ABSTRACT
The study of brain connectivity has been a cornerstone in understanding the complexities of neurological and psychiatric disorders. It has provided invaluable insights into the functional architecture of the brain and how it is perturbed in disorders. However, a persistent challenge has been achieving the proper spatial resolution, and developing computational algorithms to address biological questions at the multi-cellular level, a scale often referred to as the mesoscale. Historically, neuroimaging studies of brain connectivity have predominantly focused on the macroscale, providing insights into inter-regional brain connections but often falling short of resolving the intricacies of neural circuitry at the cellular or mesoscale level. This limitation has hindered our ability to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms of neurological and psychiatric disorders and to develop targeted interventions. In light of this issue, our review manuscript seeks to bridge this critical gap by delving into the domain of mesoscale neuroimaging. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of conditions affected by aberrant neural connections, image acquisition techniques, feature extraction, and data analysis methods that are specifically tailored to the mesoscale. We further delineate the potential of brain connectivity research to elucidate complex biological questions, with a particular focus on schizophrenia and epilepsy. This review encompasses topics such as dendritic spine quantification, single neuron morphology, and brain region connectivity. We aim to showcase the applicability and significance of mesoscale neuroimaging techniques in the field of neuroscience, highlighting their potential for gaining insights into the complexities of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
ABSTRACT
Ultraviolet C (UVC) light has long been used as a sterilizing agent, primarily through devices that emit at 254 nm. Depending on the dose and duration of exposure, UV 254 nm can cause erythema and photokeratitis and potentially cause skin cancer since it directly modifies nitrogenated nucleic acid bases. Filtered KrCl excimer lamps (emitting mainly at 222 nm) have emerged as safer germicidal tools and have even been proposed as devices to sterilize surgical wounds. All the studies that showed the safety of 222 nm analyzed cell number and viability, erythema generation, epidermal thickening, the formation of genetic lesions such as cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine-(6-4)-pyrimidone photoproducts (6-4PPs) and cancer-inducing potential. Although nucleic acids can absorb and be modified by both UV 254 nm and UV 222 nm equally, compared to UV 254 nm, UV 222 nm is more intensely absorbed by proteins (especially aromatic side chains), causing photooxidation and cross-linking. Here, in addition to analyzing DNA lesion formation, for the first time, we evaluated changes in the proteome and cellular pathways, reactive oxygen species formation, and metalloproteinase (MMP) levels and activity in full-thickness in vitro reconstructed human skin (RHS) exposed to UV 222 nm. We also performed the longest (40 days) in vivo study of UV 222 nm exposure in the HRS/J mouse model at the occupational threshold limit value (TLV) for indirect exposure (25 mJ/cm2) and evaluated overall skin morphology, cellular pathological alterations, CPD and 6-4PP formation and MMP-9 activity. Our study showed that processes related to reactive oxygen species and inflammatory responses were more altered by UV 254 nm than by UV 222 nm. Our chronic in vivo exposure assay using the TLV confirmed that UV 222 nm causes minor damage to the skin. However, alterations in pathways related to skin regeneration raise concerns about direct exposure to UV 222 nm.
Subject(s)
DNA Damage , Nucleic Acids , Mice , Animals , Humans , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Pyrimidine Dimers/metabolism , Skin/radiation effects , Ultraviolet Rays , Nucleic Acids/metabolism , ErythemaABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The postural transition from sitting to standing is a moment of dysautonomic occurrence in individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Different tools can be used to minimize this event, such as virtual reality. Thus, we aimed to analyze cardiac autonomic modulation in individuals with SCI during postural transition from the sitting to orthostatism position using a cognitive virtual reality (VR) task. METHODS: Individuals with and without SCI were positioned on the Easy Stand® device, sitting at rest, at 0° considering the angle between the seat and the floor, elevation at 45°, and orthostatism at 90°, for 5 minutes in each position. Heart rate variability (HRV) measures of sympathovagal balance were collected (heart rate receiver: Polar V800). The groups were subdivided into two groups, one that performed VR as an intervention during the postural angle changes and another group that did not perform VR. RESULTS: We evaluated 76 individuals, 40 with a medical diagnosis of SCI and 36 who composed the able-bodied control group without SCI, matched by age and sex. The HRV results showed that the SCI group who performed the task in VR demonstrated no significant difference in parasympathetic activation and global variability between the sitting versus 90° positions. There was better sympathovagal balance in SCI and able-bodied control groups who performed the VR task between the sitting versus 90° positions. CONCLUSION: The use of a VR task seems to contribute to better sympathovagal balance, with the potential to reduce dysautonomia during postural changes.
Subject(s)
Primary Dysautonomias , Spinal Cord Injuries , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Autonomic Nervous System , Heart , Sitting Position , Postural Balance/physiologyABSTRACT
The biostimulating potential of algae extracts represents an opportunity to increase efficiency in food production. Cultivable microalgae are viable candidates due to the high production capacity. In this work, the chemical composition and effect of the microalgae extract Scenedesmus acuminatus (Lagerh.) Chodat and commercial product AMPEP (Acadian Marine Plant Extract Powder) derived from the macroalgae Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol. on the germination of BRS Estilo bean seeds were evaluated. The treatments analyzed the methodology of exposure of seeds to extracts: soaking for 5 hours (T1) and applications every 48 hours (T2). The parameters evaluated were: germination percentage (PG), speed index (IVG) and mean germination time (TMG). The values of PG and IVG were higher in T2, representing about 50% higher yield than T1. In relation to chemical composition, Scenedesmus acuminatus extract obtained higher levels of proteins and carbohydrates. Thus, S. acuminatus is a potential producer of biostimulant extracts, while beans obtained lower germinative performance when submitted to the soaking process.
O potencial bioestimulante de extratos de algas representam uma oportunidade para ampliar a eficiência na produção de alimentos. As microalgas cultiváveis são candidatas viáveis em função da elevada capacidade de produção. Neste trabalho foi avaliada a composição química e efeito do extrato de microalga Scenedesmus acuminatus (Lagerh.) Chodat e produto comercial AMPEP (Acadian Marine Plant Extract Powder) derivado da macroalga Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jol. na germinação de sementes de feijão BRS Estilo. Os tratamentos analisaram a metodologia de exposição das sementes aos extratos: embebição por 5 horas (T1) e aplicações a cada 48 horas (T2). Os parâmetros avaliados foram: porcentagem de germinação (PG), índice de velocidade (IVG) e tempo médio de germinação (TMG). Os valores de PG e IVG foram superiores no T2, representando cerca de 50% de rendimento maior que o T1. Em relação a composição química, o extrato de Scenedesmus acuminatus obteve maiores teores de proteínas e carboidratos. Dessa forma, S. acuminatus é potencial produtora de extratos bioestimulantes, enquanto feijão obteve menor desempenho germinativo quando submetido ao processo de embebição.
ABSTRACT
Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and therapy-based virtual reality (VR) have been investigated separately. They have shown promise as efficient and engaging new tools in the neurological rehabilitation of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the recent literature encourages investigation of the combination of therapy tools in order to potentiate clinic effects and its mechanisms. Methods: A triple-blinded randomised sham-controlled crossover trial will be performed. Thirty-six individuals with gross motor function of levels I to IV (aged 4-14 years old) will be recruited. Individuals will be randomly assigned to Group A (active first) or S (sham first): Group A will start with ten sessions of active tDSC combined with VR tasks. After a 1-month washout, this group will be reallocated to another ten sessions with sham tDCS combined with VR tasks. In contrast, Group S will carry out the opposite protocol, starting with sham tDCS. For the active tDCS the protocol will use low frequency tDCS [intensity of 1 milliampere (mA)] over the primary cortex (M1) area on the dominant side of the brain. Clinical evaluations (reaction times and coincident timing through VR, functional scales: Abilhand-Kids, ACTIVLIM-CP, Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-PEDI- and heart rate variability-HRV) will be performed at baseline, during, and after active and sham tDCS. Conclusion: tDCS has produced positive results in treating individuals with CP; thus, its combination with new technologies shows promise as a potential mechanism for improving neurological functioning. The results of this study may provide new insights into motor rehabilitation, thereby contributing to the better use of combined tDCS and VR in people with CP. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04044677. Registered on 05 August 2019.
ABSTRACT
Conhecer as características de tabagistas é fundamental para estruturar adequadamente os programas de cessaçãotabagística, de forma a atender as necessidades específicas dessa população. Analisar características sóciodemográficase o padrão de consumo tabagístico de fumantes que procuram atendimento em programas de cessação. Foi realizadaanálise retrospectiva de 38 meses dos dados da avaliação inicial de tabagistas que buscaram o Programa de Orientaçãoe Conscientização Antitabagismo da UNESP-Presidente Prudente. A amostra foi constituída de 209 mulheres e 150homens com idade de 48,16±12 anos; 34% cursaram ensino médio completo ou superior incompleto; 38,44%apresentaram nível elevado de dependência e 72,15% se apresentaram na fase motivacional de contemplação. Nestetrabalho foram evidenciadas algumas características de tabagistas que procuram atendimento especializado paraa cessação tabagística. Esses achados facilitarão a abordagem por profissionais que trabalham com essa temática,permitindo melhor direcionamento no tratamento e consequentemente aumento na taxa de sucesso na cessaçãotabagística dessa população
Knowing the characteristics of smokers is essential to adequately structure tobacco cessation programs in order to meetthe specific needs of this population. To analyze socio-demographic characteristics and the smoking pattern of smokersseeking care in cessation programs. A 38-month retrospective analysis of data from the initial evaluation of smokerswho sought the Anti-Smoking Counseling and Orientation Program of UNESP-Presidente Prudente was conducted.The sample consisted of 209 women and 150 men aged 48.16 ± 12 years; 34% did not complete high school oruniversity, 38.44% presented a high level of dependence, and 72.15% presented themselves in the motivational phaseof contemplation. In this study, some characteristics of smokers seeking specialized care for smoking cessation wereevidenced. These findings will facilitate the approach by professionals who work with this theme, allowing for bettertargeting in the treatment and consequently an increase in the smoking cessation success rate of this population
