Persistent neuroinflammation and functional deficits in a murine model of decompression sickness.

We hypothesized that early intra-CNS responses in a murine model of decompression sickness (DCS) would be reflected by changes in the microparticles (MPs) that exit the brain via the glymphatic system, and due to systemic responses the MPs would cause inflammatory changes lasting for many days leading to functional neurological deficits. Elevations on the order of 3-fold of blood-borne inflammatory MPs, neutrophil activation, glymphatic flow and neuroinflammation in cerebral cortex and hippocampus were found in mice at 12 days after exposure to 760 kPa of air for 2 hours. Mice also exhibited a significant decline in memory and locomotor activity, as assessed by novel object recognition and rotarod testing. Similar inflammatory changes in blood, neuroinflammation and functional impairments were initiated in naïve mice by injection of filamentous (F-) actin-positiveMPs, but not F-actin-negative MPs,obtained from decompressed mice. We conclude that high pressure/decompression stress establishes a systemic inflammatory process that results in prolonged neuroinflammation and functional impairments in the mouse decompression model.

Home Sleep Apnea Testing for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a major public health problem affecting almost one billion individuals worldwide. Ninety percent of patients with OSA are still undiagnosed. Although an attended polysomnography (PSG) testing is the gold standard to diagnose OSA, it is time-consuming and is associated with higher costs. The Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT) is now available to diagnose OSA. Understanding the indications and limitations of HSAT is important to avoid misdiagnosis and improve patient outcomes.

Efficacy of serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels for prediction of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its association with clinical, biochemical and hormonal parameters.

Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) has been proposed to add significance to diagnosis of PCOS in case of ambiguity. However, variable cutoffs of AHM among PCOS women have been reported. Using case-control design, this study investigated the diagnostic threshold of serum AMH levels among age matched 113 PCOS and 75 normo-ovulatory women and its correlation with clinical, hormonal and ultrasonographic parameters.PCOS was defined as per Rotterdam criteria 2003. Results depicted the mean serum AMH level to be significantly higher in PCOS group (7.84 ± 3.67vs. 3.23 ± 1.56 ng/mL) than controls. The AMH levels were positively(p = 0.001) associated with ovarian volume (r = 0.521) as well as number of ovarian follicles(r = 0.461). Further, serum AMH levels showed a positive correlation with luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio (r = 0.206, p = 0.02), but no correlation significant with age, BMI,FG score and testosterone levels. As per receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, cut-off was worked out to be 3.76 ng/ml with 86.7% sensitivity and 62.7% specificity. The mean level of AMH were highest among PCOS women with phenotype A (12.67 ± 3.46 ng/ml) with least among PCOS women displaying phenotype B(7.28 ± 1.60 ng/ml) where there is absence of PCOM. In conclusion, serum AMH levels are highly predictive of PCOM and high LH/FSH ratio among PCOS women and may be a potent diagnostic marker of ovarian dysfunction either alone or in conjunction with other tools. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12291-022-01058-4.

A novel mutation in the KCNJ11 gene (p.Val36Glu), predisposes to congenital hyperinsulinemia.

The hypoglycemia induced by insulin hypersecretion in congenital hyperinsulinemia (CHI), a rare life-threatening condition can lead to irreversible brain damage in neonates. Inactivating mutations in the genes encoding KATP channel (ABCC8 and KCNJ11) as well as HNF4A, HNF1A, HADH, UCP2, and activating mutations in GLUD1, GCK, and SLC16A1 have been identified as causal. A 3-month-old male infant presenting tonic-clonic seizures and hyperinsulinemia was clinically assessed and subjected to genetic analysis. Besides the index patient, his parents were clinically investigated, and a detailed family history was also recorded. The laboratory investigations and the genetic test results of the parents were compared with the index patient. The biochemical and hormonal profile of the patient confirmed his suffering from CHI and did not respond to diazoxide treatment. The genetic testing revealed that the subject harbored a novel homozygous missense mutation in the KCNJ11 gene, (c.107T>A, p.Val36Glu.). The bioinformatic analysis revealed that valine is highly conserved and predicted that the variant allele (p.Val36Glu) is likely pathogenic and causal for CHI. Parents were heterozygous carriers and did not report any abnormal metabolic profile. Identification of such mutations is critical and likely to change the therapeutic interventions for such patients in the future.

Innovative Wound Healing Hydrogel Containing Chicken Feather Keratin and Soy Isoflavone Genistein: In Vivo Studies.

The current study was performed to isolate keratin from chicken feathers with an intention to develop a keratin-genistein wound-healing hydrogel, along with its in vivo analysis. Pre-formulation aspects were analysed by using FTIR; SEM; HPTLC, while gel was characterized for gel strength, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, etc. Additionally, an in vivo study along with biochemical factors against pro-inflammatory factors and histopathological studies were conducted to determine possible wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Pre-formulation studies revealed the presence of amide bonds with region of dense fibrous keratin and an internal porous network in extracted keratin, which corresponds with standard keratin. Evaluation of optimised keratin-genistein hydrogel indicated the development of neutral, non-sticky hydrogel which spread evenly on the skin. In vivo studies in rats indicate higher degrees of wound-healing in combined hydrogel (94.65%) for a duration of 14 days as compared to an individual hydrogel formulation with the development of the epidermis and excessive proliferation of fibrous connective tissue indicating wound repair. Furthermore, the hydrogel inhibited the overexpression of IL-6 gene along with other pro-inflammatory factors, indicating its anti-inflammatory effects. In order to find out the possibility of closure of wounds and anti-inflammatory properties of the novel product, an in vivo investigation into the healing of wounds in laboratory animals was carried out through biochemical (ELISA and qRT-PCR) analyses against inflammatory markers (IL-2, IL-6, IL-1, IL-10, and COX-2) and histopathological (liver, skin, and the kidneys) investigations. Based on the results, we conclude that keratin-genistein hydrogel is a promising therapeutic molecule for the management of wound repair.

DOE-Assisted Formulation, Optimization, and Characterization of Tioconazole-Loaded Transferosomal Hydrogel for the Effective Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation.

The present study was performed to determine the therapeutic effects of tioconazole (Tz)-loaded novel transferosome carriers (TFs) for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). METHOD: Tioconazole transferosomes suspension (TTFs) was formulated and optimized using a 32 factorial design. After that, the optimized batch of TTFs loaded into Carbopol 934 and sodium CMC was prepared with hydrogel and noted as TTFsH. Subsequently, it was evaluated for pH, spread ability, drug content, in vitro drug release, viscosity, in vivo scratching and erythema score, skin irritation, and histopathology study. RESULT: The optimized batch of TTFs (B4) showed the values of vesicle size, flux, and entrapment efficiency to be 171.40 ± 9.03 nm, 48.23 ± 0.42, and 93.89 ± 2.41, respectively. All batches of TTFsH showed sustained drug release for up to 24 h. The F2 optimized batch released Tz in an amount of 94.23 ± 0.98% with a flux of 47.23 ± 0.823 and followed the Higuchi kinetic model. The in vivo studies provided evidence that the F2 batch of TTFsH was able to treat atopic dermatitis (AD) by reducing the erythema and the scratching score compared to that of the marketed formulation (Candiderm cream, Glenmark). The histopathology study supported the result of the erythema and scratching score study with intact skin structure. It showed that a formulated low dose of TTFsH was safe and biocompatible to both the dermis and the epidermis layer of skin. CONCLUSION: Thus, a low dose of F2-TTFsH is a promising tool that effectively targeted the skin for the topical delivery of Tz to treat atopic dermatitis symptoms.

Functional foods and their impact on health.

Functional foods play an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing the risk factors of various diseases. Most foods have a functional element which is responsible for improving the healthy state. All food substances such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, meat, fish, dairy contain functional ingredients. A wide range of naturally occurring substances from plant and animal sources having active components which play a role in physiological actions deserve attention for their optimal use in maintaining health. The market for functional food is keep on expanding, and the global market is projected to reach a value of at least 91 billion USD soon. Overwhelming evidence from preclinical (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical studies have shown that intake of functional foods could have an impact on the prevention of chronic diseases, especially cancer, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal tract disorders and neurological diseases. Extensive research needs to be done to determine the potential health benefits for the proper application of these foods to improve health state and combat chronic disease progression. The aim of this review is to conduct a thorough literature survey, to understand the various classification of functional foods and their health benefits.

Elevations of Extracellular Vesicles and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Closed Circuit SCUBA Divers.

Blood-borne extracellular vesicles and inflammatory mediators were evaluated in divers using a closed circuit rebreathing apparatus and custom-mixed gases to diminish some diving risks. "Deep" divers (n = 8) dove once to mean (±SD) 102.5 ± 1.2 m of sea water (msw) for 167.3 ± 11.5 min. "Shallow" divers (n = 6) dove 3 times on day 1, and then repetitively over 7 days to 16.4 ± 3.7 msw, for 49.9 ± 11.9 min. There were statistically significant elevations of microparticles (MPs) in deep divers (day 1) and shallow divers at day 7 that expressed proteins specific to microglia, neutrophils, platelets, and endothelial cells, as well as thrombospondin (TSP)-1 and filamentous (F-) actin. Intra-MP IL-1ß increased by 7.5-fold (p < 0.001) after day 1 and 41-fold (p = 0.003) at day 7. Intra-MP nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS2) increased 17-fold (p < 0.001) after day 1 and 19-fold (p = 0.002) at day 7. Plasma gelsolin (pGSN) levels decreased by 73% (p < 0.001) in deep divers (day 1) and 37% in shallow divers by day 7. Plasma samples containing exosomes and other lipophilic particles increased from 186% to 490% among the divers but contained no IL-1ß or NOS2. We conclude that diving triggers inflammatory events, even when controlling for hyperoxia, and many are not proportional to the depth of diving.

Neuroinflammation with increased glymphatic flow in a murine model of decompression sickness.

This project investigated glial-based lymphatic (glymphatic) function and its role in a murine model of decompression sickness (DCS). DCS pathophysiology is traditionally viewed as being related to gas bubble formation from insoluble gas on decompression. However, a body of work implicates a role for a subset of inflammatory extracellular vesicles, 0.1 to 1 µm microparticles (MPs) that are elevated in human and rodent models in response to high gas pressure and rise further after decompression. Herein, we describe immunohistochemical and Western blot evidence showing that following high air pressure exposure, there are elevations of astrocyte NF-κB and microglial-ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1 (IBA-1) along with fluorescence contrast and MRI findings of an increase in glymphatic flow. Concomitant elevations of central nervous system-derived MPs coexpressing thrombospondin-1 (TSP) drain to deep cervical nodes and then to blood where they cause neutrophil activation. A new set of blood-borne MPs are generated that express filamentous actin at the surface that exacerbate neutrophil activation. Blood-brain barrier integrity is disrupted due to activated neutrophil sequestration that causes further astrocyte and microglial perturbation. When postdecompression node or blood MPs are injected into naïve mice, the same spectrum of abnormalities occur and they are blocked with coadministration of antibody to TSP. We conclude that high pressure/decompression causes neuroinflammation with an increased glymphatic flow. The resulting systemic liberation of TSP-expressing MPs sustains the neuroinflammatory cycle lasting for days.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A murine model of central nervous system (CNS) decompression sickness demonstrates that high gas pressure activates astrocytes and microglia triggering inflammatory microparticle (MP) production. Thrombospondin-expressing MPs are released from the CNS via enhanced glymphatic flow to the systemic circulation where they activate neutrophils. Secondary production of neutrophil-derived MPs causes further cell activation and neutrophil adherence to the brain microvasculature establishing a feed-forward neuroinflammatory cycle.

Blood-Borne Microparticles Are an Inflammatory Stimulus in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The proinflammatory state associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) remains poorly understood. We found patients with DM have 3- to 14-fold elevations of blood-borne microparticles (MPs) that bind phalloidin (Ph; Ph positive [+] MPs), indicating the presence of F-actin on their surface. We hypothesized that F-actin-coated MPs were an unrecognized cause for DM-associated proinflammatory status. Ph+MPs, but not Ph-negative MPs, activate human and murine (Mus musculus) neutrophils through biophysical attributes of F-actin and membrane expression of phosphatidylserine (PS). Neutrophils respond to Ph+MPs via a linked membrane array, including the receptor for advanced glycation end products and CD36, PS-binding membrane receptors. These proteins in conjunction with TLR4 are coupled to NO synthase 1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP). Neutrophil activation occurs because of Ph+MPs causing elevations of NF-κB and Src kinase (SrcK) via a concurrent increased association of NO synthase 2 and SrcK with NOS1AP, resulting in SrcK S-nitrosylation. We conclude that NOS1AP links PS-binding receptors with intracellular regulatory proteins. Ph+MPs are alarmins present in normal human plasma and are increased in those with DM and especially those with DM and a lower-extremity ulcer.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Diseases: Sad Realities and Untold Truths regarding Care of Patients in 2022.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common and serious sleep-related breathing disorders with a high prevalence among patients with cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Despite its widespread presence, OSA remains severely undiagnosed and untreated. CV mortality and morbidity are significantly increased in the presence of OSA as it is associated with an increased risk of resistant hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease. Evaluation and treatment of OSA should focus on recognizing patients at risk of developing OSA. The use of screening questionnaires should be routine, but a formal polysomnography sleep study is fundamental in establishing and classifying OSA. Recognition of OSA patients will allow for the institution of appropriate therapy that should alleviate OSA-related symptoms with the intent of decreasing adverse CV risk. In this review, we focus on the impact OSA has on CV disease and evaluate contemporary OSA treatments. Our goal is to heighten awareness among CV practitioners.

Endoscopic Recognition and Management of Trichuris vulpis Induced Colitis in Three Dogs: A Case Report.

Trichuris vulpis is a relatively common cause of canine large bowel disease leading to chronic diarrhea. Faecal analysis is negative most of the times due to long prepatent period and eggs may be shed intermittently. This case study done at Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India from 2014 to 2018 describes the usefulness of endoscopy in diagnosing the colitis due to presence of T. vulpis worms. Three dogs presented with haematochezia and tenesmus were subjected to detailed clinical examination. As the faecal examination was negative and there was no improvement on initial therapy endoscopy was performed. Numerous T. vulpis whip-worms were found attached to the colon mucosa on endoscopic examination. Multiple bleeding ulcerated sites were observed throughout the colon. The dog was treated with oral febental, praziquantal and pyrantal combination tablets (Drontal Plus). Clinical improvement was observed within a week.

Roflumilast, a Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitor, Ameliorates Sleep Deprivation-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction in C57BL/6J Mice.

Sleep deprivation (SD) interferes with long-term memory and cognitive functions by overactivation of phosphodiesterase (PDEs) enzymes. PDE4, a nonredundant regulator of the cyclic nucleotides (cAMP), is densely expressed in the hippocampus and is involved in learning and memory processes. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Roflumilast (ROF), a PDE4B inhibitor, on sleep deprivation-induced cognitive dysfunction in a mouse model. Memory assessment was performed using a novel object recognition task, and the hippocampal cAMP level was estimated by the ELISA method. The alterations in the expressions of PDE4B, amyloid-ß (Aß), CREB, BDNF, and synaptic proteins (Synapsin I, SAP 97, PSD 95) were assessed to gain insights into the possible mechanisms of action of ROF using the Western blot technique. Results show that ROF reversed SD-induced cognitive decline in mice. ROF downregulated PDE4B and Aß expressions in the brain. Additionally, ROF improved the cAMP level and the protein expressions of synapsin I, SAP 97, and PSD 95 in the hippocampal region of SD mice. Taken together, these results suggest that ROF can suppress the deleterious effects of SD-induced cognitive dysfunction via the PDE4B-mediated cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling cascade.

Incidence of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunctions in the Early Stages of COVID-19: An Objective Evaluation

Abstract Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a dangerous infectious disease caused by a newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has various clinical presentations. Numerable cases with non-specific olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in COVID-19 have been reported from all over the globe. This is important as awareness will let people to self-isolate and help in limiting disease spread. Objective To objectively evaluate the frequency of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, which may occur independently or with other symptoms, in laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients at an early stage of the disease. Methods Objective evaluation of olfactory and gustatory function of 322 COVID-19 patients treated at our hospital, (SMGS, Government Medical College, Jammu), from August 2020 until November 2020. Results Our study population included 127 (39.4%) males and 195 (60.6%) females. Two hundred and twenty-six (70.2%) COVID-19 patients experienced olfactory and gustatory disorders. One hundred and sixty-five (51.2%) cases experienced both olfactory and gustatory disorders. Isolated olfactory dysfunction was reported in 34 (10.6%) patients, while 27 (8.4%) patients experienced only gustatory dysfunction. Conclusion The olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, without any nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea, are significant symptoms in the clinical presentation of early COVID-19 patients. This presentation can be recognized at the earliest one, and it can reduce the high communicability of the COVID-19 disease.

Incidence of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunctions in the Early Stages of COVID-19: An Objective Evaluation.

Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a dangerous infectious disease caused by a newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has various clinical presentations. Numerable cases with non-specific olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in COVID-19 have been reported from all over the globe. This is important as awareness will let people to self-isolate and help in limiting disease spread. Objective To objectively evaluate the frequency of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, which may occur independently or with other symptoms, in laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients at an early stage of the disease. Methods Objective evaluation of olfactory and gustatory function of 322 COVID-19 patients treated at our hospital, (SMGS, Government Medical College, Jammu), from August 2020 until November 2020. Results Our study population included 127 (39.4%) males and 195 (60.6%) females. Two hundred and twenty-six (70.2%) COVID-19 patients experienced olfactory and gustatory disorders. One hundred and sixty-five (51.2%) cases experienced both olfactory and gustatory disorders. Isolated olfactory dysfunction was reported in 34 (10.6%) patients, while 27 (8.4%) patients experienced only gustatory dysfunction. Conclusion The olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, without any nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea, are significant symptoms in the clinical presentation of early COVID-19 patients. This presentation can be recognized at the earliest one, and it can reduce the high communicability of the COVID-19 disease.

Influence of medical trainee sleep pattern (chronotype) on burn-out and satisfaction with work schedules: a multicentre observational study.

BACKGROUND: Medical trainees' work schedule is designed to cover duties without consideration of differences in circadian rhythms during a 24-hour period (chronotype). OBJECTIVE: To explore chronotype variation among medical trainees and understand its association with burn-out and schedule satisfaction. METHODS: In a multicentre observational study, we conducted two surveys between 1 October 2018 and 1 April 2019. Trainees from nine centres across the USA participated. We measured burn-out using Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and trainee chronotype using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). RESULTS: 324 (32%) out of 1012 responded to our survey. Participants were 51% female and had a mean age of 30.8 years. Most participants had an intermediate MEQ type (65%). A large proportion of participants had burn-out on at least one of three tested MBI scales (62%); 5% of participants had burn-out on all three MBI scales. More participants with evening MEQ type had burn-out (66%) compared with morning MEQ type (55%), however, the results were not statically significant (p=0.294). Overall satisfaction with work shifts was 6.5 (95% CI 6.3 to 6.7), with higher satisfaction with day shift 7.7 (95% CI 7.5 to 7.9) and lowest satisfaction with overnight 24-hour call 3.5 (95% CI 3.2 to 3.9). Satisfaction was lower in trainees with burn-out 6.0 (95% CI 5.7 to 6.4), (p<0.001). In the follow-up survey, burn-out was present in at least one scale in 64% compared with 60% of respondents in the initial survey. CONCLUSION: Burn-out is prevalent among medical trainees. Improving alignment between trainee preferences may improve performance, reduce human errors and burn-out.

Mitochondria-Endoplasmic Reticulum Crosstalk in Parkinson's Disease: The Role of Brain Renin Angiotensin System Components.

The past few decades have seen an increased emphasis on the involvement of the mitochondrial-associated membrane (MAM) in various neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In PD, alterations in mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and MAM functions affect the secretion and metabolism of proteins, causing an imbalance in calcium homeostasis and oxidative stress. These changes lead to alterations in the translocation of the MAM components, such as IP3R, VDAC, and MFN1 and 2, and consequently disrupt calcium homeostasis and cause misfolded proteins with impaired autophagy, distorted mitochondrial dynamics, and cell death. Various reports indicate the detrimental involvement of the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis in various neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we attempted to update the reports (using various search engines, such as PubMed, SCOPUS, Elsevier, and Springer Nature) demonstrating the pathogenic interactions between the various proteins present in mitochondria, ER, and MAM with respect to Parkinson's disease. We also made an attempt to speculate the possible involvement of RAS and its components, i.e., AT1 and AT2 receptors, angiotensinogen, in this crosstalk and PD pathology. The review also collates and provides updated information on the role of MAM in calcium signaling, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis in PD.

Mitochondrial and Organellar Crosstalk in Parkinson's Disease.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a well-established pathological event in Parkinson's disease (PD). Proteins misfolding and its impaired cellular clearance due to altered autophagy/mitophagy/pexophagy contribute to PD progression. It has been shown that mitochondria have contact sites with endoplasmic reticulum (ER), peroxisomes and lysosomes that are involved in regulating various physiological processes. In pathological conditions, the crosstalk at the contact sites initiates alterations in intracellular vesicular transport, calcium homeostasis and causes activation of proteases, protein misfolding and impairment of autophagy. Apart from the well-reported molecular changes like mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy/mitophagy and oxidative stress in PD, here we have summarized the recent scientific reports to provide the mechanistic insights on the altered communications between ER, peroxisomes, and lysosomes at mitochondrial contact sites. Furthermore, the manuscript elaborates on the contributions of mitochondrial contact sites and organelles dysfunction to the pathogenesis of PD and suggests potential therapeutic targets.

"Janus-Faced" α-Synuclein: Role in Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a pathological condition characterized by the aggregation and the resultant presence of intraneuronal inclusions termed Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites which are mainly composed of fibrillar α-synuclein (α-syn) protein. Pathogenic aggregation of α-syn is identified as the major cause of LBs deposition. Several mutations in α-syn showing varied aggregation kinetics in comparison to the wild type (WT) α-syn are reported in PD (A30P, E46K, H 50Q, G51D, A53E, and A53T). Also, the cell-to-cell spread of pathological α-syn plays a significant role in PD development. Interestingly, it has also been suggested that the pathology of PD may begin in the gastrointestinal tract and spread via the vagus nerve (VN) to brain proposing the gut-brain axis of α-syn pathology in PD. Despite multiple efforts, the behavior and functions of this protein in normal and pathological states (specifically in PD) is far from understood. Furthermore, the etiological factors responsible for triggering aggregation of this protein remain elusive. This review is an attempt to collate and present latest information on α-syn in relation to its structure, biochemistry and biophysics of aggregation in PD. Current advances in therapeutic efforts toward clearing the pathogenic α-syn via autophagy/lysosomal flux are also reviewed and reported.

Acetylsalicylic acid improves cognitive performance in sleep deprived adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) model.

Sleep deprivation (SD) is commonly associated with decreased attention, reduced responsiveness to external stimuli, and impaired locomotor and cognitive performances. Strong evidence indicates that SD disrupts neuro-immuno-endocrine system which is also linked to cognitive function. Recently Zebrafish have emerged as a powerful model sharing organizational and functional characteristics with other vertebrates, providing great translational relevance with rapid and reliable screening results. In the current study, we examined the effects of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) on cognitive and locomotor activity in sleep deprived Zebrafish model. Learning and memory were assessed by T-maze and locomotor activity was assessed by partition preference and swimming time in spinning tasks. Furthermore, brain bioavailability of aspirin was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Following drug exposure and tasks, histopathology of the brain was performed. It was observed that three-day SD significantly reduces learning and memory and locomotion in the Zebrafish. Aspirin was found to restore SD induced cognitive decline and improve the locomotor functions. Neuro-inflammation and impaired functional network connectivity is linked to cognitive defects, which implicate the possible benefits of immunotherapeutics. In the present study, aspirin decreased neutrophil infiltration, and increased spine density in dentate gyrus granular and shrinkage and basophil in the CA1 neurons of hippocampus. This hints the benefit of aspirin on neuroimmune functions in sleep deprived fish and warrants more studies to establish the clear molecular mechanism behind this protective effect.