Role of sound stimulation in reprogramming brain connectivity

An Early Rehabilitation Favors the Prognosis of Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage With Acute Disorders of Consciousness: A Retrospective Cohort Study With Propensity Score Matching

Objective: There currently lacks the prognosis assessment of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) with acute disorders of consciousness (DoC) after early rehabilitation (ER). The present study aims to investigate the outcomes of consciousness and neurological and cognitive functions in HICH patients with acute DoC intervened with ER via a retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching (PSM). Methods: A total of 265 eligible HICH patients with acute DoC admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University from January 2021 to December 2023 were retrospectively recruited. They were randomly divided into the ER group (n = 115) and the nonER group (n = 150) before PSM. After the PSM at a ratio of 1:1, 96 patients were allocated to each group. Baseline characteristics before and after PSM were compared between the ER group and the nonER group. Outcome measures included the duration of mechanical ventilation, and proportions of participants with an emergence to a conscious state (eMCS), 0-3 points of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and cognitive impairment. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between the ER group and the nonER group after PSM (p ≥ 0.05). An ER significantly shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation (9 days vs. 10 days, p=0.022). The neurological prognosis at 3 months of HICH combined with acute DoC was significantly improved by the ER, with a significantly higher proportion of participants grading 0-3 points of the mRS in the ER group than the nonER group (57.3% vs. 40.6%, p=0.021). Among 174 participants who restored consciousness at 3 months of onset, a significantly lower proportion of cognitive impairment was detected in the ER group than the nonER group (25.8% vs. 53.2%, p=0.002). Conclusion: An ER shortens the duration of mechanical ventilation and improves the neurological prognosis in HICH patients with acute DoC. Although the outcome of consciousness is unable to be improved, an ER does reduce the risk of residual cognitive dysfunction in HICH patients with acute DoC.

Prolonged exposure to a music-enriched environment mitigates acute noise-induced inflammation and apoptosis in the chicken spleen by modulating the Keap-1/Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways

The rise of operational noise as an environmental pollutant for farm animals is an emerging concern. The mechanisms through which music can alleviate oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis induced by noise exposure remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate the alleviating effects and underlying mechanisms of long-term music exposure on noise-induced damage to the chicken spleen. Male Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were divided into four groups: control (C), acute noise stimulation (NS), noise stimulation with music mitigation (NSM), and music only (M). NS and NSM groups were exposed to noise (simulating sudden intensity noise, 115 to 120dB) for 10 minutes daily for a week, starting at 14-days-old. NSM and M groups then received 28 days of 6-hour daily music (Mozart K.448, 60-65 dB). The results showed that noise stimulation significantly activated the Keap-1/Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Long-term music intervention has also been demonstrated to successfully mitigate oxidative stress and abnormal apoptosis induced by acute noise stimulation. Microscopic examination of the spleen revealed that acute noise stimulation resulted in an increase in splenic cells, a decrease in lymphocytes, and blurred boundaries between the red and white pulps in the NS group. However, these pathological changes were alleviated in the NSM group following music intervention. Compared with the control group, the NS group exhibited significantly elevated oxidative stress parameters. In contrast, music intervention in the NSM group notably improved antioxidant capacity and partially alleviated morphological abnormalities in the spleen. Additionally, noise stimulation activated the NF-κB pathway, upregulating the downstream genes of the inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Noise-induced mitochondrial damage led to apoptosis, as observed by TUNEL staining, along with increased gene and protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Cyt-C, Casp-3, Casp-8, and Casp-9. These findings indicate that acute noise exposure can induce splenic damage via oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis by modulating the Keap-1/Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways. Prolonged music stimulation effectively mitigates noise-induced damage, offering a vital experimental foundation for further research on noise pollution's impact on organisms and music's alleviating role.

20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh1 alleviates sevoflurane-induced ototoxicity by reducing oxidative stress levels

CONTEXT

Sevoflurane is an inhalational anesthetic widely used in pediatric surgery. However, animal studies have shown that multiple sevoflurane exposures during the neonatal period led to ototoxicity. 20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh1, a ginsenoside extract, protects against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity by scavenging free radicals.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the effects of Rh1 on sevoflurane-induced ototoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Neonatal cochlear explants and House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells were cultured and randomly divided into three groups: the control group, the sevoflurane group and the Rh1 pretreatment group. We pretreated cochlear explants or HEI-OC1 cells with 100 μM Rh1 2 hours before performing sevoflurane exposure. Immunofluorescence was used to detect hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to determine cell viability. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide were used to evaluate apoptosis. CellROX-Green and MitoSOX-Red probes were used to measure the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester labeling was used to examine mitochondrial membrane potential.

RESULTS

Rh1 attenuated spiral ganglion neuron nerve fibers and synapses degeneration in cochlear explants after sevoflurane exposure. Rh1 significantly increased the viability of HEI-OC1 cells, reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation in HEI-OC1 cells, and prevented mitochondrial damage in HEI-OC1 cells after sevoflurane exposure.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that Rh1 is a promising drug for preventing sevoflurane-induced ototoxicity.

Moderate associations between BDNF Val66Met gene polymorphism, musical expertise, and mismatch negativity

Auditory predictive processing relies on a complex interaction between environmental, neurophysiological, and genetic factors. In this view, the mismatch negativity (MMN) and intensive training on a musical instrument for several years have been used for studying environment-driven neural adaptations in audition. In addition, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown crucial for both the neurogenesis and the later adaptation of the auditory system. The functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Val66Met (rs6265) in the BDNF gene can affect BDNF protein levels, which are involved in neurobiological and neurophysiological processes such as neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity. In this study, we hypothesised that genetic variation within the BDNF gene would be associated with different levels of neuroplasticity of the auditory cortex in 74 musically trained participants. To achieve this goal, musicians and non-musicians were recruited and divided in Val/Val and Met- (Val/Met and Met/Met) carriers and their brain activity was measured with magnetoencephalography (MEG) while they listened to a regular auditory sequence eliciting different types of prediction errors. MMN responses indexing those prediction errors were overall enhanced in Val/Val carriers who underwent intensive musical training, compared to Met-carriers and non-musicians with either genotype. Although this study calls for replications with larger samples, our results provide a first glimpse of the possible role of gene-regulated neurotrophic factors in the neural adaptations of automatic predictive processing in the auditory domain after long-term training.

Effect of Musical Stimulation on Placental Programming and Neurodevelopment Outcome of Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The fetal environment is modulated by the placenta, which integrates and transduces information from the maternal environment to the fetal developmental program and adapts rapidly to changes through epigenetic mechanisms that respond to internal (hereditary) and external (environmental and social) signals. Consequently, the fetus corrects the trajectory of own development. During the last trimester of gestation, plasticity shapes the fetal brain, and prematurity can alter the typical developmental trajectories. In this period, prevention through activity-inducing (e.g., music stimulation) interventions are currently tested. The purpose of this review is to describe the potentialities of music exposure on fetus, and on preterm newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit evaluating its influence on neurobehavioral development.

METHODS

Databases were searched from 2010 to 2022 for studies investigating mechanisms of placental epigenetic regulation and effects of music exposure on the fetus and pre-term neonates.

RESULTS

In this case, 28 selected papers were distributed into three research lines: studies on placental epigenetic regulation (13 papers), experimental studies of music stimulation on fetus or newborns (6 papers), and clinical studies on premature babies (9 papers). Placental epigenetic changes of the genes involved in the cortisol and serotonin response resulted associated with different neurobehavioral phenotypes in newborns. Prenatal music stimulation had positive effects on fetus, newborn, and pregnant mother while post-natal exposure affected the neurodevelopment of the preterm infants and parental interaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The results testify the relevance of environmental stimuli for brain development during the pre- and perinatal periods and the beneficial effects of musical stimulation that can handle the fetal programming and the main neurobehavioral disorders.

EFSA AHAW Panel (EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare), Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt CG, Herskin MS, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Tiemann I, de Jong I, Gebhardt‐Henrich SG, Keeling L, Riber AB, Ashe S, Candiani D, García Matas R, Hempen M, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Rojo Gimeno C, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Bailly‐Caumette E, Michel V. Welfare of broilers on farm

This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day-old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: 'bone lesions', 'cold stress', 'gastro-enteric disorders', 'group stress', 'handling stress', 'heat stress', 'isolation stress', 'inability to perform comfort behaviour', 'inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour', 'inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour', 'locomotory disorders', 'prolonged hunger', 'prolonged thirst', 'predation stress', 'restriction of movement', 'resting problems', 'sensory under- and overstimulation', 'soft tissue and integument damage' and 'umbilical disorders'. These WCs and their animal-based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de-toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast-growing, slower-growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, 'total mortality', 'wounds', 'carcass condemnation' and 'footpad dermatitis' are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on-farm.

Sensorineural hearing loss may lead to dementia-related pathological changes in hippocampal neurons

Presbycusis contributes to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. However, most research in this area involves clinical observations and statistical modeling, and few studies have examined the relationship between hearing loss and the molecular changes that lead to cognitive dysfunction. The present study investigated whether hearing loss contributes to dementia in the absence of aging and noise using a mouse model of severe bilateral hearing loss induced by kanamycin (1000 mg/kg) and furosemide (400 mg/kg). Immunohistochemistry, silver staining, immunofluorescence analysis, and Western blotting were used to observe pathological changes in different regions of the hippocampus in animals with hearing loss. Changes in the cognitive function of animals with hearing loss were assessed using the Morris water maze test. The results showed that neurons began to degenerate 60 days after hearing loss, and this degeneration was accompanied by structural disorganization and decreased neurogenesis. The level of phosphorylated tau increased over time. Increases in escape latency and distance traveled during the training phase of the Morris water maze test were observed 90 days after hearing loss. Activated microglia and astrocytes with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were detected in the hippocampus. These results suggest that hearing loss alone causes neuronal degeneration, inhibition of neurogenesis, increased tau protein phosphorylation, and increased neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. Early intervention in individuals with hearing loss may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

A review of environmental enrichment for laying hens during rearing in relation to their behavioral and physiological development

Globally, laying hen production systems are a focus of concern for animal welfare. Recently, the impacts of rearing environments have attracted attention, particularly with the trend toward more complex production systems including aviaries, furnished cages, barn, and free-range. Enriching the rearing environments with physical, sensory, and stimulatory additions can optimize the bird's development but commercial-scale research is limited. In this review, "enrichment" is defined as anything additional added to the bird's environment including structurally complex rearing systems. The impacts of enrichments on visual development, neurobehavioral development, auditory stimulation, skeletal development, immune function, behavioral development of fear and pecking, and specifically pullets destined for free-range systems are summarized and areas for future research identified. Visual enrichment and auditory stimulation may enhance neural development but specific mechanisms of impact and suitable commercial enrichments still need elucidating. Enrichments that target left/right brain hemispheres/behavioral traits may prepare birds for specific types of adult housing environments (caged, indoor, outdoor). Similarly, structural enrichments are needed to optimize skeletal development depending on the adult layer system, but specific physiological processes resulting from different types of exercise are poorly understood. Stimulating appropriate pecking behavior from hatch is critical but producers will need to adapt to different flock preferences to provide enrichments that are utilized by each rearing group. Enrichments have potential to enhance immune function through the application of mild stressors that promote adaptability, and this same principle applies to free-range pullets destined for variable outdoor environments. Complex rearing systems may have multiple benefits, including reducing fear, that improve the transition to the layer facility. Overall, there is a need to commercially validate positive impacts of cost-effective enrichments on bird behavior and physiology.

Prenatal exposure to incubation calls affects song learning in the zebra finch

Songbirds are important models for understanding the mechanisms and fitness consequences of imitative vocal learning. Although the effects of early-life environmental and social conditions on song learning are well-established, the impact of early sound exposure has received surprisingly little attention. Yet recent evidence hints at auditory sensitivity in songbird embryos, including in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), a classic model species for song learning. Here, we tested whether prenatal exposure to incubation calls-highly rhythmic parental vocalisations produced on the nest-affected song learning in zebra finches. Embryos were exposed in the egg to either incubation (treatment) or contact (control) calls, and after hatching were reared in a large colony. The playback treatment did not affect song complexity nor the accuracy of song copying from the social father, but instead increased learning of non-paternal song syllables. This, in turn, improved males' mounting success in mating trials. These effects may be attributable to changes in juvenile social behaviours, as playback also influenced male behaviour during mating trials. Our study provides the first experimental evidence that prenatal acoustic environment affects song learning and courtship behaviour in songbirds, thereby raising interesting questions on the role of innate versus acquired biases for vocal learning.

The Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder With Auditory Neurofeedback: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial Using the Mente Autism Device

Introduction: Children affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have impairment of social interaction and demonstrate difficulty with emotional communication, display of posture and facial expression, with recognized relationships between postural control mechanisms and cognitive functions. Beside standard biomedical interventions and psychopharmacological treatments, there is increasing interest in the use of alternative non-invasive treatments such as neurofeedback (NFB) that could potentially modulate brain activity resulting in behavioral modification.

Methods: Eighty-three ASD subjects were randomized to an Active group receiving NFB using the Mente device and a Control group using a Sham device. Both groups used the device each morning for 45 minutes over a 12 week home based trial without any other clinical interventions. Pre and Post standard ASD questionnaires, qEEG and posturography were used to measure the effectiveness of the treatment.

Results: Thirty-four subjects (17 Active and 17 Control) completed the study. Statistically and substantively significant changes were found in several outcome measures for subjects that received the treatment. Similar changes were not detected in the Control group.

Conclusions: Our results show that a short 12 week course of NFB using the Mente Autism device can lead to significant changes in brain activity (qEEG), sensorimotor behavior (posturography), and behavior (standardized questionnaires) in ASD children.

Impaired activity-dependent neural circuit assembly and refinement in autism spectrum disorder genetic models

Early-use activity during circuit-specific critical periods refines brain circuitry by the coupled processes of eliminating inappropriate synapses and strengthening maintained synapses. We theorize these activity-dependent (A-D) developmental processes are specifically impaired in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ASD genetic models in both mouse and Drosophila have pioneered our insights into normal A-D neural circuit assembly and consolidation, and how these developmental mechanisms go awry in specific genetic conditions. The monogenic fragile X syndrome (FXS), a common cause of heritable ASD and intellectual disability, has been particularly well linked to defects in A-D critical period processes. The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is positively activity-regulated in expression and function, in turn regulates excitability and activity in a negative feedback loop, and appears to be required for the A-D remodeling of synaptic connectivity during early-use critical periods. The Drosophila FXS model has been shown to functionally conserve the roles of human FMRP in synaptogenesis, and has been centrally important in generating our current mechanistic understanding of the FXS disease state. Recent advances in Drosophila optogenetics, transgenic calcium reporters, highly-targeted transgenic drivers for individually-identified neurons, and a vastly improved connectome of the brain are now being combined to provide unparalleled opportunities to both manipulate and monitor A-D processes during critical period brain development in defined neural circuits. The field is now poised to exploit this new Drosophila transgenic toolbox for the systematic dissection of A-D mechanisms in normal versus ASD brain development, particularly utilizing the well-established Drosophila FXS disease model.