Microbial Technologies Employed for Biodegradation of Neonicotinoids in the Agroecosystem

Neonicotinoids are synthetic pesticides widely used for the control of various pests in agriculture throughout the world. They mainly attack the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, generate nervous stimulation, receptor clot, paralysis and finally cause death. They are low volatile, highly soluble and have a long half-life in soil and water. Due to their extensive use, the environmental residues have immensely increased in the last two decades and caused many hazardous effects on non-target organisms, including humans. Hence, for the protection of the environment and diversity of living organism’s the degradation of neonicotinoids has received widespread attention. Compared to the other methods, biological methods are considered cost-effective, eco-friendly and most efficient. In particular, the use of microbial species makes the degradation of xenobiotics more accessible fast and active due to their smaller size. Since this degradation also converts xenobiotics into less toxic substances, the various metabolic pathways for the microbial degradation of neonicotinoids have been systematically discussed. Additionally, different enzymes, genes, plasmids and proteins are also investigated here. At last, this review highlights the implementation of innovative tools, databases, multi-omics strategies and immobilization techniques of microbial cells to detect and degrade neonicotinoids in the environment.

Combined neurogenic pulmonary edema and atypical takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a patient with ischaemic stroke: a unique case report

Background Neurogenic pulmonary oedema (NPE) and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy are rare complications of ischaemic stroke. They are considered to be due to an excess catecholamine release after sympathetic nervous stimulation following stroke onset. Among the different types of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, apical ballooning is recognized as the typical form, but 3 atypical patterns have been described (midventricular, basal and focal) which are more commonly observed in patients with neurological disorders. Case summary A 78-year-old woman was treated with intravenous alteplase and underwent mechanical thrombectomy for ischaemic stroke. During the procedure, her respiratory condition quickly worsened requiring invasive mechanical ventilation because of a wide and persistent reduction of the inspiratory oxygen fraction/arterial partial oxygen pressure ratio (FiO2/PaO2). Transthoracic echocardiography revealed moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction with akinesis of the septal-apical and inferior-apical segments. Coronary angiography excluded obstructive lesions and/or evidence of acute plaque rupture. Ventriculography confirmed akinesis/dyskinesis of the inferior segment of the left ventricular apex associated with normal kinesis of the remaining segments. Chest X-ray revealed an infiltrative shadow on both lungs. After 24 hours from NPE onset, her respiratory function improved and she was finally discharged on day 7 without neurological defects. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction was reversible and ejection fraction normalized in 3 months. Discussion It is a very rare case of simultaneous NPE and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy following ischaemic stroke. Moreover, it is unique in that it is the first observation of NPE associated with an atypical pattern of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which is more frequent in patients with neurological disorders. A rapid recognition and treatment are essential for patient survival.

Enhancing osteoblast function through pulsed electrical stimulation: implications for peri-implant healing and osseointegration

Electrical stimulation has been suggested as a mean for promoting the bonding of bone tissue to an implant, known as osseointegration. Previous work has investigated the impact of electrical stimulation in different models, both in vitro and in vivo, using various electrode configurations for delivering the electric field and with a wide range of stimulation parameters. However, there is no consensus on optimal electrode configuration nor stimulation parameters. Here, we investigated a novel approach of delivering electrical stimulation to a titanium implant using parameters clinically tested in a different application, namely peripheral nerve stimulation. We propose an in vitro model comprising of Ti6Al4V implants precultured with MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts, stimulated for 72 h at two different pulse amplitudes (10 µA and 20 µA) and at two different frequencies (50 Hz and 100 Hz). We found that pulsed electrical stimulation enhances cell viability (and/or proliferation) and collagen production in an approximately dose-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that pulsed electrical stimulation with characteristics similar to peripheral nervous stimulation has the potential to accelerate osteoblast function and may provide a promising approach to improving peri-implant bone healing, particularly to neuromusculoskeletal interfaces in which implanted electrodes are readily available.

Restoring Perivascular Adipose Tissue Function in Obesity Using Exercise

PurposePerivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) exerts an anti-contractile effect which is vital in regulating vascular tone. This effect is mediated via sympathetic nervous stimulation of PVAT by a mechanism which involves noradrenaline uptake through organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) and β3-adrenoceptor-mediated adiponectin release. In obesity, autonomic dysfunction occurs, which may result in a loss of PVAT function and subsequent vascular disease. Accordingly, we have investigated abnormalities in obese PVAT, and the potential for exercise in restoring function.MethodsVascular contractility to electrical field stimulation (EFS) was assessed ex vivo in the presence of pharmacological tools in ±PVAT vessels from obese and exercised obese mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect changes in expression of β3-adrenoceptors, OCT3 and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) in PVAT.ResultsHigh fat feeding induced hypertension, hyperglycaemia, and hyperinsulinaemia, which was reversed using exercise, independent of weight loss. Obesity induced a loss of the PVAT anti-contractile effect, which could not be restored via β3-adrenoceptor activation. Moreover, adiponectin no longer exerts vasodilation. Additionally, exercise reversed PVAT dysfunction in obesity by reducing inflammation of PVAT and increasing β3-adrenoceptor and OCT3 expression, which were downregulated in obesity. Furthermore, the vasodilator effects of adiponectin were restored.ConclusionLoss of neutrally mediated PVAT anti-contractile function in obesity will contribute to the development of hypertension and type II diabetes. Exercise training will restore function and treat the vascular complications of obesity.

EEG alpha activity increased in response to transcutaneous electrical nervous stimulation in young healthy subjects but not in the healthy elderly

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is used not only in the treatment of pain but also in the examination of sensory functions. With aging, there is decreased sensitivity to somatosensory stimuli. It is essential to examine the effect of TENS application on the sensory functions in the brain by recording the spontaneous electroencephalogram (EEG) activity and the effect of aging on the sensory functions of the brain during the application. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the application of TENS on the brain’s electrical activity and the effect of aging on the sensory functions of the brain during application of TENS. A total of 15 young (24.2 ± 3.59) and 14 elderly (65.64 ± 4.92) subjects were included in the study. Spontaneous EEG was recorded from 32 channels during TENS application. Power spectrum analysis was performed by Fast Fourier Transform in the alpha frequency band (8–13 Hz) for all subjects. Repeated measures of analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05). Young subjects had increased alpha power during the TENS application and had gradually increased alpha power by increasing the current intensity of TENS (p = 0.035). Young subjects had higher alpha power than elderly subjects in the occipital and parietal locations (p = 0.073). We can, therefore, conclude that TENS indicated increased alpha activity in young subjects. Young subjects had higher alpha activity than elderly subjects in the occipital and somatosensory areas. To our knowledge, the present study is one of the first studies examining the effect of TENS on spontaneous EEG in healthy subjects. Based on the results of the present study, TENS may be used as an objective method for the examination of sensory impairments, and in the evaluative efficiency of the treatment of pain conditions.

A Device Improves Signs and Symptoms of TMD

Background. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) therapy remains an open challenge for modern dentistry. Herein, we propose a new neuromuscular lingual device able to reduce signs and symptoms of TMD in female patients with chronic orofacial pain. Methods. 50 females with myofascial TMD according to RDC/TMD were randomly assigned to study (n = 25) and control groups (n = 25). At T0, both groups received sEMG/KNG and pain evaluation by the VAS scale. The study group received the ELIBA device (lingual elevator by Balercia) constructed under ULF-TENS (ultra-low-frequency transcoutaneous electrical nervous stimulation). Subjects were instructed to use ELIBA at least for 16 h/day. After 6 months (T1), both groups underwent to sEMG/KNG and VAS revaluation. Results. T1 study group compared to controls showed a significant reduction in total (p<0.0001) and mean (p<0.0001) sEMG values, as well as a significant increase in both maximum vertical mouth opening (p=0.003) and maximum velocity in mouth opening (p=0.003) and closing (p<0.0001). Interestingly, a significant reduction in pain measured by VAS (p<0.0001) was reported. Conclusions. After 6 months, the ELIBA device is able to significantly reduce TMD-associated myogenous pain and to promote the enhancement of sEMG/KNG values. Practical Implications. ELIBA can be considered as a new device, potentially useful for head-neck pain relief in patients suffering from chronic TMD. In addition, its use promotes a muscles relaxation inducing freeway space increase. This characteristic makes it particularly useful for rehabilitation of patients with not enough space for construction of conventional orthotics or neuromuscular bites.

The Influence of Caffeine Expectancies on Sport, Exercise, and Cognitive Performance

Caffeine (CAF) is widely consumed across sport and exercise for its reputed ergogenic properties, including central nervous stimulation and enhanced muscular force development. However, expectancy and the related psychological permutations that are associated with oral CAF ingestion are generally not considered in most experimental designs and these could be important in understanding if/how CAF elicits an ergogenic effect. The present paper reviews 17 intervention studies across sport, exercise, and cognitive performance. All explore CAF expectancies, in conjunction with/without CAF pharmacology. Thirteen out of 17 studies indicated expectancy effects of varying magnitudes across a range of exercise tasks and cognitive skills inclusive off but not limited to; endurance capacity, weightlifting performance, simple reaction time and memory. Factors, such as motivation, belief, and habitual CAF consumption habits influenced the response. In many instances, these effects were comparable to CAF pharmacology. Given these findings and the lack of consistency in the experimental design, future research acknowledging factors, such as habitual CAF consumption habits, habituated expectations, and the importance of subjective post-hoc analysis will help to advance knowledge within this area.

Music and the Body in the History of Medicine

This chapter sets out the ways that changing medical ideas of listening have influenced thinking on music, in ways that go much deeper than the sometimes-marginalized phenomenon of music therapy. After setting out the role of medicine and the body in the cosmological speculation and humoral conceptions of the body from antiquity until the seventeenth century, it examines the way that medical ideas of listening as nervous stimulation have been used to explain the aesthetic, emotional, moral, therapeutic, and even pathological power of music. It then considers how these ideas developed in the nineteenth century in the context of idealist aesthetics and positivist science, including not only anatomy and psychiatry but also gynecology, phrenology, and “scientific racism.” Finally, it looks at changing thinking on music, the body, and the mind from Sigmund Freud to contemporary neuroscience.