The formation of memories is a complex, multi-scale phenomenon, especially when it involves integration of information from various brain systems. We have investigated the differences between a novel and consolidated association of spatial cues and amphetamine administration, using an in situ hybridisation method to track the short-term dynamics during the recall testing. We have found that remote recall group involves smaller, but more consolidated groups of neurons, which is consistent with their specialisation. By employing machine learning analysis, we have shown this pattern is especially pronounced in the VTA; furthermore, we also uncovered significant activity patterns in retrosplenial and prefrontal cortices, as well as in the DG and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus. The behavioural propensity towards the associated localisation appears to be driven by the nucleus accumbens, however, further modulated by a trio of the amygdala, VTA and hippocampus, as the trained association is confronted with test experience. Moreover, chemogenetic analysis revealed central amygdala as critical for linking appetitive emotional states with spatial contexts. These results show that memory mechanisms must be modelled considering individual differences in motivation, as well as covering dynamics of the process.
- MeSH
- Amphetamine pharmacology MeSH
- Amygdala physiology MeSH
- Hippocampus * physiology MeSH
- Memory Consolidation * physiology MeSH
- Rats MeSH
- Brain physiology MeSH
- Neurons physiology metabolism MeSH
- Nucleus Accumbens * physiology MeSH
- Reward * MeSH
- Memory physiology MeSH
- Cues MeSH
- Prefrontal Cortex physiology MeSH
- Mental Recall * physiology MeSH
- Machine Learning MeSH
- Ventral Tegmental Area * physiology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Rats MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) are autoimmune illnesses characterised by chronic inflammation demonstrating differential associations with psychiatric conditions. OBJECTIVE: In this matched-cohort study, we aimed to investigate whether the associations between these inflammatory illnesses and mental disorders are predominantly the consequence of the burden of the former or whether common causes might underpin the susceptibility to both. METHODS: Using Czech national inpatient care data, we identified individuals with RA or axSpA during the years 1999-2012. We investigated the occurrence of psychiatric outcomes up to 2017 using stratified Cox proportional hazards models. In evidence triangulation, we assessed the potential moderation by age at inflammatory illness, the associations relative to counterparts with other similarly burdensome chronic illnesses and the temporal ordering of conditions. FINDINGS: Both RA and axSpA were associated with mood and anxiety disorders and behavioural syndromes. In evidence triangulation, the associations with depression showed a decreasing age-at-inflammatory-illness gradient in RA; the association between RA and depression was stronger than that between other chronic illnesses and depression; and excluding prevalent depression attenuated the RA-depression association. RA showed consistent inverse associations with schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. CONCLUSIONS: Common aetiologies might be involved in increasing the risk of developing both RA and depression. The consistent inverse associations between RA and schizophrenia and between RA and Alzheimer's disease suggest that at least part of these associations might also be a consequence of shared aetiologies as well as potential medication effects. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: People with autoimmune arthritides are more likely to experience mood and anxiety disorders, even relative to counterparts with other similarly burdensome chronic illnesses.
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Mental Disorders * epidemiology immunology MeSH
- Cohort Studies MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid * epidemiology immunology psychology complications MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Spondylarthritis immunology epidemiology psychology MeSH
- Inflammation epidemiology immunology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
The gut microbiota has recently come to the forefront of scientific interest, particularly due to its broad spectrum of action not only on tissues that it comes into direct contact with, but also - through a variety of agents - on distant tissues and organs. There are a number of previously described mechanisms through which gut-colonizing microorganisms can affect the host's immune or endocrine systems as well as the central nervous system and behaviour of the host. A number of research teams are studying the microbiome in relation to neurological diseases, investigating the possible effect of specific microorganisms and microbial metabolites on the development and progression of these diseases. This publication deals with those diseases that have been most widely studied and described in this context.
INTRODUCTION: Problematic online video pornography consumption is associated with sexual objectification, particularly in male consumers. However, previous studies have not considered that there is a subgroup of internet users whose consumption may become problematic due to their internet sex addiction. Such users may, in response to internet sex addiction symptoms such as craving, have increased levels of sexual objectification. METHODS: In a sample of 1,272 male consumers of online video pornography (Mage = 32.93, SDage = 9.44), we examined whether internet sex addiction is linked to sexual objectification via an online survey. RESULTS: We fitted a series of structural equation models and found that men who scored higher on internet sex addiction were more likely to objectify women. More importantly, this link did not cease when controlling for the frequency of online video pornography consumption. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that there are other mechanisms related to addictive symptomatology than just the link through online video pornography consumption that may contribute to sexual objectification. Addiction-related factors may have a unique role in fostering sexual objectification. Isolating internet sex addiction as a potential driver highlights the need to address objectifying behaviours in individuals struggling with this addiction.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Due to the bio-inert nature of titanium (Ti) and subsequent accompanying chronic inflammatory response, an implant's stability and function can be significantly affected, which is why various surface modifications have been employed, including the deposition of titanium oxide (TiO2) nanotubes (TNTs) onto the native surface through the anodic oxidation method. While the influence of nanotube diameter on cell behaviour and osteogenesis is very well documented, information regarding the effects of nanotube lateral spacing on the in vivo new bone formation process is insufficient and hard to find. Considering this, the present study's aim was to evaluate the mechanical properties and the osteogenic ability of two types of TNTs-based pins with different lateral spacing, e.g., 25 nm (TNTs) and 92 nm (spTNTs). The mechanical properties of the TNT-coated implants were characterised from a morphological point of view (tube diameter, spacing, and tube length) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the chemical composition of the implants was evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, while surface roughness and topography were characterised using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Finally, the implants' hardness and elastic modulus were investigated using nanoindentation measurements. The in vivo new bone formation was histologically evaluated (haematoxylin and eosin-HE staining) at 6 and 30 days post-implantation in a rat model. Mechanical characterisation revealed that the two morphologies presented a similar chemical composition and mechanical strength, but, in terms of surface roughness, the spTNTs exhibited a higher average roughness. The microscopic examination at 1 month post-implantation revealed that spTNTs pins (57.21 ± 34.93) were capable of promoting early new bone tissue formation to a greater extent than the TNTs-coated implants (24.37 ± 6.5), with a difference in the average thickness of the newly formed bone tissue of ~32.84 μm, thus highlighting the importance of this parameter when designing future dental/orthopaedic implants.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
In dynamic environments, a central task of the attentional system is to keep track of objects changing their spatial location over time. In some instances, it is sufficient to track only the spatial locations of moving objects (i.e., multiple object tracking; MOT). In other instances, however, it is also important to maintain distinct identities of moving objects (i.e., multiple identity tracking; MIT). Despite previous research, it is not clear whether MOT and MIT performance emerge from the same tracking mechanism. In the present report, we study gaze coherence (i.e., the extent to which participants repeat their gaze behaviour when tracking the same object locations twice) across repeated MOT and MIT trials. We observed more substantial gaze coherence in repeated MOT trials compared to the repeated MIT trials or mixed MOT-MIT trial pairs. A subsequent simulation study suggests that MOT is based more on a grouping mechanism than MIT, whereas MIT is based more on a target-jumping mechanism than MOT. It thus appears unlikely that MOT and MIT emerge from the same basic tracking mechanism.
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Fixation, Ocular physiology MeSH
- Attention * physiology MeSH
- Motion Perception * physiology MeSH
- Space Perception physiology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Functional and molecular alterations in the cerebellum are among the most widely recognised associates of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As a critical computational hub of the brain, the cerebellum controls and coordinates a range of motor, affective and cognitive processes. Despite well-described circuits and integrative mechanisms, specific changes that underlie cerebellar impairments in ASD remain elusive. Studies in experimental animals have been critical in uncovering molecular pathology and neuro-behavioural correlates, providing a model for investigating complex disease conditions. Herein, we review commonalities and differences of the most extensively characterised genetic lines of ASD with reference to the cerebellum. We revisit structural, functional, and molecular alterations which may contribute to neurobehavioral phenotypes. The cross-model analysis of this study provides an integrated outlook on the role of cerebellar alterations in pathobiology of ASD that may benefit future translational research and development of therapies.
- MeSH
- Models, Genetic MeSH
- Disease Models, Animal * MeSH
- Cerebellum * physiopathology pathology MeSH
- Autism Spectrum Disorder * genetics pathology physiopathology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of the present study was to estimate the complex association between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), substance use, and other risky behaviours in Czech adolescents whilst providing prevalence estimates of IGD and psychometric information regarding the Czech Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF). METHODS: A representative sample of 3,950 Czech adolescents was recruited through stratified random sampling in the school setting. RESULTS: Disordered gamers showed frequent use of specific substances such as pharmaceuticals, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and lysergic acid diethylamide. In contrast, non-gamers had higher prevalence of alcohol, cigarettes, sedatives and tranquillisers, and marijuana use. A logistic regression, utilising IGDS9-SF raw scores and average daily gaming time, revealed a U-shaped relationship between gaming and both alcohol and cigarette use. Additionally, conduct problems such as bullying, and risky in-game behaviours were more prevalent among disordered gamers, with the exception of forging parents' signatures. The overall prevalence of IGD was 3.62% (95% CI = [3.1%, 4.3%]), with higher rates in males (5.89%; 95% CI = [4.9%, 7.0%]) than in females (1.45%; 95% CI = [1.0%, 2.1%]). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The Czech IGDS9-SF used in the present study showed adequate psychometric properties. The association between gaming and substance use behaviours may be specific and multifaceted depending on the severity of the gaming-related problems. Furthermore, disordered gamers may become more vulnerable due to a higher incidence of conduct problems, bullying (victimisation), and in-game risky behaviours such as engagement with microtransactions mechanics (e.g., loot box) within video games.
- MeSH
- Adolescent Behavior * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Internet Addiction Disorder * epidemiology MeSH
- Substance-Related Disorders * epidemiology MeSH
- Prevalence MeSH
- Risk-Taking * MeSH
- Video Games statistics & numerical data MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
Hypertenze jako globální zdravotnický problém stále není dostatečně léčena; výsledkem jsou změny ve struktuře a funkci srdce, které jsou spojeny s hypertenzní nemocí srdce (hypertensive heart disease, HHD). Přitom se při nádorovém onemocnění s charakteristickou abnormální proliferací buněk začínají buňky chovat jinak a jinak odpovídat na léčebné strategie. Přes značné úsilí zůstávají některé druhy nádorů nevyléčitelné, což znamená, že kardiovaskulární onemocnění a nádorová onemocnění představují celosvětově hlavní příčiny úmrtí na nepřenosná onemocnění. Ve snaze získat další informace o této shodě jsme provedli průřezovou studii incidence nádorových onemocnění u pacientů s HHD léčených ve všeobecné nemocnici dr. Soetoma. Průměrný věk hodnocené populace byl 58,1 roku a průměrná hodnota BMI 25,9. Nalezli jsme statisticky významnou spojitost mezi pohlavím a dobou od stanovení diagnózy hypertenze na jedné straně a přítomností nádorového onemocnění u populace s HHD na straně druhé. Získané údaje konkrétně ukazují, že u žen s HHD existuje vyšší pravděpodobnost vzniku některých typů karcinomů, zvláště prsu a gynekologických. Další typy nádorů byly nalezeny v prostatě, krvi a v lymfatickém systému, hlavě a krku, v plicích, štítné žláze a v ledvinách. Analýza nicméně neprokázala spojitost mezi dobou od stanovení diagnózy hypertenze a prevalencí nádorového onemocnění. Za zmínku stojí zvláště zjištění starších studií, že korelace mezi nádorovým onemocněním a hypertenzí nesouvisí s užíváním antihypertenziv, protože stejné riziko lze pozorovat i u neléčených pacientů. Několik rizikových faktorů společných pro hypertenzi a nádorová onemocnění ukazuje na překryv základních molekulárních patofyziologických mechanismů obou onemocnění. Budoucí, lépe navržené studie se musejí zaměřit na další společné faktory hypertenze a nádorových onemocnění u větších souborů pacientů.
Hypertension as a global concern remains inadequately controlled, ultimately leading to cardiac structural and functional changes associated with hypertensive heart disease (HHD). Simultaneously, cancer, characterized with abnormal cell proliferation, exhibits diverse behaviours and responses to treatment strategies. Despite extensive efforts, certain type of cancers remains incurable, making both cardiovascular diseases and cancer the leading causes of non-communicable disease mortality in the world. To investigate this association, we conducted a cross-sectional study, reporting the incidence of cancer in the HHD population at Soetomo General Hospital. The population is characterized by a mean age of 58.1 years and a mean BMI of 25.9. We found a significant association between sex and the duration of hypertension and the presence of cancer in the HHD population. Specifically, the data indicate that females with HHD have a higher likeli- hood of having certain cancer types particularly breast and gynaecologic cancers. Additional types of cancer included prostate, blood & lymphatic system, head & neck, lung, thyroid, and renal cancers. Unfortunately, the analysis failed to demonstrate the association between duration of hypertension and the presence of cancer. Notably, previous studies revealed that the correlation between cancer and hypertension is not linked to the administration of antihypertensive medications, as the risk is also observed in untreated patients. Several shared risk factors between hypertension and cancer imply the existence of overlap in molecular pathophysiological mechanisms underlying both conditions. Future studies shall be conducted to explore further regarding the association of hypertension and cancer incidence with larger population and better-designed research.
Effective treatment of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still absent so far. Taurine exhibits therapeutic effects towards the autism-like behaviour in ASD model animals. Here, we determined the mechanism of taurine effect on hippocampal neurogenesis in genetically inbred BTBR T+ tf/J (BTBR) mice, a proposed model of ASD. In this ASD mouse model, we explored the effect of oral taurine supplementation on ASD-like behaviours in an open field test, elevated plus maze, marble burying test, self-grooming test, and three-chamber test. The mice were divided into four groups of normal controls (WT) and models (BTBR), who did or did not receive 6-week taurine supplementation in water (WT, WT+ Taurine, BTBR, and BTBR+Taurine). Neurogenesis-related effects were determined by Ki67 immunofluorescence staining. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN)/mTOR/AKT pathway-associated proteins. Our results showed that taurine improved the autism-like behaviour, increased the proliferation of hippocampal cells, promoted PTEN expression, and reduced phosphorylation of mTOR and AKT in hippocampal tissue of the BTBR mice. In conclusion, taurine reduced the autism-like behaviour in partially inherited autism model mice, which may be associa-ted with improving the defective neural precursor cell proliferation and enhancing the PTEN-associated pathway in hippocampal tissue.
- MeSH
- Autistic Disorder * metabolism drug therapy MeSH
- Behavior, Animal drug effects MeSH
- PTEN Phosphohydrolase * metabolism MeSH
- Hippocampus * metabolism drug effects MeSH
- Disease Models, Animal MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Neurogenesis * drug effects MeSH
- Autism Spectrum Disorder metabolism drug therapy MeSH
- Cell Proliferation drug effects MeSH
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt * metabolism MeSH
- Signal Transduction * drug effects MeSH
- Taurine * pharmacology MeSH
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases * metabolism MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Male MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
