Essentials and Perspectives of Computational Modelling Assistance for CNS-oriented Nanoparticle-based Drug Delivery Systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (42) ◽  
pp. 5894-5913
Author(s):  
Joanna Kisała ◽  
Kinga I. Hęclik ◽  
Krzysztof Pogocki ◽  
Dariusz Pogocki
Keyword(s):  
Brain Function ◽  
Computational Simulation ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Black Box ◽  
Selective Transport ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Basic Understanding ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Physical Principles ◽  
Brain Homeostasis

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a complex system controlling two-way substances traffic between circulatory (cardiovascular) system and central nervous system (CNS). It is almost perfectly crafted to regulate brain homeostasis and to permit selective transport of molecules that are essential for brain function. For potential drug candidates, the CNSoriented neuropharmaceuticals as well as for those of primary targets in the periphery, the extent to which a substance in the circulation gains access to the CNS seems crucial. With the advent of nanopharmacology, the problem of the BBB permeability for drug nano-carriers gains new significance. Compared to some other fields of medicinal chemistry, the computational science of nano-delivery is still premature to offer the black-box type solutions, especially for the BBB-case. However, even its enormous complexity can spell out the physical principles, and as such subjected to computation. The basic understanding of various physicochemical parameters describing the brain uptake is required to take advantage of their usage for the BBB-nano delivery. This mini-review provides a sketchy introduction of essential concepts allowing application of computational simulation to the BBB-nano delivery design.

scholarly journals Predictive coding is a consequence of energy efficiency in recurrent neural networks

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullahi Ali ◽  
Nasir Ahmad ◽  
Elgar de Groot ◽  
Marcel A. J. van Gerven ◽  
Tim C. Kietzmann
Keyword(s):  
Neural Networks ◽  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Recurrent Neural Networks ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Message Passing ◽  
Sensory Input ◽  
Predictive Coding ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Top Down ◽  
The Brain

AbstractPredictive coding represents a promising framework for understanding brain function. It postulates that the brain continuously inhibits predictable sensory input, ensuring a preferential processing of surprising elements. A central aspect of this view is its hierarchical connectivity, involving recurrent message passing between excitatory bottom-up signals and inhibitory top-down feedback. Here we use computational modelling to demonstrate that such architectural hard-wiring is not necessary. Rather, predictive coding is shown to emerge as a consequence of energy efficiency. When training recurrent neural networks to minimise their energy consumption while operating in predictive environments, the networks self-organise into prediction and error units with appropriate inhibitory and excitatory interconnections, and learn to inhibit predictable sensory input. Moving beyond the view of purely top-down driven predictions, we demonstrate via virtual lesioning experiments that networks perform predictions on two timescales: fast lateral predictions among sensory units, and slower prediction cycles that integrate evidence over time.

scholarly journals Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the brain: a review of physical principles and technical methods

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 609-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael H. Buonocore ◽  
Richard J. Maddock
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Pulse Sequences ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Neurobiological Substrates ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Physical Principles

AbstractMagnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides unique information about the neurobiological substrates of brain function in health and disease. However, many of the physical principles underlying MRS are distinct from those underlying magnetic resonance imaging, and they may not be widely understood by neuroscientists new to this methodology. This review describes these physical principles and many of the technical methods in current use for MRS experiments. A better understanding these principles and methods may help investigators select pulse sequences and quantification methods best suited to the aims of their research program and avoid pitfalls that can hamper new investigators in this field.

scholarly journals Fundamental constraints on distinguishing reality from imagination

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadine Dijkstra ◽  
Stephen M Fleming
Keyword(s):  
Brain Function ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Generative Models ◽  
Reality Monitoring ◽  
Complex Environments ◽  
Total Strength ◽  
Neuroimaging Data ◽  
External Signals ◽  
The Brain

In order to function in complex environments, humans have evolved to move beyond stimulus-triggered responses to guide behaviour via offline simulations, such as imagination and planning. Contemporary generative models of brain function propose that imagination relies on similar neural machinery to that engaged by veridical perception, a hypothesis supported by neuroimaging data. While allowing for a vast increase in cognitive sophistication, the potential for rich offline simulation raises a new problem: how to distinguish reality from imagination. Here we capitalised on the ability to conduct large-scale, one-trial-per-participant psychophysics via online platforms combined with computational modelling to investigate the characteristics and extent of perceptual reality monitoring failures in the general population. We find striking evidence for a subjective intermixing of imagination and reality – congruent visual imagery increases the likelihood a stimulus is judged as real, and reality judgements increase the experienced vividness of imagery. Using neuroimaging, we go on to show that imagery vividness and perceptual visibility are similarly encoded in the brain. These findings are best explained by a simple theoretical model in which internal and external signals are combined and reality monitoring is implemented by evaluating the total strength of this combined signal against a “reality threshold”. A striking consequence of this account is that it predicts when virtual or imagined signals are strong enough, they become indistinguishable from reality.

Frontier concept of rabi chip for intelligent humanoid

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Preecha Yupapin ◽  
Amiri I. S. ◽  
Ali J. ◽  
Ponsuwancharoen N. ◽  
Youplao P.
Keyword(s):  
Human Brain ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Rabi Oscillation ◽  
Liquid Core ◽  
Brain Surface ◽  
Dipole Oscillation ◽  
On Chip ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Robotic Applications ◽  
Atom System

The sequence of the human brain can be configured by the originated strongly coupling fields to a pair of the ionic substances(bio-cells) within the microtubules. From which the dipole oscillation begins and transports by the strong trapped force, which is known as a tweezer. The tweezers are the trapped polaritons, which are the electrical charges with information. They will be collected on the brain surface and transport via the liquid core guide wave, which is the mixture of blood content and water. The oscillation frequency is called the Rabi frequency, is formed by the two-level atom system. Our aim will manipulate the Rabi oscillation by an on-chip device, where the quantum outputs may help to form the realistic human brain function for humanoid robotic applications.

Providing Care of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury by the Family Practice/Primary Care Optometrist

2018 ◽  
pp. 110-119
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Family Practice ◽  
Advanced Training ◽  
Entry Level ◽  
The Family ◽  
Basic Understanding ◽  
The Brain

Primary Objectives: By extending the scope of knowledge of the primary care optometrist, the brain injury population will have expanded access to entry level neurooptometric care by optometric providers who have a basic understanding of their neurovisual problems, be able to provide some treatment and know when to refer to their colleagues who have advanced training in neuro-optometric rehabilitation.

Finding Community of Brain Networks Based on Neighbor Index and DPSO with Dynamic Crossover

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 287-299
Author(s):  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Junhong Feng ◽  
Fang-Xiang Wu
Keyword(s):  
Brain Function ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization ◽  
Mri Brain ◽  
Mutation Operators ◽  
Neural Unit ◽  
Crossover And Mutation ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Index Table ◽  
Dynamic Crossover

Background: : The brain networks can provide us an effective way to analyze brain function and brain disease detection. In brain networks, there exist some import neural unit modules, which contain meaningful biological insights. Objective:: Therefore, we need to find the optimal neural unit modules effectively and efficiently. Method:: In this study, we propose a novel algorithm to find community modules of brain networks by combining Neighbor Index and Discrete Particle Swarm Optimization (DPSO) with dynamic crossover, abbreviated as NIDPSO. The differences between this study and the existing ones lie in that NIDPSO is proposed first to find community modules of brain networks, and dose not need to predefine and preestimate the number of communities in advance. Results: : We generate a neighbor index table to alleviate and eliminate ineffective searches and design a novel coding by which we can determine the community without computing the distances amongst vertices in brain networks. Furthermore, dynamic crossover and mutation operators are designed to modify NIDPSO so as to alleviate the drawback of premature convergence in DPSO. Conclusion: The numerical results performing on several resting-state functional MRI brain networks demonstrate that NIDPSO outperforms or is comparable with other competing methods in terms of modularity, coverage and conductance metrics.

Neuroethics

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Function ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Wearable Technologies ◽  
Definition Of Death ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
The Future ◽  
Aging Adults ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Brain ◽  
New Criteria

We have new answers to how the brain works and tools which can now monitor and manipulate brain function. Rapid advances in neuroscience raise critical questions with which society must grapple. What new balances must be struck between diagnosis and prediction, and invasive and noninvasive interventions? Are new criteria needed for the clinical definition of death in cases where individuals are eligible for organ donation? How will new mobile and wearable technologies affect the future of growing children and aging adults? To what extent is society responsible for protecting populations at risk from environmental neurotoxins? As data from emerging technologies converge and are made available on public databases, what frameworks and policies will maximize benefits while ensuring privacy of health information? And how can people and communities with different values and perspectives be maximally engaged in these important questions? Neuroethics: Anticipating the Future is written by scholars from diverse disciplines—neurology and neuroscience, ethics and law, public health, sociology, and philosophy. With its forward-looking insights and considerations for the future, the book examines the most pressing current ethical issues.

Implantable neural interfaces

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Vassanelli
Keyword(s):  
Brain Function ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Ionic Channels ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Optogenetic Stimulation ◽  
Physical Interfaces ◽  
The Brain

Establishing direct communication with the brain through physical interfaces is a fundamental strategy to investigate brain function. Starting with the patch-clamp technique in the seventies, neuroscience has moved from detailed characterization of ionic channels to the analysis of single neurons and, more recently, microcircuits in brain neuronal networks. Development of new biohybrid probes with electrodes for recording and stimulating neurons in the living animal is a natural consequence of this trend. The recent introduction of optogenetic stimulation and advanced high-resolution large-scale electrical recording approaches demonstrates this need. Brain implants for real-time neurophysiology are also opening new avenues for neuroprosthetics to restore brain function after injury or in neurological disorders. This chapter provides an overview on existing and emergent neurophysiology technologies with particular focus on those intended to interface neuronal microcircuits in vivo. Chemical, electrical, and optogenetic-based interfaces are presented, with an analysis of advantages and disadvantages of the different technical approaches.

scholarly journals Gut Microbiota and Dysbiosis in Alzheimer’s Disease: Implications for Pathogenesis and Treatment

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (12) ◽  
pp. 5026-5043 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shan Liu ◽  
Jiguo Gao ◽  
Mingqin Zhu ◽  
Kangding Liu ◽  
Hong-Liang Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Gut Dysbiosis ◽  
Bidirectional Communication ◽  
Significant Research ◽  
Novel Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Brain Homeostasis ◽  
Gut Microbiota Composition

Abstract Understanding how gut flora influences gut-brain communications has been the subject of significant research over the past decade. The broadening of the term “microbiota-gut-brain axis” from “gut-brain axis” underscores a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain. The microbiota-gut-brain axis involves metabolic, endocrine, neural, and immune pathways which are crucial for the maintenance of brain homeostasis. Alterations in the composition of gut microbiota are associated with multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. Although a causal relationship between gut dysbiosis and neural dysfunction remains elusive, emerging evidence indicates that gut dysbiosis may promote amyloid-beta aggregation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Illustration of the mechanisms underlying the regulation by gut microbiota may pave the way for developing novel therapeutic strategies for AD. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of gut microbiota and their dysregulation in the pathogenesis of AD. Novel insights into the modification of gut microbiota composition as a preventive or therapeutic approach for AD are highlighted.

scholarly journals Aquaporin-1 and aquaporin-9 gene variations in sudden infant death syndrome

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siri Hauge Opdal ◽  
Linda Ferrante ◽  
Torleiv Ole Rognum ◽  
Arne Stray-Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome ◽  
Infant Death ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Sudden Infant Death ◽  
Sudden Infant ◽  
Unexpected Death ◽  
Aquaporin 9 ◽  
Genes Encoding ◽  
External Risk ◽  
The Brain

AbstractSeveral studies have indicated that a vulnerability in the development and regulation of brain function is involved in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The aim of this study was to investigate the genes encoding the brain aquaporins (AQPs) AQP1 and AQP9 in SIDS. The hypothesis was that specific variants of these genes are part of the genetic vulnerability predisposing infants to sudden unexpected death. The study included 168 SIDS cases with a median age of 15.5 (range 2–52) weeks and 372 adolescent/adult deceased controls with a median age of 44 (range 11–91) years. In the AQP1 gene, the rs17159702 CC/CT genotypes were found to be associated with SIDS (p = 0.02). In the AQP9 gene, the combination of a TT genotype of rs8042354, rs2292711 and rs13329178 was more frequent in SIDS cases than in controls (p = 0.03). In the SIDS group, an association was found between genetic variations in the AQP1 gene and maternal smoking and between the 3xTT combination in the AQP9 gene and being found lifeless in a prone position. In conclusion, this study adds further evidence to the involvement of brain aquaporins in SIDS, suggesting that specific variants of AQP genes constitute a genetic predisposition, making the infant vulnerable to sudden death together with external risk factors and probably other genetic factors.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document