Research progress on the structural plasticity of neurons in the visual cortex / 中华实验眼科杂志

During the development of visual cortex, the structure of neurons will adaptively change and adjust according to the changes of external environment, which shows structural plasticity.The experience-dependent plasticity of visual cortex is based on the structural changes of neurons, which mainly include change of synaptic connections, disappearance or increase of dendritic spines, turnover of dendritic spines, changes in the size of dendritic spines, changes in postsynaptic density and alterations of perineuronal nets.The structural changes of neurons have significant influence on the plasticity of visual cortex function and structure, and are highly associated with some molecules or non-neuronal components such as paired immunoglobulin-like receptor B, Ly-6/neurotoxin-like protein 1, Nogo, microglia and extracellular matrix and so on.In addition, external intervention factors such as abnormal visual experience and environmental enrichment can have significant impact on the regulation of the structural changes of neurons, and finally influence the development of visual function and the recovery from visual impairment.In comparison with the functional studies, studies on the structural plasticity of visual cortical neurons depend on the state-of-the-art imaging techniques at cellular or sub-cellular level with more visualizable and convincing results.The constant exploration of the structural plasticity of visual cortex will enhance our understanding of visual development-related diseases, such as amblyopia, and lay the foundation for related basic research and innovative treatments.Advances in the structural plasticity of visual cortex were reviewed in this article.

Perinatal exposure to a high-fat diet alters proopiomelanocortin, neuropeptide Y and dopaminergic receptors gene expression and the food preference in offspring adult rats / Exposição perinatal a uma dieta hiperlipídica altera a expressão gênica de proopiomelanocortina, neuropepitídeo Y e receptores dopaminérgicos e a preferência alimentar em ratos adultos descendentes

Exposure to the hight-fat diet may alter the control of food intake promoting hyperphagia and obesity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of this diet on dopamine receptors (drd1 and drd2), proopiomelanocortin (pomc), neuropeptideY (npy) genes expression, and preference food in adult rats. Wistar female rats were fed a hight-fat or control diet during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring were allocated into groups: Lactation - Control (C) and High-fat (H). Post-weaning ­ Control Control (CC), offspring of mothers C, fed a control diet after weaning; Control Hight-fat (CH), offspring of mothers C, fed a hight-fat diet after weaning; Hight-fat Control (HC), offspring of mothers H, fed with control diet after weaning; and Hight-fat Hight-fat (HH), offspring of mothers H, fed a H diet after weaning. The groups CH and HH presented greater expression of drd1 in comparison to the CC. The drd2 of CH and HC presented higher gene expression than did CC. HH presented higher pomc expression in comparison to the other groups. HC also presented greater expression in comparison to CH. The npy of HH presented greater expression in relation to CH and HC. HH and HC have had a higher preference for a high-fat diet at 102º life's day. The high-fat diet altered the gene expression of the drd1, drd2, pomc and npy, and influencing the food preference for high-fat diet.

A exposição à dieta hiperlipídica pode alterar o controle da ingestão de alimentos, promovendo hiperfagia e obesidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos dessa dieta sobre a expressão gênica dos receptores de dopamina (drd1 e drd2), da proopiomelanocortina (pomc) e neuropeptídeo Y (npy), e preferência alimentar em ratos adultos. Ratas Wistar foram alimentadas com uma dieta hiperlipídica ou controle durante a gestação e lactação. Os descendentes foram alocados em grupos: Lactação ­ Controle (C) e Hiperlipídica (H). Pós-desmame - Controle Controle (CC), descendentes das genitoras do grupo controle e alimentados com dieta controle após o desmame; Controle Hiperlipídica (CH), descendentes das genitoras do grupo controle e alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica após o desmame; Hiperlipídica Controle (HC), descendentes das genitoras do grupo hiperlipídica e alimentados com dieta controle após o desmame; Hiperlipídica Hiperlipídica (HH), descendentes das genitoras do grupo hiperlipídica e alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica após o desmame. Os grupos CH e HH apresentaram maior expressão de drd1 em comparação ao CC. O drd2 de CH e HC apresentou maior expressão gênica que o CC. HH apresentou maior expressão de pomc em comparação com os outros grupos. O HC também apresentou maior expressão de pomc em comparação ao CH. O npy do HH apresentou maior expressão em relação ao CH e HC. HH e HC tiveram uma preferência maior por uma dieta rica em gordura no 102º dia de vida. A dieta hiperlipídica alterou a expressão gênica dos drd1, drd2, pomc e npy e influenciou na preferência alimentar pela dieta hiperlipídica.

Perinatal exposure to a high-fat diet alters proopiomelanocortin, neuropeptide Y and dopaminergic receptors gene expression and the food preference in offspring adult rats / Exposição perinatal a uma dieta hiperlipídica altera a expressão gênica de proopiomelanocortina, neuropepitídeo Y e receptores dopaminérgicos e a preferência alimentar em ratos adultos descendentes

Exposure to the hight-fat diet may alter the control of food intake promoting hyperphagia and obesity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of this diet on dopamine receptors (drd1 and drd2), proopiomelanocortin (pomc), neuropeptideY (npy) genes expression, and preference food in adult rats. Wistar female rats were fed a hight-fat or control diet during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring were allocated into groups: Lactation – Control (C) and High-fat (H). Post- weaning – Control Control (CC), offspring of mothers C, fed a control diet after weaning; Control Hight-fat (CH), offspring of mothers C, fed a hight-fat diet after weaning; Hight-fat Control (HC), offspring of mothers H, fed with control diet after weaning; and Hight-fat Hight-fat (HH), offspring of mothers H, fed a H diet after weaning. The groups CH and HH presented greater expression of drd1 in comparison to the CC. The drd2 of CH and HC presented higher gene expression than did CC. HH presented higher pomc expression in comparison to the other groups. HC also presented greater expression in comparison to CH. The npy of HH presented greater expression in relation to CH and HC. HH and HC have had a higher preference for a high-fat diet at 102º life’s day. The high-fat diet altered the gene expression of the drd1, drd2, pomc and npy, and influencing the food preference for high-fat diet.

A exposição à dieta hiperlipídica pode alterar o controle da ingestão de alimentos, promovendo hiperfagia e obesidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos dessa dieta sobre a expressão gênica dos receptores de dopamina (drd1 e drd2), da proopiomelanocortina (pomc) e neuropeptídeo Y (npy), e preferência alimentar em ratos adultos. Ratas Wistar foram alimentadas com uma dieta hiperlipídica ou controle durante a gestação e lactação. Os descendentes foram alocados em grupos: Lactação – Controle (C) e Hiperlipídica (H). Pós-desmame – Controle Controle (CC), descendentes das genitoras do grupo controle e alimentados com dieta controle após o desmame; Controle Hiperlipídica (CH), descendentes das genitoras do grupo controle e alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica após o desmame; Hiperlipídica Controle (HC), descendentes das genitoras do grupo hiperlipídica e alimentados com dieta controle após o desmame; Hiperlipídica Hiperlipídica (HH), descendentes das genitoras do grupo hiperlipídica e alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica após o desmame. Os grupos CH e HH apresentaram maior expressão de drd1 em comparação ao CC. O drd2 de CH e HC apresentou maior expressão gênica que o CC. HH apresentou maior expressão de pomc em comparação com os outros grupos. O HC também apresentou maior expressão de pomc em comparação ao CH. O npy do HH apresentou maior expressão em relação ao CH e HC. HH e HC tiveram uma preferência maior por uma dieta rica em gordura no 102º dia de vida. A dieta hiperlipídica alterou a expressão gênica dos drd1, drd2, pomc e npy e influenciou na preferência alimentar pela dieta hiperlipídica.

Perinatal exposure to a high-fat diet alters proopiomelanocortin, neuropeptide Y and dopaminergic receptors gene expression and the food preference in offspring adult rats

Abstract Exposure to the hight-fat diet may alter the control of food intake promoting hyperphagia and obesity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of this diet on dopamine receptors (drd1 and drd2), proopiomelanocortin (pomc), neuropeptideY (npy) genes expression, and preference food in adult rats. Wistar female rats were fed a hight-fat or control diet during pregnancy and lactation. The offspring were allocated into groups: Lactation Control (C) and High-fat (H). Post-weaning Control Control (CC), offspring of mothers C, fed a control diet after weaning; Control Hight-fat (CH), offspring of mothers C, fed a hight-fat diet after weaning; Hight-fat Control (HC), offspring of mothers H, fed with control diet after weaning; and Hight-fat Hight-fat (HH), offspring of mothers H, fed a H diet after weaning. The groups CH and HH presented greater expression of drd1 in comparison to the CC. The drd2 of CH and HC presented higher gene expression than did CC. HH presented higher pomc expression in comparison to the other groups. HC also presented greater expression in comparison to CH. The npy of HH presented greater expression in relation to CH and HC. HH and HC have had a higher preference for a high-fat diet at 102º lifes day. The high-fat diet altered the gene expression of the drd1, drd2, pomc and npy, and influencing the food preference for high-fat diet.

Resumo A exposição à dieta hiperlipídica pode alterar o controle da ingestão de alimentos, promovendo hiperfagia e obesidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos dessa dieta sobre a expressão gênica dos receptores de dopamina (drd1 e drd2), da proopiomelanocortina (pomc) e neuropeptídeo Y (npy), e preferência alimentar em ratos adultos. Ratas Wistar foram alimentadas com uma dieta hiperlipídica ou controle durante a gestação e lactação. Os descendentes foram alocados em grupos: Lactação Controle (C) e Hiperlipídica (H). Pós-desmame Controle Controle (CC), descendentes das genitoras do grupo controle e alimentados com dieta controle após o desmame; Controle Hiperlipídica (CH), descendentes das genitoras do grupo controle e alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica após o desmame; Hiperlipídica Controle (HC), descendentes das genitoras do grupo hiperlipídica e alimentados com dieta controle após o desmame; Hiperlipídica Hiperlipídica (HH), descendentes das genitoras do grupo hiperlipídica e alimentados com dieta hiperlipídica após o desmame. Os grupos CH e HH apresentaram maior expressão de drd1 em comparação ao CC. O drd2 de CH e HC apresentou maior expressão gênica que o CC. HH apresentou maior expressão de pomc em comparação com os outros grupos. O HC também apresentou maior expressão de pomc em comparação ao CH. O npy do HH apresentou maior expressão em relação ao CH e HC. HH e HC tiveram uma preferência maior por uma dieta rica em gordura no 102º dia de vida. A dieta hiperlipídica alterou a expressão gênica dos drd1, drd2, pomc e npy e influenciou na preferência alimentar pela dieta hiperlipídica.

Neuroscience role in the foreign language teaching and learning / O papel da neurociência no ensino e aprendizagem de língua estrangeira

Este artigo pretende estabelecer uma conexão entre a neurociência e o ensino e aprendizagem de uma língua estrangeira; começando por uma introdução do assunto; em seguida apresentando uma visão geral de quais áreas do cérebro estão relacionadas à linguagem, as conceituações da neuroplasticidade e os diferentes conceitos da hipótese do período crítico e sensível. Após, é realizada uma análise de quais contribuições a neurociência fez no campo de ensino e aprendizagem de línguas, bem como de que modo essas contribuições podem ser adaptadas e aplicadas em uma sala de aula de língua estrangeira. Concluiu-se que a neurociência pode ser capaz de apoiar as metodologias do professor, a fim de melhorar suas técnicas e facilitar o aprendizado dos alunos.

This paper intends to establish a connection between neuroscience and the teaching and learning of a foreign language. It starts with an introduction of the subject, proceeding to an overview of the brain areas related to language, the conceptualizations of neuroplasticity and the different concepts of the critical period and sensitive period hypothesis. Then, the contributions of neuroscience has made in the language teaching and learning field will be analyzed, as well as how these contributions can be adapted and applied to a foreign language classroom. It was concluded that neuroscience might be able to support the teacher's methodologies in order to improve his/her techniques and facilitate students' learning.

Dynamic expression of insulin￣like growth factor 2 during critical period of visual development in lateral geniculate body of mice / 解剖学报

Objective To detect the dynamic expression of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) in lateral geniculate body (LGB) during the critical period of visual development. Methods Three groups of Kunming mice of different ages were selected for testing, which were 3 weeks old, 5 weeks old and 7 weeks old, twelve in each group. The forepaw-reaching reflex test was used to detect whether the visual function of the mice was normal in each group. Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the expression of IGF2 protein and its receptor in the lateral geniculate body of normal mice at week 3, 5 and 7 postnatal, and to analyze the expression of the protein of IGF2 and its receptor in each part of the lateral geniculate body. Results The expression of IGF2 protein in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus decreased significantly at week 5 postnatal and increased significantly at week 7 postnatal, and increased gradually over time at week 5 and week 7 postnatal in the ventral geniculate nucleus. The expression of IGF2 receptor protein in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and ventral nucleus increased significantly at week 5 postnatal, and at week 7 postnatal, the expression of IGF2 receptor decreased to week 3 level in lateral geniculate body of mice. Conclusion The expression of IGF2 and its receptor in lateral geniculate body of mice during critical period of visual development changed dynamically, and the expression patterns of IGF2 and its receptor in different parts of LGB were not completely consistent. The expression of IGF2 and its receptors may be related to the plasticity of visual development in mice.

Association between Medication Adherence and Duration of Outpatient Treatment in Patients with Schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: Medication adherence is important in the treatment of schizophrenia, and critical periods during treatment may be associated with relapse. However, the relationship between adherence and duration of outpatient treatment (DOT) remains unclear. The authors aimed to clarify the relationship between adherence and DOT at a psychiatric hospital in Japan. METHODS: For outpatients with schizophrenia who regularly visit Shin-Abuyama hospital, the authors conducted a single questionnaire survey (five questions covering gender, age, DOT, medication shortages, and residual medication) over one month period. Participants were divided into two groups whether DOT were from more than one year to within five years or not. Mantel-Haenszel analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed on the data regarding the medication adherence. RESULTS: Effective answers were received for 328 patients. The residual medication rate was significantly higher among those receiving outpatient treatment from more than one year to within five years than five years than those receiving outpatient treatment for more than five years or less than one year (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: This survey suggests that there are critical periods during which patients are most prone to poor adherence. Because poor adherence increases the risk of relapse, specific measures must be taken to improve adherence during these periods.

The use of morphological and histological features as nutritional condition indices of Pagrus pagrus larvae

Morphometrical and histological techniques were employed to characterize Pagrus pagrus larvae nutritional condition. Larvae were reared in laboratory under controlled conditions with the main objective of testing whether these methodologies allowed finding differences between larvae from different feeding treatments. Once yolk was consumed (three days after hatching) larvae were assigned to a feeding treatment: starved during the whole experiment; delayed feeding, starved during three days; fed during the entire experiment. Algae (Nannochloropsis oculata) and rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) were provided to larvae for feed treatments. Larvae were fixed daily; for morphometrical purposes in 5% formaldehyde solution, and in Bouin for histological sections. Results herein obtained showed that both methodologies are sensitive enough to distinguish larvae characterized by different nutritional condition states obtained from the feeding treatments. Consequently, these methodologies could be employed in wild red porgy larvae in order to asses their nutritional condition. These techniques could also be employed to check larval quality obtained with aquaculture purposes to estimate the effects of changes in rearing protocols or kind of food supply and thus, to guaranty a higher survival of early developmental stages of reared larvae.

Con el objeto de determinar si las técnicas morfométricas e histológicas permiten diferenciar larvas en estado de inanición de las sometidas a tratamientos de alimentación, ejemplares de Pagrus pagrus fueron criados en laboratorio bajo condiciones controladas. Una vez que el vitelo fue consumido (tres días luego de la eclosión) las larvas fueron sometidas a diferentes tratamientos de alimentación: completamente privadas de alimento, privadas de alimento durante tres días y luego alimentadas, y alimentadas durante todo el experimento. Algas (Nannochloropsis oculata) y rotíferos (Brachionus plicatilis) fueron proporcionados a las larvas de los tratamientos de alimentación. Diariamente se fijaron ejemplares de los tres tratamientos en formol 5% para estudios morfométricos y en Bouin para estudios histológicos. Los resultados obtenidos dan evidencias de que las metodologías presentadas son suficientemente sensibles para determinar diferencias en la condición de larvas sometidas a los tratamientos de alimentación. Por lo tanto, podrían ser empleadas para determinar la condición nutricional de las larvas de besugo recolectadas en el mar. Por otra parte, éstas metodologías podrían ser empleadas para determinar la calidad de larvas producidas en acuicultura y evaluar los efectos de modificaciones introducidas en los protocolos de crianza o en el tipo de alimento suministrado con el objeto de mejorar la supervivencia de los estadios tempranos de desarrollo.

Evaluation of iodine supplementation on improvement of developmental quotient at the critical period of infant brain development / 中国地方病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of iodine supplementation on improvement of developmental quotient (DQ) at the critical period of infant brain development.Methods Pregnant,lactating women and infants less than 3 years old were supplemented with iodized oil in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture(Linxia Prefecture) Gansu Province in 2006-2010.Before and after the intervention(2006,2007-2010),five townships were randomly selected in the north,the south,the east,the west and the center of eight counties(cities) of Linxia.One village was chosen from each of those townships and 20 infants,20 pregnant women and 20 lactating women were randomly selected in each village(insufficient was made up from the neighboring villages).Urinary iodine(UI) level of the infants,pregnant and lactating women were determined by arsenic cerium catalytic spectrophotometry.DQ value of infants was measured before and after supplementation of iodized oil in 2006 and 2010.UI value of pregnant,lactating women and infants was monitored every year after iodine supplementation.Results Before iodine supplementation(2006),the median UI level of pregnant,lactating women and infants was 89.28,84.85,107.3 μg/L,respectively.After iodine supplementation,the medians UI level in 2007,2008,2009 and 2010 were,respectively,pregnant women:136.0,187.8,118.2,175.8 μg/L; lactating women:135.2,159.8,187.5,163.5 μ g/L; infants:139.6,174.7,190.7,168.4 μg/L.Before iodine supplementation,the DQ value of infants was 92.8 ± 16.3,and the average score of gross motor,fine motor,adaptive capacity,language and social behavior was 93.7 ± 20.0,91.4 ± 20.0,92.4 ± 19.0,90.3 ± 20.0,96.4 ± 22.1,respectively.After iodine supplementation,the DQ value of infants was 104.3 ± 13.8,and the average score of gross motor,fine motor,adaptive capacity,language and social behavior was 104.8 ± 21.5,104.1 ± 17.2,104.8 ± 16.1,99.9 ± 19.1,108.0 ± 22.7,respectively,which were higher than that before iodine supplementation (t =-10.43,-10.77,-13.78,-14.28,-9.96,-15.33,all P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions Iodine deficiency at the critical period of brain development can affect the intellectual development of infants and young children at all functional areas of intelligence.Iodine supplementation at the critical period of brain development can prevent mental retardation caused by iodine deficiency disorders.

Improvised microinjection technique for mosquito vectors.

Background & objectives: Bio-manipulation technique is of primary importance during the development of transgenic mosquitoes. The study describes the variable factors that influence the viability of medically important mosquito vectors during microinjection. Methods: Three mosquito vectors belonging to the genus Aedes, Anopheles and Culex were microinjected at different developmental stages of their life cycle viz., egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Results: The improvisations revealed an increased survivability of biomanipulated mosquitoes during the embryonic and adult microinjection. The study of injecting larvae and pupae resulted in poor survivability. Interpretation & conclusions: The microinjection protocol was successfully tested on three important mosquito vectors. The critical period after biomanipulation which contributes heavily for the survivability factor was evaluated. The results provide a common protocol for biomanipulation of three mosquito vectors with enhanced survivability.

The nurse teacher: construction of a new professional identity / La enfermera formadora: la construcción de una nueva identidad profesional / A enfermeira formadora: a construção de uma nova identidade profissional

Objective. To represent how a new identity is being constructed by nurses initiating their activities as teachers. Methodology. In 2010, a descriptive-interpretative qualitative research was conducted of four cases of nurse teachers from Nursing Schools. Aspects of teacher identity and management of critical incidents in the classroom were reviewed. The information was obtained through a structured survey and the data underwent analysis of contents. Results. The nurses surveyed state that the teaching exercise is a culmination stage of clinical nursing. Teaching confers them stability in their professional life; however, they report that the complexity of the educational practice poses a big challenge. They feel responsible for the formation of future nursing professionals. In spite of defining themselves as constructivists in the way of teaching, they are governed by a technical conception on the way of approaching the educational practice. They attribute the critical incidents to which they are exposed to the types of students entering the universities; these turn out uncomfortable and do not feel responsible for their development. These incidents are lessons to better face similar situations in the future. Conclusion. The nurses participating in this study are facing their new role as teachers of human resource, seeking to construct a new identity different from what they had when working in direct care of individuals.

Objetivo. Representar cómo se construye una nueva identidad la enfermera que inicia su actividad como formadora. Metodología. En 2010 se realizó una investigación cualitativa de corte descriptivo-interpretativo de cuatro casos de enfermeras profesoras de Escuelas de Enfermería. Se revisaron aspectos de la identidad docente y del manejo de incidentes críticos en el aula. La información fue obtenida mediante entrevista estructurada y a los datos se les hizo análisis de contenido. Resultados. Las enfermeras entrevistadas afirman que el ejercicio docente es una etapa de culminación de la enfermería clínica. La labor de la docencia les confiere estabilidad en su vida profesional, sin embargo aseguran que la complejidad de la práctica educativa les plantea un gran desafío puesto que se sienten responsables de la formación de los futuros enfermeros. A pesar de definirse como constructivistas en la manera de enseñar, se rigen por una concepción técnica en la forma de abordar la práctica educativa. Los incidentes críticos a los que se exponen los atribuyen al tipo de estudiante que ingresa, les resultan incómodos y no se sienten responsables del desarrollo de los mismos. Estos incidentes son un aprendizaje que les permitirá enfrentarse mucho mejor a situaciones similares en el futuro. Conclusión. Las enfermeras participantes en este estudio enfrentan un nuevo rol como formadoras de recurso humano, para lo cual intentan construir una identidad nueva diferente a la que tenían cuando trabajaban en el cuidado directo de las personas.

Objetivo. Representar como está construindo uma nova identidade a enfermeira que inicia sua atividade como formadora. Metodologia. Em 2010 se realizou uma investigação qualitativa de corte descritivo-interpretativo de quatro casos de enfermeiras professoras de Escolas de Enfermaria. Revisaram-se aspectos da identidade docente e do manejo de incidentes críticos no sala de aula. A informação foi obtida mediante entrevista estruturada e aos dados se lhes fez análises de conteúdo. Resultados. As enfermeiras entrevistadas afirmam que o exercício docente é uma etapa de culminação da enfermaria clínica. O labor da docência lhes confere estabilidade em sua vida profissional, no entanto asseguram que a complexidade da prática educativa lhes propõe um grande desafio. Sentem-se responsáveis da formação dos futuros enfermeiros. Apesar de definir-se como construtivistas na maneira de ensinar, regem-se por uma concepção técnica na forma de abordar a prática educativa. Os incidentes críticos aos que se veem expostas os atribuem ao tipo de estudante que ingressa nas universidades, resultam-lhes incômodos e não se sentem responsáveis do desenvolvimento dos mesmos. Estes incidentes são uma aprendizagem para enfrentar-se melhor a situações similares no futuro. Conclusão. As enfermeiras participantes neste estudo estão enfrentando seu novo papel como formadoras de recurso humano, tentando construir uma identidade nova diferente à que tinham quando trabalhavam em cuidado direto às pessoas.

Enriched environment contributes to recovery of visual acuity and increases perineuronal nets in monocular-deprived animals

The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of enriched environment on the distribution of perineuronal nets (PNNs) using a stereogically based unbiased protocol and visual acuity in adult Swiss albino mice that underwent monocular deprivation during the critical period of postnatal development. Eight female Swiss albino mice were monocular deprived on postnatal day 10 and divided into two groups at weaning: standard environment (SE group, n = 4) and enriched environment (EE group, n = 4). After 3 months, all of the mice were subjected to grating visual acuity tests, sacrificed, and perfused with aldehyde fixative. The brains were removed and cut at 70 µm thickness in a vibratome and processed for lectin histochemical staining with Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA). Architectonic limits of area 17 were conspicuously defined by WFA histochemical staining, and the optical fractionator stereological method was applied to estimate the total number of PNNs in the supragranular, granular, and infragranular layers. All groups were compared using Student's t-test at a 95 percent confidence level. Comparative analysis of the average PNN estimations revealed that the EE group had higher PNNs in the supragranular layer (2726.33 ± 405.416, mean ± standard deviation) compared with the SE group (1543.535 ± 260.686; Student's t-test, p = .0495). No differences were found in the other layers. Visual acuity was significantly lower in the SE group (0.55 cycles/degree) than in the EE group (1.06 cycles/degree). Our results suggest that the integrity of the specialized extracellular matrix PNNs of the supragranular layer may be essential for normal visual acuity development.

Dynamic change of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in rat retina during critical period plasticity / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Retinal development continues during the early postnatal period in mammals.Correct arrangement of layers and precise location of various cells in the retina are vital for forming normal visual function during critical period plasticity.Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)provides highquality in vivo retinal imaging and the possibility to measure retinal thickness longitudinally. Objective The present study was to investigate the changes of retinal thickness during critical period plasticity in rats. Methods In vivo consecutive scanning of retinal image was performed in 10 SPF Sprague-Dawley rats at postnatal day 14(P14),P18,P21,P24 and P42 with SD-OCT,and retinal histopathological examination was used to detect retinal morphologic changes at the same postnatal ages in 20 matched rats.The whole retinal thickness,the thickness from inner limiting membrane(ILM)to inner plexiform layer(IPL),the thickness of inner nuclear layer(INL)and the thickness from outer nuclear layer(ONL)to retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)were measured using Cirrus HD-OCT system and HMIAS-2000 Imaging System in retinal sections.The measurement parameters by Cirrus HD-OCT and those by hematoxylin-eosin staining were compared.The use of animals followed the Statement of National Institute of Health (USA). Results In vivo high-resolution images of rat retinas with SD-OCT compared well with histology,which enabled quantitative comparison of the SD-OCT and histological data during critical period plasticity in rats.From P14 to P42,the retinal thickness gradually decreased with the increase of rat ages(F=15.425,P=0.000),and so were the thickness from ILM to IPL,the thickness of INL and the thickness from ONL to RPE(F=3.973,P=0.007;F=17.529,P=0.000;F=7.038,P=0.000).The retinal thickness,thickness of INL.thickness from ONL to RPE measured by Cirrus HD-OCT were significantly correlated with those measured by retinal sections among P14,P18,P21,P24 and P42 rats(r=0.794,P=0.000;r=0.784,P=0.000;r=0.681,P=0.000). Conclusion SD-OCT is a demonstratably valuable technology to study the structure of retinas in rats.The retinal thickness is shown to reduce in thickness throughout the development of the retina during critical period plasticity due to the decrease in thickness of INL and the distance from the ONL to RPE,as illustrated by OCT scanning.

c-Fos Immunoreactivity in the Neurons of the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus in Albino Rats by Light Exposure after Dark Rearing

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of dark rearing immediately after birth on the maturation of the visual relay neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus. METHODS: Fifty neonatal rats were used. Neonates of the control groups were raised under a normal light/dark cycle. Neonates of the experiment groups were dark reared and isolated from light during the entire experimental period, then exposed to the sun light for 1 hour before sacrifice. RESULTS: In the control groups, the neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus developed normally at each age tested. In the experiment groups, the cytoplasm of the large neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of 2-week-old rats contained small vesicles, and the cytoplasm of the large neurons of 4-week-old rats was converted into a vacuole-like space. Moreover, c-Fos immunoreactivity of the large neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus in the experiment groups was significantly increased compared to that of the control groups. CONCLUSIONS: We suppose that the maturation of the neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus might be influenced by light stimulation during the critical period. Furthermore, c-Fos could be a marker of the functional activity of the visual relay neurons of the lateral geniculate nucleus in albino rats.

Problemas de la alimentación en lactantes. Primera parte: generalidades / Feeding problems in infants. First part: basic concepts

Desde la etapa prenatal, la organización neuro-fisiológica del bebé lo prepara para realizar con efectividad los procesos vitales de succión, deglución y respiración. Los reflejos y experiencias intrauterinas le permitirán poder alimentarse inmediatamente al nacer. Se estima que cerca del término de la gestación, el feto humano deglute entre 500-1000cc de líquido amniótico cada día. El pico de sinaptogénesis sucede entre 34 y 36 semanas de edad gestacional, que es el tiempo donde la succión nutritiva es segura. El ritmo de la succión se establece a las 32 semanas. El proceso de alimentarse sufre encefalización cuando los reflejos son integrados, entonces pasa de un ritmo de alimentación reflejo, a tener la capacidad de alterar voluntaria y cualitativamente la estrategia de alimentación. Este proceso se consolida debido a la integración sensoriomotora de la deglución con la respiración, la coordinación ojo-mano, el tono muscular normal, la postura y un apropiado ambiente psicosocial. Alimentarse, especialmente en los primeros años de vida, es un proceso mutuo, se necesitan dos personas para lograrlo, y por eso, si alguna de las dos carece de las habilidades necesarias, esto puede generar problemas de la alimentación. Nada sustituye la valoración realizada con una historia clínica y un examen físico dirigidos a valorar cuán efectiva es la fase oral y faríngea mientras el bebé es alimentado. Cuando se presenten dificultades, la intervención debe ser activa, eso incluye la toma de decisiones médicas y quirúrgicas, protección de la vía aérea, suministro del aporte calórico idóneo para las necesidades del infante. Se deben además brindar estrategias maduracionales para su nivel de desarrollo alimentario actual y para ir adquiriendo las habilidades esperadas en elfuturo cercano y tardío

Confirmation of the critical period of severe acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To define the risk period of acute pancreafifis-associated lung injury (APALI) by aserial study including a dynamic changes in total water content of lung, ultrastructure and number of type Ⅱ alveo-lar epithelial, and reactive oxygen metabolisms (ROMs) of lung tissue in mice with severe acute pancreatits (SAP)and a clinical analysis of APALI patients. Method ICR mice were selected to establish SAP model. The animalsreceived 7 intraperitoneal injections of caerulein (50 μg/kg body weight) at hourly intervals followed by intraperi-toueal injection of lipopolysaccharide (15 mg/kg body weight). The total water content, uhrastrueture and numberof type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells, and ROMs of lung tissue were detected before (0 h) and 6 hours, 12 hours,lday, 4 days and 7 days after SAP model establishment, respectively. In addition, 215 patients with APALI (PaO2< 60 mmHg) collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiaug University between January 1998 and Decem-ber 2006 were analyzed. Statistical analysis were performed by using F-test. P-values less than 0.05 were regardedas statistically significant. Results The total water content and ultrastructure mitochondria and lamellar bodies intype Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells of lung in SAP mice were significantly altered at 12 hours after SAP model estab-lishment, and reached maximum at 1 to 4 days later. A decrease in number of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells andincrease in ROMs reached a maximum at 1 day after SAP model establishment. Furthermore, the results of clinicalstudy showed that the lung injury occurred at (3.1435±1.0199) days after SAP. The data were almost consistentwith the resalts from SAP model. Conclusions The risk period of APALI occurres between the 1st day and the4th day during the course of SAP.

O que se traz para a vida e o que a vida nos traz: uma análise da equação etiológica proposta por Freud à luz das neurociências / What we bring to life and what life brings to us: an analysis of the ethiological equation proposed by Freud according to neurosciences

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo discutir aspectos teóricos, clínicos e experimentais acerca da interação entre variáveis inatas e aprendidas com relação à origem e desenvolvimento de distúrbios emocionais. Apresenta-se inicialmente a equação etiológica proposta por Freud acerca das neuroses na virada do século XX e sua relação com a teoria da sedução. Apresentam-se também algumas evidências clínicas e experimentais que dão suporte à noção de equação etiológica. Estas evidências demonstram a importância de determinantes genéticos que regulam a atividade serotonérgica assim como a influência de eventos traumáticos que ocorrem dentro e fora do período crítico. A influência do ambiente, como por exemplo, o apoio social, pode também aliviar a expressão destes distúrbios emocionais. O trabalho busca também modelar matematicamente a equação etiológica através de uma regressão logística incorporando todos estes parâmetros.

The aim of this paper is to discuss theoretical issues as well as clinical and experimental evidences regarding the nature versus nurture debate of the origins and development of emotional disturbances. The etiological equation as proposed by Freud at the turn of the 20th century is presented. Clinical and experimental evidences, which support the notion of the etiological equation, are also presented. These evidences indicate the importance of the genetic makeup that regulates serotonergic activity as well as traumatic experiences that occur inside or outside the critical period. Environmental interactions, such as social support, can also relieve the expression of emotional dysfunction. A mathematical model of the etiological equation is presented through a logistic regression in which all these parameters are incorporated.