Neuroscience
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Detecting intentions and estimating movement trajectories in a human-machine interface (HMI) using electromyogram (EMG) signals is particularly challenging, especially for individuals with movement impairments. Therefore, incorporating additional information from other biological sources, potential discrete information in the movement, and the EMG signal can be practical. This study combined EMG and target information to enhance estimation performance during reaching movements. ⋯ Even under conditions of higher fatigue, the proposed structure provided better performance than the EMG decoder. Including additional information about the recognized reaching target in the trajectory model improved the estimation of the reaching profile. Consequently, this study's findings suggest that bimodal decoders are highly beneficial for enhancing assistive robotic devices and prostheses, especially for real-time upper limb rehabilitation.
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Mecamylamine, a noncompetitive blocker of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), is the racemic mixture of two stereoisomers: S-(+)-mecamylamine (S-mec) and R-(-)-mecamylamine (R-mec), with distinct interactions with α4β2 nAChRs. It has been shown that mecamylamine increases glutamate release and excites serotonergic (5-HT) neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). In this study, we separately evaluated the effects of S-mec and R-mec on 5-HT neuron excitability. ⋯ Moreover, combining S-mec with TC-2559, a selective agonist of HS α4β2 nAChRs, increased firing frequency by 65 %, exceeding the effect of S-mec alone. To validate these findings, we evaluated the antidepressant effects of S-mec (1 mg/kg) combined with TC-2559 or RJR-2403, another α4β2 nAChR agonist. This combination successfully reduced depression-like behaviors, suggesting a potential treatment strategy for patients resistant to conventional antidepressants.
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Traumatic brain injury is a prevalent condition that affects millions worldwide with no clear understanding or effective therapeutic management available. Military soldiers have a high risk of exposure to blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI). Furthermore, alcohol drinking is common in this population, and studies have shown that post-TBI alcohol exposure can result in memory loss. ⋯ However, extended alcohol drinking for up to three weeks post mbTBI impaired long-term memory and was accompanied by intensified oxidative stress in brain regions associated with memory and anxiety. These findings, as well as those from previous in vitro TBI/alcohol studies, suggest a pathological synergy of physical force and post-impact alcohol exposure. This knowledge could potentially aid in establishing guidelines for TBI victims to avoid further injury to their brains as well as to help maximize their recovery following TBI.
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This study aims to explore the neuroprotective effects of scalp Electroacupuncture (EA) on ischemic stroke, with a specific focus on the role of electrical stimulation (ES). Employing a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), we used methods such as Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, micro-CT scanning, Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunofluorescence to assess the impacts of EA. We further conducted RNA-seq analysis and in vitro experiments with organotypic brain slices and cerebral organoids to explore the underlying mechanisms. ⋯ This was further corroborated by in vitro experiments using organotypic brain slices and cerebral organoids, which showcased the efficacy of electrical stimulation in reducing neuroinflammation and protecting neuronal cells. The study highlights the potential of scalp EA, particularly its ES component, in treating ischemic stroke. It provides new insights into the mechanisms of EA, emphasizing its efficacy in neuroprotection and modulation of neuroinflammation, and suggests avenues for optimized treatment strategies in stroke therapy.
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A stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident, is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This disruption can happen in two main ways: through a hemorrhagic stroke, where a blood vessel in the brain bursts, or through an ischemic stroke, where a blood clot blocks an artery. Both types of stroke cause damage to brain cells, leading to a range of health complications. ⋯ Ongoing clinical trials in stroke management are also highlighted. Timely diagnosis and prompt intervention are critical for improving patient outcomes. We aim to increase awareness and understanding of stroke among researchers and healthcare professionals, ultimately improving patient care.