Virtual reality systems for rodents

Over the last decade virtual reality ( VR) setups for rodents have been developed and utilized to investigate the neural foundations of behavior. Such VR systems became very popular since they allow the use of state-of-the-art techniques to measure neural activity in behaving rodents that cannot be easily used with classical behavior setups. Here, we provide an overview of rodent VR technologies and review recent results from related research. We discuss commonalities and differences as well as merits and issues of different approaches. A special focus is given to experimental ( behavioral) paradigms in use. Finally we comment on possible use cases that may further exploit the potential of VR in rodent research and hence inspire future studies

Subcortical Source and Modulation of the Narrowband Gamma Oscillation in Mouse Visual Cortex

Primary visual cortex exhibits two types of gamma rhythm: broadband activity in the 30-90 Hz range and a narrowband oscillation seen in mice at frequencies close to 60 Hz. We investigated the sources of the narrowband gamma oscillation, the factors modulating its strength, and its relationship to broadband gamma activity. Narrowband and broadband gamma power were uncorrelated. Increasing visual contrast had opposite effects on the two rhythms: it increased broadband activity, but suppressed the narrowband oscillation. The narrowband oscillation was strongest in layer 4 and was mediated primarily by excitatory currents entrained by the synchronous, rhythmic firing of neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). The power and peak frequency of the narrowband gamma oscillation increased with light intensity. Silencing the cortex optogenetically did not abolish the narrowband oscillation in either LGN firing or cortical excitatory currents, suggesting that this oscillation reflects unidirectional flow of signals from thalamus to cortex

Effects Of Dexmedetomidine On Succinylcholine-Induced Myalgia In The Early Postoperative Period

Objectives: To determine the effects of dexmedetomidine on the incidence of fasciculation and myalgia, and to evaluate changes in creatine kinase levels due to succinylcholine administration. Methods: Sixty patients undergoing direct laryngoscopy were enrolled in this study carried out in the Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey between January and March 2010. Patients were allocated blindly to 3 anesthesiologists. In the dexmedetomidine group (group D) (n=30), dexmedetomidine 1 mu g/kg was administered intravenously over 10 minutes before the intubation. In the control group (group C) (n=30), the same volume of normal saline was administered. Laryngoscopy was performed one minute after administration of succinylcholine. Dexmedetomidine infusion was continued until the end of surgery. Fasciculation and myalgia at the postoperative thirtieth minute, and creatine kinase levels before the induction of anesthesia and at the postoperative 24th hour, and adequacy of relaxation for intubation were recorded. Results: The severity and incidence of fasciculation were better in group D than group C (p=0.025). Intubating conditions were better in the dexmedetomidine group (p=0.011). At the thirtieth minute, the incidence and severity of myalgia were significantly higher in group C (p=0.014). Postoperative creatine kinase levels increased significantly compared with their base-line levels in both groups (p=0.022 in group D and p=0.017 in group C). Creatine kinase level elevation was higher in group C (p=0.03). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine infusion before and after succinylcholine administration may be useful in diminishing the incidence of succinylcholine-induced myalgia in the early postoperative period. Routine use of dexmedetomidine cannot be recommended, but further research is needed with a larger number of patients.Wo

Large scale constructed wetland implementation projects in Turkey in Salt Lake Special Environmental Protection Area

WOS: 000320503800055Salt Lake, in ecological and economical terms, is one of the most important lakes in Turkey. The lake exhibits great biodiversity of plants because the lake and its basin are a natural habitat to various types of endemic plants which are resistant to a salty environment. The lake also serves as a habitat to many kinds of birds, especially flamingos. From an economic standpoint, Salt Lake meets approximately 70% of the salt requirement for Turkey. For this reason it is of great importance to preserve the natural environment of the lake. In addition to the various activities conducted for the environmental protection of the Salt Lake, a comprehensive constructed wetland (CW) project has been prepared and implemented for the towns of Sultanhani and Altinekin, where the population is expected to reach approximately 5000 by the year 2037. It entails the largest and most important subsurface-flow constructed wetland systems(CWs) in Turkey. Many site surveying research projects have also been conducted to support this detailed CWs engineering project. Each step of the project preparation and application are detailed in this study. A great deal of experience has been gained by Turkey and Mediterranean countries on large scale CWs.TUBITAK Marmara Research Center; Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment and Forestry Environment Protection Agency for Special AreasThe authors would like to thank to TUBITAK Marmara Research Center and the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment and Forestry Environment Protection Agency for Special Areas for their financial support and encouragements

How Does Food Addiction Influence Dietary Intake Profile?

This study aimed to investigate whether there was any difference in eating pattern, abnormal eating behaviour, obesity and the number of food addiction symptoms according to food addiction presence. A total sample of 851 healthy subjects living in Ankara (n = 360 male, n = 491 female) aged 19–65 years were included in this cross-sectional survey. Data on demographic information, 24-hour dietary recalls, Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), and anthropometric measurements were collected through face-to-face interviews. Overall, 11.4% of participants were identified as “food addicted” (F: 13.0%; M: 9.2%). Subjects meeting criteria for ‘food addiction' had higher body mass index (35.1% were obese and 3.1% were underweight), compared to subjects without food addiction (13.1% were obese and 10.2% were underweight) (p<0.05). Abnormal eating attitudes estimated with EAT-26 were determined as 45.5% in males, 37.5% in females and 40.2% in total, among subjects with food addiction. Daily energy, protein and fat intakes were significantly higher in food addicted females, compared to non-addicted females (p<0.05). Participants with food addiction reported significantly more problems with foods, which contain high amounts of fat and sugar, compared to the participants without food addiction. Food addiction behaviour should be considered as a part of efforts towards reducing food related problems involving obesity.PubMedWoSScopu