Prenatal restraint stress affects early neurobehavioral response and oxidative stress in mice pups.

Prenatal stress (PS), in both humans and animals, presents a potential risk to the mother and her fetus throughout gestation. PS is always associated with physiological changes that alter embryonic development and predispose the individual to lifelong health problems, including susceptibility to mental illness. This study aims to identify the harmful effects of prenatal restraint stress (PRS), commonly employed to induce stress painlessly and without any lasting debilitation during gestation. This stress is applied to pregnant Swiss albino mice from E7.5 to delivery for three hours daily. Our results show that PS affects dams' weight gain during the gestational period; moreover, the PS dams prefer passive nursing, exhibit a lower percentage of licking and grooming, and impair other maternal behaviors, including nesting and pup retrieval. Concerning the offspring, this stress induces neurobehavioral impairments, including a significant increase in the time of recovery of the young stressed pups in the surface righting reflex, the latency to avoid the cliff in the cliff avoidance test, longer latencies to accomplish the task in negative geotaxis, and a lower score in swimming development. These alterations were accompanied by increased Malondialdehyde activity (MDA) at PND17 and 21 and downregulation of AchE activity in the whole brain of pups on postnatal days 7 and 9. These findings demonstrated that PS causes deleterious neurodevelopmental impairments that can alter various behaviors later in life.

Renal Fibrosis and Oxidative Stress Induced by Silica Nanoparticles in Male Rats and Its Molecular Mechanisms.

Background: The utilization of amorphous silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) is gaining popularity in various applications, but it poses a potential risk to human and environmental health. However, the underlying causes and mechanisms of SiNPs-induced kidney damage are still largely unknown. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the SiNPs-induced damage in the kidney and further explore the possible mechanisms of SiNPs-induced nephrotoxicity. Methods: Thirty adult male rats were divided into 3 different groups. Rats in groups 2 and 3 were administered SiNPs at 2 dosage levels (25 and 100 mg/kg of body weight), while the rats in the control group received no treatment for 28 days. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzyme activities (glutathione peroxidase [GPx], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and catalase [CAT]), glutathione (GSH) levels, and oxidation markers (such as lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA)] and protein oxidation [protein carbonyl (PCO)]) were analyzed in the kidney tissue. Additionally, renal fibrogenesis was studied through histopathological examination and the expression levels of fibrotic biomarkers. Results: The findings revealed that in vivo treatment with SiNPs significantly triggered oxidative stress in kidney tissues in a dose-dependent manner. This was characterized by increased production of ROS, elevated levels of MDA, PCO, and nitric oxide (NO), along with a significant decline in the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and reduced GSH. These changes were consistent with the histopathological analysis, which indicated interstitial fibrosis with mononuclear inflammatory cell aggregation, tubular degeneration, glomerulonephritis, and glomerular atrophy. The fibrosis index was confirmed using Masson's trichrome staining. Additionally, there was a significant upregulation of fibrosis-related genes, including transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1), matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2/9), whereas the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) was downregulated. Conclusions: This study provided a new research clue for the role of ROS and deregulated TGF-ß signaling pathway in SiNPs nephrotoxicity.

Corn oil and Soybean oil effect as vehicles on behavioral and oxidative stress profiles in developmentally exposed offspring mice.

Corn and soybean oils are among the most frequently used vehicles for water-insoluble compounds in toxicological studies. These two vegetable oils are nutrients and may induce some biological effects on animals that might interfere with the experimental results. However, their chronic effects on a developing brain have not been reported. This study aims to evaluate the neurobehavioral and brain biochemical effects of both oils on male and female Swiss albino mice. Pregnant female mice were exposed to 1 µl/g/d of either tap water, corn oil (CO), or soybean oil (SO) from early gestation (GD1) until weaning then offspring mice were exposed to the same treatment regimen until adulthood (PND70). Our results showed that developmental exposure to both oils induced body weight changes in offspring mice. In addition, we detected some behavioral abnormalities where both oil-treated groups showed a significant decrease in locomotor activity and greater levels of anxiety behavior. Moreover, our results suggest that continuous exposure to these oils may alter motor coordination, spatial memory and induce depression-like behavior in adult mice. These alterations were accompanied by increased malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in specific brain regions. Together, these data suggest that exposure to CO and SO as vehicles in developmental studies may interfere with the behavioral response and brain redox homeostasis in offspring mice.

Impact of glyphosate-based herbicide exposure through maternal milk on offspring's antioxidant status, neurodevelopment, and behavior.

Glyphosate-based Herbicide (GBH) is a widely used pesticide that functions as a broad-spectrum, non-selective herbicide. Despite advanced research to describe the neurotoxic potential of GBH, the harmful effects on maternal behavior and neurodevelopment of offspring remain unclear. This study was conducted to highlight the effects of GBH on the antioxidant system, anxiety traits, social interaction, and cognitive and sensorimotor functions in pups exposed to 25 or 50 mg/l daily via their mother's milk. Concerning the biochemical biomarkers, GBH administered during the early stages of development negatively affected the status of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in the brain structures of the pups. Furthermore, our results showed a significant decrease in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) specific activity within the brains of treated pups. The results of the behavioral tests indicated that the treated offspring developed anxiety, memory, and sociability disorders, as evidenced by the Open Field, Y-maze, object recognition task, and social interaction tests. Through neurodevelopmental testing, we also showed sensorimotor impairment (righting reflex and negative geotaxis) and abnormal maternal behavior. Altogether, our study clearly demonstrates that the developing brain is sensitive to GBH.

Multiple sclerosis in Morocco: Epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic profile.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the clinical, therapeutic, and epidemiological profiles of MS patients in Morocco. METHODS: This descriptive study involved 170 patients representing four Morocco regions. We collected the data using an electronic survey. RESULTS: The results show female dominance in patients with MS. Besides, most patients present with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). The main clinical symptoms reported by patients are fatigue, cognitive issues, spasticity, bowel or bladder complaints, and visual issues. Furthermore, the findings show that almost half of the patients use Interferon bêta-1a and azathioprine as disease-modifying therapies; 60.5 % use traditional and complementary medicine, of which 30.6 % use cupping, 30 % recite the Holy Quran, and 28.2 % use apitherapy. The findings show that there is a statistically significant relationship between specific MS factors such as professional activity (p = 0.0071), degree of satisfaction with treatment (p = 0.005), stress (p = 0.014), and the frequency of relapses. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to DMT, patients also use traditional and complementary medicine. There is also a relationship between some epidemiological characteristics and the frequency of relapses in patients with MS.

Sex-specific neurobehavioral and biochemical effects of developmental exposure to Malathion in offspring mice.

Malathion is an organophosphate pesticide (OP) commonly used in agriculture, industry, and veterinary medicine. Sex is a crucial factor in responding to neurotoxicants, yet the sex-specific effects of OP exposure, particularly neurological impairments following chronic low-level exposure remains limited. Our study aims to evaluate the neurobehavioral and biochemical effects of developmental exposure to Malathion across sexes. Pregnant mice were exposed to a low oral dose of Malathion from gestation up to the weaning of the pups, which were individually gavaged with a similar dose regimen until postnatal day 70. Our results show that Malathion decreased body weight and food intake, reduced locomotor activity and recognition memory. Motor coordination and special memory were only altered in females, whereas we found a male-specific effect of Malathion on social behavior and marble burying. These alterations were accompanied by increased malondialdehyde (MDA), decreased brain acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), and disrupted brain redox homeostasis. Our findings about the effects of Malathion exposure across sexes may, in part, contribute to understanding the dimorphic susceptibilities observed in neurological disorders.

Punicalagin attenuates myocardial oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats: Biochemical, immunohistochemical, and in silico molecular docking studies.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a life-threatening ischemic disease and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Punicalagin (PU), the major ellagitannin found in pomegranates, is characterized by multiple antioxidant activities. The aim of this study is to assess the protective effects of PU against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced acute myocardial damage and to investigate its underlying vascular mechanisms using rat model. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into five groups and were treated orally (p.o.) with PU (25 and 50 mg/kg) for 14 days. ISO was administered subcutaneously (S.C.) (85 mg/kg) on the 15th and 16th days to induce Myocardial infarction. Cardiac markers, oxidative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines levels were determined in the heart tissue. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to determine the protein expression pathways of inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in all the groups. In silico study was carried out to evaluate the molecular interaction of PU with some molecular targets. RESULTS: Our results showed that ISO-induced cardiac tissue injury was evidenced by increased serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), associated with several histopathological changes. ISO also induced an increase of MDA, PCO, NO, and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), along with a decrease of antioxidant enzyme activities in the myocardial tissues. In addition, an increase of TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-6, IL-1ß, iNOS, Nrf2 and (HO-1) was observed. Pre-treatment with PU reduced myocardial infract area, ameliorated histopathological alterations in myocardium, and decreased activities of myocardial injury marker enzymes in ISO-induced rats. In addition, PU remarkably restored ISO-induced elevation of lipid peroxidation and decrease of antioxidants, significantly reduced myocardial pro-inflammatory cytokines concentrations in this animal model. Molecular docking analysis of PU with protein targets showed potent interactions with negative binding energies. In conclusion, PU can protect the myocardium from oxidative injury, inflammatory response, and cell death induced by ISO by upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and antioxidants.

Exploring Medicinal Herbs' Therapeutic Potential and Molecular Docking Analysis for Compounds as Potential Inhibitors of Human Acetylcholinesterase in Alzheimer's Disease Treatment.

Background and Objectives: Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as a pervasive neurodegenerative ailment of global concern, necessitating a relentless pursuit of remedies. This study aims to furnish a comprehensive exposition, delving into the intricate mechanistic actions of medicinal herbs and phytochemicals. Furthermore, we assess the potential of these compounds in inhibiting human acetylcholinesterase through molecular docking, presenting encouraging avenues for AD therapeutics. Materials and Methods: Our approach entailed a systematic exploration of phytochemicals like curcumin, gedunin, quercetin, resveratrol, nobiletin, fisetin, and berberine, targeting their capability as human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, leveraging the PubChem database. Diverse bioinformatics techniques were harnessed to scrutinize molecular docking, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity), and adherence to Lipinski's rule of five. Results: Results notably underscored the substantial binding affinities of all ligands with specific amino acid residues within AChE. Remarkably, gedunin exhibited a superior binding affinity (-8.7 kcal/mol) compared to the reference standard. Conclusions: These outcomes accentuate the potential of these seven compounds as viable candidates for oral medication in AD treatment. Notably, both resveratrol and berberine demonstrated the capacity to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB), signaling their aptitude for central nervous system targeting. Consequently, these seven molecules are considered orally druggable, potentially surpassing the efficacy of the conventional drug, donepezil, in managing neurodegenerative disorders.

SELENOT Deficiency in the Mouse Brain Impacts Catecholaminergic Neuron Density: An Immunohistochemical, in situ Hybridization and 3D Light-Sheet Imaging Study.

BACKGROUND: Selenoprotein T (SELENOT), a PACAP-regulated thioredoxin-like protein, plays a role in catecholamine secretion and protects dopaminergic neurons. However, the role of SELENOT in the establishment of the catecholaminergic (CA) neuronal system is not known yet. METHODS: We analyzed by immunohistochemistry and RNAscope in situ hybridization the distribution of SELENOT and the expression of its mRNA, respectively. In addition, 3D imaging involving immunostaining in toto, clearing through the iDISCO+ method, acquisitions by light-sheet microscopy, and processing of 3D images was performed to map the CA neuronal system. A semi-automatic quantification of 3D images was carried out. RESULTS: SELENOT protein and mRNA are widely distributed in the mouse brain, with important local variations. Three-dimensional mapping, through tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) labeling, and semi-automated quantification of CA neurons in brain-specific SELENOT knockout mice showed a significant decrease in the number of TH-positive neurons in the area postrema (AP-A2), the A11 cell group (A11), and the zona incerta (ZI-A13) of SELENOT-deficient females, and in the hypothalamus (Hyp-A12-A14-A15) of SELENOT-deficient females and males. CONCLUSION: These results showed that SELENOT is diffusely expressed in the mouse brain and that its deficiency impacts CA neuron distribution in different brain areas including Hyp-A12-A14-A15, in both male and female mice.

The impact of sociodemographic characteristics on diagnosis and access to disease-modifying treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis in Morocco.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the link between sociodemographic factors, diagnosis, and access to disease-modifying treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in Morocco. METHODS: This study concerned a sample of 520 patients representing seven regions of Morocco. We obtained data from the patient record registers, the patient's files, and a questionnaire. RESULTS: The results showed female dominance (69.4%) in patients with MS (69.4%). Besides, patients with this disease are generally young; their mean age is 35.36. The employment rate among the surveyed population was 24.9%. More than 74.6% have no health care coverage, and 70.4% of the patients investigated live without treatment. The results show a significant association between access to treatment and several sociodemographic factors, such as the patient's job, health care coverage, region, and marital status. There is also a link between these sociodemographic factors and access to diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis and access to treatment are associated with certain sociodemographic factors such as health insurance coverage, the patient's job, regional belonging, and marital status.

Long lasting effect of acute restraint stress on behavior and brain anti-oxidative status.

Exposure to certain acute stressors results in an immediate behavioral and physiological response to these situations during a significant period of days. The goal of the current study is to evaluate the long-lasting effect of single exposure of restraint stress among mice after 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. Five groups of mice are under experiment: a control group and four groups exposed to one session of restraint stress. All these groups have been studied for behavioral tests in order to evaluate their memories. This is done through a Y-labyrinth and an object recognition test, and anxiety by using open field device. In the second part of the study, enzymatic assays (concerning catalase, glutathione s transferase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) are used to evaluate oxidative stress. The enzymatic activity of the antioxidant system is assessed in five brain structures, including the cerebellum, olfactory bulb, spinal bulb, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. The obtained results show that acute restraint stress leads to a decrease in memory function and to the development of an anxious state; concomitant to an increase of locomotor activity afterword. It causes disturbance of antioxidant balance in the brain by developing a state of oxidative stress. Indeed, restraint stress causes a change in anti-oxidant stress enzymatic activity in the brain, notably in post-stress period. In conclusion, acute restraint stress is responsible for altering cognitive functions, especially memory, and the development of anxious behavior, which could be a result of the generation of oxidative stress; effects that are persistent over an important period after the cessation of stress.

Prevalence and determinants of poor glycaemic control: a cross-sectional study among Moroccan type 2 diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes remains poorly controlled in a high proportion of diabetes patients. This study examines the prevalence of poor glycaemic control and associated factors in type 2 diabetes patients in the Beni-Mellal Khenifra region in Morocco. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2017 among 1456 diabetes patients attending primary health centres. Demographic and clinical data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured and pre-tested questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements, including body weight, height and waist circumference were taken using standardized techniques and calibrated equipment. Glycaemic control was assessed in terms of the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level and poor glycaemic control was defined as HbA1c ≥7% and a level <7% reflects good glycaemic control. RESULTS: Of the total participants, 66.3% had poor glycaemic control. Bivariate analysis showed that sex (p=0.010), education level (p=0.013), body mass index (p=0.048), duration of diabetes (p<0.0001) and type of therapeutic regimen (p<0.0001) were significantly associated with HbA1c level. However, multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that only a longer duration of diabetes (OR 1.525 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.183-1.967], p=0.001) and receiving insulin therapy alone (OR 1.589 [95% CI 1.157-2.183], p=0.004) or a combination of oral antidiabetics with insulin (OR 2.554 [95% CI 1.786-3.653], p<0.001) were significantly associated with inadequate glycaemic control. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the particularities of the region, the findings about glycaemic control and its cross-sectionally associated factors are in line with findings from other regions of Morocco. In this subgroup, the longer duration of diabetes and insulin treatment could constitute a cause leading to poor glycaemic control. However, inverse causality cannot be excluded.

Mental health among students with neurodevelopment disorders: case of dyslexic children and adolescents / Saúde mental em estudantes com distúrbios de neurodesenvolvimento: um caso de crianças e adolescentes disléxicos

ABSTRACT Several research studies have been devoted to study the links between emotional disorders and learning disabilities. However, very minimal of this research has focused on dyslexic students. Objective: The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to assess self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in dyslexic Arabic-speaking children and adolescents and (2) to describe psychiatric comorbidities in these subjects by comparing them to their non-dyslexic peers. Methods: In total, 205 students (56 dyslexics and 149 good readers), pursuing their education in ordinary schools in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region of Morocco responded to Taylor's Self-Assessment Scale of Anxiety, Beck's Depression Questionnaire, and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI). Results: Overall, dyslexics were more anxious, more depressed, and had disturbed self-esteem compared to their non-dyslexic peers. The percentage of psychiatric comorbidity was higher in the dyslexic group. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach that integrates emotional needs assessment into the rehabilitation care of dyslexic children and adolescents.

RESUMO Muitos estudos têm pesquisado as ligações entre transtornos emocionais e dificuldades de aprendizagem. No entanto, muito pouco desta pesquisa se concentrou em estudantes disléxicos. Objetivo: Os objetivos deste estudo foram: 1) avaliar a autoestima, ansiedade e depressão em crianças e adolescentes disléxicos falantes do árabe; 2) descrever comorbidades psiquiátricas nesses estudantes, comparando-os com seus pares não disléxicos. Métodos: 205 estudantes (56 disléxicos e 149 bons leitores), alunos de escolas comuns da região de Beni Mellal-Khenifra do Marrocos, responderam à escala de autoavaliação de ansiedade de Taylor, ao questionário de depressão de Beck's e ao inventário de autoestima de Coopersmith (IES). Resultados: Em geral, os disléxicos eram mais ansiosos, mais deprimidos e tiveram distúrbios de autoestima em comparação com seus pares não-disléxicos. O percentual de comorbidade psiquiátrica foi maior no grupo disléxico. Conclusões: Os resultados deste trabalho evidenciam a necessidade de uma abordagem multidisciplinar que integre a avaliação das necessidades emocionais aos cuidados de reabilitação de crianças e adolescentes disléxicos.

Effect of Cold Stress on Neurobehavioral and Physiological Parameters in Rats.

Objective: Cold stress is an important current issue and implementing control strategies to limit its sometimes harmful effects is crucial. Cold is a common stressor that can occur in our work and our occupational or leisure time activities every day. There are substantial studies on the effects of chronic stress on memory and behavior, although, the cognitive changes and anxiety disorders that can occur after exposure to chronic intermittent cold stress are not completely characterized. Therefore, the present study was undertaken with an aim to investigate the effects of chronic intermittent cold stress on body weight, food intake and working memory, and to elucidate cold stress related anxiety disorders using cognitive and behavioral test batteries. Methods: We generated a cold stress model by exposing rats to chronic intermittent cold stress for 5 consecutive days and in order to test for the potential presence of sex differences, a comparable number of male and female rats were tested in the current study. Then, we measured the body weights, food intake and the adrenal glands weight. Working memory and recognition memory were assessed using the Y maze and the Novel Object Recognition (NOR) tasks. While, sex differences in the effects of chronic stress on behavior were evaluated by the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field maze (OF), and Marble burying (MB) tests. Results: We found that 2 h exposure to cold (4°C) resulted in an increase in the relative weight of the adrenal glands in male rats. Given the same chronic stress 5 days of cold exposure (2 h per day), increased weight gain in male rats, while females showed decreased food intake and no change in body weight. Both sexes successfully performed the Y maze and object recognition (OR) tasks, indicating intact spatial working memory performance and object recognition abilities in both male and female rats. In addition, we have shown that stress caused an increase in the level of anxiety in male rats. In contrast, the behavior of the female rats was not affected by cold exposure. Conclusion: Overall, the current results provide preliminary evidence that chronic intermittent cold stress model may not be an efficient stressor to female rats. Females exhibit resilience to cold exposure that causes an increase in the level of anxiety in male rats, which demonstrates that they are affected differently by stress and the gender is an important consideration in experimental design.

Prevalence of overweight/obesity and its associated factors among a sample of Moroccan type 2 diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND: Obesity constitutes a major risk factor for the development of diabetes, and has been linked with poor glycaemic control among type 2 diabetic patients. AIMS: This study examines the prevalence of overweight/obesity and associated factors in type 2 diabetic patients in the Beni-Mellal Khenifra region in Morocco. METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 among 975 diabetes patients attending primary health centres. Demographic and clinical data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Anthropometric measurements, including body weight, height and waist circumference, were taken using standardized techniques and calibrated equipment. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight was 40.4%, the general obesity was 28.8% and the abdominal obesity was 73.7%. Using multivariate analysis, we noted that the general obesity was associated with female sex (AOR= 3,004, 95% CI: 1.761-5.104, P<0.001), increased age (AOR=2.192, 95% CI: 1.116-4.307, P<0.023) and good glycaemic control (AOR=1.594, 95% CI: 1.056-2.407, P=0.027), whereas abdominal obesity was associated wih female sex (AOR=2.654, 95% CI: 1.507-4.671, P<0.001) and insulin treatment (AOR=2.927, 95% CI: 1.031-8.757, P=0.048). CONCLUSION: Overweight, general obesity and abdominal obesity were high among participants, especially among women. Taken together, these findings urge the implementation of a roadmap for this diabetic subpopulation to have a new lifestyle.

Mental health among students with neurodevelopment disorders: case of dyslexic children and adolescents.

Several research studies have been devoted to study the links between emotional disorders and learning disabilities. However, very minimal of this research has focused on dyslexic students. Objective: The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to assess self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in dyslexic Arabic-speaking children and adolescents and (2) to describe psychiatric comorbidities in these subjects by comparing them to their non-dyslexic peers. Methods: In total, 205 students (56 dyslexics and 149 good readers), pursuing their education in ordinary schools in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region of Morocco responded to Taylor's Self-Assessment Scale of Anxiety, Beck's Depression Questionnaire, and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI). Results: Overall, dyslexics were more anxious, more depressed, and had disturbed self-esteem compared to their non-dyslexic peers. The percentage of psychiatric comorbidity was higher in the dyslexic group. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach that integrates emotional needs assessment into the rehabilitation care of dyslexic children and adolescents.

Muitos estudos têm pesquisado as ligações entre transtornos emocionais e dificuldades de aprendizagem. No entanto, muito pouco desta pesquisa se concentrou em estudantes disléxicos. Objetivo: Os objetivos deste estudo foram: 1) avaliar a autoestima, ansiedade e depressão em crianças e adolescentes disléxicos falantes do árabe; 2) descrever comorbidades psiquiátricas nesses estudantes, comparando-os com seus pares não disléxicos. Métodos: 205 estudantes (56 disléxicos e 149 bons leitores), alunos de escolas comuns da região de Beni Mellal-Khenifra do Marrocos, responderam à escala de autoavaliação de ansiedade de Taylor, ao questionário de depressão de Beck's e ao inventário de autoestima de Coopersmith (IES). Resultados: Em geral, os disléxicos eram mais ansiosos, mais deprimidos e tiveram distúrbios de autoestima em comparação com seus pares não-disléxicos. O percentual de comorbidade psiquiátrica foi maior no grupo disléxico. Conclusões: Os resultados deste trabalho evidenciam a necessidade de uma abordagem multidisciplinar que integre a avaliação das necessidades emocionais aos cuidados de reabilitação de crianças e adolescentes disléxicos.

Autonomic Brain Centers and Pathophysiology of COVID-19.

Accumulating data have now shown strong evidence that COVID-19 infection leads to the occurrence of neurological signs with different injury severity. Anosmia and agueusia are now well documented and included in the criteria list for diagnosis, and specialists have stressed that doctors screen COVID-19 patients for these two signs. The eventual brainstem dysregulation, due to the invasion of SARS CoV-2, as a cause of respiratory problems linked to COVID-19, has also been extensively discussed. All these findings lead to an implication of the central nervous system in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. Here we provide additional elements that could explain other described signs like appetite loss, vomiting, and nausea. For this, we investigated the role of brainstem structures located in the medulla oblongata involved in food intake and vomiting control. We also discussed the possible pathways the virus uses to reach the brainstem, i.e., neurotropic and hematogenous (with its two variants) routes.

Comment on "The neuroinvasive potential of SARS-CoV-2 may play a role in the respiratory failure of COVID-19 patients".

We have read with great care and interest the article by Li et al The authors provide interesting elements with respect to the possible entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 at the brain area and plead for an implication of the central nervous system in respiratory problems linked to coronavirus disease. Here we provide additional elements that support those observations, notably the role of brainstem structures located in the medulla oblongata in modulating respiration. We also discussed the possible pathways the virus uses to cross the brain blood barrier and reach the brainstem.

Gestational and Lactational Exposure to Malathion Affects Antioxidant Status and Neurobehavior in Mice Pups and Offspring.

Environmental factors such as pesticides are considered key determinants of brain damage and brain dysfunction. In the present work, we investigated the effect of an organophosphate pesticide, i.e., malathion, administrated peri- and postnatally on the antioxidant system as well as on acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity in the brains of mice pups during the three postnatal weeks. Furthermore, we analyzed the behavior of the offspring just after weaning to assess the eventual effect of the pesticide on anxiety traits and social interaction. Concerning the biochemical biomarkers, the continuous treatment with malathion given either at a low dose of 5 mg/kg or at a medium one, 15 mg/kg, causes alterations in the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase, accompanied by high level of peroxidation of membrane lipids, indicating a disturbance in intracellular redox homeostasis with subsequent increased intracellular oxidative stress. The effect was more pronounced when the high dose was applied. This was also demonstrated for the activity of AChE, downregulated at all postnatal ages investigated (5, 15, and 21), whereas the low dose (5 mg/kg) did not alter this enzymatic activity which is in line with the absence of locomotor activity alteration as assessed by open field (OF). With regard to this last test, results obtained show also that the treated offspring mice develop an anxiogenic state as evidenced by open field as well as an impairment of social interaction. Altogether, these results provide an accurate characterization of the association between neurobehavioral outcomes and brain alterations following malathion administrated in gestational and lactational periods, even given at low dose, classified as safe, and indicate clearly that the developing brain is sensitively vulnerable to this organophosphate pesticide.