Ameliorating Effects of Dorema ammoniacum on PTZ-Induced Seizures and Epileptiform Brain Activity in Rats

Planta Medica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (18) ◽  
pp. 1353-1362
Author(s):  
Marzieh Abizadeh ◽  
Soomaayeh Heysieattalab ◽  
Negin Saeedi ◽  
Narges Hosseinmardi ◽  
Mahyar Janahmadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Effective Dose ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Seizure Duration ◽  
Kindling Model ◽  
Iranian Traditional Medicine ◽  
Stage 4 ◽  
Chemical Kindling ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Common ◽  
Anticonvulsant Effects

AbstractThe objective of the current study was to investigate the anti-epileptogenic and anticonvulsant effects of Dorema ammoniacum gum, which is used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of seizures. Animals received pentylenetetrazol (IP, 30 mg/kg/48 h) for inducing seizures. Five different seizure stages were evaluated for 20 min and parameters including maximum seizure stage, the latency to the onset of stage 4, stage 4 duration, and seizure duration were measured. D. ammoniacum (50 and 100 mg/kg) or its vehicle was administered 30 min before or after pentylenetetrazol injection in different groups. In addition, the effective dose of D. ammoniacum (100 mg/kg) on different seizure stages was compared with the common antiseizure drug phenobarbital. In another set of experiments, we investigated the effective dose of D. ammoniacum on fully kindled animals in which an interictal electroencephalogram was recorded by superficial electrodes placed on the skull. The results showed that D. ammoniacum administration, before and after pentylenetetrazol injections, significantly decreased seizure stage, seizure duration, stage 4 duration, and 1/stage 4 latency. The anti-epileptogenic effect of D. ammoniacum was about 50 to 60% of phenobarbital. In addition, D. ammoniacum significantly decreased seizure stage, seizure duration, stage 4 duration, and 1/stage 4 latency when administered to fully kindled animals but had no effect on the power of EEG sub-bands. These results indicate that D. ammoniacum has anti-epileptogenic and anticonvulsant effects in a chemical kindling model of seizures.

Anticonvulsant effect of A1 but not A2A adenosine receptors of piriform cortex in amygdala-kindled rats

2007 ◽  
Vol 85 (6) ◽  
pp. 606-612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ebrahim Rezvani ◽  
Javad Mirnajafi-Zadeh ◽  
Yaghoub Fathollahi ◽  
Mohammad Reza Palizvan
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Adenosine Receptors ◽  
Piriform Cortex ◽  
Anticonvulsant Effect ◽  
Seizure Duration ◽  
A2a Adenosine Receptors ◽  
Stage 4 ◽  
Kindled Seizures ◽  
Anticonvulsant Effects ◽  
Stimulation Of

In this study, the effect of A1 and A2A adenosine receptor activity of the piriform cortex (PC) on amygdala-kindled seizures was investigated in rats. Animals were kindled by daily electrical stimulation of the amygdala. In fully kindled rats, N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA, a selective A1 agonist), 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dimethylxanthine (CPT, a selective A1 antagonist), CGS21680 hydrochloride (CGS, a selective A2A agonist), and ZM241385 (ZM, a selective A2A antagonist) were microinjected bilaterally into the PC. Rats were stimulated 5 min post-drug microinjection and seizure parameters were measured. Results showed that intra-PC CHA (10 and 100 μmol/L) decreased the duration of both afterdischarge and stage 5 seizure and significantly increased the latency to stage 4 seizure. Intra-PC CPT increased afterdischarge and stage 5 seizure duration at the dose of 20 μmol/L. The anticonvulsant effect of CHA (100 μmol/L) was eliminated by CPT (10 μmol/L) pretreatment. On the other hand, neither intra-PC CGS nor ZM had a significant effect on kindled seizures. These results suggest that activity of A1, but not A2A, receptors of the PC have anticonvulsant effects on kindled seizures elicited from electrical stimulation of the amygdala.

Errors in Force Generation and Changes in Controlling Patterns Following Agonist Muscle Fatigue

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 293-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Ming Huang ◽  
Ya-Ju Chang ◽  
Miao-Ju Hsu ◽  
Chia-Ling Chen ◽  
Chia-Ying Fang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Fatigue ◽  
Constant Error ◽  
Antagonist Muscle ◽  
Activation Level ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Agonist And Antagonist ◽  
Common Drive ◽  
The Common ◽  
Possible Cause ◽  
Related Increase

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether agonist muscle fatigue changed the coactivation time and the co-contraction magnitude of the agonist and antagonist muscle, and if the agonist muscle fatigue produced bias (constant error: CE) and inconsistency (variable error: VE) of the force. Subjects are 10 healthy people and one person with impaired proprioception. EMG and force for fast (0.19 ± 0.06 s) and slow (1.20 ± 0.44 s) targeted isometric dorsiflexions were recorded before and after fatigue of the dorsiflexors. The results revealed that the coactivation time increased after fatigue only in the slow contractions but the co-contraction magnitude did not change. The postfatigue increment of the CE was greater in the fast contractions than in the slow ones. We conclude that the postfatigue compensatory strategy can reduce the fatigue-induced bias. The change of muscles activation level after fatigue might be under the influence of the common drive. Impaired proprioception is a possible cause of the fatigue-related increase in bias and inconsistency.

THE POSSIBILITY OF LINKING SPONTANEOUS AND INDUCED NEUROCOGNITIVE PLASTICITY: CAN COGNITIVE TRAINING INFLUENCE COMPENSATORY BRAIN ACTIVITY IN OLDER ADULTS? THEORETICAL AND EMPIRICAL PREMISES

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 507-523
Author(s):  
Ludmiła Zając-Lamparska
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Study Design ◽  
Successful Aging ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Theory Of Aging

One of the most important determinants of successful aging is cognitive ability. Although cognitive decline is a well-documented phenomenon characteristic of aging, it is acknowledged that aging can also be related to cognitive neuroplasticity that allows one to compensate the decline and adapt to it. Cognitive neuroplasticity may be spontaneous or induced by external influences. An example of the former is compensatory brain activity in older adults, and the latter – improvement in cognitive functioning under the influence of cognitive training. Both the compensatory brain activity of older adults and the effectiveness of cognitive training in this age group have already been extensively studied. However, it has not yet been examined whether they can be linked. The article indicates theoretical and empirical premises for the possibility of influencing compensatory brain activity in older adults by cognitive training. In the most comprehensive way the phenomenon of compensatory brain activity in older adults is addressed by the STAC model – the Scaffolding Theory of Aging and Cognition, which also provides the theoretical grounds for the possible impact of cognitive training on compensatory brain activity. There are also empirical arguments in favour of such an impact, but they are quite limited in nature. The reason for this is the lack of research directly addressing the problem of the consistency of brain activity changes resulting from cognitive training with the assumptions of compensatory brain activity models, such as STAC. The theoretical grounds for the linkage of compensatory brain activity in older adults with the influence of cognitive training are clear. However, the analysis of the studies discussed in the article suggests that failing to embed the study design within the theoretical framework of compensatory brain activity in older adults may lead to the exclusion of factors important in drawing conclusions about this phenomenon. The following elements of the study design were identified as necessary to include: participation of young adults in the study as a reference group, usage of tasks in different difficulty levels during the measurement of brain activity and consideration of the relation between brain activity and cognitive performance, and comparison of brain activity in relation to cognitive performance before and after training in both, older and young adults.

scholarly journals Implementation and Evaluation of a Communication Strategy to Control Ragweed Pollen

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 87
Author(s):  
Celine Plante ◽  
Audrey Smargiassi ◽  
Francine Hubert ◽  
Sophie Goudreau
Keyword(s):  
Fold Increase ◽  
Ambrosia Artemisiifolia ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Ragweed Pollen ◽  
Communication Intervention ◽  
Effective Measure ◽  
Land Owners ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Logistic Regressions ◽  
The Common

The common ragweed (<em>Ambrosia artemisiifolia</em>) is widespread in southwestern areas of Quebec, Canada. It is known to release large quantities of pollen from July through September, triggering allergic reactions such as rhinitis and generating significant costs for public health. The objective of this study was to implement and evaluate a communication intervention aimed at decreasing ragweed pollen. Selected lands with potential ragweed presence were visited twice, before and after the intervention, on three seasons in the East of the Montreal Island, Quebec. At the first visit done in 2010, 2011, and 2012, ragweed plots were located and measured; at the second visit in 2012, the measures were redone. Various numbers of communications were sent to owners of ragweed-infested lands that included explanations of health impacts of ragweed pollen and the importance of mowing. Mixed logistic regressions were used to test the effect of the number of communications on the mow. In the group that received four notices, a statistically significant three-fold increase in the proportion of land owners that had cut ragweed plots (OR = 3.20; 95 %CI: 1.16-8.84) was noted, compared to the group that received only one notice. For owners of vacant lands, the effect was somewhat more pronounced (OR = 3.82; 95%CI: 1.23-11.67). Nonetheless, the change from one to three communications showed no increase of mowing. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that communications and reminders of the importance of ragweed cut to landowners could be an effective measure to limit ragweed pollen.

scholarly journals Effects of Virtual Reality Immersion and Audiovisual Distraction Techniques for Patients with Pruritus

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Leibovici ◽  
Florella Magora ◽  
Sarale Cohen ◽  
Arieh Ingber
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Psoriasis Vulgaris ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Computer Game ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Chronic Pruritus ◽  
Subjective Reports ◽  
Advanced Computer

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality immersion (VRI), an advanced computer-generated technique, decreased subjective reports of pain in experimental and procedural medical therapies. Furthermore, VRI significantly reduced pain-related brain activity as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Resemblance between anatomical and neuroendocrine pathways of pain and pruritus may prove VRI to be a suitable adjunct for basic and clinical studies of the complex aspects of pruritus.OBJECTIVES: To compare effects of VRI with audiovisual distraction (AVD) techniques for attenuation of pruritus in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis vulgaris.METHODS: Twenty-four patients suffering from chronic pruritus – 16 due to atopic dermatitis and eight due to psoriasis vulgaris – were randomly assigned to play an interactive computer game using a special visor or a computer screen. Pruritus intensity was self-rated before, during and 10 min after exposure using a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 10. The interviewer rated observed scratching on a three-point scale during each distraction program.RESULTS: Student’sttests were significant for reduction of pruritus intensity before and during VRI and AVD (P=0.0002 and P=0.01, respectively) and were significant only between ratings before and after VRI (P=0.017). Scratching was mostly absent or mild during both programs.CONCLUSIONS: VRI and AVD techniques demonstrated the ability to diminish itching sensations temporarily. Further studies on the immediate and late effects of interactive computer distraction techniques to interrupt itching episodes will open potential paths for future pruritus research.

scholarly journals Anatomical and functional significance of ectopic inner foveal layer (EIFL) in epiretinal membrane (ERM)

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 366-371
Author(s):  
Sunil Ganekal ◽  
Varun Ganekal
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Epiretinal Membrane ◽  
Visual Outcome ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Epiretinal Membranes ◽  
Stage 4 ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Stage 1

To compare the visual acuity outcomes after surgical treatment of epiretinal membranes (ERM) in cases with and without ectopic inner foveal layers (EIFL). : A total of 100 eyes of 98 patients with idiopathic ERM were retrospectively staged according to the newer OCT classification and divided into two groups on the basis of presence or absence of EIFL. The two groups were evaluated for various parameters including visual acuity, thickness of the EIFL, re-appearance of the foveal contour, outer retinal changes and complications before and after ERM peeling. Correlation analysis was done using chi square test and p-values were obtained for corresponding variables.: Of 100 eyes with ERM, 20% had stage 1, 29% had stage 2, 42% had stage3 & 9% had stage 4 disease. VA was worse in eyes with EIFL as compared those without it. Correlation of VA with EIFL thickness however was not significant. Surgical removal of ERM didn’t alter EIFL frequency though the thickness decreased. New EIFL appeared in 4% eyes and 35% demonstrated thickened fovea after surgery. Anatomical reappearance of foveal contour was poorer in eyes with EIFL. Outer retinal changes were more common in non EIFL eyes. Lamellar holes and nontractional cysts were more common in EIFL eyes.: EIFL is a significant prognostic tool to predict the visual outcome of surgery in cases of Epiretinal membrane. EIFL eyes did not regain foveal contour, had less outer retinal damage but were associated with poorer visual outcomes.

scholarly journals Patient and Therapist In-Session Cortisol as Predictor of Post-Session Patient Reported Affect

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1483
Author(s):  
Eyal Levi ◽  
Susanne Fischer ◽  
Hadar Fisher ◽  
Roee Admon ◽  
Sigal Zilcha-Mano
Keyword(s):  
Positive Affect ◽  
Stress Hormone ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Retrospective Reports ◽  
The Social ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Common ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

The importance of the role of affect in psychotherapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) is well established, but the common use of self-reported measures may limit our understanding of its underlying mechanisms. A promising predictor of patient affect is the stress hormone cortisol. To date, no studies have studied in-session changes in cortisol in psychotherapy for MDD. We investigated whether an increase in patient cortisol over the course of a session correlated with higher negative and lower positive affect. Given previous findings on healthy individuals on the contagious nature of stress, an additional aim was to examine whether these relationships are moderated by therapist cortisol. To this end, 40 dyads (including 6 therapists) provided saliva samples before and after four pre-specified sessions (616 samples). After each session, the patients provided retrospective reports of in-session affect. We found no association between patient cortisol and affect. However, increases in patient cortisol predicted negative affect when the therapists exhibited decreases in cortisol, and increases in patient cortisol predicted positive affect when the therapists showed increases. Our study provides initial evidence for the importance of the social context in the cortisol–affect relationship in MDD.

scholarly journals EFEK ANTIDIABETES EKSTRAK AIR KULIT BUAH PISANG AMBON (Musa paradisiaca L.) TERHADAP MENCIT (Mus musculus) MODEL HIPERGLIKEMIA

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-140
Author(s):  
Sri Indrawati ◽  
Yuliet Yuliet ◽  
Ihwan Ihwan
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
Effective Dose ◽  
Aqueous Extract ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Antidiabetic Activity ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Musa Paradisiaca ◽  
Blood Glucose Levels ◽  
Before And After

Pisang Ambon (Musa paradisiaca L.) is one type of bananas usually consumed by Indonesian people. Besides its flesh which has high nutrition, its peels also has antioxidant activity. Antioxidants has the ability to reduce oxidative damage in people’s body with diabetes mellitus. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of the aqueous  extract of Pisang Ambon peels and to determine it’s effective dose as an antidiabetic agent in hyperglycemic mice. This study used male mice which all have been intravenously induced with alloxan at a dose of 50 mg/kgBW. They were then divided into five groups. The first two groups got Na CMC 0.5% (negative control) and glibenclamide 0.65 mg/kgBW (positive control), while the other three got  the aqueous  extract of Pisang Ambon peels successively at doses of 400, 800, and 1200 mg/kgBW. The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) at 95% confidence interval with parameter of blood glucose levels difference between before and after treatment. The results showed that the aqueous extract of Pisang Ambon peels had antidiabetic activity at an effective dose of 400 mg/kgBW in hyperglycemic mice which was comparable to glibenclamide

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