Neuroscience
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The presence of ionotropic receptors to neurotransmitters in presynaptic structures is well documented in many synapses of the mammalian brain. However, due to technical limitations, the actual prevalence of presynaptic ionotropic receptors, as well as their potential functional roles, have remained largely uncertain. The relatively simple and regular organization of neurites in the cerebellar cortex has offered a unique opportunity to bridge this gap of knowledge, by systematically probing the presence and role of presynaptic ionotropic receptors at various synapses. ⋯ They indicate a surprisingly large prevalence of presynaptic ionotropic receptors, with many synapses displaying several such receptors, often to both neurotransmitters. These results indicate that the presence of several types of presynaptic ionotropic receptors may be the rule rather than the exception in mammalian brain synapses. In addition, we discuss the functional roles of presynaptic ionotropic receptors in the induction of various forms of cerebellar long-term synaptic plasticity, as well as the potential consequences of having multiple presynaptic ionotropic receptors in a single synapse.
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Fluorescent carbon dots have emerged as promising nanomaterials for various applications, including bioimaging, food safety detection and drug delivery. However, their potential impact on neurological systems, especially in-vivo models, remains a critical area of investigation. This review focuses on the neurological effects of carbon dots and carbon quantum dots on zebrafish, an established vertebrate model with a conserved central nervous system. ⋯ Neurotoxicity assessments reveal both short-term and long-term effects, ranging from immediate behavioral alterations to subtle changes in neuronal morphology. The review discusses potential mechanisms underlying these effects highlights the need for standardized methodologies in assessing neurological outcomes and emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in nanomaterial research. As the field of nanotechnology continues to advance, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of fluorescent carbon dots on neurological function in zebrafish is crucial for informing safe and sustainable applications in medicine and beyond.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Integration patterns of functional brain networks can predict the response to abdominal acupuncture in patients with major depressive disorder.
Abdominal acupuncture has definite efficacy for major depressive disorder (MDD). Our study examined how abdominal acupuncture regulates the integration within and between brain networks of MDD patients by neuroimaging and whether this functional integration can predict the efficacy. Forty-six female MDD patients were randomly divided into a fluoxetine + real acupuncture group (n = 22) and a fluoxetine + sham acupuncture group (n = 24). ⋯ Using the baseline FCs within AN and DMN or AN-DMN as characteristics, combined with support vector regression, could better predict the efficacy of acupuncture. Our study suggests that abdominal acupuncture could treat MDD by regulating the integration of the functional networks DMN, AN, SN, and CCN. The baseline FCs within the DMN and AN or between them could be used as neural markers for predicting the efficacy of abdominal acupuncture.
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Neuropathic pain (NP) is a widespread public health problem that existing therapeutic treatments cannot manage adequately; therefore, novel treatment strategies are urgently required. G-protein-coupled receptors are important for intracellular signal transduction, and widely participate in physiological and pathological processes, including pain perception. ⋯ Here we reviewed the advantages of Group I mGluRs negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) over orthosteric site antagonists based on allosteric modulation mechanism, and the challenges and opportunities of Group I mGluRs NAMs in NP treatment. This article aims to elucidate the advantages and future development potential of Group I mGluRs NAMs in the treatment of NP.
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Metaphors play a crucial role in language, thinking, and communication. Emoji, as modern metaphors, carry rich meanings and significantly impact emotional expression. ⋯ The results showed that when the positive emoji were in the upper visual field, compared with the middle and lower visual field, the ability to perceive positive emotions was significantly enhanced; Conversely, when the negative emotion emoji was in the lower visual field, the perception of negative emotion was significantly enhanced compared to the middle visual field. EEG data indicate that inconsistencies between Emoji spatial positions and emotional valence lead to increased amplitudes of the Late Positive Component (LPC), revealing heightened neural activity.