scholarly journals Electrospun Fiber Scaffolds for Engineering Glial Cell Behavior to Promote Neural Regeneration

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Devan L. Puhl ◽  
Jessica L. Funnell ◽  
Derek W. Nelson ◽  
Manoj K. Gottipati ◽  
Ryan J. Gilbert
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Glial Cell ◽  
Cell Response ◽  
Electrospun Fiber ◽  
Neural Regeneration ◽  
Cell Phenotype ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Fiber Alignment ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Fiber Scaffolds

Electrospinning is a fabrication technique used to produce nano- or micro- diameter fibers to generate biocompatible, biodegradable scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. Electrospun fiber scaffolds are advantageous for neural regeneration because they mimic the structure of the nervous system extracellular matrix and provide contact guidance for regenerating axons. Glia are non-neuronal regulatory cells that maintain homeostasis in the healthy nervous system and regulate regeneration in the injured nervous system. Electrospun fiber scaffolds offer a wide range of characteristics, such as fiber alignment, diameter, surface nanotopography, and surface chemistry that can be engineered to achieve a desired glial cell response to injury. Further, electrospun fibers can be loaded with drugs, nucleic acids, or proteins to provide the local, sustained release of such therapeutics to alter glial cell phenotype to better support regeneration. This review provides the first comprehensive overview of how electrospun fiber alignment, diameter, surface nanotopography, surface functionalization, and therapeutic delivery affect Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system and astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia in the central nervous system both in vitro and in vivo. The information presented can be used to design and optimize electrospun fiber scaffolds to target glial cell response to mitigate nervous system injury and improve regeneration.

Magnetic Fields Enable Precise Spatial Control of Electrospun Fiber Alignment for Fabricating Complex Gradient Materials

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Kevin Tindell ◽  
Lincoln Busselle ◽  
Julianne Holloway
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Electrospun Fiber ◽  
Cell Phenotype ◽  
Fibrous Materials ◽  
Fibrous Scaffold ◽  
Spatial Control ◽  
Fiber Alignment ◽  
Aligned Fibers ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetically Assisted

<div>Musculoskeletal interfacial tissues consist of complex gradients in structure, cell phenotype, and biochemical signaling that are important for function. Designing tissue engineering strategies to mimic these types of gradients is an ongoing challenge. In particular, new fabrication techniques that enable precise spatial control over fiber alignment are needed to better mimic the structural gradients present in interfacial tissues, such as the tendon-bone interface. Here, we report a modular approach to spatially controlling fiber alignment using magnetically-assisted electrospinning. Electrospun fibers were highly aligned in the presence of a magnetic field and smoothly transitioned to randomly aligned fibers away from the magnetic field. Importantly, magnetically-assisted electrospinning allows for spatial control over fiber alignment at sub-millimeter resolution along the length of the fibrous scaffold similar to the native structural gradient present in many interfacial tissues. The versatility of this approach was further demonstrated using multiple electrospinning polymers and different magnet configurations to fabricate complex fiber alignment gradients. As expected, cells seeded onto gradient fibrous scaffolds were elongated and aligned on the aligned fibers and did not show a preferential alignment on the randomly aligned fibers. Overall, this fabrication approach represents an important step forward in creating gradient fibrous materials and are promising as tissue-engineered scaffolds for regenerating functional musculoskeletal interfacial tissues. <br></div>

Magnetic Fields Enable Precise Spatial Control of Electrospun Fiber Alignment for Fabricating Complex Gradient Materials

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Kevin Tindell ◽  
Lincoln Busselle ◽  
Julianne Holloway
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Electrospun Fiber ◽  
Cell Phenotype ◽  
Fibrous Materials ◽  
Fibrous Scaffold ◽  
Spatial Control ◽  
Fiber Alignment ◽  
Aligned Fibers ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetically Assisted

<div>Musculoskeletal interfacial tissues consist of complex gradients in structure, cell phenotype, and biochemical signaling that are important for function. Designing tissue engineering strategies to mimic these types of gradients is an ongoing challenge. In particular, new fabrication techniques that enable precise spatial control over fiber alignment are needed to better mimic the structural gradients present in interfacial tissues, such as the tendon-bone interface. Here, we report a modular approach to spatially controlling fiber alignment using magnetically-assisted electrospinning. Electrospun fibers were highly aligned in the presence of a magnetic field and smoothly transitioned to randomly aligned fibers away from the magnetic field. Importantly, magnetically-assisted electrospinning allows for spatial control over fiber alignment at sub-millimeter resolution along the length of the fibrous scaffold similar to the native structural gradient present in many interfacial tissues. The versatility of this approach was further demonstrated using multiple electrospinning polymers and different magnet configurations to fabricate complex fiber alignment gradients. As expected, cells seeded onto gradient fibrous scaffolds were elongated and aligned on the aligned fibers and did not show a preferential alignment on the randomly aligned fibers. Overall, this fabrication approach represents an important step forward in creating gradient fibrous materials and are promising as tissue-engineered scaffolds for regenerating functional musculoskeletal interfacial tissues. <br></div>

scholarly journals Glial Cell AMPA Receptors in Nervous System Health, Injury and Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 2450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Ceprian ◽  
Daniel Fulton
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Glial Cell ◽  
Glial Cells ◽  
Ampa Receptors ◽  
Central Component ◽  
Neural Cells ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Healthy Development ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
And Function

Glia form a central component of the nervous system whose varied activities sustain an environment that is optimised for healthy development and neuronal function. Alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors (AMPAR) are a central mediator of glutamatergic excitatory synaptic transmission, yet they are also expressed in a wide range of glial cells where they influence a variety of important cellular functions. AMPAR enable glial cells to sense the activity of neighbouring axons and synapses, and as such many aspects of glial cell development and function are influenced by the activity of neural circuits. However, these AMPAR also render glia sensitive to elevations of the extracellular concentration of glutamate, which are associated with a broad range of pathological conditions. Excessive activation of AMPAR under these conditions may induce excitotoxic injury in glial cells, and trigger pathophysiological responses threatening other neural cells and amplifying ongoing disease processes. The aim of this review is to gather information on AMPAR function from across the broad diversity of glial cells, identify their contribution to pathophysiological processes, and highlight new areas of research whose progress may increase our understanding of nervous system dysfunction and disease.

No pun intended: future directions in invertebrate glial cell migration studies

2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Cafferty ◽  
Vanessa J. Auld
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Cell Migration ◽  
Glial Cell ◽  
Glial Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
System Development ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Nervous System Development ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
And Function

AbstractGlial cells play a wide range of essential roles in both nervous system development and function and has been reviewed recently (Parker and Auld, 2006). Glia provide an insulating sheath, either form or direct the formation of the blood–brain barrier, contribute to ion and metabolite homeostasis and provide guidance cues. Glial function often depends on the ability of glial cells to migrate toward specific locations during nervous system development. Work in nervous system development in insects, in particular in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta, has provided significant insight into the roles of glia, although the molecular mechanisms underlying glial cell migration are being determined only now. Indeed, many of the processes and mechanisms discovered in these simpler systems have direct parallels in the development of vertebrate nervous systems. In this review, we first examine the developmental contexts in which invertebrate glial cell migration has been observed, we next discuss the characterized molecules required for proper glial cell migration, and we finally discuss future goals to be addressed in the study of glial cell development.

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF SPECIFIC ANTIBODY SYNTHESIS IN BRAIN OF PATIENTS WITH NEUROINFECTIONS

2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (8) ◽  
pp. 1437-1441
Author(s):  
Pavel Dyachenko ◽  
Igor Filchakov ◽  
Anatoly Dyachenko ◽  
Victoria Kurhanskaya
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
Intrathecal Synthesis ◽  
Varicella Zoster ◽  
Mrz Reaction ◽  
Wide Range

Introduction: Viral encephalitis accounts for 40-70% of all cases worldwide, central nervous system infections pose a diagnostic challenge because clinical manifestations are not typically pathognomonic for specific pathogens, and a wide range of agents can be causative. The aim: To assess the diagnostic value of intrathecal synthesis of specific antibodies in patients with inflammatory lesions of the central nervous system. Materials and methods: Within the framework of the study, two groups of 90 people in each were formed from the patients with neuroinfections admitted to our Center. Intrathecal synthesis (ITS) of total (unspecific) IgG in members of one of group (group of compare) was determined. Brain synthesis of specific antibodies (Ab) to some neurotropic pathogens (herpes simplex virus 1/2, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella zoster virus, rubella virus, Borrelies) was studied in the second group of patients (group of interest). There were no statistically significant differences between groups by gender and age. Encephalitis and encephalomyelitis prevailed among patients of both groups Results: ITS of total IgG was established in 30 (33.3 ± 6.1 %) patients of the first group with IgG index more than 0.6 indicating on inflammatory process in CNS and no marked changes of CSF. ITS of specific Ab was determined in 23 of 90 (25.6 ± 4.6 %) patients included into group of interest. In more than half of cases Ab to several infectious agents were detected simultaneously. ITS of various specificity, in particular, to measles and rubella viruses, and VZV, known as MRZ-reaction, is characteristic of some autoimmune lesions of CNS, multiple sclerosis first of all. In fact, further research of 5 patients with MRZ-reaction confirmed their autoimmune failure of CNS. Detection of ITS in the CSF samples didn’t depend on concentration of specific Ab in serum and CSF and wasn’t followed by HEB dysfunctions which were observed with the same frequency in patients with or without ITS (13.0 % and 13.6 % respectively). Conclusion: Specific Ab synthesis to several neurotropic pathogens in the CSF of significant part of examined patients was established. Thus, diagnostic value of ITS of specific immunoglobulins seems to be limited to cases in which autoimmune damage of the CNS is suspected.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 and the Nervous System: From Clinical Features to Molecular Mechanisms

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 5475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Pennisi ◽  
Giuseppe Lanza ◽  
Luca Falzone ◽  
Francesco Fisicaro ◽  
Raffaele Ferri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Neuronal Damage ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Neurological Manifestations ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Inflammatory State ◽  
Acute Polyneuropathy ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
The Impact

Increasing evidence suggests that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can also invade the central nervous system (CNS). However, findings available on its neurological manifestations and their pathogenic mechanisms have not yet been systematically addressed. A literature search on neurological complications reported in patients with COVID-19 until June 2020 produced a total of 23 studies. Overall, these papers report that patients may exhibit a wide range of neurological manifestations, including encephalopathy, encephalitis, seizures, cerebrovascular events, acute polyneuropathy, headache, hypogeusia, and hyposmia, as well as some non-specific symptoms. Whether these features can be an indirect and unspecific consequence of the pulmonary disease or a generalized inflammatory state on the CNS remains to be determined; also, they may rather reflect direct SARS-CoV-2-related neuronal damage. Hematogenous versus transsynaptic propagation, the role of the angiotensin II converting enzyme receptor-2, the spread across the blood-brain barrier, the impact of the hyperimmune response (the so-called “cytokine storm”), and the possibility of virus persistence within some CNS resident cells are still debated. The different levels and severity of neurotropism and neurovirulence in patients with COVID-19 might be explained by a combination of viral and host factors and by their interaction.

scholarly journals Characterisation of the T-cell response to Ebola virus glycoprotein amongst survivors of the 2013–16 West Africa epidemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. R. W. Tipton ◽  
Y. Hall ◽  
J. A. Bore ◽  
A. White ◽  
L. S. Sibley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Cell Response ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
T Cell Response ◽  
Ebola Virus Disease ◽  
Cell Phenotype ◽  
T Cell Epitopes

AbstractZaireebolavirus (EBOV) is a highly pathogenic filovirus which can result in Ebola virus disease (EVD); a serious medical condition that presents as flu like symptoms but then often leads to more serious or fatal outcomes. The 2013–16 West Africa epidemic saw an unparalleled number of cases. Here we show characterisation and identification of T cell epitopes in surviving patients from Guinea to the EBOV glycoprotein. We perform interferon gamma (IFNγ) ELISpot using a glycoprotein peptide library to identify T cell epitopes and determine the CD4+ or CD8+ T cell component response. Additionally, we generate data on the T cell phenotype and measure polyfunctional cytokine secretion by these antigen specific cells. We show candidate peptides able to elicit a T cell response in EBOV survivors and provide inferred human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele restriction. This data informs on the long-term T cell response to Ebola virus disease and highlights potentially important immunodominant peptides.

scholarly journals What Do Meditators Do When They Meditate? Proposing a Novel Basis for Future Meditation Research

Mindfulness ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Matko ◽  
Ulrich Ott ◽  
Peter Sedlmeier
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Quantitative Study ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Contemplative Practices ◽  
Comprehensive List ◽  
Scientific Investigations ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Vast Range ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Objectives Meditation is an umbrella term for a vast range of contemplative practices. Former proposals have struggled to do justice to this variety. To our knowledge, there is to date no comprehensive overview of meditation techniques spanning all major traditions. The present studies aimed at providing such a comprehensive list of meditation techniques. Methods In a qualitative study, we compiled a collection of 309 meditation techniques through a literature search and interviews with 20 expert meditators. Then, we reduced this collection to 50 basic meditation techniques. In a second, quantitative study, 635 experienced meditators from a wide range of meditative backgrounds indicated how much experience they had with each of these 50 meditation techniques. Results Meditators’ responses indicated that our choice of techniques had been adequate and only two techniques had to be added. Our additional statistical and cluster analyses illustrated preferences for specific techniques across and within diverse traditions as well as sets of techniques commonly practiced together. Body-centered techniques stood out in being of exceptional importance to all meditators. Conclusions In conclusion, we found an amazing variety of meditation techniques, which considerably surpasses previous collections. Our selection of basic meditation techniques might be of value for future scientific investigations and we encourage researchers to use this set.

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