Associative Learning-Induced Synaptic Potentiation at the Two Major Hippocampal CA1 Inputs for Cued Memory Acquisition.

Learning-associated functional plasticity at hippocampal synapses remains largely unexplored. Here, in a single session of reward-based trace conditioning, we examine learning-induced synaptic plasticity in the dorsal CA1 hippocampus (dCA1). Local field-potential recording combined with selective optogenetic inhibition first revealed an increase of dCA1 synaptic responses to the conditioned stimulus (CS) induced during conditioning at both Schaffer collaterals to the stratum radiatum (Rad) and temporoammonic input to the lacunosum moleculare (LMol).

Impact of single-trial avoidance learning on subsequent sleep.

Both non-rapid eye movement (NonREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, as well as sleep spindle and ripple oscillations, are important for memory formation. Through cortical EEG recordings of prefrontal cortex and hippocampus during and after an inhibitory avoidance task, we analysed the dynamic changes in the amounts of sleep, spindle and ripple oscillations related to memory formation. The total amount of NonREM sleep was reduced during the first hour after learning.

Post-stress Social Interaction and 3-Cyano-N-(1,3-Diphenyl-1H-Pyrazol-5-yl) Benzamide Treatment Attenuate Depressive-like Behavior Induced by Repeated Social Defeat Stress.

Persistent stress increases the probability for developing depression significantly thereafter. Repeated social defeat stress is a widely used model to investigate depressive-like behavior in preclinical models. Hence, the repeated social defeat stress model provided an ideal animal model, through which the hypotheses of prevention and treatment can be investigated.

Excessive bowel volume loss during anus-preserving surgery for rectal cancer affects the bowel function after operation: A prospective observational cohort study (Bas-1611).

Background: Bowel volume loss during anus-preserving surgery (APS) may result in low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). We conducted this prospective observational cohort study to measure the incidence of LARS after surgery and evaluate the relationship between bowel volume loss and bowel function.

Methods: Patients with R0 resectable rectal cancer who consented to several bowel function surveys through telephone interviews after the operation were included.

Droplet spatial distribution of oil-based emulsion spray.

Introduction: Oil-based emulsion solution is a common pesticide formulation in agricultural spraying, and its spray characteristics are different from that of water spraying. The well understanding of its spray characteristics is the theoretical basis to improve the pesticide spraying technology. The objective of the present study is to deepen the understanding of the spray characteristics of oil-based emulsion.

Simultaneous Multisite Extracellular Electrophysiological Recordings During Electrical Stimulation in Anesthetized Rats.

Analyzing neuronal activities is essential to deciphering the function of neural circuits. In anesthetized rodents, simultaneous multisite recording of extracellular electrophysiological activity with defined electrical stimulation is a powerful tool to dissect reciprocal relationships between brain structures. Here, we present a protocol to simultaneously record from the subthalamic nucleus and substantia nigra pars reticulata while stimulating the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus in anesthetized rats.

Theoretical and experimental studies on the oil-based emulsion spray.

Oil-based emulsion is a common herbicide formulation in agricultural spray, and its atomization mechanism is different from that of water spray. In this paper, a theoretical model based on the characteristics of spray sheets was proposed to predict the spray droplet size for oil-based emulsion spray. An image processing method was used to measure droplet size distributions for different spray pressures and nozzle configurations, and the measured results were used to validate the theoretical model.

Sex differences in learning and performing the Go/NoGo tasks.

Background: The quality of learning and post-learning performances is critical for daily life. The behavioral flexibility is equally important for adapting the changing circumstances. The learning process requires repeated practices, which enhances prompt and proper behavioral responses, in turn, which promotes habits formation as well.

Neutrophil extracellular traps induced by the hypoxic microenvironment in gastric cancer augment tumour growth.

Background: Inflammation-related predisposition to cancer plays an essential role in cancer progression and is associated with poor prognosis. A hypoxic microenvironment and neutrophil infiltration are commonly present in solid tumours, including gastric cancer (GC). Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have also been demonstrated in the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME), but how NETs affect GC progression remains unknown.

Resveratrol and Sir2 Reverse Sleep and Memory Defects Induced by Amyloid Precursor Protein.

Resveratrol (RES), a natural polyphenolic phytochemical, has been suggested as a putative anti-aging molecule for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by the activation of sirtuin 1 (Sirt1/Sir2). In this study, we tested the effects of RES and Sirt1/Sir2 on sleep and courtship memory in a Drosophila model by overexpression of amyloid precursor protein (APP), whose duplications and mutations cause familial AD. We found a mild but significant transcriptional increase of Drosophila Sir2 (dSir2) by RES supplementation for up to 17 days in APP flies, but not for 7 days.

Epidemiological investigation of the first locally acquired case of COVID-19 identified by influenza surveillance-Taiwan, February 2020.

Background: COVID-19 and influenza have similar clinical presentations that can range from mild to severe disease. The World Health Organization recommends that countries use existing influenza surveillance to monitor COVID-19 transmission in communities. We aim to describe the surveillance and investigation of COVID-19 at the early stage of the pandemic in Taiwan.

Association between Statin Use and Diabetes Risk in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack.

Statin therapy can effectively reduce recurrent transient ischemic attack (TIA) risk. However, studies have reported that statin use is associated with incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM). Whether statin therapy remains associated with higher DM risk in patients with TIA remains unknown.

Electrical activation of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus modulates the neuronal activities of the subthalamic nucleus and the substantia nigra pars reticulata in anesthetized rats.

The subthalamic nucleus (STN), substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), and pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) are reciprocally connected brain regions that play significant roles in the motor control. However, the electrophysiological relationship among the STN, SNr, and PPTg remains controversial. The present study was designed to further explore the mutual electrophysiological relationship of these brain regions from the perspective of the PPTg-STN-SNr neural circuit.

Impact of Polymorphisms on Subjective Well-Being: The Intermediary Role of Attributional Style.

Polymorphisms in the oxytocin receptor () gene are related to individual differences in negative emotions, such as depressive symptoms and anxiety. However, it remains unclear what the potential roles of polymorphisms are in subjective well-being (SWB), which is negatively correlated with depressive symptoms. We examined attributional styles as mediator between SWB and five polymorphisms of the oxytocin receptor gene ( rs53576, rs2254298, rs1042778, rs2268494, and rs2268490) among 627 full-time college freshmen ( = 20.

Association of CYP24A1 gene polymorphism with colorectal cancer in the Jiamusi population.

Background: The population in Jiamusi has been reported to have the highest prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in China. The genetic causal-effect for this occurrence among the residents remains unclear. Given the long cold seasons with people wearing more clothes and reduced UV exposure, we aimed to study the association between the vitamin D metabolism-related gene CYP24A1 polymorphism and CRC susceptibility.

The overexpression of AUF1 in colorectal cancer predicts a poor prognosis and promotes cancer progression by activating ERK and AKT pathways.

Background: AUF1 is one of the AU-rich binding proteins, which promotes rapid ARE-mRNA degradation. Recently, it has been reported that AUF1 is involved in regulating the antioxidant system because of its capacity to bind specifically to RNA containing oxidized bases and degrade oxidized RNA. Many antioxidant proteins have been reported to be overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC), however, the role of AUF1 in the progression of CRC has not been explored.

Impact of Colon-Specific DNA Methylation-Regulated Gene Modules on Colorectal Cancer Patient Survival.

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in females and the third in males worldwide. Although existing evidence explained some critical functions of the single genetic abnormality in the pathogenesis of CRC, the function of interactors involved in the colon-specific regulatory network, especially DNA methylation regulated network is still poorly understood. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this work, matched gene expression and DNA methylation samples of CRC patients were retrieved.

Blocking skeletal muscle DHPRs/Ryr1 prevents neuromuscular synapse loss in mutant mice deficient in type III Neuregulin 1 (CRD-Nrg1).

Schwann cells are integral components of vertebrate neuromuscular synapses; in their absence, pre-synaptic nerve terminals withdraw from post-synaptic muscles, leading to muscle denervation and synapse loss at the developing neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Here, we report a rescue of muscle denervation and neuromuscular synapses loss in type III Neuregulin 1 mutant mice (CRD-Nrg1-/-), which lack Schwann cells. We found that muscle denervation and neuromuscular synapse loss were prevented in CRD-Nrg1-/-mice when presynaptic activity was blocked by ablating a specific gene, such as Snap25 (synaptosomal-associated 25 kDa protein) or Chat (choline acetyltransferase).

MutT-related proteins are novel progression and prognostic markers for colorectal cancer.

Background: MutT-related proteins, including MTH1, MTH2, MTH3 and NUDT5, can effectively degrade 8-oxoGua-containing nucleotides. The MTH1 expression is elevated in many types of human tumors and MTH1 overexpression correlates with the tumor pathological stage and poor prognosis. However, the expression of other MutT-related proteins in human cancers remains unknown.

Abnormal circadian oscillation of hippocampal MAPK activity and power spectrums in NF1 mutant mice.

Studies have implied that the circadian oscillation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathways is crucial for hippocampus-dependent memory. NF1 mouse models (Nf1 heterozygous null mutants; Nf1 ) displayed enhanced MAPK activity in the hippocampus and resulted in memory deficits. We assumed a link between MAPK pathways and hippocampal rhythmic oscillations, which have never been explored in Nf1 mice.

Arkypallidal Cells Send a Stop Signal to Striatum.

The suppression of inappropriate actions is critical for flexible behavior. Cortical-basal ganglia networks provide key gating mechanisms for action suppression, yet the specific roles of neuronal subpopulations are poorly understood. Here, we examine Arkypallidal (‘‘Arky’’) and Prototypical (‘‘Proto’’) globus pallidus neurons during a Stop task, which requires abrupt cancellation of an imminent action.

L-3-n-butylphthalide improves cognitive impairment of APP/PS1 mice by BDNF/TrkB/PI3K/AKT pathway.

L-3-n-butylphthalide (L-NBP), an extract from seeds of Apium graveolens Linn (Chinese celery), has been shown to have neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemic, vascular dementia and amyloid-beta (Abeta)-induced animal models by inhibiting oxidative injury, neuronal apoptosis and glial activation, regulating amyloid-beta protein precursor (AbetaPP) processing and reducing Abeta generation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of L-3-n-butylphthalide on memory impairment and the expression of brain neurotrophic derived factor (BNDF), kinaseB (TrkB), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and Akt in APP/PS1 double transgenic mouse models. APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were administered 30 mg/kg•d L-NBP and 10 mg/kg•d L-NBP for one month.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate ameliorates learning and memory deficits by adjusting the balance of TrkA/p75NTR signaling in APP/PS1 transgenic mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is pathologically characterized by deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides, which closely correlates with the balance of nerve growth factor (NGF)-related TrkA/p75NTR signaling. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is used for prevention and treatment of many neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. However, whether the neuroprotective effects of EGCG treatment were via modulating the balance of TrkA/p75NTR signaling was still unknown.

Canceling actions involves a race between basal ganglia pathways.

Salient cues can prompt the rapid interruption of planned actions. It has been proposed that fast, reactive behavioral inhibition involves specific basal ganglia pathways, and we tested this by comparing activity in multiple rat basal ganglia structures during performance of a stop-signal task. Subthalamic nucleus (STN) neurons exhibited low-latency responses to 'Stop' cues, irrespective of whether actions were canceled or not.