Increased epileptogenicity in a mouse model of neurofibromatosis type 1.

Rationale: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is associated with higher rates of epilepsy compared to the general population. Some NF1 patients with epilepsy do not have intracranial lesions, suggesting the genetic mutation itself may contribute to higher rates of epilepsy in these patients. We have recently demonstrated increased seizure susceptibility in the Nf1 mouse, but it is unknown whether this model displays altered epileptogenicity, as has been reported in patients with NF1.

Increased seizure susceptibility in a mouse model of neurofibromatosis type 1.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurocutaneous disorder linked to higher rates of epilepsy as compared with the general population. Although some epilepsy cases in NF1 are related to intracranial lesions, epileptogenic lesions are not always identified. It is unknown whether the genetic mutation itself, which leads to lower levels of the tumor suppressor protein neurofibromin, alters seizure susceptibility.

Melanin-concentrating hormone and orexin systems in rat nucleus incertus: Dual innervation, bidirectional effects on neuron activity, and differential influences on arousal and feeding.

The rat nucleus incertus (NI) contains GABA/peptide-projection neurons responsive to orexin (hypocretin)/orexin receptor-2 (OX) signalling. Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and orexin neurons often innervate and influence common target areas. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between these hypothalamic peptidergic systems and rat NI, by investigating the presence of an MCH innervation and MCH receptor-1 (MCH) expression, and neurophysiological and behavioural effects of MCH c.

Towards High Performance Metal-Organic Framework-Microporous Polymer Mixed Matrix Membranes: Addressing Compatibility and Limiting Aging by Polymer Doping.

Membrane separation for gas purification is an energy-efficient and environment-friendly technology. However, the development of high performance membranes is still a great challenge. In principle, mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have the potential to overcome current materials limitations, but in practice there is no straightforward method to match the properties of fillers and polymers (the main components of MMMs) in such a way that the final membrane performance reflects the high performance of the microporous filler and the processability of the continuous polymer phase.