Enhancement of hippocampal-thalamocortical temporal coordination during slow-frequency long-duration anterior thalamic spindles.

Temporal nesting of cortical slow oscillations (SO), thalamic spindles and hippocampal ripples indicates multi-regional neuronal interactions required for memory consolidation. However how the thalamic activity during spindles organizes hippocampal dynamics remains largely undetermined. We analyzed simultaneous recordings of anterodorsal thalamus and CA1 in male mice to determine the contribution of thalamic spindles in cross-regional synchronization. Our results indicated that temporal hippocampo-thalamocortical coupling were more enhanced during slower and longer thalamic spindles. Additionally, spindles occurring closer to SO trough were more strongly coupled to ripples. We found that the temporal association between CA1 spiking/ripples and thalamic spindles was stronger following spatial exploration compared to baseline sleep. We further developed a hippocampal-thalamocortical model to explain the mechanism underlying the duration and frequency-dependent coupling of thalamic spindles to hippocampal activity. Our findings shed light on our understanding of the functional role of thalamic activity during spindles on multi-regional information transfer.Significance Statement:The contribution of thalamic spindles with differential properties to cross-regional synchronization and information transfer still remains poorly understood. Using simultaneous anterodorsal thalamic and hippocampal recordings from naturally sleeping mice before and after exploration, we found strong coupling of CA1 units to anterodorsal thalamic spindles and increase of this coupling following spatial experience. We further showed that the temporal coupling of CA1 units and hippocampal ripples with thalamic spindles and the spindle-associated modulation of CA1 units with ripples were stronger for spindles with slower frequency of oscillations. Our experimental as well as computational findings using a hippocampal-thalamocortical model provide the first demonstration that spindle frequency and duration can provide valuable information about the underlying multi-regional interactions essential for memory consolidation computations.

The effect of foot posture on static balance, ankle and knee proprioception in 18-to-25-year-old female student: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE: Afferent input from the sole affects postural stability. Cutaneous reflexes from the foot are important to posture and gait. Lower-limb afferents alone provide enough information to maintain upright stance and are critical in perceiving postural sway. Altered feedback from propreoceptive receptors alters gait and patterns of muscle activation. The position and posture of the foot and ankle may also play an important role in proprioceptive input.Therefore, the current research aims to compare static balance and ankle and knee proprioception in people with and without flexible flatfeet. METHODOLOGY: 91 female students between the ages of 18 and 25 voluntarily participated in this study, of which 24 were in the flexible flatfoot group and 67 were in the regular foot group after evaluating the longitudinal arch of the foot. The position sense of ankle and knee joints were measured using the active reconstruction test of the ankle and knee angle; Static balance was measured using the Sharpened Romberg test. Data were non-normally distributed. Accordingly, non-parametric tests were applied. The Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to compare differences between groups in variables. RESULT: Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant difference between two groups of flat feet and normal feet in the variables of static balance and position sense of ankle plantarflexion, ankle dorsiflexion, and knee flexion (p ≤ 0.05). A significant correlation was found between static balance and sense of ankle and knee position in the group with normal feet. The analysis of the regression line also showed that ankle and knee position sense could predict the static balance score in the regular foot group (ankle dorsiflexion position sense 17% (R2 = 0.17), ankle plantarflexion position sense 17% (R2 = 0.17) and knee flexion position sense 46% (R2 = 0.46) explain of changes in static balance). DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: Flexible flatfoot soles can cause loss of balance and sense of joint position; therefore, according to this preliminary study, clinicians must be aware and should take into account this possible deficit in the management of these patients.

The novel hepatoprotective effects of silibinin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers against diazinon-induced liver injuries in male mice.

In the current study, silibinin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (Sili-NLCs) was synthesized, and the hepatoprotective effectiveness of Sili-NLCs against diazinon (DZN)-induced liver damage in male mice was evaluated. The emulsification-solvent evaporation technique was applied to prepare Sili-NLCs, and characterized by using particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficacy (EE %), in vitro drug release behavior, and stability studies. In vivo, studies were done on male mice. Hepatotoxicity in male mice were induced by DZN (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.). Four groups treated with silibinin and Sili-NLCs with the same doses (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.). On 31th days, serum and liver tissue samples were collected. Alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) aminotransferase levels, oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological alterations were assessed. The Sili-NLCs particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), and EE % were obtained at 220.8 ± 0.86 nm, -18.7 ± 0.28 mV, 0.118 ± 0.03, and 71.83 ± 0.15%, respectively. The in vivo studies revealed that DZN significantly increased the serum levels of AST, ALT, hepatic levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), while decreased the antioxidant defense system in the mice's liver. However, Sili-NLCs was more effective than silibinin to return the aforementioned ratio toward the normal situation, and these results were well correlated with histopathological findings. Improvement of silibinin protective efficacy and oral bioavailability by using NLCs caused to Sili-NLCs can be superior to free silibinin in ameliorating DZN-induced hepatotoxicity in male mice.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on dropout of infertility treatments and related reasons/factors.

Dropout of infertility treatments is a common phenomenon and many patients avoid continuing infertility treatments. Determining the total rate of treatment dropout, and related factors was the objective of the present systematic review and meta-analysis study. We performed an electronic literature search in Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Cinhal, ProQuest and Medline databases and a manual search in Google scholar by using a set of Standard keywords. We included descriptive studies in English or Persian, from August 2000 to 2019. Finally, we extracted data of 25 papers for systematic review and 11 papers for meta-analysis. Data analysed by RevMan software. The results of the meta-analysis analysed by the random-effects model and studies heterogeneity analysed using the I2 calculation index. We tried to control high heterogeneity (because of the small amounts of p value and chi-square and large amount of I2) with statistical methods such as subgroup analysis and using random-effects model. The results showed that factors related to treatment, psychological and demographic/personal factors are the most common factors for dropout. It seems that educational and supportive programs on psychological, financial, therapeutic, demographic and personal factors can play an important role in reducing the incidence of infertility treatment's drop out before completing the course of treatment.

The essential role of hippocampo-cortical connections in temporal coordination of spindles and ripples.

The predominant activity of slow wave sleep is cortical slow oscillations (SOs), thalamic spindles and hippocampal sharp wave ripples. While the precise temporal nesting of these rhythms was shown to be essential for memory consolidation, the coordination mechanism is poorly understood. Here we develop a minimal hippocampo-cortico-thalamic network that can explain the mechanism underlying the SO-spindle-ripple coupling indicating of the succession of regional neuronal interactions. Further we verify the model predictions experimentally in naturally sleeping rodents showing our simple model provides a quantitative match to several experimental observations including the nesting of ripples in the spindle troughs and larger duration but lower amplitude of the ripples co-occurring with spindles or SOs compared to the isolated ripples. The model also predicts that the coupling of ripples to SOs and spindles monotonically enhances by increasing the strength of hippocampo-cortical connections while it is stronger at intermediate values of the cortico-hippocampal projections.

The intimate relationship between coalescent generators in very premature human newborn brains: Quantifying the coupling of nested endogenous oscillations.

Temporal theta slow-wave activity (TTA-SW) in premature infants is a specific neurobiomarker of the early neurodevelopment of perisylvian networks observed as early as 24 weeks of gestational age (wGA). It is present at the turning point between non-sensory driven spontaneous networks and cortical network functioning. Despite its clinical importance, the underlying mechanisms responsible for this spontaneous nested activity and its functional role have not yet been determined. The coupling between neural oscillations at different timescales is a key feature of ongoing neural activity, the characteristics of which are determined by the network structure and dynamics. The underlying mechanisms of cross-frequency coupling (CFC) are associated with several putative functions in adults. In order to show that this generic mechanism is already in place early in the course of development, we analyzed electroencephalography recordings from sleeping preterm newborns (24-27 wGA). Employing cross-frequency phase-amplitude coupling analyses, we found that TTAs were orchestrated by the SWs defined by a precise temporal relationship. Notably, TTAs were synchronized to the SW trough, and were suppressed during the SW peak. Spontaneous endogenous TTA-SWs constitute one of the very early signatures of the developing temporal neural networks with key functions, such as language and communication. The presence of a fine-tuned relationship between the slow activity and the TTA in premature neonates emphasizes the complexity and relative maturity of the intimate mechanisms that shape the CFC, the disruption of which can have severe neurodevelopmental consequences.

Dropout of infertility treatments and related factors among infertile couples.

BACKGROUND: Dropout of infertility treatments is a global issue and many factors play role in this phenomenon. It is one of the most challenges in life of infertile couples. The purpose of this study was to determine dropout rate and related factors/reasons in the world and in Iran. METHODS: We will conduct a mixed method study with sequential exploratory design (systematic review, qualitative and quantitative phase). In the first stage a systematic review on dropout rate of infertility treatments and related factors will be done. In second stage (quantitative-qualitative study), a retrospective cohort study will be conducted on infertile couples to determine dropout rate of infertility treatments. The follow-up period to assess the discontinuation of treatment in patients, who have discontinued the treatment, will be considered 6 months after the treatment cessation. Data would be analyzed by descriptive statistics. We want to determine proportion and percentage of discontinuation rate among different groups with different causes of infertility. Then, we also will use Chi-square test to compare discontinuation rates among these groups. In qualitative section of second stage, semi-structured interviews would be performed with infertile female who had the history of infertility treatments failure. In this stage, participants will be selected using purposeful sampling method with maximum variation in terms of age, education, occupation, type of infertility, type of treatments, number of unsuccessful treatment and infertility duration. Data would be analyzed using conventional content analysis. DISCUSSION: Determining dropout rate and its related factors/reasons would be helpful for future studies to plan suitable interventions for supporting infertile couples. It also helps politicians to have a better understanding of infertility and its consequences on infertile couple's life. In today's world, infertility is a common phenomenon due to postponement of childbearing following the older age of marriage, tendency to reach higher educational level, economical problems and etc. Infertility brings many challenges and stresses to the individuals by itself and it is very hard to cope with. The problem gets worse, when it is associated with failure in treatments. Many of infertile couples cannot tolerate this failure and may decide to discontinue treatments before achieving pregnancy for ending many stressors which are associated with treatments. As we know, childbearing and having at least one child has important position in some societies such as Iranian culture; so ending the treatment before achieving optimal result may have some adverse consequences in the families such as divorce, remarriage, family conflicts, et. Absolutely many factors play role in dropout of infertility treatments, and many studies around the world have suggested many factors/reasons in dropout of infertility treatments, but there are still many gaps about this subject, especially among Iranian society. This study would be conducted in three consecutive stages, in the first stage; we will do a complete review of existing studies of the world to find out related factors/reasons of dropout in detail. In second stage, dropout rate of infertile couples (380 couples) after at least one unsuccessful cycle of treatment would be achieved by assessing medical records and telephone interview. Data of the first and second stage will help us to have better vision about the issue of dropout and would be used to construct a semi structured interview for the last stage. And finally in the third stage, reasons of dropout would be asked by an in depth interview from infertile couples. We hope the information from this study will help politicians better understand and plan for dropout of treatment.

Early postkidney transplantation hypophosphatemia.

BACKGROUND: As hypophosphatemia is a common multifactorial problem of kidney transplantation (Tx), this research aimed at studying the frequency of posttransparent hypophosphatemia in the early postkidney Tx period and investigating the risk components associated with the situation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 50 renal transplant recipients on the day before (-1) and on days 10 (+10) and 30 (+30) days after kidney Tx were examined for the levels of serum phosphate (Pi). Levels of serum creatinine (Cr), Pi, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH] D), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), the 24 h urinary excretion of Pi and Cr, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and the ratio of transport maximum of Pi (TMP) to eGFR (TMP/GFR) were evaluated on the same days. RESULTS: Hypophosphatemia (serum Pi <2.5 mg/dl) was seen in 0%, 40%, and 42% of the patients on days -1, +10, and +30, respectively. The levels of 25(OH)D and iPTH were not significantly different in patients with and without hypophosphatemia on days +10 and +30. Compared to those with normophosphatemia, pre-Tx FGF-23 level was significantly higher in patients with hypophosphatemia on days +10 and +30, respectively. The regression coefficient of TMP/GFR and Cr was positive on days -1, +10, and +30. The coefficient of pre-Tx FGF-23 on post-Tx serum Pi was negative on days +10 (P < 0.03) and +30 (P < 0.003), and the coefficient of post-Tx FGF-23 was negative just on day +10 with serum Pi (P < 0.008). CONCLUSION: The main causes of post-Tx hypophosphatemia in the multivariate linear analysis were pre-Tx FGF-23 and post-Tx FGF-23 levels on days +10, post-Tx Cr, and TMP/GFR.

Slow spindles are associated with cortical high frequency activity.

Thalamocortical network shows self-sustained oscillations in a broad frequency range especially during slow wave sleep when cortical neurons show synchronized transitions between a quiescent down state and an active up state with beta and gamma oscillations. Inconsistent with previous models, thalamocortical spindles are separated into slow spindles (8_12 Hz) and fast spindles (13_17 Hz) with differential properties. We proposed that cortical high frequency (∼ 25 Hz) activity during up states is the key ingredient for the generation of slow spindles. In fact, the nonlinear interaction between cortical high frequency and thalamic oscillations at fast spindle frequency reproduces oscillations in the range of the difference between the two frequencies that lies into the range of slow spindle. The developed simple deterministic thalamocortical model is able to reproduce up and down states with stochastic high-frequency up-state activity as well as both fast and slow spindles. In agreement with the previous experimental observations, the fast and slow spindles are generated at opposing phases of the up state. To further confirm the causal relationship between slow spindles and cortical high frequency oscillations, we next showed that externally applied high frequency stimulation enhanced the slow spindle activity. Moreover, the prediction of the model was validated experimentally by recording EEG from subjects during nap. Both model and experimental results show increase in high frequency activity before slow spindles. Our findings suggest the important role of cortical high frequency activity in the generation of slow spindles.

G-CSF administration attenuates brain injury in rats following carbon monoxide poisoning via different mechanisms.

Acute severe carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning induces hypoxia that leads to cardiovascular and nervous systems disturbances. Different complex mechanisms lead to CO neurotoxicity including lipid peroxidation, inflammatory and immune-mediated reactions, myelin degeneration and finally neuronal apoptosis and necrosis. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is considered to be a novel neuroprotective agent. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of G-CSF therapy on CO neurotoxicity in rats with acute CO poisoning. Rats were exposed to 3000 ppm CO in air (0.3%) for 1 h, and then different doses (50,100, and 150 µg/kg) of G-CSF or normal saline were administrated intraperitoneally. Water content of brain as an indicator for total edema and blood brain barrier integrity (Evans blue extravasation) were evaluated. Malondialydehyde was determined in order to evaluate the effect of G-CSF on CO-induced lipid peroxidation in brain tissues. Also, the effect of G-CSF on myeloperoxidase activity in the brain tissue was evaluated. The effect of G-CSF administration on induced apoptosis in the brain was measured using TUNEL method. To evaluate the level of MBP, STAT3 and pSTAT3 and HO-1 proteins and the effect of G-CSF on these proteins Western blotting was carried out. G-CSF reduced water content of the edematous poisoned brains (100 µg/kg) and BBB permeability (100 and 150 µg/kg) (P < 0.05). G-CSF (150 µg/kg) reduced the MDA level in the brain tissues (P < 0.05 as compared to CO poisoned animals). G-CSF did not decrease the MPO activity after CO poisoning in any doses. G-CSF significantly reduced the number of apoptotic neurons and Caspase 3 protein levels in the brain. Western blotting results showed that G-CSF treatment enhanced expression of HO-1 and MBP, STAT3 and pSTAT3 proteins in the brain tissues. Based on our results, a single dose of G-CSF immediately after CO poisoning significantly attenuates CO neurotoxicity via different mechanisms. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 37-47, 2017.

Transdermal hormone replacement therapy with nanostructured medicines.

OBJECTIVES: Due to hormonal changes during the menopause, women experience a variety of perimenopause and postmenopause symptoms. This review examines the various aspects of nanostructured hormone therapy and its application in the treatments of menopausal symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Excerpta Medica DataBase, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched basing on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Seven eligible studies out of 51 related papers, which satisfied the initial search criteria, were extracted and carefully reviewed to clarify the role of nanomedicine in maintaining postmenopausal women's health. RESULTS: Review of the seven eligible studies confirmed nanostructured hormone therapy as a safe and effective method for the alleviation of menopausal symptoms. According to the existing studies, nanostructured hormone therapy decreased the mean daily frequency and severity of menopausal symptoms. CONCLUSION: The use of transdermal nanoformulations in hormone therapy can relieve climacteric symptoms and prevent other postmenopausal symptoms.

Psychosocial factors in pregnancy and birthweight: Path analysis.

AIM: Birthweight is known to be affected by several factors. In the present study a relationship model of psychological and economic determinants of birthweight was designed and tested. METHODS: This prospective study involved 400 pregnant women in four districts of Tehran, Iran. The subjects were selected through a multistage sampling method. Seven questionnaires (socioeconomic status; Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale; Perceived Stress Scale; 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale [DASS-21]; perceived social support; pregnancy-related anxiety scale; and domestic violence questionnaire) were used to assess participant psychosocial and economic conditions. In order to collect post-partum information about the mother and the infant, the women were followed up until delivery. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and Lisrel-8.8. RESULTS: Based on the obtained path diagram, the greatest adverse effects on birthweight were exerted directly by DASS-21 score (B = -0.14) and indirectly by stressful life events (B = -0.037). Among variables that affected birthweight in both paths, socioeconomic status and perceived stress had the strongest overall effects on birthweight (B = 0.203 and -0.1024, respectively). CONCLUSION: According to the path analysis model, psychosocial and economic factors can directly/indirectly affect birthweight.

Modulation of JAK2, STAT3 and Akt1 proteins by granulocyte colony stimulating factor following carbon monoxide poisoning in male rat.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless and non-irritating by-product of inefficient combustion of hydrocarbon fuels such as motor vehicle exhausted gases. It is the leading cause of mortality in the USA among all unintentional toxicants. Male rats exposed to CO poisoning in the heart has many cardiovascular effects such as, cardiomyopathy, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and ischemia and in severe cases, myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiac arrest. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is one of the most frequent consequences in the heart. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a cytokine that mobilizes and differentiates granulocytes from stem cells. It can stimulate many anti-apoptotic pathways such as JAK2-STAT3 and PI3-Akt kinases following cardiac ischemia. G-CSF exerts its anti-apoptotic effects through binding to its specific cell surface receptor. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of anti-apoptotic effect of G-CSF following CO poisoning. Rats were exposed to CO 1500 or 3000 ppm for 60 min. Animals received G-CSF 100 µg/kg subcutaneously for five consecutive days after CO intoxication. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the expression of six proteins namely JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3, Akt1 and p-Akt1 following G-CSF 100 µg/kg consecutive dose administration after CO poisoning. There was a significant difference between phosphorylated proteins including p-JAK2, p-STAT3 and p-Akt1 in the G-CSF groups and those in control groups and there were not any significant differences in total protein among the groups.

Effects of Pilates Exercise Training on Static Balance and Lower Limbs Proprioception in Adult Females With and Without Flexible Flatfeet.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that flatfeet are associated with a higher incidence of lower limb injuries in different populations. Thus, we examine how Pilates exercise training affects static balance and ankle and knee proprioception in females with and without flexible flatfeet. Study Design. Case series; Level of evidence. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study involves 91 healthy 18- to 25-year-old female university students. The Navicular Drop Test was used to diagnose flatfeet. Pilates included core strength, balance, and flexibility exercises for 16 weeks. Static balance was assessed using the sharpened Romberg test and ankle and knee joint proprioception were measured using joint position reproduction tests. The Wilcoxon test indicated within-group pre-post improvements in static balance, and ankle and knee joint proprioception in the Pilates and the healthy control group (P < .05). RESULTS: The between-group comparisons at post-test showed significant differences for joint position reproduction test of the dorsiflexion (P < .05, η2 = 0.10) and the plantarflexion (P < 0.05, η2 = 0.08) in favor of the healthy controls group. Joint proprioception of ankle and knee was positively correlated with increasing static balance in the healthy control group. CONCLUSION: The results showed that Pilates has the potential to improve static balance, and ankle and knee proprioception. However, it did not improve postural control and proprioception in individuals with flatfeet. Our findings advise combining Pilates with other interventions to develop flexible flatfeet in females. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

Functional instant noodle formulation for emergency conditions: Sensory and stability characteristics.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shelf-life and sensory characteristics of a functional instant noodle preparation designed to be used in emergencies as a tactical ration. Instant noodles were selected for their global acceptability and ease of preparation. In this study, semolina flour was used as the main ingredient, and soy protein isolate was added to increase the protein content. Additionally, green tea and beef tallow were incorporated to decrease the likelihood of oxidation. Carboxymethyl cellulose was added to increase the porosity and water absorption of the dry noodles. Spirulina powder was used as a dressing for the final product before serving to increase the nutritional value and provide the consumer with the required vitamins and minerals of the day. Physical, chemical, and organoleptic properties were assessed at multiple timepoints in a 120-day period to perform an accelerated shelf-life test by determining their critical moisture content and moisture sorption isotherm curves at 30, 45, and 55°C. The shelf-life of the product was evaluated to be 1197.28 days at 30°C and 75% relative humidity in aluminum pouches. In conclusion, the product is shelf-stable at room temperature and is recommended to be stored and used in disaster conditions such as earthquakes, floods, and wars.

Enhancment of zebrafish (Danio rerio) immune and antioxidant systems using medicinal plant extracts encapsulated in alginate-chitosan nanocapsules with slow sustained release.

This study aimed to screen 10 medicinal plant extracts on zebrafish (Danio rerio), evaluating their impact on the complement system, immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, lysozyme, and peroxidase activity, while also enhancing their efficacy through the gradual release using alginate-chitosan nanocapsules. The prepared methanolic extracts were combined with fish feed. The fish were divided into 12 groups, including 10 treatment groups, a positive and a negative control group. Results showed varying impacts of the extracts on the immune and antioxidant systems, with Cinnamon (Cinnamon cassia) and Hypericum (Hypericum perforatum) extracts demonstrating the most significant effects. Subsequently, Cinnamon and Hypericum extract were encapsulated in alginate-chitosan nanocapsules to assess their impact on zebrafish immune parameters, separately and synergistically. Gradual release of the extracts from the nanocapsules was observed, with slower release at pH 2 compared to pH 7. Overall, Cinnamon and Hypericum extracts exhibited substantial immune system enhancement, and their encapsulation in nanocapsules improved their effects on zebrafish immune parameters. These findings suggest using these encapsulated extracts to enhance immune responses in aquatic organisms.

Geometrical correlations in the nucleosomal DNA conformation and the role of the covalent bonds rigidity.

We develop a simple elastic model to study the conformation of DNA in the nucleosome core particle. In this model, the changes in the energy of the covalent bonds that connect the base pairs of each strand of the DNA double helix, as well as the lateral displacements and the rotation of adjacent base pairs are considered. We show that because of the rigidity of the covalent bonds in the sugar-phosphate backbones, the base pair parameters are highly correlated, especially, strong twist-roll-slide correlation in the conformation of the nucleosomal DNA is vividly observed in the calculated results. This simple model succeeds to account for the detailed features of the structure of the nucleosomal DNA, particularly, its more important base pair parameters, roll and slide, in good agreement with the experimental results.

The effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration on carbon monoxide neurotoxicity in rats.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is considered to be a novel neuroprotective agent. Beneficial effects have been demonstrated by administrating G-CSF in different experimental stroke models. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of G-CSF therapy on carbon monoxide (CO) neurotoxicity in rats exposed to acute CO poisoning. Immediately after exposure to 3,000 ppm of CO for 60 minutes, 50, 100, and 150 µg/kg of G-CSF or normal saline were administered to rats. Rats were sacrificed after 24 hours for serum marker analysis or 1 week for histopathological examination. Brain sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to assess leukocyte infiltration and hippocampal injury and with Luxol fast blue to assess demyelination. S100ß and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) serum levels were evaluated by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. According to histopathological findings, G-CSF administration significantly restricted white-matter demyelination (150 µg/kg) (P = 0.006). Also, serum levels of S100ß in G-CSF-treated groups (100 and 150 µg/kg) decreased significantly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). In all does, G-CSF significantly reduced serum levels of GFAP (P < 0.01 for 50 µg/kg and P < 0.001 for other doses). Administration of G-CSF after CO poisoning attenuates brain cell damage through remyelination. G-CSF also decreases levels of related biomarkers, such as S100ß and GFAP.

Memory ability and retention performance relate differentially to sleep depth and spindle type.

Temporal interactions between non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep rhythms especially the coupling between cortical slow oscillations (SO, ∼1 Hz) and thalamic spindles (∼12 Hz) have been proposed to contribute to multi-regional interactions crucial for memory processing and cognitive ability. We investigated relationships between NREM sleep depth, sleep spindles and SO-spindle coupling regarding memory ability and memory consolidation in healthy humans. Findings underscore the functional relevance of spindle dynamics (slow versus fast), SO-phase, and most importantly NREM sleep depth for cognitive processing. Cross-frequency coupling analyses demonstrated stronger precise temporal coordination of slow spindles to SO down-state in N2 for subjects with higher general memory ability. A GLM model underscored this relationship, and furthermore that fast spindle properties were predictive of overnight memory consolidation. Our results suggest cognitive fingerprints dependent on conjoint fine-tuned SO-spindle temporal coupling, spindle properties, and brain sleep state.