scholarly journals Adenosine A2AReceptors in Substance Use Disorders: A Focus on Cocaine

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Wydra ◽  
Dawid Gawliński ◽  
Kinga Gawlińska ◽  
Małgorzata Frankowska ◽  
Dasiel O. Borroto-Escuela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
D2 Receptors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Receptor Complexes ◽  
Abused Drugs ◽  
The Brain

Several psychoactive drugs can evoke substance use disorders (SUD) in humans and animals, and these include psychostimulants, opioids, cannabinoids (CB), nicotine, and alcohol. The etiology, mechanistic processes, and the therapeutic options to deal with SUD are not well understood. The common feature of all abused drugs is that they increase dopamine (DA) neurotransmission within the mesocorticolimbic circuitry of the brain followed by the activation of DA receptors. D2 receptors were proposed as important molecular targets for SUD. The findings showed that D2 receptors formed heteromeric complexes with other GPCRs, which forced the addiction research area in new directions. In this review, we updated the view on the brain D2 receptor complexes with adenosine (A)2A receptors (A2AR) and discussed the role of A2AR in different aspects of addiction phenotypes in laboratory animal procedures that permit the highly complex syndrome of human drug addiction. We presented the current knowledge on the neurochemical in vivo and ex vivo mechanisms related to cocaine use disorder (CUD) and discussed future research directions for A2AR heteromeric complexes in SUD.

scholarly journals Nanotechnology Approaches for Chloroplast Biotechnology Advancements

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory M. Newkirk ◽  
Pedro de Allende ◽  
Robert E. Jinkerson ◽  
Juan Pablo Giraldo
Keyword(s):  
Synthetic Biology ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Targeted Delivery ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Agricultural Field ◽  
Diverse Plant Species ◽  
Diverse Plant

Photosynthetic organisms are sources of sustainable foods, renewable biofuels, novel biopharmaceuticals, and next-generation biomaterials essential for modern society. Efforts to improve the yield, variety, and sustainability of products dependent on chloroplasts are limited by the need for biotechnological approaches for high-throughput chloroplast transformation, monitoring chloroplast function, and engineering photosynthesis across diverse plant species. The use of nanotechnology has emerged as a novel approach to overcome some of these limitations. Nanotechnology is enabling advances in the targeted delivery of chemicals and genetic elements to chloroplasts, nanosensors for chloroplast biomolecules, and nanotherapeutics for enhancing chloroplast performance. Nanotechnology-mediated delivery of DNA to the chloroplast has the potential to revolutionize chloroplast synthetic biology by allowing transgenes, or even synthesized DNA libraries, to be delivered to a variety of photosynthetic species. Crop yield improvements could be enabled by nanomaterials that enhance photosynthesis, increase tolerance to stresses, and act as nanosensors for biomolecules associated with chloroplast function. Engineering isolated chloroplasts through nanotechnology and synthetic biology approaches are leading to a new generation of plant-based biomaterials able to self-repair using abundant CO2 and water sources and are powered by renewable sunlight energy. Current knowledge gaps of nanotechnology-enabled approaches for chloroplast biotechnology include precise mechanisms for entry into plant cells and organelles, limited understanding about nanoparticle-based chloroplast transformations, and the translation of lab-based nanotechnology tools to the agricultural field with crop plants. Future research in chloroplast biotechnology mediated by the merging of synthetic biology and nanotechnology approaches can yield tools for precise control and monitoring of chloroplast function in vivo and ex vivo across diverse plant species, allowing increased plant productivity and turning plants into widely available sustainable technologies.

scholarly journals Cognitive Bias Modification for Addictive Disorders: Emerging Knowledge and Persistent Gaps

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-82
Author(s):  
Melvyn WB Zhang ◽  
Helen E. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cognitive Bias Modification ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Extensive Investigation ◽  
Research Gaps ◽  
Addictive Disorders ◽  
Bias Modification ◽  
Patients Perspective

The advances in experimental psychology have led to the discovery of unconscious, automatic biases (attentional and approach biases) that account for the lapse and relapses amongst individuals with addictive disorders. To date, there has been extensive investigation into the assessment and modification of attention biases amongst individuals with the highly prevalent substance use disorders. Alternative modalities, such as technology, has also been evaluated for the delivery of these interventions. Given this, the specific objectives of this perspective article are in highlighting the emerging knowledge that has accrued over the last three years, and in addressing several of the research gaps in the previous article. Firstly, this perspective article will examine the evidence for biases and bias modification amongst the highly prevalent substance use disorders. This article will also examine how such bias modification has been utilized clinically. Secondly, this perspective article will also examine how technology has been applied to these bias modification interventions. Thirdly, this article will also examine the literature to highlight the biological underpinnings following bias modification. Fourthly, this article also examines the limitations of existing bias modification paradigms and methods taken to better these conventional interventions. The article concludes with highlighting the outstanding gaps in the current knowledge. To date, there remains mixed evidence for the modification of attention biases; and there are a paucity of studies examining the effectiveness of mobile delivery of bias intervention. Only one study has considered patients’ perspective in the development of an intervention. There remained several gaps in the knowledge, which future research could address.

scholarly journals Effect of Processing on Fish Protein Antigenicity and Allergenicity

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 969
Author(s):  
Xingyi Jiang ◽  
Qinchun Rao
Keyword(s):  
Fish Species ◽  
Protein Denaturation ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Protein Solubility ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Food Protein ◽  
In Vivo Evaluation ◽  
Fish Allergy

Fish allergy is a life-long food allergy whose prevalence is affected by many demographic factors. Currently, there is no cure for fish allergy, which can only be managed by strict avoidance of fish in the diet. According to the WHO/IUIS Allergen Nomenclature Sub-Committee, 12 fish proteins are recognized as allergens. Different processing (thermal and non-thermal) techniques are applied to fish and fishery products to reduce microorganisms, extend shelf life, and alter organoleptic/nutritional properties. In this concise review, the development of a consistent terminology for studying food protein immunogenicity, antigenicity, and allergenicity is proposed. It also summarizes that food processing may lead to a decrease, no change, or even increase in fish antigenicity and allergenicity due to the change of protein solubility, protein denaturation, and the modification of linear or conformational epitopes. Recent studies investigated the effect of processing on fish antigenicity/allergenicity and were mainly conducted on commonly consumed fish species and major fish allergens using in vitro methods. Future research areas such as novel fish species/allergens and ex vivo/in vivo evaluation methods would convey a comprehensive view of the relationship between processing and fish allergy.

scholarly journals HYPOXIA AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: The presence and role of hypoxia in the endometrium

Reproduction ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 161 (1) ◽  
pp. F1-F17
Author(s):  
Rocío Martínez-Aguilar ◽  
Lucy E Kershaw ◽  
Jane J Reavey ◽  
Hilary O D Critchley ◽  
Jacqueline A Maybin
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hypoxic Episode ◽  
Optimal Function ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Review Current

The endometrium is a multicellular tissue that is exquisitely responsive to the ovarian hormones. The local mechanisms of endometrial regulation to ensure optimal function are less well characterised. Transient physiological hypoxia has been proposed as a critical regulator of endometrial function. Herein, we review the literature on hypoxia in the non-pregnant endometrium. We discuss the pros and cons of animal models, human laboratory studies and novel in vivo imaging for the study of endometrial hypoxia. These research tools provide mounting evidence of a transient hypoxic episode in the menstrual endometrium and suggest that endometrial hypoxia may be present at the time of implantation. This local hypoxia may modify the inflammatory environment, influence vascular remodelling and modulate endometrial proliferation to optimise endometrial function. Finally, we review current knowledge of the impact of this hypoxia on endometrial pathologies, with a focus on abnormal uterine bleeding. Throughout the manuscript areas for future research are highlighted with the aim of concentrating research efforts to maximise future benefits for women and society.

scholarly journals A method for single-neuron chronic recording from the retina in awake mice

Science ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 360 (6396) ◽  
pp. 1447-1451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guosong Hong ◽  
Tian-Ming Fu ◽  
Mu Qiao ◽  
Robert D. Viveros ◽  
Xiao Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retinal Ganglion Cells ◽  
Visual Information ◽  
Single Neuron ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Neural Circuitry ◽  
Retinal Ganglion ◽  
Chronic Recording ◽  
The Brain

The retina, which processes visual information and sends it to the brain, is an excellent model for studying neural circuitry. It has been probed extensively ex vivo but has been refractory to chronic in vivo electrophysiology. We report a nonsurgical method to achieve chronically stable in vivo recordings from single retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in awake mice. We developed a noncoaxial intravitreal injection scheme in which injected mesh electronics unrolls inside the eye and conformally coats the highly curved retina without compromising normal eye functions. The method allows 16-channel recordings from multiple types of RGCs with stable responses to visual stimuli for at least 2 weeks, and reveals circadian rhythms in RGC responses over multiple day/night cycles.

Ex Vivo Brain Preparation to Analyze Vocal Pathways of Xenopus Frogs

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (9) ◽  
pp. pdb.prot106872
Author(s):  
Ayako Yamaguchi
Keyword(s):  
Neural Activity ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Neural Circuitry ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
Vocal Production ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Electrophysiological Recordings ◽  
The Brain

Understanding the neural basis of behavior is a challenging task for technical reasons. Most methods of recording neural activity require animals to be immobilized, but neural activity associated with most behavior cannot be recorded from an anesthetized, immobilized animal. Using amphibians, however, there has been some success in developing in vitro brain preparations that can be used for electrophysiological and anatomical studies. Here, we describe an ex vivo frog brain preparation from which fictive vocalizations (the neural activity that would have produced vocalizations had the brain been attached to the muscle) can be elicited repeatedly. When serotonin is applied to the isolated brains of male and female African clawed frogs, Xenopus laevis, laryngeal nerve activity that is a facsimile of those that underlie sex-specific vocalizations in vivo can be readily recorded. Recently, this preparation was successfully used in other species within the genus including Xenopus tropicalis and Xenopus victorianus. This preparation allows a variety of techniques to be applied including extracellular and intracellular electrophysiological recordings and calcium imaging during vocal production, surgical and pharmacological manipulation of neurons to evaluate their impact on motor output, and tract tracing of the neural circuitry. Thus, the preparation is a powerful tool with which to understand the basic principles that govern the production of coherent and robust motor programs in vertebrates.

Risk classes of patients diagnosed with substance use disorders in Dutch forensic psychiatric centers

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-52
Author(s):  
Michele Schmitter ◽  
Jeroen Vermunt ◽  
Eric Blaauw ◽  
Stefan Bogaerts
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Treatment Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Forensic Patients ◽  
Axis I ◽  
Forensic Psychiatric

Purpose Given the complex association between substance use disorders (SUD), comorbid mental health problems and criminal recidivism in forensic patients, homogenous patient classes can contribute to a refined treatment. This paper aims to construct those classes in forensic patients (N = 286) diagnosed with SUD, unconditionally released between 2004 and 2013 of one of ten Dutch forensic psychiatric centers. Design/methodology/approach Retrospective data were derived from electronic patient files. Classes were based on the Dutch risk assessment tool, the Historisch Klinisch Toekomst-Revisie (Historical Clinical Future–Revised [HKT-R]) and identified by means of explorative Latent Class Analysis in Latent Gold version 5.1. In a three-step approach, posterior class memberships were related to external variables (i.e. diagnoses, type of drug and type of offence). Findings Four classes were identified that differ in the risk of recidivism, as well as Axis I and II diagnoses and type of drug consumption. Practical implications This study informed on the heterogeneity of forensic patients with SUD and identified four homogenous classes that differ in important variables for the treatment approach. Based on these classes, a more refined treatment approach can be developed. Possible treatment approaches are discussed, but future research is needed to provide evidence. Originality/value This study is the first to identify classes within forensic patients with SUD and, therefore, sets the first step to develop a tailored treatment approach based on characteristics informative for treatment.

Substance Use Disorders

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Gerard Moeller
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Medical Problems ◽  
Statistical Manual ◽  
Diagnostic And Statistical Manual ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
History Of ◽  
Abused Drugs ◽  
Nmda Receptor Channel

There is a consistent body of evidence showing that substance abuse and dependence can worsen preexisting medical conditions, can temporarily mimic medical and psychiatric disorders, and can themselves cause medical problems, including life-threatening overdose. Substance use disorders are common in young and middle-aged persons: the lifetime prevalence of these syndromes, including alcoholism, is over 20% for men and about 15% for women. This chapter discusses dependence, abuse, substance use disorder, and substance-induced disorders involving depressants, stimulants, opioids, cannabinoids, hallucinogens, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor channel blockers, and inhalants. Epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis (including clinical assessment and laboratory tests), and treatment are reviewed. Treatment of intoxication, overdose, withdrawal, and rehabilitation is discussed. A figure illustrates the neurocircuitry of addiction. Tables describe the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) diagnostic criteria for abuse and dependence; frequently misused drugs; neural effects of commonly abused drugs; the natural history of drug dependence; conditions affecting the outcome of urinary drug tests; and pharmacologic options for treatment of drug overdose. This chapter contains 1 figure , 6 tables and 112 references

Brain Development and the Risk for Substance Abuse

2013 ◽  
pp. 706-715
Author(s):  
Kristina Caudle ◽  
B.J. Casey
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Brain Development ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Substance Abuse Problem ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Drug And Alcohol ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Developmental Window

Drug and alcohol dependence affects millions each year. Adolescence is a period of increased risk for substance use disorders. Understanding how the brain is changing during this developmental window relative to childhood and adulthood and how these changes vary across individuals is critical for predicting risk of later substance abuse and dependence. This chapter provides an overview of recent human imaging and animal studies of brain development focusing on changes in corticostriatal circuitry that has been implicated in addiction. Behavioral, clinical, and neurobiological evidence is provided to help elucidate who may be most at risk for developing a substance abuse problem and whenthey may be most vulnerable.

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