Article
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
William A. Noftz, Nichole L. Beebe, Jeffrey G. Mellott, Brett R. Schofield
Summary: The study revealed dense cholinergic innervation in the NBIC, ICt, and ICrp regions, with cholinergic projections likely contacting both GABAergic and non-GABAergic cells. These cholinergic axons may affect multisensory processing by modulating excitatory and inhibitory circuits in these areas. The similarity of axons and their targets suggests a common function for cholinergic innervation across the three areas.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Emmy Tsang, Camilla Orlandini, Rahul Sureka, Alvaro H. Crevenna, Emerald Perlas, Izzie Prankerd, Maria E. Masferrer, Cornelius T. Gross
Summary: In this study, the researchers classified neuron types in the dorsal periaqueductal gray using multiplex in situ sequencing and used cell-type and projection-specific optogenetic stimulation to identify projections from the dorsal periaqueductal gray to the cuneiform nucleus that promote goal-directed flight behavior.
Article
Neurosciences
Li-Feng Yeh, Takaaki Ozawa, Joshua P. Johansen
Summary: The dorsolateral subregion of the PAG (dlPAG) plays a key role in memory formation in response to aversive events, while the ventrolateral PAG (vlPAG) does not have the same effect. In addition, specific populations of thalamus-projecting dlPAG neurons projecting to the anterior paraventricular thalamus (aPVT) can affect aversive learning, but do not impact previously learned defensive behaviors.
Article
Developmental Biology
Anna Kirjavainen, Parul Singh, Laura Lahti, Patricia Seja, Zoltan Lelkes, Aki Makkonen, Sami Kilpinen, Yuichi Ono, Marjo Salminen, Teemu Aitta-Aho, Tarja Stenberg, Svetlana Molchanova, Kaia Achim, Juha Partanen
Summary: The transcription factor Gata2 plays a critical role in the development of GABAergic neurons in the midbrain, and its downstream genes Nkx2-2 and Skor2 are involved in the diversification of GABAergic neuron subtypes in the midbrain reticular formation (MRF). The Nkx2-2 and Skor2-expressing GABAergic neurons in the MRF are located at the boundary of the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray and the MRF, and are involved in regulating REM sleep. These neurons show increased activity upon REM sleep inhibition and project to the dorsolateral pons, a region associated with sleep control.
Article
Biology
Daniela Saderi, Zachary P. Schwartz, Charles R. Heller, Jacob R. Pennington, Stephen David
Summary: Generalized arousal and task engagement have separate effects on auditory neural processing, with pupil size showing a more prominent effect in the inferior colliculus. Task engagement is positively correlated with pupil size, indicating that some effects attributed to task engagement may actually be due to pupil size fluctuations.
Article
Oncology
Samuel S. McAfee, Silu Zhang, Ping Zou, Heather M. Conklin, Darcy Raches, Giles Robinson, Amar Gajjar, Raja Khan, Paul Klimo, Zoltan Patay, Matthew A. Scoggins
Summary: This study aims to explore the anatomical and neuronal basis of pediatric postoperative cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) following medulloblastoma resection. By analyzing patterns of surgical damage and secondary axonal degeneration, the study found that damage to the fastigial nuclei and their associated cerebellar cortices is strongly associated with CMS. Additionally, neuronal dysfunction in the ventral periaqueductal gray area and the left red nucleus were consistent findings in CMS cases.
Article
Neurosciences
Fillan S. Grady, Shantelle A. Graff, Jon M. Resch, Joel C. Geerling
Summary: The parabrachial nucleus (PB) in the upper brainstem receives interoceptive information and sends a massive output projection directly to the cerebral cortex. However, stimulating this PB-insular projection did not alter cortical EEG or awaken mice, contradicting the hypothesis that it promotes arousal. These results provide constraints on the possible circuit connections related to sustaining arousal.
JOURNAL OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Yudan Lv, Yujun Wen, Ramalingam Vetrivelan, Jun Lu
Summary: This study demonstrated that the projections from the pontine parabrachial nucleus (PB) to the basal forebrain (BF) and medial septum (MS) can activate the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, providing important insights into the activities of these brain regions during the sleep-wake cycle.
Article
Neurosciences
Olga A. Lyubashina, Ivan B. Sivachenko, Aleksandr A. Mikhalkin
Summary: The study reveals that colonic inflammation alters the functioning of the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG), leading to impaired control of visceral nociception. This dysfunction in ascending and descending pathways may contribute to visceral hyperalgesia associated with gut injury.
BRAIN RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Junting Huang, Zizhen Zhang, Eder Gambeta, Lina Chen, Gerald W. Zamponi
Summary: Neuropathic pain is a challenging condition with limited treatment options. This study highlights the modulatory role of the ventrolateral orbitofrontal cortex (vlOFC) in neuropathic pain, demonstrating that specific activation of vlOFC neurons can inhibit hypersensitivity. Targeting this pathway could potentially offer relief for patients suffering from neuropathic pain.
Article
Psychology, Biological
Alexander Allen, Elizabeth Heisler, J. Matthew Kittelberger
Summary: The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) plays a critical role in social and vocal behavior in vertebrates, and dopamine has been shown to modulate these behaviors. This study focused on the role of dopamine in shaping vocal production in the PAG using the plainfin midshipman fish as a model system. The results indicate that dopamine injections to the midshipman PAG rapidly and reversibly inhibit vocal production triggered by vocal-motor structures. The inhibition is dependent on the blockade of both D1- and D2-like receptors.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Carissa N. Weis, Kenneth P. Bennett, Ashley A. Huggins, Elizabeth A. Parisi, Stephanie M. Gorka, Christine Larson
Summary: This study characterized the functional connectivity of the periaqueductal gray (PAG) at rest using 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and found that it is connected to emotion regulation and fear networks. The study also examined the activation of the PAG in response to uncertain threat and found differential activity in the PAG and other relevant brain regions.
SOCIAL COGNITIVE AND AFFECTIVE NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Lin-Han Wang, Wen-Qun Ding, Yan-Gang Sun
Summary: The somatosensory system processes various types of information and plays a crucial role in sensory perception and body movement. The spinal ascending pathways, particularly the spinal projection neurons, are key nodes in transmitting somatosensory information from the periphery to the brain. However, the mechanisms underlying somatosensory information processing by these pathways are still not fully understood, and recent studies have shed light on their diversity and functional roles.
TRENDS IN NEUROSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Nadia Parmhans, Anne Drury Fuller, Eileen Nguyen, Katherine Chuang, David Swygart, Sophia Rose Wienbar, Tyger Lin, Zbynek Kozmik, Lijin Dong, Gregory William Schwartz, Tudor Constantin Badea
Summary: Members of the POU4F/Brn3 transcription factor family, specifically Brn3c, play a crucial role in the development and classification of a diverse range of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) types. The novel Brn3c(Cre) mouse allele generated in this study provides novel biological insights into RGC type classification, brain connectivity, and cytoarchitectonic, revealing a previously unknown subdivision of the deep mesencephalic nucleus. Additionally, genetic Brn3c-Brn3b intersection highlights an increased RGC density area that overlaps with the mouse binocular field of view.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nikola Grujic, Jeroen Brus, Denis Burdakov, Rafael Polania
Summary: This study reveals that mice exhibit rational behavior by adaptively allocating their sensory resources to maximize reward consumption in previously unexperienced environments. Despite imprecise perception of commonly occurring stimuli, this suggests awareness and efficient adaptation to neurocognitive limitations.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Cayla M. Fappiano, James N. Baraniuk
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Destie Provenzano, Stuart D. Washington, James N. Baraniuk
FRONTIERS IN COMPUTATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
James N. Baraniuk, Grant Kern, Vaishnavi Narayan, Amrita Cheema
Summary: ME/CFS and GWI exhibit differences in serum metabolite patterns, with differences in glutamate levels. Certain metabolites may serve as potential biomarkers to distinguish between the two diseases. Subjects post-exercise show varying metabolic responses, suggesting potential insights into disease mechanisms.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Kathleen F. Holton, Shalini S. Ramachandra, Sidney L. Murray, Michael Baron, James N. Baraniuk
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the effects of a low glutamate diet on inflammatory cytokines in veterans with GWI. Findings showed that dietary adherence was significantly associated with reductions in TNF-alpha, while improvement on the PGIC scale was significantly linked to reduced IL-1 beta. Classification trees demonstrated that IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 can predict improvement on the diet with 76.5% accuracy.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Devra E. Cohen, Kimberly A. Sullivan, Rebecca B. McNeil, Nancy G. Klimas, Wes Ashford, Alison Bested, James Bunker, Amanpreet Cheema, Dane Cook, Jeffrey Cournoyer, Travis Craddock, Julia Golier, Anthony Hardie, Drew Helmer, Jacob B. Lindheimer, Patricia Janulewicz Lloyd, Kathleen Kerr, Maxine Krengel, Shree Nadkarni, Shannon Nugent, Bonnie Paris, Matthew Reinhard, Peter Rumm, Aaron Schneiderman, Kellie J. Sims, Lea Steele, Marsha Turner, Laila Abdullah, Maria Abreu, Mohamed Abu-Donia, Kristina Aenlle, Jimmy Arocho, Elizabeth Balbin, James Baraniuk, Karen Block, Michelle Block, Bryann DeBeer, Brian Engdahl, Nikolay Filipov, Mary Ann Fletcher, Victor Kalasinsky, Efi Kokkotou, Kristy Lidie, Deborah Little, William Loging, Marianna Morris, Lubov Nathanson, Montra Denise Nichols, Giulio Pasinetti, Dikoma Shungu, Paula Waziry, Jon VanLeeuwen, Jarred Younger
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop Common Data Elements (CDEs) for the Gulf War Illness programs (GWI) in order to standardize data collection, analysis, and sharing in the research community. The recommendations for GWI CDEs were finalized after the collaboration of GWI advocates, Veterans, clinicians, and researchers. This will enhance the quality and standardization of data collection in GWI research.
Article
Neurosciences
Anna E. Kirkland, Michael Baron, John W. VanMeter, James N. Baraniuk, Kathleen F. Holton
Summary: The study tested the low glutamate diet as a novel treatment for cognitive dysfunction among those with GWI. Significant improvements were seen after one-month on the diet in overall cognitive functioning, and in all other domains tested, except for memory. Participants were clustered based on baseline resting-state EEG, showing three distinct EEG clusters with differential cognitive effects during challenge with monosodium glutamate (MSG).
NUTRITIONAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
D. Keating, C. G. Zundel, M. Abreu, M. Krengel, K. Aenlle, M. D. Nichols, R. Toomey, L. L. Chao, J. Golier, L. Abdullah, E. Quinn, T. Heeren, J. R. Groh, B. B. Koo, R. Killiany, M. L. Loggia, J. Younger, J. Baraniuk, P. Janulewicz, J. Ajama, M. Quay, P. W. Baas, L. Qiang, L. Conboy, E. Kokkotou, J. P. O'Callaghan, L. Steele, N. Klimas, K. Sullivan
Summary: The BBRAIN is a collaborative effort of expert researchers aiming to create objective diagnostic and pathobiological markers for Gulf War Illness (GWI). The BBRAIN network provides resources including data and biospecimens for GWI research.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Florencia Martinez Addiego, Kristina Zajur, Sarah Knack, Jessie Jamieson, Rakib U. Rayhan, James N. Baraniuk
Summary: This study examined brain volumes in CFS and GWI patients, finding significant differences and the influence of gender on brain structures. Orthostatic status and posttraumatic distress syndrome were not significant covariates in the analysis.
Article
Neurosciences
Rakib U. Rayhan, James N. Baraniuk
Summary: This study found that individuals with ME/CFS showed increased spontaneous activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, the anterior node of the Default Mode Network, after exercise, while controls exhibited decreased activation in this region. Overall, controls had higher BOLD signals indicating reduced global cerebral blood flow in ME/CFS.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sona Vasudevan, James N. Baraniuk
Summary: Nsp1, a virulence factor found in all beta coronaviruses, interacts with the NXF1-NXT1 complex, disrupting normal mRNA transport. Targeting the binding surface between Nsp1 and NXF1-NXT1 with drugs could be a useful strategy to restore host antiviral gene expression in COVID-19 infection. The discovery of repurposed drugs like ganirelix offers potential therapeutic options to block Nsp1 binding and normalize nuclear export.
Article
Neurosciences
James N. Baraniuk, Alison Amar, Haris Pepermitwala, Stuart D. Washington
Summary: This study compared the neural activation during cognitive tests before and after submaximal exercise in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Gulf War Illness (GWI), and control subjects. The results showed increased activation in ME/CFS but decreased activation in GWI after exercise. Furthermore, the midbrain and isthmus nuclei were found to contribute to postexertional malaise in both ME/CFS and GWI.
Article
Psychiatry
Elizabeth T. Brandley, Anna E. Kirkland, Michael Baron, James N. Baraniuk, Kathleen F. Holton
Summary: The pilot study investigated the effects of a low glutamate diet on anxiety, PTSD, and depression in veterans with GWI. The results showed significant improvement in all three symptoms after one month on the diet, with the most improvement seen in individuals with severe symptoms. During the challenge period, it was found that MSG worsened anxiety only in the most severe group.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mackenzie T. Langan, Anna E. Kirkland, Laura C. Rice, Veronica C. Mucciarone, James Baraniuk, Ashley VanMeter, Kathleen F. Holton
Summary: In this study, the effects of a low glutamate diet on verbal working memory in Gulf War Illness patients were examined using fMRI N-back task. The results showed that the diet improved verbal working memory accuracy, altered brain activity patterns, and changed functional connectivity within networks important for working memory. These findings are significant for the treatment of Gulf War Illness.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Stuart D. Washington, Rakib U. Rayhan, Richard Garner, Destie Provenzano, Kristina Zajur, Florencia Martinez Addiego, John W. VanMeter, James N. Baraniuk
BRAIN COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)