Transplantation of Neural Progenitor Cells Derived from Stem Cells from Apical Papilla Through Small-Molecule Induction in a Rat Model of Sciatic Nerve Injury.

Background: Stem cell-based transplantation therapy holds promise for peripheral nerve injury treatment, but adult availability is limited. A cell culture protocol utilizing a small-molecule cocktail effectively reprogrammed stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) into neural progenitor cells, subsequently differentiating into neuron-like cells. This study aims to evaluate neural-induced SCAPs, with and without small-molecule cocktail, for sciatic nerve repair potential.

Formation of Three-Dimensional Spheres Enhances the Neurogenic Potential of Stem Cells from Apical Papilla.

Unlabelled: Cell-based neural regeneration is challenging due to the difficulty in obtaining sufficient neural stem cells with clinical applicability. Stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) originating from embryonic neural crests with high neurogenic potential could be a promising cell source for neural regeneration. This study aimed to investigate whether the formation of 3D spheres can promote SCAPs' neurogenic potential.

Three-dimensional electroconductive carbon nanotube-based hydrogel scaffolds enhance neural differentiation of stem cells from apical papilla.

The radical treatment of neurological impairments remains a major clinical challenge. Stem cells with high neural differentiation ability delivered by electroconductive hydrogel scaffolds have demonstrated promising applications in neural tissue regeneration. However, there are still challenges in designing bioactive scaffolds with good biocompatibility, appropriate electrical conductivity, and neurogenic niche.

Behavioural responses of anxiety in aversive and non-aversive conditions between young and aged Sprague-Dawley rats.

Measures of anxiety in behavioural tests remain largely unclear even decades after their establishment. Differences in the severity of anxiety measured by anxiety tests is an important issue that must be addressed. To test the hypothesis that the addition of light as an aversive stimulus will elicit a difference in behaviour between aged and young animals, we compared the responses of aged and young animals in the home cage emergence test (HCET) and elevated plus maze (EPM), in high aversive bright light and low aversive dim light conditions.

The Paradoxical Effect of Deep Brain Stimulation on Memory.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising treatment for many memory-related disorders including dementia, anxiety, and addiction. However, the use of DBS can be a paradoxical conundrum-dementia treatments aim to improve memory, whereas anxiety or addiction treatments aim to suppress maladaptive memory. In this review, the key hypotheses on how DBS affects memory are highlighted.