Detección de novedad y codificación predictiva en el sistema auditivo: Impacto clínico en disfunciones auditivas y vestibulares. Revisión de la literatura / Deviance detection and predictive coding in the auditory system: Clinical impact in auditory and vestibular dysfunctions

Una propiedad fundamental de los sistemas sensoriales es su capacidad para detectar estímulos novedosos en el entorno. El sistema nervioso posee neuronas que disminuyen su respuesta a los estímulos sonoros que se repiten a lo largo del tiempo y otras neuronas que aumentan su frecuencia de disparo ante estímulos novedosos, siendo la diferencia entre ambas respuestas conocida como adaptación-específica a estímulos. En las últimas décadas, se ha propuesto que el cerebro establece, continuamente, predicciones de los estímulos novedosos y del entorno basándose en sus experiencias previas y en modelos de representación internos, teoría denominada codificación predictiva. En esta revisión, abordaremos algunos conceptos de la adaptación-específica a estímulos y codificación predictiva, centrándonos principalmente en el sistema auditivo. Por último, propondremos una explicación teórica basada en el marco de la codificación predictiva para algunas disfunciones neuropsiquiátricas, auditivas y vestibulares.

A fundamental property of sensory systems is their ability to detect novel stimuli in the environment. The nervous system possesses neurons that decrease their response to sound stimuli that are repeated over time and other neurons that increase their firing rate to novel stimuli, the difference between the two responses being known as stimulus-specific adaptation. In recent decades, it has been proposed that the brain continuously makes predictions of novel stimuli and the environment based on its previous experiences and internal representational models, a theory called predictive coding. In this review, we will address some concepts of stimulus-specific adaptation and predictive coding, focusing mainly on the auditory system. Finally, we will propose a theoretical explanation based on the predictive coding framework for some neuropsychiatric, auditory, and vestibular dysfunctions.

Hot plate method: A painful stimulus to induce anxiety in Wistar rats

Background: Pain is a common stimulus that induces anxiety in both Animals and human beings. Aim and Objective: We have undertaken this study to evaluate the induction of anxiety in Wistar rats using hot plate method. Materials and Methods: 24 Wistar rats of either gender were used. Elevated plus maze (EPM) and light and dark arena (LDA) were used to evaluate the anxiety and hot plate analgesiometer was used to induce anxiety. After baseline reading from EPM and LDA, the Wistar rats were exposed to the hot plate and then evaluated for the induction of the anxiety behavior. Results: After exposing to the hot plate, the ratio of time spent in the open arms to the time spent on the closed arms was decreased from 0.027 to 0.010 and also the ratio of time spent on the light chamber to the time spent on the dark chamber was decreased from 0.093 to 0.012. Hot plate method has shown statistical significant induction of anxiety as evaluated by EPM and also LDA. Conclusion: Hot plate method is a good intervention to induce anxiety in Wistar rats. Instead of injecting drugs that causes anxiety to explore the anxiolytic effects of the drugs the hot plate analgesiometer method is a good alternative.

Application research and design strategy on smart responsive mesoporous silica anti-tumor nanodelivery systems / 药学学报

Malignant tumors are major diseases that endanger human health. Due to their complex and variable microenvironment, most anti-tumor drugs cannot precisely reach the focal tissue and be released in a controlled manner. Intelligent responsive nano carriers have become a hot spot in the field of anti-tumor drug delivery systems. As an excellent nano material, mesoporous silica has the advantages of non-toxic, stable, adjustable pore volume and pore diameter, and easy functional modification on the surface. By virtue of its perceptive response to the tumor microenvironment or physiological changes, it can achieve the targeted drug release or controlled drug release of the drug delivery system in the tissue, making it an ideal carrier for intelligent response drug delivery system. In this paper, we review the design strategies and current research status of smart responsive anti-tumor drug delivery systems based on mesoporous silica, in order to provide a reference for the development of anti-tumor drug nanoformulations.

Olfactory stimulus as environmental enrichment for shelter dogs: a pilot study / Estímulo olfativo como enriquecimento ambiental para cães de abrigo: um estudo piloto

Environmental enrichment techniques include olfactory stimuli for improving animal welfare. This study aimed to analyze the reactions of 41 shelter dogs exposed to odorous stimuli, such as the method used in another study on wild canids. The focal animal method analyzed the dogs' reactions, with all behaviors recorded. Behavioral responses were classified as positive (P+), negative (N-), or other (Ot). Independent variables were all dogs and the size of the packs. The behavior between the basal (without stimulus), exposure, and after-stimulus withdrawal was analyzed. For all dogs, olfactory stimuli significantly increased P+ (P=0.001) and N- (P=0.004), contrasting with the decrement of Ot behaviors (P=0.001) from the basal to the exposure phase. After the withdrawal of the stimuli, P+, N-, and Ot behaviors returned to basal levels (P>0.05). There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in the conduct of small or large packs exposed to stimuli. Dogs are sensitive to olfactory stimuli, but arousal is generalized to P+ and N-. It is undesirable to an N- increase for improvement of animal welfare. Contrary to what was observed in a study with wild canids, the method failed in shelter dogs because N- was increased. The introduction of sudden novelty (olfactory stimulus) in an impoverished shelter environment may have caused excitement in the dogs. It is suggested that changes in the method, such as stimuli exposition to each dog in an isolated room, are necessary to increase sheltered dog well-being.(AU)

As técnicas de enriquecimento ambiental incluem estímulos olfativos para aumentar o bem-estar animal. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as reações de 41 cães de abrigo expostos a estímulos odoríferos, como o método utilizado em outro estudo com canídeos selvagens. As reações dos cães foram analisadas pelo método animal focal, com todos os comportamentos registrados. As respostas comportamentais foram classificadas como positivas (P+), negativas (N-) ou outras (Ot). As variáveis independentes foram todos os cães e o tamanho das matilhas. Foi analisado o comportamento entre o basal (sem estímulo), exposição e após a retirada do estímulo. Para todos os cães, os estímulos olfativos aumentaram significativamente P+ (P=0,001) e N- (P=0,004), contrastando com a diminuição dos comportamentos Ot (P=0,001) da fase basal para a de exposição. Após a retirada dos estímulos, os comportamentos P+, N- e Ot retornaram aos níveis basais (P>0,05). Não houve diferenças significativas (P>0,05) no comportamento de matilhas pequenas ou grandes expostas a estímulos. Os cães são sensíveis a estímulos olfativos, mas a excitação parece ser generalizada para ambos, P+ e N-. É indesejável um aumento de N- para melhoria do bem-estar animal. Ao contrário do que foi observado em um estudo com canídeos selvagens, o método falhou em abrigar cães porque o N- foi aumentado. A introdução de uma novidade repentina (estímulo olfativo) em um ambiente de abrigo empobrecido, pode ter causado excitação exagerada nos cães. Sugere-se alterações no método, como a exposição de estímulos a cada cão em uma sala isolada necessária para aumentar o bem-estar do cão abrigado.(AU)

Research progress of stimulus-responsive transdermal drug delivery systems / 中国药房

Stimulus-responsive transdermal drug delivery systems can achieve specific drug release and improve drug utilization. According to the different stimulation modes， these preparations can be divided into endogenous stimulus-responsive， exogenous stimulus-responsive and combined stimulus-responsive transdermal drug delivery systems. The endogenous stimulation- responsive transdermal drug delivery system can respond specifically to changes in temperature and pH of the lesion site through carrier materials， so as to deliver drugs to the target site. Exogenous stimulus-responsive transdermal drug delivery system can use light， heat， magnetic， electric and other external stimulation to make the carrier material phase change， so as to achieve drug delivery. The combined stimulus-responsive transdermal drug delivery system is a combination of two or more stimulus-responsive percutaneous drug delivery systems， such as temperature-pH dual-responsive drug delivery system. At present， the relevant studies of stimulus-responsive transdermal drug delivery systems are mostly in the experimental stage， and further evaluation of stability， toxicity and skin irritation is needed in the future to lay a theoretical foundation for clinical application.

Deepening the understanding of the mechanism of clinical electroretinography based on the photopic/scotopic vision of human eyes / 中华实验眼科杂志

Visual electrophysiological examination has strict standards and quantitative methods for stimulating light, which involves the concepts of photopic and scotopic vision of human eyes.Photopic vision is a visual perceptual activity mainly involving cones in a bright environment, while scotopic vision is a visual perceptual activity mainly involving rod cells in a dark environment.Even if the rated power of the light source is the same, the brightness (luminous flux) perceived by human eyes is different for different spectral light sources in the same or different visual environments.To enable ophthalmologists and clinical visual electrophysiological examination technicians to accurately understand the setting mechanism and recording results of stimulating light in the international standard of visual electrophysiology, this paper introduced the basic concepts such as the concept of human eye photopic and scotopic vision, the measurement and expression of brightness in different visual environments, and the luminous flux of light sources under photopic and scotopic vision in detail, and interpreted the application of the concept of photopic and scotopic vision in clinical visual electrophysiology.

Somatostatin-Positive Neurons in the Rostral Zona Incerta Modulate Innate Fear-Induced Defensive Response in Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Defensive behaviors induced by innate fear or Pavlovian fear conditioning are crucial for animals to avoid threats and ensure survival. The zona incerta (ZI) has been demonstrated to play important roles in fear learning and fear memory, as well as modulating auditory-induced innate defensive behavior. However, whether the neuronal subtypes in the ZI and specific circuits can mediate the innate fear response is largely unknown. Here, we found that somatostatin (SST)-positive neurons in the rostral ZI of mice were activated by a visual innate fear stimulus. Optogenetic inhibition of SST-positive neurons in the rostral ZI resulted in reduced flight responses to an overhead looming stimulus. Optogenetic activation of SST-positive neurons in the rostral ZI induced fear-like defensive behavior including increased immobility and bradycardia. In addition, we demonstrated that manipulation of the GABAergic projections from SST-positive neurons in the rostral ZI to the downstream nucleus reuniens (Re) mediated fear-like defensive behavior. Retrograde trans-synaptic tracing also revealed looming stimulus-activated neurons in the superior colliculus (SC) that projected to the Re-projecting SST-positive neurons in the rostral ZI (SC-ZIrSST-Re pathway). Together, our study elucidates the function of SST-positive neurons in the rostral ZI and the SC-ZIrSST-Re tri-synaptic circuit in mediating the innate fear response.

Ensino de leitura e escrita para alunos com deficiência intelectual baseado no Paradigma de Equivalência de Estímulos / Teaching reading and writing to students with intellectual disabilities based on stimulus equivalence instruction / Enseñar a leer y escribir a estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual basado en el Paradigma de Equivalencia de Estímulos

A formação de classes de estímulos equivalentes tem sido considerada um modelo para o estabelecimento de relações simbólicas, ou do significado, contribuindo para o ensino de leitura e escrita. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de um módulo de ensino de um programa informatizado de leitura e escrita em crianças com deficiência intelectual matriculadas em uma escola regular. Participaram três alunos com idades entre 8 e 10 anos. O programa de ensino era aplicado na própria escola, duas a três vezes por semana, individualmente, com sessões de aproximadamente 35 minutos. Foi empregado uma avaliação geral de leitura e escrita antes e após o programa. Os resultados mostraram que quanto melhor o repertório de entrada, mais rapidamente os participantes avançaram no módulo e melhoraram seus repertórios de leitura e escrita. A realização dessa intervenção nas séries iniciais pode contribuir na aprendizagem de repertórios básicos de leitura e escrita.

The formation of stimulus equivalence classes has been considered a productive model of symbolic relations ­ or meaning ­ for teaching reading and writing. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of one module of a computerized reading and writing program for children with intellectual disabilities enrolled in a regular school. Three students aged between 8 and 10 participated in the study. The program was applied individually to each participant in the school premises across two to three weekly sessions of approximately 35 minutes each. General assessment was applied as a pre and post-test. The results showed that the better the participants' existing repertoires, the faster they advanced in the procedure and improved their reading and writing skills. Conducting this intervention in early school years can contribute to the process of leaning basic reading and writing

La formación de clases de estímulo equivalentes se ha considerado un modelo para el establecimiento de relaciones simbólicas, contribuyendo a la enseñanza de la lectura y escritura. El estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar los efectos de un módulo didáctico de un programa computarizado de lectura y escritura en niños con discapacidad intelectual matriculados en una escuela regular. Participaron tres estu diantes de entre 8 y 10 años. El programa de enseñanza se aplicó en la escuela, de dos a tres veces por semana, de manera individual, con sesiones de aproximadamente 35 minutos. Se utilizó una evaluación general de lectura y escritura antes y después del programa. Los resultados mostraron que cuanto mejor era el repertorio de entrada, más rápido avanzaban los participantes en el módulo y mejoraban su repertorio. La realización de esta intervención en los grados iniciales puede contribuir al aprendizaje de los repertorios básicos de lectura y escritura.

Negritude no Brasil: publicações em análise do comportamento / Blackness in Brazil: publications in behavior analysis / Negritud en Brasil: publicaciones en análisis del comportamiento

Dados quantitativos revelam diferenças entre negros e não negros em relação à violência no Brasil, e esse fato abre espaço para discutir o racismo. Autores apontam que há necessidade de levar em consideração aspectos históricos, como o escravismo, para compreender a situação atual do fenômeno. Este estudo teve como objetivo discutir a contribuição da Análise do Comportamento, por meio de seus estudos, para a construção de comportamentos não racistas. Realizou-se busca nos Periódicos Capes, e selecionaram-se estudos produzidos nos últimos 20 anos (2000-2020) que contivessem as palavras de busca racism, racial e Behavior Analysis. Os estudos discutiam sobre ferramentas para mensuração de viés racial implícito e também formas de intervenção. Conclui-se que a Análise do Comportamento, embora seja uma ciência eficaz para mudança de comportamento, ainda precisa aumentar sua produção sobre o racismo.

Quantitative data has been revealing differences between blacks and non-blacks regarding violence in Brazil. This fact opens space to discuss racism. Authors have been pointing out that there is a need to consider historical aspects, such as slavery, to understand the current stage of the phenomenon. This study aimed to discuss the contribution of Behavior Analysis, through its studies, to the construction of non-racist behaviors. Having the last 20 years as a time frame (2000-2020), a search and a selection of studies that contained the keywords Racism, Racial, and Behavior Analysis were carried out in the CAPES Journals database, from Brazil. The found studies discussed tools for measuring implicit racial bias as well as ways of intervention. It was concluded that Behavior Analysis, although an effective science for behavior change, still needs to increase its production on racism.

Datos cuantitativos han revelado diferencias entre negros y no negros con respecto a la violencia en Brasil. Esta realidad abre espacio para discutir el racismo. Autores vienen señalando que es necesario considerar aspectos históricos, como la esclavitud, para comprender el escenario actual del fenómeno. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo discutir la contribución del Análisis del Comportamiento, a través de sus pesquisas, a la construcción de conductas no racistas. Se realizaron una búsqueda y selección de estudios que contenían las palabras clave racism, racial y Behavior Analysis, en la base de datos Periódicos Capes, de Brasil, escritos en los últimos 20 años (2000-2020). Los estudios encontrados discutieron herramientas para medir el sesgo racial implícito, así como formas de intervención. Se llegó a la conclusión de que el Análisis del Comportamiento, aunque es una ciencia eficaz para el cambio de conductas, todavía necesita aumentar su producción sobre el racismo.

Alterando viés racial implícito em adultos pretos e brancos: uma avaliação de procedimento de equivalência de estímulos / Changing implicit racial bias in black and white adults: an assessment of stimulus equivalence procedure / Cambiar el Sesgo racial implícito en adultos negros y blancos: una evaluación del procedimiento de equivalencia de estímulos

Enquanto ciência, a Análise do Comportamento tem tecnologia para estudar práticas culturais relacionadas a questões raciais. O objetivo deste estudo foi aplicar uma dessas tecnologias e avaliar os efeitos produzidos por um procedimento de redução de viés racial negativo em relação a pessoas pretas. Foram selecionados 17 participantes, pretos e brancos, que preencheram um questionário de autodeclaração e foram avaliados pelo Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) para definição de linha de base. Por meio de um procedimento de matching-to-sample (MTS), foram treinadas três rela-ções entre estímulos: (a) polegares/figuras abstratas; (b) figuras abstratas/pessoas pretas e figuras abstratas; e (c) relações anteriores simultâneas. Ao término de cada treino, foram realizados testes de simetria, transitividade e equivalência. Utilizou-se novamente o IRAP, para verificar mudanças após o treino. Os resultados indicaram que as respostas dos participantes na linha de base não mostraram viés negativo para pessoas pretas mas, após o treino, houve mudança significativa para participantes brancos. Recomenda-se que pesquisas futuras testem as características do experimentador e outras formas de detecção de viés racial implícito. (AU)

As a science, behavior analysis has technology to study cultural practices related to racial issues. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects produced by a procedure aimed to reduce negative racial bias towards black people. Seventeen black and white participants were selected after fulfilling a self-declaration questionnaire and being assessed by Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP), in order to set a baseline. Then, three relations were trained using matching-to-sample (MTS): (a) thumbs/abstract figures; (b) abstract figures/ black people and abstract figures; and (c) simultaneous prior relations. Symmetry, transitivity and equivalence tests were performed at the end of each training, and IRAP was used again to assess changes after the procedure. Results indicated that participants were not negatively biased towards black people and, after the procedure, only white participants showed significant change. We recommended future studies to test the effects of the researcher's characteristics as well as other ways to detect implicit racial bias. (AU)

Como ciencia, el análisis del comportamiento tiene tecnología para estudiar prácticas culturales relacionadas con cuestiones raciales. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos producidos por un procedimiento destinado a reducir el sesgo racial negativo con relación a personas negras. Diecisiete participantes blancos y negros fueron seleccionados después de completar un cuestionario de autodeclaración y de ser evaluados por Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP), con el fin de establecer una línea de base. Despues, se entrenaron tres relaciones utilizando matching-to-sample (MTS): (a) pulgares/figuras abstractas; (b) figuras abstractas /personas negras y figuras abstractas; y (c) relaciones previas simultáneas. Las pruebas de sime-tría, transitividad y equivalencia fueran realizadas al final de cada entrena-miento, y el IRAP fue nuevamente usado para evaluar los cambios después del procedimiento. Los resultados indicaron que los participantes no tenían sesgo negativo con relación a personas negras y, después del procedimiento, solo los participantes blancos mostraron un cambio significativo. Recomendamos futuros estudios para evaluar los efectos de las características del investigador, así como otras formas de detectar el sesgo racial implícito. (AU)

A comparative study of auditory reaction time among blind and blindfolded sighted subjects

Background: Reaction time refers to elapsed time between a given stimulus to an individual and its subsequent rapid voluntary response by the same individual. Mostly, it depends on processing of the stimulus, decision-making, and response programming. Aim and Objective: This study aims to see the effect of vision on auditory reaction time. Materials and Methods: For this study, two groups of subjects were taken. The first group contained 150 blind subjects and the second group contained 181 normal sighted subjects. Estimation of simple and choice auditory reaction time was done with the help of multiple-choice reaction time apparatus received from Inco Ambala Ltd. in sitting position. It has an accuracy of ±0.001 s. Three times auditory stimulus was given to each subject to record the reaction time. The minimum recorded time interval to the voluntary response was taken as final reading in each subject. Results: In this study, the blind subjects showed a mean simple and choice reaction time of 148.84 ± 14.43 and 304 ± 29.54, respectively, while the blindfolded normal subjects showed a mean simple and choice reaction time of 153.80 ± 15.84 and 314.19 ± 31.81, respectively. These were found to be statistically significant. Conclusions: Blind individuals commonly utilize tactual and auditory cues for information and orientation and they reliance on touch and audition, together with more practice in using these modalities to guide behavior, are often reflected in better performance of blind relative to sighted participants in tactile or auditory discrimination tasks.

Short-term effects of passive listening to an Indian musical scale on blood pressure and heart rate variability among healthy individuals – A randomised controlled trial

Objectives: Listening to music is entertaining but also has different health benefits. Music medicine involves passive listening to music, while music therapy involves active music-making. Indian music is broadly classified into Hindustani and Carnatic music, each having its system of musical scales (ragas). Scientific studies of Indian music as an intervention are meagre. The present study determines the effect of passive listening to one melodic scale of Indian music on cardiovascular electrophysiological parameters. Materials and Methods: After informed consent, healthy individuals aged 18–30 years of either gender were recruited and randomly divided into two groups (n = 34 each). Group A was exposed to passive listening to the music intervention (Hindustani melodic scale elaboration [Bhimpalas raga alaap]), while Group B received no intervention except for a few natural sounds (played once in every 2 min). Blood pressure (BP, systolic, SBP; diastolic, DBP) and electrocardiogram in Lead II were recorded with each condition lasting for 10 min (pre, during and post). Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis was done. Data were analysed using SPSS 18.0 version and P ? 0.05 was considered significant. Results: In Group A, the SBP did not change during the intervention but increased mildly after the intervention (P = 0.054). The DBP increased in both the groups during the intervention, significant in Group A (P = 0.009), with an increase of 1.676 mmHg (P = 0.012) from pre-during and 1.824 mmHg (P = 0.026) from pre-post intervention. On HRV analysis, mean NN interval increased and HR reduced in both the groups, but was significant only in Group B (P = 0.041 and 0.025, respectively). In Group A, most of the HRV parameters were reduced during music intervention that tended to return toward baseline after the intervention, but the change was statistically significant for total power (P = 0.031) and low frequency (P = 0.013); while in Group B, a consistent significant rise in parasympathetic indicators (SDNN, RMSSD, total power and HF [ms2 ]) over 30 min was observed. Conclusion: Unique cardiovascular effects were recorded on passive listening to a particular Indian music melodic scale. The scale, raga Bhimpalas, produced a mild arousal response. This could be due to attention being paid to the melodic scale as it was an unfamiliar tune or due to the features of this melodic scale that led to an arousal or excitation response. In contrast, the control group had only a relaxation response. Exploring electrophysiological effects of different genres, melodic scales and their properties after familiarising with the music may thus be illustrative.

Cross-Modal Interaction and Integration Through Stimulus-Specific Adaptation in the Thalamic Reticular Nucleus of Rats / 神经科学通报·英文版

Stimulus-specific adaptation (SSA), defined as a decrease in responses to a common stimulus that only partially generalizes to other rare stimuli, is a widespread phenomenon in the brain that is believed to be related to novelty detection. Although cross-modal sensory processing is also a widespread phenomenon, the interaction between the two phenomena is not well understood. In this study, the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), which is regarded as a hub of the attentional system that contains multi-modal neurons, was investigated. The results showed that SSA existed in an interactive oddball stimulation, which mimics stimulation changes from one modality to another. In the bimodal integration, SSA to bimodal stimulation was stronger than to visual stimulation alone but similar to auditory stimulation alone, which indicated a limited integrative effect. Collectively, the present results provide evidence for independent cross-modal processing in bimodal TRN neurons.

Pre-attentive processing in autism spectrum disorder / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder.Its typical symptoms include social disorder, stereotyped behavior and restrictive interest.In addition, sensory abnormality is also a common symptom of ASD individuals.Pre-attentive processing is an automatic cognitive process that takes place before attention and is independent of consciousness, which reflects the ability to automatically detect changes in the environment of brain.Many researches show that the sensory abnormality and social ability disorder in ASD patients may be related to the defects in the pre-attentive processing stage.Mismatch negativity (MMN) is the most commonly used indicator of pre-attentive processing.ASD individuals show abnormal MMN in response to both social and non-social stimulus.Among them, the pre-attentive processing defect of non-social stimuli in ASD individuals is manifested as the amplitude or latency of MMN induced by single tones, voice or visual stimuli, which is different from that of normal people.The pre-attentive processing defect of social stimuli in ASD individuals is manifested as the amplitude or latency of MMN induced by emotional voice and emotional face, which is different from that of normal people.This result not only helps to find the physiological mechanism of sensory and social disorders in ASD individuals, but also provides theoretical support for MMN as an auxiliary diagnostic index of ASD.Future research on the pre-attentive processing of ASD individuals should pay more attention to enriching the research paradigms of MMN and adopting more kinds of social stimuli.At the same time, the influence of ASD genetic factors on MMN can also be one of the concerns of future research.

Research progress of smart responsive nanocarriers for nucleic acid drug delivery / 中国药房

Nucleic acid drugs ha ve received increasing attention and are considered to be potential for the therapy of many diseases such as tumor therapy. This is due to their selective regulation of specific protein expression ，simple sequence design ，easy synthesis and modification ，and clear mechanism of action. However ，nucleic acid drugs have to be delivered by carriers to produce therapeutic effects ，because nucleotides must rely on effective carriers to overcome their limitations and various transmembrane barriers. Currently ，most non-viral nucleic acid delivery carriers have the disadvantage of poor transfection efficiency. The researchers design a series of smart responsive nanocarriers that respond to the pathological environments in vivo or physical stimulations in vitro . By responding to internal special changes such as pH values and redox conditions or to external stimuli such as temperature ，ultrasound，magnetic field and light ，the smart responsive nanocarriers can achieve precise regulation of drug release ，enhance the transfection efficiency of nucleotides in target cells and reduce the toxic side effects on normal tissues and cells. This review summarizes the progress of smart responsive nanocarriers in the field of nucleic acid drugs delivery and introduces the functional design and features of smart responsive nanocarriers. The intent is to provide a reference for the development of nucleic acid drugs and their delivery systems.

Effects of long-term alcohol consumption on synaptic plasticity of mossy fiber-granule cells in cerebellar cortex and motor coordination function in mice / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the long-term alcohol consumption on synaptic plasticity of mossy fiber-granule cells in cerebellar cortex and motor coordination function in mice.Methods:Thirty healthy male ICR mice aged 6-8 weeks were divided into saline group (control group)and alcohol consumption group(alcohol group) according to random number table with 15 in each group. The mice in alcohol group were injected intraperitoneally with 15% ethanol (1.6 g/kg), while the mice in control group were injected with the same volum of normal saline, all mice were injected intraperitoneally once a day for 28 consecutive days. Walking obstacle test and rotating rod fatigue test were used to observe the motor coordination ability and learning ability of mice. Electrophysiological patch clamp technique was used to detect the field potential changes of long-term synaptic plasticity induced by blowing stimulation. SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Independent sample t-test, paired t-test and repeated measurement analysis of variance were used for comparison between the two groups before and after intervention. Results:The electrophysiological results showed that the amplitude percentage of field potential N1 wave in the control group after blowing stimulation was (130.4±3.3)%, which was higher than that before stimulation ((100.6±2.7)%) ( t=27.07, P<0.01). And the percentage of area under N1 standardized waveform after stimulation ((128.8±4.5)%) was greater than that before stimulation ((100.2±3.5)%) ( t=19.43, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the amplitude percentage of N1 wave in alcohol group ((97.8±4.3)%) after blowing stimulation compared with that before stimulation ((99.5±5.6)%) ( t=0.93, P>0.05). And also there was no significant difference in the area percentage under N1 wave after stimulation ((96.8±3.6)%) compared with that before stimulation ((100.2±4.2)%) ( t=2.38, P>0.05). The results of walking obstacle test showed that the total number of errors (3.14±0.19) in the alcohol group was higher than that in the control group(1.52±0.29) ( t=17.87, P<0.01), and the total error time ((63.85±9.34) ms) was longer than that in the control group ((28.93±7.21) ms) ( t=11.45, P<0.01). The results of repeated measurement analysis of variance showed that there was an interaction between time and group in the falling speed and falling latency of the two groups of mice in the rotating rod fatigue experiment ( F=4.5, 455.1, both P<0.05). The drop speed of mice in the alcohol group was significantly lower than that in the control group from day 1 to 7 (all P<0.05). The fall latency of mice in the alcohol group from day 1 to 7 was shorter than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Long-term alcohol consumption impairs synaptic plasticity in the granular layer of mice and leads to a significant decline in motor coordination and motor learning ability.

Equivalência de estímulos e ensino de leitura características dos participantes de estudos empíricos brasileiros de 2008 a 2017 / Stimulus equivalence and reading teaching: characteristics of the participants of Brazilian empirical studies from 2008 to 2017 / Equivalencia de estímulos y enseñanza de lectura: características de los participantes de estudios empíricos brasileños de 2008 a 2017

O presente artigo tem por objetivo descrever as características dos participantes de estudos empíricos que tratam da equivalência de estímulos e ensino de leitura, entre os anos de 2008 a 2017. Foram analisados artigos completos localizados nas bases de dados Periódicos CAPES e PEPSIC, por meio de busca combinada de descritores de equivalência de estímulos e leitura, selecionados a partir de estudos anteriores. Localizaram-se nas bases de dados dezenove artigos que compuseram o estudo. Observou-se que a escola é o local em que mais ocorreram estudos, realizados em sua maioria com crianças de desenvolvimento típico, não leitoras, com faixa etária predominante de seis a sete anos. Sobre o nível de escolaridade dos participantes pode-se identificar que a maioria se encontrava no ensino fundamental, com destaque aos 2° e 3° anos; além disso, foi identificado um estudo com alunos do Ensino Médio. Chama-se atenção à multiplicidade de característica dos participantes (deficiência auditiva, física, intelectual), característica esta vista como positiva e necessária de acordo com os pesquisadores. Sugere-se para estudos futuros ampliação da busca em outros bancos de dados nacionais e internacionais, além da descrição dos procedimentos adotados e resultados obtidos nos diferentes públicos. (AU)

This paper describes the characteristics of the participants of empirical studies dealing with the stimulus equivalence and reading teaching between the years 2008 and 2017. Scientific papers from CAPES and PEPSIC periodical database were analyzed through a combined search of stimulus equivalence and reading descriptors, selected from previous studies. Nineteen articles that composed the study in the databases. It was observed that the school is the place where most studies took place, mostly with children of typical development, non-readers, ranging from six to seven years. Regarding the educational level of the participants, the majority was in elementary school, mainly on the 2nd and 3rd years; and also a high school. It is important to highlight the multiplicity of the participants (hearing and physical impairment and intellectual disability), which is a trend understood as positive and necessary to the researchers. It is suggested, for future studies, to expand the search to national and international databases, besides the description of the adopted procedures and results obtained with different subjects. (AU)

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo describir las características de los participantes de estudios empíricos que tratan de la equivalencia de estímulos y enseñanza de lectura entre los años 2008 y 2017. Se analizaron artículos completos, de las bases de datos "Periódicos CAPES" y "PEPSIC", por medio de la búsqueda combinada de descriptores de equivalencia de estímulos y lectura, seleccionados a partir de estudios anteriores. Se localizaron, en las bases de datos, diecinueve artículos que compusieron el estudio. Se observó que la escuela es el lugar en que más ocurrieron estudios, realizados en su mayoría con niños de desarrollo típico, no lectores, con rango de edad predominante entre los seis y siete años. Sobre el nivel de escolaridad de los participantes, se puede identificar que la mayoría se encontraba en la enseñanza fundamental, con destaque a los 2° y 3° años; además, se identifico un estudio con alumnos de la enseñanza media. Se destaca la multiplicidad de característica de los participantes (discapacidad auditiva, física, intelectual), que es una tendencia comprendida como positiva y necesaria a los ojos de los investigadores. Se sugiere, para estudios futuros, ampliación de la búsqueda en otros bancos de datos nacionales e internacionales, además de la descripción de los procedimientos adoptados y resultados obtenidos en los diferentes públicos. (AU)

Efeitos do exercício resistido sobre o tecido adiposo marrom em camundongos C57BL/6 / Effects of resisted exercise on brown adipous tissue in C57BL/6 mice

OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos do treinamento de escada e atividade física na histomorfometria do tecido adiposo marrom em camundongos C57BL/6. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Amostra composta por 16 camundongos, divididos aleatoriamente: controle (n=4), exercício de escada com estímulo elétrico (n=4), exercício de escada (n=4) e atividade física em ambiente enriquecido (n=4). Grupo de atividade física em ambiente enriquecido foi realizada em caixa com brinquedos. Grupo exercício de escada e escada com estímulo elétrico foram realizadas com escada vertical. Com a utilização da escada os animais realizaram 6 séries, 8 repetições com intervalos de 90 segundos entre séries, sendo 10 sessões. No exercício de escada com estimulo elétrico, o animal foi estimulado a subir usando uma placa de aço na base da escada, com uma corrente elétrica de 20V de intensidade e 45 hz de frequência. A coleta de tecido adiposo marrom foi feita na região escapular e manchado em Hematoxilina-Eosina (HE). O nível de significância das análises era 95% (p < 0.05). RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa no comparativo do tamanho da célula de TAM em comparação com o tecido recolhido dos camundongos dos quatro grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A atividade física e o exercício resistido não promoveram diferenças morfometricas no TAM dos camundongos C57BL/6.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of stair training and physical activity on brown adipose tissue histomorphometry in C57BL / 6 mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sample composed of 16 mice, randomly divided: control (n = 4), stair exercise with electrical stimulus (n = 4), stair exercise (n = 4) and physical activity in an enriched environment (n = 4). A Group of physical activity in an enriched environment was performed in a box with toys. Ladder exercise group and ladder with electrical stimulus were performed with vertical ladder. With the ladder's use, the animals performed six sets, eight repetitions with 90-second intervals between sets, with ten sessions. In the stairway exercise with electrical stimulation, the animal was encouraged to climb using a steel plate at the base of the stairs, with an electric current of 20V intensity and 45Hz frequency. Brown adipose tissue collection was performed in the scapular region and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE). The level of significance of the analyzes was 95% (p <0.05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference when comparing the TAM cell size compared to the tissue collected from the mice in the four groups. CONCLUSION: Physical activity and resistance exercise did not promote morphometric differences in the TAM of C57BL/6 mice.

Treinar a correspondência entre diferentes formas de apresentar problemas melhora o desempenho matemático / Entrenar la correspondencia entre diferentes formas de presentar problemas mejora el rendimiento matemático / Training the Correspondence Between Different Ways of Presenting Problems Improves Mathematical Performance

Avaliações nacionais e internacionais demonstram que estudantes brasileiros do ensino fundamental têm apre-sentado dificuldades no aprendizado do comportamento de resolver problemas aritméticos. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar, a partir de um delineamento de linha de base múltipla (LBM) entre participantes, o efeito da formação de classes de equivalência entre diferentes formas de apresentação de problemas envolvendo di-ferentes posições da incógnita e estruturas semânticas dos problemas escritos sobre o desempenho na resolução de problemas de adição e subtração. Participaram seis estudantes entre o quarto e o quinto ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola pública, sendo que cinco finalizaram o estudo. Todos apresentaram comportamen-tos de leitura e escrita suficientes para a participação na pesquisa, dificuldades na resolução de problemas aditivos e nenhum indício de ansiedade matemática ou problemas significativos em comportamentos de estudo nesta disciplina. P1, P2 e P3 foram expostos ao treino de discriminações condicionais a problemas de adição, enquanto P4 e P5 a problemas de subtração. Os testes de desempenho, que compuseram pré-testes e pós-tes-tes, envolviam problemas de adição e subtração. Após a formação das classes de equivalência, verificou-se que P1, P2 e P3 apresentaram ganhos médios de desem-penho de 22,34% (DP = 14.62), e P4 e P5 de 19,84% (DP = 11.22). Esses resultados sugerem a eficácia do procedimento. Recomenda-se que estudos futuros usem o delineamento de LBM com sondas para reduzir repetições dos testes, elaborem estratégias para ampliar engajamento dos participantes e investiguem como adaptar este procedimento para contextos aplicados

Las evaluaciones nacionales e internacionales demuestran que estudiantes brasileños de la escuela primaria tienen dificultades para aprender el comportamiento de resolución de problemas aritméticos. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar, a partir de un diseño de línea base múltiple (LBM) entre los participantes, el efecto de la formación de clases de equivalencia entre diferentes formas de presentación de problemas involucrando diferentes posiciones del elemento desconocido y estructuras semánticas de problemas escritos sobre el desempeño en la resolución de problemas de suma y resta. Participaron seis estudiantes entre cuarto y quinto año de primaria de una escuela pública, y cinco completaron el estudio. Todos mostraron habilidades suficientes de lectura y escritura para participar de la investigación, dificultades para resolver problemas aditivos y ninguna evidencia de ansiedad matemática o problemas significativos de estudio en esta disciplina. P1, P2 y P3 fueron expuestos al entrenamiento de discriminación condicional a problemas de suma, mientras que P4 y P5, a problemas de resta. Las pruebas de rendimiento, que incluían pretests y postests, consistieron en problemas de suma y resta. Después de la formación de clases de equivalencia, P1, P2 y P3 presentaron ganancias promedio de desempeño de 22.34% (DE = 14.62), y P4 y P5 de 19.84% (DE = 11.22). Estos resultados sugieren la efectividad del procedimiento. Se recomienda que estudios futuros utilicen el diseño de LBM con sondeo para reducir las repeticiones de pruebas, diseñar estrategias para aumentar el interés de los participantes e investigar cómo adaptar este procedimiento a los contextos aplicados

National and international assessments demonstrate that Brazilian elementary school students have difficulties learning the behavior of solving arithmetic problems. This study aimed to investigate, using a multiple-baseline design (MBL) for participants, the effect of the formation of equivalence classes between different forms of pro- blem presentation involving different positions of the unknown element and different semantic structures of the written problems on the performance in solving addi-tion and subtraction problems. Six students in the fourth or fifth year of a public elementary school participated, and five completed the study. They all showed sufficient reading and writing behavior for participating in the re-search, difficulties in solving additive problems, and no evidence of math anxiety or significant problems in study behaviors in this discipline. P1, P2, and P3 were exposed to the conditional discrimination training to addition problems, while P4 and P5 to subtraction problems. The performance tests, which were composed of pre-tests and post-tests, involved problems of addition and subtraction. After the formation of equivalence classes, we found that P1, P2, and P3 presented average performance gains of 22.34% (SD = 14.62), and P4 and P5 of 19.84% (SD = 11.22). These results suggest the effectiveness of the pro-cedure. We recommend that future studies use the MBL design with probes to reduce test repetitions, devise strategies to increase participant engagement, and inves-tigate how to adapt this procedure to applied contexts

A retrospective analysis of stimulus characteristics, clinical profile and cognition of patients receiving maintenance electroconvulsive therapy

Background: Maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (M-ECT) has been in use for a long time, yet there is dearth of literature regarding stimulus characteristics and cognitive changes with M-ECT, particularly in the Indian context. To assess stimulus characteristics, clinical profile and cognitive changes in patients receiving maintenance electroconvulsive therapy. Methodology: Records of patients receiving M-ECT in one year were checked and their diagnosis, stimulus characteristics (duration of current, seizure duration, number of ECTs and total charge delivered) and serial MMSE scores (at baseline, after 1 month and final MMSE) were noted. Stimulus characteristics were correlated with sociodemographic details and cognitive changes. A comparison between psychotic and non- psychotic disorders was also made. Results: In a total of 50 patients on M-ECT, total charge delivered was found to be significantly higher in females (P=0.02) and seizure duration was longer in males (P=0.04). Stimulus characteristics between psychotic and non-psychotic disorder did not differ (P > 0.05). MMSE score showed improvement with M- ECT (P = 0.01) and this was most significant between baseline and final MMSE (P < 0.05). Cognitive change negatively correlated with number of ECT (r = - 0.29, P = 0.04). Final MMSE score correlated only with baseline MMSE score (r = 0.47, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Stimulus characteristics vary with gender, but not age and diagnosis. Cognition improves with M-ECT and depends upon number of ECT and pre-ECT cognition