Developing Novel Experimental Models of m-TORopathic Epilepsy and Related Neuropathologies: Translational Insights from Zebrafish.

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an important molecular regulator of cell growth and proliferation. Brain mTOR activity plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, cell development, migration and proliferation, as well as memory storage, protein synthesis, autophagy, ion channel expression and axonal regeneration. Aberrant mTOR signaling causes a diverse group of neurological disorders, termed 'mTORopathies'. Typically arising from mutations within the mTOR signaling pathway, these disorders are characterized by cortical malformations and other neuromorphological abnormalities that usually co-occur with severe, often treatment-resistant, epilepsy. Here, we discuss recent advances and current challenges in developing experimental models of mTOR-dependent epilepsy and other related mTORopathies, including using zebrafish models for studying these disorders, as well as outline future directions of research in this field.

Tracking the evolution of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and long-term humoral immunity within 2 years after COVID-19 infection.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that gave rise to COVID-19 infection produced a worldwide health crisis. The virus can cause a serious or even fatal disease. Comprehending the complex immunological responses triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection is essential for identifying pivotal elements that shape the course of the disease and its enduring effects on immunity. The span and potency of antibody responses provide valuable perspicuity into the resilience of post-infection immunity. The analysis of existing literature reveals a diverse controversy, confining varying data about the persistence of particular antibodies as well as the multifaceted factors that impact their development and titer, Within this study we aimed to understand the dynamics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against nucleocapsid (anti-SARS-CoV-2 (N)) and spike (anti-SARS-CoV-2 (N)) proteins in long-term immunity in convalescent patients, as well as the factors influencing the production and kinetics of those antibodies. We collected 6115 serum samples from 1611 convalescent patients at different post-infection intervals up to 21 months Study showed that in the fourth month, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 (N) exhibited their peak mean value, demonstrating a 79% increase compared to the initial month. Over the subsequent eight months, the peak value experienced a modest decline, maintaining a relatively elevated level by the end of study. Conversely, anti-SARS-CoV-2 (S) exhibited a consistent increase at each three-month interval over the 15-month period, culminating in a statistically significant peak mean value at the study's conclusion. Our findings demonstrate evidence of sustained seropositivity rates for both anti-SARS-CoV-2 (N) and (S), as well as distinct dynamics in the long-term antibody responses, with anti-SARS-CoV-2 (N) levels displaying remarkable persistence and anti-SARS-CoV-2 (S) antibodies exhibiting a progressive incline.

Assessment of Smell and Taste Disturbances among COVID-19 Convalescent Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Armenia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neurological manifestations of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) such as olfactory and gustatory disturbance have been reported among convalescent COVID-19 patients. However, scientific data on the prevalence of smell and taste disturbance are lacking. Therefore, we present findings on the degree of smell and taste disturbances among the Armenian population. METHODS: Study participants were randomly recruited and then categorized into two groups based on their course of the disease. A cross-sectional study was performed to assess participants' sensitivity to smell triggered by the olfactory and the trigeminal nerves; their ability to differentiate between various odors; and to evaluate their gustatory perception. RESULTS: The smell test revealed that the degree of olfactory nerve disturbance was different by 30.7% in those participants of the early group as compared to those of the late group, and the degree of trigeminal nerve disturbance was different by 71.3% in the early group as compared to the late group. A variation of the differentiating ability among the participants of the early and late groups was detected. Gustatory disturbances for all flavors were also found to be different in both the groups. A moderate positive correlation (0.51) was found between the overall sensitivity of smell and the ability to differentiate between various odors as cumulatively stimulated by both the olfactory and trigeminal nerves. Also, a moderate positive correlation (0.33) was found between headache and smell sensitivity through the olfactory nerve and a high negative correlation (-0.71) was found between headache and smell sensitivity through the trigeminal nerve. CONCLUSION: Pathological changes in the olfactory and trigeminal perceptive abilities caused disturbances in smell sensation, with the trigeminal nerve being more affected. The capacity to differentiate fragrances did not improve with time and the disturbance severity of bitter taste perception was higher among the study participants.