Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Mirjam Kalusa, Maren D. Heinrich, Christine Sauerland, Markus Morawski, Simone A. Fietz
Summary: This study compares the patterns of neocortex neurogenesis and maturation in the precocial guinea pig and altricial dwarf rabbit. It reveals that neurogenesis starts later and takes longer in the precocial species, while the altricial species contains a higher abundance of highly proliferative basal progenitors. The study also shows that the precocial guinea pig neocortex exhibits a higher maturation status at birth.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Zocher, Rupert W. Overall, Gabriel Berdugo-Vega, Nicole Rund, Anne Karasinsky, Vijay S. Adusumilli, Christina Steinhauer, Sina Scheibenstock, Kristian Handler, Joachim L. Schultze, Federico Calegari, Gerd Kempermann
Summary: Newborn DNA methylation during adult neurogenesis is crucial for the maturation and integration of functional neurons in the hippocampus, facilitating transcriptional up-regulation of neuronal genes and affecting activation patterns in the hippocampal circuitry.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Viktor Aniol, Anna Manolova, Natalia Gulyaeva
Summary: The dentate gyrus (DG), an important part of the hippocampus, is affected by early life stress, which can cause long-lasting changes in its structure and functioning. This review comprehensively discusses the effects of early life events on the maturation of neurons and glial cells in the DG.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ekaterina A. Rudnitskaya, Tatiana A. Kozlova, Alena O. Burnyasheva, Natalia A. Stefanova, Nataliya G. Kolosova
Summary: Studies suggest that immaturity during early brain development, especially inadequate glial support, may be a primary factor leading to neurodegenerative processes and the manifestation of AD pathology later in life.
Article
Developmental Biology
Oluwaseun Mustapha, Oluwaseun Ezekiel, Francis Olaolorun, Michael Awala-Ajakaiye, Eniola Popoola, Matthew Olude, James Olopade
Summary: The study characterized and described distinctive external developmental features in prenatal greater cane rat (GCR) brains throughout gestation. Gross developmental features in the GCR brain were observed as early as gestation day 60, with the most remarkable period between gestation day 80 and 100. By gestation day 130, most gross topographic neural features were already established, coinciding with the time of first eye opening in GCR fetuses. The developmental pattern observed in the prenatal GCR brain is similar to other precocial rodents, but with delayed milestones and shorter duration.
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Isaac A. Babarinde, Adeniyi C. Adeola, Chabi A. M. S. Djagoun, Lotanna M. Nneji, Agboola O. Okeyoyin, George Niba, Ndifor K. Wanzie, Ojo C. Oladipo, Ayotunde O. Adebambo, Semiu F. Bello, Said I. Ng'ang'a, Wasiu A. Olaniyi, Victor M. O. Okoro, Babatunde E. Adedeji, Omotoso Olatunde, Adeola O. Ayoola, Moise M. Matouke, Yun-yu Wang, Oscar J. Sanke, Saidu O. Oseni, Christopher D. Nwani, Robert W. Murphy
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity, population structures, and evolutionary history of grasscutter populations in several African countries. Varying levels of population structures were found among populations from Sierra Leone to Ghana. No significant population contraction was detected. The origin of grasscutters can be traced back to approximately 6.1 million years ago. This study reveals the population status and evolutionary history of grasscutter populations in the region.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Johannes Voelker, Christine Voelker, Jonas Engert, Nikolas Goemann, Rudolf Hagen, Kristen Rak
Summary: The study demonstrates that neural stem cells in the rat cochlear nucleus can promote cell differentiation through calcium activity, showing specific frequency and regional changes during differentiation.
Article
Neurosciences
Dhivya Appan, Shu-Meng Hsu, Wen-Hsin Hsu, Shen-Ju Chou
Summary: The cerebral cortex is divided into different regions, with the neocortex being the newest and the paleocortex and archicortex being older. These broad cortical regions can be further divided into functional domains with unique cytoarchitecture and specific input-output projections. Excitatory projection neurons show region-specific gene expression profiles, although they originate from uniform progenitors in the dorsal telencephalon. Significant progress has been made in understanding the genetic mechanisms involved in the development of the central nervous system. This review summarizes the current knowledge of mouse corticogenesis and discusses key events in cortical patterning during early development stages.
CURRENT OPINION IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shadia Kilwanila, Charles M. Lyimo, Alfan A. Rija
Summary: This study investigates the genetic diversity and population demography of the African Greater Cane rat in two isolated blocks of the Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania. The results show that the population consists of four distinct populations that have experienced a recent population expansion. This information is important for the management and conservation of the species.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Shadia I. Kilwanila, Charles M. Lyimo, Rhodes H. Makundi, Alfan A. Rija
Summary: This study investigated the population diversity of Thryonomys swinderianus in two mountain regions in Tanzania using molecular and geomorphology analysis. The results showed that the population can be grouped into three distinct clades based on molecular analysis, while the morphometric method was not able to effectively separate the populations.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ramin Mahdipour, Vahid Ebrahimi, Mahmoud Hosseini, Mohammad Soukhtanloo, Seyed HamidReza Rastegar-Moghaddam, Amir Mohammad Malvandi, Abbas Mohammadipour
Summary: This study found that maternal exposure to silicon dioxide nanoparticles during lactation could affect offspring's hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, leading to impaired cognitive performance.
TOXICOLOGY AND INDUSTRIAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Seulah Lee, Wonjong Lee, Seonguk Yang, Yeon Ji Suh, Dong Geun Hong, Seung-Cheol Chang, Hyung Sik Kim, Jaewon Lee
Summary: DBP, a common plasticizer, has been found to disrupt neuronal maturation, which in turn impairs central nervous system functions and neurocognitive abilities. Studies have shown that DBP induces apoptosis in primary neurons and delays neuronal maturation, impacting learning and memory processes.
JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH-PART A-CURRENT ISSUES
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Faraja Hosea Mpagike, Modesta Makungu
Summary: This study describes the normal osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb of the greater cane rat, providing a reference for teaching, clinical use, anatomical studies, and biomedical research. The results show variations in the normal osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb in different species.
ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Shadia I. Kilwanila, Charles M. Lyimo, Alfan A. Rija, Rhodes H. Makundi
Summary: This study compares maternal lineages of AGC populations from eastern, western and southern Africa, providing a basis for future genetic studies, evolutionary ecology research, and conservation efforts for these populations.
TROPICAL CONSERVATION SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
T. T. Gilbert, F. E. Olopade, A. D. Ladagu, D. O. Lanipekun, O. I. Fatola, O. R. Folarin, J. O. Olopade
Summary: This study explores the microscopic anatomy of the subcommissural organ (SCO) in the greater cane rat (GCR). It investigates the SCO's location, cellular composition, and protein expression. The findings contribute to our understanding of the SCO in a lesser-studied mammalian species and may provide insights into neurological health and pathology.
ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Matthew A. Olude, Oluwaseun A. Mustapha, Oluwatunde A. Aderounmu, James O. Olopade, Amadi O. Ihunwo
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2015)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
M. A. Olude, S. T. Bello, O. A. Mustapha, F. E. Olopade, J. Plendl, A. O. Ihunwo, J. O. Olopade
ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA
(2018)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oluwaseun Mustapha, Bankole Oke, Nils Offen, Anna-leena Siren, James Olopade
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2014)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Oluwaseun A. Mustapha, Matthew A. Olude, Stephen T. Bello, Ayobami Taiwo, Afusat Jagun, James O. Olopade
JOURNAL OF THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
(2019)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Oluwaseun A. Mustapha, Matthew A. Olude, Samuel Ezekiel, Johannes Seeger, Simone A. Fietz, James O. Olopade
ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA
(2019)
Article
Developmental Biology
Oluwaseun Mustapha, Oluwaseun Ezekiel, Francis Olaolorun, Michael Awala-Ajakaiye, Eniola Popoola, Matthew Olude, James Olopade
Summary: The study characterized and described distinctive external developmental features in prenatal greater cane rat (GCR) brains throughout gestation. Gross developmental features in the GCR brain were observed as early as gestation day 60, with the most remarkable period between gestation day 80 and 100. By gestation day 130, most gross topographic neural features were already established, coinciding with the time of first eye opening in GCR fetuses. The developmental pattern observed in the prenatal GCR brain is similar to other precocial rodents, but with delayed milestones and shorter duration.
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Thomas Grochow, Britta Beck, Zaida Renteria-Solis, Gereon Schares, Pavlo Maksimov, Christina Strube, Johannes Seeger, Lisa Raque, Reiner Ulrich, Arwid Daugschies, Simone A. Fietz
Summary: This study investigated the impact of T. gondii infection dose, duration of infection, and gestational stage at infection on guinea pigs to establish them as a suitable model for human congenital toxoplasmosis. The study found that infection dose, gestational stage, and duration of infection play crucial roles in the survival rate of dams, fate of offspring, and integrity of offspring brain. These findings contribute to using guinea pigs as an animal model for studying pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of congenital toxoplasmosis.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Britta Beck, Thomas Grochow, Gereon Schares, Radu Blaga, Delphine Le Roux, Berit Bangoura, Arwid Daugschies, Simone A. Fietz
Summary: Toxoplasmosis is a global zoonotic disease caused by an intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Chickens, especially when free-range, are important hosts in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis and serve as sentinels for environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts. This study found that T. gondii cysts are mainly located in the chicken forebrain in relatively low numbers compared to rodents, potentially explaining the rare occurrence of neurological deficits in infected chickens. Further research with different T. gondii strains and higher doses is needed to fully understand its cyst burden and distribution in the chicken brain.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Matthew Ayokunle Olude, Abdeslam Mouihate, Oluwaseun Ahmed Mustapha, Cinthia Farina, Francisco Javier Quintana, James Olukayode Olopade
Summary: Africa faces numerous challenges, including poverty, environmental pollution, and socio-cultural issues, which result in neuroinflammatory responses in the nervous system. The activation patterns and mechanisms of glial cells in these scenarios are not fully understood. The continent's vulnerability to neurological stressors is amplified by explosive childbearing, high youth unemployment, restrictive socio-cultural policies towards women, limited access to healthcare, malnutrition, rapid urbanization, climate change, and pollution. Early life stress leads to neuroinflammation and mental health problems in adulthood, driven by inflammatory mediators released by astrocytes and microglia. These mediators alter brain development, leading to long-lasting maladaptive behaviors and cognitive deficits. This review aims to explore the role of astrocytes and microglia in neuroinflammation under stressors such as poverty, developmental stress, environmental pollution, and malnutrition within Africa.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Maxi Berberich, Thomas Grochow, Nadine Rossner, Ronald Schmaschke, Zaida Renteria-Solis
Summary: Linguatula serrata is a worm-like parasite with zoonotic potential that has shown increased detections in central and northern Europe in recent years, with a severe case found in an imported dog.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Omowumi Femi-Akinlosotu, Funmilayo Eniola Olopade, Oluwaseun Mustapha, Adejoke Adekanmbi, James O. Olopade
Summary: This study aims to describe the gross morphology and morphometry of the spinal cord in large white and landrace crossbreed pigs. The results show that the spinal cord length and weight are significantly higher in females compared to males in this pig breed, providing important anatomical basis for further investigation of the pig as a biomedical research model.
ANATOMIA HISTOLOGIA EMBRYOLOGIA
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
James Olukayode Olopade, Oluwaseun Ahmed Mustapha, Olanrewaju Ifeoluwa Fatola, Ejiro Ighorodje, Oluwabusayo Racheal Folarin, Funmilayo Eniola Olopade, Irene Chizubelu Omile, Adedunsola Ajike Obasa, Ademola Adetokunbo Oyagbemi, Matthew Ayokunle Olude, Alana Maureen Thackray, Raymond Bujdoso
Summary: Pollution by heavy metals poses a threat to public health, especially the brain. This study used African giant rats as sentinel hosts to evaluate the impact of heavy metal accumulation on the brain. Zinc, copper, and iron were found to be the major heavy metals in the brain and serum of the rats, with iron levels being the highest in animals from oil-polluted areas. Brain pathology, including inflammation and oxidative stress, was most severe in rats from the most polluted region. The study suggests that local and contextual neuropathologies can result from environmental pollution, and highlights the African giant rat as a suitable sentinel for ecotoxicological studies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oluwaseun Ahmed Mustapha, Ebunoluwa Elizabeth Teriba, Oluwaseun Samuel Ezekiel, Ayokunle Matthew Olude, Adebayo Koyuum Akinloye, James Olukayode Olopade
ANIMAL MODELS AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2020)