scholarly journals Cerebellar learning using perturbations

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy Bouvier ◽  
Johnatan Aljadeff ◽  
Claudia Clopath ◽  
Célian Bimbard ◽  
Jonas Ranft ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stochastic Gradient Descent ◽  
Average Error ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Credit Assignment ◽  
Parallel Fibre ◽  
Climbing Fibres ◽  
Global Movement ◽  
Analytical Approaches ◽  
Complex Spikes

AbstractThe cerebellum aids the learning and execution of fast coordinated movements, with acquired information being stored by plasticity of parallel fibre—Purkinje cell synapses. According to the current consensus, erroneously active parallel fibre synapses are depressed by complex spikes arising when climbing fibres signal movement errors. However, this theory cannot solve the credit assignment problem of using the limited information from a global movement evaluation to optimise behaviour by guiding the plasticity in numerous neurones. We identify the possible implementation of an algorithm solving this problem, whereby spontaneous complex spikes perturb ongoing movements, create an eligibility trace for plasticity and signal resulting error changes to guide plasticity. These error changes are extracted by adaptively cancelling the average error. This framework, stochastic gradient descent with estimated global errors, generates specific predictions for synaptic plasticity rules that contradict the current consensus. However, in vitro plasticity experiments under physiological conditions verified our predictions, highlighting the sensitivity of plasticity studies to unphysiological conditions. Using numerical and analytical approaches we demonstrate the convergence and estimate the capacity of learning in our implementation. Finally, a similar mechanism may operate during optimisation of action sequences by the basal ganglia, where dopamine could both initiate movements and signal rewards, analogously to the dual perturbation and correction role of the climbing fibre outlined here.

scholarly journals Cerebellar learning using perturbations

eLife ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy Bouvier ◽  
Johnatan Aljadeff ◽  
Claudia Clopath ◽  
Célian Bimbard ◽  
Jonas Ranft ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stochastic Gradient Descent ◽  
Average Error ◽  
Credit Assignment ◽  
Parallel Fibre ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Signal Error ◽  
Global Movement ◽  
Multiple Cell ◽  
Specific Error ◽  
Complex Spikes

The cerebellum aids the learning of fast, coordinated movements. According to current consensus, erroneously active parallel fibre synapses are depressed by complex spikes signalling movement errors. However, this theory cannot solve the credit assignment problem of processing a global movement evaluation into multiple cell-specific error signals. We identify a possible implementation of an algorithm solving this problem, whereby spontaneous complex spikes perturb ongoing movements, create eligibility traces and signal error changes guiding plasticity. Error changes are extracted by adaptively cancelling the average error. This framework, stochastic gradient descent with estimated global errors (SGDEGE), predicts synaptic plasticity rules that apparently contradict the current consensus but were supported by plasticity experiments in slices from mice under conditions designed to be physiological, highlighting the sensitivity of plasticity studies to experimental conditions. We analyse the algorithm’s convergence and capacity. Finally, we suggest SGDEGE may also operate in the basal ganglia.

Ultrastructural Changes in Tumor Cells During Human Peripheral Blood Monocyte-Mediated Cytotoxicity

1981 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 452-453
Author(s):  
K. E. Muse ◽  
D. G. Fischer ◽  
H. S. Koren
Keyword(s):  
Target Cell ◽  
Human Peripheral Blood ◽  
Mononuclear Phagocytes ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Blood Monocytes ◽  
Tumoricidal Activity ◽  
Activated State

Mononuclear phagocytes, a pluripotential cell line, manifest an array of basic extracellular functions. Among these physiological regulatory functions is the expression of spontaneous cytolytic potential against tumor cell targets.The limited observations on human cells, almost exclusively blood monocytes, initially reported limited or a lack of tumoricidal activity in the absence of antibody. More recently, freshly obtained monocytes have been reported to spontaneously impair the biability of tumor target cells in vitro (Harowitz et al., 1979; Montavani et al., 1979; Hammerstrom, 1979). Although the mechanism by which effector cells express cytotoxicity is poorly understood, discrete steps can be distinguished in the process of cell mediated cytotoxicity: recognition and binding of effector to target cells,a lethal-hit stage, and subsequent lysis of the target cell. Other important parameters in monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity include, activated state of the monocyte, effector cell concentrations, and target cell suseptibility. However, limited information is available with regard to the ultrastructural changes accompanying monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity.

scholarly journals Mechanistic physiology-based pharmacokinetic modeling to elucidate vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy following treatment with novel kinase inhibitors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Venkatesh Pilla Reddy ◽  
Adrian J. Fretland ◽  
Diansong Zhou ◽  
Shringi Sharma ◽  
Buyun Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
Pbpk Model ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Time Curve ◽  
Btk Inhibitor ◽  
Chop Therapy

Abstract Purpose Limited information is available regarding the drug–drug interaction (DDI) potential of molecular targeted agents and rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin (hydroxydaunorubicin), vincristine (Oncovin), and prednisone (R-CHOP) therapy. The addition of the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib to R-CHOP therapy results in increased toxicity versus R-CHOP alone, including higher incidence of peripheral neuropathy. Vincristine is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1); drugs that inhibit P-gp could potentially cause increased toxicity when co-administered with vincristine through DDI. While the combination of the BTK inhibitor acalabrutinib and R-CHOP is being explored clinically, the DDI potential between these therapies is unknown. Methods A human mechanistic physiology-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of vincristine following intravenous dosing was developed to predict potential DDI interactions with combination therapy. In vitro absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion and in vivo clinical PK parameters informed PBPK model development, which was verified by comparing simulated vincristine concentrations with observed clinical data. Results While simulations suggested no DDI between vincristine and ibrutinib or acalabrutinib in plasma, simulated vincristine exposure in muscle tissue was increased in the presence of ibrutinib but not acalabrutinib. Extrapolation of the vincristine mechanistic PBPK model to other P-gp substrates further suggested DDI risk when ibrutinib (area under the concentration–time curve [AUC] ratio: 1.8), but not acalabrutinib (AUC ratio: 0.92), was given orally with venetoclax or digoxin. Conclusion Overall, these data suggest low DDI risk between acalabrutinib and P-gp substrates with negligible increase in the potential risk of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy when acalabrutinib is added to R-CHOP therapy.

scholarly journals In vitro responses to platelet-rich-plasma are associated with variable clinical outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Habib Zahir ◽  
Bijan Dehghani ◽  
Xiaoning Yuan ◽  
Yurii Chinenov ◽  
Christine Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Platelet Rich Plasma ◽  
Autologous Blood ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Treatment Comparisons

AbstractAutologous blood-derived products such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are widely used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, including knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, the clinical outcomes after PRP administration are often variable, and there is limited information about the specific characteristics of PRP that impact bioactivity and clinical responses. In this study, we aimed to develop an integrative workflow to evaluate responses to PRP in vitro, and to assess if the in vitro responses to PRP are associated with the PRP composition and clinical outcomes in patients with knee OA. To do this, we used a coculture system of macrophages and fibroblasts paired with transcriptomic analyses to comprehensively characterize the modulation of inflammatory responses by PRP in vitro. Relying on patient-reported outcomes and achievement of minimal clinically important differences in OA patients receiving PRP injections, we identified responders and non-responders to the treatment. Comparisons of PRP from these patient groups allowed us to identify differences in the composition and in vitro activity of PRP. We believe that our integrative workflow may enable the development of targeted approaches that rely on PRP and other orthobiologics to treat musculoskeletal pathologies.

scholarly journals Developmental Neurotoxicity of Environmentally Relevant Pharmaceuticals and Mixtures Thereof in a Zebrafish Embryo Behavioural Test

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 6717
Author(s):  
Alessandro Atzei ◽  
Ingrid Jense ◽  
Edwin P. Zwart ◽  
Jessica Legradi ◽  
Bastiaan J. Venhuis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Zebrafish Embryo ◽  
Cumulative Effect ◽  
Developmental Neurotoxicity ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Behavioural Phenotype ◽  
Chemically Induced ◽  
Behavioural Test

Humans are exposed daily to complex mixtures of chemical substances via food intake, inhalation, and dermal contact. Developmental neurotoxicity is an understudied area and entails one of the most complex areas in toxicology. Animal studies for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) are hardly performed in the context of regular hazard studies, as they are costly and time consuming and provide only limited information as to human relevance. There is a need for a combination of in vitro and in silico tests for the assessment of chemically induced DNT in humans. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo (ZFE) provides a powerful model to study DNT because it shows fast neurodevelopment with a large resemblance to the higher vertebrate, including the human system. One of the suitable readouts for DNT testing in the zebrafish is neurobehaviour (stimulus-provoked locomotion) since this provides integrated information on the functionality and status of the entire nervous system of the embryo. In the current study, environmentally relevant pharmaceuticals and their mixtures were investigated using the zebrafish light-dark transition test. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to three neuroactive compounds of concern, carbamazepine (CBZ), fluoxetine (FLX), and venlafaxine (VNX), as well as their main metabolites, carbamazepine 10,11-epoxide (CBZ 10,11E), norfluoxetine (norFLX), and desvenlafaxine (desVNX). All the studied compounds, except CBZ 10,11E, dose-dependently inhibited zebrafish locomotor activity, providing a distinct behavioural phenotype. Mixture experiments with these pharmaceuticals identified that dose addition was confirmed for all the studied binary mixtures (CBZ-FLX, CBZ-VNX, and VNX-FLX), thereby supporting the zebrafish embryo as a model for studying the cumulative effect of chemical mixtures in DNT. This study shows that pharmaceuticals and a mixture thereof affect locomotor activity in zebrafish. The test is directly applicable in environmental risk assessment; however, further studies are required to assess the relevance of these findings for developmental neurotoxicity in humans.

Can the Hip Joint be Modeled Accurately Using Simplified Geometry?

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Anderson ◽  
Steve A. Maas ◽  
Benjamin J. Ellis ◽  
Jeffrey A. Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Contact Pressure ◽  
Hip Joint ◽  
Spherical Geometry ◽  
Model Complexity ◽  
Hip Morphology ◽  
Joint Contact ◽  
Analytical Approaches ◽  
Contact Pressures ◽  
In Vitro Data

Simplified analytical approaches to estimate hip joint contact pressures using perfectly spherical geometry have been described in the literature (rigid body spring models); however, estimations based on these simulations have not corresponded well with experimental in vitro data. Recent evidence from our laboratory suggests that finite element (FE) models of the hip joint that incorporate detailed geometry for cartilage and bone can predict cartilage pressures in good agreement with experimental data [1]. However, it is unknown whether this degree of model complexity is necessary. The objective of this study was to compare cartilage contact pressure predictions from FE models with varying degrees of simplicity to elucidate which aspects of hip morphology are required to obtain accurate predictions of cartilage contact pressure. Models based on 1) subject-specific (SS) geometry, 2) spheres, and 3) rotational conchoids were analyzed.

scholarly journals In Vitro Evaluation of Bis-3-Chloropiperidines as RNA Modulators Targeting TAR and TAR-Protein Interaction

2022 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 582
Author(s):  
Alice Sosic ◽  
Giulia Olivato ◽  
Caterina Carraro ◽  
Richard Göttlich ◽  
Dan Fabris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Interaction ◽  
Chaperone Activity ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
In Vitro Evaluation ◽  
Loop Domain ◽  
Activation Response ◽  
Analytical Approaches ◽  
Bulge Loop ◽  
Hiv 1

After a long limbo, RNA has gained its credibility as a druggable target, fully earning its deserved role in the next generation of pharmaceutical R&D. We have recently probed the trans-activation response (TAR) element, an RNA stem–bulge–loop domain of the HIV-1 genome with bis-3-chloropiperidines (B-CePs), and revealed the compounds unique behavior in stabilizing TAR structure, thus impairing in vitro the chaperone activity of the HIV-1 nucleocapsid (NC) protein. Seeking to elucidate the determinants of B-CePs inhibition, we have further characterized here their effects on the target TAR and its NC recognition, while developing quantitative analytical approaches for the study of multicomponent RNA-based interactions.

scholarly journals Bifidobacterium adolescentis shows potential to strengthen host defence against gastrointestinal infection via inhibition of the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans and stimulation of human-isolated macrophages killing capacity in vitro

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (7A) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liviana Ricci ◽  
Joanna Mackie ◽  
Megan D. Lenardon ◽  
Caitlin Jukes ◽  
Ahmed N. Hegazy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Human Gut ◽  
Bifidobacterium Adolescentis ◽  
Host Immune Responses ◽  
Opportunistic Fungal Pathogen ◽  
Antimicrobial Metabolites

The human gut microbiota enhances the host’s resistance to enteric pathogens via colonisation resistance, a phenomenon that is driven by multiple mechanisms, such as production of antimicrobial metabolites and activation of host immune responses. However, there is limited information on how individual gut bacterial species, particularly many of the dominant anaerobes, might impact the host’s defence. This study investigated the potential of specific human gut isolates to bolster the host’s resistance to infection. First, by antagonising the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans, and secondly, by modulating the killing capacity of human-isolated macrophages in vitro. Co-culturing C. albicans with faecal microbiota from different healthy individuals revealed varying levels of fungal inhibition. In vitro assays with a panel of representative human gut anaerobes confirmed that culture supernatants from certain bacterial isolates, in particular of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, significantly inhibited C. albicans growth. Mechanistic studies revealed that microbial fermentation acids including acetate and lactate, in combination with the associated decrease in pH, were strong drivers of this inhibitory activity. In the second in vitro assay, human-isolated macrophages were exposed to bacterial supernatants, and subsequently tested for their capacity to eliminate adherent-invasive Escherichia coli. Among the gut anaerobes tested, B. adolescentis was revealed to exert the strongest immunostimulatory and killing effect when compared to the unstimulated macrophages control. B. adolescentis is known to be stimulated by dietary consumption of resistant starch andmay therefore represent an attractive target for the development of probiotic and prebiotic interventions tailored to enhancethe host’s natural defences against infection.

Abstract 263: Role of Micro RNA-21 in Atherosclerosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rihab E Hamed-Berair ◽  
Srinivas D Sithu ◽  
Nalinie Wickramasinghe ◽  
Jasmit Shah ◽  
Abhinav Agawral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Bone Marrow Cells ◽  
Oxidized Ldl ◽  
Ldl Receptor ◽  
Micro Rna ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Micro Rnas ◽  
Late Apoptosis ◽  
Apoptosis And Inflammation

Micro RNAs (miR) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate several genes under pathophysiological conditions. Accumulating evidence suggest the involvement of miR in atherogenesis. However, limited information is available about atherogenic miR and the underling mechanisms by which miR affect atherogenesis. Our data shows that 12 weeks of western diet (WD) in LDL receptor-knockout (LDLR-KO) mice upregulated 99 and downregulated 50 miR in the aorta. Among the 41 differentially expressed miR associated with macrophage inflammation and apoptosis, expression of micro RNA-21 (miR-21) was increased by 1.4-fold (P<0.05). WD also increased the expression of miR-21 by 1.5-fold in bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM). In vitro , LDL, oxidized LDL, acetylated LDL and LPS induced miR-21 by 2-3-fold (P<0.05) and down regulated its target protein PDCD4 in BMDM. Basally, miR-21 deficient BMDM showed increased secretion of IL-6, IL-9 and CXCL-2,-3,-4, and -10 (P<0.05)); and increased early and late apoptosis (2-3-fold, P<0.05). We also observed 40% decrease in the survival of F4/80+ cells during differentiation of bone marrow derived cells isolated from miR-21-KO mice. Stimulation of miR-21-KO BMDM with LPS significantly increased the activation of NF-κB and enhanced the secretion of several pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNFα, IL-6, IL-12 and CXCL-2 (2-10 fold; P<0.05); interferon gamma+LPS polarized the macrophages to pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype (increased expression of CD11c and CD86). Staurosporin and oxidized lipids derived aldehyde 4-hydroxynonenal significantly increased both early and late apoptosis of miR-21-KO BMDM (2-4-fold, P<0.05). This was accompanied by increased cleavage of caspase -3, -7 and -9. Transplantation of bone marrow cells from miR-21-KO into LDLR-KO mice, followed by 12 weeks of WD increased the lesion formation (1.7-fold, P<0.05), apoptosis (3-fold, P<0.05) and necrosis (1.6-fold, P<0.05) in the aortic valve of the chimeric mice. Collectively, these data suggest that miR-21 prevents atherosclerosis, at least in parts, by preventing macrophage apoptosis and inflammation.

A Brief History of the Discovery of Amelogenin Nanoribbons In Vitro and In Vivo

2021 ◽  
pp. 002203452110434
Author(s):  
Y. Bai ◽  
J. Bonde ◽  
K.M.M. Carneiro ◽  
Y. Zhang ◽  
W. Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Recombinant Proteins ◽  
Protein Structures ◽  
Historical Review ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy Analysis ◽  
Electron Microscopy Analysis ◽  
History Of ◽  
The 1960S

Without evidence for an organic framework, biological and biochemical processes observed during amelogenesis provided limited information on how extracellular matrix proteins control the development of the complex fibrous architecture of human enamel. Over a decade ago, amelogenin nanoribbons were first observed from recombinant proteins during in vitro mineralization experiments in our laboratory. In enamel from mice lacking the enzyme kallikrein 4 (KLK4), we later uncovered ribbon-like protein structures that matched the morphology, width, and thickness of the nanoribbons assembled by recombinant proteins. Interestingly, similar structures had already been described since the 1960s, when enamel sections from various mammals were demineralized and stained for transmission electron microscopy analysis. However, at that time, researchers were not aware of the ability of amelogenin to form nanoribbons and instead associated the filamentous nanostructures with possible imprints of mineral ribbons in the gel-like matrix of developing enamel. Further evidence for the significance of amelogenin nanoribbons for enamel development was stipulated when recent mineralization experiments succeeded in templating and orienting the growth of apatite ribbons along the protein nanoribbon framework. This article provides a brief historical review of the discovery of amelogenin nanoribbons in our laboratory in the context of reports by others on similar structures in the developing enamel matrix.

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