Bdnf impact on biological markers of depression—role of physical exercise and training

Depression is the most common and devastating psychiatric disorder in the world. Its symptoms, especially during the pandemic, are observed in all age groups. Exercise training (ET) is well known as a non-pharmacological strategy to alleviate clinical depression. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the biological factors whose expression and secretion are intensified in response to ET. BDNF is also secreted by contracted skeletal muscle that likely exerts para-, auto-and endocrine effects, supporting the crosstalk between skeletal muscle and other distant organs/tissues, such as the nervous system. This finding suggests that they communicate and work together to induce improvements on mood, cognition, and learning processes as BDNF is the main player in the neurogenesis, growth, and survival of neurons. Therefore, BDNF has been recognized as a therapeutic factor in clinical depression, especially in response to ET. The underlying mechanisms through which ET impacts depression are varied. The aim of this review was to provide information of the biological markers of depression such as monoamines, tryptophan, endocannabinoids, markers of inflammatory processes (oxidative stress and cytokines) stress and sex hormones and their relationship to BDNF. In addition, we reviewed the effects of ET on BNDF expression and how it impacts depression as well as the potential mechanisms mediating this process, providing a better understanding of underlying ET-related mechanisms in depression.Internal grant of University School of Physical Education. Project No. 503 62/05 Effectiveness of various therapeutic forms and their influence on nervous, muscular and vascular plasticity in patients after ischemic stroke”

Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts : characterization of disease variants

Objective : To provide an overview of clinical and MRI characteristics of the different variants of the leukodystrophy megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) and identify possible differentiating features. Methods : We performed an international multi-institutional, cross-sectional observational study of the clinical and MRI characteristics in patients with genetically confirmed MLC. Clinical information was obtained by questionnaires for physicians and retrospective chart review. Results : We included 204 patients with classic MLC, 187 of whom had recessive mutations in MLC1 (MLC1 variant) and 17 in GLIALCAM (MLC2A variant) and 38 patients with remitting MLC caused by dominant GLIALCAM mutations (MLC2B variant). We observed a relatively wide variability in neurologic disability among patients with classic MLC. No clinical differences could be identified between patients with MLC1 and MLC2A. Patients with MLC2B invariably had a milder phenotype with preservation of motor function, while intellectual disability and autism were relatively frequent. Systematic MRI review revealed no MRI features that distinguish between MLC1 and MLC2A. Radiologic improvement was observed in all patients with MLC2B and also in 2 patients with MLC1. In MRIs obtained in the early disease stage, absence of signal abnormalities of the posterior limb of the internal capsule and cerebellar white matter and presence of only rarefied subcortical white matter instead of true subcortical cysts were suggestive of MLC2B. Conclusion : Clinical and MRI features did not distinguish between classic MLC with MLC1 or GLIALCAM mutations. Absence of signal abnormalities of the internal capsule and cerebellar white matter are MRI findings that point to the remitting phenotype

Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts: Characterization of disease variants

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of clinical and MRI characteristics of the different variants of the leukodystrophy megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) and identify possible differentiating features. METHODS: We performed an international multi-institutional, cross-sectional observational study of the clinical and MRI characteristics in patients with genetically confirmed MLC. Clinical information was obtained by questionnaires for physicians and retrospective chart review. RESULTS: We included 204 patients with classic MLC, 187 of whom had recessive mutations in MLC1 (MLC1 variant) and 17 in GLIALCAM (MLC2A variant) and 38 patients with remitting MLC caused by dominant GLIALCAM mutations (MLC2B variant). We observed a relatively wide variability in neurologic disability among patients with classic MLC. No clinical differences could be identified between patients with MLC1 and MLC2A. Patients with MLC2B invariably had a milder phenotype with preservation of motor function, while intellectual disability and autism were relatively frequent. Systematic MRI review revealed no MRI features that distinguish between MLC1 and MLC2A. Radiologic improvement was observed in all patients with MLC2B and also in 2 patients with MLC1. In MRIs obtained in the early disease stage, absence of signal abnormalities of the posterior limb of the internal capsule and cerebellar white matter and presence of only rarefied subcortical white matter instead of true subcortical cysts were suggestive of MLC2B. CONCLUSION: Clinical and MRI features did not distinguish between classic MLC with MLC1 or GLIALCAM mutations. Absence of signal abnormalities of the internal capsule and cerebellar white matter are MRI findings that point to the remitting phenotype

Altered Ultrasonic Vocalization and Impaired Learning and Memory in Angelman Syndrome Mouse Model with a Large Maternal Deletion from Ube3a to Gabrb3

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurobehavioral disorder associated with mental retardation, absence of language development, characteristic electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities and epilepsy, happy disposition, movement or balance disorders, and autistic behaviors. The molecular defects underlying AS are heterogeneous, including large maternal deletions of chromosome 15q11–q13 (70%), paternal uniparental disomy (UPD) of chromosome 15 (5%), imprinting mutations (rare), and mutations in the E6-AP ubiquitin ligase gene UBE3A (15%). Although patients with UBE3A mutations have a wide spectrum of neurological phenotypes, their features are usually milder than AS patients with deletions of 15q11–q13. Using a chromosomal engineering strategy, we generated mutant mice with a 1.6-Mb chromosomal deletion from Ube3a to Gabrb3, which inactivated the Ube3a and Gabrb3 genes and deleted the Atp10a gene. Homozygous deletion mutant mice died in the perinatal period due to a cleft palate resulting from the null mutation in Gabrb3 gene. Mice with a maternal deletion (m−/p+) were viable and did not have any obvious developmental defects. Expression analysis of the maternal and paternal deletion mice confirmed that the Ube3a gene is maternally expressed in brain, and showed that the Atp10a and Gabrb3 genes are biallelically expressed in all brain sub-regions studied. Maternal (m−/p+), but not paternal (m+/p−), deletion mice had increased spontaneous seizure activity and abnormal EEG. Extensive behavioral analyses revealed significant impairment in motor function, learning and memory tasks, and anxiety-related measures assayed in the light-dark box in maternal deletion but not paternal deletion mice. Ultrasonic vocalization (USV) recording in newborns revealed that maternal deletion pups emitted significantly more USVs than wild-type littermates. The increased USV in maternal deletion mice suggests abnormal signaling behavior between mothers and pups that may reflect abnormal communication behaviors in human AS patients. Thus, mutant mice with a maternal deletion from Ube3a to Gabrb3 provide an AS mouse model that is molecularly more similar to the contiguous gene deletion form of AS in humans than mice with Ube3a mutation alone. These mice will be valuable for future comparative studies to mice with maternal deficiency of Ube3a alone

Analiza reakcji prosiąt odsadzonych na materiał manipulacyjny z kolorowymi piłkami i możliwością eksploracji oraz żucia

Analysis of the weaned piglets reaction on the handling material with colored balls and possibility of exploration and chewing. Maintaining proper pig welfare levels in intensive production systems requires the use of appropriate handling materials. At present, there are many elements commonly referred to as "toys" in breeding and production, but not all of them meet safety and functional requirements. The purpose of the study was to analyze the reaction of weaned piglets on a toy pen - an “abacus” with colored balls (test version). Direct observations were made on the behaviour of piglets of the Pulawska and Polish Large White breeds using the ethogram, taking into account motor activity with elements of interest in the “abacus”, including: climbing on the "abacus", shifting balls (interest in yellow, blue, red), rest, excretory behaviour, nutritional behaviour. It was found that piglets of the Pulawska breed climbed the “abacus” for more time (15.2 min, ie. 3.6 minutes longer than the Polish Large White breed), and the PLW breed moved balls longer (26.2 min., ie. 9.6 minutes longer than the Pulawska breed). Piglets of the two breeds had the least interest for red balls. Piglets of the Pulawska breed preferred the most blue and then yellow balls. Polish Large White piglets were more likely to choose yellow and blue balls. Eating time and water intake were higher in Pulawska breed, respectively 10.8 and 5.4 min compared to 6.6 and 3.0 min in Polish Large White breed.Analiza reakcji prosiąt odsadzonych na materiał manipulacyjny z kolorowymi piłkami i możliwością eksploracji oraz żucia.Utrzymanie właściwego poziomu dobrostanu świń w intensywnym systemie produkcji wymaga zastosowania odpowiednich materiałów manipulacyjnych. Obecnie w praktyce hodowlanej i produkcyjnej funkcjonuje wiele elementów określanych potocznie mianem „zabawek”, lecz nie każdy z nich spełnia wymagania odnośnie bezpieczeństwa i funkcjonalności. Celem pracy była analiza reakcji prosiąt odsadzonych na umieszczoną w kojcu zabawkę – liczydło z kolorowymi piłkami (wersja testowa). Wykonano obserwacje bezpośrednie behawioru prosiąt rasy puławskiej i wielkiej białej polskiej z wykorzystaniem etogramu uwzględniając aktywność motoryczną z elementami zainteresowania liczydłem, w tym: wspinanie się na „liczydło”, przesuwanie piłek (zainteresowanie kolorem żółtym, kolorem niebieskim, kolorem czerwonym), odpoczynek, zachowania wydalnicze, zachowania żywieniowe. Stwierdzono, że prosięta rasy puławskiej wspinały się na "liczydło" przez dłuższy okres czasu (15,2 min, czyli o 3,6 min dłużej niż wielka biała polska), a rasa wbp dłużej zajmowała się przesuwaniem piłek (26,2 min, tj. o 9,6 min dłużej niż rasa puławska). Prosięta obu ras najmniejsze zainteresowanie wykazywały piłkami w kolorze czerwonym. Osobniki rasy puławskiej najbardziej preferowały niebieskie, a następnie żółte piłki. Prosięta rasy wbp częściej wybierały żółte i niebieskie piłki. Czas pobierania paszy i wody był wyższy dla rasy puławskiej, odpowiednio 10,8 i 5,4 min w porównaniu z 6,6 i 3,0 min dla rasy wbp

Investigation into the effect of nano-silica on the protective properties of polyurethane coatings

The effect of nano-silica particles on the protective properties of polyurethane (PU) coatings has been investigated. Current PU clear coats have shown promising scratch, abrasion and UV resistance properties, however their corrosion resistance has not been much investigated. This study focuses on the effect of non-polar nano-silica particles on electrochemical properties of 2-pack polyurethane matrix. Nano silica was incorporated at different levels into acrylic polyol/HDI polyisocyanate polyurethane matrix and cured at three different temperatures (20 °C, 70 °C and 110 °C). DC resistance technique and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) have been employed to evaluate protective properties. Free films were prepared to determine the water-uptake using coating capacitance function measured in the early stages of exposure. Also the effect of nanoparticles on cross-linking density and glass transition temperature (Tg) was investigated by Dynamical Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) technique. Abrasion resistance was evaluated using Taber abrasion tester by measuring the weight loss from a coated panel. Electrochemical results showed a positive effect on the permeability properties for PU coatings with 5% of embedded nano-silica particles. Also coatings cured at higher temperatures showed improved protective properties. The Tg also increased with elevated curing temperature which was attributed to an increase in cross-linking density. The Taber abrasion test indicates that both, nano-silica particles and higher curing temperatures enhance abrasion resistance

Investigation into the effect of nano-silica on the protective properties of polyurethane coatings

The effect of nano-silica particles on the protective properties of polyurethane (PU) coatings has been investigated. Current PU clear coats have shown promising scratch, abrasion and UV resistance properties, however their corrosion resistance has not been much investigated. This study focuses on the effect of non-polar nano-silica particles on electrochemical properties of 2-pack polyurethane matrix. Nano silica was incorporated at different levels into acrylic polyol/HDI polyisocyanate polyurethane matrix and cured at three different temperatures (20 °C, 70 °C and 110 °C). DC resistance technique and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) have been employed to evaluate protective properties. Free films were prepared to determine the water-uptake using coating capacitance function measured in the early stages of exposure. Also the effect of nanoparticles on cross-linking density and glass transition temperature (Tg) was investigated by Dynamical Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) technique. Abrasion resistance was evaluated using Taber abrasion tester by measuring the weight loss from a coated panel. Electrochemical results showed a positive effect on the permeability properties for PU coatings with 5% of embedded nano-silica particles. Also coatings cured at higher temperatures showed improved protective properties. The Tg also increased with elevated curing temperature which was attributed to an increase in cross-linking density. The Taber abrasion test indicates that both, nano-silica particles and higher curing temperatures enhance abrasion resistance