the functional morphology of the ventricular system could be provided. Conclusion: Aristotle was the first to approach the ventricular system of the brain. Over time, his knowledge on the organization, function and number of cavities was debugged to the point of proposing the existence of eight ventricles. Today, five ventricles are recognized, four of which are encephalic components: two in the brain, one in the diencephalon, other in the brainstem, and a fifth in the terminal part of the spinal cord.
Resumen Introducción. El sistema ventricular encefálico se conoció, con parcialidad, en el siglo III a.C., fecha desde la que diversos investigadores contribuyeron a una mejor comprensión de dicho sistema, desentrañando sus ubicaciones en el sistema nervioso central y relacionándolos con ciertos aspectos funcionales que surgieron de conceptos filosóficos. Esto permitió un acercamiento más objetivo hacia las cavitaciones relacionadas con la formación de líquido cerebroespinal. Objetivo. Referenciar, de forma cronológica, los conceptos más trascendentes de la historia del sistema ventricular encefálico. Materiales y métodos. Se consultaron diversas fuentes bibliográficas relacionadas con el sistema ventricular, para después ordenarlas según su cronología, de modo que se concluyera con una aproximación más concreta de la morfología funcional del sistema ventricular. Conclusión. Aristóteles fue el primero en abordar el sistema ventricular encefálico, de modo que, conforme el paso de los años, su conocimiento se fue depurando en cuanto a organización, función y número de cavidades, hasta llegar a proponer la existencia de ocho ventrículos. En la actualidad se reconocen cinco ventrículos, de los cuales cuatro son componentes encefálicos: dos en cerebro, uno en diencéfalo, otro en tronco encefálico y un quinto en la parte terminal de la médula espinal.
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ABSTRACT Background: Alternative splicing (AS), which plays an important role in gene expression and functional regulation, has been analyzed on genome-scale by various bioinformatic approaches based on RNA-seq data. Compared with the huge number of studies on mouse, the AS researches approaching the rat, whose genome is intermedia between mouse and human, were still limited. To enrich the knowledge on AS events in rodents' brain, we perfomed a comprehensive analysis on four transcriptome libraries (mouse cerebrum, mouse cerebellum, rat cerebrum, and rat cerebellum), recruiting high-throughput sequencing technology. An optimized exon-exon junction library approach was introduced to adapt the longer RNA-seq reads and to improve mapping efficiency. Results: In total, 7,106 mouse genes and 2,734 rat genes were differentially expressed between cerebrum and cerebellum, while 7,125 mouse genes and 1,795 rat genes exhibited varieties on transcript variant level. Only half of the differentially expressed exon-exon junctions could be reflected at gene expression level. Functional cluster analysis showed that 32 pathways in mouse and 9 pathways in rat were significantly enriched, and 6 of them were in both. Interestingly, some differentially expressed transcript variants did not show difference on gene expression level, such as PLCβ1 and Kcnma1. Conclusion: Our work provided a case study of a novel exon-exon junction strategy to analyze the expression of genes and isoforms, helping us understand which transcript contributes to the overall expression and further functional change.
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Aim To investigate the neuroprotective effect of picroside Ⅱ(PIC)on cyto C/caspase-9/caspase-3 signal pathway following ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)injury in rats.Methods Atractyloside(Atr)was selected as negative control,cyclosporin A(CsA)was selected as positive control,and PIC was selected as the treatment medicine.The I/R model was made by inserting a monofilament suture into internal carotid artery for 2 h,and then reperfused for 24 h.The cerebral infarction volume was detected by TTC staining,and the expression of cyto C,caspase-9 and caspase-3 were determined by immunohistochemical assay and Western blot.Results In model group,the cerebral infarct volume was obviously large;the expression of cyto C,caspase-9 and caspase-3 was increased significantly more than that in sham group(P<0.05).In PIC group,the cerebral infarct volume was significantly improved;the expression of cyto C,caspase-9 and caspase-3 was significantly decreased than that in model group(P<0.05).In Atr+PIC group,the rat infarction volume was reduced,and the expression of cyto C,caspase-9 and caspase-3 was significantly decreased than that in Atr group(P<0.05).Conclusion The mechanism of PIC inhibiting neuron apoptosis in focal cerebral I/R rats might be through down-regulating the expression of cyto C,caspase-9 and caspase-3.
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Objective To investigate the characteristics of cognitive development of newborn's cerebral hemispheres with event related potential (ERP). Methods Forty-five healthy full-term newborns and 11 infants of 29-60 days in the Department of Newborns, Changzhou Children's Hospital between December 2013 and October 2015 were randomly included in this study. They fulfilled all inclusion/exclusion criteria. An auditory oddball paradigm was used with frequently occurring standand tones at 1 000 Hz with 90% probability and infrequent deviant tones at 2 000 Hz with 10% probability. Waveforms were recorded at Fz, Cz, F3, F4, C3 and C4 scalp locations. And a comparative study of area and latency of N2 was done at F3, F4, C3 and C4 scalp locations in the two hemispheres. Results N2 wave of 1-28 days neonatal at C3, C4 scalp locations: area (ms·μV) was 5 193.68±2 137.45 vs 4 324.51±1 334.73, with statistically significant difference (t=2.288, P=0.025);latency (ms) was 764.27±216.60 vs 878.29±294.06, also with statistically significant difference (t=2.185, P=0.031). N2 wave of 1-28 days neonatal at F3,F4 scalp locations: area (ms·μV) was 5 739.44±2 271.03 vs 5 614.87±2 280.83, without statistically significant difference;latency (ms) was 876.20±316.02 vs 860.45±289.04, also without statistically significant difference. N2 wave of 29-60 days infants at F3, F4 scalp locations: area (ms·μV) was 7 681.35±1 723.49 vs 5 993.55±735.63, with statistically significant difference (t=2.848, P=0.011);latency (ms) was 571.60±1.2248 vs 733.40±232.73, without statistically significant difference though F3 was shorter than F4. Conclusions The newborn's auditory perception cognition in the left side of central lobe is superior to the right side. With the growth of the newborn, the left side of the frontal lobe is also superior to that of the right side. Dominant hemisphere has appeared in the neonatal period. Proper stimulation can promote the newborn's cognitive development.