Chronic mild stress-induced dysregulation of MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex of WKY female rats.

Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats subjected to chronic mild stress (CMS) represent a valid model of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Considering that depression is more prevalent in women than in men, in the present study, female rats were used. We investigated the effect of CMS on behavior and different factors involved in neuroinflammatory processes and neuroplasticity in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of WKY female rats. The results show that unstressed WKY females exhibited hypolocomotion, decreased exploratory behavior, and an increase in the total grooming time. After exposure to CMS, WKY females displayed intensified grooming. To investigate potential neural mechanisms underlying these behavioral changes, we analyzed signaling and inflammatory pathways in the hippocampus and mPFC. The findings indicate reduced BDNF and elevated levels levels of IL-1ß in both brain structures and NLRP3 in the mPFC of unstressed WKY female rats. WKY rats subjected to CMS showed a further decrease in BDNF levels and increased IL-1ß and NLRP3 in these brain structures. WKY showed reduced pERK1/2 and increased pp38 levels in both brain structures, while CMS revealed a further increase of pp38 in WKY in these brain structures. Expressions of p110ß and pAKT were decreased in the hippocampus and mPFC of WKY rats. The CMS further suppressed p110 and the downstream AKT phosphorylation in the hippocampus, but did not affect the p110 and pAKT in the mPFC. Our findings indicate behavioral and molecular differences in genetically vulnerable WKY female rats and in their response to CMS that may be involved in TRD.

Sex-Related and Brain Regional Differences of URB597 Effects on Modulation of MAPK/PI3K Signaling in Chronically Stressed Rats.

Gender differences exist in depression incidence and antidepressant efficacy. In addition to the neurotransmission theory of depression, inflammation and disrupted signaling pathways play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of depression. Endocannabinoids offer a novel approach to treat inflammatory and emotional disorders like depression. URB597, a FAAH inhibitor, reduces endocannabinoids breakdown. In this study, URB597 effects were investigated on the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase/ protein kinase B (PI3K) signaling in the hippocampus and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male and female rats subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). The results show that CUS induces depression-like behaviors, and the URB597 exhibited antidepressant-like effects inboth sexes. URB597 reduced the CUS-induced NLRP3 and IL-1ß increase in the hippocampus and mPFC of both sexes. URB597 increased the reduced pERK1/2 levels in the mPFC of both sexes and hippocampus of CUS males. URB597 also prevented the increase in p38 phosphorylation after chronic stress in the mPFC of both sexes and in the hippocampus of the females. The CUS suppressed the downstream Akt phosphorylation in the mPFC and hippocampi of both sexes. URB597 produced an up-regulation of the pAkt in the hippocampus of the CUS animals but did not affect the pAkt in the mPFC. These data demonstrated a sexual dimorphism in the neural cell signaling, and in the effects of endocannabinoids, and indicated these dimorphisms are region-specific.

URB597 attenuates stress-induced ventricular structural remodeling by modulating cytokines, NF-κB, and JAK2/STAT3 pathways in female and male rats.

Endocannabinoids act as a stress response system; simultaneously, the modulation of this system has emerged a novel approach for the therapy of cardiovascular disorders. We investigated the protective effects of the chronic administration of the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 on morphology, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine, the cytoplasm-nuclear distribution of JAK2/STAT3, and NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in the left ventricle of female and male rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress. Our results show that URB597 treatment exhibits an antidepressant-like effect, decreases the heart/body weight ratio, prevents the hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes, and reduces the increased level of IL-6 in the wall of the left ventricle of stressed female and male rats. The phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3 in the ventricle of male rats treated with URB597 were declined, whereas in female rats the decrease of STAT3 was observed. In addition, URB597 reduced increased NF-κB in both females and males and increased the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein in the cytosol of male rats, whereas did not affect their levels in females. Cardioprotective effects of URB597 could be linked to the ability to inhibit the JAK2 in males and the STAT3 inflammatory signaling pathways in both females and males.

Accessible Dyslexia Detection with Real-Time Reading Feedback through Robust Interpretable Eye-Tracking Features.

Developing reliable, quantifiable, and accessible metrics for dyslexia diagnosis and tracking represents an important goal, considering the widespread nature of dyslexia and its negative impact on education and quality of life. In this study, we observe eye-tracking data from 15 dyslexic and 15 neurotypical Serbian school-age children who read text segments presented on different color configurations. Two new eye-tracking features were introduced that quantify the amount of spatial complexity of the subject's gaze through time and inherently provide information regarding the locations in the text in which the subject struggled the most. The features were extracted from the raw eye-tracking data (x, y coordinates), from the original data gathered at 60 Hz, and from the downsampled data at 30 Hz, examining the compatibility of features with low-cost or custom-made eye-trackers. The features were used as inputs to machine learning algorithms, and the best-obtained accuracy was 88.9% for 60 Hz and 87.8% for 30 Hz. The features were also used to analyze the influence of background/overlay color on the quality of reading, and it was shown that the introduced features separate the dyslexic and control groups regardless of the background/overlay color. The colors can, however, influence each subject differently, which implies that an individualistic approach would be necessary to obtain the best therapeutic results. The performed study shows promise in dyslexia detection and evaluation, as the proposed features can be implemented in real time as feedback during reading and show effectiveness at detecting dyslexia with data obtained using a lower sampling rate.

Elbow Joint Stiffness Functional Scales Based on Hill's Muscle Model and Genetic Optimization.

The ultimate goal of rehabilitation engineering is to provide objective assessment tools for the level of injury and/or the degree of neurorehabilitation recovery based on a combination of different sensing technologies that enable the monitoring of relevant measurable variables, as well as the assessment of non-measurable variables (such as muscle effort/force and joint mechanical stiffness). This paper aims to present a feasibility study for a general assessment methodology for subject-specific non-measurable elbow model parameter prediction and elbow joint stiffness estimation. Ten participants without sensorimotor disorders performed a modified "Reach and retrieve" task of the Wolf Motor Function Test while electromyography (EMG) data of an antagonistic muscle pair (the triceps brachii long head and biceps brachii long head muscle) and elbow angle were simultaneously acquired. A complete list of the Hill's muscle model and passive joint structure model parameters was generated using a genetic algorithm (GA) on the acquired training dataset with a maximum deviation of 6.1% of the full elbow angle range values during the modified task 8 of the Wolf Motor Function Test, and it was also verified using two experimental test scenarios (a task tempo variation scenario and a load variation scenario with a maximum deviation of 8.1%). The recursive least square (RLS) algorithm was used to estimate elbow joint stiffness (Stiffness) based on the estimated joint torque and the estimated elbow angle. Finally, novel Stiffness scales (general patterns) for upper limb functional assessment in the two performed test scenarios were proposed. The stiffness scales showed an exponentially increasing trend with increasing movement tempo, as well as with increasing weights. The obtained general Stiffness patterns from the group of participants without sensorimotor disorders could significantly contribute to the further monitoring of motor recovery in patients with sensorimotor disorders.

Similarities and differences in the nutritional composition of nuts and seeds in Serbia.

Nuts and seeds are an indispensable part of the plant-based diet, which is becoming increasingly popular due to the evidence of their health benefits and contribution to sustainability and planetary health. Since the health effects of consuming nuts and seeds directly depend on their nutritional composition and consumed amount, it is essential to know the exact chemical composition of each nut and seed so that appropriate dietary interventions can be adequately planned. The present study aimed to examine the chemical composition of nuts and seeds obtained from the Serbian market and to highlight the similarities and differences in their nutritional composition. In twenty-four samples of nuts and seeds, the content of total lipids, including fatty acid profile, total proteins, including amino acid profile, total carbohydrates (sugars and fibers), phytosterols, and minerals were determined. Content of selected nutrients in grams (g) or milligrams (mg) of nuts and seeds was expressed in one portion (28 g) and as a percentage of contribution of Reference Intakes (% RI) and Dietary Reference Value (% DRV) for macronutrients and minerals, respectively. Some of the seed representatives appeared to be rich sources of essential omega-3 fatty acid, α-linolenic acid (ALA) (flax seed vs. walnut, 6.50 vs. 0.56 g per portion, respectively), dietary fibers (chia seed vs. raw almond, 10.6 vs. 3.4 g per portion, respectively), calcium (black sesame seed vs. almond roasted, 32.4% NRV vs. 8.1% NRV per portion, respectively), magnesium (hemp seed vs. Brazil nut, 38.3% NRV vs. 27.8% NRV per portion, respectively), and zinc (hemp seed vs. pine nut, 21.4% NRV vs. 17.6% NRV per portion, respectively). Our results highlighted the crucial role of seeds in the diet, especially as a better source of nutrients compared to nuts. Furthermore, it was seen that nuts and seeds are different and complementary in their composition. Thus, in order to meet the needs for certain nutrients for which nuts and seeds are used as dietary sources (essential fatty acids, minerals, dietary fibers), it would be beneficial to combine both nuts and seeds as a part of a healthy dietary pattern.

Kinetic Characterization of Cerium and Gallium Ions as Inhibitors of Cysteine Cathepsins L, K, and S.

Heavy metal ions can disrupt biological functions via multiple molecular mechanisms, including inhibition of enzymes. We investigate the interactions of human papain-like cysteine endopeptidases cathepsins L, K, and S with gallium and cerium ions, which are associated with medical applications. We compare these results with zinc and lead, which are known to inhibit thiol enzymes. We show that Ga3+, Ce3+, and Ce4+ ions inhibit all tested peptidases with inhibition constants in the low micromolar range (between 0.5 µM and 10 µM) which is comparable to Zn2+ ions, whereas inhibition constants of Pb2+ ions are one order of magnitude higher (30 µM to 150 µM). All tested ions are linear specific inhibitors of cathepsin L, but cathepsins K and S are inhibited by Ga3+, Ce3+, and Ce4+ ions via hyperbolic inhibition mechanisms. This indicates a mode of interaction different from that of Zn2+ and Pb2+ ions, which act as linear specific inhibitors of all peptidases. All ions also inhibit the degradation of insoluble elastin, which is a common target of these peptidases in various inflammatory diseases. Our results suggest that these ions and their compounds have the potential to be used as cysteine cathepsin inhibitors in vitro and possibly in vivo.

Spatiotemporal Eye-Tracking Feature Set for Improved Recognition of Dyslexic Reading Patterns in Children.

Considering the detrimental effects of dyslexia on academic performance and its common occurrence, developing tools for dyslexia detection, monitoring, and treatment poses a task of significant priority. The research performed in this paper was focused on detecting and analyzing dyslexic tendencies in Serbian children based on eye-tracking measures. The group of 30 children (ages 7-13, 15 dyslexic and 15 non-dyslexic) read 13 different text segments on 13 different color configurations. For each text segment, the corresponding eye-tracking trail was recorded and then processed offline and represented by nine conventional features and five newly proposed features. The features were used for dyslexia recognition using several machine learning algorithms: logistic regression, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbor, and random forest. The highest accuracy of 94% was achieved using all the implemented features and leave-one-out subject cross-validation. Afterwards, the most important features for dyslexia detection (representing the complexity of fixation gaze) were used in a statistical analysis of the individual color effects on dyslexic tendencies within the dyslexic group. The statistical analysis has shown that the influence of color has high inter-subject variability. This paper is the first to introduce features that provide clear separability between a dyslexic and control group in the Serbian language (a language with a shallow orthographic system). Furthermore, the proposed features could be used for diagnosing and tracking dyslexia as biomarkers for objective quantification.

3D Imaging Segmentation and 3D Rendering Process for a Precise Puncture Strategy During PCNL - a Pilot Study.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is frequently used as the first-line treatment of large and complex stones. The key point for successful complex stone removal with minimal risk of complications is to establish the most appropriate access route. Understanding the three-dimensional (3D) relationship of kidney stones and renal collecting systems is crucial for planning and creating an optimal access route. By using a 3D volume segmentation tool a more accurate approach to the renal collecting system and stone treatment could be planned. The objective of this study was assessing the impact of 3D software in getting the desired access.

Temporal Synergies Detection in Gait Cyclograms Using Wearable Technology.

The human gait can be described as the synergistic activity of all individual components of the sensory-motor system. The central nervous system (CNS) develops synergies to execute endpoint motion by coordinating muscle activity to reflect the global goals of the endpoint trajectory. This paper proposes a new method for assessing temporal dynamic synergies. Principal component analysis (PCA) has been applied on the signals acquired by wearable sensors (inertial measurement units, IMU and ground reaction force sensors, GRF mounted on feet) to detect temporal synergies in the space of two-dimensional PCA cyclograms. The temporal synergy results for different gait speeds in healthy subjects and stroke patients before and after the therapy were compared. The hypothesis of invariant temporal synergies at different gait velocities was statistically confirmed, without the need to record and analyze muscle activity. A significant difference in temporal synergies was noticed in hemiplegic gait compared to healthy gait. Finally, the proposed PCA-based cyclogram method provided the therapy follow-up information about paretic leg gait in stroke patients that was not available by observing conventional parameters, such as temporal and symmetry gait measures.

Detection of impaired renal allograft function in paediatric and young adult patients using arterial spin labelling MRI (ASL-MRI).

The study aimed to discriminate renal allografts with impaired function by measuring cortical renal blood flow (cRBF) using magnetic resonance imaging arterial spin labelling (ASL-MRI) in paediatric and young adult patients. We included 18 subjects and performed ASL-MRI on 1.5 T MRI to calculate cRBF on parameter maps. cRBF was correlated to calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and compared between patient groups with good (GFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and impaired allograft function (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Mean cRBF in patients with good allograft function was significantly higher than in patients with impaired allograft function (219.89 ± 57.24 mL/min/100 g vs. 146.22 ± 41.84 mL/min/100 g, p < 0.008), showing a highly significant correlation with GFR in all subjects (r = 0.75, p < 0.0001). Also, the diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI-MRI) apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and Doppler measurements of peak-systolic and end-diastolic velocities and the resistive index (PS, ED, RI) were performed and both methods showed no significant difference between groups. ADC implied no correlation with GFR (r = 0.198, p = 0.464), while PS indicated moderate correlation to GFR (r = 0.48, p < 0.05), and PS and ED moderate correlation to cRBF (r = 0.58, p < 0.05, r = 0.56, p < 0.05, respectively). Cortical perfusion as non-invasively measured by ASL-MRI differs between patients with good and impaired allograft function and correlates significantly with its function.

Effects of Fatty Acid Amide Hydroxylase Inhibitor URB597 on the Catecholaminergic Activity of the Adrenal Medulla in Stressed Male and Female Rats.

INTRODUCTION: The present study examined the effects of fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 on the level of plasma catecholamine and their content, synthesis, and degradation in the adrenal medulla of male and female rats subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male and female Wistar rats were exposed to the 6 weeks of CUS and treated intraperitoneally with either 0.3 mg/kg/day of URB597 or vehicle in the last 2 weeks of stress protocol. Catecholamines' plasma levels and catecholamines' levels in adrenal medulla were examined using Elabscience ELISA kits. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein in the medulla. RESULTS: The results of our experiment showed that adrenal weights and catecholamine of unstressed control were higher in females and that CUS induced further enlargement of adrenal glands and catecholamine content and its synthesis compared to male rats. CUS caused an increase of plasma norepinephrine and depletion of norepinephrine content as well as unchanged synthesis and degradation of catecholamine in the adrenal medulla of male rats. URB597 reduced enlarged adrenals and catecholamine content and its synthesis in stressed female rats. URB597 reduces increased plasma norepinephrine and restores its content in the adrenal medulla, unchanging the expression of enzyme synthesis, while reduced protein levels of monoamine oxidase A in male rats are exposed to CUS. DISCUSSION: Our results support the role of endocannabinoids as an antistress mechanism that inhibits elevated adrenomedullary activation and promotes its recovery to baseline in both male and female stressed rats.

Sex specific effects of the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 on memory and brain ß2-adrenergic and D1-dopamine receptors.

An increasing body of evidence shows significant sex differences in the mammalian brain in multiple behaviours and psychiatric and neurological diseases and as well as that the endocannabinoid system may differ between males and females. In this study we investigated sex differences in working, short-term and long-term memory and the expression of ß2-adrenergic and D1- and D2-receptors in the mPFC and hippocampus, brain regions that are involved in stress response and memory modulation in rats exposed to the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) and the potential beneficial effects of the chronic fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 treatment. Chronically stressed male rats had an improvement of working memory, while stressed females showed very low object-recognition abilities. On the other hand, animals of both sexes exhibited long-term memory impairment. Our results showed that CUS decreased the expression of ß2-adrenoceptors in the mPFC and D1 receptors in the mPFC and hippocampus of male rats and decreased ß2-adrenoceptors and D1- receptors in the hippocampus of female. URB597 treatment had a positive effect on the short-term memory of stressed animals of both sexes whereas failed to restore long-term memory and did not affect the protein levels ß2-adrenoceptors and D1 receptors in the hippocampus of CUS female rats. The present results support that endocannabinoids induced long-term memory and neurochemical alternations which are sex dependent, suggesting sex specific treatment strategies of mental disorders.

The effect of colour on reading performance in children, measured by a sensor hub: From the perspective of gender.

In recent decades reported findings regarding gender differences in reading achievement, cognitive abilities and maturation process in boys and girls are conflicting. As reading is one of the most important processes in the maturation of an individual, the aim of the study was to better understand gender differences between primary school students. The study evaluates differences in Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Electroencephalography (EEG), Electrodermal Activities (EDA) and eye movement of participants during the reading task. Taking into account that colour may affect reading skills, in that it affects the emotional and physiological state of the body, the research attempts to provide a better understanding of gender differences in reading through examining the effect of colour, as applied to reading content. The physiological responses of 50 children (25 boys and 25 girls) to 12 different background and overlay colours of reading content were measured and summarised during the reading process. Our findings show that boys have shorter reading duration scores and a longer Saccade Count, Saccade Duration Total, and Saccade Duration Average when reading on a coloured background, especially purple, which could be caused by their motivation and by the type of reading task. Also, the boys had higher values for the Delta band and the Whole Range of EEG measurements in comparison to the girls when reading on coloured backgrounds, which could reflect the faster maturation of the girls. Regarding EDA measurements we did not find systematic differences between groups either on white or on coloured/overlay background. We found the most significant differences arose in the HRV parameters, namely (SDNN (ms), STD HR (beats/min), RMSSD (ms), NN50 (beats), pNN50 (%), CVRR) when children read the text on coloured/overlay backgrounds, where the girls showed systematically higher values on HRV measurements in comparison to the boys, mostly with yellow, red, and orange overlay colours.

The Relation between Physiological Parameters and Colour Modifications in Text Background and Overlay during Reading in Children with and without Dyslexia.

Reading is one of the essential processes during the maturation of an individual. It is estimated that 5-10% of school-age children are affected by dyslexia, the reading disorder characterised by difficulties in the accuracy or fluency of word recognition. There are many studies which have reported that coloured overlays and background could improve the reading process, especially in children with reading disorders. As dyslexia has neurobiological origins, the aim of the present research was to understand the relationship between physiological parameters and colour modifications in the text and background during reading in children with and without dyslexia. We have measured differences in electroencephalography (EEG), heart rate variability (HRV), electrodermal activities (EDA) and eye movements of the 36 school-age (from 8 to 12 years old) children (18 with dyslexia and 18 of control group) during the reading task in 13 combinations of background and overlay colours. Our findings showed that the dyslexic children have longer reading duration, fixation count, fixation duration average, fixation duration total, and longer saccade count, saccade duration total, and saccade duration average while reading on white and coloured background/overlay. It was found that the turquoise background, turquoise overlay, and yellow background colours are beneficial for dyslexic readers, as they achieved the shortest time duration of the reading tasks when these colours were used. Additionally, dyslexic children have higher values of beta (15-40 Hz) and the broadband EEG (0.5-40 Hz) power while reading in one particular colour (purple), as well as increasing theta range power while reading with the purple overlay. We have observed no significant differences between HRV parameters on white colour, except for single colours (purple, turquoise overlay, and yellow overlay) where the control group showed higher values for mean HR, while dyslexic children scored higher with mean RR. Regarding EDA measure, we found systematically lower values in children with dyslexia in comparison to the control group. Based on the present results, we can conclude that both pastel and intense background/overlays are beneficial for reading of both groups and all sensor modalities could be used to better understand the neurophysiological origins in dyslexic children.

The Sensor Hub for Detecting the Developmental Characteristics in Reading in Children on a White vs. Colored Background/Colored Overlays.

This study investigated the influence of white vs. 12 background and overlay colors on the reading process in twenty-four school-age children. Previous research reported that colors could affect reading skills as an important factor in the emotional and physiological state of the body. The aim of the study was to assess developmental differences between second and third grade students of an elementary school, and to evaluate differences in electroencephalography (EEG), ocular, electrodermal activities (EDA) and heart rate variability (HRV). Our findings showed a decreasing trend with age regarding EEG power bands (Alpha, Beta, Delta, Theta) and lower scores of reading duration and eye-tracking measures in younger children compared to older children. As shown in the results, HRV parameters showed higher scores in 12 background and overlay colors among second than third grade students, which is linearly correlated to the level of stress and is readable from EDA measures as well. Our study showed the calming effect on second graders of turquoise and blue background colors. Considering other colors separately for each parameter, we assumed that there are no systematic differences in reading duration, EEG power band, eye-tracking and EDA measures.

Inhibition of the fatty acid amide hydrolase changes behaviors and brain catecholamines in a sex-specific manner in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress.

Sex differences in the susceptibility to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) and the effects of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597 in rats have been investigated in this study. In this context, we investigated the effects of prolonged treatment with URB597 on behavior, pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) and anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10), catecholamine content and the expression of its biosynthetic and degrading enzymes in the hippocampus, hypothalamus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of rats subjected to CUS. The results show that CUS increases anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors but it was more pronounced in females. The data suggests sex differences in brain cytokines, catecholamines and their enzymes of synthesis and degradation expression in response to CUS. Our findings indicate that the FAAH inhibitor URB597 differently regulated catecholamine levels and its enzymes of synthesis and degradation in the examined brain areas of male and female rats. URB treatment failed to reduce anxiety or restore reduced norepinephrine and did not affect enzymes of catecholamine degradation in the mPFC, hippocampus and hypothalamus of CUS female rats. These studies are important because they investigate the neurochemical consequences of stress related mood disorders that might lead to the development of sex specific treatments.

The fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 modulates splenic catecholamines in chronically stressed female and male rats.

The changes in sympathetic innervations in lymphoid organs could be a key factor in immune dysregulation. The endocannabinoid system has been shown to exhibit potent immunomodulatory effects that may differ between males and females, representing a potential therapeutic target for peripheral and central inflammatory disorders. Thus, in the present study, an examination was made of the effect of fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 treatment on splenic catecholamine content, synthesis, uptake and degradation in chronically unpredictably stressed (CUS) female and male rats. The results show that CUS increases anxiety-like behaviors and that URB597 had an anxiolytic effect on chronically stressed animals of both sexes. CUS induced the expression of plasma interleukin - 6 (IL-6), interleukin - 10 (IL-10) and IL-6 in the spleen, whereas the expression of IL-10 was reduced in the spleen of both sexes. URB597 treatment did not cause changes in IL-6 in plasma or the spleen, whereas it increased IL-10 in the spleen in CUS animals of both sexes. CUS caused a significant depletion of noradrenaline content in the spleen of female rats and a reduction in noradrenaline uptake in the spleen of female rats, while stressed males had a small but insignificant decrease of splenic noradrenaline levels and an enhanced uptake. The FAAH inhibitor URB597 enhances reduced noradrenaline content, affecting its uptake directly at the level of the spleen. It gives rise to the possibility that endocannabinoids exert a neurorestorative effect on the sympathetic nerve system and cell-mediated immune responses in the spleen of chronically stressed rats.

Alterations of medial prefrontal cortex bioelectrical activity in experimental model of isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Clinical and animal studies have found that anxiety and depression are significantly more common after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) has a dual role: in higher brain functions and in cardiovascular control, making it a logical candidate for explaining the perceived bidirectional heart-brain connection. We used parallel Electrocardiography (ECG) and Electrocorticography (ECoG) registration to investigate AMI-induced changes in medial PFC bioelectrical activity in a rat model of AMI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Wistar albino rats were used in the study. Gold-plated recording electrodes were implanted over the frontal cortex for ECoG recording. ECG was recorded via two holter electrodes attached on the skin of the back fixed in place by a jacket. Induction of AMI was performed by isoprenaline (150 mg/kg, i.p.). ECoG and ECG signals were registered at baseline, during 3 hours after isoprenaline administration and at 24 hours after isoprenaline administration. RESULTS: Significant increases of theta, alpha, and beta electroencephalographic (EEG) band power were observed in different time intervals after isoprenaline administration. Significant increase of theta band peak frequency was also observed during the first hour after isoprenaline administration. No statistically significant differences in band-power activity were found between the pre-isoprenaline measurements and 24 hours after administration. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate significant increases in EEG band power of alpha beta and theta bands during isoprenaline-induced AMI model. These are the first findings to connect heart damage during isoprenaline- induced AMI to disturbances in the cortical bioelectrical activity.

Contactless Real-Time Heartbeat Detection via 24 GHz Continuous-Wave Doppler Radar Using Artificial Neural Networks.

The measurement of human vital signs is a highly important task in a variety of environments and applications. Most notably, the electrocardiogram (ECG) is a versatile signal that could indicate various physical and psychological conditions, from signs of life to complex mental states. The measurement of the ECG relies on electrodes attached to the skin to acquire the electrical activity of the heart, which imposes certain limitations. Recently, due to the advancement of wireless technology, it has become possible to pick up heart activity in a contactless manner. Among the possible ways to wirelessly obtain information related to heart activity, methods based on mm-wave radars proved to be the most accurate in detecting the small mechanical oscillations of the human chest resulting from heartbeats. In this paper, we presented a method based on a continuous-wave Doppler radar coupled with an artificial neural network (ANN) to detect heartbeats as individual events. To keep the method computationally simple, the ANN took the raw radar signal as input, while the output was minimally processed, ensuring low latency operation (<1 s). The performance of the proposed method was evaluated with respect to an ECG reference ("ground truth") in an experiment involving 21 healthy volunteers, who were sitting on a cushioned seat and were refrained from making excessive body movements. The results indicated that the presented approach is viable for the fast detection of individual heartbeats without heavy signal preprocessing.