Carbachol increases locus coeruleus activation by targeting noradrenergic neurons, inhibitory interneurons and inhibitory synaptic transmission.

The locus coeruleus (LC) consists of noradrenergic (NA) neurons and plays an important role in controlling behaviours. Although much of the knowledge regarding LC functions comes from studying behavioural outcomes upon administration of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) agonists into the nucleus, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report that the application of carbachol (CCh), an mAChR agonist, increased the spontaneous action potentials (sAPs) of both LC-NA neurons and local inhibitory interneurons (LC I-INs) in acute brain slices by activating M1/M3 mAChRs (m AChRs).

Smartphone-Based Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Prediction for Eyelid Measurements: Algorithm Development and Observational Validation Study.

Background: Margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1), margin reflex distance 2 (MRD2), and levator muscle function (LF) are crucial metrics for ptosis evaluation and management. However, manual measurements of MRD1, MRD2, and LF are time-consuming, subjective, and prone to human error. Smartphone-based artificial intelligence (AI) image processing is a potential solution to overcome these limitations.

Type of mandibular asymmetry affects changes and outcomes of bimaxillary surgery for class III asymmetry.

Objectives: Various methods have been used to classify class III asymmetry. There is little information on the use of an asymmetry index to examine soft tissue changes and outcomes for patients with class III asymmetry. This study aimed to (1) evaluate soft tissue changes and outcomes for three types of mandibular asymmetry and (2) determine if measures are associated with type of asymmetry.

Inhibitory interneurons regulate phasic activity of noradrenergic neurons in the mouse locus coeruleus and functional implications.

Key Points: The locus coeruleus (LC) contains noradrenergic (NA) neurons that respond to novel stimuli in the environment with phasic activation to initiate an orienting response; phasic LC activation is also triggered by stimuli, representing the outcome of task-related decision processes, to facilitate ensuing behaviours and help optimize task performance. Here, we report that LC-NA neurons exhibit bursts of action potentials in vitro resembling phasic LC activation in vivo, and the activity is gated by inhibitory interneurons (I-INs) located in the peri-LC. We also observe that inhibition of peri-LC I-INs enhances prepulse inhibition and axons from cortical areas that play important roles in evaluating the cost/reward of a stimulus synapse on both peri-LC I-INs and LC-NA neurons.

Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases Mediate an Autoregulation of GABA-Receptor-Activated Whole-Cell Current in Locus Coeruleus Neurons.

The norepinephrine-releasing neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) are well known to regulate wakefulness/arousal. They display active firing during wakefulness and a decreased discharge rate during sleep. We have previously reported that LC neurons express large numbers of GABA receptors (GABARs) located at peri-/extrasynaptic sites and are subject to tonic inhibition due to the continuous activation of GABARs by ambient GABA, which is significantly higher during sleep than during wakefulness.

GABAB receptor-mediated tonic inhibition of locus coeruleus neurons plays a role in deep anesthesia induced by isoflurane.

Noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus referred to as locus coeruleus neurons, provide the major supply of norepinephrine to the forebrain and play important roles in behavior through regulation of wakefulness and arousal. In a previous study using brain slice preparations, we reported that locus coeruleus neurons are subject to tonic inhibition mediated by γ-aminobutyric acid B receptors (GABABRs) and that the extent of tonic inhibition varies with ambient GABA levels. Since ambient GABA in the locus coeruleus was reported to fluctuate during the sleep-wakefulness cycle, here we tested whether GABABR-mediated tonic inhibition of locus coeruleus neurons could be a mechanism underlying changes in brain arousal.

GABAB receptor-mediated tonic inhibition regulates the spontaneous firing of locus coeruleus neurons in developing rats and in citalopram-treated rats.

Noradrenaline (NA)-releasing neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) provide NA to the forebrain and play important roles in regulating many brain functions. LC neurons are subject to tonic inhibition mediated by GABAB receptors (GABAB Rs) and that the extent of the effect varies with ambient GABA levels. GABAB R-mediated tonic inhibition can effectively tune the spontaneous firing rate (SFR) of LC neurons; it is developmentally regulated and is responsible for maintaining a constant SFR of LC neurons during development.

Knockdown of zebrafish blood vessel epicardial substance results in incomplete retinal lamination.

Cell polarity during eye development determines the normal retinal lamination and differentiation of photoreceptor cells in the retina. In vertebrates, blood vessel epicardial substance (Bves) is known to play an important role in the formation and maintenance of the tight junctions essential for epithelial cell polarity. In the current study, we generated a transgenic zebrafish Bves (zbves) promoter-EGFP zebrafish line to investigate the expression pattern of Bves in the retina and to study the role of zbves in retinal lamination.

The zona incerta modulates spontaneous spike-wave discharges in the rat.

The contribution of the zona incerta (ZI) of the thalamus on spike-wave discharges (SWDs) was investigated. Chronic recordings of bilateral cortices, bilateral vibrissa muscle, and unilateral ZI were performed in Long-Evans rats to examine the functional role of SWDs. Rhythmic ZI activity appeared at the beginning of SWD and was accompanied by higher-oscillation frequencies and larger spike magnitudes.

Blood vessel epicardial substance (Bves) regulates epidermal tight junction integrity through atypical protein kinase C.

Bves is widely observed in the cell junction of the skin, epicardium, intestine, and cornea of both developmental embryos and mature adults. However, it is not clear how Bves confers its role in intercellular adhesion. Here, we identified the zebrafish bves (zBves) and found that the epidermal barrier function could be disrupted after knockdown of Bves, and these zBves morphants were sensitive to osmotic stress.

Protective effect of caffeic acid on paclitaxel induced anti-proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer cells involves NF-κB pathway.

Caffeic acid (CA), a natural phenolic compound, is abundant in medicinal plants. CA possesses multiple biological effects such as anti-bacterial and anti-cancer growth. CA was also reported to induce fore stomach and kidney tumors in a mouse model.

Mediation of vagal cardioinhibitory responses by glutamatergic receptors in the caudal medulla of turtles.

Our previous studies showed that electrical stimulation of the nuclei ambiguous (NA) or dorsomotor nuclei of the vagus (DMV) complex in the brain stem of spontaneously breathing pond turtles (Cyclemys fiavomarginata), anesthetized with chloralose (4 mg/100 g) and urethane (40 mg/100 g), produced a marked slowing or even cessation of the heart rate, and resulted in an immediate fall of blood pressure. Results of the present study further demonstrated that the cardioinhibitory responses could also be elicited by microinjection of monosodium glutamate (0.2-20 nl, 50 mM) into the NA/DMV complex in turtles.

A safe and efficient method for intra-operative digital photography using a waterproof case.

Background: Intra-operative photography provides valuable information for photo-documentation. In order to improve quality of photographs and avoid additional contamination, we applied a sterilised waterproof case to adapt a digital camera that allowed the operating surgeon himself to obtain his own ideal images. A prospective study was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of this technique.

Comparative study of single-, double-, and triple-nerve transfer to a common target: experimental study of rat brachial plexus.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the recovery of a common target motor function after different single and combined motor nerve transfers in rat brachial plexus model.

Methods: The musculocutaneous nerve and biceps muscle were chosen as the target for neurotization. The phrenic, pectoral, and suprascapular nerves were selected as the neurotizers.

Kynurenic acid attenuates multiorgan dysfunction in rats after heatstroke.

Aim: To assess whether systemic delivery of kynurenic acid improves the outcomes of heatstroke in rats.

Methods: Anesthetized rats were divided into 2 major groups and given vehicle solution (isotonic saline 0.3 mL/kg rat weight) or kynurenic acid (30-100 mg in 0.

Optimizing closed reduction of nasal and zygomatic arch fractures with a mobile fluoroscan.

Background: Although closed reductions of nasal fractures and zygomatic arch fractures are considered minor procedures, improper reductions are not uncommon. Objectively evaluating reduction adequacy with imaging assistance during surgery is crucial. The authors used mobile Fluoroscan intraoperatively to assess the adequacy of closed reduction for nasal fractures and zygomatic arch fractures.

Versatility of the pedicled peroneal artery perforator flaps for soft-tissue coverage of the lower leg and foot defects.

Even a small defect in the lower leg and foot with exposure of bones or tendons can result in an intractable wound, which may require a microsurgical tissue transfer. With the concept of the perforator flap, a pedicled peroneal artery perforator flap can be used for coverage of this difficult region. Between August 2001 and August 2008, 18 pedicled peroneal artery perforator flaps were performed in 18 patients.

Distribution of large terminal inputs from the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices to the dorsal thalamus in the rodent.

The present study was undertaken to determine the precise projection pattern from the primary (S1) and secondary (S2) somatosensory cortices to the posterior nuclear proper (POm) and ventroposterior thalamic nuclei (VP). The POm was previously shown to receive large boutons arising exclusively from layer V of the S1 barrel region. This descending input was proposed to play a key role, namely, as a driver, in shaping the receptive property of POm neurons.

Striatal volume changes in a rat model of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood neuropsychiatric disorders. Based on neuroimaging studies, the striatum is reported to be abnormal in size, but it is still not clear how they change during developmental stages. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) are the commonly used animal model for ADHD.

The correlation of mean sympathetic activity with low-frequency blood pressure and sympathetic variability.

The low-frequency (0.2-0.8 Hz) component of blood pressure (BP) variability (LF(BP)) is used as an index of the low-frequency variability of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) (LF(SNA)) in rats.

Correlation of discharges of rostral ventrolateral medullary neurons with the low-frequency sympathetic rhythm in rats.

The rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) is critically important in the generation of sympathetic activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether discharges of RVLM neurons contribute to low-frequency (LF) sympathetic rhythms. Blood pressure (BP), renal sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), and neuronal activity in the RVLM were simultaneously recorded in seven anesthetized, paralyzed, and artificially ventilated rats.

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the face presenting as posttraumatic maxillary sinusitis.

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an uncommon disease. It has various presentations that may mislead the diagnosis and cause delay of treatment. We report a 12-year-old boy who experienced persistent swollen and painful right cheek after blunt facial injury.

alpha-Phenyl-n-tert-butyl-nitrone attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced brain injury and improves neurological reflexes and early sensorimotor behavioral performance in juvenile rats.

Our previous study showed that treatment with alpha-phenyl-n-tert-butyl-nitrone (PBN) after exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) reduced LPS-induced white matter injury in the neonatal rat brain. The object of the current study was to further examine whether PBN has long-lasting protective effects and ameliorates LPS-induced neurological dysfunction. Intracerebral (i.

Identification of oxalic acid and tartaric acid as major persistent pain-inducing toxins in the stinging hairs of the nettle, Urtica thunbergiana.

Background And Aims: Once human skin contacts stinging hairs of Urtica spp. (stinging nettles), the irritant is released and produces pain, wheals or a stinging sensation which may last for >12 h. However, the existence of pain-inducing toxins in the stinging hairs of Urtica thunbergiana has never been systematically demonstrated.

Frequency response characteristic of sympathetic mediated low-frequency blood pressure fluctuations in conscious rats.

A quantitative relationship between power densities of blood pressure (PBP) and sympathetic nerve activity (PSNA) in a low-frequency range (LF, 0.016-0.85 Hz), expressed as PSNA=PBPxax10bx(frequency) was proposed in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats.