Search

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), foods high in tryptamine may cause foodborne diseases and abnormal activity in the central nervous system (CNS). The real-time monitoring of tryptamine levels is an emphasized topic among scientific community. In the present work, we report a cost-effective fluorescent paper strips-based methodology impregnated with self-assembled dipeptide-modified (DM1) zinc oxide (ZnO) i.e. DM1@ZnO for the real-time monitoring of tryptamine levels. It is based on an organic-inorganic nanohybrid material of self-assembled N -functionalised dipeptide molecule coated over the surface of ZnO thus tailoring its properties for the detection of tryptamine employing spectroscopic and electrochemical methods. The designed material exhibited a noteworthy response towards tryptamine irrespective of the presence of other biogenic amines (BAs). It selectively displayed blue fluorescence under the 365 nm UV light. On top of that, the detection of tryptamine was also corroborated by its transition to 2-oxytryptamine, as deduced from its electrochemical route. Thus, the proposed paper strip-based methodology unbolts a realistic platform for the efficient recognition of varying levels of tryptamine thus tackling the prima facie reasons for foodborne diseases. [Display omitted] • Fabrication of self-assembled dipeptide-based nanohybrid material. • Spectroscopic and electrochemical recognition of tryptamine. • Interaction of DM1@ZnO with tryptamine and its electrochemical conversion to 2-oxytryptamine. • Fabrication of DM1@ZnO grafted fluorescent paper strips. • Realistic platform for the efficient recognition of tryptamine thus tackling the prima facie reasons for foodborne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a signaling protein responsible for promoting neuroplasticity, is highly expressed in the central nervous system but can also be found in the blood. Since impaired brain plasticity is considered a cornerstone in the pathophysiology of MDD, measurement of BDNF in blood has been proposed as a potential biomarker in MDD. The aim of our study is to systematically review the literature for the effects of antidepressant treatments on blood BDNF levels in MDD and the suitability of blood BDNF as a biomarker for depression severity and antidepressant response. We searched Pubmed® and Cochrane library up to March 2024 in a systematic manner using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). The search resulted in a total of 42 papers, of which 30 were included in this systematic review. Generally, we found that patients with untreated MDD have a lower blood BDNF level than healthy controls. Antidepressant treatments increase blood BDNF levels, and more evidently after pharmacological than non-pharmacological treatment. Neither baseline nor change in the blood BDNF level correlates with depression severity or treatment outcome, which undermines its use as a biomarker in MDD. Our review also highlights the importance of considering factors influencing the accuracy and reproducibility of BDNF measurements. We summarize considerations to help obtain more robust blood BDNF values and compile a list of recommendations to help streamline assessment of blood BDNF levels in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sit-to-stand transfer is a fundamental functional movement during normal activities of daily living. Central nervous system disorders can negatively impact the execution of sit-to-stand transfers, often impeding successful completion. Despite its importance, the neurophysiological basis at muscle (electromyography (EMG)) and brain (electroencephalography (EEG)) level as related to the kinematic movement is not well understood. This review synthesises the published literature addressing central and peripheral neural activity during 3D kinematic capture of sit-to-stand transfers. A pre-registered systematic review was conducted. Electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, Scopus and EMBASE) were searched from inception using search operators that included sit-to-stand, kinematics and EMG and/or EEG. The search was not limited by study type but was limited to populations comprising of healthy individuals or individuals with a central neurological pathology. From a total of 28,770 identified papers, 59 were eligible for inclusion. Ten of these 59 studies received a moderate quality rating; with the remainder rated as weak using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. Fifty-eight studies captured kinematic data of sit-to-stand with associated EMG activity only and one study captured kinematics with co-registered EMG and EEG data. Fifty-six studies examined sit-to-stand transfer in healthy individuals, reporting four dynamic movement phases and three muscle synergies commonly used by most individuals to stand-up. Pre-movement EEG activity was reported in one study with an absence of data during execution. Eight studies examined participants following stroke and two examined participants with Parkinson's disease, both reporting no statistically significant differences between their kinematics and muscle activity and those of healthy controls. Little is known about the neural basis of the sit-to-stand transfer at brain level with limited focus in central neurological pathology. This poses a barrier to targeted mechanistic-based rehabilitation of the sit-to-stand movement in neurological populations. • Four dynamic movement phases are commonly used by most individuals to stand up. • Three muscle synergies are commonly used by most individuals to stand up. • No EEG data during sit-to-stand execution with 3D motion analysis was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the scope, trends, and challenges of neurosurgical research in Nigeria since inception of the specialty in 1962. A bibliometric review of the neurosurgical literature from Nigeria was performed. Variables extracted included year and journal of publication, article topic, article type, research type, study design, article focus area, and limitations. Descriptive and quantitative analyses were performed for all variables. Trends of research publications were described in three periods: pioneering (1962–1981), recession (1982–2001), and resurgent (2002–2021). Of the 1023 included articles, 10.0% were published in the pioneering period, 9.2% in the recession period, and 80.8% in the resurgent period. Papers were predominantly published in World Neurosurgery (4.5%) and Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice (4.0%). A total of 79.9% of the 4618 authors were from Nigerian institutions; 86.3% of the articles covered clinical research and were mainly focused on service delivery and epidemiology (89.9%). The most prominent topics were traumatic brain injury (25.8%) and central nervous system malignancy (21.4%). Only 4.4% of the publications received funding, mostly from agencies in the United States (31.7%). Barriers to neurosurgical research included lack of clinical databases (18.0%), increasing burden of disease (12.5%), and diagnostic challenges (12.4%). Neurosurgical research in Nigeria continues to grow due to increased training, workforce, and infrastructural improvements. Addressing the major challenges through establishment of research databases, development of evidence-based management guidelines, and increasing research training, funding and opportunities can increase research capacity in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which belong to the ionotropic Glutamate receptors, constitute a family of ligand-gated ion channels. Within the various subtypes of NMDA receptors, the GluN1/2A subtype plays a significant role in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The present article aims to provide a comprehensive review of ligands targeting GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors, encompassing negative allosteric modulators (NAMs), positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) and competitive antagonists. Moreover, the ligands' structure–activity relationships (SARs) and the binding models of representative ligands are also discussed, providing valuable insights for the clinical rational design of effective drugs targeting CNS diseases. GluN1/2A subtype NMDA receptor plays a significant role in CNS disorders. This paper summarized GluN2A subtype selective antagonists, PAMs, and NAMs with their SARs and biological profiles. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical exchange saturation transfer technique serves as a valuable tool for generating in vivo image contrast based on the content of various proton groups, including amide protons, amine protons, and aliphatic protons. Among these, amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) imaging has seen extensive development as a means to assess the biochemical status of lesions. The exchange from saturated amide protons to bulk water protons during and following the saturation ratio frequency pulse contributes to detectable APT signals. While APTw imaging has garnered significant attention in the central nervous system, demonstrating noteworthy findings in cerebral neoplasia, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease over the past decade, its application in the abdomen has been a relatively recent progression. Notably, studies have explored its utility in hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate cancer, and cervical carcinoma within the abdominal context. Despite these advancements, there is a paucity of reviews on APTw imaging in abdominal applications. This paper aims to fill this gap by providing a concise overview of the fundamental theories underpinning APTw imaging. Additionally, we systematically summarize its diverse clinical applications in the abdomen, with a particular focus on the digestive and urogenital systems. Finally, the manuscript concludes by discussing technical limitations and factors influencing APTw imaging in abdominal applications, along with prospects for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytopolysaccharides are a class of natural macromolecules with a range of biological activities. Ginseng, red ginseng, American ginseng, and Panax notoginseng are all members of the Araliaceae family. They are known to contain a variety of medicinal properties and are typically rich in a wide range of medicinal values. Polysaccharides represent is one of the principal active ingredients in the aforementioned plants. However, there is a paucity of detailed reports on the separation methods, structural characteristics and comparison of various pharmacological effects of these polysaccharides. This paper presents a review of the latest research reports on ginseng, red ginseng, American ginseng and ginseng polysaccharides. The differences in extraction, separation, purification, structural characterization, and pharmacological activities of the four polysaccharides are compared and clarified. Upon examination of the current research literature, it becomes evident that the extraction and separation processes of the four polysaccharides are highly similar. Modern pharmacological studies have corroborated the multiple biological activities of these polysaccharides. These activities encompass a range of beneficial effects, including antioxidant stress injury, fatigue reduction, tumor inhibition, depression alleviation, regulation of intestinal flora, immunomodulation, diabetes management, central nervous system protection, anti-aging, and improvement of skin health. This paper presents a review of studies on the extraction, purification, characterization, and bioactivities of four natural plant ginseng polysaccharides. Furthermore, the review presents the most recent research findings on their pharmacological activities. The information provides a theoretical basis for the future application of natural plant polysaccharides and offers a new perspective for the in-depth development of the medicinal value of ginseng in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialized literature provides very little information on performing and interpreting clinical neurological tests on guinea pigs. Two neurologists performed separate neurological examinations of 25 guinea pigs. The structure of the examination was like those performed in other companion animals. Each test was evaluated for feasibility, reproducibility, and associated stress level for the animals. The foll wing tests revealed an excellent ability to elicit the expected response: hopping reaction in the thoracic limbs, wheelbarrowing and hemiwalking, medial and lateral palpebral reflex, auricular sensitivity, maxillary sensitivity, horizontal oculocephalic reflex, tone of the jaw, voluntary movement of the tongue, direct pupillary light reflex. On the other hand, a poor ability to elicit the expected response was observed in the following tests: visual paw replacement of the thoracic limbs, tactile paw replacement in thoracic and pelvic limbs, paper test for thoracic and pelvic limbs, mandibular sensitivity, vertical oculocephalic reflex, menace response, patellar reflex, cutaneous trunci reflex, perineal reflex. The most reliable spinal reflex test with a good ability to elicit the expected response was the withdrawal reflex for both thoracic and pelvic limbs. It is possible to apply several neurological tests on guinea pigs and produce meaningful results. Therefore, we propose a possible protocol for neurological examination in guinea pigs. This is the first study to evaluate a full range of clinical neurological tests performed on guinea pigs. The results of this study could lead to a better understanding of lesion localization and guide further diagnostic and therapy in guinea pigs with neurological diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical image segmentation is a challenging task owing to its aliasing artifacts, existence of mixed pixels, interference of noise and blurring effect, etc. The brain and the spinal cord together constitute the Central Nervous System (CNS), with the brain being the most complex component. Brain segmentation is crucial for surgical planning, disease detection, and therapeutic interventions. A unique entropy based soft clustering approach (EMT2FCM) for the brain MRI imaging on both real and simulated datasets is proposed in this paper. This paper presents a refined version of the type-2 Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) technique (EMT2FCM) for isolating diverse tissues in Magnetic Resonance (MR) brain images, achieved through an enhanced entropy-based membership function. Difficulty in edge detection occurs due to the vagueness caused by mixed pixels. To overcome the problem with mixed pixels a new membership function proposal has been given. EMT2FCM, i.e., fuzzy membership function with Shannon's entropy-based variation, is able to handle uncertainty and vagueness in images offered by mixed pixels, by implementing new distance criteria modification for the calculation of optimum cluster. The approach has been validated using datasets from BRAINWEB (simulated) and IBSR (real-life). Following the deployment of our new algorithm, we assessed its performance using six observation criteria. The results demonstrated significant improvements in clustering performance, as evidenced by enhanced Mean Squared Error (MSE), Dice Index, and Jaccard Index, Accuracy, Sensitivity and Partition Indices validation measures. The evaluation of EMT2FCM in comparison to other state-of-the-art methods is established to reduce segmentation errors significantly. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders have a complicated pathogenesis, and to date, no single mechanism can fully explain them. Most drugs used for CNS disorders primarily aim to manage symptoms and delay disease progression, and none have demonstrated any pathological reversal. Fucoidan is a safe, sulfated polysaccharide from seaweed that exhibits multiple pharmacological effects, and it is anticipated to be a novel treatment for CNS disorders. To assess the possible clinical uses of fucoidan, this review aims to provide an overview of its neuroprotective mechanism in both in vivo and in vitro CNS disease models, as well as its pharmacokinetics and safety. We included 39 articles on the pharmacology of fucoidan in CNS disorders. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that fucoidan has important roles in regulating lipid metabolism, enhancing the cholinergic system, maintaining the functional integrity of the blood-brain barrier and mitochondria, inhibiting inflammation, and attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis, highlighting its potential for CNS disease treatment. Fucoidan has a protective effect against CNS disorders. With ongoing research on fucoidan, it is expected that a natural, highly effective, less toxic, and highly potent fucoidan-based drug or nutritional supplement targeting CNS diseases will be developed. • 39 papers were reviewed for Fucoidan in the treatment of CNS disorders. • Fucoidan has certain pharmacological activities in CNS disorders. • Fucoidan provides neuroprotection through multiple mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Spinal cord injury (SCI) afflicts millions of individuals globally. There are few therapies available to patients. Ascending and descending excitatory glutamatergic neural circuits in the central nervous system are disrupted by SCI, making α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) a potential therapeutic drug target. Emerging research in preclinical models highlights the involvement of AMPARs in vital processes following SCI including breathing, pain, inflammation, bladder control, and motor function. However, there are no clinical trial data reported in this patient population to date. No work on the role of AMPA receptors in sexual dysfunction after SCI has been disclosed. Compounds with selective antagonist and potentiating effects on AMPA receptors have benefit in animal models of SCI, with antagonists generally showing protective effects early after injury and potentiators (ampakines) producing improved breathing and bladder function. The role of AMPARs in pathophysiology and recovery after SCI depends upon the time post injury, and the timing of AMPAR augmentation or antagonism. The roles of inflammation, synaptic plasticity, sensitization, neurotrophic factors, and neuroprotection are considered in this context. The data summarized and discussed in this paper document proof of principle and strongly encourage additional studies on AMPARs as novel gateways to therapeutic benefit for patients suffering from SCI. The availability of both AMPAR antagonists such as perampanel and AMPAR allosteric modulators (i.e., ampakines) such as CX1739, that have been safely administered to humans, provides an expedited means of clinical inquiry for possible therapeutic advances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A simple and non-invasive sampling method for exhaled breath aerosol collection was developed using N95 masks. • We chose nylon 6 film as a substrate material for sol–gel coating. • The sampling device proposed in this study achieved effective collection of caffeine in human exhaled aerosol. • Masks are expected to become a non-invasive and convenient sampling device in the future, providing a safe micro-environment for the wearer during sampling. Caffeine is an alkaloid compound that can excite the central nervous system and effectively relieve fatigue in moderation. However, excessive caffeine consumption can block blood vessels, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. The International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization has listed caffeine in category 3 carcinogens, so it is crucial that caffeine be detected easily and accurately. Exhaled breath aerosol (EBA), which consists of a large number of volatile substances and complex biological matrices, can not only reflect the physiological state of the human body, ingested substances, and environmental exposures; on the other hand, the characteristics of non-invasive sampling also make EBA analysis has a broad application prospect in the field of human health monitoring and disease diagnosis. This paper used a combination of nylon 6 film coated with poly-tetrahydrofuran (PTHF) and a medical N95 mask to construct a convenient and direct sampling device, which can be used to collect caffeine ingested by humans non-invasively from EBA. Volunteers wore a mask for a defined period of time after consuming a certain amount of caffeine. The samples were next back-extracted with methanol and detected and analyzed using gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS). The results showed that under the optimized analytical conditions, the PTHF-coated nylon 6 film was effective in collecting caffeine from human EBA, and the peak time of caffeine was 23.44 min. The mask-loaded coated device in this study has the advantages of being comfortable and efficient, safe and non-invasive as well as easy to operate, and by combining with mass spectrometry molecular techniques it can achieve high sensitivity and specificity analysis of trace components, which is expected to be used for the early diagnosis of respiratory diseases in clinical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Dual-emissive AuNCs was obtained through the assembly of AuNCs and PLL. • The AuNCs is a luminescent ratio probe for Hg2+ sensing. • Visual semi-quantitative Hg2+ detection was realized. Heavy metals pollution shows a serious threat to global human and animal populations. Especially, mercury ions (Hg2+) are non-biodegradable and could accumulated through the food chain, causing severe damage to central nervous system and immune system. The sensitive and rapid detection of Hg2+ is important for human safety. In this study, based on the host–guest interaction between D-penicillamine (DPA) modified AuNCs and polylysine (PLL), a AuNCs@PLL complex system is constructed. The network of PLL enhances the luminescence properties of AuNCs through electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding. In combination with the blue emission of PLL, the AuNCs@PLL complex exhibits dual-emitting luminescence, which could be employed as a promising luminescent probe for Hg2+ detection. The high-affinity metallophilic Hg2+-Au+ interactions leads to the decomposition of AuNCs and consequently quenches the red emission, but the blue emission originating from PLL is unaffected. Based on this characteristic, a ratio luminescent probe targeted for quick accurate detection of Hg2+ is developed. Furthermore, paper test strips were fabricated employing the AuNCs@PLL luminescent probe for visual semi-quantitative Hg2+ detection. In addition to the benefits for sustainable development of the environment, health of the human, this study also has theoretical values for understanding the mechanism of NCs self-assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Intrathecal clozapine therapy delivers clozapine directly into the CSF, using a subcutaneous implantable pump. • Intrathecal clozapine requires lower doses, as it bypasses the liver's first-pass effect and the blood–brain barrier. • The reduced dose of intrathecal clozapine leads to fewer peripheral side effects, such as obstipation and hypersalivation. • An implantable pump can deliver intrathecal clozapine continuously over the day, improving treatment adherence. Clozapine, despite its superior efficacy in treating therapy-resistant schizophrenia, is often underutilized due to its challenging side effect profile. This paper proposes a novel approach to address this issue by exploring the hypothesis of intrathecal administration of clozapine, delivering the drug directly into the cerebrospinal fluid. The article reviews the existing routes of administration, pharmacokinetics, side effects, dosages, and challenges associated with intrathecal clozapine administration. The hypothesis suggests potential advantages, such as reduced systemic side effects due to the reduced dose and lower plasma levels of intrathecal clozapine. Intrathecal administration, delivered through a programmable implantable pump, offers a continuous and stable drug concentration in the central nervous system and improved treatment adherence. While theoretical benefits are outlined, challenges and risks, including infection and pump malfunctions, are discussed. Ethical considerations and the need for further research, including clinical trials, to evaluate safety, efficacy, and feasibility are emphasized. Intrathecal clozapine administration presents a promising way to enhance the therapeutic benefits of clozapine while minimizing its side effects. Still, extensive research is warranted to validate its practical application in schizophrenia treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, dietary risk factors cause far more deaths and disability-adjusted life years than any other risk, including smoking. Although salt, sugar and fat have been the main foci of dietary policy debates over the past two decades, the major contributing factor is high salt intake, which causes more than 2% global annual mortality, amounting to more than 160 million people. These shocking statistics highlight the necessity of reducing the salt content of food, which is a key challenge for the food industry. Here, the mechanisms by which taste cells, brain and organs perceive saltiness are reviewed. Then, we summarize the research progress of several salt reduction strategies and assessment methods for saltiness. NaCl is transmitted through amiloride-sensitive pathway and amiloride-insensitive pathway. The electrical signal generated by the salt receptors is transmitted to the central nervous system and saltiness perception can be enhanced by interaction with odor and taste substances. Strategies for reducing salt intake include salt substitutes, modifying food texture, changing the shape and size of salt crystals, modifying processing technology and multi-sensory synergism in perception, which enhance the perceived intensity of saltiness without otherwise affecting taste. To evaluate saltiness, most established animal models involve mice. In addition to taste bud cells in vivo , cell models in vitro are being explored. This review provides a scientific basis for the practice of salt reduction in the food industry and a theoretical basis for the evaluation of saltiness perception. • Salt reduction policies implemented in different countries and regions are summarized. • The mechanisms by which taste cells, brain and organs perceive saltiness are reviewed. • This paper reviews strategies for salt reduction in the food industry. • In vivo and in vitro models for evaluating saltiness are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neural guidance proteins participate in motor neuron migration, axonal projection, and muscle fiber innervation during development. One of the guidance proteins that participates in axonal pathfinding is Netrin-1. Despite the well-known role of Netrin-1 in embryogenesis of central nervous tissue, it is still unclear how the expression of this guidance protein contributes to primary innervation of the periphery, as well as reinnervation. This is especially true in the larynx where Netrin-1 is upregulated within the intrinsic laryngeal muscles after nerve injury and where blocking of Netrin-1 alters the pattern of reinnervation of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles. Despite this consistent finding, it is unknown how Netrin-1 expression contributes to guidance of the axons towards the larynx. Improved knowledge of Netrin-1's role in nerve regeneration and reinnervation post-injury in comparison to its role in primary innervation during embryological development, may provide insights in the search for therapeutics to treat nerve injury. This paper reviews the known functions of Netrin-1 during the formation of the central nervous system and during cranial nerve primary innervation. It also describes the role of Netrin-1 in the formation of the larynx and during recurrent laryngeal reinnervation following nerve injury in the adult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gut-brain axis is a crucial interface between the central nervous system and the gut microbiota. Recent evidence shows that exposure to environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals, can cause dysbiosis in gut microbiota, which may affect the gut-brain communication, impacting aspects of brain function and behavior. This systematic review of the literature aims to evaluate whether deleterious effects on brain function due to heavy metal exposure could be mediated by changes in the gut microbiota profile. Animal studies involving exposure to heavy metals and a comparison with a control group that evaluated neuropsychological outcomes and/or molecular outcomes along with the analysis of microbiota composition were reviewed. The authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed risk of bias using the protocol of Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) for preclinical studies. A search in 3 databases yielded 16 eligible studies focused on lead (n = 10), cadmium (n = 1), mercury (n = 3), manganese (n = 1), and combined exposure of lead and manganese (n = 1). The animal species were rats (n = 7), mice (n = 4), zebrafish (n = 3), carp (n = 1) and fruit fly (n = 1). Heavy metals were found to adversely affect cognitive function, behavior, and neuronal morphology. Moreover, heavy metal exposure was associated with changes in the abundance of specific bacterial phyla, such as Firmicutes and Proteobacteria , which play crucial roles in gut health. In some studies, these alterations were correlated with learning and memory impairments and mood disorders. The interplay of heavy metals, gut microbiota, and brain suggests that heavy metals can induce direct brain alterations and indirect effects through the microbiota, contributing to neurotoxicity and the development of neuropsychological disorders. However, the small number of papers under review makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Further research is warranted to unravel the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the translational implications for human health. [Display omitted] • This systematic review included 16 studies that exposed animals to Pb, Mn, Cd and Hg. • Heavy metal exposure affects gut microbiota, cognition, behavior & brain morphology. • Majors changes were in Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, albeit with conflicting results. • Gut dysbiosis due to heavy metals were correlated with mood and cognitive disorders. • Further research is essential to uncover mechanisms and health implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by β-amyloid plaque, intraneuronal tangles, significant neuronal loss and cognitive deficit. Treatment in the early stages of the disease is crucial for preventing or perhaps reversing the neurodegeneration in the AD cases. However, none of the current diagnostic procedures are capable of early diagnosis of AD. Further, the available treatments merely provide symptomatic alleviation in AD and do not address the underlying illness. Therefore, there is no permanent cure for AD currently. Better therapeutic outcomes need the optimum drug concentration in the central nervous system (CNS) by traversing blood-brain-barrier (BBB). Nanotechnology offers enormous promise to transform the treatment and diagnostics of neurodegenerative diseases. Nanotechnology based diagnostic tools, drug delivery systems and theragnostic are capable of highly sensitive molecular detection, effective drug targeting and their combination. Significant work has been done in this area over the last decade and prospective results have been obtained in AD therapy. This review explores the various applications of nanotechnology in addressing the varied facets of AD, ranging from early detection to therapeutic interventions. This review also looks at how nanotechnology can help with the development of disease-modifying medicines, such as the delivery of anti-amyloid, anti-tau, cholinesterase inhibitors, antioxidants and hormonal drugs. In conclusion, this paper discusses the role of nanotechnology in the early detection of AD, effective drug targeting to the CNS and theragnostic applications in the management of AD. • Nanotechnology as novel strategy for Alzheimer's disease • Significant delivery of anti-amyloid, anti-tau, cholinesterase inhib.itors, antioxidants and hormonal drugs. • Nanosensor, an effective tool in the early detection of AD. • Safety and ethical concern to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • It proposed a detection method for the structural and quantitative analysis of GABA. • The limit of detection for GABA could reach up to 0.428% based on its THz spectrum. • The calculated results were in good agreement with their experimental results. • The vibrational motions of each THz and Raman peaks were quantitatively decomposed. γ-aminobutyric (GABA) is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitier in vertebrate central nervous systems. The content level of GABA is related to the different degree of malignancy gliomas. Thus, it can be considered a promising glioma biomarker. In this paper, the spectroscopic properties of GABA have been characterized by combining the THz spectroscopy with low-wavenumber Raman spectroscopy. The experimental results showed that, GABA exhibited three absorption peaks and three refractive index peaks in the range of 0.6–2.1 THz. The limit of detection can reach up to 0.428 % based on the absorption coefficient at the peak of 2.04 THz. Moreover, the low-wavenumber Raman spectrum of GABA showed seven characteristic peaks at 41.0, 50.8, 58.8, 77.2, 98.8, 115.6, 141.2 cm−1 in 0–150 cm−1 region. Moreover, the THz and low-wavenumber theoretical spectra of GABA were simulated with solid-state density function theory, respectively. The calculated results were in good agreement with the experimental observations. On the basis of calculated result, the vibrational motions of each THz and Raman characteristic modes were quantitatively decomposed by analytical mode-decoupling method, where the contribution percentages of external translation, external librations and intramolecular vibration of each vibration modes were analyzed Furthermore, the low-frequency characteristics of GABA was analyzed by combining the THz and low-wavenumber Raman spectroscopy. It is beneficial for the structural information analysis and quantitative identification of biomarker GABA in early stage diagnosis of glioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects of glial cells. • Inhibition of NF-κB pathway activation may be the key to treating Parkinson's disease. • Active ingredients of Chinese medicine can inhibit neuroinflammation through the NF-κB pathway. • Active ingredients of Chinese medicine are safe and inexpensive and are expected to be beneficial treatments for Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with a complex pathogenesis and no cure. Persistent neuroinflammation plays an important role in the development of PD, and activation of microglia and astrocytes within the central nervous system leads to an inflammatory response and production of pro-inflammatory factors, and activation of NF-κB is key to neuroglial activation in chronic inflammation in PD and a hallmark of the onset of neuroinflammatory disease. Therefore, inhibiting NF-κB activation to prevent further loss of dopaminergic nerves is a more effective means of treating PD. It has been found that an increasing number of active ingredients in Chinese medicines, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, phenols and phenylpropanoids, have anti-inflammatory properties that can regulate neuroglia cell activation and ameliorate neuroinflammation through the NF-κB pathway, and increase dopamine release or protect dopaminergic neurons for neuroprotection to improve behavioural dysfunction in PD. The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine are expected to be good candidates for the treatment of PD, as they provide holistic regulation through multi-targeting and multi-level effects, and are safe, inexpensive and readily available. Therefore, this paper summarises that the active ingredients of some relevant Chinese medicines ameliorate the symptoms of PD and delay the development of PD by inhibiting glial cell-mediated neuroinflammation through the NF-κB pathway, which may provide new ideas for exploring the molecular mechanism of PD pathogenesis and developing new anti-PD drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphine is one of the most commonly used and effective analgesic drugs in clinical practice. Morphine injected directly into the epidural and subarachnoid space acts directly on the central nervous system compared to oral or intravenous administration. This route of morphine delivery requires only a small dose to achieve satisfactory analgesia and greatly reduces the risk of adverse effects. However, morphine-induced itching significantly limits the clinical use of morphine and the maximization of its analgesic effects. Drugs commonly used worldwide to treat morphine-induced pruritus have different degrees of limitations. N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are involved in the mechanisms associated with morphine-induced itching. Theoretically, esketamine, an NMDA antagonist, which is commonly used in clinical practice to exert analgesic and sedative effects and contributes to circulatory stability, has the potential to effectively relieve morphine-induced itching without compromising its analgesic effects. In this paper, we discuss the possibility of co-administration of esketamine in cases of morphine-induced pruritus based on the current clinical situation and relevant mechanisms, with the intention of developing novel therapeutic options for morphine-induced pruritus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]