Comment on Muth et al. Assessing Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency: Which Confounders? A Narrative Review. Medicina 2023, 59, 800.

We first want to thank the authors of the excellent review for their contributions to summarizing the confounders associated with critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) [...].

Selected bacteria in sheep stool depending on breed and physiology state.

One of the important factors influencing the microbial community of ruminants, besides environment or diet, are breed and physiology. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess these changes in the levels of basic microbial phyla and families. For this study, qPCR analysis was performed to determine the level of bacteria (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria clusters and Clostridiaceae, Lactobacillaceae families) in the feces of ewes of three native Polish sheep breeds (Polish Lowland Sheep (PON), Swiniarka Sheep (SW), and synthetic line BCP) at different physiological periods (conception, early pregnancy, lambing, end of lactation). The animals were kept in the same environment and were at the same age (2-years). The results showed a significant effect of both breed (p = 0.038) and physiological period (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) on the levels of bacteria analyzed. The breed showed differences across physiological periods. The influence of the race factor was noted primarily between the BCP synthetic line and the other two breeds (differences in terms of all analyzed clusters and families except Actinobacteria phyla). In the case of SW and PON, however, the observed differences were only at the level of Proteobacteria cluster and Clostridiaceae family. On the other hand, the early pregnant and lambing periods were the most microbiologically diverse in terms of the analyzed clusters and families of bacteria.

Physical activity and the brain myelin content in humans.

New imaging sequences and biophysical models allow adopting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for in vivo myelin mapping in humans. Understanding myelination and remyelination processes in the brain is fundamental from the perspective of proper design of physical exercise and rehabilitation schemes that aim to slow down demyelination in the aging population and to induce remyelination in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, in this review we strive to provide a state-of-the art summary of the existing MRI studies in humans focused on the effects of physical activity on myelination/remyelination. We present and discuss four cross-sectional and four longitudinal studies and one case report. Physical activity and an active lifestyle have a beneficial effect on the myelin content in humans. Myelin expansion can be induced in humans throughout the entire lifespan by intensive aerobic exercise. Additional research is needed to determine (1) what exercise intensity (and cognitive novelty, which is embedded in the exercise scheme) is the most beneficial for patients with neurodegenerative diseases, (2) the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and myelination, and (3) how exercise-induced myelination affect cognitive abilities.

Cognitive Functions in Scuba, Technical and Saturation Diving.

Scuba diving as a recreational activity is becoming increasingly popular. However, the safety of this activity, especially in the out-of-comfort zone, has been discussed worldwide. The latest publications bring conclusions regarding negative effects on cognitive functions. We compare the acute and chronic effects of diving on cognitive functioning depending on the type of dive performed, including recreational, technical and saturation diving. However, the results of research show that acute and chronic effects on cognitive functions can be negative. While acute effects are reversible after the ascent, chronic effects include white matter lesions in magnetic resonance imaging scans. We believe that more investigations should be performed to determine the chronic effects that could be observed after a few months of observations in a group of regular, intense divers. In addition, publications referring to technical divers are very limited, which is disquieting, as this particular group of divers seems to be neglected in research concerning the effects of diving on cognitive functions.

Neuropsychological and Neurophysiological Mechanisms behind Flickering Light Stimulus Processing.

The aim of this review is to summarise current knowledge about flickering light and the underlying processes that occur during its processing in the brain. Despite the growing interest in the topic of flickering light, its clinical applications are still not well understood. Studies using EEG indicate an appearing synchronisation of brain wave frequencies with the frequency of flickering light, and hopefully, it could be used in memory therapy, among other applications. Some researchers have focused on using the flicker test as an indicator of arousal, which may be useful in clinical studies if the background for such a relationship is described. Since flicker testing has a risk of inducing epileptic seizures, however, every effort must be made to avoid high-risk combinations, which include, for example, red-blue light flashing at 15 Hz. Future research should focus on the usage of neuroimaging methods to describe the specific neuropsychological and neurophysiological processes occurring in the brain during the processing of flickering light so that its clinical utility can be preliminarily determined and randomised clinical trials can be initiated to test existing reports.

Tuberous sclerosis complex-associated neuropsychiatric disorders. / Zaburzenia neuropsychiatryczne zwiazane ze stwardnieniem guzowatym.

The aim of the study was to provide a state-of-the-art review with regard to neuropsychiatric disorders associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). TSC is a rare genetic disease classified as a phacomatosis. Due to the wide spectrum of clinical symptoms of the disease, many cases remain undiagnosed. The vast majority of people with a mutation in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes develop some of the neuropsychiatric symptoms during their lifetime. Diagnostic criteria, neuroanatomical pathology and pathophysiology of psychiatric, neuropsychological, developmental and psychosocial symptoms present in TSC are described. The specificity of epilepsy in TSC and its role in neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological development are presented. All levels (intellectual, developmental, behavioral, psychiatric, school, neuropsychological and psychosocial) of tuberous sclerosis complex-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND) are discussed in detail. The TAND Checklist - a tool for assessing all potentially disturbed aspects of functioning - was presented. The importance of proper diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders and multidisciplinary patient care was emphasized.

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Patients' Needs and Difficulties-Results of TAND Questionnaire Analysis in Polish Adult Population.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disease. Around 90% of individuals with TSC present some neuropsychiatric manifestations (TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders, TAND). To date, none of the studies have focused on the TAND profile of the adult population. Thus, the aim of the study was to describe their potential specific needs and difficulties, including differences in cohorts with or without epilepsy and/or intellectual disability. METHOD: The Polish version of the TAND Checklist was used for assessment of individuals with TSC. Participants had to meet the criteria for diagnosis of TSC. One hundred adult participants (forty-eight males/ fifty-two females; mean age 32.33 ± 11.29) were enrolled in the study. Epilepsy was present in 71% of patients; intellectual disability occurred in a total of 37%. RESULTS: Only 11% of individuals received complete TAND features examination in the past. Moreover, 91.5 of the subjects had four and more TAND symptoms. Intellectually disabled patients and those with epilepsy had more neuropsychiatric problems than epilepsy-free subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Findings reveal that TANDs are common in adults with TSC and are underdiagnosed. Most individuals present several behavioural and cognitive problems. Among psychiatric disorders, the most common are ASD, depression, and anxiety disorder. TAND screening should be widely disseminated and applied in clinical practice for early identification, prevention, and rehabilitation of their difficulties. TAND is one of the most significant issues affecting the quality of life of TSC patients and their carers.

Reply to Vrijdag et al. Comment on "Mankowska et al. Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency: A Narrative Review. Medicina 2021, 57, 1096".

Thank you very much for your interest and comments [...].

A Systematic Review of the Impact of Physical Exercise-Induced Increased Resting Cerebral Blood Flow on Cognitive Functions.

Brain perfusion declines with aging. Physical exercise represents a low-cost accessible form of intervention to increase cerebral blood flow; however, it remains unclear if exercise-induced amelioration of brain perfusion has any impact on cognition. We aimed to provide a state-of-the art review on this subject. A comprehensive search of the PubMed (MEDLINE) database was performed. On the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies were included in the analysis. Eleven of the studies conducted well-controlled exercise programs that lasted 12-19 weeks for 10-40 participants and two studies were conducted in much larger groups of subjects for more than 5 years, but the exercise loads were indirectly measured, and three of them were focused on acute exercise. Literature review does not show a direct link between exercise-induced augmentation of brain perfusion and better cognitive functioning. However, in none of the reviewed studies was such an association the primary study endpoint. Carefully designed clinical studies with focus on cognitive and perfusion variables are needed to provide a response to the question whether exercise-induced cerebral perfusion augmentation is of clinical importance.

Arginine Vasopressin, Synaptic Plasticity, and Brain Networks.

The arginine vasopressin (AVP), a neurohypophysial hormone, is synthesized within specific sites of the central nervous system and axonally transported to multiple areas, acting as a neurotransmitter/ neuromodulator. In this context, AVP acts primarily through vasopressin receptors A and B and is involved in regulating complex social and cognition behaviors and basic autonomic function. Many earlier studies have shown that AVP as a neuromodulator affects synaptic plasticity. This review updates our current understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms by which AVP affects synaptic plasticity. Moreover, we discuss AVP modulatory effects on event-related potentials and blood oxygen level-dependent responses in specific brain structures, and AVP effects on the network level oscillatory activity. We aimed at providing an overview of the AVP effects on the brain from the synaptic to the network level.

Impact of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Cognitive Functions: a Systematic Review.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a modality of treatment in which patients inhale 100% oxygen inside a hyperbaric chamber pressurised to greater than 1 atmosphere. The aim of this review is to discuss neuropsychological findings in various neurological disorders treated with HBOT and to open new perspectives for therapeutic improvement. A literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE (via PubMed) database from the inception up 10 May 2020. Eligibility criteria included original articles published in English. Case studies were excluded. Full-text articles were obtained from the selected studies and were reviewed on the following inclusion criteria (1) performed cognitive processes assessment (2) performed HBOT with described protocol. Two neuropsychologists independently reviewed titles, abstracts, full texts and extracted data. The initial search retrieved 1024 articles, and a total of 42 studies were finally included after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search yielded controversial results with regard to the efficiency of HBOT in various neurological conditions with cognitive disturbance outcome. To the best of our knowledge this is the first state-of-the art, systematic review in the field. More objective and precise neuropsychological assessment methods are needed to exact evaluation of the efficacy of HBOT for neuropsychological deficits. Future studies should widen the assessment of HBOT effects on different cognitive domains because most of the existing studies have focussed on a single process. Finally, there is a need for further longitudinal studies.

Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency: A Narrative Review.

This review presents the current knowledge of the usage of critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) in human and animal model studies. CFF has a wide application in different fields, especially as an indicator of cortical arousal and visual processing. In medicine, CFF may be helpful for diagnostic purposes, for example in epilepsy or minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Given the environmental studies and a limited number of other methods, it is applicable in diving and hyperbaric medicine. Current research also shows the relationship between CFF and other electrophysiological methods, such as electroencephalography. The human eye can detect flicker at 50-90 Hz but reports are showing the possibility to distinguish between steady and modulated light up to 500 Hz. Future research with the use of CFF is needed to better understand its utility and application.

Aging and Hypertension - Independent or Intertwined White Matter Impairing Factors? Insights From the Quantitative Diffusion Tensor Imaging.

Aging disrupts white matter integrity, and so does continuous elevated blood pressure that accompanies hypertension (HTN). Yet, our understanding of the interrelationship between these factors is still limited. The study aimed at evaluating patterns of changes in diffusion parameters (as assessed by quantitative diffusion fiber tracking - qDTI) following both aging, and hypertension, as well as the nature of their linkage. 146 participants took part in the study: the control group (N = 61) and the patients with hypertension (N = 85), and were divided into three age subgroups (25-47, 48-56, 57-71 years). qDTI was used to calculate the values of fractional anisotropy, mean, radial and axial diffusivity in 20 main tracts of the brain. The effects of factors (aging and hypertension) on diffusion parameters of tracts were tested with a two-way ANOVA. In the right hemisphere there was no clear effect of the HTN, nor an interaction between the factors, though some age-related effects were observed. Contrary, in the left hemisphere both aging and hypertension contributed to the white matter decline, following a functional pattern. In the projection pathways and the fornix, HTN and aging played part independent of each other, whereas in association fibers and the corpus callosum if the hypertension effect was significant, an interaction was observed. HTN patients manifested faster decline of diffusion parameters but also reached a plateau earlier, with highest between-group differences noted in the middle-aged subgroup. Healthy and hypertensive participants have different brain aging patterns. The HTN is associated with acceleration of white matter integrity decline, observed mainly in association fibers of the left hemisphere.

Oxidative modification induced by photodynamic therapy with Photofrin®II and 2-methoxyestradiol in human ovarian clear carcinoma (OvBH-1) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells.

Ovarian cancer is among the most lethal cancers in women. The successful anticancer treatment depends on the effectiveness of cytotoxic effect of applied therapeutic procedures either alone or in combination with other treatments. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a relatively new method of anticancer therapy. Its dominant mechanism of action is the over-production of reactive oxygen species induced by oxidative stress in malignant cells, which attack lipid membranes, proteins and nucleic acids. One of the important mechanisms is induction of unfolded protein response, ubiquitin-proteasome pathway of protein degradation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of various protective enzymes in ovarian carcinoma clear cell line in comparison to the model breast cell line after photodynamic reaction and photodynamic reaction with 2-methoxyestradiol (2-Me). Human malignant ovarian cell line (OvBH-1) was used and human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) were used as a control. Photodynamic reaction (PDR) with Photofrin(®)II and Ph(®)II with 2-Me was performed. The expression of protective proteins by immunocytochemistry (HSP70 and iNOS) and western blot (Hsp27 and Hsp70) methods was evaluated directly, 3 and 6 h after PDR. The changes in cells' cytoskeleton were evaluated using immunofluorescence by confocal microscopy. The expression of iNOS was observed for both experiments with differential intensity and quantity. A higher expression of Hsp70 in MCF-7 cells was observed than in OvBh-1 cells. The reorganization of cytoskeleton and nucleus was observed after 3 and 6 h after exposition to light.

Co-segregation of Freiberg's infraction with a familial translocation t(5;7)(p13.3;p22.2) ascertained by a child with cri du chat syndrome and brachydactyly type A1B.

The identification of chromosomal breakpoints in association with human abnormal phenotypes can enable elucidation of gene function. We report on epiphyseal aseptic necrosis of the lesser head of the second metatarsal bone, known as Freiberg's infraction (FI), in two female carriers of the apparently balanced t(5;7)(p13.3;p22.2) ascertained by a 16-year-old girl with cri-du-chat syndrome and unusual skeletal features in association with an unbalanced translocation der(5) t(5;7)(p13.3;p22.2). Mapping of the chromosome breakpoints using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) narrowed them to the coding sequence of ADAMTS12 on chromosome 5p13.3 and SDK1 on 7p22.2. In addition, several skeletal abnormalities classified as brachydactyly type A1B (BDA1B) were present in the proband and in both carriers of t(5;7)(p13.3;p22.2), suggesting a potential role of ADAMTS12 in the development of the BDA1B observed in this family.

Oxidative modulation of marcaine and lekoptin in H9C2 rat myoblasts.

AIM: The cytotoxicity of marcaine was estimated in combination with a calcium channel blocker. In addition, the influence of marcaine and marcaine plus lekoptin on a model system using the H9C2 cardiac cell line was investigated. METHODS: Cells were incubated for five hours with marcaine, lekoptin, or with both drugs simultaneously. Apoptotic cells were detected using the TUNEL assay and the alkaline comet assay. Mitochondrial cell function after drug uptake was examined using the MTT assay. The concentration of MDA (malondialdehyde) -- the final product of fatty-acid peroxidation, was quantified spectrophotometrically. The expression of glutathione S-transferase pi (GST-pi) was detected by immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blotting (WB) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was assessed by immunocytochemical staining (ABC). RESULTS: Incubation with marcaine resulted in the highest number of apoptotic cells. After incubation with both marcaine and lekoptin, moderate damage to cells (54.2%+/-1.775% of DNA destruction) was observed. The highest levels of iNOS and GST-pi expression were observed in cells treated with marcaine and marcaine plus lekoptin. The characteristic nuclear GST-pi expression was observed in cells treated with both drugs. CONCLUSION: Lekoptin stimulated cells to proliferate. Marcaine caused membrane damage and ultimately cell death.

Cytosolic superoxide dismutase activity after photodynamic therapy, intracellular distribution of Photofrin II and hypericin, and P-glycoprotein localization in human colon adenocarcinoma.

In photodynamic therapy (PDT), a tumor-selective photosensitizer is administered and then activated by exposure to a light source of applicable wavelength. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is largely caused by the efflux of therapeutics from the tumor cell by means of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), resulting in reduced efficacy of the anticancer therapy. This study deals with photodynamic therapy with Photofrin II (Ph II) and hypericin (Hyp) on sensitive and doxorubicin-resistant colon cancer cell lines. Changes in cytosolic superoxide dismutase (SOD1) activity after PDT and the intracellular accumulation of photosensitizers in sensitive and resistant colon cancer cell lines were examined. The photosensitizers' distributions indicate that Ph II could be a potential substrate for P-gp, in contrast to Hyp. We observed an increase in SOD1 activity after PDT for both photosensitizing agents. The changes in SOD1 activity show that photodynamic action generates oxidative stress in the treated cells. P-gp appears to play a role in the intracellular accumulation of Ph II. Therefore the efficacy of PDT on multidrug-resistant cells depends on the affinity of P-gp to the photosensitizer used. The weaker accumulation of photosensitizing agents enhances the antioxidant response, and this could influence the efficacy of PDT.

Evaluation of superoxide dismutase activity and its impact on semen quality parameters of infertile men.

The evaluation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, as one of the most important antioxidative defence enzymes, in seminal plasma of patients consulting for male infertility was presented in the article. The study included also the determination of its influence on selected human semen quality parameters. The material represents semen samples obtained from 15 men, which were divided into two groups: Group I (n=10) including patients consulting for infertility and Group II (n=5) containing healthy sperm donors as a control. All of the semen samples were cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen. The frozen samples were thawed at the same time and then SOD activity was determined spectrophotometrically. The analysis of the investigations results indicates a significantly lower semen SOD activity detected in oligoasthenozoospermic patients, comparing to the activity found in normospermic men. The study showed a positive correlation between SOD activity in seminal plasma and semen quality parameters--sperm concentration and overall motility, which are regarded as the most important for normal fertilizing ability of the spermatozoa. Significantly lower SOD activity in seminal plasma of infertile patients, comparing to healthy sperm donors, as well as positive correlation and beneficial impact of SOD activity on human semen quality parameters seem to confirm the observations, that decreased seminal plasma scavenger antioxidant capacity, particularly in form of low SOD activity, can be responsible for male infertility. This trial shows that SOD activity survey in seminal plasma could be a useful tool for determining sperm fertilization potential and could improve the diagnosis of male infertility.

[The results of cytogenetic and molecular genetic examinations in 35 couples with primary sterility]. / Wyniki badan cytogenetycznych i molekularnych u 35 par z nieplodnoscia pierwotna.

UNLABELLED: The causes of primary sterility are complex and frequently difficult to elucidate. Cytogenetic anomalies are responsible for sterility in 5-10% infertile couples. OBJECTIVES: Analysis of genetic background of primary sterility in 35 infertile couples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 72h cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes, GTG and CBG banding, fluorescence in situ hybrydization (FISH) with whole chromosome painting (WCP) probes. Karyotype analysis was performed in each patient out of 35 infertile couples referred to genetic counsel. SRY and CFTR gene mutation analysis by PCR was performed in all men with abnormal sperm. RESULTS: Chromosome aberrations were found in 6 couples. Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) was disclosed in 2 men. Isochromosome i(Xq) was found in 1 woman. The structural balanced translocations were found in 2 men; t(15;16)(q13;p13.3), t(1;19)(p35;q13.3) and a robertsonian translocation t(14;21)(q10;q10) in one. All men with chromosome aberrations had sperm anomalies: oligozoospermia, astenozoospermia, cryptozoospermia or azoospermia. There was a CFTR mutation, deltaF508, in one man and no SRY mutation in molecularly examined men with sperm abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: In couples with primary sterility mainly the men are carriers of chromosome aberrations (CA). Because of 17.14% risk of the presence of chromosome aberrations in these couples, cytogenetic analysis should be an obligatory element of infertility diagnosis.

[Active range of cervical motion in healthy subjects and in spinal disorders. DBC equipment validity in complex cervical motion evaluation]. / Ocena ruchomosci czynnej odcinka szyjnego u osób zdrowych i w schorzeniach kregoslupa. Przydatnosc aparatury DBC w badaniu ruchu zlozonego.

UNLABELLED: Active Range of motion (AROM) is one of the crucial parameters assessed in the cervical spine evaluation. Repeated standardized AROM evaluation enables objectified monitoring of disease progress or therapy related improvement. Active spine therapy according to DBC (Documentation Based Care) requirement is a contemporary therapeutic system with proven efficacy in spinal disorders. The therapeutic concept f DBC is mechanotherapy based and introduces special devices designed for active exercises in strictly defined range, rate and load. DBC-3CR device is constructed for active motion (composed of rotation, anteflexion and lateral flexion) exercise of the cervical spine with repeated dynamic load. Technical properties allow to avail the machine for diagnostic purposes as far complex range of motion is concerned. PURPOSE: Comparison of AROM between healthy volunteers and patients with cervical disorders. Evaluation of DBC-3CR validity in complex AROM measurement Patients: A--99 healthy volunteers; B--106 patients with chronic neck pain resulting from cervical spondylosis; C--36 patients with acute neck pain related to cervical disc disease or whiplash injury. METHODS: Complex AROM detection with DBC-3CR was compared with reference measurements (goniometric and inclinometric simple AROM detection). Age and sex dependence of AROM among healthy subjects was observed. AROM was compared between B, C and reference groups. DISCUSSION: AROM was significantly decreased in patients with chronic and acute neck pain. Motion limitation pattern was symmetric in both groups. The presence of linear dependency between complex AROM acquired with DBC-3CE and rotation acquired with goniometer was observed (Pearson coefficient 0.81 at p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: I. DBC-3CR device is useful in AROM evaluation. 2. AROM in healthy subjects decreases with age, but is sex--independent parameter. 3. In cervical spondylosis AROM is symmetrically reduced as far as rotation and lateral flexion are concerned. 4. Acute cervical pain results in symmetric AROM limitation.