Emotional cognition subgroups in unaffected first-degree relatives of patients with mood disorders

Background Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BD) exhibit difficulties with emotional cognition even during remission. There is evidence for aberrant emotional cognition in unaffected relatives of patients with these mood disorders, but studies are conflicting. We aimed to investigate whether emotional cognition in unaffected first-degree relatives of patients with mood disorders is characterised by heterogeneity using a data-driven approach. Methods Data from 94 unaffected relatives (33 of MDD patients; 61 of BD patients) and 203 healthy controls were pooled from two cohort studies. Emotional cognition was assessed with the Social Scenarios Test, Facial Expression Recognition Test and Faces Dot-Probe Test. Hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted using emotional cognition data from the 94 unaffected relatives. The resulting emotional cognition clusters and controls were compared for emotional and non-emotional cognition, demographic characteristics and functioning. Results Two distinct clusters of unaffected relatives were identified: a relatively ‘emotionally preserved’ cluster (55%; 40% relatives of MDD probands) and an ‘emotionally blunted’ cluster (45%; 29% relatives of MDD probands). ‘Emotionally blunted’ relatives presented with poorer neurocognitive performance (global cognition p = 0.010), heightened subsyndromal mania symptoms (p = 0.004), lower years of education (p = 0.004) and difficulties with interpersonal functioning (p = 0.005) than controls, whereas ‘emotionally preserved’ relatives were comparable to controls on these measures. Conclusions Our findings show discrete emotional cognition profiles that occur across healthy first-degree relatives of patients with MDD and BD. These emotional cognition clusters may provide insight into emotional cognitive markers of genetically distinct subgroups of individuals at familial risk of mood disorders.

Early life adoption shows rearing environment supersedes transgenerational effects of paternal stress on aggressive temperament in the offspring

Prenatal experience and transgenerational influences are increasingly recognized as critical for defining the socio-emotional system, through the development of social competences and of their underlying neural circuitries. Here, we used an established rat model of social stress resulting from male partner aggression induced by peripubertal (P28-42) exposure to unpredictable fearful experiences. Using this model, we aimed to first, characterize adult emotionality in terms of the breadth of the socio-emotional symptoms and second, to determine the relative impact of prenatal vs postnatal influences. For this purpose, male offspring of pairs comprising a control or a peripubertally stressed male were cross-fostered at birth and tested at adulthood on a series of socio-emotional tests. In the offspring of peripubertally stressed males, the expected antisocial phenotype was observed, as manifested by increased aggression towards a female partner and a threatening intruder, accompanied by lower sociability. This negative outcome was yet accompanied by better social memory as well as enhanced active coping, based on more swimming and longer latency to immobility in the forced swim test, and less immobility in the shock probe test. Furthermore, the cross-fostering manipulation revealed that these adult behaviors were largely influenced by the post- but not the prenatal environment, an observation contrasting with both pre- and postnatal effects on attacks during juvenile play behavior. Adult aggression, other active coping behaviors, and social memory were determined by the predominance at this developmental stage of postnatal over prenatal influences. Together, our data highlight the relative persistence of early life influences.

Evaluation of Natural Airfield Pavements Condition Based on the Airfield Pavement Condition Index (APCI)

Natural pavements are an important element of flights. Among other things, they allow the plane to be safely slowed down after it has exited the runway. For this reason, load bearing capacity of natural airfield pavements and strength of turf layer at a specified level are required. Currently used testing methods, such as CBR (Californian Bearing Ratio) tests or turf probe test, separately do not give a full image of pavement technical condition. The authors presented the methodology for assessing the technical condition of natural airfield surfaces based on the APCI (Airfield Pavement Condition Index). The index is based at the same time on the load bearing capacity of the surface layer up to 0.85 m and turf layer strength. The mathematical model and the classification of airfield pavements in terms of the APCI indicator are presented. The article also presents an example of using the APCI method to assess shoulders and end safety areas of the runway at one of the operating airport facilities.

Lack of the peroxiredoxin 6 gene causes impaired spatial memory and abnormal synaptic plasticity

Peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) is expressed dominantly in the astrocytes and exerts either neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects in the brain. Although PRDX6 can modulate several signaling cascades involving cognitive functions, its physiological role in spatial memory has not been investigated yet. This study aims to explore the function of the Prdx6 gene in spatial memory formation and synaptic plasticity. We first tested Prdx6−/− mice on a Morris water maze task and found that their memory performance was defective, along with reduced long-term potentiation (LTP) in CA3-CA1 hippocampal synapses recorded from hippocampal sections of home-caged mice. Surprisingly, after the probe test, these knockout mice exhibited elevated hippocampal LTP, higher phosphorylated ERK1/2 level, and decreased reactive astrocyte markers. We further reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation by administering MEK inhibitor, U0126, into Prdx6−/− mice before the probe test, which reversed their spatial memory deficit. This study is the first one to report the role of PRDX6 in spatial memory and synaptic plasticity. Our results revealed that PRDX6 is necessary for maintaining spatial memory by modulating ERK1/2 phosphorylation and astrocyte activation. Graphic Abstract

Cyanine-based Fluorescent Probe for Cyanide Ion Detection

Cyanine-based probe-possessing indolium and indole unit was synthesized in two-step with easy available raw material: a potential probe for the cyanide ion detection. The detecting ability of the probe was investigated and confirmed by a visual and instrumental approach. A noticeable color change from orange to colorless obtained only for cyanide ion and other added ions does not impart any changes visually and through UV and Fluorescence technique. To confirm the mechanism of sensing 1H-NMR recorded. From the result, the peak belonging to N -methyl displayed an upfield shift from 4.01 δ ppm to 2.74 δ ppm due to the disappearance of indolium ion and the olefin protons peaks were shifted from 7.19 to 6.17 and 8.70 to 7.20 δ ppm confirms the nucleophilic addition of cyanide ion to the probe. Test kit from filter paper prepared for the real-time monitoring cyanide ion. The prepared strip is effective in detecting cyanide ion with a visual color change.

High performance of multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization to simultaneous detection of BCL2 and BCL6 rearrangements: useful application in the characterization of DLBCLs

Chromosomal rearrangements involving BCL2, BCL6 and MYC are commonly found in the most frequent B cell lymphomas, namely follicular lymphomas (FLs) and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs). Particularly, BCL2-rearrangement represents a diagnostic hallmark in FLs, whereas MYC translocation can occur simultaneously with BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements, defining a specific category of DLBCLs with a poorer prognosis. In this study, we aim to validate the diagnostic performance of multiplex BCL2/BCL6 FISH approach in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded FLs and DBCLs and cytological samples of DLBCL comparing to the classic set of single break-apart probes. We collected a series of lymphomas, including 85 DLBCLs, 45 FLs and 36 other B-cell lymphoma histotypes and 16 cytological samples of DLBCLs. MYC, BCL2 and BCL6 rearrangements were previously assessed by a classic FISH test using single break-apart probes. All samples were analysed by a multiplex FISH assay. In the FL series, 38 cases showed BCL2-R; in the DLBCLs series, MYC-R was detected in 21 out of 85 DLBCL patients, BCL2-R in 10 out of 85 and BCL6-R in 33 out of 85. In the DLBCL cytological series, MYC-R was detected in 4 out of 16, BCL2-R in 4 out of 16 and BCL6-R in 1 out of 16. Notably, in FFPE, 13 double-hit lymphomas (DHLs) and 3 triple-hit lymphomas (THLs) were detected; in the cytological series, only 3 DHL cases were observed. The dual BCL2/BCL6 FISH probe test results were fully concordant with the results obtained using classic BCL2 and BCL6 single break apart. Particularly, multiplex FISH to simultaneously detect BCL2-R and BCL6-R on a single slide could find a wide application in the characterisation of double- and triple-hit DLBCLs.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF DIODE LASER, GLUMA DESENSITIZER AND DESENSITIZING MOUTH RINSE IN THE TREATMENT OF DENTINE HYPERSENSITIVITY – CLINICAL STUDY

Introduction: Dentine hypersensitivity is characterized by acute, sharp pain arising from the exposed dentine, most commonly in response to thermal, tactile, or chemical stimuli, and which cannot be linked to any other pathological changes in the tooth or the environment. Therapy uses various impregnating agents in the form of solutions or gels and, in more recent times, lasers. Gluma Desensitizer, Desensitizing mouthrinse has been used previously in a dentifrice or gel to alleviate dentinal hypersensitivity. Aim: To compare the efficacy of Diode laser, Gluma desensitizer and desensitizing mouth rinse in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity. Materials and Methods: The study contained 60 individuals (42 males and 18 females) of dentinal hypersensitivity. There were three groups in the study i.e., patients treated with laser, Gluma Desensitizer and Desensitizing mouth rinse. Before starting any treatment, the hypersensitivity was checked with the help of cold air blast and probe test according to VAS (Visual analog scale) the responses were evaluated from the patients. Results: Group I (Laser) showing the highly significant results compared to group 2 (Gluma desensitizer) and group 3 desensitizing mouth rinse (3% Potassium Nitrate) in decreasing the dentinal hypersensitivity. Keywords: dentine hypersensitivity, desensitizing agent, diode laser, laser therapy. Gluma Desensitizer; mouth rinses

Strengthening Effect of Nb on Ferrite Grain Boundary in X70 Pipeline Steel

Understanding the strengthening effect of niobium on ferrite grain boundaries from the perspective of valence electron structures will help to use niobium and other microalloying elements more effectively to improve the performance of steel materials. In this paper, the effect of niobium element on ferrite grain boundary strengthening is studied based on microstructure analysis at the nanometer scale. The enrichment of niobium in pipeline steel at ferrite boundary was observed by a three-dimensional atomic probe test. Segregation of Nb is observed in the ferrite grain boundaries of X70 steel, and its maximum concentration is 0.294–0.466 at.%. The charges in the occupancy of the Fe 3d state in grain and grain boundary were 7.23 and 7.37, respectively, based on quantitative analysis of electron energy loss spectra (EELS). The first-principle calculation suggests that the charges in the occupancy of 3d state for grain boundary iron are 6.57 and 6.68, respectively, before and after the Nb doping (with an increase of 1.67%), which reveals a similar trend to that of the EELS results. Through Nb alloying, the 3d valence electronic density of the state of Fe in grain boundary moves to a lower energy, which can reduce the total energy of the system and make the grain boundary more stable. Meanwhile, the charges in the occupancy of the 3d state for Fe in the grain boundary increases, providing more electrons for grain boundary bonding. These improve the strength and toughness of the material. This work provides a fundamental understanding for pipeline steel strengthening by element alloying.

K284-6111 alleviates memory impairment and neuroinflammation in Tg2576 mice by inhibition of Chitinase-3-like 1 regulating ERK-dependent PTX3 pathway

Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders characterized by gradual memory loss and neuropsychiatric symptoms. We have previously demonstrated that the 2-({3-[2-(1-cyclohexene-1-yl)ethyl]-6,7-dimethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2-quinazolinyl}sulfanyl)-N-(4-ethylphenyl)butanamide (K284-6111), the inhibitor of CHI3L1, has the inhibitory effect on memory impairment in Αβ infusion mouse model and on LPS-induced neuroinflammation in the murine BV-2 microglia and primary cultured astrocyte. Methods In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of K284-6111 on memory dysfunction and neuroinflammation in Tg2576 transgenic mice, and a more detailed correlation of CHI3L1 and AD. To investigate the effects of K284-6111 on memory dysfunction, we administered K284-6111 (3 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 4 weeks to Tg2576 mice, followed by behavioral tests of water maze test, probe test, and passive avoidance test. Results Administration of K284-6111 alleviated memory impairment in Tg2576 mice and had the effect of reducing the accumulation of Aβ and neuroinflammatory responses in the mouse brain. K284-6111 treatment also selectively inactivated ERK and NF-κB pathways, which were activated when CHI3L1 was overexpressed, in the mouse brain and in BV-2 cells. Web-based gene network analysis and our results of gene expression level in BV-2 cells showed that CHI3L1 is closely correlated with PTX3. Our result revealed that knockdown of PTX3 has an inhibitory effect on the production of inflammatory proteins and cytokines, and on the phosphorylation of ERK and IκBα. Conclusion These results suggest that K284-6111 could improve memory dysfunction by alleviating neuroinflammation through inhibiting CHI3L1 enhancing ERK-dependent PTX3 pathway.