13 research outputs found
A Review of the Most Recent Clinical and Neuropathological Criteria for Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
(1) Background: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a complex pathological condition characterized by neurodegeneration, as a result of repeated head traumas. Currently, the diagnosis of CTE can only be assumed postmortem. Thus, the clinical manifestations associated with CTE are referred to as traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES), for which diagnostic multiple sets of criteria can be used. (2) Objectives: In this study, we aimed to present and discuss the limitations of the clinical and neuropathological diagnostic criteria for TES/CTE and to suggest a diagnostic algorithm enabling a more accurate diagnostic procedure. (3) Results: The most common diagnostic criteria for TES/CTE discriminate between possible, probable, and improbable. However, several key variations between the available diagnostic criteria suggest that the diagnosis of CTE can still only be given with postmortem neurophysiological examination. Thus, a TES/CTE diagnosis during life imposes a different level of certainty. Here, we are proposing a comprehensive algorithm of diagnosis criteria for TES/CTE based on the similarities and differences between the previous criteria. (4) Conclusions: The diagnosis of TES/CTE requires a multidisciplinary approach; thorough investigation for other neurodegenerative disorders, systemic illnesses, and/or psychiatric conditions that can account for the symptoms; and also complex investigations of patient history, psychiatric assessment, and blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarker evaluation
Interactions between angiotensin II and agmatine in experimental inflammation
Agmatine (decarboxylated arginine) significantly reduced the experimentally carageenan inflammatory process
enhanced by Ang II in rats. Noteworthy was the strong action of agmatine, very close to that of spermine, although
surpassed by that of indomethacin. In contrast, some other polyamines (spermidine, cadaverine and putrescine) had no
significant reducing effects. Inhibition of polyamines synthesis by DL-ļ”-Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) has further
significantly enhanced the pro-inflammatory effects of Ang II at 6 hours. The above findings might demonstrate the
involvement of agmatine synthesis (beyond other polyamines) as a reactive response to pro-inflammatory action of
angiotensins
Contractile effects of angiotensins are independent of receptors internalization in rat aorta
-Arrestins-mediated signaling downstream of seven transmembrane receptors is a relatively new paradigm for
signaling by these receptors. The inhibitors of AT1 receptor internalization we tested, that means nigericin, concanavalin
A and monensin, did not significantly alter the contractions induced by Ang II in the rat aortic smooth muscle
preparations. The same effects we obtained also when we used as agonists Ang I, Ang III and Ang IV. Thus, the
contractile effects induced by angiotensin peptides administered in the rat aortic smooth muscle preparations are
independent of their receptors internalization. Since -arrestins are mediating G-protein independent signaling via AT1
receptors their involvement in the contractile effects of angiotensin peptides must be further explored
Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder: Recent Insights and Diagnostic Challenges
Functional neurological disorder (FND), formerly called conversion disorder, is a condition characterized by neurological symptoms that lack an identifiable organic purpose. These signs, which can consist of motor, sensory, or cognitive disturbances, are not deliberately produced and often vary in severity. Its diagnosis is predicated on clinical evaluation and the exclusion of other medical or psychiatric situations. Its treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary technique addressing each of the neurological symptoms and underlying psychological factors via a mixture of medical management, psychotherapy, and supportive interventions. Recent advances in neuroimaging and a deeper exploration of its epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation have shed new light on this disorder. This paper synthesizes the current knowledge on FND, focusing on its epidemiology and underlying mechanisms, neuroimaging insights, and the differentiation of FND from feigning or malingering. This review highlights the phenotypic heterogeneity of FND and the diagnostic challenges it presents. It also discusses the significant role of neuroimaging in unraveling the complex neural underpinnings of FND and its potential in predicting treatment response. This paper underscores the importance of a nuanced understanding of FND in informing clinical practice and guiding future research. With advancements in neuroimaging techniques and growing recognition of the disorderās multifaceted nature, the paper suggests a promising trajectory toward more effective, personalized treatment strategies and a better overall understanding of the disorder
Adenosine involvement on bronchial reactivity modulation by diesel exhaust
UNLABELLED: In recent decades, epidemiologic investigations have suggested a strong relationship between air pollution and an increase in the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and asthma. AIM: To investigate the possible involvement of adenosine (AD) in bronchomotor effects of diesel exhaust (DE). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Isolated bronchi from ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized rats were challenged in presence or absence of diesel exhaust extract (DEE). AD was delivered on organ bath before or after DEE, at concentrations did not produce significantly contractile effects. RESULTS: AD (0.1 microM) pre-treatment increased bronchomotor effects of DEE: amplified the bronchoconstrictor effects of OVA with more than 35% and decreased Emax of terbutaline induced bronchorelaxation of acetylcholine (Ach) preconstricted bronchial rings (up to 20%), but did not significantly modify ACh-induced contractions. OVA-induced contractions, ACh-induced contractions and terbutaline-induced relaxations have not been significantly modified as compare with DEE alone. On the other hand, DEE amplified AD (cumulative doses) contractile effects. CONCLUSION: These results confirmed our initial hypothesis that AD could partial mediate or at least, modulate DEE effects on airway reactivity
Anxiolytic-like Activity, Antioxidant Properties, and Facilitatory Effects on the Short-Term Memory Retention of Molsidomine in Rats
Compelling evidence indicates that nitric oxide (NO) exerts a significant influence on the central nervous system, participates in the modulation of neurotransmitter release, contributes to the regulation of cognitive functions, and plays a crucial role in modulating various aspects of neural activity. We aimed to explore the influence of two NO donors, molsidomine (MSD) and V-pyrro/NO, on the innate spontaneous psychomotor abilities and short-term memory in rats. Using an actimeter test, the locomotor activity, stress-sensitive behavior, and anxiety level were investigated. The influence on the animal`s cognitive functions was evaluated usingthe Y-maze test to assess the spontaneous alternation percentage, number of arms visited, number of alternations, and the preference index. Four distinct groups of five white male Wistar rats were exposed to the intraperitoneal treatments as follows: Control batchā0.3 mL/100 g of body weight saline solution, Mg batchā200 mg/kbwof magnesium chloride, MSD batchā1 mg/kbw of molsidomine, and V-pyrro/NO batchā5 mg/kbwof V-pyrro/NO. The intraperitoneal administration of MSD resulted in a significant reduction in spontaneous behavior and exploratory skills but was less pronounced than the positive control drug, magnesium chloride. Conversely, treatment with V-pyrro/NO led to only a slight decrease in horizontal movements during the actimeter test. MSD administration, but not V-pyrro/NO, notably increased the rate of spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test. Additionally, the use of MSD resulted in an increase in the blood level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the intensification of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity. In our experimental setup, we demonstrated that MSD exposure led to a decrease in spontaneous behavior, showed anxiolytic effects and antioxidant activity, and improved spatial memory acquisition in rats
MANAGEMENT OF ORAL HEALTH CHALLENGES IN PREGNANT WOMEN
Pregnancy is a dynamic state leading to several physiological transient changes in the body system including the oral cavity. In order to maintain good oral health, the dental treatment should not be avoided. The dental management of pregnant patients involves special consideration as otherwise a hypersensitive vomit reaction in the third trimester of pregnancy can influence the eating behavior of the patient as well as oral hygiene influencing the appearance of dental erosion and tooth decay. Once pregnant women suffer an unpleasant gag reflex in a dental office, they may become phobic, delaying or postponing their dental treatment. The dental management of pregnant patients involves special considerations