Restoring initial steps by intermittent theta burst stimulation in complete spinal cord injury patient: a case report
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Unraveling the dynamics of magnetization in topological insulator-ferromagnet heterostructures via spin-orbit torque
Spin–orbit coupling is a relativistic effect coupling the orbital angular momentum with the spin, which determines the physical properties of condensed matter. For instance, the spin–orbit coupling strongly influences spin dynamics, opening the possibility for promising applications. The topological insulator–ferromagnet heterostructure is a typical example exhibiting spin dynamics driven by current-induced spin–orbit torque. Recent observations of the sign flip of Hall conductivity imply that the spin–orbit torque is strong enough to flip magnetization within this heterostructure. Motivated by this, our study elucidates the conditions governing spin flips by studying the magnetization dynamics. We establish that the interplay between spin-anisotropy and spin–orbit torque plays a crucial role in the magnetization dynamics. Furthermore, we categorize various modes of magnetization dynamics, constructing a comprehensive phase diagram across distinct energy scales, damping constants, and applied frequencies. We also consider the effect of a magnetic field on the magnetization dynamics. This research not only offers insights into controlling spin direction but also charts a new pathway to the practical application of spin–orbit coupled systems.
Pathogenesis of aquatic bird bornavirus 1 in turkeys of different age
Aquatic bird bornavirus 1 (ABBV1), an orthobornavirus in the family Bornaviridae, displays a broad host range among avian species, including poultry. The pathogenesis of orthobornaviruses, at least in mammals and psittacines, appears to be mediated by the host immune response against the infected nervous tissue, with younger animals showing a milder disease due to immune tolerance. Here, we tested the ability of ABBV1 to infect domestic turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), with a focus on evaluating the impact of age at infection. Cohorts of 6-week-old (old) and day-old (young) male turkeys were divided into virus-inoculated and control groups, and kept for up to 12 weeks. Results showed that turkeys of both ages were susceptible to ABBV1 infection by intramuscular administration, following a centripetal and limited centrifugal spread, although infection appeared delayed in old compared to young birds. Notably, only young turkeys developed clinical signs and more frequent inflammation of the central nervous system, indicating that infection at a very early age is unlikely to induce tolerance to ABBV1 infection.
Brainstem serotonin amplifies nociceptive transmission in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease arises from the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to motor symptoms such as akinesia, rigidity, and tremor at rest. The non-motor component of Parkinson’s disease includes increased neuropathic pain, the prevalence of which is 4 to 5 times higher than the general rate. By studying a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease induced by 6-hydroxydopamine, we assessed the impact of dopamine depletion on pain modulation. Mice exhibited mechanical hypersensitivity associated with hyperexcitability of neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (DHSC). Serotonin (5-HT) levels increased in the spinal cord, correlating with reduced tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) and increased excitability of 5-HT neurons. Selective optogenetic inhibition of 5-HT neurons attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity and reduced DHSC hyperexcitability. In addition, the blockade of 5-HT2A and 5-HT3 receptors reduced mechanical hypersensitivity. These results reveal, for the first time, that PD-like dopamine depletion triggers spinal-mediated mechanical hypersensitivity, associated with serotonergic hyperactivity in the NRM, opening up new therapeutic avenues for Parkinson’s disease-associated pain targeting the serotonergic systems.
Human neural dynamics of real-world and imagined navigation
The ability to form episodic memories and later imagine them is integral to the human experience, influencing our recollection of the past and envisioning of the future. While rodent studies suggest the medial temporal lobe, especially the hippocampus, is involved in these functions, its role in human imagination remains uncertain. In human participants, imaginations can be explicitly instructed and reported. Here we investigate hippocampal theta oscillations during real-world and imagined navigation using motion capture and intracranial electroencephalographic recordings from individuals with chronically implanted medial temporal lobe electrodes. Our results revealed intermittent theta dynamics, particularly within the hippocampus, encoding spatial information and partitioning navigational routes into linear segments during real-world navigation. During imagined navigation, theta dynamics exhibited similar patterns despite the absence of external cues. A statistical model successfully reconstructed real-world and imagined positions, providing insights into the neural mechanisms underlying human navigation and imagination, with implications for understanding memory in real-world settings.
Different types of cell death and their interactions in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury
Myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is a multifaceted process observed in patients with coronary artery disease when blood flow is restored to the heart tissue following ischemia-induced damage. Cardiomyocyte cell death, particularly through apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, is pivotal in myocardial I/R injury. Preventing cell death during the process of I/R is vital for improving ischemic cardiomyopathy. These multiple forms of cell death can occur simultaneously, interact with each other, and contribute to the complexity of myocardial I/R injury. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the key molecular mechanisms and regulatory patterns involved in these five types of cell death in myocardial I/R injury. We will also discuss the crosstalk and intricate interactions among these mechanisms, highlighting the interplay between different types of cell death. Furthermore, we will explore specific molecules or targets that participate in different cell death pathways and elucidate their mechanisms of action. It is important to note that manipulating the molecules or targets involved in distinct cell death processes may have a significant impact on reducing myocardial I/R injury. By enhancing researchers’ understanding of the mechanisms and interactions among different types of cell death in myocardial I/R injury, this review aims to pave the way for the development of novel interventions for cardio-protection in patients affected by myocardial I/R injury.
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