Unravelling intra- and intersegmental neuronal connectivity between central pattern generating networks in a multi-legged locomotor system

AbstractAnimal walking results from a complex interplay of central pattern generating networks (CPGs), local sensory signals expressing position, velocity and forces generated in the legs, and coordinating signals between neighboring ones. In the stick insect, in particular, intra- and intersegmental coordination is conveyed by these sensory signals. The rhythmic activity of the CPGs, hence of the legs, can be modified by the aforementioned sensory signals. However, the precise nature of the interaction between the CPGs and these sensory signals has remained largely unknown. Experimental methods aiming at finding out details of these interactions, often apply the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, pilocarpine in order to induce rhythmic activity in the CPGs, hence in the motoneurons of the segmental ganglia. Using this general approach, we removed the influence of sensory signals and investigated the putative connections between CPGs associated with the coxa-trochanter (CTr)-joint in the different segments (legs) in more detail. The experimental data underwent phase-difference analysis and Dynamic Causal Modelling (DCM). These methods can uncover the underlying coupling structure and strength between pairs of segmental ganglia (CPGs). We set up different coupling schemes (models) for DCM and compared them using Bayesian Model Selection (BMS). Models with contralateral connections in each segment and ipsilateral connections on both sides, as well as the coupling from the meta- to the ipsilateral prothoracic ganglion were preferred by BMS to all other types of models tested. Moreover, the intrasegmental coupling strength in the mesothoracic ganglion was the strongest and most stable in all three ganglia.

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Effect of Therapy Using Aquatic Treadmill on the Functional Status of Patients with Knee Arthrosis

Acta Balneologica ◽

10.36740/abal202001105 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 62 (1) ◽

pp. 27-32 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Agnieszka Maruszewska ◽

Lech Panasiuk ◽

Agnieszka Buczaj ◽

Anna Pecyna

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Perceived Exertion ◽

Treadmill Exercise ◽

Exercise Programme ◽

Locomotor System ◽

Lequesne Index ◽

Knee Arthrosis ◽

Index Of Severity ◽

And Function ◽

Aquatic Treadmill

Introduction: Arthrosis is considered as a disease of the whole locomotor system, which may be prevented and treated at early stages. Gonarthrosis develops gradually within 10-15 years, interfering with daily activities and capability for work. Aquatic exercises are considered as a potentially effective therapeutic intervention in persons with knee arthrosis. Aim: Assessment of the effectiveness of a 4-week aquatic treadmill exercise programme, with respect to the measurement of pain, balance, function, and mobility. Materials and Methods: The study covered 15 patients with gonarthrosis, using a 4-week cycle of exercises. The results of measurements included a visual-analogue scale for assessing pain, Time Up and Go (TUG) for balance, 6-meter walk test for mobility and Lequesne index for function. The exercise protocol covered an aquatic treadmill using water jets to destabilize while standing, and achieve high ratings of perceived exertion during walking. Results: The comparison of results obtained by the patients after 20 interventions, with those obtained before therapy allowing the presumption that on the level of significance α= 0.05 there occurred statistically significant differences in the results of the tests performed (p<0.05). This concerned both pain complaints (VAS scale, Lequesne index of severity for arthrosis of the knee), as well as functional tests TUG, and measurement of the range of motion (p = 0.041-0.001). Conclusions: Based on the results of the study a decrease was observed in pain complaints, improvement of the range of motion in the joints, balance and function, after participation in a 4-week aquatic treadmill exercise programme, which contained the components of balance and endurance training.

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The horse – the athlete with the ultimate locomotor system

10.36866/pn.102.26 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 26-30

Author(s):

Amy Barstow ◽

Renate Weller

Keyword(s):

Locomotor System

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Role of Vaitarana Basti in the management of Gridhrasi w.s.r. to Sciatica

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences (JAIMS) ◽

10.21760/jaims.v3i5.13853 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Dr. Suresh N. Hakkandi ◽

Dr. Manjunath Akki ◽

Dr. Bhavana KS

Keyword(s):

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Clinical Practice ◽

Routine Activity ◽

Daily Routine ◽

Low Back ◽

Common Condition ◽

Locomotor System

Vata Vyadhi is one of the most prevailing health problems in our day today clinical practice, Gridhrasi is one among them. Gridhrasi is Shoola Pradhana Nanatmaja Vatavyadhi, affecting the locomotor system and disable from daily routine activity. Gridhrasi the name itself indicates the way of gait shown by the patient due to extreme pain i.e. like Gridhra or Vulture. Gridhrasi is a condition characterized by Ruk, Toda, Stambha, Spandana in Sphik Pradesha and radiates downwards to Kati, Prusta, Uru, Janu, Jangha and Pada. Gridhrasi can be compared with Sciatica. Pain is the chief cause of person to visit a doctor. Although low back pain is a common condition that affects as many as 80 to 90 percent of people during their lifetime. Gridhrasi can be cured by the help of Vaitarana Basti. Hence in the case study of male patient of age 30 yrs presenting with cardinal clinical sign and symptoms of Gridhrasi are Ruka, Toda and Muhu Spandana in the Sphika, Kati, Uru, Janu, Jangha and Pada in order and Sakthikshepanigraha that is restricted lifting of the leg.

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Effects of Taxol on Regeneration in a Rat Sciatic Nerve Transection Model

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/srep42280 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Shih-Tien Hsu ◽

Chun-Hsu Yao ◽

Yuan-Man Hsu ◽

Jia-Horng Lin ◽

Yung-Hsiang Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Factors ◽

Sciatic Nerve ◽

Peripheral Nerve ◽

Nerve Regeneration ◽

Nerve Transection ◽

Cremophor El ◽

Neuronal Connectivity ◽

Sciatic Nerve Transection ◽

Expression Levels ◽

Nerve Growth Factors

Abstract Recent studies describe taxol as a candidate treatment for promoting central nerve regeneration. However, taxol has serious side effects including peripheral neurotoxicity, and little information is known about the effect of taxol on peripheral nerve regeneration. We investigated the effects of taxol on regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve transection model. Rats were divided into four groups (n = 10): normal saline (i.p.) as the control, Cremophor EL vehicle, and 2 or 6 mg/kg of taxol in the Cremophor EL solution (four times in day-2, 4, 6, and 8), respectively. We evaluated neuronal electrophysiology, animal behaviour, neuronal connectivity, macrophage infiltration, location and expression levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and expression levels of both nerve growth factors and immunoregulatory factors. In the high-dose taxol group (6 mg/kg), neuronal electrophysiological function was significantly impaired. Licking latencies were significantly changed while motor coordination was unaffected. Neuronal connectivity, macrophage density, and expression levels of CGRP was dramatically reduced. Expression levels of nerve growth factors and immunoregulatory factors was also reduced, while it was increased in the low-dose taxol group (2 mg/kg). These results indicate that taxol can modulate local inflammatory conditions, impair nerve regeneration, and impede recovery of a severe peripheral nerve injury.

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Extracellular detection of neuronal coupling

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-94282-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Elmer Guzman ◽

Zhuowei Cheng ◽

Paul K. Hansma ◽

Kenneth R. Tovar ◽

Linda R. Petzold ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Action Potentials ◽

Microelectrode Arrays ◽

Short Latency ◽

Spike Sorting ◽

Neuronal Connectivity ◽

Direct Stimulation ◽

Multiple Electrodes

AbstractWe developed a method to non-invasively detect synaptic relationships among neurons from in vitro networks. Our method uses microelectrode arrays on which neurons are cultured and from which propagation of extracellular action potentials (eAPs) in single axons are recorded at multiple electrodes. Detecting eAP propagation bypasses ambiguity introduced by spike sorting. Our methods identify short latency spiking relationships between neurons with properties expected of synaptically coupled neurons, namely they were recapitulated by direct stimulation and were sensitive to changing the number of active synaptic sites. Our methods enabled us to assemble a functional subset of neuronal connectivity in our cultures.

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The Ncoa7 locus regulates V-ATPase formation and function, neurodevelopment and behaviour

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences ◽

10.1007/s00018-020-03721-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Enrico Castroflorio ◽

Joery den Hoed ◽

Daria Svistunova ◽

Mattéa J. Finelli ◽

Alberto Cebrian-Serrano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽

Regulatory Protein ◽

Molecular Function ◽

Neuronal Connectivity ◽

Nuclear Receptor Coactivator ◽

Lysm Domain ◽

Behavioural Assessment ◽

And Function ◽

The Brain

Abstract Members of the Tre2/Bub2/Cdc16 (TBC), lysin motif (LysM), domain catalytic (TLDc) protein family are associated with multiple neurodevelopmental disorders, although their exact roles in disease remain unclear. For example, nuclear receptor coactivator 7 (NCOA7) has been associated with autism, although almost nothing is known regarding the mode-of-action of this TLDc protein in the nervous system. Here we investigated the molecular function of NCOA7 in neurons and generated a novel mouse model to determine the consequences of deleting this locus in vivo. We show that NCOA7 interacts with the cytoplasmic domain of the vacuolar (V)-ATPase in the brain and demonstrate that this protein is required for normal assembly and activity of this critical proton pump. Neurons lacking Ncoa7 exhibit altered development alongside defective lysosomal formation and function; accordingly, Ncoa7 deletion animals exhibited abnormal neuronal patterning defects and a reduced expression of lysosomal markers. Furthermore, behavioural assessment revealed anxiety and social defects in mice lacking Ncoa7. In summary, we demonstrate that NCOA7 is an important V-ATPase regulatory protein in the brain, modulating lysosomal function, neuronal connectivity and behaviour; thus our study reveals a molecular mechanism controlling endolysosomal homeostasis that is essential for neurodevelopment. Graphic abstract

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Locomotor Anatomy and Behavior of Patas Monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) with Comparison to Vervet Monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops)

Anatomy Research International ◽

10.1155/2013/409534 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Adrienne L. Zihlman ◽

Carol E. Underwood

Keyword(s):

Cercopithecus Aethiops ◽

Whole Body ◽

Relative Mass ◽

Vervet Monkeys ◽

Long Distance ◽

Erythrocebus Patas ◽

Locomotor System ◽

Patas Monkeys ◽

Foot Bones ◽

Muscle Groups

Patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) living in African savanna woodlands and grassland habitats have a locomotor system that allows them to run fast, presumably to avoid predators. Long fore- and hindlimbs, long foot bones, short toes, and a digitigrade foot posture were proposed as anatomical correlates with speed. In addition to skeletal proportions, soft tissue and whole body proportions are important components of the locomotor system. To further distinguish patas anatomy from other Old World monkeys, a comparative study based on dissection of skin, muscle, and bone from complete individuals of patas and vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) was undertaken. Analysis reveals that small adjustments in patas skeletal proportions, relative mass of limbs and tail, and specific muscle groups promote efficient sagittal limb motion. The ability to run fast is based on a locomotor system adapted for long distance walking. The patas’ larger home range and longer daily range than those of vervets give them access to highly dispersed, nutritious foods, water, and sleeping trees. Furthermore, patas monkeys have physiological adaptations that enable them to tolerate and dissipate heat. These features all contribute to the distinct adaptation that is the patas monkeys’ basis for survival in grassland and savanna woodland areas.

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Quantitative analysis of static equilibrium in women after mastectomy

International Journal on Disability and Human Development ◽

10.1515/ijdhd-2013-0041 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 81-87

Author(s):

Maciej Rachwał ◽

Justyna Drzał-Grabiec ◽

Katarzyna Walicka-Cupryś ◽

Aleksandra Truszczyńska

Keyword(s):

Mean Amplitude ◽

Control Group ◽

Foot Pressure ◽

Locomotor System ◽

Center Of Foot Pressure ◽

The Mean ◽

Almost All ◽

Posture Stability ◽

Mastectomy Group ◽

Better Than

Abstract Background: The post-mastectomy changes to the locomotor system are related to the scar and adhesion or to the lymphatic edema after amputation which, in turn, lead to local and global distraction of the work of the muscles. These changes lead to body statics disturbance that changes the projection of the center of gravity and worsens motor response due to changing of the muscle sensitivity. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the static balance of women after undergoing mastectomy. Methods: The study included 150 women, including 75 who underwent mastectomy (mean age: 60±7.6) years, mean body mass index (BMI): 26 (±3.6) kg/m2) and 75 who were placed in the control group with matched age and BMI. The study was conducted using a tensometric platform. Results: Statistically significant differences were found for almost all parameters between the post-mastectomy group and group of healthy women, regarding center of foot pressure (COP) path length in the Y and X axes and the mean amplitude of COP. Conclusions: First, the findings revealed that balance in post-mastectomy women is significantly better than in the control group. Second, physiotherapeutic treatment of post-mastectomy women may have improved their posture stability compared with their peers.

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