Correlation between immune-related genes and depression-like features in an animal model and in humans.

A growing body of evidence suggests that immune-related genes play pivotal roles in the pathophysiology of depression. In the present study, we investigated a plausible connection between gene expression, DNA methylation, and brain structural changes in the pathophysiology of depression using a combined approach of murine and human studies. We ranked the immobility behaviors of 30 outbred Crl:CD1 (ICR) mice in the forced swim test (FST) and harvested their prefrontal cortices for RNA sequencing.

Minoxidil Regulates Aging-Like Phenotypes in Rat Cortical Astrocytes .

Mainly due to the slanted focus on the mechanism and regulation of neuronal aging, research on astrocyte aging and its modulation during brain aging is scarce. In this study, we established aged astrocyte culture model by long-term culturing. Cellular senescence was confirmed through SA-β-gal staining as well as through the examination of morphological, molecular, and functional markers.

Mid-Air Tactile Stimulation Using Indirect Laser Radiation.

In this paper, we demonstrate that a laser irradiated on a thin light-absorbing elastic medium attached on the skin can elicit a tactile sensation of mechanical tap. First, we present simulation results that show laser irradiation to the elastic medium creates inner elastic waves on the basis of thermoelastic effects and these elastic waves trigger the bending deformation of the medium, which then stimulates the skin. Second, we analyze the physical properties of the associated stimulus by measuring its force profile.

Survival and prognostic analysis of adjacent segments after spinal fusion.

Background: To examine the survival function and prognostic factors of the adjacent segments based on a second operation after thoracolumbar spinal fusion.

Methods: This retrospective study reviewed 3,188 patients (3,193 cases) who underwent a thoracolumbar spinal fusion at the author's hospital. Survival analysis was performed on the event of a second operation due to adjacent segment degeneration.